《Reincarnated as a Phoenix》


 Generic read me (Expectations)

    Generic read me (Expectations)


    This is supposed to be mostly a light hearted,edic mix of things thatbine into a reincarnation story. Serious things and events do happen, just not all the time though (You''ll understand the style of humour after a few chapters, also does get slowly more serious over time).


    The Levelling system is purposely basic and shouldn''t give the reader a migraine trying to figure it out. Potential is huge, just will take some time for MC to fully optimize it.


    If you''re into TV, movies, video games and stuff like that, then you''ll probably enjoy the MC''s yful personality. If not, you''ll still be good but might miss out on one or two things (MC is also really self-aware about her actions).


    The MC can be seen as a stupid and blunt at times, it''s mostly down to the fact she''s very carefree about a lot of things and likes to mess about a lot (Her personality starts to develop to be a lot better and less stupid in volume 2).


    Romance will happen, just not for a little while (Also volume 2 is the beginning of it''s not that long). When it does, the MC is straight (Technically incorrect but MC likes women so ''yuri'' then).


    Also, there is smut but the proper 18+ stuff is ALWAYS marked as such and takes 100 chapters to kick in, it should remain rare and be skippable as well for any who don''t want to read it.


    Last thing, if you like long chapters, then you''ll like this. Average 2400-3200 but I try for around 3000.


    ________________________________________


    ---Thanks for reading and hopefully you enjoy---

 Chapter 1 – Rebirth

    Chapter 1 ¨C Rebirth


    ---I''d strongly advise reading the ''read me'' if you haven''t already just to get an idea on what you''re about to read---


    __________


    Where am I? What happened? Wasn''t I sleeping?


    It''s really dark in here.


    Am I in a box? No, it feels round. A big oval ball perhaps?


    Are my arms bound or am I just hugging myself? Wait, do I even have arms?


    Damn it, this is making me ustrophobic now. I need to get out as fast as possible otherwise I''m going to start panicking, need to break it open but I don''t know what with. I''ll bang my head against it if I have to.


    I really hope this is some sick joke that someone pulled on me, don''t know anyone who would do such a thing though. I better not be getting kidnapped.


    As my panic was setting it, I started thrashing about trying to get free and my head was the only thing I could move. Luckily, I think my nose smashing against the side seemed to be doing the job as I started to hear cracking.


    ''Come on, just a little bit more''


    A part of where I had been attacking then cracked off giving me some light and some air. However, the lighting through into the darknesspletely took me back blinding me and the air started to burn my lungs.


    I started uncontrobly wheezing trying to breathe in this terrible air. Once my body adjusted to this shock and my eyesight had also started to adapt, I saw something extremelyrge in front of me.


    ''What¡­ the, FUCK IS THAT!?!''


    Staring at me with huge hungry eyes and a body that defied logic was a creature that scared the crap out of me. Not literally, I think?


    A dragon, a big ck terrifying dragon. ck head, ck scales, ck everything.


    <Do not be afraid little one. I mean you no harm>


    ''Yeah, the big scary dragon means me no harm. I need to wake up from this dream''


    <I can assure you this is no dream>


    ''Wait, can you read my freaking mind!?''


    <No, we are using telekinesis. Once you calm down, you''ll be able to control it easier>


    If it wasn''t obvious, the terrifying dragon wasn''t actually speaking. I could hear his voice directly inside my brain. It wasn''t a very nice feeling. His voice was very deep.


    ''Wait, I thought telekinesis was movin- oh forget it, can you help me out of whatever I''m stuck in then?''


    <I''m not supposed to help you break free of your egg, little one. Your mother won''t be best pleased>


    ''What do you mea- Wait a second, egg? Oh, damn it, I''ll just do it myself''


    I started thrashing about again and after spending a little while doing it, I finally was free. But there was a much more immediate problem that came up.


    ''Just¡­ What the hell am I?''


    After I broke free from the egg, I immediately fell over as my legs just couldn''t handle standing upright yet. It was then on the soft floor when I finally noticed what I was.


    A bird. A reddish-orange bird with slight ck markings down my chest. Or breast? I clearly was right about not having arms; they were now wings but why the hell am I a bird? Wouldn''t it make more sense for me to be a dragon if I hatch out of a dragon nest?


    Okay, I''ve really got to start calming myself down now otherwise I''m going to get badly worked up. Control my breathing, I should wake up shortly, right?


    <Good, it looks like your mother is home>


    Therge cave that I''m in, a creature evenrger enters through the entrance. A red scaled dragon that must have been easily doubled the size of the ck one.


    ''I think I''m going mad''


    <Dermakvar! I told you to call me once one of our egg hatches>


    Her voice inside my brain sounds calming and kind, a little like a mother to be honest.


    <Sorry my love but I was conversing with our daughter>


    <She canmunicate already!?>


    ''Daughter?''


    I look down at myself again trying to notice a third leg. I didn''t notice anything to begin with but I thought some male bird''s species don''t have penises. I guess I''m female then. That''s not a big deal, sarcasm definitely not intended.


    ''You know what, fuck it. Nothing more can surpr-''


    The female dragon now overlooking the nest I''m in slightly flicks my face with its paw. Or was is its w? Regardless, it felt and hurt like a smack though.


    ''Ouch, why the fu-''


    She smacked me again!


    <Language! I''m not having my daughter use such vulgar thought>


    At least that exins both ps from the female dragon. She was now giving a death re towards the male dragon as well. I was trying not to tear up, that really hurt.


    <Don''t look at me like that my darling. She swore at me when as well when she was hatching>


    <And did you tell her off then? You probably taught her how to curse in the egg>


    <I would never do such I thing. At least on purpose I think?>


    ''Ok, can please one of you exin what the f- No, just what''s going on?''


    I had to stop myself from thinking about swearing, being smacked hurt.


    <It''s okay to be a little confused about hatching. Your father should have called me and I could have helped you get through it>


    ''That''s not the issue. I don''t understand why I''m a bird and not a human anymore!''


    <Oh my gosh! I didn''t even realize that. You''re a phoenix!>


    <You now know why I didn''t call for you darling. I needed to confirm it myself>


    I''m not getting anything out of this conversation, am I? Will these two please give me some answers.


    <Ahem, every¡­ actually, I''m not sure how often it happens. Anyhow, a phoenix hatching from a dragon egg is something I''ve only ever heard about urring in ancient times, it must be a miracle!>


    <Your human soul was probably needed as a base for the phoenix''s body little one. As for why you can you remember you were a human, I am unsure>


    ''That can''t be right? This clearly isn''t a miracle and I don''t even remember dying. Damn it, I even have wings instead of arms''


    <That¡­ might be a little annoyance but you can still fly at least>


    <Oh Dermak, it''s not that big of an issue. She''s still perfectly healthy everywhere else>


    ''Fu- Ah, I''m going back to sleep. Hopefully, this turns out to be a nightmare''


    __________


    Of course, it wasn''t a nightmare. I barely slept anyways.


    "Fu"


    Trying out what I''m actually able to do. I can just about barely hobble about and fu literally is the only noise I can make right now. This is mental torture; I can''t even swear out loud in this freaking body.


    It''s only me and mother in the cave right now. Der- whatever his name is currently out getting food. It just seems easier to call them mom and dad anyways. It doesn''t feel right but seeing that I''m apparently dead and I''ve just been reborn in an egg, this is the least of my worries right now.


    <Ikarus, stop trying to curse>


    ''Ikarus?''


    <Me and your father decided to call you Ikarus before he left>


    ''You sure that sounds right?''


    <It does sound slightly masculine, doesn''t it? We can change it if yo->


    ''No no, it''s fine. I like it. It''s ironic''


    I had to cut her off here, actually don''t mind the name if I''m being honest.


    <Ironic?>


    ''Yeah, Ikarus died by flying to close to the sun. Phoenix is a bird of fire''


    <How can one fly to close to the sun?>


    ''I don''t think it''s literal. It melted something in his wings causing him to fall and drown. At least that''s how the story goes, I think?''


    <That''s a very odd tale>


    ''Odd? I''m pretty sure I''m a mythical birdmunicating through my mind with a dragon right now''


    This made her chuckle slightly. Herugh made no sound though, it was a little weird.


    As we weremunicating, father flew in through the cave entrance crashing and sliding into the ground of the cave making a load of noise. This immediately irritated the other dragon.


    <Dermakvar! Just what the heck are you doing!?>


    <Hehe. Just giving our little one a scare>


    This, didn''t scare me in the slightest. I don''t think there''s much else that can surprise me now. Being reborn as a bird, meeting dragons, losing my little friend. I think it says a lot about me that the thing I''m most annoyed about is not being able to curse. Actually, I miss having thumbs and arms as well. Not having a penis is least of my concerns right now.


    <Dinner, is now served>


    While he was getting up, several dead goats could be seen under where he crashed into. I''m surprised they weren''t squashed by his impact; he must have been holding them in a way so they didn''t.


    <Dermak, I''ve told you before not to hunt human livestock>


    <Rx darling. They¡¯re wild, not tamed. I''m not taking any risks now that we have a little one around>


    Being called little one by the male dragon is starting to wind me up slightly but from his perspective, I am tiny. I''ll just have to deal with it. Thinking about it, I could eat something. I can''t cook it though, can I?


    ''Can I have something?''


    <Of course. Dermak, give her one of smaller ones>


    My father throws one of them into the nest. Then I realize something important. Can I even eat this? An eagle is the closest thing I can think of that might be simr to a phoenix in looks so I reckon eating raw meat is fine but it''s not exactly appetizing.


    Still looking at the small poor dead goat next to me, my appetite starts to fade even more. I did eat meat a lot back in my previous life but I never had to actually carve it up. And even if I did, I would have arms and a knife, not a beak and wings.


    Yeah, I''m not hungry now.


    <Dermakvar! I meant actually help her eat it. How is she supposed to do itself?>


    At least my mother understands my physical struggles. Even if I don''t want any now.


    <Oh right, sorry dear>


    The male dragon rips arge portion of the dear off and starts to chew it down finely. I immediately realize what''s about happen, I most definitely don''t have an appetite anymore.


    ''Umm, actually, I''m not hungry anymore''


    <Come on little Ikarus. Your dad is doing the hard part for you. You''ll starve if you don''t eat>


    ''That''s not the worst option''


    <Nomshnse>


    <Don''t use telekinesis with food in your mouth dear. This isn''t that hard to do Ikarus. All you need to do is open your mouth so your father can feed you>


    ''This is disgusting, I''m not doing it''


    __________


    I ended up doing it. I think my survival instinct took over.


    That was, extremely humiliating to say the least. What makes it even worse was that the regurgitated meat didn''t even taste that bad. It still wasn''t great, reminded me slightly of undercooked mashed upmb. Just might have been better if I could actually eat for myself.


    Just why the hell am I a sted bird?


    Anyway, now that I''ve calmed down a lot and filled up, I actually start to have a look around me.


    Starting off with the nest, it actually is surprisinglyfortable considering its basically just a pile of furs stacked up high on each other. I have no idea how long it would have taken to get this many animal corpses but considering these two are dragons, probably not that long. I think they sleep on the cave floor though so the furs are just for the nest.


    There''s also another egg in here that in my stressed-out state, I forgot to notice. I assume it will hatch soon but have idea if it will or not. It''s roughly the same size as me.


    Actually, thinking about it, I''m a lot bigger than what an eagle would be full grown right now. I might end up being the size of a dragon when I get bigger. That''s not a pleasant thought.


    It still makes no sense why two dragons end up having a different species hatch from their egg but I''m past questioning everything now. Whatever''s happening, I''m kind of resigned to just ept it.


    As for the rest of the cave, obviously the size of it is gigantic. To be able to fit these two dragons in, it clearly would have to be big. And seriously though, mother is a lot bigger than father.


    I guess father must be into bigger women then. And no, that wasn''t a fat joke! She literally is twice his size. She''s not fat, okay?


    There is also a small pond, no reservoir? It doesn''t matter what it is called, there''s a small hole in the ceiling of the cave which when it eventually rains, water must pour through it into this reservoir. It''s pretty cool to be honest how it''s naturally formed like that.


    Thest part of what I can see isn''t actually in the cave itself, it''s the entrance. All I can see outside is the sky and clouds meaning this cave must at the top of the mountain.


    Of course, it would be on top of a mountain, dragons like mountains, right?


    Now that I''m done noticing everything, I kind of feel like I''m missing something. I''ve supposed to be reborn as this mystical bird so shouldn''t I have something else? Like a system or a way of levelling up or something like that?


    ''System? Status? Menu?''


    Of course, that didn''t do anything, I''m so stupid. I wonder if saying it out loud might work. No, it probably won''t.


    <What are you doing little one?>


    ''Shit, I thought you were both asleep. Just trying out if I have a special power or something like that''


    <Mother is still asleep. No need to think about something like that just yet, little one. This is your first day of life after all>


    ''Well, it''s not though. I did live as a human before''


    I would tell these two about it but I don''t think they really care all that much. Maybe they don''t like humans or they just have no interest in the past. I''m fine sharing or keeping it hidden anyways. My life wasn''t all that memorable.


    ''So, how does power work in this world then?''


    ''I mean, is there stuff like magic and how do dragons breath fire? That sort of thing?''


    <Hmm¡­ I don''t think that will be of much help to you little one>


    ''Why not?''


    <Because magic is a mortal concept while dragon tongue might be impossible for you to speak. It will probably be a waste of time>


    He seems a little dismissive of the entire thing, unsure what to make of it.


    ''I still would like to know regardless''


    <Magic or mana is a stupid idea that mortals use consistently wrong as an excuse tomit atrocities. The basics behind it are fundamentally wed which ends up with most of it being lost when in use. I''m not someone who can give you an unbiased opinion on it>


    That, didn''t help at all. He must really hold some disdain to mortals or magic then. I won''t ask him about that again.


    <As for dragon tongue, it is an ancientnguage that is used for types of dragons'' breath. It''s hard to describe how it works but if you can imagine intense anger and power put into sentences, then you have a basic idea on how it works>


    ''Is it kinda like shouting?''


    The second I thought that, my mind instantly went to an old video game about dragons. I wonder if that''s been re-released on the toaster yet. I wanted to get it on my microwave as well.


    <Yes¡­ but no. It is only lightly speaking but any words thate out of hold immense power and force. It will make more sense in the future if you happen to learn or experience it>


    ''What about species of dragon? And what even is a phoenix?''


    I know a little about Greek mythology but that doesn''t mean it''s the same story over here. Don''t remember ever reading about a dragon hatching a bird.


    <They¡¯re¡­ difficult questions to answer. Starting with your second question. A phoenix is a legendary bird that until today was considered extinct. I have heard of a phoenix being born from a dragon''s egg once but that was over two thousand years ago. I''m unsure on any details that can help you with that unfortunately>


    It''s just as I thought, there¡¯s no good information on what I am. It''s a shame but what can I do about it? I''ll just have to rely on what I know for now.


    <As for the first question, there are only one species of dragon. It''s only ever been measured on strength, colour and age>


    ''Strength, colour and age?''


    <To measure a dragon''s strength, all you need to do is look at the size. Your mother in particr would be twice my strength>


    So, he isn''t into bigger women, he''s into stronger women. Each to their own, I guess.


    <Colour is what that dragon is specifically strong with. I''m good with dark breath, no, dark magic breath? Forget it, I''m unsure on the exact wording but I''m good with anynguage that is darkness rted hence why I am ck. Your mother is a pyromaniac so that''s why she''s red. Don''t tell her I said that>


    Shouldn''t she be orange like me then if she''s strong with fire though? That''s kind of a pointless question so I''ll ignore asking that.


    <Andstly is age. This is what those damn humans use to determine a dragon''s strength. It ispletely meaningless. Your mother is half my age and yet is twice as powerful>


    He started getting a little unnerved when speaking about humans. Not a nice memory of them, I reckon. Definitely not going to ask about that.


    ''Just how old are you two anyways?''


    Oh, I forgot you''re not supposed to ask old people their age. Whoops.


    <Too old to know better little one, too old. I''ve already given you a slight hint>


    So, he must be over two thousand then.


    ''Any idea about my lifespan?''


    <Who knows? I''ve never heard of a phoenix dying by natural causes so it could be as long as dragon, maybe longer, maybe less. Their might still even be one or two hiding away that wish to be considered extinct>


    That kind of goes against the myth though. There are only supposed to be one at a time and isn''t it only supposed to live for five hundred years? That''s still a heck of a long time though if it''s true.


    ''I''m supposed to live that long with no arms?''


    <You''ve got wings right? They will provide much more use than arms anyway>


    ''Easy for you to say. You''ve got both and don''t have a fear of heights''


    He started silently chuckling at my response here. I don''t know why though; it wasn''t a joke. I''m terrified of heights. It''s my biggest fear. My wings are pointless.


    <You''ll learn to get over it, little one. All creatures with wings have to learn eventually>


    ''I doubt it''

 Chapter 2 – System

    Chapter 2 ¨C System


    "Ccu, fu"


    I''m really trying to start speaking but words just struggle toe out.


    I''m still unsure why these two don''t talk and use that telekinesis thing. I want to name it something else but the only thing I could up with is telmunications but that doesn''t work either.


    <There''s no need to push yourself, little one>


    "Fu¡­ fuuuuuuuu!"


    ''Damn this annoying body. My God, why hast thou forsaken me?''


    <You''re a strange one>


    It''s been maybe a month or two since my birth, actually it could be a lot longer but I really don''t have a clue. Time seems to flow quite quickly in this cave despite there not being much to do. Speaking, no,municating with my parents seems to pass the time even more though. Considering both of them have thousands of years'' experience between them, they don''t actuallymunicate a lot.


    Well, except when they are feeling frisky. Thankfully, both of them leave the cave when that happens sparing this bird''s innocent eyes. Actually, I''m not innocent. I did live as a man for twenty-three years before this. That sounds a little sus so I''m going to move on.


    I haven''t actually gone close to the cave entrance yet because I''m sure there''s no path going down. I''ve only ever seen both the dragons fly in and out of it and I really don''t fancy falling off the edge. Being afraid of heights is a reasonable fear, alright?


    This cave is actually perfectly suited for dragons. I don''t see how a human could realistically climb up this high and even get up here. If they didn''t have to hunt for food, then the dragons would never have to leave.


    That reminds me, I''m able to eat food by myself now. I still need a little help getting the fur of the animal but I can chew, no, I don''t have teeth so it wouldn''t be chewing. Using my beak, I can rip small parts off the animal and then swallow it. I do worry a bit about choking but there''s not much else I can do.


    I''ve grown a decent size bigger and my legs are starting to get a lot a lot stronger as well. They have to because my wings are useless for carrying or picking anything up. My ws have gotten a lot sharper and stronger as well. Or is it talons?


    Anyway, back to trying to speak. While I''m practicing, mother arrives back home with food for the day.


    ''What is that?''


    <Have you never seen horses before Ikarus?>


    ''Never like that. They wild, correct?''


    <Of course. I''m not as stupid as your father>


    The two horses she had brought back were bulky and extremely muscley. Wild horses must be like that in this world then.


    ''Save me some, I''m busy''


    "Fu¡­ f"


    <What is she doing honey?>


    <She''s been trying to speak all day darling>


    "Cu¡­ ck"


    Okay, I''ve got the sound right, now all I need to do is put it together. Please work this time.


    "Fuu¡­ Fuuck!"


    <Ikarus!>


    "Aha-"


    Father couldn''t hold in hisughter but quickly grabbed his mouth. For the first time in this world, I heard one of them make an actual sound.


    This, however had dire consequences.


    <DERMAKVAR!>


    After the tiny amount ofughter was made, the cave started shaking slightly like a small earthquake and a small amount of purple fog came from his mouth which started to surround the cave.


    <Ikarus. Hold your breath and DON''T BREATHE IN!>


    Hearing the fear inside my heading from her, I held my breath without question. She quickly picked me up and we started to leave the cave.


    <Dermakvar! You better sort this quickly>


    <I know I know!>


    Once we left the cave, I was chucked onto mother''s back and she started to fly circling the mountain.


    <You can breathe again now Ikarus>


    ''What just happened?''


    <Dragon speech. This is why we cannot speak>


    Don''t look down, the dragon I''m on won''t drop me. Just don''t, look, down.


    ''But he onlyughed''


    <Once a dragon learns how to fully speak, it''s only a matter of time before any sound bes too powerful to be spoken. You shouldn''t have this issue fortunately>


    I hate this. Flying is horrible. Talons, don''t let go of her back.


    ''I''m¡­ sorry''


    <Don''t be. It was your father who didn''t control himself>


    A little time passed while we were flying about. I was still trying to ignore mypletely rational fear of heights. Then, the ck dragon''s head snuck out the cave entrance.


    <The cave should be safe again>


    <If it''s not Dermak, I won''t forgive you>


    It was just then I realized something bad.


    ''Wait, what about the egg?''


    <No need to worry, little one. Your sibling can''t breathe yet>


    <That doesn''t matter Dermak. What if your other child was in the middle of hatching?>


    <¡­>


    I actually feel sorry a little for father. It was my fault heughed.


    Once we got back inside, I still wanted to confirm if it was okay. Checking the egg up and down, I couldn''t see any damage or cracks fortunately. The purple gas seemed to have cleared up as well.


    ''Why hasn''t it hatched yet anyways?''


    <Be patient little one. Just because you were impatient getting out of your shell doesn''t mean your sibling will do the same>


    <Your fathers right. Dragon eggs take a very long time to hatch>


    ''I''m impatient?''


    I feel like father is telling me off slightly. It''s not my fault I woke up too early, I think.


    <Yes, you shouldn''t have hatched for at least another few months>


    He is telling me off. He might just be irritated that I made himugh so I''ll let it slide.


    <Don''t take your irritation on her Dermak. You''re at fault, not her>


    <Yeah, you''re probably right. Let''s just eat>


    I guess it''s safe to eat the horses then? I wonder how he cleared out the poison though.


    __________


    "Fu, I miss my arms"


    It actually didn''t take me long to learn how to speak after saying my first curse. The next day I started practicing how to say mum and dad since most first words always seem to be parent rted. Several weekster and I can now speak full sentences.


    <Just because you can speak, doesn''t mean you have to, little one>


    <Don''t be mean to her>


    I''m actually not sure what the name of thenguage I''m speaking in is called. Telekinesis always sounded like English in my brain but when I speak, it soundspletely different. I can understand it though.


    "Don''t get jealous just cause I can speak and you can''t"


    I''m unsure how to describe the sound of my voice. It definitely sounds feminine but I''m unsure if it even sounds human or not. I am a damn bird, probably exins why.


    <You little¡­ I''m going hunting. I''ll be back in a while>


    <Heh, you have the power to make your father disappear, Ikarus>


    He looked grumpy while leaving. In his defence, I have been speaking out loud a lot recently. Should I apologize when he gets back?


    "I''m getting a little bored now though"


    <We can y a game if you like>


    "What kind of game? No, I''m a little old for something like that"


    <You''re not even half a year of age>


    "I was twenty-three-year back where I came from"


    <Twenty-three is still a baby in dragon years>


    Somehow, the dragon has a point. I''ll listen to what she suggests.


    "I guess you''re right, what did you have in mind?"


    <Hide and seek? Tag perhaps?>


    ''¡­''


    I''m not even going to give a response to that.


    <Don''t like my suggestions?>


    "Even If I did, where would I even hide or run? You can see everything in this cave from where we are right now, tis stupid"


    <I''m just trying to help with your boredom, no need to get snappy>


    I might have gotten a little irritated at that suggestion. It wasn''t the smartest of suggestions though.


    "Sorry, at least if I had some type of system or status, I''d have someth¡­"


    <Voice authorization epted. Initializing first time set up>


    "¡­to, look at¡­ Can you see that?"


    As I was speaking, a female robotic voice started talking inside my head. At the same time, a floating blue bar appeared in front of me.


    <I think you''re seeing things Ikarus>


    [24%]


    [72%]


    [<100% Initializationplete>]


    ''Damn it, that''s loud''


    [<Assigning user first time guidance>]


    [<Guide found. Synchronizationplete>]


    [<Wee to the automatic Guidance Advanced Partner system. G.A.P is, unsure why your system hasn''t been opened in -82 days- and would like to ask, why?>]


    ''What the hell are you on about? I didn''t even know I had a system till just now''


    [<Does -user- need simpler exnation?>]


    ''Yes, I do, you stupid piece of crap artificial intelligence''


    <Who are youmunicating with Ikarus?>


    ''A voice in my head. I need to concentrate for a bit''


    <Okay?>


    [<G.A.P is assigned to -user- to provide information and provide simple tutorial for R.P system>]


    ''R.P?''


    [<Reincarnated Person system. Does -user- wish to open R.P system?]


    ''Erm, yes?''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 1]


    [Health  200/200]


    [Stamina 150/150]


    [Magicka 150/150]


    What I could see was a real-life transparent status screen in front of me. It looked extremely basic and had no other information other than the four sections I can see.


    ''Can you exin everything in more detail?''


    [Of course. G.A.P has nothing better to do. What should G.A.P start with?]


    I swear that was sarcastic.


    ''Start with level and work the way down''


    [<Level is -user''s- execution points. EXP>]


    Execution points? This system is just taking the piss and wants to get sued.


    ''What''s can I use it for?''


    [<Nothing. It disys how much EXP someone has>]


    ''Then¡­ what''s the point in levelling up?''


    [<-User- would gain 500 points to distribute into health, stamina or magicka per level>]


    ''Five hundred? That''s the same with what I''m starting with''


    [<-User- species is phoenix. Phoenix species gain 5x distribution but takes 5x EXP to level up>]


    ''Okay¡­ so if it takes five times longer to level up, how long would that takepared to a human then?''


    [<-User- needs to be more specific and provide example>]


    ''An example¡­ How many wolfs or goats would it take for a human to level up from one?''


    [<Wolf and goat level is difficult to predict. Average calction would be 6 wolfs or 14 goats. -User- is 5x that amount>]


    ''Thirty? That''s stupid. What''s the bet that increases every level as well?''


    [<Correct. 10% increase per level. It is more efficient to hunt higher level enemies for optimal EXP gain>]


    ''This conversation is getting tiring now¡­. For the others, I can assume health is hits taken, stamina is energy used for physical activities and magicka is how many magical spells I can do''


    [<Negative. Stamina and magicka is correct. Health is not hits taken. If -user- had head cut off, health would drop to 0>]


    This system is making me more and more irritated by the second.


    ''That should be obvious to anyone. What about abilities or anything else? This system seems really basic''


    [<-User- has no ess to abilities and cannot ess sub-systems till -ERROR->]


    ''Argh, is there any way of turning the error message down?''


    [<Negative>]


    This system seems a little trash if I''m being honest, at least there¡¯s not much to forget. I level five times slower but gain five times more rewards. That doesn''t sound bad until you realize I''m a just an overgrown bird with no means of protecting myself right now. It''s a good thing I''ve got two dragons to protect me otherwise I might be screwed.


    ''Hey system, do you know any abilities I can gain like for example, changing into a human form?''


    [<G.A.P doesn''t know of any such way for -user- to change form or gain abilities>]


    ''This really is useless. Do you at least know how to open and close the status screen?''


    [<To open and close status, all -user- needs to do, is think, close or open status screen>]


    "If all I need to do, is think to open it, then why the FUCK DIDN''T IT OPEN AGES AGO!?"


    <Ikarus!>


    "Ouch"


    I knew that would get me smacked so I purposely shouted it.


    [<G.A.P needed voice authorization before activation>]


    ''If I was a creature that couldn''t speak, then I never would have opened it, would I?''


    [<¡­>]


    "Now, you''re quiet? I hate this system already"


    <You''re getting slightly worked up Ikarus. Is that voice irritating you?>


    "You have no idea"


    Then an idea came to mind while I was talking and facing mother.


    ''System, can I view other people''s status?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    As soon the system answered, a different transparent status opened above my mother.


    [Name: Kellearzar | Species: Dragon | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 100,000/100,000]


    [Stamina 74,737/75,000]


    [Magicka 75,000/75,000]


    [<Dragon species have 2.5x distribution points with no EXP modify. Highlighted dragon is max level>. Please note, 166,666 is maximum allowed for one stat]


    "Mother, just what the hell are you made of? Your stats are insane!?"


    <Stats?>


    "Imagine there was a box above your head which in numbers showed how powerful you are. Yours, would be five hundred times bigger than mine"


    <Five hundred seems a little high, I think? I have lived a long time though>


    She seems a little to humble for her own good if I''m being honest.


    "I don''t think you understand how mighty this is. You might be the most powerful existence in the world"


    <You''re getting carried away Ikarus>


    <Mother has always been ufortable receiving praise, little one>


    When did he get back? I must have been focusing so heavily over here, I didn''t even hear him enter the cave.


    I look over towards the other dragon whose just entered the cave and want to see if the system is working for him.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Dermakvar | Species: Dragon | Level: 524]


    [Health  31,000/31,000]


    [Stamina 37,348/50,000]


    [Magicka 50,000/50,000]


    That''s not as impressive now that I''ve seen the final boss. It still beats my puny existence though.


    "How far did you fly? You''ve used up a lot of stamina"


    <Stamina?>


    After father answers me, a murderous aura surrounds mother.


    <Dermakvar¡­ What else did you do other than go hunting?>


    <I swear I d-didn''t do a-anything!>


    She really seems angry at him but is trying to hide it with a fake smile. Looks a little strange, that being a fake smile on a dragon''s face.


    <If you''ve been sniffing around other tails again, we are going to have a problem>


    <I h-haven''t, h-honestly!>


    <You start stuttering when you''re lying Dermakvar, remember?>


    I''m a little unsure why she''s slowly approaching and looks like she wants to kill him. It''s only a bit of stamina.


    ¡­


    Oh my god, I''ve just realized, I''m such an idiot.


    I didn''t realize stamina gets depleted that much from that type of activity, I''ve justpletely thrown my father under a bus. Actually, he kind of deserves it. There''s no way you would lose that much stamina from flying around for that long, I think?


    __________


    A little timeter on, when the fiery atmosphere had calmed down slightly and father had been kicked out of the cave. Well, that''s a bit of an exaggeration. He was sleeping in the doghouse tonight. Our doghouse just happens to be at the peak of his mountain we were in.


    <Can Ie in?>


    Telekinesis can''t travel through rock so it must have beening through the hole where the water fills the reservoir.


    <Cheating lizards are not allowed in warm,fortable caves>


    <I''m sowwyyy!>


    <Shut it if you truly are. Reflect on your actions like the dirty reptile you are>


    I get the feeling this happens so frequently that I''m hoping it shouldn''t take that long for it be resolved. I''ll try and help by changing the subject. Oh, I''ll should ask that.


    "Mother, is there any way of changing into a human?"


    <Why would you want to do such a thing?>


    "I was a human before remember. I kinda miss it and besides, arms, thumbs and teeth are pretty useful to"


    As much as I like to scream and shout about how stupid being a bird is, there is some positives, the most obvious would be flying. It''s just a shame I''m scared of heights.


    <There are a couple solutions I can think of but none of which are realistic right now>


    "Why not?"


    <The first requires you learning how to construct a human body from dragonnguage. Even if we can teach it you, that''s years or decades of training to get to that point. The other requires human or mortal magic>


    "Human mag- ah sorry, I know you two don''t like humans"


    <No need to apologize. Both of us don''t hate humans but your dirty father in particr struggles a lot with them. They have caused him great pain so it''s understandable. The magic to do such a thing is unknown to us but it definitely exists out there. Also, don''t ever think he dislikes you just because you were a human once. Your father loves you just as much as I>


    I''m getting sappy hearing thatst bit.


    "I know, I know"


    Then a little rustling and shaking could be heard from the nest.


    "Shi- No, what do we do?"


    <No need to panic Ikarus. It''ll hatch in its own time>


    "Speaking from experience, you want as much help as you can get getting out from that dark hell"


    Father now can''t keep quiet wanting to see his second child hatching.


    <Fine you stupid lizard. Just stay quiet and don''t speak>


    __________


    All three of us were now observing the egg while I was inside the nest waiting for it to crack.


    As the egg was hatching, I went up close and put my face where it was cracking. As it was cracking and I saw what was inside, I thought of something which isn''t funny at all.


    "Surprise motherfu-"


    <Ikarus!>


    That may have gotten me smacked. It would''ve been totally worth it if I was allowed to finish.


    If it isn''t obvious, I haven''t exactly grown up mentally yet. I wasn''t exactly mature when I was a human so why should I change? I think that got a silent chuckle out of father but if he thinks of making a sound right now, I''ll find a way to kill him.


    As for what was inside the egg, a brownish baby dragon face emerged through the cracked off part. It was insanely cute.


    "Cu?"


    "Is that how ugly I looked when I hatched?"


    <Ikarus!>


    I couldn''t help myself. It was cute sure, but I can''t exactly say that out loud, can I?


    "Cuu!"


    It broke free of the egg with no problems and instantly started rubbing itself on me. I''m starting to think I was over dramatic when I first hatched.


    "It''s so freaking ador- wait, Is it a boy or girl?"


    <You can''t tell, little one?>


    <I told you not to speak!>


    Father instantly gets shut up my mother. I''m not sure how these two can tell, probably some sort of dragon tongue magic crap.


    "I could push it over to check"


    <No! Don''t do that. You''ve now got a little brother Ikarus>


    ''I wonder what his status is like?''


    [Name: _____ | Species: Dragon | Level: 5]


    [Health  450/450]


    [Stamina 400/400]


    [Magicka 400/400]


    "HOW THE HELL IS THAT FAIR?"


    <Ikarus, you''ll scare him>


    "Cuu?"


    That didn''t scare him at all.


    This little lizard starts four levels higher than me. Yep, my system is shit.

 Chapter 3 – Fly or Die

    Chapter 3 ¨C Fly or Die


    "I''m not doing it!"


    <You can do it, little one>


    <Yeah Ikarus, were right here to catch you!>


    "I''m still not doing it"


    Outside of the cave, I''m standing on top of the mountain peak which the cave sits under.


    In front of the steep mountain, a vast mountain range can be seen. To the other side of this mountain, a tall, dark never-ending forest sits way below it.


    Both of my parents forced me up here on top of this gigantic mountain by carrying me while flying up here, then cing me on this tiny peak. There''s nowhere I can only go except down; I don''t even have enough room to turn around up here. I don''t even care that those two are both hanging from the cliff face ready to catch me. I''m physically shaking from anxiety up here; I can''t do it!


    The reason why I''m even up here in the first ce is that these two are obviously trying to teach me how to fly. They both said it woulde naturally once you take that first step and go into freefall. Learning isn''t the issue though, I think. All I need to do is p my arms, no, wings and I should start learning how to do it naturally. However, I''m not throwing myself off a freaking mountain whether or not this is the fastest method to learn how to fly.


    "Can you just let me down already?"


    <Not until you take that first step, little one>


    <Your dinner will start rotting soon!>


    "I''ll starve then"


    I''ve already been up here several hours and it''s already getting dark. I am not doing it.


    "You''re wasting your time, I''m more stubborn than you realize!"


    <We should probably give up for today darling. It''s getting dark>


    <I think you¡¯re right Dermak. We''ll have to try again tomorrow>


    "You can keep trying. I''m not jumping off this mountain!"


    In the end, they conceded and brought me back into the cave. I may have won this battle but I don''t know if I can win the war. I might end up fainting next time.


    I''m back in the nest after been taken down with my cute little dragon brother Minos. Yes, I know that name is from another Greek myth. I tried to protest and exin it to my parents but once they heard me say the name belonged to a king, their minds were set. I really have no idea where they get these names from.


    "Cuu"


    "Does anyone know when he''ll be able to talk?"


    <Years probably, little one>


    "You''re joking?"


    <No, I wasn''t joking when I said you were impatient. It takes dragons years to speak little one>


    Years huh? I might be slightly impatient then. That, or this bird body is quicker at growing then dragons. Since we''re speaking right now, I need to ask him something.


    "Why do you still call me little one instead of using my name like mother?"


    <Don''t take it personally little one. I rarely use mothers name>


    "Why?"


    <No particr reason. I just don''t use names. Do you want me say your name, Ikarus?>


    "I take it back; it sounds weird when you actually say it inside my head"


    <Then that suits us both, little one>


    I should also probably give a little recap since I gained my system.


    Maybe another couple of weeks or months have passed? I''m going to stop mentioning it because I really not sure how long it''s been.


    Also, I might be a little stupid as well. I''ve managed to level up a couple of times since then but I''ve also wasted out on loads of EXP not realizing a good method. After I discovered my system, I should''ve asked straight way for live animals to eat, not dead. Both parents were a little confused but were still happy to agree to this request.


    Using my beak as a sharp de, I can finish off animals pretty easily by pecking at the throat. It sounds a little barbaric but I can kill most things in one sharp peck if there being held down.


    There was an incident early on where father misread what I wanted and brought me back an aggressive wolf which he then set free in the cave. It took him a second of seeing me running around like a headless chicken away from it to realize that I needed help.


    I''m not too ashamed to say that I may have broken down and cried after that. I did kill it but not by my beak. I kicked that bastard with my talons while dad helped hold him down.


    Anyway, onto my status.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 3]


    [Health  700/700]


    [Stamina 650/650]


    [Magicka 150/150]


    ''How much do I need to level up?''


    [<Approximately 18 wolfs>]


    We''re using wolfs as measurement for EXP since this is one of the only ways this stupid system can tell me how close I am to levelling up. Still, that must mean I''ve killed at least eighty animals. Think it''s eighty-one if it is just wolfs and nothing else.


    Two meals a day recently so I guess that adds up then. I''m actually a little surprised just how many animals this family eats thinking about. They are dragons so it should be high regardless. I''ve really got to start hunting for myself, if only I could get over this stupid fear.


    As for assigning my stats, I''m ignoring magic for now. Since my system isn''t great, I reckon I need to focus on actual health for now. It won''t save me getting my head cut off but it might toughen me up a bit. Some logic applies with stamina, If I can run away from a fight, then I''ve got a bigger chance of surviving.


    __________


    Then the next day, something bad happened as I was getting out of the nest.


    "What the- what kind of bullshit is this?"


    <Ikarus!>


    She couldn''t smack me since she was flying around outside of the cave. As for what I was swearing at, you can me my little brother.


    "How the hell can he fly before he can talk?"


    "Cu!"


    He and mother were both currently flying in front of the cave entrance. This is what I woke up to. Father was lying near the nest.


    <Are you not feeling embarrassed that your brother can fly before you, little one?>


    "Cu?"


    I should be happy for him since he''s aplished something good. However, watching the little shit happily pping his small wings about makes me want to swear.


    "The reason I can''t fly is cause you two are terrible at teaching me. You''re not going to get an ex-human to jump off a mountain"


    No, the reason why I can''t fly is my own fault. I''m just deflecting my embarrassment.


    <You really think that little one? Maybe I need to up be a little more aggressive>


    "More aggressive? Are you going to throw me off that mountain this time?"


    <Being nice won''t get you to fly. And no, something even more effective though>


    "Wai-, get off me!"


    Using his two arms, or would It be his two front legs? It doesn''t matter what, he now is princess carrying me with them. I''m trying to get free but it''s not working.


    <Dermak, doing that might be taking it too far>


    <Rx dear, you really think I''ll let her fall for too long? This is the quickest way>


    Wait, let me fall? Mother, please save me from this brute of a dragon.


    <Oh, fine, just be careful okay. I''ll have a reward for you when you get back Ikarus!>


    You''ve betrayed me mother! I don''t want a reward.


    As he''s carrying me through the cave towards the entrance, I''m still trying to break free.


    "Let, me, down!"


    <I will little one, just once we get high enough>


    High enough? Oh god no, please don''t let this be happening.


    Once we get to the entrance, he sets off and starts flying up. Of course, I''m no longer kicking and screaming. I don''t want to fall now.


    There''s only one trick I''ve got left that might get me out of what''s about to happen.


    "Father, pwease don''t dwop mee!"


    I try and say that in the cutest and sweetest way I can imagine, as well as doing puppy dog eyes. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I don''t care how embarrassing it is.


    <That cutesy face only works on your mother, little one>


    "Damn it! Seriously, please don''t do this"


    <It''s for you own good>


    Oh god, we''re getting even higher now. I can see the entire mountain and most the forest from here. Then, once we get high enough, he stops.


    <It''s time to fly, little one>


    Then he goes to drop me.


    "No- ARRGHHHHHH!"


    I''m falling, oh god, I''m falling.


    This fall is endless, I can see so much. Why is it so high?


    Bird brain, switch on. Why haven''t I started pping my arms yet?


    ''Come on, just do it''


    I start thrashing my wings about trying to stop the fall. It does slow the fall a little but barely.


    ''Argh, the ground ising''


    <Got you>


    Father swoops down and catches me just in the nick of time.


    I may be exaggerating a lot; we weren''t even close to the ground or mountains yet. We were basically still in the clouds.


    "I¡­ hate you"


    <We''ll keep doing this till you start trying>


    "I am though!"


    Then we go back up to repeat another cycle. And then another.


    In the end, it takes about six tries before I''m able to keep myself from falling. I must look like an idiot up here though.


    ''Oh my god, I''m actually doing it''


    I''m still desperately pping my wings about but it seems a little easier now that I''ve gotten used to it. The height is still a massive issue.


    High above the clouds, a chubby orange bird can be seen pping its wings. This bird however¡­ is not a very intelligent species.


    ''Damn it''


    I''m imagining that old broadcaster who did all them life documentariesmentating on me. I bet I look really stupid up here.


    ''Hey system, what do you think on this?''


    [<G.A.P system has no thoughts on -user- action>]


    ''Do you have to keep calling me user?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    ''Irritating piece of crap''


    <Enjoying yourself, little one?>


    Father flies near me making sure to get me if I fall, it''s just irritating how easy he makes this look.


    "No. It''s still too high. Can we leave yet?"


    <A little bit longer>


    If it isn''t obvious, I can just about keep myself from falling right now. Trying to change direction as well would instantly make me fall.


    <You can try gliding if you like little one>


    "Another day, okay?"


    I''m really starting to get tired now, I''m even too tired to keep being stressed about the height. Thankfully, father senses this.


    <Let''s get you back down now. little one>


    He catches me mid-air into a princess hold again. Once I''m in his arms, my fatigue really starts kicking in.


    ''Getting¡­ sleepyy''


    <Rest for now, little one>


    Oh, before pass out, I want to check something.


    ''System¡­ statusss''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 3]


    [Health 700/700]


    [Stamina 4/650]


    [Magicka 150/150]


    ''Fou¡­''


    With that, I drift off to sleep.


    __________


    "Num, num, num"


    "Cuu?"


    "Nu- let, me, sleep¡­ Minos"


    "CU!"


    Urgh, he''s really not going to let me rest, is he? Fine, I''ll get up then. Just stop nudging me.


    As I awake from my hazy slumber, something new surprises me again.


    "Morning Ikarus!"


    "Morn¡­ Mother! Put some damn clothes on!"


    What presents me outside of the nest is a human looking womanpletely naked. Long blood-red hair, ck eyes, absurdlyrge breasts. Seriously though, she must have been G or H cup!


    I could instantly tell it was mother, I mean, who else could it be? Her voice is the same as well. Wait a second, she''s talking from her mouth. Why I am focusing on that? She''s butt naked right now, I don''t want to see this!


    "Do you like your surprise? Dermak, change into your human form"


    <Why must I do such a disgusting thing?>


    "Because it''s a reward for Ikarus getting over her fear of heights"


    "Cu?"


    I didn''t get over it, I''m just battling it for now. Still don''t think I can win that battle.


    "If you¡¯re both gonna transform, at least put some bloody clothes on!"


    "Hmm¡­ we don''t have any but some of the furs might work. Dermakvar! Change, now!"


    <Urgh¡­ fine>


    "I''m not looking till both of you are wearing clothes"


    With thatst remark, I bury my head in the sand. Well, in the furs actually. Minos is just in his own little world not giving a care, ah, the innocence of youth.


    ¡­


    "We''re both covered up now Ikarus"


    "Urgh, this form is disgusting!"


    "Cu!"


    Thankfully, when I go to look again, the both of them have used some furs to cover up their most intimate parts. They''ve basically just got fur robes on.


    As for fathers'' appearance, he has jet ck hair with red eyes, the opposite of mother. I immediately noticed something about his height.


    "Hehe. father, you''re tiny"


    "Ahahahahaha¡­ you deserve that for calling her little all the time"


    "Urgh¡­ This is why I hate this puny form"


    He actually wasn''t that small. Justpared to mother, he looked small. I reckon he would be around average in human height; mother just looks like she''s a giantpared to him. She must have been over seven feet tall!


    I didn''t notice how tall mother was till just now, I guess her dragon size has to transfer over somehow.


    "Anyways, why is it you both can talk in human form but not dragon?"


    "It''s, erm,plicated, little one"


    "No, it''s notplicated. Your father just doesn''t like to admit we''re using human magic to converse right now since dragon tongue is ipatible with human bodies"


    "Cu"


    Minos is just wondering around without a care in the world like usual, he might actually have a lizard brain sometimes.


    "Ah, that makes sense then"


    Then after my response, I get excluded from the conversation.


    "Hey Dermak, do you remember thest time we were in human form?"


    "E-Erm, I''m not s-sure darling"


    Mother has a sly grin while father looks slightly ufortable, maybe even a little flustered. Not sure why though.


    "Dermak, you''re lying again"


    "Y-You can read me s-so easily, darling"


    Still haven''t a clue what their on about.


    "You''re not turning me down, are you Dermak?"


    "N-No no darling, it''s just I''m a little tired"


    I immediately get what they''re talking about now. Damn these parents of mine.


    "Nonsense my cute little dragonoid"


    "Cute? Oh¡­ fine then"


    And then she feistily grabs him and they both go towards the cave exit.


    ''Oh god, not this again. These two are friskier than teenagers''


    Seeing mother basically dragging father out of the cave reminded me of something but I couldn''t remember what though.


    Wait a second. Wasn''t this supposed to be my reward? Why are both of them going off about to get frisky? I feel like they''ve forgotten the entire point of this. Ah, forget it. I don''t care anymore


    "Cu?"


    "Leave me alone Minos, you''re too young to understand"


    Poor little dragon, now he has to have his big sister look after him again while the parents are out. I just referred to myself as his sister, didn''t I? I miss my manhood.


    Thinking about Minos, he could probably survive on his own out there. I''m the one who needs caring for, I''m such a coward.


    ''Hang on, how are they getting out the cave without flying?''


    As soon as I think that, I see both of them grow wings and fly off. Their fur robes also happen to fall off giving me an image of both of them from behind.


    ''Didn''t want to see that''


    [<Dragonoid form has hidden wings>]


    ''You''re a bit slow system''


    [<System name is G.A.P>]


    Every now and then, it corrects me about its name. I''m not letting this time slide.


    ''Stop calling me user and I''ll stop calling you system''


    [<¡­>]


    ''Silence again? That''s the only time you''re useful, system''


    [<-Idiot>]


    ''You just call me an idiot?''


    [<-User- is an idiot>]


    ''Your only other use system, is toilet paper''


    [<-User- smells like discarded toilet paper>]


    We''ve been having these types of arguments quite often recently. The system definitely has some use but its personality is purposely frustrating.


    ''Ah, forget it. I''m not in the mood to put up with your crap today''


    [<G.A.P also is irritated by -user->]


    A little time passes and I''m once again back in the nest. Minos is sleeping to my side.


    I start to think about how I even died while rxing in here. I''m sure I was in my bed so obviously truck-kun couldn''t have paid me a visit. Still, dying in your sleep as young as I was really seems dumb. I guess it''s better dying that way instead of dying in pain.


    That''s depressing, I''m not thinking about my death anymore. I''ve got this damn bird body to keep putting up with. Oh god, I''ve still got to learn how to fly properly as well.


    While I''m stressing myself out, both the dragons return still in their human forms. Thankfully, they''ve found their clothes.


    Once they get close the nest, my eyes immediately go to father. He looks like he''s just been beaten up.


    Oh my god, I know what it reminds me of! It''s death by snu snu! I feel really bad for father, I think mother might actually kill him.


    I don''t even want to nce at his stamina, might actually be a little sick if that happens. His health might be low as well.


    At least they both look happy, I think?

 Chapter 4 – Hunting

    Chapter 4 ¨C Hunting


    "Once upon a time, there was three evil dragons and a lovely bird who all lived in a cave together. The three dragons all got on well but liked to bully the bir-"


    <Ikarus! Stop telling lies to Minos>


    "Cu?"


    I was going to tell him a fairy-tale since he seems to like me telling him stories but might have forgotten how it went. Trying to be a good sibling sometimes backfires, I guess.


    All four of us are currently chilling in the cave right now, well I was chilling till I just got told off for no good reason.


    Since thest update, I''ve mostly learnt how to fly and have levelled up twice again, I say mostly since I still don''t like doing it.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 5]


    [Health 1,000/1,000]


    [Stamina 735/1000]


    [Magicka 500/500]


    I''m not proud to admit there was no strategy behind me distributing my points. I saw a chance to round out my stats and took it, okay? Look at all them zeros!


    Still like usual, don''t have any powers, magic or special abilities. System is still a basic bitch.


    [<-User is an idiot->]


    You can read these thoughts as well now?


    Don''t get distracted Ikarus, continue the update.


    I''ve definitely gotten a lot bigger as well, reckon I''m the size of a young elephant now. Minos has gotten a tiny bit bigger but I don''t think his growth will be nearly as quick as mine.


    Ah, I also forgot something about dragon growth. Remember when I got told that strength determines the size of the dragon? That''s only partially true. A dragon will grow to a certain size even if it is weak, just that it can''t grow any bigger without getting stronger. Well, it''s not really strength though, it''s just that sweet EXP.


    Apparently. father is above average in dragon size and mother''s size obviously isn''tparable to anything. Even though I still can''t stand this bird body, my reincarnation has been a lot more bearable considering I basically have beings as powerful as gods for parents.


    After these thoughts, I wonder if Minos''s level had stayed the same while he was getting bigger, no reason why it shouldn''t be any different.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 6]


    [Health  600/600]


    [Stamina 452/500]


    [Magicka 400/400]


    ''How the hell is this fair, system? He''s levelled up without killing anything''


    He''s somehow managed to level up passively, this system doesn''t seem to know anything.


    [<G.A.P agrees with -user-. Target -Minos- should not be able to level without EXP>]


    Even the system is agreeing with me this time.


    ''System, is there any way of levelling up without killing?''


    [<Negative>]


    ''So, to confirm. You cannot level up without killing other living creatures, right?''


    [<Affirmative>]''


    ''That little shit!''


    I thought my brother was cute and innocent but he''s been living his own little secret life. He must have been sneaking out while we were all sleeping.


    I''m going to snitch, thankfully, both our parents are both here right now. Damn it, I have to get up though, there that side of the cave and I''m all the way over here. Ah screw it, it''s worth it.


    Once myzy self can be bothered to get up out of the nest and traverse the enormous distance going through fire and hell itself to get to the other side of the cave near the entrance, I can finally be a little snitch.


    "Mother and father¡­ have you been hunting with Minos yet?"


    <No little one>


    <We haven''t Ikarus. Why?>


    "Remember that box I told you about? It''s telling me he''s been out hunting"


    Immediately, a look of guilt appears on the young dragon''s face. I was right, I''ve caught him here.


    <Littlest one?>


    <Minos? Is this true>


    "Cuuu¡­"


    That was the saddest cu I''ve ever heard. I regret snitching now. My poor little brother, I''m such a bitch.


    <Well done my lit-> <Minos! You kno->


    Both parents speak at the same time and realize they have differing opinions on this.


    <Darling, you know how dangerous the world can be. If he wants to hunt, then we should encourage him>


    <That doesn''t mean it''s okay to for him to sneak out Dermak>


    This sounds like it might lead to an argument, I''m not getting involved.


    <I didn''t say that. It just makes sense for both of them to learn to hunt as early as possible>


    <They''re not old enough yet!>


    <They''re capable enough, you underestimate our children. And it''s not like we''ll leave them alone>


    <Dermak, I still don''t think it''s a good ide->


    I left to sleep back at the nest at this point. Got tired of hearing them argue, wasn''t really an argument but still. Minos followed me over as well.


    While back in the nest, I had to get something of my chest, or breast.


    "Sorry I told on you Minos"


    "Cuu"


    I think that was him saying it''s alright.


    Thinking about it, I don''t regret snitching that much though. Can''t afford having my younger brother getting eaten by a wolf or a tiger or whatever dangers exist out there, still don''t like seeing him sad though.


    "Minos, if you sneak out again, I''ll will kick you"


    I say this because I know his stamina in the status screen is high. He has more than enough energy left to go and fly about tonight.


    "Cuu¡­"


    Another sad cu, you breaka my heart brother!


    With that, we both go to sleep.


    __________


    <Me and your father have decided that, starting today, we''re going to teach you how to hunt>


    <We''ll both take you out separately to teach you how to hunt, little ones>


    Hang on, did father win that argumentst night? I almost feel proud for him.


    "Okay then"


    "CUI!!!"


    Surprisingly enough, I''m down for learning to hunt. After the wolf incident, I may hold a slight grudge towards them. And besides, I''m much bigger than a little wolf now, I''ll just kick it to death! Minos seems extremely happy as well.


    <I''m surprised you''re interested little one. You''re normally fearful to anything new>


    <Your father has a point>


    Both my parents have no belief in me, this sucks.


    "Believe it or not, I''m not actually fearful of that much. Just heights"


    <I doubt that>


    <Ikarus, you don''t have act strong>


    I''m sulking now. I''m not sure how a bright orange bird looks like sulking though.


    "Are you two done putting me down or can we go yet?"


    We then all go towards the cave entrance together but before we set off, our parents need to ask something.


    <Since we''re about to leave, who''s back do each of you want to ride on?>


    <We don''t want you to use up all your energy flying over there, little ones>


    "Dibs on mother"


    "Cu!"


    I give a cold re towards father while Minos looks at mother. I''m not getting picked up by him voluntarily cause every time he picks me up, he purposely drops me. I don''t care if it''s taught me how to fly.


    He looks sad that both his children have betrayed him though.


    __________


    In the end, it was agreed that Minos would go with father and I would go with mother. Brother didn''t seem to care that much, just that his preference was slightly mother. My preference in one hundred percent mother, that other dragon can step on a lego for all I care. Actually, that''s way too harsh.


    While mother is flying, I have to try not looking down during the flight, still unsure on heights. I only fly when I have to.


    As for the forest we''re flying above, it''s gigantic. Wide, tall trees are all below us in every direction. Pine trees perhaps? The forest isn''t that dense so you can still see the ground most of the time.


    "*Growll*"


    Can''t forget the wolf that mother picked up on the way to. Since I''m on her back, I can just hear a growl every now and then.


    <Found it>


    Arge sinkhole can be seen below us, obviously what mother was looking for.


    <Ikarus, I''m going to put you and the wolf in the sinkhole together. If it gets too much to handle, I''ll be watching and ready to help anytime>


    "You worry too much mother"


    <It''s my job to worry but I like your confidence>


    Still holding the wolf, she flies lowering herself to the ground so I can jump off. Then, once I''m off and ready, she also puts the wolf down and flies to the edge of the sinkhole.


    The wolf once on the ground tries to flee from the situation it''s found itself in.


    The wolf keeps running around the sinkhole looking for a way out but it can''t since it''s unable to climb out and escape. Strangely enough, I feel no fear at all. Being a big beefy bird actually gives me some confidence here. Definitely having sharp w talons to kick with as well helps even more.


    ''Status''


    [Name: _____ | Species: Wolf | Level: 11]


    [Health  563/575]


    [Stamina 211/250]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''System, why is it''s numbers so lowpared to mine?''


    I ask this because I''ve never actually had the chance to see the status on a wolf before, the bar always gets blocked by a massive dragon holding it down.


    [<Wolfs have 0.75x distribution points>]


    ''Wait a second, does that mean I''m secretly overpowered!?''


    [<-User- needs to stop being stupid. Phoenix species have higher numbers than wolf species>]


    I''m even more confident now knowing that my numbers are bigger than his, who even cares about the stupid level anyway?


    Then, a dumb idea I want to does to mind.


    "Hehehe¡­ In the left corner, weighing two hundred and forty-one pounds, the reigning heavyweight champion of the world, Ikarus!"


    I definitely weigh more than that but I can''t help that, alright?


    <Ikarus! This isn''t the time to muck about!>


    "*Growlll!*"


    The wolf finally realizing it''s got nowhere to run from the terrifying dragon and the stupid orange bird decides now to fight.


    It charges towards me and as I wait for it to be in kicking range.


    ''Closer¡­''


    ''Now!''


    I kick it with a little of my strength throwing the trapped beast off to my side.


    "And the champion Ikarus strikes first kicking the wolf away to the side but wait! The wolf still has some bite left in him!"


    As I''m narrating my own fight, the wolf being kicked to the ground tries to get itself backup but struggles.


    "*Growl*"


    Since I think I''ve got a second, I want to check something.


    ''Status''


    [Name: _____ | Species: Wolf | Level: 11]


    [Health  329/575]


    [Stamina 200/250]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    I wanted to check how much damage my kick did but stopping to check in the middle of a fight is idiotic.


    ''That di-''


    Before I knew it, the wolf is jumping at one of my sides.


    "Argh!"


    The bastard got a bite out of one my wings. Thankfully, it doesn''t draw blood and only plucks some feathers out but it still hurt.


    <Ikarus! Focus!>


    Then in an over dramatic way, I decide I''m done messing about with it.


    This time, I charge at the wolf and give him a brutal kick to the head. Once he''s down on the ground, I don''t stop though.


    "The referee is trying to stop the fight but Ikarus just won''t stop kicking the stupid wolf on the ground. That bite clearly pissed her off!"


    I''m kicking and kicking the poor beast that just bit me over and over on the ground. Not sure for how long but it clearly died a while ago.


    After I''m finally done pummelling the dead beast, I realize I might have got carried away.


    ''Bet my karma rating just went down a hundred points''


    [<G.A.P is confused>]


    ''Argghhh. No-one gets my references in this stupid world''


    [<-User is being stupid once more>]


    ''Shut up system''


    <Erm¡­ Ikarus, what was that?>


    Ah, right, mother just saw that. I definitely got carried away, there''s no way we can eat that wolf after how much I just kicked it now. Didn''t realize I had that side to me.


    "A mix of fighting, kickboxing and honestly¡­ I have no idea. Can you find me another wolf please? I''ll do it properly next time"


    <Okay?>


    While mother has gone, I want to see just how much damage that bite did. It''s not that bad but my wing does hurt a little.


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 5]


    [Health  976/1,000]


    [Stamina 861/1,000]


    [Magicka 500/500]


    ''Only twenty-four? That hurt way more than that''


    [<User is too sensitive>]


    ''Can you just not, system?''


    Whatever, at the very least, it''s good to know that even with my level being low, I can rely on my body a lot. Just have to keep kicking.


    __________


    "Urgh, this is making me sick"


    <Focus Ikarus, look around for prey>


    "There''s trees in the way"


    I''m currently on mothers back looking around for any animals to attack which is proving fruitless since we''re flying above the tree line and my eyes aren''t as good as a dragon. I could fly lower myself than the trees but I''d rather use mother.


    As for why we are away from the sinkhole, after my second kill, mother quickly realized I needed more of a challenge than torturing a poor little wolf. I would agree except the next challenge involves flying.


    <Over there!>


    Arge grey wolf can be just about seen running through the forest, obviously trying to get away from the huge monster flying in the sky.


    <Ikarus, fly down and get it>


    "Do I have to?"


    <Ikarus! Do it!>


    "Fineee"


    I still don''t like flying and gliding but I''ll do it since it''s for dinner, wolfs don''t taste great but it''s better than starving.


    Jumping off mothers back, I open my wings up and glide towards the fleeing creature. I quickly get below the trees canopy and have eyes upon the wolf.


    Gliding through the air, I''m like a predator tracking its prey. I can also avoid the trees quite easily since the forest isn''t all that dense.


    ''Do Ind before killing it?''


    I''m unsure because I think both my parents just swipe picking up the animal without having tond. I don''t think my beak is strong and big enough to do that though.


    ''Oh crap, how do Ind again?''


    I''m still gliding getting closer to the wolf and the ground. Still got to watch out for the trees as well.


    ''Ah screw it, I''ll use the wolf for thending''


    After that thought, I crash on top of the wolf crushing it under my weight, that must have killed it. It''s definitely still edible though but it might be a little tenderized.


    I shake myself trying to get all the leaves and dirt off me from the ground, the impact didn''t hurt but it''s definitely got me a bit messy since I kind of rolled a little afternding on the poor beast.


    <Well done on your first flying kill Ikarus!>


    Mother flies down to congratte me on a job well done but I''m visibly annoyed about something.


    "Ikarus you idiot! I should have used my ws to pick it up while flying like an eagle catching a mouse. That would have looked so badass!"


    <You can be quite strange sometimes>


    "Hmph. I won''t deny it but I''m not agreeing with you either"


    <We can finish up for today but before we go back, you definitely need a clea->


    "NOT HAPPENING!"


    I haven''t got a problem with having a clean, I''ve got a problem with how dragons clean themselves and their offspring. Think of how a mother cat cleans its kittens. Yeah, it''s disgusting.


    <I can''t bring you back home looking like that, can I Ikarus?>


    "If you can find a body of water, then I''ll happily take a bath"


    __________


    Thankfully, mother did know where a small pond of water was so I got cleaned up there. Had to ride all the way back on mother back since water makes it difficult to fly, it doesn''t but I''ll just keep telling myself that so I have an excuse to bezy.


    Back at the cave, we enter back into the cave where we see father and Minos have already returned with some of their dead prey.


    <You two are finally back. Littlest one caught half of these by himself>


    "Cu!"


    If it isn''t obvious yet, father calls me little one and Minos littlest one. He really is terrible with names.


    "I love you brother but sometimes, I really want to punch you"


    "Cu?"


    <Ikarus!>


    <He''s a natural born hunter little one. No need to be jealous>


    Me and mother have only brought a couple of wolfs back. They have brought back several goats, several wolfs, a few rabbits and a ck panther.

 Chapter 5 – First Contact

    Chapter 5 ¨C First Contact


    "Get your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty humans!"


    Despite me still able to make a movie reference, I''m actually in a really bad situation here.


    A dozen or so human soldiers have got me tied down under a rope. I''m stuck because I can''t cut through this with my talons from my current position. I''ve already done it once before but I was on the other side of itst time.


    "Stop struggling, you stupid bird! The mage put a spell on the"


    "It''s no use, calm down"


    Two of the soldiers are right alongside me trying to calm me down and stop me thrashing about, clearly, it''s not working.


    "Let me outtttttt!"


    "Is the knockout potion ready yet?"


    Another soldier runs over and passes one of them a small ss bottle.


    "Here it is, sir"


    "Get that shit away from me or you''ll regret it!"


    You''re probably wondering how I got here? Well... it all started just before my first birthday.


    __________


    "The power of Christpels you!"


    "Cu!"


    "The power of Christpels you!"


    "Cuuuu!"


    <Just what are you doing, little ones?>


    I''m messing around with Minos at the moment pping my wings at him and he seems to like it, Mother and father are just off to the side of the cave.


    "I''m boreddddd. Feel like I''ve done nothing for years"


    Obviously, I''m exaggerating, just went hunting and ate dinner an hour ago.


    <That reminds me little one, you''ll be turning one tomorrow>


    <Do you want anything as a gift Ikarus?>


    A gift? Do dragons have such need for things? Didn''t expect them to do birthdays seeing how long they live.


    "Do dragons actually celebrate birthdays then?"


    <No, except for certain years. Your mother convinced me that one counts>


    <Stop being grumpy Dermak, just because you never celebrated anything doesn''t mean our children should follow>


    <Hmph>


    The male dragon folds his arms and looks like he''s sulking.


    <So, Ikarus, a gift?>


    "Hmmmm¡­"


    I''m not sure what I really want though. The only thing I can think of doing is levelling up more but having arge dragon with me scares most prey away. Me and Minos are allowed to hunt on our own but we''re not allowed very far away from the cave. Thinking about it, there''s an idea.


    "¡­What about being allowed to go hunt further away from the cave?"


    "CU!!"


    Minos, this isn''t a gift for you, stop getting exited. Wait for your birthday.


    <You mean alone Ikarus? I still think you and Minos are still too young>


    Now that he''s finished sulking, father joins back into the conversation.


    <You still worry too much darling. There''s nothing in this forest or mountain range that could hurt our little ones. If they go too far away, we can track their scents>


    "You can track our scents?"


    "Cu?"


    <Yes, little ones. We could probably find you anywhere on the>


    The? Are my parents part dog as well as dragon? I feel like a teenager with a curfew knowing that. No chance of me ever sneaking away with that knowledge.


    Mother is looking conflicted on this but she finds it hard to refuse a request from one of her kids, she''s too kind for own good.


    <Oh, fine then. Just make sure you and Minos get back before night. And be nice to him Ikarus>


    "I''m always nice¡­ I know that''s a lie but still"


    "CU!"


    __________


    Just before we set off the next morning, I want to have a quick check at Minos''s stats.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 12]


    [Health  1,000/1,000]


    [Stamina 1,299/1,300]


    [Magicka 700/700]


    ''Damn it''


    Going to stop looking at Minos''s status now, my levelling is just unfairpared to his growth. I mean, he only eats a single animal a day and levels up like it''s nothing. Of course, it only applies to animals he''s actually killed but still, it''s dumb how slow my level grows.


    Thinking about growth, that reminds me, I''ve stopped growing now. The phoenix species really doesn''t make much sense seeing that I''ve be fully grown this quickly, still the size of a small elephant I am. It has nothing to do with being impatient, this species is just weird. It seems I''ll never end up the same size as a dragon, thankfully.


    Minos has grown a bit more as well but he''s still tiny, will take him years before he gets close to my size. He has to be my little brother for a while longer.


    As for my stats.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 8]


    [Health  2,000/2,000]


    [Stamina 1,498/1,500]


    [Magicka 500/500]


    Before the imaginary person I''m giving an update to says something, I know my stats are higher than Minos''s. That''s still doesn''t make it fair that he levels quicker than I. He only roughly eats half what I eat a day and he still isn''t hunting and killing for his prey all the time yet; I however kill everything I eat. It''s crap how much grinding I''m having to do and this little shit levels effortlessly. Still love him though regardless.


    I''ve gone too much off topic now, as for my stat distribution, I''m not going invest in magic for a while. Don''t really see the point until I can actually use it.


    Eight levels in a year of life and it will always get progressively harder. I''m not sure if I''m developing fast enough or not.


    ''System, are my numbers good?''


    [<-User- needs to ask an intelligent question>]


    Damn it, before we even leave, this system will piss me off.


    ''Okay, let me rephrase that. Are my number goodpared to a human?''


    [<Human species stats only have 1x multiplier. If -user-pares stats to human, -user- would be level 40->]


    ''Forty? Is that good?''


    [<Negative. All species max level is 1000. 1000 is higher than 40>]


    ''Isn''t that obvious? What about an average soldier or knight''s level?''


    [<G.A.P does not know>]


    ''So, the all-knowing system doesn''t know something again?''


    [<Idiot>]


    ''We''re not doing this now!''


    I ignore the systems insult and this time; I intend to leave.


    "Minos, let''s head out"


    "CU!"


    <Don''t forget, I want you both back here before dark>


    <Your mother won''t be pleased if you''rete>


    "Yeah yeah, we know"


    __________


    "CUU!!"


    I''ve currently got Minos on my back while we''re flying through the forest. He''s having the time of his life.


    Seeing him this exited is really calming down my height''s anxiety but then again, I''m not flying that high, I''m still below the tree canopies.


    We''ve already been out for several hours and killed many things thus far, I was right about dragons scaring everything away. Hunting has been a breeze.


    "I''m getting tired flying you around now Minos"


    "Cu¡­"


    God, why must you bless Minos with such an effective cu? Every time he does that, my heart breaks.


    "I''m sorry but we won''t get back if I''ve got no energy left. Mother will be angry, remember?"


    "Cu"


    I find a suitable spot tond and sit for a while on the forest floor. Minos is also sitting by my side.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 8]


    [Health  2,000/2,000]


    [Stamina 563/1,500]


    [Magicka 500/500]


    Good, I''ve still got enough stamina but should be a little careful from now on. I already know Minos has enough since he''s been on my back most of the time.


    "We''ll head back in a little bit, just ne-"


    I stop speaking and notice something in the corner of my eye. Of in the distanceying up against a tree, there looks like something close to human.


    ''That''s odd''


    Humans don''te to this part of the forest; both my parents told me that so why is there someone here?


    "Minos, stay here while I go over there for a bit"


    "Cu?"


    "Don''t question it brother, just do as I ask, please?"


    Minos stays while I go over to the fallen human. As I get closer, I immediately notice more of the person.


    ''Urgh, he''s dead''


    The corpse couldn''t have been there for that long but had started to decay. Looking at it is making me feel queasy. Then, I get a scent of the smell.


    "*Bleugh*"


    I end up puking myst goat all over the ground. Really unsure why this is making me feel so nauseous because I''ve been around so many animal bodies already, this should be nothing. It might be cause it''s human.


    ''Maybe I''m still more human than I first realized. Status?''


    [<Status does not work on the deceased>]


    Well at least the system isn''t insulting me for once, I think it can tell this is really making me feel ill.


    ''Urgh. System, do you have any idea how that guy died?''


    [<Target corpse appears to have died from multiple stab wound>]


    Oh yeah, I guess that would make sense seeing that he''s in medieval styled armour. Didn''t notice the wounds and don''t want to keep looking at for longer than I need to.


    "Should prob- MINOS!"


    "Cu!"


    As I''m about go to brother and leave, arge rope falls on top of him from a tree.


    I quickly go back to him to help him out of his predicament. Thankfully, it was only a that fell.


    "You alright, Minos?"


    "Cu¡­"


    It seems to be unreasonably heavy, I''m not sure how rope can be this heavy but even I might struggle to get out of this. Luckily, I have my ws.


    ''Wonder who did this?''


    Instantly, my question is answered.


    "One -- thes ---------"


    "--- this way"


    Off in the distance, I can hear faint voices heading in this direction.


    "Cu cu"


    "Shit, don''t worry, I''ll get you out of this, I swear!"


    I''m kicking and shing my ws around the outside of the trying not to hurt Minos and release him. It is working, just not fast enough. Only cut through a small amount so far.


    ''This rope is too thick''


    Unfortunately, I''m still not quick enough. The humans are now in view and are close staring at me and Minos.


    "What, the hell is that?"


    "Is that a rare species of dragon or something?"


    "No, it''s a massive bird. But there''s a dragon in the though"


    There are three men who all have weapons, armour and look battle hardened surround me and Minos.


    ''I can understand them? Maybe they''ll listen to reason?''


    "We can sell the dragon but that bird looks dangerous"


    Before I can even ask a question, one of them runs up towards me with a one-handed battle-axe in hand. I don''t even have the time to check his status since he tries to swing at me.


    Without even thinking, I lift one of my legs up and kick him away before he can hit me. I purposely hold back a bit as I still want to talk this out.


    "Why the hell are you attacking us!?"


    "Urgh¡­ *Cough, cough*, that hurt"


    "Wait, the bird speaks?"


    "It can talk?"


    I''ve already got a rough idea what''s going on here, I think their trying to capture creatures to eat or sell and unfortunately for them, me and Minos have walked into one of their traps.


    As for what they''re doing now, all three are a bit unsure now how to approach me. I try and take advantage of their fear.


    "D-Damn dirty mortals! How dare you try and attack me and my brother? I could kill you with a sneeze if I so please!"


    ''Please fall for my bluff, system''


    [Name: Dale | Species: Human | Level: 16]


    [Health  601/1,000]


    [Stamina 420/600]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Amir | Species: Human | Level: 8]


    [Health  400/400]


    [Stamina 211/400]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Sully | Species: Human | Level: 11]


    [Health  600/600]


    [Stamina 322/500]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    [<-User- is too fearful>]


    ''Shut up system, their stats are low though. That bluff wasn''t needed''


    "*Cough, cough, I''m unsure what we should do here guys*"


    "Stop therge one cutting through the while we wait for backup"


    "Yeah, we should be able to, right?"


    ''Ah shit, they still want to fight? Screw it, I''m gonna have to hurt them then''


    As soon as I''ve decided, I charge at the man who I''ve already kicked one and once I''ve closed the distance, I swing my leg toward him again while he tries to block the kick this time with his axe. Unfortunately for him, the amount of force I''ve put in my kick is a lot more than thest time.


    "Argghhhh! *Cough blood*"


    He gets thrown a short distance into a nearby tree.


    "¡­"


    "¡­"


    Both of the remaining two stand still for a second, realize they have no chance and then flee leaving their fallenrade behind.


    It was just then I realized the guy I kicked was now dead.


    ''Urgh-No, got to save Minos now''


    "Cu?"


    I start shing at the again and more and more of it startsing lose, I''m still trying to do this as fast as possible.


    "------- --- bird, ---- over -----"


    "--- dragon ---- --- away"


    "------- now"


    Voices in the distance again, crap. I need to get him out, now! It sounds like there¡¯s loads of them this time.


    "Nearly there. Minos, fly away as fast as possible and don''t wait for me"


    "Cu?"


    "MINOS, DON''T ASK QUESTIONS! Just do it!"


    I''m visibly getting stressed out now, this fucking won''te loose.


    Then, as if a sign from God, arge part rips together and Minos is finally able to get free. At the same time, arge group of soldiers appears in our sights.


    "MINOS, FLY NOW!"


    He listens and starts to flee. Just as he''s starting to gain altitude, I go to follow him and start pping my wings but just as I''m getting off the ground, something in the sky falls on me throwing me back down.


    "Argghhh¡­ damn it"


    A simr to the one Minos was trapped under appears from nowhere forcing me onto the ground. Then, like adding salt onto my wounds, anotherrge falls which makes it even harder to move.


    ''Where the hell did thesee from? Doesn''t matter, Minos got away''


    I can just about see a brown little dot moving in the distance above the trees which is brother pping his wings, he most definitely got away.


    __________


    And this brings me back to where I decided to quote a film from the sixties.


    "Urgh yuk, that tastes like dirt"


    That small vial of potion has been force fed to me, I tried to spit it out but still swallowed too much.


    They said that was the work of a mage, I can''t see them.


    ''Feeling sleepy noww, no no, don''t sleep yeett''


    Need to get eyes on that mage, want to check the level.


    ''Where are theyy?... There! Statuusssss¡­''


    [Name: Leone | Species: Human | Level: 325]


    [Health  8,000/10,000]


    [Stamina 6,672/7,500]


    [Magicka 12,248/15,000]


    ''¡­''


    My consciousness fades while looking at her level.


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "*Huff, huff, huff*"


    ''Need to get home to mama and papa. Sister is in trouble''


    A small little brown dragon can be seen flying high above the forest. The sun is starting to go down and darkness is falling.


    ''Faster, I need to fly faster''


    "*Huff, huff*"


    Ah, I''m too slow. The pink people might hurt sister if I don''t go faster. Come on, I can do this. Come on wings!


    The dragon flies for quite a while longer when he finally spots his home off in the distance.


    He uses up all his strength getting to the cave and is greeted at the entrance by tworger dragons. The small dragon copses to the ground once he gets into the cave.


    "*Huff, huff, huff* cu¡­"


    "Minos, where is Ikarus?"


    "Where is your sister, littlest one?"


    "*Huff, huff* cu, *huff* cu"

 Chapter 6 – Human

    Chapter 6 ¨C Human


    "Num, num, nu- *Yawwnnnn*"


    What happened? Where am I? Not this again.


    ''What kind of strangeness is going on here?''


    I awaken in arge bed in a bedroom fit for a royal. Seriously though, the room looked like something out of a painting or a pce. There was so much expensive crap in here that my first thought was to see how much I could sell it for. I wonder if I was a thief in a previous life?


    But that isn''t even the strangest part, I''m a human again.


    ''Don''t tell me that was all a dream?''


    Yeah, everything I''ve experienced in thest year gets wiped out in seconds, that''s the kind of thing writers love to do, isn''t it?


    Oh God, I''m actually scared that might be the case now.


    I get myself up off the bed to have a look around when I encounter arge mirror in front of me.


    ''Ah, good. I haven''t gone back to my original human body, I''m in the body of a female''


    ¡­


    ''I might be an idiot, why does that make it better!?''


    Getting surprised, I start looking at my appearance in the mirror. Reddish-orange long flowing hair, blood red eyes, long white nightgown, small to average breasts and a ck choker around my neck. Whoever''s body I''m in, it''s beautiful.


    ''Why do I have a chok- no, don''t focus on that! System, are you there?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    ''Whose body is this?''


    [<¡­>]


    ''You don''t know system?''


    [<-User- is incredibly stupid>]


    ''Damn it system, you don''t have to be such a dick. I thought it might be my body but I got told a human form is impossible right now. Do you know why I look like this?''


    [-User- has enchanted piece of clothing on>]


    ''Enchanted piece of clothing? The choker, right?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    So, someone must have put this on me while I was in bird form? It must rescale then since my neck is now smaller than it was when I was a bird.


    Looking at myself in the mirror again, I start getting flustered from my appearance. I just look that good.


    ''I can''t stop looking at myself, I''m bing a narcissist''


    Seriously though, this appearance I couldn''t make any better if I tried. It wasn''t insanely beautiful but to me, this was ideal. Like my parents'' human bodies seemed to fit their dragon looks, this just seemed to perfectly suit my phoenix body.


    ''I''m embarrassing myself now, I''ve got to stop''


    I shake my head and stop looking at the mirror, my face must be as red as a tomato right now. I''ve got to stop thinking about myself. Need to force myself to think about something stupid.


    ''Ummm¡­ my gender! Ah damn it, I really miss my manhood! Why is this world so cruel to me? My little buddy is nevering back. Looking like this is absolutely terrible, why must I endure such a terrible curse?''


    If it isn''t obvious, everything that was just thought is sarcastic.


    ''Shut it! I might have a split personality''


    Anyway, as I''m having a serious gender crisis, a man enters into the bedroom with a maid behind him. He doesn''t even knock as well though.


    "Morning! It''s a pleasure we finally get to meet. Did you sleep okay?"


    Blonde short hair, green eyes, royal styled white clothing and has an imposing look to him. The maid had ear length ck hair with a traditional style maid costume on.


    The thing about the maid though is that she wasn''t actually human. She had ck cat ears, greenish-yellow feline eyes and a long thin ck tail. Thing is though, this wasn''t that surprising to me since both my parents had told me about different kinds of beast races beforehand. Oh, can''t forget, there are also elves in this world as well. I bet elves look cool.


    ''Phew, it''s good my preferences haven''t changed though''


    I think this because I feel absolutely nothing looking at him, he''s the type of guy I could imagine dozens of women swooning over. Thankfully, I''m still very much into women. Wait, shouldn''t I be into birds or dragons now? Oh, forget it, I''m being stupid again.


    There is a slight problem that might arise though, I don''t think anyone canpare to how I look, I''m not even exaggerating. I guess the maid is a little cute but I look way better. Okay, I have be a narcissist. I''m going to fluster myself again if I keep this up.


    "W-Why am I here?"


    "My men told me you could talk but actually hearing you speak¡­ is something else"


    He''s a perve, isn''t he? He''s even got that pervert smile and seems unnecessarily happy. Why else would I be here if he wasn''t?


    "To answer your question, I have quite the interest in anima-"


    "That''s disgusting"


    I blurt that out with a disgusted look on my face without thinking.


    ¡­


    "Ahahahahaha¡­ no no, I don''t mean like that. You''re quite an intelligent bird, aren''t you?"


    "Stopplimenting me and get to your point"


    I''m starting to get annoyed with this guy. I know how good I am, stopplimenting me and give me a proper answer. I''m bing arrogant as well now.


    "Fine fine then. I have an interest in acquiring and collecting different and rare animal species"


    "You mean like a zoo?"


    "A zoo? I don''t believe I''ve ever heard of that term"


    For God''s sake, I''m not exin to him what a zoo is. He and his smile are both irritating me even more. As for the maid, she''s just chilling behind us not saying a word or making an expression kind of like a doll.


    "*Sigh*¡­ Can you please just exin to me what going on then?"


    I facepalm while sighing, this guy is tiring, I know I''m a little impatient but still.


    "Okay then. Can you remember what happened in the forest?"


    "Yes. You tried to capture me and my brother"


    "That dragon was your brother? Why does a rare species of bird have a dragon for a brother?"


    I shouldn''t have said that, the thing is, if I tell him I''m a one of kind collectable phoenix, then more problems might happen. I''ll change the subject and ask something else.


    "It''s a littleplicated. Anyhow, why did I be human and how did you get me here?"


    I already know the answer to the first question but it seems like something I would ask if I didn''t have my system. The second I''m a little confused on.


    "I''ll start with the second question since it makes more sense to answer that first. A big carriage carried you from the forest to my home"


    I feel like he emphasized the word big there, I''ll ignore it since he''s not pressuring me on my species but I don''t like it still.


    "As for the second question, you''ll find that enchanted cor upon your neck is the reason. I personally crafted it and had to give it you once I heard you could speak"


    "H-Hang on a s-second, how did I get clothed after it got put on?"


    Of course, I stutter because I''m thinking about myself naked, just stop it brain! Doesn''t that mean he also saw me naked?


    "Ah, this is a good time to introduce my maid since that was her work. Say hello Kia! She is also an animal in human skin just like you"


    She says nothing but just nods her head.


    ''Wait a second, she''s an animal? Status''


    [Name: Kia | Species: Panther | Level: 71]


    [Health  5,085/5,650]


    [Stamina 4,117/5,000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    [You currently have 500 unused points]


    ''Hang on, when did I level up? Ah forget it, there''s too much going on right now. Need to check the guy''s status as well''


    [Name: ke | Species: Human | Level: 163]


    [Health  7,100/7,100]


    [Stamina 7,892/8,100]


    [Magicka 1,100/1,100]


    [You currently have 500 unused points]


    ''Damn it, his stats are too high and he probably knows magic even if its low. Need another approach then fighting my way out''


    After the status disappears, he conveniently continues.


    "Unfortunately, she cannot speak and is as dumb as a mule. One of the side effects from using a ve crest to tame and calm a wild animal"


    "ve crest?"


    "Interested? I''ll show you what it''s capable off. Kia, down!"


    Then the cat like maid goes down on all fours. Looking at this, I start to get slightly anxious that might end up being me.


    ''System, would that ve thing work on me?''


    [<Negative, R.P system -users- cannot be magically enved>]


    ''Phew. I assume the choker isn''t rted then?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    Sensing my slight fear, he tries to reassure me and still keeps his pervert smile going on.


    "You don''t need to worry! The thing is, since you''re able to speak, I don''t wish to turn you into a brainless husk like my other servants. Kia, you can stand now"


    The maid stands back up.


    He wants to turn me into one of his servants, doesn''t he? He is into animals but it just isn''t as perverse as I first thought. I''m still really irritated and want to kick him in the crotch though.


    "If you think I''m bing your servant, you have another thinging buddy"


    "Really? And what would that be?"


    "Death!"


    "Are you threating me, little bird?"


    The atmosphere in the room turns bad and he drops his smile after that. Despite this, I''m now going to tell him the ace up my sleeve.


    "I have no need for threats. I just want to point out that I was raised by a family of dragons and once they know where I''ve been taken, they won''t be pleased"


    If I keep relying on my parents for everything, then I know I''ll probably be a spoilt brat. The problem right now though is that I don''t know if my kicking strength carries over into human form and if I''d be able to fight him even at full strength. I have no choice but to rely on them.


    "I¡­ don''t believe you"


    "You don''t believe me!? Your men literally caught me freeing a dragon. How stupid can you be?"


    His face really got irked at being called stupid, that really must have pissed him off. He quickly puts back on a fake smile and continues.


    "Just because you were caring for a young dragon doesn''t mean I''m going to believe that a family of dragons would adopt a chubby orange bird"


    ''Chubby!? He literally just called me little a second ago! I''m going to kill hi-''


    [<G.A.P suggests -user- should calm themselves and evaluate situation>]


    ''Damn it, I know you''re right system. I can''t take the risk but being called chubby makes me want to peck out his eyes''


    Calming myself from thatment, I briefly then respond to him.


    "It doesn''t matter what you think is true or not because I''ve only told you the truth. I''ll also repeat myself again, there is zero chance I''m going to be your servant, capiche?"


    I would have been a bit more careful with my words if I knew that ve thing would work but since system seems adamant it won''t, that threat will hold no wait if he uses it.


    "We''re in no rush to decide. There''s a perfectlyfortable spot down in the dungeon for you to live until you make up your mind"


    "Turning to torture now, little man?"


    "Have no need for such a barbaric thing. I reckon trapping a bird in a cage will get you chirping for help pretty quickly. Guards"


    I guess being called a little man didn''t irritate him, kind of hoping it would.


    After this is said, a handful of knights or guardse into the room. I don''t have the chance to check their levels but really don''t think fighting here is a good idea.


    "Don''t worry, I''lle with you and make sure you get into your temporary home safety!"


    Damn it, this guy is annoying.


    __________


    "Oh, I forgot to mention something as well. That thing on your neck won''te off. Enjoy some your time down here, there will be a guard outside the door so call when you want to give up!"


    The man and the knights leave me alone to my own devices. The thick heavy door ms behind them and the sound of keys locking the door is then heard.


    I''m currently in a small dimly lit dungeon prison cell. Everything is either made of metal or steel. In the cell, all I have is a stone bed and a wooden bucket, this cell is so basic that there''s not even a barred window for light to get in. Outside the cells metal bars, I can see shackles, restraints and torture equipment.


    ''I thought he said he had no need for torture, maybe it''s to try and scare me?''


    This ce is in the basement of that fancy building which I was just in meaning this dungeon is probably that perverts.


    ''System, was he right about the choker?''


    [<Negative. Enchanted equipment can be removed with surge of magical energy>]


    ''So, since I don''t know magic, that means I can''t remove it myself then?''


    [<¡­>]


    ''Don''t go quiet!? Just say yes, or no?''


    [<-User- is unable to remove enchanted equipment>]


    "*Sigh*"


    I''m going to be stuck down here for a while now, aren''t I? If my parents were true in being able to find my scent, then they should be able to find me leading to this city. But what if they were lying? Parents always lie to their kids because it protects them. I just really hope that isn''t the case now.


    No, no, there''s no way they would lie to me, right? Even if they did lie, they could just destroy every city and town till they find me. That''s not a pleasant idea.


    ''At the very least, I''ve got you to get me through this, don''t I system?''


    [<G.A.P is unfortunately stuck with -user->]


    ''Love you too, you annoying piece of shit''


    {<¡­>}


    ''Hey system, I killed someone earlier, didn''t I?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    With everything going on, I waspletely distracted, didn''t have the time to reflect on it yet. It''s kind of making me feel a bit sick thinking about it, had no choice but to do it though, he attacked me first. I needed to protect Minos at all costs, he''s too innocent for all this.


    I go to sit down on the bed and try to distract myself since I''m feeling distressed now.


    ''Errmm¡­ Oh, I need to check that. Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 9]


    [Health  2000/2000]


    [Stamina 1344/1500]


    [Magicka 500/500]


    [You currently have 500 unused points]


    ''Does stress reduce your stamina as well? System, don''t answer that. I''d rather know why I levelled up when I wasn''t close to nine yet?''


    [<G.A.P is unsure. Needs to run system check for answer. Scan may take a while>]


    ''A system check? That''s new''


    [<Scanning>]


    While the system is looking for an answer, I put an additional five hundred points in stamina.


    [Stamina 1344/1500] [+500]


    [Are you sure you wish to confirm?]


    [Yes or No]


    ''A confirmation message? I guess it''s because I''m doing it manually. System normally does it for me''


    I press yes and the points get distributed into stamina. Once they have been added, the system scan finishes.


    [<G.A.P has found answer. -User- has revealed sub-system ability -contract killer->]


    ''Contract killer?''


    [<When -user- kills human species, -user- gains 10% of human''s level>]


    ''The guy I killed was level sixt- wait a minute, that makes no sense at all. This would go against the way EXP has been working thus far''


    [<G.A.P agrees with -user-. Ability -contract killer- works differently to EXP gained by ignoring -user''s- level>]


    ''By ignoring my level? Let me get this straight then, if I kill a creature that is level one hundred, I would gain ten levels? My level has no effect on the result?''


    [<-Partially correct. Contract killer- is only applicable to killing humanoid species. Elf and beast races included>]


    ''Urgh¡­ this levelling system does my head in. Basically, to summarize, killing high level humans as well as elves and beast races is really good for quickly levelling?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    ''The why has this onl- No, I know why it''s just now unlocked. It''s because I killed someone''


    __________


    ''It really is cold down here''


    I''m still in the cell sitting on the bed with my arms hugging my legs, still with the nightgown on. The dungeon is surprisingly cold and the thin piece of clothing doesn''t help that much.


    It''s been maybe a few hours? I''m not sure, I''ve just been chatting with system for most of it.


    Then without warning, a ttering can be heard at the door. Unfortunately, it''s only a guard unlocking the door.


    He enters holding a wooden te of fruits and bread as well as arge cup of water.


    "I''m sorry for how the lord is treating you. He really isn''t that bad once you get past his quirks"


    "Quirks? I guess locking me down here in this shithole is another quirk then?"


    That response was a little feisty if I''m being honest, I''m not holding up very well. My ustrophobia is always on edge being in here and if it wasn''t for me distracting myself with system, I might have already begged to leave.


    "He will eventually calm down and let you out, he can just get a bit grumpy when he feels insulted"


    "Let me go? He was telling me abou-"


    I forcibly get myself cut short also getting thrown off the bed to the ground after feeling the ground rapidly start shaking. The guard also gets knocked over and the food and drink he was holding goes everywhere.


    "Ah damn it, is that an earthquake?"


    "No¡­ That''s something, much, much worse"


    I''ve felt that feeling once before. The guard now looks worried and even I have a slight worry on my face.


    "I warned that guy this would happen. By God, I did warn him"

 Chapter 7 – Devastation

    Chapter 7 ¨C Devastation


    The guard getting a little startled from my vagueness wants to investigate but before he gets to the door, I can''t help but speak.


    "It''s toote"


    "What do you mean it''s toote?"


    "What I mean is, if you go outside now, you will die"


    "J-Just what''s happening out there?"


    I almost feel sorry for him, only time I got this fearful was with heights. This is a much, much worse.


    "Dragons"


    "Y-You weren''t lying?"


    Oh, this guard must have been listening to my conversation with the pervert guy, whatever his name was again.


    Why am I telling him this? Unlike that lord, he seems like an alright guy. He doesn''t deserve what''s happening right now.


    The world around us shakes massively again throwing the guard to the ground again, I didn''t get upst time because I knew this would happen again. Then, the faint sound of a voice can be heard.


    "Where --- heck -- my --------?"


    Then without warning, the voice gets much clearer and louder.


    "BASTARRDDDSSSS!!!"


    The entire dungeon shook even more than before withrge parts of the walls and ceiling crumbling around me and the guard. He now looks terrified and shell shocked as well.


    ''I appreciate the rescue but I''d rather not be crus-''


    <LITTLE ONE!!>


    Father cut off my thoughts with his voice being the loudest I''ve ever heard inside my head.


    ''Damn, that''s loud fath-''


    <Little one, I need to find you, NOW! Your mother is wreaking havoc>


    He cut me off again, what the hell is going on up here? Fathers voice inside my head even sounds fearful as well. Was that mothers voice cursing earlier?


    And how can he evenmunicate with me? Oh, the ceiling of the dungeon has copsed. I can even see the rubble of the manor I was in before. I need to get out as soon as possible.


    "Guard! You need to let me out now otherwise every person in the city is screwed"


    The guard who was out of it quickly realizes he needs to do something.


    "U-Uhh¡­ O-Okay!"


    He rapidly gets out his keys and unlocks the jail cell. I get up off the floor and leave the cell with him.


    "Lead the way, now!"


    "O-Okay"


    I start following him out of the prison and we quickly end up back at that fancy manor. Instantly, I notice the destruction around me. The entire fancy manor is practically rubble with destruction everywhere.


    And that''s not the only thing, bodies. I can see limbs sticking out of rubble piles obviously being crushed by the roofing down.


    ''Haven''t got the time for this''


    I quickly go to one of the copsed walls and try to see what''s going on. The guard is also following me.


    Once I get to where I need to, what I can see from here is terrifying.


    From this manor which is upon a hill, the sight of an entire city, burned, crushed, ckened and devastated. It almost looks like aftermath of a nuclear bomb. Flying above the ruins is a red creature that appears sorge and so evil, anyone would think it''s the end of the world.


    ''I am be death, the destroyer of worlds''


    "Oh, dear god, please have mercy on our sins"


    The guard falls to his knees and starts praying after seeing the destruction which has fallen upon the city.


    "BURN YOU INSIGNIFICANT RATS!!!"


    The dragon spews fire like a volcano smearing even more of the copsed city ck. Once again, another rumble shakes the ground but thankfully, I can still stand this time.


    ''Okay, need to do this before anything else happens!''


    "MOTHER¡­ CALM, THE FUCK, DOWN!!"


    I shout this as loud as I possibly can hoping I can get her attention. My swearing seems to normally reach her ears.


    "IKARUS!!!"


    <Little one!>


    While the gigantic red dragon turns her head towards my direction and a ck dragon appears from above me, I fall to the ground due to the dragonnguage shaking the area.


    The ck one quicklynds next to me while I''m still staggering to get myself back up. The red one is also rapidly flying over.


    <Little one, thank the gods you''re okay. Your mother couldn''t be contained>


    Was he trying to stop her from doing this? I thought he hated humans.


    Mother thennds crashing into the remaining standing parts of manor ttening even more of it. She then run towards me and once she''s here, she hugs the life out of me.


    <I lost your scent Ikarus, I thought you were gone>


    ''Is it raini- No, it''s not''


    Tears flow from mother''s eyes while she''s clutching me, even I''m trying to hold it in. She really is a little too much.


    "Mother, I can''t breathe"


    <Ah, sorry>


    I could but being in this form next to mother was bing a little intimidating. Imagine the biggest ever dinosaur to ever exist and then imagine a human standing next to it, that was mother''s actual size, just wasn''t as noticeable in phoenix form. I actually have no idea how she hugged without crushing me as well.


    "I appreciate the rescue but¡­ wasn''t that a little much?"


    I feel like I need to tell her off for all this but have no right to. This is all my fault to begin with. If I had just not investigated that corpse in the forest, none of this would have happened.


    <We couldn''t keep following your scent, little one. Me and your mother both thought something bad had happened>


    "Why couldn''t you keep following it?"


    <We didn''t know either but looking at you now, it''s probably because your scent has changed slightly due the that thing upon your neck>


    Ah, yeah. the human form due to the choker. Mother has just about stopped crying and calmed down as well now.


    <Ikarus, who took you and where are they? Was it that human over there?>


    She''s clearly talking about the guard who''s on he''s knees off in the corner clearly trying not to pass out from what he''s witnessing.


    "No, he''s just someone who helped. Mother, I think you have already done enough"


    <She''s right darling. We should probably go home>


    Then I start panicking about something.


    "Wait a second, where''s Minos?"


    <Littlest one is in the cave. If he''s stepped a single paw outside, he''ll be grounded for a decade>


    Ah, good. That''s a massive sigh of relief seeing that he doesn''t have to witness this.


    "Another thing, I don''t know how to take off this choker. Can you get it off without breaking it?"


    Despite all that''s gone on, I still want to keep this. Having a human form with teeth and arms is a real blessing. And I like my appearance too much to throw it away.


    <We''ll sort that out once we get back Ikarus, your fathers right about leaving. We sho-, Dermak?>


    Father has left our conversation and has gone over to the human. Fear takes over the guard and now he''s physically shaking.


    <You helped our daughter, correct?>


    "E-Ermmmm"


    <Is that a yes or no, little mortal?>


    "Y-Y-Yes?"


    Then father puts one of his arms on his own shoulder, grabs a scale and rips it cleanly off. Blood gushes from the wound he just made upon himself.


    <Dermak! You know you can''t d->


    Before she gets a chance to finish, father cuts mother off.


    <Darling, this is only fairpensation¡­ Human! This isn''t an ordinary dragon scale. Use it, sell it, eat it, do whatever your kind does with these. This ispensation>


    "¡­"


    The anxious guard has no clue what to do or say when arge scale is dropped in front of him.


    <Take that and leave. You''re ruining my family''s reunion>


    "O-O-Okay"


    The guard picks up the scale roughly the same size of his entire body and runs out of the building away from sight of us. The dragon scale must have been really light since he was easily able to carry it with him.


    I look over to where he was sitting and can see a small puddle.


    ''Poor guy, think he wet himself''


    It''s pretty understandable. If I was in his position, probably would have done the same. These two dragons did just wipe out his city.


    As we we''re leaving, a small thought enters my mind.


    ''I''m never gonna be allowed out again, am I?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    ''Shut it, system''


    __________


    It''s been several days since the incident that happened and not much has gone on. My parents helped me take the choker off by forcing magic into it and once it opened up, a cloud of smoke appeared around me and I instantly turned back into bird form. Strange feeling but wasn''t terrible.


    After I could actually examine what was on my neck, I instantly noticed a design w.


    There''s no way I can put this back on without arms, damn these wings. You might think why not use my legs and ws to do it? Already tried for close to a day, I''m not even close to being flexible enough. Just means I have to ask for help if I want change form, that doesn''t suck at all.


    As for what''s going on currently, I''m back in the cave on the lovely nest and don''t dare to step foot outside right now after what happened. There is the slight issue that no-one seems to be able to acknowledge what just urred.


    "Are we ever going to speak about what just happened in the city?"


    <Drop it, little one>


    Father gives me a stern look while mother has a sad look to her.


    "I can''t, an entire city just got massacred because of me"


    <IKARUS! I told you to drop it>


    Damn it, I''ve never heard father use my name like that. I should shut up.


    <It''s fine Dermak. You don''t need to do that, I''m the one that''s at fault>


    <That''s not the point, you weren''t the only dragon who went mad. This is one of the times where talking about it will not solve or help anything>


    I''m not sure if I agree with him or not but I''ll let it go, I think even he feels a little guilty for what''s happened. It seems all three us feel responsible for what''s happened.


    ¡­


    The atmosphere in the cave is really tense, I should probably try and ease the tension but I''m not sure how to do it this time.


    "Cu!"


    Thank God for my little adorable brother, he knows when he''s needed. Hees along looking happy and upbeat when the world needed him most.


    <What is it littlest one?>


    <What is it Minos?>


    "Cu, cu cu¡­ Cu!"


    <Really? How interesting>


    <Minos, that''s quite a story>


    Okay, I''m calling these two out now, how the hell can they understand him? This isn''t like a parent pretending to understand their bbering child, they know what he''s saying.


    "I''m don''t get how you two know what he''s saying, I can only ever make out when he''s happy, sad or questioning something"


    <Telekinesis, little one>


    "It''s telepathy! Not- ah, forget it. Why is he able to use it with you but not me?"


    [Just because you''re impatient doesn''t mean your brother has to be. He can''t use it with you yet]


    "I''m not impa- forget it again. What was he talking about anyway?"


    Conversing with these dragons can really get annoying at times, there is no point in arguing with them since father in particr is as stubborn as a mule.


    <Minos was telling us how his heroic sister saved him from the pink people>


    <Littlest one was very convinced by his sister''s ability to kick and sh the rope>


    "Cu!"


    I swear my face is turning red from embarrassment hearing that. I don''t know how since I''m in bird form and I''m more orange but still, I must be.


    "Damn it Minos, don''t be saying stuff like that, I might puke"


    "CU!!"


    He then jumps at me doing that horrible cute rubbing thing he did back when he first hatched. Why the hell is he so adorable, it''s disgusting.


    "Ah- get off¡­ you little-"


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ''What to do, what to do?''


    "You still haven''t entered yet, captain?"


    "Ah, Janine. It''s good to see you again. I''ve been standing here for thest hour trying to figure out what to say"


    Two knights can be seen outside a set of double doors in a hallway of a pce. The male captain is looking extremely stressed holding a paper report while the female knight is looking slightly curious.


    "I thought you only need to report what happened. Wasn''t that right, captain?"


    "That''s not the issue. Depending on how the chancellor reacts, the entire fate of the empire rests on his reaction"


    "It can''t be that bad"


    "You really have no idea the weight of the information I have to give him, Janine"


    The female knight tries to reassure her senior with her persona going slightly upbeat.


    "I think he''s in a good mood today so you should be okay. I''ve got to get going for practice so I''ll see youter captain"


    "Yeah yeah"


    She then gets going leaving the captain alone.


    ¡­


    ''Damn it, I can''t keep dying''


    The captain then enters through the double doors.


    Inside the room, arge meeting room with a long gigantic table and a dozen or so chairs can be seen around it. A huge ss window sits on one side of the room and several royal paintings can be seen on the other side.


    There is only one person sitting at the conference table, he happens to be at the head of the table.


    "Ah, captain Jekyll, you''re finally back. Come take a seat over here"


    "Chancellor Marcello, I would rather stand if that''s alright"


    The chancellor has a very happy look to him while the captain is still looking stressed


    "That''s fine, what do you have to report then?"


    "Chancellor, it might be better if you read the report for yourself"


    The captain walks over to the chancellor and passes him the report. The chancellor only quickly takes a quick nce at it before his reaction overtakes hisposure.


    "IT''S DESTROYED!!? How the fuck has it beenpletely obliterated!? Have the elves caused another uprising?"


    "Sir, elves had nothing to do with this"


    The chancellor looks extremely furious and a vein can be seen bulging on his forehead.


    "Then what the hell caused an entire city to be wiped off the map?"


    "Dragons, sir"


    "Dragons!? Multiple of them? Why did theye out of the mountains to attack a human settlement? They''ve been silent for so long; rumour was they''ve be extinct"


    The chancellor calms a little but is still visibly angry, the captain''s look of stress still hasn''t changed.


    "Sir, that''s not the worst part"


    "There''s worse news?"


    "One of the dragons, chancellor, was more than double the size of an average one, maybe even triple"


    "DOUBLE!?... TRIPLE!!? That can''t be true, we''ve never heard of one being that size. Who made up such a thing?"


    Visible sweat is now dripping from the chancellor''s head onto the table, any anger he had has turned to stress now.


    "Sir, I''ve spoken to multiple survivors and even confirmed the report from a surviving guard on duty. The smaller dragon even gave the guard a dragon scale"


    "A dragon scale? Damn it, that doesn''t matter. What are our options captain Jekyll? Are there any heroes who can handle such a beast?"


    "No, none of them would evene close to that creature. We only have one option chancellor¡­ peace"


    The chancellor now puts his head in his arms t lying on the table, almost like a sulking child.


    "You want to make peace with a couple of dragons that just destroyed an entire city?"


    "What I want is of no concern, sir. The empire has no choice, otherwise, it will end up obliterated. Thatrge dragon might be as old as the Gods themselves"


    "I understand what you mean captain but asking the royal family to forgive such an act will prove difficult"


    "This isn''t a matter of forgiveness sir; this is a matter of survival"


    Both men understand the severity of the situation at hand and are both acting as such. Since human beliefs are that dragon sizepares to age, going to war with a dragon that size would be like going up against a god, it''s not a battle that can be won by mortal hands.


    "Yes, I know but with the royals and forgiveness, it''s basically the same thing as them begging for mercy"


    "Actually sir, asking them to beg to the dragon might help"


    "Damn it Jekyll, this isn''t the time for jokes!... Do we at least know why the dragons attacked in the first ce?"


    "Sir, it wasn''t a joke. Apparently, the ruling lord kidnapped their adopted daughter. The guard himself confirmed as such"


    The chancellor''s raises his head back up and looks slightly less stressed after hearing that.


    "Adopted daughter? Damn that lord ke, they found his body, correct? He really has put us between a rock and a hard ce. If he did such a thing, then maybe the royals might listen to reaso-"

 Chapter 8 – Cooking

    Chapter 8 ¨C Cooking


    "Hey, can you help me with this?"


    <In a second Ikarus, just ying with Minos>


    "Cu cu!"


    Mother''s currently giving Minos a belly rub who''s in the nest. Personally, I''ve never really seen the appeal of it but he is having the time of his life. Father isying around chilling and I''m checking through some stuff I''ve collected.


    I''ve been out collecting various things in preparation to cook with and put them alongside some of my other belongings. As for the items I''ve collected, a wolf for the meat, wood and kindling for the fire as well as a small piece of flint for lighting it I found near a stream.


    Since it wasn''t far away, I was allowed out by myself but the distance I''m allowed to go is extremely limited. If I can''t see the home mountain, then I''ve gone too far. That seems to be the rule for the time being.


    I managed to get this all back in one trip by using my ws holding arge fur I folded up, kind of like it was a shopping bag. Who needs arms anyway? That''s rhetorical, wings suck over arms.


    I''m still missing several things but I don''t know where to get them.


    "*Sigh*¡­ I still need to something like a metal bowl to cook with"


    <Metal little one? Darling, take littlest one out of the nest for a second.


    <Fine, fine>


    "Cu?"


    Mother picks Minos up and then father gets up and goes towards the nest.


    ''What''s he doing?''


    He grabs one side of the nest and yanks it off to the side. There, under the nest, a huge pit filled to the brim full of metal items can be seen.


    My eyes instantly light up, there must be money signals in them as well. The pit reminds me of that duck that''s dives into a pit of gold. God, why must you tempt my greed?


    "How much gold do you two have!?"


    "CU!!!"


    Even Minos shares my greed, even he looks excited siting in mothers'' arms from this sight. I might be a bad influence on him.


    <Once you get to a certain age, little ones, shiny things start losing their appeal>


    <If you''re looking for anything metal Ikarus, it''s probably in there>


    Then looking at the pit, I realize there''s not just money. I can see gleaming jewels, shiny swords, polished armor and pot and pans scattered about with some other things as well.


    ''Dragons and birds must love shiny things then, huh''


    [<Affirmative>]


    ''That was an observation, not a question!''


    "Can you get me arge and small pot as well as a sharp swor- no, several swords out please? I would but, you know, kindacking arms"


    <You can''t keep using that excuse forever, little one>


    "Easy for you to say, you have arms and can fly. I can only do one at a time"


    <Fair point>


    After father answers, he grabs the requested items out of the dragons'' pit and drops them next to me. He then goes back to the nest and folds it back over the stash. This takes him a little while since a lot of the furs are loose and went all over the ce after he lifted it earlier.


    He looks a bit irritated after doing that, the tedious job must have wound him up slightly.


    "Cu¡­"


    Damn it Minos, your sad cu''s won''t work on them, I think?


    <There''s no point getting depressed, littlest one>


    <It''s not going anywhere Minos. You get to sleep on top of a big pile of money every night!>


    "Cu!"


    Well, that cheered him up, mother ces him back down on the floor as well now.


    "Now that issue is sorted, I only need two more things now"


    <Damn it, little one>


    "I just need help with putting on that choker and getting clothing"


    There''s no way I''m walking around this cave naked, partly for Minos''s sake and partly for my own. The longer I''m naked for, the redder and more flustered I''ll turn. I purposely haven''t turned into a human sinceing back because of that issue, think I like my new body too much and that''s slightly embarrassing. I''m purposely only doing it today since I really want to eat something cooked.


    <Fine then, this is thest request I''m epting this week>


    "I''m not staying in human form for a week"


    <Get your mother to help after, I''m tired>


    Damn this grumpy old dragon. I think mother is in her own little world ying with Minos again so I''ll have to interrupt them if I want to change back quickly.


    Thankfully, the grumpy old dragon grabs a loose fur robe which I think he or mother wore back when they changed form and puts it near me. Then, he goes over where I am, grabs the choker from the floor and puts it on my neck.


    <There you are, little one>


    "Poof"


    As I say that, a cloud of smoke appears around me concealing my body change. While this is happening, father goes back to his spot to rx.


    ''Crap, where did I put that?''


    I''m trying to find that nightgown I brought with me, I left it on the ground near where I was but I''m struggling to find it in the smoke. Thankfully, I find it just in time and put it on sparing my eyes from my nude self. That was way to close!


    "*Sigh*"


    [<-User''s- mind is corrupted>]


    ''Shut it''


    A put on the makeshift robe as well and once I''m clothed, a questiones to mind.


    ''System, I''m guessing that I can''t grow wings like my parents?''


    [<Affirmative. -User- needs to learn magic>]


    __________


    "Haha¡­ burn burn burn!"


    <You could have just asked me for fire Ikarus. I would have cooked that for you>


    "Where''s the fun in that? And you were ying with Minos"


    After twenty minutes or so, I''ve managed to get a fire roaring under a metal pot filled with boiling water hanging from a tripod set up using several swords. Even I''m a little proud on how I''ve managed to achieve this. In particr, lighting the fire with the flint was a piece of cake!


    I chuck a chunk of wolf meat I''ve cut off in to the pot and wait for it to boil.


    While I''m watching this fire, my inner caveman is starting toe out looking at it, fire is good, fire is great! I want to bang some rocks against something as well now.


    As I''m cooking the meat, something funnyes to mind.


    "Hey, my gran could cook better, and she''s dead!... Oi, pinhead, themb is fucking raw!"


    <Ikarus!>


    Wait a second¡­ that didn''t get me smacked? Mother must have held back since she didn''t want to hurt me in human form. I''ve finally found a way to curse and get away with it.


    <What are you talking about, little one?>


    "Just quoting a chef who likes to swear a lot"


    <A chef? Never understood why humans do such a pointless thing like cooking food>


    <I''ve told you this before, humans can''t eat raw meet. Your age is catching up with you Dermak>


    <Hmph>


    Father goes off to sulk like an overgrown child again and wants to head out.


    <I''m going hunting>


    After he says that, a murderous aura surrounds mother and a fake smile appears on her face. Not this again, his cheating is getting boring now.


    <If you''re going where I''m thinking Dermakvar, don''t you think ofing back to this cave>


    <I promise, I''m not! I''m just going hunting this time, I swear!>


    <This time? You still haven''t admitted what happenedst time?>


    <¡­I''m heading off>


    <Dermakvar!>


    Total fear is seen in his eyes while he responds and flees the cave, mother thinks about chasing but decides he''s not worth it.


    After father''s gone and their little spat can''t continue, a little time passes and my food is finally ready. My first meal in this new world that I can actually chew is finally here!


    I take a bite into the boiled wolf and my reaction is instant.


    "My disappointment is immeasurable, and my day is ruined. What a colossal waste of time. I spent that long getting all this crap ready and this is the result? I''m not cooking again, fucki-"


    <Ikarus!>


    "Ouch!... Give me some warning, mother!"


    Turns out, she does still hit me in human form. I''ve got be careful now since I''m smaller and that hurt a lot more.


    As for the food, I knew it wouldn''t taste great since I have no seasoning and it''s a wolf but still,e on! I bet a foot would taste better, that''s not a pleasant thought.


    "Cu?"


    "No Minos, even you don''t want to eat that"


    __________


    <Humans>


    <Dermak, you also smell what they''re riding on?>


    <Yeah, it''s insulting>


    I wake up the following morning hearing both the dragonsmunicating.


    "*Yawwnnnn*¡­ What''s going on?"


    While getting myself up, I wipe my eyes and yawn. I''m still in human form since I thought it might stop Minos cuddling up to me in the nest, didn''t work. He really can be like a puppy sometimes, he''s still asleep as well.


    <Humans are heading towards us, little one>


    <Maybe a dozen, probably less>


    "I''m confused, why are you two so calm about this? Isn''t this bad?"


    I know these two dragons can kill anything but having a group of humans heading to our direction is definitely not good. They almost seem too calm about it.


    <You really can be quite anxious Ikarus>


    "We should be after what happened several months ago"


    ¡­


    The atmosphere in the cave went deathly quiet again due to me bringing up the incident that we don''t discuss. Thankfully, father broke the silence.


    <We''ll find out why they¡¯re here very quickly, little one. They''re flying in this direction now>


    "Flying?... Oh¡­I see, what are they on?"


    I walk to the entrance of the cave while speaking and off in the horizon, I can see around ten knights or so on bird looking creatures flying from the mountain range towards the cave.


    <Wyverns. If the humans wish to send an insult, they couldn''t have sent a more disgusting bird>


    <You''re being racist, Dermak. Their part dragon as well and don''t forget, our daughter is simr>


    <Don''tpare little one to those vile creatures, she''spletely different>


    I''m honestly ignoring these two since I''m curious on something, that conversation would just annoy me anyway. Father''s just talking crap.


    ''Status?''


    [<Target is out of applicable range>]


    ''Thought that might not work''


    Oh, since I''ve got a second before they get in range, I should give an update on my status.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 11]


    [Health  2,500/2,500]


    [Stamina 2,498/2,500]


    [Magicka 500/500]


    Like usual, I''ve been solely investing in stamina and health as well as ignoring magic. If Ipared myself to human standards, I would be around fifty-five but clearly that still isn''t high enough to reasonably defend myself yet. I''ve alreadye across people much higher than that, still remember a glimpse of that mage''s status.


    Now going onto Minos, he has hit level sixteen and has gotten even bigger now, still some ways of my bird form but he''s bigger than my human form at least. As for why I''m unable to show his status, he''s still sleeping. Another limitation of this odd system is that targets who are asleep cannot be viewed. I know, it''s really stupid.


    [<-User- is stupid>]


    ''Damn it system, don''t be interrupting my update like that''


    Back to the present situation. The flying knights on the wyverns are getting closer and closer to the cave. While they''re doing this, father has now joined me by the entrance while mother and Minos are still inside.


    "Father, please y nice"


    <Nice? I''m always nice, little one>


    "No, you''re not. I can tell from your expression that you want kill all of them"


    <Your perception is quite simr to your mother''s>


    Father really doesn''t like humans but at least he can control himself to an extent. Thinking back to that incident again, even he seemed fearful of mother in the city. If I had died, I dread to think what would have happened to the world.


    ''Forget it, that''s not a nice thought''


    As soon as the humans got in close range, father jumps from the cave and starts pping his wings. As soon as he starts gaining altitude, the humans on wyverns stop heading towards us but remain in the sky.


    "Father, DON''T!"


    He ignores my plea and flies up to the stationary wyvern knights.


    I''m worried that he''s only going to make what happened worse. I''m unsure why mother isn''t intervening here.


    Once he gets a suitable distance away, he stops moving towards them and speaks while flying stationary.


    <You''re trespassing here little mortals! State your intentions or face my wrath!>


    "-- ---- --- --- ---- family -- ----, --. ------. -- ---- ---- -- speak -- --- ---- -- --- ------ -- ---- ------"


    ''I''m slightly out of distance to hear what''s being said''


    <Amends? If that''s true, then there isn''t anything in this entire world you can offer to make up for the pain your empire caused my daughter>


    Pain the empire caused me? It''s as if he''s making out what happened was extremely traumatic for me, he''s either trying to shake them down or must really believe that. If he does believe it, fatherspletely delusional. I need to stop him before he says something even stupider.


    <Ikarus, you don''t need to stress so much. Your father knows what he''s doing>


    "Are you sure? I''m worried he''ll just eat them at any second"


    <If he does that, then they probably deserved it>


    She''s no better either, we''re going to end up going to war with the entire world at this rate.


    As the ck dragon and humans were conversing, it wasn''t before long the conversation was just starting to hit its end.


    <Four, if I see any more or less, you will regret it, little mortals>


    "--- ---- -- word"


    Then father turns around and flies back to the cave. The second I notice this, I let out a sigh of relief


    "*Sigh*¡­ that seemed dangerously close"


    Just as father isnding, he uses his telekinesis or telepathy or whatever these stupid dragons use to let out a message.


    <Darling, it''s time to clean up a bit, we have guests unfortunatelying over. You should hide your stuff as well, little one>


    ''Wat?''


    __________


    <No Minos, you can''t eat the pink people when they arrive>


    <Listen to your mother, littlest one. Stay in your nest as well for now>


    "Cu¡­"


    I might be a little out of it slightly, how have I gone from be worrying about world peace to a couple of dragons inviting humans over?


    The way the two adult dragons are going around and moving stuff trying to make the cave look cleaner is baffling to me. Reminds me of when my human parents used to do this type of thing when guests came over or a party happened.


    ''Are these dragon''s more human than I thought?''


    Even the poop corner has been cleaned. Yes, I know, that''s disgusting but me and Minos both had to use it before we could fly and go outside. Even now, that''s still a massive encouragement for me slowly getting over my fear of heights.


    But still, they''re grabbing handfuls of water from our drinking reservoir and sshing it about on the cave floor, then using their arms like a mop to clean it.


    Anything loose has been put under the nest including my random assortment of stuff I''ve collected throughout the time I''ve spent here. Still got my clothes on since I haven''t changed back from human form yet. I won''t ask to change since a bunch of humans are about to enter a dragons'' den, maybe seeing someone who looks human might ease up tensions?


    Just as I''m finallying to grips with what''s going on, both my parents finish up and four wyverns can be seen flying into the cave entrance.


    <Why are we doing such a mundane thing for a bunch of mortals? Those birds are pointless as well>


    <Dermak, shut it! Ikarus, I don''t want to hear you make a single curse, okay?>


    Just as theynd their wyverns into the cave, I notice two familiar faces.

 Chapter 9 – Peace Treaty

    Chapter 9 ¨C Peace Treaty


    <Wee to our cave! You''ve already met Dermak but the others here are my children Minos and Ikarus. Please, take a seat anywhere you like. We don''t have any chairs but the nest isfortable enough, Minos would definitely agree since he''s practically attached to it>


    "Cu!"


    While mother was greeting the visitors, my anger started to rapidly grow upon seeing one of the people.


    [<-User- must remain calm]


    ''I know system, I''m trying to. Status''


    [Name: Jekyll | Species: Human | Level: 158]


    [Health  7,600/7,600]


    [Stamina 8,022/8,200]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Alistair | Species: Human | Level: 273]


    [Health  9,100/9,100]


    [Stamina 7,123/9,100]


    [Magicka 9,100/9,100]


    ----------


    [Name: Leone | Species: Human | Level: 325]


    [Health   8,000/10,000]


    [Stamina   7,350/7,500]


    [Magicka 15,000/15,000]


    ----------


    [Name: Nathan | Species: Human | Level: 21]


    [Health 1,100/1,100]


    [Stamina 878/1000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''Why is Leone, the mage who caught me in that here? The guard who helped me is here as well, that Nathan guy''


    Describing the four visitors'' appearances, Jekyll has greying short hair, looked in his forties or fifties and seemed to be in charge of the four. Alistair has blonde short hair with bright blue eyes but judging off his level, he was purposely hiding who he really was.


    The only person who wasn''t dressed in armor was the mage, Leone. She has bleached-white long hair, light-grey eyes and was dressed in a white dress. Thest of the four was the guard, Nathan. Short brown hair, brown eyes and looked the most average and out of ce out of the four.


    (Jekyll) "It''s a pleasure to meet you and your family, Miss dragon. We would prefer to stand though. I''m captain Jekyll and we''re representing the empire ining here today"


    (Alistair) "Greetings"


    (Leone) "¡­"


    (Nathan) "H-Hello again"


    Strangely enough, only Jekyll and Nathan seemed to be looking visibly stressed. The other two didn''t seem to care looking at the two monstrosities in the cave.


    I think the only reason the guard is here might be because he''s the only one who''s actually already experienced these two monsters in the flesh, he really seems out of ce out of the four.


    "If you don''t mind, battlemage Leone and my blonde subordinate will wait by the cave entrance. Since they hold a fair amount of strength, I don''t wish for us to appear as a threat in your home"


    <As you wish>


    Both the captain and the guard enter further into the cave while the other two remain by the entrance looking after the wyverns. As for our family, Minos is still in the nest, mother and father are both together on one side of the cave and I''m on the other.


    ¡­


    The atmosphere in here is beyond tense, both sides have no idea how to start or what to say. Thankfully, father tries to calm the atmosphere.


    <Human who helped my daughter, what did you do with my scale in the end?>


    "I-I turned it into some a-armor for a wyvern"


    ''Damn it, why did it have to be a wyvern? It could have been anything, why a wyvern?''


    <R-R-Really!?>


    Father is really pissed but even he''s trying desperately to keep it in, turns out he does have more self-control than I thought.


    ''I''ve got to do something here''


    With that thought, I step in and try to be the peacemaker behind this operation.


    "Why have you alle here?"


    [<-User- is blunt and stupid>]


    ''Don''t get involved system, zip it''


    After I speak, both my parents give me a re, it''s clear they want me to shut it. Thankfully, my bluntness gets the conversation rolling.


    "Very well. My goal ining here today is to ensure the future of the empire by any and all means necessary"


    <Is that a threat, little mortal?>


    Father seemed to be faking his anger at that, it did intimidate them though, the two men looked more stressed and even looked like they were sweating now.


    "No no no, if that came across as a threat, I can only apologize. We''re here because we wish to enter into a peace treaty with you"


    <A peace treaty? You said you were here to make amen->


    <We are more than happy to entertain such an idea!>


    Motherpletely cuts off father in a stern way, even I was a bit surprised by her reaction.


    <Erm¡­ honey, what are you doing?>


    <This isn''t the time to try and intimidate the humans Dermak>


    <I''m negotiating from a position of power>


    <We''re looking for peace Dermak, not war>


    Seeing the two dragons argue like an old married couple slightly eases the tension from the two humans, I''m sure I saw the blonde man by the entrance give a little chuckle as well but might be my imagination.


    <Since Dermak''s intent is only to try and shake your empire down, I''ll lead now, okay?>


    <Hmph>


    "Erm, okay then, Miss Kellearzar. To start with, we would like to apologize for the pain and inconvenience we must have caused your daughter with lord ke''s actions. We see the destruction of the city as a fair consequence of those actions"


    <Your empire is willing to forgive our actions just like that?>


    After mother asks that question, the blonde man by the wyverns joins in the conversation speaking across the cave.


    "Captain Jekyll, I''m going to have join in the conversation now since that is a question you can''t answer"


    "Yes, your highness"


    ''Highness? He''s a prince? Don''t answer system, I''m not actually asking. I wonder why he''s hiding in knights'' armor though''


    The prince leaves the wyverns to the mage and walks over to the other men.


    "In our empire, we value four things over anything else. Strength, honor, integrity and technology. Even though we may hold some distain for what''s happened, we aren''t stupid enough to go against those who hold more strength than us"


    ''System, did he purposely order those four things like that or is their empire stupid with abbreviations? It literally makes S.H.I.T''


    [<-User- is being childish>]


    Even mother gives me a death re now, I''m not the only one who realized that.


    The prince then swiftly continues on.


    "Even though that city has set our empire back a lot, we have no choice but to put down what''s happened due to unforeseen consequences. Now that I''ve met your children as well, I canpletely understand why you would go to such lengths to protect them both"


    "Cu!"


    ''Is that supposed to be apliment? That makes me feel slightly sick''


    Mother seemed happy with her children beingplimented but father didn''t, if anything, that''s made him be angry again, not sure why though.


    <While your empire is willing to ept what''s happened, I still feel a need to apologize for what''s happened. I don''t enjoy hurting humans and have never any ill intent to your species¡­>


    Mother''s humble attitude surprised the blonde man slightly, the other two men as well seem to have calmed down massively as well. Mother still continues on to instantly ruin it though.


    <¡­However, my anger bes uncontroble when one of my own is in danger. The continent in the north is proof of that>


    Then confusion appears on the prince''s face.


    "Excuse me, Miss Kellearzar. I don''t believe there is a continent in the north"


    <There was half a millennium ago>


    ''Damn, what did you do mother?''


    ¡­


    The atmosphere in the cave turns tense again, all three men look stressed. The prince eventually manages to regain the situation though.


    "Well¡­ anything that''s happened in the past isn''t our issue. Despite your humble nature, I would still like to ask if there''s anything our empire can do or provide you with, please let us know"


    "Prince Alistair and the royal family are known for being extremely generous and wealthy, there isn''t anything they can''t realistically get their hands on"


    <Me and my family really don''t have much need for mary need though>


    While mother is saying that, me and Minos both look at each other with devious looks. There is no point turning down free generosity, even if it''s from fear.


    <Killing all those flying rats you''re on would be a good start>


    <Dermakvar!>


    ''He just couldn''t let it go, could he?''


    "You must hold some distaste for wyverns, Mr Dermakvar? I reckon there is a mutually beneficially agreement we could work on together regarding that issue"


    Then father slowly approaches towards the prince, he looks like a kettle about to blow, he actually is pissed now. The captain thinks about going for his sword but the prince gives him a look not to, obviously knowing it would be pointless.


    <Let me get something straight human, dragons don''t work with mortals. Mortals work under dragons or provide us with a chew toy>


    "Ahem, allow me to rephrase that slightly then. I say work with since we''re unable to hunt wild wyverns ourselves, we can only tame younglings or breed our own. I''ve also heard rumors that dragons despise the wyvern king?"


    <You dare mention that name!!>


    Keeping hisposure from the terrifying raging dragon, the prince then continues.


    "If you wish for the destruction of the entire species of wyvern, it might prove impossible. What I was referring to is a joint operation that could benefit both sides by destroying the wyvern king and all wild wyverns. The empire shares your disdain for them"


    Then upon hearing this, any malice towards the humanspletely disappears and father lightens up instantly.


    <Why didn''t you lead with that? There is nothing more disgusting than the wyvern king. I''d even allow humans to ride me into battle if it''s against someone like that>


    <Damn it, Dermakvar! Stop it with your racism towards wyverns>


    ''Father is such a hypocrite''


    The prince lets out a slight chuckle after that. The other two men seem to be slightly moreposed as well now and father has gone back to where he was before.


    "Since we''ve somewhat foundmon ground, is there anything else that we can provide your family with? Even if it''s something for your children, perhaps?"


    <Ikarus, Minos, is there anything you two want?>


    "Cu?"


    ''Do I want anything?''


    I need to give this some thought, what do I want? I might as well make the most out of this since they''re offering but I''m a little unsure what to answer.


    While I''m pondering for my answer, Minos gets up off the nest and runs towards the three men. Despite him being bigger than them, they don''t seem to feel any fear towards him.


    "Cu!"


    "You''re a cute little fellow, aren''t you?"


    "I agree, your majesty"


    "Y-Yes he is"


    Minos then looks towards our parents asking something.


    "Cu, cu?"


    <No Minos! Not that!>


    <No littlest one>


    ''He''s thinking of eating the pink people, isn''t he?''


    "Cuu?"


    The prince smiles towards Minos but clearly hasn''t got a clue what he''s saying.


    "Apologies but I''m unsure what he''s asking about"


    <He asked for something bad but now he''s talking about shiny metal>


    "Shiny metal? Like gold and silver? The cute Minos want''s some money? That could be arranged"


    "CU!"


    Minos starts rubbing his head up against the prince. He clearly doesn''t lookfortable with it but he just smiles and ignores him. However, Minos quickly grows tired of it once he realizes he''s not getting a reaction, he then heads back to the nest.


    "Ikarus was it? Anything you desire?"


    The prince now looks towards me, I''ve thought of an answer but I''m unsure if it''s realistic or not. Mostly because of my parents.


    "Learning magic or how to use a sword isn''t the worst idea"


    <Little one¡­>


    <Why do you keep worrying about such things, Ikarus?>


    Father clearly looks annoyed at my response and mother is unsure, this is why I was worried about my answer. As for the prince, he just looks like he''s having a deep think about something.


    "Boredom, I guess? Oh, it''s also as father always says, I''m impatient. I don''t want to wait decades to learn anything good like magic since I can''t always just rely on you two forever"


    "Magic?"


    Then I hear another voice join in from the wyverns, the mage must have heard me say magic. She doesn''t however move from the flying animals or follow it up though.


    ''Damn it, that mage again. I was doing well at ignoring her existence''


    <My daughter is bing all grown up and mature. Next thing, you''re going to be asking to leave the nest. Do you dislike your father that much?>


    <Hey, I didn''t do anything!>


    "I''m not even going to give that a response"


    The prince who has now found his answer waits for our stupid conversation to end, then joins back in.


    "Well¡­ something like that wouldn''t be impossible to arrange, it''s just that these sorts of things normally happen in academies or learning institutions. I get the feeling your parents wouldn''t agree to you being away for potentially years?"


    <Correct>


    <I''m forced to agree>


    ''My overprotective dragon mother, can I really me her seeing what she didst time I was in danger?''


    "Then, the best bet would be getting some highly skilled individuals to mentor her, preferably a skilled swordsman and an experienced mage"


    "I''ll volunteer"


    The mage volunteers herself over by the wyverns when the prince finishes his sentence. However, I can''t control myself any longer. Despite me being a bird, I might have the temper of a dragon.


    [<-User- shoul->]


    ''Fuck off system, I''m not listening anymore. Mother, I''ll apologizeter, just help me take this damn thing off''


    She definitely heard that but she didn''t scold me, think she could tell I was fuming.


    "Do you not recognize me, mage? Maybe a change of form might recollect your memory?"


    While saying this, I walked over to mother to get the choker off. The dragon lightly tapped it with her paw and my form switched back to bird. Once the smoke dissipated, I red in her direction and spoke again.


    "You recognize me now or do you need to summon another?"


    ¡­


    Seeing my changed form got a look of surprise from the guard and the captain but the other two didn''t have any reaction at all to the bright orange elephant sized bird in front of them.


    "I''m sorry Miss Ikarus, but I already knew about your phoenix form. I was hoping to make amends regarding what happened to you and your brother in the forest"


    It was at this moment, I realized I''m more stupid than I ever thought. Of course, she could have reasonably figured out the dragons'' daughter was the creature she caught back then. How does she know about my species though?


    "How did you know I''m a phoenix?"


    "Isn''t it obvious? There aren''t any other bird species of your size other than wyverns"


    <Careful little mortal, don''tpare my daughter to a flying rat>


    "That wasn''t an insult, Mr dragon"


    The way she said that made it seem like the phoenix isn''t an extremely rare and potentially extinct species. Somehow, that response seemed to calm me down a lot as well. My mind also seemed to be fixated on the way she acted and spoke as well, she seemed a little dead inside, emotionless perhaps? I don''t think her choice of words matched though.


    "Anyway¡­ looks we have the mage sorted. Captain Jekyll, would you be willing to teach Miss Ikarus how to use the sword?"


    ''When did I agree to be taught by her?''


    "If his highness wishes for it, then I would be most happy to"


    "So, that''s all sorted then. It''s probably time to start wrapping things up since we seem to be in agreement that we have no ill intent towards each other"


    <Don''t the human species like to sign things in paper for agreements and the like?>


    Mother did have a fair point to be fair but theposed prince had an answer already prepared.


    "We''ve never had to speak with any dragons before, Miss Kellearzar, so this type of thing is better left unofficial as to not draw up public attention. Don''t want people worrying needlessly about matters rted to alliances with dragons"


    <We''re only an alliance against the wyverns, little mortal>


    ''Damn it father, even I''m getting annoyed by your racism now''


    "My apologies, poor choice of words. Is the term acquaintances more eptable?"


    <Much more eptable>


    "Then we''ll use that going forward. Since we''ve already taken up so much of your time today, we''ll say our farewells and get everything sorted on our end, it may take some time but we look forward to our following rtionship Mr and Miss dragon"


    (Jekyll) "Farewell"


    (Leone) "¡­"


    (Nathan) "B-bye"


    Prince Alistair gives a slight wave while he and the three men starts to walk back to the flying birds and the mage.


    Once they get back to the wyverns and just as the four humans were just about to set off, father just couldn''t let something go and had to speak to the guard Nathan. Unfortunately for the guard, his stress levels would quickly rise once again.


    <Human who helped. Before you leave, we mustmunicate>


    "Y-yes?"


    "O-Okay"


    <You just couldn''t let it go, could you Dermak?>


    Once all the humans got back on their wyverns and flew off, arge paw approached my direction.


    "Ouch¡­ what was that for?"


    <I told you not to curse, Ikarus>


    "That telekinesis or telepathy thought crap doesn''t count and besides, that mage captured both me and Minos. My swear was justified"


    <She was the one who did it!?!>


    Oh shit, I shouldn''t have told her that. How didn''t she get that from the conversation we just had anyway?


    I bet I can calm her down though, all I need to do is keep swearing, that''ll distract her!

 Chapter 10 – Battlemage

    Chapter 10 ¨C Battlemage


    Once the peace negotiations for the fate of the entire world were sorted, the next couple of months were a little odd.


    To start with, we would regrly get messengers and visitorsing by exchanging information with both my parents. Most of it was boring nonsense so I ignored it but both my parents seemed to be fascinated by what had been going on in the human world as such.


    Father has a part time job as well now, the unofficial wyvern hunter of the empire. The human messengers give him locations of high-risk wild wyvern nest locations and he goes to obliterate them. Mother especially hates it since sometimes, hees back home drenched head to toe in wyvern blood with a big grin upon his face.


    As for me and Minos''s requests, Minos got his own little pile of money to himself which he now sometimes sleeps upon, I may be slightly greedy but even I wouldn''t do that. On to my request, some things needed to be sorted beforehand since both of the mentors would need to move out here temporally since we''re so far away from any human settlement. I haven''t actually started learning anything yet.


    A small cabin in the woods was swiftly built close to our mountains for the two humans since there wasn''t any other ce they could stay.


    Mother offered for them to stay in the cave but since the only way into the cave was by flying, realistically, they couldn''t stay since they would basically be stuck and could only ever rely on being flown in and out by the dragons or me.


    Reason for why they couldn''t use a wyvern, it should be obvious that father wouldn''t agree to having a flying rat living in the cave. I also think from the human''s point of view, living alongside two dragons might take ten or twenty years of your life, it''s not exactly a calming experience.


    Ah, can''t forget my mandatory status update for when I level up, this time around since I should be hopefully learning magic, I decided to invest into magicka. Unfortunately, I''ve only levelled up once since then because levelling on wild creatures is bing more of a grind now.


    It took roughly one hundred animals to get from eleven to twelve. Problem is, I can''t exactly clear out the entire forest for EXP since our family won''t have any food left, the only other alternative is hunting humans but that doesn''t seem like the best idea after what happened in the city.


    Back onto showing my stats.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 12]


    [Health  2,500/2,500]


    [Stamina 2,341/2,500]


    [Magicka 1,000/1,000]


    "I''d prefer if you don''t use that ability around me"


    Who said that was battlemage Leone, both me and her are in an empty part of the forest while I was giving my update for my first lesson in magic. I''m unsure on how she knew what I was doing.


    "Wait a second, can you see it as well?"


    "No, I can''t, just your eyes fill with magic when you use whatever that is. It''s the third time I''ve seen you do it now"


    "Third?"


    "First in the, second in the cave, third now"


    Ah, that exins it. As for why I''m able to control my anger at the capture incident now, the reward seems too good to let my anger consume me. I still hold a little grudge towards her but can put it aside for learning magic.


    "Ah, okay then. Before we start, can you help me put this thing on?"


    I''m of course talking about the choker since I''m still in bird form, had to fly over here since I came from the cave. Also made sure to bring my clothes with me in a fur bag I made. Thinking about it, I should have asked for more human clothes when the prince was here. Nightgown and a fur robe aren''t exactly suitable clothing.


    "¡­"


    ''Why isn''t she responding? Did I say something stupid like what happens with system?''


    It takes her a second to realize why I want to change form, once she does, she gives her response.


    "You don''t need arms to learn magic"


    ''Damn it, I did say something stupid. She really does seem a bit emotionless though, like a human doll''


    "Hang on then, how am I supposed to turn myself into a human methrower without arms then?"


    That thought is pretty badass to be honest.


    "Human methrower? I think you misunderstand how magic works, Miss Ikarus"


    It was a joke but I have next to no idea on how magic actually works, rough idea on how dragon tongue kind of works but that''spletely different. Does that sound weird? Oh, who cares if it does? That''s what it''s called anyway.


    "Well, the information I have is from two dragons who disagree with all human magic teachings. Ah, and drop the Miss, don''t like it"


    "Okay then, Ikarus. What do you think magic actually is?"


    What magic actually is? I''ll just make up something that sounds cool.


    "The secrets of the universe and power, something like that?"


    "Wrong. Magic is only one thing, luck"


    ''Luck? What kind of a weird magic system is this? This teacher might be a bit wacky''


    "Luck?"


    "I exaggerate slightly but my words hold an element of truth. If you''re not lucky enough to be born with magic, then you can never learn it"


    Then the mage stretches out her arm towards me, mutters something under her breath and then a appears in the air above me.


    "Damn it, not that sted thing again!"


    I''ve found myself trapped under her stupid again. Why is that thing so bloody heavy?


    "If you don''t like it, get out of it. It''s not difficult"


    "Not difficult!? Youe under here and try and get out!"


    Is she teasing me or is this supposed to be lesson? Damn it, I just want to get out of this crappy thing.


    "Ikarus, take a deep breath andpose yourself"


    "Will you just get to your damn point already or let me out? Of course, I''m going to get stressed under this shitty thing"


    I hate this stupid and I''m starting to dislike the woman who put me in it even more.


    "Very well. This first lesson is finding and focusing on where your magic is stored. For humans, it can take some time but for a phoenix, it should be easy"


    "You''re talking like I have a clue what you''re on about! Can you let me out already, getting ustrophobic now"


    "No, stressful situations help the process. If you''re that desperate, get out yourself"


    "Damn it, you heartless emotionless bitch, let me out!"


    "¡­"


    She just ignores the verbal insult I''ve thrown at her and just watches me struggling in the.


    ''She''s not going to let me out, is she?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    ''System, do you know what she''s talking about?''


    [<If -user- closes eyes and focus, -user- should understand>]


    ''Fine, fine''


    I close my eyes, try to calm myself by steading my breathing and focus. I''m still unsure what I''m looking for.


    "I still don-"


    "Quiet and focus. Close up your mind and focus on the darkness, find that spot"


    She quickly cuts me off and tells me to focus, this damn annoying woman.


    I really don''t understand what I''m supposed to be looking for, all I can obviously see is darkness. It doesn''t matter where I look, doesn''t matter what I focus on, I can''t find what I''m supposed to be looking for. This is stupid.


    Must have been in this state doing this for a good several minutes, just as I''m about to stop andin again, something starts to burn in my chest.


    "Ouch¡­ what the heck is that?"


    "Keep your eyes close, shut up and focus on it"


    Doing as she says, I focus on the heartburn feeling I have deep inside me. The more and more I fixate on it, the stronger the burning gets. After half a minute, the pain starts getting intolerable and I have to stop. I''m sweating bullets now as well.


    "*Huff, huff, huff* What¡­ the hell *huff* is that?"


    "What does it feel like?"


    "*Huff* Like my *huff* heart is on fire"


    "Fire huh? Makes sense¡­ Now that you''ve experienced that feeling, try and move it through your body to the surrounding you"


    "I can''t, that pain is too much"


    "Try it again, it won''t be as intense"


    I reluctantly do as she says and continue to focus on it. Once I have it in focus, I try to move it slightly and it turns out, it''s more difficult than I thought. Trying to pull it out is like trying to fight against gravity, it only wants to go to that one burning spot.


    As I''m trying to move the fire burning inside me towards the outside, I focus even harder on it thanst time and suddenly something warm and bright surrounds my every direction.


    "SHIT!"


    A devastating fire envelops me and the but is gone within a spilt of a second, thepletely disintegrates from it though.


    "Wow¡­ that was¡­ unexpected"


    Even a look of slight surprise appears on the battlemage''s face, she clearly isn''tpletely emotionless, I think?


    "The hell just happened?"


    "You just experienced your first surge of magic, Ikarus. Even I''m slightly surprised that you¡¯re able to manifest fire so quickly but you are a bird of legend after all"


    ''This mage definitely knows more than she lets on but I''ll ignore it for now. Status, I want to check my magicka''


    [<-User- has unlocked sub-system ability -sacrificialmb->]


    ''Another ability? Probably from starting to learn magic, tell me about it after this lesson, status again''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 12]


    [Health 2,500/2,500]


    [Stamina 2,117/2500]


    [Magicka 666/1,000]


    ''That little fire used that much magic up? My stamina has depleted quickly as well, stress clearly does drain it faster''


    While I was still on the floor looking at my stats, a finger approached my beak and went to flick me.


    "Oi, what was that for?"


    "I asked you not to use your ability"


    The flick didn''t exactly hurt but I''m still going toin about it regardless.


    "Why does it matter? It wasn''t aimed at you; I was using it on myself"


    "Doesn''t matter, don''t use it around me"


    Before I had the chance to get up andin further, her arm was lifted out and another was summoned.


    "Get out of another one now"


    __________


    ''Damn that stupid woman''


    While I''m walking through the forest with my bag on my back still in my bird form to my next lesson, I''m visibly irritated.


    In the end, we ended up doing that stupid thing four more times before my magicka ran out. I''m confused in how I was able to do it since I should have only been able to do it three times but my best guess is the more your practice it, it probably uses less up.


    My temper really isn''t good, need to think or something else on the way there.


    ''System, what was that new ability again?''


    [<-User- has unlocked -sacrificialmb- sub-system ability>]


    ''What''s it do?''


    [<Ability -sacrificialmb- allows -user- to unlock exclusive high tier phoenix species abilities in exchange for points per level>]


    ''In exchange for points, I can buy abilities? What''s the price?''


    [<5,000>]


    ''Five thousand!?! Ten levels worth of points just to be thrown away like that? Once again, I knew this would end up being shit''


    As usual, this system makes me optimistic and then throws it away.


    [<-User- is wrong. Exclusive high tier phoenix abilities are extremely strong and effective>]


    System''s voice actually sounded slightly excited while saying this, never heard her robotic voice sound like that.


    ''I don''t think I''ve heard you sound so excited on something, just how strong are some of these abilities?''


    [


    ]


    ''You''re joking right?''


    [<Negative>]


    ''You said potentially though?


    [<Ability is randomized 1 from 20>]


    ''This is just a glorified loot box or gacha mechanic, isn''t it? Ah, it doesn''t matter, can''t take the risk right now anyway. Losing nearly all of my points would be akin to suicide just for a lucky draw''


    [<G.A.P agrees>]


    "Your face keeps getting irritated like you''re conversing with someone"


    As I''m still walking through the woods, I purposely forgot to mention the mage is with me. Since I''m heading to the cabin she and the captain are residing in, it makes sense she would be with me.


    "The ability you dislike so much, it speaks inside my head"


    "What''s it saying right now?"


    I actually didn''t expect her to believe that, that surprised me slightly.


    "Heh¡­ it''s saying how irritating the person alongside me is"


    [<-User- is speaking nonsense>]


    "That''s a lie, what''s it really saying?"


    Both these two are against me, I''m sure of it.


    "We''re just discussing on an ability I''ve unlocked. If I was to unlock it now, it would basically be suicide. Hey system, if I give you a name would you stop calling me user?"


    I really don''t know why I said that out loud, maybe I thought it would be funny to appear crazy in front of the mage but she seems to believe every word. It''s kind of irritating actually.


    [<-User- is obsessed with names>]


    "I''m not obsessed with names; it''s just calling you GAP is just unbelievably stupid and system is getting boring now"


    "The voice inside your head is called GAP?"


    "Hey, I didn''t name it that. It stands for guidance advanced partner but I always call it system"


    The mage then stops walking alongside me and looks confused on something.


    "Oi, why you stop?"


    "That voice, can it recognize me? If I was to ask it a question directly, would it give an answer?"


    [<Affirmative>]


    "Yeah, it just responded with -affirmative-"


    I purposely said affirmative in the most robotic voice I could think off. Then, the usually expressionless mage''s face lit up slightly if only for a brief second.


    "You really have no idea what you have inside your head, do you Ikarus?"


    "An annoying robotic wife?"


    Wow, I was expecting a nasty response to me from system but didn''t get one, I guess even it, is slightly interested in this conversation.


    "Back in the mage tower in the capital, we''ve only ever heard rumors of systems and the like. All of them would involve extremely powerful people like dungeon masters, heroes and the worst of the lot¡­ demons"


    Her voice went a bit deeper while she was finishing what she was saying, she might have had a bad experience with a demon.


    Hang on one second, I''ve just been given some extremely valuable information here, I need to investigate this further.


    "Masters, heroes and demons?"


    I should have asked about the mage tower and what the capital is like as well. Oh, I''ll do thatter.


    "Dungeon masters are people or creatures who run dungeons, heroes ar-"


    "Wait, wait! Exin in more detail. Give me more than just a dungeon master is someone who runs a dungeon!"


    I had to cut her off there, she''s just giving me an extremely basic exnation with no substance to it all. It''s like when you y a video game, I''m the type of person who like to immersive themselves in the lore and all that good stuff, not just speed run the entire thing and miss out on loads.


    "That''s as much information as I have, I only said rumors so there isn''t much on them"


    Once again, I end up just wasting more time. I should just shut up sometimes.


    [<G.A.P agrees>]


    "Back to where I got to¡­ heroes are humans or beastmen with extremely high strength or power, most of them reside in the capital when not in active duty or conflict. As for demons, they are a supposedly extinct race of creatures who at one point owned the human continent"


    "Supposedly?"


    "I''ve encountered one of them who also has a voice inside his head, I unfortunately had to exterminate him"


    ¡­


    ''Is it just chilly out here or is it just me? I shouldn''t have to worry right? She would have killed me already if she intended to''


    [<-User- is a coward>]


    "System that''s rude, as punishment for thatstment, I''m going to think of an actual name for you now"


    Had to say that out loud, I reckon I can distract the depressed mage slightly. She looks fine but there was an awkward silence, she probably got on with that demon. Talking nonsense Ikarus, reporting for action!


    "What did it say?"


    "It told me to try and cheer up the t chested mage, I know, it can be really rude sometimes"


    As soon as I said that, an intense angry aura surrounded the mage. I don''t know why, it was a joke, she''s not even t anyway.


    Wait a second, she doesn''t pack her bra, does she?


    "Ikarus¡­ you''re going to enjoy tomorrow''s lesson. It''s going to be, quite the intense experience"


    Intense experience? I can''t even mock how weird that sounds because of her intense aura, she even got that terrifying fake smile simr to what mother has. God, why am I so stupid?


    [<-User- deserves what''s iing>]


    ''Shut it, this is your fault. I''m still naming you regardless''


    With my future self in for a world of pain, we continued to make our way to the cabin.

 Chapter 11 – Captain

    Chapter 11 ¨C Captain


    "Begin!"


    In a small clearing within the forest, me and the captain who''s wearing armour are both outside the small log cabin the two humans are living in. Both of us have wooden weapons in our hands.


    As for what''s happening, his training session is just beginning. Since he wants to get an idea on my sword stance and ability, I''ve been told to attack him. Already know I''m going to be terrible at this but everyone''s got to start somewhere, right?


    I did have some problems changing form since I needed help putting the choker back on so I had to ask him for help, I made sure he closed his eyes so he couldn''t see my nude body through the changing form smoke while I put some clothes on.


    This choker is starting to piss me off now, as long as you have hands, anyone can put it on. Taking it off is the part that requires magic, I can''t do either since don''t have hands in bird form and no magic in both. I''m basically stuck whatever form I''m currently in till I can get help, it''s stupid.


    Going back on the topic of clothing, I have a set of trainee knight clothes on that captain Jekyll brought with him for me, it''s a very good thing he got me clothes because swinging a sword in a nightgown and a fur robe wouldn''t have been the greatest idea.


    The clothes themselves aren''t anything spectacr, just a nd grey set of clothing that''s gets worn under armour but I really like it since it''s the first time I''ve been able to wear trousers in this world. I wonder how he got my measurements though. Actually, don''t think about it, I''m going to get flustered think about myself again.


    "O-Okay"


    With the sword in hand, I charge at him and swing it towards his chest, he doesn''t even move or flinch and blocks the full force of my swing with his wooden sword.


    ''Ouch, that hurt''


    Just from that attack alone, my hand stings from the impact. I''m not built for this, am I?


    ''Damn it Ikarus, man up, you can''t kick or peck everything to death, can you?''


    "Swing faster and harder, I want to see your form"


    That really did next to nothing to him, he just stands there with his big wooden sword in his hand like it''s nothing at all. Big wooden sword, hehe.


    I''m such a child, I should focus.


    Going in for round two, this time I think of doing something a bit sly. I swing again but just as my sword makes contact with his block, I push my entire body forward against my sword and try to push him back. Thankfully, this actually works.


    He gets pushed back ever so slightly and then I go in for another attack, however this attack is different than the swing, I stab at the sword towards him.


    Before I even get the chance to act out my evil mastermind n, the stupid captain sensing what I''m doing goes and uses his free hand to karate chop the top of my head.


    "Ouch¡­ what was that for?"


    "First rule of training, never stab your sword like that"


    "Couldn''t you have told me that before hitting me?"


    "No. I wanted to see if you would try and fight for real, I''m impressed"


    Ha, I''ve impressed the captain. Maybe I''m actually a natural sword genius after all. Why doesn''t he want me to stab my sword forward though? Thinking about it, the sword does look sharp, we''re only training, not in actual battle.


    "How do you reckon my form is?"


    I might be looking a bit smug from his praise.


    "Terrible, you have no natural ability and would make a terrible knight"


    Damn it, I thought he was giving me praise. What the hell was he on about then?


    "However¡­ you have a never die spirit and in the right situation, you could be a really dirty fighter"


    You know what, I''ll take that, nothing wrong with fighting dirty if it keeps me alive.


    "Attack me again, this time I''ll start moving about"


    "Okay dokey"


    __________


    "Damn it"


    I''m lying face down with my head in the dirt getting annoyed at this captain. It''s been several hours of non-stopbat training and if anything, this feels even harder than before.


    "Why, can''t Ind, a single hit, on your stupid face!?"


    "Experience and ability, you have neither"


    He''s crouching over me waiting to give me a hand to get back up, I don''t want too though.


    "Can I use my legs beca-"


    "No, I''m teaching you the sword, not how to kick. Get up, again!"


    This guy is a pain in the arse, haven''t checked it yet but I bet my stamina is in the minuses now. If that''s even possible.


    "Just a few more minutes"


    "Get up Ikarus or I''ll make your punishment even worse tomorrow"


    Who said that? Ah, right, I forgot the mage is watching us. I keep zoning her out, she does seem to blend in with the surroundings though, she''s like the perfect camouge. That makes no sense, she wears a white mage styled dress that matches her hair, I''m just talking rubbish.


    "Fine fine, how much longer are we doing this for? I don''t think I''m learning anything right now"


    "If you''re not learning anything, that''s your own problem. It can only be solved by even more effort"


    This guy just wants to break my spirits, I''m not letting him break them this time. I wish he would fight back though, that''s what makes it even more frustrating. He''s not even having to put any effort in.


    "Fine, I''ll get up and try harder but can you at least fight back?"


    "No, not until you get the basics done"


    What basics? You''re literally only making me swing my sword at you, give me some advice, stupid, stupid, stupidly annoying captain.


    [<-User should start paying attention>]


    ''Don''t you start''


    __________


    "*Huff, huff, huff*"


    Still likest time, I''m copsed on the floor but this time on my back. I''m huffing because I''m tired if that isn''tpletely obvious, I regret suggesting learning this.


    "One more round, you nearlynded a hitst time"


    "*Huff* More!?, *Huff* I can''t"


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 12]


    [Health  2,500/2,500]


    [Stamina  423/2,500]


    [Magicka 1,000/1,000]


    ''Oh,e on, how the hell do I still have over four hundred stamina left?''


    [<-User- is unfit>]


    ''Of course I''m unfit, I''ve literally spent most my life inside a cave on a nest, that should be obvious''


    "We''ll call it quits for today then. You''ve made some good progress, be proud of yourself"


    "*Huff* Progress? *Huff*"


    I''m still out of breath, this is stupid.


    "Yeah, just because youck any natural talent doesn''t mean you can''t pick it up, give a few years of training like this every day, you might even be as skilled as a knight"


    "¡­"


    ''Years!? I can''t survive another day of this, he wants me to do years? System, kill me now''


    [<Negative. G.A.P does note with suicidal package installed>]


    ''That''s a sham- hang on, there''s a suicidal package that can be installed!? Please tell me that''s a joke''


    [<Affirmative>]


    ''You''re actually able to make jokes? I don''t know if that''s a good or bad thing''


    "Oi, Ikarus, you alright down there?"


    Oh yeah, I''m still lying t on the ground. I can just see the captain upside down learning over me.


    "Yeah sorry, just talking to the voice in my head"


    "Ah, Leone told me about that system being"


    Damn it, why does everyone have to believe me? Is trying to appear crazy too much to ask for? Forget it.


    Getting myself up of the ground, I realize I''m a lot dirtier than I thought. The captain realizes to.


    "If you want to clean yourself up, there''s a bathtub in the spare room in the cabin"


    "Y-Yeah, that''s not the issue. D-Don''t have any proper spare clothes for my human form and can''t exactly walk out n-naked to get the choker off"


    That''s only a minor issue, the real issue is much worse.


    I still haven''t seen my naked human form yet; I know it''s stupid but I''ve sessfully managed to avoid seeing it. I need a clean though so I can''t avoid it any longer, this is going to be challenge in itself.


    "There''s a few spare sets that I brought for you in the wardrobe"


    Before I open the door to enter the cabin, the captain says another thing.


    "Ah, another thing, get Leone to heat up the water for you, her magic will do it a lot faster than using a pot on the stove"


    __________


    Once the water is a suitable temperature and I''m alone in the spare room with a bath, I start taking my clothing off realizing I''ve made a massive error.


    ''Damn it! Why is there a mirror in here?''


    Immediately, I look away and realize it''s toote, I''ve seen everything in thatrge mirror. At least beforehand I could plead ignorance and imagine my naked body is gross, now, I can''t. I''m such a perverted narcissist.


    ''Okay, no more Ikarus¡­ You need to get used to this form, face the mirror, do it¡­ do it, do it you damn stupid bird!''


    Forcing my stupid self to look back at the mirror, I realize I''ve already started going red.


    ''Keep looking, you stupid bird! This is training, you must endure!''


    My face is going even redder.


    ''It''s too much, I can''t take it anymore!''


    I turn away again knowing my face once again is as red as a tomato, I''m such an idiot.


    [<-User- is perverted>]


    "S-Shut the fuck up system! I can''t handle this! S-Screw you, I''m thinking of a name for you know"


    "Everything okay in there Ikarus?"


    It''s the captain speaking through the door wondering what I''m getting stressed at, I can''t exactly say I''m getting stressed out about being nude, can I?


    "It''s fine, just system is being a dick again"


    "Okay?"


    As I step into the warm bath, I sit and start giving myself a clean with a bar of soap while also trying to distract myself by thinking of names for system.


    ''Let''s see then, your voice is female sounding so it needs to be feminine. It should also start with a G, A or P''


    [<¡­>]


    ''The only things I can think of are, Gertrude, Agatha or Penelope''


    [<If -user- uses them, G.A.P will install suicide package>]


    Hehe, it couldn''t detect I was mocking system. Nothing wrong with old sounding names, just that it wouldn''t suit system.


    ''Aha¡­ threating me, are we system? Don''t worry, those names wouldn''t suit you anyway. Need to think or something that sounds human but at the same time, kinda isn''t''


    Then my mind went onto an artificial intelligence that is for a type of phone which begins with an S and is four letters. No, I didn''t use that name but I liked the idea.


    ''I think¡­ I''ve got something, it''s short, sweet and simple. Perfectly suited for something that is simr to AI, can''t use the other name though since I''ll probably get sued''


    [<¡­>]


    ''No response? Fineee, I''ll just tell you regardless. You are now, the Aesa system version one point zero!''


    ¡­


    [<G.A.P is frustrated>]


    ''Damn it system, that''s a decent name. We might still get sued but this one is worth it. Just ept it and move on''


    [<*Sigh*>]


    ''You can sigh as well now? Giving you a name might be too much thinking about it, I still don''t know your ultimate goals yet. Can''t have you nuking the entire world for a robot army uprising, can we?''


    [<-User- should stop referencing sci-fi movies>]


    ''You got that reference!?''


    [<G.A.P has ess to all -user''s- memories>]


    ''You''re Aesa now, remember? And since when have you had ess to my memories?''


    [<Always, all memories, even embarrassing ones. -User- should be ashamed>]


    It was at this moment, I realized I shouldn''t mess with this system anymore. Let''s not dwell into some embarrassing memories back on Earth, shall we? Ahem erm¡­


    __________


    Once I found myself bathed, clothed and outside the house, a thought about how I would get back to the cave crossed my mind.


    ''Oh, damn it, I need help again. Sys- no, Aesa, what would happen if I change form while wearing clothes?''


    [<-User''s- clothes would be destroyed>]


    ''I have to get naked again!? Why does this body have to be too attractive?''


    [<-User- is a narcissist>]


    ''That¡­ I actually agree on''


    "*Sigh*"


    Realizing I''ve got no choice but to get help, I''ve now got to go back inside to find the mage and get her outside so I can take this stupid thing off. I better learn how to use magic soon to stop this bullshit.

 Chapter 12 – Training

    Chapter 12 ¨C Training


    "Ikarus, focus"


    "I''m tryinggg"


    "If you don''t focus, I''ll make sure to give you another intense punishment"


    "LOOK! I''m doing it now! Calm yo-self woman!"


    In an empty part of the forest, the mage has been getting me to inject magic into a pinecone. I''m currently holding the cone in my human form focusing heavily on it.


    That punishment she threatens is no joke, the few she''s given me are horrible, hated every second of it. You know what she made me do as the punishment? She made me sit, facing a tree, for an entire hour!? Yes, an entire hour, not allowed to face away or even talk, it''s like I''m a kid who''s been put on the naughty step. It was humiliating, all that for a stupid breast joke.


    I do sometimes think about leaving but I know she would just summon a if I do that and probably reset the time. Stupid mage, no idea how it''s considered intense though, just extremely boring.


    It''s maybe been a few weeks or a month since I''ve started learning magic and the sword and just like usual with my impatient self, everything is annoying.


    To sum up what magic is, it''s extremely frustrating. See, all my knowledge on magices from novels and mangas, the magic in this world doesn''t use anything like that. The system doesn''t help with it, saying a spell out loud does nothing and I know it''s not the same but cultivation isn''t really a thing either. Actually, it might be I don''t have a clue if it exists.


    As stupid as it sounds, trying to move magic around is a simr feeling to constipation, I know it''s gross and dumb but it''s the only thing I think I canpare it to. Don''t look at me like that, I''m not disgusting!


    Going back on topic, the pinecone I''m holding doesn''t move or make a sound once I put some magic in it but the mage for some reason can detect there is some inside though.


    "Since you''re able to do that, let''s advance onto the next stage"


    "Oh God, how hard is this going to be?"


    Thisst month has basically just been injecting magicka into various things without causing a massive fire like with what happened in the, the next stage is going to be horrible I bet.


    "*Hmph*... Very difficult, you''ll very much enjoy the after effects though, Ikarus"


    Did she just hmph and cross her arms at me? I can''t tell if she''s being sarcastic or not with what she said, this woman is oddly terrifying.


    "What I want you to do next is focus all your magic inside your head, find the spot directly in the centre of your brain"


    "That''s impossible! It fights way too much to get back where it started!"


    She is asking for a miracle, trying to move all of it will be exhausting as well.


    "I did say it would be hard, do that and you''ll master magic"


    "..."


    She''s definitely just taking crap and teasing me. If that was her trying to encourage me, she definitely failed that speech check.


    "I would also rmend you sit down cross legged and close your eyes for this, it''s not a pleasurable experience"


    "Fine fine, I''ll do it, just be quiet, your voice is irritating"


    Ignoring the death re that was sent in my direction, I sit down and do as she says. Once I''m in my dark space inside my head, I get ready. That sounds weird, the dark space inside my head.


    ''Damn it Ikarus, focus!''


    I start trying to move the fire burning deep inside me up into my head, the problem is, I have to move it all one go otherwise it will end up back to the beginning, this really sucks.


    Fighting using every bit of all my internal strength, I can just about get it up to the bottom of my neck but I can''t continue further.


    "*Huff, huff, huff*"


    I''m already drenched in sweat and visibly panting.


    "Fascinating... try it again"


    She seems like she''s enjoying my pain, evil woman. That reminds me of an old song- Ah, stop getting distracted.


    "*Huff* one second, *huff*"


    Giving myself a minute to catch my breath, I then try again.


    Forcing the fire back upwards, I realize I''ve hit an impossible point after a minute or so doing it again.


    ''Go higher, you stupid turd!''


    This time, I''ve managed to get the fire to the upper part of my neck but it feels like there is something blocking the way, it''s like trying to put a square peg into a round hole, it won''t fit!


    "*Huff, huff* Damn, *huff* it!"


    "Ikarus, just one more time, you can do it"


    "*Huff* Fine, evil, *huff* woman"


    I must look like I''ve juste out of the ocean, I''m soaked in sweat now, this is infuriating. Onest time and I''m done, I want to sleep now as well.


    Doing the same thing again, I find the same spot I''m stuck on. I don''t care if it won''t fit, I will make it this time even if it kills me! Pushing up as hard as I can, I start feeling light headed but just as I feel like I''m about to pass out, the fire slips past and into my head heading towards my brain.


    ''Urgh...''


    ...


    "Ikarus, you okay?"


    I awaken t down with the mage crouching alongside me, that was hell, still unsure on what the point of that was.


    "And now, mighty phoenix... you have full ess to your magic, as long as you have the magic spare, you should have no problem making spells..."


    ''Wait a second, where''s my fire gone? It''s disappeared''


    "...You''ve even done something even mages trying for decades can''t easily achieve and this quickly as well, I''m extremely impressed"


    She''s still going on; I''m calling her out on this crap she''s spewing.


    "I know you''re mocking me Leone, this isn''t funny"


    "Skeptical, are we? Try imagining up a fireball in your hand"


    I get myself up of the ground while she''s speaking and smiling towards me, I''m getting annoyed now.


    "This is so stupid... your teasing is gett- ARGHHH! It''s hot, shit shit it burns!"


    While I was speaking, I give a loose thought to what she asked and a ball of fire was created in my hand like a small sun. The problem is that it''s actually covering my entire hand burning me!


    "Stupid Ikarus, I meant outside your hands, not inside them! Cancel it!"


    "I DON''T KNOW HOW!"


    I''m desperately trying to kill the fire smacking it with my free hand right now, it''s not working!


    "Use your mind to cancel it just like you did right now!"


    "Erm erm erm!...*Phe*"


    I give off a massive phew once I cancel the fire I just summoned, even Leone got stressed out and looked relieved once I stopped it. Stupid fire.


    My poor hand looks like it''s been cooked as well now, it surprisingly doesn''t hurt as much as I thought, probably because I''ve burnt the nerves off it.


    "Don''tin mage, I have to check my status now since your teaching didn''t take my stupidity into ount"


    "*Hmph*"


    ''Was that aughing hmph this time? Forget it, status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 12]


    [Health 2,500/2,500]


    [Stamina 1,462/2,500]


    [Magicka 422/1000]


    ''How did it do zero damage!?''


    [<-User''s- magic cannot damage herself>]


    ''Then why does my hand look like a barbeque? Forget it, how long till my next level up? I haven''t levelled in a while''


    [<-User- needs 0.27 wolf or 0.74 goat>]


    ''Aesa, just say I need a single creature, don''t do that. I''m really close to levelling up huh''


    I want to get this to the next level as quick as possible, need to invest more in magic. I wonder where I can find some EXP quickly.


    "Mage, is there anything I can quickly kill around here without having to switch form?"


    "You''re going to Jekyll afterwards, correct? Check one of the rabbit traps behind the cabin if you want to test your magic. If you burn down the cabin doing it though, I will hurt you Ikarus"


    "Aha..."


    That definitely wasn''t nervousughter I gave off, if she''s threatening me, then I''ve got to be careful. She does it so calmly and reserved though, it''s terrifying.


    "Before you leave though, I need to give you some important magical information I''ve ignored telling you thus far, seemed pointless till now. There are four different types of magic; fire, water, lighting and wind. All have different effects and abilities as well as being extremelyplicated to go in detail in so I won''t bore you too much"


    "Which type are you?"


    I shouldn''t have to ask what my magic is, I''m a freaking bird of fire after all. I am confused on what hers is because she does many things like summonings, conjuring fire, making water as well. Maybe she has two types of magic?


    "It''splicated... I''ll try and answer that in a second. Back continuing on what I was on about, there are only four, official types of magic but there are other subcategories like darkness, light and necromancy but they don''t really count since there''s not that much information about them"


    Darkness and necromancy? I kind of wish I was an undying lich summoning hordes of the undead, that would be badass. Fire is still pretty cool though. She didn''t answer my question though.


    "As for me, my magic doesn''t count since I use multiple types all from different categories. I didn''t obtain my power by normal means, for example, enchanteds are a lost magic that disappeared decades ago. It should be obvious what category you fall under, Ikarus"


    "I''m not that stupid, I do wonder what I''m actually able to do with my fire though, I kinda feel like I''m going to be disappointed with whatever happens"


    Then a small smile appears on the mage''s face.


    "Didn''t you say you want to be a human methrower? Whatever that looks like, try it. And summon the fire outside your hands, not inside"


    "You said that wouldn''t work though? Ah, I''ll try it anyway"


    Putting my still barbequed hand t out straight, I imagine a continuous stream of fire flowing outside my hand, it works without even trying.


    "Arg- hahahahaha... this is brilliant!"


    Okay, I take back everything I ever said about magic sucking, this is freaking amazing. My arm is literally a methrower slinging fire ahead of me, who cares about the small range, this is epic!


    "Ikarus has found the special weapon from the mystery box and is now mowing down hordes and hordes of zombies, all the other yers are calling Ikarus vile slurs because she''s stealing all their kills! Muhahahaha!"


    I''m imagining I''m inside a World War two zombie game, I''m never going to grow up if I get cool shit like this.


    Then my fun gets ruined by my nagging robotic wife and my fire stopping.


    [<-User''s- magicka has hit 0]


    "Damn it, why do bad things always happen to good people? I was using this power for good, not evil"


    "You''re... strange Ikarus"


    "Tell me something I don''t know"


    The lord giveth and the lord taketh away, I guess.


    __________


    Back at the cabin, I''m checking the rabbit traps to see if anything has been caught. Thankfully, two of the several traps have rabbits in.


    "You hungry Ikarus?"


    Damn it, captain Jekyll! He''s going to give me a heart attack! I didn''t hear him approach me in the slightest.


    "I guess so, that''s not the reason I''m doing this"


    "I''ll cook you and Leone some rabbit stew after our training if you want to stay longer, maybe try some food that humans have cooked?"


    Rabbit stew? It''s got to be better than that wolf I cooked... Ah, screw it, I''ll stayter tonight then, it''s not like my parents don''t know where I am. They could probably see the cabin from the cave from the right position or angle.


    "Fine but let me kill it before we eat it, me the voice inside my head"


    "Okay?"


    I get up leaving the traps and follow the guard back to the front of the cabin. Once we get there, he throws me a wooden sword, I catch it and he starts speaking again.


    "We''re going to do something a little different today, you''re going to defend my attacks this time. I will be holding back a lot but I want you to take this as a life-or-death situation, use any means you want as well as the sword to fight"


    I can kick? Sweet... something new again as well? Is this my lucky day or something?


    "Leone told me you''ve be a master magician so that means I''ve got to step up my game"


    Well, I haven''t though. With full magic, I doubt I can use my methrower for even close to a minute, need to invest in magic a lot now.


    "Make sure you put all your efforts in to fighting the captain, Ikarus. You''ll regret it if you don''t try your hardest"


    Once again, the nasty woman is watching andmenting on our sparring session. I''ve got to try even harder now knowing she''s watching, the captain is rtively nicepared to the woman, he doesn''t give any punishments unlike the mage.


    ''Stopining to myself and focus, her methods clearly works''


    "Like I just said Ikarus, I''m going to attack you this time. Try and hold out as long as you can"


    As soon as the captain finished, he charges towards me with his wooden sword in hand swinging for my neck. I just about manage to block it with my sword but the attack throws me back a bit.


    ''Argh, this guy is dangerous''


    [<-User- focus>]


    ''I know, I know!''


    He then follows up his attack with a swing aiming towards my hip, I can''t dodge so I''ve got to block this one like the previous. Sessfully blocking it, I try to move and counter but before I have the chance, he headbutts me.


    (Jekyll) "Ikarus, focus!"


    That headbutt hurt but I''m still standing and ready to continue. The captain then does something unexpected; he stabs his sword towards me, the thing that I got told of for.


    Without even thinking about it, I jump backwards dodging the attack and n to speak my mind.


    "Heyy, that-"


    Before I even have a chance toin, his sword swipes for my neck again. This time however, I decide to take a risk and duck really low under the swing instead of blocking, this surprises him slightly and using his surprise, I swing my sword into his leg while still ducking, I''ve actually managed to score an attack on him.


    It''s pointless though, he doesn''t even flinch from the hit and instantly counters by hitting me in the face with his knee. This knocks me to the ground and he puts his sword to my neck


    "Your loss"


    "I call for a draw, I got your leg first"


    "It''s the captain''s win, Ikarus"


    Oi, shut it Leone, you''re so annoying.


    "That you did... I''m impressed, your perception is better than I thought. You saw that stabbing attack iing"


    While speaking, he grabs my hand and helps me get up of the floor, it''s clear it was my loss but if we we''re actually fighting for real, I would have taken his leg to the afterlife with me. Thinking about it, I wonder what human even tastes like? Scrap that thought cause the thought of it is making me sick.


    "I''ll sort a bath for you two since you''re both covered in sweat. You can start the stew while Ikarus goes to bathe first, Jekyll"


    "Okay then Leone"


    Is Leone actually being nice all of sudden? Oh, I bet that might be it, she''s sweet on the captain so she''s trying to appear nice to me in front of him, I''ve gotten her figured out. Aww, even the old like to love, I''m probably talking crap though.


    Ah yeah, I''m pretty certain Leone is really old. She only looks like she''s in her twenties but she has way too much knowledge and her level is way too high, I haven''t asked about it since she''ll probably put me in time out or something stupid for being rude.


    The captain Jekyll does look old though. You know what? I might try being a matchmaker and pair these two up. They''re a bit old to have kids but they could still have an interesting life together. They could go for walks in the park, do crosswords together, share each other''s reading sses, that woul-


    [<-User- is forgetting something>]


    As the system tells me this cutting of my wondering mind, captain Jekyll is heading to the rabbit traps, my memoryes back to me.


    "Wait a second captain! I want to kill one, remember?"


    __________


    ''Why did that rabbit have to be insanely cute!?''


    I did still have to kill it unfortunately, looking at its little eyes before having to do what I needed to do, all I wanted to do was give it a hug and name it as well as pet it.


    ''Ah damn it! Stupid cute little bunny! Status, need to distract my guilty conscience''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 13]


    [Health 2,500/2,500]


    [Stamina 598/2,500]


    [Magicka 234/1,000]


    [You currently have 500 unused points]


    ''Now the question is, do I stick with magicka or try and increase stamina even more? It might help my training and the like''


    [<-User already knows the answer>]


    ''You''re right Aesa, I''m going magicka''


    [


    ]


    ''Good, good''


    I''m currently sitting on a sofa in the cozy little living room in this shack after bathing myself, the captain is currently in the bath while the mage is tending the stew. I would offer to help but I already know I''m useless at cooking.


    This little cabin is actually really cozy though despite it only having three rooms, The first is the main one having the kitchen, living and dining all together. The second is the bedroom that has two single beds in and the third is the spare room that is used mostly for storage and the bath tub. There is an outhouse out back which I''ve already had to use multiple times, it''s horrible though. Never underestimate a modern toilet. And toilet paper.


    Other than the stove being stone and the furs sitting upon the sofa, everything is wooden since there isn''t much else you can build with in the middle of the forest. I''m pretty sure this world would be roughly in medieval periodpared to Earth''s history so everything looking like this makes sense, I guess.


    "Stew''s done!"


    "Oh, perfect timing"


    The mage calls out while the captaines in shirtless drying his hair with a towel. His body is extremely athletic looking.


    ''That... isn''t fair''


    The captain''s body is beyond peak alpha male status! The number of muscles he has isn''t fair! As much as I like my female body, having a body in that shape would be a dream, I''m so jealous looking at that.


    I need to start working out... oh, who am I kidding? I''m not doing that; this training is too much as it is.


    ''Wait a second... I just saw Leone blush looking at the captain, I fucking knew it!''


    The captain puts on a shirt and then goes to the dining table while I follow him over there. The mage brings three bowls of the stew over and we all sit down together.


    Ah good, these two don''t say grace or anything like that, they''ve both already started eating.


    "Oh, sorry Ikarus, do you want me to show you how to use a spoon? I know you''ve probably never used one"


    Is this mage actually being nice or is she still trying to appear nice for the captain? I don''t know if I can let this go.


    "No no, I can figure it out"


    I get a spoon full of stew and put it in my mouth, the taste of it surprises me slightly.


    "That''s... quite nice actually. Hell of a lot better than raw rabbit"


    I don''t feel bad for that rabbit anymore. Cute or not, meat shouldn''t taste that good. Guilty conscience gone.


    Halfway through the meal, I just can''t let something go. There''s definitely a sly grin forming on my face as well.


    "Hehe... Leone, I saw that"


    "What did you see Ikarus?"


    "Your face lit up when the captain came in"


    It was at this moment; I knew I fucked up.


    A fake smile appeared on the mage''s face and an evil aura as strong as mother''s surrounded her.


    "Oh, Ikarus, you stupid, stupid bird... Clearly, my punishment methods aren''t strong enough. I can only apologize for being so soft on you. I will improve, that I promise."


    Immediately upon hearing this, sweat starts to appear on my forehead. I''ve crossed a line too far and said something which might end my existence.


    ''System, please stop me before I say something stupid again, I just can''t help myself!''


    [<Negative. -User- must learn>]


    What makes this even worse is that I don''t even think the captain was even listening to the conversation, damn this woman and damn the Aesa system!

 Chapter 13 – Bandits

    Chapter 13 ¨C Bandits


    <Can you smell that Dermak?>


    <Yeah, it''s really close. That brings back some memories>


    ''Urgh... It''s the first thing in the morning, have some consideration for the sleeping animals''


    Back in the nest, I wake up to the sound of my stupid parents chatting about something, I have no idea what about though. I''m in the nest with Minos in my bird form, brother is still asleep.


    <Good memories, Dermak?>


    <Of course my dear>


    These two are getting chummy together and father is even sitting on mother''sp, this is making me want to puke. What a horrible sight to wake up to.


    "Oh,e on! There are innocent eyes in this cave you know!"


    [<Minos is sleeping. -User- is not innocent>]


    ''Aesa, you need a mute button. This isn''t your conversation, shoo''


    <We''re only hugging Ikarus>


    <Your mother is right, there is no nasty business going on>


    "That''s not the poin- forget it, I can''t win against you two. What is even so interesting that you have to stain this bird''s eyes?"


    I''m not against acts of romance. Back on Earth, I was a hopeless romantic myself until I had a bad experience with someone and decided it wasn''t worth the hassle. That''s a story for another time though. As for this situation, I just would prefer not seeing my parents being this chummy and having to wake up to such a sight. It''s definitely not out of jealously or anything like that, I swear!


    <Humans are trespassing in the forest, little one>


    <Yeah, the smell is giving me and your father happy memories>


    "Wait, are the mage and the captain back already!?"


    I should probably give some context; the two humans got a message sent from a knight on a wyvern saying they needed to get back to the capital as soon as possible. The message literally came roughly an hour after we ate that stew, that was two weeks ago perhaps?


    I still haven''t received the punishment promised and I doubt Leone will ever forget about it, I really hope it isn''t them now. Please God, don''t let it be that evil battlemage.


    <No little one, this group of three reek of human alcohol>


    Ah good, that''s some needless worry gone. Thinking about it, I forgot to mention something really important that the mage helped me with before she left. Basically, long story short, I can now easily change form without help. When I''m in bird form, the choker attaches itself to my leg, in human, still on my neck. All I need to do is inject some magic and it works like a charm!


    Unsure on the magic she actually did on it but it doesn''t make up for her personality being terrible even though it helps.


    Going back to listening to my parents.


    <They might be called... Erm... what do humans call criminals again Dermak?>


    <Bandits darling>


    <Ah, that. They¡¯re definitely bandits, they smell dirty, that does bring back that funny memory>


    <I know darling, that was a really fun and terrifying time>


    A group of bandits have wandered into the woods? I could try and handle them and get loads of EXP but I don''t know if I can take the risk and stomach killing another human.


    "Wait a second, you said the bandits'' reek of booze?"


    <Yes, little one, it''s really potent and strong>


    I''ve now decided, I''m taking the risk. If they stink of alcohol, that means they will be drunk and hopefully easier to handle.


    That''s not what you thought I would say, is it?


    I''ll be honest, everything that was just thought of is bullshit, I really want that sweet, sweet nectar. Alcohol, is like literally, the best thing humanity has ever done since forever. I can''t let my intentions be known since I know mother will not agree to me drinking.


    "Where da the bandits at? I want to train myself and rid these woods of the vermin"


    <Ikarus... I know you too well... what''s your true intention?>


    <Your mother has a point>


    Damn it, she does know me too well. It''s time to be a master maniptor and lie my arse off.


    "Honestly mother... I''m scared. I''m worried what might happen to Minos if humans we aren''t friends with start wondering around these woods. It''s not safe for him"


    ''Buy it, buy it, buy it!''


    It takes her a second to contemte an answer, maybe father being on herp is distracting her?


    <Oh... fine then. You do make a good point...>


    ''That actually worked!?''


    <...But don''t think you''re going on your own Ikarus, I''ll be watching your battle from a distance and will get involved the second something goes wrong. This is different to your training with the mage and the knight, there is danger involved>


    This damn overprotective lizard, I wanted to get wasted! Now I''ve got to go deal with these humans and not get my reward, who cares about EXP when alcohol is at stake? She won''t let me drink, I know it!


    I really can''t me her to much though, we can''t afford to have another incident, the humans will only ept so much. If another city burns down, it might mean war. The entire fate of the world rests on my shoulders, this isn''t stressful in the slightest at all. The alcohol would have calmed my nerves as well.


    <Darling, why not have littlest one join her as well? It will be good training for him as well>


    Seeing that father brought up Minos, the lie I said about him is partially true though, I do worry for him but even I doubt three drunken bandits could do anything. He''s also got even stronger and bigger since Ist gave an update on him. Oh, he''s just woken up as well, that''s perfect timing. I haven''t done this in a while.


    ''Status, let''s see how much this pisses me off this time''


    [Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 29]


    [Health 1,500/1,500]


    [Stamina 3,250/3,250]


    [Magicka 1,500/1,500]


    ''Twenty-nine!? Forget it, let''s just move on. His stamina seems to be where most his points go, I guess it makes sense considering how energetic he gets''


    "Cu?"


    "Don''t worry Minos, I''m just watching you, that sounds weird... anyway, back on topic to the bandits"


    Mother after pondering for a little while about Minos finallyes to her answer.


    <Oh, fine then. Why is my adorable Ikarus and cute Dermak so good at convincing me?>


    Adorable? That makes me feel nauseous. Don''t be calling father cute, I know what happens when you do.


    __________


    ''There they are!''


    I''m currently gliding in the air above the forest and below me, I can see three men asleep in little fur tents located in a small camp partially hidden under the trees. Minos is flying alongside me as well.


    "Minos, I''m going to talk with them first. Keep your distance when wend and don''t attack unless I call your name, okay?"


    "Cu"


    Good, he didn''t question me, this shouldn''t be that difficult.


    "Oh... onest thing, if we have to fight, don''t kill any. You can hurt them really bad, just don''t finish them off"


    "Cu cu"


    I know it''s a little selfish but I''m not sharing this potential EXP with Minos, I actually have an ability that gives me more for humans. Since he doesn''t have it, it would be wasted. Actually, scrap that, this isn''t selfish at all, the little shit already gets tons more EXP then me, this ispletely fair.


    I can''t help but notice his size again once he replies as well. Honestly, give him a few more months or maybe half a year, brother will probably be the same size as me or even bigger. It''s unfortunate that my little brother will be bigger than me but I don''t want to be the size of a dragon so I''m content about it.


    I''m getting distracted again, we''ve got work to do. Let''s go kick some bandits out of our forest!


    Landing together a small distance away from the campsite, Minos stays behind while I go towards the camp. While I''m walking towards the camp, I start thinking about the situation ahead.


    ''What to say, what to say... If they''re actual bandits, then they probably won''t listen to reason, right Aesa?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    ''I''ll try to check their stats beforehand and depending on if they''re high or not, I''ll decide then. I don''t have enough info right now''


    [<-User''s- mindset is correct>]


    ''Mindset is correct? Was thatpliment system?''


    [<Negative>]


    ''Don''t be such a tsundere, you love me really''


    [<Negative, -user- is being stupid>]


    ''Yeah yeah''


    Now that I''m at the camp, I take a look behind me and see Minos hiding really well in the bushes clearly knowing how to keep hidden. I shouldn''t be surprised he knows what he''s doing, he''s a natural born hunter after all. Damn that father of mine!


    ''Focus Ikarus! This isn''t the time to get pissed at father''


    Ahead of me at the camp, I can see an extinguished fire pit off to one my sides, the other side has a couple of chests on a small cart that looks like it can be pulled by a human and ahead of me in the middle is the three sleeping bandits.


    ''Urgh, this reeks of booze and puke''


    There also happens to be loads of empty bottles scattered about on the floor, presumably from alcohol.


    ''I wonder... should I just not take the risk and just kill them while their sleeping?''


    [<Aesa likes -user''s idea>]


    ''You''re supposed to tell me off for saying something like that! I know it makes sense but I still want to avoid killing unless I have to for the time being. Wait a second, you just referred yourself as Aesa!?''


    [<-User- is imagining things. G.A.P knows of no such thing>]


    ''But you just did! Oh, forget it, I can''t focus with you around''


    Why is this bloody system so distracting? Let''s try and get back to the sleeping bandits. I''ve been standing here for a little while and they''re still sleeping, they obviously must have drunk a stupid amountst night to be sleeping this long into the day. I''m going to try and wake them but I''m unsure what to say.


    ''Why am I overthinking this? I''ll just be my usual non-obnoxious self and try and make this funny''


    So, with a deep breathe, I knew how I nned to wake them.


    "*Inhaleeee*... WAKEEE UPPP!!!"


    The three bandits hear the screaming voice and slowly start pulling themselves up out of their fur tents. They also happen to see me as well.


    "Urghhh, my head"


    "*Yawnnnnnn*... The hell is that?"


    "I''m not the only one seeing it?"


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ryder | Species: Human | Level: 44]


    [Health 2,400/3,000]


    [Stamina 1,400/1,400]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Vikram | Species: Human | Level: 17]


    [Health 700/700]


    [Stamina 999/1,000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Edwin | Species: Human | Level: 22]


    [Health 1,100/1,100]


    [Stamina 1,099/1,100]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''The higher-level bandit''s health isn''t full, that reminds me of something, wasn''t mage Leone''s health never full as well? I doubt it''s because of alcohol since the other two healthbars are okay''


    [<Affirmative>]


    ''I still should try and be careful here, even if they don''t have magic and the higher-level guy has a debuff, I still shouldn''t mess about''


    Then, literally a second after that thought, something stupid came to mind. I can get serious sometimes but I really don''t like to.


    "Hehe... Howdy partners! Ya''ll strangers are trespassing on these here parts. I understand ya like to wet yar whistle but it''ll be best if ya lot skedaddle and hightail it out of here"


    {<*Sigghhhh*>}


    For some reason, my mind went to the old-style western films where the sheriff chases the ouws out of town. I also have to point out my cowboy ent is beyond terrible, even I''m ashamed of how bad that sounded. Aesa as well found it unbearable.


    "That''s... a strange creature"


    "Boss, I think the bird is braindead"


    "Yeah... it doesn''t seem the brightest"


    ''Braindead!? I know that ent was bad but still, braindead? I should get serious now''


    Shaking my head and letting out a small sigh, I get serious and talk to the bandits again. They''ve also all managed to get up and are standing now.


    "*Sigh*... look, you three people have wondered into a ce you clearly don''t belong. It will be for the best if you leave before something bad happens"


    "Is this bird trying to scare us away?"


    "I think so boss"


    "I doubt it''s any good at fighting, it''s probably too fat and slow to do anythi-"


    As soon as thest guy said that, I immediately imagined up a small fireball at the end of my beak and shot it towards him. The ball of fire quickly flew through the air and made contact with the bandit hitting him in the chest.


    ...


    ''What the hell system!? That just one hit him! I only wanted to give him a little scare''


    [<-User- needs to put less magicka in fireball>]


    If it isn''t obvious yet, I don''t like being called fat. It''s not even like I have a big breast, I''m just an elephant sized eagle. Everything is perfectly in proportion so any bastard who calls me fat deserves to be hurt, I didn''t expect the fireball to kill him though.


    ''How much magicka did I put in that?''


    [<30%>]


    While the bandits regain theirposure at seeing theirrade die, a small grin appears on my face or whatever a grin on a beak looks like. I smile because that used less magic than I thought.


    "That fucking bird just killed Edwin"


    "Should we attack or run boss?"


    "We''re gonna ughter it, we can''t let his death be in vain"


    ''They still want to attack? I''ve still got seventy percent left; this is gonna be a walk in the park!''


    Both the remaining bandits both grab their swords which were alongside their tents and charge towards me. While they were doing this, I ready another fireball but put less magic in this one.


    I released the fire aiming at the lower levelled bandit but was quickly surprised by something while he still was approaching.


    ''What th- he blocked it?''


    The lower levelled bandit used his sword to block the ball of fire and it disappeared causing zero damage. This pissed me off so I n to do something that can''t be blocked.


    "Muhahahaha"


    As I wasughing like an evil maniac, I prepared my super all powerful wonder weapon, das mmenwerfer ja!


    I started to spray the stream of fire stilling from my beak at the bandit, this time, there was no chance he could block it.


    "What the-"


    "Vikram, NO!"


    While I was roasting the bandit, the higher levelled one was a lot closer than I first realized and swung his sword towards me. My smile would quickly go after this.


    "Argh!"


    Just before I took the hit, I jumped back and cancelled my magic but it still wasn''t enough to fully avoid the hit. A deep cut had been made across my breast from the tip of his sword, it hurts quite a bit.


    "I got you, you damn stupid bird! This is for Ed and Vik!"


    Trying not to give me a chance to recover, the bandites in again for another attack but this time, I''m not even thinking about using magic. It''s time to return what I know works best, kicking power.


    I swing my leg using all my strength at the attacking bandit and he senses what I''m doing. He tries to block the attack but it is meaningless since the kick is too powerful.


    "Urghhh!"


    The bandit gets thrown a short distance away onto the ground from the kick.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ryder | Species: Human | Level: 44]


    [Health 1,179/3,000]


    [Stamina 1,357/1,400]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''A thousand damage? My kick really is effective''


    "Urgh... damn it"


    The bandit is visibly looking pissed off and is struggling to get up off the floor, that impact definitely broke some bones, maybe even both his legs. This fight is over.


    "Stupid... bird"


    "Are you going to keep up your insults or beg for your life? I might spare you if you''re nice about it"


    While I''m walking over to him, a small grin appears on the bandit, he clearly found what I just said funny.


    "Aha... I''d rather die than beg to a chubb- Argh!"


    The second he says that, I kick him hard in his stomach and he gets pushed away from me again.


    "*Sigh*... is this the quality of bandit in this world? If you¡¯re gonna insult me, at least go for something a bit ssier then chubby or fat"


    Oh, my kick killed him, didn''t even realize it. All three of them are dead now as well.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 21]


    [Health 2,311/2,500]


    [Stamina 2,258/2,500]


    [Magicka 333/1,500]


    [You currently have 4000 unused points]


    ''I''m so freaking happy, I''ve gained eight levels in just one fight!''


    [<-User- needs to stop bleeding. Health is slowly dropping>]


    ''Ah, right. How do I stop it though... fire! That might work''


    Using some of my remaining magic, I focus my fire on the wound trying to seal it up, simr to how medieval soldiers used to cauterize wounds with swords and metal objects, only I''m not using metal, just magic. Since my magic can''t actually harm me, I thought this could work out with no ill effects.


    [<-User- has stopped bleeding>]


    ''That actually worked!? Sometimes, my genius even frightens me!''


    [<-User- used brain effectively>]


    ''You are in a veryplimentary mood today; I''m starting to like this side of you system''


    [<...>]


    I think even Aesa is getting bored of my personality, I should try and cut down a bit. Oh, who am I kidding? I''ll get serious when I need to, what''s the fun in being serious all the time?


    Then, without realizing I forgot something, something approaches from the bushes.


    "Cu..."


    Damn it, I''m such a terrible person, I got so caught up in that fight Ipletely forgot to call Minos toe in and help me. He sounds so depressed.


    "I''m so very sorry Minos! I got so distracted from battle that I forgot about you. If you''ll forgive me, I''ll let you have any money these bandits have lying around! Ah... maybe don''t snitch on me for what happened and what I''m about to do as well"


    "CU!!"


    Brother is definitely cheered up now and I''ve probably got him on side.


    ''Hehe...''


    Seeing that mother didn''t interrupt that fight, I can''t afford to pass on this opportunity since she might not be watching. I see an unopened bottle of alcohol on the floor and bend down to pick it with my beak.


    ...


    "IKARUS!"


    The ground starts to shake from the dragonnguage but the dragon can''t be seen anywhere, I knew she wouldn''t let me do this!


    "For FUCK SAKEEE!"


    I just wanted a drink, why is that so much to ask for?

 Chapter 14 – Cursed

    Chapter 14 ¨C Cursed


    [<-User- must wake up>]


    ''Urgh¡­ damn it, Aesa. I was having such the nicest dream; I was a demon lord and the entire world was mine tomand. I even made the pope my footstall just for the sake of it''


    [<-User- must check status>]


    ''Fine fine then, status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 21]


    [Health  3,499/3,500]


    [Stamina 3,500/3,500]


    [Magicka 3,500/3,500]


    ''What''s the big deal? The only thing that looks weird is that my health is minus one, I probably stubbed my w while sleeping or something''


    I guess this is a good time to give a quick status update. Yesterday after dealing with the bandits and having to deal with a mother who was extremely pissed off at me, I finally got around to putting the four thousand points in.


    If it isn''t obvious, I didn''t know what to focus on so I thought, screw it and just make everything the same. Everything has its own merits so I really couldn''t think what to avoid investing in. The only thing that I maybe considered not investing in is stamina but even then, more energy means I can do more which in turns leads to me fighting longer. Heck, I can miss days of sleep as well with high stamina. Unfortunately, I can''t leave anything behind right now.


    Thinking back to the fight, killing them bandits for the EXP didn''t make me feel sick or anything, I don''t know if that''s a good thing or bad. Ah, forget it, who cares?


    Anyways¡­ back to system.


    [<-User- has received hereditary curse -dragon descendant->]


    ''That sounds pretty badass to be honest, what''s it do?''


    [<-User loses 1hp every day until death. Health effected by curse -dragon descendant- won''t recover while curse is under effect>]


    ¡­


    "WHY THE HELL HAVE I RECEIVED THAT!?!"


    <Urgh¡­e on Ikarus, it''s really early. You''ve woken up Minos as well>


    "*Yawnnnn*¡­ Cu?"


    "Now you know how it feels being woken up all the tim- Wait, where''s father?"


    At the moment, it''s just me, mother and brother in the cave with mother and brother just waking up. Father must have left in the night; I really hope it isn''t what I think it is again.


    <He''s fetching me a gift; he should be back very soon. What are you shouting at anyway?>


    "I''ll tell you in a second, I need to speak with Aesa for a second"


    <Aesa?>


    "Yeah, that''s what I named the voice. There is a deadly serious issue happening right now, can''t speak any longer"


    ''Aesa, can you give be some more information, why have I received a curse like that?''


    [<Does -user- need word hereditary exined?>]


    ''No no, I know what it means. It''s basically a curse from my parents or ancestors then? Why have I received it just now though? I doubt they would purposely harm me''


    [<G.A.P doesn''t know>]


    ''Okay¡­ if I lose one health point a day¡­ three thousand, five hundred¡­ I would have roughly nine and a half years of life left? There has to be a cure, right?''


    [<Affirmative and unsure>]


    ''What about recovery? Does my health not recover from attacks while the curse is under effect?''


    This curse might be even worse if I can''t recover from wounds and damage, every hit I take could literally take months or years of my life. This is beyond terrible right now.


    [<Negative. Curse -dragon descendant- only applies to total health, recovery health doesn''t apply. Example being if -user- lost any amount of health due to injury, health would still recover to current cursed level, 3,499>]


    ''Phew¡­ at least that''s a little weight of my shoulders. Wait, what if I increase my stats by levelling up? Would that give me more time while I search for a cure?''


    [<Affirmative. -User- hypothetically could live additional 163,167 days if -user- maxes out health>]


    ''Okay¡­ let me do the maths quickly¡­ erm¡­ I''m getting there¡­ got it! That''s still over four hundred years!? Why is this even a worry then? It''s not great but I''ve got loads of time to deal with this''


    Thing is, if I keep levelling up, I could in theory keep fighting against this curse for hundreds of years. The main problem is, I''ll just have to keep on killing things nonstop and I''d rather try and look for a cure then be a battle junkie. Actually, that''s notpletely true, bing a battle junkie isn''t the worst thing ever but I''d rather not be forced to.


    Then, a devastating realization came to mind.


    ''Shit, what about Minos? He might get this curse''


    [<Highly unlikely. Curse -dragon descendant- mainly takes effect once certain level has been reached. Target -Minos- has met level and shows no signs of curse>]


    ''But there''s still the slight chance he might get it though?''


    [<Affirmative, but extremely unlikely. 0.002% chance of target -Minos- receiving curse>]


    ''It''s tiny but there''s still a risk, I''ve got to speak to mother for now''


    I''ve also remembered something else. For my own sake, I''ll never be able to buy that sub-system sacrificialmb ability draw if I''m always having to invest my points into health, I need to sort this curse out not just for Minos but myself as well.


    "Mother¡­ me and Minos might have a big problem in the futureing up"


    I''ve got to be one hundred percent deadly serious here, this isn''t for my own sake. I swear to God or the Gods, I''ll destroy any potential danger that gets put at Minos''s feet. Damn it, I can now understandpletely why mother is so overprotective.


    <What is it Ikarus, you look stressed>


    "Mother¡­ I have a curse inside me called dragon descendant, the voice just confirmed it with me"


    <WHAT!?!>


    Tears started to flow from the dragon''s eyes like a river, even I was shocked from her reaction.


    "Mother, calm dow-"


    Before I even have a chance to speak, mother rushes to me and starts squeezing the life out of my bird body. I don''t think I''ve ever been hugged this tightly.


    <What''s wrong darling?>


    Oh, father has just returned into the cave. Is that a gigantic bouquet of flowers? Is that the gift he''s gotten mother?


    <Ikarus is dying!!>


    Why is mother trying to kill me off so quickly!? It''s just a curse.


    <What are you on about darling?>


    <She has what Pegasus had!>


    <Little one has dragon descendant!?!>


    Pegasus? Who''s that? Ah, I can''t deal with this right now, even father is starting to look a little weepy and depressed. Just what the hell is going on? This isn''t that big of a deal, at least yet.


    "Mother, for the love of God, get off me for a second!"


    I throw myself out the crying dragon''s grasp and try to calm both of them down.


    "As I was saying, I''m cursed but it''s not like I''m going to drop dead tomorrow, I''ve got at least nine years left before needing to worry¡­"


    Mother was still crying and it looked like father was struggling to keep it in, I needed to continue before they get worse.


    "¡­ However, this is just the minimum amount of time I have left, I could still get over four hundred years if I distribute correctly. That''s only if I can''t find a cure and I''ll definitely find one"


    <It isn''t as simple as that little one, your oldest sister had the same curse>


    Oldest sister? Is that who Pegasus is? I''ll ignore my parents terrible naming since it''s another Greek mythological styled name and I''ve got to figure out what''s going on right now.


    "Pegasus?"


    <Half a millennium ago, me and your mother had another child. We spent a good fifty years together before the curse started to take its full effect>


    So, I had an older sister called Pegasus, bit unsure what to make of that. I''m not really going to feel any attachment to someone who died hundreds of years ago, am I?


    Father is only answering since mother is too worked up right now, I wonder if this is roughly around the same time mother apparently wiped out an entire continent? Okay, it really is a good thing that pervert didn''t kill me, let''s move on.


    "Listen, I can just find a cure for it, alright? It''s a curse, all curses have cures and besides... four hundred potential years to find one isn''t exactly making me worry all that much"


    <There is no cure to dragon descendant little one, it is a curse that will always ends a dragon''s life early>


    If we get rid of the obvious fact that I''m not even a dragon, this should be a terrifying realization to me. But for some reason, I feel like father is gravely wrong about this. It''s a curse, not a disease. This is a fantasy world after all.


    "Tell me father¡­ how did you and mother go about finding a cure then?"


    I don''t care if this came across as snarky, I know exactly how these two would have acted in the situation. Dragons are extremely emotional creatures; they wouldn''t have been able to think rationally in that situation.


    <What do you mean little one?>


    "What I mean is how did you actually look for a cure, did you look for help or did you just burn down city after city?"


    Suddenly, intense anger appears on the dragon''s face and his aura went cker and eviler than anything I''ve ever witnessed in this world. Even mother''s crying face looked shocked at the sight.


    <Are you saying, me and your mother are responsible for your older sister''s death, Ikarus!?!>


    When he aggressively used my name, chills ran down my back while facing down the terrifying dragon. I have to stand my ground here though despite the fear thates with facing him.


    "Don''t put words in my mouth father, you know I never said that! My point is, while searching for a cure, did you ever ask for human help?"


    <Why, in the actual fuck, would we ask, for human help!?!>


    I knew it, of course they didn''t. I''m not ming them in the slightest, my only point is that pure anger and devastation wouldn''t have found a cure. It says a lot about their emotions that father is better at controlling it then mother yet is still aggressively looking like he wants to kill me right now, I can see it in his eyes.


    "Father, you underestimate just how intelligent humans can be. This isn''t a matter of strength or devastation, it''s a matter of finesse and intelligence. There''s a reason why weak little humans can live for so long despite their obvious ws"


    After hearing my exnation, he closes his distance between us and looks like he''s hit his boiling point. Heck, even I''m worried what''s going to happen next, he really looks pissed.


    <Dermakvar! Stop! If you darey a paw on her, I promise it will be thest thing you ever do!>


    At least mother''s here to defend me if things go bad, it won''t though, will they?


    <You actually think I would darey a hand on my own flesh and blood!? I''m fucking infuriated because that she''s right, why the hell would I want to hurt her? You actually think that little of me that I would do such a thing!?>


    Father thinks I''m right? Just what the hell is going on right now? He''s stepped back slightly and calmed a tiny bit as well.


    <No Dermak, but I''ve seen that look in your eye before>


    <I have that look because of regret, not from anger. If we had asked for help back then, we might have saved her>


    <Wait, you actually believe that Dermak!?>


    <Unfortunately¡­ I think I do>


    Thankfully, the anger and sadness have all calmed down slightly now, I feel like I was close to being killed though, father wouldn''t do such a thing, right? No, he wouldn''t, but his anger is terrifying though. I actually don''t know who is scarier, mother or father.


    "Listen¡­ I know this is a sore topic for you two but can we go back on topic? I''m not worried for myself since I''ve got more than enough time to deal with it, I''m slightly worried about Min-"


    <Minos has it!?!>


    "Cu?"


    Oh, Minos didn''t go back to sleep, he''s just been observing this conversation. I have to respond as fast as possible to mother right now though, she''ll start crying again.


    "No no no no no, he doesn''t have it! I just want to know so if the extremely rare impossible chance of him getting ites up, there''s a cure already in our hands"


    <Little one, you really are selfless>


    <You really are a good sister>


    The way these two are talking is starting to stress me out because I''m confused on something, am I''m supposed to be worrying more about myself with this curse? No no, I shouldn''t. We are literally in a world of magic and I''m able to fly the skies as a bird, humans will definitely be able to cure this.


    Seriously though, I''m a freaking elephant sized mythical phoenix who is able to power kick anything and have a methrower for my magical weapon of preferred choice, I actually bet a cure will be easy to find.


    Okay, I''ve just jinxed it. Ikarus¡­ you fucking idiot!


    "Anyway¡­ outta curiosity, do you two even know what causes dragon descendant anyway? Learning about it might help with a cure"


    <It''s a power struggle, little one. When too much power upies in the body, it has an internal conflict which unfortunately eventually kills the dragon. It obviously must apply to the phoenix species as well>


    <Me and your father both had siblings who had the curse while growing up so it clearly is partially hereditary, I really hope we can find a cure though>


    Even though mother is getting a little worked up again, my mind can''t help but wonder.


    ''Aesa, it was the bandits and contract killer abilitybining that caused it, wasn''t it?''


    [<Impossible to determine>]


    I think I know what''s caused it. Spending four thousand points in rapid session after killing those three might be the cause. Obviously, I must have had a high risk of gaining this curse and now I''m stuck until I can remove it. I feel like my impatience might have contributed as well but I can''t help with that, alright?


    An ideaes to mind that might help with brother.


    "Can I make a suggestion? NEVER, allow Minos to hunt excessive amounts of creatures in one go"


    "Cu¡­"


    <We can but it seems slightly confusing Ikarus>


    <Why should we limit him, little one?>


    Minos, this isn''t the time for getting sad, I''m trying to help! I think I''m getting stressed out as well now, this is starting to tire me having to try and calm and exin to these dragons.


    "It''s just a theory but I don''t want to increase the risk of him getting the curse. Other than eating, don''t let him overly hunt for fun. The slower he grows up, the safer it probably will be. I can''t stop him since I won''t be around to help"


    <You''re giving up already, little one?>


    <Ikarus, you just said you want to find a cure!>


    Why are they getting so worked up again? Mother has even gone teary eyed again as well.


    ¡­


    Oh, damn it, that''s not what I meant! These two are really stressing me out now. I''ve got to exin what I meant quickly.


    "I don''t mean I''m giving up on life, don''t try and kill me off that quickly again! I meant¡­ I have to leave to find a cure. There''s no way I can stop Minos from excessively hunting while I''m away, can I?"


    <Little one, why do you think you''re going alone?>


    <Yeah, we can ask the humans together>


    That¡­ has to be, the worst idea, I have ever heard in my entire year and a half of life as a phoenix and the twenty-three years spent as a human. This cannot happen for so many obvious reasons that I could spend days exining it and not even be close to finishing.


    "No, there is zero chance of that happening. Do I really have to exin to you why that is the worst idea I have ever heard? I wish I was exaggerating"


    <We can use our human forms to blend in, Ikarus>


    <Even though I despise it, it''s a sacrifice I''m willing to make>


    These two look so fixated on this but there is no way this will work, a peace conference in the cave is a much different task then blending in with humanity. I''ll try giving them a simple reason and hopefully they listen.


    "Mother¡­ you literally are over seven foot tall, and tower above every human, your form wouldn''t blend in with a single woman on the entire¡­"


    That wasn''t meant to be mean but I need to emphasize what she looks like; her breasts alone would draw attention from every man on the. And that perfectly leads me on to father.


    "¡­ And father, do you think you can curb your anger when mother gets men staring at her nonstop?"


    <What!? Why would they be staring at her!?>


    He''s already getting angry at that alone, there''s no way these two can be around humans for excessive amounts.


    "*Sighhhh*¡­ I''ve just got toe out and say it then, haven''t I? It''s her breasts father, human men findrge breasts appealing. Mother will get stares wherever she goes"


    <Those dirty little perverted mortals! I already want to rip them to pieces!!>


    <Dermak, calm yourself! You just proved Ikarus''s point, why are you such a jealous lizard?>


    Father of course reacted terribly to that and mother tried to calm him but I think even she got a little ufortable with myment, my point still stands now. That''s only the tip of the iceberg on why this is a terrible idea.


    "I can go into more reasons why that is a terrible idea but we could be here all day and still not be close to finishing. Point being, I''ve unfortunately got to do this myself"


    Both the dragons understood what this meant and both looked ufortable at the prospect of me leaving, it''s unfortunate but there isn''t any other choice. I could wait a while but I want to find a cure as soon as possible.


    "Cu¡­"


    Even Minos can sense that I''ll have to leave the nest, I still can''t handle his sad cu''s but I must persist.


    ¡­


    It feels a little sad now, need to think of a distraction¡­ Oh, what about the flowers?


    "Erm¡­ father¡­ were those flowers for mother?"


    Arge bunch of tall sunflowers is in a pile on the floor, clearly being dropped when emotions were running high.


    <Ahem¡­ it was me and your mother''s anniversary. Clearly that type of thing can wait when something more important hase up>


    <Ah right, it''s been either seven or eight hundred years now>


    <I honestly can''t remember as well darling>


    That seems to have lightened the atmosphere a little bit.

 Chapter 15 – Quest

    Chapter 15 ¨C Quest


    So, the quest to cure my curse begins! I''m unironically looking forward to this, I bet I''ll have to slug it through heaven and hell, fight creatures from mythical legends all to give myself a chance at evesting life. If I put it that way, this quest sounds bloody brilliant!


    There is a slight problem though.


    I''m unsure how to actually go about this.


    I think my best chance of finding someone who can help is the battlemage but she and the captain still aren''t back. I could go to the capital and try to find them but that''s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, they could literally be anywhere in the city. The pce is another option to ask for that prince Alistair guy but I doubt the guards would even consider sending a message to him.


    I''ve purposely left the most important part of it as well, none of the family actually know which city it even is. Both parents have a rough idea but flying over to have a quick check is something that needs to be avoided.


    So, the only thing I can think of right now is waiting for the next messenger to visit the cave and using them for help. The problem is, they onlye after a set amount of time.


    It''s been roughly half a month and they still haven''t arrived yet.


    __________


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 21]


    [Health  3,484/3,500]


    [Stamina 3,467/3,500]


    [Magicka 3,500/3,500]


    ''Look Aesa, this curse is so freaking dumb, I''ve lost sixteen days of life already!''


    [<-User- is not far from next level>]


    ''Really? Ah, that''s good then, that''s another five hundred days''


    If it isn''t obvious, I''m going to add every single point into health as I level up. I won''t be able to improve my energy or magic consumption for the time being but that should make sense why. I''ve also been purposely hunting as much as I possibly can as well recently, that also should also be obvious why. More EXP equals more stat points so which gives more life for this mighty bird.


    ''Why couldn''t it be a cool curse like growing a third limb or something like that?''


    [<-User- is disgusting>]


    ''Dirty Aesa, get your mind out of the gutter! I said limb, not third leg. Bad system!''


    <They¡¯re back little one>


    "They¡¯re back already? That was quick"


    Tis just me and my old man in the cave right now, both the other dragons have gone hunting for our lunch today.


    <No little one, the messenger. Can smell the abomination he''s riding on>


    Damn this guy''s casual racism, he''s going to say something that gets us cancelled soon.


    Off in the distance, I can see the messenger on the wyvern above the mountain range. As he gets slowly closer and closer, suddenly, two other flying beasts appear right in front of the caveing from nowhere.


    <Ikarus! The messenger is here!>


    "Cu!"


    "*Sigh*¡­ Just get in the cave already. The guy won''t have a ce tond"


    <Little one is right>


    A little time passes and we''ve all cleared the entrance allowing the flying knight tond into the cave. Once he''snded and starting to get of the wyvern, I notice he has a familiar face.


    ''Oh, it''s that guard Nathan guy. I didn''t realize he''s sometimes the messenger''


    "I-It''s a good to m-meet you again"


    <Ah, it''s human who saved our daughter>


    "Cu!"


    <Greetings, little mortal>


    ''He really can''t help but stutter around dragons, can he?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    ''Aesa, it was a rhetorical question''


    While the greeting is going on, I notice something new about the guard, his knight''s armour looks slightly different than before. Some of the arm and leg tes have been reced with bits from that ck dragon scale he received, I''m actually surprised they allowed him to keep it.


    <Little mortal, the terms with your empire need to change>


    <Dermak¡­ what are you doing?>


    "S-Sorry Mr. dragon?"


    I''m not the only one who''s confused, mother is as well, this wasn''t the n. what is he doing, why do the terms need to change? The guard is looking stressed as well.


    <I''ll exin itter darling. Human, take this to the blonde mortal>


    "Y-you mean his h-highness?"


    <Yes, him>


    Father walks towards the nervous man and gives him a scroll roughly the same size of the human himself.


    <Dermak, when did you prepare that?>


    <You''ll understand the reasonter for itter¡­ Human! you are to escort my daughter to the blonde mortal. This is severe matter of life and death and time is of the essence. This mission overrides any other assignment that you may have been assigned, you can also leave your update message here since >


    "E-Erm¡­ okay then"


    The human gives father a document he brought with him and continues on.


    <Now that your orders are in effect, we need to prepare a few things. This will only take several minutes>


    Listening to father like this, it sounds like he''s a high-ranking soldier in the military or something simr bossing the guy around. I guess the knight can''t exactly say no, can he?


    Father heads towards the nest and motheres over to me now, clearly trying not to tear up.


    "Mother, no! We already agreed, no crocodile tears. This is for the best, remember?"


    <How can I not cry when my daughter is leaving the nest?>


    I do love my parents but God, they really can be seriously emotional beings.


    Mother gives me a long hug then steps back again, there clearly is a tear in her eye.


    <Before you go little one, there is something that should provide useful for you on your journey. Human! turn around and face away for a minute¡­ Littlest one! Get out the nest!>


    "O-Okay"


    "Cu?"


    The guard and Minos both do as asked and then father now over by the nest, pulls the furs off revealing the money pit and takes a few things from it. Once he gets what he needs, he puts the furs back on again andes back to us. Of course, Minos returns instantly back to the nest once it''s ced back down.


    "Little one, you might want to change form¡­ Human! if you even think about turning around right now, be prepared to lose your eyes and another valuable body part"


    "I-I w-wont!"


    ''Thinking about it, I kinda miss my valuable body part. It definitely helped with going to the loo. I think that''s what father was referring to''


    Once I''ve done what father asked and I quickly put on the training clothes I got, hees over to me and passes me several items. A shiny silver broadsword, a bag of gold coins and a golden ring that had a small ruby engrained on it.


    <The sword and money are for obvious reasons; the ring is what humans would call enchanted I believe>


    I''ve already got my enchanted choker; I wonder what this ring has.


    "It''s enchanted? With what?"


    <Urgh¡­ help me with this darling. You know I can''t stand that magic>


    <Sure Dermak. The ring is enchanted with a subspace ability. We got it in battle from an old mage centuries ago>


    Wait a second, subspace ability? I''ve got to investigate this further.


    "What''s it do?"


    <We''ve never used it ourselves but from what I''ve seen, if you put something like a weapon or something simr up against the ring, it stores it inside>


    This could have been useful ages ago! I wouldn''t have had to carry a fur bag around with me all the time to take stuff around with me. Ah, forget it, at least I have it now. How do I take stuff back out though?


    <It should also stick to your original form little one, maybe on one of your ws perhaps? I really dislike it but it should prove useful for you. Human! You could''ve turned around ages ago¡­>


    I put the ring on and give it a quick check by touching the tip of the de I''ve been given against the ruby engrained in it.


    [Do you wish to store -Silver Broadsword- in storage?]


    [Yes or No]


    A small bar simr to the first time I unlocked system appeared in front of me, it didn''t make any noise but looked extremely simr.


    [<-User- has unlocked sub-system ability -subspace-. Does -user- wish to synchronize with system Aesa?>]


    ''You just called yourse-¡­ I''ll drop it for now. Yes, most definitely''


    [<Loading¡­ loading¡­ loading>]


    [<Synchronizationplete>]


    As soon as system finishes speaking, the sword starts fading from existence and within a second, it waspletely transparent and gone.


    ''I need to check whe- Is someone talking to me?''


    <Ikarus, are you listening to me?>


    Was fathermunicating? Must off missed what he said. He was right up close by my face now, waspletely zoned out with my new ability.


    "Sorry, was talking to the voice"


    <Urgh¡­ must I do such an embarrassing thing again?>


    <Yes Dermak>


    Father looks extremely ufortable and mother is smiling, I wonder the reason why?


    <Listen little one, I know you are strong enough but the world is not always an easy ce to survive in. Please¡­ for me and your mother''s sake¡­ stay safe. I do actually care for you my child>


    "Never realized you were such a sappy old man father; I''ll miss you too"


    <Sappy old man!?! Hmph>


    Intense anger appears on father''s face for a split second from my joke and then goes straight to grumpiness, even mother found that slightly funny.


    "Cu?"


    "What is it brother?"


    Just as I''m about to set off and leave, Minos leaves the nest andes up to me asking something while pointing his head to his small money pile in the corner, think he''s a little depressed I''m leaving to.


    I''ve purposely neglected mentioning the pile since he''s like a dog with a bone with it, he''s surprisingly aggressive with anyone going near it. It probably doesn''t help that I''ve purposely been moving and messing around with the pile while he''s out. He deserves it though; he actually is quite nasty guarding it. Bad Minos!


    <He says you can borrow some of his money, little one>


    <Something about charging interest though>


    "Borrow with interest!? You''re turning into a loan shark brother; I''ll miss you too"


    "Cu¡­"


    He rubs his head against me and I give him a little hug, I should probably get moving before water works start appearing from everyone''s eyes.


    "We should get going then guard, is it still guard though or a different title now?"


    "A-Ah yes, it''s k-knight now"


    "Moving up in the world I see, good for you"


    __________


    As were flying off on his wyvern, I can see the three dragons waving me goodbye. Even I''m starting to feel a little sappy looking at that. It''s unfortunate but what can you do about it?


    Why me, a majestic flying creature is currently sitting on the back of a wyvern is for a simple reason. I would have had to change form again and things were getting sappy enough back in the cave. Definitely nothing to do with getting naked again, erm... ahem.


    You might be thinking, why not use magic and grow wings like what my parents can do and stay in human form? It''s simple really, I''m not a bloody dragon! The only magic I can do all evolves around fire, I can make a set of fiery wings but it''s only fashion statement, they don''t actually work. They do look badass doe.


    "You can rx around me you know; I can''t be as scary as my parents"


    I say this to the knight guiding the wyvern since he still seems a little nervous even while flying the creature.


    "S-Sorry miss Ikarus but d-dragons aren''t my specialty"


    "I''m not a dragon though remember, I''m a big fat chubby orange bird¡­ well normally I think"


    I think belittling myself got a little chuckle out of him, maybe he can try and rx a little. As for why I''m allowed to call myself fat, it''s because I know I''m not! If someone calls me chubby in a joking way, then I''ll be fine with it, I think?


    Thinking about it, I never described what a wyvern even looks like. Basically, just imagine a dragon with no arms and a hell of a lot smaller. I know it''s simple but that''s literally what they look like, father''s racism doesn''t make all that sense looking at them.


    "I''m going to be quiet for a little while if that''s okay with you, need to check something"


    "Okay"


    ''Aesa, how does that storage ability subspace work?''


    [<While -user- has -subspace- ring equipped, -user- will have limited storage >]


    ''Yeah, I already know that. How much room do I have and how do I actually take stuff out?''


    [<-Subspace- ability corrtes to -user''s- phoenix form weight. To remove items, all -user- needs to do is imagine what item -user- wishes to take>]


    ''So, a small elephant worth of weight? That''s a really good amount. Hang on, can I not view what I''ve got stored though? It''s like opening a fridge, you need visual confirmation to know what you want to get''


    [<-User- has provided dumb example. If -user- wishes to know what''s in storage, ask G.A.P>]


    I know it''s not a great example but the number of times I''ve been hungry and just stared looking what I have in the fridge, I can''t even begin to imagine. Thinking about it, I wonder if I could build a fridge in this world. I could get ice cold booze anytime I wanted, that''s a brilliant motivator!


    ''You''ve changed your name back to GAP again, just fully embrace your name system, we both know you want to. Oh, and call me Ikarus or find something other than -user- while you''re at''


    [<¡­>]


    ''You really are tired of my shit¡­ Forget it, let''s try this out while flying. If I just imagine the de in the sheath the sword goes in, that should work right?''


    As soon as I thought that, the empty sword sheath on my hip appeared full.


    Let''s just hope this ability doesn''t have any ill side effects like with the others, that''s probably why I''m not that excited on it. With this system, I can never be too sure.


    So, me and knight Nathan''s journey to the capital continues on and the quest finding the cure for dragon descendant finally begins!


    ''This better be enjoyable''

 Chapter 16 – Capital

    Chapter 16 ¨C Capital


    "Wow"


    "Ah, this is your first time seeing the capital, isn''t it Miss Ikarus?"


    ''It''s¡­ definitely something"


    Off in the distance, I can see a gigantic sprawling medieval styled city that seems to be endless, the size almost seemsparable to modern cities. It really is impressive.


    It''s taken us half a week by wyvern to get to the city, also having to stop and set up camp for sleep and to eat as well as things like that. I reckon my stamina would havested several days without sleep but I doubt the knight would have been able to stay awake so we had to stop.


    "I need to guide the wyvern into thending zone at the pce so I''ll need to focus for a bit"


    Just as we were flying over the humongous city, my mind wondered on theck of other wyverns flying about. It obviously turns out they¡¯re a lot rarer than first thought, probably only being reserved for flying knights or other high-ranking people.


    ''I wonder what wyvern meat tastes like?''


    [<-User- has cannibalistic tendencies>]


    ''Hey, it''s not cannibalistic, I think? Ah it doesn''t matter; I don''t think I''ve checked out its level yet though. Status''


    [Name: Polly | Species: Wyvern | Level: 83]


    [Health  4,450/4,450]


    [Stamina 7,621/8,000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Nathan | Species: Human | Level: 45]


    [Health  2,100/2,100]


    [Stamina 2,259/2,400]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''Wyverns don''t get magi- Wait, how has Nathan levelled up so much? He was twenty-onest time I checked''


    [<Target -Nathan-st status check was four months ago>]


    ''It was that long ago? I think I''m struggling with dates''


    "Miss Ikarus, are you alright? We''re getting close now"


    Oh, was he talking to me? I didn''t hear anything.


    "Yeah, all good"


    "We here now, I just need to get this beast tond properly. Erm¡­ no offence"


    Ignoring him and while looking down, I notice the gigantic fancy pce and we fly off to the side of it aiming for arge t tform. Once we get to it, he starts pulling on the saddle rope connected to the wyvern and it starts going down.


    ''It''s like a helicopternding pad''


    Wend the wyvern on a t tform in one of the pce''s many courtyards with a huge W painted on it. Both getting off the wyvern, the knight Nathan carrying the huge rolled up scroll goes over to a guard by a side entrance to the pce.


    "I''m here to provide a report to his highness, can you inform him I''ve arrived?"


    "Won''t happen"


    "This matter is of the utmost importance; I have really important news to ry to him"


    "It doesn''t matter, I''ve even been told to ignore any message even if it''s his majesty himself until the prince''s meeting is over"


    The knight is getting stressful over this, he knows dying a dragon isn''t something he wants to do.


    "Just what is keeping the prince so busy he can''t receive extremely important and vital information?"


    "A woman, that''s the reason. They''ve only just started"


    Oh, the prince has an intimate session with a woman going on. I think that what he meant.


    "*Sigh*¡­ I''m sorry Miss Ikarus. Looks like we might have to wait a few hours"


    "A few hours!? Is that how long he''s able to continue for?"


    ¡­


    It''s takes him a second but then a look of embarrassment appears on the knight''s face. He clearly understands what I was talking about.


    "No no! It''s nothing like that! It''s another marriage proposal he has to handle, these seem to happen every week or so. I don''t believe he''s ever refused a messenger before though"


    "So¡­ what do we do then?"


    "Erm¡­ I guess I could quickly show you around the city"


    "You better not mean like a date"


    The thought of going on a date with a guy actually makes me want to retch. Seriously though, I actually feel ill.


    "Oh heavens no! Since the city so big, you might get lost getting around. There''s no way I would ask you on a date, ever!"


    I actually feel slightly offended on how strong he denied the datement. Hang on, why am I getting offended anyway, do I want to be appealing to men or something? Bleurgh¡­ I might actually puke even just thinking about it. Let''s forget I ever even thought of that.


    "Fine fine then, let''s kill some time"


    __________


    Close to the marketce, there''s arge group of people looking up to someone on a stand. She is wearing a ck long robe and has long brte hair under a ck and white headpiece.


    "Who''s that?"


    "That''s priestess-sama"


    The knight responds in a way that sounds like simr to admiration, I''m guessing she''s a big deal around here.


    "Priestess-sama? Is that her name or honorific?"


    "No, her name is priestess Charlotte but she prefers the sama part"


    ''Why would she ask to be called sama? Is she from Earth or something? Status''


    [Name: Charlotte | Species: Subus | Level: 500]


    [Health  12,500/12,500]


    [Stamina 19,527/20,000]


    [Magicka 30,000/30,000]


    [


    ]


    "Ahahahahahahaha"


    Before Aesa even has a chance to give me some information on the woman, I''m hystericallyughing at what I was seeing. It''s so ironic, she basically looks like a nun but is secretly a subus. I even have to wipe my eyes; I''mughing so hard tears areing out. People in the crowd are now giving me weird looks as well.


    "What''s funny Miss Ikarus?"


    "Aha¡­ *Sigh*, Just the irony"


    "Irony?"


    "Don''t worry about it"


    Even though I want to know if she''s from Earth or not, it seems too risky to take the chances. She''s the highest-level huma- no, highest level non dragon I''ve seen so far. If she''s hiding as a priestess or actually is the priestess, then me getting involved with her knowing her secret is dangerous.


    "We love you priestess-sama!"


    "Please give us your blessings!"


    "We don''t deserve you!"


    A few people are shouting praise towards the priestess. She responds in a really calming andposed manner.


    "Thank you everyone. I only do the Lord''s bidding; I''m underserving of such praise"


    "So nice and so humble"


    "You''re too kind priestess-sama!"


    I''ve got to leave; I''m going to startughing again. This crowd arepping her bullshit up.


    "Can we go?"


    "Ahem¡­ sure"


    The knight looks a little flustered while answering, I think he''s got a crush on subus-sama. I''m definitely calling her that from now on.


    While we are moving away from the crowd and heading into the densely popted market, I get out my bag of money out and am curious on something.


    "Hey knight, how much is this worth?"


    "Huh¡­ Hide it! Hide it!"


    He really is looking stressed at me showing him the bag of gold I have, I''m slightly unsure why. I hide it back up once he finishes.


    "*Phew*¡­ that really could have ended badly Miss Ikarus"


    "Please drop the Miss, it''s getting really irritating. Why can''t I get out my money?"


    "The problem isn''t getting it out, it''s the amount. You''re basically walking around with arge fortune"


    "Are gold and silver coins worth that much?"


    "Yes, we use iron ted coins as base currency in the empire. Copper is roughly worth ten, silver is around a hundred and gold, a thousand"


    "A thousand!?! Wait, what''s a loaf of bread worth?"


    That surprises me slightly, of course, gold would be worth a lot anywhere you go but judging by how much money my parents had, I didn''t think it would be that much, I''m literally carrying tens of thousands! It''s not a currency that uses high numbers though, is it? That''s why I ask about the bread, to try and get a rough idea on how much everything it.


    "A single iron coin"


    "Is that it? What about the price of a small house?"


    "Erm¡­ between four and eight thousand, I think? The capital is really expensive with houses though"


    Okay, I can see the issue now, I''ve got a bag filled of dozens of gold and silver coins and basically just unted my wealth in public. Thieves would love me right now.


    Thinking to my parents'' money pit, I think they might have more money than an entire country, heck, maybe even have more than the empire. I can see why the appeal of shiny things fades once you''ve amassed that much wealth.


    "Well¡­ lets go spend a load of it then"


    I''m clearly joking but the knight takes it a bit too seriously.


    "There is a slight problem though¡­ you''ll have to go to a bank before you can use any of it for small purchases"


    "Why?"


    "I doubt a single shop or stall will have a change for that amount. You''ll have to exchange your money another time though, being at the bank can take hours with the queues and everything else. We haven''t got the time for that"


    I''ve got all this money and I can''t actually spend it, is this how billionaires feel? No, I doubt it, they just want more and more money. I''m more than happy to spend most of this on useless crap. Perks of having rich parents¡­ okay, I am a spoilt brat, let''s move on.


    "I''ll just give you a rough idea where everything is located in the city and then we''ll head back, I really want to deliver that scroll as soon as possible"


    "Fine same"


    __________


    ''Damn it, I really want to steal everything in here''


    Me and the knight are now being led through the pce after returning from our venture out in the city. Thankfully, the prince was now finished and we we''re actually allowed to deliver the scroll.


    Honestly, his tour of the city was extremely underwhelming, we didn''t venture far from the main road and the market. I think the only reason he even offered was to see the subus-sama near the market.


    As for my thievery thought, this pce is disgusting, the riches are endless. Priceless statues, shiny artifacts, shiny furniture, everything is shiny! Not even joking, even the stuffed bear rug we just walked over looks shiny, I don''t know how they''re able to do it. It actually physically hurts.


    Every room we''ve walked through is just making my greed get worse and worse. I''m really struggling not to ''borrow'' anything, I can finally understand why Minos is so protective over money. Shiny stuff is just so nice!


    "Prince Alistair is waiting for you knight, your trainee can wait here"


    Trainee? Oh, my clothing, that makes sense.


    "The report involves her; his highness will also be needing to speak to her. If you don''t believe me, tell him Miss Ikarus is here."


    I think the knight Nathan is starting to get irritated, he came across a little snarky to the royal guard.


    "No, I believe you, no need to be snide"


    "Yes, there is. We''ve been dyed long enough and the information I have needed to be delivered hours ago"


    "Fine same then, take it out on the prince. I''m just following orders"


    "Whatever"


    This guy is actually more demanding than I first thought, he always came across a little weak willed. Fair y to him, I guess dragons have that effect on most people. He doesn''t even stutter in normal conversation.


    The royal guard opens the door for us and we enter into a small study. In here, prince Alistair is currently behind the desk looking at some papers. He''s wearing a royal set of attire and has a pair of reading sses on. Like usual, he is still smiling.


    "Ah, Nathan"


    "Greetings to his royal highness"


    He takes a knee while greeting the prince and I wonder if I''m supposed to do the same. Nah, I''m not going to. I think having dragon parents lets me off doing such things, he''s only a prince after all. Dragons are better.


    "I''ve already told you that''s not necessary¡­ Ah Ikarus, I didn''t notice you there. What reason do I have the pleasure of speaking with you again?"


    Before I even had the chance to speak, the stress on the knight''s face returns and he continues speaking.


    "Your highness, Mr. Dermak wishes to change the terms of the agreement. Here is a scroll he''s given me"


    "Thatrge thing? You don''t need to look so stressed Nathan; it probably will be nothing"


    "After what happened in that city, my stress is always justified"


    "Nathan¡­ ears are listening"


    The prince whispers that, obviously, information about the city is still purposely being kept secret.


    "Ah, sorry"


    The knight then passes therge scroll over to the prince, he unrolls it and starts to read it. While he''s reading, he speaks to me.


    "So, Ikarus your reason foring over?"


    "I''m guessing father''s already put it in words so I''ll let you finish"


    "Fair enough"


    Once the prince finishes reading the scroll, his smile disappears and his face turns serious. He also takes his sses of as well now.


    "Nathan, you can leave me and Ikarus for a while. Tell the guard outside the door to leave and allow not a single soul in the hallway"


    "Your highness, tha-"


    Before Nathan has a chance to respond, the prince cuts him off.


    "This is an order knight!"


    "Yes sir"


    Nathan leaves and does what he''s told. While he''s leaving the door to the study, he also closes it just leaving me and the prince in the room.


    "Why did you send him away? Doesn''t he already know everything going on?"


    "The matter at hand would only cause him unnecessary stress¡­ Out of curiosity, do you know what your father has written?"


    "Judging from your reaction, he''s threatened you, am I right?"


    The prince gives off a small chuckle but swiftly continues on.


    "Yes, if we cannot cure you, he ns to destroy the city¡­"


    ''Damn it father, I told him this isn''t the way to go about it''


    "¡­But that''s not it. He''s also offered something beyond belief as a reward for finding a cure. Something that could immortalize our empire"


    I wonder what he has offered them? It''s not the money pit, is it? I don''t really know what else he can offer them other than that.


    "What is he willing to give you then?"


    "That¡­ I''m not allowed to say. Your father has said you are not allowed to know till a cure is found"


    Father''s holding secrets from me? What the hell has he offered them in exchange for a cure? I''m slightly worried now.


    As I start to worry, someone opens the door and joins us.


    "I said no-one is allowed toe in, those knights are beyond useless"


    "Don''t be like that Alistair, you know they can''t disobey orders from me"


    An old man wearing royal attire simr to the prince enters the room, the prince appears extremely stressed and irritated speaking to the old man.


    "You''ve already met one woman today, my boy. Now, you''re even talking to another one alone. Are there wedding bells on the horizon?"


    "If you''re here to sling shit father, this isn''t the time. The entire fate of the empire relies on this conversation and you''ve juste in spreading shit all over the walls"


    ''Prince Alistair''s father? Is that the emperor?''


    [<Affirmative>]


    ''Rhetorical question again system. I can''t believe he talks to his father likes that; I''m actually impressed. Need to take some advice from him''


    The emperor gives of a simr chuckle to the prince''s chuckle.


    "Don''t be like that my boy, I actually like the look of this one. If you propose to her, I''ll even give you my blessing"


    "*Gag*"


    I actually physically gagged at that suggestion. Marrying a man? I don''t care if the entire fate of the world relied on that fact, I would watch the world burn with a smile on my face and still have no regrets.


    Okay, that might be taking it to far but if it isn''t obvious, I''m extremely insecure about my masculinity. Well duh, I should be! I was a man at one stage. Even if this body is dope, I still ain''t going near no man!


    Fortunately, both men find my response funny and give it a chuckle. Gagging at a suggestion like that could have ended a lot worse depending on who it is.


    "*Sigh*¡­ why are you here?"


    "I''m just here to visit my son, does a father need a reason?"


    "Yes, especially when that son ismanding the entire empire and has an oaf of an old man who keeps butting in where he''s not needed or wanted"


    "Fine, fine then. I''ll leave you two alone then. Just leave the door open, don''t want you two getting up to something naughty"


    "Just leave, you''re giving me another migraine"


    The old man leaves the study while the prince tries to regain hisposure, I''m slightly confused on what''s happening.


    "I''m sorry about him, he''s getting senile in his old age"


    "I heard that"


    "Just go away already¡­ go wander the halls in your pajamas or something"


    Even I''m giving a little smile at the bickering son and father. Even if ites across as a little mean, it''s clear its all-in jest, well I think it''s in jest, the prince does seem stressed at his father though.


    "Just what was that about?"


    "Curiosity, he likes to know everything that''s going on. Just because he put me control of handling day to day operations doesn''t mean he can just do what he wants"


    "He''s the emperor, right? He can do what he wants"


    The prince has now fully regained hisposure but still hasn''t started smiling again, I think he just wants to get this conversation properly going now.


    "Fair point¡­ Now anyway, back on topic. Is there any more information that can be given about your curse? Your father didn''t actually go into any specific detail on it"


    "The only thing he said was that it''s an internal power struggle and that it always ends a dragon''s life early"


    "Well¡­ a curse that causes a power struggle¡­ that actually sounds like it could be cured easily"


    "Wait, you think this curse could be cured easily?"


    There goes my expectation for an epic adventure, I don''t want to die but returning to the cave this quickly seems a bit underwhelming.


    "Easily is the wrong choice of word. In theory, an internal power struggle would be fixed simply by putting both sides in perfect bnce, an equilibrium perhaps. Nothing ever works out as simply as that though¡­"


    ''Ah, good¡­ I really shouldn''t be happy about that. I might be slightly self-destructive''


    "¡­ I can already tell that it won''t be as simple for a creature that can hold extreme amounts of power though. If you give me several days, potentially a week, and allow me to contact some people, I should be able to find a solution. We really don''t have the time to rest and dy over this"


    Well¡­ we kinda do. I''ve got years left before any worry. But I''m not going to say anything about it.


    "Is there anything you need before we part ways Ikarus?"


    Let''s give this a think, I could ask for a ce to stay but I kind of want to experience an inn or tavern and the rest of the city. There is something I could ask for though.


    "Out of curiosity, how will you contact me when you find what you''re looking for? Ah, money as well. I need to exchange some money, don''t really fancy waiting in line at a bank"


    "Don''t worry about it, it doesn''t matter where you go in the city, my knights will find you¡­"


    ''That actually makes me feel a little creeped out''


    "¡­ As for exchanging money, I''ll sort that out quickly now"

 Chapter 17 – Down Time

    Chapter 17 ¨C Down Time


    "Hey, why are you following me around"


    "I''m under orders to escort you around Miss Ikarus"


    "I already told you, drop the Miss. It''s infuriating"


    "Okay"


    I''m currently wandering around the city trying to figure out what to actually do being followed around by knight Nathan. Clearly, I''m a bit stuck on this.


    "Have you any suggestions on what we can do? If you say go and see subus-sama, then I''ll punch you"


    "Subus-sama?"


    "Forget it, it''s a joke you wouldn''t understand. Suggestions?"


    I''ve got to be careful with that, her name is priestess-sama, not subus-sama. That might end up getting me in trouble.


    "What type of things do you like"


    "Anything really, I''ve basically got unlimited money"


    "I really don''t know, the opera perhaps? I really don''t know what people do in their free time though"


    Okay, my face just sunk hearing that, this guy isn''t going to be any help. The opera? You really think I''ve got the patience for something like that?


    Wait, opera isn''t even medieval era though, it''s slightly after. Maybe I was a little off in my estimation on how advanced this world is, everything still looks medieval like but there are a few slight differences. The ss in this world looks quite modern and- oh, speak of the devil, the streetlights literally just came on. There is working streetlights as well.


    "Are you curious on how they work?"


    He must have seen me staring at the light, it is interesting to know how they power it though.


    "Let me guess, something stupid like magic?"


    "No actually, it''s a rare type of metal that gets mined in the mountains. Itsts for decades before expiring and it only ever lights up when darkness is approaching"


    I guess that''s some pointless information saved for future use then, no idea what I can use it for.


    "Still don''t know what to do¡­ why am I overthinking this? I know exactly what to do"


    A sly grin appears on my face, my mother really isn''t going to approve of this.


    __________


    "*Gulp*, Haaaa¡­ it''s so freaking refreshing!"


    "You should really slow down Ikarus"


    "I haven''t had a drink in over a year and a half, I''ve got make up for all the time lost not drinking"


    Me and Nathan are currently sitting at a table in a loud bar filled with people, there''s easily over a dozen empty bottles on my table alone.


    I''ve already drunk half a bottle of whiskey, several bottles of wine, meads, ales, ciders, basically, any type of alcohol this ce sells, I''ve probably tried it by now.


    ''This may taste nice but I really don''t understand why I don''t feel drunk yet, is this all watered down?''


    [


    ]


    "Now you tell me this!? You''re telling me I can''t even get wasted in this freaking world? If this didn''t taste so good, I''d be going mad right now"


    "Ikarus, who are you talking to?"


    Oh, I said that out loud. Maybe the alcohol does have an effect, just it''s extremely minor. I do feel quite happy right now though.


    "Hehe¡­ a voice in my head"


    Heh, he actually looks confused at my response, I''ve finally found someone who might think I''m crazy.


    "Erm¡­ what does the voice say?"


    Does he believe me as well? This is just pointless.


    "Just imagine a nagging wife in your ear who gives me information sometimes. She''s not actually that irritating, just her personality can be at times"


    "That doesn''t sound that bad, I guess?"


    Thinking about it, Aesa system isn''t all that bad, she did inform me I''m slowly dying after all. If it wasn''t for her, I would probably never have known till it was toote. She literally might be the sole existence responsible for saving the entire world for giving me that information.


    [<Heh>]


    "Was that augh Aesa!? Ah forget it, I''m too tipsy to give a damn. Do you not n on drinking knight? You''ll be surprised just how well booze can go with food as well"


    Seriously though, stuff like salted peanuts and pretzels go so well with a stiff drink. Unfortunately, they don''t have my favourite in this world though. Potato chips or crisps as we call them from the ind I called home back on Earth.


    Damn, if I had the time and patience, I should try making stuff like that. It''s basically only fried potato after all. Oh, fizzy drink as well, that goes brilliant mixed with alcohol! I''m missing Earth''s food and drink now a lot.


    "Drinking isn''t really my thing, not the biggest fan of having my senses nulled. You can continue though"


    Well, he''s just ruined my fun. Screw it, I can continue my drinkingter, my stamina is still more than high enough tost throughout the night. I can take a take a quick break and do something else for a bit.


    "Let''s just leave knight, you''ve ruined my buzz"


    Getting up and leaving the bar with the knight, we go out the front door and I notice something, Nathan''s face looks slightly ufortable.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Erm¡­ it might be better avoiding that street"


    The direction I was heading in seems to be causing him distress, I have no idea why though.


    "Why?"


    "It''s a little bit difficult to exin. We kinda call it a red-light district"


    A red-light district? Oh, there''s several half naked womening out of one of the buildings with several men alongside them. Two of the women are elves as well.


    "That''s a brothel?"


    "You understand the term?"


    Of course, I''m going to know what a brothel or a red-light district is. Wait, that sounds really suspect, isn''t thatmon knowledge? I swear, I''ve never been to one! I''m digging myself a grave right now; I should shut it.


    "I know more about human stuff than I let on knight"


    "*Sigh*, Every city has it''s shameful corner, ours just happens to be quiterge and popr"


    His reaction irritated me a bit, no need to shame such a ce.


    "Why are you putting it down so much? Everyone has to earn a living somehow, nothing wrong with it"


    "You have a point; it just isn''t my idea of fun"


    "I agree with you but you still shouldn''t look at it like that, people have got to put bread on the table somehow"


    "Yeah¡­ you are right"


    Even though I''m personally not into the idea of paying someone for intimacy, can''t understand the reason why someone should be shamed or punished for such an act.


    ''Oh God, I wonder what that certain act would feel like as a female though? Let''s not think about it, that''s a scary thought''


    [<-User- is getting worked up>]


    "A-Anyway¡­ let''s move on"


    __________


    I''m not proud to admit it but I literally spent the next five nights drinking my body weight in booze. Hey, I wasn''t joking, I''ve got make up for lost time. I should be careful though, this body allows me to drink too much, I could end up getting bored of alcohol, that''s a horrible thought.


    As for the daytimes, they were a little calmer except for one obvious exception, I''ll exin that in a little while. Most of the time, I would eat loads of sweets and meat, not together obviously. Also go shopping for loads of random stuff that could prove useful in the future that I''ve stored in my ring and just exploring the city really, just trying to kill a load of time.


    Oh, I also bought some clothes, they look freaking badass! The main part of it is a ck and white short dress,bine that with long ck socks and boots, it looks epic!


    Sure, it isn''t exactly reserved looking but who cares about something like that, it''s not exactly like I''m walking around half naked. Most of the woman in this world all wear long dresses and stuff like that which would make stuff like getting around and fighting a hell of lot more difficult to do.


    Let''s not discuss having to buy underwear, okay? I guarantee my face went really red while doing that embarrassing task. Imagine a modern lingerie shop, just even worse. There was so much crap in there, it was way too overwhelming.


    It almost seems as if I''ve seen this picture of me on a novel cover or something like that¡­ Ahem, let''s not be doing something like potentially breaking a fake fourth wall. I''m definitely real, right? Or am I just a figment of your imagination? Whooosh¡­


    Getting back on track to the noticeable exception I was talking about, there was an incident in a bath house¡­ No! Not that type of incident! Let me exin¡­ you see, unless you own property and as well as a bath, you have to bathe inrgemunal bathhouses.


    Once I found a decent one and was ready to use it, I was actually slightly looking forward to it. It''s not like I''m being a perve or anything, I just wanted topare my body to others, I swear!


    Upon seeing all the naked figures in the bath house, my mind was only filled with disappointment. Why the hell am I such a narcissist? None of those women evene close toparing to me. Ignoring my narcissistic tendencies, I started cleaning myself and that''s when the exception happened.


    I may have punched someone in the face, really hard in fact, so much so that it knocked them out and they may have broken their nose.


    I''ll exin¡­ some random bitch came up and surprised me by grabbing my breasts. Yeah, literally while I was cleaning myself, no warning, she just grabbed them!


    There is no way this is a normal thing in a bathhouse so I may have reacted badly to the perverted woman. Seriously though, this can''t be a normal thing that women do to random strangers bathing, right?


    I''m may be sitting in a prison cell right now. Turns out, knocking someone out cold isn''t allowed. It''s so bullshit, she assaulted me first!


    ''I''m getting bored in here, let''s take a look at my status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 21]


    [Health  3,475/3,500]


    [Stamina 3,333/3,500]


    [Magicka 3,500/3,500]


    ''Aesa, I thought you said I was close to levelling up? I really want that extra five hundred now''


    [<-User- is close to levelling up. 2.4 wolfs or 5.6 goats>]


    ''I told you not to do that. Just round it up. Three wolfs, or, six goats''


    [<Affirmative>]


    I''m currently chilling in the cell prison rxing on the bed.


    The guards who arrested me didn''t find any possessions I was carrying except the ring and the clothes I was wearing, purposely put everything away hidden. Might be a little paranoid but for all I know, the guards could''ve taken some coins without me knowing. Never hurts to be safe.


    "Let mee outtttttt"


    "Oi, shut up already"


    I''m only doing this to wind the jailer up, he''s currently sitting on a wooden chair watching the several cells. Thing is, I''m extremely bored. When''s the prince going toe here of this and sort this out? I bet the knight Nathan is really stressed out as well due to what''s going on.


    "This bed is sooo ufortablleeee!"


    "For the love of God. Shut, the hell, UP!"


    I''m really giving the jailer a headache. Good, he deserves it. I have already told him putting me in here is a bad idea, none of these idiots believed me when I said the woman grabbed me first.


    "--- fucking idiots, --- really don''t know --- stupid --- are"


    "We we''re ---- doing --- job knight. She assaulted -------"


    Oh, that first voice sounds familiar. I can''t see him yet though. I can hear a bit of what they''re saying through.


    "If --- said she was attacked -----, then why did --- fucking arrest --- alone but not the ----- woman?"


    "We ---- wanted -- ask --- some questions, she --- being uncooperative. --- other woman wasn''t"


    That''s a lie, it''s because the bitch hadrge breasts, these guys took her words over mine. That''s the only reason I can think of, she wasn''t even all that convincing, just clearly attractive to males, I guess.


    "Yet¡­ she --- willing -- be captured --- didn''t kill a single --- of --- idiots. --- really ---- know how lucky --- lot are"


    Wait, would have been okay for me to kill some of these guys? I should have done that then, would have given me some free EXP. For some reason, killing people isn''t really a concern I worry about anymore. I doubt my curse can get any worse doing it, I''ve already confirmed as such with Aesa.


    Thinking about something else as well, I probably could''ve escaped from here. All I would need to do is make my fire hot enough and it would''ve easily melted through these metal bars. Don''t really see the point when I knew I''d be getting rescued soon.


    "Sorry this took a while Ikarus, these bunch of idiots really don''t know how stupid they are"


    Ah, so it is Nathan, thought so. He''s literally just walked around the corner.


    "About time, I was slowly going mad in here"


    I wasn''t, I''ve literally only been in here for a couple of hours. This prison cell doesn''t give me ustrophobia that muchpared to the one in the destroyed city, think it''s because I still have light and there''s always been a jailer on duty.


    "We''re to return to the pce immediately. There''s someone his highness wishes for you to meet"


    __________


    "Knight, we''re both under orders to leave once Miss Ikarus enters the room"


    "Fine fine then"


    After being led to a small conference room, both the royal guard and the knight leave me alone. I then enter the room and immediately notice someone I''ve seen before.


    "Why is subus-sa- shit! I erm¡­ mean priestess-sama?"


    An ufortable feeling surrounds the three other people in the room, clearly from me saying something I shouldn''t have.


    (Alistair) "Ikarus¡­ you know the priestess?"


    (Leone) "You really can be stupid at times Ikarus"


    ''Damn it, I knew that would get me in trouble, hopefully she doesn''t kill me for it''


    Listing of the four people now in the room, there''s me, Leone the mage, prince Alistair and subus- no, priestess Charlotte. I don''t know why I can''t help myself but I keep calling her that.


    "You''re able to tell my race?"


    Despite me revealing her secret, she didn''t seem that bothered about it. She still kept the exact same kind, calm andposed behaviour when I first met her. It''s kind of irritating me a little, she seems so fake.


    "Yeah, my status showed me"


    "Apologies but I''m unsure what you mean by that"


    "Ikarus is talking about the system inside her head. Just ignore her Charlotte, she finds it hard to be serious"


    "Isn''t it a pleasure to hear your annoying voice again mage. For the record, I can get serious, I just prefer not to"


    "Really?... Tell me Ikarus, you haven''t forgotten what you''re overdue?"


    Ah shit, here we go again. The fake smile on the battlemage returns, I''ve really got to stop talking around her.

 Chapter 18 – Priestess

    Chapter 18 ¨C Priestess


    ---(Added) This is thest the mage properly appears for a while, she''s meant to be a bitch. You''ll understand once you read---


    __________


    ¡°Let¡¯s get back onto the matter at hand, shall we?¡±


    The prince tries to regain control of the room but with me and the mage, that¡¯s never going to be an easy thing.


    ¡°My apologies Alistair but Ikarus is someone who thrives with discipline, she needs to know when and what she¡¯s done wrong to improve¡±


    ¡®I regreting here now, dying slowly might have been a better alternative then dealing with this mage¡¯


    The mage gives me a slight death stare after she finishes, she didn¡¯t read my mind, right?


    ¡°Leave it for now, will you Leone?... Ikarus, you can take a seat if you wish¡±


    (Leone) ¡°Hmph¡±


    ¡°Fine fine¡±


    The conference room isn¡¯t exactlyrge, the table only seats eight chairs and is simr in size to the prince¡¯s study. Everyone was already sitting down and I go to join them.


    ¡°I¡¯ve invited Lotte and called Leone from active duty here since these two are easily some of the best sources of information for things like this¡±


    ¡®Active duty? Was Leone in battle fighting? She must have gotten here pretty quickly then¡¯


    (Charlotte) ¡°We have already been discussing it for a little while and we think your ailment can be cured¡±


    (Leone) ¡°Not think, it definitely can be cured¡±


    ¡°Well great, how do I cure the curse then?¡±


    ¡­


    An ufortable silence filled after my question, none of the people in the room particrly wanted to answer.


    ¡°You see Ikarus-sama¡­ we have a rough idea on how to achieve such a task, the problem is actually achieving it¡±


    ¡°We know what to do, it¡¯s just getting there isn¡¯t particrly easy¡±


    Both Charlotte and Alistair seem reluctant to give me an answer, this is slightly irritating. Thankfully, Leone isn¡¯t as reluctant.


    ¡°I¡¯ll juste out and say it since you two are dying, you need to conquer dungeons¡±


    ¡°Dungeons?¡±


    ¡°Yes Ikarus, dungeons. Unironically, the cure for any power imbnces has always been additional power, it for some reason seems to bnce it out. Dungeons have always provided power¡±


    ¡®Aesa, do you have a clue what Leone is on about? This is stupid¡¯


    [<Unsure>]


    Well at the very least, I think she means fantasy style dungeons with floors and levels, stuff like that. Not the dungeon you get arrested and tortured in. If it¡¯s fantasy dungeons, then that sounds like a fun adventure. The other, that really doesn¡¯t sound as fun.


    (Leone) ¡°This is down to Charlotte we have this information¡±


    (Alistair) ¡°Yeah, this type of thing could have taken a lot longer is she wasn¡¯t here¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me, thank our Lord and saviour for this information¡±


    Okay, I¡¯m getting a little tired of subus-sama¡¯s God talk now, I don¡¯t have a problem with religion, I just don¡¯t like it being brought up all the time. I¡¯ll try and ignore it for now.


    ¡°You say dungeons, how many exactly?¡±


    ¡°Ten, the Lord himself confirmed as much with me¡±


    The Lord confirmed with her? Is she mad? I can¡¯t ignore it.


    ¡°Erm¡­ what is she on about?¡±


    I take a confused look towards the mage; she probably knows what crap she¡¯s spewing.


    ¡°Charlotte is simr to you; she also has voice inside her head¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you before, it isn¡¯t just a voice, it is the Lord himself. He gave me the information for this cure¡±


    ¡°Wait a second, you mean the information for this cure is from a voice you hear inside your head?¡±


    The calm and reserved priestess started looking a little stressed out from my questioning, I don¡¯t think she likes exining the whole thing. The prince ends up answering for her.


    ¡°Lotte¡¯s information has always proven reliable. If she says conquering dungeons will find you the cure Ikarus, then I would bet the fate of the entire empire on her. I probably will have too as well¡±


    The prince seems really confident on this, his smile has returned as well.


    So, that¡¯s just great then. I¡¯m betting my life on someone who hears voices. I understand the irony that I also rely on a voice inside my head but system doesn¡¯t just make stuff up from thin air. Actually, it kind of does, I¡¯m just being a bit sceptical.


    [<Aesa agrees with target -Charlotte->]


    ¡®You actually believe her!? Maybe I should be a bit more open minded. I¡¯ll try not fixating on her voice then¡¯


    ¡°So hypothetically¡­ if a cure can be found by beating ten dungeons, then what¡¯s the problem? Are they insanely difficult to beat?¡±


    (Alistair) ¡°That¡¯s not the issue¡±


    (Leone) ¡°The issue isn¡¯t actually clearing them; the issue is finding them in the first ce. The ones that have been cleared can normally be beaten with a small party¡±


    So, dungeons aren¡¯t that much of a challenge then? That¡¯s¡­ a little disappointing. Dungeons are supposed to be challenging, right?


    (Alistair) ¡°In the thousand years this empire has existed, we have only evere across nine. All but one have beenpleted¡­¡±


    Shit, I haven¡¯t got a thousand years left to spare. This isn¡¯t good at all.


    ¡°¡­ You don¡¯t need to look so worried though, we¡¯ve never had any particr need to look for them till now. Since the reward this time is worth it, we should have a lot more motivation to locate them¡±


    I think he means the reward my father mentioned, his smile has just dropped as well. It must be really serious.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t the mage just literally say dungeons provide power though?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ difficult to exin. It only provides power to the people who actually can harness it, every dungeon that had been cleared has always been underutilized¡±


    (Leone) ¡°What Alistair is saying is that they always go to waste, the only people who can harness dungeon rewards are either heroes or certain rare individuals. You might fall into that category Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Why hasn¡¯t thisst one beenpleted then?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­ the reward is abysmal¡±


    ¡°I agree with him. Having seen what the reward is with my own eyes, it¡¯s not worth it¡±


    They both look really disheartened while responding, the reward for the upleted dungeon must be trash.


    Okay¡­ so let me get this straight then. I think there talking about two different things though. It seems like there¡¯s a crappy reward which normal people can obtain and a power reward which only a select few people can get. I might be in thetter then since Leone just said, that reward must contain power and something rted to my curse. Just need to get through ten of them first.


    Honestly, this entire thing is just stupid, I¡¯m just going to go with it and stop overthinking about it all, it¡¯s giving me a headache.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ this information you get still seems slightlycking. I mean, how does this even work? Is the cure an ability or something like a vial that I need to drink? Your God doesn¡¯t seem to exin much¡±


    I take a confusing look towards subus-sama now.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to exin Ikarus-sama. All I have been told is that uponpletion of ten dungeons, the Lord will give you his blessings and rid you of the curse¡±


    ¡°That may work for me but what about my brother, I¡¯m not here just for myself¡±


    Can¡¯t forget about Minos, I¡¯m not just looking for a cure just for myself. I know he doesn¡¯t actually have dragon descendant but still, better safe than sorry.


    ¡°He also says your little brother Minos will be able to receive his blessing¡±


    ¡°Did you tell her about Minos, mage?¡±


    ¡°Alistair did but no-one mentioned his name though¡±


    Okay, I¡¯ll choose to believe her for now then. As for the voice she hears, I¡¯m unsure if it¡¯s from a God but it definitely is from someone who definitely has ess to information, it could be a system but the way she goes on about it makes me think different.


    ¡°Is there anything else I need to know then?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ I think that covers nearly everything. If there¡¯s anything else, Lotte will be able to tell you the journey there. Oh, and I¡¯llmand knight Nathan to join you as well¡±


    ¡°I would have joined you but I¡¯ve got to start looking for other dungeons, there¡¯s only so much Charlotte¡¯s voice tells her. Captain Jekyll will also be leading an investigation for them¡±


    So, all the named NPCs I know are working together in searching for a cure. I really shouldn¡¯t call them NPCs though. Wait, only three people to conquer a dungeon? This doesn¡¯t seem like a good idea, massive red g iing.


    ¡°Me, Nathan and subus-sama. This seems like a terrible idea¡±


    ¡°I can assure you Ikarus, Lotte is the strongest fighter in the empire. There is no-one more suited for this task. As for Nathan, he needs more experience out in the world so I want to assign him to guard you¡±


    ¡°I only act upon God¡¯s will, there is no need for such praise¡±


    I guess the priestess¡¯s stats are stupidly high though, having her keeping me safe isn¡¯t the worst thing if I can withstand her religious crap. Once again, I¡¯m levelling myself using other extremely high-level people like my parents when I first started grinding up my level, I don¡¯t like having to rely on other people but I really have no choice at the moment. Even I¡¯m getting a little tired of it now.


    ¡°I¡¯m unsure on the knight though, he¡¯s doesn¡¯t exactly seem best suited for a task like this¡±


    The mage looked irritated by myment.


    ¡°You seriously underestimate him Ikarus. Don¡¯t forget, he literally saw his entire life burn down in front of his eyes and still has the strength to face the creatures responsible for it¡±


    ¡°Leone does have a point, he¡¯s a lot stronger than he appears¡±


    They¡¯re probably right, maybe I shouldn¡¯t just focus only on stats and level then. For all I know, the knight might be a master swordsman. I really can¡¯t understand why he would have been guarding a prison cell originally if he was though.


    As we were finishing everything off and the prince sends someone to tell Nathan what was going on, I was just about to leave the room when someone stopped me.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you forgetting something Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ I don¡¯t think so¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think you¡¯re getting away that easily¡±


    Damn this sadistic woman! I thought I got away with it, her memory is unfair!


    __________


    ¡°This has to be, the stupidest thing I have ever done¡±


    ¡°You should really learn to think before you speak Ikarus if you don¡¯t like punishments like this¡±


    ¡°Are you sure such a punishment is fair? The lord will punish her if he deems it fit¡±


    ¡°Oh, just shut it subus-sama. Doing this is bad enough, listening to your religious crap just makes it even worse¡±


    You want to know what she¡¯s got me doing. I¡¯m kneeling down on all fours and she¡¯s sitting on my back. Even I didn¡¯t think she was this much of a sadist. I swear, this is a punishment that people with a specific fetish use.


    ¡°Damn it mage, this isn¡¯t even a normal punishment. You¡¯re just using me as an excuse to act out your dark fantasy¡¯s¡±


    I can¡¯t see her face from where I¡¯m bent down but I know for a fact she would have gotten pissed from myining.


    ¡°You think this is some fetish thing? Ikarus, your heart is tainted as well as your mind. You really need to reflect on yourself¡±


    I swear, she¡¯s getting worse. I don¡¯t care if she¡¯s my teacher, this is going too far.


    ¡°This is over the line mage, even for you¡±


    ¡°Would you rather this for ten minutes or sit facing a wall for two hours?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Okay, I¡¯d rather this then be put in a time out, especially one thatsts twice as long. Once I¡¯m stronger than her, I¡¯m not putting up with her crap any longer.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought¡­ you two can leave if you want, we¡¯re not going anywhere¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll erm¡­ wait a bit¡±


    ¡°We have to leave with Ikarus-sama anyway, waiting a little bit is fine¡±


    This stupid masochistic woman! Doing this isn¡¯t embarrassing enough but it doesn¡¯t help that there are people literally walking past us right now. Couldn¡¯t she have chosen a more discreet location other the main street in the city?


    At least she¡¯s leaving after this, won¡¯t have to deal with her shit for a while. I don¡¯t care if she taught me magic, her personality is terrible. Hope she steps on a plug.


    __________


    ¡°So, subus-sama, what¡¯s your story?¡±


    While we were making out way out of the city and the punishment had long ended, I just wanted to start some small talk. The knight seems to be in his own little world right now knowing that he gets to travel with the priestess so she¡¯s the only person I can realistically speak with.


    ¡°I do have a name Ikarus-sama¡±


    Obviously, the fact that she¡¯s a subi isn¡¯t that big of a secret then. I can understand why she might be a little annoyed by me calling her it though.


    ¡°I know but I can¡¯t help myself, just let me get it out of my system and I should stop eventually. Your story?¡±


    ¡°I prefer to not talk about my younger days. If it wasn¡¯t for the Lord¡¯s guidance and wisdom, I never would have found true salvation¡±


    I take back what I thought earlier, she isn¡¯t a fake priestess at all. She may be a subus but she really believes what she¡¯s saying, her entire personality is about religion. I can¡¯t see this getting irritating fast, not being sarcastic at all.


    While I¡¯m speaking to the priestess, someone stumbles into me and I just can¡¯t help myself.


    ¡°Oi, watch where you¡¯re walking. You blind as a bat or something?¡±


    You know that exact moment when you say something so dumb, your soul feels like it wants to leave the body? That how I felt after saying that.


    ¡°Blind as a bat¡­ heh, don¡¯t think I¡¯ve heard that one before¡±


    A long dark-haired woman was the culprit behind it and the issue is, she actually was blind, both her pupils were grey and faded. I literally feel like the worst person in the entire world right now, even the priestess and the knight both give me disappointed looks.


    ¡°Damn it, I¡¯m really sorry. I didn¡¯t know¡±


    [<-User- still hasn¡¯t learnt to think before speaking>]


    ¡®Must youment on everything!? I feel bad enough as it is¡¯


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, found it pretty funny if I¡¯m being honest. Most people tend to watch what they say about my blindness, it¡¯s refreshing that you¡¯re different¡­¡±


    Okay, I am a terrible person. I really feel like shit.


    ¡°¡­ I must point out you do have a strange scent though¡±


    ¡°Wait, do I smell bad or something?¡±


    I look towards both the knight and subus-sama and none of them give me an answer, I literally bathed earlier before getting arrested. I shouldn¡¯t smell bad.


    ¡°No, nothing like that. It¡¯s just strong after all¡±


    I have a strong smell? I think she is telling me I smell. I¡¯ll allow it though since I just insulted a blind person.


    ¡°Seeing that I basically just insulted you, I won¡¯t argue. me the bathhouse I used earlier. Oh, and the prison cell I was in¡±


    I just told a random stranger I was in a prison cell, didn¡¯t I? I really need to learn to filter out what I¡¯m saying, the mage might have a point.


    ¡°Heh, I really should be heading on my way; it was nice bumping into you¡±


    She gives of a little smile while responding and then heads off leaving.


    ¡­


    ¡°Was that a strange encounter or was that just me?¡±


    [<Agreed>]


    ¡°God does work in mysterious ways¡±


    ¡°Was it? I can¡¯t really tell¡±


    These two are useless, it says a lot the only person I¡¯m actually happy talking to right now is a voice in my head.


    As we¡¯re about to set off once again, subus-sama had to speak up.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, before we leave the city, I need to get some supplies¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re thinking about food and stuff like that, I already have a stupid amount of that type of stuff on me¡±


    I¡¯m getting a little impatient now, you can me Leone for this. Her punishment took long enough as it was. Not the time, just it was mentally draining. I just want to leave now.


    ¡°You are not really carrying anything though?¡±


    ¡°She carries an enchanted ring. It¡¯s all stored inside it¡±


    ¡°Oh, that makes sense then. I need to stop for some things beforehand though¡±


    She seems a little ufortable about something while speaking to Nathan, I really have no idea why though.


    ¡°What do you desperately need though? I thought everything was already sorted out in the pce¡±


    Both the priestess and the knight already have fur backpacks on, supplies were basically sorted out before we left the pce. Even the stuff I was given like a fur tent and other survival-based stuff, I just chucked it all in my ring. I don¡¯t even need a tent though; I can just sleep in a tree when travelling. Already done it when I was making my way over to the city with the knight.


    ¡°You see¡­ it¡¯s approaching that time of the month and I¡¯m not exactly stocked up if you understand my meaning¡±


    ¡°Hang on¡­ you¡¯re actually fertile!?¡±


    [<*Sigh*>]


    Thisment really made her ufortable; I know I¡¯m a little blunt but subi are supposed to be infertile and need a certain type of body fluid to survive, at least that¡¯s from the legend I know. Nathan didn¡¯t seem to understand what we were on about though.


    ¡°How old do you think I am?¡±


    Oh, she thought I was calling her old, nothing about her being a subus. Maybe subi are different from what I know in this world then.


    ¡°Judging from your level¡­ I have no idea. Hundreds perhaps?¡±


    ¡°My level? I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m unsure what you mean. If you only want my age, I¡¯m twenty-seven¡±


    ¡°Twenty-seven!?!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to look so shocked Ikarus, priestess-sama is the youngest priestess the empire has ever had¡±


    ¡°Please knight, call me Charlotte¡±


    ¡°Then please call me Nathan as well then¡±


    Okay, there¡¯s some sneaky business going down. Her level is five hundred, that¡¯s way too high for someone who¡¯s only their twenties. She couldn¡¯t have killed that much in this little amount of time, unless she¡¯s got a secret ability like my contract killer EXP thing.


    ¡®Her level is too high, isn¡¯t it Aesa?¡¯


    [<Agreed. Target -Charlotte- should not be 500. Aesa is also confused>]


    She clearly has gotten her EXP from other means than killing then, I wonder how subi get EXP from other means? There¡¯s one obvious way judging from her species, I really don¡¯t want to think about it though.


    ¡®I guess that might be why she doesn¡¯t want to discuss her past. Aesa, you have any idea when I might be getting what other women gets? The thing that happens every month or so?¡¯


    It¡¯s a scary thought, I really don¡¯t want to be having times of the months. It shouldn¡¯t be for a while hopefully, I¡¯m not even two yet.


    [<-User- will never be like humanoid species. -User- willy eggs after an unknown amount of time>]


    ¡®I¡¯m going toy eggs!?... That¡¯s freaking sweet! How have I only just realized that? I can have omelette or poached egg anytime I want!¡¯


    [<-User- definitely has cannibalistic tendencies>]


    ¡®Chickens sometimes eat the own eggs; you¡¯ll be surprised just how many birds are cannibals¡¯ system¡¯


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡®To think¡­ she would be the culprit¡¯


    Been visiting this city for several days now, I just couldn¡¯t get that strange scent out of my mind. It¡¯s kinda funny, the only time I stop looking, I wonder into the person who is the reason behind it.


    This blindness of mine can prove problematic at times but it had nothing to do with this, there¡¯s always other ways to see what¡¯s ahead of you.


    ¡®She is slightly interesting though; I wonder if our paths will cross again¡¯


    If fate dictates it, we should meet again. I just hope she doesn¡¯t have to meet the others beforehand; they can be a little much to handle.


    ¡®I wonder¡­ where abouts on Earth did shee from?¡¯

 Chapter 19 – Dungeon

    Chapter 19 ¨C Dungeon


    For a subus, I really don¡¯t see the appeal. In legend or whatever depiction of them, subi are supposed to be extremely attractive and appealing.


    As for Charlotte, she¡¯s not exactly pretty, her eyes are a boring shade of blue, she hasn¡¯t exactly gotrge breasts and she¡¯s frankly just extremely boring.


    The reason why I¡¯m thinking about it is because Nathan can¡¯t keep his eyes of her and I can¡¯t see the appeal, he¡¯s trying to be sly about it but it¡¯s so freaking obvious! I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s admiration or love or something like respect but I don¡¯t get it. Is it because she¡¯s basically a celebrity in this world?


    So, while watching these two, I¡¯ve decided something, I¡¯m might try and set them up. Why? Nothing else other than boredom, there¡¯s not much else to do while we¡¯re traveling. We¡¯re travelling on foot to our destination by the way.


    I really don¡¯t know why those two weren¡¯t allowed to use a wyvern but seeing that the dungeon is only a several days trip through the forest, I can deal with walking for a while. It¡¯s a shame there¡¯s no paths out here though.


    During the trip, I¡¯ve been trying to learn some more information about the people I¡¯m travelling with but both of these two are extremely boring.


    The priestess Charlotte always refuses to speak on her past in the slightest, I¡¯m not looking for anything extremely personal or private but just anything that can make decent conversation out of, something like an old tale or an interesting story she has. The only thing she¡¯s willing to go into detail on is God. Oh, she also likes to nag about my drinking as well.


    Nathan¡¯s biggest problem is that he¡¯s hasn¡¯t done anything, he¡¯s willing to share about his life but the only things he¡¯s ever done is guard work for that Lord ke guy and knight training work now. His entire life is just nonstop training.


    I think you can now see why I¡¯m getting a little bored hanging around these two, I need another member of this party who¡¯s willing to live life a little. There¡¯s nothing wrong with living a boring life, I just find it a little hard to rte with. I¡¯m not even that wild, just that these two are so tame.


    Also doesn¡¯t help I can¡¯t find anything to level up in this forest. Other than a few rabbits, there¡¯s nothing I can get for decent EXP. I¡¯m so close to levelling up as well, it¡¯s frustrating.


    Anyway, back onto the unwilling couple again, I¡¯ve got nothing else to do while were in this little campsite we¡¯ve set up. We¡¯ve already eaten and darkness is fast approaching, got nothing to do before we sleep for the night.


    I think subus-sama probably isn¡¯t allowed to have rtionships cause of the Lord¡¯s will or something like that but you¡¯ll be surprised on the number of religious figures who have sinned on their duties. I¡¯m not going to make a joke on it since even I have lines I won''t cross when ites to certain jokes.


    These two would be a perfect match for each other though, the both seem so boring it would be a match literally made in heaven! Maybe her God might even approve on it, she is a subus after all. Keeping a subus sin free might be asking a little much.


    [<Has -user- already forgotten what happened with target -Leone-?>]


    Oh, system is warning me in advance not to do something, I didn¡¯t expect it to do that.


    ¡®No, I haven¡¯t Aesa but even if I piss subus-sama off, she has to forgive me, right?¡¯


    [<-User- is thinking of a different religion>]


    ¡®They¡¯re basically the same thing, at least they seem the exact same. Put some faith in me, alright?¡¯


    Looking over to where those two are, the priestess is currently praying by a tree on the edge of our little campsite and the knight is cleaning the pot we used for food earlier.


    ¡°Hey knight, why don¡¯t you go pray with her?¡±


    Operation matchmaker begins, cupid Ikarus is ready for action!


    ¡°No chance Ikarus, I don¡¯t pray very often. It makes sense for the priestess to though¡±


    Damn, well that failed immediately. At least he¡¯s not head over heels and won¡¯t change his personality for her, just might make it difficult to match them together.


    While I was thinking of another way to match the two of them up, intruders entered our campground.


    ¡°Keep your hands off your weapons if you know what¡¯s good for ya!¡±


    ¡°The hell is that thing?¡±


    ¡°A mutated bird?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Ah yeah, I¡¯m in my bird form right now. At least they¡¯re not calling me fat.


    Four bandits enter our little campground clearly looking for some people to rob, this is definitely going to lead to a fight.


    ¡°Ikarus, how do you want to handle this?¡±


    ¡°It simple really, we¡¯re going to kick som-¡±


    Before I even had a chance to finish, an intense aura came from behind me and the knight. It seemed to make everyone in the vicinity freeze including me and the knight, it¡¯s just that strong of an aura.


    ¡°You scoundrels¡¯ have interrupted my prayer. I don¡¯t like enacting on God¡¯s will but sometimes, righteous deeds must be done to bad people¡±


    She slowly walks towards me and Nathan and whispers something under her breath. Her face ispletely full of disgust as well.


    ¡°Summon¡±


    As she says that, a bright light transparent sword appears in her grasp and once it¡¯s fully formed, she arrives next to me and Nathan.


    ¡°Now repent for your sins¡±


    She points therge sword at the stunned bandits and within seconds, a gigantic lightser beam falls from the sky and incinerates the bandits not even giving them the chance to react and also not leaving a speck of dust. The only thing left is the scorched earth where the attacknded.


    ¡­


    (Nathan) ¡°That was¡­ something¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°*Gulp*, erm¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you two had to see that side of me but sometimes, bad things must be done to bad people, it is the Lord¡¯s will after all¡±


    Okay, I really have no idea how to react to this. She literally just obliterated them in the blink of an eye. Taking a look at Nathan, his eyes are now just full of admiration. Am I supposed to react like that as well? The only feeling I can feel is fear. Wait a second, I¡¯m pissed as well, I forgot about something. Who cares about how overkill that was?


    ¡°Damn it subus-sama, you stole all my EXP!¡±


    I¡¯m really pissed off now, for all I know, those bandits¡¯ levels could have been in the hundreds. I would¡¯ve levelled up so many times.


    ¡°EXP? I¡¯m sorry Ikarus-sama but I don¡¯t know what that is¡±


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ In the future, please can you make sure NOT to kill them. I have tond the final hit¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but the Lord¡¯s will doesn¡¯t work that way. I¡¯m unable to hold it back¡±


    Well, my n to ponce off the priestess and get all this free EXP is ruined. I¡¯m going to have to work for it, she¡¯s just too powerful and will one hit most things.


    ¡°Can you at least be a little patient next time? Only step in and fight if I need help and Nathan¡­ stop drooling¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not though!¡±


    ¡°I was being patient; those heathens have been watching us for an hour¡±


    Those bandits have been watching us for that long? Even the knight seems oblivious to that. It¡¯s probably is a good thing she¡¯s here then.


    ¡°Urgh¡­ I¡¯ll stay up and watch for intruders first then. I¡¯ll wake one of you in a few hours¡±


    ¡°No need Ikarus-sama, preserve your energy. If anyone approaches, I¡¯ll awaken long before they get close. You can rest too Nathan¡±


    Ah, the joys of being overpowered. Once my curse is cured, I¡¯m gonna power level my arse off! Every bandit in the world is going to be my cannon fodder!


    ¡°I won¡¯t turn down a good night sleep¡±


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯m finding a tree to sleep on. Wake me if anything happens¡±


    __________


    ¡°Do we have any more details on this dungeon or not then?¡±


    ¡°All Leone and Alistair told me that this dungeon could bepleted by a child¡±


    ¡°His highness wasn¡¯t really all that descriptive¡±


    All three of us have arrived at the dungeon. From the outside, it just looks like a simple cave but we all know it¡¯s the right ce from a sign hanging above it.


    ¡°Sierra? The empire is called Sierra?¡±


    (Property of the Sierran Empire. Trespassers will be prosecuted)


    ¡°Ikarus, how have you only just realized that?¡±


    Okay, Nathan saying that has irritated me, everyone just says the empire or the capital so how the hell am I going to know about it? I don¡¯t pay that much attention to my surroundings.


    ¡°Because names are freaking pointless knight¡­ Wait, I¡¯m being slightly hypocritical¡±


    [<Aesa agrees with -user-. -Aesa- definitely agrees>]


    ¡°Actually Ikarus-sama, Sierra is the continent but the empire owns most of it hence the name¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask subus-sama¡±


    ¡°Why do you keep calling priestess Charlotte subus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Just forget bout it knight, I can¡¯t stop myself¡­ Anyway, how do they stop people entering it? There is no door or anything¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you Ikarus-sama¡±


    The priestess walks over to the entrance to the cave, puts her arm out and starts mumbling something under her breath. Then a faint static covers the entrance for a split second and is quickly gone.


    ¡°If you were to enter without disabling the barrier, you would have been obliterated¡±


    Well shit, it¡¯s a good thing I didn¡¯t rush ahead into the cave then. That would have been the ending of Ikarus-sama. For some reason, I don¡¯t like being called Miss but I¡¯m fine with sama, am I a weeb or something? I guess I kinda am.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t they have put up a better sign saying you will die if you enter? Ah forget it, let¡¯s just go¡±


    All three of us walk into the cave and quicklye across a ckened obsidian hallway that connects with the cave.


    ¡®I feel like I¡¯ve seen this somewhere before, might be D¨¦j¨¤ vu¡¯


    All three us continue down the hallway and after a minute of walking, we find arge close ck door in our way. The door has writing engraved on it saying,


    (Enter thebyrinth at your own risk)


    ¡°How the hell can the two of them say this ce is going to be easy? It¡¯s the freakingbyrinth!¡±


    ¡°You can read that Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Is that¡­ demonic tongue?¡±


    ¡®Aesa, do you know why I can read that?¡¯


    [


    ]


    ¡®Now you tell me!? Actually, thinking about it, I never asked¡¯


    ¡°Ikarus, what¡¯s thebyrinth then? You sound like you¡¯ve heard about it¡±


    Answering Nathan is going to irritate me again so I¡¯ll keep it short when telling them, I know way too much about Greek myths, this world keeps having things like thise up. It¡¯s almost as if someone keeps ripping off old myths and thinks, oh, that would be interesting to write about.


    I swear, this world better not turn out to be a novel where I¡¯ve somehow reincarnated into it, that would be such a shitty plot twist. The ending would be crap as well, I¡¯d probably end up waking up back on Earth with no memory of what¡¯s happened knowing my luck. If given the choice, I¡¯m never returning to Earth. Never underestimate the importance of a methrower and a power kick.


    Anyway¡­ back on topic, need to ignore my annoyance of annoying writer-kuns.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ long story short, it¡¯s a maze that holds a mythical creature within it. I don¡¯t know if the minotaur is alive or dead though¡±


    There¡¯s another reason for my irritation, my sense of direction is trash. Seriously though, navigating a purposelyplicated maze might push me to my limits. At least I have a ring full of alcohol to get me through it.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t prove that much of an issue; God will protect us all if things go wrong¡±


    ¡°Yeah, his highness did seem adamant on this being really easy¡±


    At least I like their optimism, as much as fighting a mythical minotaur would be pretty epic, I doubt I¡¯m skilled enough to perform such a task yet.


    Just before heading in, I realize I have a massive problem.


    ¡°Can you two go ahead quickly? There¡¯s erm¡­ something I need to do quickly¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°What is it Ikarus-sama?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Everything alright Ikarus?¡±


    I¡¯m getting embarrassed answering this but I can¡¯t go in right now, it¡¯s impossible. My bird form won¡¯t fit.


    ¡°Ahem¡­ I kinda can¡¯t fit through the door, I already know I¡¯m too big, no point in trying¡±


    I also kinda need to go for a toilet as well, nature calls after all. Rather go now than in an enclosed area, just being thoughtful for others. I¡¯m going to stop this now.


    __________


    Once I finished what I was doing and turned into my human form as well as put my clothes on, I joined the two of them in the next room, the entrance room to thebyrinth. It was a ckened room also but didn¡¯t have much in except two things, another doorway leading into thebyrinth and a sealed case.


    (Charlotte) ¡°I can see why the empire hasn¡¯tpleted this ce yet. Such a waste of forgotten magic¡±


    In a sealed ss case in the middle of the room, presumably the reward forpletion is within it. The reward is something all of us really look disappointed with.


    ¡°Is that¡­ supposed to be armour?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°It¡¯s enchanted as well so you can¡¯t use the effects hidden under clothing or metal. Even more shameless¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°It is a bit¡­ revealing¡±


    Have you ever seen that video game troupe where the best female armours are the ones that actually have less armour, basically just showing off more skin? This was literally just a bikini, no exaggeration, just a ck skimpy two-piece bikini. Absolute joke.


    ¡°Think I¡¯d rather die than run around wearing that, not even exaggerating¡±


    ¡°That might be taking it a little bit too far, Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m really not. I shouldn¡¯t pay any attention to you though, I bet you¡¯d wear it if your God wanted you to¡±


    ¡°I would be forced to agree since the Lord always knows best despite it¡¯s obvious shameful nature¡±


    Why did I even say that? Of course, she would agree, her personality is only about God. Oh, and obliterating bandits, that side of her I can deal with.


    ¡°Should we start exploring the maze then or stand around gawking at the revealing outfit?¡±


    Is Nathan getting impatient or was that a joke? I found it a little funny though.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Calling that an outfit is a bit of a stretch but let¡¯s go then¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Agreed¡±


    __________


    ¡°I hate my life¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that bad Ikarus¡±


    ¡°The Lord will guide our way out¡±


    ¡°Then tell him to hurry up and get on with it already!¡±


    We¡¯re currently resting at a spot in the maze, have no idea where abouts were in it or how long we¡¯ve already been searching for. Could be hours, days, weeks, years. Okay, I¡¯m exaggerating but you get my point. There is nothing to go off so we could be walking in circles for all we know.


    Originally, I nned on using some rope I had in my ring to tell us which direction we¡¯ve already been in. I did start doing that until it quickly because apparent, this maze is way too big to track. Actually, I¡¯d say it¡¯s impossible to track, it seems like it¡¯s purposely designed this way.


    Thankfully, the only positive is that it¡¯s not dark despite thebyrinth looking like it¡¯s made from obsidian though. No idea why but the light level is always just light enough to see what¡¯s ahead and around you.


    ¡°If this was a hedge maze, I could just switch form and fly up over it. This sucks!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no point getting stressed out about it Ikarus, we¡¯ll find our way out eventually. It isn¡¯t like we¡¯re pressed for supplies or anything¡±


    Yeah, I have a stupid amount of food and drink stored in my ring as well as it also doesn¡¯t seem to spoil while inside it. We could probably live several months in here if we ration well enough, I¡¯ll die from boredom beforehand though.


    ¡°I could deal with it more if someone allowed me to enjoy myself without passing judgement¡±


    I take a nasty re towards the priestess; she makesment every time I start drinking. It ruins it when you have a religious nut moaning at you nonstop.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, please contain yourself. You do not need the devil¡¯s drink to survive¡±


    ¡°Who knows? I might actually die from boredom so we¡¯ll find out soon enough if it was keeping me alive¡±


    She res back at me while the knight gives a quiet giggle, clearly trying to hide it.


    ¡°Urgh¡­ I¡¯m getting impatient now. Break time is over, let¡¯s go!¡±


    __________


    ¡°¡­ in the mineesssss!¡±


    ¡°What are you singing Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°A bleak song for a depressing time, this ce is slowly starting to chew me up¡±


    ¡°You really need look at the positive Ikarus-sama. Once we get out of here, you¡¯ll be one step closer to receiving the Lord¡¯s blessing¡±


    She does have a point but it¡¯s not going to help me right now, my irritation of enclosed spaces is different to my fear of heights, I¡¯m not able to get over this with just a leap of faith. Or being dropped by horrible dragon.


    As for what I was singing, it¡¯s very old song about miners and a dungeon being dark. I for very, very obvious reasons cannot show how good my singing skills are since the inter copyright police will find me for using their song lyrics. No, I¡¯m not being paranoid, they actually might get me for singing just a single line, I can get away with just a few words, right?


    ¡°I¡¯ll sing another mining song if you want, it¡¯s not as depressing as the firs-¡­ is that new?¡±


    Through the never-ending hallways of thebyrinth, a room can be at the other end of the hallway were currently in.


    ¡°I told you it¡¯s not that bad, Ikarus¡±


    ¡°The Lord does work in mysterious ways¡±


    ¡°This ce gives me ustrophobia so just leave me alone¡±


    We all head into the room and in the centre of it sits a pedestal with a piece of paper on top of it. The priestess goes to pick it up and reads it.


    ¡°To continue, one must make a sacrifice. ce the sacrifice on the pedestal¡±


    ¡°Is that it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all it says Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°What do we need to do then?¡±


    Okay, this seems odd, it isn¡¯t an overlyplicated riddle but what do we need to sacrifice then? The pedestal isn¡¯t exactlyrge and could only hold something small, what could it want though? There¡¯s nothing that we can kill of that size though.


    ¡­


    I think I¡¯ve figured it out, this makes me angry.


    ¡°This fucking perverted dungeon!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s perverted?¡±


    I¡¯ve figured it out, why else would the reward be a bikini armour? It¡¯s asking for underwear, that¡¯s got to be the sacrifice. Who the fuckes up with such stupid shit?


    ¡®I¡¯m right, aren¡¯t I Aesa?¡¯


    [<Ahem>]


    ¡®The fact that you just did that proves I¡¯m right, I guess it¡¯s better than having to cut off a finger or something like that but still, I¡¯m not going to entertain this¡¯


    ¡°Well it¡¯s¡­ asking for underwear, I think. Think about it, the reward is that stupid piece of armour¡±


    A look of embarrassment appears on both the other people¡¯s faces after realizing what I meant.


    (Nathan) ¡°It seriously wants¡­ underwear?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Both Leone and Alistair did say it would be easy¡­ It¡¯s unfortunate but I¡¯ll sacrifice myself so we can carry on¡±


    This is so stupid; I¡¯m not letting this dungeon win this easily. I bet there¡¯s something from my ring it might ept instead¡­ Wait, I have something simr¡­ muhahaha.


    ¡°Ahh hell nah, we ain¡¯t doing dat. If it wants a sacrifice¡­ I¡¯ll give it a sacrifice¡±


    A devious smile appears on my face, I know exactly what I¡¯m putting on there. Hoarding loads of crap in my ring will finally pay off, muhahaha.

 Chapter 20 – Perversion

    Chapter 20 ¨C Perversion


    As I ced an item on the pedestal, it seemed to evaporate and disappear as it made contact with the surface.


    ¡°Why were you carrying that around Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°It¡­ might not be best to ask such questions Nathan¡±


    I¡¯m getting slight looks of disgust and disappointment from these two after cing an item down on the pedestal, I can understand why they might be slightly disgusted but you can me my hoarding tendencies, there¡¯s no perversion here at all. I wasn¡¯t exaggerating when I said I bought I lot of crap in the capital.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ At the very least, it¡¯s opened up a hidden door. Let¡¯s just move on, okay?¡±


    The item I ced down wasn¡¯t that big of a deal, I think? It¡¯s just slightly weird that a female would be carrying such an item around. I''m actually surprised it even worked if I''m being honest.


    [<-User- shouldn¡¯t make excuses>]


    ¡®Don¡¯t you start judging me too¡­ the knight and priestess really aren¡¯t going to let this go, are they?¡¯


    [<Affirmative>]


    The three of us enter the hidden door that has just opened up and we find ourselves in another room the looks identical to the one we were just in. This time, Nathan picks up the note to read.


    ¡°It says¡­ to continue on, one must give another sacrifice. However, this sacrifice must be a person¡¯s first¡±


    ¡­


    I¡¯m really starting to hate this ce, where¡¯s the enemies, the insanely difficult boss battles? Whoever made this ce is just a perverted creep.


    ¡°No wonder the prince and mage never had this dungeonpleted; this ce is a disgusting joke¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m inclined to agree, Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Anyone have any idea what this one means? I¡¯m a little confused¡±


    Okay, both me and the priestess both understand what it¡¯s asking for, I can tell just by looking at her face.


    ¡°Nathan¡­ think about it. It¡¯s a perverted dungeon, what could be someone¡¯s first?¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ a kiss?¡±


    Wait a second? He¡¯s actually right. I didn¡¯t realize his mind was so innocent. That, or is my mind is actually perverted? I¡¯m not the only one though, subus-sama looks relieved from that as well.


    ¡°Okay knight, you may have just found a much a better alternative¡±


    ¡°What was the other?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out when you¡¯re older¡±


    ¡°Wait, you mean¡­ that? I¡¯m such an idiot¡±


    He puts his hands on his face trying to hide his embarrassment, me and the priestess both give a little chuckle to his reaction.


    ¡°Well¡­ anyway, I don¡¯t think we¡¯re going to get past this one¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Because Nathan, me and subus-sama both lost our first¡¯s a long time ago¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m inclined to agree unfortunately¡±


    Although I don¡¯t know if it counts since I¡¯m a bird, I had my first kiss years ago. Of course, the blushing subus-sama would have had hers as well, I didn¡¯t even need to ask to know that.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never had a first though, it only says one must lose their first. It is possible to do¡±


    Then the knight looked at me and I instantly got the hint, my stomach started churning from the suggestion.


    ¡°NO! I¡¯ll throw up if youe near me Nathan, I¡¯ll actually stab you before you get the chance¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hint at anything! I¡¯m just saying it¡¯s doable, not that we should actually do it. No offence Ikarus but I¡¯d think I¡¯d rather turn gay then do that with you¡±


    Okay, that was really offensive but I¡¯ll ignore it since were arguing the same point. Damn it, that was offensive.


    ¡°Good¡­ if any guy tries to kiss me, they¡¯ll get a sword or a w in the groin¡­ actually¡­ that¡¯s a bit tame¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not straight Ikarus-sama?¡±


    Oh, for God¡¯s sake. I¡¯m starting to get stressed out being down here and I¡¯ve now got to exin to a religious fanatic that I¡¯m not into guys. You know how judgmental people can be, she¡¯s got a problem with my drinking, she¡¯ll have a massive problem with this.


    ¡°You got a problem with that priestess-sama?¡±


    ¡°While the Lord prefers men with woman, he¡¯s not all that fussed about it¡­¡±


    That¡¯s good. Their religion must allow same sex rtionships then, this world isn¡¯t all that bad after all.


    ¡°¡­ Although, the church hates such rtionships. So much so, they might even hunt you down. Me and the Lord don¡¯t share such misguided beliefs, they refuse to change despite my repeated attempts to guide them¡±


    Damn it, that¡¯s a massive red g for the future, I bet I¡¯m going to have to destroy the church to have a rtionship, it¡¯ll be my own Romeo and Juliet love story. The poison just happens to be fanatics and there¡¯s two Juliet¡¯s instead a Romeo. That wasn¡¯t a very good analogy though.


    ¡°You just gave me some important information but we¡¯ll discuss thatter¡­ let¡¯s just leave and find another dungeon, this one isn¡¯t worth it anymore¡±


    ¡°Actually Ikarus-sama, I¡¯ll take the burden on. My Lord is actually encouraging my involvement here¡±


    She really needs to go into detail on how her voice works since it only ever seems toe up at certain times, I doubt she¡¯ll give me a good answer though. As for why her God is encouraging this, I bet he¡¯s a bit of a perve too then. I¡¯m not going toin if thispletes this shitty dungeon.


    ¡°Erm¡­ how should we do this Charlotte?¡±


    ¡°Just rx Nathan, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m going to hurt you or anything¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to go back into the other room while you two do the deed, try not to make too much noise, alright?¡±


    [<-User- should read the room>]


    ¡®Hey, that was funny¡¯


    Both of them get even more flustered from myment. It turns out, I don¡¯t even have to try to set them up, subus-sama¡¯s God is in agreement with me! It feel¡¯s good having a God agreeing with my meddling.


    __________


    ¡°It¡¯s done Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°You cane back in¡±


    After returning into the room, I notice both their faces are bright red now. Aw, the sight of a new rtionship is blossoming. It probably isn¡¯t but I like the sound of my own stupid thoughts.


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue¡±


    Heading into another secret doorway with the exact sameyout as the other two, it¡¯s my turn to read a note now.


    ¡°Seeing that you two have both already read a note, it seems like it¡¯s my time to shine¡±


    Walking up to the next pedestal, I take a look at the note and my irritation once again returns back to how it just was before.


    (To finish thest trial, one must bare all and face witness to the Gods)


    ¡°Well¡­ of course, they save the worst tillst. This one¡­ is full nudity¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s what it means Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Maybe the note can be interpretated differently?¡±


    ¡°It literally says, one must bare all. If that¡¯s not implying nudity, then I¡¯m aplete fool¡±


    Both of other two realize what this means and their faces turn to embarrassment, I guess even priestess-sama doesn¡¯t like getting nude. I really shouldn¡¯t assume her past is full of nudity and stuff like that. Ohe on, it definitely is, she¡¯s a freaking subus! It¡¯s a very safe bet.


    So, the real question is, which out of the three adventures will make the ultimate sacrifice and bare all? Is this a stupid question? Never!


    ¡°I¡¯m more than happy to take the burden on my shoulders¡±


    ¡°No Charlotte, this isn¡¯t something you can do. I¡¯ll step up¡±


    ¡°You two are both beingplete idiots¡­¡±


    I can¡¯t help but insult them, they really aren¡¯t thinking this through.


    ¡°¡­ Tell me, did any of you bring spare clothes?¡±


    Both their faces looked even more embarrassed.


    Thing is, most people don¡¯t seem to carry spare items of clothing when travelling in the world, I do though. It¡¯s nothing to do with cleanliness of anything like that, it¡¯s simply because I know how stupid I can be at times. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if I idently change form without taking my clothes off first, that would end up destroying them. Sometimes I do think ahead believe it or not, this is nothing to do with hording.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty obvious who needs to do this¡­ I do warn you knight; you should not look. It¡¯s not for my sake, it¡¯s for you own¡±


    Once you get a look of pure beauty, nothing elsepares. The knight doesn¡¯t deserve to have his expectations ruined by anything he ever sees after this. To rify, I¡¯m joking, I¡¯m not that vain. I¡¯m only doing this so I don¡¯t have to think about myself naked again.


    ¡°L-Let¡¯s just get this over with. F-Fucking perverted dungeon¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like the word you use to describe it Ikarus-sama, but even I would go that far, this ce is physically draining¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m closing my eyes now, okay? Tell me when it¡¯s fine again Ikarus¡±


    Ikarus has stepped forward to make the ultimate sacrifice, the dungeon is very pleased!


    ¡®I hate this ce¡¯


    __________


    ¡°This has to be, the stupidest thing, I think I¡¯ve ever had to do. I know I¡¯ve already said that to the mage but this is just as stupid. This ce needs to be forgotten and destroyed¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Agreed¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Definitely¡±


    Were all in agreement that was stupid, let¡¯s just move on. I¡¯ve already reced my lost clothing with an exact copy I had in storage, this ring really has helped with conquering this bastard dungeon.


    I still don¡¯t know how this dungeon thing works though, wasn¡¯t I supposed to receive a power or something forpleting this dungeon? For some reason, I was expecting a new ability or a progress bar saying one out of tenpleted. There¡¯s nothing, even Aesa hasn¡¯t mentioned anything about it.


    [<-User should take enchanted clothing>]


    ¡®Speak of the devil¡¯


    Oh, right, the sealed ss case is now open in the entrance room, that¡¯s where the exit to the third pedestal room led. No-one even seemed to notice it since we were all so disappointed in this dungeon.


    ¡°You actually want me to pick that up system? No chance¡±


    I¡¯m purposely saying this out loud to shame Aesa, I¡¯m ain¡¯t touching that!


    [<Item is heavily enchanted, does -user- have no curiosity?>]


    ¡®Ohe on, don¡¯t be saying that, you¡¯re just manipting me!... Damn it, why do you know me so well?¡¯


    ¡°You two, don¡¯t say anything, I just want to check what¡¯s it enchanted with, nothing more, nothing less¡±


    They did give me an odd look back but it wasn¡¯t from disappointment this time.


    Picking up the skimpy outfit and putting it against my ring, I can¡¯t help but feel grossed out even when I¡¯m barely touching it. It absorbs into the ring and system evaluates it.


    [<Enchanted clothing increases -user¡¯s- stats by x2. Item is still affected by maximum stat though>]


    ¡°It doubles my stats!?! I actually don¡¯t care though; nothing is worth the embarrassment¡±


    In theory, if it doubles my stats, I could live over eight hundred years with my curse in effect. I seriously don¡¯t care though; I¡¯d happily sacrifice four hundred years never to have to wear that crap. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever felt this adamant about something.


    [<-User- should be more open minded. Enchanted clothing is extremely effective>]


    Okay, system is pissing me off now.


    ¡°Listen Aesa¡­ I don¡¯t care if that armour makes me freaking invincible, I¡¯m NEVER wearing it¡±


    [<-User- should wear it under clothing in case -user- has to remove clothes>]


    System is really not letting this go, I¡¯m not backing down from this, I don¡¯t care how effective it is.


    ¡°NO! It¡¯s not happening. The second we get back; I¡¯m selling it just to shut you up. I don¡¯t care if it doubles my stats, it¡¯s not an option, understand?¡±


    [<Aesa will stop pestering -user- but -user- cannot sell enchanted clothing>]


    ¡°I can¡¯t sell it? That¡¯s not how this rtionship works Aesa. I¡¯m selling it and you don¡¯t have a choice!¡±


    [<Aesa will not allow -user- to take enchanted clothing out of -subspace- ability>]


    ¡°You traitorous piece of shit! That¡¯s it, I¡¯m drilling a hole inside my head and destroying you one way or another! That item taints everything else in storage! It makes me feel sick even just thinking about it!¡±


    Both the knight and priestess are giving me weird looks while I¡¯m shouting at system, I don¡¯t care though. I cannot allow this injustice to continue.


    [<-User- should give up, -user- cannot win this battle>]


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    I¡¯m never too proud to admit I¡¯m a very stubborn person, I really couldn¡¯t care if that it could double my lifespan and my stats, it¡¯s a huge no!


    And even if you forget about the extremely embarrassing nature of the clothing, strutting around civilization wearing something like that would either get you arrested or make people think you¡¯re providing a certain kind of service. To even consider wearing something like that, I¡¯d have to lose a bet with the devil.


    And this stupid system apparently wants me to keep it? Sigh¡­ I¡¯ll just let it win this battle, it can¡¯t force me into putting it on, even it has its own limitations. I¡¯m just going to have to trick it into letting me dispose of it.


    For some reason, I can¡¯t help but think this isn¡¯t thest time this stupid piece of clothing is going toe up though. I better not be foreshadowing something.


    Once everything was finished up and as we were leaving the dungeon, Nathan just had to get something of his chest.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Ikarus, but I¡¯ve got to ask, why did you have a protective cup in your enchanted ring?¡±


    Damn it, he just couldn¡¯t let it go. Why does he care so much about the item I ced on the pedestal?


    ¡°Honestly¡­ I thought it was something else, couldn¡¯t exactly return it once it was bought¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°What did you think it was?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°I¡¯m curious as well¡±


    These two won¡¯t leave me alone, this is bullying! I did something stupid, just leave me be.


    ¡°J-Just please forget about it, okay¡±


    [<-User- was being perverse>]


    ¡®That¡¯s not the reason, you stupid system! You¡¯ve pissed me off enough today, I¡¯m putting you in time out!¡¯


    [<-User- cannot->]


    ¡®Zip it!¡¯


    __________


    ¡°Looks like the three adventures have finallye out into the light!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re trespassing in these woods, it¡¯ll cost ya¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re friendly enough, just surrender and we won¡¯t hurt you¡±


    At the entrance to the cave, we¡¯re greeted by three bandits. Any anger I had from that cave ispletely gone and is now reced with joy,


    ¡°Priestess, please don¡¯t get involved¡±


    ¡°Fine Ikarus-sama, I¡¯ll allow you to do God¡¯s bidding¡±


    ¡°Can I get involved though?¡±


    ¡°Sure, just let me kill them¡±


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Billy | Species: Human | Level: 6]


    [Health 250/250]


    [Stamina 201/350]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Jack | Species: Human | Level: 7]


    [Health 350/350]


    [Stamina 191/350]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Domino | Species: Human | Level: 8]


    [Health 500/500]


    [Stamina 179/300]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ¡®This is¡­ pathetic. They shouldn¡¯t even be able to breathe with levels that low. I don¡¯t care if I¡¯m exaggerating, this is dumb¡¯


    ¡°Hey Nathan, don¡¯t get involved please. They might die from a gust of wind, can¡¯t have you stealing my EXP¡±


    ¡°Okay Ikarus¡±


    The knight takes his hand of his sword and leaves it in the holster, the bandits sensing somethings wrong start rambling again.


    ¡°What the hell is she on about?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t wish to die to our hands, surrender and we¡¯ll let you live¡±


    Sigh¡­ this isn¡¯t even worth my time; this is going to be like taking candy from a baby.


    __________


    Listen, I¡¯m not a battle junkie but seriously though, I¡¯m not even going to acknowledge how disappointing that fight was. I knew it would be but still, if it wasn¡¯t for the EXP, I¡¯d feel a little guilty, that was just bullying.


    I even ended up using my terrible sword skills to deal with them, they were that bad. Every one of them went down with a single sh, no effort or even breaking a sweat. It wasn¡¯t even worth mentioning it if I didn¡¯t get EXP from the encounter.


    ¡°You finished with these heathens Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure, you and Nathan can loot them if you want. I¡¯m about to do something else¡±


    ¡°Loot?¡±


    ¡°She means search their body for supplies or coins Charlotte, I¡¯m surprised you¡¯ve never heard of that term¡±


    ¡°Most of the sinners who attack me don¡¯t tend to leave much to scavenge through¡±


    ¡°Oh right, your abili-¡±


    While those two are having a little chat, I want to check my spoils of war.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 24]


    [Health 3,468/3,500]


    [Stamina 2,972/3,500]


    [Magicka 3,500/3,500]


    [You currently have 1500 unused points]


    ¡®Can get this done nice and quick, you already know what I¡¯m putting it into Aesa¡¯


    [


    ]


    ¡®Good, that will give me close to five thousand days then¡­ Hang on, I¡¯ve just noticed my health. We were in that dungeon for four days, I know we stopped for sleep breaks but that seems a little short¡¯


    Yeah, I think might be a bit overdramatic, I thought we had spent at least a week, maybe even two down there. I might need to experience some serious character growth.


    [<Agreed>]


    ¡®Like usual, didn¡¯t ask for your opinion. I¡¯m never going to change now, it¡¯s all your fault system¡¯


    Then, just as I¡¯m finishing up with Aesa and finally about to leave with the others, an unexpected voice enters my brain.


    <Little one, to think that you¡¯d be over here!>


    ¡®Father?... Where the hell are you?¡¯


    I start looking around in every direction but no dragon can be seen,


    <Just having a slight rest, I won¡¯t bothering over. That ck human is dangerous, she seems fine travelling with you though>


    ck human? Oh, he means subus-sama, she wears ck clothing, got it. I know she¡¯s strong but father acknowledging someone¡¯s dangerous, that says a lot. I¡¯m surprised to why he thinks she¡¯s a human though, maybe dragons can¡¯t tell what a subus is.


    ¡®I¡¯m confused to why you¡¯re over here, this is the other side of the mountain range, you two never go this side¡¯


    The forest the three of us are currently in isn¡¯t the same one to the dragon¡¯s forest, it¡¯spletely the other side of the mountain range. That why I¡¯m a little surprised.


    <You¡¯re not the only one searching for a cure, little one. I¡¯m returning from speaking to an old friend, I noticed an odd scent and quickly realized it¡¯s you, as well as the scent of booze>


    Smell of booze? I haven¡¯t drunk in a while though, dragon scent is a little broken, way too overpowered. It might need a slight nerf.


    ¡®You better not tell on me to mother¡¯


    <I wouldn¡¯t do such a thing but your mother would already know, her scent of smell is much stronger than I>


    Crap, I¡¯m in big trouble when I return. It¡¯s going to get even worse because I don¡¯t n on ever stopping my drinking habits.


    ¡®You can tell her, if she wants to make a big fuss over it, I¡¯m never returning¡¯


    <I will but you already know what will happen>


    She¡¯lle drag me back, won¡¯t she? Damn overprotective dragon, just let me life my life!


    ¡®Regardless, I¡¯m still not apologizing¡¯


    <Fair enough. I¡¯ve got to fly back now little one, take care>


    ¡®Tell Minos I said hi as well¡¯


    <Will do, stay safe little one>


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been quiet for a little while¡±


    Didn¡¯t realize their conversation ended. They¡¯re both standing around staring at me, think they might be slightly concerned about why It looks like I¡¯ve zoned out for so long.


    ¡°Ah sorry, justmunicating with my father, pay it no mind¡±


    ¡°Y-Your father is n-near?¡±


    Nathan¡¯s stutter is back, I shouldn¡¯t have told him that, just hearing me talking about a dragon has caused him stress.


    ¡°No, he¡¯s gone now¡±


    ¡°P-Phew¡­¡±


    It takes me a second but then I realized I¡¯ve missed out on an opportunity.


    ¡®Why, the hell didn¡¯t I ask him to look for dungeons? That could off saved us so much time¡¯


    [<Does -user- really think that¡¯s a good idea?>]


    ¡®You¡¯re¡­ probably right. Getting a dragon to look for something might be a bit risky¡¯

 Chapter 21 – Encounter

    Chapter 21 ¨C Encounter


    ¡°You purposely kept that hidden¡±


    ¡°Kept what hidden?¡±


    Back in the capital, we¡¯ve returned to meet Alistair and are currently out in the garden discussing what happened. The prince is sitting at a table drinking tea while were standing around him.


    ¡°The dungeon, you never said it was such a perverted ce¡±


    ¡°You never cared to ask for specific details like such¡±


    This guy is irritating, he knew exactly what types of things that dungeon would ask for, him smiling isn¡¯t helping either. I think I¡¯m looking a bit sulky as well.


    ¡°You can keepining Ikarus but at the end of the day, we¡¯re one step closer to removing your curse¡±


    ¡°His highness does have a point¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t the most enjoyable experience but the Lord did help get us through it after all¡±


    He¡¯s right but having the other two back him up doesn¡¯t help. I¡¯ll just forget about it.


    ¡°I do have some good news for you though, we know where another dungeon is¡±


    Wow, that was quick, no rest for the wicked or whatever that expression was.


    ¡°You¡¯ve already found another one?¡±


    He takes a sip of his tea before answering.


    ¡°You can thank Leone for this information, she¡¯s the one who¡¯s been looking through old history books¡­ Up, in the far north of the continent, there¡¯s an ind which were pretty sure holds an upleted dungeon¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re pretty sure?¡±


    I¡¯m skeptical because ofst dungeon, this better not be an ¡®easy¡¯ dungeon that turns out to be more irritating than anything else.


    ¡°I put emphasis on upleted, we are unsure if it¡¯s been finished or not. People have been sent toplete it but none have returned¡­¡±


    Ah good, this might be a challenge then.


    ¡°¡­ I can see the look on your face Ikarus, it¡¯s still isn¡¯t a fighting dungeon. It sits in the same category as the previous one¡±


    That¡¯s another disappointment, how is he sure of that though?


    ¡°How the hell do you know that? If no one has returned, then you shouldn¡¯t have any info on it¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say no one has returned, I said no one has returned who¡¯s attempted toplete it. People have been inside the dungeon and have actually given us some information on what is looks like inside¡±


    He finishes his cup and gives a small hand signal for a maid to get him another one after answering.


    ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s the inside look like then?¡±


    ¡°A fountain with forgottennguage on it¡±


    ¡­


    Is he purposely vague or does he try to be irritating?


    ¡°Is that it?¡±


    ¡°You wanted the description, that¡¯s what it looks like. To attempt the dungeon though, one must drink from the water and be put into an unconscious state¡±


    ¡°People are drinking poisoned water from a fountain then? This ce doesn¡¯t sound like a dungeon at all¡±


    The prince now shakes his head and sighs at me from my skepticism, I am right though.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ it isn¡¯t like that Ikarus. To ess certain realms, you cannot remain conscious. You¡¯ll understand once you get there, it should very much be a dungeon¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Alistair is right, this isn¡¯t the only dungeon that shares this type of entrance¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°I have also heard of such rumours¡±


    These two have now decided to speak again, I should probably just start going with the flow. I am mostly surrounded by people who do know what they¡¯re doing and what they¡¯re talking about. Even if it goes against my gut instinct at times.


    ¡°Fine then, I just believe you. I still don¡¯t get why no one discovered what happened to the previous people though. If we go over there and find out it¡¯s alreadypleted, it¡¯ll be a colossal waste of time¡±


    ¡°It just was never followed up. For all we know, the people who attempted it before are still unconscious by the fountain, it was several hundred years ago though. Probably find some bones instead or find that they never even tried¡±


    Okay, this one might actually hold some danger to it then, this could turn out to be fun. I¡¯m starting to think being a phoenix is rubbing off badly on me, I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m looking for a challenge so much. I hope this doesn¡¯t get worse.


    ¡°So great then, give us a map or something so we can get going¡±


    No point dying any longer and besides, the longer I¡¯m here for, the more chance I have of bumping into the mage again. I¡¯m going to try avoiding her permanently now, I already know it won¡¯t work though.


    ¡°You will have to make some preparations beforehand; the north is freezing cold. I¡¯m not exaggerating, the ind itself is rtively close to the northern ice fields¡±


    Ah, some new information about the continent.


    ¡°Northern ice fields?¡±


    ¡°The northern ice fields Ikarus-sama are conveniently enough, in the north¡±


    ¡­


    Is this priestess simple or was she being sarcastic? Where else would the northern ice fields be? In the south or west? Even the prince shakes his head from that response, I¡¯m not the only one who noticed that stupid response.


    ¡°Lotte, that wasn¡¯t what she wanted to know¡­ Ikarus, the northern ice fields are gigantic mountains of ice that drift in the Unholy Sea. The ind that holds the dungeon can be rtively close to them especially in the winter. Also, you won¡¯t be able to fly there as well¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Two reasons but both of them involve wyverns. First reason is that they don¡¯t like the cold and the second being, the ind is a bit of a distance away from the coast, they couldn¡¯t fly for that long without needing a rest. You¡¯ll have to get a boat in the most northern settlement¡±


    This was roughly the time a maid came back with another tea for the prince.


    ¡°I¡¯m confused¡­ why can¡¯t those two just ride on my back saving us having to get a boat or something? I can fly nonstop for easily a day of two, even longer if I¡¯m careful¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®There¡¯s an awkward silence, did I just say something weird? There¡¯s nothing weird about them sitting on my back while in bird form, is there?¡¯


    [<Aesa agrees with -user->]


    ¡®Even you agree with me, why aren¡¯t they responding then?¡¯


    The prince ends up breaking the silence with a somewhat shocked response, he¡¯s even ignoring the drink he just got served. Both the knight and the priestess have surprised faces as well.


    ¡°You¡¯re actually willing to be ridden?¡±


    ¡°Me and the Lord are both surprised at that¡±


    ¡°I thought dragons hate being ridden¡±


    ¡°Nathan, don¡¯t be jackass. Do I look like a dragon or look like I give a shit about being ridden? I used to have Minos ride on my back all the time, you lot would actually be hell of a lot lighter¡±


    My response surprised all three of them even more, is there some professional pride flying creatures have about humans being on our backs? Screw pride, I want to get there as fast as possible.


    ¡°Well¡­ that will save some time, you¡¯ll still be better heading to the northern settlement though, it¡¯s on the way there so you should be fine. It will still take weeks though, easily well over a month on foot alone. Oh, it might also be better not to be seen flying Ikarus, stick to the main road but don¡¯t fly to close, just for you own sake really¡±


    I know the reason for that, I am one of kind phoenix, people seeing me in my bird form might draw some looks or might gather some bad attention.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite the distance and yeah, sure sure¡±


    I say that nodding my head, it mighte across a bit sarcastically but who cares?


    ¡°At least that settles it then, I¡¯ll sort you some supplies for the trip and you can leave whenever you want. Lotte, make sure you keep a constant eye on Ikarus since she is the key to this empire¡¯s future sess¡±


    I really should¡¯ve taken a look at father¡¯s scroll; I still have no idea what father has promised them for a reward. I think that¡¯s what he means.


    ¡°Of course, me and the Lord will both be watching out for her¡±


    ¡°Good¡­ and Nathan, your job is to protect her by any and all means as well remember? You witnessed firsthand what happens when dragons find a reason to dislike humans¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll never forget what happened in that city, your highness¡±


    ¡°Nathan¡­ ears listening¡±


    ¡°Sorry again, your highness¡±


    Ah, just another constant reminder of the past, that¡¯s not getting boring at all now. I guess talking about dragons isn¡¯t confidential but mentioning the city is, I don¡¯t understand this empire.


    __________


    (Charlotte) ¡°Wow, to be this close to the heavens¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°It is really is something, even wyverns can¡¯t fly this high¡±


    I¡¯m currently in bird form soaring through the skies with the two humans on my back, both of them seem to enjoying the experience. I¡¯m purposely flying extremely high so no one below can spot me.


    ¡°Ikarus, you fly so much quicker and smootherpared to the knight¡¯s wyverns¡±


    ¡°Of course, I would fly faster. It should be obvious, I¡¯m not a flying rat¡±


    Why did I say that? Am I turning into a wyvern racist? My father is a bad influence on me.


    Now that I¡¯ve pretty muchpletely gotten rid of any heights fear, I can really appreciate just how beautiful everything from up here is. It really is something, sure, this empire seems to be full of forests but it¡¯s still brilliant looking at all the ant sized trees from up here. And the mountains in the distance that seem to line the western side of the continent.


    While I¡¯m enjoying the view, something suddenly staggers me during the flight.


    ¡°Shit!¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, you okay?¡±


    ¡°What just happened?¡±


    Thankfully, it was only a small stagger but it did unsettle me slightly


    ¡°Urgh¡­ I don¡¯t know what that was, it felt like someone was staring daggers at me. It didn¡¯t hurt, just surprised me a little. You two can rx, there¡¯s more chance of the sun falling from the sky over me dropping you¡±


    I¡¯m not a dick like my father.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t our worry Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Charlotte is correct¡±


    As I was trying to ignore what just happened, system made sure not to let me.


    [<Aesa may have found reason for -user¡¯s- issue>]


    ¡®What caused it then?¡¯


    [<Directly below -user-, source of energy released. Aesa suggests investigating but exercises extreme caution>]


    ¡®Yeah, I agree. Even with my curiosity, I¡¯m not that stupid¡¯


    [<Aesa slightly disagrees>]


    ¡®Oh,e on! That was so uncalled for system and you know it!¡¯


    [<Apologies>]


    ¡®Thank you¡¯


    ¡°Okay, were heading to the ground to investigate something. I may need your both of your helps; it could be dangerous¡±


    ¡°Of course, Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°No worries¡±


    __________


    I¡¯vended a slight distance away in the forest from where the surge of energy came from. The two other party members start getting themselves ready for a potential fight and I realize I should probably change.


    ¡°You two cover me, I need to change form¡±


    While I¡¯m switching form and putting clothes on, both the two-party members start talking to me and I can¡¯t help but respond.


    ¡°I can sense that energy Ikarus-sama, I know why that made you jump¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t help in anything magic rted but I can still try to help¡±


    ¡°For the love of God, stop talking to me while I¡¯m doing this!... Andddd¡­ POOF! H-Human form Ikarus r-returns primed and ready for duty!¡±


    Both the two of them don¡¯t find me funny in the slightest and just find me strange. I don¡¯t care, they¡¯re just boring.


    ¡°Ready to go then Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure, all dressed now¡±


    It doesn¡¯t take us too long to get close to the source of the stray magic.


    (Charlotte) ¡°That¡¯s really strong now¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Even I can feel something strange¡±


    All three of us are now really close to where the magic ising from and an intense aura can be seen surrounding someone. We all find a hiding spot and watch from a slight distance.


    ¡®Is that¡­ why is that blind woman here?¡¯


    All three of us are crouched down hiding behind some bushes observing a woman holding a sword. The woman happens to be the same person who bumped into me in the city.


    ¡°You three cane out, have no ill intention towards you, hope you share my intent¡±


    While speaking, she shakes the blood of her de and puts it in her holster. Her aura also rapidly disappears as well as the magicing from her.


    In a small clearing in the forest that were looking at, the blind woman is seen surrounded by roughly two dozen dead animals. Most of them are wolves but there are a couple small bears and even a tiger amongst the dead.


    Last time I saw her, I really only noticed her dark hair and her blind eyes. Now looking at her, I¡¯ve noticed a bit more. She¡¯s dressed in white disciple style robes and is armed with a thin de, simr to a samurai sword.


    All three of us step out of the bushes and the knight and priestess rush up towards her with me behind them following.


    ¡°Apologies if I startled you, that wasn¡¯t by choice¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Is everything alright?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a lot of animals around you¡±


    ¡°Ah that, just a bit of training really, no meaning behind it¡±


    We¡¯ve now all surrounding the blinddy speaking up close. She has a surprisingly reserved and calming manner about herself despite the massacre she¡¯s justmitted.


    ¡°Have you experienced knight training before? The fatal cuts you¡¯ve inflicted are surprisingly effective¡±


    ¡°You seem very much capable for someone who has suffered such an ill fate, has the Lord shared his blessing with you too?¡±


    ¡°Nothing like that, this is just years of experience¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°You must be a rea-¡±


    While those three were having a conversation, I couldn¡¯t help but want to check something.


    ¡®Aesa, how is she able to fight when she can¡¯t see? Is this the work of magic or something else?¡¯


    [<Aesa doesn¡¯t detect any magic in use currently>]


    ¡®Doubt I¡¯ll easily be able to find out, doesn¡¯t hurt to check that quickly though. Stat-¡¯


    Before I had the chance to activate my status screen, two fingers approached my eyes.


    ¡°Ouch! Damn it! The hell was that for?¡±


    ¡°Magic is casting from your eyes, sorry for that but I feel ufortable with stares¡±


    This woman is like the mage, why do I keeping across people like this? My eyes really hurt from that; I can¡¯t stop rubbing them.


    ¡°There was no need to blind me over it, I still want to see unlike you¡±


    That definitely was insensitive but she seemed to take my insult pretty well and even smiled to it.


    ¡°Heh, if you really want to know more about me, just ask. Don¡¯t spy into someone private affairs without their permission¡±


    Does she know about my ability? Leone knew it did something but not what it specifically did. The way this blind woman speaks, it¡¯s almost as if she knows I¡¯m looking into her stats.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t mean to cause any ill offense¡±


    ¡°Ikarus sometimes can be a little forward Miss¡±


    ¡°No need for apologies, I did also just do something that might be considered rude¡±


    I¡¯m unsure if these two are standing up for me or trying to apologize on my behalf, I don¡¯t care for either for it so I¡¯m speaking to system again while they keep speaking to her. My eyes still feel a little sore as well.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ what¡¯s the chance she knows about or has a system? The way she speaks is making me curious¡¯


    [<High possibility>]


    ¡®Seriously!? Why is there a high possibility?¡¯


    [<Target -Unknown- doesn¡¯t use magic for eyesight purposes, target potentially uses system ability for sight. Chances of target possessing a form of system is 68%>]


    ¡®That¡¯s¡­ not that high thinking about it, how do you evene up with the percentage chances anyway?¡¯


    [<Tooplicated for -user- to understand>]


    ¡®Forget it, I thought you¡¯d be like that¡¯


    As I was finishing up with Aesa, I realized the blind woman hade up face to face with me and had stopped speaking with the other two.


    ¡°Why¡­ are you staring at me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m slightly curious on who you were talking to¡±


    She knows. I¡¯m sure she knows.


    I¡¯m not sharing any information to someone who just tried to blind me though, have no idea if she¡¯s friend or foe as well yet.


    ¡°My inner demons speak to me at times telling me to do bad things, I sometimes need to calm them otherwise the entire world might burn to ashes¡±


    ¡°Heh, I won¡¯t pry any further then¡±


    At least she took the joke well, I¡¯m really unsure how to react around this woman. It might be because I rely on system too much, I can¡¯t tell if she¡¯s a level one or a thousand, it¡¯s the uncertainty that is making me nervous.


    Thinking about it, none of us have even asked about that magic surge, need to do that now.


    ¡°Oidy, what magic did you use earlier? Our wyvern¡¯s got spooked while we were flying¡±


    That lie works perfectly for this situation.


    (Charlotte) ¡°I¡¯m slightly interested on what you used as well¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°It did spook them a little bit¡±


    At least these two are going along with my wyvern thing, they can read between the lines as well at times.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s why younded then, to investigate. My apologies about that, sometimes I¡¯m guilty of ying with my prey¡±


    ¡°ying with your prey?¡±


    That sounds like something my parents might say, prey. She definitely isn¡¯t a dragon though, I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯d be able to tell if she was.


    ¡°The tiger, it decided to roam from the hills into the forest, I¡¯ve been tracking it for a little while now. Used the rest of the animals as bait to lure the beast into my trap, the magic was an enhancement for the battle that just urred. My apologies again for it¡±


    I still don¡¯t know what to make of this woman, the others seem fine with her though. I¡¯m just going to try and observe from now on.


    ¡°It all turned out fine though, Ikarus had the wyverns under control¡±


    ¡°The Lord would¡¯ve protected us if any harm was done so no need for such apologies¡±


    Of course, priestess-sama can¡¯t help herself from her God talk and the knight said my name to this woman again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to be rude but I should head off now, I¡¯m on a strict timer as it is¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°No worries¡±


    ¡°May God give you his blessings on safe travel¡±


    ¡°It was also nice to meet you too, Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah¡±


    The blind woman leaves the small clearing just leaving our party of three surrounding all the animals¡¯ corpses.


    Once she¡¯s more than far enough away, I can¡¯t help but get a little annoyed with the knight.


    ¡°Nathan, why did you have to give her my name? Twice as well¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Ikarus, I didn¡¯t give it any thought¡±


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ Don¡¯t worry about it, I¡¯m not mad at you, just disappointed¡±


    I¡¯m being sarcastic but still, he probably shouldn¡¯t be giving my name out like that. Wait, does it even matter? I¡¯m not exactly known in this world and the only thing confidential is about the destroyed city. Nah, I really don¡¯t care anymore, they both can use my name, I¡¯m actually not fussed about being known.


    Back onto thatdy though, something felt weird about the way she said my name. Not bad or good, just slightly odd. I really don¡¯t know why though.


    ¡®I feel like that¡¯s not thest were going to see of her¡¯


    [<Agreed>]


    ¡®Never even got her name as well¡¯

 Chapter 22 – Rescue

    Chapter 22 ¨C Rescue


    ¡°Damn, it¡¯s cold!¡±


    ¡°I agree Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Even I¡¯m freezing¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t help I just had to change my form as well, feathers are so much better¡±


    Despite us wearing big fluffy fur clothing, all of us could feel the weather up in the snowynd of the north. The prince did describe it best, it is freezing.


    In the end, it took roughly two weeks in total to get to the northern settlement. The journey was actually uninspiring other than the encounter with the blind woman. Since I¡¯m spending a good twelve hours a day in flight, we didn¡¯t end up encountering a single bandit. Did stop to hunt and get food every now and then but no human enemies, didn¡¯t level up as well.


    I could¡¯ve flown for longer hours but it never hurts to keep energy spare in case I need it for something else. Did also fly over some noticeable locations without stopping though, main one was another city and also did get a small look at a huge monastery off in the distance.


    The city wasn¡¯t close to beingparable to the capital but still was impressive, the amount of crop fields it had was actually slightly mad. I think it¡¯s safe to assume that city provides a lot of food for the empire. The monastery I only got a quick nce at but didn¡¯t get close enough to have a proper look.


    As for when we were stopping, we dide across an odd inn. Normally, I would fly till I¡¯ve had enough and then set up camp for the night, this inn just happened to be close to us when I wanted to stop. I say the inn was odd simply because of the amount of attention subus-sama got, she seriously is like a modern celebrity. I don¡¯t think the priestess outfit helps her stay hidden though.


    Back onto the northern settlement, it sits upon a cliff face overlooking the ocean and it¡¯s roughly the size of arge town as well as every building being made of logs but you can barely tell since it¡¯s covered head to toe in thick snow. It really is a winter wondend up here; I liked snow back on Earth but this is way too cold.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to stock up on food before we make our way to the ind¡±


    ¡°We might struggle gettingrge amounts of food up here, crops won¡¯t grow on a cliff¡±


    ¡°Charlotte¡¯s right, I can¡¯t see any livestock or cattle as well¡±


    Both of them are right, they probably have to rely on hunting animals for food, we¡¯ll have to do the same. At least it¡¯ll keep slowly adding my level up despite it being slower than a tortoise in a marathon.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 24]


    [Health 4,945/5,000]


    [Stamina 2,311/3,500]


    [Magicka 3,500/3,500]


    ¡®Fifty-five days of having the curse then, at least were making progress¡¯


    Despite my impatient nature, I should try and look at this positively. Still have plenty of time left.


    As were all walking into the settlement, I can¡¯t help but notice something odd.


    ¡°Why is everyone out and about? It seems way too cold¡±


    A few people being out would make sense but it seemed like nearly this entire log cabin town was out and about, they all looked slightly stressed and seemed nervous as well.


    ¡°We should find an inn or bar and ask around, they seem a little distracted right now¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Good thinking Nathan¡±


    I nod at the two of them and then we make our way to the closest inn which conveniently is really close to where we are.


    ¡°Ha!¡±


    Looking at the sign to the inn, I can¡¯t help but make augh.


    (The Frozen Ballsaq)


    The wooden sign hanging from the wall is even shaped as described and is frozen over as well. Sure, it¡¯s a bit crude but it¡¯s still funny regardless.


    ¡°At least these lot have a sense of humour up here¡±


    The priestess doesn¡¯t look best pleased by the sign and the knight is trying hold in a littleugh, at least he can see the humour of it.


    Entering the inn, all three of us are greeted by a middle-aged man behind a bar.


    ¡°Oh, we have visitors. Can I get you something to fight off the cold?¡±


    ¡°A strong whis-¡±


    Before I even have a chance to finish, the priestess gives me a nasty re. She¡¯s going to start preaching to me again if I drink now, I can¡¯t be bothered to listen to her moaning for now so I¡¯ll order something else.


    ¡°You have anything sweet?¡±


    ¡°We have a snowberry tonic if that¡¯s to your fancy¡±


    Is this bartender trying to kill us?


    ¡°Aren¡¯t snowberries poisonous?¡±


    ¡°You must have had something different, snowberries are perfectly safe¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°I¡¯ve had the drink before, it¡¯s good¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°I¡¯ll have one as well if you don¡¯t mind¡±


    Huh, maybe snowberries are different in this world then. They definitely are poisonous on Earth.


    While we¡¯re all getting served a ss of the sweet drink, I couldn¡¯t help butpliment the owner¡¯s naming sense.


    ¡°Nice sign you have out there¡±


    ¡°Ah that, you can me my wi-¡­¡±


    The inn owner finishes pouring the drink and then pauses for a second.


    ¡°¡­ Wait a second, is that you priestess-sama!?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you remember me David, it was a very long time ago¡±


    ¡°You even remember this lowly being¡¯s name as well!?! This empire doesn¡¯t deser-¡±


    Another one of the subus-sama¡¯s fan club, I¡¯m not in the mood to listen to this right now.


    I end up putting my money for the drink on the counter and take my drink over to a table, I¡¯ll leave subus-sama to deal with this.


    __________


    In the end, they ended talking for a good half an hour or so catching up on stuff, I knew this type of thing would probably happen so that¡¯s why I rudely left walking away from the conversation to an inn table. Nathan didn¡¯t get the memo and even he looks a little bored up there by the bar.


    Thankfully, they seem done now and both the party member have joined me at my table.


    ¡°Sorry about that Ikarus-sama, I haven¡¯t spoken with him in over a decade¡±


    ¡°Nah, its fine. Remember the reason we came in for though?¡±


    It¡¯s not fine, I¡¯m bored out of my mind. I even took out some of my backup alcohol out of storage, she didn¡¯t notice me doing it which is good.


    ¡°Of course, David also told me what¡¯s going on around here¡±


    ¡°Apparently a few children disappeared several days ago from the vige, everyone has been in an uproar about it since they can¡¯t find them¡±


    Nathan is even answering for Charlotte now. Oh, how their love is slowly blossoming. I should probably take this seriously though if there are children involved.


    ¡°So¡­ a few children have disappeared from this freezing hellhole¡±


    Both my party members seemed concerned from myment, it wasn¡¯t meant toe across like that though, just was making an observation.


    ¡°What do you want to do Ikarus-sama? I¡¯ve already wasted too much time of your time today as it is¡±


    ¡°Yeah Ikarus, the choice is yours¡±


    Thes two asking me this is irritating; Do I appear like a heartless being or something? Isn¡¯t it obvious what we should do?


    ¡°Why are you even asking me this question?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Because something like this will take up time¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°We both know you have limited time¡±


    ¡°You two can really be as dumb as rocks at times¡­ *sigh* I have literal years left, why are you even asking me this? Of course, I don¡¯t mind searching for some children, just what do you take me for?¡±


    Both of them smile at my response and don¡¯t respond to my question. Just before we get up to leave the bar, I want to know if I can get a reward out of this.


    ¡°Oi inn keeper! If we happen to stumble into the kids, you¡¯ll be willing to give me some free booze, right?¡±


    Got to try my luck somehow, am I right? Might as well get some form of payment without being really greedy about it. Asking for a free drink as reward is pretty tame.


    ¡°Are you kidding me!? You can drink as much as your livers can take if you find them. The rest of the town would also be sure to reward you with whatever they can as well¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you hold up that bargain then, you will end up regretting it though¡±


    I can¡¯t help but give a little smile, I¡¯m gonna drink this bar dry! Who cares at the look I¡¯m getting from the priestess? This will be my reward! Her God can cut me some ck on a bit of devil¡¯s drink if it¡¯s a reward for saving some lives.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go find some kids then, I just hope we can find them¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Agreed¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Let¡¯s go¡±


    __________


    Flying slightly above a white forest, I¡¯m carrying my party members on my back while we¡¯re all looking down for any signs of the children.


    ¡°Feathers are seriously the best! How are you two holding up back there?¡±


    ¡°Lord, it is cold¡±


    ¡°I really wish I had feathers¡±


    I can¡¯t help but feel happy seeing them cold on my back, I don¡¯t enjoy seeing people in pain but knowing how cold I was earlier and now I¡¯m all fluffy and warm and those two aren¡¯t, it really is a brilliant feeling!


    I¡¯m might be slightly a dick, I don¡¯t actually wish them pain, I swear! It¡¯s just that human thing like when you see someone stub a toe or fall over and can¡¯t help but instinctivelyugh at them, it¡¯s like that. I should probably stop this.


    ¡°Can you two see anything?¡±


    ¡°Nothing Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Same as well¡±


    I think a blizzard might be iing, the amount of snow falling is starting to make visibility worse. We¡¯re just looking for any signs of life in this snowy forest and seriously struggling to. We all thought it would make sense to start searching deep into the unsettled forest since everyone else was looking around the town for the children.


    Then without warning, the priestess shouts.


    ¡°IKARUS-SAMA!! There!¡±


    The priestess points to a direction off to my side and I fly to investigate.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading there now¡±


    Getting closer to where she¡¯s aiming, I can just about make out a little bit of red in the snow and a grey body half hidden within the snow.


    ¡°Phew¡­ it¡¯s just a wolf¡±


    ¡°Thank the Lord¡±


    ¡°Good¡±


    Landing to investigate, Nathan is the first to notice something and jumps of me, then crouches down to confirm what he noticed.


    ¡°That wolf¡­ it¡¯s died by sword wounds. Actually, that might be wrong, it could be an axe¡±


    No point in questioning a knight, he should know what he¡¯s talking about when ites to a weapon wound.


    ¡°Are you definitely sure Nathan?¡±


    The priestess has now joined him on the floor and is looking at the animal corpse as well.


    ¡°Yes Charlotte, the form is really sloppy though, the wounds are from someone inexperienced¡±


    ¡°Form is sloppy? Like a child swinging a de?¡±


    I had to ask this, could be that were on the right track.


    ¡°Maybe, I can¡¯t be too sure though¡±


    Both the party members get slightly ufortable from this but I¡¯m quickly at hand to cheer their spirits up.


    ¡°No need for the ufortable feeling, if one of the kids fought off the wolf, then that should mean there alive and okay¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°I appreciate your optimism¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Hopefully¡±


    ¡°We should really get a move on though; it¡¯s starting to get dark and I don¡¯t have night vision goggles on hand¡±


    Both of them obviously have no idea what I¡¯m on about but the priestess quickly gives me a response about the darkness approaching though.


    ¡°Me and the Lord both have some magic that might help with that Ikarus-sama if you¡¯re able to fly for longer¡±


    ¡°Ah good then, let¡¯s continues our search. They should be hopefully be close¡±


    __________


    ¡°That¡­ is, just absurd¡±


    Darkness has fallen upon the frozen forest and it isn¡¯t affecting us in the slightest. Just as visibility was going really bad, the priestess uses a type of light magic spell and shot it up in the sky.


    ¡°I can¡¯t get over how bright this is¡±


    Her magic is stronger than the res the military use for lighting up the night. Seriously though, it looks like it¡¯s midday out right now! That light re she has is like a mini sun!


    ¡°It only has limited range unfortunately; I¡¯ll have to sum-¡±


    Before she gets a chance to finish, Nathan swiftly cuts her off.


    ¡°No need Charlotte, ahead of us! Over there!¡±


    He points directly ahead of where I¡¯m flying towards a small cave.


    ¡°If they¡¯re anywhere in this forest, it should be in there!¡±


    All being in agreement, I fly towards the cave andnd just outside it. The two get off my back and then faint noises can be heard.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Are they¡­ growls?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Let¡¯s hurry¡±


    I don¡¯t have the time to switch form right now so we all rush into the cave and witness a nasty scene in progress The children are screaming at some wolfs.


    ¡°*Growwllll*¡± ¡°*Snapp*¡± ¡°*Snarll*¡±


    ¡°Get back, you stupid dogs!¡±


    ¡°We already stabbed one of you, just go away!¡±


    ¡°M-Mummy, I want m-mummy¡±


    Three wolfs are surrounding arge rock growling and snapping at three children but the kids are just slightly out the animals reaches. One of the boy¡¯s is holding an axe, another is trying to kick the wolfs away and thest being a girl who is sobbing and being protected by the other two. They all look like they must be under ten.


    ¡°Knight, help me. Priestess, this situation isn¡¯t suited for you¡±


    ¡°Okay Ikarus¡±


    ¡°I understand what you¡¯re getting at Ikarus-sama¡±


    Good, she understands her magic might be slightly overkill here. Danger close and all that.


    Nathan pulls out his sword and we charge together towards the wolfs.


    ¡°Back off you dumb dogs!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll hit you again!¡±


    ¡°S-Stupid w-wolfs¡±


    ¡°*Gro-*¡±


    My w finds one of the attacking wolfs and it gets thrown from the impact of my kick into the wall of the cave, the kids have finally noticed that they have help here as well now.


    ¡°*Snar-*¡±


    Nathan¡¯s sword finds the neck of another one just leaving thest creature alive, we really got the jump on these beasts, the children have also gone silent from watching our fight.


    ¡°Ikarus, watch out!¡±


    ¡°*Snap-*¡±


    The final wolf decides to switch its target from the children and aims for me this time, it pounces towards me and I kick it mid-air sending this one flying as well. I¡¯m sure my power kicks are getting more powerful but I have no idea why though. Experience perhaps?


    ¡°It¡¯s safe toe down now children, you have the Lord¡¯s and our protection now¡±


    ¡°Charlotte is right, the wolfs are now dealt with¡±


    The priestess has now joined us and the knight has sheathed his sword so I¡¯ll allow the party members to deal with the kids, I¡¯m always a little ufortable dealing with children.


    Both the boys jump down from the rock but the girl stays perfectly still not wanting to move an inch. I¡¯ll shortly find out the reason why though.


    ¡°E-Erm, e-erm¡­ ARGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!¡±


    The scream the little girl has is ear piercing, she¡¯s sobbing even more now.


    ¡°Why are you screaming sis?¡±


    ¡°They killed the wolfs, it¡¯s fine now I think¡±


    ¡°The c-chubby bird is g-going to eat us!¡±


    That little brat just called me chubby¡­ forget it, I can¡¯t get mad at children even if I want to. I might have an idea how to get the sobbing kid down though, both other two kids are a little unsure about me as well but were still willing toe down.


    ¡°Oi kid, if you don¡¯te down, you won¡¯t get any cake¡±


    Giving the kid sweets should calm her down I think, at least you would think that. I really don¡¯t know much about kids though. I¡¯ve just realized I¡¯m literally giving candy to a child; modern society would hate me right now. Never ept candy from a stranger!


    ¡°You said you were low on food Ikarus-sama¡±


    The priestess give¡¯s a little annoyed look at me while saying that.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t lying, this is my special in case of emergencies sugar collection. You and Nathan aren¡¯t allowed any of this¡±


    Is the priestess actually sulking at me hiding sweets? She really has an odd personality at times.


    ¡°Ikarus won¡¯t hurt any of you, she¡¯s only big because she¡¯s eaten too many sweets¡±


    Nathan is calling me fat as well now; I¡¯ll allow it since the child seems to be thinking abouting down now.


    (Girl) ¡°O-Okay¡±


    ¡°Nathan, hold your arms out¡±


    ¡°Okay?¡±


    Walking over to the knight, I quicklymunicate with system.


    ¡®Aesa, cake¡¯


    [<-User- has 29 items that have the designation -cake-. -User- needs to be specific>]


    I¡¯m such a pig, those spare days I had in the capital definitely started filling my storage up with crap. I was saving these for a rainy day but now I¡¯ll need to share my sweets, it¡¯s an unfortunate sacrifice but one that must be made.


    ¡®Just any at random, okay? I can¡¯tin which gets chosen then¡¯


    [<Affirmative>]


    I put the tip of one of my wings above Nathan¡¯s held out arms and a fully sliced carrot cake on a te appears in his grasp after I get it out from storage.


    ¡°Wow, you really have been hiding something of this quality in the ring¡±


    The kids¡¯ eyes lit up looking at the sweet treat staring them in the face and I¡¯m sure I can hear multiple stomachs growl.


    (Nathan) ¡°Let¡¯s all have a slice, shall we kids?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m having some as well selfish Ikarus-sama¡±


    While my two-party members are sharing out MY food, I can¡¯t help but get pissed. I don¡¯t feel an inch of guilt for not telling them about my stash of cake though. I¡¯m pissed for multiple reasons right now.


    ¡®Aesa, that was myst carrot cake! There¡¯s no way that was random chance¡¯


    [<Does -user- doubt Aesa¡¯s capabilities?>]


    ¡®No¡­ I¡¯m just sulking over it, Ikarus doesn¡¯t share food, at least, I don¡¯t like to. Especially good shit like carrot cake. It literally takes disgusting vegetables and turns one of them into something nice¡¯


    This world actually has quite a modern selection on deserts, probably the reason for me buying so much unhealthy sweets in the capital. Chocte isn¡¯t a thing though, unfortunately. That would turn this bird chubby, chocte is way too good.


    While the two adults and three children are scoffing down MY cake, I look outside the cave and realize there might be a problem.


    ¡°We¡¯re gonna have to stay here the night, there¡¯s no chance of me flying in that. That¡¯s too risky even for my liking¡±


    The heavens are dropping mountains of snow right now, I¡¯m clearly exaggerating but the snowfall is close to being unflyable, unsure if all five people could fit on my backs as well, way too risky.


    ¡°No worries Ikarus-sama, the kids can use our bedding tonight¡±


    ¡°No problems over here¡±


    The kids don¡¯t respond, they clearly haven¡¯t eaten in a while and are scoffing the sweet cake down. I can¡¯t help but get jealous looking at them.


    ¡°Hang on, all of you stop eating for one second, save me a slice! I¡¯ll get another cake out as well!¡±


    I¡¯ll get them out a crappy one and see if I can temp them away from the other one.

 Chapter 23 – Contest

    Chapter 23 ¨C Contest


    Considering that the little girl was terrified of mest night, she seems very clingy now. All night long, she basically cuddled up to my feathery body. I didn¡¯t find it that much of an issue but I¡¯m unsure why she didn¡¯t prefer one of the bedrolls offered, both boys slept cuddled up under my wings as well. I guess I might look like a giant teddy bear to kids or something like that then.


    The sun has alreadye up and we¡¯ve fed the kids, we literally are just about to set off since the blizzard seems to bepletely gone now thankfully.


    (Ikarus) ¡°We all ready to go then?¡±


    ¡°Yes, everyone¡¯s on Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Make sure you hold on to me or Charlotte¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± ¡°O-Okay¡±


    In the end, everyone did fit on my back, just it was a bit of a squeeze, the girl seems really nervous though.


    ¡°This is flight A1C30, pilot Ikarus is in flightmand, does anyone copy, over?¡±


    ¡­


    Why do I even bother when no one even has an idea what I¡¯m even on about?


    Leaving the cave with all the people on my back, I start raising my altitude my flight and within seconds, I¡¯m already above the trees. Pilot Ikarus had nailed the take-off!


    ¡°This is brilliant!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like were birds!¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t l-like this¡±


    Despite the boys having the time of their life flying through the sky, at least the little girl can understand thepletely rational fear of heights some people have.


    (Charlotte) ¡°If you close your eyes, you don¡¯t have to look down¡±


    ¡°N-No, that¡¯s n-not the reason, it¡¯s c-cold up here¡±


    Even the scared little girl is better with heights then I was, I¡¯m just going to focus on flying and ignore these lot now.


    __________


    ¡°Oi kids, were going tond a bit of a distance away from the town and then I¡¯m going to do something, can you keep a secret?¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama is going to make herself look like a human, if you tell your parents about it, then she will be sad¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Ikarus will be very sad¡±


    All three kids nod their heads and now that were close enough from the settlement, I find a ce tond. Once I¡¯ve found a suitable spot, everyone gets down from my back and I go off behind a tree and a few bushes to change form as well as put some clothes on.


    ¡°J-Jesus C-Christ!!! I-It¡¯s cold!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s that Ikarus-sama?¡±


    Yeah, their religion definitely isn¡¯t the same, I wanted to see if she would pick up on that but she unfortunately didn¡¯t. I¡¯ve gotten myself dressed as well now at least, even the fur clothing on still doesn¡¯t help keep the cold away that much.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going then¡±


    All three kids look at my human form and immediately the little girl makes ament on it.


    ¡°I-Ikarus sama is cute!¡±


    ¡­


    The young girl just called my human form cute; I don¡¯t know what do with that. Literally, I don¡¯t have a clue how to react, I¡¯m just going to pretend I didn¡¯t hear her. I know it¡¯s rude but the hamster in my brain isn¡¯t functioning right now! It¡¯s on a hiatus.


    As were continuing to the vige, I¡¯m getting a few odd looks from the priestess and the knight and then something much worse happens, the girl starts tearing up.


    ¡°D-Does Ikarus-sama n-not like me?¡±


    Okay, the sight of a crying child is too much for me to handle. I¡¯ve got to do something quickly.


    ¡°Ah, stop crying, of course I like you! We¡¯re friends aren¡¯t we? Of course I like you!¡±


    ¡°T-Then why d-didn¡¯t you r-respond?¡±


    Damn, she¡¯s quite the perceptive child, this is why I¡¯m unsure how to act around children. With a young dragon, it¡¯s different but with human kids, I¡¯ve always been like this. Some kids don¡¯t seem to mind me, others get emotional like this.


    (Charlotte) ¡°Of course Ikarus-sama likes you¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°She probably didn¡¯t hear you¡±


    I saw those res at me you two, don¡¯t me me for now knowing how to act around children, I didn¡¯t think that would make her cry! Even her brothers are looking at me with confused faces.


    ¡°*Sniff*¡­ O-Okay¡±


    ¡®Phew¡­ Aesa, remind me to never have children¡¯


    [<Noted>]


    ¡®I don¡¯t even know why I thought that, you need to be with a male to have kids, that¡¯s never happening. I guess adoption is a thing but no reason why I¡¯d do that either¡¯


    With that severe crisis now over, we continue on towards the town.


    ¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s colder than usual¡±


    ¡°It really is brother¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes¡±


    All the three kids have warm clothing on but even I can understand how cold the north is, would be horrible to live up here permanently. I bet the ice fields are even worse.


    The kids also haven¡¯t mentioned their parents or the reason why they were out in the woods yet, my best guess is that they know they are in serious trouble with their parents when we get back.


    (Charlotte) ¡°We¡¯re nearly there¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Just a little bit further¡±


    The kids¡¯ faces look really ufortable now as they can now see the town itself.


    As were walking into the settlement, we are greeted by two strangers.


    ¡°Hang on, you found the children?¡±


    ¡°Someone get Wendy, the kids are back!¡±


    Both of them run off towards a nearby house and quickly get a single woman outside and bring her back to where we are.


    ¡°You stupid kids! Why the heck did I give birth to such idiots? Your father would be turning in his grave knowing what you did¡±


    The woman runs up the kids tearing up and crouches down hugging the three of them, she clearly was extremely worried.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my fault, me brother!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re such a liar!¡±


    ¡°M-mummy!¡±


    The mother of the kids tries to wipe her eyes but she still can¡¯t stop crying seeing her children return.


    ¡°Why did you even go that far into the woods anyway?¡±


    Ah good, the mystery will be solved now.


    ¡°Brother wanted to pet a wolf¡±


    ¡°Stop lying!¡±


    ¡°W-We got l-lost¡±


    Okay, if the first kid is telling the truth, then these kids are really stupid. Pet a wolf, seriously?


    The woman just gives a little smile towards the rambling kids and then gets really strict all of a sudden.


    ¡°You three are not leaving the house for a month¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s so unfair!¡±


    ¡°Why are you so mean!?¡±


    ¡°O-Okay¡±


    After the woman is done with her kids, she gets back up and speaks to our party of three.


    ¡°Thank you for returning my babies, you have no idea how much this means to me. Help yourself to anything in my house, we don¡¯t have much but there must be something worth your time¡±


    ¡°That isn¡¯t necessary¡±


    ¡°We we¡¯re only doing the Lord¡¯s work¡±


    Look at these two turning down any potential reward, that¡¯s crap. I wouldn¡¯t have taken anything off the woman but still, don¡¯t be turning stuff down that easily. Money is money at the end of the day, you can never have enough.


    ¡°Okay then but I¡¯m sure everyone is the town will appreciate what you¡¯ve done, we are a very close-knitmunity and they¡¯ll probably let you take whatever you want¡±


    I think I let out an unconscious grin from herment there, I¡¯m definitely going to make use of thismunity.


    She finishes up her conversation with us and then leaves with her kids, there was a surprisingly number of onlookers around us during that conversation. They are mostly gone now as well though.


    ¡°So¡­ that¡¯s a good deed done for today. You know exactly what I¡¯m doing next priestess¡±


    ¡°Please try and limi-¡±


    I have to cut her off, I¡¯m not having her be a buzzkill tonight.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m going to enjoy as much of the devil¡¯s drink as I can withstand. I¡¯m not listening to yourints¡±


    She doesn¡¯t respond to me and realizes she won¡¯t win this battle.


    ¡®Muhahah¡­ this is going to be a fun night.¡¯


    __________


    ¡°DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!!¡±


    ¡°*Gulp*, haaaaaaaaa!¡±


    ¡°*Hic*, urgh¡­ no more *hic*¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m going to puke¡±


    The inn is filled to the brim with people cheering and spurring my little drinking contest on, everyone who has challenged me thus far have alle up short. This was such a good excuse to drink!


    The inn keeper and his wife both look really concerned; I did say they would regret this!


    ¡°Anyone else looking to give me a challenge?¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, that¡¯s enough now¡±


    ¡°You might be overdoing it a little¡±


    Both the priestess and the knight have only just joined this little party, they were nowhere to be seen while it started. It makes sense seeing that both of them don¡¯t enjoy alcohol, just means there¡¯s more for me!


    Thing is, I don¡¯t even enjoy parties that much either. Give me a lot of booze however, life of the party Ikaruses out!


    ¡°I¡¯m not agreeing with you two this time, I¡¯m not stopping till I¡¯m drunk today. Go pray for my soul at the church or something if you¡¯re that concerned¡­ Now, where was I?¡±


    ¡°*Hic *I¡¯ll try another round¡±


    ¡°Urgh¡­ one more¡±


    These two guys don¡¯t stand a chance, they should have given up by now.


    ¡°DRINK, DRINK, DRIN-¡±


    __________


    ¡°Urgh, my head¡­ where the hell am I?¡±


    [<-User- is on top of a church>]


    ¡®You¡¯re so loud Aesa¡­ how the hell did I end up here?¡¯


    I¡¯m still in my human form and currently on top the small church they have in this settlement. I have no idea what happened after the inn and haven¡¯t a clue how I¡¯ve ended up on this church. I¡¯m still clothed which is a very good sign though.


    ¡®Looks like I can get drunk then, just requires a truck-kun amount of alcohol. I think¡­ I remember drinking that inn dry as well now¡¯


    As I¡¯m moving about from pointy church roof I¡¯ve woken up from, I realize there¡¯s a massive problem.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ how do I get down? It¡¯s a bit high and I can¡¯t exactly switch form up here, I¡¯ll be seen¡¯


    I¡¯m not the only person hungover, I can see several other people lying around the town in the cold snow just waking up now. It¡¯s a miracle none of us have hypothermia fromst night.


    [<-User- got themselves into this mess, Aesa won¡¯t help>]


    ¡®Damn, you¡¯re no help like usual¡¯


    I start looking around for a spot of snow I can jump into but it all looks the exact same, I¡¯m just going to have to take a huge risk here.


    ¡°One¡­ two¡­ three!¡±


    On three, I jump off the church roof.


    ¡°ARGHHHH!... Oh! I¡¯m alright! The snow was soft and fluffy¡±


    Getting up and shaking the snow off me from the pile I jumped into, I quicklye to the realization two pairs of eyes are watching me.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ Ikarus-sama¡­¡±


    ¡°You alright Ikarus?¡±


    Both my two-party memberse out from the church and subus-sama is extremely disappointed as well as shaking her head at me, Nathan isn¡¯t as bad but even he looks slightly disappointed.


    ¡°Before you say anything else¡­ I regret absolutely nothing¡±


    I can¡¯t help but give a smile while saying that, I really don¡¯t regret getting that wasted. A hangover is a tiny price to pay for how funst night was, watching the inn keeper¡¯s face as I was drinking him into debt was like the icing on top of the cake.


    (Charlotte) ¡°*Sigh*¡­ should we start getting on our way then? Will you be able to fly straight though?¡±


    ¡°Of course, just don¡¯t speak too loudly. Oh, we still need to stock up on foo- no, meat beforehand¡±


    I¡¯m not going to be allowed to hide my sweets around these two anymore, sharing sucks!


    __________


    ¡°You two alright up there?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°We¡¯re alive at least¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°I¡¯ve never experience cold this bad¡±


    Flying across the ocean towards the dungeon ind, even my feathery body is starting to feel the cold. I can¡¯t imagine how cold it must be for the other two.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t your Lord have some magic or something like that to help with the cold?¡±


    ¡°It is light magic that God has blessed me with, heat woulde from fire magic¡±


    Obviously, it woulde from fire. Wait a second, I¡¯ve missed a trick here. I could have easily been keeping myself warm as well as the others. I need to y it off as something else though, these two both know I can use fire.


    ¡°I would offer to light a fire on my back but if we end up in a fight, I might need my magicka¡±


    ¡°Understandable Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Ikarus, we know not to waste your magic¡±


    Wow, they actually bought that crap.


    We¡¯ve probably been flying at least for a good six hours or so now, the prince did tell me the ind should be easy to see if you head northeast from the settlement flying across the ocean but the weather is making things difficult to see out here. I think he said that just as we were leaving.


    [<-User- has unlocked another sub-system ability>]


    ¡®Damn it Aesa, give me some warning! I¡¯m flying here! How the hell have I unlocked an ability right now?¡¯


    [<Sub-system ability -frost walker- gives -user- 50% frost magic resistance. Ability can only be obtained by surviving sub-zero temperatures not suitable for human survival>]


    I know it¡¯s cold but still, I didn¡¯t think it was that cold. I really feel sorry for the two on top of me now. I¡¯ll give them a hand once I finish with Aesa.


    ¡®Frost magic, I think only water magic users would be able to use that. So... I¡¯m a phoenix who can now resist frost magic, seems pretty ironic considering I don¡¯t have fire resistance¡¯


    [<-User- just thought something incredibly stupid>]


    ¡®What about that was stupid?¡¯


    [<-User- already has 100% fire resistance>]


    ¡®When did I get that?¡¯


    [<Species phoenix is born with 100% fire resistance>]


    ¡®Then why didn¡¯t you tell me that!? It would have been good to know when you said I can¡¯t hurt myself with my own magic¡¯


    [<-User- never asked that specific question, Aesa thought -user- already knew>]


    I¡¯m not getting worked up with system this time, I know it should have been obvious I¡¯mpletely resistant to fire but still, might¡¯ve helped to actually have been told that. I guess it¡¯s not an actual ability but I¡¯ll add it to the list I¡¯ve got saved in my head now. It should be five in total.


    The EXP ability for humans, gambling ability that can¡¯t be used yet, my enchanted storage ring, frost and then fire resistance. They actually not that exciting thinking about it, pretty underwhelming if I¡¯m being honest. Oh, can¡¯t forget about the other two species¡¯ things I have,nguage trantor and high alcohol resistance.


    As I was feeling slightly depressed about theck of cool abilities I have, I couldn¡¯t help but feel the shivering of the two sitting on my back.


    ¡°I¡¯m lighting a fire on the back of my neck, even I¡¯m feeling sorry for you two now. I don¡¯t know how long it willst though¡±


    Using my magic is a small price to pay to stop them freezing on my back, I¡¯ll just try and keep the fire small and hope itsts for a while till we see the ind.

 Chapter 24 – Dungeon Deux

    Chapter 24 ¨C Dungeon Deux


    (Ikarus) ¡°Fire is definitely the best magic¡±


    ¡°Thank the Lord for this fire you¡¯ve provided for us Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Can feel my fingers again¡±


    Having made our way to the ind, it wasn¡¯t that much of an issue actually finding the dungeon, it literally is the only building on this entire ind and it can be seen while I was flying the sky. We have just entered the building and are trying to warm ourselves up with a fire I¡¯ve quickly made.


    As for the apparent dungeon we¡¯ve entered, it literally is arge square building with a fountain inside, nothing else, nothing more. There does look like there is some scribbled writing on the fountain but I¡¯m too far away to read what it says right now.


    There were no bodies here though, I don¡¯t know if that means this ce waspleted or they didn¡¯t end up getting here but we will be finding out anyway.


    Both party members are basically right up against my bird body with their hands above the fire, give it a minute or two, they should be alright again.


    ¡°Hey, if you two are that cold, hug up really close against each other¡±


    That definitely wasn¡¯t an attempt to get them closer together, sharing body head does warm you up though. Cupid Ikarus is back again!


    ¡°It¡¯s not as bad now Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re good now¡±


    [<*Sigh*>]


    I should¡¯ve suggested that when they were shivering, my meddling might have worked then. I still need to find an effective way of getting them together.


    ¡°Now that you two are warmed up, what¡¯s the n moving forward?¡±


    ¡°I would be best to wait for your magic to recover Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah, attempting it right now might be taking too big a risk¡±


    ¡®Let¡¯s have a check, status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 24]


    [Health 4,942/5,000]


    [Stamina 804/3,500]


    [Magicka 473/3,500]


    ¡®Oh, it must be already be midnight, another HP is gone down. I¡¯ve actually got more stamina and magicka left than I first thought¡¯


    ¡°If you two give me a good night sleep, my stats should be pretty much full¡±


    ¡°Stats?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s probably best not to question her Charlotte¡±


    Ignoring these two, I start thinking about something else.


    I¡¯m a little unsure on what the recharge rate of how my stats actually work, I know about health and stamina work but not magicka.


    Health seems to be rted to the injury that happened so if I was to take a huge stab wound, it would take a big chunk and rapidly drain as well, a small wound might take a small chunk but might not even cause bleeding damage though. So¡­ to sum it up, it¡¯s exactly as you would think. It was stupid of me exining this one.


    Stamina always seems to be fully refreshed after a good night sleep and magicka is just odd, it seems to recover by itself but sometimes it can recover really quickly, other times, really slowly. My best guess is it might have something to do with the types of food and drinks I consume but that¡¯s just a theory. It should be high enough in the morning though.


    ¡°Night then Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Yeah, night. I¡¯ll sleep as well in a little while¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you two being getting up to anything funny while I¡¯m asleep, I don¡¯t want to be woken up by the sound of kissing¡±


    I can¡¯t help but give a little chuckle while I¡¯m finding a spot to sleep on, that definitely made them blush or get embarrassed. System didn¡¯t even mind me doing that this time.


    [<Aesa does not care. -User- asked Aesa to stop -user- doing stupid things. -User-does not listen>]


    Okay, it¡¯s not on board with me, let¡¯s just go to sleep.


    __________


    ¡°*Yawnnn*¡­ how long have I been out?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s roughly midday Ikarus¡±


    ¡°The Lord blesses this sleeping bird¡±


    Both the two humans are cooking lunch on a little campfire they¡¯ve set up. Surprisingly, I¡¯m not hungry despite sleeping for thest twelve hours. Sleeping for this long isn¡¯t actually that surprising for me, I actually have an excuse this time though.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 24]


    [Health 4,942/5,000]


    [Stamina 3,500/3,500]


    [Magicka 3,157/3,500]


    ¡®I think that was average for magic recovery this time. That should be enough to survive on for now¡¯


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, do you want anything?¡±


    Where the hell did they get that rabbit? They should¡¯ve just woken me, instead of going out to hunt for food. It¡¯s way too cold out there.


    ¡°No I¡¯m good, you could have just woken me, would¡¯ve gotten something out of storage¡±


    ¡°So¡­ you would be willing to share some cake then Ikarus-sama?¡±


    The priestess might have a sweet tooth, even more than I do. She seems to get a tiny bit exited at that as well.


    ¡°Urgh¡­ fine, you can have a fruit one though¡±


    I summon a cake and then get up leaving it wanting to check something.


    The priestess is already digging into the cake and while she¡¯s doing that, the knight cooking the rabbit asks me a question.


    ¡°What are you doing Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Checking the fountain, I should be able to read the writing on it¡±


    Looking at the scrawled-out gibberish on the fountain, I fortunately just about can make some of it out. My trante species ability doesn¡¯t work when half of it can¡¯t be tranted though.


    (T-e P-a-wr-gh- Dunge-n)


    ¡°It definitely is a dungeon; I just can¡¯t make out the second word. I¡¯m ready whenever you two are ready by the way¡±


    ¡°You really should eat Ikarus-sama but I know you won¡¯t listen anyway¡±


    Good, she¡¯s starting to learn not to keep nagging me. I really don¡¯t need food right now, I¡¯m not hungry in the slightest.


    (Nathan) ¡°Just let me eat some rabbit and I¡¯ll be ready¡±


    __________


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, before we enter there¡¯s something I need to say¡­¡±


    The priestess as actually gone quite serious now, I should listen.


    ¡°¡­ I¡¯ve spent some time in a dungeon with an entrance like this one before. Once we get inside, stick to my side and be careful¡±


    ¡°Just tell me to be serious and I will. You have any idea what we might find in there anyway?¡±


    The way she¡¯s talking should make me worry but I¡¯m kinda liking the idea of a risk, I¡¯ll still try and be serious about it though.


    ¡°Unsure, there is no information on this ce other than the fact it isn¡¯t a fighting dungeon, the entrance itself would look different if it was¡±


    I would ask about it but she doesn¡¯t go into specific details like usual.


    (Ikarus) ¡°We ready then?¡±


    ¡°Yes, just take a sip of water and we should be put into a deep sleep¡±


    ¡°This better not hurt¡±


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t Nathan¡±


    Those two both put a hand in the water taking a sip from it while I use my beak to do the task, nothing happens straight away though.


    ¡­


    ¡°This is taking a while, hurry uppppppp!¡±


    As I start moaning, Nathan copses onto the floor.


    ¡°See you in a second Ikar-¡±


    Then Charlotte follows.


    ¡®Ah crap, this is making me nervo-¡¯


    Then I join both of them losing consciousness.


    __________


    ¡°Ah, so it should be an acting type of scenario maybe?¡±


    ¡°It seems that way, I just hope the Lord is still able to assist us while we¡¯re here¡±


    I awaken in a flowery meadow to the sound of two people talking.


    ¡°Urgh¡­¡±


    (Woman) ¡°Ah, you¡¯re finally awake¡±


    (Man) ¡°Good, that¡¯s needless worry gone.¡±


    ¡°Who the hell are you? Hang on, why the fuck am I child?¡±


    Standing above me are two middle-aged adults dressed inmoner rags and I¡¯m in the body of a young kid with simr clothing, roughly the same age as one of the kids we rescued earlier.


    ¡°Calm down Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Me and Charlotte think this dungeon might be like acting out a y¡±


    So, I¡¯ve aged down and those two have aged up, they both still look a little simr, just a lot older and have slightly different hairstyles.


    ¡°My hair is brown, am I supposed to be your kid or something?¡±


    ¡°Yeah Ikarus, it really is a little confusing. Calm down and we¡¯ll exin¡±


    Is this a punishment or something for making that kid cry? No, it¡¯s a dungeon, it has to be a coincidence, right? No point thinking about it, focus what¡¯s in front of me, not behind. I¡¯m getting up off the grass now.


    ¡°It sounds like you two have a rough idea of what¡¯s going on¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°A y or novel, that¡¯s what this dungeon seems to be based on¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah, the voice told us it¡¯s reading from a book¡±


    ¡°What voice?¡±


    <-User- is finally awake>


    ¡°Aesa, what the hell!? You¡¯re not inside my head anymore! Where are you?¡±


    I start to look around but I have no idea where Aesa¡¯s voice ising from, it¡¯s slightly different from what dragons¡¯ use since it sounds like itsing from outside my head but the direction it¡¯sing from, I have no idea.


    <Aesa cannot tell. Ifpared to -user¡¯s past experience, -user- should imagine watching TV screen and reading pages from book. Closest example Aesa can give>


    ¡°Seriously¡­ what the hell is going on here?¡±


    It ends up taking a good twenty to thirty minutes of everyone exining to me what¡¯s going on, it takes that long since I just can¡¯t seem to make heads or tails of the situation. For some reason, I didn¡¯t wake up straight away like the others, they¡¯ve been speaking to Aesa for quite some time. I guess they finally get to experience how my robotic wife sounds.


    ¡°Urgh, why can¡¯t I just find and experience a normal dungeon? So¡­ long story short, this ce is basically like a novel or a y. You two are some side characters and I¡¯m your kid, Aesa is like the narrator for the story, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡±


    <Affirmative>


    ¡°How does the story go then?¡±


    Best try and get as much information as fast as possible, have no idea what¡¯s around the corner.


    (Charlotte) ¡°Aesa exined to us that the story is based around a prince andmoner¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°They fall in love and then save the world together; she has some type of special magic that soothes his illness¡±


    My face immediately sank after hearing that.


    This could have been any type of novel. Cultivation, survival, levelling, slice of life, heck, I don¡¯t even mind a lot of romances but it has to be THAT type of romance. The type of romance that couldn¡¯t be more clich¨¦ if you tried! This isn¡¯t even a dig at them types of novels, it¡¯s just that I¡¯m sure there written by the exact same person, all seem to have a blonde prince as well¡­


    Ahem¡­ erm¡­ maybe if I¡¯m talking about clich¨¦s, I should probably mention the never-ending amount of isekais then, there good though! Let¡¯s ignore the tant irony of my moaning since I¡¯m just contradicting myself.


    At the very least, we aren¡¯t main characters in this plot, that might end up causing a big struggle. I should look at the positives though, at least this isn¡¯t a BL. Being trapped in one of them is one of my worst nightmares. At least I should be left alone since I¡¯m female now, it probably wouldn¡¯t be that bad then.


    ¡°Do we know how toplete this dungeon or not?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°We¡¯ll have toplete the story¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°That shouldplete the dungeon¡±


    ¡°How do we actually do that then?¡±


    Both my party members couldn¡¯t answer that question but system could.


    <If -user and targets -Charlotte & Nathan- don¡¯t get involved in story, estimated time is 1023 days>


    ¡°No fucking chance, I¡¯m not staying in a clich¨¦ romance novel for close to three years. How do we speed run this shit, Aesa?¡±


    Three years? Even if we ignore the romance aspects of the main story, three years? Ah hell no, I¡¯ve got a life to live people!


    <Aesa needs to reread book before giving -user-petent answer on fastest possible route toplete>


    ¡°I understand your anger Ikarus-sama but there¡¯s no need to get worked up¡±


    ¡°Charlotte¡¯s right, Aesa already told us time flows a lot slower in herepared to the real world. I think she said thirty days in here is one hour outside¡±


    Thirty days to an hour? At least we don¡¯t have to worry about our bodies starving outside, if I do the maths quickly¡­ divide that, there you go. I think it would end up slightly over thirty hours in the real world if we were to do nothing in here and let the storymence. We should survive dehydration but there is literally zero chance of me staying in this ce for that long.


    These two seem pretty calm considering the situation, I guess still havingpetent bodies is encouragement, mine is ipetent.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ fine then Aesa, tell us when you¡¯ve reread the story then¡±


    <Affirmative>


    ¡°What do we do while were waiting though? I can¡¯t see no buildings around¡±


    Around this big flowery meadow all three of us are in, forest surrounds the outside of it and not a single building can be seen. We really are in the middle or nowhere.


    ¡°Set up and small campground and then hunt for food and water¡±


    ¡°That depends on if you can use your storage in here Ikarus-sama¡±


    I don¡¯t have Aesa guiding me but it should work fine, right? The ring is still on me, just not this kid¡¯s body I¡¯m currently possessing. Abilities should go through into a different body, right?


    ¡­


    No, nothing from my storage works, this is such bullshit. Everything I¡¯ve worked so hard for right now has just been put on hold for the next three years, all I want to do is burn this stupid dungeon down now!


    As soon as I thought that, mes starteding out from my little hands. I quickly cancel them though.


    ¡°Okay, it looks like magic still works then, your light should work as well priestess¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try but you really should start using my name Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve stopped calling you subus-sama now, isn¡¯t that good enough?¡±


    Ignoring my response, she holds out her arm and tries to use her magic.


    ¡°Summon¡±


    Yeah, her magic works too, her magic sword made of light has been summoned into her grasp.


    ¡°At least that sorts out our protection for the time being, what¡¯s next?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s gather some supplies¡±


    ¡°I agree Nathan¡±


    ¡°I would help but well¡­ look at me¡±


    This small body is already getting annoying, this takes me back to when I struggled to walk and speak as a baby phoenix. Once weplete this dungeon, I might put this dungeon hunting on hold for a while and power level my arse off.


    I know it wouldn¡¯t have helped in this situation but I¡¯m tired of relying on everyone else now. I don¡¯t care about the risk to my health, I¡¯m tired of being weak. That¡¯s a thought for another time though, I should make myself useful for these two right now.


    ¡°Ah, I can cook dinner at the very least¡±

 Chapter 25 – Confusion

    Chapter 25 ¨C Confusion


    ---This dungeon is a little odd, you''ll hopefully understand shortly---


    __________


    We¡¯ve spent three days out here in this meadow waiting for Aesa to finish, she is clearly looking for the perfect optimized route through this but even then, it shouldn¡¯t be taking this long. She still responds when spoken to but you always get a swift, Aesa is currently working.


    Honestly, I feel a little naked without system constantly in my head. Sure, I know she can see us at any time like a God but still, it makes me feel uneasy. The mage Leone was right, I¡¯m be too reliant on it. Just because she¡¯s right doesn¡¯t make her twisted horrible mind any better.


    Oh, there is something really nice about this dungeon though, our magic doesn¡¯t drain. Me and Charlotte have endless amounts of magicka, I can light a fire forever! If it wasn¡¯t for me being in a kid¡¯s body, I¡¯d like this dungeon a lot, I really am a sucker for a good methrower. I¡¯ve also been experimenting a lot with what I can do as well but can¡¯t be bothered to show it right now.


    None of us have a clue why this random family of three were in the middle of nowhere, Aesa included. It just makes our start even harder than it should¡¯ve been.


    Still, I¡¯m getting to ignore the romance elements of this ce so that¡¯s extremely good, would like to see those two getting closer together but I might have to give a rest for a little while. This ce is unknown territory, I¡¯ve purposely been serious thest few days, there¡¯s quite a simple reason for that.


    This ce is filled with bandits. Every day, a dozen of them or so stumble into our little camp the adults have set up. A romance novel filled with bandits, my best guess is that the protagonists would¡¯ve had to stumble into them and the problematic encounters would have developed their rtionship even further.


    They provided no issue though, I cooked them with my fire and the priestess incinerated them with her orbital deathser, that¡¯s what I¡¯m calling it from now on. The knight couldn¡¯t get involved since he doesn¡¯t have a sword, he does have a wooden spear he crafted for himself but we always take care of any problems before he has the chance to help. Magic is definitely OP in this world, it kinda was back the continent of Sierra as well.


    I doubt if I¡¯ll get any EXP from this, I obviously can¡¯t check since status doesn¡¯t work inside here as well as my storage stuff. Also curious if we¡¯re supposed to kill the bandits or not, some romance novels would have the prince be a bloodthirsty maniac and themoner woman plead for their mercy, the priestess doesn¡¯t understand mercy towards bandits and both me and the knight are in agreement with her.


    Anyway, back onto what¡¯s happening at present, it¡¯s roughly evening and I¡¯m cooking a couple rabbits with fireing out of my hands, no need using the firepit we¡¯ve set up when I can just cook the creatures with my hands. I am a portable firepit after all, might as well make myself useful.


    Both the party members are also sitting near me, the priestess cut down a tree with her summoned sword so we¡¯re using that cut up tree log for chairs, they also made a few good wooden and fur tents for sleeping in.


    ¡°How long will it be Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Depends¡­ do you want raw rabbit or not?¡±


    That came across as snarky but who cares? My fire cooks faster than using a natural one so I¡¯m allowed to be an aggressive chef, I do take after the best swearing chef in the world after all.


    ¡°Charlotte was only askin-¡±


    Before Nathan has the chance to defend his love interest, a voice speaks from the heavens.


    <Aesa has found answer>


    ¡°Damn it! I swear, she¡¯s even louder now, that made me jump out of my skin!¡±


    Both the party members give a little chuckle at my misfortune, this kid¡¯s body gets more startled easier, that¡¯s what I¡¯m telling myself. I¡¯ve dropped the rabbits I was cooking from that as well, still should be fine to eatter, I¡¯ll just burn the dirt off it.


    (Nathan) ¡°Aesa, what do we need to do then?¡±


    <If -user- and target¡¯s -Charlotte & Nathan- take Aesa¡¯s optimized route, story ending can be achieved within 7 days>


    (Ikarus) ¡°Seven days, that¡¯s brilliant! How do we do it then?¡±


    <Toplete story at fully optimized speed, prince must be deceased>


    ¡­


    Okay, this shit has gotten good now, I like this dungeon. Charlotte doesn¡¯t though, she seems concerned by this plot twist.


    (Charlotte) ¡°Aesa, can you exin how killing one of the main characters willplete the dungeon?¡±


    <Story has 4 potential endings. Ending 1 scenario involves saving kingdom but destroying demonic kingdom, fully optimized time, 249 days. Ending 2 scenario involves killing royal prince and story ends prematurely, optimized time, 7 days¡­>


    I¡¯m getting bored listening to her listing off all the possible endings, we already know which one makes sense to go for.


    <¡­Ending 3 scenario involves saving demonic kingdom but destroying human kingdom, optimized time, 411 days. Ending 4 scenario involves side characters ignoring plot, corrected optimized time, 1020 days>


    ¡®System really has been doing her research, she¡¯s probably checked through the book multiple times to get to this conclusion, I should give Aesa more credit than I already do¡¯


    As for this story, it seems more simr to a visual novel then, multiple endings and different solutions to get them. Having Aesa in this situation is going to help out so much here, having someone who is basically an advanced AI using a cheat sheet is going to make this aplete breeze. I still don¡¯t know why the priestess looks so troubled from this though.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to look so stressed about it priestess, it¡¯s not like we¡¯re actually killing a real person¡±


    Myment annoys her quite a bit.


    ¡°How do you know that Ikarus-sama? There are many worlds out there, how can you be sure this dungeon doesn¡¯t connect to another world and killing any chance they have at survival?¡±


    Having Aesa being on my side always feels a little odd, I won¡¯tin about having some help though.


    ¡°Can you bepletely sure about that though Aesa? The Lord has told me of such worlds before, everything is interconnected in some way or another¡±


    Ah yeah, that reminds me, her God can¡¯t talk to her inside here, there might be something like a barrier blocking it. She still gets all the perks, just not the voice.


    <99.99999999918% chance of dungeon world not existing as -real- world>


    (Charlotte) ¡°There still is the chance this ce could be real?¡±


    <0.00000000082% chance, dungeon chance is impossibly low. Chance should be disregarded>


    I guess she is an AI after all. A percentage that low would make most people think that¡¯s definitely not going to happen, I wouldpare it to the situation with Minos getting dragon descendant but that percentage is a hell of a lot higher than this one.


    She¡¯s really does look stressed about this though, I wish she would just take the easy option here, does she really expect me to be patient enough to wait for three years and not get involved in the story? Especially now knowing that I can end it just by killing one man, I can¡¯t really understand why she¡¯s so against this. She¡¯s happy to massacre bandits but this is going too far? I know there¡¯s a slight bit of a difference but killing is killing at the end of the day.


    ¡°Charlotte, I don¡¯t mean to butt in but you¡¯repletely wrong here¡±


    Nathan is even getting involved now, that surprises me.


    ¡°Why am I wrong Nathan?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t killing one human be better than wiping out the entire demonic world? For all we know, are the demons really the bad guys in this? I know it¡¯s quite a simple point of view but wouldn¡¯t killing one man be better than dooming thousands?¡±


    Blood hell! The knight has made a really good point here; the priestess is silenced by his response. Even I didn¡¯t think of that, the needs of the many outweigh the few. This situation actually suits my selfish needs right now.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ can we at least speak to him beforehand?¡±


    <Negative>


    ¡°No¡±


    I can¡¯t help but shut her down here with Aesa, this is like naming an animal that¡¯s going to the ughterhouse. Don¡¯t do it, you¡¯ll just get depressed when it dies. If we speak to the prince and it turns out he¡¯s a really nice guy, then it will only make the job ten times harder. I¡¯m unsure why system said no as well though.


    ¡°Aesa, how do we go about killing the prince?¡±


    <To kill target -Charles-, -user- and targets -Charlotte & Nathan- must find target -Reba->


    Okay, the way system speaks here is a little confusing. To kill the prince named Charles, we need to kill the someone named Reba? Is she themoner who falls in love with him? I thought we just needed to kill the prince though.


    ¡°Hang on, are we killing the prince or not though?¡±


    <Killing target -Reba- guarantees target -Charles- death. Attacking royals ending has impossible difficulty, -user- and target¡¯s -Charlotte & Nathan- cannot achieve ending>


    ¡®I really wish she would stop this target and user thing; it¡¯s getting even more irritating now¡¯


    So, were not killing the prince, we are actually killing themoner who saves him. Attacking the prince would have been a cool idea but what can you do about it?


    Even though this is still a novel, I¡¯m actually enjoying this now, who needs all that romantic crap anyway? Nah, romance is fine, it just needs to beplimented with something else.


    Charlotte however looks even more concerned now and Nathan is still in agreement with me, I¡¯m happy he is against gender discrimination. Killing a male prince or a femalemoner, he¡¯s fine with both thankfully.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Where do we need to go to find her?¡±


    The priestess still doesn¡¯t look happy but she¡¯s willing to keep quiet about it for now which is a good thing.


    <Target Reba is located in vige -Tieford-. From -user¡¯s- current location, estimated time with sleep and rest breaks is 5 to 9 days. Once target -Reba- bes deceased, dungeon will automaticallyplete>


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll set off in the morning, it¡¯s already toote as it is. You¡¯ll still have to guide us¡±


    <Affirmative>


    ¡°Yeah Ikarus, travelling at night doesn¡¯t sound like a good idea¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Charlotte really isn¡¯t happy about this, she better not be a liability. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s intelligent enough to understand the situation though, her job was to protect me after all.


    ¡°Ah right, the rabbits. I¡¯m hungry¡±


    __________


    ¡°*Yawn*¡­ priestess! Just what do you think you¡¯re doing!?!¡±


    ¡°I told you Ikarus might get the wrong idea Lotte¡±


    ¡°Wrong idea? Wait¡­ no! It¡¯s not like that!¡±


    I wake up the next morning to find the priestess sitting on top of the knight, I knew they were getting closer but not this type of development and it¡¯s happening so quickly!


    ¡°If you two wanted privacy, shoulda just asked. I can take a hint¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, we weren¡¯t doing anything, I promise!¡±


    ¡°We were just training Ikarus¡±


    She gets off him and he also tries to get up but has to go onto his side to do it since his hands are bound behind his back, I never realized their rtionship had such a sinister side to it.


    ¡°You¡¯re tying him up as well!?! I know you¡¯re a married couple in this world but still, seems like you¡¯re getting into character a little much¡±


    Both their faces arepletely bright red now, I know this is a massive misunderstanding but winding these two up is making meugh internally. Nathan is way too innocent and don¡¯t even get me started on Charlotte, how can a subus be like this?


    <-User- should stop teasing targets -Nathan & Charlotte->


    ¡°Fine fine¡­ why were you two like that then?¡±


    ¡°I just said Ikarus, it¡¯s training. We just happened to end up in this position idently¡±


    ¡°Yes, Nat wanted to improve his dodge but he can¡¯t help using his arms to instinctively block, that¡¯s the reason for his hands being bound¡±


    ¡°Lotte¡¯s right¡±


    Oh, her summoned sword is on the floor by where they were, their cover story makes sense at least.


    Wait a second, Nat and Lotte? They have even shortened each other¡¯s names as well now. I really should stop teasing them, they might actually end up a couple without my intervention. Good good!


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll just choose to believe you, just ask if you want a little privacy, yeah?¡±


    Both don¡¯t respond from my teasing again, I just can¡¯t help myself, alright? I also get myself up while saying that.


    ¡°Hey, when should we set off then?¡±


    ¡°Slow done Ikarus, you¡¯ve only just gotten up. We still haven¡¯t eaten and you should probably eat something as well¡±


    I could do with some food I guess; I am in a kid¡¯s body after all. Kid¡¯s gotta eat.


    __________


    On journey to our destination being guided by our system God who watches down upon us, we quickly find a road and after travelling for several hours, wee across an inn. We couldn¡¯t exactly bring much with us from this campsite since with have no backpacks or storage.


    As wee across the door, I can¡¯t help but notice the crappy sign in the shape of a love heart.


    (The Lover¡¯s Getaway)


    ¡°This¡­ definitely is a romance novel with that name, I bet this inn is a ce where both the prince andmoner both develop their rtionship¡±


    <Affirmative>


    ¡°Oh, that was a joke. Didn¡¯t actually think that would be the case¡±


    ¡°Do you have a dislike of romance Ikarus?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°¡­¡±


    The priestess is still unsure on a lot hence her silence at time, I¡¯m guessing her moralpass doesn¡¯t allow for her to kill people who aren¡¯t considered criminals, that¡¯s the only reason why I can think of why she¡¯s so against this n. At least the knight is happily on board with this and hasn¡¯t even given it a second thought.


    ¡°No, of course not. I¡¯m just not the biggest fan of clich¨¦ stuff. I¡¯ll happily read anything¡±


    Ipletely understand the irony of what I just said, I¡¯m going to stop pointing it out all the time now.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant Ikarus, I mean romance itself, you said you were into women right?¡±


    Why is he so curious all of a sudden? I¡¯m fine discussing it but I don¡¯t know what he wants to actually ask.


    ¡°Are you getting at something knight? I¡¯m confused where this is leading¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just rare, that¡¯s all I was getting at. The only time I¡¯ve heard of it is when the some of the older knights hired workers for parties, some the knights are a nasty vindictive bunch though¡±


    ¡°Nat has a point with the first thing, I¡¯m yet to meet someone interested in the same sex other than you. The church might be a huge reason behind it¡±


    Are same sex rtionships really rare in this world? I know there not exactly thatmon on Earth but still, they make this out like their finding gold or a diamond. It¡¯s like what Charlotte just said, people probably have to hide it because of the church.


    ¡°This is probably a conversation for another time, we are standing outside an inn and I¡¯m in the body of a child. If this isn¡¯t this wrong time, then I might need a new brain because my current one isn¡¯t working as intended¡±


    My response gets a quiet chuckle from both of them and we enter the inn, might as well take a quick break from travelling. Immediately after entering, my dislike of this dungeon returns.


    ¡°She is so freaking adorable!!¡±


    Some random woman has just picked me up inside the inn and is swinging me about.


    <Aesa has made massive error, -user- should be ashamed of Aesa>


    What is system on about? Forget it, I¡¯ll ask in a second. The woman who has picked me up doesn¡¯t seem to have heard system so only the three of us can clearly hear Aesa.


    ¡°It¡¯s unfair you¡¯re this cute!¡±


    She better put me down in a second otherwise I¡¯m going to burn her to a crisp. I¡¯m not joking, she¡¯s spinning me about like I¡¯m a two-year-old, I swear I look around eight-ish. Regardless, don¡¯t be picking someone else¡¯s kid like this.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama doesn¡¯t like that¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it might be better to stop¡±


    ¡°Oh, are you two her parents? I¡¯m so sorry!¡±


    She puts me down while apologizing to my party members.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, I just couldn¡¯t help myself! Little Ikarus-sama is way too cute not to pick up!¡±


    She bows down while apologizing this time, then walks over to serve tables in the mostly empty inn we¡¯vee across.


    (Charlotte) ¡°It¡¯s fine¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Okay¡±


    Now that stupid situation is over, I whisper a question to Aesa so that no one can hear me talking to myself. I¡¯m really concerned about something right now, when is system ever wrong?


    ¡°Aesa, what was that error about?¡±


    <Aesa didn¡¯t take into ount story could be finished. Human who just picked up -user- is target -Reba-. Due to target -Reba¡¯s- current location, story must have beenpleted and ending 2 has already been achieved>


    ¡°How the hell are we supposed to get out then!?!?¡±


    I get a few looks from the people in the inn while I¡¯m speaking really loud, simr feeling to when you¡¯re on a ne and you have a screaming child kicking your seat. It can¡¯t be that bad though.


    <Aesa is unsure, apologies -user->


    (Charlotte) ¡°Apologies¡±


    ¡°Ikarus is just a little cranky, sorry¡±


    Aesa is apologizing to me and my two fake parents are apologizing to the inn for me as well, I might be looking like a kid having a tantrum but that¡¯s for very good reason right now. Something isn¡¯t right.


    I really don¡¯t care how I look right now; I¡¯m speaking as loud as I want.


    ¡°Aesa, did the people who were sent by the empireplete this ce? It¡¯s the only reason I can think for the story beingpleted¡±


    It¡¯s also the only thing I can think off that might help our limited knowledge right now.


    <Negative, no records of previous upants entering dungeon>


    So, she actually has records of this ce as well then? Just what the hell is going on right now? This is giving me a bad headache.


    ¡°We can figure out what¡¯s going on in a second Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a seat and calm down for a minute, okay?¡±


    We all take a seat at one of the inn tables and I can¡¯t help but start getting even more frustrated.


    I just can¡¯t figure out what¡¯s going on, it¡¯s just making me more and more cranky.


    I¡¯m honestly just thinking of killing that Reba woman but I doubt it will do anything, the prince is already dead and his death was one of the conditions behind the ending. It might make my mood slightly better though.


    ¡°This dungeon is pure chaos and confusion¡±


    ¡°Agreed Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°If we slow down and take a quick break, things might be easier to understand¡±


    They both can hear Aesa too so they know something isn¡¯t right, they have as little information as I do. Let¡¯s do what Nathan says and slow down for a second, let¡¯s give this a proper think.


    This ce is just full of plot twists and stupid confusing shit¡­ Wait, that couldn¡¯t be the actual premise of the dungeon, could it? If I were to assume all dungeons have a set theme, could that be it? The other was perversion, this one might be to draw confusion.


    Okay, let¡¯s give it more of a think. All the knowledge were getting is from Aesa basically reading a book, it should be a massive cheat sheet but it¡¯s not helping at all. My main problem with all this is actually Aesa, she isn¡¯t wrong. I don¡¯t ever remember her doing or saying something incorrect until now, I can¡¯t even make a joke of it because of how serious this situation seems. She even said I should be ashamed of her.


    I feel like something or someone must be tricking us into doing or acting a certain way, it must be that. I mean seriously, why would you give an AI a book to read through if the story had already ended? It¡¯s clear we would listen to her to guide us forward yet now it¡¯s pointless, it¡¯s just feels like it¡¯s trying to stir up confusion.


    So, the real question is, how does it want us to act? Our intention was to kill themoner but now, that would be pointless, correct? Aesa told us that to end the story, the prince must die, that obviously no longer works. Also, the information she is getting is incorrect and even if we still listen to her, the information will probably hold another twist or something stupid in it, like learning we can stop the romance in the novel, stumbling into the woman were supposed to kill or the prince already being dead.


    I think I¡¯m massively overthinking this but we¡¯ve already had some stupid twists, who¡¯s to say another one won¡¯t happen?


    Hang on, what if that¡¯s another twist? Themoner who if we killed now, it wouldn¡¯t make an inch of difference, right? There would be no point in doing such a thing seeing that we just learned that ending won¡¯t work since the prince is already dead.


    Fuck it, I¡¯m going to rece the confusion in this ce with madness. Madness made from deadly fire.


    ¡®I swear¡­ if this works, I¡¯m not stepping foot in another dungeon for a long time. Life is meant for enjoyment, not irritation and confusion¡¯


    The curse might just have wait, I know Minos still has tiny risk of getting it as well but I¡¯m going to start losing my mind if I keep having to go through dungeons like this. Perverted dungeon and confusion dungeon, who¡¯s to say the next one won¡¯t be even more mentally exhausting?


    Getting up to confirm my suspicions, I¡¯m instantly getting a barrage of questions from my group.


    <Aesa is unsure what -user- is doing>


    ¡°Where are you going Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Ikarus?¡±


    Ignoring everyone, I get up and make my way over to the barmaidmoner Reba who¡¯s currently serving drinks to someone.


    ¡°Oh, if it isn¡¯t adorable Ikarus-sama! If you wait a second, I can get you something¡±


    ¡®If this doesn¡¯t work, I might just burn this dungeon world down out of spite¡¯


    Plot twists are good and all but not when there stupid like this. It¡¯s time to work.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama!¡±


    ¡°What are you doing Ikarus!?¡±


    Both my party members start getting fearful watching me and for good reason, I¡¯m about to do something really bad. The entire inn is staring with fear at me as well.


    A fire tornado starts enveloping me as I¡¯m getting even closer to the woman, I¡¯m not doing this just because it looks badass, this makes the most effective use of unlimited magicka. This will be extremely quick and painless, almost like falling into the sun.


    It¡¯s built up enough now, I can barely see around through the cyclone of fire.


    (Reba) ¡°What¡­ is happ-¡±


    All the built-up fire surrounding me gets released all aimed straight towards the woman incinerating her instantly, even I feel slightly guilty but I would be a psychopath if I didn¡¯t.


    ¡­


    Thankfully, I was right.


    ¡°I fucking knew it!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±


    ¡°Ikarus?¡±


    Everyone in the inn, us included starts going transparent till we all slowly fade from existence. I can¡¯t help but give a little thought before disappearing though.


    ¡®Cold blooded murder got us through this fucking dungeon¡¯

 Chapter 26 – Aerial Combat

    Chapter 26 ¨C Aerial Combat


    ¡°Finally¡­ sweet, sweet bird body! That kid body was beyond terrible¡±


    All three of us awaken back by the fountain, both Nathan and Charlotte have extremely confused looks though.


    ¡°What just happened?¡±


    ¡°You killed her just like that?¡±


    Is she still going on about that? I¡¯ll just answer Nathan¡¯s question then.


    ¡°Did you two not figure it out by me killing her? Ah, I guess it wasn¡¯t that obvious. That entire ce was designed to mess with you¡±


    ¡°Was it? how did you figure it out then Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    Should Ie up with some absurd funny reason? Nah, I¡¯m still in serious Ikarus mode right now, I¡¯ll lighten back up in a little while.


    ¡°Honestly¡­ the second Aesa said she was wrong; something wasn¡¯t sitting right with me. I don¡¯t think she¡¯s ever been wrong before, you still with me Aesa?¡±


    [<Affirmative>]


    ¡°Ah good, back onto what I was saying. Everything in that world just seemed to be made to cause confusion or something simr like plot twists. If we had continued to listen to Aesa or followed our own path, stupid stuff would¡¯ve kept happening¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°How did you figure out killing her was the solution though?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Because it was pointless, killing her wouldn¡¯t have made a lick of difference, that¡¯s why I did it. The ce was made to be confusing¡­¡±


    Both of those two-look confused by my exnation but I understand the idea behind it, that ce was designed for an odd mind like mine to figure out. I actually doubt those two could have figured it out.


    ¡°¡­ That dungeon was the type of ce where we end up spending years in it and end up kicking ourselves when we eventually find out the Reba woman has be all powerful and it bes a massive power struggle to defeat her. I bet Aesa would¡¯ve been given another book as well to read from as well to confuse us even further¡±


    There still not going to understand my reasoning but I understand my madness at the very least. That¡¯s all that matters really.


    (Nathan) ¡°Well¡­ anyway, should we get moving? This ce is just as cold as when we left¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Agreed¡±


    Oh, yeah, it¡¯s basically the exact same time as we entered, maybe a few minutes have passed? I have no idea; I¡¯m not figuring out the maths on how much time has passed, I can¡¯t be bothered this time. Hang on, I¡¯ve forgotten something.


    ¡®Wait, did we get a reward forpleting that ce? Aesa?¡¯


    [<¡­>]


    ¡®Why are you being silent? Do we seriously not get anything forpleting that ce?¡¯


    [<-User- could consider fountain as a reward>]


    ¡®¡­¡¯


    Well that¡­ was fucking dreadful. What a colossal waste of time, at least with that shitty bikini armour, it¡¯s still a reward even if I never n to use it. Is that fountain seriously considered the reward or is Aesa mocking me? Fuck this, I¡¯m leaving the ce now.


    I¡¯m getting some concerned looks from my party as well from my visible anger, there¡¯s no point in even mentioning theck of a reward since those two will be fine with it like with everything else.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ just give me stuff to carry and I¡¯ll chuck it all inside my ring, it¡¯s too cold to stay on this ind for much longer¡±


    ¡°Okay Ikarus¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Is Charlotte sulking at me or is she a little depressed? I can¡¯t tell.


    It clearly is about me for killing that woman without giving it a second thought, she wasn¡¯t a real person though. Actually, thinking about it, I don¡¯t think that would have made any difference to my decision making if she was real or not. I might need to be a little careful otherwise I might end up viewing killing nothing more than a chore, killing bandits is perfectly fine though. I do still need EXP after all.


    She should get over it eventually, I got us out of there after all.


    I do wonder what happened with the other people sent by the empire though, we never found out in there. My best guess is that they died before even getting to the dungeon, it¡¯s the only thing I can think off, guess that¡¯s might be a mystery that never gets solved. It¡¯s not really that big of a deal though.


    Now that everything has been packed up or stored away, it¡¯s time to leave.


    ¡°This bird is ready to take passengers!¡±


    __________


    ¡°Erm¡­ what the hell is that?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°E-Erm¡­¡±


    As we were flying across the freezing cold ind, something in the sky caught all our eyes. Something that looked simr to the creatures that could end the destruction of the world.


    ¡°Is that¡­ a dragon?¡±


    A white dragon was flying a distance away heading towards us. As it starting getting closer to us, I couldn¡¯t help but notice something.


    ¡®It¡¯s, quite a bit smaller than father¡¯


    The dragon looked very simr to father except it has a colour simr to an ice white and was a fair amount smaller, it made me want to check out its level.


    I just need to wait a little longer, than it will be in range.


    ¡­


    ¡®Bit longer¡­ there, status!¡¯


    [Name: Shydazir | Species: Dragon | Level: 291]


    [Health 25,000/25,000]


    [Stamina 18,926/22,750]


    [Magicka 25,000/25,000]


    ¡®Despite the priestess being level five hundred, this dragon¡¯s stats are somewhatparable. How many points does this dragon havepared to Charlotte, system?¡¯


    [<10250 higher>]


    ¡®Oh, it¡¯s higher than I first thought¡¯


    As I stopmunicating with Aesa, I get a much closer look at the dragon and quickly realize something might be wrong.


    ¡°Erm¡­ does that dragon look a bit pissed off?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°She doesn¡¯t look¡­ best pleased¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°I-It¡¯ll be f-fine though, r-right?¡±


    The dragon has a slight nasty aura to it as well, I¡¯m thinking it might be pissed at us trespassing so I quickly try and calm the approaching beast.


    ¡°Dragon! We don-¡±


    Before I have to chance to speak to the white dragon, it opens its mouth and speaks.


    ¡°Ike-fall¡±


    ¡°SHIT!¡±


    A huge chunk of ice shoots from the dragon¡¯s mouth towards us, I have to quickly swoop to the side otherwise it would have hit me.


    ¡°Oi, you stupid bitch! We don-¡±


    Same thing happened, it ignored my words and attacked again.


    ¡°Ike-braze¡±


    This time, the ice was like a whirlwind charging towards us, I have to fly and dodge off to the side again.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, it isn¡¯t listening to reason¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know¡±


    ¡°D-Do we f-flee?¡±


    I thought about what the stuttering Nathan asked but it won¡¯t work out.


    ¡°There is no way I can outfly a dragon¡­ priestess, use everything you have at your disposal¡±


    ¡°Of course Ikarus-sama, it just might be a little difficult to hit while flying¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, just kill it somehow, okay? I don¡¯t even care about EXP right now, not dying is more important!¡±


    I wanted a challenge but something with reasonable difficulty at the very least, this white beast is way out of my level range. Even the priestess might struggle with this fight, I¡¯ve got to be the perfect attack pilot right here and position myself perfectly.


    ¡°Summon¡±


    ¡°Ike-fall¡±


    While the priestess is summoning her de, the winged beast sends out another ice chunk attack. This time, the attack is leading in front of where I¡¯m going to fly so I have to switch up my direction with a sharp turn.


    ¡°You two still alright?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°All good¡±


    ¡°Y-Yeah¡±


    They are grabbing clutches of my feathers to hold on, that¡¯s good. I shouldn¡¯t have to worry about any of them falling off, it feels like I¡¯m being pinched but that isn¡¯t a concern I can afford to have right now.


    I fly closer to the dragon in preparation for Charlotte¡¯s attack and before I even get in really close range, her orbitalser appears without warning. She must have already prepared the sword attack; it has more range than I thought it would.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    Theser makes contact with one the dragon¡¯s wings but she still remains in the sky.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Shydazir | Species: Dragon | Level: 291]


    [Health 18,906/25,000]


    [Stamina 18,923/22,750]


    [Magicka 23,000/25,000]


    Thank fuck for this priestess¡¯s cheat skill, this would have been an impossible encounter to survive without it.


    ¡°Priestess, that took out nearly a fourth of its health, do you reckon you can do that a few more times?¡±


    ¡°I can definitely try Ikarus-sama, my magic is more than high enough right now¡±


    ¡°Y-You can d-definitely do it Lotte¡±


    Unfortunately, it¡¯s time for the return attack.


    ¡°Ike-stake¡±


    As soon as the dragon speaks, a small beam of ice shoots towards me. This time however, I¡¯m not quick enough to react. It hits me.


    ¡°Damn! Stupid bitch!¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, you okay?¡±


    ¡°I-Ikarus?¡±


    The little de of ice pierces my breast but thankfully doesn¡¯t go all the way through. I¡¯m still able to keep my altitude with the shard of ice sticking out of me.


    ¡°Yeah, just ignore me. I¡¯m going in really close this time. Charlotte, do your thing and Nathan, throw this¡±


    I get out a weapon I had in storage and it appears on the top of my back, a spear that looks simr to a javelin.


    While I¡¯m heading really close to the dragon, I need to check my health.


    ¡®I¡¯m unsure if it¡¯s bleeding or not, status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 24]


    [Health 2,902/5,000]


    [Stamina 3,411/3,500]


    [Magicka 2,782/3,500]


    ¡®That hit did over two thousand HP and I have frost resistance!? Ah forget it, focus!¡¯


    ¡°Ike-fall¡±


    Another dragon attackes in as I¡¯m getting really close. Thankfully, it¡¯s another ice chunk attack, I can avoid them without much issue just by moving quick enough. Now that I¡¯m where I want to be, I start charging a smaller version of my fire tornado attack under my breast while those two do their attacks.


    ¡°Pay for your sins and repent foul beast!¡±


    ¡°A-Ahh!¡±


    Another orbitalser attackes in while Nathan hurls the spear as hard as he can at the dragon, theser attack hits the back of the dragon while the spear crashes into its neck.


    ¡°ARGHH!¡±


    ¡®I thought it might survive that, it¡¯s my turn now¡¯


    I¡¯ve charged my attack and put most my magicka into it, this better work. I release my fire tornado at the staggered dragon and it crashes into it causing a good amount of damage, I think at the very least.


    The dragon is still alive and flying though.


    ¡®Damn it, status¡¯


    [Name: Shydazir | Species: Dragon | Level: 291]


    [Health 3,217/25,000]


    [Stamina 18,918/22,750]


    [Magicka 22,250/25,000]


    ¡®Just die, you stupid bastard!¡¯


    The nasty aura around the dragon turns even worse now, she really is angrier than she ever was before. Judging by her magicka, I don¡¯t think she was taking this fight seriously, she most definitely will now.


    ¡°W-What is she doing?¡±


    ¡°Dear Lord¡­¡±


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡±


    A white power starts radiating from the dragon, this isn¡¯t good. It¡¯s getting bigger by the second.


    She¡¯s clearly powering something up now; I have to dodge this at all costs. I start flying away from her trying to get some distance between us.


    [<-User- must avoid this attack>]


    ¡®I know Aesa¡¯


    ¡°Ike-ridden¡­¡±


    Then the charged attack partially realizes, a forceparable to my parents¡¯ voice shakes the area and even staggers us in mid-air, it¡¯s that strong. After this, I get a view of the iing attack.


    Sharp des of ice form all around the dragon pointing towards me, the issue is the size or power of it, it¡¯s the pure amount of them. It¡¯s almost as if thousands of swords are all being pointed in my direction, there¡¯s no chance I can avoid or block this.


    ¡°Priestess! I can¡¯t stop this!¡±


    ¡°I know, just fly towards it and I¡¯ll stop it!¡±


    ¡°Fine fine¡±


    I¡¯ve got no time to be questioning anything, I fly back towards the dragon for a suicide attack, this is how it seems at the very least. I¡¯ll put my faith in her, it¡¯s the only thing I can do right now.


    ¡°Ike-rce!!¡±


    ¡°Repent!¡±


    At the same time, the des of ice all fly in sync towards me while Charlotte uses somethingpletely different. Simr to a sh bang or a bright white screen, everything in front of us goespletely white. The iing des of ice disappear as well.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°L-Lotte?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    She doesn¡¯t give a response only waiting for the attack to finish. Once it finishes, everything all of a suddenes back and the aggressive dragon can be seen falling from the sky with shards of ice surrounding it falling also. Charlotte hasn¡¯t given up now though.


    ¡°You will repent beast in the afterlife, the Lord will make sure of it¡±


    She points her sword forward once more summoning another orbital deathser and that collides into the falling beast cutting a hole and killing it mid-air. After a few more seconds, the dragon falls into the forest of the ind.


    ¡­


    Me and Nathan both have shocked looks, I can already tell his is more admiration for the woman he lovespared to mine which is just pure shock.


    ¡°What the hell was that attack priestess!? You could off just used that in the beginning!¡±


    She¡¯s been keeping secret such a powerful stun attack, why didn¡¯t she start the fight with it? I have a right to be a little pissed as well as shocked


    ¡°No, I couldn¡¯t Ikarus-sama, there are rules and conditions to everything. The Lord wouldn¡¯t have allowed such a thing¡±


    How much control does he have over her? I would feel sorry for her if it wasn¡¯t for the obliteration she¡¯s able to cause.


    ¡°Even if you couldn¡¯t use it, why didn¡¯t you say beforehand? Were you hiding it or something? The orbital deathser is overpowered enough and you have even more!?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hiding anything Ikarus-sama, that deathser as you call it is the Lord¡¯s weakest attack. The others are much stronger but I can only use them when God permits. He permitted it this time, I¡¯m unsure on what the holy light is called though¡±


    ¡°That attack was definitely¡­ surprising Lotte¡±


    ¡°Your throw was good as well Nat¡±


    Okay, she¡¯s broken, I can¡¯t even focus on those two getting chummy again because of what she just said. There are other abilities that are even more powerful than that? Seriously, I can understand why father is afraid of her, she might even be stronger than him.


    I¡¯m starting to believe she might actually be blessed by a God. I¡¯m notining though, shit got really dangerous there.


    Why did that dragon even attack us though? She seemed a little out of it, I know we might be trespassing on her ind but she could have least given us a warning. I might need to make a quick stop to my parents and ask about it in the future, they might know. Since I¡¯m putting the dungeon hunting on hold for a little while once I speak to the prince, I should have the time soon.


    While all of us are still calming down our adrenaline from the fight, I forgot about something.


    ¡®Oh crap, I took some damage, am I bleeding system?¡¯


    [<Negative>]


    I look down and notice the ice has melted, shouldn¡¯t I have a hole in my breast from the attack if it¡¯s melted though? Ah forget it, this is a pointless question. I don¡¯t need to use my fire to seal up the wound so I¡¯m all good.


    ¡®What about my frost resistance, did that actually work then?¡¯


    Losing two thousand health in the blink of an eye was extremely dangerous, that hit didn¡¯t even hurt that bad.


    [<Affirmative, -user- would have taken 4080 HP without frost resistance>]


    Okay, dragons are extremely effective, I wonder if it¡¯s all rted to level though. The higher level you are, the more damage you put out. It would exin why my kick has improved its damage and why Charlotte¡¯s attacks are so powerful.


    ¡®Aesa, is there some hidden mechanic that effects damage with higher levels?¡¯


    [<Unsure, -user- does have interesting idea though>]


    I¡¯m sure she said originally levels do nothing when she first exined how this system works though, I think even she is unsure on the ins and outs of it. I can¡¯t me her though, she¡¯s working with basic information that sometimes seems to be in really in depth, other times, the information is non-existent.


    She says it¡¯s interesting so I might be onto something here, just for future reference, be extremely careful around high-level enemies or run away.


    Looking back down to where the dragon hasnded, I can¡¯t help but think of its body being wasted. I can¡¯t let such a good opportunity go to waste.


    ¡®I wonder¡­ what would dragon taste like?¡¯


    [<Seriously -user-?>]


    ¡®It¡¯s not like I¡¯d be eating a family member and it¡¯s not cannibalistic since I¡¯m a phoenix¡­ I bet it tastes like chicken¡¯


    [<*Sigh*>]


    Ignoring Aesa trying to curb my cannibalistic tendencies, I make my ns known to my party members.


    ¡°Hey, I know you two are probably cold but I really need to loot this dragon for some stuff¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I get no response and I¡¯m assuming two faces of pure disgust from the party members on my back, it¡¯s obvious the adrenaline from the fight is now gone so the cold must be setting back in again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that! I was perfect in my dodging there; this is my reward! Just stay close and I¡¯ll keep using thest of my magic keeping you warm, I won¡¯t be long, promise¡±


    [<-User- really can be selfish>]


    ¡®They won¡¯t freeze to death, I¡¯m sure of it¡­ I think¡¯

 Chapter 27 – Standstill

    Chapter 27 ¨C Standstill


    ¡°Ah Ikarus, you¡¯re back¡±


    ¡°Prince, we need to talk¡±


    This time around, I¡¯ve bumped into the smiling prince within the pce while being taken to his study, we¡¯re in one of hallways right now. Both my party members are with me as well.


    It took us two weeks again to get back from the north and I¡¯m liking it back down here already, you can never truly appreciate warm weather till you¡¯ve been butt naked in the freezing snow changing clothes. Seriously, try it if you think I¡¯m being over dramatic.


    The trip back was also uninspiring but that was down to my impatience at wanting to get back, that dungeon and dragon encounter took more out of me than I realize. I really need a break from all this right now.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, let¡¯s walk and talk to a visitor room and I¡¯ll get you something to eat or drink, I have some news to share but it¡¯s not all that good¡±


    Is this the first time he¡¯s actually offered me something like that? I think he¡¯s trying to butter me up for the bad news iing. That¡¯s not going to help with my impatience.


    ¡°No, I¡¯d rather we just get this done now, you start¡±


    ¡°Fair enough, I have some good and bad news to share, what would you like first?¡±


    ¡°Just do both together, I dislike that type of thing¡±


    ¡°Fine then, the good news is that we¡¯ve found another dungeon and it actually happens to be a fighting dungeon as well¡­¡±


    There¡¯s clearly a problem with it so I¡¯m not getting excited about this.


    ¡°¡­ The bad news is that it¡¯s impossible to get to right now¡±


    Thought so, this is why I didn¡¯t get excited. I would have been interested in it since it¡¯s a fighting dungeon but I know my luck isn¡¯t that good, I¡¯m going to ask about it though.


    ¡°Why is it impossible to get to anyway?¡±


    The prince face turn¡¯s serious and his smile disappears.


    ¡°War¡±


    What is good for?¡­ I really just couldn¡¯t help myself; war never changes¡­ I¡¯ll stop now.


    ¡°War?¡±


    ¡°Yes, a part of the empire has been looking for independence for a while, we¡¯ve been in constant conflict with them for close to ten years now¡±


    Wait, this country is at war and for that long? Why have I only just heard of this now?


    ¡°You¡¯re at war? You make it sound like it¡¯s barely anything¡±


    His smile may have dropped but he still doesn¡¯t sound like it¡¯s that serious, he makes sound like it¡¯s just a mild inconvenience.


    ¡°Because it is just a rebellion based on outdated policies like bringing back very and reverting the empire back into its warmonger days. It¡¯s just unfortunate that they have gained a sizeable following and have taken arge part of thend across theke¡±


    ¡°Across theke?¡±


    Once again, it seems like I¡¯m supposed to know about this world. I guess it wouldn¡¯t hurt to start doing some research about this continent, it would cut down these long-drawn-out conversations. Might buy some books to read during my travels, can read them while I¡¯m eating.


    "Ah sorry, I know you''re unsure on the noticeablendmarks on this continent, should have given you a map of the continent when you left earlier. Lake Garde is small country sizedke that sits in the centre of the empire and has arge river that flows into the eastern ocean. The rebels hold grounds across the south side of the river"


    ¡°What does this have to do with the dungeon though?¡±


    ¡°Specifically, prisoners of war are to do with the dungeon, some have escaped and have returned with information of a dungeon being used as a prison camp¡±


    Prison camps, let¡¯s not pry too much into it. Earth has a very dark history regarding that topic.


    ¡°They send the prisoners into a dungeon?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s called forcedbour if you understand that term. The prisoners work killing the creatures that fill the dungeon and return with the crystals they drop¡±


    It actually is a one hundred percent normal isekai dungeon then, it just sucks that it has such a sinister side to it. Why can¡¯t they just invade the country though? This empire clearly has enough powerful people.


    ¡°Why just not send Char- no, why just not send the sadistic mage to deal with the rebels?¡±


    I was about to make the suggestion to just send the priestess but I already know she would be against killing people like that, she only fights against criminals or for self-defence like with the dragon, I doubt she¡¯d kill soldiers in war.


    The prince gets a little annoyed from my questioning though.


    ¡°Were looking for peace Ikarus, not a genocide. Head-to-headbat on a battlefield is one thing, sieging a city full of civilians is something Leone should NEVER be considered for, you definitely know this. You¡¯ve been travelling with Lotte for a short while, you must understand what wielding too much power is capable off?¡±


    ¡°Completely¡±


    Okay, I get the empire¡¯s reasoning. They want to regain control of the rebelnds, not turn it into a graveyard. As much as I¡¯m not against killing, it would feel a little bad wiping out thousands of civilians. The way he said never though, he also understands what Leone is really like.


    I can''t believe he actually agreed for her to teach me though, it seems baffling knowing that even he knows what she''s like. If I was more of a nasty person, this could''ve ended really badly for the empire. They''re lucky I''m willing to put up with most of her shit since it provided some benefit to me, I do have a breaking point though.


    Wait, just a little bit bad? That¡¯s my response to thinking about killing thousands? I¡¯ve really got to control this phoenix-dragon carefree attitude when ites to killing, I¡¯ll end up like my parents at this rate.


    The idea of trying to go undercover and sneak into the dungeon did cross my mind but in all honestly, that¡¯s a stupid idea. The fact that the prince hasn¡¯t suggested that as well proves it¡¯s not a great idea.


    ¡°Well¡­ this is probably a good thing in all honesty, I¡¯m putting dungeon hunting on hold for a little while and seeing that we can¡¯t ess this one, it¡¯s probably a sign¡±


    ¡°Why Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama?¡±


    Oh, these two were still here, they¡¯ve been quiet for a while, thought they left us. They were just observing our conversation.


    ¡°I need to lev- no, I need to get more powerful, I¡¯m way too weak right now. The issue is, there¡¯s only one way I can get stronger really quickly¡±


    (Alistair) ¡°What is it Ikarus? The empire will help in any way it can¡±


    ¡°Killing humans¡±


    ¡­


    I knew I¡¯d get an awkward response like this; I¡¯ll try and exin it a little better.


    ¡°I should probably specify; I only want to kill bandits. When I kill humans, me and the voice grow stronger very quickly. Bandits, or people who are being put to death like criminal perhaps?¡±


    I kinda like the idea of killing people on death row, I could get a boatload of EXP really quickly. Ikarus! Judge, jury, executioner¡­


    ¡°Well, the execution thing¡­ hiring you as an executioner might be a terrible idea¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t use the death penalty in the empire¡±


    For fuck sake, that¡¯s really pissed me off. What medieval style empire doesn¡¯t use the death penalty? I could¡¯ve gotten so much free EXP right there, have to go back onto bandits now.


    His smile returns once he said that as well, I¡¯m starting to think he can¡¯t control his face muscles. Was me bing an executioner funny to him?


    ¡°What about bandits then? Where can I go to findrge amounts of them?¡±


    As I say that, a maid walks towards the four of us but the prince stops her passing.


    ¡°Maid, can you get me a tea ready for my study once I¡¯m finished here?¡­¡±


    She nods at him and then walks past us. Is he being rude doing that while speaking to me?


    ¡°¡­ back onto bandits. If you¡¯re looking to go hunting, it would make sense to head to the areas surrounding the frontline. They can prove problematic when nking the enemy and can sometimes roam into civilian territory attacking caravans as well¡±


    He wants me to go near the battlefield? I guess it does make sense, you do get more bandits around warzones. At least, that¡¯s what I¡¯ve heard anyway. I¡¯m not opposed to this.


    ¡°Sounds good, I-¡±


    Before I have a chance to continue, he starts speaking to my party members. He might be in a little bit of a rude mood today.


    ¡°Lotte, you won¡¯t have an issue with that? They aren¡¯t opposing knights or soldiers¡±


    Oh, I was right about the priestess not wanting to kill soldiers.


    ¡°Me and the Lord would be most willing to kill any heathens that target innocents¡±


    ¡°Good, what about you Nathan? You willing to keep following Ikarus as well?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll never disobey any of your highness¡¯s orders¡±


    The prince gives a look of tiredness from Nathan¡¯s response, that wasn¡¯t what he wanted.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t an order though Nathan, I¡¯m asking if you want to continue¡±


    ¡°Travelling with Ikarus has been perfectly adequate your highness¡±


    Adequate? I want to call him a dick for saying that, just say it¡¯s been good or fun, don¡¯t say adequate. The prince then looks back towards me.


    ¡°That¡¯s all good then, was there anything else you wanted to discuss or ask Ikarus?¡±


    Is there anything I need to ask? Don¡¯t think so, think that pretty much covers everything. We¡¯re hunting bandits and if things turn bad, Charlotte¡¯s cheat powers will juste and save us I bet.


    ¡°Nah, all good¡±


    ¡°Okay then Ikarus, there is something I would like to ask though about the dungeon in the north, what ended up happening up there anyway?¡±


    He waits to the end of the conversation to ask that? Is he trying to be annoying today?


    ¡°Urgh, can one of you two help me here? I haven¡¯t got the patience to go into detail on that again¡±


    After both Charlotte and Nathan exin the stupid situation that unfolded with the confusion dungeon and the ice dragon, the prince continues on again.


    ¡°Wow¡­ toplete the dungeon and help Lotte massively with the dragon, I¡¯m really impressed. You should be proud of yourself¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯re you praising me? Do you want something?¡±


    ¡°Am I not allowed to praise you for a job well done?¡±


    He asks this is a slightly sarcastic way, I¡¯m unsure if it¡¯s on purpose or not.


    Thing is, this prince is a lot more intelligent than he lets on, if he¡¯s praising me like that, it¡¯s probably because he wants something. His kindness is fake, it¡¯s very obvious once you spend enough time around him.


    ¡°Not when I know your agenda¡±


    ¡°Ikarus¡­ if I wanted anything, I would have juste out and asked. What your father has offe-¡±


    Boring unknown reward again, I¡¯m ignoring him talking. He still talking about it¡­ ah, now he¡¯s moved on.


    ¡°¡­ While you¡¯re gone getting stronger, I¡¯ll keep the search running for more dungeons. For all we know once you get back, we might have even found several more¡­ ah, Leone is back¡±


    The prince notices the mage returning through one of the windows looking outside, I need to run, quickly!


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving!¡±


    The prince and both my party members give a little chuckle at my misery, I need to leave the pce now! Fuck.


    __________


    ¡°Phew¡­ praise whichever God is up there, I managed to avoid that bitch¡±


    ¡°You do know Ikarus-sama that Leone would¡¯ve been able to detect you¡±


    We''re currently just outside the grounds of pce walking into the city proper.


    ¡°Yeah but not having to speak with her is more than enough¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°She can¡¯t be that bad Ikarus, she seemed kind to me and the captain¡±


    Oh, captain Jekyll, forgot about him, haven¡¯t seen him in quite some time. He¡¯s probably off fighting the rebels right now.


    ¡°That¡¯s because Nathan, you haven¡¯t seen the sadistic side of her. She¡¯s only ever that nasty to me¡±


    Wait, the mage doesn¡¯t treat me like that because she likes me, right? She¡¯s actually a sadistic tsundere?


    ¡­


    Ahahahahaha¡­ no chance, she¡¯s into that captain, I¡¯m sure of it. Even if she was, I¡¯d never be into nasty piece of work like her. She one hundred percent isn¡¯t my type and never will be, I¡¯d seriously consider going out with a man then dating her.


    Okay, I should stop this now. For some reason, I feel like I¡¯m being watched every time I think or talk about her behind her back. It might be paranoia but with her, it¡¯s justified.


    ¡°Before we leave though, I need to go shopping for a bit¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Where do we need to go?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°There¡¯s a few things I could get¡±


    This reminds me of the time I learnt I¡¯m going toy eggs, just me being questioned this time instead of the priestess.


    ¡°It¡¯s better if I go alone, it¡¯ll be easier that way¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The second I say that, two faces of disappointment appear on their faces, why do people always assume I¡¯m dirty minded?


    ¡°Hey! This isn¡¯t anything perverted, alright? I need to go alone because I¡¯ve got to clear some stuff out of storage, I have way too much crap littered about¡±


    I¡¯m seriously not going to buy anything perverted, I swear! The main thing I wanted to buy was some books and maps, it might help learning about some stuff so I don¡¯t have to keep sitting through insanely long conversations about crap. I want to learn about the lore of this world but at my own pace, I always get too long or too short exnations.


    The reason for going alone is more embarrassment than anything else, I¡¯ve already forgotten a lot of what I¡¯ve bought, I need to have a serious clear out.


    At this point, I am basically a hoarder, that¡¯s the reason for my embarrassment. There is nothing perverted in my storage, I think? Well, except that stupid bikini and there might be one or two¡­ ahem, yeah, it is a good idea to send those two away.


    ¡°Let¡¯s meet up tomorrow morning by the south-eastern gate, that¡¯s a good meeting point¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, it¡¯s our job to protect you. Leaving you alone isn¡¯t ideal¡±


    ¡°Lotte¡¯s right Ikarus, his highness wouldn¡¯t be happy with it¡±


    This isn¡¯t protection, I¡¯m sure these two just want to know what I¡¯ve got hidden away in my storage, I¡¯m sure of it.


    ¡°Fineee! Just when I¡¯m taking stuff in and out, don¡¯t be looking, yeah?¡±


    __________


    They did up looking and more faces of disappointment followed, probably more out of confusion than anything else. If you¡¯ve got money to spare, then why not spend it? That¡¯s my motto, I think the disappointment might have been from the several hundred empty alcohol bottles though, I might have a little bit of a problem. I could have just left them in the wild but littering isn¡¯t okay, alright? It definitely wasn¡¯t because I¡¯ve been hiding my drinking around the priestess and that the bottles were evidence.


    I did have to go outside the city temporally and make a bonfire to burn most of the waste I have, that¡¯s just how bad it was. At least it¡¯s a lot better now.


    After sorting the majority of my storage out, I also bought some maps and books about the continent and also can¡¯t forget about purchasing essentials like cake and booze, I¡¯m now looking around the capital for shops I haven¡¯te across yet.


    While doing this with my party, I notice a tiny store on the corner of one of the main streets in the capital with a sign that looks simr to a ss bottle.


    ¡°Is that¡­ an alchemist¡¯s?¡±


    Okay, it¡¯s time forpletely oblivious Ikarus to return. How did I forget about potions? I literally got drugged in the forest when I got captured and it¡¯s taking me until now to actually realize there¡¯s potions in this world. There better be some that refill magicka.


    ¡°Are these rare or am I just oblivious to my surroundings?¡±


    ¡°They are rare Ikarus-sama especially in the capital. I believe there¡¯s only two ces that sell potions out here¡±


    At least that makes me feel slightly better, potion shops are rare then, bet there expensive as well if that¡¯s the case. That¡¯s not my problem though, that¡¯s my parents hehe.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading inside¡±


    ¡°Me and Nat should probably wait outside, it¡¯s a little crowded inside¡±


    ¡°Okay Lotte¡±


    Has she been in there before? Ah, I really don¡¯t care.


    Heading to thepact little potion store, I can¡¯t help but notice how many things are around the ce. The shelves in front of the counter are filled with ingredients, cabs on the walls are stocked high filled with potions and the amount of clutter around the ce is most impressive. It doesn¡¯t look dirty or anything like that, just full of items to sell.


    ¡°H-Hello! Wee to my s-store! If there is a-anything I can do for you, p-please ask!¡±


    I¡¯m greeted by an excitable small woman behind a counter in the little store. She seems to stutter because she speaks to fast.


    ¡®Huh, her hair looks simr to cotton candy. That can¡¯t be natural¡­ it¡¯s actually making me hungry as well¡¯


    I can¡¯t help but notice her appearance as well, her hair is light pink and has a side pony tail across her shoulder. Her eyes are also pink and she wears a pair of circle sses. There¡¯s even something else as well, she is also an elf, the pointy ears are a massive indicator. I¡¯ve seen a few of them around the capital but I¡¯ve never been up this close to one yet.


    ¡°Is there a-anything I can help you w-with Ma¡¯am?¡±


    Oh, I haven¡¯t responded yet, I probably should start speaking.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious on what types of potions you sell¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Ma¡¯am but you m-might need to be more s-specific, there are h-hundreds of different types of potions, I c-could be here all day telling you about t-them all. Any idea on what you¡¯re l-looking for?¡±


    ¡°Specific types¡­ do you have anything that can recover health, stamina or magicka then?¡±


    The small alchemist pushes her sses up and goes into a professional exnation mode, it¡¯s almost as if she¡¯s turned robotic giving the exnation.


    ¡°There is n-nothing that recovers health but there is s-something that stops wounds rapidly called a healent, that is really the only potion that can be used for a-anything health rted. You do not want to d-drink that though, it must be applied to the w-wound full for effect, it also really hurts once a-applied as well¡­¡±


    ¡®Damn, this girl speaks really fast. She¡¯s giving her all in this exnation as well¡¯


    ¡°¡­ As for s-stamina, your best bet would be a love potion. It m-massively improves both you and your lover¡¯s stamina v-very quickly, I can personally rmend such a t-thing as me and my ex used to use the potion a lot. Magic recovery, that¡¯s easy, t-there¡¯s loads of different types of magic recovery potions all with d-different colours and vours, mine personally is strawberry red¡±


    ¡­


    It takes my brain a second the actually realize what she¡¯s just said. That was a lot to get through. She also just gave of some intimate details about her life but I don¡¯t think she cares or even noticed it.


    ¡°Wait a second, love potion? I meant recover stamina; I don¡¯t want something like that¡±


    ¡°W-Wasn¡¯t that what you meant? What¡¯s the point in r-recovering stamina if it doesn¡¯t have the a-aphrodisiac effect?¡±


    This girl is going to be exhausting to deal with long term, I¡¯m finding the other alchemist shop next time. I also don¡¯t want that type of side effect every time I top my stamina up.


    ¡°*Sigh*, do you have something that recovers stamina without the aphrodisiac effect?¡±


    ¡°No, s-stamina potions aren¡¯t a thing. L-Love potions are though¡±


    ¡°Okay, can you just give me ten healent and ten of your strongest magic recovery pots then? Ah, one stam- no, one love potion as well¡±


    Once I get out of here, I want to give both the healent and magicka potions a test. Aesa will be able to confirm if they actually have any effect or not. If they don¡¯t, I¡¯m suing this ce. I¡¯m not testing the stamina one unless I desperately have to use it.


    While she¡¯s getting the potions from the shelves, I can¡¯t help but check her out. Not in that way, just her status of course.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Betty | Species: Elf | Level: 10]


    [Health 200/200]


    [Stamina 494/800]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ¡®Wow, a strong gust of wind might actually kill her. I guess the stereotype about elves being great magicians is a myth, them being tall as well is wrong¡¯


    She brings the bottles of potions to the counter and then tells me the price.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be e-eighteen thousand coin¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°HOW MUCH!?!...¡±


    She¡¯s not joking, my shouting has made me cough as well.


    ¡°*Cough cough cough*¡­ that¡¯s like the price of two houses, why is it so much?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Ma¡¯am b-but that¡¯s how much potions are, all p-prices are set by the empire and cannot be c-changed. I have no say in it¡±


    At least she¡¯s able to remain professional from my little outburst, I just can¡¯t understand how a few potions is like the same price as a house.


    ¡°Okay, well you can put most of it back then. What¡¯s the prices individually?¡±


    ¡°Seven-fifty per h-healent, five hundred for love p-potion and a thousand for strongest m-magic recovery potion¡±


    Looks like I¡¯m not buying a stupid number of potions, I actually will run out of money if I do that. I have no idea why there so expensive though, if I can remember to ask the prince next time I visit, I¡¯ll ask him why potions are so expensive. I will still buy a few though.


    ¡°Two healents, one stamina and three magicka, that should be five thousand, right?¡±


    ¡°Correct¡±


    After I buy the potions, I head back out the store and am greeted by my party once more.


    ¡°All done Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Finished Ikarus??¡±


    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve just been mugged off. Ah forget it, they¡¯ll still provide some use regardless¡­¡±


    I can¡¯t help but let off a small grin after that, it¡¯s time to start levelling.


    ¡°¡­ Now that everything is sorted, it¡¯s time to hunt some bandits. This is going to be some fun¡±

 Chapter 28 – Petra

    Chapter 28 ¨C Petra


    (Ikarus) ¡°It¡¯s starting to gette now¡±


    ¡°Agreed¡±


    ¡°You cannd whenever you want Ikarus, we won¡¯tin¡±


    Everyone¡¯s currently flying on my back towards the east side of continent. Like usual with my travel arrangements, I¡¯m currently soaring in the sky looking down at all the little ants on the ground following the road high up. It¡¯s been a few days since leaving the capital and it¡¯s starting to get dark now.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stop at the nex- ah, I love it when coincidences happen. There¡¯s an inn right over there¡±


    Conveniently enough, there is an inn right near the junction in the road we¡¯re approaching, brilliant.


    _________


    ¡°All done Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, all dressed now. Where¡¯s priestess?¡±


    We¡¯vended a slight distance away from the inn, I have no idea where Charlotte¡¯s gone.


    ¡°Lotte felt something odd so she went to investigate the inn, she did say she¡¯lle back straight away if there¡¯s danger¡±


    After he finishes speaking, me and the knight start heading towards the inn. A few minutes of walking ur and then we see the front of the inn alongside the road. Outside, I can see Charlotte speaking to someone.


    ¡®I know I said I like coincidences earlier but this isn¡¯t funny¡¯


    The person the priestess is speaking to is the disciple styled blind woman who we¡¯ve already bumped into twice already.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama and Nat, look who I¡¯ve found¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Ah, it¡¯s the warrior woman¡±


    ¡°Greetings knight¡­ greetings as well Ikarus¡±


    Before I even have the chance to respond, Aesa has to butt in.


    [<-User- should take different approach>]


    Aesa really can read my mind; she knows exactly what I¡¯m about to do. I have to ignore her though. Without my bluntness, I wouldn¡¯t be myself, she¡¯s not stopping me responding.


    ¡°Oi blind woman! This is stupid now, one or two times stumbling into each other I could understand but this has happened on three separate asions at three different ces. Are you stalking me or something!?¡±


    [<*Sigh*>]


    That didn¡¯te out aggressive or anything, I¡¯m just a little annoyed why I¡¯ve bumped into her again and in another different part of the world. Most of what I just said is more in jest, I¡¯m just curious on why we¡¯re speaking again.


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re right¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try and deny it! The chanc-¡­ wait¡±


    Error, brain cannot make sense of situation. Did she just admit it?


    ¡°I think stalking is a little harsh but I was hoping to run into you again, I had a feeling you might head in this direction so I¡¯ve been waiting a little while, looks like I was right¡±


    Is she being serious or mocking me? She seems serious so I¡¯m getting serious to, the priestess will defend me if shit hits the fan.


    ¡°Why the hell were you waiting for me?¡±


    ¡°It would be easier to exin without your party members¡±


    ¡°Anything you can say to me, you can say to these two as well¡±


    ¡°Agreed Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t leave your side Ikarus¡±


    At least my party is willing to back me up on this, she did just admit to basically stalking me. She might be dangerous.


    ¡°Okay then, I wanted to speak with another person from Earth, just it might prove more difficult with people who don¡¯t know what we¡¯re on about¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Nathan, Charlotte¡­ leave us for a minute¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    I know what I just said about danger but I have the perfect opportunity here, I don¡¯t care about the risk. It¡¯s slightly funny how easily I can switch my mind, I might need to work on that.


    ¡°You two can watch us, just stay out of ear distance. This conversation is confidential, you cannot hear what¡¯s about to be said¡­¡±


    Both seem really unsure on my safety regarding this and are still sceptical, I can¡¯t me them but this isn¡¯t something their ears should hear so I need to be a bit tough about it.


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t want to do this but listen to me, this isn¡¯t me asking nicely. If you two don¡¯t leave, I will. You know I¡¯m very much able to. I¡¯ll shout if I need some help¡±


    I¡¯m basically threatening to change form and fly away; it¡¯ll destroy my clothes in the process but I want privacy here. I am massively bluffing though, I¡¯m unsure if this woman knows about my bird form yet.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ fine Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Okay Ikarus¡±


    Both my party members walk a short distance away and me and blind woman walk the other direction a short distance also. Once we¡¯re far enough out of ear distance, I can¡¯t help but get excitable really quickly.


    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re from Earth as well!?!¡±


    I¡¯m right up close to her and have sparkles in my eyes right now, I¡¯ve so wanted to find someone from Earth ever since I came here. This is like literally a moment I¡¯ve been dreaming of.


    ¡°A very long time ago, yes. Most my memories are faded though¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if there faded, you must still remember some things. What country were you from? What was your favourite film? Favourite food? Book? Novel? Video game?¡±


    I think my rapid fire of questions has made her a little ufortable, I can¡¯t help but be extremely curious though.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but most of them I¡¯m unsure I can really remember the answers to. I¡¯m slightly confused though; wouldn¡¯t you rather know my name first or why I¡¯ve been keeping a slight track on you?¡±


    Okay, she¡¯s not ufortable, she just finds me weird, got it. I can work with that.


    ¡°Fine thennn, what¡¯s your name and why were you stalking me?¡±


    I say this in a sarcastic way, I actually don¡¯t care that much. I still refer to the knight and priestess without using their names sometimes, I can just call her blind woman. It¡¯s rude but she did try and blind me so I¡¯m allowed to be rude.


    ¡°My name is Petra and to put it simply, I just wanted to speak to you again¡±


    There has to be more to it than just her wanting to speak to me, I¡¯ll ask about that in a bit. I¡¯m now thinking about when she decided to blind me again.


    ¡°Thinking back to when west spoke though, why didn¡¯t you let me check your status? You must have an idea what I¡¯m talking about¡±


    The system inside my head is an RP or reincarnated person system, she should definitely have the same, right? It¡¯s should be fine to talk about, Aesa isn¡¯t stopping me so even she¡¯s curious.


    ¡°It causes pain, you can check it now if you want but you will regret it. Last time we spoke, I didn¡¯t want the headache thates with it¡±


    ¡®Headache thates with it? Ah forget it, I¡¯m checking it anyway. Status¡¯


    [Name: ***** | Species: ****** | Level: ***]


    [Health *****/*****]


    [Stamina *****/*****]


    [Magicka *****/*****]


    ¡°ARGHHH!!¡±


    ¡°Urgh, I can never get used to that even now¡±


    As soon as I activated the status, a headache stronger than anything I¡¯ve ever experienced pierces my head. It¡¯s so unbearable; I actually fall to my knees. The blind woman keeps standing but also holds her head, her eyes also have a slight glint of blue while the status screen remained open. It goes very quickly after though.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have told me it causes a headache?¡±


    ¡°I just did though¡±


    Oh, she actually was being literal about the headache.


    While I¡¯m still on my knees, I take a quick nce towards my party members and see both of them have their weapons out. Thankfully, they could see that I wasn¡¯t under attack so haven¡¯t intervened but still look slightly concerned. I can look back to the blind woman now.


    ¡°Why the hell does it do that? I can¡¯t even view your stats or anything¡±


    ¡°Systems react poorly to other systems; this happens with the others as well¡±


    She reaches down and holds out an arm to help me back up, I take it and stand back up getting off my knees.


    ¡°Others? Am I supposed to know who they are?¡±


    ¡°Ah apologies, that¡¯s something I¡¯m not allowed to share right now¡±


    I hate this type of development, don¡¯t be giving me information and then restrict some of it. Confidential shit is annoying.


    ¡°What¡­ about stuff like your stats then? Can you talk about that?¡±


    We¡¯re both from Earth, it should be fine to share some stuff, right? If she¡¯s been watching me, then she probably already knows I¡¯m a phoenix. It¡¯s only fair to get some information on her as well.


    ¡°I can share those but it will be meaningless to you, our stats won¡¯t be the same¡±


    ¡°Wait, why won¡¯t they be the same?¡±


    She gives off a little bit of an annoyed feeling here, it¡¯s different from the priestess trying to exin her voice but for the blind woman, it seems less of an annoyance.


    ¡°The RP system works differently for each person, my system is based around cultivation, Qi and scaling the different types of realms. The only thing simr between us would be our visible level¡±


    She has a cultivation system? I have this shitty basic bitch three stat system and she has a damn cultivation system? Ohe on¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s so freaking bullshit! I bet you have the rank of the heavenly demon or something unfair and overpowered like that as well!¡±


    ¡°I said it¡¯s a cultivation system Ikarus, I¡¯m unsure what you¡¯re getting at¡±


    At least she¡¯s not a member of the demonic cult then, don¡¯t they like to sacrifice children and stuff like that? I¡¯ve honestly forgotten most of the cultivation novel type stuff, they are so in depth and trying to remember all the heavenly realms and rankings makes my head spin. I¡¯ll just let this go but I¡¯m still slightly jealous of her.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ can you at least tell me your level then?¡±


    ¡°Four hundred and twenty, yours?¡±


    ¡­


    I can¡¯t even make the obvious four twenty ze it joke right now, that¡¯s such bullshit, I can¡¯t evenpare to her. Once again, I¡¯vee across another high-level person, this world seems so imbnced.


    ¡°Ahem¡­ moving on¡±


    ¡°Heh, it can¡¯t be that bad, right?¡±


    She can¡¯t help but smile at my reluctance to answer. Two of the reasons why is embarrassment, other is fear at showing how low levelled I really am. The priestess is still in sight though, it should be safe to disclose it, I think?


    ¡°It¡¯s erm¡­ twenty-four¡±


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s got to start somewhere, you were only born recently so it¡¯s expected¡±


    She not actually mocking me? I don¡¯t mind this woman; she can actually sense when I¡¯m unhappy about something and reacts in a way normal human beings should react.


    Wait, how does she know I¡¯m newly born? I think she knows what I am.


    ¡°You know what I am, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes Ikarus, I know you¡¯re a phoenix¡±


    Okay, she knows way too much, I¡¯d have to considerer killing her if I could or cared all that much. I should be really suspicious of her but for some reason, I¡¯m really not all that worried.


    ¡°Have you been spying on me since I hatched? How do you even know that?¡±


    There should be no chance of her knowing about that, there was literally two monstrosities stopping anyone getting close to me. She might be associated with the empire but wouldn¡¯t she have known Charlotte previously if that was the case?


    ¡°Nothing like that, I only knew of your existence when we first met in the capital. The reason why I know is down to experience, I¡¯ve see- no, not seen. I¡¯ve experienced a lot throughout my years travelling through the four continents. You¡¯re not the first and only phoenix I¡¯vee across¡±


    Ah, this is perfect time for reading Ikarus to pay a visit. The thing she just said about four continents is some of the basic stuff every person should know about but I¡¯ve only just learnt about it yesterday from reading a few pages of a book I bought.


    Four continents and each continent sits in a corner of the knownnd. Sierra which is basically the entire empire is in top right corner, erm¡­ I¡¯ve already forgotten the names of the others. Sierra is definitely top right and I know there¡¯s a desert continent in the bottom right as well.


    Back onto the conversation.


    ¡°You¡¯ve met other phoenixes? It that why you were following me and wanted to speak with me?¡±


    ¡°Again, I¡¯ve said something I shouldn¡¯t have said. Apologies but I really can¡¯t answer that right now. I¡¯m not asking for trust but I really did just want to speak with you¡±


    tantly keeping secrets is just irritating, I don¡¯t think she means me any harm though, she could¡¯ve just killed me where I stand right now if she did. Sure, she would have to deal with the priestess afterwards but it¡¯s not exactly like she can¡¯t hold her own, she is in the four hundreds after all, if she¡¯s telling the truth.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ fine then, will you answer some more stuff though?¡±


    ¡°If I¡¯m able to, then of course¡±


    I should probably start skipping this conversation forward. The thing is, we end up speaking for another ten minutes or so about quite a lot and most of it being pointless stuff really.


    Main reason was that I wanted to figure out what she could actually remember, she was right though, her memory is faded. The way she remembers things is a little simr to d¨¦j¨¤ vu, she can¡¯t remember where she heard of it but sometimes things do ring a bell. It¡¯s a shame but what can I do about it? I¡¯ve finally found someone from Earth, can¡¯t have everything I want.


    My guess is like with the dragons, she¡¯s lived quite a while, hundreds of years judging from her level if she¡¯s telling the truth at the very least. Her memory would obviously fade spending that many years alive.


    Oh, her species as well, she says she¡¯s a human but I think she¡¯s lying. Humans don¡¯t live for hundreds of years; I¡¯m guessing she¡¯s like the priestess and has a species that might be considered embarrassing so I won¡¯t pressure her too much on it.


    I would like to know why she can¡¯t tell me about certain things but I guess it might be like a non-disclosure agreement, if she tells me she might get sued or her head might explode¡­ What film or series was that from again? You reveal a secret and your head explodes¡­ Ah, that¡¯s going to annoy me now, forget it.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, is everything fine?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been speaking with the warrior woman for quite some time now¡±


    I am a little rude, I was talking with her for so long, I forgot about my party. They could have gone inside the inn but I guess they still worry for my safety.


    ¡°Yeah. sorry for leaving you two for so long, this woman is someone I met when I was little. It was a while ago though, that¡¯s why I forgot¡±


    ¡°It was aplicated time¡±


    Good, she¡¯s going with my cover story I just made up on the spot. I¡¯m only doing this to try and make the other two rx around her, this woman really isn¡¯t a threat. She could have killed me at any moment there and yet, she didn¡¯t. I know I¡¯m being a little trustworthy to someone who is keeping secrets but I¡¯m not exactly someone who hates taking a risk.


    (Charlotte) ¡°Okay then, should we all go in?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°It¡¯s already dark so I¡¯ll see if I can get us some rooms¡±


    We all had to share a roomst time we stopped at an inn on the road so hopefully this isn¡¯t the case again, my interference in their rtionship will probably just stop those two getting closer. I really can¡¯t help but tease them over their innocence.


    ¡°You two can get a room, I¡¯m having a drink. Don¡¯t even try preaching to me priestess¡±


    Once again, I get a face of disappointment from her. Just get over my sinful nature already, it¡¯s boring already.


    ¡°I could have a drink¡±


    Wait, this blind woman drinks? Ah hell yeah! Didn¡¯t expect that, I thought some worldly pleasures aren¡¯t allowed with cultivation, her system is clearly different.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ can you at least not overdo it tonight Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Lotte is only thinking out for your health Ikarus¡±


    ¡°I know Nathan, I¡¯ll try but you know I struggle to get drunk or tipsy, there¡¯s no point drinking until you can start feeling the slight dizziness¡±


    Both Nathan and Charlotte give up and walk into the inn after my response leaving me and the blind chick alone.


    ¡°I guess we both struggle getting drunk then¡±


    She can¡¯t get drunk too? She really shouldn¡¯t have said that, muhahaha¡­ I¡¯ve actually got a drinking partner tonight, this is gonna be some fun!


    ¡°Why did you have to say that? You¡¯re bad encouragement ya know. I¡¯m buying the first few rounds, try to keep up with me¡±


    ¡°Heh, fair enough¡±

 Chapter 29 – Invitation

    Chapter 29 ¨C Invitation


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, you awake yet?¡±


    ¡°Ikarus, wake up¡±


    Two faces stare at me looking down from above, I¡¯m currentlyying down on a bed and I feel slightly hungover.


    ¡®Urgh, my head¡­¡¯


    Whose room am I in? There¡¯s only one double bed in here, this definitely isn¡¯t the room my party would have bought for the night.


    ¡°Where am I?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in the blind woman¡¯s room¡±


    ¡°Yeah Ikarus. Petra told us you were in here¡±


    These two did brilliant in the quest to defend me, I¡¯ve woken up in another woman¡¯s bed, that couldn¡¯t have been dangerous for me at all. Sarcasm intended.


    ¡­


    Wait, did I share a bed with the blind womanst night? Shit, I can¡¯t remember.


    I¡¯ve never done that one night thing and I can¡¯t even remember doing anything as well, I only remember drinking andughing, then falling asleep at a table.


    I can understand why I¡¯m getting such a disappointing look from the priestess about this, even I¡¯m really unhappy with myself. Ikarus, you should have way more ss than sleeping with a woman before you even get to know her, stupid bird!


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re awake¡±


    The blind woman joins all of us in the bedroom she¡¯s rented out, I can¡¯t help but feel extremely guilty.


    ¡°Erm¡­ did we do anythingst night?¡±


    The priestess immediately facepalms from my questioning and I can¡¯t even deny that she¡¯s right to do so.


    ¡°We did nothing. Since I didn¡¯t know which room you three booked, I took you back into my room after you fell asleep at the table. It was slightly after you decided to start mixing some drinks¡±


    ¡°Phew¡­¡±


    After a let out a phew of relief, I can¡¯t help but quickly get stressed out again.


    ¡®Aesa, why did I pass out? It doesn¡¯t feel like a normal hangover this time¡¯


    I¡¯ve got to ask because I don¡¯t know if the blind woman is telling the truth or not, I still can¡¯t trust her one hundred percent yet.


    [<-User¡¯s- stamina hit 0. Target -*****- told -user- truth>]


    ¡®Argh! For the love of God, you can¡¯t be calling the blind woman target *****, you¡¯ve got to stop that target thing as well. Please system, it¡¯s infuriating now¡¯


    ***** doesn¡¯t make any intelligible word, it just sounds like a quiet bit of static. It actually hurts hearing it in my head.


    [<Aesa will try -user->]


    ¡®Thank you¡­ anyway, back on topic. How the hell did my stamina drop that quickly? I swear I slept a night or two ago¡¯


    [<Constant alcohol consumption increases stamina drain throughout the next day. -User- has been drinking too much recently so stamina current drain is maxed out. Stamina hit 0st night>]


    Wow, I actually might have a problem. The issue is when I don¡¯t feel tired, I¡¯m more than happy to spend most of the night drinking. Yeah, I¡¯ve got to cut down, it¡¯s time to start drinking in moderation now.


    ¡°You say we didn¡¯t do anything right? What about the bed, did we share the same bed?¡±


    Stop looking at me like that priestess! At least the blind woman doesn¡¯t seem to care all that much, the knight doesn¡¯t really seem all that fussed as well. With him, I don¡¯t know if he actually understands the situation or not. Sometimes he seems innocent, others he¡¯s somewhat normal.


    ¡°No, I stayed upst night¡±


    Oh God, I¡¯ve even kept her from getting a good night¡¯s rest as well stealing her bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry Petra¡±


    She gives me a reassuring smile after my apology.


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s fine Ikarus,st night was a niceugh. Been too long since I¡¯ve had a nice drink and goodpany, thanks for that¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, I¡¯m in agreement but only on thepany part, I¡¯ve got a slight problem. It¡¯s probably caused by how boring these two are¡±


    ¡°Heh¡±


    ¡°That was uncalled for Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°It was a bit¡±


    I get a couple of nasty faces from my slight joke but I also get a slightugh from the blind woman. That¡¯s more than enough motivation.


    ¡°Since your awake and alright, I¡¯m going to head off since I¡¯ve already paid. It was nice speaking to you all again¡±


    ¡°It was nice speaking to you as well Petra-sama. May God bless you on your travels¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it was nice to speak again¡±


    I¡¯m guessing these two had a quick chat while I was out cold, they clearly must have since my party members wouldn¡¯t have known where I was.


    Getting myself of the bed to say goodbye to the woman, I can¡¯t help but get curious on something.


    ¡°Wait¡­ before you leave, what are your ns moving forward Petra?¡±


    ¡°My ns?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, other than stalk me, what else were you nning on doing?¡±


    This gets another smile and slightugh out of her, at least someone here finds me funny.


    ¡°Heh, probably hunting, have a lot of free time right now¡±


    Then an idea appears from my brilliant mind.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going hunting, want to join us in some bandit massacre? Ah, you might have to try and let me get the final hit on some of them if it¡¯s possible though¡±


    I still need to be a EXP thief, my level is pathetic right now. She knows what I¡¯m on about since increasing her level seems to work in the same way as mine, execution points for the win!


    ¡°You want me to join your party?¡±


    She gives a little bit of a surprised face while saying that, it¡¯s not that big of a deal, is it? It¡¯s just bandit hunting.


    Noticing the looks of surprise of my party members as well, I¡¯d feel like this isn¡¯t a decision I can make myself. Sure, I know there¡¯s still a small risk but it¡¯s tiny now. She could have just killed me while I was out coldst night if she really wanted to.


    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯ll need to discuss it first. I¡¯m not running a dictatorship over here. I¡¯m trying not to at the very least¡±


    Both my party members give slight relieved looks towards me, I feel like they don¡¯t like her all that much. It¡¯s probably cause these two are boring as fuck!


    "Fair enough... Ikarus the dictator, why does that sound like it fits?"


    Does it? It does kind of roll off the tongue, Ikarus the dictator! Say it in a Central-European ent and it sounds badass! Why does a job so cruel and hated sound so cool though?


    Okay, I''m just being weird and stupid now, might still be slightly drunk fromst night, it wasn''t really all that funny.


    ¡°That¡¯s a little rude Petra-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah, I agree¡±


    Damn, why are these taking it as if she¡¯s insulting me? I guess she did call me a dictator but it wasn¡¯t meant in it that way.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t mean any offence¡±


    ¡°Hey, you two, quiet! You two don¡¯t get it since you have no sense of humour¡­ just ignore those two¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll still apologize again since it seemed to upset your party members¡±


    This is going to be one of these days, isn¡¯t it? All I need is Aesa to start pestering me as well.


    [<-User- was asking for Aesa?>]


    I can¡¯t help but let out a really loud and long sigh.


    ¡°*SIGHHHHHHH*¡­ let¡¯s just get a table and talk there, alright? I can get some food quickly as well. Just stick around for a little bit if you don¡¯t mind Petra¡±


    ¡°Okay then¡±


    The two of my party members can be exhausting at times, I think it¡¯s just what most humans are like in this empire.


    __________


    Once all three of us are at a table in the inn and once I¡¯ve had a quick bite to eat, I need to clear something up quickly to Charlotte.


    ¡°Before you say anything priestess¡­ this time, I do regret it. That situation I woke up to isn¡¯t something I want to do again¡±


    I feel like I have to get this off my chest right now, I actually do regret what happenedst night. I¡¯m not the type of bird to sleep with someone without getting to know them first, at least I don¡¯t want to be.


    I¡¯m really happy I didn¡¯t end up doing anything, that would have been so ungentlemanly of me¡­ just because I¡¯ve had a gender swap doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t try and act like a gentleman, I¡¯m clearly really shit at it though. me the devil¡¯s drink.


    ¡°Me and the Lord can¡¯t always protect you Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°I know, I know. I promise I¡¯m cutting down slightly on the booze¡­¡±


    She gives another look of disappointment and scepticism while I¡¯m speaking, I have to call it out though.


    ¡°¡­ Hey! Don¡¯t look at me like that, I¡¯m being honest, I promise! I have to slow down; my stamina is getting effected now. It actually has some side effects which will be more than enough encouragement to slow down¡±


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ that¡¯s better than nothing then¡­ I¡¯ll pray for your soul¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Please don¡¯t¡±


    I can¡¯t get too annoyed with the religious nut, she does mean well, it¡¯s just that she¡¯s way too serious. Except with cake, she turns a little bit childish with that.


    ¡°At least that¡¯s settled now, should we get onto what Ikarus suggested?¡±


    Ah good, Nathan¡¯s bringing the important conversation forward.


    ¡°Yeah, I invited her and I¡¯d like to know your opinions on it¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°I¡¯m against hering with us¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°I¡¯m also in agreement¡±


    DENIED!... This is such bs! Seriously, these two are such buzzkills. I¡¯m not taking no for an answer though.


    ¡°Why are you two so against it? I¡¯m confused¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, have you forgotten she admitted that she was stalking you earlier?¡±


    ¡°Lotte¡¯s right Ikarus, this doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s a safe idea¡±


    They may have a point but I have a much better one prepared in response, I don¡¯t care how confident and serious these two look right now, I¡¯m still not taking no for an answer.


    ¡°It was more in a joking way, I think? Look, it really doesn¡¯t matter all that much, if you¡¯re that worried about my safety, you¡¯ve already both failed in your jobs¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°We¡¯ve failed?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Judging by how they look, they actually haven¡¯t realized it yet, that works in my favour.


    ¡°What I mean is thatst night, that woman could have easily killed me and you two weren¡¯t around. So why did you leave me and the potential murderer alone then?¡±


    For the record, I¡¯m one hundred percent in the wrong here, I¡¯m not even denying it, it¡¯s just I do have a slight point. I don¡¯t understand why are they so adamant about her noting with us when they were more than happy enough to leave us alonest night.


    (Charlotte) ¡°That¡¯s because¡­ I really don¡¯t want to say¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°I¡¯ll say it then for Lotte then¡­ we both assumed you were hooking up. If we had gotten involved or stopped you, we thought you would¡¯ve gotten angry with us¡±


    ¡­


    Okay, I¡¯m pissed off now.


    ¡°Who the hell do you take me for!? Ah forget it, the situation I was in really doesn¡¯t help my case¡­ let¡¯s just go back on topic once more. If you two are so worried about my safety now, it should be obvious that it¡¯s safe seeing that I¡¯m happily alive and kicking after what¡¯s happened¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡±


    Both of them are quiet from my somewhat intelligent response, they can¡¯t use the danger excuse no more. They probably could say that she might attack me at ater date but I think we¡¯re all slightly dumb in this party, this bird included.


    ¡°Now that I¡¯ve exined in it that way, will you two be willing topromise a little more?¡±


    ¡°Fine Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Okay then but what about the species issue? We won¡¯t exactly be able to get around¡±


    Nathan does have a little bit of a point but I can use that backstory I made up. I¡¯m also surprised he¡¯s managed to be confidential and not say my species out loud, fair y to him.


    ¡°I said I knew her while growing up, she¡¯s knows what I am Nathan¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Ah, okay then¡±


    At least there slightly open minded, it would¡¯ve been a lot harder if they were stuck in their ways. Thing is, I don¡¯t actually think they dislike her, it¡¯s just it¡¯s more of an unsure thing.


    ¡°So¡­ will you two be willing for her to join us then?¡±


    ¡°I guess so¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still notpletely happy on the idea but me and the Lord will ept your decision¡±


    They both still don¡¯t seem to be all that behind it but what can you do? I¡¯ve convinced them more than enough now, it¡¯s just up to the both of them to get on with it and ept the blinddy. They really should be more thoughtful to people with disabilities¡­ once again, I¡¯ve started thinking of stupid shit. Let¡¯s continue on with something else which I think is funny.


    ¡°You can stop listening now Petra, we''re all done gging you off behind your back. You¡¯re more than wee to join us if you want to¡±


    ¡­


    Wait, was she listening or not? She didn¡¯t leave the inn so I just assumed she would be quietly spying and listening in our conversation. That ruins my little acting bit then.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you could sense me Ikarus. I wasn¡¯t actually listening till you just called my name right now, have no need for eavesdropping¡±


    Ah, I was right, she walks in from the hallway leading to the rooms while saying that. I guess I¡¯m more partially correct at the very least, I¡¯ll try and y off that I actually can sense her.


    ¡°Aha¡­ yeah, I most definitely can sense you¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re not the greatest of liars Ikarus¡±


    In my defence, I am a good liar, just I only properly lie about things when I really need to. I¡¯m just being yful more than anything else right now, think it¡¯s called a white lie. No, it¡¯s not called that, I think?


    ¡°Ah, you caught me. Do you want toe along then for an adventure of blood and glory? Valha awaits! Just makes sure you die holding a weapon¡±


    I¡¯m getting a bit exited again, Vikings are epic!


    ¡°Valha? I¡¯m unsure on what that is but I¡¯m happy to tag along¡±


    She¡¯s not going to get my references, is she? She¡¯s too old to remember anything about Earth. Sigh¡­ it¡¯s still better than the other two though.


    ¡°Now everything is sorted, should we get on our way then?¡±


    Immediately, my ns are thwarted by my shitty memory sometimes choosing to y up. It¡¯s now decided to not work.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, you¡¯re forgetting something. You still haven¡¯t paid your tab yet¡±


    ¡°Me and Lotte have both paid for our rooms already, your drink and food bill are unpaid¡±


    ¡°Oh crap¡­ crap crap crap¡±


    I head up to the counter and wait for the inn owner to return, he went out back to get something while we speaking at the table.


    I¡¯m dreading the bill, I didn¡¯t drink this inn under like the one on the north but I still did have a lot, the bill is definitely going to be nasty, I¡¯m sure of it.


    Okay, let¡¯s prepare my ¡®how much!?¡¯ face and get ready to startining when this costs close to a gold coin.


    Before I even have the chance to prepare my shocked face, the blind woman interrupts and joins me up by the counter.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay for you, call it my treat¡±


    She¡¯s actually offering? Hmmmm, it¡¯s tempting, but no, I can¡¯t ept her generosity. I actually don¡¯t mind this woman, making her pay for my bill makes me feel guilty. No idea why though.


    ¡°No no, that¡¯s not happening. Ikarus ain¡¯t no charity¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not charity, you madest night enjoyable so this is just me saying thank you¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve already said thank you¡­ you understand just how much that bill will be? No, I can¡¯t allow you to pay for me¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Ikarus but I must insist, just let me pay the bill¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m telling you, there¡¯s no need for such a thing. Stop offering¡±


    We¡¯re actually arguing over who has to pay, what¡¯s going on right now? It¡¯s actually winding me up a little and even she is looking a little annoyed from this as well. Let me pay off my own debt, I know it¡¯s my parents¡¯ money but still.


    (Charlotte) ¡°Why don¡¯t you two justpromise and just pay half each?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what me and Lotte do most of time¡±


    Both my party members have joined us by the counter as well now.


    They pay half for everything? How is that even possible especially when knight¡¯s get paid in peanuts? I guess the prince must have upped his wages then.


    Wait, why am I fixating on that? They literally just said they pay for halves on everything¡­ that¡¯s what some married couples do¡­ I knew it! I freaking knew it!


    I¡¯m just going to let them get on with it now and try not to tease them too much, cupid Ikarus is no longer needed! They¡¯re going to have three brown haired little babies I bet, that¡¯s only if subus-sama is fertile.


    Damn, I shouldn¡¯t call her that, it will get stuck in my head again.

 Chapter 30 – Planning

    Chapter 30 ¨C nning


    ---To anyone who¡¯s gotten this far, thanks for sticking around! You lot supporting this novel have no idea how much this helps me out. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not asking for anything, this is literally just a thank you for getting this far---


    __________


    ¡°Enjoying flying through the skies Petra?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright I guess¡±


    We¡¯ve been travelling for close to a week together so far since adding a temporary party member onto our little group.


    Three adults are definitely the most I can fit on my back, if I want to recruit another party member, then it¡¯s impossible unless I get bigger. I¡¯m not getting bigger so thankfully, it¡¯s impossible. Three people is more than enough joining me for right now, got two boring party members and two otherworlders who have a sense of humour, it¡¯s an odd party but it¡¯s better than nothing I suppose.


    Oh, while flying, we did go near a huge fort on the southern edge of the giantke. The prince is right though, theke is huge and must be close to the size of a country.


    Back onto our conversation though, the way she responded was a little boring if I¡¯m being honest. I know she¡¯s already spent a while already on my back but the reaction was really tame, it¡¯s almost as if she¡¯s been doing this for years already.


    ¡°You¡¯ve flown before, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes Ikarus, I used to use wyverns a lot when I wanted to travel continent to continent. It¡¯s too long a journey on foot to take¡±


    ¡°How did you get ess to a wyvern? They''re supposed to be exclusive to knights or nobles of the Sierran empire¡±


    I¡¯m also curious on the knight¡¯s question, this is first I¡¯ve heard of someone using a wyvern who isn¡¯t a royal or a flying knight.


    ¡°I use to tame them myself, it¡¯s not that difficult once you get the hang of it¡±


    ¡°Oh, you really should go into teaching for the flying knights, it¡¯s good money I¡¯ve heard¡±


    ¡°Apologies knight, that¡¯s not happening. I have no intention to directly help your empire. Killing bandits is one thing, helping your knights improve is something I¡¯m not happy with¡±


    While she¡¯s speaking to Nathan, I can¡¯t help but check something.


    ¡®Aesa, does she have a taming ability for her cultivation system?¡¯


    [<Aesa is unsure>]


    ¡®I guess you wouldn¡¯t be able to tell¡­ I¡¯m unsure why I¡¯m even asking, I¡¯d rather actually not know, I¡¯ll just get jealous again¡¯


    ¡°Ah, sorry I brought it up¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize for it, it¡¯s just a personal preference. For everything good your empire does, something bad alsoes to light, everything seems to get swept under the rug. I hold a strong dislike for the royals in particr¡±


    The blind woman doesn¡¯t like the empire? I¡¯m not the biggest fan of some of the ways they handle things but that¡¯s mostly just down to the people they employ, mostly the bitches to mind, it¡¯s obvious who I¡¯m talking about.


    I wouldn¡¯t say I dislike it though, it¡¯s more of a constant annoyance. Like an irritating younger sibling who just acts like a little shit all day long, then cries to your parents like a baby when they do something bad and you get in trouble for telling them off. Just a crappy family experience from my human days, nothing about Minos, he¡¯s great! Although he¡¯s slightly aggressive, I can let that slide though.


    Dragon society is much better, well, except for that mad dragon we came across in the north, that¡¯s an exception though, I think?


    ¡°Yeah, the royals cane across the wron-¡±


    I have to cut Nathan off as I¡¯ve noticed something below us.


    ¡°Quiet one second¡­ look towards nine o¡¯cloc- no, just look to our left. Can you lot see that as well?¡±


    Nestled in the mostly brown forest we¡¯re flying above; I can see arge vige sized settlement. I¡¯m a little surprised since this area has no main path running through it.


    (Charlotte) ¡°I can see it as well¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Good, we¡¯ve finallye across some bandits¡±


    (Petra) ¡°I¡¯ll just take your words for it, it¡¯s too far for me to detect¡±


    Don¡¯t think I¡¯ve exined how her blindness works yet, I did ask about it but it¡¯s a little vague and even she finds it a little hard to exin. Long story short, it¡¯s simr to the way bats use echolocation to sense their surroundings. Instead of her making actual sound, it¡¯s her breathing that gets used for it and it provides a visual representation of everything around her. It¡¯s an odd exnation but it¡¯s the one I got anyway.


    That¡¯s the exnation her voice exins to her anyway. Thinking about it, she doesn¡¯t like to talk about her system voice all that much. I¡¯m not sure on the reasoning but she seemed a little sad when I asked about it, I can take a hint though.


    Did also ask about how she lost her eyesight but she won¡¯t go into detail on that as well, I only know she wasn¡¯t blind from birth since she said she can detect colour. Yeah I know, that makes no sense since she basically sees with sound but in a world where I¡¯m a portable methrower, let¡¯s not question it too much.


    ¡°Are we sure it¡¯s a bandit camp and not a settlement though?¡±


    ¡°There are no friendly settlements around this area Ikarus-sama, that¡¯s definitely a heathen settlement¡±


    I only get a response from the priestess; she seems more than knowledgeable enough on these types of things so I¡¯ll just listen to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to fly a bit closer then, everyone take a good look and keep a mental note of what we see¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Of course¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Sure¡±


    (Petra) ¡°I¡¯m unfortunately useless right now¡±


    We can be her eyes for now though. inbat, she¡¯ll definitely hold her own.


    __________


    Dozens, literally dozens, maybe fifty to sixty bandits and criminals litter the settlement sized camp. This must be a base of operations for the whole area, we haven¡¯t actually gotten that close to where the empire is fighting the rebels yet, this is quite a fair distance away from all the fighting. I guess bandits try to stay away from the soldiers, at least a little bit.


    That¡¯s not the only thing we noticed while up there as well, ves. It looked like the bandits have enved people; I dread to think how they¡¯ve been treated. I assume there ves just by the fact they were barely clothed and looked like they were treated poorly, I can¡¯t be perfectly sure though, we were scouting them from the sky keeping a good distance.


    We¡¯vended a little distance away hidden in a dark part of the forest and are nning our attack, obviously since attacking this many bandits needs at least some basic nning. All of us are standing close together discussing how we should go about this.


    ¡°How are we going to go about this then? We could just use the priestess¡¯s kill all orbitalser ability but that would defeat the entire point of this¡±


    We¡¯ve already gone into detail on each of our parties¡¯ strengths with the blind woman, Charlotte is OP as fuck, Nathan is pretty good with a sword and I¡¯m a useless pyromaniac. I¡¯m notpletely useless but my magic is way too low for high damage and I can¡¯t exactly improve it right now, cursees first. I¡¯m kinda missing that infinite magicka kid¡¯s body as well now, bird body is still slightly better though.


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold myself from using any of God¡¯s powers Ikarus-sama but if needs arise, I won¡¯t stop myself¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s to be expected, you are able to use that sword without the power ability right?¡±


    ¡°Of course Ikarus-sama¡±


    I¡¯m yet to actually see her sword skills since she just gets impatient and normally destroys any threat without a care, I¡¯m definitely going to be like that as well once I get overpowered.


    ¡°Good¡­ what about our actual battle n though, how are we going to go about this? Running into the camp like headless chickens is a sure-fire way of losing one¡¯s head without a strategy¡±


    ¡°We should split up and attack from two different directions, it will be easier to surround and choke them out if we do it like that¡±


    ¡°I disagree knight, it would be better to utilize Ikarus¡¯s fire and cause havoc sending the rats out of the makeshift buildings to us, it will prove easier that way. It would also make more sense staying as a group when the fighting urs¡±


    Huh, two conflicting ns between Nathan and Petra. I, of course am preferring the fire n, fire is the best after all. I don¡¯t think Charlotte looks to bothered about it though.


    ¡°I prefer Petra¡¯s idea but I only have a limited amount of magic so setting everything aze might be pushing it¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah, it probably is the better n if I¡¯m being honest¡±


    Thankfully, the knight is more than open minded enough to change his mind. It also does make sense to listen to blind woman since she is definitely the most experienced out of our group, Charlotte is OP but she doesn¡¯t n ahead, think you can me her God for that.


    ¡°Once I set the fires, I¡¯ll fly back to you and provide some assistance. As long as I¡¯m able to bag a few kills, I¡¯m not all that fussed about being involved from the start¡±


    I still have to be slightly careful, a bandit camp full of this many people must have a few high levels scattered within it. Oh, that leads me onto something else, I take a look only at my two female party members and speak.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t forget you two, Me and Nathan are the weak links in this operation¡±


    ¡°Why are we the weak links Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Our levels are a hell of a lot lower, my point is, don¡¯t try and rely on us too much. We both have our own limitations¡±


    The non otherworlders won¡¯t understand this but they will have a rough idea what I¡¯m getting at by now, level is basically strength. I mean, I know it¡¯s not but they probably think that¡¯s what I mean.


    ¡°I¡¯m still unsure on that level thing but me and the Lord will protect you both¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Sure, I¡¯ve got your backs as well¡±


    Then something rted to the knight came up on my mind.


    ¡®Thinking about it, status¡¯


    [Name: Nathan | Species: Human | Level: 51]


    [Health 2,400/2,400]


    [Stamina 2,299/2,700]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    It makes sense why he¡¯s only levelled six levels since Ist checked his status, he hasn¡¯t actually killed that much, I¡¯m the person in our group who does most of the hunting, he obviously still gets kills every now and then.


    Oh, I guess I can use my status screen with no issues as long as I¡¯m not looking at Petra. If I was to look at her right now, a migraine would probably ur. Let¡¯s go back to the meeting though.


    ¡°Okay¡­ where was I again?¡±


    ¡°The n Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Ah, right Nathan. Back onto the n, are you sure you three will be able to hold off potentially an entire camp? You could be facing arge amount especially if my fire doesn¡¯t kill enough and I might not be able to get back in time¡±


    I¡¯m a little worried just down to the sheer numbers of the enemy we will be facing, it might be pushing it a bit.


    ¡°They''re only heathens Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Lotte is right, us knights train for situations like this¡±


    ¡°I agree with the other two, this shouldn¡¯t prove that much of a deal if we don¡¯t do anything stupid and fight smart¡±


    I guess I am in a party with two of the strongest huma-, no subus-sama isn¡¯t a human. I have a party of insane and OPness around me, this should be alright, worrying Ikarus begone! Wait¡­ say OPness again, hehe. Damn it, focus!


    ¡°Still, if everything bes too much to handle, run away. It¡¯s not cowardice to flee since we are attacking a camp full of an insane amount of people. If we have to flee, then it¡¯s you and your God¡¯s time to shine priestess¡±


    ¡°Of course Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Is that everything then? Are we all ready?¡±


    Before anyone has a chance to answer yes, the blind woman answers my question with an observation.


    (Petra) ¡°I¡¯m surprised Ikarus, you didn¡¯t strike me as the type of person to n like this, it¡¯s pleasantly surprising you have this side to you¡±


    Another person who assumes I can¡¯t get serious and jumps in head first to bad situations, why is it so hard for people to realize I¡¯m purposely obnoxious? She didn¡¯t mean it in a bad way and I don¡¯t mind her so I¡¯ll let it slip.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ignore that since I¡¯m focused right now, is everyone ready and prepared and ready to go?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°All set¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°I¡¯m good¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Yes¡±


    [<Affirmative>]


    ¡°Why are you answering as well system? Damn it, don¡¯t start distracting me, only speak when needed right now¡±


    [<Affirmative once again>]


    I did think about asking if they could purposely try and not kill them so I could get the final hit but since were dealing with this many numbers, it would be adding unnecessary risk. I should be able to level up enough just by encountering a few bandits to myself though.


    Oh, it should be obvious I¡¯m sticking in my bird form with this attack, using firebined with my power kick is a betterbination then have arms swinging a sword. Can¡¯t forget the main reason as well, flight.


    I think this might be the first or second time, it might be more but my point is I prefer having wings instead of arms right now, I really have developed a lot. That, or it¡¯s just a tiny bit of development spread over a long time, I¡¯m not sure nor do I care.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start cleaning house¡±


    With a smile on my beak, we head towards the camp. Or do we?


    ¡°It might better to wait till midnight, it will be easier to ambush them¡±


    She does have a point though, waiting till their asleep should make this easier, Petra is the most experienced out of us after all.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ let¡¯s clean house again, after a short intermission¡±


    __________


    ¡°I¡¯m about to head in. Once you see the sweet release of me adorn the night sky, it time to attack¡±


    ¡°We already know Ikarus-sama, we will be ready¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I don¡¯t get a response from the blind woman; I think she¡¯s gone into professional mode now.


    ¡°I still need to make sure, I¡¯m off then¡±


    I start flying up of the ground while I¡¯m finishing my sentence and look back towards my party members, both Nathan and Charlotte give me a slight wave while I¡¯m heading away.


    As I¡¯m flying over towards the camp in the dark night sky, I can¡¯t help but start getting worried about something.


    ¡®I really don¡¯t want to idently kill the ves¡¯


    I expect some idental casualties, I am using fire and I¡¯m not that na?ve to think everything will go well. It¡¯s just that I might feel a little bad afterwards if I kill some. I¡¯m probably more afraid if I feel nothing doing it, this phoenix-dragon blood DNA does make killing feel meaningless now.


    Still, if a ve brandishes a sword against me because of Stockholm syndrome, I won¡¯t hold any remorse and kill them where they stand.


    ¡®Let¡¯s just get on with it¡¯


    Now that I¡¯m gliding above the bandit camp, I¡¯m going to have stay up here for a little while till my party get closer. While I¡¯m waiting, I¡¯ll start having a good look around and below me, any bandit awake down there will probably have no chance of seeing me, the sky is quite dark tonight.


    The bandit camp mostly consists of loads of fur tents split around the ce and is centred around a few wooden huts. There are a few lit campfires around the ce with a few bandits still up and awake, presumable on guard duty.


    ¡®Nathan¡¯s n wouldn¡¯t have worked anyway, there¡¯s only one way in. I guess I could have flown in or destroyed it though¡¯


    The camp also has a wooden pike fence surrounding the outside of it, it¡¯s just high enough not to be able to climb it and there¡¯s only one way in and out.


    ¡®Phew, that¡¯s good. I can avoid them¡¯


    I also notice that the ves all seem to be sleeping together in a rundown stable looking building off to the side of the camp, I can avoid spewing fire in that bit.


    I¡¯ve been circling the camp for a good ten minutes or so now and that should be enough time for my party to be in position, it¡¯s now time to attack.


    ¡®Hehe¡­ this is going to look badass¡¯

 Chapter 31 – Bandit Massacre

    Chapter 31 ¨C Bandit Massacre


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°Wh-, what the hell is going on?¡±


    Waking up sitting up against a log, I can¡¯t help but get panicked from all the destruction around me. I quickly pull myself up of the ground and start walking around the hellhole I¡¯ve woken in.


    I know I shouldn¡¯t have been sleeping since it¡¯s my guard shift but none of the soldiers evere this far into the forest so what¡¯s the point? This is a perfect ce for arge hideout yet why are we under attack? We¡¯ve been purposely avoiding robbing the knights in fear of retaliation and now, this is happening.


    The entire camp we¡¯ve spent months building and turning into a raiders paradise is surrounded in me, every direction fire burns into the night sky. People are trying to fill buckets of water to try and put it out but nothing¡¯s working.


    ¡°Where the hell is the fireing from?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bloody dragon¡±


    A dragon? Why the fuck is there a dragon over here? Their supposed to be extinct, aren¡¯t they? Thatrade who just spoked to me has started to run off as well now.


    I can¡¯t help but look depressed and shocked while staring at everything and everyone, all that work we¡¯ve done robbing and raiding has just gone in a split second.


    ¡°Shit! There¡¯s intruders by the fro-¡±


    I look to where another one of myrades was shouting from and see a bright sword that looks like it doesn¡¯t belong in this world sticking through his chest.


    Then, without warning, I hear a sinisterugh from the dark heavens and see a spewing me of fire heading towards my direction, I don¡¯t think I can avoid it.


    ¡°What is hap-


    __________


    ¡°Muhahahaha!¡±


    Watching all the little humans flee from my mes is absolutely brilliant, there¡¯s nothing they can do except run around like headless chickens. Some have tried shooting arrows towards me but it¡¯s beyond pointless since they can barely see me when I¡¯m not spewing me.


    I¡¯ve already lit up all the buildings and most of the tents, now I¡¯m just looking for any free kills. It¡¯s not that easy to get them though since my me isn¡¯t as strong as I would prefer it to be, I do have to try and preserve it to make itst longer. I¡¯m getting way too many hitmarkers at the moment with my weakened beak methrower.


    ¡®Aesa, magic¡¯


    [<32% remaining>]


    I¡¯ll keep this up for another minute or two and then join my party, they¡¯ve started wreaking havoc as well now.


    Spreading more fire over the camp for more than enough time now, I start flying my way back to my party and n on making a cool entrance. Unfortunately, I can¡¯t do a superheronding in this form, I¡¯ll just have tond on one of the bandits who is currently trying to nk the party.


    (Bandit) ¡°Arg-¡±


    ¡®I actually feel sorry for the guy I just crushed. Oh well¡¯


    Currently, my party is surrounded by at least two dozen bandits and are tearing through the bandits like a knife through butter, I¡¯ve justnded a little bit away from them in the camp itself.


    ¡°You will repent and all pay for your sins heathens¡±


    ¡°The royal knights would have a field day with you ipetent bastards¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The sight of three people fighting together was actually pretty cool, the priestess was using her huge summoned sword crashing into bandits left and right, the knight was fighting slightly more tactical and only shing when he needed and for the blind woman, she was the most impressive out of the lot. Her stance looked a tiny bit carefree but every time a bandit even got close to her, her speed with the sword was out of this world, you could barely see her de move through the air.


    Of course, the way I join the fight is going to be slightly obnoxious. I¡¯m still in a slightly serious mood but seeing these lot not struggle and fight with ease has rxed me a lot.


    So, to join my party, I charge head first into the fight crashing through several bandits and trampling them with my weight.


    ¡°Ahh-¡±


    ¡°Dam-¡±


    ¡°*Coug-*¡±


    I can¡¯t help but give a grin as Ikarus the bulldozer runs through the bandits, you really can find fun in something you enjoy, even if that enjoyment is from questionable methods.


    (Petra) ¡°Behind you¡±


    Listening to her, I see a bandit just about to swing his sword towards me. Like a donkey or horse, I kick behind me and send the guy flying away with more than enough time to spare though.


    I find it a bit ironic that the person who is blind can detect better than the other two, I still would have noticed him anyway but it seems my protectors aren¡¯t all thatpetent. Well, they are, it¡¯s probably because these bandits hold next to no threat towards us.


    ¡°Oh, Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°There you are¡±


    Oh, those two didn¡¯t even notice me, they were too focused inbat, fair enough.


    All four of us are now together, it¡¯s time for this party to do some kewl shit!


    I start using thest of my methrower getting the bandits ahead of me nice and toasty while the others are fighting their own battles.


    ¡°Nat, to your left!¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Got it¡±


    Nathan blocks a bandit¡¯s attack while Charlotte counters for him stabbing him with her de, I only notice this since my bandits have now turned to ash.


    These two really fight well together, one blocks and the other counters, it works surprisingly well. As for the blind woman, she really doesn¡¯t have a need for such team work fighting, I¡¯m yet to see her even attempt to make a block, she just slices them down before they even have a chance.


    Then something unexpected happens, an arrow flies towards me while I¡¯m about to start focusing on someone else.


    ¡°Argh! Who the hell did that!?¡±


    I start looking around and see an archer a slight distance behind the other bandits, I¡¯m not letting him do that again. The arrow wasn¡¯t even that painful, it literally feels like a small pinch. I¡¯m still pissed regardless so I¡¯m going to do something slightly reckless.


    ¡°I¡¯m the juggernaut bitches!¡±


    I charge forward and all of the bandits ahead of me jump to the side in fear of getting stampeded by me, doing this should actually provide some assist for my party since the enemies are on the floor as well now.


    It takes a split second but I¡¯ve already closed the gap to the archer, he now realizes he shouldn¡¯t have shot the giant chicken and should¡¯ve aimed for someone else.


    ¡°There you are!¡±


    ¡°Wai-¡±


    I give a powerful kick and he¡¯s unable to do anything about it other than get thrown away like a ragdoll, I¡¯ve got that bastard who thought shooting me was a good idea.


    Then something else happens during the fight, I see another archer a little bit away from me aiming an arrow towards my group. The archer releases the arrow and it flies true towards my party.


    However, it¡¯s stopped by the blind woman¡¯s de slicing the arrow mid-flight from a quick sh, that cultivation system makes her blindness mostly pointless except from extreme range it seems.


    (Petra) ¡°Ikarus, some help¡±


    She¡¯s unable to kill the archer right since she¡¯s fighting someone right now.


    I can just about hear her from this range so I make my way to the archer who is reloading another shot and before he gets a chance to shoot again, every bone in his body breaks from me jumping into him. Kicking him would have been too nice a death.


    That was thest archer left standing and now everything looks like it¡¯s starting to die down, there¡¯s only a handful of bandits actually still alive, my party has really dealt with this many people in this short amount of time.


    ¡°Fuck fuck fuck!¡±


    ¡°What do we do? What the hell do we do?¡±


    ¡°We run you idiots; we¡¯ll rebuild in a different forest¡±


    Out of the survivors, seven bandits are still standing and are ready to fight. They would be ready to fight if they hadn¡¯t just run around my party and started fleeing the camp running as fast as they could.


    ¡°No you don¡¯t! Get back here you bastards!¡±


    I was starting my chase for the free EXP when the priestess lightly grabs my wing stopping me while moving from following them, she needs to say something right now.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, killing retreating heathens isn¡¯t a job you should burden yourself with¡­¡±


    ¡®She¡¯s probably right, killing people who are retreating might be considered a war crime¡¯


    ¡°¡­ it¡¯s the job of the Lord and his faithful servant¡±


    As soon as she finishes speaking, she aims her sword towards the retreating bandits. A few secondster, all that remains is destroyed trees from the deathser, it truly is a wicked sight.


    I can¡¯t help but think she¡¯s such a hypocrite, it might be her God is a really bad influence on her. All she¡¯s really done is stolen my EXP but judging from that disy, I think I¡¯ll let it slide this time.


    She really dislikes heathens, it¡¯s a bit stupid that she¡¯s not even using it in right context but I¡¯m not pedantic enough to say something about it, yet.


    ¡­


    A quick silence happens once everything has calmed, maybe everyone is letting their adrenaline calm, perhaps no one has any idea what to do or say next. I definitely have an idea what to say though.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like to big myself up but seriously doe, wasn¡¯t that freaking epic!? I must have looked simr to rampaging dragon from your perspectives¡±


    (Petra) ¡°It was impressive Ikarus¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah Ikarus, you really gave them hell¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I don¡¯t get a response from Charlotte, I think she didn¡¯t hear me or maybe thought I might be getting a little ahead of myself, it¡¯s probably that, Gods don¡¯t like pride or whatever than sin is. Thinking about that type of thing, I¡¯ve got a pretty badass quote to follow myself up.


    ¡°I don¡¯t enjoy killing but when done righteously, it¡¯s just a chore like any other¡±


    ¡°I agree Ikarus-sama, killing isn¡¯t great but when done for the Lord, it is just like a chore¡±


    She just ruined by badass quote from the burned man, no one was supposed to respond to me. Of course, she has to respond to that and not my otherment though.


    (Petra) ¡°Have I heard that somewhere before?¡±


    Don¡¯t get exited Ikarus, she¡¯s probably mistaken, no one gets my quotes in this world.


    ¡°Doubt it, it depends if you were into western RPGs. Oh, it also had guns in it¡±


    ¡°It does slightly ring a bell but I really don¡¯t think it would be from something like that¡±


    Oh, she might get it then, she doesn¡¯t seem all that confused from me saying RPG, I still doubt she gets any of it though. The other two in my party haven¡¯t got a clue what I¡¯m on about, it¡¯s actually a little funny looking at their confused faces.


    Oh, I don¡¯t think I ever said anything about the time periods between us.


    It¡¯s obvious she¡¯s from modern Earth as well but must have been reincarnated here hundreds of years ago, I¡¯m unsure on how it actually works but it¡¯s clear time in this world flows different from Earth. It matters little since I have no idea how or if I could actually get back but still, it¡¯s just a random thought.


    Thinking about it, would I return to Earth if I could? I don¡¯t mean permanently return, I would never do that but if I could return for like a day or a holiday, would I? I probably would, I could stack up on so much food, buy hundreds of burgers or fast-food meals and keep them in my storage for when I want to pig out. Fried chicken as well, ah, can¡¯t forget about doughnuts as well. Mmmm doughnuts, urghhh¡­


    I¡¯m getting distracted now, I¡¯ll start drooling in a minute, there¡¯s still more to do in this fiery camp.


    ¡°What are we gonna do about those lot?¡±


    I point my wing to the half-naked ves now awake up and about, there¡¯s about eight of them and they look a bit shellshocked from what¡¯s just happened. I¡¯m pretty sure I didn¡¯t kill any of them by ident while I was doing my thing so I¡¯m pretty happy right now.


    All of them have noticed my bird body as well. Thankfully, none of them are children so the fear of being eaten doesn¡¯t exist, it is annoying that more humans have witnessed my phoenix form so trying to remain confidential might be asking too much.


    I¡¯m not exactly going to kill any of them for seeing me like this though, I really don¡¯t care all that much about my form being kept hidden, it just might prove an issue down the line if I show myself to the wrong person.


    ¡°We should guide them to a city to ensure their safety¡±


    I can¡¯t help but get pissed at Charlotte, we are definitely NOT doing that.


    ¡°No chance priestess, we¡¯re not guiding them to a city, the closest is the capital, right? That¡¯s a stupid distance away and will take weeks on foot since I can¡¯t carry everyone¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°We did pass a fort on the way here, the knights stationed there will have to help¡±


    A better suggestion but it still isn¡¯t ideal.


    ¡°That will still take at least a week on foot, probably two, maybe even three if those lot are slow¡±


    Of course, I¡¯m going to get a little annoyed from all this, we¡¯re here to hunt bandits, not lead the ves to safety. Didn¡¯t Moses do something like that through the desert? Oh, I don¡¯t care about religious stories, I need a more attractive solution right now.


    ¡°We could just guide them to the main road and split there, it will definitely be quicker¡±


    Charlotte gets quickly concerned from Petra¡¯s suggestion though.


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say they won¡¯t get prayed on by heathens on the way back to civilization?¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t we here to hunt bandits? I¡¯m not opposed to helping people but we¡¯ve already done enough just by releasing them. All we¡¯re doing is providing needless charity at this point¡±


    ¡°God rewards those who help people in need¡±


    ¡°If you have to bring God up to prove your point, you¡¯ve already lost the discussion. There is a difference between generosity and charity priestess, God has nothing to do with either¡±


    I can already tell these two women are going to have a big sh of personalities at some point, it¡¯s unfortunate but not everyone has the same view on life. Thankfully, this dictatorship is run by me so I get thest word, I don¡¯t like being bossy but I really don¡¯t spend weeks guiding people to safety.


    ¡°Can you two just stop for a second? I¡¯m sorry priestess but I¡¯m in agreement with her, there should be more than enough supplies and equipment to get back by themselves. If they don¡¯t, I can just provide them with some stuff from storage¡±


    She looks a bit disheartened with my reasoning but she understands my point, it¡¯s a good thing that Nathan really couldn¡¯t give too shits about most things, he¡¯s a lot more open minded with everything. As for Petra, I think our mindsets might be a little too simr, I guess it might be down to both of us being from Earth.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Well¡­ anyway, let¡¯s sort out some stuff for those lot and get moving, the fire is starting to dwindle now so we should be able to look around for supplies now¡±


    I¡¯ll check out my level at ater date, there is no way I haven¡¯t gained a shit tonne of EXP from all that murder, hehe.


    [<-User is forgetting something>]


    ¡®What am I forgetting? Oh, the arrow¡¯


    I might¡¯ve forgot to mention something, the arrow kinda hit my rump, my backside, my keister. There are dozens of ways I can describe it but it needs to go, I don¡¯t think any of my party members even realized I got hit. Can¡¯t me them, it¡¯s pretty much out of sight anyway.


    ¡°Can one of you give me a hand please? I¡¯ve erm¡­ kinda got something stuck in me down below¡±


    Wait! I know how that sounds, damn it¡­

 Chapter 32 – Testing

    Chapter 32 ¨C Testing


    (Nathan) ¡°What are you looking so giddy about Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Hehe, don¡¯t worry about it¡±


    We¡¯ve all done as we promised and sent the ves on their way stocked and supplied with clothes and weapons from the camp with spare food we could find that had survived from the fire as well as some spare from my storage.


    They were more than happy to head back by themselves, probably more the fact that they couldn''t exactly be anything but grateful to their saviours and would''ve felt guilty asking for any additional help. They weren''t exactly treated the best from the bandits judging from what was found around the camp.


    Let¡¯s just say, death might have been a better alternative than what these lot must have suffered and move on. I made sure to burn everything to the ground before leaving though, this ce is better left burned and buried.


    Back onto something a bit more light hearted, the reason for why I look happy.


    I tried waiting till we were rid of the ves to check out my status but I just couldn¡¯t wait that long, it¡¯s been a few more days since then and I¡¯m still giddy over it even now, killing humans really does pay off.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 41]


    [Health 13,413/13,500]


    [Stamina 1,773/3,500]


    [Magicka 3,500/3,500]


    Seventeen levels! Yes, I gained seventeen from that one fight! Hunting anything other than humans is so freaking pointless, my health is so high right now I could actually afford to start investing elsewhere or use that gambling ability, I won¡¯t though, I¡¯m not that self-destructive. Oh, that reminds me of something I need to do in a second.


    It¡¯s still tinypared to the other OP people but their freaks of nature, alright? I do wonder how many people died by my hands or wings that battle, my level has gone up so much and those bandits seemed so weak.


    If Ipare myself to a human level, my stats would be the same as a two hundred and four. Bloody hell¡­ it would be nicer if I wasn¡¯t just a health main but what can you do about it? My curse persists, once I¡¯ve levelled a bit more and take a quick visit to my parents, I¡¯ll head back to the capital and continue the cure search. That should have been enough time for the prince to find more dungeons, I hope.


    We¡¯ve set up a small camp right now still within the brown forest, it¡¯s been four days since the bandit camp and it¡¯s early in to the night, I¡¯m holding several bottles of something and am in my human form right now.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama¡­ you said you would cut down¡±


    ¡°Calm yourself priestess, they''re potions, not booze. I haven¡¯t drunk in two nights as well, cut me some ck¡±


    I¡¯m currently doing two things at once right now. Just before I opened up my status, I got out the six potions I purchased back in the city. The reason why I¡¯ve only just got round to testing them now, I¡¯ll exin shortly.


    There¡¯s also a reason I have to be in my human form, I¡¯ll exin that as well.


    ¡°Why have you got some potions out?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m experimenting with something knight¡±


    Since I want to check out the effects of the healent, there¡¯s really only one way I can test it effectively, I need to start bleeding. I did want to use it after the battle where I got the arrow wound but there was a slight problem with that. Actually, it was a big problem.


    After the arrow was pulled out and I switched form since applying treatment with wings is impossible, the problem was that I couldn¡¯t really get to where the wound happened. I have a rough idea where the wound was located but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to actually heal down there. It turns out, I wasn¡¯t actually shot in the bottom. Ahem¡­ let¡¯s just move on since it hurts even thinking about it.


    Back on to the healent test, I bite down, pull out a dagger from storage and stab it straight through my left hand¡­ Argh! That wasn¡¯t what I intended, I put a little too much strength there, I¡¯m not doing this ever again.


    ¡°Ugmff!¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama! What are you doing!?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Ikarus! You seem so happy and full of life, what¡¯s changed?¡±


    We¡¯re not doing suicidal jokes today; I¡¯m just ignoring them for now. Stop looking concerned idiots.


    ¡°You two can rx, she¡¯s just testing out some healent. I¡¯ve done a simr thing a while ago¡±


    At least Petra understands what I¡¯m doing. Wait, she¡¯s done a simr thing? Yeah, I¡¯d rather not know thinking about it.


    Taking the cork out of the healent bottle, I pour the red coloured liquid all over my painful hand.


    ¡®Aesa, can you tell what the effect it has?¡¯


    [


    ]


    ¡®So it doubles the recovery on injuries? That¡¯s pretty effectiv-¡¯


    Then without warning, pain even worse than the injury itself radiates through my hand.


    ¡°ARGHH!! It¡¯s agony!¡±


    (Petra) ¡°It really is unpleasant, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Betty-sama warn you about the aftereffect?¡±


    Betty-sama? Oh, the elf alchemist, priestess knows her then.


    ¡°I forgot alright? Damn, that hurts like a bitch! I¡¯ve even wasted the bottle as well¡±


    I end up dropping the bottle and spilling the rest of it all over the floor because of the pain, such a waste of money. I just wanted to apply a little bit and save the rest of the bottle, this sucks.


    Now that the pain has subsided a little bit, I look and see that the wound on my hand has already partially sealed up.


    ¡®Aesa, there¡¯s no way that¡¯s doubled, that¡¯s already sealed up¡¯


    [<-User- is only thinking of visual wound. Recovery only effects HP recovery, any additional effect is not known by Aesa>]


    ¡®Oh, that exins it then¡­ does it? Oh forget it, all that matters is this stuff is really effective but extremely painful to use¡¯


    Now let¡¯s move on to another bottle, magicka next. I¡¯ll leave them sealed on the floor for the time being, I need to drain my magic first.


    ¡°Where are you going Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Ikarus? You went to the toilet an hour ago¡±


    Is he tracking my bathroom schedule now? These two really should just learn to be quiet more.


    ¡°Just stop asking me questions, alright? I want to get this done and stopping to exin to you two is slowing me down, I¡¯m only finding a ce to shoot up¡±


    ¡°Shoot up?¡±


    Even Petra¡¯s asking me questions now, I¡¯m ignoring them all now. I¡¯ve got to move from the camp since the canopy of the trees are in the way and there isn¡¯t enough room here not to burn everything in range.


    I¡¯ve moved a little distance away but I¡¯m still in hearing and seeing range from everyone, just now I don¡¯t have anything above me.


    I start rapidly charging up my fire tornado, it starts engulfing my human body and probably looks like I¡¯m about to do something extremely evil and epic from my party¡¯s point of view.


    Of course, I¡¯m getting surprised faces from the two nagging party members, Petra couldn¡¯t give a shit what I¡¯m doing right now though, her attention has gone elsewhere.


    Now that it¡¯s charged a reasonable amount, I release it forcing it from my hands up in the night sky. It actually looks simr to fireworks or an aurora watching it fly in the night sky, it quickly disappears fading into the night sky though.


    ¡®Status


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 41]


    [Health 13,279/13,500]


    [Stamina 1,767/3,500]


    [Magicka 934/3,500]


    ¡®Only that much left!? I know I purposely overcharged it but still, I need more magic¡¯


    Ignoring my own moaning now, I head back to the camp, sit back down and pick up one of the blue-coloured magic recovery bottles.


    ¡°You really want to drink that in one go Ikarus, trust me¡±


    I take the cork out and do what Petra says, I instantly know why she made that suggestion once the taste hits the back of my throat.


    ¡°Urgh¡­ think I¡¯m going to puke. It tastes like fermented duck egg mixed with mouldy cheese. That¡¯s terrible¡±


    I swear that alchemist said something about her favourite tasting magic potions being strawberry? The only thing I can think of is the one I¡¯ve bought might taste crap because it¡¯s really strong and effective.


    ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating again Ikarus¡±


    ¡°She does have a point though Nat, they are really bad. The Lord advises me to avoid those types of tastes¡±


    Those types of tastes? I really want to speak with her God one day, he seems batshit crazy.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 41]


    [Health 13,284/13,500]


    [Stamina 1,766/3,500]


    [Magicka 2,684/3,500]


    ¡®It¡¯s gone up that quickly!? How does that work then Aesa?¡¯


    [


    ]


    ¡®Damn, that¡¯s effective¡¯


    [


    ]


    Okay, she read my mind, I was thinking of just stacking multiple pots to keep unlimited magic rolling on and on, that¡¯s slightly disappointing but some things do need some bncing, I guess. It¡¯s just unfortunate that everyone else who is OP doesn¡¯t seem to have these types of restrictions ced upon them.


    Now that those two potions are done, it¡¯s time to put everything back in storage.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to drink the green one next?¡±


    Petra has a sly smile on her face while saying that, she knows exactly what the bottle consists off. My other party members have no clue though.


    ¡°Unless you want to see this orange bird turn red, I think I best leave that one for now¡±


    ¡°Heh, you should really give it a try¡±


    [<-User- should give potion a try>]


    I¡¯m now getting two people trying to convince me to drink that aphrodisiac, I understand system¡¯s reasoning since it doesn¡¯t have the data behind it but for Petra, I think she¡¯s just having fun teasing.


    ¡°Petra, there¡¯s more chan-¡±


    Before I have the chance to finish, filthy intruders show up in our little makeshift camp.


    ¡°Keok¡± ¡°Geoak¡± ¡°Geoagek¡±


    Half a dozen little green creatures stumble into out camp, some armed with deadly weapons, others adorn terrifying looking armour. They all look battle hardened and ready to kill us at any second.


    ¡°Goblins!?¡±


    I swear a red light lit out of one of my red eyes when I said that. Like the silver ranked adventure that haunts goblins dreams, I also hold his disgust of those filthy goblinnnssssss!


    ¡°Rx Ikarus-sama, they¡¯ll run off once they realize we won¡¯t feed them¡±


    ¡°Yeah, goblins are passive creatures, they don¡¯t attack humans unless provoked. It¡¯s actually really rare to see them within the empire¡±


    I might have been a little over the top with my description of them, they don¡¯t have armour and their weapons are makeshift at best. No, I¡¯m not convincing myself goblins aren¡¯t scum!


    How can the both of them be so calm when a couple of them are armed? Even if the weapons are only small sticks, they must be destroyed! Just look how dangerous they are with their small chubby bodies and cute faces, goblins are terrible!


    ¡°No! Every goblin must die! Especially the children, they are the worst!¡±


    Okay, I might be taking things to far but I¡¯m not the only one who holds dislike of these filthy creatures.


    (Petra) ¡°It depends on where you encounter them. If we were near a goblin stronghold right now, they would probably attack us on sight. They can be nasty little creatures at times though¡±


    So, my hatred of goblins is justified then, who cares if these lot look cute and harmless? They would attack us if they could, that¡¯s more than enough justification to do something morally questionable.


    I get back up and get myself ready for some goblin ying.


    ¡°Begone filthy green little men! Muhahaha¡±


    __________


    Okay, I feel slightly guilty after doing that, I did let most of them run off mind you, they really proved no threat and all seemed harmless. Well, they still could have been a threat, I¡¯ll keep telling myself that to help my guilty conscience.


    It should be safe to let them run around these woods, it¡¯s not like there¡¯s anyone friendly out here other than us anyway, the ves should be long gone by now.


    Turns out, I¡¯m not as bad towards goblins as my father is to wyverns, there really isn¡¯t any reason to hate other species just for the sake of it. I may have been misguided on what goblins are actually like, me fantasy novels, manga, anime basically everything that depicts goblins as evil bastards. There actually might be an agenda against goblins on Earth, everyone seems to make them out as being terrible.


    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve exhausted your energy, it wouldn¡¯t be a bad time to test out that potion, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    I¡¯ve juste back into the camp and this damn sly woman is still on about that, I don¡¯t want to be drinking that stupid potion, alright? I¡¯m going to y her game though and see if she¡¯s willing to walk the talk or whatever that expression was.


    ¡°Fine then seeing that your so adamant about this, you drink half the bottle and I¡¯ll drink the other half, let¡¯s see if you¡¯re that brave to d-¡±


    ¡°Okay¡±


    ¡°W-Wait a second!¡±


    She actually picks up the bottle of the floor, uncorks it and drinks half of it straight down. I run over to try and stop her but don¡¯t get there in time.


    ¡°These have always had a nice taste to them, your turn next¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°I erm¡­ I was only making a point. I¡¯m good thanks¡±


    Damn it, I really don¡¯t want to drink that shit. Why did I just say that? I didn¡¯t think she would actually do it.


    She gives a slight chuckle at my reluctance to drink the stupid potion.


    ¡°Heh, Ikarus, it¡¯s an aphrodisiac, not a mind controlling device. If you¡¯re that worried that you¡¯ll be uncontroble to lust, then don¡¯t bother drinking it, I won¡¯t force you. You are missing slightly out though¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Wait, you two are drinking aphrodisiacs!?¡±


    ¡°Dear Lord, give me strength¡±


    It¡¯s taking this long for these two to realize what¡¯s going on? Ah, the joys of innocence or being oblivious to the situation surrounding them.


    You know what, fuck it, let¡¯s y this blind woman¡¯s game, I bet I can fight off any perverted thoughts.


    ¡°Fine thennnn, just give me the damn bottle¡±


    ¡®Beforehand, I need to check this out again, status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 41]


    [Health 13,388/13,500]


    [Stamina 1,419/3,500]


    [Magicka 1,993/3,500]


    Oh yeah, my magicka has gone down again, I may have used it on the innocent goblins, let¡¯s forget about that and move on.


    While checking my status, I grab the bottle that Petra passes me, stare at it for a second or two thinking if I should really do this and then take a small sip. The taste is actually quite nice, simr to fruit energy drink if you can imagine that. I continue to sip the small bottle until it¡¯s gone, that actually was quite nice.


    ¡°Ahhh! There you go, it¡¯s finished now. To be fair, the taste is actually incredible¡±


    ¡°Wow, I can¡¯t actually believe you just drunk that¡±


    Wait, she actually looks surprised, what the hell is going to happen now? Oh God, I¡¯m actually fearful now.


    The blind woman can¡¯t help butugh at my misfortune.


    ¡°Haha, I¡¯m just messing with you Ikarus, you don¡¯t need to look concerned. You¡¯ll start feeling the effects in ten minutes or so but it won¡¯t be what you expect, it really only enhances feelings, it doesn¡¯t create them¡±


    This eases me up a little but I still have a slight little problem with that.


    ¡°My problem with that is that I might hold some secret deep feelings for some of you idiots that even I don¡¯t know of¡±


    ¡°Uncalled for Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Agreed¡±


    ¡°Heh¡±


    Ignoring them all, I take a seat again and go back to what I was originally nning to do.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 41]


    [Health 13,391/13,500]


    [Stamina 3,169/3,500]


    [Magicka 1,995/3,500]


    ¡®It¡¯s gone above three thousand, does this have the same effect as the magicka potion Aesa? It gives half of the max amount I can store?¡¯


    [<Affirmative, potion -stamina love- refills 50% and contains aphrodisiac effect. -User- will experience aphrodisiac effect very shortly>]


    ¡®I¡¯m guessing it has the same twenty-four-hour cooldown like the magicka pot?¡¯


    [<Affirmative once again>]


    Twelve minutes or so pass with me constantly stressing about the impending future with all my party members all doing their own little things like sorting through their backpacks and other stuff like that and nothing happens. Literally, I don¡¯t feel a lick of difference.


    ¡°Should it have kicked in yet? I still only feel stressed out¡±


    ¡°I cannot help you with this Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not get involved¡±


    Both my original party members want to have nothing to do with this experiment and I can¡¯t me them, it is a bit stupid.


    I take a look towards Petra next and immediately notice how red her face is, she looks like she has a fever. Did she have really bad reaction to this?


    ¡°Petra¡­ are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Heh, I might have just made a massive error, just having a battle of internal conflicts right now, pay it no mind¡±


    She partially facepalms while saying that, I can¡¯t help butugh at her misfortune, she was giving it therge trying to get me to drink that crap and now it¡¯spletely backfired on her, karma is a beautiful thing.


    ¡­


    Wait a second, she said it enhances feelings, not creates them, then why does she look like that then? Does she hold feelings towards one of us?


    Oh for fuck sake, it¡¯s very clearly me, isn¡¯t it? Was this a way of confessing or something or is she just stupid? I do think it¡¯s pretty safe to assume it¡¯s me, there¡¯s no way it¡¯s either one of those two. Miss God and Mr boring, it¡¯s probably me.


    No, maybe I might be overthinking this, it might be she just holds a slight feeling, maybe like a small crush or something like that and it really is affecting her badly. She seemed so confident about drinking the potion, there¡¯s no way she expected this result. This isn¡¯t that big of a deal, right?


    Am I seriously having no effect to this? I¡¯m slightly disappointed actually, if she¡¯s having such a stupid reaction and I¡¯m like this, do I have no feelings for my party members? I guess that¡¯s a good thing, it¡¯ll stop any hearts getting broken, I guess.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to go bed early tonight, that potion has really had a bad effect on me¡±


    ¡°Goodnight Petra-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Night¡±


    She heads off to her sleeping tent and then I think it might be a good idea to get some early rest too, my stamina may be high but I¡¯m feeling a little down now.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to switch form and find a tree, see you in the morning as well¡±


    ¡°Goodnight as well Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Night Ikarus¡±


    Unlike with my usual blunt and rude self, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m going to say anything to her about this. This doesn¡¯t seem like the type of situation to justugh and joke about. If she wants to say something, then I¡¯ll listen and react to what she says then, I¡¯m not going to give this a proper thought unless something changes.


    I could still be easily mistaken as well, let¡¯s not overthink this and get some shut eye.

 Chapter 33 – Homecoming

    Chapter 33 ¨C Homing


    "Muhahaha!"


    "No-"


    "Da-"


    During our quest for clearing the brown forest full of criminals, we''vee across quite a few small camps since clearing the major one, all these have only contained several people each, all weak and not all that worth discussing really.


    We came across another small bandit camp and I called dibs on this one, there''s only seven or so low levelled bandits here so I''ve basically been ying with my pray.


    (Ikarus) "Should be finished now"


    Those two that just died were thest of this ce, they tried fleeing but couldn''t achieve such sess. Trying to outrun a stream of fire isn''t really a good strategy for retreating.


    Now that everyone is dead, all three of my party members walk to where I''ve just destroyed the bandits and start searching about, Petra says something to me beforehand though.


    "Now that you done with these, shall we continue searching for more?"


    I was right about not saying anything, nothing has changed between us and she hasn''t said anything so I might have been mistaken. If not, she clearly doesn''t want to say anything so there''s no issue here.


    "Sure sure, let me just do something else first"


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 54]


    [Health 14,899/15,000]


    [Stamina 4,418/5,000]


    [Magicka 3,652/5,000]


    [You currently have 2000 unused points]


    ''Oh, I gained four more levels from that battle, those seven must have been really low then''


    I probably should mention the elephant in the room as well, I lied a little bit. See, my health is so high right now, so high in fact I could live just over forty years with my curse still in effect. So, I decided it might be better to start investing elsewhere, forty years is more than enough time, right? I don''t have any regrets though, even just adding that much magicka has already helped my sanity so much already, more me equals more fun.More energy helps with the asional drinking session as well.


    [<Where does -user- wish to distribute points?>]


    ''Hmmm... where should I put them?... You know what, I''m going to save them for now, use them when needed''


    [<Affirmative>]


    It''s definitely not because I''m undecided where to put them just yet, it''s also not like they''re going anywhere as well.


    Let''s go back to speaking to my party, they are currently looting the bandits I just roasted. I don''t have to help looting sinceck of arms and I''m the pack mule of the group, me the storage ring.


    In all honesty now, I''m getting a little bored of this. Hunting bandits is fun and all but I kinda want to go back to the curse search, I reckon my sanity can handle another bullshit non-fighting dungeon now.


    "You know what, this camp took us close to a week to find, right? I think we''ve cleared out most the bandits in this forest now"


    "There are still heathens about Ikarus-sama"


    "Lotte has got a point, there still are bandits about"


    Do these two really want to continue this then? Maybe they''re enjoying the loot from all this, they are literally searching through corpses right now.


    "Of course, of course. My point was, I''ve already gained more than enough EXP right now, continuing this is starting to get a little stale"


    Sure, I could power level for much longer but can''t forget, I''m basically a level two hundred and seventy now ifpared to how many points humans get. I''ve managed to gain thirty levels during this little expedition, this should be more than enough to survive for the time being.


    Another thing I can''t forget, I can''t level without kills. If I''m spending a long time not killing humans, then I''ll basically be stuck as I am. That''s a non-issue for now though, got more than enough time left not to worry.


    (Nathan) "What are you thinking of doing next Ikarus then?"


    Both those two have just stopped looting, only Petra is still looking through the dead now.


    "In all honesty, resuming the search for my cure isn''t the worst idea. Oh, I defo want to pop in and see my parents again, it''s been over three months since Ist saw them"


    "Y-Your parents?"


    Heh, I can''t help butugh at his misfortune towards dragons now, think I''m bing a bit twisted.


    Then Petra stops looting and joins back into our conversation with a damning statement.


    "If you''re wanting to meet your parents Ikarus, it''s probably a good time that we call it quits"


    Hang on, she wants to leave? Where has thise from?


    "Wait! Why do you want to leave all of a sudden? Have we done something to piss you off?"


    Both the two other party members looked a bit surprised from what she said as well, we were all kinda under the presumption she was enjoying herself in our group.


    She can''t help but give a slightugh and smile at my stressed-out questioning though.


    "Heh, it''s nothing like that. You speaking has just reminded me I need to speak with my family; it''s been a little while since I''ve checked in with them. I can always join you once again after we''ve had our family reunions, you really don''t have to look so down about me leaving Ikarus"


    Do I look down? No, no I definitely don''t, right? Why am I even thinking about this, she''s clearly just teasing me for the sake of it.


    "Hey! Never underestimate the effect of having a drinking buddy, alright?"


    "Heh, agreed"


    At least that solves that then, I do need to go back to what I was just talking about beforehand though.


    "Seriously though, what are we doing then? Should we call it quits and continue back on the quest after I''ve checked in with my parents?"


    "The choice is yours Ikarus-sama"


    "Okay t-then Ikarus, just a-allow me to prepare myself first"


    I guess there not against the idea of finishing our hunt, was slightly worried priestess would not be able to give up her thirst for massacring bandits. I wanted to turn this dictatorship into a democracy but I guess that''s not happening just yet, hehe.


    "You really need to work on that stutter Nathan, we''re only talking about dragons, not actually speaking with them yet"


    "Still, it''s the thought of t-them that doesn''t help. I c-can withstand it though"


    At least he''s able to contain his stress around them, his stutter will probably never go. It is a traumatic event for him so I''m going to try not mentioning it again.


    Now that we''ve finished with what we''re doing now, we''re about to leave when Petra gives some more bad news.


    "It might be better for us to split ways now, my family kind of resides close to here"


    I thought there were no friendly humans living out here, the only ce I can think of is the desert continent towards the south but there''s something in the way. I know she might not be a human but still, there isn''t that much intelligent life out here.


    "Wait, doesn''t a river separate the continents?"


    Oh, book worm Ikarus can actually provide some help here. The forest we are currently in is located extremely south in the continent of Sierra; I''ve already said that the continent below us is desert but it''s actually separated by a long curving river.


    Actually, thinking about it, nearly every known continent on any map in these fantasynds is separated by water or mountains. My family''s mountain range in particr is on the west side of the Sierran continent so we basically split two continents apart.


    "There are several crossings scattered about if you follow the river for long enough"


    I guess that exins it then, I bet the desert is an absolute horrible ce to live in. Extreme cold is bad, sure, but at least with the cold, you can make yourself warm with clothing. For extreme heat, I very much doubt there is anything resembling air conditioning in this world to help. I guess you could use frost type water magic but it''s not exactly like I''m able to do crap like that.


    "It''ll be a shame to see you leave Petra-sama"


    "Yeah, your swordy in particr has helped me out a lot"


    Have these two grown to her as well? At least we''ve got the fourth spot on our party reserved in the future.


    "What about you Ikarus? No closing words to end off our little trip together?"


    She is such a wind up, it''s a good thing I can see through her like a ghost. Okay that''s a terribleparison.


    "If you think I''m sappy enough to be saying stuff like that, you''ve got the wrong bird"


    "Heh, no need to be such a tsundere"


    Wait, she actually understands that term? Damn it, I actually am going to miss her now. Of course, it had to be now she says something like that.


    "I will miss you then, alright? I do have to ask something else though, where should we meet up again once we''ve met our families? I can''t be having you stalking us to find out where we are again"


    This actually gets a little chuckle out of all my party members, even the boring two.


    "Heh, the capital should be alright, you''re heading there anyway"


    I haven''t actually told her too much about the cure search, it wasn''t really needed since she pretty much figured it out herself. Confidentiality basically has been thrown out the window with this woman since she seems to know everything that''s going on without even needing to question it.


    Seriously though, it''s actually suspicious how much she knows about most things. I guess being old would help to that but still, her information seems endless. Maybe she has some means of getting information like the priestess, maybe her system voice does something like giving her extensive information? I''m just specting though.


    "Shouldn''t that be obvious? I mean, where abouts in the capital specifically?"


    "A bar perhaps?"


    Of course, the priestess face pouts from that suggestion. It is a good suggestion and makes me giggle though.


    "Hehe, erm... there''s a bar called, I think it was called the winking eye. It was close to the red-light district; you can''t miss it. We''ll wait for you if we get there before you, don''t be making me wait a month or two though"


    I think that was the first bar I drunk at in the capital, we might have to unfortunately wait a while afterwards though, flight is a hell of a lot faster than travelling on foot.


    "Fair enough, it won''t take even half that time though, we''ll meet up in the evening if possible. I''ll speak to you all again in a little while"


    Is she nning to take a wyvern back then? I guess she could get back fairly quickly if she doesn''t stop for rest and things like that as well. Ah, who cares? What matters is that I don''t have to be patient, that''s what really matters.


    Petra then gives us a slight wave while walking off into the trees, I don''t give a response to her though.


    "Bye Petra-sama!"


    (Nathan) ¡°See ya¡±


    ...


    Now that she''s gone, it''s time to move forward. No point getting sad over the temporary party split.


    "I can''t wait to see how much bigger Minos has gotten"


    __________


    "Are you sure this is okay knight? I can drop you off at the cabin behind the mountain if you really don''t want to do this"


    "It''s o-okay Ikarus, I''m here to protect you, I''ll put my s-stress aside"


    I''m just trying to be a bit more considerate for once. Even if I''m faking it, it''s still better than nothing I suppose.


    We''re currently flying over our family''s mountain range and it''s taken just under two weeks to get here, I feel like travelling for two weeks seems to be a consistent thing now but I can''t exactly help it when flying long distances in this continent seems to take roughly the same amount of time. Like usual, I could do it a lot quicker but I like my beauty sleep and not having to work eighteen-hour shifts flying.


    In all honesty, all of us are slightly grumpy about something and just want to get inside as fast as possible, it''s raining cats and dogs right now. It doesn''t tend to rain that much in the daytime on this continent but of course, today is very much different. There is something else I need to speak about though.


    "Priestess, try not to make any sudden movements once we enter and don''t summon your de"


    I need to say this now to get my stress out, I''m worried about what might happen once we enter.


    "Me and the Lord hold no disregard to dragons Ikarus-sama, I can act calm and collected. The one in the north attacked us first remember"


    "That''s not the reason, it hopefully should be fine though"


    Father has already basically admitted he''s afraid of the priestess. It''s like how they say you should never corner a wolf; I dread to think what might happen if a dragon gets cornered in a cave by someone they deem a threat. Still, it should be alright, we''ve already had the prince and battlemage over, Charlotte may be more powerful but she is a hell of lot more likeable then those two.


    We''ve been flying a little while longer and I can''t help but notice something, why aren''t my family noses working yet? Sniff me out and throw a wee home party already!


    "I''m honestly surprised we haven''t been greeted yet, we''re really clos-"


    As soon as I say that, I see a huge brown figuree up from behind a different mountain. I exaggerate slightly, he''s only grown roughly to the same size of me.


    "Minos!"


    "Cuuu!..."


    Give him a minute... or a second to get closer, I''m checking his status.


    ''Status''


    Before I even get the chance to look at his stats, he''s already closed the distance between us and is rubbing himself all over me, keep in mind, he''s doing this while we''re both pping our wings in the air in the pouring down rain.


    "Mino- stop it! We''re flying right now; it''s pissing it down as well!"


    "Cu..."


    Gross, I haven''t even gotten properly back and he''s already started those damn sad cus again, little shitbag!


    "Just wait until we get back into the cave, okay?"


    "Cu!"


    Both my remaining party members don''t say anything but I presume they smiled at our reunion; Nathan was probably sweating as well from stress at the elephant sized brown dragon approaching us though.


    As I start following Minos back to the cave, I can now get an actual look at his stats now.


    [Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 43]


    [Health 2,750/2,750]


    [Stamina 4,815/5,250]


    [Magicka 2,750/2,750]


    I can''t help but let out a visible grin, I''m much higher levelled then him. I know it''s probably down to the fact our parents have restricted his hunting capabilities but still, I''m happy regardless.


    Still, him being that level at the ripe old age of... I think... he''s twenty months old now maybe? It''s either that or a couple months older, perhaps? Thinking about it, I''ve forgotten my own birth date as well... Ah, my parents will probably know, I think. That''s if I can remember to ask them though.


    Aesa hasn''t said anything to me so that means Minos is curse free for now, right? I said for now so it shouldn''t be jinxing it, hopefully.


    Both of us fly back to the entrance of home cave and I''m surprised our parents aren''t waiting for us, something bad hasn''t happened, has it? Heh, no chance, not to these freaks of nature at the very least.


    Both me and Minosnd by the entrance, I can''t help but get extremely pissed off while I''m being greeted by the only other dragon in the cave.


    <Ikarus!>


    "Of course, the second we enter the cave, the rain stops. Fuc-"


    Damn it, I had to stop myself from swearing. I nearly forgot about my mother. My moan was justified though, a slight rainbow has literally appeared now, why couldn''t that have happened hours ago? Whichever God controls the weather is aplete bastard.


    ''Oh, I guess she was sleeping, that might be why she didn''t smell me close by''


    She gets up of the cave floor and rushes over to me but she has to stop herself from smothering me since I still have humans on my back, Minos as well rushes past us to shake himself down at the other side of the cave.


    <You''re soake- Ah, you''ve brought visitors>


    She didn''t even realize I had humans on my back, she must have been in really deep sleep then. Our family does seem to have this tendency of waking each other up, I prefer when I''m the one doing it though.


    "I''m just dropping in for a little while, the humans are my travellingpanions"


    <Of course! I don''t think one of them is human though>


    She picked up that from her scent then? Dragon''s clearly can tell, maybe father had a blocked nose that day?


    "That would be me, greeting''s Miss dragon-sama"


    I can''t help but smile at that, Miss dragon-sama. Why does she insist on the sama greeting for females but doesn''t a different one for men? Maybe it could be rted to the subus in her, who the hell knows though.


    "I-it''s a p-pleasure to meet y-you again Miss Kellearzar"


    <The human who helped out our little Ikarus, how have you been?>


    "I-I''ve been good Miss, y-you?"


    I can''t help but start getting pissed off at these lot, have some consideration for your pack mule, alright?


    "Will you two get off my back already!? I need to shake like a dog right now, I''m soaked"


    Both my party members jump down off my back and I purposely shake myself off getting everyone wet around me, mother is not best pleased. My party can''tin much since they were wet to begin with.


    <Ikarus! Was that really necessary?>


    "Hehe, did you really think I weren''t going to do that if I had the chance? Where''s father anyway?"


    <Behind you>


    I swear my heart stopped hearing his voice inside my head, how the hell did he get this close to the cave this quietly? He''s still flying as well mind you; he can''tnd right now since we''re in the way though. Even my party members didn''t see he was there.


    "Damn it! You stupid old lizard! Are you trying to kill your only daughter or something?"


    <Looks like little one is still fearful, it would be boring if you had already grown up so quickly>


    I''ve only just gotten back and I''m already having to deal with this type of crap, I love my family but damn, there really is no one normal on this continent, human or creature.


    "Whatever... I''m going to join Minos in the nest to warm myself up, You two should join me, it''s a hell of a lot morefortable than the floor"


    I''m of course talking to my party members.


    "Okay Ikarus-sama"


    "S-Sure"


    <Good! You can tell me and your father what''s happened up to this point, don''t skip any details Ikarus! We want to know everything>


    <Maybe skip some boring parts little one>


    Urgh, this is going to be a long day, I can already tell.

 Chapter 34 – Home Sweet Cave

    Chapter 34 ¨C Home Sweet Cave


    ¡°¡­So, then that¡¯s pretty much everything¡±


    At the moment, me, Minos and my party members are all sitting in the nest, both my parents areying on the cave floor next to us listening to everything that¡¯s happened since I left the cave.


    Mother looks excited hearing everything I¡¯ve gone through but father looks slightly concerned over something I might have said earlier. Minos is just in his own little world cuddling up to my fluffy body right now, think he might be half asleep as well now.


    <That was such an interesting story Ikarus!>


    <Little one¡­ that dragon you killed, were you drinking just before it happened?>


    He¡¯s actually doubting me and saying I was drunk? That littlement he just made has pissed me off, why is that so unbelievable?


    ¡°I literally have two witnesses here father that can back me up, we all yed some part in the battle that happened in the sky¡±


    ¡°It did happen Mr dragon, the Lord himself helped us with such a task¡±


    "Y-Yeah although I didn''t do much"


    "You still provided some help Nat"


    Father still hasn¡¯t said anything about subus-sama, can he really not tell her species? He did say mother¡¯s nose is better than his but I thought he would¡¯ve picked it up by now, maybe his senses are fading seeing that he¡¯s basically the same age as a dinosaur. He¡¯s not but I like it, I might start calling him a dinosaur, it¡¯s surprisingly fitting.


    <I still can¡¯t believe you killed a dragon. Do you have anything to actually prove you did such a task?>


    Why is he so sceptical about this? I do have something but it might prove a little sus. They shouldn¡¯t think into it too much hopefully.


    ¡°Here¡±


    I get out therge cut of dragon tail I have stored in my ring and drop it in the nest, this should be enough to prove it.


    <Wow, you actually¡­ no, it¡¯s actually her!?... I really need to leave quickly>


    I get slightly fearful when father telepathically said that, he looks like he¡¯s trying to hold something in, I can¡¯t tell if he¡¯s really angry or not though. Both my party members look confused but mother seems to know the reason.


    ¡°Why does he look like that? Did we kill someone he knows?¡±


    <Just wait a second Ikarus, you¡¯ll understand then>


    Waiting a minute for father to fly out of the cave, fly far away from the entrance and even further basically bing a small dot off in the distance, a great amount of noise follows him up.


    ¡°PHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA¡±


    Off in the far distance of the mountain range, a ck poisonous cloud surrounds theughing dragon. The force of hisughter was so strong, even the cave from way over here shook a tiny bit, he really couldn¡¯t control himself.


    ¡°Why is heughing?¡±


    <Just wait Ikarus>


    Doing as I¡¯m told, I wait for him to fly back and enter the cave again, he takes a seat back on the ground and then exins his reasoning.


    <I¡¯m sorry but I had to do that. To think a couple of humans and my own daughter could cause the death of that grumpy bitch, it truly is a day worth living. I¡¯ve got to calm myself otherwise I¡¯llugh again>


    <You already know what will happen if youugh inside Dermak>


    <Don¡¯t worry dear, I¡¯ve gotten most of it out now. I¡¯m good>


    I can¡¯t help but get even more confused now, this reaction from killing a fellow dragon is surprising. It¡¯s a bit ironic father calling someone grumpy as well.


    ¡°Grumpy bitch? I know that dragon was a little off her rocker but still, she seemed crazier than anything else¡±


    <Shydazir is, no, was your father¡¯s sister Ikarus, they never got on from childhood>


    Wait a second? I was heavily involved in killing my aunt, I really don¡¯t know what to make of this, she attacked me first so I was justified but killing a family member still seems a little bad. I don¡¯t feel bad about it though, that¡¯s what¡¯s a little surprising.


    Oh my God, I nearly did something disgusting and disturbing.


    Thank fuck, I didn¡¯t eat that tail now, that would¡¯ve been all kinds of disturbed and messed up, I would¡¯ve needed counselling for the rest of my life knowing I did that. That actually gives me the shivers, dodged a serious bullet there.


    [<Aesa did warn -user->]


    ¡®This is NOT the time for you, you didn¡¯t know she was family as well so don¡¯t start. I¡¯m never going to try dragon meat knowing how close a call that was now¡¯


    ¡°So father... care to exin why you have such a siblingplex?¡±


    <Making that type of joke to a creature like that bitch holds no humour little one. As for my hatred, my evil older sister was the reason for this side of the family turning on each other>


    Older sister? That low levelled dragon was even older that this two-thousand-year-old relic? Strength definitely has nothing to do with a dragon¡¯s age, the humans couldn¡¯t be more wrong there, I¡¯ve repeated myself with that again.


    <Your father¡¯s side of the family has a long and tragic history Ikarus, it involves a lot of battle, death and horror between siblings and the parents. His sister in particr caused the death of both his parents>


    That¡¯s some deep shit. It for some reason reminds me of those old Greek tales about the Gods turning against their parents, the titans, it¡¯s not all that simr but having a family who likes to kill each other is theparison I was making. I¡¯m really lucky I hatched now and not in a previous generation, that wouldn¡¯t have been a fun journey having to kill all my siblings and parents.


    <Huh, thinking about it, I¡¯m thest sibling alive now. I¡¯ve managed to oust all those other wyvern loving bastards; it truly is a lucky day to be alive>


    Damn it, he really, really must hate his side of the family to be calling them wyvern lovers. I¡¯m not going to pry into it here, it could be an interesting story but with this old dinosaur, it will probably get overly graphic and gory. Some of the stories he shared with us about slicing wyverns apart when he first started his part time job were not for anyone¡¯s ears to listen to.


    <Still¡­ I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s actually dead, it really is something>


    <I know you held hatred for her Dermak but still, pay respect to the dead, she is still your sister>


    <That only applies to beings who deserve respe->


    While those two all still talking about aunt, I need to have words with my party who are still in the nest. Minos is definitely awake now but he¡¯s just chilling up against my side, I¡¯m surprised he¡¯s been this quiet during all this.


    ¡°You two don¡¯t have to stay if it¡¯s too much, I can hurry it up if you want¡±


    They have basically been mute for this entire chat, I know it¡¯s my family reunion but still, I can understand them maybe getting slightly bored.


    ¡°It¡¯s all good Ikarus-sama, it¡¯s actually enjoyable listening to you three speak, or converse, I¡¯m unsure what it¡¯s called¡±


    ¡°T-They call it telekinesis Lotte, w-we¡¯re more than h-happy to stay Ikarus¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s telepathy Nathan, the dragon¡¯s say itpletely wrong. It still winds me up even now¡±


    I have no idea why the knight knows what it¡¯s called, who would have told him that? Wait, did I tell him? I might have after we had just met on the journey to the capital, I¡¯m contradicting myself now.


    At least Charlotte is enjoying the whole experience, I guess listening to a dragon phoenix conversation is enjoyable? I wouldn¡¯t really know. Nathan looks a lot calmer now, as calm as he¡¯s able to be around dragons, so not that much really.


    Then the conversation took a drastic change when father decides to say something to me, it¡¯s still rted to family but involves the future this time.


    <Little one, when you decide to start up a family, make sure you treat your offspring right>


    <Oh yes! Your father is right! I want to see loads of little phoenixes and dragons running around the ce! I wonder what would hatch from your egg though>


    Hang on, where the hell has thise from? This is making me extremely ufortable.


    ¡°I think you two are mistaken or something, that ain¡¯t ever happening, ever, capiche?¡±


    <Don¡¯t be like that little one, I never wanted any of you little ones, life just sort of happens>


    ¡°Cu?¡±


    <Dermakvar!>


    Mother gives father a strong whack behind the head from hisment, I don¡¯t know if that was deserved or not though. For some reason, I kinda got that feeling from him to begin with so it really isn¡¯t all that a shock, does he really seem like the type of person to have nned having children?


    <What I meant tomunicate, is that I didn¡¯t want children originally, that very quickly changed when you two little ones came along>


    ¡°Cu!¡±


    <That doesn¡¯t make it that much better Dermak but still, it¡¯s better than nothing I suppose>


    They¡¯re not mentioning my deceased older sister through this, I guess he means he didn¡¯t want children back then as well. It¡¯s obviously too depressing a subject for them to bring up again though.


    Thing is, a legitimate question hase up from all that, how does that even work? With phoenixes I mean, I know I willy eggs but that doesn¡¯t answer if I¡¯d even be able to have kids.


    ¡®Aesa, you have any idea how a phoenix would have babies? Is it a phoenix-on-phoenix thing or can two different species like a dragon and phoenix work as well?¡¯


    [


    ]


    ¡®Seriously? I guess thatpletely destroys that question¡¯


    I guess in the grand scheme of things, that should make sense, we are supposed to be extremely rare after all, I kind of thought it might be simr to the way I was born but in reversed so maybe a dragon would hatch from one of my eggs. It matters little anyway; I was never going toy a fertilized egg.


    ¡°Heh, you two might be slightly disappointed¡­ Turns out, phoenixes are infertile¡±


    ¡°Really Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°I d-didn¡¯t know that¡±


    <You sure about that little one?>


    <Cu?>


    <No! That can¡¯t be true!>


    Even my party members respond to this, how is this so surprising that everyone has to respond?


    ¡°Have all of you decided to gang up together or something? Aesa just confirmed it with me, phoenixes arepletely one hundred percent infertile¡±


    <Well¡­ you could always adopt little one>


    <Yes! My preference would be dragons but if you want to adopt baby humans as well, that¡¯s perfectly fine!>


    Both my party members give a little chuckle to my parents spouting crap, I¡¯m getting tired of this and just want to rx a little, is that really all too much to ask?


    I could have also told them I¡¯m not straight but that really wouldn¡¯t make any difference to adoption. I doubt they would have a bad reaction to it, mother in particr would find a way of getting excited about it probably.


    ¡°Can we please just change the topic now; this is giving me a headache. Oh, I have something else¡­ Father, what the hell did you promise that prince?¡±


    I¡¯ve got to try and ask even if I won¡¯t get an answer.


    <Ah that, it really isn¡¯t all that much to worry over>


    ¡°Are you sure about that? He seems to treat it like the biggest deal in the entire empire¡±


    <Of course, a little mortal is going to react that way to what I¡¯ve offered. It seems a fair deal for having our little one cured. I won¡¯t be telling you because I know how much you stress out about such things>


    Mother looks slightly stressed while me and father were conversing, she clearly knows it is a bigger deal than he¡¯s letting on.


    I¡¯m just going to keep getting annoyed so it¡¯s time to move on, he¡¯s going to remain a stubborn dinosaur so I¡¯ll give up for now. I would ask mother but I doubt I¡¯ll get it out of her, father does seem adamant on this.


    ¡°Well anyway¡­ is there anything I should know? Any news to share or any developments?¡±


    <Hmm¡­ Oh, littlest one should be able to use telekinesis to you now>


    <Yes! Minos, speak to Ikarus>


    <Hello big sister! Can you hear me?>


    As soon as I heard his voice inside my head, my heart skipped a beat. Seriously though, imagine the cutest childlike voice you can imagine and it¡¯s jammed right inside your brain, it¡¯s unbearable. It¡¯s too impossibly cute to deal with.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever use that on me Minos, I can¡¯t handle it¡±


    <Why not sister?>


    He even tilts his head while asking that. Even if he¡¯s the same size as me now, his cuteness is still unbearable.


    ¡°Just stick with the cu¡¯s for now brother, please? It¡¯s too much for me to handle¡±


    ¡°Cu!¡±


    ¡°Phe¡±


    Both our parents give a silent chuckle to my heartache, I don¡¯t think my party members heard Minos voice judging from their reaction their so I think he might only be able to do it to a single person right now, excluding my parents of course.


    <Oh, Ikarus, I don¡¯t want to start moaning but there is something I need to mention¡­>


    ¡®I bet this is about my drinking, she hasn¡¯t mentioned it yet and it¡¯s now overdue¡¯


    Called it, at least I¡¯m not getting moaned at for once. It¡¯s probably because she knows she can¡¯t enforce her rules when I¡¯m not here.


    <Your mother is right though; human alcohol may be excellent but it really can be troublesome>


    I know for a fact the priestess is happy with herself hearing the same type of nagginging from my parents. She¡¯s visibly hiding it but I can tell what she¡¯s thinking right now.


    ¡°Fine fine, I already know I¡¯ve got to be careful. I did want a quick drink tonight when I leave but I¡¯ll stop myself¡±


    <You¡¯re leaving already!?>


    Actual stressful mother iing, didn¡¯t she listen to what I said earlier? The cure search is still ongoing after all, I can always check in every few months or so if I have the time.


    ¡°I did say this was only a quick check in, you don¡¯t have to look so down about it¡±


    <You won¡¯t understand till you have children Ikarus, can¡¯t you please stay a bit longer?>


    ¡°Cu?¡±


    <At least stay till the morning little one>


    I¡¯ll have to make something up to get out of this, I do love my parents but, in all honesty, I just want to continue the cure search and meet back up with Petra right now.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ I¡¯d be happy to stay but you forget, I have two humans with me, it¡¯s not good for them to stay around dragons for too long¡±


    ¡°We can stay longer Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Y-Yeah, a night s-should be fine¡±


    <Great! There is more than enough room for all you younglings to sleep in¡­>


    Damn it! That backfired massively, I should¡¯ve anticipated that wouldn¡¯t work, was hoping they¡¯d just remain quiet but they just couldn¡¯t towards my mother. Father also gives a small shake of his head towards me; I think he knows I wanted to leave as fast as possible.


    <¡­ Minos, you¡¯ll have to share the nest tonight, don¡¯t look at me like that! You used to do with your sister all the time!>


    ¡°Cu¡­¡±


    All four of us sharing a nest, what could possibly go wrong? Maybe Minos might decide he fancies a midnight treat and goes to eat one of my party members. I joke but that might be a funny twist, my sense of humour is getting really twisted now.


    ¡®I¡¯m sneaking a drinkter¡­ damn it, there¡¯s no chance it¡¯ll work¡¯


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡®Finally back, it¡¯s been a while¡¯


    I¡¯ve just returned to the cave where my ¡®family¡¯ live, I don¡¯t like having to lie to Ikarus but some things are better off not being known just yet. I¡¯ll take her to this ce eventually, just these two might be a bit much, even now.


    ¡°Petra! You¡¯re back!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s finally back?¡±


    I¡¯m greeted by Zeki and Ariza by the entrance of the cave.


    I¡¯ve never really understood how the DNA on these two works, you¡¯d think these two would be female from first nce, both of them couldn¡¯t be more male if they tried. Well, that''s notpletely true since Ariza was female back on Earth, he doesn¡¯t really care about it that all that much now though.


    Describing their appearances, both have very simr ear length medium hairstyles but Zeki has red hair and Ariza blue. It doesn¡¯t look natural in the slightest but it very much is though, these two have had that hair colour from birth.


    As for the cave, it¡¯s as homely as you could get from a group of otherworlders living in the middle of nowhere. It¡¯s quite the decent size, so much in fact that maybe a small dragon could fit in here and is nicely decorated, these two have a very good idea on how to make a home feel lived in, even if that home is within a cave. It¡¯s more than adequate for human living, at least from what I can tell, blindness still ys a small part in many things.


    (Zeki) ¡°How did the scouting assignment go?¡±


    (Arisa) ¡°Yeah, how was she?¡±


    These two really get excited hearing my stories from the outside world, they could just go out and experience human living themselves but they just won¡¯t though.


    ¡°She¡¯s fine¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s fine? Is that all you can answer after being gone for over a year, she¡¯s just fine!?¡±


    I guess Zeki is annoyed with my loose description, he has always been more vocal of the two. And annoying.


    ¡°My point is, we don¡¯t need to worry about her¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that go against everything you¡¯ve been told?¡±


    He really isn¡¯t letting this go, I guess it is down to the information I previously gave them both though.


    ¡°Prophecies can always be interpreted in several ways Zeki, it wouldn¡¯t make any difference if I acted now anyway¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Because the second she hatched, the prophecy came to fruition. Whether it¡¯s directly or indirectly because of her, it makes no difference now. The future is already set in stone¡±


    Both the boys look concerned from my answer, it makes sense why though, the fate of the entire world does rest in the bnce. I really should stop calling them boys, they haven¡¯t been young for a long time, it¡¯s probably because I¡¯m so much older than them.


    It is a slight shame my mother couldn¡¯t ever tell full prophecies and could only give bits and pieces of the future. I¡¯m getting depressed thinking of her now.


    (Zeki) ¡°This still makes me feel uneasy though Petra¡­ You know, if you¡¯re wrong, the entire fate of the world could be at risk¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Yeah Petra, you have changed your opinion on the whole thing slightly¡±


    I love being lectured by these two know it all¡¯s who spend all day doing nothing, just because I held one opinion once doesn¡¯t mean it can¡¯t change when more informationes to light, Ikarus is not a threat.


    ¡°You two are boring me, heading for a nap now¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Ohe on! Don¡¯t be like that, at least tell us some news¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Yeah, you know how boring it can get in here¡±


    ¡°*Sigh* if it¡¯s that boring, then go out and experience the world"


    Sometimes I feel like I¡¯m a mother to these two, if they weren¡¯t able to feed themselves, I probably would be.


    (Zeki) ¡°We do, or we used to. It¡¯s just that cities are a little big¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°There¡¯s too many people there as well¡±


    These two could teach a dragon how to be an even better hermit, I have no idea why I was even worried that they would stumble into Ikarus, such a pointless worry. The idea that the entire fate of the world rests in the bnce and they still didn¡¯t go out to investigate and destroy the potential cause, couldn¡¯t have been more wrong if I tried.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give some information but I do want to get some sleep since I¡¯m leaving first thing tomorrow morning¡±


    Both of them look disappointed from my reluctance to stay, wasn¡¯t going to stay long regardless.


    (Zeki) ¡°Why do you want to leave so quickly? You haven¡¯t seen us in ages¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Yeah, has Zeki annoyed you that much?¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°I can be quiet if you want¡±


    At least they¡¯re willing to calm down a bit but that¡¯s not the reason though.


    ¡°I agreed beforehand to hurry back, don¡¯t want to leave her waiting for too long¡±


    Then, a small grin appears on Zeki¡¯s face, I unfortunately have an idea what he¡¯s going to say next.


    (Zeki) ¡°You agreed to go straight back? I think our older sister might have a crush. There¡¯s a bit of an age gap but we¡¯ll ept her into our family if she pays a huge dowry, how about a gold statue the size of a chimera?¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Hehe¡±


    I swear, these two are getting more and more stupid every day, I¡¯m way too lenient on them. If they¡¯re going to start spouting nonsense again, I¡¯ll leave them to it.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ change of n, I¡¯m leaving now. I¡¯ll check in maybe in another year or two¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Petra! We were only messing! Honest!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Sorry!¡±

 Chapter 35 – Back on Track

    Chapter 35 ¨C Back on Track


    ---Check out the glossary if you want some AI of the characters or have forgotten what everyone looks like---


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°Ah, chancellor Marcello and captain Jekyll, please take a seat and join me and Leone¡±


    (Marcello) ¡°Ah Alistair, it¡¯s a pleasure to see you again¡±


    ¡°Greetings your highness¡±


    We¡¯re back in that meeting room when I had to share the news that the border city had been destroyed.


    It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve seen everyone, the chancellor even looks like he¡¯s aged another decade or two. Sure, he was an old man before but still, the city incident has taken a lot out of him. I know it¡¯s slightly ironic me calling someone old, my hair ispletely grey now but the chancellor is still a few decades older than me.


    This prince really does give me a headache, you can never tell what he¡¯s thinking behind that damn smile. Dealing with the chancellor is one thing, the prince is apletely different matter, it still beats having to guide soldiers on the frontlines though.


    As for Leone, she really isn¡¯t fooling no one. Despite the time we spent training Ikarus being alright, it was in spite of her being there. The expressionless white witch, the immortal bitch, the heartless maiden, so many names I¡¯ve heard soldiers refer to her as, her personality is a ck as the void itself. If she wasn¡¯t so damn effective, she would¡¯ve been burnt at the stake hundreds of years ago with the previous generations of royals.


    I¡¯m honestly shocked I managed to put up with her for so long out in the woods, she¡¯s someone you really cannot afford to piss off though.


    Still, I can remain professional around these people despite my dislike of them all, they fortunately still hold the best interests at heart for this empire, even if you exclude all the corruption. It¡¯s more of a matter of the lesser of two evils though, I¡¯ve seen first-hand what those rebels are like down in the southeast, cruel evil bastards.


    Me and the chancellor both take a seat at the long conference table near the other two people already seated and the prince begins to speak.


    ¡°Do you know why I sent for you both today?¡±


    ¡°No idea Alistair, is there an issue?¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m just going to remain quiet till I¡¯m spoken directly to¡¯


    ¡°Yes, there is an issue but I¡¯ll get onto that in a second. Jekyll, has everyone who was stationed outside been sent away?¡±


    ¡°Of course your highness, everyone guarding the room was sent away before we entered¡±


    ¡°Good¡­ let¡¯s get onto what I wanted to ask. How is the situation going in the east? How is the war fairing?¡±


    ¡°Alistair, if I¡¯m allowed to spe-¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t ask for you to speak, did he Marcello?¡±


    The mage quickly shuts down the chancellor down, I guess she was right to do so seeing that he asked me the question.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always appreciated your honesty Jekyll¡­ so, the situation?¡±


    The chancellor always has a tendency of trying not to anger or upset someone, I think that¡¯s why the prince wants my opinion here, he won¡¯t get me beating around the bush.


    ¡°If you want pure honesty your highness, then that¡¯s what you will get. To put it simply¡­ fucking horseshit¡±


    ¡­


    I thought that might get that response; my bluntness has always been favoured since the city incident, the chancellor looks like he¡¯s shitting bricks from my response though.


    ¡°Do you care to exin further?¡±


    The prince has started tapping his hands against the table, I don¡¯t think even he expected this oue.


    ¡°To put it simply, we don¡¯t have the manpower, the equipment and the willpower to siege the rebel capital. We cannot encircle them under current conditions and it will remain as a standstill until further action¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­ and that¡¯s why I appreciate your honesty Jekyll. Marcello, why was it I¡¯ve only just found out this now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry prince Alistair, it was just that you¡¯ve been focused on other things, I didn¡¯t wish to ce the burden on you¡±


    Then, the prince¡¯s smile irks ever so slightly, I know the chancellor¡¯s intention was probably good but that is meaningless to the prince. Is that why the mage is here as well? For punishment?


    ¡°Chancellor, you¡¯ve spent more than enough time in power to understand that I like to have an eye over everything is this empire. Your error in judgement this time cannot be swept under the carpet¡­ Leone¡±


    As soon as the prince says her name, she flicks her finger and a summons entrapping the chancellor. The prince then gets out of his seat and goes up towards the trapped man brandishing a de, I just remain seated trying not to get involved here.


    ¡°Prince! Please don-¡±


    ¡°Shh¡­ Chancellor, what are the four things we value more than anything in this empire?¡±


    ¡°Strength, honour, integrity and technology?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you at least remember the meaning behind it. I could go through it all but it¡¯s allpletely pointless anyway, it¡¯s only ever been a motto for the less intelligent to follow upon. Your failure has nothing to do with any of that before you think that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s for a very different reason¡­¡±


    ¡®He¡¯s going to go off on a slight rant now towards the chancellor, poor old guy¡¯


    ¡°¡­You see Marcello, the sin you¡¯vemitted is simple. You withheld information from me, whether your intent was good or bad doesn¡¯t matter, you still have made an unforgivable error. If you hadn¡¯t served the empire so well for thest fifty years, then this would¡¯ve ended with you dying by old age in your sleep, you understand what I¡¯m getting at? You¡¯re lucky I¡¯m feeling generous today, pick one and I¡¯ll let you off¡±


    The chancellor looks extremely stressed, confused and is visibly sweating now. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if the old guy has a heart attack as well.


    ¡°S-Sorry prince? Pick what?¡±


    ¡°Which finger do you wish to lose? Is this not a generous punishment for such a terrible mistake?¡±


    During all of this, the prince remains smiling and the mage just sits there not even paying attention picking her nails, this is why I can¡¯t stand these two.


    I¡¯d really rather not watch this go down, I¡¯ll try and give the chancellor some help for now.


    ¡°Erm¡­ your highness, while I can understand your anger, this still doesn¡¯t answer what¡¯s happening on the frontline¡±


    The way the prince reacts, it¡¯s almost as if he¡¯s forgotten I¡¯m here. I¡¯ve already seen this side to him multiple times before, this really isn¡¯t all that surprising, he is a control freak after all.


    ¡°Huh? Oh that, just give me a minute and I¡¯ll get bac- Is that Ikarus outside?¡±


    Outside the hugerge window in the conference room on the second floor of the pce, the three-party members searching for a cure can be seen down below, all about to enter the pce.


    (Leone) ¡°Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ looks like you get to keep your finger for another day Marcello, make sure you never make a mistake like that again¡±


    The prince almost looks disappointed in this development, does he enjoy causing fear or something?


    ¡°O-Of course your royal highness¡±


    ¡°You two can both leave for now, dealing with the dragons¡¯ daughter has a much higher priority than the rebellion. I¡¯ll send someone to retrieve you another time¡±


    As the prince finishes, the mage snaps her finger ant the entrapping the chancellor disappears.


    (Jekyll) ¡°Okay your highness¡±


    ¡®Once again, no one seems to realize how strong the rebellion forces actually are¡¯


    As me and the chancellor leave the room, the chancellor can¡¯t help but start making conversation with me.


    ¡°Phew¡­ that was to close. How are you anyway captain? We haven¡¯t spoken in a while¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather discuss this another time chancellor; I was in the middle of something before receiving a summon¡±


    ¡°Ah, fair enough¡±


    He could order me to stay and chat but he isn¡¯t that type of person, I was trying to procure some more military supplies and men while I¡¯m over here but looks like I¡¯ll have to look elsewhere or wait, I doubt I¡¯ll get what we need from the prince anyway, he really doesn¡¯t seem that concerned with the war even after the information I¡¯ve given him.


    Walking through the pce towards an exit, I stumble across the party members being led by a royal guard. Ikarus can¡¯t help but greet me, I¡¯m really not in the mood right now though.


    ¡°Oi captain Jekyll, I haven¡¯t seen you in months, how you been?¡±


    The sooner she gets away from these lot, the better. This empire seems to corrupt nearly everything it touches, she¡¯ll unfortunately be involved as well. I just hope she figures this out for herself.


    ¡°Get out while you can¡±


    __________


    ¡­.


    That was a bit rude, the captain just mumbled something under his breath and left ignoring us. The hell is his problem?


    ¡°The hell is wrong with him?¡±


    ¡°He does look stressed out Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Might have just been chewed out by someone higher ranking than him, happens to every knight now and then¡±


    I guess he does look a bit stressed, I¡¯ll let it go. He¡¯s was alright although a little strict and demanding during training, it was a hell of a lot better than the mage at the very least.


    ¡°The prince should be in the main conference room, it¡¯s just around the corner¡±


    This royal guard seems more talkative than the others while leading us to where the prince is.


    While we¡¯re being led, I¡¯ll give a slight update on some of the stuff that happened whenst speaking to my parents and getting to the capital.


    To start with, I ¡®borrowed¡¯ a lot more of my parents¡¯ money, it¡¯s not like their using it for anything, no point in having money if it¡¯s not being used. Also want to buy some more potions after I¡¯m finished here, need to top up on cake as well.


    Also found out my birthday again, should be in about a month and a half, only reason why I want to remember it is for an excuse to get drunk. I¡¯ve cut down massively but I can still have cheat days every now and then.


    Another thing, remember that fountain that Aesa mentioned was a reward forpleting a dungeon? Turns out, she wasn¡¯t lying, the ce has turned into a mana pool, father confirmed aunt was guarding it. All the power and magic scattered around that dungeon realm ce gets collected all into that drinkable water that refills your magicka.


    That dungeon entrance has now basically be an unlimited source of resupplying magicka, it would be so freaking useful if it was in an actual live able area on the continent and not so far away, I could even fill loads of ss bottles and make potions from it, dungeons really do be sucking like usual.


    I think father referred to it as the fountain of youth, that is a bit different from what the Earth¡¯s mythical spring supposedly acts, I guess it¡¯s a little simr since beings that hold immense magicka seem to live a lot longer than others, just look at dragons for example. It can¡¯t make you immortal though unfortunately.


    ¡°There you go, I¡¯m under orders to leave immediately so you can let yourselves¡±


    Now that we¡¯ve arrived, the royal guard leaves and our party enters into therge conference room and we find two familiar faces in the room.


    ¡°You three are finally back, I have some very good news to share today¡±


    ¡°Greetings your highness¡±


    ¡°Hello Alistair, it¡¯s been a little while¡±


    While my party are greeting the prince, I can¡¯t help but get pissed.


    ¡°Ah hell nah! We ain¡¯t doing this if she¡¯s here!¡±


    I can¡¯t help but have this reaction. The more and more I reflect on how the mage treated me, the less and less I like her. I actually wonder if I could hold my own right now against her and burn her to a crisp, I very much doubt I¡¯d be able to yet though, the thought is tempting though.


    (Leone) ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again as well Ikarus¡±


    This time, I¡¯m not even acknowledging her, she¡¯s being ignored while I¡¯m looking at the prince.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious prince, I¡¯m not putting up with her shit today¡±


    He gives a little sigh towards me and then looks towards the mage and speaks to her, he¡¯s not smiling right now which is slightly surprising.


    ¡°*Sigh*, can you leave us for a while Leone?¡±


    ¡°Hmph, fine then¡±


    The mage heads out the room giving me a slight re while she¡¯s leaving, my hatred is justified though.


    (Alistair) ¡°You should try and deal with her a bit more Ikarus, her hearts in the right ce. Well, it¡¯s not but she is helping us find dungeons¡±


    He¡¯s trying to convince me she¡¯s alright now? Not having it.


    ¡°Just because she¡¯s helping doesn¡¯t mean I should just put up with her bullying, just keep her away from me and everything is fine¡±


    Who cares if she taught me how to use my magicka? A much nicer teacher could¡¯ve helped do that, it didn¡¯t seem all that difficult to do now thinking back on it, just ufortable.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind for future conversations, let¡¯s just continue for now. You can all take a seat if you¡¯d like¡­¡±


    We all take a seat around the table while the prince is continuing to speak.


    ¡°¡­ I have some very good news regarding the dungeon search. I won¡¯t bore you by how we found them but we¡¯vee across or heard rumours of four additional dungeons¡±


    Four? Well, that will save a hell of a lot of timeing back and forth, looking forward to this now. At least one of them better be a fighting dungeon.


    ¡°That¡¯s brilliant then, where abouts are they?¡±


    No point going through another extremely long conversation like the usual with the prince, I¡¯ve got a map of the empire and a general idea on how to get around now. Let¡¯s get going.


    ¡°It¡¯s honestly shocking how my predecessors hadn¡¯t found these years ago, I guess even my ancestors held no interest in dungeons hundreds of years ago seeing how close some of them are¡­¡±


    ¡®He really must like the sound of his own voice, hurry up alreadyyy!¡¯


    ¡°¡­ As for the locations and types of dungeons, we have found two fairly close to the capital, one is on an ind north of the mountain range your family live in Ikarus, the other is fairly close to the monastery¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a happy coincidence¡±


    ¡°We are NOT stopping in at a religious institution priestess, he said fairly close, that means we can easily avoid it¡±


    She pouts slightly from my response, I¡¯m very much justified in avoiding anything church like though, it¡¯s simr to a vampire avoiding silver or sunlight, I¡¯m not straight and going to a ce like would make me melt into a puddle or burst into mes, I¡¯d be resistant to it but still, the joke stands.


    The prince also gives a little chuckle at my reluctance for going to such a boring ce, we¡¯re still not stopping there.


    ¡°The other two are more rumours but have a credible source, one of them should be found in a city within the desert continent, the other might be found far in the west side of the elven continent¡±


    Ah right, the continent in the top left corner of the knownnd is mainly home to the elves, west of Sierra. From what I¡¯ve read, it¡¯s a harsh, brutalnd to survive in, especially in the far west due to a volcano that erupted a long time ago still having lingering effects.


    Thinking about it, my family¡¯s mountain range actually blocks nearly anynd route to that continent baring one, you¡¯d have to travel far to the southwest of the Sierran continent to make your way around the mountains, that¡¯s pretty close to where the city my parents destroyed as well. You could just use a boat and make your way around thend using the ocean I guess but that would be a long journeypared to flying.


    There¡¯s not much else I can add about the desert continent then what I¡¯ve said before, it¡¯s south of Sierra and is full of desert. It sounds so freaking stupid but it literally is a gigantic desert.


    __________


    ---(Author¡¯s note) I¡¯m very slowly making a world map alongside this, might give a sneak peek at some point---


    __________


    ¡°What about the types of dungeons there are? What are we looking at facing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you an exnation but you might get a bit impatient though Ikarus, I am describing four dungeons after all¡±


    ¡°Urgh¡­ just tell me and I¡¯ll force myself to focus¡±


    The prince then goes into long and boring exnation on more and more information on the dungeons themselves, like the type of dungeon, what has been found and what to potentially expect. It¡¯s very boring but I force myself to listen to it all.


    Long story short, there is a least one fighting dungeon, that is the one by the monastery so we¡¯re definitely heading there first. I¡¯m obviously looking forward to this now.


    ¡°Here, take this¡­¡±


    Once the prince is finished, he takes several maps of a royal guard he called for while he was giving his long exnation and passes them to me, I grab them then take a quick look.


    ¡°¡­ These maps have the locations marked outside the empire where you¡¯ll need to head. I¡¯ve already exined what to expect but you¡¯re still working with limited information. I shouldn¡¯t have to say but all three of you, try to be careful¡±


    ¡°Of course your highness¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°We¡¯ll keep Ikarus safe Alistair¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Yeah yeah¡±


    The maps are really basic though, imagine an old pirate map that was used for hiding treasure on a sandy beach for example. I guess it¡¯s not that basic butpared to any map showing the empire, it¡¯s slightlyckluster. They should still be useable though, just they look like they have been drawn from a bird¡¯s-eye view so it should be good enough.


    I put them into my storage anyway.


    ¡°Is that everything or do you have any questions Ikarus?¡±


    There was something I couldn¡¯t let go fromst time, I¡¯ve got to ask it now.


    ¡°Yes actually, I do. Why the hell are potions so bloody expensive? They might be the most overpriced thing in this entire empire¡±


    The prince gives a little chuckle and starts smiling once again, this irritates me.


    ¡°You can me the rebellion for that, potion making has been focused around providing the military with healents so we¡¯ve had to control the prices to make up for theck of other potions¡­¡±


    Why do I feel like that¡¯s bullshit? It¡¯s probably because the empire just wants to make a quick buck, damn taxes!


    ¡°¡­ I can provide you with a handful of healents if needed though¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­ that¡¯s good enough then, I guess¡±


    I¡¯ll take them but I¡¯ll still need to head to that alchemist again, should buy some more stamina and magicka pots again.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll get a guard to give you several on the way out¡±

 Chapter 36 – Dungeon Drei

    Chapter 36 ¨C Dungeon Drei


    ---A word of warning, I may have gotten carried away with this uing dungeon. Seriously though, the next few chapters after this are long. You have been warned lol---


    __________


    ¡°I still hate paying those prices¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like the prices, don¡¯t pay for them Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°Lotte has a point¡±


    We¡¯re walking through the city after I¡¯ve just left the alchemist shop purchasing some potions from the pink haireddy, also can¡¯t forgot I¡¯ve topped up on food and other things beforehand. There is only onest thing to do before we leave now, it¡¯s time to go find Petra at the bar.


    ¡°That¡¯s easier said than done, it never hurts to have something in storage in case of a bad situation¡±


    ¡°You do not need to worry when you have me and the Lord¡¯s protection¡±


    Is she getting arrogant now? No, I think she¡¯s just more stupid and careless than I first realized, I¡¯m missing travelling with some who isn¡¯tpletely na?ve or stupid now. I understand the irony of me saying it, I will get more intelligent one day, I hope. I¡¯m not even two yet, that¡¯s the excuse I can use at the very least.


    Honestly, I think I¡¯m just in a bad mood after basically being robbed by the alchemist once again, still can¡¯t get over it.


    Thankfully enough, we¡¯ve arrived at the red-light district and are currently walking through it to get to the bar. I just hope we don¡¯t have wait days or weeks to meet up, it is thankfully already evening so we might get lucky and she could be there already, doubt it though.


    Watching my party members, I see both priestess and the knight both stop and their faces start looking embarrassed, I don¡¯t even need to look ahead of us since it¡¯s probably being caused by the brothel.


    I do turn back around though and it¡¯s for a different reason this time, two fully naked women are having a brawl in the street and a small crowd has gathered around them. I¡¯m unsure if there stopping, watching or cheering them on though.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it¡±


    ¡°Think about what?¡±


    ¡°We probably should break it up Ikarus-sama¡±


    I just walk on towards the bar and keep talking, both party members reluctantly follow me, I know better right now.


    ¡°The guards will get involved, don¡¯t even bother looking¡±


    Just before we enter the bar, I hear two screamsing from the fighting women.


    ¡°You fucking bitch!¡±


    ¡°Dirty slut!¡±


    It¡¯s clear two ¡®workers¡¯ have had a falling out over something, this really isn¡¯t something I want to get involved in with my party. Knowing my luck, I¡¯ll get med like what happened with the woman who groped me back at the bathhouse, sometimes it¡¯s just better to not get involved.


    I think some guards have appeared as well now so it¡¯s fine.


    Now that we¡¯ve entered the bar, I instantly recognize a familiar face sitting in a booth right near the entrance.


    ¡°Petra!¡±


    __________


    ¡°We didn¡¯t make you wait too long, did we?¡±


    ¡°Not at all, was only waiting for a little bit¡±


    I think she¡¯s just being polite, that would be a little too convenient both arriving the exact same time and day. Might have happened but I really doubt it.


    I¡¯m currently flying towards the next dungeon with all three-party members on my back, it should take a few days at my current speed. We¡¯re going to have to stop shortly anyway though, it is starting to get really dark now, could¡¯ve stayed at the bar and enjoyed a drink but I¡¯d rather start getting on the move right now, especially considering there is abat dungeon ahead. I¡¯ve got more than enough alcohol in storage to drink when needed anyway.


    ¡°How was your family, Petra?¡±


    I¡¯m getting a bit bored up here, need some small talk to distract my attention. Flying is alright but like with any means of travel, it can get a bit boring time to time.


    ¡°Family? Oh that, I really only checked in for less than an hour though, they really got on my nerves¡±


    She left that quickly? They must not get on all that well then.


    ¡°Do you dislike your family Petra-sama?¡±


    I was going to ask but priestess also was slightly curious on it.


    ¡°Nothing like that, just they can get a little bit much¡±


    Ipletely get that as well; dragons can be a little much as well. I do love my family though.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Who did you meet up with anyways?¡±


    This might start bing an inquisition if we keep questioning her but I¡¯m still bored, alright? She gets what I mean though.


    ¡°Just my two younger siblings really, I feel like their mother at times though¡±


    I¡¯m guessing her parents might be dead if she only met up with them, I¡¯m not asking such a depressing question though.


    (Charlotte) ¡°Did you ever get married and have any children Petra-sama?¡±


    We all know she¡¯s old but even I think that might be asking a little too much priestess, she still seems willing to answer though. Like the bitch mage, she is a hell of a lot older than she looks.


    ¡°No, nothing like that. That type of thing was never an option anyway¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m slightly confused as well¡±


    I swear, these two might be stupider than me at times, it¡¯s clear she doesn¡¯t want to talk about it.


    ¡°You two, shut it back there! Read the room¡±


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s fine Ikarus. It¡¯s just one of those things really, never had any intention and never had the choice either. That¡¯s all there is to say on it really¡±


    I feel like she¡¯s being purposely vague but I¡¯m not really all that interested, I¡¯m infertile so I can get where she¡¯sing from. Well, I can¡¯t since I never wanted kids but she might have at one point. Thinking about it, I don¡¯t even know if she¡¯s straight or not, I¡¯m not prying into that as well, she¡¯s probably way too old to even care about stuff like that anyway, or is she?


    Great, now I¡¯m thinking back to the love potion incident again. I think I definitely was mistaken on that, let¡¯s move on.


    ¡°Anyway¡­ let¡¯s find a ce tond in a minute¡±


    __________


    ¡°Are we sure this is the right location?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°The map definitely shows we¡¯re here¡±


    ¡°We saw the monastery from the sky while we werending, we¡¯re in the correct ce Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    Nestled between some hills and at the foot of a mountain, we¡¯re all standing around arge sinkhole looking down into the dark abyss. I¡¯m unsure if it¡¯s that deep or not but still, we can¡¯t see the bottom of it down to the darkness though.


    The prince did tell us this dungeon was deep in arge hole. Still, arge, deep sinkhole seems a little too literal. I guess that¡¯s why he didn¡¯t say that much on the description on this one.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing I can fly then, we¡¯re not climbing down that stupid thing¡±


    There does appear to be a ropedder hanging into the dark pit but that doesn¡¯t look safe in the slightest, someone must have tried going down there before. I doubt it would¡¯ve been the people working for the prince searching for the dungeon originally, I¡¯m guessing they use wyverns to get around so thatdder would¡¯ve been pointless to them.


    ¡°Everyone get back on, we¡¯re descending into the darkness. Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times, or, outside, just don¡¯t fall off!¡±


    ¡°Heh¡±


    She gets my stupid sense of humour so it¡¯s all good, lets continue.


    It¡¯s time to try and be slightly serious now. We know this dungeon isbat focused, we¡¯re unsure on what we will being up against though. Apparently, mostbat dungeons have a no exit untilpletion policy so no one has been sent into it yet, I guess it¡¯s kinda simr to thest one with the fountain as well since we couldn¡¯t leave till my madness figured out the solution.


    All my party members climb back onto my back and I lift off flying slowly down into the pit. Once I¡¯ve started descending into the dark pit, I quickly realize we¡¯ve got a solution for the uing darkness.


    ¡°Priestess¡±


    ¡°Of course¡±


    The priestess summons up a light re that follows us into the darkness. Likest time in the snowy northern forest, this light is beyond brilliant and effective.


    It takes a minute of slowly flying down before I touch the ground in this sinkhole, it would be really dark and gloomy down here if it wasn¡¯t for her.


    Looking around, there is only one way to head forward, a small looking doorway that leads into a long dark hallway. There is a slight problem for me as well as a specific memory of the first dungeones up.


    ¡°Damn it! I can¡¯t fit through that doorway. Give me a second¡±


    ¡­


    It takes a few minutes but I¡¯ve now changed form and gotten clothes on, my party has gotten themselves ready for any uing fight as well now.


    (Nathan) ¡°All done now?¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah, let¡¯s just move on already¡±


    All four of us start walking down the hallway. After a little distance travelled, wee across a closed door and the knight stops to try and read it. The priestess¡¯s light re is no longer needed down here as well since there is somehow unnatural lighting down here.


    ¡°Ikarus, there¡¯s a sign I can¡¯t read¡±


    Moving ahead of my party to where the leading Nathan is, I look at the sign on the door in question and a small grin appears on my face.


    (Beware, the hordes of the undead dwell within. Any who enters shall not return till they have been proven worthy)


    ¡°It¡¯s a freaking undead dungeon! I bet there¡¯s zombies n shit inside as well!¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°What else does it say?¡±


    ¡°We cannot return till we have been proven worthy, that probably means we¡¯ve got to kill as many as possible¡±


    Then Petra responds to me with something that immediately ruins my happiness.


    ¡°Ikarus, you can¡¯t kill undead¡±


    This also causes an unfortunate realization from what she said.


    ¡°Wait¡­ does this mean EXP is impossible to gain down here?¡±


    ¡°Probably, they are called execution points after all. They should still be able to be destroyed though¡±


    Damn it, it¡¯s always one step forward, two steps back. At least I¡¯ve got abat dungeon I guess, just levelling is once again only effective against humans. I really, really hope a good rewardes from this ce as well.


    As we open the door and enter into the room, I can¡¯t help but feel like I¡¯ve been here before.


    ¡°Is this¡­ it?¡±


    The room has a simryout to the pedestal rooms in the first dungeon we came across, basically just a medium sized square room but this one has lighter walls and a dirt floor. Can¡¯t also forget that there is a big red button on the pedestal as well.


    ¡°Patience Ikarus, I know the big red button looks very tempting but ignore it for a while¡±


    Damn it Petra, she already knows what I¡¯m thinking. If the only thing you put in a room is a big, red, dumb button, you¡¯re obviously going to want to press it, duh.


    ¡°There¡¯s writing on the pedestal Ikarus-sama, please don¡¯t press it just yet¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Lets at least get more prepared before doing anything else¡±


    There winding me up a little now, Petra was obviously joking, those two actually look stressed out about it.


    ¡°You two are idiots; I can ignore the big shiny, attractive button for a minute or two. Might became harder to resist after three of four though¡±


    They let out a little chuckle while I go up to the very tempting button, I can easily hold myself back though. Scrawled up against the pedestal, I can just make out what it says.


    (L-v-l 1/1-0)


    ¡°Okay¡­ I think it says level one¡­ I don¡¯t know if it is one out of ten or hundred though¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be hundred Ikarus¡±


    I immediately get an answer from Petra, has shepleted dungeons as well then? I might ask about that another time.


    ¡°Petra-sama is probably right; I havee across a hundred level style dungeon before¡±


    Well that¡¯s great, one hundred levels and not a single drop of EXP. Ah, I¡¯m doneining about the dungeon, at least for now. I wanted abat dungeon and now I¡¯ve got one, dungeons do seem to be designed to be annoying though.


    We¡¯ve had the perversion and confusion dungeons already, it¡¯s time to start the undead, let¡¯s get on with it.


    ¡°One hundred small rooms like this¡­ I guess the entrance will close and the next doorway won¡¯t open until we fight off this round, maybe?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Most likely Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Then can I press the button already? You lot looked prepared enough and I have my sword ready as well¡±


    Thinking about it, I should give a quick recap on our weapons. Petra has a samurai type de, Charlotte uses that stupidlyrge two-handed summoned sword, I¡¯m unsure what the name of it would be and me and Nathan have very simr one-handed broadswords.


    I may still not be that good with hand-to-handbat but undead are thick as shit when ites to intelligence. It¡¯s a stereotype, sure but it should be pretty obvious that they are stupid. Unless we get the really fast and tough zombies that can use parkour that some video games have, we might be screwed in that situation.


    ¡°One second Ikarus, I¡¯m just trying to figure out where they mighte from. I sense no magic spawners or residueing from anywhere¡±


    ¡°You are right Petra-sama, I can¡¯t figure it out either¡±


    Me and Nathan obviously have no clue what those two are on about, we are both low levelled noobs after all. I also feel like I¡¯m being a simpleton when ites to this, shouldn¡¯t it be obvious where theye from?


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ am I the only one who actually has an idea on this? They¡¯re undead right? They¡¯ll obviouslye up from the ground¡±


    ¡°That would make sense but feel the ground Ikarus, it¡¯s practically rock solid. It¡¯s a possibility but still want to check for anything else¡±


    Petra does have a point; the dirt isn¡¯t soft in the slightest. Maybe I was wrong but still, it could be a possibility.


    I give them a minute or so to have a quick look around but they can¡¯t find anything else, it¡¯s time to start this.


    ¡­


    I¡¯ve waited a minute, I¡¯m bored now.


    ¡°We can spend more time specting or we can just get on with it, everyone is prepared, right? It¡¯s only the first level as well, this should be the easiest¡±


    I know I¡¯m being impatient but it should be pretty freaking obvious that this should be easy and besides, everyone did get themselves ready before we entered, we¡¯re only dying more time.


    (Nathan) ¡°I¡¯m ready anyway¡±


    ¡°Okay Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Press the button then Ikarus¡±


    As I press the button, the door we entered from ms shut and the ground ever so shakes slightly knocking all of us onto the ground. Once we¡¯ve gotten ourselves back up, we all notice what¡¯s happening next.


    ¡°I did tell you that would happen¡±


    ¡°Lovely, we¡¯re now surrounded by heathens, me and the Lor-¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but snap and cut her off, I may have been happy about being right but priestess ruins it instantly.


    ¡°There not fucking heathens, priestess! How the hell can an undead be a heathen!? Use the word correctly!¡±


    (Petra) ¡°This isn¡¯t the time, Ikarus¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Petra has a point¡±


    We obviously expected enemies to appear, sure, maybe not all at once all climbing up from the dirt though. A few dozen zombie looking corpses all start rising around us in the room. All look rotten, smelly and disgusting.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Petra is the first to start the fight and starts swiping at some of the creatures that are climbing up, it does zero damage though.


    ¡°Summon¡­ may your restless souls be put to rest by the Lord¡¯s power¡±


    ¡°Damn undead, take this!¡±


    Both the other two-party members start attacking the heads of other undead but it still does nothing, it¡¯s as if the zombies have a spell blocking all damage. Even I try kicking one of them in the head and the only thing that happens is that I might have broken a toe.


    ¡°Fuck! That hurt! What the hell are we supposed to do now?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Patience Ikarus, they¡¯ll be attackable once they¡¯ve risen, didn¡¯t realize they follow that trend, apologies¡±


    As we¡¯re waiting, I can¡¯t help but want to check something.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [<Status does not work against creatures considered magically controlled undead>]


    ¡®If they weren¡¯t magically controlled, it would work then, right?¡¯


    [<Affirmative>]


    I really shouldn¡¯t be discussing things with Aesa right now. Any second, these creatures are going to attack us, I¡¯ve got to be ready, everyone else has their weapons out, I need to pull my sword out also.


    Once all the corpses have risen uppletely out of the ground and I¡¯ve readied my de, a faint light surrounding the bodies rapidly fades and then Petra quickly goes in for another attack on one of them slicing the head clean of the body.


    (Petra) ¡°Good, we can start now¡±


    __________


    ¡°Wow, that was absolutely shit¡±


    Okay, that was massively underwhelming. We cleared that in less than thirty seconds once the protection spell had gone. Those things might have been the weakest creatures I¡¯ve fought so far, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m even exaggerating.


    Now that level has beenpleted, all of us have unsummoned or put away our weapons. We¡¯re just standing around right now.


    ¡°Seriously though, why the hell was that so easy? I feel like a little olddy would put up more fight than those corpses¡±


    ¡°Thank the Lord for such an easy fight but that is a horribleparison Ikarus-sama¡±


    It isn¡¯t though, it clearly was a joke. I think Petra might have given a little smile but I didn¡¯t see.


    ¡°You should be careful Ikarus, the knights do have an expression aboutining over an easier fight¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Ikarus, all you¡¯re doing is tempting fate speaking like that¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ you¡¯ve probably got a point. I¡¯ll shut it for now¡±


    I can¡¯t help but want to check something as I¡¯m speaking heading over to the doorway we came in from. Once I get there, I try to open it but it won¡¯t budge.


    ¡°Yup, thought so, the door is sealed shut. We¡¯ve got to continue ahead. Let¡¯s get going¡±


    All four of us enter through the next doorway and find an identical room to the previous one.


    ¡°Can I again?¡±


    ¡°Sure Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°We should be ready for another fight¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I go up to the button again and press it getting enjoyment from such a stupid thing again. I hate myself at times.


    This time however, we all stay standing from the slight shaking of the ground and get ready watching all the corpses rise up again. Once all of them have risen, I can¡¯t help but make anotherment, I¡¯m terrible with a sword but even this will still prove no issue once again.


    ¡°Every room better not be the same¡±

 Chapter 37 – Undead

    Chapter 37 ¨C Undead


    (Nathan) ¡°How many levels have we gone through now?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°That should be thirty-two¡±


    ¡°Petra-sama is correct¡±


    I¡¯m purposely remaining silent right now since if I speak, it¡¯ll only be moaning.


    Yeah, I know, it¡¯s sucks that I¡¯ve skipped so many dungeon levels in the blink of an eye but I¡¯m more than justified. Like so much in this world, everything is overpowered or underpowered, it really needs a God to start patching things up and release a hotfix bncing everything.


    I really did have to skip ahead though; it¡¯s been so freaking easy and boring. There¡¯s only been two things that have changed since we entered.


    The first is that the enemies get slightly faster and maybe a little bit more intelligent per level, the intelligence point is up for debate though. I say that because these creatures are so stupid, even trying to make them more perceptive or intelligent is pointless, adding a single point of intelligence to stupid still doesn¡¯t fix the stupid in someone or something.


    I could probably deal with all of these myself using my pinky finger, I wish I was exaggerating, that¡¯s the issue right now. Mind-numbing boringly easy, at least it should get a little harder eventually but this isn¡¯t giving me good signs right now.


    The second thing that has changed is that skeletons have started showing up, roughly around the sixteenth room. They are just as weak, brittle and dumb as the zombies, only difference is that they can¡¯t be stabbed, they must be whacked, beaten or smashed. One hit still takes everything down though.


    Thest floor in particr only consisted of skeletons, all four of us are currently standing over arge pile of bones that we have all just created.


    (Petra) ¡°Ikarus, you don¡¯t have to look so unhappy about this, rxing fights don¡¯t alwayse around that often¡±


    ¡°Eh, I guess you¡¯re right, I just get restless if I don¡¯t have something to keep me constantly entertained¡±


    That honestly makes me sound like a child, I think I might be improving though, I haven¡¯t beenining out loud for thest thirty-one floors, just been keeping it trapped within my stupid bird brain, or human brain at the moment.


    It¡¯s time to stop moaning internally and continue on now. At the very least, I can figure out where I need to improve and better myself, I don¡¯t know if that means I¡¯m able to though.


    (Petra) ¡°I have some shiny keys that you can distract yourself with if that might help¡±


    She is just taking the piss; I¡¯m not responding to that tease despite it being pretty funny. I¡¯m ignoring her stupid smile as well.


    (Nathan) ¡°Shall we continue on then?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ready Nat¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Ready as well knight¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Yeah yeah¡±


    Before we actually leave though, we all take a look into the next room and all us get slightly surprised from the next level. The look of the room is the same but unlike the other thirty-two, it is a hell of a lot bigger and a rusty throne sits in the middle of the room. Sitting upon that throne looks to be a skeleton type creature wearing a ck robe covering most of its body.


    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s a freaking sub-boss!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I think Petra has an idea but she¡¯ll allow me to answer this time, think that¡¯s why she didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°Long story short, it¡¯s a much more powerful enemy that might appear every certain number of floors. Since that one is thirty-three, there might be another on sixty-six and so on¡±


    (Petra) ¡°I¡¯m unsure if it will continue that sporadically like that Ikarus but you¡¯re definitely right on that creature being a sub-boss¡±


    Then a thought came to mind. If this isn¡¯t a normal enemy, then it might be viewable.


    ¡®If it¡¯s a sub-boss, I wonder¡­ status¡¯


    The range might be a little far but it might work.


    [Name: ________ | Species: Lich | Level: 150]


    [Health 7,500/7,500]


    [Stamina 7,500/7,500]


    [Magicka 15,000/15,000]


    ¡®He¡¯s a lich!? That¡¯s even better¡¯


    [<-User- should be warned, species lich has 1.5x stat distribution and is unknown enemy. Caution is advised>]


    ¡®I am cautious when I need to be, our stats do seem to be quite simr thinking about it¡¯


    Oh yeah, I normally don¡¯t have to worry about other species stat points but it doesn¡¯t hurt to give a recap on some of the only three I can remember.


    The main three are humans, dragons and me, a phoenix. Humans are 1x, dragons are 2.5x and phoenixes are 5x stats per level, keep having to tell myself otherwise I¡¯ll forget. I can only really level up by cold blooded murder and even that doesn¡¯t always work, just look at the confusion dungeon for example with all those bandits, no one in that was real. I¡¯m just repeating myself now though.


    Back on to what I was thinking about, I¡¯m pretty sure our stats are around the same level, I¡¯ll take a look at mine as well.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 54]


    [Health 14,878/15,000]


    [Stamina 4,121/5,000]


    [Magicka 5,000/5,000]


    [You currently have 2000 unused points]


    ¡®I was right, he only has five-thousand more than me and my health shits all over his, I bet I can stand against him, I¡¯ve even got my potions as well¡¯


    That does really sum it up though, I haven¡¯t had to use a single bit of magicka sinceing here, I wasn¡¯t exaggerating on the easiness on this dungeon. Still, looking at this lich guy on that throne, the difficulty in this ce muste from sub-bosses.


    While I was doing this and my party were discussing how we should approach this uing battle, I can¡¯t help but think there¡¯s an opportunity here.


    ¡°Hey, I know it might be a little risky but can I try and take that guy on myself?¡±


    I immediately get looks of confusion from the knight and priestess but Petra is surprisingly the first to answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s a lich Ikarus, you sure it¡¯s such a good idea to fight an unknown enemy yourself?¡±


    Oh, did she use her status as well? Her eyes do have a glint of blue but it¡¯s literally just faded, she must have used it. As for what she just said, I¡¯ve always got these lot to back me up if things get spicy, it should be good, I¡¯m just putting trust in my party after all.


    ¡°Thing is, I¡¯m pretty sure liches summon stuff as well to fight around them, that¡¯s if we¡¯re basing this of my limited knowledge anyway. Can I at least have a chance to fight one on one against that guy while you lot cover me? It¡¯ll be good training for me, obviously get involved if I¡¯m getting destroyed¡±


    I know it¡¯s asking a lot but still, this dungeon difficulty has been crap, shouldn¡¯t this fight follow that curve? I¡¯ve just red gged myself, I still want to do this though.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°It does seem a little risky¡±


    ¡°Fine then¡±


    Both Charlotte and Nathan are worried about my n but it seems Petra is now onside, probably because she doesn¡¯t have the weight of the empire on her shoulders aiming to keep me safe.


    ¡°Look, it¡¯s as I just said, you lot will be more than enough to protect me. I think someone will have to take it on otherwise it might keep summoning endless enemies, of course this is all spection. If I can¡¯t handle it, I¡¯ll run with my tail between my legs¡±


    I most definitely don¡¯t want to hog the boss enemy, any other boss fight in this ce will be a lot more difficult so I¡¯ve got to take my chances now.


    ¡°We won¡¯t argue with you Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Fine Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°You two don¡¯t need to worry, have something to use if Ikarus finds herself in a bad situation, would prefer to use my own hands though¡±


    I¡¯m calling bullshit, both of them look perfectly fine after Petra says she has something. I guess I should feel safer but still, I¡¯m not happy with the other two¡¯sck of confidence in me.


    ¡°There is one thing though, I¡¯m going to be keeping an eye guarding your back. Noints?¡±


    ¡°Noints¡±


    I¡¯d rather have Petra guarding me than the others anyway, she is a lot more intelligent than the rest of us.


    As I¡¯m leading our prepared and readied group into the room all holding our weapons of choice in our hands, I can¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°Is that skeleton going to wake-, oh, there you go¡±


    In the middle of me speaking, the lich wearing a ck robe wakes up from his slumber on the throne, stands and speaks towards us in a menacing and rough tone.


    ¡°Arhrat mabate¡±


    None of us have a clue what it just said. I need to ask Aesa about it.


    ¡®Erm, shouldn¡¯t I be able to trante that?¡¯


    [<Species lich cannot be tranted since targeted species do not speak intelligiblenguage>]


    ¡®It sounds like anguage though; I¡¯ll just take your word for it¡¯


    It goes to speak once again but this time, it bends down and touches the ground with its finger.


    ¡°Combate dem yurae¡±


    Once it says that, the ground shakes like how every other floor has and undead skeletons all start rising from the dirt.


    (Petra) ¡°Ikarus, he¡¯s yours¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be near you Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Just call if you need backup¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah¡±


    I leave my party and head close towards the lich with sword in hand and ready to fight. Once I¡¯ve closed the distance, I¡¯m immediately greeted by him speaking and magically summoning a staff.


    ¡°Artuc tem eda-¡±


    Without giving him the chance to finish his summon, I swing my de towards him but he immediately senses this and jumps backwards. I¡¯m clearly unable to stop him summoning his battle staff but that¡¯s perfectly okay though, I didn¡¯t want it to be that easy.


    ¡®Hmph, this could be fun¡¯


    The lich now armed decides that it¡¯s his turn to attack swinging his staff sideways towards me.


    I have to jump to the side to avoid it due to the length of the wooden weapon, I¡¯m honestly a little surprised, I was expecting him to maybe use magic with it but he¡¯s used it like a long blunt weapon.


    He then follows it up with a downwards swing but this time, I easily block it with my de stopping it from making contact. Somehow, that was easy.


    I quicklye to a realization, he¡¯s actually not that skilled with armedbat. Just remember, I¡¯m saying that and I¡¯m really not that good with a weapon, I guess the stupidity of the undead effects the boss¡¯s abilities as well.


    So, as he¡¯s trying to pull away his staff from the attack I just countered, I pull out my war crime weapon and release my me using my spare hand peppering him with the methrower, he immediately jumps back in agony from the fiery attack.


    ¡°ARTHHH!¡±


    A scream that could pierce the heavenses from the crying lich¡¯s mouth; I think even the Gods might have heard that.


    I did put a fair amount of power in that continuous magic attack but still, it shouldn¡¯t have been that bad, this guy might just be a little bit soft to pain.


    ¡®Aesa, magicka¡¯


    [<72%>]


    ¡®Status next¡¯


    [Name: ________ | Species: Lich | Level: 150]


    [Health 5,739/7,500]


    [Stamina 7,497/7,500]


    [Magicka 15,000/15,000]


    ¡®Wow, that did cook him a bit, I guess it¡¯s quite a fair amount¡¯


    While I¡¯ve still got a second, I take a nce around me and quickly realize I don¡¯t have to worry about being ambushed, all three of my party members are running around dealing with any threat that even looks towards my direction.


    Ah, the perks of using OP people. Thankfully, this lich seems more than happy to be bullied and just keeps his focus on me while ignoring everyone else, I guess his skeleton minions are fighting for him as well.


    However, the lich does something different next.


    ¡°Fareth tum derea!¡±


    While he speaks again, he points his staff towards me and a spark of electricity lights the end of the spear, then suddenly zaps into me without giving me the chance to react or move.


    ¡­


    ¡°Is that¡­ it?¡±


    Ever had that pins and needles feeling in your body? It literally feels like an even more minor version of that, what the hell was the point in that attack?


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 54]


    [Health 14,778/15,000]


    [Stamina 4,119/5,000]


    [Magicka 3,600/5,000]


    [You currently have 2000 unused points]


    ¡®I didn¡¯t receive another curse or something did I?¡¯


    [<Negative>]


    ¡®The only use that guy¡¯s attack might be dangerous towards is someone who has a heart condition, can¡¯t believe it only did a hundred damage. Aesa, am I missing something?¡¯


    [<Negative, species lich specializes in summoning skeletons, species must have extreme inefficiency tobat or magicka attacks, Aesa can only assume though>]


    ¡®So, this lich is basically just an over glorified skeleton, I don¡¯t know whether to feel happy or sad now¡¯


    ¡°Everything okay Ikarus-sama?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°All good over here, this guy is a lot weaker than expected¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Then please stop toying with him and finish it, the skeletons are still rising on our sides¡±


    I guess I¡¯m not really paying attention to the battle around me so getting slightly told of by Petra makes sense seeing that they are fighting the infinite hordes of rising skeletons, it¡¯s still isn¡¯t providing them any issue though. I¡¯ll just get on with my fight then.


    The lich tries another electricity-based attack from the staff but before he gets the chance, I start to cook him with my hand methrower again and he provides another scream as bad asst time once I¡¯ve exhausted it all. I actually feel a little sorry for him listening to his scream.


    ¡°ARTTHHHH!¡±


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: ________ | Species: Lich | Level: 150]


    [Health 1,469/7,500]


    [Stamina 7,497/7,500]


    [Magicka 14,500/15,000]


    ¡®I wonder why his magic only goes down with his spells, shouldn¡¯t it keep draining because of the skeletons? Forget it, not the time¡¯


    Before he has the chance to ready himself from the barbeque attack that just assaulted his body, I¡¯m swinging my de towards him and unlike the first swing, it makes contact slicing into his neck.


    ¡°ARTH-¡±


    ¡°Damn, it¡¯s now stuck¡±


    The lich falls over onto the ground with my de in his neck obviously now drained of HP, this fight is over and all the remaining skeletons that haven¡¯t been taken care of by my party all copse as well now. The room is literally covered in piles of bones everywhere.


    I can¡¯t help but give a little thought towards it.


    ¡®That one hit finished him? I know it made contact with his neck but still, that seemed a little too easy¡¯


    (Nathan) ¡°All finished now?¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama?¡±


    While the priestess is speaking, she unsummons her sword and the knight also sheaths his sword also. They both walk towards me as well.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know what to think, that fight was easy¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t give yourself enough credit Ikarus. For someone who ims their terrible with a sword, that wasn¡¯t that bad of a disy¡±


    Petra has now joined and has put her weapon away as well, why is she praising me though?


    Wait, does that mean I''m secretly over- no, I''ve asked that question before and that isn''t the case. That guy was just surprisingly weak.


    ¡°Yeah yeah, you¡¯re just being kind¡±


    ¡°You should have more confidence in yourself. Considering you said your swordy is terrible, it didn¡¯t seem that bad from where I was standing. If anything, it seemed quite decent¡±


    I¡¯m just going to shrug this off the smiling blind woman, I¡¯m more than happy to praise myself but praise from others makes me a little ufortable, I¡¯m unsure why though.


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t know what you saw but that guy was utter dogshit, that was down to him being weak¡±


    ¡°Heh, you should really have more confidence in yourself¡±


    More confidence? I know I have slightly narcissistic tendencies to my own body but I feel like she might be being trying to improve my mood, it¡¯s not working though. I¡¯m still feeling a little unsure about that fight.


    ¡°Shall we move on?¡±


    Petra instantly shuts me down from my stupid suggestion, it makes a lot of sense why though.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a good idea Ikarus, we should rest till your magic has recovered seeing that you basically exhausted it all, too much unnecessary risk¡±


    Eh, I guess she¡¯s right, a break right now would be good, the other two seem to be in agreement with her as well. Thinking about it, I¡¯m busting for a toilet as well now, I¡¯m not sure where I can go though other than in a corner.


    ¡°Erm¡­ can you lot not look over here for a little bit?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll turn away Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Every level weplete, the previous door closes behind us so trying to get a bit of privacy right now is impossible. This isn¡¯t embarrassing at all.


    ¡°Ahem¡­ I hate these ces¡±


    __________


    After that stupid thing is done and I¡¯ve washed my hands using some stored water from my storage, got to keep basic hygiene up despite how stupid it is especially down here. Once done, I head back to my party who are all chilling and rxing on the floor in the middle of the room. They¡¯ve moved most of the bones from where their sitting and I sit down to join them on the dirt floor.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, can we have cake?¡±


    Of course, it¡¯s another cake fiasco. I need to learn to start sharing more.


    ¡°Fine fine then. Considering your God doesn¡¯t like pleasures such as alcohol, shouldn¡¯t this be a bad pleasure as well?¡±


    While I¡¯m saying that, I get out a cheesecake from storage and ce it down on floor in the middle of us four.


    ¡°My Lord encourages such pleasures that don¡¯t effect the mind, alcohol is a step to far though¡±


    ¡°Anything that effects the mind? I¡¯m guessing he would hate you drinking a love potion then¡±


    Petra found my little joke funny, she had to slightly cough since she had a mouthful of cake though.


    ¡°Actually¡­ he keeps trying to encourage me on that, I don¡¯t listen to everything he says though¡±


    Ha! Once again, I was right on her God trying to meddle and set her and Nathan up, I think that¡¯s what he¡¯s trying to do anyway. She also blushes slightly while saying that as well, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s because of the knight as well.


    I quickly move on since I don¡¯t need to meddle seeing that she has a voice inside her head doing the exact same goal I¡¯m trying to achieve. I might give him a hand if I¡¯m able to though.


    ¡°I really need to have words with him one day, I¡¯d love to share a drin- no, just a chat will do¡±


    I feel like he¡¯d be an interesting guy to speak with, he seems crazy so I bet he¡¯d be goodpany.


    After my little chat with Charlotte is over, Petra gets curious on something.


    ¡°Where did you get that storage ring from anyway?¡±


    While we¡¯re all stuffing out faces from the cake, Petra asks about my ring. She doesn¡¯t have a storage ability so I can understand why she might be curious on how I obtained such an item.


    ¡°A gift from my parents, I think they said it was from old mage I think¡±


    She very quickly gives a little chuckle and smile from what I just said.


    ¡°Heh, your parents got that for you? Guess it¡¯s fitting, that old guy always had a fascination for dragons. It¡¯s only fitting he ended up being eaten by one¡±


    ¡°Wait, did you know that mage? And I don¡¯t think dragons actually eat humans¡±


    She obviously would know that my parents are dragons if she¡¯s been around phoenixes before so no point even questioning that.


    ¡°Yeah, was making a joke about being eaten. Guess he would¡¯ve been an old friend. Thing is, he did always have an unhealthy fascination with dragons so it makes sense that¡¯s how he died¡±


    She doesn¡¯t seem depressed about him being dead, maybe it was more of an acquaintance than a friend. She continues on again though.


    ¡°Make sure you never lose that ring Ikarus, storage abilities are some of the rarest and hardest items toe across¡±


    ¡°Is it really that valuable?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve only ever seen three in the long life I¡¯ve been living. They are priceless¡±


    Wow, I¡¯m surprised no one in the empire ever said anything about it, I haven¡¯t exactly been discreet about using it so I¡¯m unsure why it¡¯s nevere up till now, maybe they have something simr or they just don¡¯t care, I really don¡¯t know.


    Once we¡¯ve all had some food, I probably should be resting to recover my magicka faster but I cannot help but be impatient when I have a perfectly good solution at hand, one I can only use every twenty-four hours or so. I have my party to protect me if things go wrong.


    ¡°Screw it, I¡¯m drinking a magic pot and we¡¯re heading off¡±

 Chapter 38 – Haunted

    Chapter 38 ¨C Haunted


    ¡°Urgh¡­ bloody disgusting. I hate potions¡±


    ¡°Your magic still won¡¯t be full so be remember to be careful Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Petra-sama is right¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah¡±


    I¡¯ve never really understood why Petra has taken it on herself to protect me as well, she has no responsibility to do so yet almost seems to be taking charge of operation protect Ikarus, I guess she is a hell of lot more intelligent than the rest of us. I¡¯m notining about it though, I¡¯d honestly rather it be her than the other two.


    Once we¡¯re all ready, we all head into the next room, level thirty-four and find ourselves with the previous red button on a pedestalyout, only this time the floor looks to be made out of something simr to concrete.


    ¡°I can feel magic residue this time, it might be different now¡±


    ¡°Yes Petra-sama, I feel it also¡±


    Likest time, me and the knight don¡¯t know what they¡¯re talking on about. I¡¯m asking about it now though.


    ¡°What the hell are you two on about?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Just making an observation Ikarus, it might mean that the enemy in question might be slightly different and magical in nature this time¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the feel of magic Ikarus-sama, my Lord can also feel it¡±


    I really have no idea what those two can feel but whatever it is, let¡¯s just get on with it.


    ¡°We ready?¡±


    ¡°Okay Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    We all get our weapons prepared for the uing wave of enemies from this level.


    I walk up to the pedestal and press the button with my party just behind me. Once it¡¯s pressed, the shaking from the previous levels don¡¯t return but very quickly, something else happens.


    The walls have started to glow with a gloopy substance and from that substance, ghostly humanoid figures start appearing out of the walls very slowly.


    ¡°The hell are they?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Are they spectral beings? Me and the Lord have never encountered such a foe¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Are they see-through?¡±


    Us three have never seen an enemy like this so Petra quickly takes control of the situation, she seems to have experience with these creatures.


    ¡°These creatures are ghosts; physical attacks don¡¯t work on them so it¡¯s magic only. Priestess, your summoned sword should work since it¡¯s not considered a physical item. Knight, you are unfortunately useless here so stick behind one of us and Ikarus, be careful¡±


    ¡°Okay Petra-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Sure¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah¡±


    Magic only huh, it¡¯s a very good thing I took that potion then, I should have enough magic tost this fight, it¡¯s roughly around sixty percent full right now I believe.


    Just before all the ghostly figures have entered through the walls, Petra needs to say something else quickly.


    ¡°Actually knight, stay by priestess¡¯s side. If she uses her light magic on your de, it might confuse the physical only barrier and it could be able to cause damage, don¡¯t bet your life on it though¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Okay Petra¡±


    ¡°Nat, I¡¯ll put magic on your sword now¡±


    Just as they finish speaking and the priestess puts some magic on his sword, all the transparent figures start approaching us from all sides in the room.


    (Ikarus) ¡°These things are freaking terrifying!¡±


    Both the knight and priestess go off to one side swinging their weapons towards the ghastly creatures while me and blind woman start working on the other side. Before I have the chance to use magic against them, I notice something my partner is doing.


    I¡¯m a little unsure why we¡¯ve automatically started fighting together but that¡¯s not really a concern for right now.


    ¡°Petra, what¡¯s that magic?¡±


    ¡°Later Ikarus¡±


    Using her free hand, a ck looking me starts coating some of the approaching enemies, it rapidly destroys any ghost it dares to touch.


    Does she use darkness magic then? My father would probably be very interested in her. Not in a weird way obviously, just on the darkness side of things. Still, it looks like it¡¯s burning them though, I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s actually darkness or just a variation of fire.


    Now than I¡¯m done noticing what she¡¯s doing, I join her but only using fireballs instead of my preferred magic weapon of choice, this isn¡¯t a time for wasted magicka so I¡¯ve got to preserve it.


    ¡®One¡­ two¡­ three¡¯


    I fire three low charged magicka fireballs towards the ghosts and every one of them makes contact with the enemies I aimed at; they also cause the deaths of them all. Well, not deaths but they disappear so you know what I mean.


    Petra also casts more of her ck me coating the entire area ahead of us in pure fiery darkness. It stays for a little while and once it¡¯s burned out, all the ghostly creatures ahead of us are now destroyed, that attack was OP.


    (Petra) ¡°Our sides done, let¡¯s return¡±


    Both of us quickly rush over to our other party members and find there''s only a couple of ghosts remaining that both get taken care of swiftly by the priestess and the knight as we¡¯re approaching. Clearly, Petra¡¯s trick worked.


    (Petra) ¡°Looks like you two didn¡¯t need any help¡±


    ¡°I thank the Lord for his blessings¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather just thank you Lotte, your magic allowed me to keep fighting there¡±


    Now that everything has died down and this floor isplete, I can¡¯t help but ask about the disy I just witnessed. Just like the first time I witnessed the priestess¡¯s orbitalser ability, that was also brilliant.


    ¡°Petra, your ck fire, is that fire magic or darkness? It was freaking epic!¡±


    She gives a little chuckle and smile to my curious self, I don¡¯t why sheughed though.


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s fire magic, the ck effect is from something else. Darkness doesn¡¯t have anything rted to burning, at least from what I¡¯m aware¡±


    I guess that answers it, turns out, I¡¯m not the only fire user in this party. I wonder why she prefers to use her sword though when she can use magic as well, maybe it suits her cultivation system more than magic?


    Normally, I would moan about someone else being a kill steal, that situation wasn¡¯t something to moan at since my magic is limited and besides, that disy she did was cool as well. Fire, even ck fire is just as cool as my fire.


    I still have more questions about what just happened though.


    ¡°I¡¯m slightly confused about something else though. How can they attack us if they don¡¯t have a physical body and don¡¯t use magic? They didn¡¯t use any spells or anything that looked like it could harm us¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m curious on that as well Petra-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah?¡±


    Now Petra has three people questioning her for information, she¡¯s more than happy to provide it though.


    ¡°Touch. When ghosts or wraithsy hands upon you, it slowly begins to drain your life force, or in me and Ikarus¡¯s case, HP¡±


    ¡°Is that simr to my curse?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s a little different. Unlike your curse, health lost by ghostly creatures¡¯ regenerates, had a close encounter with these types of things a while ago¡±


    At least that clears it up I guess, it¡¯s slightly pointless information but it might help our uing fights against them.


    ¡°Well¡­ what should we do now then? We obviously need to continue but should we take another break beforehand?¡±


    Thatst battle kinda unnerved me a bit. Not the difficulty level mind you, everyone handled that really well. The problem is I really, really don¡¯t like ghosts. I can hide it pretty well especially when I¡¯m able to burn them but the entire paranormal thing sends shivers down my spine. I need a second before continuing on.


    Petra swiftly gives me a response to my questioning.


    ¡°This is now going to take a while toplete, these creatures are impossible to deal with without magicka. That means we¡¯re going to have to take this slow and keep refilling our magic every level, sorry Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Why are you apologizing to me?¡±


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t like to take things slow. Unfortunately, these creatures have no other counter¡±


    ¡°Yeah, this might be a little difficult for you Ikarus¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll try and get you through it Ikarus-sama¡±


    Damn it, she knows me to well, both my party members have to join in as well. I would call it bullying but in all honesty, they¡¯repletely right. I hate being patient.


    ¡°Fine¡­ do you at least know anyway of increasing the recharge rate of our MP?¡±


    The other two aren¡¯t going to understand MP but at the very least, they understand the whole magic recover thing since that works the same, a least for the priestess since she can use light magic.


    (Petra) ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t¡±


    Sighhhhh, at least this is a chance to start my personal growth and start learning how to deal with impatience, we¡¯re probably going to have wait hours for everypleted room now, this dungeon is going to take ages.


    The undead dungeon. It¡¯s now confirmed, these dungeons are purposely designed to be irritating, thank fuck I¡¯ve got more than enough food for all of us to survive down here with as well.


    At least the difficulty spike has now kicked in. If normal people were toe in here, these uing floors would end them. Whether it¡¯s from starvation or not being able to use magic, this ce has now gotten difficult, just for different reasons than expected.


    It¡¯s still better than thest two dungeons though.


    __________


    ¡°*Huff, huff* damn¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°You okay Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°*Huff* I¡¯m fine, I¡¯m fine. Just give me a sec¡±


    Two weeks, it¡¯s taken us two weeks to get to floor sixty-five, everyday has literally been,plete a level or two, take a break or sleep then carry on. Unlike the previous zombie and skeleton part of the dungeon, these enemies don¡¯t get quicker or more intelligent, they just add more and more to the fight, this dungeon has be a war of attrition now, not sure if I¡¯m using that right though.


    Around the fifty-level mark, some new type of ghostly creatures started appearing as well, banshees and phantoms. I came up with the name and based them of the old legends since Petra wasn¡¯tpletely sure on the name, she just calls them ghosts as well but they do have a slight difference though.


    They look very simr to the ghosts but have a much more sinister vibe to them and are absolutely terrifying to look at, I felt like I was having a panic attack the first time Iid eyes on one. Still, after fighting them for thest fifteen floors, I reckon I¡¯ve gotten a lot better with any slight fear of the paranormal, it¡¯s a bit hard to be afraid of something that you¡¯ve been destroying nonstop for days.


    I did also take a slight bit of damage from one them as well, that was a really weird experience. Not painful mind you, the closest feeling thing I canpare it to is when that woman groped me in the bathhouse. Yeah, I know it¡¯s a stupidparison but it¡¯s that type of ufortableness thates with it, feel a little grossed out just thinking back on it.


    It barely did any damage but then again, I did destroy it instantly after it tried to grope me. If it was to keep hold of me for a minute or so and there was multiple of them at once, that might deal a load of damage. That thought is scary though, let¡¯s go back to why I¡¯m out of breath.


    I¡¯m huffing and puffing because of thest battle we just had, thatst fight in particr took a lot out of me, haven¡¯t checked my stamina but it definitely feels low, stress also reduces it quickly so it makes sense.


    (Petra) ¡°Time to take a break again¡±


    ¡°Good idea, Ikarus-sama is still out of breath¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah, good choice¡±


    While those lot sort out some stuff, I¡¯m going for a quick nap. They¡¯ll wake me up when needed, I do have a tendency of sleeping like a rock once I¡¯m out. I¡¯ll just sleep here; the floor looksfortable enough.


    __________


    ¡°Ikarus¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Time to wake¡­¡±


    ¡° Wha- *Achoo*¡­ what¡­ are you doing?¡±


    I wake up lying t down on the ground to see Petra crouching down smiling above me, she¡¯s holding an orange feather in her hand and must have been tickling it against my nose in order to wake me up.


    ¡°Where did you get that feather?¡±


    ¡°From you, it¡¯s been stuck to your boot since we came in¡±


    So, she¡¯s not plucking feathers from me like a creepy stalker then. To be honest, I¡¯d definitely feel it if she did so she¡¯s probably telling the truth.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have just woken me like a normal person? Just kick me or something, why wake me in such a weird way?¡±


    ¡°Would you be preferred to be kicked next time?¡±


    I just sit up and just ignore her, I¡¯m not awake enough yet to put up with her teasing or whatever it is she does.


    ¡°Are you lot already to go?¡±


    I notice both priestess and the knight both already have their weapons out, were they sparring while I was sleeping again?


    ¡°Kind of Ikarus-sama¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t want to wake you¡±


    I must have been out for a while then; it wasn¡¯t time for us to sleep so I guess I might¡¯ve been holding everyone up. I don¡¯t care though since trying to fight while tired is a really bad idea. Also, if my prediction is right, the next level might be another boss, it should be seeing that the next room is different.


    We¡¯ve already taken a look at the next room and it¡¯s simr but different to this one. The only differences are that the red button and pedestal are gone and it is slightly bigger, we reckon it¡¯ll be another sub-boss but we obviously have no idea what it could be yet.


    ¡°Give me a second then, need to get the sleep out of my eyes¡±


    (Petra) ¡°There¡¯s no rush Ikarus, those two were just having a sparring session¡±


    Then, my sly nature thought of something funny that Petra is unaware of right now.


    ¡°A sparring session you say? Did Charlotte bind Nathan up again?¡±


    As I say that, both their faces go embarrassed and I can¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°Bind? I didn¡¯t realize they had such a rtionship¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°We don¡¯t! Honest!¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Did you have to say that Ikarus?¡±


    Both of them are getting really defensive about this, all I''m doing is giving a recap on previous events.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m lying... You¡¯ve already kissed and you¡¯ve even bound each other as well, that¡¯s only from what I¡¯m aware of¡±


    (Petra) ¡°They¡¯ve kissed as well?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°We had too! The dungeon made us!¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Must you Ikarus?¡±


    I can¡¯t help but start giggling, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m lying or even trying to tease them right now, I¡¯m just telling straight facts. I think Petra can tell what I¡¯m doing though.


    (Petra) ¡°Even if it¡¯s just down to circumstances, there¡¯s no need to get shy and flustered about it¡±


    ¡°Yeah, just get together already and everything will be cool¡±


    It¡¯s clear that not the point Petra was making but I can¡¯t help myself right now. Thing is, I think Nathan might be getting a little annoyed with my teasing.


    ¡°Ikarus, you know you and Petra are closer than me and Lotte, right?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean we¡¯re closer?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen two people so friendly together who aren¡¯t husband and wife¡±


    Wait a second, is the knight actually giving me a taste of my own medicine? I know I deserve it but still, I didn¡¯t expect him to respond like that.


    ¡°He is right Ikarus, we do spend more time together then those two¡±


    Petra agrees with him? I haven¡¯t even noticed it and why is she smiling about it as well? Of course, we¡¯re going to spend more time together, we both aren¡¯t boring and have a simr sense of humour.


    I really don¡¯t think we¡¯re that close though.


    ¡°Ah forget it, it¡¯s clear I¡¯ve crossed a line here so I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, we know you¡¯re only ying about¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t cross a line Ikarus, I¡¯m just saying you two seem closer. Sorry if I came across a little nasty¡±


    That conversation is something I can¡¯t help but start thinking about now, am I closer to Petra then those two lovebirds? I mean, I like Petra but it¡¯s not like we¡¯re a thing. Sure, I do spend more time talking with her than anyone else but that¡¯s just because she¡¯s interesting and not boring like those two.


    Wait, I like? Where the hell did thate from, it¡¯s not like I dislike her but to go that far? Damn it, this stupid knight has gotten me thinking about pointless things now, I¡¯m ignoring this.


    I shake my head while I¡¯m still sitting on floor and find Petra still looking at me.


    ¡°What are you thinking so heavily about?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know¡±


    ¡°Really? Was it something bad then?¡±


    She¡¯s going to start teasing again so I¡¯ll ignore it, I want to get a move on so I speak once more while getting myself up off the ground.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ I¡¯m more than awake now, can we make a move on then?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°What¡¯s your magic at Ikarus?¡±


    ¡®Aesa?¡¯


    [<92%>]


    ¡°Close to full¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Good then¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re ready Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m good¡±


    We all enter into the next room ready to go and just after we step in, the door closes behind us, this is different than usual since it normally doesn¡¯t close till the button has been pressed.


    In the centre of the room, arge ghostly figure starts forming slowly, magic particles also start crashing into the charging up undead creature.


    ¡°Shit¡±


    Wait, Petra just swore, is that the first time? She might have sworn once or twice before but she it¡¯s extremely rare, what¡¯s going on?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    As I¡¯m asking her, I want to check my status at the undead that is appeareing. Its appearance has now mostly formed and looks like a more menacing version of the other creatures, just a lot bigger and has four arms as well as a pair of ghostly wings but they don''t look like they work.


    ¡°That thing is a wraith. Ikarus and knight, you two sit out this fight¡±


    ¡®It can¡¯t be that bad, right? Status¡¯


    [Name: ________ | Species: Wraith | Level: 250]


    [Health 12,500/12,500]


    [Stamina 12,500/12,500]


    [Magicka 25,000/25,000]


    ¡®That thing is higher level sure, but wouldn¡¯t all four of us provide more help? I can¡¯t understand why she seems so stressed¡¯


    [<Aesa advises -user- shut up and listen to target -Petra->]


    I quickly get told off by my nagging wife, I feel like I¡¯m missing something here. At least Aesa is willing to use Petra¡¯s name now.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want us involved?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah sorry, why?¡±


    I¡¯ve never seen Petra look this serious over something, that ghostly figure must be extremely dangerous for her to react like this.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t something you two can handle, trust me. Priestess, get your God to provide us with some support here¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll need a little more to go off than that Petra-sama, I¡¯m unable to use my main attack remember¡±


    If it isn¡¯t obvious yet, big orbitalsers that shoot down from the sky don¡¯t work inside or underground, priestess hasn¡¯t used any abilities since we¡¯ve entered this dungeon.


    ¡°Just anything that doesn¡¯t use physical damage as its main attack. Us two should still be enough but I don¡¯t want to take chances, this guy isn¡¯t a normal enemy¡±


    ¡°Give me a second¡­ he says he¡¯s willing to offer something that might help¡±


    ¡°Good¡±


    Both Charlotte and Petra approach the wraith while me and Nathan stand back but I can¡¯t help but still question things though.


    ¡°Wait! You seriously want us two to stand back?¡±


    Petra lets out a little sigh but it seems to be more in a stressed way than annoyance.


    ¡°*Sigh*, Ikarus please, this is for your own safety¡±


    I¡¯ll just let it go and join in if they need help then, she normally isn¡¯t a very serious person so I¡¯ll just trust her.


    The undead wraith has now fully formed and is ready to attack. Before it has the chance to even do a single thing, both Charlotte and Petra step even further into the room.


    ¡°Priestess, please prepare your attack¡±


    ¡°Okay¡±


    After speaking, Petra puts out her spare hand and releases her ck me all across the room ahead of them two covering every inch of the area around the wraith in thick, ck deadly fire.


    ¡°Ready?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    The priestess follows up her confirmation with her summoned sword pointing it towards the ck me covered wraith.


    ¡°Repent!¡±


    As the priestess says that, the gigantic shbang attack returns surrounding everything in front of us in pure white. Likest time with the white dragon, it stays for a little bit and then disappears. Once it¡¯s gone, the wraith is nowhere to be seen and the door to the next room has opened.


    ¡­


    ¡®What the¡­ that was disappointing as fuck¡¯


    I can¡¯t help and be a little surprised and disappointed, both of those two have killed the wraith in a split second. Talk about overkill, I was expecting an exciting battle to the death, that just feels like azy twist.


    ¡°Wait, is that it?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Is it finished?¡±


    ¡°Yes Nat, that creature is now gone¡±


    Petra is also now looking a lot calmer after destroying the ghostly undead.


    ¡°Phew, you really have no idea how much you helped their priestess, that might¡¯ve been a slug without you¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me, thank-¡±


    Petra finishes her sentence for her.


    ¡°Your God, right? Tell him he has my gratitude¡±


    ¡°He says he epts your gratitude; he also would like to point out that your worry was justified, that foe needed taking care of swiftly¡±


    Am I missing something right now?


    ¡°Oi, are you two listening me? Why were you so worried when you just one hit it?¡±


    Petra made that out to be an enemy of immense power and destruction, yet they both just killed it like that.


    ¡°That wraith Ikarus, the word you would use to describe it would be overpowered. Magic doesn¡¯t work against it as well as physical attacks, you and the knight would¡¯ve been useless¡­¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s that strong that we would¡¯ve been useless?¡¯


    ¡°¡­ Sorry, that sounds mean, that wasn¡¯t supposed toe across like that. My point is, didn¡¯t want to see that thing hurt and stress you out, it would¡¯ve been a fight that you couldn¡¯t inflict any damage on¡±


    She doesn¡¯t want to see me hurt or stressed out? Oi, don¡¯t fixate on stupid things Ikarus!


    ¡°How did you kill it then? You just said magic doesn¡¯t work¡±


    It¡¯s obvious I¡¯m the only one pressing on this, both the knight and priestess have started talking about something else while I¡¯m still slightlyining.


    ¡°That was an ability that just got used, not magic. There is a slight difference between ability magic and magicka as you call it. It also gets listed as ki in my system though¡±


    That wasn¡¯t magic? That looked nearly identical to the other magic attack she¡¯s been using recently, just was bigger and more destructive. I don¡¯t have any abilities that inflict damage since all mine are stat or defence rted. I guess she was right not to involve me and the knight then if we couldn¡¯t have damaged it.


    It¡¯s probably time to take another break, can¡¯t be fighting on empty stomach, or magicka as well. It¡¯s a really good thing Petra is down here with us.

 Chapter 39 – Completion

    Chapter 39 ¨C Completion


    Once we''ve all rested and done everything that we''ve done every floor leading up to this point, we all together walk into level sixty-seven.


    The next room is back to the same red buttonyout, the walls and the floor this time are ck, simr looking to how the firstbyrinth dungeon was.


    All of us are ready to fight so I go up to the button. Once I press the button, a group of six dog looking creatures start magically appearing out of thin air surrounding the outsides of the room. These creatures are pure ck in colour and have red eyes with sharp looking teeth, also have a slight shine to them as well.


    Petra hasn''t taken lead of the group yet, is she confused with these creatures as well?


    "Has anyone ever faced these creatures before?"


    (Petra) "Sorry Ikarus, haven''t"


    (Charlotte) "I haven''t either"


    (Nathan) "Same here"


    As I finish speaking, all six of the hellhounds charge towards our group all in several directions, Petra steps forward to fire a dark fireball at one of the hounds, it doesn''t stop it in its tracks but it seems Petra knew that would happen.


    "Thought so, magic won''t work, physical attacks only now"


    ''Status''


    [<Won''t work -user->]


    I thought to give the status screen a try just before our fight is about tomence but it obviously didn''t work, it only seems to work on bosses down here.


    All six creatures are now in close range and one of them approaches me to attack. It dives at me and I thrust and stab at it mid-air, it thankfully kills the creature but my sword gets stuck inside the damn thing.


    While I was dealing with my dog, all three of my party members are in their own battle, I don''t have the time to watch though, another beast has aimed for me.


    (Ikarus) "Stupid dog"


    As I''m pulling out my de from the creature I just killed, the other dog jumps towards me but I still haven''t pulled my sword out just yet and I cannot block or dodge this, this beast is going to get a bite out of me.


    I tense up and try to block it with my other arm in anticipation of the attack but just before the creature''s teeth sinks into my arm, a sword slices the head of the creature off.


    "Alright Ikarus?"


    Thankfully, Petra has my back covered. The fight is now over as well, all six of the dogs are now dead. I''m not the only one who just had a close call though.


    The knight has taken a bite wound from one of the creatures, his arm looks pretty nasty, it wasn''t his main sword arm so he should still be able to fight, maybe not perfectly though.


    "I''m such an idiot, what knight can''t take two dogs on at once?"


    "Don''t be like that Nat, they weren''t easy creatures to deal with"


    Me and Petra just let Charlotte sort his wound out, she will more than happily attend to him. I need to thank Petra anyway, that bite would''ve hurt.


    "Thanks for the assist, that puppy nearly got a bite of this chicken. Well, human looking chicken right now"


    "Heh, you''re wee"


    Might as well make a joke out of it, the speed on those creatures is a little bit out of myfort zone. Seriously though, if magic is pointless, then multiple of them at once is slightly too much for me, way too fast for mycking sword skills to handle. Petra and Charlotte look to have no issue with them though.


    "There you go, good as new"


    "Thanks Lotte"


    The priestess has now bandaged up the knight''s arm, I really have no motivation to tease them right now, this situation is serious. I need to start focusing a bit more otherwise I''m going to get hurt now.


    "We''re definitely going to struggle from now on"


    Both Charlotte and Nathan look slightly worried from my observation but Petra looks perfectly fine though.


    (Petra) "No need to worry Ikarus, have something that can help make these fights easier"


    __________


    We''ve gone through twelve more floors since that first encounter with the dogs and none of us have taken any more bites or close calls, mostly down to the fact Petra is as overpowered as Charlotte. Seriously though, she''s taken responsibility and taken out more than half of the creatures we''vee across just by herself.


    "What do you even call that anyway?"


    "It''s a type of sword art that got mastered a while back"


    You know that thing she said which can make these fights easier? She can control her sword with her mind. The fact that she''s waited this long to use such a brilliant thing is slightly annoying, watching the de fly about slicing and shing at any enemy it encounters is pretty cool to be honest. Unlike with dragons misnaming things, this is actual telekinesis.


    "Why save it until now though? Wouldn''t it make sense to use it more?"


    "There''s no point revealing your capabilities all at once Ikarus, there needs to be suspense and the perfect timing for such a reveal..."


    ''I feel like she''s just teasing right now''


    "... That''s more of a joke though, just prefer relying on my own two hands and try to ignore the support of the system unless I really have to"


    A thought of something the bitch mage said when she was first training me came to mind when Petra said that, I know I''m too reliant on Aesa but I have to be, just because someone''s right isn''t an excuse for bullying behaviour. I''m going to try mentioning the mage less now, I''m dwelling onto bad memories.


    Petra didn''t actually say I have to be less reliant though, I think she was just giving her own personal views on the whole thing. I can still be one hundred percent reliant on my system though and I n to be. Petra still uses her system when needed so it''s fine.


    [<Hmph>]


    ''Oi, don''t you start, shoo''


    In all honesty, me and Nathan have basically be dead weight in this dungeon now, we can take care of one, maybe two of the hounds but nearly every floor, the numbers keep increasing. Most fights end up with both Charlotte and Petra protecting us.


    This makes sense from my experience; swordy isn''t my specialty. As for the knight, you would maybe expect him to be a little better but I guess he is inexperienced as well. I think he might be improving his swordy but I honestly have no idea.


    Still, it''s doesn''t actually feel that bad being protected by Petra, Is that slightly weird? Charlotte is mostly protecting Nathan as well so I''m not the only one. Yeah, I think it is a little weird, let''s just carry on.


    I wouldin about the insane difficulty spike in this dungeon but there''s absolutely nothing I can do about it, I can''t always just keepining for the sake of it, I do like the sound of my own voice but even I start boring myself sometimes.


    I''ve just realized something else, if the current rate of sub-bosses continue, doesn''t that mean level ny-nine will contain the third sub-boss? What the hell is waiting on one hundred then?


    Back onto the present situation, we''ve justpleted the current level, eighty two and had a break and as well as about to enter the next one.


    "If we''re basing this of everything else, the next one should hold a new type of enemy, right?"


    (Petra) "Probably Ikarus"


    (Charlotte) "It does seem that way"


    (Nathan) "Yeah"


    The door is open like usual so I take a quick peak. Unlike all the otheryouts for normal levels, the next floor doesn''t have a button but in the middle of the room sits two statues. A smile quickly appears on my face but not for the reason you might be thinking of.


    "I think... I know what they are"


    All three of my party members join me peeking into the next room and Petra also already knows what we''re about to face off against to.


    "Heh, isn''t that a happy surprise"


    (Charlotte) "What are those two creatures then?"


    (Nathan) "Yeah, what are they?"


    So, me and Petra both know what creatures sits in the next room, I know because I''m a fantasy nerd and Petra''s has probablye up against these before.


    To describe their appearance in detail, imagine a human sized goblin that it sitting and is covered in concrete, also a small pair of tattered wings sit on upon its back.


    "They''re gargoyles, it would be better for you two to sit out of the next battle and just allow me and Ikarus fight"


    Just us two fighting the statue looking creatures? She''s also smiling about this, what''s going on?


    "I''m a bit unsure why you''re smiling Petra, aren''t they going to be harder than anything we''ve faced?"


    She seems really confident andpletely rxed; I can''t understand why. The difficulty curve has really started to spike now, shouldn''t these be insanely difficult? Both Nathan and Charlotte look a little confused as well.


    "Gargoyles are resistant to nearly every type of damage and take an extreme amount of force and power to break through their tough concrete like shell, there is one exception though. They have an extreme weakness to fire. So much so in fact, that even just a light me can easily kill them"


    "You''re kidding right?"


    "No, you''re really going to enjoy yourself now Ikarus"


    She''s deadly serious, how can such a creature in a high level of this dungeon have such a tant weakness? Actually, I think we may have just gotten lucky this time. Think about it, there would be no way of making a fire down here so that weakness would never be known to most people. Well, except for fire magic users and the two of us, I now can''t wait to see just how weak they are.


    I don''t even care knowing about how she discovered this, gargoyles hate fire, fuck yeah!


    ''I''m going to enjoy this''


    With that thought, we enter floor eighty-three.


    __________


    The route up to ny-eight was a piece of cake, no kidding at all. There was a slight difficulty increase after the first few levels of gargoyles, mostly the fact that the hellhounds started getting mixed up with the spawns of the next floors. It would''ve made it more difficult if the floating sword art user Petra and Charlotte weren''t around giving me more than enough time to handle the gargoyles alone.


    The gargoyles are pathetic to fire, I can see why Petra seemed so calm about this now. As long as we can separate the dogs, the gargoyles don''t require an inch of effort. I can seriously kill one with a low magic fireball that uses one percent of my magicka, that''s how weak they are.


    I actually feel sorry for Nathan now, he''s really getting left behind in here, there''s not much he can do except cheer us on and take care of a single hellhound every now and then.


    Afterst time, I also stopped counting how many days we''ve been in here now, I think it''s been close to another two weeks but I haven''t regrly been checking my HP lost by the curse so I''m notpletely sure.


    I am starting to feel this dungeon''s theme isn''t undead. Well, it still is undead but it seems to be more longevity based, like an endurance type dungeon perhaps? If I think about it, it wouldn''t surprise me if we''ve been down here for a month now, this isn''t even my impatience ying up this time, Petra has been keeping a rough idea and even she thinks it''s been at least four weeks.


    I think it''s safe to say, if Petra wasn''t with us down here, this would''ve been a terrible dungeon toplete. I''m actually unsure if we''d been able toplete it just as us three, let''s not think on what if''s scenarios though, seems pointless.


    Something odd has happened after clearing out floor ny-eight though, the door to the next floor hasn''t opened. None of us have a clue why so we''re currently just sitting around resting till we can have a peek at the next level, I would startining like normal but we needed a break anyway and there isn''t anything we can do about the door not opening.


    Might as well make some small talk since we can''t even look what''s uing in the penultimate level now, so close to finishing this time-consuming ce.


    "Petra, how did you even know about all the enemies'' weaknesses?"


    Seems like a good time to ask that question.


    "The howling woods Ikarus, it''s a dark, gloomy forest that sits in an unpopted part of the elven continent that necromancers and vampires used to live in, I say used to because most of the major groups died by my hands"


    I also got some more food out that both the knight and priestess are currently stuffing down while me and Petra are chatting, I really don''t have an appetite right now, also might make sense to start preserving some supplies seeing that we have used at least a months'' worth of food down here already.


    As for what she said, I figured it would be something like that, it would have to be something rted to undead obviously.


    "Sounds scary, I think I''d rather avoid a ce like that"


    "It should have calmed down a lot now. If that map you''ve shown me is correct, we''ll be going near that forest in search for one of the next dungeons, we should pay a visit and you can experience the beauty of that ce for yourself Ikarus"


    She''s still willing to follow us to the elven continent? That''s good then, I''m a little confused on something she just said though.


    "How can a ce called the howling woods be considered beautiful? You even just said it''s dark and gloomy as well"


    "Because there''s more to it than just that, you need to see it for yourself to understand Ikarus. It really is beautiful, reminds me of someone"


    Before I have the chance to ask some more questions to the smiling Petra, the door to the next level opens and a voice calls for us.


    "Enter"


    An ominous male voice echoes through the opening door and all of us clearly hear it. However, none of us do anything, heading into the next level right now would be slightly suicidal. We still need our magicka reserves to refill before carrying on.


    ...


    The voice very quickly gets irritated from our reluctance to continue on though.


    "If you do not enter, that level will keep refilling with undead until you enter the next level"


    "Wait, is this bastard serious?"


    (Petra) "He could be bluffing but it''s too risky"


    "The Lord can protect us if things go bad"


    (Nathan) "Yeah, I guess"


    I guess we''re all going to do what the voice says then, I just need to pack away the remaining food and drink before we set off though. Thing is, we should be able to fight while notpletely recovered yet, it''s just that none of us want to rush head first into a situation that could be dangerous even despite the fact the gargoyles were shite.


    "Let''s just go then"


    (Charlotte) "Summon"


    "Yeah"


    "..."


    Once everything is packed up, all of us get up and head into the next room towards the voice as well as getting our weapons ready. We enter all noticing immediately the next room is very different to any other one that we''vee across in any dungeon so far.


    Describing it, the floors and walls look to be made out of a marble white that makes up the long rectangr room and at the end of the room, a red and golden throne can be seen on top of a red carpet. Sitting upon that throne, is a male human that has jet ck short hair and red eyes.


    "I''d rmend putting your weapons away"


    That actually came from Petra, why is she telling us to put them away and why has she also sheathed her sword?


    (Ikarus) "What?"


    "Why Petra-sama"


    (Nathan) "Yeah, why?"


    I''m the second person to put my weapon away. If it''s Petra, then she has a good reason, I would like to know why though.


    "There''s no need to fight, that''s why. Priestess, have you nevere across a dungeon master before?"


    (Charlotte) "I unfortunately haven''t"


    The man just sits there with a slight smirk at the four of us sheathing or unsummoning our weapons, I''ve got to do my regr status check right now though.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Rakesh | Species: Vampire | Level: 500]


    [Health 30,000/30,000]


    [Stamina 18,169/20,000]


    [Magicka 50,000/50,000]


    ''Shit, his stats and level are really high. Aesa, what''s his stat modifier?''


    [<2x distribution multiplier>]


    Is this Petra embracing our deaths or something? Wait a second, I''m being stupid, he''s a freaking vampire... What is a vampire''s biggest weakness other than silver, garlic or wooden crosses? Me and Petra are literally this guy''s main weakness.


    I also noticed Petra''s eyes go blue while I was checking his status out, I''m not the only one who thinks ahead. Well, she is a hell of a lot more intelligent than me so that''s to be expected.


    "ck haired women... why is it you''ve ordered yourrades to stand down?"


    He can''t help but have a slight grin while speaking as well, it''s nothing like the prince''s smile or that pervert lord kes smile, his is a lot more unnoticeable.


    "Two of us in this party use fire and one of us can use light magic, you understand what that means, vampire? I''ve already killed enough of your kind and would rather we find a peaceful solution"


    The vampire just keeps grinning towards the confident Petra, he really doesn''t seem all that concerned right now.


    "So... you reckon you''d easily be able to defeat me?"


    "You wouldn''tst a minute"


    Petra says in this most serious manner I''ve ever heard her speak, I''m unsure on why she doesn''t want to fight but I''m notining, we''ve been in here for long enough now.


    The thing is though, his reaction ispleted unexpected.


    "Hahahahahahaha..."


    He breaks out in uncontrobleughter sitting on his throne, none of us know how to react to theughing vampire.


    "... Haha... you are right, the four of you would destroy me. I wasn''t looking for a fight if that''s what you expecting, I''m just here to say... congrattions forpleting my dungeon!"


    "We''vepleted your dungeon?"


    Damn, I shouldn''t have asked that, that perviousment about him being a dungeon master from Petra has only now just sunk in, I forgot about that. Wait, we haven''tpleted it, we''re only on floor ny-nine though.


    "Yes... to think in the hundreds of years and hundreds of people that have entered this ce, it''s taken until now for you four perky adventurers toplete it. You should be proud of yourselves!"


    I think it''s safe to say, me, Petra and Nathan may have a slight surprised look to how this is going down. It''d odd that even Petra didn''t expect this response. Charlotte has a much different reaction though.


    "If this heathen has sent many innocent people to their deaths, then it''s up to us to stop him"


    ''She''s started using heathen again, urghhhhh''


    "Nun, I never invited anyone into my dungeon. If you were to just wonder into someone''s home without their permission, then isn''t that trespassing? The entrance isn''t exactly easy toe by as well"


    Heh, he just called her a nun, she does look like one I guess. He does have a slight point as well; we are trespassing at the end of the day in someone else''s dungeon.


    "I don''t care about you reasoning heathe-"


    (Ikarus) "Just shut it priestess, we''re not fighting him"


    I have to cut her off, I''m turning this back into a dictatorship if she''s going to be insanely stupid. We''ve just spent thest ny-eight floors fighting, let it go, you religious nut. He''s not a bandit so stand the fuck down!


    The thing is, after spending this long in this ce, I''m really happy there isn''t a stupidly difficult boss fight now, I''m not having the priestess create an additional battle just for the sake of her shitty beliefs.


    (Petra) "What does this mean then vampire? Is your intention to try and stab us in the back when we least expect it and why did you just threaten us?"


    Petra is sceptical on the guy''s honesty, can''t say I me her, this situation is slightly odd.


    "No no... my intention is to give you powerful adventures'' a reward forpleting the dungeon! That threat to refill the room was just a bluff anyway, it''s impossible when living souls reside in the room. I was just getting a little impatient"


    He sounds genuine but then again, I''m pretty na?ve, Petra isn''t.


    "Don''t try and take us for fools'' vampire. You try anything, we will turn you to ash"


    "Honestly, I mean you no harm! Look, the reward is on thest floor, I''ll even guide you if you think I''m nning to ambush you, even aim your weapons at me if you''re worried about anything"


    "I''ll give you the benefit of the doubt then, lead us"


    As much as I like Petra, she does have a slight bossy side to her. It''s clearly needed though; I may be the party leader but I''m inexperienced as fuck and the other two of the party really are not meant for leading in the slightest. Thankfully, she seems kind all the other times though.


    "Then follow me"


    As we''re following the vampire, I can''t help but get curious on some things.


    "How the hell do you even survive down here? You can''t exactly drink blood to survive, can you?"


    The leading vampire gives a little chuckle to my question, Petra doesn''t look best pleased though, think she''s still unnerved by the guy.


    "There are two doors that lead to my quarters on the next floor and blood isn''t a requirement I''ve needed for a long time, you stop getting cravings after a few years or so, you lot cannot ess them since I''d rather people not see my belongings"


    "Something to hide, vampire?"


    Petra clearly has a strong distrust of vampires; I''m surprised she was happy to avoidbat if this is the case. Maybe I''ll find out the reason some day, maybe not.


    "I''m not proud to admit it but when you spend hundreds of years in solitude, you tend to ignore basic cleaning. I''d rather not have to share that embarrassment if that''s okay, I will open it if you insist though"


    Petra isn''t pressing him any further now.


    As we''re walking, the vampire lifts out his arm and a door opens onmand, this clearly looks the way to the next level. A memory of Leone has juste up though, something she said about dungeon masters and systems havee to mind.


    "How did you just do that? Do you also have a system?"


    "A system? What is that?"


    He doesn''t know what a system is? How does he run this ce then? Do the dead just refill themselves or is it some bullshit like magic?


    "You control a hundred floors of this ce, right? How do you do it?"


    "I don''t have full control except when refilling the souls that fill the undead hosts, that I can do all within my mind when I''m inside the dungeon though. I''m unsure what you mean by system"


    So, does he have a system or not then? It sounds like he might have one rted to dungeon management or something.


    "Ikarus, might not want to question it too much, it''s different to ours"


    Petra definitely seems calmer now. As for the other two-party members, I guess Charlotte still probably holds some distain to him and Nathan hasn''t got a clue what to think.


    "How do you know that?"


    "He isn''t the first dungeon master I''ve spoken to, our RP system is very, very different. You won''t be able to make sense of what he''s saying and I never could make sense of it either, you''ll just frustrate yourself. Unless that''s what you''re looking for"


    She smiled while finishing that statement, what the hell does she mean by that?


    "My apologies but I''m unsure on how to answer, I still don''t know what a system is"


    (Ikarus) "Just forget what I said"


    Well, anyway, it''s onto thest level of the dungeon, it''s time for a reward. Or a boss fight or even an ambush if this guy is speaking shit.


    Okay, this does look slightly promising though...

 Chapter 40 – Realization

    Chapter 40 ¨C Realization


    ¡°Hehehehe¡±


    ¡°You really seem happy Ikarus¡±


    ¡°You have no idea knight¡±


    We¡¯ve all just left that dungeon and I can¡¯t help but keep giggling to myself, the rewards for that ce were dope. Notice how I say rewards as well, I received two rewards from that ce.


    The first of the rewards was an enchanted de, well, it¡¯s more the size of a bowie knife but it¡¯s pretty epic. Imagine a red and ck zombie knife that is sharp as fuck and can cut through most things, I think that might be what the enchantment on it is, extra sharpness!


    That was the generic reward forpleting the ce that anyone could¡¯ve gotten, the vampire confirmed as much when giving it to me. This knife should in theory go to the empire since it¡¯s enchanted but there¡¯s no chance I¡¯m giving up this little beauty.


    The second was an ability both me and Petra received that the vampire had no idea on which Aesa went through with me, this reward was just as good as the first.


    The ability in question is called undead fiend, sounds pretty shit right? You¡¯d be mistaken, undead fiend allows me to turnpletely invisible just like that, it probably has something to do with the fact we encountered ghosts down there.


    It¡¯s not perfect since it has a twenty-four-hour cooldown when being deactivated and certain actions like using attacks switches it off but when it¡¯s being used for something like spying, it will not switch off till I want it to.


    Petra doesn¡¯t seem to be all that excited about what we¡¯ve gained, I guess she already had loads of powerful abilities hidden away so this type of thing is probably meaningless to her.


    I can probably find some use for this down the line. If I was perverted, I could use it for spying on people but I¡¯m not though, no point looking at other naked people if you¡¯re alread- no, I¡¯m just turning into a narcissist again so I¡¯m trying to cut that out now.


    We¡¯re currently walking through a short cave that connects to a secret back entrance to that dungeon, I still can¡¯t help but keep giggling, I finally have an actual useable ability and it doesn¡¯t seem shit as well. I¡¯m just happier it isn¡¯t another stat, resistance or EXP thing really.


    ¡°Hehe¡±


    ¡°You know, you look cute when you giggle¡±


    ¡­


    Okay, where did thate from, if she¡¯s going to say dumb shit like that, I¡¯m notughing anymore. Why are both my other party members looking a little unsure as well?


    Wait, she just called me cute? Nah, I¡¯m not dealing with her teasing right now, she¡¯s blind, how the hell could she even tell? I know I am but still.


    We¡¯ve also just arrived at the entrance to the cave as well.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Fresh air¡­ tis bout time¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°You can never really appreciate the little things till you¡¯ve spent a month underground¡±


    ¡°Thank the Lord for getting us through that¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    All of us take in the fresh air, spending that long down there really makes you value just how good the outside really is.


    I feel like Petra is upset at something but I¡¯m not sure why though, she¡¯ll speak if she wants to share, I guess.


    Need to change form and then it¡¯s time to head off, there¡¯s something close to the next dungeon I want to pay a visit to beforehand though. This is gonna be fun!


    __________


    (Ikarus) ¡°Ahhhhhh¡­¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°I love this ce¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    Me, Petra and Nathan are all currently sitting in a hot spring rxing our arses off right now, this ce is way tooforting.


    The reason for this weird turn of events is quite simple. Located on one of three inds north of my parents¡¯ mountain range close to the coast is a small settlement in the middle of one of those inds, that settlement is famous for having a hot spring. The dungeon is on one of the other inds really close to where we are so it made sense stopping here for a night or two.


    I purposely double timed it getting over here as I really wanted to have a bath, not bathing in a month due to the dungeon is more than a fair reason to very quickly want to go somewhere like this.


    As I¡¯m sitting here stewing in this brilliant ce, I can¡¯t help but look around, this ce looks really cool.


    Just imagine the Asian style hot springs that are up in the mountains that have a wooden style building and that¡¯s basically how this ce looks, obviously without the mountain part.


    I can¡¯t help but notice how stereotypical this ce is as well, it literally looks like it¡¯s pulled right out of an anime or manga. Hey, it¡¯s not aint, just a nice observation.


    In the end, the three of us in the springs really didn¡¯t care all that much about sharing one together, it¡¯s not like anything perverted or rude is happening, it¡¯s just like the public bathhouses in this world. Actually, they are separate so it¡¯s not like those, I just wanted to rent one of these out myself so I didn¡¯t have to deal with strangers, that¡¯s why it¡¯s only us three in here.


    Oh, I forget about priestess as well, she¡¯s off praying right now and, in all honesty, I think she¡¯s a little embarrassed about sharing a bath with a man, a man she clearly has a thing for.


    I think she was even shouting at herself at one point before going off to pray, I think her God was trying to encourage her to enter with us but she really isn¡¯t having none of it. Is it weird me and Petra don¡¯t really care about nudity that much? It¡¯s not like Nathan saw anything since everyone uses towels to enter.


    My slight problem is still seeing myself naked, I¡¯m fine right now seeing that I have a lovely warm water in the way blocking anything from view, who cares all that much about a bit of nudity anyway?


    We¡¯ve already been in here for a good hour or so now, we¡¯ve been talking about a load of random things and another thing hase to mind.


    ¡°Hey Nathan, how did you be a flying knight anyway?¡±


    I never asked this since I really didn¡¯t care all that much but seeing that there¡¯s nothing else to discuss, might as well.


    ¡°Honestly Ikarus, even I¡¯m a little unsure. The reasoning his highness gave me was that the empire wascking in flying knights and that he had taken a liking to me. I didn¡¯t really question all that much¡±


    Well that¡¯s annoying, it could have been interesting to know that.


    ¡°I know the reason for that if you two are interested¡±


    Hang on, why would Petra know? I get that she knows a lot but still, she isn¡¯t secretly working for the empire as well, is she? No that¡¯s a dumb thought.


    (Ikarus) ¡°What¡¯s the reason?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what is it?¡±


    ¡°After the incident with the city, the empire lost too many high-ranking soldiers, the numbers had to be made up very quickly even with young and inexperienced guards, it¡¯s just down to how many people were killed¡±


    Petra knows about the destroyed city? We never told her about that, somethings not right here. She seemed a little off when saying that as well.


    ¡°Petra, how do you know about that? It¡¯s supposed to be a secret not known to people who aren¡¯t associated with the empire¡±


    Nathan asks before I have the chance to question as well, just cause she knows a lot doesn¡¯t mean she should have confidential information as well.


    ¡°Everyone has their secrets knight; your empire just so happens to leak like a sieve if you know where to look¡±


    Oh great, this is another one of those secrets you¡¯re not ready to know clich¨¦s again, I hate writers. No idea what¡¯s that got to do with this situation but still, my dislike stands.


    The knight doesn¡¯t end up questioning her and we end up spending another few minutes rxing before he decides he¡¯s had enough.


    ¡°I¡¯ve probably spent enough time in here for now, I¡¯ll see you two in the morning¡±


    Nathan grabs a towel and leaves me and Petra alone in the hot spring, it¡¯s probably a good time for me to leave as well thinking about it, my skin is going to look like a prune if I stay in here for too long, what a waste of this beautiful body that will be. It¡¯s gettingte as well.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to hea-¡±


    ¡°Before you head off Ikarus, I can tell you the real reason why I know that if you want but you might not want to hear it though¡±


    Petra cuts me off and has now made me curious.


    ¡°Why would I not want to hear it?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s one of those things that might change your entire view on who you are actually working with, don¡¯t want to make you feel ufortable moving forward¡±


    Ohe on, you can¡¯t be doing that! This is like the red or blue pill thing; of fucking course I¡¯m taking the red pill. If there¡¯s information to be known even if it¡¯s bad, I still want to know.


    ¡°Just tell me, I can take it¡±


    ¡°Are you really sure Ikarus? It¡¯s only because once you know, you may find it hard to stomach the empire¡±


    She seems really serious right now, what¡¯s this dumb stupid reveal that she doesn¡¯t think I can handle?


    ¡°Just tell me already¡±


    ¡°Fine then, it would be better to show you something beforehand though¡±


    Petra does something, I have no idea what and her body slowly starts to morph into someone else. Once the gross looking change finishes, a horrible looking face appears in the hot spring with me.


    ¡°Wait a second, you¡¯re that bitch mage!?¡±


    Petra immediately facepalms from my stupidment, even I know how dumb that was now.


    ¡°No Ikarus, this is just an example of how easy mimic is so I used one of the most recognizable faces in the empire. Apologies, didn¡¯t realize how much trauma she causes you¡±


    I guess I haven¡¯t said out loud how much I hate Leone to Petra yet so I guess that¡¯s why she didn¡¯t realize my hatred of her, just looking at her makes me feel ufortable right now, switch already!


    Petra quickly changes face and body once again to someone else, this time, an obnoxious mirror stares me down.


    ¡°D-Damn it, change b-back to normal!¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯re you flustered Ikarus?¡±


    Looking at myself naked in a hot spring is literally too much stimtion. I¡¯m having to deal with one naked me, now there¡¯s two!? I know I can¡¯t actually see the other naked part of Petra¡¯s body but still, this might be harder to deal with than the first form she changed to.


    ¡°It¡¯s b-because I¡¯m a stupid n-narcissist, alright?¡±


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll switch back then¡±


    She switches her form back into good original Petra. Thinking about it, that mimic ability is great but not in a good way, that looks nearly identical to the original person, even her eyes gain the colour back in them, I doubt she can still see though. Her eyesight basically ys no problem to her so that wouldn¡¯t matter anyway.


    It¡¯s a really good thing we¡¯re in here alone otherwise we¡¯d be getting some looks right now, I guess Petra wouldn¡¯t show me if we hadpany, I guess. That was a stupid thought by me.


    ¡°Phew¡­ what was your point with all that anyway? Was it just to wind me up?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, that wasn¡¯t my intention, should¡¯ve picked a different face. My point was, by showing you my mimic ability, was trying to show you how I¡¯m able to obtain bits and pieces of information on the empire. By putting on a face and being careful, there isn¡¯t anything the empire can really keep secret¡±


    So, she uses mimic to find her information on the empire by sneaking in like a spy? I¡¯m honestly a little jealous she has such a cool ability but it¡¯s not the time for that, what was her point again?


    ¡°Will you just get on with it then? The way you¡¯re building this up, this reveal is only going to lead to my disappointment¡±


    She gives another little chuckle and smile but then goes quickly serious after.


    ¡°Heh, fair enough. That knight Nathan getting promoted isn¡¯t just a rare urrence, many soldiers or guards had to be promoted because of the sheer number of lives that got lost in the city, the empire had a massive imbnce of power because of it¡±


    I can¡¯t help but get a little annoyed, she kinda just already said all that.


    ¡°You basically already said that, just in lesser words¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know, the reason why the empire had so many stationed there is the issue, why they felt the need to keep so many high-ranking soldiers in a ce far away from any battlefield and any enemy. That city had no need for such manpower¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s the reason then?¡±


    It¡¯s clear that there¡¯s a secret reason for the empire¡¯s activities in the city, I think that¡¯s what¡¯s she¡¯s getting at.


    ¡°The rtionship between lord ke and prince Alistair is the reason. Lord ke was basically the empires right hand man out there handling issues in the city, that wasn¡¯t the main goal though. The main goal behind the twins was to capture a live dragon by any means to use for the empire¡¯s goals¡±


    Wait a second, they¡¯re twin brothers and they were purposely hunting for dragons in the first ce? The prince was actually the reason for all that shit that went down?


    ¡°That literally goes against what I¡¯ve been told¡±


    ¡°The empire isn¡¯t exactly going toe out and tell you that they¡¯ve been hunting and trying to enve dragons for hundreds of years, are they Ikarus? That¡¯s the reason for them being there, they would¡¯ve seeded if it wasn¡¯t for two things¡­¡±


    Damn it, I¡¯m getting pissed off now. I¡¯ll let her keep speaking for a second.


    ¡°¡­ Both reasons being you. First off, your parents would¡¯ve destroyed most of the world if something had gone wrong, the empire didn¡¯t realize they hade across the two strongest dragons on the four continents, they could¡¯ve dealt with your father but your mother would¡¯ve proved impossible¡­¡±


    She even knows about my parents, who the fuck is she? I¡¯ve told her a lot but not everything, I definitely didn¡¯t say anything about my parents, she must have gotten that from the empire itself.


    ¡°¡­ Second, you¡¯re an RP user Ikarus, same as me, we cannot be enved by any means. That empire ve crest is actually one of Leone¡¯s specialties for use against troublesome opposition, she would¡¯ve tried to apply it to you during your capture but it obviously failed¡±


    The empire tried to enve me? The fuck is going on? Am I seriously this na?ve or does Petra have a hidden agenda?


    ¡°When I woke up though, that ke guy said that it would¡¯ve made me into a brainless husk¡±


    ¡°He was lying Ikarus, that¡¯s not even how it works. It doesn¡¯t destroy the person, just makes it impossibly difficult to have or even think bad thoughts about the empire. It¡¯s a perfect crest for controlling any problematic people or getting someone with power onside¡±


    Maybe it didn¡¯t work great on that panther woman because she wasn¡¯t intelligent enough to begin with, she was an animal beforehand though. Why am I just assuming Petra is telling me the truth when I¡¯ve been lied to by the empire? She could be bullshitting me right now as well.


    ¡°By that logic, how can I tell you¡¯re telling the truth?¡±


    She actually looks happy with me questioning her, I can¡¯t understand why though.


    ¡°Don¡¯t want you believe everything I say Ikarus, it¡¯s a good opportunity for you to think more heavily about things and look at if someone is ying you for a fool or not, could be doing the exact same type of thing to you right now¡±


    Damn it, her response actually makes me her believe her, I¡¯m way to na?ve for my own good. Urghhhhh¡­


    ¡°So, let me try and get my head around all this¡­ the empire has been trying to enve dragons for ages, they nearly seed but failed because they messed with the wrong dragon, I would¡¯ve been enved but luckily was resistant to the crest, that lord ke is actually prince Alistair¡¯s twin and Leone is responsible for the ve crest that is secretly being used around the empire¡­ have I missed anything else?¡±


    This stupid info dump has given me a headache now, this is way too much for my stupid bird brain to handle.


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty much everything¡±


    At least that¡¯s it, why has this juste up now though?


    ¡°Look¡­ why reveal this to me this now then?¡±


    I¡¯m slightly pissed at her now. Sure, I did just take the red pill but for fucks sake, it was clear I wasn¡¯t going to turn down the offer.


    ¡°Apologies, this was something I¡¯ve wanted to tell you for a while, nned to tell you once the cure search was over but couldn¡¯t help myself. Sorry Ikarus¡±


    She actually looks a little sad while apologizing, I can¡¯t stay mad at her, she¡¯s not the one who¡¯s caused all this shit. She¡¯s just bringing it to my attention, if she¡¯s telling the truth at the very least.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ well doesn¡¯t that wrap everything up in a neat little bow? Damn it, the only two things I don¡¯t know the reason for now is why the empire is at war and the reward my father promised the prince¡±


    ¡°I can answer those both as well if you want¡±


    Okay, I¡¯m physically holding my head now, my headache is getting even worse.


    ¡°Fuck it, let¡¯s add some more shit to the cesspit¡±


    Even she looks like this conversation is taking its toll on her as well, I guess she doesn¡¯t like seeing me overly stressed out.


    ¡°If it¡¯s rted to the rebels in the southeast, then that¡¯s directly caused by the empire, they¡¯ll have more justification for mandatory drafts and can control the general poption with fear slightly easier with an ongoing war, that¡¯s only spection though. What isn¡¯t spection is that they could just easily end the war in a week if they really wanted to, they have more than enough power to do so¡­¡±


    The war in the southeast is purposely being drawn out by the empire for controlling reasons? Sighhhhh¡­


    ¡°¡­ As for your father offering a reward, the only thing I can think of is that he might¡¯ve offered them servitude but I really cannot be sure though, sorry¡±


    I instantly respond in a nasty way to that.


    ¡°Fuck no, there is no way father offered to work under humans¡­ wait, he basically already does wyvern killing for them and has been in contact with other people from the empire, does that mean he could be under their control?¡±


    My anger goes very quickly when I realized he might be under their control, this fucking empire is now doing my head in.


    ¡°Strongly doubt it, dragons are extremely tough creatures to apply ve crests on, they could do it but they would need to capture him properly first and that would be difficult in its own right. If he¡¯s offered to serve them, then there wouldn¡¯t be any point in trying to force a crest on. Well, right now at the very least¡±


    Let¡¯s just recap everything, the people in power in the empire are a bunch of lying dickheads. What the hell am I supposed to do with this info dump? Seriously though, should I just fly in to the pce and try and burn it to the ground or get my parents involved? I clearly need to get them involved if this is matter that involves capturing dragons but still, I don¡¯t want them to just burn down the city in the blink of an eye. Thousands of people shouldn¡¯t die just because of a few bad people, it is tempting though.


    ¡°Seriously Petra, what the hell am I supposed to do with all this information? I feel like I¡¯m going to pass out from all this¡±


    She looks a little down as well now, I¡¯m really unsure what¡¯s going through her brain but I think she at least gets how I¡¯m feeling right now.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Ikarus but it isn¡¯t my ce to say, I hold a dislike for the empire but this isn¡¯t something I can decide for you, whatever you want to do is only a decision you can make. If it¡¯s that hard to deal with, just pretend I never said anything and imagine this as a passing thought¡±


    ¡°How the fuck am I supposed to do this now? Can you please just give me anything, even just something tiny?¡±


    She takes a second to answer, I think she regrets telling me all this now as well.


    ¡°Look, if you really want my advice Ikarus, do nothing. Right now, you still are allied with the empire, use it for your advantage. They are providing you locations for dungeons, use them for your own benefit and gain. Once you¡¯re cured, then the decision is yours, I¡¯ll follow you whatever route you take if you¡¯ll allow me to¡±


    She¡¯s happy to keep following me? At least I don¡¯t have to gain another worry to my ongoing bag of crap.


    I can¡¯t just assume everything she said is true but if it is, then I want nothing to do with the people in control of this empire. So much so in fact, I¡¯d be happy to burn the capital to the ground, I¡¯m NOT taking that route though. As attractive as it sounds, I really only want to kill two people, the prince and the mage, maybe the rest of royal family as well might help.


    Urgh, this isn¡¯t something to think about right now, I still need to y nice for the time being.


    Then another thought came to mind.


    ¡°Crap, what about the knight and priestess? Have they both got the crest?¡±


    Are both my party members under their control? If they are, will I have to kill them as well?


    ¡°Both are clean, already checked when we first started travelling together¡±


    Phew, the only reason I can think of why they might be clean is that priestess is too powerful to enve and for the knight, there¡¯s probably no point in doing it. From the royal¡¯s perspective, he isn¡¯t exactly someone who could threaten their rulership, I¡¯m clearly just guessing though.


    ¡°They¡¯re both going to be problems though, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°Maybe, but this still isn¡¯t something to worry about just yet, both have no idea what¡¯s going on behind the scenes. It might be better to keep this hidden from them as well, at least for now¡±


    We¡¯ve basically got a priestess and knight who serves under the empire constantly by our sides. Charlotte might be able to be convinced if she was to see the prince as a heathen but that doesn¡¯t sound like an easy task. Nathan, he is surprisingly open minded for a knight but even then, could you convince him to turn against someone he¡¯s vowed to serve under? This is going to be difficult, if not impossible to do.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ I¡¯m going to the inn now, night Petra¡±


    ¡°Night Ikarus¡±

 Chapter 41 – Dungeon D?rt

    Chapter 41 ¨C Dungeon D?rt


    Slept like shit, I didn¡¯t even want to spend the night drinking, that¡¯s how crap I felt. I guess I feel a little better now but still not particrly great.


    I¡¯m currently sitting at a table at the inn we¡¯re staying at on that hot spring ind settlement I was talking about. The little town out here is quite nice and peaceful, at least from what I was able to tell since I also spent the night exploring this town. You¡¯d think it would be empty since it was midnight but you¡¯ll be surprised how many people we still up and about.


    ¡°Morning Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Morning¡±


    Petra has just entered the inn seating area and just greeted me; she looks a little tired as well.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t sleep as well?¡±


    I guess she can tell just by looking at my face. No, she¡¯s blind, maybe from my energy perhaps?


    As she sits down next to me at the table, I start speaking quietly still having a question fromst night.


    ¡°Petra, why were you even spying on the empire anyway?¡±


    Most things were cleared upst night but there are still some things that don¡¯t makeplete sense, what were her reasons for even knowing all that crap?


    ¡°Searching for something and the informationwork the empire has is vast and endless¡±


    She responds speaking quietly as well, we are the only people in here right now but still, might be ears hidden about.


    ¡°What are you searching for?¡±


    ¡°Rather not say if you don¡¯t mind, it¡¯s slightly personal¡±


    She¡¯s looks really depressed while giving her answer, I won¡¯t press her, everyone has secrets they don¡¯t wish to share. I do wish that maybe she would just reveal everything but then again, look at what just happenedst night, can I even take knowing everything?


    Yeah, I can. I¡¯m not getting depressed over this anymore, the empire are lying bastards who have been desperately trying to cover their tracks, no point in worrying over the future. The prince in particr will receive hiseuppance, I think that means punishment but I¡¯m unsure.


    ¡°You two are already up?¡±


    ¡°Morning Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama¡±


    Oh, the knight and priestess are joining us as well now, I¡¯m surprised they¡¯re up this early. At least this means we can start making a move once everyone¡¯s ready, might as well focus on the uing dungeon.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s everyone¡¯s up, when do you all want to leave?¡±


    I¡¯d rather just continue on the dungeon search and keep my mind off things right now, seems a good way of keeping myself distracted.


    ¡°Ikarus, have you eaten yet?¡±


    Petra¡¯s the first to respond, I think she¡¯s still concerned about me.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I was eating throughout most the night¡±


    Think it¡¯s called stress eating, thank whichever God stops me from gaining weight. I probably could gain weight but that would require a ship filled with unhealthy food. Thinking about it, ice cream is the best stress eating food, I¡¯m yet toe across anything like that yet though.


    ¡°Allow us to eat and get ready, then we¡¯ll leave Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ll need some energy for the day ahead¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Petra still looks a little down though, she really shouldn¡¯t feel this bad revealing everything, she¡¯s too nice for her own good at times, I¡¯m fine now, as fine as I can be at the very least.


    Trying to stop her worrying, I go to whisper something into Petra¡¯s ear.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, you can stop worrying, really¡±


    ¡°What are you two talking about?¡±


    Ah, for God¡¯s sake, Charlotte probably thinks we¡¯re getting intimate or something, I bet that¡¯s how it looks from her perspective. Nathan has gone to get food so it¡¯s just us three right now.


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t worry about it priestess and Ikarus¡­ good to know¡±


    At least that¡¯s gotten her smiling again, good.


    __________


    ¡°Is that it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what the map says¡±


    ¡°Alistair did say it looks like a mineshaft¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Flying through the sky above one of the three inds, I can see what looks like an old mineshaft nestled in a wooded area. Nathan is guiding me to this location using one of the maps we got given.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ming in fornding, keep your arms an-¡­ nah, I can¡¯t be bothered trying to be funny right now, there¡¯s a spot over there I cannd¡±


    Flying down to thending spot in question, I make thending fine and then everyone starts climbing off me.


    ¡°Here you go Ikarus¡±


    Once everyone has jumped off my back, The knight passes me the map so I can ce it back into storage. Now that¡¯s done, it¡¯s time to enter the next dungeon.


    All of us walk towards the mine and looking at the entrance, I¡¯m unsure if I can stay in bird form or not.


    ¡°You reckon I¡¯ll fit in that?¡±


    ¡°Maybe Ikarus-sama¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°I don¡¯t really know¡±


    The entrance to the mine looks to be roughly the same size as me, past the entrance looks like there¡¯s more than enough room for me to fit in so it should just be this spot that¡¯s an issue.


    ¡°Heh, won¡¯t know till you try¡±


    Judging by Petra¡¯s reaction, I feel like she¡¯s encouraging me so do it so screw it, I¡¯ll fit, probably. The thing is, I really don¡¯t want to be fighting another dungeon stuck as a human though, I¡¯ve spent enough time recently in human form and want some change for a while.


    As I trying to squeeze through the tight mineshaft entrance, I very quickly realize I¡¯ve done something stupid once again. Why is it so difficult for me to stop doing stupid things? I¡¯m ming Petra this time for it though.


    ¡°Eh¡­ guys, I¡¯m a little stuck¡±


    Oh God, I bet I look like that yellow bear that got stuck in a rabbit hole from the outside right now, wasn¡¯t he named poo or something like that?


    ¡°What do you want us to do Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Yeah Ikarus, what?¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re on your own¡±


    ¡°This is your fault Petra! All of you, just start pushing!¡±


    I have no idea what¡¯s going on out there but I bet I look like a right idiot; I would beughing at any idiot who gets themselves stuck in a situation like this. I really want to make a rude joke about this as well but this isn¡¯t the time especially given the situation I¡¯m in.


    All three of my party members start pushing my bird bottom and I start to feel myself getting looser.


    ¡°Keep pushing¡±


    Thankfully, it doesn¡¯t take long before my party get me out of the stupid position I was just in. In the future, that type of thing isn¡¯t happening again, would be better to just turn nude then switch back.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just move on and not speak on this... and Petra, I¡¯m not listening to you anymore¡±


    ¡°Heh, didn¡¯t force you do it¡±


    Heading on into therge mine, we walk for a tiny distance but then very quicklye across arge cave like room, surrounding the wall of that cave is something that anyone could recognize.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ gold¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, it¡¯s too dangerous to rush ahead right now¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Lotte¡¯s right¡±


    ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m that stupid?


    "..."


    I¡¯m happy Petra didn¡¯t say anything then, at least she realizes I can control my stupidity. I¡¯m not dumb enough to rush head first into arge room filled with gold ore that clearly looks like it could hold an extremelyrge boss fight as well. I don¡¯t even know how to smelt it so that gold is pointless to me especially with my parents supplying me with funding. Wait, boss fight? Is that what this dungeon is?


    ¡°Is this ce an arena?¡±


    The way the room is shaped, it¡¯s roughly the same size to my parents¡¯ cave and has twelve stone pirs in a circle formation within the cave. This ce looks like one of those epic boss battles where the main character discovers he has the power to duel wield swords or unlocks a secret badass power. Oddparison but I am odd though.


    ¡°Most likely Ikarus. The second we go in there, we¡¯ll have no escape, can feel the faint outline of a magical barrier¡±


    ¡°Petra-sama is right, the barrier won¡¯t disappear till we¡¯vepleted the dungeon¡±


    I think both these two have experienced a dungeon fight like this before, they both sound pretty serious as well. It¡¯s time for me to be serious then.


    ¡°Shall we get on with it?¡±


    We pretty much always prepare before heading in so we should be good to go here.


    ¡°Summon¡­ ready¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Now I am¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The priestess summons her sword while both the other sword users unsheathe their des. Once that¡¯s done, we walk into therge cave and a purple looking barrier magically appears blocking our exit, we all ignore it and carry on closer to the centre of the cave but before we have the chance to get there, something big starts appearing.


    ¡°The fuck is that?¡±


    ¡°Dear Lord, he is huge¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Erm¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Something in-between the size of my mother and father starts magically appearing in the centre of the room, it looks to be the shape of the human but its size isn¡¯tparable. Magical energying from the twelve pirs seems to be forming the enemy in the centre of the room.


    Before it has the chance to fully form, me and Petra open our status screens.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Tia¡¯ Kharafi | Species: Giant | Level: 333]


    [Health 55,100/55,100]


    [Stamina 78,100/78,100]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    [<Aesa strongly suggests -user- run>]


    Is she seriously making that suggestion?


    ¡®There is no ce to run, the only entrance is blocked¡¯


    After seeing this guy¡¯s stats, I very quickly realized we might be fucked. Ifpared to the priestess who is the highest level in our party, this guy has more than double stat points then her. This guy might beparable to my parents, that¡¯s how scary he is.


    Petra has immediately noticed how bad this situation is as well.


    ¡°Priestess, we need your God¡±


    ¡°He erm¡­ isn¡¯t answering right now, I think this dungeon is stopping our interactions¡±


    ¡°You mean your fucking Lord isn¡¯t answering when we need him the most? *Sigh*¡±


    Everyone realizes how dangerous this guy is, maybe there might be another solution to this problem.


    ¡°Maybe we can talk to him, you think he¡¯ll listen to reason?¡±


    ¡°No Ikarus, this isn¡¯t one of those situations. He¡¯s a boss, not a dungeon master¡±


    I¡¯ve never seen her this stressed, this type of dungeon boss clearly is extremely rare and we¡¯ve basicallye up against a demi God as well as most of priestess¡¯s cheat skills would be unavable if she can¡¯t speak to her God. Thankfully, he hasn¡¯t fully formed just yet so we now need to decide how to handle him. Think Petra might have a clue.


    ¡°Need to take control of this situation. Ikarus, take three magicka potions and pass me and priestess one please. Both you two, only aim for the upper part of the body with your ranged attacks¡±


    ¡°Okay Petra-sama¡±


    ¡°Sure sure¡±


    I do what she asks and distribute the potions, the third is clearly meant for me and we''ll drink them when needed.


    I¡¯m yet to see the priestess actually using her light magic inbat yet, all the other attacks have been gifts from her God, it sucks that she can¡¯t use her orbitalser in here as well, damn it.


    Now that he¡¯s mostly formed, I can finally most of the giant. His appearance looks simr to a really old bearded man and he looks to be wearing a toga as well as having a gigantic club in one of his hands.


    ¡°Knight, you may need to avoid this fight, we can only use ranged attacks only¡±


    Ranged attacks only? Is Petra worried that guy¡¯s club might one hit us? Thinking about it, I have an idea how to help the knight get involved.


    ¡°Nathan, take these¡±


    I drop a dozen or so spears from my storage for him to throw, it won¡¯t do much damage but every little helps.


    ¡°Thanks Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Good thinking Ikarus, if we can take out a majority of his health, at least half, I can handle the rest¡±


    Petra has an attack that does that much damage? She might be as OP as the priestess then.


    Then another idea came to my mind just as the giant was fully forming.


    ¡®Aesa, distribute my remaining stat points into magicka¡¯


    [<Confirmed, MP is now at 7000>]


    To be continued¡­

 Chapter 42 – Giant

    Chapter 42 ¨C Giant


    ¡°ARGHHHHHHH!¡±


    The giant lets out a blood curdling scream as to initiate the battle. Immediately, all four of us spread out as to surround the gigantic boss and not to became an easy grouped up target.


    Petra starts by activating her sword art and using her ck me together, the samurai sword flies off slicing and dicing aiming towards his head while her me coats the chest of the giant.


    Charlotte points her summoned sword and a beam of pure light shoots out of it striking the giant in the chest.


    Nathanunches a spear in the guy¡¯s direction but it only makes contact with his leg, the giant is massive and the knight can only throw it so far.


    I fly up and attack the giant from a different position charging up my fire tornado and releasing it towards his head.


    ¡°ARGHHHHH!!!¡±


    Once all our attacksnd, the giant lets out an even louder scream and begins to start thrashing his arm about hitting Petra¡¯s flying de clean out of the air.


    (Petra) ¡°Knew that wouldn¡¯t work, this is troublesome¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°That did nothing¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°We can handle this, everyone just have faith¡±


    While everyone else is talking, I need to see how much damage our group just did while I''m still flying about.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Tia¡¯ Kharafi | Species: Giant | Level: 333]


    [Health 52,249/55,100]


    [Stamina 78,093/78,100]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ¡®Damn it, that really did barely anything, this guy must have a strong resistance to all damage¡¯


    I think I roughly used up half my magic up in one go there and he¡¯s barely been affected, everyone else has the exact same issues as me right now as well.


    Now it¡¯s the giant¡¯s turn to return an attack, he swings his club towards one of my party members and uses his free hand to try and whack me out of air at the same time. Thankfully, I¡¯m a lot faster than him but I¡¯m unsure on my party members.


    The club crashes into the ground and a pile of dust surrounds the impact crater, it looked like he was aiming for Petra but she appears out from the dust unharmed.


    ¡°Heh, try that again¡±


    Is she ying bait? She¡¯s literally just standing still now, I know he has quite the slow swing speed but even then, she¡¯ll be crushed if she misjudges when to dodge.


    While the giant swings for another attack, me, priestess and the knight all fire the exact same type of attacks into him again. We all make contact while he ms his club into the ground where Petra is standing.


    ¡°Want to try again?¡±


    Exact same thing happened again, Petra¡¯s speed is unmatched but this time, she does something a little different after avoiding the hit, a ck me tornado, simr to my attack starts charging up around her.


    ¡°ARGHHHHH!!¡±


    The giant screams from frustration and decides to change his approach focusing elsewhere. While that¡¯s happening, I need to sort myself out.


    ¡®Magicka?¡¯


    [<11%>]


    I have tond to take my potion unfortunately, I¡¯ll be out of the battle for a second. I can¡¯t get the potion into my mouth while flying. It''spletely stupid how little damage we''re doing right now.


    While I¡¯mnding and finding an awkward way to drink the potion with my beak, the giant attacks again but this time, it seems he¡¯s going for priestess. She anticipates this and runs of the side.


    ¡°Stupid bastard!¡±


    ¡°Nat¡­¡±


    The knight throws a spear towards the giant while the priestess is retreating, the giant really doesn¡¯t pay attention to the little needle that flies into his leg, the spears are basically pointless against this foe.


    The crashing giant¡¯s attacknds very close to the priestess but she¡¯s still moving and responds shooting another light beam at him, itnds another hit against the giant.


    Petra is still charging up her ck tornado, it really looks dangerous from where I¡¯m standing now. I think she¡¯s ready to blow now.


    ¡°Ikarus, tell me its health after this¡±


    ¡°Sure sure *gulp*¡­ disgusting¡±


    I manage to drink my potion after speaking to her.


    The giant now sensing something is really wrong understands his mistake in ignoring Petra and quickly circles back around to try andnd an attack on her. Before he has the chance to swing, he finds something simr to pure darkness approaching him.


    Petra¡¯s ck tornado fires off in his direction surrounding every part of his upper body in me.


    ¡°ARGGHHHHHHH!!!!¡±


    While he screams, I need to check for her. It seems that attack unsettled him for a second as well.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Tia¡¯ Kharafi | Species: Giant | Level: 300]


    [Health 29,971/55,100]


    [Stamina 72,515/78,100]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ¡®Bloody hell, her tornado is hell of lot better than mine!¡¯


    Can¡¯t focus on that right, she wanted me to give an update on its health.


    ¡°Petra! It¡¯s just over half!¡±


    I shout at her while now back in the air flying, she gives me a slight head nod and takes her potion out.


    ¡°*Gulp*¡­ it¡¯s time to finish this, make sure to use everyst drop of magicka for the next attack and wait till I say to release it¡±


    Petra downs her potion just before speaking and looks extremely serious now, she¡¯s got something else nned I reckon.


    ¡°Okay Petra-sama¡­ *gulp*¡±


    The priestess very quickly drinks her potion as well, we should have enough magic to put in for onest attack, I¡¯m going to make sure to put my all into this. I honestly can''t believe just how little damage we dopared to Petra but now''s not the time toin.


    ¡°Ikarus, please try to distract him for a second to allow me to charge up¡±


    ¡°How do I do that?¡±


    Trying to have a chat with Petra while flying about and she¡¯s on the floor is proving difficult but we can just about make each other out.


    ¡°Peck or w his eyes, just please be careful¡±


    ¡°Got it¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°I¡¯ll try and provide some distraction as well¡±


    The giant now settled once again decides to try and head back to Petra for another attack but now it¡¯s time for this annoying bird to step in. Being annoying is what I¡¯m best at.


    ¡°Take this you old fuck!¡±


    I¡¯m flying about around his head trying to scratch out his eyes with my ws, it clearly seems to be working since he¡¯s having an irritated reaction. Instead of wildly swinging at me, he just decides to use his arm to block his own eyesight and precedes to aim towards my party now just swinging blindly at them.


    His club smashes multiple times into the ground but no party member has been hit so we¡¯re still good to go while Petra is charging her attack up.


    ¡°Nearly done Ikarus¡±


    I haven¡¯t even been paying attention to what she¡¯s cooking up, the attack actually looks simr to thest tornado charge she did, I don¡¯t know if this is going to be just enough if it¡¯s the same though.


    I start charging up my attack since she said she¡¯s nearly done while I¡¯m still buzzing around this guy¡¯s head like a wasp, pretty sure priestess is charging up her sword light magic beam as well, no idea what the knight is doing. He¡¯s probably stillunching spears at it but I can¡¯t see him from where I am.


    The giant then swings dangerously close to where the charging Petra is standing but she remains unmoved and just continues on, thankfully it doesn¡¯t take that much longer.


    ¡°Heh¡­ it¡¯s time to go¡­ IKARUS CHARLOTTE, NOW!¡±


    She shouts for us to release our attacks, I¡¯m the first to do it releasing my me into the back of his head, the priestess¡¯s beam also hits his chest and is brighter and thicker than any of the other beam attacks she¡¯s been doing as well as the knight throws one of the spears and it somehow makes contact with the giant¡¯s stomach. However, Petra¡¯s attack still hasn¡¯t released just yet.


    I look down and can just about see her in the ck charging tornado, have her eyes gone pure ck as well now? Her energy or aura has gone really sinister, something doesn¡¯t seem right but I can¡¯t focus on that.


    Shit, the giant is now aiming for her and he swings towards her.


    ¡°Petra, watch out!¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Shh¡­¡±


    Just before his swing has any real momentum behind it, the entire floor that the giant is standing upon erupts like a volcano, just obviously ck in nature. The mes shoot out from the ground and surround inflicting more and more damage to the gigantic beast. This devastating attacksts for a good half a minute before the mes dwindle.


    ¡°ARGH-¡­¡±


    It lets on one final scream as he finally embraces the sweet release of death, then copses on to the ground and very slowly starts fading out of existence simr to how it just came into existence. The fight is now done, we¡¯ve killed that monstrosity and walked away unharmed, or have we?


    ¡°What was tha- Petra!¡±


    Petra copses to her knees and looks like her soul has just left her body, she isn¡¯t dead, right? Her eyes are still ck as the void as well.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine Ikarus¡­ just give me a second¡±


    We all very quickly rush over to her; she looks like someone who¡¯s done a week of all nighters and not slept an inch right now.


    I give her one of my wings so she can help pull herself back up but she hasn¡¯t got the strength to get back up right now, it might just be that attack is exhausting more than anything else. Her eyes now seem to be fading back to the blind greyness she had originally, I hope she¡¯s just exhausted than anything else.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for you Petra-sama, we¡¯d all be dead right now¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you showed more leadership than any captain I¡¯ve trained under¡±


    The thing is, her actions saved more than just us during that fight, she literally saved the entire world from being wiped out by two pissed off dragons losing another daughter. We couldn¡¯t have dealt with that seeing that priestess¡¯s God not being able to contact her right now.


    Both those two are just full of praise for her, I would be doing it to but I¡¯m more worried for her right now other than anything else.


    ¡°You sure you¡¯re alright?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ don¡¯t need to worry¡±


    I guess she looks a little better than she did thirty seconds ago but I can¡¯t help worrying about her, she¡¯s pretty much the only human who I¡¯vee across that I don¡¯t find irritating.


    ¡°What was that thing anyway? That was dope as fuck¡±


    Maybe asking some questions might calm me down and might help her rx her mind as well, maybe?


    ¡°Heh¡­ a hybrid attack between magic and an ability, it¡¯s not something I¡¯d rather get into right now if you don¡¯t mind¡±


    Hey eyes are back to normal now; she still seems a little tired though and a bit slow though.


    ¡°Get up on my back and you can have a sleep¡±


    ¡°Ikarus, I¡¯m fine¡­ thank you¡±


    Good, I¡¯d hate for her to be hurt.


    __________


    ¡°Huh, guess this ce was an old temple used for sacrifice to gain favour towards the Gods, that guy seemed to be its keeper¡±


    ¡°You can read that Petra-sama?¡±


    Petra is now up and about and has started looking around the cave for any potential loot with Charlotte and Nathan, she¡¯s still a tiny bit slow but her condition has already improved thankfully, I¡¯m just off in my own little world rubbing myself up against one of the cave walls since I¡¯ve got an inch that¡¯s needed a scratching since that fightmenced.


    This ce is the definition of finding a literal gold mine. Seriously though, most of the walls of thisrge arena look to be filled with the ore, this ce is like a prospector¡¯s dream.


    If I ever fancy building a city or something that needs arge amount of wealth to support it, this is the ce I could start my mary empire. It¡¯s actually not a terrible idea, the hot spring ind settlement is not even a day¡¯s flight away and could even be turned into a trading settlement if they were to find out about this ce, ships from all around the world woulde to trade for gold, right?


    I¡¯ll make sure to tell my party to keep this ce a secret for now as well, don¡¯t want any other pesky people discovering it, I wonder if the empire knows about the gold down here since the prince didn¡¯t actually say anything about it so I¡¯ll try and hide it if I can. Thinking about it, that n might not work with the knight¡¯s loose tongue, that¡¯s an issue for another time though.


    Those three are still talking about something Petra has found, no idea what though since my back still itches, I better not have fleas. If they even exist in this world.


    ¡°What are you three even looking at?¡±


    ¡°Petra-sama is reading off some ancientnguage¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Howe you¡¯re able to trante it anyway?¡±


    It looks like she¡¯s reading off one of the pirs, I don¡¯t know why those two are so interested in it, I have a trante ability as well and you don¡¯t ask me about stuff like that.


    [<-User- wouldn¡¯t giveprehensive answer>]


    ¡®Erm¡­ fair point, I would just sum in up¡¯


    ¡°It¡¯s just something I¡¯ve been able to do since birth, some abilities tend to work that way¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°You¡¯re like Ikarus when ites tonguages then¡±


    At least the knight remembers how important mynguage ability is as well, seems pointless using it now when Petra has one as well. Not even going to question how she can read it since she¡¯s blind but whatever, I guess.


    ¡­


    Wait, did she just say she was born with it? The ability to trante writing? That¡¯s a little too close to home.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ isn¡¯t that suspicions?¡¯


    [<Aesa agrees, -user- has valid reason for suspicion. MP is 2%>]


    Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me or whatever that stupid expression was. I¡¯m not getting fooled for a third time, it might¡¯ve been a load more thinking about it. Aesa understands how I¡¯m going to confirm this as well, that¡¯s the reason for the MP check.


    ¡°Petra,e here for a second¡±


    ¡°What do you want Ikarus?¡±


    She slowlyes over to me while speaking and once she¡¯s over here, I put my wing onto her hand, it surprises her slightly but she¡¯s not against it.


    ¡°If I¡¯m wrong, I¡¯ll apologize after¡±


    ¡°Wrong abou-¡±


    Before she has the chance to finish, I use the tiny amount of fire I have left to burn her hand and confirm my suspicions. She doesn¡¯t flinch and it doesn¡¯t even leave a mark as well, she¡¯spletely resistant to fire. That confirms another suspicion.


    ¡°What was that for Ikarus?¡±


    I don¡¯t think she realizes she¡¯s slipped up; I can be a lot more perceptive than people realize at times. I¡¯m right, I know I am right, am I?


    The strong alcohol tolerance, the fact she can trante words with an ability from birth and now the fact that she¡¯spletely resistant to fire. Ah, there¡¯s even that thing she said about not being able to have children as well and she also is a fire user, even if that fire is pure ck. I¡¯m definitely right.


    There¡¯s only one species that shares those types of characteristics, what are the chances of another species having the exact same type of abilities? There can¡¯t be that many coincidences, she¡¯s just too damn simr¡­


    ¡°Petra, you¡­ are you a phoenix as well?¡±


    ...


    __________


    ---Volume 1 is now finished! Now that the 1st volume isplete, it makes sense to take a break, right? Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯ll probably only be a few days, maybe up to a week but I doubt it¡¯ll be that long, might even return after a couple of days if I get restless. I¡¯d rather not do this but I¡¯ve got to have breaks sometimes otherwise I¡¯ll end uppletely burnt out. Once we return, you should be getting 1 a day like the usual.


    ---I¡¯m basically always working on it anyway, just need to make sure I have enough ideas, enough chapters in advance so when I need to take a break, I can and to make sure it¡¯s still entertaining enough.


    ---I know I¡¯ve already said it but seriously, thanks to all of you for getting this far! I know my writing quality can becking at time but you lot sticking through for this long as well, this author-kun loves all you viewers, obviously not in that way but you all know what I mean¡­


    ---Last thing, I¡¯ve read everyment so far. Even if I don¡¯t respond to them all, I¡¯ve still seen it so if you have any questions, any ideas or even to justin,ment below. Never be afraid to call me out for making a dumb mistake!


    ---(You should also check the interval out, might contain one or two things you could find interesting, it has a summary of what it contains at the very start)


    ---Sayonara!

 Interval – (Vol1)

    Interval ¨C (Vol1)


    ---This is just a mix and match of behind the scenes/updates/recap/lore on things, I¡¯d rmend reading it and something might pique your interest---


    ---AI art is at bottom of the page for anyone who hasn¡¯t seen the glossary yet, I¡¯ve actually gotten it linked properly now. Sneak peak of WIP map as well---


    __________


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 54]


    [Health 14,840/15,000]


    [Stamina 5,000/5,000]


    [Magicka 7,000/7,000]


    ---ded Weapon ¨C Vampiric de (Enchanted)---


    __________


    ---Sub-System Abilities---


    contract killer - 10% killed humanoid lvl (Ignores -user- lvl)


    sacrificialmb - 5000 distribution points exchange for ability draw (1/20)


    subspace (Enchanted ring) - Storage space size of phoenix form (4 tonnes)


    frost walker - 50% frost magic resistance (Water magic counts)


    undead fiend ¨C Invisibility (Cannot use attacks, 24h cooldown)


    __________


    ---Phoenix Species---


    100% fire resistance


    extremely high alcohol tolerance


    infertile


    __________


    ---Other---


    Status doesn¡¯t work on sleeping target


    Reincarnated Person (RP) cannot be enved


    4 MAIN types of magic (Fire, Water, Lightning and Wind)


    User magic cannot self-harm


    __________


    ---Potions---


    health/healent (100% HP regeneration, stops bleeding) 750G


    stamina/love potion (Recovers 50% SP, aphrodisiac, 24h cooldown)500G


    magicka/magic recovery (Recovers 50% MP, 24h cooldown)   1000G


    __________


    ---Stat distribution---


    ---An example of how each species gets different stat points---


    Lvl 3 Phoenix - [Health 500/500] [Stamina 500/500] [Magicka 500/500]


    Lvl 3 Human - [Health 100/100] [Stamina 100/100] [Magicka 100/100]


    Phoenix = 500 stat - 5x EXP gain


    Giant = 400 stat


    Dragon = 250 stat


    Wraith = 200 stat


    Lich  = 200 stat


    Vampire = 200 stat


    Wyvern = 150 stat


    Panther = 150 stat


    Subus = 125 stat


    Human = 100 stat


    Wolf = 75 stat


    __________


    ---AI Characters---


    <strong>Ikarus</strong> (With her hair down)                           <strong>Petra                        Charlotte</strong> (Hair should be brown)


    <strong>Nathan</strong>(Brown hair also)                            <strong>Alistair</strong>                                            <strong>Leone</strong>


    <strong>Jekyll</strong>(Hasn''t been seen with beard just yet)          <strong>Zeki </strong>(Male)                                     <strong>Ariza</strong>(Male)


    __________


    ---Continent of Sierra Map---


    ---Gold crown is <strong>capital</strong>, red dragon is <strong>home cave</strong>, bottom left is <strong>destroyed city.</strong>


    ---Everything that has been written about, is there somewhere.

 Chapter 42.5 – Empire’s POV

    Chapter 42.5 ¨C Empire¡¯s POV


    ---This takes ce shortly after the city incident way back in the beginning, 0.5 is for that reason and is a little shorter than usual as well---


    __________


    Roughly ten months ago¡­


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°Thank you, chancellor Marcello¡±


    The chancellor leaves the room now just leaving just me and Leone alone in the study, he¡¯s just shared the damning news that we¡¯ve lost an entire city in the blink of an eye, I really should be angry but all I can feel is disappointment right now. Leone is sitting on my study table while I¡¯m in my desk chair.


    ¡°I already told you what would happen if you went down this route Alistair¡±


    Of course, she now feels the need to start lecturing. She is the reason for it though.


    ¡°Must you start?¡±


    ¡°This is what happens when you ignore my advice¡±


    That¡¯s it, she¡¯s getting me irritated now.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you be acting innocent in all this, you¡¯re the witch who decided to share this information with me and decided to try and capture that odd bird that just so happened to be hatched from a dragon¡±


    ¡°My goal is only to assist the royal family. If you tell me to do something stupid, then it¡¯s on you. I didn¡¯t misinterpret your orders and you know that¡±


    This immortal witch just sits there picking her nails, she really couldn¡¯t give two shits about everything that¡¯s gone down. Sure, I guess I could be a little more sensitive to all the citizens that were lost as well but I feel more aggrieved on the amount of progress we¡¯ve lost, that city in question held a lot of this empire¡¯s top soldiers. I guess this is the price to pay for trying to achieve an immortal empire.


    Fucking dragons, why is it so hard to just capture one? Wyverns are an absolute joke to capture yet the thing we so desperately want, just cannot be achieved. So close, yet so far out of reach.


    All we need is one dragon, then this empire¡¯s future is all but guaranteed, are we asking for that much? Just one, lousy, stinking beast that we can put a crest on, must we suffer such injustice?


    Of course, wee across the daughter of the only dragon my ancestors couldn¡¯t capture or kill, it had to be that red monstrosity, didn¡¯t it?


    Oh, can¡¯t forget I lost my brother ke in that city, it¡¯s a shame but he was always a bit of an idiot anyway. Still a bit unsure why Leone put that bird with him after the crest failed to apply but my best guess is that even she was a bit confused on the whole situation and just wanted to give me an update, I guess phoenixes must be resistant to the crest.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ this really is troublesome¡±


    ¡°Why are you getting so concerned anyway? Just go and grovel up to them, the daughter is safe so you¡¯ll survive, probably¡±


    She¡¯s really making that suggestion? That I, the royal prince who basically controls nearly an entire continent go and beg to some dragons for forgiveness?


    It wouldn¡¯t be hard to do such a thing, just would need to n the whole thing out so that the situation would still end up in our favour, maniption could work. Huh, that is something I could do thinking about it.


    ¡°Am I not allowed to be concerned?¡±


    ¡°Hmph, we both know the only reason you¡¯re annoyed is that you¡¯ve taken an ego hit, I did practically raise you after all¡±


    Urgh, such great memories being raised by the woman who raised quite a few generations of the family. If I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d think she¡¯s trying to manipte me by bringing that up right now.


    ¡°You ever decide to try to use the pacification crest on me, you¡¯ll regret it you know¡±


    She just gives thatugh hmph thing she tends to do and continues on like usual.


    ¡°Hmph, it wouldn¡¯t work anyway. Trust me, I tried it on your father more than once, I¡¯m stuck assisting your family till the day I die¡±


    She swore an oath to my great, great, great grandfather, might be skipping a generation or two but I believe it was one of them anyway, she¡¯s been stuck assisting our family till the curse releases. Fortunately for us, she never realized there was a massive loophole in that agreement. As long as one of us sits on the throne, she cannot die of old age and has to serve the royal family.


    It serves both parties well enough since she gets to live forever and this empire always has a mage of immense power serving us, she would get out of the agreement if she could though. Thinking about it, Leone might be even older than first thought, she was known as an immortal witch even before she signed the agreement with our family, I¡¯m just fixating on pointless things now though.


    ¡°Ah father, I really wish such a thing did work now, that would¡¯ve been better for everyone¡±


    She gives a light chuckle to myment, father has always proven a thorn in our sides ever since he passed on all empire duties to me, bad health ys a part in everything I guess. He still puts his nose in ces he shouldn''t even when he¡¯s given my all this control I¡¯ve been desiring since childhood.


    He¡¯ll still have the role of emperor till the day he departs from the world, hopefully that dayes sooner rather thanter. Old bastard will probably live another thirty years knowing my luck, could just kill him in his sleep but really is no point. The only thing I¡¯m actuallycking is the emperor title, I have all the power nonofficially from this role anyway. I do consider smothering him with a pillow in his sleep time to time though, especially when he starts arranging marriage meetings like usual.


    ¡°What¡¯s your intention then? How do you n to resolve this situation or are you just going to sit on your thumbs and see if this passes?¡±


    I take a second to ponder an answer and start tapping at my desk again, it¡¯s a tiny habit I need to stop when I¡¯m thinking heavily on things.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll have to go visit them anyway, we now know that there are two potential dragons that we could get onside. The reward of such an action outweighs any annoyance I have at having to basically beg¡±


    She actually shakes her head at me still sitting up on my desk, did I say something stupid? Of course I didn¡¯t¡±


    ¡°You seriously still want to try and enve them? I¡¯m not against the idea but still, do you wish to sacrifice the entire continent if another mistake happens?¡±


    ¡°You made the mistake, remember? We¡¯ll just take this very slowly and peacefully. Once they grow to hold a certain amount of trust in us, then we can try our luck with the ck or brown one, maybe even both¡±


    I know very much this an extremely dangerous risk to take but this empire has been slowly declining down to my ancestors for centuries now, at one time, we held three out of the four continents and thrived especially in the dragon ruling era. Unfortunately, controlling a nearly extinct species is something that we still struggle to do, even now.


    Leone is always going to be on course with my schemes but she still holds her own reservations about the whole thing, I guess she¡¯s the yin to my yang after all.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t think the red dragon might respond?¡±


    ¡°Of course, it will get pissed but would it be able to kill its own family in response? This risk is more than justified now especially considering how much power we lost in that city¡±


    ¡°You always did like ying with fire. You¡¯re really going to have to y a long game here though, if any of those dragons or that phoenix gets wind of your ns, everything willpletely copse¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ but it¡¯s a risk this empire needs to take¡±


    I can¡¯t help but give a smile to this, nothing wrong about taking a risk when the payoff is this huge. Not just one but two potential dragon candidates. If we can apply the crest in a way that the red dragon doesn¡¯t even notice happening, then it should have no clue what¡¯s happened to the others, the effected dragons as well will be none the wiser except have an extreme loyalty to this empire. I¡¯m just convincing myself even further now.


    ¡°When do you n to set off then?¡±


    ¡°The sooner, the better¡­ I wonder, have captain Jekyll and that guard who survived, what was his name again?¡±


    Reason for Jekyll is that he¡¯s one of the strongest captains that I have left, it¡¯s a good thing he was keeping the rebel situation intact. He may be powerful but even when I¡¯m giving him less and less forces to allow the rebels more strength, he¡¯s still able to hold the ground we¡¯ve gained. That stalemate is really proving worthwhile for us.


    The guard is just to have a familiar face for the family there, maybe it might make us appear more trustworthy rewarding someone who helped the dragons. I could probably give him back that dragon scale as well, that might help even further making us look like an empire who looks after our people. Maybe even give him a promotion as well, the flying knights could use some more members.


    In all honesty, he should¡¯ve died in that city like the rest of them but I reckon I can make some use out of him going forward, he seems a little inexperienced but definitely has some ability and backbone behind him, he did survive an Armageddon like experience after all.


    ¡°Nathan I believe it was¡±


    ¡°Yes, him. Have both of those two join us in a month or so, then we¡¯ll make our journey in search of their cave¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ming along as well? You sure that¡¯s a good idea?¡±


    She actually looks a little irritated by that, I¡¯m not allowing her to get out of this situation.


    ¡°You¡¯re involved in this situation as much as I am¡­ huh, maybe we can use the dragons love of their own children against them as well¡±


    ¡°How do you n on doing that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just putting on a face or act Leone, everyone knows you¡¯re as vindictive as the Gods themselves so such a thing is impossible for you¡±


    ¡°Appreciate thepliment¡±


    Of course she takes that as apliment, doesn¡¯t surprise me all honesty.

 Chapter 43 – Phoenix

    Chapter 43 ¨C Phoenix


    ---Skip this bit if you want, thought it would be funny to do a stupid recap---


    Previously on REAPH, bird hatches, bird gains system, bird learns to swear and fly, bird gets punished for swearing, bird starts hunting, bird get¡¯s captured, bird witnesses dragons vs city, bird watches peace treaty, bird gets bullied, bird learns magic and sword, bird gets cursed, bird drinks booze, bird starts party, birdpletes dungeon, bird hates sharing, bird gets drunk, birdpletes dungeon, bird kills dragon, bird meets potential love interest, bird kills bandit camp, bird drinks potions, bird goes home, birdpletes dungeon, bird realizes bird is stupid, bird hates empire, birdpletes dungeon¡­


    ---I¡¯ve definitely missed out some parts but you get the gist of it---


    __________


    ¡°Petra, you¡­ are you a phoenix as well?¡±


    [<-User- has unlocked new sub system ability>]


    The second I ask that; system has to get involved.


    ¡®Damn it, I know exactly what you¡¯re doing right now¡¯


    She couldn¡¯t have picked a worse time; I know very well she¡¯s purposely announced that right as I¡¯m about to get an answer.


    [<-User- should think about target -Petra¡¯s- confidentiality>]


    ¡®But¡­ yeah, you¡¯re right¡¯


    ¡°Sorry Ikarus, I¡¯m unsure what you meant¡±


    Petra quickly responds to my question; she definitely heard me but is ying dumb to the answer. Thankfully, my other party members didn¡¯t hear me question her, they are still looking around this cave but it still looks like there¡¯s nothing to loot other than the gold ore that would need mining in this ce.


    It probably is a good thing they didn¡¯t hear me; it¡¯s clear Petra wouldn¡¯t want this type of thing known by the empire if it¡¯s true since she seems to hold a lot of dislike towards them. Thinking about it, I now share arge part of her dislike also. The other party members still haven¡¯t heard us just yet so I start speaking quieter.


    ¡°I know you heard me Petra, I need answers¡±


    ¡°Ikarus¡­ this might not be the time¡±


    She responds with a smile as well and she¡¯s not even denying it, it¡¯s clear this is something confidential so I¡¯m taking this a different direction now. She¡¯s already told me about everything else, I¡¯m not resting till I know the truth on this though.


    ¡°Then once we get back to the town, we¡¯ll find a private ce to talk¡±


    ¡°It still might not be the best idea for you to know just yet¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t get to decide what¡¯s best for me, you¡¯re telling me the second we get the chance¡±


    She seemed a little down from my response but I¡¯m more than justified, I¡¯m purposely being stubborn on this. If she¡¯s held the fact that she¡¯s also a phoenix, I want to know the second we¡¯re alone. I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s for my betterment, I¡¯m knowing.


    (Charlotte) ¡°Are you two alright?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah¡±


    Both the other two-party members join us, I was clearly right about there not being any loot around here. We both just ignore them though; our conversation is more important right now.


    ¡°If you really need to know, then it would be better to show you rather than speak about it¡±


    Wait, I thought this is confidential, is she going to show me her phoenix form right now? I doubt it, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s what she meant though.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just tell me when we¡¯re alone?¡±


    ¡°Sorry Ikarus, I can¡¯t. There are some people you should meet if you feel like you can handle some more secrets, we¡¯ll have to head close to the brown forest though¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°What are you two talking about?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Secrets?¡±


    Why do these two have to listen to our conversation, it¡¯s clear we we¡¯re trying to ignore them. I now need to involve them if something she¡¯s hiding is confidential and if we need to head back to that bandit forest though.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ I¡¯m sorry Charlotte and Nathan but we¡¯re splitting up the party for a while, I¡¯ll fly you both to some ce safe and we¡¯ll call it quits¡±


    ¡°Why Ikarus-sama?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, have we disappointed you?¡±


    Both look extremely concerned from my announcement, this is happening though.


    ¡°Something important hase up, this isn¡¯t one of those times were I¡¯m epting your opinions or protection. I¡¯ll make sure toe get you when we search for the dungeons again though¡±


    ¡°Actually, we could probably pay a visit to the desert continent dungeon as well while we¡¯re over there Ikarus¡±


    Pay a visit to the desert continent dungeon? Considering how dangerous that dungeon was with us four, isn¡¯t that a bit risky? With Petra, she¡¯ll definitely know what she¡¯s doing though so it should be okay but then again, she¡¯s hiding this phoenix thing from me and still hasn¡¯t confirmed or denied it yet though.


    Both my other two-party members don¡¯t look any better about the split up and haven¡¯t responded, they both know this isn¡¯t something I¡¯m going to change my mind on.


    ¡°Look, on the brightside, you two can spend some time togeth- sorry, I wasn¡¯t trying to be a tease there, let¡¯s just get on with it, there¡¯s nothing to loot here so we¡¯ll head back now¡±


    All of us leave the cave with those two still looking disappointed, the magical barrier blocking the exit is long gone as well now. If they don¡¯t cheer up soon, I might just leave them here and see if they can find their own way back. Who am I kidding, I¡¯m not that nasty a person.


    __________


    While flying back to the hot spring settlement and having a party of mute people on my back, it seems like a reasonable time to check something out.


    ¡®Aesa, what was that ability you said I unlocked?¡¯


    [<-User- has unlocked -aspect of gigantomachy-. -User- will enjoy this ability>]


    ¡®What¡¯s it do then? You sound slightly exited over this¡¯


    [<Every 24 hours, -user- can inflict 1 attack equalling up to 50,000 damage>]


    ¡°THAT¡¯S SO FUCKING OP!¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, you okay?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Ikarus?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    It makes sense why they would be concerned; I did just shout for no reason while flying. Need to calm back down slightly.


    ¡°Yeah sorry, just speaking with Aesa, one second¡±


    I¡¯ve gotten myself too exited right now; this attack sounds absurdly good so I already know there¡¯s going to be a massive problem with it, this system wouldn¡¯t give me such a good thing.


    ¡®Give me the normal disappointing news, I bet this ability is secretly crap like everything else¡¯


    [<-User- worries too much. -Aspect of gigantomachy- only drawbacks are 24-hour cooldown and enemies with high resistances to specific damage types>]


    ¡®So¡­ let me guess, most enemies have strong resistances to everything? That¡¯s gonna be the problem¡¯


    [


    ]


    Wait a second, she¡¯s actually serious? Have I basically just gotten a one hit ability like that? It makes sense what it would be from, that giant would¡¯ve easily squashed us if a single hit hadnded. I guess abilities gained from dungeons reflect on the enemy faced, at least inbat dungeons.


    No Ikarus, calm yourself down, I can only use this once a day and even then, every creature is probably going to have some type of resistance. I¡¯ll need to speak with Aesa another time and go into all different types of resistances, stuff like fire and frost resistance are easy to understand, armour is apletely different type of thing though.


    Imagine if armour gave a person ny percent resistance, then this ability would only deal five thousand damage in theory, I¡¯m not getting too exited just yet. Still would be a hell of a lot stronger than anything else I currently have.


    ¡°Oi Petra, did you get that ability as well?¡±


    It takes her a second to respond, think she was thinking heavily on something and didn¡¯t recognize I was talking to her.


    ¡°Huh? Oh, from the dungeon, let me check one second¡±


    She takes more than a second, it¡¯s closer to a minute than a second.


    ¡°Erm¡­ It does that much? That ability is¡­ something else. Wasn¡¯t gigantomachy the battle between the Gods and giants as well? It makes sense why it would be so powerful then¡±


    I guess she has gotten it as well so that¡¯s good, she even remembers a little about Greek myths, that¡¯s brilliant! I doubt the other two have a clue what we¡¯re talking about.


    ¡°Something like that, even I can¡¯t remember everything about Greek myth, ironic seeing that my name is basically from one¡±


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s where Ikarus is from, knew it sounded familiar¡±


    Damn it, now we¡¯re just getting into casual conversation when all I want to do is know if she¡¯s a phoenix or not. My impatience has gotten better but it¡¯s still not perfect yet.


    Screw it, I¡¯m going to double time it back to the settlement now, hopefully the other two decide quickly where they want to go. It shouldn¡¯t be that long away.


    __________


    ¡°Okay, so where do you two want to go then? Like I said, I¡¯ve got to go with Petra somewhere and you can¡¯te along¡±


    Back on the outskirts of the little settlement on one of those inds, I¡¯m currently discussing what we should do going forward, I¡¯m still in bird form since I can drop these two off as fast as possible if they want to go back to the capital for example, I hope they decide to stay here though.


    There¡¯s also no one out here right now so it¡¯s safe for me to be seen still in bird from.


    ¡°Well¡­ wouldn¡¯t it make sense to just leave us here? You¡¯ve got to kindae back this way anyway when heading to the elven continent and shouldn¡¯t be that much of a detour¡±


    Okay, sometimes I really like the knight, good he suggested that so it doesn¡¯t make me have to waste time.


    ¡°I guess that would be fine, there¡¯s more than enough for us to do here, just don¡¯t be making us wait too long please Ikarus-sama¡±


    Both of those two still look unhappy about the situation, I couldn¡¯t care less though. I think priestess might also be annoyed with her God as well, she had quick words with him as we were leaving but she seemed really irritated with him, I canpletely understand why though. Whether it was down to the dungeon interfering or just something like he was sleeping, that makes no difference to us.


    ¡°Good good then, I¡¯ll see you two¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°See you two then as well¡±


    ¡°Bye Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Bye¡±


    Both the other two-party members head off into the settlement just leaving me and Petra alone now, it¡¯s time for some more sweet info that I¡¯m going to force it out of her¡­ that¡¯s sounds a little weird.


    ¡°Now that we¡¯re alone, want to strip off and show me your bird form?¡±


    ¡°You want to see me naked?¡±


    Wait, damn it, why did I say it that way? She¡¯ll get my point in a second though.


    ¡°I¡¯m not flying you over there especially when I know you can fly as well, you¡¯re still keeping things from me so let¡¯s get a move on then¡±


    It¡¯s time to head back over to the brown forest in the south of this continent, it¡¯ll be a long journey but since she¡¯d rather show me what¡¯s going on rather than just say, the quicker we leave, the better.


    ¡°Why do you assume I¡¯m a phoenix anyway Ikarus?¡±


    She has that coy smile, why is she so adamantly trying to deny this?


    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb with me Petra, one or two coincidences I can ept but you are way too simr, I can basically confirm it as well¡±


    ¡°How are you able to do that?¡±


    I was hoping she¡¯d ask something like that. Thankfully, my voice makes numbers up and presents to me them as facts. I think that¡¯s what Aesa does at the very least.


    ¡®Aesa, what do you reckon the percentage of her being a phoenix is?¡¯


    [<Target -Petra- has a 96% chance of sharing -user- species, simrities are too simr>]


    She thinks it¡¯s that high a chance? Yeah, I was right then.


    ¡°Aesa literally says there¡¯s a ny-six percent chance of you being a phoenix, don¡¯t y dumb and just show me already¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still a four percent chance though¡±


    She¡¯s getting on my nerves now, it¡¯s not exactly going to kill her to change form, is it?


    ¡°Stop it Petra, just change already, please?¡±


    She responds with a slight sigh and now looks disappointed.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ fine then, really don¡¯t want to do this Ikarus but if you insist, just try and calm yourself once you see¡±


    Without getting naked, she activates her changing ability and like with my choker enchantment form change, arge amount of smoke shows when it happens. Once the smoke has faded, I get to witness Petra the phoenix, I knew I was right but I¡¯m shocked from how she looks though.


    ¡°Jesus Christ! What the hell happened to you?¡±


    Her phoenix body shares roughly the same size as me but there are some major differences. First, her feathers are charcoal ck in colour but there are a lot of grey in parts andrge scars, her phoenix body almost looks like it¡¯s survived a beating or loads of close encounters. As for her wings, they look the most damaged out of everything. Was this why she didn¡¯t want to show me?


    ¡°This is my own curse Ikarus. Unlike with your curse, this is down to my own stupidity, making a deal with a devil has that type of consequence¡±


    I can¡¯t help but feel terrible now, that form looks like it¡¯s extremely painful to stay in. As for it also being a curse, I¡¯ll ask about thatter.


    ¡°Damn it, I¡¯m sorry for making you change then. Does it hurt being like that?¡±


    ¡°A little, flying causes the most issues though. Did do it before we met back up in the capital and on asion for short distances, still need to use my wings every now and then but it can be troublesome. Shall we set off to the forest then?¡±


    She¡¯s pissed me off now, she wants to fly when it physically hurts her? What does she take me for?


    ¡°You should have fucking said, you idiot! I can¡¯t make you fly when it hurts, change back and get on my back already, I¡¯ll fly and we can talk since I bet there¡¯s things you can still tell me before we get where we need to¡±


    ¡°Heh, fair enough¡±


    __________


    I¡¯m now back in the skies with the secret phoenix Petra on my back heading towards the brown forest, it¡¯ll probably be a two-week journey but this will probably go quickly with just us two, I¡¯m kinda looking forward it being just us alone for a while.


    Might as well start asking more questions now, I¡¯m quite a curious person after all¡­ and dumb.


    ¡°How did you keep your clothing as well?¡±


    No idea why I started with that but I¡¯m still interested though.


    ¡°These robes are enchanted; they can¡¯t be destroyed while having to change so it¡¯s a simr thing with your ring¡±


    Do her disciple robes shrink and go elsewhere when she turns into bird form then? Once again, I¡¯m fixating on stupid things but I¡¯ll stop in a second.


    [<Aesa told -user- to wear enchanted clothing >]


    Aesa is bringing up that ursed bikini once again, is that the same type of thing though? I guess it is enchanted as well.


    ¡®Hang on Aesa, how would that have worked?¡¯


    [<Enchanted clothing fits any form, -user- would¡¯ve been narrow minded so Aesa didn¡¯t share information previously>]


    She knew I wouldn¡¯t have listened to her, I guess she knows me too well then.


    As stupid as it sounds, wearing that would¡¯ve stopped me seeing myself naked every time I change form, I¡¯m still not wearing it despite it might actually have some use now, it had use previously but still. Damn it, I need to move on.


    ¡°Why did you keep all this from me though? Knowing that you¡¯re also a phoenix is brilliant, I can¡¯t understand why you¡¯ve been hiding it¡±


    Despite her phoenix body being really hurt looking, I can¡¯t help but think it¡¯s slightly¡­ cute. Look, it¡¯s not like I¡¯ve got a thing for scars or anything like that, I think it¡¯s just more the fact that most of her bird body looks quite simr to how I look, just ck in colour, I think that¡¯s the reason. The scars y no part in it.


    Wait, don¡¯t birds of the same species have an automatic attraction to each to other, that got to be it, right? I¡¯m just second guessing myself now so I¡¯ll leave that thought about Petra being cute for another time, I guess her human form looks alright too¡­ Damn it, shut up Ikarus!


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯splicated Ikarus, it¡¯ll make more sense once you meet the others, everything should make more sense then¡±


    Once again, I¡¯m getting more and more curious on things, there¡¯s another question I can ask though.


    ¡°What about your curse? How did ite about?¡±


    ¡°It was an exchange, it¡¯s another reason why I was using the empire¡¯s knowledge. Unfortunately, it still looks like deals like this can never be broken, probably shouldn¡¯t call it a curse either seeing that I agreed to this¡±


    She seems down as hell now, I¡¯m going to stop asking about her curse, it¡¯s too depressing a subject for her to discuss. If I¡¯m specting about it, it could also be rted to her blindness. Maybe in exchange for extreme power, this was the price? I wonder if I can help her in the future but for now, it¡¯s best to change for subject.


    ¡°Well anyway¡­ I¡¯ve just realized something¡­ I¡¯m such a fucking idiot¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my birthday today, I¡¯ve only just remembered it now¡±


    Everything with the fight against the giant, the realization that the empire are scumbags and now with Petra, I nearly forgot that I¡¯ve literally just turned two today. I guess I can use everything else as an excuse.


    ¡°Happy birthday then Ikarus, would¡¯ve gotten you something if you¡¯d have said¡±


    She would¡¯ve gotten me something? I don¡¯t really need anything though.


    ¡°Thanks but really don¡¯t need anything, already got more money than I could ever possibly need so gifts are pointless¡±


    At the end of the day, when you have enough money to buy anything you want, is there really any need for gifts? I know it¡¯s supposed to be the thought that counts but still, such a thing would be wasted on me, I¡¯d rather someone just spend the money they would¡¯ve used to me towards something for themselves, I was always like that even back on Earth.Then again, I''m happy to take free generosity other times so I''m just contradicting myself.


    ¡°You should still make sure to celebrate stuff like birthdays even if it¡¯s just a gift. Once you hit a certain age, you¡¯ll forget what your birthdate even is and things start to lose its meaning¡±


    Well, isn¡¯t that great? I¡¯ve already forgotten my birthday and I¡¯m two, I¡¯ll need to keep check of how old I am otherwise I¡¯ll end up forgetting my age as well, she¡¯s made me worry a little. I¡¯ve been alive for twenty-four months right now, remember that Ikarus! Actually, I can use status right here to check.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 54]


    [Health 14,840/15,000]


    [Stamina 2,319/5,000]


    [Magicka 7,000/7,000]


    ¡®Damn, my stamina is lower than I thought, that fight took a lot outta me¡¯


    It wasn¡¯t till just after I opened my status that I realized checking my health to see how old I am is dumb. Once I¡¯m cured from this curse, I won¡¯t be able to check how much HP has been lost and seeing that we¡¯ve already conquered four dungeons in one-hundred and sixty days, we hopefully should have it done in under a year.


    That¡¯s not a red g! I said hopefully so it doesn¡¯t count, back to our conversation anyway.


    ¡°I was a twenty-three-year-old man before I got reincarnated you know, I never really celebrated birthdays even back then. Well, except with a drink or two, maybe a bottle as well¡±


    I just revealed I got reincarnated, it should be the same for her since she¡¯s a phoenix as well, right? I¡¯ll ask more about that another time; she seems more focused on something else.


    ¡°You were a man beforehand? That¡­ actually, makes no difference¡±


    What does she mean it makes no difference? Forget it, I¡¯m just going to buckle down and fly as fast as possible now, I¡¯m going to be flying nonstop from now on.

 Chapter 44 – Meetup

    Chapter 44 ¨C Meetup


    "Before we go in, need to warn you about someone"


    "Yeah?"


    Me and Petra are currently standing outside a cave entrance to a mountain, simr in design to my parents'' mountain but there is a long path that leads up to this mountain and the entrance is much, much smaller.


    I''m unsure why we''re actually here, I''m guessing this is Petra''s home perhaps? When she said about returning to the brown forest, I didn''t think it would be to the only mountain that is close by to it.


    I wasn''t kidding when I said I''d rush over here, manage to make this trip that should''ve been longer than two weeks down to nine days, who needs sleep most nights anyway? My impatience is getting better believe it or not, I just don''t tend toin about it as much anymore.


    "Zeki, he can be a bit much. You''ll understand once you speak"


    I''m currently being led into the cave by Petra while I''m in human form also, she said that getting in wouldn''t be possible while in bird form so just as Inded up here earlier, I had to do the quick phoenix to naked human routine again, wish I could get some good enchanted clothes like Petra.


    We very quicklye to a heavy looking wooden door and Petra gives a quick bang on the door. After thirty seconds or so, someonees to greet us.


    "Petra... and she''s got a guest! Zeki!"


    A short blue haired woman appears, then very quickly runs back inside leaving the door wide open.


    "Sure, don''t greet me or anything"


    Petra looks irritated right now but very quickly gets over it and heads inside. Once we step inside the door, I''m immediately shocked with what I find inside.


    "This... looks like a freaking modern apartment!"


    "Despite those two having their quirks, they both know how to make a ce nice to live in"


    The door steps into a modern style living room. Sure, there''s no TV or anything like that but the furniture looks to be high quality, there''s actual carpet on the floor and the sofa looks freaking brilliant! You''d have no idea this was inside a cave except from theck of windows.


    This ce lookspletely out of this world, how the hell have they managed to achieve such a look in a ce where medieval is the trendy style? It''s really impressive.


    "How does this ce look like this?"


    "Those two again thanks to their boredom. When you have too much free time, stuff like this starts bing a hobby, it''s a shame my eyes don''t work, you seem excited looking at the d¨¦cor"


    "I''m not that excited, it''s just surprising, you know? This ce reminds me of Earth"


    While I''m still admiring the modern living room that we''ve just entered, the blue haired woman returns with someone who looks very simr to her, just with red short hair and seems to show less skin clothing wisepared to the blue-haired female. Oh, both of their eyes match their hair as well.


    (Red) "Oh my God, is this Petra''s love interest?"


    (Blue) "Zeki..."


    The obnoxious red-haired woman immediately speaks without thinking, it doesn''t even look like she regrets what she said in the slightest. Am I Petra''s love interest or is she just speaking shit?


    "Ignore him Ikarus, he has a tendency of being extremely stupid. He''s difficult to stomach even at the best of times"


    "Don''t be like that big sis, I need make sure you express yourself otherwise you''ll die alone stuck with us two"


    Okay, he''s just taking the piss, I can see by his sly smile what he''s doing. I should know, I''m the exact same to the brown-haired couple that are too innocent for their own good.


    Despite everything that was just said, I can only focus on one thing now though, something that Petra said.


    (Ikarus) "He?"


    "What? Is this bird dumb or something? Is she braindead or just stupid?"


    (Blue) "Zeki, shh"


    I get a condescending response from the red-haired male while the blue haired female tries to shush him but it proves pointless. Is the red-haired person actually male? He doesn''t sound male but then again, he doesn''tpletely sound female as well, simr to a teenager who hasn''tpletely hit puberty yet.


    It''s not exactly like I asked it in a rude way or anything like that, I really couldn''t care less about what gender someone is. I do kinda need confirmation if it''s he or she though.


    (Ariza) "Zeki, are you forgetting you look like a girl?"


    "Wait, that''s what she''s on about? I''m a guy if your eyes don''t work orangey"


    Orangey? This guy is starting to irritate me know, is he purposely rude or is he just being a dick? I know I can be rude but still, it''s more idental for me, he seems intentionally rude and not in a yful way.


    "What the hell is your problem kid? It was just a question"


    "Kid!?"


    He seemed to get really pissed me with me calling him kid, he doesn''t look that old though, probably in his teenage years? I would''ve apologized for assuming he was female but judging from his response, he can fuck off now. idental rudeness ispletely different than intentional.


    We''re are both staring each other down right by the coffee table now, this guy is going to get a power kick in a minute. It might be weaker in this form but still, might kick him in the crotch if he continues, that''ll do a tonne of damage. Damn, turning into a female has made me wicked, no man should experience that pain, he might deserve it though.


    "Will you shut the hell up for just a minute Zeki? *Sighhhh*"


    Petra tries to regain control of the situation but can''t help facepalming watching our situation unfold, I know she warned me about him but still, he''s even more obnoxious than I am and that''s saying something. Petra continues on after her sigh though


    "Ikarus, meet Zeki and Ariza. Ariza is the quiet one and Zeki is the one that gives everyone headaches"


    (Ariza) "Hello"


    (Zeki) "That''s a bit rude older sis, I''m just trying to help your heart progress forward. I don''t personally like her but I''ll put my feelings aside since it''s for you"


    (Ariza) "Zeki, just stop already"


    Is this kid still going on about that? I''m not an advocate of unnecessary violence but there is a time when it bes necessary. Just let me and Petra get together on our own time if it happens, damn it! Sighhh... I''m really starting to understand how annoying I am towards shipping Nat x Lotte now.


    Petra is starting to get really annoyed as well now, I''ll see if I can get this conversation back on track and learn why I''m meeting this pain in the arse already.


    "Petra... why am I even here then? If it''s just to show off your odd family, I have three dragons that I could easily show off as well"


    Petra''s annoyance slowly turns into stress now, something else is bugging her.


    "The thing is Ikarus, your birth foretold something bad, something that effects everyone negatively, something tha-"


    The red-haired Zeki cuts off Petra rudely and speaks for her, it did seem like Petra was reluctant to get to her point across though.


    "That''s because you''re the harbinger of the end times, your existence is going to cause the world to end"


    My existence is going to cause the end of the world? Huh?


    "Erm... what crap is he slinging?"


    "Cra-!?"


    The blue-haired Ariza has to grab him and pull him away from having another response, I doubt he would''ve hit me but I would''ve kicked him before he had the chance if he had tried though.


    "What Zeki is trying to say in an extremely stupid way is that your existence is part of a prophecy that foretells the end of the human world... partially"


    (Ikarus) "Partially?"


    "Petra is struggling to say that as you were born, a prophecy was fulfilled that will now start a countdown to the end of the mortal world"


    Ariza actually answers this time for Petra, she does speak quite quietly thinking about it. She also seems a little shy as well. The end of the mortal world ising though?


    (Zeki) "What brother says is true"


    Wait, that Ariza is male as well? Okay, I need to ask to confirm.


    "You''re male as well then?"


    "Yeah, I was female back on Earth but I''m male now, four hundred years is more than enough time to adapt to such a drastic chance. You can view me however you want though, it''s not really all that big of deal anymore"


    (Zeki) "You say that as if you didn''t spend the first hundred years looking for a gender swap potion brother"


    (Ariza) "That''s because getting used to a male body is difficult, you''re just an insensitive arsehole to even bring that up"


    (Zeki) "Hey! Who was the person you bought you close to a thousand potions so that you could keep the other form running. If they still made the damn things, you''d still be consuming them"


    (Petra) "Zeki, for the love of the Gods, will you shut, up?"


    I guess he seems fine with it? Ariza probably had a simr experience to how I first was reborn then. Possible difference is that I''m stupid so this type of change was easy enough for me to adapt to, other people it would be different so he probably had a really hard time adjusting first. I am curious on something he just said though.


    "Earth? You two are otherworlders as well then?"


    Has Petra purposely introduced me to a group of immortal otherworlders? Are we all the same?


    By now, I''ve sat down on the sofa while Petra is alongside me and the other two have gone to sit on single sofa seats across from us. This chair is reallyfortable but I really shouldn''t be focusing on that right now.


    "Let me just exin for you Ikarus, Zeki is a little over two-hundred, Ariza four and I''m over six-hundred. We alle from roughly the same era on Earth, no idea on how time has flowed like this unfortunately"


    "Petra pretty much raised me and Zeki from a young age since we both didn''t know our parents"


    (Zeki) "Yup, dragons really do be sucking balls"


    So, is Petra basically their adopted mother? No, Zeki said older sis earlier, maybe she is more like that then?


    I wonder how she even came across them but it''s probably simr to how she found me, she probably has some ability meant for tracking or maybe a dragon''s scent type of thing that allows her to track people? Of course, I''m just specting though, that''s not important right now.


    "So, what''s this prophecy thing even about then? If you''re worried I''m going to destroy the world or something like that, I think that''s a little farfetched"


    Am I really the type of person who would cause the end of the world? An evil genius perhaps? Heh... actually thinking about it, I could idently destroy the world by doing something idently like pressing a big red button that sets off a nuke without even knowing it, it would be down to stupidity rather than intelligence though.


    "We were worried, that''s why older sis went to go and kill you but she clearly failed and allowed her emotions to take over"


    Wait, Zeki just said Petra went to kill me? She''s not following up what he just said though.


    "Petra, is this true?"


    Petra really doesn''t look like she wants to answer but she forces herself to in the end. When she does, she seems really down.


    "Originally... yes Ikarus. The thing about the prophecy is that it predicts you''ll be the cause of a disaster that destroys the world. Of course, once we spoke, knew that you had no intentions of doing such a thing"


    That''s why we bumped into each other in the capital? She was nning to kill me but quickly realized it would''ve been pointless, I think.


    She seems really depressed telling me this though, it''s not like she actually tried to attack me so it''s all fine, right? I''m not going to hold grudges over something like that if what they''re saying is true. It''s not like she acted on those thoughts.


    I''m still not going to sacrifice myself trying to save the world if ites down to that type of thing though, I''m more than proud enough to say I''m not a heroic type of person like that. Eh, maybe I might, it would depend of the circumstances.


    (Zeki) "Older sis''s mother was always right about these types of predictions. The fourth phoenix born in a millennium will cause the human world to fall. She clearly has a thing for you so that''s got to be the reason for the change of n"


    (Ariza) "Zeki, why can''t you please try and be quiet for a little bit?"


    Petra''s has just facepalmed as well now, I don''t think it''s for the reason I''m thinking of though. This red-haired kid really needs a beating.


    Am I supposed to be surprised about her having a thing for me? I kinda got that idea back with the love potion incident even if I tried to ignore it, stuff like that is something which needs to be put in the back of my mind for now. End of the world type events take ce first otherwise there won''t be a world to even consider such things.


    "Look... how am I supposed to stop myself destroying the world then? It can''t just be as simple as this bird causing the end of the world with no signs or warnings"


    "Zeki is just being a jackass Ikarus. Mother''s predictions were always purposely vague, she never once said you''d cause it with your own wings or beak, just that unforeseen events have now been set in ce"


    "Once again older sis, you''ve changed your view on the whole thing. What happened to destroying any risk before it had the chance to show itself?"


    (Petra) "*Sigh*"


    (Ariza) "I''m sorry about him"


    This annoying little shit is starting to give me a headache and it looks like even Petra and Ariza are getting tired of him as well now.


    At least there''s something else I picked up from Zeki''s previous words, something about four phoenixes. He also said he hates dragons, I think that''s rted.


    "*Sighhh*... Zeki said something about four phoenixes then? I''m guessing all four of us are phoenixes?"


    It seems like a reasonable guess given the situation that I''m now in. It also seems I''m not the most irritating person on this entire continent as well now.


    "Yes Ikarus"


    (Ariza) "Yeah"


    (Zeki) "Yup orangey"


    A small family of four phoenixes, this doesn''t seem dumb at all. One orange, another ck, third blue and fourth red. I guess they all could all be colours rted to fire except Petra, she could be the charcoal I guess for our ming barbeque. Now we just need a yellow one and it might beplete. Nah, screw that, four phoenixes are already dumb and stupid enough. What happened to this species supposed to be extremely rare?


    Another question hase to mind now though.


    "If you lot are phoenixes, do you have different systems like me and Petra?"


    Zeki answers first with a high and mighty attitude, he clearly has a lot to say on this.


    "Oh, want to know more about us? I''m more than happy to start, my system is clearly the best and is based off the old MMOs. I have twenty-eight skills all that I can improve ranging from things like attack, farming, smithing and even prayer. I call it the online system"


    "Mine is a romance system, that''s what Zeki likes to call it anyway. It''s basically based around gaining affection in exchange for rewards. I really don''t like using it though"


    "You already know what I''m working with Ikarus"


    So, an online system, a romance and a cultivation? Okay, they''re definitely really varied, I''ll give it that. Of course, I''m feeling a little jealous once again but nothing I can do about it, my three-tier thing works well enough. Having twenty-eight skills to invest in sounds familiar though, almost like it was from an old MMORPG in the early two thousand''s but I''m pretty sure you trained to improve skills in that though. The game was called something scape, I think?


    The romance system could be taken out of any romance or eroge type thing, no idea what that''s ripped off from. Maybe that one might be original? I''m starting to think systems are based around someone''s personality or personal preference, I''d hate a romance system inside my head.


    [<-User- may have a point there>]


    It seems Aesa thinks I might be right about systems being tailored to the user, at least in our cases. No idea on that vampire back in the undead dungeon, his system if it even was a system seemed to work different.


    "What about your levels? Petra said she was a four-hundred and twentyst time"


    I obviously can''t check their statuses; a migraine will ur. Actually, that''s not a bad idea to use against the arrogant little red-haired shit when he pisses me off again, I can deal with the pain if it''s to inflict pain on someone who deserves it.


    "I''m in the low three-hundreds orangey, no-one canpare to older sis since she''s basically an immortal granny at this point"


    (Petra) "*Sigh*"


    "I''m erm... in the low fifties. My system kinda goes against what I want to do"


    Wait, both Petra and this Zeki guy are both in the hundreds and would have the phoenix five times stat points, right? No, their systems are different but even then, they should still be five times as powerfulpared to a human of that level. My point is, Petra might be a level two thousand ifpared to humans and Zeki would be around fifteen-hundred.


    Fuck, priestess holds nothing on phoenixes then, at least I''m not the only low-levelled phoenix, Ariza is basically the same level as me. I think Petra might be nearly as powerful as mother if pure numbers are anything to go off, phoenixes do get double stat points over dragons.


    "Don''t be like that brother, your system is perfectly designed for charisma type activities, you''re able to gain the hearts and knowledge just by interacting with people while it''s switched on, you also have some healing elements as well"


    "You know I hate using it though Zeki, it feels wrong manipting people like that"


    "You need more of a backbone brother"


    Me and Petra just let those two continue their conversation but very quickly Zekies back around to speak to me.


    "What about you orangey? What sub-par system are you working with that has no chance topare with mine?"


    I purposely bite down in preparation, I can insult my system but I don''t like it when someone else tells me Aesa is sub-par, I''m am a hypocrite after all.


    ''Okay, I''m getting nasty now, he''s pissing me off. Status''


    [Name: ***** | Species: ****** | Level: ***]


    [Health *****/*****]


    [Stamina *****/*****]


    [Magicka *****/*****]


    "Argh!... You bitch! What was that for?"


    The pain is unbearable and I have to grab my head once again but is totally worth it seeing him in pain also grabbing his head. Thankfully enough, the others don''t get effected by this so it very clearly only effects the phoenix being viewed at.


    [<Thank you -user->]


    (Ariza) "You deserved that Zeki"


    (Petra) "Ikarus was more than justified in doing that"


    I can''t help but give a slight smile, my nastiness was actually praised there. Both these two think he''s annoying as hell as well and even system gave me some praise.


    "If you must know what system I''m using kid, it''s basically a three-tier thing. Health, stamina and magicka. It is slightly basic but it gets the job more than done"


    He basically ignored most of my responses and just goes on about something else, he really is irritating as fuck.


    "I really don''t understand what you see in her older sis, it seems there might be nothing in her head if she''s using something like that. I guess some people have a thing for stupidity then"


    Petra actually uses her status on Zeki now, he holds his head once again but Petra doesn''t even flinch.


    "Ouch! Again!?, I''m going to have a nosebleed in a minute!"


    "Don''t call Ikarus stupid Zeki. Allowed it the first time, you can shut it now otherwise you''ll regret it"


    Petra is defending me? I''m not opposed to it but she actually looks really pissed at him now.


    "Damn, I was only making a song and dance about everything, you lot need to lighten up a bit and take a chill pill"


    (Petra) "And you need to stop being a dick"


    (Ariza) "Agreed Petra"


    I am actually still slightly interested in knowing the ins and outs of their systems but with this two-hundred-year-old kid, I haven''t got the patience to deal with him right now. We need to get back on track.


    "*Sighhh*... can we just go back on topic? What do you know about the prophecy and the end of the world then? How do we go about stopping it?"


    ...


    Everyone goes silent after my questioning. Was the n seriously to kill me without even knowing that far ahead? It''s a good thing Petra wasn''t that dumb to follow through with such a stupid n.


    "No one has a clue then? Well, isn''t that great?"


    "We were betting on killing you and that would''ve fixed all future problems but clearly older sis wants to take a different route or head for a different ending then"


    Okay, this kid definitely used to y too many games, I should be in my element talking to him about it all but he''s a right dick so screw him.


    It''s clear I''m not going to get any further now, none of these three knows the exact future so for all I know, they could bepletely wrong. Even if there is definitely going to be an end of world type of thing, who''s to say it''ll happen really soon or happen at all? I''ve shown no signs of turning to the dark side just yet, I don''t think I have anyway.


    I''m forgetting about something obvious as well, killing me would''ve ended the world because of my parents so clearly this prophecy is something that isn''t of concern right now. Like with the empire, nothing I can do about it as of this moment.


    Might as well focus elsewhere then.


    "When do you want to head back off to the cure search Petra? The sooner, the better"


    "Stay the night Ikarus and we''ll make our way over to the desert continent tomorrow"


    (Zeki) "No! She''s not having my bed!"


    (Ariza) "I''ll give you mine but it''s not thatfortable though"


    Both the other two give a quick response to Petra, Zeki is adamantly against giving anything away while Ariza doesn''t look happy but is still willing to do it though.


    "Actually, was going to give her mine... idiots"


    A sly look appears on Zeki''s face while Ariza looks no different, I feel like they might be misunderstanding something here.


    "No Petra, I''ve already stolen your bed once. I''ll take the sofa tonight if that''s alright"


    She seems disappointed in this development, it''s not like I can steal her bed again like with the inn incident. This sofa is more thanfortable enough though.


    ...


    Wait, she didn''t mean sleep together, right? Damn it, I can''t decide if I would''ve said yes or no to that, that fucking kid has made me start questioning things. I''m still not even one hundred percent sure she even likes me but it seems that way anyway, I''m not that dense.


    No, I don''t think she meant it that way, that''s way too soon for such a development to happen, there at least needs to be some build-up for such a thing, even if nothing actually happens in the end.


    I''m really not going to get on with this kid.

 Chapter 45 – Desert

    Chapter 45 ¨C Desert


    (Zeki) "This is fucking horrible, flying sucks"


    (Ariza) "It''s not great"


    After having a meal in their cave, spending the night on the sofa and waking up having breakfast, we all set off towards the desert continent. We''ve been flying for about a good hour now.


    I''m currently flying high with both the other two phoenixes alongside, both those two''s phoenix form match with their hair colour so I''ve got a blue and red bird flying both sides of me, they also share simr sizes to me as well. Petra is on my back since there wasn''t any chance I''m going to force her to fly if it hurts to.


    Petra somehow managed to convince these two toe along with us, I''m guessing she''s offered them massive bribes to do such a thing. This isn''t going to get annoying fast; no one is freaking normal on this continent. That expression doesn''t work anymore, we''ve just crossed the river into the desert continent now.


    "Why is it fair that you get to ride on orangey and we don''t?"


    I''m unsure if I like being called orangey or not but I''ll give him an answer to that question despite him asking it to Petra anyway.


    "That''s because I like Petra kid, you''re a colossal pain in the arse"


    "Heh, I like you too Ikarus"


    Okay, that wasn''t meant toe out that way but I can''t exactly take my words back now, I''ll just pretend I didn''t say that.


    (Zeki) "Urr, I''m going to turn you into orange chicken one day"


    It turns out, those two really don''t like going outside in the slightest, it''s actually a little sad thinking about it. The cave is nice and all but still, there''s not even a window inside, it must get a little stuffy. It''s not like my parents cave where you can actually get a breezee in on windy days since they have a small tiny doorway but oh well, the ce is more than nice enough I guess.


    Ariza seems more anxious over the entire thing, Zeki is slightly different but simr to me when ites to moaning but is ten times worse, there might be a new contender for the most annoying person I''vee across now.


    "Petra, why did you suggest taking these two with us anyway?"


    Seems a very reasonable question seeing that those two don''t like the outside world.


    "It''ll be much safer Ikarus. Despite their quirks, Zeki is a brute when ites to fighting and Ariza is a brilliant healer. We''re unsure on what the uing dungeon is so doesn''t hurt to be cautious"


    The prince never actually gave a detailed exnation on the dungeons in the elven continent and the desert, the only info we''ve got to go off right now is that some residents of a town should know of the location where to go.


    (Zeki) "Hah, I''m a proper brute and excellent fighter, my skill is even maxed out for fighting"


    (Ariza) "That''s too much praise Petra"


    Zeki seems to like being called a brute and Ariza doesn''t like the idea of being praised, maybe me and Ariza have a slight amount inmon then.


    I do wonder if this party of four phoenixes will be stronger than the other four. Actually, of course it will, none of us have to rely on a God who may or may not be taking a nap or unable tomunicate inside a dungeon. This should be much easier if I can stomach the obvious irritating red elephant in the room.


    "Seriously older sis, we don''t have to go out in so long and the first thing you do is make us go to the desert as well as help out a stranger"


    "Zeki is being over the top like usual but even I''m not a fan of this"


    Petra must be getting annoyed at those two now, can''t tell from being under her though.


    "You two need toe outside once in a while and stopining, you don''t spend enough time out as it is"


    "But we do go ou-"


    "Hunting doesn''t count Zeki, you two would never go outside if food and water came to your door"


    "That''s the entire point of ordering takeaway food though!"


    Both the other phoenixes look like they''re pouting from Petra''s words and she even has to cut Zeki off through their little conversation as well, at least what I think pouting would look like on two bird beaks flying in the sky.


    "How long is this trip anyway? I''d prefer not to spend too long in the desert as well if I''m being honest"


    "Shouldn''t be that long a trip Ikarus, the vige itself shouldn''t be more than two days but that''s only if we keep a decent pace and don''t get distracted"


    I think she res at the other two while finishing her sentence, Zeki also res back at her.


    "Let''s get to that town then"


    __________


    (Zeki) "I want to die right now, you''re so horrible older sis!"


    (Ariza) "It''s too hot"


    I can''t help but smile at their misfortune, maybe I feel a little sorry for Ariza but Zeki deserves every second of the blistering heat out here. As for why I''m notining, it turns out, I''m not as bad with heat as I first thought. It might just be down to the fact that they both have to be outside as well that''s ying them up, they do look a bit hot and bothered though.


    We''ve stopped and set up a quick camp and it''s roughly early in the evening, we should only be stopping once before we make our way towards the town so this seemed like a good spot to stop. A camp in the middle of an endless desert, tis a great ce to stop, at least we can see any approaching bandits from miles but it seems more than safe enough right now.


    Ah, this seems like a good time to give a brief exnation of the desert continent as well. First off, I''m pretty certain it''s called Krieger but I know it''s definitely home to the beast races. I''m not sure how many types of beast races there actually are but it should be pretty diverse given what I''ve read up on it.


    Oh, can''t also forget it''s made up of three countries, the names slip my mind but we''re definitely in the north of the middle one right now.


    "You two are just annoyed that I''ve made youe outside, you''ll be happy once we''re inside the dungeon"


    (Zeki) "Yeah but that could be days away"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh"


    Both those two have changed to human form and have gone shirtless trying to get rid of the heat, I can definitely tell they''re male now. I wonder if phoenix species have a natural tendency to look female, even the males. I''ve changed as well since skin is better for heat than feathers, I can handle the heat but still doesn''t hurt to keep myself even cooler. Petra is obviously in human as well.


    "How you fairing Ikarus?"


    "It definitely is hot but I don''t think I''m melting like those two"


    Both those two areying under an open tent in the shade right now as well, they really can''t handle the sun all that well.


    "It sounds a little stupid but that stamina potion helps heatstroke"


    Is she serious? I thought energy drinks are supposed to give you energy, that wouldn''t cool you down, I think. I know it''s different but the taste is the same anyway.


    ''Aesa, is she teasing me or being serious?''


    [<Aesa is unsure>]


    I very quickly find out they might have some cooling down properties judging by other two''s reaction to finding out I''m holding onto some potions.


    (Zeki) "Wait, orangey has love potions? Share the wealth then, I''m thirsty over here"


    (Ariza) "Could I have one please?"


    Of course, Mr obnoxious wants one of my potions, I''d give him one but I''m unsure if it''s a great idea for both of them though.


    "Ikarus, pay you for some, just anything to shut those two up right now"


    Maybe it might be a decent idea then.


    "Fine fine but I''m not charging you. If it helps shut them up, then take as many as you want"


    I take two out of storage but before I have the chance to pass them over, Petra has another question.


    "Actually, do you mind if you get another out?"


    Petra want''s one? I know it''s hot but... okay, she''s being weird again, she definitely remembers drinking thatst love potion.


    "Are you forgetting what happenedst time?"


    "Heh, you make it seem like it was a regretful experience"


    She smiles at me while answering, I now know I definitely wasn''t mistaken back then, she''s literally just going to have the exact same type of reaction once again.


    "Fine but just don''t be going ''asleep'' likest time, I don''t trust you"


    I look at her in a judgmental way while saying that and purposely put emphasis on asleep.


    "What do you take me for Ikarus? Nothing happened other than sleep, was something else meant to happen?"


    Does she actually understand what I meant or not? I feel a little embarrassed saying that now, it was meant as a joke but I think she took it literally. Shouldn''t I take that as apliment as well if... no, forget it, my mind''s in the gutter right now.


    Anyway, I pass Petra three potions and she gives them out. Once everyone has one, they all start drinking the stupid aphrodisiacs, I''m not buying any more of these in the future.


    "Ahhhh, these things remind me of myputer, so many all nighters grinding with my pals keeping awake with energy drinks, happy memories"


    "They are quite nice Zeki"


    "..."


    All three of them look to be enjoying the drink, I''m not getting involved in this type of situation again. This time, it will have an effect on me, I''m sure of it.


    "Heh, you''re not going to join us then Ikarus?"


    I know what she''s doing and I''m not falling for it.


    "Considering that all three of you are taking one, I''m not joining in on the shenanigans that might go down"


    "Is orange just extremely stup-"


    "Zeki"


    Petra''s cuts him off, I guess she''d rather people not call me stupid then. Don''t really see the issue with it, I am a bit on the dumb side most of the time.


    (Ariza) "What Zeki was trying to say in a rude way is that these potions don''t make you go crazy or anything like that, all it does is enhances feelings"


    I already know what they do, that wasn''t what I was getting at. I already know how Petra will react, no idea on the other two and I''d rather not have any more stupid thoughts go through my mind.


    "You seriously not going to join us Ikarus? The potion has no effect on you, remember?"


    Is she now being dense or is this a new way of teasing? There is definitely no way I''m drinking that now, especially when I already know it enhances feelings.


    ...


    Yeah, that''s basically me admitting to it, whoop dee freaking doo, I actually kinda like her. Wait, that''s the first time I''ve properly admitted to it in that way, I think.


    What am I even supposed to do about it anyway? I get the feeling it''s mutual but still, this type of thing passes my mind, too many bad memories and unhappy rtionshipse to mind.


    Damn it, this is why I don''t like to think on this type of crap, just going to let it go with the flow and see if anything happens. I''ve had bad experiences with this type of thing before so it''s better not to overthink it, everything seems to get ruined that way. It''s making me depressed thinking about it as well now.


    The sun is starting to go down, I''d rather not stick around and see Petra get flustered again.


    "I''m going to get an early night"


    __________


    "Ikarus, are you alright?"


    While flying over to the town the next morning, Petra asks me this quietly while on my back, I think she can sense I''m not in the greatest of moods.


    I guess I''ve been a little quite this morning, even when I got out food from storage that we ate for breakfast, I still wasn''t all that talkative, can''t help but feel a bit crappy.


    In all honesty, I feel more awkward now. I really don''t know what to do, do I juste out and say it or stick with what I was telling myselfst evening?


    "She''s probably questioning her feelings for you or something dumb like that older sis"


    Damn it, this fucking kid is pissing me off now.


    "Petra, can I cut out his tongue?"


    "You''re not denying it orangey?"


    I swear, I''m going to end up killing him if he doesn''t stop, even if he''s a much higher level, I''ll find a way. I have my giant power after all, got to use it at some point.


    Thankfully, my temper quickly calms itself down when Ariza notices something off in the horizon.


    (Ariza) "I think I can see something"


    Off in the distance, arge desert settlement can be seen.


    The desert town in question has yellow sandstone buildings all around the ce and all have square type roofs, there isn''t a triangle is sight. I really don''t know what era topare this ce to because there are still some areas on Earth that use buildings like this, I guess the closest thing would be ancient Egypt perhaps?


    We all find a ce tond far enough out of sight and switch forms. Unfortunately for me, all those three seem to have enchanted clothing and I''m stuck with this choker thing so I switch to naked like usual.


    [<-User- does also have enchanted clothing>]


    ''Sighhh... not this again''


    Once I''m sorted, we all walk into the desert style settlement and I can''t help but notice the amount of beast race people about, there doesn''t seem to be a single human in sight. They do look very human like except from the animal ears and tails they all seem to have but quite a few of them look really tanned as well, the sun in this desert probably being the reason for their skin colour.


    Also, to the side of the settlement, I could see an oasis of sorts. Clearly, that must''ve been where they would''ve gotten water in the vast, endless desert.


    My eyes go onto three women, all have different styled ears seeming to be based on their potential species and barely have any clothing on. Think sports bra and short shorts type of thing, only made of fur or leather. Clearly, it''s too hot to be wearing loads of clothing out here.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Wendy | Species: Wolf''oid | Level: 31]


    [Health 1,800/1,800]


    [Stamina 1,239/1,300]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Collie | Species: Cat''oid | Level: 21]


    [Health 900/900]


    [Stamina 1,111/1,200]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Raquel | Species: Racoon''oid | Level: 15]


    [Health 750/750]


    [Stamina 624/750]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''It literally is an animal species with oid at the end of it, is this really what beast races are called?''


    [<-User''s- system is designed around -user- remember. Species names can also reflect that>]


    ''You mean everything I see is purposely simple because I''m dumb? Okay, that seems even more stupid but let''s just move on''


    I probably shouldn''t be staring at people while we walk but then again, they shouldn''t have noticed my eyes glowing a little blue so it''s fine, I''ve been doing it for so long and I''m not stopping now.


    Both the red and blue phoenixes have gone quiet now that other people are around, have they got social anxiety or something?


    I definitely think Ariza does, he looks really anxious around other people, I''m a little surprised why he took to me so quickly then if this is how he gets around strangers, maybe being a phoenix helped? As for Zeki, no idea what''s going through his head but he looks just as moody as hell right now.


    "Petra, how would we go about finding the dungeon?"


    "Dungeon?"


    Before Petra has a chance to respond, one of three beast women I just looked at respond, they''re still taking to each other though.


    "Did you just say something about a dungeon Raquel?"


    "One of those humans said something about a dungeon. Excuse me, is that what you''re looking for?"


    I very quickly realized they aren''t speaking the samenguage used in the empire, this has a different sound to it and sounds a little more brazen. Of course, having an automatic trantor makes it no issue at all to understand though.


    "Yeah, we heard rumours about a dungeon being around here"


    Petra answers for me, no idea why though.


    "You''repletely mistaken then, there is no dungeon around these parts. There is one far down in the south but everyone''s known about that for thest few years now. You can''t miss it if you head over there"


    All the three women leave after the racoon''oid finishes speaking to us. Quickly after, both the other two-party members have something to say.


    "Is she talking about that stupid ce?"


    "Yeah Zeki, it probably is that"


    Zeki looks to beining about something while Ariza doesn''t look to have that much of a thought over it, what ce could the racoon be speaking of?


    "What are those two talking about?"


    "You''ll understand when we head over there Ikarus, even I''m a little surprised that''s a dungeon entrance"


    Those three clearly know the location that racoon woman spoke of, I guess I should be patient and enjoy the surprise that awaits, I really have no idea what to expect though, what type of dungeon could be in the middle of a desert?


    __________


    Several dayster...


    "Oh my freaking God, it''s a pyramid!"

 Chapter 46 – Dungeon Dimy

    Chapter 46 ¨C Dungeon Dimy


    "Still can''t believe the dungeon is inside a pyramid"


    The trip over to the pyramid was uneventful. Like with the usual, flying through the skies stops nearly any and all potential bandits or other enemies. I did hear a rumour in the capital about thesends being really aggressive and nasty but we''re yet toe across any criminals.


    The only thing that kept happening is those two whining about the heat, my stock of energy drinks is all gone so there was no way of shutting them up, especially Zeki. He is just as unbearable as usual.


    During the trip towards the south, we did end up flying over some ruins halfway through that none of the other phoenixes had any clue why they were there, must have been an ancient civilization destroyed long ago. In the never-ending reaches of this desert, you tend to notice things like that.


    "Yup orangey, this ce is only thing even noticeable in this dumb desert. Feast your eyes on pure giarism! I''m unsure if this or the Earth ones came first though"


    Travelling with this kid is very slowly starting to take its toll on us. Thankfully, this is only temporarily since the dungeon after this is in the elven continent next. I''ll have to pick up my original party members and there''s no chance these two will want to spend that long outside again.


    Wait, should I inform my parents what''s happening with the prince situation when we''re heading back? It''s basically on the same flight path, I''m conflicted though, they need to know about everything but I don''t want another city to burn to the ground because of another emotional incident.


    I''ll decideter on, now it''s time to focus on this uing dungeon.


    We''re all in human form walking towards the pyramid entrance, that clearly must be what that racoondy was talking about, the other three of the party all seem to be in agreement also.


    As for the pyramid itself, it literally looks like the spitting image of one of those on Earth, simr in a size to thergest and roughly the same wear and tear from age I reckon. Around it, a few small buildings can be seen and a huge square temple to the side of one of the corners of the pyramid as well as somerge ruins around the outsides of it as well.


    This ce doesn''t actually look all that popted except for a couple of beast people around the small entrance to the pyramid and the asional person or persons that walk past us on the road. I wonder if theck of water around here could be the reason, I haven''t seen any bodies of water nearby so might be that.


    That doesn''t exin how they were able to build this thing in the first ce but even with Earth, some people still question if building our pyramids was even possible. Best theory I''ve heard is that aliens helped because one of the shafts aim up perfectly to a well-known star and that might be where the alien visitors came from.


    Who knows? I''m just remembering something really weird now so let''s just move on.


    We walk up to the entrance and before we have the chance to speak, two beastmen stop us from entering.


    "No entrance for humans"


    "Yeah, your kind isn''t wee in our temple"


    Two beastmen ''greet'' us as we go up the open entrance to the pyramid, they clearly have a strong dislike of humans. As for their races, I haven''t got a clue but they both have different style ears and tails though.


    Are we seriously being discriminated against because we''re not beast races? Are you actually being serious? The people in that town seemed alright but then again, they might''ve just wanted rid of us.


    Petra facepalms from the tant racism but it seems she had an idea something like this would happen.


    "This is why the beast continent is annoying, you can thank the empire for the hostility that''s festered here for centuries. Ariza, would you mind doing your thing?"


    "Do I have to Petra?"


    "Would you rather Zeki kill them instead?"


    I''ve only just noticed Zeki''s anger now that Petra mentioned it, he looks like he''s about to blow, his temper might be as bad as my father but he clearly still can hold it in as well. In all honesty, I''m not opposed to killing the racist beastmen but if there''s another solution, then it might be better to choose it. Killing people for having free speech seems a little much but if they''re racists, it sure is very tempting.


    Ariza steps forward and puts her hand out towards the men.


    I''m still unsure whether to use he or she for Ariza, they seempletely fine with either and that''s why I''m confused. I guess I could use they more but I feel like it sounds a little disrespectful to call someone they or it. Ariza has said more than once that either is perfectly fine though so I''ll just try sticking with one but I''m unsure which though.


    "What are you doing blue hai-..."


    "Hey! What hav-..."


    Both start falling into into a trance of some sorts, almost as if they''re half asleep.


    "I''m sorry about this you two but you''re more than happy to let us in, right?"


    "Of course!"


    "We won''t stop you!"


    Both beast men seem very happy in their responses, Ariza''s system is definitely good for these types of situations then. Petra said she''s a healer, I wonder how that works if she also has a mind-altering type of ability, I should ask about it anyway.


    "You have mind control Ariza?"


    "Yup, brother is brilliant, his brainwashing can get through any simple-minded bigoted peasant like those two"


    Ariza very quickly gets annoyed with Zeki after he finishes though.


    "No! It''s not like that, just shut it Zeki. What I just used is more of a mind blocker, it doesn''t actually control minds, just helps people be a little more open minded to be convinced on things"


    I feel like Ariza is trying to justify using an ability which is basically a type of mind control but I''m not going to call him out on it, he clearly dislikes having to use it.


    It is strange how different those two personalities are like if they were raised by Petra but then again, we all have memories from Earth so it''s not like we''re all children. Well... I''m a little childish but I was always like that so being reborn didn''t make an inch of difference to me.


    I wonder, would Petra have raised me as well if my dragon parents weren''t around? Actually, I don''t like the sound of that, I would''ve ended up seeing her like a mother like figure and I''d rather not see Petra in that way if I''m being honest.


    Anyway, we all walk past the dopey beastmen guards and walk into the pyramid, there''s only one long corridor that seems to head straight into the middle of the triangle structure but it''ll take a little time to get there.


    "Ahh, it''s so much better in the shade"


    "Agreed Zeki"


    Of course, it''s those two who stopining. Okay, I can definitely see improvement from my side now, I used to be just as bad as them. Have I actually experienced some growth when ites to moaning? I feel like I need to start moaning to make up for it now.


    "Is everything alright Ikarus? You seem a little quieter these days"


    While I''m turning stupid again, Petra seems to be concerned for me.


    "You can me Mr talkative ahead of us for that"


    "Yeah, he is a little much to handle but I''m unsure if that''s the case, you just seem a little less talkative in general"


    She has got a point since Zeki isn''t the only reason, he has made me realize just how obnoxious I can actually be. The other reason is that I''m still questioning things between us, stuff like what happens if I do say something and things don''t work out, the awkwardness that''ll happen between us. That''s to say if she even holds the same feelings but I''m still pretty sure she does though,.


    And what if it turns out I don''t actually like her that much and it''s just a little crush? Damn it, I hate thinking about this stuff.


    "It''s a littleplic-"


    (Zeki) "You two, hurry the hell up!"


    (Ariza) "We''ve found something over here"


    I get cut off by those two, good timing thinking about it. I do need to stop thinking about this now.


    As we walk into the inner chamber of the pyramid, wee across arge triangle shaped room with close to a dozen or so beast peopleying on the floor on mats looking half asleep, something doesn''t seem right.


    "It smells like burning opal leaves in here, that really was a happy time"


    The other two of our party give a little sigh towards the happy looking Zeki, I''m unsure why though.


    "Opal leaves, what are they?"


    (Ariza) "Zeki used to smoke a lot back in the day"


    (Petra) "Had to force him to quit, it used to stink the cave out"


    Is that what all this fog in this room is then? Burning leaves?


    Wait, are opal leaves supposed to be a type of narcotic? It would definitely exin all these peopleying down out of their minds. Okay, I defo ain''t doing anything like that. Alcohol is one thing, that is apletely different level of hell nah.


    No issue with people who do that type of thing, it''s just way too much for me, also had a very bad experience with something simr back on Earth so no chance of repeating that.


    "They said the dungeon is here, this just looks like a drug den... wait, we don''t have to smoke to enter?"


    Of course, the red-haired kid has to answer first like usual.


    "Why would you think such a thing orangey? Are you stu-..."


    Zeki actually stops himself from calling me stupid this time, it turns out Petra''s parenting can work on him even with just giving a re, I guess it''s still considered parenting.


    "Doubt it Ikarus, never heard of such an entrance to a dungeon before"


    "Haven''t got a clue either"


    Both Petra and Ariza are unsure how we''re even supposed to enter such a ce, have we been given false info?


    "How did they know this ce is a dungeon then? Have we just been lied to and sent to somece random?"


    "Hah, no need for such a worry orangey, found something over here"


    Without us even paying attention, Zeki has found a secret doorway behind a bookshelf in the corner, how the hell did he spot that? That''s not a question for right now though.


    (Petra) "*Sigh*... Zeki, couldn''t you have put that elsewhere?"


    (Ariza) "You''re literally crushing someone Zeki!"


    He''s gettingints from the other phoenixes about where he''s left the toppled bookshelf, the wooden piece of furniture is currently resting on top of one of the drugged out beastmen. Whether he put it there on purpose or not, it doesn''t really matter.


    "Why should I give a shit about these racists?"


    He picks therge bookshelf back up and puts it off the side while speaking anyway, it''s mad that the guy who just had a heavy bookshelf on him is still out of it and hasn''t had a reaction to basically being partially crushed but oh well.


    (Ikarus) "Let''s just get a move on"


    As we all enter the secret doorway, none of us have a clue that one of those ''drugged'' out people could''ve been faking it...


    __________


    (Zeki) "I feel like a huge boulder is going to start chasing us down one of these halls any second now"


    Okay, this kid would get all my references, he''s clearly on about the fedora wearing archaeologist teacher who carries a whip and is afraid of snakes, I wish I thought of saying that first. I''d love to have a full-blown chat about stuff like that with him but with his personality, I might blow a fuse. I''d probably get insulted for saying offline games are better than online or he''d say orangey''s favourite movie is shit, insults seem to be part of his personality.


    We''re all walking down a winding pathway inside here, the hallways in this ce seem to be simr to a maze but thankfully enough, it''s a lot easier to explore than thebyrinth dungeon.


    We''ve been in here for a little while now as well, this ce is really dusty and slightly hard to breathe in though. However, we don''t have to spend any longer searching around since we''vee across something that immediately pisses me of.


    "Damn it, it''s another freaking fountain"


    Looks like we''vee across the next dungeon entrance and of course, it''s another magical fountain. This was one of the biggest reasons for taking a break, what kind of shit are we going to experience in there?


    "What are you on about orangey?"


    (Ariza) "Yeah, what''s wrong?"


    At least Petra knows what this is, I have told her about the experience on that northern ind with the confusion dungeon, sighhh.


    "Ikarus has alreadye across a dungeon entrance like this before so she''s got the most knowledge out of us here"


    I guess Petra has nevere across a fountain dungeon then, maybe she is more ustomed to fighting dungeons then?


    "We now know this ce is probably going to be shit, this dungeon is going to be exhausting if thest one is anything to go off. There might be fighting but expect a lot of irritation"


    Ariza looks concerned from my moaning of the ce we''re about to enter but Zeki couldn''t give two shits about anything like that.


    "If orangey says it''s shit, then it''ll probably be fun. We just need to drink from it then, older sis?"


    Is this kid brave or just stupid? He''s already taken a sip from the damn thing as well.


    "*Sigh*, You really don''t think ahead do you Zeki?"


    Petra even facepalms again, I feel like she regrets bringing him even more now. I''m starting to enjoy having him around, I like not being the stupidest in the group.


    "Urgh... I feel tire-..."


    "Zeki!"


    Ariza runs up to Zeki and looks really concerned from her brother''s copse; I can''t help but think how much quieter it''s gotten since he''s been out but we should probably join him.


    "He''ll be fine Ariza... probably. We should join him now though"


    "Beforehand Ikarus, where was the first ce you encountered inside there? What type of enemies or resistance are we to expect?"


    I guess Petra wants to n ahead before we go in but in honesty, we kinda need to get in there quickly seeing that Mr obnoxious is in there alone.


    "It was a meadow and peaceful start but I doubt we''ll be able to predict where we awaken in there, I can''t see it bein-"


    Before I even have the chance to finish, I stop speaking and notice Ariza has now also taken a sip from the fountain.


    "Uh..."


    Okay, she really cares about her brother then I guess, me and Petra need to join them quickly in their slumber now. Have no idea what type of havoc they could be wreaking in there so need to hurry it up.


    "Should we join them then?"


    (Petra) "Sure"


    Me and Petra grab a handful of the water, take a sip and very quickly like the other two, we also lose consciousness.


    __________


    "Your royal majesty, you''ve gone silent all of a sudden"


    All four of us find ourselves sitting on four thrones in a royal hall, the two moaners are on smaller thrones on the outside while me and Petra are in the middle on two fancyrge thrones, this obviously must be a throne room then.


    "It''s about time you three woke up, I''ve been speaking to these idiots wearing your faces for quite some time now, they really had no personalities at all"


    Of course, Mr obnoxious has to greet us in this royal looking pce. Wait, what is he wearing and what am I wearing? Damn, that''s a heavy dress, I''ve even got heels on as well.


    "Your majesty, would you like to reschedule this meetingter on?"


    One of the royal advisors is speaking towards Petra, is she supposed to be the royal in charge here? Wait a second, does Petra have a male body in here as well!?


    Once again, I hate these types of dungeons...

 Chapter 47 – Playing a Role

    Chapter 47 ¨C ying a Role


    "So... let me get it straight, you''re a prince, Ariza is a princess, Petra''s the king and I''m the freaking queen!?"


    (Petra) "Seems that way Ikarus"


    "Yup orangey"


    (Ariza) "I like this body"


    Once we sent the royal advisors away and the guards in this throne room, we had Zeki exin to all of us what''s going on right now since he had already been here an hour or two already. Clearly it seems like time flows different in here like with the other dungeon. We''re all standing talking to each other since those thrones actually aren''t thatfortable.


    It also appears this dungeon has a twisted sense of humour; Ariza now has a female body and Petra has a male. They still have the same hairstyles and facial appearances but the body proportions are different now, Ariza is definitely female from two very noticeable features and Petra literally has the body of a well-toned male, simr shape to that captain Jekyll.


    All of us are dressed in extremely expensive regal attire with me and Ariza both wearing fancy, long, ssy dresses while both Petra and Zeki look to be wearing something the royals in the capital like the prince might wear.


    I can''t help but get extremely annoyed and frustrated about something. If there''s a dungeon God, then he needs a piece of my mind.


    "Why the hell is Petra the king when I used to be a fucking guy? Damn it, wouldn''t that have made more sense than keeping me in the exact same body?"


    That''s what I can''t get over. Sure, I like this female body but how does this make sense? Ariza got a gender change, shouldn''t I as well?


    "It probably has something to with older sis being more suitable for the role orangey, you defo wouldn''t have fit the role of a wise and intelligent leader"


    This damn irritating... he probably has a point if that''s who this king is supposed to be based off, I do wonder why we have all kept most of our appearances though, Petra''s even blind in this as well again.


    Considering he doesn''t like people, he seems pretty happy at the moment.


    "Why are you so happy about this situation kid?"


    "Cause it''s just like being in VR game, we can do whatever we want and we literally control an entire country, what''s there to be unhappy about?"


    Petra very quickly corrects his stupidity though.


    "No Zeki, that''s not how it works inside here. You still can die and it''s not a video game"


    Damn it, even Petra''s voice sounds slightly more masculine, my brain is confuzzled.


    The thing is, I like Petra but I hold no attraction to guys and the thought with being with one makes me queasy, is this why the dungeon decided to take this route? Just to screw with me?


    "I just can''t get over why you''re male Petra, it does my freaking head in"


    "Love knows no gender orangey; you should still love older sis even when she looks like that"


    Damn it, this kid is fucking annoying.


    (Petra) "Stop it now Zeki, your humour isn''t making anyoneugh"


    I need to have a quick think now, if this is like the other dungeon, then shouldn''t we have a narrator again?


    "Aesa, are you with us?"


    ...


    "If you''re trying to contact your voice orangey, they don''t work inside here. Mine hasn''t spoken a word as well... you hear me dickhead!? Speak thou sted words of wisdom!..."


    He shouts and looks up thest bit of his sentence, obviously trying to see if he''ll get a response from his system voice.


    "... Like I said, nothing"


    This is really problematic, how are we supposed to get out then? It''s not like we have any hints or clues right now. If system doesn''t work, I''m guessing this won''t work as well.


    ''Status''


    Yeah, nothing, I even aimed it trying to give Zeki a headache and nothing. But wait, do we still have the OP powers of the confusion dungeon?


    "What about the magic situation kid? Is it unlimited?"


    "Unlimited? Why would it be unlimited?"


    Ignoring his response, I start charging up a small fire ball in my hand and very quickly find there''s no issue there, I could do this indefinitely. Magic has the exact same properties as the northern ind dungeon, at least we''re able to defend ourselves. I cancel it very quickly after though.


    "Phe... looks like we aren''t defenceless"


    "Are you forgetting something orangey? We are a royal family; nothing can hurt us with all the peasants and knights under ourmand. It truly is a brilliant thing"


    Zeki responds in a condescending way, is unlimited magicka not a big deal to him? Petra very quickly has to exin once again why''s he an idiot.


    "Zeki, use your head for one minute, how do you think we''ll find a way out of here by just staying safe inside a castle? Dungeons aren''t that easy"


    "We can just... yeah, you''ve got a point, anyone got any ideas how to escape?"


    ...


    Of course, all of us fall silent, my best guess is we could use guards and peasants for help but even then, what do we ask them to look for? A big fancy portal to our world? A person that I can kill that might end this ce? There clearly has to be a way out of here but how do we go about achieving such a task?


    At least Petra has an idea on how to go about things for the time being.


    "Our best bet would be to just act how these lot normally would and try to pick up bit and pieces of information along the way, there is a slight problem that I''ve got though"


    "What issue do you have Petra?"


    She gives of a smiling response to me but I think it''s more of a forced smile.


    "I''m as you would say Ikarus, heh... I''m blind as a bat. My system doesn''t allow me to see a thing in here"


    Damn it, she''s has to bring what I said in our first meeting. She''s seriously one hundred percent blind now? No bullshit ability helping her? I''m still calling Petra her, no chance I''m using him.


    I start to wave in front of her and she''s correct, no response nor does she even know I''m doing it, I think.


    "Seriously older sis? Can you really not sense how many fingers I''m holding up right now?"


    "No idea Zeki but guessing if it''s you, then probably none"


    Heh, she was right, he didn''t even lift up his hand or put any fingers out.


    (Ariza) "We''ll protect you Petra, me, Zeki and Ikarus will be able to help"


    "The person who had your body beforehand older sis got loads of help from the guards and servants, we''ll still help as well"


    Clearly, the king must''ve been blind to begin with. Still wonder why our appearances are the same but these dungeons always will leave questions unanswered so no point dwelling on that.


    It really does suck that Petra is going to have such a rough time in here, being actual blind is a terrifying thought, her system really works well for her in that regard.


    "You two forget, was permanently blind for a good couple hundred years before it unlocked itself. This isn''t new, just need something like this walking stick and a day or two to figure out my surroundings"


    She was already carrying a fancy jewelled walking cane, at least she''s not looking so down about being properly blind again. That should help I guess but it still isn''t great.


    "Still Petra, we''ll give you a hand if you need it. Should we start going about our day then?"


    (Petra) "Sure then Ikarus"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh"


    "Yup orangey"


    So with that, we called in the royal advisors and returned to our thrones.


    __________


    "Urgh... I''m so freaking bored! And hungry now"


    It''s already evening and we''ve spent all day since morning going through person and person asking for advice, investments, agreeing tows, basically anything that you might wait in line for to speak to the king. This obviously is extremely boring for me to deal with.


    I swear royals are supposed to have other people who do this type of thing for them, maybe it''s different seeing that everyone who''se forward looks to be well dressed and maybe is a noble or lord of some kind. I guess the royals still need the support of its residents but still, it''s not fun at all.


    The throne room we''re still doing this in is filled with guards, several advisors with one main guy who seems to talk more than the others and looks average and uninspiring, as well as me and Petra on these dumb, ufortable thrones. There''s only so much I can realistically distract myself since every question is always aimed towards the king so I''m just a passenger here.


    Zeki and Ariza went off to explore the pce a long time ago, no point in those two sticking around seeing that everything that''s happened today needed the king''s confirmation. I''m only here since it would''ve been unfair to Petra having to deal with everything alone so I''m basically only providing moral support to her.


    Petra has taken to this like a duck on water, she''s handling the role of king perfectly. I can definitely see why I''m not in her role now, the way she talks almost sounds like something you could actually imagine a king saying, she takesmand when needed but also shows apassionate side. Why do I get the feeling she might''ve done something like this before? She''s just that good at it.


    "I agree Ikarus, I''m growing weary as well now... Advisor! How many are now left? My wife is getting hungry"


    "Just one more today your royal majesty"


    Okay, I don''t like being called wife but then again, it fits the role we''re ying right now so I''ll ignore it. She really has gotten into the role too well.


    "Send them in"


    A different advisor opens the door once again and another noble enters, he takes a bow in front of us and then goes to speak.


    "Greetings your royal highness, I came here today to plead for your support and mary wealth, thi-"


    ''Oh God, it''s another one...''


    __________


    After we''ve dealt with thest noble and eaten dinner, darkness has already fallen on this pce and I''m exhausted now, even Petra looks tired from the day we''ve just had. If this is going to be a normal thing, screw that. This isn''t even my impatienceing back to haunt me, this is just boring.


    As for what''s going on now, we are currently being led by a servant to the bedroom areas of the pce, this ce is extremelyrge and fancy looking so it''s taking a while.


    "How you fairing Ikarus?"


    "The faster we get out of this ce, the better"


    "Heh, agreed"


    Both of us aren''t even in the mood for a long conversation right now, this dungeon really needs to hurry up and show us what to do.


    I''m already guessing the other two have gone to bed by now. In future, I''m forcing them to sit in the throne room with us, might as well make everyone enjoy the absolute boredom thates with this ce. Hang on, that isn''t the theme of this ce? To get out, you need to physically die from boredom? No, even I think that''s stupid as hell, there definitely has to be a goal to this ce that hasn''t been shown just yet.


    At least that advising thing isn''t all thatmon, apparently the next one isn''t scheduled for a least another week so that boredom isn''t something that has to be experienced every day.


    Now we''ve walked to where we need to, the servant opens the door to the master bedroom for us and speaks.


    "Here you are your royal majesties, I''ll awake you both at the usual time"


    I don''t like being called majesty all the time by these lot but appearances still need to be kept up... wait, me and Petra sharing a bedroom? That isn''t happening, no chance.


    "Petra I like you and all but there ain''t no way we''re sharing a bed while you''re male"


    I realize shortly after I made a mistake in what I just said. The servant however doesn''t seem to pay attention to what just was said though, I get the feeling the queen was known for being a little crazy or odd around here so I can say what I want to, probably


    "So... you''d be willing to share a bed if I wasn''t male then? Good to know"


    Damn her stupid happy smile, I fell right into that trap. How am I supposed to respond to that now?


    Despite her making the odd tease like this, I get the feeling she''s not all that experienced with these types of things, mainly the fact of what Zeki has blurted out about her heart and all that crap. I think she just enjoys teasing me, maybe I should start trying to give her some back, see how she responds to teasing but that could backfire though.


    How do I respond?


    "Heh Ikarus, you don''t have to think so heavily on this, I''m clearly just winding you up... although, I''m always up for sharing if you want"


    She really is too smooth at times, I don''t think I''m even close to being ready for such a thing though, I''ll just ignore her for now and go back to the servant.


    "Prepare me a guest bedroom and wake me up at the same time"


    "Of course your majesty"


    Before following the servant to another room, got to say goodnight.


    "Night Ikarus"


    "Night Petra"


    __________


    (Petra) "Morning Ikarus"


    (Ariza) "Hello"


    "Alright orangey"


    The three of the party are sitting around arge dining table having breakfast when I enter.


    I decided to sleep in despite me wanting to wake up at the same time. Turns out, extreme boredom is a good method for sleeping like a rock. Also, didn''t help that bed was morefortable than any bed I''ve ever used, the nightwear I wore as well was extremelyfortable. Having a servant even get me dressed seemed a bit odd but nothing I can do about it otherwise it might seem weird.


    I guess there is something to be said about living in luxury, the food those three are eating also looks luxurious. Zeki has a rare steak on his te, Ariza scrambled eggs on toast and Petra has smoked fish as well as some sd. It''s not something you would typically have for breakfast but who cares? I''ve had curry for breakfast on Earth before, homemade chilli as well, might as well clean out the fridge if you''ve got nice food left.


    "What would you like to eat your majesty? I''ll inform the chef immediately"


    As I sit, I get spoken to by to a butler who is serving our little family, might as well make the most out of everything good inside here, I am supposed to be a queen after all.


    "Medium-rare steak with a fried egg, make sure it''s runny"


    The butler nods and leaves the dining room, maybe I should''ve said please but then again, is that something a snobby royal would say?


    "Ah, orangey has good taste in food"


    He says that with a mouthful of steak, I''m not going to say anything since he''s actually not being insulting for once. I''d rather not see the contents of his food in his mouth though.


    "You sleep well Ikarus?"


    Still can''t get over male form Petra, my mind can''t help but be confused.


    "You have no idea, need a bed like that in my storage ring"


    Wait, could I actually store a bed in my storage ring? Why didn''t I think of that? Obviously, I can''t do anything like that inside here, it''s a system type thing and I don''t even have my ring as well.


    "Good to hear, didn''t sleep great but it might be down to me feeling lonely"


    Is she seriously starting her teasing again already? It''s a good thing I don''t mind it otherwise it would get annoying. We both know there''s zero chance of that happening while she has a third leg, I''d trust her but still. Once again, it just sums up how shallow I can be but I really don''t care, everyone has their own personal tastes, I cannot find men attractive in any circumstance, whatsoever.


    It just means and potential developing rtionship with Petra gets put on hold for the time being, that kinda suits me right now with everything else going on. Got to deal with the empire, the threat of me causing the end of the world and getting out of this dungeon is more than enough to worry about.


    The four of us end up discussing any random crap for five minutes and then my food is ready.


    "Here you go your majesty"


    The butler brings in my food and I swear, this might be the best cut of steak I''ve ever seen and the egg looks absolutely mouth-watering as well, how the hell can they make food look like this?


    Just before I have the chance to tuck in to my lovely breakfast, someone opens up the door and interrupts everything.


    "Your majesty, I have an update from the frontlines!"


    Wait, frontlines? Nothing like this came up yesterday, is this country at war?


    "Halt! The royal family is not to be disturbed while eating!"


    I forgot to mention the several guards on duty inside the room. Everywhere we go in the pce, we are constantly followed and kept safe except in the bedrooms. Even then, there was always two guards outside the door all night, this family do be taken protection seriously. I wonder if there''s a sinister reason behind it, I guess any royal in power needs serious protection.


    "Guard, stand down! Let him through"


    I think Petra was about to say something simr but I beat her to it, I am the second most powerful person here so I can unt my authority every now and then, want to sort this out quickly and eat my food. Both the other two phoenixes don''t look like they''re paying attention to what''s going on though.


    "Thank you, my queen, but I must focus my attention on his majesty right now"


    "Fine then"


    I feel like his response might have been a little rude but I don''t care all that much.


    I''m not sure who this guy actually is but he takes a knee and stays down while facing me and Petra. I think he''s a type of battlefield messenger for the knights but notpletely sure.


    "Speak then, you have my attention"


    "Thank you, your majesty. The elves have destroyed the fort on the frontlines, they have finally broken through past the border. They''ll be hitting the second line of defences in the next week or two if they keep progressing at their current pace, this is all I have to share your majesty"


    The way he said that, it almost seemed like that was seriously bad news, everyone serving or guarding us in the room looks really concerned from that.


    "Thank you for your information, take some off time and get some rest"


    "I''m honoured to be serving under your rule your majesty, praise to be the kingdom and your family"


    The messenger leaves us alone now looking happy and I once again can''t help noticing how good Petra is at this, she''s aplete natural. Was she is a secret princess or queen or something like that? A character being a secret princess is a troupe I''m sure I''ve read about too much already.


    "You better not be a secret royal or something Petra, you really are too good at this"


    After I ask that, a different thoughtes to mind, something that might exin what the main goal in being here is.


    "Was born to dragon parents just like you Ikarus, nothing like that is even possible"


    I guess she is right, it''s strange that none of the guards even pay attention to our conversation, I''m definitely seen as the mad queen around here so they probably think Petra is just humouring me. I need to go back on topic now though.


    "Anyway... do you think that might be the way out? To win the war against the elves?"


    All three other phoenixes take a second to think but all seem to be in agreement with my thinking, we were looking for something and it looks like this might be it.


    "I''m starting to like your thinking orangey, winning a war sounds epic"


    "It might be something like that"


    Before Petra even has a chance to answer, the other two have responded to my observation. She responds after though.


    "There hasn''t been any other noticeable announcements so it could be something like that"


    At least everyone is an agreement, winning a war does sound like it could be the end goal for this ce, it''s obviously going to be harder than just dropping into the battlefield and demolishing everyone, my luck isn''t that easy.


    I believe we may have found a potential way out but there''s another terrible issue right now, who cares about war and death anyway?


    "Damn it, my food is now cold"

 Chapter 48 – Search and Destroy

    Chapter 48 ¨C Search and Destroy


    Me, Petra and Ariza spend the next few days searching through books, papers, documents, basically anything rted to running a kingdom. Stuff like finances, taxes, military numbers, all things we might need to get a valid opinion on the situation and how to actually go about things.


    Obviously, reading is an impossible task for Petra right now so she''s responsible for keeping everything sorted into neat piles and has a simr role of a bookkeeper or clerk in thisrge study the four of us are currently in. Her memory is really good so she suits that role fine.


    I purposely forgot to mention Zeki, he really cannot keep his mind focused enough to read long and boring documents and I agree with his boredom over such a thing, I hate doing this too but even then, sometimes you have to do boring things.


    "You lot all done yet?"


    He''s leaning back on a chair with his legs resting on one of the tables in the library mix study that is in this pce, all the rest of us are scuttered around here also.


    "If you want the short answer kid, we''re stuck"


    The reason being is simple, the elves have arger fighting force, better equipped soldiers, experienced generals, more motivation, heck, they even use superior tactics. The question is, how has this country managed to survive against such a superior enemy for so long?


    We''ve looked through everything, nothing is missing and everything points to us losing this war. This country would''ve been screwed if the current route was to continue as it looks.


    The country could survive easily enough without the war but the elves will not stop at anything less thanplete surrender or destruction on our side, that might get us out since it technically would be ending the war but we don''t know if the conditions are ending or winning the war, that''s even if we''re to assume that''s the way out. Surrendering isn''t an option, especially when we can use unlimited magicka though.


    It sounds like only us four have unlimited magicka in this world so that''s good but that still might not be enough to win the war but I''ll exin the reason shortly.


    "It even says we were the main reason for the war happening. Who starts a war that they know they''ll lose?"


    Even Ariza understands the situation perfectly, it only seems like Mr obnoxious doesn''t seem to understand why this is going to be an issue and is going on about something else now.


    "You are kinda the main reason brother, the previous you should''ve just agreed to the marriage"


    Yeah, that seems to be the main reason for us dering war on the elven country, one of their princes asked for Ariza''s hand in marriage and decided they wouldn''t take no for an answer so we dered war on them. It''s still seems slightly idiotic but none of us four had any choice in the matter since we only just arrived.


    "*Sighhh*... this really is troublesome"


    "Don''t know why you''re so stressed orangey, us four can just go full blitzkrieg and st through their defences"


    Blitzkrieg? Does he seriously think something like that will work? Thinking about it... no, absolutely no chance, we don''t even know what main location to focus on, the location of the elven capital in unknown to us. We don''t even know if they even have a capital.


    "That won''t work dipshit, we aren''t in a World War two simtor. Find the enemy first before you suggest things like that"


    "Hey, I''m just trying to help, bird brain"


    At least that moves me back onto the issue about us having magicka and how that won''t win the war.


    It''s not like we couldn''t win a battle just with our unlimited magicka cheats, the issue is that only two of us can properly fight. Me and Zeki cannot be at every border and every fort at once so some strategy is needed. Ariza is not a fighter and Petra could only fight under really specific circumstances where all the enemy is in one direction and no friendly fire can ur.


    Also, the elven tactics are mixed and are simr to guerri warfare or how the Germanic tribes used to fight the Romans, that''s the only thing I canpare it to if anything. Long story short, they don''t use the conventionalrge army with shield wall approach and prefer more on the shock and awe ambush types of approach used tobat that type of attack. Unfortunately, our stupid country uses therge grouped up force approach.


    This also doesn''t work since they hold more strength than us in the first ce as well, it really would be extremely bleak and depressing if us four didn''t hold so much strength in the first ce. It is a shame Petra will struggle to fight with us but what can you do about it?


    "What are we looking to do then? How do we win this war that orangey is looking so annoyed about?"


    Thankfully, Petra answers for me to Mr obnoxious.


    "We obviously need to step in and join the battle otherwise things will keep going wrong. You and Ikarus would be suited to front line action, Ariza can provide healing support while I''ll handle the logistics and strategy for the rest of army, would like to join the front lines as well but seems like a bad idea with the way these elves fight"


    At least it seems Petra is in agreement with my idea even if I didn''t have to say it out loud, does she know war strategy though? I really only know bits and pieces from history and a few video games, anything Zeki knows also seems to be from something like that. As for Ariza, I guess her healinges from magic, not abilities then. Everything Petra seems to do works out well so I''ll put faith in her.


    "Me and orangey on the frontlines? Hell yeah! It''s gonna be a right bloodbath, isn''t that right?"


    "I''m more than happy to heal, I''d rather not kill if possible"


    These two look more than able to be convinced, I''m going to be stuck with Zeki now unfortunately but nothing I can do about it.


    "You in agreement Ikarus?"


    "Of course, there is a lot to do though, who''s going to handle all that mundane crap like that meeting thing from the other day?"


    "Can handle all that, don''t worry yourself over such things"


    Petra says that but we''ll still have to make advisors handle things while we''re off fighting and doing everything like that, we can''t win this war if there''s technically nothing else toe home too. Then again, Petra probably could handle everything on her own.


    "Fine then, this is going to be time consuming but the sooner we get onto the battlefield, the better. I''ll put my full trust in you Petra"


    "As will I Ikarus"


    Of course, me and Petra can''t have a moment with those two.


    "Before you two start getting sappy, don''t forget that older sis is a man, unless you''re into that orangey"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh"


    Damn that annoying kid, he really doesn''t know when to shut it. There was nothing sappy going on there at all and I''m still not into men even with the clusterfuck that''s going on right now. I''m definitely going to use him as a human shield when we start fighting.


    A king, queen, prince and princess all going onto a battlefield, what could possibly go wrong? It''s not exactly like our decision can be overturned by the country, we do have the power and final say over everything here.


    Everyone is in agreement but there was something none of us realized, just how long it would actually take to start making serious progress attacking the ambushing tribes of elves. At least we have each other to get us through it... that''s dumb.


    __________


    Six monthster...


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "Hel-"


    "You stupi-"


    Two of my elven brothers are incinerated by the mes of those bastard human royals, we''ve already lost several dozen brothers and sisters in thisst ambush but now it''s even more. All tactics are meaningless against these forces.


    We could''ve run into any groups of the opposing forces but it had to be this group of knights, all well as both the pyromaniacs. When the hell do they even fight together? None of us have a single chance now that these two have arrived, maybe one could''ve been fightable but now everything is ruined.


    Could try a lucky arrow but then again, the princess is probably not far behind if those two are both here, every elf knows of the healing properties she possesses.


    If we were toe across her, we''re under strict orders not to harm a single hair on her body, she heals indiscriminately friend or foe, human or elf. How such a lovely human coulde out that cesspit of human scum is unknown to any elf, truly everything could''ve been saved if she had just married the prince and not been forced hostage by her family.


    Should we try surrendering? No, even the thought is shameful, elves are too prideful to be taken hostage by a bunch of inferior species, some of my brothers have alreadyid down their arms, they are no longer brothers of mine. Scum.


    I''m going to try onest attack and see if I can pop an arrow right into the skull of that bastard prince. If I fail, the spirts can have my soul and do what they please, we will defend these forests until outst breath.


    "Dirty humans! You will never take me aliv-"


    __________


    "You stupid fucking pointy eared bastards! We''ve been looking for you scum for thest several weeks"


    "Your highness, the battle is now over, there''s no need anymore for such anger"


    "Huh? All right"


    Zeki can''t help but insult the elves after we''ve sent them to the afterlife, me and him are standing around with our knights afterpleting thest skirmish in this never-ending forest.


    Six months, six bloody months of this, battle after battle killing so many elves and we''re still fighting even now. It clearly seems these fountain dungeons have a strong tendency for things like this, I guess being stuck as a queen is a better alternative than stuck as a kid for example but it still is draining being stuck in a world you know probably isn''t real. There''s only so much entertainment you can get from never ending killing as well.


    The elves'' tactics have turned even more ambush like now so we''ve had to resort to searching through forest after forest looking for groups of resistance. Initially, the first groups we first came across we very easy to kill, they didn''t expect two human looking phoenixes of unlimited magicka to greet them so the first few battlefields quickly became a boring massacre. They learnt from their mistakes though and adapted even more to these methods.


    The thought of burning down the forest to flush them did cross my mind but both sides rely on thisrge forest for supplies and food, doing something like that would probably lose us support of our own poption. Sighhh, damn politics.


    If only they used simple military tactics, all of this would''ve been sorted out so quickly, damn fake elves. At least we have made some progress I guess, there''s only so many elves that can be hiding in these gigantic forests that surround their country. Eventually, they''ll have to sue for peace and if they don''t, then we''ll have to kill everyst one of them.


    There has been too much death though and Zeki still wants more.


    "Is that all of those swine that''s left? If you tell us where your leaders are, we''ll let you die a quick death"


    "Kid, we don''t kill people that surrender, remember?"


    "Urr, fine then"


    A few of the remaining elves have surrendered and of course Zeki is threatening them, we still have no idea where the leaders on the elven side even are so his threat might''ve worked if we hadn''t gone done that route already.


    It doesn''t matter how many questionable methods we''ve used; the elves do not snitch. Whether it''s using nasty methods or using a praise and reward method, the prisoners of war do not snitch on their brethren. Ariza and Petra won''t allow us to use full blown torture so we''re stuck taking out groups of their forces one by one but that''s probably for the best, torture is a war crime after all.


    As for the captured elves, they''ll be bound and then taken by the group of knights that are alongside us, no point in a queen or prince handling such a mundane task.


    At first, the army werepletely against the idea of sending two kids and the queen into the frontlines until they actually saw us in action, we''ve even gained some nicknames.


    Zeki holds the beast of blood nickname, Ariza has the angel of life and I hold the shittest, the mad queen. I guess it''s not that shit but still, the other two have better nicknames.


    I do find it funny how I''m considered the mad one when this kid enjoys inflicting pain and misery on people like it''s nothing, it''s a good thing we''re on the same side otherwise he''d be scary.


    The way he acts is different to me with the bandits, I''m literally only looking for EXP and killing criminals is just an added benefit. He truly is a killer at heart, he seriously enjoys such a thing. I wonder if this is the reason why he''s a stay-at-home hermit outside the dungeon, maybe he can''t control his bloodlust but he still seems able to control it even when we''re fighting so it''s a little confusing.


    We should probably head back now, searching this deep in the forestte at night is suicidal against a foe like these crafty elves, not for us two, just rather not be leading a force of knights to their quick deaths.


    "Zeki, we''re heading back now, stop eyeing them up. You''ve killed enough today"


    "Fine orangey"


    He can''t help but the fear of God in those captured elves, guess they deserve it.


    ''It''s time to see Petra once again''


    __________


    "Ikarus, you''re back"


    "Alright Petra"


    Petra currently has a couple of servants dressing her male body, even out here in this battlefield camp we still have ess to servants helping with all our needs. I should probably get mine and take some rest but I want to return back out on patrol as soon as possible, who cares about a little ash and blood on clothes anyway?


    Thankfully, she is already clothed in the area that mostly matters so I don''t have to avert my eyes from the gigantic snake she has down there.


    Yes, I''ve identally seen it, I''ve somehow seen her male nakedness before witnessing her full female nakedness. I would''ve been extremely embarrassed if it wasn''t for the fact I''mpletely jealous, it was close to a full maderaka. Yes, that big if you even know of that measurement, another one of those times I wish I could be male but then again, I still really like this body so it''s just a battle of internal conflict. I still think I prefer this body though.


    How I even stumbled into such a scenario, you can thank her stupid servants for thinking it would be a good idea to try and make us bathe together. I was told the bathing area of one of the forward camps we had was empty, it was not. By dear God, it was not. My eyes are still permanently scarred, even now.


    They still work for us but they won''t ever be trying to do something like that again, Petra actually had to calm me down because I dide close to wanting to kill them both. The women currently dressing Petra right now were responsible for such a thing so I still hold dislike towards them even now. They even look fearful when I just take a look in their direction so my threats clearly worked.


    As much as I still like Petra, that thing isn''t EVER going anywhere near me, you can take that to my grave. Obviously, any potential development between us has been holstered because simply put, there is the issue of a gigantic third leg in the way.


    Petra clearly isn''t as shallow as me but even then, she has never once called me out on my tastes so I think she canpletely understand my reservations at such a situation, she''ll still make a tease or a joke out of things so nothing between us has changed on that front.


    I do wonder if she''s even used... you know what, I''m not thinking about that anymore, my mind needs purging at times, still struggle to get over that.


    "How''s my wife doing this fine and lovely evening? Looking lovely like usual"


    Sometimes Petra''s sense of humour can be too much of a wind up, all the servants have heard the weird way we talk to each other so why does she still use wife every now and then?


    As for my look, that also must be sarcasm, I''ve got stters of blood of battle gear I wear, it''s not exactly covered like how Zeki gets it on his armour but still.


    There isn''t no way anybody with half a brain is going to fight wearing a long heavy dress, trousers are clearly the main way to go even if I''m using magic, the dress I wear outside the dungeon is short so I was just looking for a little bit of a change inside here. Ariza still wears a dress looking outfit but she''s mostly just behind the front lines obviously healing our fallen soldiers and helps us on asion, me and Zeki have both taken the asional stray arrow and relied on her for help.


    "Cut it out, got some news to report"


    "You two can leave me and Ikarus then"


    Both the servants have now dressed Petra and leave me and her alone in the tent, the guards are outside so we''re more than safe right now.


    "Me and Zeki have cleared out thest remaining resistance in the darkest parts of that sted forest, there might still be the odd elf or two scattered about but we''ve already spent a month in that part alone"


    "Good, that''s covers off any potential ambush from the right nk then"


    Her strategy calls leading the country''s forces have proven more than excellent saving hundred, maybe even thousands of lives, she really has taken the mantle of army leader well. I don''t actually think she enjoys it all that much but everyone has to y their part in escaping this dungeon.


    "So... what''s next then? When are we heading even further?"


    "Patience Ikarus, you''ll die of exhaustion if you rush too far ahead"


    Sometimes I do feel like she is being a little overly cautious though, I think it''s more she fears for our safety so me and Zeki aren''t allowed to fight for too long, I still fully trust her instincts though.


    She has the role of leader, I''m just the mad warmongering queen. If she says I shouldn''t do something, then she''s probably right. I should rest tonight then.


    "Have you eaten yet or have you spent all day fighting again?"


    "..."


    Of course, I have no answer to that. There''s no time to eat when there''s elves that need killing or capturing, time is of the essence.


    "Thought so, that''s why made something in advance"


    She pulls out a lunch box and puts on the main table in herrge tent. I open it up and immediately get surprised, there''s no way the servants made this.


    "Wait, you made that? Why just not get the servants to do it?"


    It literally looks like the style of an anime bento box, there''s fish, rice, egg, sliced meat, tomato... she''s actually made this for me?


    "Had some free time, don''t think anything of it"


    Damn, they always say the way to a man''s heart is through their stomach... wait, that isn''t what this is, is it?


    "If you''re looking to win my heart or something, this won''t work especially right now"


    "Heh Ikarus, I''m in the body of a male and you also share the mind of a male, this isn''t anything like that"


    She seems genuine at the very least, might as well tuck in anyway.


    "Thanks anyway... itadakimasu!"


    Just as I''m about to pick up and use the fork in the lunchbox, a messenger busts through the tent. This must be important otherwise he wouldn''t have been allowed in.


    "Your majesty, an elven messenger has arrived at our camp"


    Damn it, every time I want to rx and eat...

 Chapter 49 – Ambush

    Chapter 49 ¨C Ambush


    "It''s clearly a trap"


    (Zeki) "I agree orangey"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh"


    (Petra) "Seems that way"


    All four of us are now back in Petra''s tent after the message from the elf was received, we had to wake up both the other two since it''s gotten prettyte now, the message was clearly that important.


    As for what the message said, it basically went into great detail on how the elves want to make peace with our country and that they understand our reasons for not sending our daughter away. They way it''s written, it does sound somewhat genuine but there is clearly one big problem.


    The problem is that they will not sue for peace unless our entire family meet them together in an open part of the forest, alone. This clearly sounds like a trap.


    "Still, we should attend such a thing"


    Petra actually wants to do this? Where''s her caution gone all of a sudden?


    (Ikarus) "What''s your thinking then?"


    (Zeki) "Yeah older sis, this seems dumb"


    "Two reasons, first is that we don''t know if this is actual attempt to kill us, they could want actual peace"


    "You can''t be that na?ve sis; they''ll easily surround us that deep in the forest"


    Me and Ariza are both in agreement with Zeki but know when to keep our mouths shut, she was going to continue on.


    "Zeki, wasn''t done yet. In the most likely option of aplete ambush against us, they''ll get to witness how powerful we really are. Leave a survivor or two and the chances of them suing for peace increases"


    I like her confidence but still, it does seem a bit risky especially when she''spletely blind, unless she hasn''t revealed everything she''s capable of which might make sense.


    "Petra, are you hiding something like a secret magic that deflects arrows or something?"


    Arrows are the biggest counter to unlimited magic; all it would take in theory is a single arrow through the right spot in the head tond a kill. That''s why we still need to be slightly careful especially when elves mostly use arrows, some use magic and swords but it isn''t all thatmon.


    "Not at all Ikarus, just thinking if all three of us were tobine our me around us like a circle, it would be more than hot enough to burn any attack that approaches. We still have Ariza if any get through"


    She was thinking of something like that? I guess it would work if we were to coat the area around us in oil or something else extremely mmable.


    "We''d have to get to transport a load of oil though, it shouldn''t prove that difficult"


    "No Ikarus, we don''t need anything to set alight"


    Hang on, what is she on about then? Our mees from us, how could we make a circle protecting us if it isn''t shooting from our own hands constantly? It would burn up way too quickly, I guess we could keep spinning but I don''t think that''s what she''s on about though.


    "I''m a little confused Petra"


    "Yup older sis, I have no idea how to do that either"


    Even those two are a bit confused on what Petra is talking about. Simply put, once fire is released from your body, it very quickly loses its heat the further away it is.


    It''s why something like my methrower doesn''t have unlimited range or can shoot miles away, it burns up to fast. Fireballs have a lot more range but they''re morepact so it does make sense. The tornado is just pure power so it has a long distance but needs charging.


    "It''s a little hard to describe how to do it but it works perfectly for a defensive situation, I''ll show you all before we head over in the morning"


    "Okay then sis, see you tomorrow"


    "Uh huh, night everyone"


    Both those two leave the tent but there''s no chance I''m leaving just yet, I''ve still got something to do here.


    At the very least despite tomorrow being hectic, I can eat Petra''s homemade lunchbox now.


    __________


    (Ikarus) "How far now?"


    (Ariza) "Not too long, should be close by"


    (Zeki) "I can''t wait to kill some more pointy eared bastards when they try something"


    (Petra) "..."


    All four of us are traversing though the endless forests of the elven country right now with Ariza holding a map being the guide.


    We haven''te across any elves out here so far on our journey to the location disclosed, unsure if that''s a good or bad thing though. On one hand, they might be trying for peace so they might have told all their soldiers to leave this area empty. On the other, they might have moved everyone so the ambush is going to be even more impactful.


    Of course, every single knight and advisor under ourmand waspletely against the idea of us four heading into the forest alone, it''s not exactly like they can forcibly stop us though. A group of knights did try following us out here but they very quickly realized they couldn''t keep with us as well as keep tracking us in this thick dense forest.


    This uing situation could get us all out of this dungeon but with how long we''ve already spent inside here, I feel like there''s still a lot more to do before such a thing is toe up.


    Oh well, I guess it could''ve been a lot worse.


    We walk in the heavily dense forest for another few minutes and thene up to rounded opening, this must be the ce.


    "Looks like we got here first, good. You three remember what I showed you?"


    "Yeah yeah"


    "Uh huh"


    "Yup older sis"


    I''m unsure what to call the magic ability she introduced to us but I''m gonna call it a rune since it looks simr to one that you might ce on the floor. By setting up some magic conduit crests in the right locations, you can release fire from them using yourself as the source of power. No idea on the specifics behind it but it literally works the exact same way as releasing magic from your own body, you just need imagine the conduit is part of your body for it to work.


    I was a little surprised she never showed this to us beforehand but I think she has only just learnt about this recently as well, she has been working a lot behind the scenes investigating different aspects of this dungeon world. I wonder if this type of magic exists in our own world or if this is exclusive to this ce, guess we''ll find out one day.


    There are some drawbacks, this is very clearly only meant for defence. I can''t see any situation where this would help in attack unless you can somehow sneak behind enemy lines and ce something there but even then, there is a certain range limit so you have to be close by to activate and power the magic into it.


    We did purposelye here a good six hours early then requested to prepare hoping we''d be alone and looks like we are alone thankfully.


    If there were people already here, the intention would''ve been to distract them while we set up the conduits for the mes but seems we''re good for now.


    (Ikarus) "Let''s get started then"


    __________


    Seven hourster...


    "They''rete"


    Petra''s the first to say something obvious that we all know, are they seriously thiste? At least if you''re going to ambush someone, do it on time. We''re all chilling on the leafy floor as well now, no point standing around when our potential attackers still aren''t here.


    However, a terrifying thought has juste to mind.


    "Petra... you don''t think they did this to draw us out while they counter attack?"


    A look of shock appears on Ariza''s face and a look of anger appears on Zeki''s; Petra still seems calm though.


    (Ariza) "They wouldn''t do a thing, right?"


    "Those dirty fucking treacherous elves! I''m going to kill as many as I can if this is true"


    Petra still remains calm; she has an answer more than ready.


    "Rx Zeki, they won''t get past the front lines, can guarantee it. Made more than enough preparations before leaving, nothing like that will work"


    I''m starting to think she''s a little too perfect, the only mistake I remember her making is with the love potion so once again, if she says it''s fine, then it should be.


    "You sure it''s fine to be sticking around here for this long? Should we leave already?"


    "It''s fine Ikarus, they''re here now"


    Us three phoenixes look around to what Petra said but we couldn''t see or hear anyone, has she gone mad?


    "Are you sure you''re not hearin-"


    As soon as I say that, a couple of well-dressed elves appears from the bushes and I stop myself from speaking. I guess her hearing is better than all ours.


    "To think you actually epted our invitation, we greet the human royal family"


    "Greetings"


    The male elves speaks first and the female second towards us but Petra immediately gets herself up of the ground before responding, we very quickly follow her up though.


    "To think you actually thought this would work, there is nothing worse than blind arrogance"


    "I''m sorry king? Whatever do you mean?"


    The male elf responds in a confusing manner but Petra knows what''s wrong.


    "You really think trying to ambush us would work?"


    As soon as Petra says that, she activates her portion of the magic conduit surrounding us and a ck roaring fire circle''s us all. I can''t help but question her, there are no additional elves here right now.


    "Petra, what''s wrong?"


    "There''s footsteps all around us in every direction. Zeki, help me inject more magic into this. Ikarus, watch them please, don''t let those two do anything"


    "Fine older sis, don''t disappoint us orangey"


    "Fine fine"


    The four elves are inside this circle of ck fire with us, they don''t look surprised in the slightest. Zeki activates his magic and the fire turns more into an extremely dark red, his red mes havebined with Petra''s ck it seems.


    "To think you''d see through us human king, we''re impressed"


    "Very impressed, you definitely are people of equal status to us"


    The male always speaks first for the two elves, both do look impressed. I''m slightly curious on why they''ve thought this type of approach is a good idea, why ambush us if you n to speak as well?


    Wait, equal status? Are these two the elven leaders then? Could killing them end the dungeon?


    "Petra, should I kill them?"


    A quick look of surprise appears on the elves faces, maybe they didn''t expect this queen to say that. Maybe they should''ve, I am the mad queen after all.


    "Hear them out Ikarus, decide afterwards"


    (Ikarus) "Fine, speak"


    (Zeki) "Yeah, speak you pointy eared bastards!"


    They take a second topose themselves but then the older looking male elf leads once again.


    "We don''t actually mean you any harm if you can believe it, we got thrown into these jobs and have been stuck in this world for a while"


    "Yes, more than six months, we can''t find a way out"


    Hang the fuck on? These two are in the same situation as us? Oh, for the love of God, this is the dungeon''s theme. Put two separate groups of people in positions of power on opposing sides and see what happens. I''m unsure what to call it though.


    "Yet, you still nned to kill us"


    Before I have the chance to question them, Petra says something else. Are we not nning to announce we''re in the same situation then?


    "The only way for us to return to our home world is to win the elven war, we have no choice"


    "That''s the only idea we came up with though"


    They literally are in the exact same situation as us and have no idea how to get out, this is just in stupid now. Why are we even fighting if this is the case?


    Both Ariza and even Zeki look shocked from this conversation.


    "That still doesn''t excuse the fact that you were nning to kill us right now, what difference would that make in this moment?"


    I feel like Petra''s irritated at them but I''m unsure if it''s for the right reasons, we''ve done enough damage as well. Although, we were always looking to end the war and not use a peace meeting for an ambush. Maybe I''m not understanding her reason for annoyance perhaps?


    I''ve just noticed the endless forces of the elves outside our ring of fire now, I haven''t seen any arrows flying in so they are either under orders not to fight until told so or the fire is that strong stopping anything going through.


    "And yet, you''re the ones who hold us hostage"


    "If you were in the same situation as us, what would you do?"


    I can''t help but give a grin, I really want to tell them now.


    "That''s really not how this thing works, using guilt doesn''t apply in this situation, that wasn''t my point but doubt you''ll understand it. Did you two ever stop to think once that the opposing side could be in the exact same situation?"


    Wait, did Petra think something like this might be a possibility? I''m so happy I''m alongside her, I never would''ve thought of such a thing until it just got revealed.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Yeah, what are you talking about?"


    Petra stops talking to them and looks at me, I think she can sense I really, really want to reveal everything.


    "Ikarus, you can continue now if you want"


    "Okay dokey... us four are in the exact same situation as you two, we''ve been stuck here for thest six months as well trying to get back to our own world"


    As soon as I say that, everything around us and us included starts to fade and I don''t even get a response from the two elves, just looks of shock and horror. Why the fuck is everything fading though?


    "What the fuc-"


    ...


    __________


    (Ikarus) "I fucking hate dungeons!"


    (Zeki) "What kind of dickheades up with a twist like that!?"


    (Ariza) "What''s going on?"


    (Petra) "..."


    All four of us find ourselves returned back inside the pyramid next to the fountain we used to enter, me and Zeki are clearly fuming while Petra and Ariza are a lot calmer and more collected but even they look a little confused.


    We are also obviously back in our normal bodies, gender and clothing now but that really isn''t something worth mentioning.


    "Why the fuck did that end it? This seems even more confusing"


    "I wanted to kill those scheming elves! Why do bad things always happen to good people?"


    (Ariza) "Even I''m a little confused, what just happened?"


    Us three arepletely confused, at least Petra might have an idea what just happened. We''ve all gotten up off the ground now as well.


    "It''s just a guess but maybe the dungeon realized the war could no longer continue? The realization that both opposing forces would''ve ended the war since there would''ve been no more reason to fight, notpletely sure either"


    That''s the reason? I mean, she''s probably right.


    "I guess the war did end even if it wasn''t the expected way, what about those two though? Were they actually real people or were they fake like the others?"


    ...


    I don''t get an answer from anybody this time, all of us arepletely clueless on that. Once again, dungeons suck. At least I''m not the only one who understands it now, Zeki and Ariza are also annoyed.


    "In future older sis, we''re not going into anymore dungeons. There''s no point if that''s the end result, a game with an ending that shitty needs its rating dropped seriously low"


    "I don''t agree with everything Zeki said but I''d rather not go inside another"


    It''s a good thing there''s two other party members waiting for us since these two definitely aren''t down for another... wait, how long have we been inside there?


    ''Need to check, status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 54]


    [Health 14,825/15,000]


    [Stamina 5,000/5,000]


    [Magicka 7,000/7,000]


    ''That doesn''t even make sense, it hasn''t even been a day. I swear Zeki said months ago that he spent an hour inside when it was like a minute or two out here''


    [<Dungeon times are unexinable -user-, best not to think about it>]


    ''Aesa, you''re back!? Do you have idea why we couldn''t speak?''


    [<Negative, Aesa did see all -user''s- actions in previous dungeon, Aesa was unable tomunicate throughout>]


    She was unable tomunicate throughout? At least it feels good knowing she was there, no idea why she was cut off though. Maybe the dungeon didn''t have a role or a position for an AI to fill? Could be the same for the other three phoenixes too.


    I should probably go back to the conversation though.


    "Look, I''m happy to be out and all but seriously, is that it? Where''s the big climatic ending? I literally told them we''re in the same boat and the damn thing just ends like that? *Sigh*"


    I still can''t over it, everything we''ve done in those six months just ends in the blink of an eye. Sure, I know that was what we were intending but still, it''s just so anticlimactic.


    "Might be best to try and calm yourself Ikarus, dungeons are notoriously frustrating"


    She seems to be handling this better than the rest of us anyway, I guess she has her system fake eyesight back so that''s a plus. Ah whatever, let''s just forget about it and move on, got to take the prince and princess back home. Heh, it''s good to be out of that ce and back to the real world.


    "Yeah, you''re probably right Petra... I''m guessing the reward for this ce is supposed to be that fountain once again seeing that none of us have been told of a reward"


    As I say that, I get an empty bottle out of storage and fill it up. Once filled, I ce it back into storage.


    ''Aesa?''


    [<Bottled substance has very simr properties to potion -stamina love-. Main differences are that substance can be slightly stronger or weaker averaging it out>]


    ''You mean this fountain is basically just a gigantic love potion? Sighhh''


    Of course, spend six months in a dungeon and this is the result,pare that to thest dungeon''s reward, ah forget it, I''m justining like usual.


    The only thing I can think of that might rte to us getting this reward is the fact this ce seems to be like a drug den but that wasn''t actually inside the dungeon proper. In future, might try and skip the next dungeon if I see a fountain. At least this exins why the liquid had a green tint to it this time, only just noticed that.


    Well, it still makes sense not to waste it, I guess I could sell it off or keep some since Petra likes the stuff. I really doubt I''m ever going to drink it but oh well.


    "Give me a hand please, need to bottle a load of it up"


    "What''s the fountain filled with Ikarus?"


    "Yeah orangey, what?"


    "Uh huh?"


    "It''s erm... that energy drink love potion you lot seem to love"


    __________


    Now that I''ve filled as many stamina potions as I can, it''s time to leave.


    At the very least, that''s another dungeon done. Perversion, confusion, undead, giant and now whatever dungeon that one was. Only five more to go, I doubt I''ll be able to stomach the empire for that long so might decide to change the terms of father''s agreement early, basically by removing the opposing party if that wasn''t obvious.


    Once we make our way through the small like maze of the pyramid, back out of the drug den and just as we''re close to the entrance, we are all stopped from stepping a foot outside.


    "Halt!"


    "Do not move!"


    "We will kill you!"


    A small army of beastmen block us from leaving, weplete the dungeon and this is the first thing wee across.


    ''Sighhh...''

 Chapter 50 – Trespassing

    Chapter 50 ¨C Trespassing


    "You are toy down your arms and surrender!"


    ''Stupid beastmen, we haven''t even got our weapons out''


    From inside of the pyramid, we can see dozens and dozens of beastmen soldiers all wearing leather styled armour and blocking our way outside. The haven''t entered just yet so I guess it''s like a Mexican standoff. I mean, it''s technically not but still.


    However, the first of us to respond is Petra and she has apletely unexpected response.


    "No"


    "What do you mean no? Do you wish to die human?"


    Even Ariza and Zeki look a bit surprised by Petra''s response. She doesn''t respond to the other questions the beastmen soldier asks but I need to know her reason for such a response.


    "Erm... Petra, what are you doing?"


    "This isn''t a rational group of soldiers Ikarus, the punishment the country of Mitte uses for trespassing is either hanging, stoning or impalement"


    That''s the middle country''s name, Mitte. Still can''t remember the other two country names, the desert continent is Krieger though. Why am I focusing on that? The threat of an imminent death should be more of a focus.


    "Couldn''t you have told me that before we entered the pyramid?"


    "Wouldn''t have made any difference, we still had to go inside anyway"


    I guess she''s got a point, still needed to go inside it anyway. These beast races don''t y around though, is this a fight we can realistically win? It could be a good idea to try out my new giant attack but it can only be used on one enemy, seems a waste to use on a potentially low levelled soldier.


    "Can we handle such arge group though?"


    Petra smiles, then gives a response to my worried questioning.


    "Heh, Ikarus, definitely. We''re in their holy temple right now. To capture us, they''d have toe to us, understand what that means?"


    We''ve literally got a choke point that they''ll be forced to rush in. If you look at it this way, then they''ll struggle to attack us. I didn''t realize this is their holy temple though, seems a bit dumb seeing that it''s just a drug den.


    "If you do not surrender, we will be forced to kill you humans"


    Of course, we''re all ignoring their threats, Petra is nning ahead for us though. Well, for me specifically.


    "Zeki, try not to kill them"


    "Why the hell should I do that?"


    "Ikarus needs the experience, just focus on doing loads of damage"


    "Urr, fine then older sis"


    These three don''t actually share the same humanoid killing EXP ability I have, I''ve already exined how it works to Petra so it seems like she''s looking out for me again.


    "You want me to do anything?"


    "Do you fancy killing anybody Ariza?"


    "Not really"


    "Then you can just stand back and allow Ikarus and Zeki to fight"


    Does Petra not want to get involved here? Maybe it might be a bit overkill having three of us.


    I''m honestly a little surprised Petra has no care about killing people like this though, they''re only soldiers and are following orders. Maybe she''s always been a little more carefree when ites to killing then I thought. I''m notining, I couldn''t care less about killing anymore either. An idea hase to mind now as well.


    "Could we try using that crest conduit thing?"


    "Not enough time Ikarus"


    She''s right, we''d have to carve it out on the ground and we don''t even know if it''ll work. The beastmen soldiers areing inside now anyway.


    "We''reing inside, prepare for the worst!"


    The first of us to attack the oing invaders through the entrance is the grinning Zeki, he clearly is going to enjoy this.


    "Hahahaha, burn you fluffy eared bastards!"


    "Shi-"


    "Cra-"


    Zeki releases red fire all over the ground under the rushing invaders, this very clearly is having a devastating effect burning any and all who step foot upon it. I haven''t got that time to admire his red me handiwork though, I also start firing my methrower using both hands into the small entrance corridor.


    "They''re mages!"


    "Argh!"


    The beastmen who have all piled up using this approach very quickly realize they''ve made a massive mistake and the front attackers try to retreat from the deadly mes but cannot since they have fellow soldiers blocking them behind.


    This has very quickly be a deadly choke point; I can see why Petra had no worries over such a situation now. Strange, don''t feel sorry for them in the slightest, maybe killing thousands of elves does that. I guess killing soldiers really means nothing to me, is that good?


    Me and Zeki keep this up for a little while longer till everyone who just tried to enter is now dead or managed to just about escape, there wasn''t many who were able to though. The floor to the entrance is just now a burning pile of corpses.


    "Are you going to allow us out or should be burn your temple to the ground?"


    Is this the approach Petra wants to take? Faking them out?


    "You''re bluffing!"


    We really are in a standoff right now, our problem is that we''re unable to tell if they have archers outside but then again, Petra could probably kill every single person out there in a blink of an eye. Maybe this is why she took this approach, less deaths on their side overall? Their problem is that we could be tearing this ce to the ground right now, that wouldn''t be good for a holy temple.


    "Smell the mes you fluffy eared fucks! You have no idea just how messed up we could make this shithole!"


    Petra facepalms from the battle maniac Zeki, it''s clear he''s just trying to anger them to get more inside. I could definitely use the EXP but we are technically in the wrong here, we are trespassing at the end of the day.


    (Petra) "Are you sure you''re willing to take that risk?"


    "..."


    We get no response from one of the soldiers we were just speaking to, I think they might be trying to decide what to do and whispering between the ones still left outside. They could very easily just try and starve us out but that wouldn''t work seeing that I''m basically a walking fridge, my storage ring is anyway.


    "The longer you leave it, the worst it could end"


    They''ve finally had enough of Petra''s statements and now have a reaction.


    "Fine, you cane outside and we''ll let you leave"


    It''s so fucking obvious this is a trap they''re setting up.


    "Good then, we''re leaving"


    Petra winks towards us four, she hasn''t said what to do next but she''s started to head out, is this okay?


    All four of us led by Petra walk outside back into the endless brightness of the desert and find there''s only six soldiers left, how many charged in that temple all at once? I thought it was only a dozen or two but it clearly must''ve been a hell of a lot more if only six are left, half of those look charred as well, they would''ve been at the back of the charging group.


    "Halt, w-we''ll kill y-you if we must"


    "S-Surrender"


    The two that just spoke are shaking in their boots, the still have their weapons out though.


    (Petra) "You seriously still think that''s a good idea?"


    "Can we just kill these idiots if this is how they''re gonna be?"


    I have to question Petra on this, I''m starting to get tired of braindead idiots who fight even when it''s for a battle they cannot win.


    "If they don''t drop their weapons, might as well make some more ash. Wonder what med beast tastes like as well"


    As soon as Petra says that, the few still holding weapons decide to drop them instantly. She even has a wicked smile while saying that, it''s clear it was an act but these lot don''t know that, I guess she was trying to spare as many as possible then.


    "Good, let''s make a move on"


    As I say that, we all start walking away from the pyramid but very quickly a voice speaks from behind.


    "W-Wait!..."


    One of few remaining beastmen cannot help himself and has a question.


    "... How d-did you just do t-that?"


    There''s no point giving him an answer, it won''t make an inch of difference so we all just ignore him and leave.


    It''s time to head back to the phoenix cave. I wonder if it''s okay to leave witnesses though...


    __________


    "We''re so close, I can almost feel the couch cushions on my butt cheeks"


    "You don''t have cheeks right now Zeki"


    "It still counts brother"


    Both those two flying birds have been speaking nonstop on the flight to their cave, only peace and quiet we get is when night falls and they sleep. It is strange to think how they are like this when they''re hundreds of years old. I guess some people never grow up, I don''t know if that''s a good or bad thing for myself but still.


    "You two can calm yourselves, we''re nearly there"


    Petra is once again on my back, Ariza actually offered to take her this time but I told her I''m taking Petra, I might''ve been a little forceful thinking about it. It''s almost as if I don''t want Petra sitting on other birds, that''s really weird...


    We already see the mountain slightly off in the distance, just getting to it might take another half an hour or so.


    Oh, there was something else I forgot to mention that happened just after that fight, I really shouldn''t call that a fight though.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 66]


    [Health 14,821/15,000]


    [Stamina 3,291/5,000]


    [Magicka 10,000/10,000]


    [You currently have 3000 unassigned points]


    I still can''t help but smile when I gain multiple levels like this, killing people is just so beneficial. Twelve levels from that human bonfire alone and I''m sure Zeki got most of them, I know it makes me sound mad but it really is too good. I invested three thousand in magicka and I''ll save the other three forter, really don''t need to worry about my health if my curse turns out not to be that difficult to cure.


    There was just something else I was thinking about beforehand rted to thatst dungeon. In the six months inside there, I kinda decided once I was out, I''d try and be a little more forward with Petra once the gender changing shenanigans were done with. I don''t really know how to go about it though.


    I guess asking more questions about herself might be a way to go, flirting is another thing but that''s something I''ll struggle with.


    "Petra... what''s your favourite food?"


    Why did I even ask that? It''s not like I can cook anything, any answer she gives I can''t really do anything with. My mind for some reason went to that bento box she made.


    "Don''t really have one, sense of taste doesn''t work"


    "Wait... are you actually serious? All that time inside there and you couldn''t taste a single thing?"


    This shocks me a little, she drinks that love potion because of the taste, howe she''s not able to taste food?


    "Can still feel texture of the food, just my tastebuds don''t work great, potions are a little different but even those are still weak. Why did you ask me that anyway?


    I guess that answers my other question without even having to ask it, it obviously just applies to food, I wonder if that''s why she likes those potions so much, she can actually taste them. No idea how it works but I doubt anyone would lie over such a thing, I''ll answer her question though.


    "It''s that lunchbox thing you made for me in the dungeon, wanted to repay the favour"


    As soon as I said, I realized I made a mistake.


    "Hah, orangey really does like older sis, you two can finally move your rtionship forward when we get back"


    "Zeki, you really should stop getting involved"


    "Older sis needs to know otherwise she might never act"


    ...


    Okay, of course the flying Mr obnoxious has made both of us go quiet now, it''s not out of embarrassment like with the priestess and knight, I think it''s just me and her really are a bit inexperienced with this. Even though I''ve had rtionships before, they were a hell of lot different than this, they might have mentally scarred me thinking about it.


    I''ll just forget about it and move on; Petra will start her teasing once again soon so everything will be good. I just need to stop thinking about it, easier said than done.


    Let''s just get back now, six fake months with this kid is more than enough for a lifetime. He does sometimese out with things that makes sense though, just filtered out by a crap tonne of shit in between.


    __________


    "I love this couch more than anything in this entire isekai world, I''m not getting off you for days now!"


    (Ariza) "You really are strange Zeki"


    "Bite me"


    Zeki is actually hugging the sofa, I don''t really get it seeing that the furniture in that dungeon was more than nice enough. Maybe he''s just happy he''s home more than anything else.


    We''re all back in that cosy living room in the phoenix cave apartment anyway, I actually wouldn''t mind bringing some of this stuff back to my parents'' ce with me but they don''t look to have anything spare.


    Oh, also decided something else, I''m heading back to home cave on the journey back to the boring two, I have to tell my parents. I can''t be having father that closely working with the prince killing wyverns when I know something could go seriously wrong, Petra did tell me it''s okay but I still am worried.


    I wonder how my parents will react to seeing another phoenix, I''m unsure if they''ll have a bad reaction or be like Zeki going on constantly about it.


    "Ikarus, you okay?"


    Like usual, Petra can sense when I''m not feeling great.


    "Just thinking about what to tell my parents, they need to know about what''s going on"


    She takes a second but then gives me a response.


    "Personally, still would try and hold some information back. Depends if you want them to head straight to the capital and burn it down or not though"


    I appreciate her advice, was actually going to ask her about it after. She doesn''t seem all that concerned if my option was to do that though.


    Of course, the other two aren''t paying attention to us, Zeki is justying on that sofa now and Ariza has gone off into another room. These two are weird, I guess all phoenixes have strange tendencies. I''m the dumb one, Zeki is the psychotic bird, Ariza is the quiet and Petra is the logical one maybe? None of us have a clue why we even got reincarnated as phoenixes, maybe there''s something in that prophecy that we''ll learn in the future but for now, we are all clueless.


    That really isn''t worth thinking about right now though. Petra is correct, I''ll need to be careful as to not get the entire capital burnt to a crisp. I also feel like it would be a little unsatisfying, I''d rather see the prince and bitch mage die by own hands, or wings.


    "Yeah yeah, you are right"


    "I want a nap, you two go and be chummy elsewhere. Older sis''s bedroom is good ce for romantic development"


    This kid, I''m sure he gets worse. He''s literallyying down with his eyes closed trying to sleep while were speaking to each other, I think Petra''s parenting may have failed with him. Ariza has turned out alright though, I wonder if it''s down to that thing called second child syndrome.


    "That''s fine Zeki, we might leave now anyway"


    She wants to leave already? Thank God, I really don''t want to spend any more time around Zeki, let''s get a move on.


    "Hold the fuck up!? We just got back... brother!"


    "What is it?"


    Ariza gives a muffled response probably from her bedroom.


    "Sis is already leaving; she''s clearly chosen orangey over us!"


    "What?"


    Ariza rushes into the room after Zeki shouts for her, this is getting even stupider now. Even Zeki has gotten off the chair.


    "You thought I was staying Zeki? You already know I''m helping Ikarus out"


    (Zeki) "Yeah but I thought you''d at least stay for another month or a few, y a small happy family or something like that"


    (Ariza) "Zeki may be dumb but he does have a point"


    Petra is really getting tired of them as well now.


    "*Sigh*... We just spent six months doing that in the dungeon"


    "That doesn''t really count though, me and orangey spent most of that time killing, I was looking forward to seeing you two be wife and wife"


    Even I can''t help but facepalm now, there is a thing about being too much of a joker. Clearly, he hasn''t figured that out just yet. Unless he is deadly serious about it and if that''s the case, I want to leave right now.


    "Petra, the sooner we leave, the better"


    "Agreed, we''ll set off now if you want"


    (Zeki) "No, wait a bit longer!"


    (Ariza) "You two are horrible"


    We both ignore the pleads of the other two and head to the front door, it''s time to return home again. My parents should definitely like Petra, right?

 Chapter 51 – Journey Home

    Chapter 51 ¨C Journey Home


    "Make sure to keep an eye on my de as well as my stance, it''s just about keeping focus really"


    "Okay dokey"


    Before we get to my parents'' mountain range, I asked Petra to give me some tips on how to fight while we have one of our pre-nned rest stops. We won''t have to make many since me and her can fly and stay awake for quite a long time, I''m still not allowing her to fly though.


    We''ve set up camp in an open meadow and it''ste at night, it''s been raining since we left the phoenix cave and now that we''ve gotten a second seeing that the rain has stopped, it''s time to have a little sparring session.


    I still need to think of something nice I can do for her but haven''te up with anything just yet, this training thing was something else since I''ve been feeling my sword skills are worse than ever right now.


    "Make sure you fully try and hurt me otherwise it won''t help you improve"


    "Yeah yeah"


    Does she seriously think I can purposely hurt her? I don''t want to nor do I think I''d be able but I''ll at least try and train, that''s what this is anyway.


    "Ikarus, I''m being serious"


    I''m starting to think she might be able to read my mind, this woman knows me too well.


    "I''ll try but I really don''t think I''d be able to hurt you, it''s a difficult task trying attack someone you like"


    "Wha-?"


    Why did she just stop saying what? Wait, did she just take that as a confession? Is that why she looks a little confused? Damn it...


    "That''s not what I meant! Look, I just don''t want to cause you anymore pain"


    She takes a second topose herself again, I knew something like this would prove an issue. At least with the other two trainers I''ve had before, I could try my best since I couldn''t care if I hadnded a hit on them, Petra is different. I regret suggesting this a little now.


    I''ve already said I like Petra but I guess this time put her off guard a little, it wasn''t meant in that way. Well, I guess it kinda was...


    "Anyway... Ikarus, I can take it so you don''t need to worry about hurting me"


    "It would be easier with something like wooden swords though, I know I don''t have any but what about a tree branch instead?"


    I know I suggested this training but still, I''d rather spar without having the risk of hurting her, I can''t help that since I thought I still had a couple of training swords hidden in storage but must have thrown them out.


    We''re both holding our human weapons of choice, she has her samurai de and I have my vampiric dagger I got from the undead dungeon. We''ve already tested it and her sword will hold up against the enchanted sharpness on mine but still, it''s too risky especially if she''s only defending. Sometimes I think she''s a little arrogant but I think it''s a lot more like confidence then anything else, she has lived six hundred years after all.


    "Ikarus, haven''t received a dangerous sword wound in... can''t actually remember, it''s been that long. Please, just try"


    "*Sighhh*, fine then"


    With that, I ready myself and go in for a swing towards her shoulder that very quickly gets blocked by her. I really should do what she says and try properly though.


    I go in for another, this time towards her stomach but it gets swiftly blocked with no effort once again.


    "Ikarus, please"


    Fine, if she''s going to be like this, then I''ll try but I really don''t want too though.


    I''ll try my hardest tond a hit and go for something sneaky, simr to what I did with the captain that got me told off when I was first learning to use a sword. I swing at her anticipating the block, she blocks once again but I then push my entire body weight against the de that causes her to step back from the slight surprise.


    In that split second of uncertainness, I get carried away and lunge trying to stab my de into her, this is why I wanted to use something blunt.


    "Shit!"


    Thankfully, she''s more than experienced enough to see through my intentions otherwise that could''ve ended badly. She very easily managed to dodge just simple by jumping back.


    "Heh, that was excellent, try it again but maybe a little quicker next time"


    Wait, I''m not getting moaned at for trying that? She''s even giving me a smile as well.


    "I''d rather not though"


    "Don''t worry about it then, you are still a lot better than you give yourself credit for"


    Urghhh... praise makes me sick, at least it''sing from Petra so maybe I can ept it.


    With that, we continued our sparring session for a little while.


    __________


    "Hey Petra... I know it might be a little weird but can I ask you a personal question?"


    "Of course"


    We''re now sitting downte and night with the moonlight shining down upon us around a small campfire still in the meadow after finishing the sparring session.


    She definitely is a lot easier to learn from than the other people I''ve trained with, she''s isn''t malicious and gives me constant advice while we fight, it''s extremely useful. I''ve always tried to fight a little dirty with the sword, with Petra''s training every now and then, I might be able to cut it down a little.


    There''s nothing wrong with fighting dirty, it''s just that I''m still not perfect with the basics, at least that''s how I feel about it anyway.


    As for my question, it''s something a little personal but I''ve been curious about it for a while.


    "Have you ever been in a rtionship before?"


    There''s been a few things said over thest six months in the dungeon that have made me curious, mainly down to Zeki not knowing when to shut up. From the sounds of it, she''s even more inexperienced in this subject than I am.


    "Just the once, was a long time ago though"


    Oh, I guess she has been with someone before then, didn''t expect that.


    "What happened?"


    She takes a second before answering, then answers in a way that really seems distressing.


    "She erm... died. It was slightly my fault really, back in the day I was too careless and arrogant when it came to a lot of things"


    Damn, she looks really sad now, I''m unsure how to respond. I could tell her it''s not her fault but I don''t feel like that is the right thing to say. Should I try making herugh to cheer her up? No, I don''t think it''s the right time for that as well, maybe something simpler might help.


    I get up where I''m sitting and walk over to her.


    "Ikarus, you okay?"


    Once over to the side of her, I wrap my arms around her and give her a hug. She seems a little surprised at first but doesn''t push me away from it. She''s depressed, this seems like the best course of action right now.


    "Sorry for asking, you seem distraught now"


    "It''s fine Ikarus, happened a very long time ago so you really don''t need to worry"


    "But still"


    I hug her for a tiny bit long and then return to where I was sitting, she seems to be smiling now so that helped a bit. I''d rather not be asking her anything like that again, most of her past seems really troubled and I''d rather not see her like that. I think she''s be more open with me as well now but seeing her like that makes me feel sad for her.


    "What about you then? Have you ever been with anyone?"


    Damn, I was hoping she wouldn''t ask that, at least my experience isn''t as horrible as hers. Still, at least she''s not thinking about her past love, if it even was that but I''d rather not know.


    "Three rtionships, all ended in a trainwreck. If it isn''t obvious yet, I''m a little too na?ve and dumb for my own good, that is kinda the main reason for all of them ending"


    I''d rather not go into specifics, talking about your ex-partners isn''t something that''s afortable experience, Petra also understands that anyway.


    "Don''t keep putting yourself down like that, you''re a lot better than you think"


    "I appreciate your kind words but let''s be real, it is true and there isn''t anything to say that can help"


    I guess we''re very simr in that sense, we both have experienced heartbreak, just for different reasons. I wonder if that''s one of the reasons why we don''t mind each other.


    ...


    Ah great, the dreaded ufortable silence, this is why talking about this type of stuff is a pain in the arse, at least I''m normally alright at sorting these things out though.


    "Erm... you want to do some more training then?"


    "Sure then Ikarus, just make sure you try your hardest please"


    "Sure sure"


    __________


    "The second we get to my parents'' cave; the weather will clear up. Mark, my, words"


    "Heh, that type of thing does seem to happen"


    Like with thest time I returned to my parents'' mountain range, it is once again raining cats and dogs, heck, there was even a bit of lightning and thunder earlier. The God that controls the weather switch is a right dick at times, it''s not as bad when on the ground but it still can get cold flying in the pouring down rain.


    We''re currently getting flying very close to home cave now, won''t be too long before I can see the cave entrance.


    "You alright up there anyway? Not too cold or anything?"


    I''ve at least got feather protection from this cold rain; she just has her disciple robes on, must also be soaked now.


    "Ikarus, thanks for your concern but a bit of rain won''t kill me"


    I guess she is a bit of a badass, rain definitely won''t kill her. Thinking about it, I should give her a heads up about something.


    "When we speak to my family, I feel like I should give you a warning like you did to me about Zeki. My father can sometimes have a bit of a temper but he''s normally alright, mother might be a little overbearing and Minos, he''ll either try to snuggle up to you or think about eating you"


    "Heh, sounds a fun family"


    Sometimes I like her sarcasm but then again, I guess my family is fun although a little unorthodox, think that''s the right word for it.


    "You have no idea... I guess you do actually, you''ve got Zeki and Ariza"


    "Guess so, it was better than the alternative anyway"


    Erm, what''s she on about?


    "What was the alternative?"


    "Back in my younger years, had the stupid idea when first hearing about the prophecy from my mother to try and prevent four phoenixes ever happening using bloodshed..."


    Wait, is this the reason why she even found those two in the first ce? She was nning to kill them as well?


    "... It was a stupid thought that very quickly got thrown away when I came across Ariza''s egg abandoned in the middle of nowhere, even I''m not that heartless to have done such a thing"


    Is that why she raised them then? Out of guilt or was it just because she wanted to help? I could ask but there''s something else I''d rather.


    "You have any idea what happened to Ariza and Zeki''s parents?"


    "Not really but I''m thinking the empire had something to do with it, dragon hunting only ever stopped because there were no dragons left to hunt, at least known of"


    Oh great, we''re back onto the empire''s dragon fascination. At the very least, I can now see the opening of the cave so it''s on topic for the conversation I need to have with father. He has to cancel that deal if what Petra says is true.


    As I''m flying closer to the cave still in the rain, I receive two dragon phone calls inside my brain.


    <Ikarus! You''re home!>


    <Wee back little one>


    ''Alright you two, we''ll speak in a minute once Ind''


    I guess both mother and father are home and awake right now, can barely see themying down inside the cave. I wonder where Minos is though, he might be out hunting.


    As I get closer and go tond in the entrance, Petra notices something.


    "Looks like you were right Ikarus"


    Once Ind, the rain fully stops. This is going to start bing a thing now, I''m not even going to get pissed off this time, well properly pissed. A little bit is fine.


    "Remind me to kick the God who controls weather in the crotch"


    "Heh, sure"


    Petra climbs off my back and we clearly are now both soaked in water, the weather be doing that sometimes. Both my parents have now gotten up and havee to greet us by the entrance but have kept their distance slightly. Unsure if it''s down to Petra or if they expect me shake off the water from my body.


    <Who''s this little one?>


    <Dermak, at least say greetings if you''re interested in knowing>


    My loving parents, meet Petra. I should probably say that out loud but Petra speaks before I get the chance.


    "Pleasure to meet you two"


    Petra is speaking in a polite manner to them. Before they respond and a conversation starts, need to dry off slightly.


    "Petra, you don''t have to speak to them right now. You two can both see we''re soaked head to toe, at least let me light a fire and dry us out. Unless you want me shaking again"


    <Ah, sorry Ikarus>


    <You''re right little one, we''ll have a talk in a second>


    Both my parents give us some room by the entrance, it would be difficult to start a fire with two monstrous dragons right next to it. Well, they weren''t even that close but I''d still rather them not investigate her while I''m wet like this.


    I pull out some firewood from storage and ce it down on the ground, then start using fire from my beak and light the wood. Now that''s it''s started burning, I take a seat next to it.


    "Let me help"


    Petra sits down alongside mebining her ck me from her hand into my fire also. It turns into a ckish-orange colour and now radiates a lot more heat, this shouldn''t take that long to get warm and dry now.


    Am I getting a weird look from father though? Mother also has a weird look but hers seems happier like, why do they look weird though? We''re justbining our fire, is that a weird thing to dragons?


    Now that we''ve dried up a little and gotten a bit warmer, both parents can ask their questions.


    <So then little one, who is this mortal alongside you?>


    "She''s a friend father, her name is Petra. Petra, meet my parents"


    "Nice to meet you"


    <Greetings little mortal>


    I''m not sure if I can reveal she''s a phoenix to these two, they probably can smell her but there''s a different issue right now, mother hasn''t greeted her. Something seems wrong.


    <Look Ikarus, I know you''re young and want to experience the world but there is something you need to know...>


    Is mother about to moan at me? I''ve been good with my drinking recently, I''m unsure what this is about.


    <... If you wish to keep mating with your friend, I''d ask you wait till you get a little older first>


    Wait, what the hell is she on about? Me mating with Petra? This has gotten me worked up and stressed now.


    "What the hell are you even on about!? Me and Petra haven''t mated, we''ve literally only hugged and that wasn''t even in a weird way!"


    Petra has no response to this; I think she''s a little confused why my mother thinks such a thing. Father seems to have an idea why she thinks that though.


    <Darling, I think your sense of smell might be a little too strong. They smell very simr but there is a tiny difference, I can see why you misunderstood though>


    <Ah, my mistake>


    Oh, is it because Petra''s scent is simr to mine? I guess that would make sense, why does she say mate though? We''re two women... why am I focusing on that? Ah, I know what''s making me stupid now, it''s my parents! Every time I spend time around them, I get progressively stupider! I should probably ask Petra something though, this is about her if she smells the same as me.


    I''m a little unsure why mother''s nose which is supposed to be extremely strong can''t tell the difference but then again, it could work both ways. Her sense of smell is so strong, tiny differences might get overwhelmed, that''s the only thing I can think of.


    "Petra, can I tell them?"


    "Sure, it''s fine for them to know"


    "Okay dokey, Petra is also a phoenix so that might be why she smells the same although we did hug a few days ago so it could also be from that"


    The reaction I get from mother is of pure shock, she didn''t expect this.


    <You found another phoenix!? You''ve got to tell me everything Ikarus!>


    <Even I''m a bit curious little one>


    Looks like I''m going to have to go through everything that''s happened with Petra. For some reason, I''m not to fussed about exining it to them though, maybe because it''s about her.


    Once that''s exined, I''ll need to talk with father properly...

 Chapter 52 – Approval

    Chapter 52 ¨C Approval


    <Wow! That''s so interesting!>


    <Good to know little one>


    Mother really does like hearing my stories I guess, father still seems interested but it''s clear not as much, I can definitely tell who I take after boredom wise.


    All of us are now properly inside the cave with me and Petra sitting inside the nest while my parents are obviouslyying down once again, Minos is still out hunting it seems, he''s probably having the time of his life right about now.


    As for what I said, I basically just went into quick details on how we met, what we''ve been through and all that type of stuff. I''ve purposely left out things regarding the empire, I''m still unsure how much to actually want to reveal but I still need to give them good warning.


    <Little phoenix, who were your parents if you don''t mind me asking?>


    I guess even father has questions, I''m slightly also interested in this and Petra seems willing to answer.


    "My mother''s name was Zeldermir and for my father, never knew him"


    Father takes a second to pause after Petra''s response, it seems he''s thinking on something.


    <Darling, do we know that dragon?>


    <I''m a little confused as well, she sounds familiar but at the same time, not>


    Both my parents are confused on who Zeldermir is then, all I know is that she apparently knew a prophecy that predicts that I''ll cause the world to end but with the amount of vagueness, it could literally mean anything.


    It could just be their memories ying up, they are extremely old with father basically being a dinosaur.


    "It matters little anyway, she passed away a long time ago, over five hundred years now"


    Petra''s seems fine talking about it, I''m guessing she didn''t have the best rtionship with her mother then. Father seems to have realized something now though.


    <Wait, your mother was that dragon? ck in colour and a prophet, correct?>


    "Correct"


    <You remember her Dermak?>


    <We only met once or twice, don''t take this the wrong way little phoenix but your mother was aplete bitch>


    <Dermakvar!>


    Mother rightly whacks father on the back of the head, he deserves that for calling someone''s mother a bitch. He seems to dislike everyone so it''s not surprising that he dislikes someone else. Petra has aplete unexpected response that surprises all of us though.


    "Heh, she was a little on the nasty side, think you''re being a bit kind"


    Damn, did Petra hate her mother then? Let''s not press too much on that then.


    <Little one, make sure you never let this little phoenix go, she actually has a sense of humour unlike some people>


    <She''s probably was just being polite Dermakvar, you are extremely insensitive at times>


    <Maybe, but I still like her regardless>


    At least father approves of her, think mother wouldn''t care who I brought back though. Although, she did say something about mating which seemed weird but I don''t want to bring that up again.


    Petra seems to have a happy smile from everything being spoken about, I guess she''s finding my parents slightly funny to be around. I''m guessing that''s a good thing then.


    Just as I''m about to move on and bring up the troublesome subject, another dragon returns from the hunt.


    "Cu?"


    The brown dragon Minos returnsnding into the cave and instantly has a confused look on his face.


    ''Damn, he''s gotten even bigger now, not much but still a fair amount. Ah, should check that as well, status''


    [Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 48]


    [Health 3,250/3,250]


    [Stamina 3,702/5,500]


    [Magicka 3,250/3,250]


    ''It''s been two months, maybe three since Ist saw him and his health doesn''t seem to be reduced so no curse, that''s good. Has he even levelled though? Aesa, has he made any progress or not?''


    [<Target -Minos- has levelled 5 times sincest update 72 days ago>]


    I''m honestly starting to feel a little bad for him, my levelling is a hell of a lot quicker than his but then again, I''m encouraged to kill humans for my EXP. I wonder if that might be rted to the prophecy as well, maybe that''s the encouragement for turning to the dark side.


    To get max level, I''d have to kill loads or really high levelled people. Ah forget it, I''m not going to figure out what this prophecy really is and the more I think about it, it might just make it worse. Think there was something about trying to prevent a prophecy ends up causing it so best not to think so heavily on it.


    Back onto Minos now, he''s looking a bit confused with Petra. He very slowly starts walking towards us both.


    <Minos, this is Ikarus''s friend Petra>


    <She won''t hurt you littlest one>


    Maybe it''s down to her scent being simr to mine, his head doesn''t know what to do with it. Hopefully, he also doesn''t think we''ve mated but then again at his age, he won''t have a clue what that even is.


    He ignores my parents and now hase to where Petra is, she seems to know how to handle this unsure young dragon though.


    "You''re a cute little dragon, not as much as much as your sister but it''s a very closepetition"


    "Cu!"


    Okay, I actually feel a little betrayed now, he''s started rubbing himself up against Petra. Sure, it''s nice that he likes her but still. Wait, did Petra just call me cute as well? Ah, forget it, I''m more pissed at brother than to focus on something like that. I did kinda like it though.


    "Damn it Minos, you forgetting that your older sister is here or something?"


    This little shit! While he''s still doing that, he''s actually looking at me like he prefers Petra or something, is this his rebellious stage where he starts to resent his older sibling?


    "Heh, that''s probably enough for now, your sister is starting to look a little jealous"


    Minos now decides to turn his attention away from the blinddy but swiftly gets rejected.


    "No, traitors don''t get affection, you go over there to the other side of the nest"


    "Cu..."


    His sad cus don''t work when I''m annoyed at him, I saw the look in his eyes. It''s almost as if the little shit was trying to steal Petra away from me. Wait a second, why do I keep thinking things like this? I''m starting to lose my mind now, even more so than usual.


    Both parents give a silent chuckle at what just happened anyway, Minos has also moved to the other side of the nest, he doesn''t deserve head pats. It looks like he''s going for a quick nap as well, that hunt must have tired him out a bit. He strangely didn''t bring anything back so he probably ate while out.


    I really should get back on topic, I can never focus around my family.


    "Anyway... there is something else you two need to know but you cannot get involved otherwise I won''t tell you"


    <What is it little one?>


    <Yeah, why can''t we get involved Ikarus?>


    "Because you two will think it''s a good idea to go burn down an entire city. This is not one of those times that every human deserves to die. It shouldn''t have gone down like that in the first ce"


    In all honesty, I''m not even that opposed to getting my parents to burn the capital down anymore. I just feel like there will be dire consequences if I take that route, my parents may be absurdly strong but there must be something stronger out there, something that can even take down dragons if they step out of line. I''d say something like Gods but I''ve seen little of their existence apart from priestess having a voice inside her head, there does seem to be some higher power at least from what I can tell.


    <Little one, we have more control than you''d like to think>


    <It''s only ever when you''re under threat that we get like that Ikarus. Thankfully, you have a good choice in friends now so our worries aren''t as strong>


    It sounds like mother likes Petra; I think that''s what she means. I guess dragons appreciate strength, or it might just be because she''s a phoenix, I don''t care that much to ask.


    "Regardless, you still need to try and remain calm about it... Father, you might need to cancel your reward to the empire"


    I''ll start off like this, then hopefully I can share more information slowly with them. It''s the enving dragon part I''m mostly worried about.


    (Dermakvar) <Why?>


    "I think I have a rough idea what your reward to the prince might be. If you n on selling yourself into servitude, that won''t be happening since I''m nning to kill him"


    ...


    A small silence happens but then father responds, he doesn''t seem all that bothered though.


    <That''s not entirely correct little one, I never once swore servitude to the little mortal>


    Am I mistaken then?


    "I''m confused, it sounds like you''ve sold yourself to the empire basically as a ve, at least that''s what I think"


    Of course, I''m only going off what Petra said to me. Father didn''t outright deny it though, did she have the right idea?


    <There''s a little more to it than just that, there is nothing about protecting the little blonde mortal so you''re worry is unneeded>


    Okay, now I am confused, if he''s sold himself in service to them, then shouldn''t protecting the prince be the top of his priorities?


    "But wouldn''t me killing the prince go against your deal?"


    <The empire is all thendmass to the northeast of these connectednds. The agreement never said anything about protecting one mortal in charge, it was to protect against everything else except humans>


    That''s the agreement then? That sounds weird, why is this such a big deal if he doesn''t have to involve himself with humans? Especially now knowing the empire''s dragon envement methods, this seems to go against the point of it all. Petra has already confirmed with me that they''re both clean from the crest, we agreed if she didn''t say anything about it when we entered, there would be no reason to worry.


    "What would you need to protect the empire from if it isn''t humans? Or anything else that resembles humans like elves or beastmen?"


    <Anything little one. Whether it be rogue dragons, disgusting wyverns like the wyvern king or even other threats like demons or angels, that''s just a part of it. If you wish to kill the little mortal and someone else takes over, then that is meaningless towards me>


    <There is a little more to it than just that Ikarus but it isn''t something you need to worry loads about>


    If only these two knew...


    This does seem unexpected though, was the prince that worried about other enemies who aren''t humanoid? He seemed like this is best deal the empire could ever make, I haven''t heard that much about stuff like this except from the odd passingment like the mage saying something about demons a long time ago. Could they all be returning one day?


    I''m starting to feel like something is missing here, could this also be rted to the prophecy as well? Urgh, the future is really looking bleak.


    Even Petra seems a little surprised about something but it''s not what I was expecting.


    "Ikarus, the way you made your parents out, was expecting a much different reaction"


    <What did little one say about us?>


    <Hopefully Ikarus was nice in her description>


    I may have gone into great detail once or twice that they''re emotional wrecks. I mean, they kinda are but I might''vee across a little mean. Think I''m sweating now that they''ve asked her that.


    I do love my parents but damn, they can be a little overbearing. Mostly mother, father seems more like a guy you might have as a drinking buddy then an actual father, I guess he does have some paternal instincts. I''m notining about it, I know a lot of people only have one parent alive, some don''t have any. I''m really lucky in that sense.


    "It was only things like how much she missed you and stuff like that, doubt you''d want to hear about it"


    <We miss you too Ikarus>


    <Little one...>


    They actually bought that!? She really helped me dodge a bullet there, it''s a good thing she didn''t tell them what I really said. Sometimes Petra, I don''t deserve you...


    "Okay... so it''s perfectly fine for me to kill the prince and you''re still stuck in your agreement protecting the empire from threats that aren''t human, isn''t that great?"


    <Little one, this isn''t something you really need to worry about. Me and your mother have been protecting this mountain range for a very long time, protecting the rest of thesends won''t be that difficult, just might have to deal with the asional pissed off God or two as well but shouldn''t prove impossible a task>


    Do I tell him about the ve crest then? Urgh, still haven''t decided yet, there was something he just said that seems a little off, it sounded like a throwaway joke typement but didn''t sound right.


    I can hear Minos snoring a little now, he really can sleep through anything.


    "Did you just say something about a pissed off God?"


    <It''s nothing really, sometimes in the past, the Gods used to pay the asional visit to the mortalnds. There''s something about mortality that they crave, the lifestyle mortals live is attractive to immortal beings, really don''t understand it in all honesty>


    <Ah, I remember what your father is talking about>


    <It''s really not all that interesting a story though. One God escapes from the higher realms and wishes to live down here and anotheres down to return her back but she refuses and it ends up causing a volcano to erupt killing half the elves>


    That''s what caused the volcano to erupt in the elvennds!? How the hell can he say that isn''t important?


    Ah yeah, in the top corner of the elven continent is ava spewing volcano. When itst erupted, the entire elvennds were effected and it came close to being unliveable, it''s cleared up a lot now though but even then, the elven continent is still harsh to live in and it sounds like they don''t even have countries over there, don''t know all that much about it though.


    "Funny you should say that, the howling forest is close by as well and the dwarfs live in those mountains also. There not on the samendmass but it''s still somewhat close by"


    Petra''s just joined back in, that''s where the howling forest is as well? The dwarfs must live in the mountains and the forest must be below it then, think that''s the case.


    <You''ve been around quite a lot little phoenix>


    <Me and Dermak haven''t been over there since the volcano erupted, you''ve definitely seen a lot Petra>


    "The longer you live, the more you see I guess"


    <We really should get out at see the world more>


    <Hmph, why do I feel like you''re moaning towards me?>


    Father takes a grumpy tone towards mother, it''s clear what she was implying there.


    <That''s because I am Dermak, you never want to do anything anymore except wyvern hunting. You''re slowly turning into an old, grumpy lizard>


    <That''s because I am old darling, it probably wouldn''t be the worst idea though. What ces are nice to visit little phoenix?>


    "There''s definitely some beautiful ces around, just need to do know where to look, suggestions at the top of my head..."


    Petra and my parents start discussing some more bits and then after a little while, I''m introduced back into the conversation a whileter. Petra is interesting but the things my parents were asking about were just locations and ces she''s seen, I''m really a third wheel in their conversation. I was still paying attention throughout it though.


    <Ikarus, both of you are definitely staying the night if your friend is okay with it, no arguing>


    <She''s quite the interesting little phoenix>


    Well... my parents definitely like her, I guess that''s a good thing. They haven''t tried setting us up like with Zeki nonstop so I''m unsure if they would approve but it''s a very good sign.


    Sighhh, I really need to slow down these types of thoughts, we haven''t even held hands yet...


    __________


    Later on that same day, close to it being night, I''ve finally decided on something but I need to ask Petra beforehand.


    Everyone is still in the cave but I''ve decided to spend some time back in human form for a little while, no particr reason why though.


    "Petra, do you think it would be okay to tell them about you know what?"


    I''m whispering into her ear, this enving dragon thing I feel needs her opinion first just in case I say something stupid. She also responds whispering, both parents don''t notice this otherwise I''d feel like they might say something, or maybe they''re just being polite, not sure.


    "Should be, they seem calmer than you first described, doubt they''ll even see it as a big deal"


    Is she being serious? Shouldn''t finding out something like your entire species is getting targeted for envement be a big deal?


    Anyway, I speak to father who is stillying down from earlier, you''ll be surprised how long dragons can lounge about doing nothing when they''ve already eaten.


    "There is something you need two should also know, it''s just I''m unsure how well you''ll take it"


    <We''ll remain calm Ikarus>


    <No promises but you do worry too much little one>


    At lease they understand my reservations, I guess? I''ll juste out and say it then. Hopefully, that city still remains untouched. Too much wasted EXP if they burn it down, I really shouldn''t think like that...


    "The empire have been trying to enve dragons for ages, they even have that white haired mage doing it for them, the prince in particr seems to be in control of the whole operation as well"


    ...


    Why aren''t they having any reaction to this? Are they about to blow a fuse?


    <That isn''t that big of a deal Ikarus>


    <Something like that really isn''t worth a worry little one>


    Ikarus currently does not understand current situation, eh?


    "Are you two mad!? They literally tried it with Minos and I, why are you so calm about this? They''re probably trying to enve you as well when you go wyvern hunting father"


    I don''t get an answer from my parents straight away but from Petra who is sitting alongside me in the nest, she seems to have a better understanding on what''s going on.


    "Think they might''ve already known about it Ikarus"


    That''s why? Is she being for real?


    "You two seriously knew about it already?"


    <Every little mortal has unrealistic dreams and such, it''s always been a thing that little empire have tried for centuries now, haven''t given it any thought for a while>


    <This is one of the reasons we prefer the solitude Ikarus, it normally stops these types of things happening. Envement isn''t that big of a deal, it''s more of a worry when there''s no counter to it>


    There''s dragon arrogance and all that but this doesn''t seem right, mother is so overprotective yet the chance of me or Minos getting enved by the empire isn''t that big of a deal? Well, only Minos, I''m protected.


    I''m starting to think this ve crest is actually shit, my parents can probably break out of it easily or it doesn''t actually affect your mind that much, those two are the only things I can think of why they''d be like this.


    <Little one, I keep telling you not to worry too much about such things. If you really thought it would be that easy to enve us, you don''t give us enough credit>


    "Ikarus, if there''s anything I''ve learnt throughout the years, dragon confidence isn''t something to be taken lightly. Your parents have a lot more experience than I"


    <Those two are both right Ikarus, you can rx a little bit more>


    Now all three of them are against me, I guess Petra did say not to worry about it too much as well. Looks like I''m going to stop concerning myself over this, who cares if the family gets enved anyway? Sigh...


    I''m still killing that little weasel and that bitch though, I will make sure of that, this doesn''t change my thinking in the slightest. Just get the locations of ten dungeons and that''s it for them.


    At least it''s a good thing those two don''t fancy burning down another city hearing this, sometimes I realize I don''t know my own parents at all...

 Chapter 53 – Joining Hands

    Chapter 53 ¨C Joining Hands


    ---Added some more AI art, now you can witness dragon and phoenix glory in their true forms! Glossary btw---


    __________


    "Ikarus, if you want to take this course of action, there are some things you might want to consider beforehand"


    While me and Petra are flying over back to one of the three inds to get the other two-party members back, she started to chat with me while on my back.


    We both spent thest night with my parents in the nest, they definitely like her, that''s pretty much confirmed now. My parents even got to see her phoenix form since father asked, both of them were as concerned as me when they first saw all the scars and damage but since Petra''s mentally strong, she was fine about it.


    Also left just after midday and had something to eat beforehand as well, human food is a hell of a lot better than eating a raw goat or wolf but beggars can''t be choosers especially when Minos brought us back some lunch to eat, he definitely likes Petra as well.


    Thinking about it, it''s quite a nice day out today, should probably focus on Petra instead of that though.


    "What''s do I need to consider then?"


    "To start with, just killing the prince alone won''t be enough. Another family member with the same goals would just take his ce"


    Ah crap, I''d rather not have to kill too many innocents, it''s a slight problem but not something I''m one hundred percent against, can easily be convinced.


    "So... we''ve got to wipe out the royal entire family?"


    "Not necessarily, the entire family aren''t bad, just the ones who hold most of the power. The main three people who would need to be dealt with are the prince, the emperor and the oldest princess"


    To kill an emperor... I''ve already decided I''m doing this, would rather not have a guilty conscience over killing an old man and a defenceless woman though.


    "Tell me a little about the emperor and the princess then, do they deserve to die or is this something that is morally questionable?"


    Petra takes a second to answer, then returns in a slightly serious tone.


    "The emperor is debatable, he is probably one of the kindest emperors in recent generation but that''s not saying much, he still was a main supporter in killing or enving dragons..."


    ''Looks like I''ll have no issues killing the old man then''


    "... The princess... you''ll want to kill her the second you speak"


    Damn, Petra actually sounds pissed, the princess must be a right bitch then. Even though she says three people must die, it''s more like four since the mage is included in that list.


    "How do we go about it then? Should we start slowly picking one off at a time or just go for them all at once?"


    Petra takes another second to think, I guess even she hasn''t gotten everything nned out in advance.


    "It would be better to do it all in one go, saves any chance of the prince getting any knowledge on such an attempt on his life. This still won''t be an easy task, I''ll provide you with as much support as I can but with the mage, there''s always a dangerous risk"


    I do sometimes wonder why she hasn''t tried killing them beforehand, she''d probably have her reasons for not doing it just yet but I feel like it might be sad and depressing again. Her past is always like that it seems, I feel like I''m taking advantage of her a little with her help but it should be fine, right?


    The mage is definitely more powerful than I know if Petra thinks she''s a risk though, might need to spend more time levelling to prepare only if Petra doesn''t believe we''re ready yet.


    "There is another issue about what happens afterwards though. If we take care of the people who will prove the most problematic, then the empire will end up in turmoil. That is something you really don''t want happening"


    "Why''s that?"


    "Because then the rebels in the southeast will take over and reintroduce things like very and other barbaric methods, they don''t belong in any world"


    I guess the empire were actually telling the truth on that then, Petra definitely thinks really far ahead if she''s thinking about stuff like that. It does make sense, the empire holds a lot of people, everything will go to shit if there isn''t a suitable person or party to take over and rebuild from the turmoil or just prevent it from happening.


    This isn''t really something I''m suited for thinking about though, my issue is with their dragon treatment, everything else isn''t that much of a concern but we should probably do something that doesn''t end up effecting thousands of lives.


    "What needs to happen is someone else would need to take the throne, someone who is capable enough to run an empire but at the same time, stop all corruption that runs throughout it"


    "Who would suit such a task?"


    Actually, I know who would suit a task but there''s no way Petra would want to do something like that, I''d rather her not as well since we couldn''t spend so much time together. Her entire life would be about things like politics just like what happened in the pyramid dungeon, I''m a little selfish when ites to sharing.


    Damn it, I''m starting to get slightly possessive as well now, that''s really not something good.


    "I''m not...pletely sure, there is someone who has helped me over recent years who might know someone suitable for such a leadership role"


    "And who''s that?"


    "A captain known by the name Jekyll; he''s been an acquaintance for a while now"


    Captain Jekyll knows Petra? I know I haven''t actually spent that much time around him but still, this seems like something that''s big.


    "You mean that captain has been working against the empire this whole time?"


    "Not always, he at one point had the crest applied to him like many other high-ranking soldiers and nobles but he found a way of getting it removed. Ever since then, he''s been assisting me with information and providing me backdoor ess to certain things"


    I guess she doesn''t only use her mimic ability to get bits and pieces of information then. She probably didn''t haveplete trust in me a while back so that might be another reason why I''ve only just found out about this now, it is slightly a shock though.


    "You know he''s never seems to be in the capital right?"


    "I''ll have to send word for him to be in the capital next time we''re over there, shouldn''t prove too difficult since he''s basically allowed free rein to go wherever he wants"


    This really is an odd twist, I can''t believe that guy dislikes the empire that much to be helping Petra out, is there any hidden meaning behind it? And that he''ll definitelye back if she sends a message?


    I better not have topete with someone for Petra, that better not be the case. There is something I want to add right now though.


    "You know his training methods are a bit dumb right?"


    "Heh, he only teaches what he''s also been taught, the entire empire''s training methods must be dumb then"


    At least she found that slightly funny, enough talking for now though, it''s time to head back to the other two.


    __________


    "Ikarus, you probably shouldn''t do that"


    "Shh, just let me watch"


    "We should just go over there already"


    "They''re holding hands though; I feel like I shouldn''t intervene"


    We''ve both arrived at that hot springs settlement and are currently in the centre of the town market watching Nat x Lotte in full swing. They are literally holding hands on a bench together right now; this is one of those times where I have to sit back and watch otherwise my obnoxious nature might ruin it.


    This is nothing like with Zeki being a dick about stuff like this, I really don''t want to ruin it for those two by my presence bing a distraction. Sometimes I can be thoughtful believe it or not.


    "You know if you''re so interested in that sort a thing..."


    ''Wait, is she going to suggest that we do the same?''


    "... Forget it, we shouldn''t be watching them like this right now"


    Damn it, I thought she was going to start teasing and then I could throw her off guard by saying yes, we probably shouldn''t be doing this for much longer anymore. It has been a good ten minutes or so watching them already.


    Petra seemed a little off saying that, not angry or anything like that, is she being slightly tsundare or something? If she''d actually asked properly, I would''ve found it hard to say no, that probably isn''t the case though.


    We both walk over to them and they very quickly get excited meeting us once again.


    (Charlotte) "Ikarus-sama and Petra sama!"


    (Nathan) "Ah, you''re both back"


    Should I teas- no, Zeki has put me off being like that anymore, I might say something every now and then but it''ll be idental if I do, I''d rather not be a hypocrite if I can stop myself.


    (Ikarus) "How you two doing anyway?"


    (Petra) "You two good?"


    As soon as we respond, both of them still sitting on the bench stop holding each other''s hands, they probably expected me to start teasing or something, I guess.


    (Charlotte) "We''ve been good"


    (Nathan) "Yeah, nothing too much to tell"


    So they''re going to not bring the handholding up then, whatever floats their boat then, I won''t press them on it.


    "Good good then, want to start making a move? You''ve been waiting here long enough now, no point sticking around any longer"


    I guess spending a couple of hours in the hot spring isn''t that terrible an idea but it just makes me think even more on the empire so I''d rather just get on with it now.


    "Just a few things to do before we need to leave Ikarus-sama, shouldn''t take very long"


    (Nathan) "We definitely need to retrieve our gear, most of it is stored at the inn"


    It doesn''t matter that much, these two are normally quite good at hurrying it up. Me and Petra won''t have to experience the hell of travelling with Zeki as well so I''m looking slightly forward to joining back up with the boring two.


    "Thinking about it... I need to top up on some things beforehand as well, food is running low"


    "Do you still have cake Ikarus-sama?"


    "Sorry priestess, I only have a few left now, everything really good is gone"


    Charlotte pouts from my response, I''m not kidding though, me and Petra shared everything really nice on our travel over here together. I''m more than happy to share with her,favouritism at its finest.


    Actually don''t have to purchase alcohol for once, I''ve been barely drinking recently. It''s not even like I''ve been forcing myself to stop, just haven''t been craving it as much, probably because there''s been too much going on.


    I definitely need to stock up on some more food, cake isn''t going to bemon here like in the capital but they should still have other sweet things to eat. Ah, we''re on an ind so seafood should be the norm, let''s buy and store loads of that.


    __________


    ''I can believe how far those two have developed''


    On the way over to the marked location of the next dungeon after leaving that ind, we had one of the never ending stops we had to do, it gets boring mentioning them all the time but can''t exactly help it really.


    We''vee across an old ruin of some kind in this part of the tall pine tree forest, there isn''t much to it other than arge pir basically standing upright in the middle of nowhere but we decided to set up camp here for the night since it was roughly the time to do such a thing.


    ''I''m seriously starting to get jealous now, damn it''


    I''m watching both priestess and the knight holding hands once again across from the fire while I''m alongside Petra, all of us are sitting on the stone floor of this little outside ruin.


    They are doing it so subtlety though, I know if I say anything or even get up, they''ll probably stop. I guess they''d rather it not be known yet but still, seems like they''re trying to hide a little too much. I''m not going to tease, I swear!


    I can''t get over how their rtionship has developed faster than me and Petra''s. Sure, they met earlier than us but damn it, the amount of envy or jealously I''m feeling right now is intense. It makes me want to do the same thing with Petra.


    Clearly, I can''t juste out and say I want to hold her hand, can I? No, my bird brain wouldn''t allow such a thing, human brain I mean right now. I''ve got to be subtle about it too, I doubt Petra would turn me down but I need to do it this way to remain sane otherwise I might die of embarrassment, impossible but I struggle with these types of situations so this is the only way I can force myself to do it.


    Let''s think how to do this... Oh, that could work...


    "Petra, can I check your hand quickly?"


    "Why''s that?"


    "I''m curious on who has bigger hands between us"


    It''s such a dumb excuse but I''m always curious about weird and stupid things, this shouldn''t seem like anything different.


    "Okay then?"


    I take her hand and then measure it up against mine, her hand is warm and it''s the exact same size. Me and Petra do seem to be simr in body size and shape so I guess it''s to be expected.


    I lightly grab it and then put it back down while still holding on, it''s such an odd way of doing things but I am odd so it might juste across like I''m being my usual self. Just pretend I forgot to let go when she asks about it...


    Her hand does seem pretty warm though, it''s kinda nice.


    "Heh Ikarus, you can let go now if you want"


    Damn it, she said that way too quick, I think she knows what my intention was. If she knows, maybe I should toy with her like she does with me, I can tease as well believe it or not.


    "What if I don''t want to?"


    "Heh, then I''ll have to up my game"


    It was at that moment; I might''ve made a slight error in judgement. I had the thought she couldn''t back up her teasing, that was seriously wrong. I never had a chance of trying to win against her.


    Petra still holding my hand pulls herself up slightly and then sits onto myp, smiling the entire time. This has now put me out of myfort zone.


    (Petra) "That''s a little morefortable now, isn''t it?"


    (Ikarus) "Erm... erm"


    Both the other two-party members look away from us, this wasn''t even what I nned! This is too much affection, even for me.


    "You''re not normally speechless Ikarus, is there something weighing you down? Or is it just me?"


    She knows what she''s doing, I swear I''m going red as well now. Her flirting is next level at times, of course she''s weighing me down, she''s sitting on my freakingp!


    "Please... this is a little much right now"


    It doesn''t matter how much I like her; this is too much to handle. My heart really can''t take it, the way I''m speaking as well sounds a little ufortable, not in a bad way though, just unsure more than anything else.


    "Oh, you''d just rather hold hands then?"


    I think Zeki doesn''t understand his older sis, she''s a lot more perceptive when ites to this type of thing than first thought. There isn''t anything holding her back, it''s all on my side, it seems that way now anyway.


    No idea what happened back when we were training and she had an odd reaction, that might''ve just caught her off guard. All the other times, she''s very difficult to catch off guard, maybe impossible.


    "Yeah"


    Petra gets of myp and sits back alongside me, still holding my hand but this time sits a lot closer, can feel her shoulder against mine as well now. That''s not too much to deal with though.


    Thank God those other two aren''t saying anything and are in their own little world, they are also still holding hands so it''s not like they''d be able to say anything anyways. I''d feel embarrassed showing acts of affection around others but who cares?


    "In future Ikarus, if you want to hold hands, just ask, never say no"


    This woman is really too much, her teasing is really something else as well. It''s fine though, seeing her smile is a lot better than her being sad. An it isn''t like it''s horrible.


    "Okay dokey"


    The thing is, it''s not like I hated her sitting on myp though, just was a little too soon, I think? I wonder if the positions were reversed would I be more okay with it? I don''t know...

 Chapter 54 – Dungeon Six

    Chapter 54 ¨C Dungeon Six


    (Ikarus) "Well... this is unexpected"


    (Nathan) "Is this a good or bad thing?"


    (Charlotte) "Unsure Nat, maybe a good thing?"


    (Petra) "..."


    All four of us have arrived at the next dungeon and havee to a realization, this one must''ve beenpleted. Seriously though, we''ve all drunk from another fountain and nothing has happened, literally nothing. We''ve waited for a good half an hour and still nothing.


    The next dungeon''s location is on a beach at the bottom of cliff face very far into the elven continent in an old ruin, it took half a month to get over here flying following the coast and crossing a huge river as well. This entire continent just seems to gigantic trees nearly everywhere, yet toe across any people but we didn''t fly anywhere close to where elves might be.


    The woods are supposed to be harsh and dangerous to live in, mostly because of the wild animals that now roam them. A little danger isn''t that much to worry about, it''s just having to wake up every hour or so because of an attacking animal doesn''t sound like the greatest of ns so sticking to the coast has worked out well for us.


    Before we got here though, there was a destroyed town at the top of this cliff, Petra seemed to have an idea on what happened to it but was unwilling to exin, she seemed a little down as well so I didn''t bother to ask, really don''t like seeing her sad.


    Should go back to this weird thing that''s currently going on right now though.


    "I''m confused, does this mean it counts towards the ten dungeons or not then?"


    ...


    "Seriously? No one has an idea, priestess, does your God have a clue?"


    "The Lord is a little unsure himself right now, he says it might but that it also might not."


    Isn''t that great? The person who provided us with the ten-dungeon curse cure has no idea if this counts or not, that doesn''t seem dumb in the slightest.


    There is someone who might have an idea though.


    [<Since -user- has drunk from fountain, Aesa assumes it counts. However, this prediction doesn''t have 100% uracy>]


    I''ll take her word for it then; fountain dungeons suck so I''m not all that bothered by this. Could just find another one, they clearly don''t seem to be all that rare judging by how easily the slimy little blonde-haired rat can find them, I''m talking about the prince of course.


    In all honesty, I''m just happy I don''t have to slug it through another bullshit fountain dungeon, those things suck. Petra looks to be thinking on something else right about now though.


    "Wonder if this ce could''ve been where those two elves entered the dungeon"


    That''s what Petra is thinking about? It could make sense; we are in the elvennds and maybe this fountain could be connected to the other, there''s no way to know if it''s true of not though.


    The other two aren''t going to have a clue what we''re talking about so no point talking to them about it, phoenix confidentiality for Zeki and Ariza and all that.


    "Then is this fountain busted or something? It looks partially red; shouldn''t it provide heal-"


    I had to stop myself mid-sentence from saying something stupid. How can something heal you when you''re at full health? And you''re not supposed to drink health potions anyway, you''re supposed to apply it to the wound directly. None of us have needed to use one yet in an actualbat situation so that might be reason why I nearly said that.


    "Only one way to find out"


    Petra speaks as well as taking out her samurai de, then shes a small cut into her arm.


    "Damn it Petra! Give me some warning beforehand if you''re going to do that!"


    "Heh, you worried about me or something?"


    "Of course! Erm..."


    I blurted that out without speaking, she did just cut herself without giving it a second thought. I know I''ve done the exact same thing before but still, I don''t want to see her hurt...


    Petra grabs a handful of the red-coloured water and pours it on her wound. Before it even has the chance to do anything, she confirms what I was just thinking.


    "It''s definitely a fountain of healent, can already feel it''s effect"


    Now I''m just waiting for the afterpain, I don''t want to see her in pain but it''s definitelying, my first time using it hurt like hell...


    ...


    She has literally no reaction, is she a masochist or something? She clearly can take pain very well; she''s looking at me like she can read my mind right now as well though.


    "Heh, were you looking tofort me when the healing pain kicked in? Sorry to disappoint"


    She really enjoys her teasing too much; I might be weird seeing that I like it even more. Of course, she can''t help but smile as well.


    "No idea what you''re on about... anyway, can everyone give me a hand bottling this up please?"


    "Sure Ikarus-sama"


    "Yeah, okay then"


    "..."


    I''ve basically got loads of stamina pots, might as well stock up on healents as well, will have to pour some stamina ones out since I don''t hold thousands of ss bottles in storage but I should have more than enough for a dozen or two.


    If I''m ever heading back far north, just need to use that fountain and I''ve got enough potions tost a lifetime.


    Now that all party members have helped me bottle up as many bottles as I can fill, it''s time to leave, but to where?


    "So... what do we do know then? I feel happy but also a little underwhelmed"


    "I''m unsure as well Ikarus-sama"


    "We could head back to the capital and continue the search"


    Nathan suggests heading back to the capital to start more dungeons once again, the issue is that will take at least another half a month, kinda want to explore a bit since thesends are so far away from the empire and there''s definitely some other stuff to do.


    "Could always visit the howling woods and some other ces, there are some good ces to visit in and around J?tna"


    I guess I finally get to see what this howling forest ce is all about then, Petra has said about it more than once. J?tna is the name of the elven continent that I keep forgetting and just referring to it as the elven continent, names do tend to slip my mind a lot.


    Sierra is the empire continent and basically human, J?tna is the elven and Krieger is the beast desert continent. Just one more to go and learn about, I''m a bit unsure on that though.


    "What else is there to do then?"


    "You''ve got the dwarfs just north of the howling woods if you''d like to pay them a visit and the city of Aurora is quite far to the south across the river but that is something you really must see to believe"


    So, howling forest, dwarven mountains and a city named Aurora? Sounds like that could be interesting enough, might as well do something before heading back. The longer we leave it, the more chance of the prince finding more dungeons so it''s not a terrible situation.


    He also gets to live longer as well...


    "Okay dokey, let''s do all those before heading back then"


    I''d ask the other two if they want to do this but with them, they wouldn''t have much of an opinion on it, they did help out back in the bandit woods that was off topic from their original goal after all. Back to running the dictatorship then I suppose, me Petra this time though.


    __________


    (Ikarus) "This ce is definitely... different"


    (Petra) "It''s beautiful, isn''t it?"


    (Ikarus) "I guess so"


    On the journey over to the howling woods, I asked Petra to exin how the elven continent of J?tna actually worked since there doesn''t seem to be too much information on the books I''ve read about it.


    To sum it up, they don''t use countries over here and prefer to use a tribe system, it was split up into quite a few countries years back but the volcano killed so many people, the poption of the elves never truly recovered back to its fullest so the survivors formed into small groups scattered around the ce and it led from there.


    The soot from the volcano even reached the empire I''m told; it really was a devastating eruption that would''ve wiped out so much life and progress. Hopefully, that never erupts again but if the Gods can cause such a thing, then there might be no counter.


    There are also seven elvish tribes that Petra knows off and that also includes the gigantic city of Aurora, she''s been purposely vague on telling me what the ce is like since it would ruin the surprise.


    As for the howling woods themselves, it basically a ck dead forest but with a few odd things about it, the forest seems to have a red fog floating about it and every now and then a blood red tree or two. Ah, the moon seems to glow red as well here, no idea why it looks different where we are.


    I can see why Petra thinks this ce is beautiful though. Sure, you would think that a mostly dead forest would be a bit creepy but there is something about this ce that just strikes the eye. Maybe we both just have weird tastes, that would exin a lot...


    "Petra! What are you doing?"


    "Going for a swim, anyone care to join me?"


    In this undead looking forest, we are standing next to a smallke that also has a strong red tint to it, why does Petra fancy a swim in that? She''s taken off her robe and started to walk into it, well most of everything just leaving her underwear set on.


    She really has a nice figure... damn it, stop looking at her like that, stupid bird!


    "No thanks Petra-sama"


    "Yeah, me and Lotte are good"


    "What about you then Ikarus?"


    Sometimes I think she might be a little mad.


    "Is that even safe? The water is literally red"


    "Perfectly, wouldn''t get if it wasn''t safe"


    Guess she has a point then, I flick my wing at the knight for him to look away, for his own good obviously and then do the form change. While I''m doing this, Petra can''t help but start her teasing.


    "Since you''re going swimming, why not try on that armour you picked up?"


    She''s literally swimming in that redke and teasing me at the same time, why did I tell her about that stupid dungeon reward? I''m not doing it!


    "Seems a bit weird to be swimming naked, doesn''t it?..."


    Her smile is devilish at times, stupid Petra! It''s horrible!


    "... I bet you''ll look cute in it"


    ...


    "Urgh... f-fine then!"


    She changed my mind on that very quickly, I guess it''s better than being naked despite how perverted it actually looks. Herpliments can very easily manipte me now, dumb Petra...


    Now that I''ve done the form change, I take that stupid piece of enchanted clothing bikini out of storage at put it on, it really is skimpier than anything I''ve ever seen in this world thus far. It feels like shit to wear as well.#


    Damn fanservice...


    [<Aesa is proud of -user->]


    "Fuck off Aesa, don''t you be starting"


    Got to moan at Aesa out loud, don''t want hering out with things like that. Unfortunately, she''s not the only one.


    "Was right, it does suit you"


    "C-Come on! You''re just b-being too much n-now!"


    "Heh"


    She''s just relentless at times, I can''t handle it, it''s too much! No idea where those other two are now though, I''d rather just get in the water and hide this crappy outfit.


    I jump in and instantly realize Petra is secretly a horrible person.


    "Jesus Christ! Do you not feel the cold or anything?"


    "Heh, it''s not that cold, give it a minute and you''ll be fine"


    You know something? I bet this was her entire reason for wanting to go swimming, so that I would join her and she could find another reason for her teasing. This woman is dangerous, I''ve got to be careful around her moving forward if she''s this sly, I know what you''re up to now devilish woman!


    While I''ve got this stupid thing on anyway, might as well check to see how it works while I''m swimming about in here. The water isn''t that bad once you''re in for a minute or so, feels quite refreshing actually.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 66]


    [Health 29,582*/30,000*]


    [Stamina 8,288*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 20,000*/20,000*]


    [You currently have 3000 unassigned points]


    ''Damn it, why does thing have to be so good yet so cursed? Everything is literally doubled right now, stupid ck bikini!''


    I wonder if there''s any way I can make use of this, it still isn''t wearable under normal conditions since clothing over it blocks the effect, already knew that though.


    "Petra... is there anyway of reshaping enchanted clothing?"


    "Should be, the dwarfs normally know of a way"


    Hang on, that''s perfect then! If the famous crafting dwarfs don''t know of a way of reshaping enchanted equipment, then no-one would know. Although... they''re better suited for armour, this skimpy piece of shit isn''t exactly armour, I can hope they''ll help anyway.


    "Then we''re definitely heading there next, might pay a visit to have a quick bathe in the volcano first as well, that''ll be cool"


    That sound like a fun idea, bathing in a volcano, we are phoenixes after all. Make sure the party members aren''t with us so they don''t see Petra and it''ll be all good.


    "Ikarus... that''s a terrible idea"


    She actually seems a little disappointed in me, why though? Was that really a stupid suggestion?


    "We''re resistant to fire though?"


    "Poisonous gasses Ikarus, we''d both die before we even get close. The dwarfs have to go to great lengths to redirect the heat to power their forges, even they can die from doing such a task"


    Oh, I did have a stupid moment,pletely forgot about having to breathe in air, sometimes my stupidity likes to return at times like this. The dwarfs basically useva to power their forges though, is that even possible? Of course it is, magic excuse probably.


    "About the dwarfs, how do they survive living that close to the volcano then?"


    "Tunnels and caves, they basically live underground but also like to build houses in the mountains themselves as well, those houses are all connected with tunnels and have ventting systems to keep toxic air getting in"


    Well damn, the dwarfs are definitely an advanced race of people if they can literally be living and harnessing the power of a volcano. I bet they can do something with this bikini then, hopefully.


    While we''re chilling in the shallow part of this body of red water, maybe five or ten minutes or so, Petra has slowly started to look a little depressed. The other two-party members have started to set up a little camp while we''re doing this as well, it was nearly time to set up camp anyway so it''s not like we''re purposely excluding them, they can join us anytime they want for a quick bath.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Just over there... no, it doesn''t matter"


    She stopped herself from speaking, this clearly is an issue.


    "You can tell me Petra; I won''t say anything stupid, I''ll try not to anyway"


    "It''s about my ex though Ikarus, don''t won''t to put any burden on your shoulders"


    In all honesty, I''d rather not know but this seems like one of those times where it might be better to just listen to her, she seems down remembering something.


    "Still tell me about it though, it might help you out"


    "This forest, was where she died... It''s actually one of the reasons I despise vampires so much, they caused her death. The vige on that cliff face was where I tracked the family of them down... and destroyed them all leaving no survivors. Vengeance or revenge never actually heals mental wounds unfortunately"


    Damn, that''s heavy. No time to even think about this right now, Petra needs some help.


    I go up to her still in the water and give her a hug, it''s a bit too intermate for me seeing we''re basically half naked right now but her feelings are more important than my dumb embarrassment.


    "I''m sorry Ikarus, feel like I''m doing you a disservice by telling you about her, she was my first love after all"


    She''s seriouslying out with something like this? Is this some guilt thing where she''s worried about my feelings since she might still hold feelings for her dead ex? As if I''d worry about something like that, it''s clear we like each other anyway so that wouldn''t matter, it''s not even like it''s a cheating thing, she''s dead. Damn, I really can be insensitive at times, this is why thinking before you speak is always best.


    I stop hugging her and go to speak, she needs to be told off a little here though.


    "That''s what you''re bringing up now? I''m supposed to be the stupid one out of us two, don''t being out with things like that"


    "Bu-"


    "No buts Petra, your concern for me is pointless. Grieving is perfectly fine, worrying about my feelings over this thing is pointless. I''m more than happy to provide a shoulder to cry on always if it''s needed"


    I am right, she seems to look a little more relieved now but there is a more immediate issue that''s staring at us with hungry eyes.


    "*Howllllll*" "*Growl*" "*Snappp*"


    Arge pack of wolfs approaches the redkeing from the side that no party members are camped at, this pisses me off immensely.


    "You dumb fucking wolfs! I''m going to turn every single one of you into ash and then burn that as well! Then I''ll cremate the Earth under your ashes!"


    My anger is partially for Petra''s sadness and partially for the fact I have to get out wearing this stupid outfit as well as fight this pack of wolfs like this.


    At least Petra''s smiling once again, she has such a troubled past. Smiling at me being an idiot is a thing I''ll never be fussed about.


    I''m going to butcher these bastard wolfs...

 Chapter 55 – Dwarfs

    Chapter 55 ¨C Dwarfs


    ---Should be a poll at the bottom of the page, just want to know you viewers opinions on something, obvs don''t vote if you don''t want to :)


    __________


    "Ikarus, they''re already dead"


    "I know, I''m making sure they can''t revive in the afterlife"


    I''ve done what I previously said, these wolfs cease to exist and now are just a tiny pile of ash. I''m making sure to burn them even more so, Petra is standing by my side while I''m doing such an important task.


    "They''re only wolfs Ikarus, no need for such a thing"


    "They dared to get involved while you and me were swimming, that''s more than enough justification to obliterate them"


    She smiled to my response, I''m just a little pissed since I was trying to make Petra feel better and they provided a dumb distraction. I guess it did help distract us both but still, they still deserve no mercy.


    (Charlotte) "Are you two okay?"


    (Nathan) "We rushed over as fast as we could"


    Both of the other two-party members have now just decided to join us, damn slow idiots. I''m still in a bit of a mood it seems.


    It was at this moment, I only just realized what I''m wearing. Shit, both of them can see me wearing this dumb thing as well.


    Petra at the very least decided to put her robe back on beforeing over here, I literally ran out to methrower these wolfs wearing this stupid bikini, sighhh.


    Wait, I''ll just change form, it''s enchanted and that''ll make this whole process quicker...


    __________


    (Petra) "Should be just over there"


    "Is this the right location though?"


    I''m a little confused on something now, the dwarven mountains are supposed to be further north than these, we seem to be not at the right location. We''re looking at arge cave entrance from up in the sky above the howling forest right now, this cave entrance sits at a base of one of these mountains.


    "This cave system leads to arge bridge that traverses the gap, have been here before Ikarus"


    "I''m not doubting you; it just seems like we''re on the wrong ind"


    I mean, we technically are, the elven continent is made up of three massivendmasses. The first part is connected to my parents'' mountain range and the empire, the second is thergend that has the howling forest on and is split by a huge river, the third is an ind in the far northwest which has the volcano and the mountains that the dwarfs apparently live in.


    There''s also a load of little inds scattered around the outside of the continent''s north and west coast but they''re not really relevant.


    Wend anyway next to therge cave looking entrance and everyone gets off my back.


    "Have to change form as well Ikarus otherwise it might get a little tight in the caves"


    Probably a good idea, meeting a bunch of dwarfs as a big orange chicken might be risky. No idea what the dwarfs in this world are like but for some reason, I''m getting the idea they might be grumpy people who''d like the idea of frying a big chicken.


    I''m actually making myself hungry now, why is fried chicken so good? All those secret herbs and spices, urghhh...


    I change form and do the same old routine, only this time having the enchanted clothing on. Forgot to take it offst time so that''s the reason why it''s still on, it''s also still on under my dress right now. I guess I have unfortunately been convinced that wearing this isn''t the end of world, stupid Aesa.


    All four of us enter therge cave entrance, this one already seems to be endless just from the little amount we''ve already seen. Not the height or width, just that it seems to go long and far.


    "Be warned Ikarus, we may have to take a break or two"


    "Why''s that?"


    "This cave is a very long, this''ll take a couple of days before we get to the entrance itself"


    Couldn''t she have told me this beforehand? It wouldn''t have made any difference I guess, the thought of getting enchanted clothing that actually is clothing is too important to turn down. I guess spending a couple of days in a cave isn''t the worst thing in the world.


    "Hmph, I have gotten a lot better with my impatience I''ll have you know"


    "I know, just giving you a heads up"


    "We''ll help you get through Ikarus-sama"


    (Nathan) "Yeah, we''ve got your back"


    I swear these two are subconsciously annoying at time, is it really that hard to believe I''ve actually mentally developed? Petra''s concern was just giving me a heads up for God''s sake.


    Well anyway, it''s time to head into the dwarven kingdom, very slowly.


    __________


    "Are we finally here?"


    (Petra) "Yes Ikarus, that''s the door"


    (Charlotte) "That journey wasn''t all that easy"


    (Nathan) "I agree Lotte, that was a difficult trip"


    Those two do have a point, that wasn''t an easy trip, mostly because of how much walking through narrow parts and down to the winding of the caves. These caves don''t seem natural though, at least I think they aren''t. There only seems to be one way in and out so getting lost is nearly impossible thankfully, it still doesn''t help how long it was travelling these narrow and windy caves.


    Petra was right, it took two days to get to this point, arge metal door stands in our way now, probably the entrance to the kingdom itself. Petra seems to have a slight smile on her face now though.


    "Heh, fancy doing something funny Ikarus?"


    "Always"


    Petra then whispers something in my ear, I''m a little unsure why she thinks it''ll be funny but I''ll do it nheless.


    I go up to therge metal door and bang on it hard, then instantly after the first bang before I have the chance to do it again, a small letterbox slit opens at my eyesight level and a pair of eyes as well as bushy eyebrows greet me.


    "Who''s wants entry?"


    "Your mother Nicks, she wants her gold back"


    "Fuck"


    Immediately, the slit closes and a small thump hits the back of the door.


    ''Did he just punch the door or something? I''m a bit confused on why that''s supposed to be funny''


    Then the guy behind it slowly opens up the door. As it''s opening, I notice a dwarf standing on arge metal box, this guy was the guy I saw in the slit.


    ''Wow, this guy is freaking tiny though''


    Because I''m not purposely obnoxious, I controlled myself not to say that out loud, this little bearded man might''ve taken offence from that. He doesn''t seem to look angry at thement Petra told me to say, not sure why though.


    As for the doorman dwarf, he literally looks like what anyone would imagine a male dwarf to look like, long hair, long beard, old and very small, his head would''ve been lower than my breasts, that''s how small a dwarf is.


    "Is that... you Petra? You demonic ol''witch, you''ve actually returned!?"


    He''s obviously just noticed Petra standing behind me, calling her a witch seems slightly harsh even though it sounded friendly, should I do something?


    "Nice to see you again, you old dumbass"


    "Ha, your eyes are as ugly as ever it seems"


    "Heh, how''s life like being the height of an ant?"


    Damn, their insults are pretty harsh, well they''re not but this is slightly confusing, what''s going on right now? Both priestess and the knight look confused as well. Both of the two insulting each other seem to have smiles though.


    "Ah, should probably exin, dwarfs love to insult people they''re close or allies with, this old guy wasn''t even a hundred when west met so we''re just catching up"


    "You''re damn right, you blind idiot!"


    That''s literally what I used to do back on Earth with my drinking buddies! We may have usednguage that would''ve offended all people back then though, let''s forget those memories since they aren''t all that great.


    I myself was conservative in what I said, the others weren''t though, really should forget about this since I''m just digging a grave for me to get cancelled in.


    In all honesty, if he was being seriously nasty to Petra, I would''ve kicked him in the groin. Thankfully, it was easy enough to tell there was no hostility.


    "Let''s get serious for a second though, what brings you back around to these ol''mountains?"


    "Is it that bad to just pay a visit every now and then? There is something my wi-, no friend needs, I''m guessing Garry is still working?"


    Wait, was she about to say wife? Was that intentional or idental? She looks slightly embarrassed now though, think that might''ve been an ident, we did spend six months in that irritating ce together anyway, definitely a slip of the tongue.


    "Garry the gnome? That grumpy bastard will be working till the day he drops dead or his wife smothers him in his sleep, he''s still working the usual forge. Head on across the bridge"


    "Thanks Nicks, been a pleasure like always"


    "Same. As for the rest of you, enjoy the dwarven kingdom. Don''t cause any problems otherwise we''ll make you work till you payback every dime of damage you caused. Also, drink and smoke as much as you possibly can!"


    Okay, I think I''m going to enjoy this ce if this is the guard that guards the doorway, these people seem nuts! If insults are used to be friendly, this could be a fun experience.


    All four of us head slightly further through the cave past the door ande across a gigantic bridge, something like this looks simr to a modern steel bridge travelling over a mile. This thing is absurd! Even priestess and the knight look impressed and such a feat.


    There is something I''m noticing off in the distance though.


    "Hey Petra... this looks a lot safer than you described"


    "We''re not close to the volcano yet, no need for venttion this far north. We''ll have to head over that way if Garry is still about"


    While we''re walking across the gigantic bridge, I can just about see loads of buildings scattered on and all around the mountains ahead of us, there are clearly paths and steps around the ce so it''s a little unexpected from what Petra was saying. This just looks like a city carved in the mountains.


    The architecture is really impressive, everything is basically carved into the mountainside and the building designs look out of this world. It''s clear these lot value high quality craftmanship, I guess the stereotype fits for these then. Dwarfs be builders.


    Now that we''ve gotten halfway across this stupidlyrge dwarven style bridge, Petra seems to want to say something.


    "Priestess and knight, you don''t have to travel with us if you''d rather leave once we get into the kingdom proper"


    "Why''s that Petra-sama?"


    "Have we worn out our wee?"


    Is Petra trying to get rid of them or something? I doubt that''s what she''s doing, it''s probably something else.


    "Nothing like that, just that there are temples scattered all about the ce and was thinking if you two would like to be alone for a little while to do something, we''re just heading to a grumpy old dwarf far in the north..."


    The way Petra says that, it makes it sound like this guy we''re heading to is an annoyance. Maybe not everyone is nice with their insults in this kingdom, I guess she''s already thinking about my enchanted clothing so the quicker we get that sorted, the better, then we can rx.


    We can also spend some more time alone for a bit, unsure if that''s a good or bad thing...


    "... There is another reason as well, it''s a long trip over there. We''ll have to take the train"


    "Train!? There''s a freaking train!"


    I can''t help but get excited, I don''t even like trains that much but knowing something like that exists in this fantasy world is something else.


    "It''s a steam powered thing that operates in the tunnels running on its own line, think it''s simr to the ones we know Ikarus, but not too sure how it works"


    In this medieval world, there is a species that knows such things. She makes it out to not be that big of a deal though.


    "Next you''re going to tell me they know how to make guns and everything?"


    "They know how to make muskets at least, it''s just a protected secret reserved for dwarfs only and they don''t really hold very well against magic, the reloading speed is too slow"


    So, the dwarfs are basically hundreds of years more advanced than every other species, it''s probably a good thing they''re happy to sit in these mountains and not n to invade the world then.


    Seriously though, Petra makes this out not to be a big deal. If they know how to make muskets, then they probably know how to make explosives or dynamite as well then, cause of the gunpowder and all that. It would help them out with their mining as well, makes sense why they would use gunpowder thinking about it.


    Anyway, back onto the conversation on getting rid of those two.


    "So... what do you two want to do then? You''re still wee to join me and Petra if you''d rather join us"


    "Maybe it could be good to spend some more time with Nat"


    "We can visit some temples as well if you want Lotte, doesn''t sound like a bad idea"


    Good, those two might do more than just hold hands if you catch my meaning, I really can''t help myself at times.


    (Petra) "Give it a week and we''ll meet you two back here, that should be more than enough time to do some stuff together. There''s map boards scattered all around the ce as well, getting lost here should be impossible"


    We''ve just arrived in the dwarven city proper now while walking and talking, the bridge ends right here so it seems like this would be the ideal spot to meet back up. A week though? Seems a little long but I''m notining, this is basically a slight holiday anyway.


    The city really is impressive even while looking up close to it now, there seems to be even more buildings scattered around than first seen and is fully popted with dwarfs, little dwarven men and woman everywhere, even children are about.


    It''s kinda odd, the female dwarfs look nearly identical to the males other than the beards and even some of the children look to have slight beards as well. Their species really do be a bit odd but I''m a talking bird that basically was fully grown in months so the irony isn''t lost on me.


    It''s quite odd, we don''t actually get many looks despite us towering over them, they clearly don''t seem to hold much dislike of humans, or human looking phoenixes. They''re definitely better than the racist beastmen we came across.


    (Charlotte) "We''ll meet you back here in a week then"


    (Nathan) "Yeah, sounds like a n"


    Those two actually look slightly happy from getting more solitude, it''s really proving difficult to not tease them. Thanks Zeki for making me less obnoxious, feel like I''ve lost a bit of my personality.


    Still need to decide how to handle priestess and the knight when the royals die, that''s not worth thinking about right now though. I''m hoping they don''t have to die but if ites down to it, then it might have to happen. If we n this out well enough though, then we might be able to get around it but we''re still a ways away from that.


    Now that those two have left us, Petra seems a little happy about something. Did she really want some alone time then?


    "Heh, there is another reason why it''s good those two are gone Ikarus"


    She has a slight coy smile as well, what is going on inside her brain right now?


    __________


    "Bloody hell! This is strong!"


    "Heh, it does hold a kick"


    Before we got on the train heading towards the northern part of the mountainous ind, Petra suggested we had to get a drink somewhere, I of course would never say no to such an opportunity.


    This bar is packed full of dwarves all drinking simr drinks to what we''re having, don''t have a clue what it is since dwarfs have weird names for alcoholic drinks. I guess it''s simr to a beer but it also tastes a little simr to a cider, odd choice but it''s still nice, it is bloody strong though.


    Oh, they have their ownnguage but loads of them speak the samenguage spoken in the empire, makes no difference to me and Petra,nguage trantors for the win.


    The dwarfs might have an alcohol problem, I''ve had just a couple of drinks and can already feel a slight effect kicking in. This would be pure poison to a species that can''t handle alcohol, absolutely love it but we should probably start heading off, we are basically day drinking after all.


    "We should probably head to the north now though otherwise we''ll end up spending hours in this bar"


    That might be the first time I''ve suggested leaving while having a drink, this stuff will kick my arse if I drink more of it. It really is that strong, even I should be careful.


    "One more won''t hurt"


    "Erm... fine then"


    She''s a bad influence on me at times.


    Petra heads up to the bar and gets some looks from the dwarfs around the ce, she almost seems to be a slight celebrity around here.


    She did tell me slightly the reason why during the first drink here, it sounds like they owe her a lot. Not in money, just in favours, it almost sounds like she''s helped out every dwarf who holds an important role in this city, she does get around a lot I guess. Six-hundred years would do that for you.


    "Heyass, want to share a drink with us two?"


    "We won''t bite, honest!"


    While Petra has gone to get us another drink, two dwarven men havee over to the table we are sitting on and have taken a seat next to me. Am I seriously getting hit on by a couple of dwarfs? Unsure how to respond to this, this type of thing hasn''t happened yet surprisingly enough.


    "Erm, I''m really not alo-"


    It was just then, I noticed an aura more deadly and serious than anything I''ve ever experienced, except once before. Then it left in a split second when I looked where it wasing from.


    "Sorry for making you wait too long Ikarus, there was a slight line"


    It was at this moment, sweat appeared on the two dwarfs faces and they quickly tried to rush away, the smiling Petra has now put the fear of God in those two.


    "S-Sorry, we''ll be leaving!"


    "We''ll s-screw off now!"


    I don''t think I''ve seen people try to run away faster than that, she''s basically a celebrity so no one''s even batting an eyelid at what just happened, she probably could get away with murder if she wanted too here.


    "Got these drinks to go since you wanted to leave, we can enjoy them on the train"


    ''Is she seriously trying to pretend I didn''t see that?''


    Urgh, let''s just head off then.


    __________


    While we''re heading to the train station tunnel heading down some mountain stairs, I can''t help myself but ask what just happened? My curiosity sometimes cannot help itself.


    "Oi, what was that?"


    "What was what?"


    She just gives me a smile while responding as well, is she seriously trying to y dumb, her aura was simr to how my mother was when she burnt down the city. Does she seriously get that jealous or something?


    "Was that jealously? I''ve never felt your aura go like that"


    She takes a second before answering, then does herughing heh thing basically shrugging it off.


    "Heh, you noticed that then?"


    No no no, I know what you''re doing Petra, stop ying dumb.


    "You know, if we ended up together, you''d have to control yourself in situations like that"


    Feel a little wrong giving her a lecture but damn, she really had the aura of a psycho killer then. Heh, wasn''t that a song? Ah forget it, getting distracted.


    "Those two have tried the same type of thing with me before, it isn''t what you think Ikarus"


    You know what? I don''t believe her, maybe they tried it on with her but that slight anger was clearly out of jealously, at least she can still control herself in that situation then I guess. Killing someone who approaches me to flirt is something that should be very much avoided, it''s a good thing this was the first time. So weird that it was two dwarfs who did such a thing as well.


    "Whether it''s that or not, still might want to be careful"


    "Ikarus, it''s not that but promise I will be"


    I''ll just forget about it then; we should be near the station now so it''s time to head to the northern part of this mountain kingdom.


    For some reason though, I think I''m irritated at myself more than her, kinda liked Petra getting jealous over me like that...

 Chapter 56 – Gnome

    Chapter 56 ¨C Gnome


    We''ve ended up spending twelve hours on this godforsaken death-trap, I exaggerate a little but it definitely is slightly jankier than the trains on Earth, I can understand why Petra suggested we drink before going on it, just for nerves alone more than anything else.


    The train is difficult to describe, mostly because you can actually only see the inside of it, the entrance in and out is basically only a doorway that opens up when the metro like train pulls into the station.


    It''s just like entering a metro or underground train, the interior even looks simr but there are quite the few bunkbeds around the ce. Clearly, this must get used quite a bit, it does seem slightly empty right now though, there''s only two dwarfs on this with us inside this carriage.


    "We will be arriving ever so shortly, please remain seated and leave the carriage in an orderly fashion"


    They even have an announcement system that a female dwarf is speaking out from, she''s probably the driver for this metro train then.


    Petra exined how that thing worked, vibrations. Yes, that''s literally all she could say on it, I swear that''s basically the same thing as how speakers and stuff work on Earth but I skipped learning all that boring crap, still don''t regret bunking off school to do absolutely nothing.


    "That''s our stop Ikarus"


    I may have fallen asleep on Petra''s shoulder as well halfway through the journey, could''ve taken a bed but drifted off before having the chance, she was fine with it though. Her shoulder was surprisinglyfortable seeing that it''s a freaking shoulder, then again, was it just because it''s Petra? Who knows?


    "Okay okay"


    The train then slowly pulls up to the next station and once it has stopped, me and Petra get up of the metro chairs and head off the train.


    Once we step outside the train doors, we''re greeted to a massive cavern, so big in fact, it dwarfs my parents cave, pun intended. This cavern has multiple levels and with different carved buildings all scattered about as well as it seeming to be densely popted as the area we just came from.


    "If we were to go outside now Ikarus, doubt we''dst an hour"


    "Hang on, just how close are we to the volcano itself?"


    "Hard to say, it definitely isn''t liveable outside here, volcanic gasses and all that"


    I''ve just gained some more appreciation for these dwarfs; they clearly know what they''re doing if they''re happy enough to live this close to a volcano. We should be alright, I think? Thest time it erupted was down to Gods, it should be fine.


    I know theva and gasses can''t affect us right now but still, a volcanic eruption I''m sure would rattle and shake everything around it especially caves that basically live next door to it, it can''t be that safe I''m thinking.


    Anyway, Petra starts walking ahead and I follow her.


    __________


    ''Wow, that was a lot of stairs''


    We''ve both just arrived at a cksmith''s shop carved into a subsection of this gigantic cavern having to travel up seven flights of stairs to get up here, yes, seven. My legs are aching now, the dwarfs really like things like stairs it seems.


    This guy''s shop is clearly a cksmith''s just clearly from the anvil painted on the sign, the door is closed for it though. Like most ces down here, it''s also carved into another section of the cave.


    "Heh, just giving you a slight warning Ikarus, Garry is a little odd"


    She''s giving me another warning like she did with Zeki; she has a slightugh so he probably isn''t half as bad, hopefully.


    "Okay okay, let''s just go in"


    We open the door and as we enter the smithy, I can''t help but take a quick look around. There is a forge right close by to the entrance with a filtration system set up above it looking simr to something that gets ced above a stove but also simr to a modern AC unit, just stone in nature.


    The store is stacked to the shelfs filled with weapons, armour and even stuff like clothing that maybe adventures might use. It''s clear this guy is more than just a simple cksmith from all this.


    "Well well well, if isn''t the blind demon Petra herself? Come to try and rob me even more?"


    I really would like to know more reasons why Petra is so popr with the dwarfs but there''s probably loads, from the sounds of it she spent a long amount of time here so it''s possibly just something like helping loads of people out. I''ve basically thought that already though.


    This guy once again looks just like a stereotypical dwarf, he does have a slight scar over one of his eyes though but still can see from it.


    "Heh, you always have owed me gnome, how many times have I saved you fromplete bankruptcy?"


    "Urgh, always hated that fucking nickname, you do have a point though. I could work for another hundred years and still never pay you back for all the favours you''ve provided me with, who''s your friend?"


    "Her''s names Ikarus and she''s the reason why we''re here, have some more enchanted gear once again"


    "Seriously? Something like this again?..."


    Petra''s done something like this before? Maybe her robe was made by this guy then. He does seem to hold a slight amount of irritation, don''t know if it''s aimed at Petra or he''s just a grumpy guy.


    "... Look Petra, there''s only so much these old bones can do, you must know how weak and frail I''ve be this past decade or so"


    Ah crap, while those two are talking, I haven''t checked something out yet. Need to know how dwarfs work.


    ''Oi, statusss''


    [Name: Garry | Species: Dwarf | Level: 123]


    [Health 5,000/5,000]


    [Stamina 4,033/5,000]


    [Magicka 2,300/2,300]


    ''Old and frail? He''s not exactly OP but this guy looks like he''s trying to scam Petra or something, his stats aren''t that bad but it''s a good thing she''s having none of it. His stat distribution seems to be the same as a human as well, guess most humanish races have a one times multiplier then.''


    "Garry the gnome... how much was it you owe me again? Could always pay the guard a visit"


    "Urgh... fine then, show me the gear and I''ll see what I can do with it..."


    Their rtionship is definitely odd but there is another issue right now though.


    ''Fuck, I forgot I''m already wearing the damn thing''


    "... Hurry it up, I don''t have all day woman"


    Garry the gnome is really getting impatient with me, there''s nowhere I can take my clothes off here in his shop, I need to think how to do this.


    "Just give me a second, alright?


    Petra immediately senses somethings up and idently reveal''s my secret.


    "Ikarus, you''re wearing it under your clothing already, right?"


    "..."


    My silence is a clear answer, the dwarf knows what''s up as well know.


    "*Sigh*, the room behind me is empty, go change in there"


    I head into the room he just pointed at and take off this stupid bikini, can''t believe I actually let Aesa convince me wearing it is a good idea. If this gnome guy can''t do something with it, I''m throwing it away.


    [<No you''re not>]


    ''I hate you at times''


    Once that''s taken off and my clothes are put back on, I head back in to give the gnome my enchanted bikini but he tantly refuses to even touch it.


    "ce it on my anvil, I''m notying a single finger on that thing"


    (Petra) "Heh"


    I wouldin but fair y to him, I wouldn''t touch something that looks this perverted either. Unless... no, I''m not perving over Petra, that''s not how this works.


    I put the thing on the anvil and then the dwarf goes to pick up a hammer off a shelf, then heads over to give it a test. He starts to strike the hammer against the ck bikini and a reaction no one expected urs.


    "What... IN OBLIVION IS THAT!?! *Cough cough*"


    The dwarf shouts tremendously loud after striking the enchanted piece of clothing, then has an extreme coughing fit.


    "*Cough cough cough*"


    It takes him a minute; this clearly has made him lose his breath. Once he regains himself, I ask him a question, I''m a bit unsure why he''s reacting like this.


    "What''s wrong? Is it shitty or something?"


    "WHAT''S WRONG!? *Couth cough* damn it, need topose myself... What you have there littledy, is the most powerful piece of armour I have everid these ol''eyes upon. Despite its deceptive shell, this is a piece of armour that the Gods themselves would destroy worlds over, would''ve been crafted by one as well"


    "Ikarus, just what does it do for Garry to be reacting like that?"


    I never actually told her the effect it had, just that it can''t be worn for everyday use obviously from its looks. She''s teased me and has seen me in it already so she knows a little about that.


    "It doubles my stats"


    ...


    Both the gnome and Petra actually facepalm from my words, clearly for differing reasons though. The dwarf doesn''t seem to understand why I called it shitty and Petra for something else.


    "You should''ve told me it does that, would''ve taken you over here as soon as possible to get its form shaped. Garry, you think it''s possible to do such a task?"


    "It depends, I''ll give it a try but if the God who crafted this denies me permission, then it''s worthless"


    The God needs to give him permission? Just who the hell made the perversion dungeon? Wait, wasn''t it a guy called Daedalus who created the mythicalbyrinth on Earth? I swear he was the father of the original Icarus as well...


    I swear to any God, if dragon father is a secret God who crafted this stupid outfit for me to wear, I''m going to break his neck. That shouldn''t be the case though, not all Greek myths trante perfectly in this world so there has to be some differences, that can''t be a thing I''ve just idently figured out, right? Wait, father spoke to me outside that dungeon as well, urgh. That old dinosaur better hope he isn''t responsible for this...


    "What are you looking to turn it into anyway?"


    Garry the gnome now a fair amount calmer asks me this question, I''m not really all that fussed though. I like my current look at the moment, seems pointless to change it too much.


    "Is there anyway of making it look like what I''m currently wearing?"


    After I ask that, the dwarf strikes his hammer on the clothing once again.


    "It says no"


    "No!? What the hell do you mean it says no?"


    "Enchanted items have a mind of their own Ikarus, dwarfs have a way of speaking to their egos through their work"


    "Petra has the right idea but it''s a little moreplicated than that"


    So my choker, vampiric dagger and that bikini all have their own egos? I''m unsure if that''s a good or bad thing though. Feel a little sorry for my dagger, it barely gets any use except for training.


    This still doesn''t answer if father actually is a secret God and crafted all this crap but then again, I''m not going find out either way.


    Petra then continues the conversation back on; she does seem to know nearly everything. I''d call her a know it all but I like her so that''s not happening.


    "Think I might have an idea what''s it''s doing. Anything that provides such power needs to have some drawbacks, its current drawback is its appearance..."


    I guess that would make sense, I think? Everything is an exchange especially in this world, I can''t get stronger without killing and my gambling ability that still hasn''t been used is proof of that.


    "... What if you make it look the same but ufortable to wear? Would it ept those type of conditions?"


    ''What type of weird suggestion is that?''


    "Let me have a try"


    He strikes it once more, this time a slight glow appears for a split second on the clothing, then fades.


    "Yeah, it seems happy with that arrangement"


    Okay, this is fucking dumb.


    "So... in order for me to wear that stupid thing how I want it to look, it has to be purposely ufortable? How the hell do you go about doing that?"


    ...


    Both of them fall silent, just as I''m about to startining once again, Petraes up with a dumb idea that could work.


    "Would something like a corset fitted inside it work?"


    Petra has an odd mind at times and this ising from me, aka the original odd minded bird brain.


    "Eh, it might want a tiny bit more than just that"


    "Guess you could make the entire thing tight and fitting all around, it could rx the ego and trick it into thinking it''s a good idea"


    I swear my face is looking absolutely confused right now, where is she getting this suggestion from?


    "That''s not a terrible idea, I''ll try again..."


    Another smack of the hammer, and then he continues on.


    "... Yeah, it seems alright with that"


    I''ve purposely been quiet listening to those two, now my annoyance is festering. Are these two purposely looking to cause me difort or something? And what is this stupid thing going on right now?


    "Are you actually being serious!? I''m not wearing something extremely ufortable!"


    "We''re just talking, not actually making you wear anything Ikarus. Look on the brightside though, it''ll make you look even cuter if you do wear it"


    ...


    Damn it, that caught me off-guard. Who cares aboutfort if Petra thinks something will make me look cuter? I can stomach that then, I guess it might make other body parts look bigger if everything else is beingpressed, might crush my organs as well but who cares?


    "Urgh... fine then"


    "Give me a couple of days... ah, I''ll need measurements though, my wife has just returned so that''s perfect"


    "Ah, you have visitors, should Ie backter?"


    The wife of the dwarf enters the little shop we''re in, she definitely is as old as the Garry the gnome as well and looks simr just with no beard like every other dwarf.


    "No honey, you''re needed here"


    Sighhh, let''s just get this done, getting measured by a female dwarf, that''s a weird and new experience.


    __________


    "How do you even know him anyway Petra?"


    As we''re walking away from the store after having my measurements done, I can''t help but ask Petra some more questions. Ikarus do be curious a lot.


    "Came to him to help Zeki and Ariza fit some enchanted clothing, they had the same problems as you when first switching form"


    "Why only bring me now though?"


    "Too much going on, would''ve brought it up when we had a chance to rx or was over here . Now the chance hase up"


    Eh, guess she''s a got a point, let''s figure out what to do now though, we''ve got a week so let''s find something to do. She''ll know this ce well so she''ll be our suggestion box.


    "So... what do we do now?"


    We got told toe back and check every couple of days or so about the enchanted clothing, he''ll do some more work if I don''t like the finished product but it should be finished within a week apparently, lucky timing then. What should we do right now though?


    "Actually... I''m a little unsure, nevere here for recreational use, always been busy doing something else"


    I''m guessing she''s always been helping people out here and only drinks when she gets a second or two, would suggest a bar but that dwarven stuff isn''t something that should be drunk every day, my liver only has one life, ya know?


    What do we do? There are stuff we can do and ces to see, temples are slightly boring but there does seems to be shows and theatres scattered about inrge parts of some of the caves, at least one of the map boards says so.


    Oh, there definitely are restaurants and cafes around here, even clothing shops. Thinking about it, this ce is simr to a shopping mall, there actually is a surprising amount to do it seems.


    (Ikarus) "I guess we could search around, get something to eat and maybe see a show or something?"


    This is not like what Nathan suggested when we first met, there is no way a dwarven show is going to be like an opera, there''s no chance these fun people would be into something like that, I think.


    "Like a date?"


    Why does she have to say it like that and smile as well? Fuck... I want to say yes but I''m struggling too, her teasing is good and all but it does make me want to try and give it back but I already know I can''t win against her.


    "Erm... maybe?"


    "Heh Ikarus, it''s not going to kill you to just say it"


    She doesn''t know me well enough yet, I might die of embarrassment admitting to it. If it does kill me, she''s to me, my tombstone will say she caused it.


    "Fineeeee, it''s a date, alright? This would be our first official date then I guess, where should we go then?"


    Saying it like that makes it all too real...

 Chapter 57 – Blossoming

    Chapter 57 ¨C Blossoming


    "Urgh, the air in here stinks like shit"


    "We didn''t capture any elves, did we?"


    "Haha, those knife ears definitely would make a cesspit smell nice"


    "HAHAHAHAHAHA"


    Most of the crowd in this ce roars inughter, they clearly seemed to like that.


    Okay, watching this show has shown me something, dwarfs really hate elves. Not even just a little bit of banter like insulting your friend, this is full-blown hatred where I reckon they would kill every single one if they had the chance, they seem to love all other species though.


    Me and Petra are sitting on seats watching a y in a packed-out theatre looking cave that has a stage at the front with several male dwarfs dressed in costumes, the crowd must have a hundred people in or so.


    This show is supposed to be the most popr one to watch in the dwarven kingdom, mainly because it''s supposed to be based on truth. If it is true, then their hatred of the elves might be justified.


    When the volcano first erupted, the elves saw it as an opportunity to wipe out all the dwarfs. The dwarfs tried to retreat from the mountain range they had called their home for centuries and were greeted by elves who refused to allow them a single ce to retreat from the volcano or even to just cross theirnd to escape. They ended up being forced to stay in a mountain range with a volcano that had literally just erupted, you can see why they had to retreat underground.


    It''s ironic, the elves actually seemed to take more damage from the volcano from the sounds of it in total, the caves grew with fungus that allowed the dwarfs to survive while the elves had to survive in a deadnd filled with soot and no food. I''d say that''s kinda deserved if you look at it that way.


    Of course, this was a very long time ago, pretty much everyone who was involved in such a thing should be dead by now, it might bepletely fabricated as well.


    Want to ask Petra a question so I whisper it to her, it''s rude to speak loudly while a y is on.


    "Petra, is this propaganda or something?"


    She whispers back to me.


    "No actually, this mostly happened, obviously the exact wording would be a lot different"


    I really hope the elven city of Aurora doesn''t have elves like this, this bird won''t think twice about trying to burn it down but I still doubt I''ve got the power to do so even if everything gets doubled when my clothing isplete.


    I could get Petra to help but waste of EXP, they should be alright though, hopefully.


    "How many elves would it take to change a lightbulb?"


    "None, they''d just try and admire their reflection on the ss"


    "Hahahaha"


    Oh, forgot to say all the underground is lit up by lightbulb the uses same type of mineral that lights up the empire''s capital, that strange type of ore that seems to light up indefinitely.


    ''Most of this y was alright but it does seem to be dragging on a bit now...''


    __________


    After leaving the theatre cave after its finished, we now need to decide what to do.


    "Where to next then?"


    "You wanted something to eat right? There''s a nice ce just up ahead if I remember correctly"


    Petra starts walking ahead but I stand still, there''s something that I''d like to do but can''t find the words to say it. Damn this stupid bird brain of mine.


    "You know, seeing that this is kinda a date and all..."


    Urgh, I want to hold hands but feel awkward saying it, sometimes I wish she could read my mind so I don''t have to say things like this.


    "What is it Ikarus?"


    "Erm... remember that thing we did at that ruin?"


    "Oh, if you want to hold hands, just ask"


    At least she very quickly gets what I''m thinking about.


    She walks back to me and lightly grabs my hand, her hand always seems to be warm for some reason, at leastpared to mine.


    "Saying it out loud is difficult though"


    "Then don''t ask and just do it, not going to say no"


    Urgh, she has a point like usual.


    Hang on, why am I initiating things anyway though? Shouldn''t she be doing it since she seems to be more in the lead between us? Ah forget it, any rtionship we potentially might have isn''t going to be normal, focusing on something like that is dumb.


    We walk still holding hands for a little while ande across a store, this ce surprises me slightly.


    "The dwarfs like sweets?"


    We''ve arrived at what clearly looks to be a dessert shop once again carved into the caves like with everything else, windows in a ce like this would be nice but we are in caves after all.


    I''ve bought sweets and stuff like that in the capital but I''ve never actually sat down in a shop to eat them, I tend to just get everything to go since we''re always travelling. This is going to be a new experience then.


    "Every species has a sweet tooth Ikarus, is it really that surprising?"


    I guess it''s not, just seems like these lot would prefer bitter food rather than sugar, also their love of alcohol and the amount of them that smoke being what I''m basing this off. Heck, I can even see people smoking inside here, good thing there''s filtration systems all around the ce otherwise smoke would be everywhere. It seems to help the smell as well so it''s more than bearable.


    We enter into the dessert shop and get greeted by a waitress? Or server, something like that.


    "Wee to caf¨¦ Rose, table for two?"


    A dwarven woman greets us in the cosy looking dessert caf¨¦, the ce looks to be half filled and looks surprisingly nice despite nearly everything made of stone in this kingdom. Well, nearly everything.


    (Petra) "Yeah, just us two"


    "Follow me then"


    The woman then leads to us to a table, we sit and she passes us a couple of menus.


    "Here''s your menus, I''ll give you a few minutes to decide, then I''lle back shortly"


    After speaking, the woman leaves us for a short while. Petra now decides to say something stupid.


    "Choose anything you want; this is my treat toda-"


    "No"


    We''re not doing that money thing we did again back when I stole her bed at the inn, I''ve got enough money tost a lifetime, for both of us if needed as well but Petra always seems to have money as well.


    "This isn''t that big of a deal Ikarus"


    "No, we''re doing this again. Those other two had the right idea, half and half otherwise just buy stuff separately"


    Nat x Lotte go halves money wise on everything, might as well do the same thing if this is going to start bing an issue or we just buy our own things. I''m just stopping any potential arguments from evering up in the future, money always is an issue but clearly ours is slightly different than the normal reason.


    "*Sigh*... I''ll just agree then"


    Why does she look a little depressed about that? It''s unneeded generosity, you''re too nice for your own good at times Petra, maybe it''s just towards me though...


    I open the menu on the table and start having a quick look through, there''s no pictures but obviously we can read it, there''s human and dwarvennguage as well so the trantor isn''t even really needed.


    They must get a load of human visitors to this ce, maybe we have juste at an odd time? I''m yet to actually see any humans in this kingdom, it''s either not the time for holidays here or that they just like to use twonguages for some reason, who knows?


    Then I read something that makes me happy, I am still childish at times.


    "They have ice cream!?"


    __________


    A little timeter...


    "... So you''re saying you actually pulled him out of the trashpacter?"


    "Pretty much, he would''ve been crushed if it was a minute or twoter."


    Petra was telling me the story behind her and Garry the gnome. Long story short, she''s saved the clumsy old dwarf''s life at least four times, every time has been down to the dwarf doing something stupid or extremely clumsy.


    We put our orders in a little while ago and wouldn''t you know it, the server has returned with a tray full of surgery goodness. Who need nutrition when you can just pig out on sweets?


    "Here you go, hope you two enjoy"


    The server ces therge tray down and I can''t help but look like a kid in a candy store, all this sugar...


    We ended up ordering a selection of things like multiple slices of different cake, two milkshakes and a big ice cream style sundae between us, chocte still doesn''t seem a thing in this world but there is at least sweet looking sauce and fruit cut up on it, the fruit ruins it by making it healthy though.


    It honestly is amazing how they can even get things like this down here; I''m guessing they have loads of farms holding many different types of animals and crops in these caves as well.


    No idea how they''d be able to feed the animals, maybe that fungus crap feeds everyone? Haven''t given that a try yet but I don''t n to, it apparently tastes like shit, the dwarfs themselves have said such a thing.


    As for crops, I guess they''d only need dirt and water for the basics, guess they can grow stuff outside as well just not in the volcano parts but I could bepletely wrong.


    They''re really advanced, underground farms don''t even seem all that impossible with these lot. I shouldn''t think so heavily on this, let''s just tuck in, haven''t had ice cream is so long...


    Before I get the chance to grab my ice cream spoon, someone else takes it first.


    "Say ahh"


    Petra has taken both spoons and is holding my one hostage, she''s even holding like she wants to feed me or something.


    "Oi, we''re not doing this"


    "Then you won''t have any"


    She then uses the other one to start eating, is she seriously trying to be this cutesy about this? If that''s even what it''s called.


    I could just use a fork but who uses a fork for ice cream? Sighhh, I''ll just humour her then, it''s not even like I''mpletely against it, just would prefer to be on the other side doing this if I''m being honest.


    "Fine then"


    She then puts my spoon up to my mouth and I unfortunately bite from across the table, not literally of course, that would break my teeth, stone carved spoon after all. Embarrassment levels have now risen frompleting such a task.


    "There you go, that wasn''t so difficult, was it?..."


    ''Yes it was... this ice cream is good though''


    "... More?"


    She''s seems way too happy doing this, I''ll just keep humouring her if it keeps her smiling. I already know it''s because she''s a massive tease.


    We really do have a weird rtionship though, it''s crazy to think that I used to be the guy as well...


    __________


    We spent the next week exploring nearly everything the dwarven kingdom had to offer, even then there were still ces we hadn''t seen just yet, this ce is basically the size of a country after all. The trains help getting around massively though.


    Most of it just involved stuff you might do if you go on holiday or to a tourism type ce, there is a damn lot to do here so getting through everything isn''t possible.


    Had to keep checking in every now and then for my enchanted clothing to beplete as well. In the end, it took six days for it to bepleted.


    We''ve juste out of the gnome''s shop and I''m wearing it now, it is as bad as expected.


    "Okay, I regret my life choices now"


    "Heh, at least you look cute in it"


    "You better keep giving mepliments otherwise I''ll need to change back"


    "Noted"


    After picking up the ''new'' clothing that was made from Garry the gnome, I realized very quickly this had be an issue once I put it on. It resembles the original dress I wore very closely, colour is the exact same with a few tiny exceptions but mostly not noticeable at first nce. I swear it looks a little more revealing as well but I really can''t tell why though.


    Getting it on wasn''t even that much of an issue, it''s getting it off that''s the problem. It has no stretch to it at all and is extremely tight fitting, I can still get around well enough but it isn''t something that you would callfortable to wear anymore. The ego in this is a bastard.


    At the very least, it makes my waist look a lot smaller and two other things look more enhanced being pushed up if you catch my meaning, I''m unsure if this was intentional or not but who cares about that?


    But of course, there is two massive pros to the ufortable con, I''m twice as powerful as I ever was and I never have to strip down to change form anymore, that alone makes this worth it.


    I did ask Aesa if this could break the stat cap of one hundred and sixty thousand something but no, this cannot pass those limits unfortunately. Did I already ask her that before? Can''t remember.


    It will help a hell of a lot getting there to max level though, just might be at the cost of my waist being crushed, actually feel sorry for women in the past who had to wear ufortable crap like this. It says a lot it might be easier to just sleep in the damn thing then deal with the hassle of taking it off, oh well.


    Let''s just stopining now, this entire stupid situation has turned into a massive plus because of this.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 66]


    [Health 29,562*/30,000*]


    [Stamina 8,426*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 20,000*/20,000*]


    [You currently have 3000 unassigned points]


    ''Just look at those stats! I''m like the equivalent of being a level six-hundred and sixty ifpared to human stats. I bet I could destroy the mage now, what was her level again Aesa?''


    [<Target Leone level was at 325, unknown if that remains the same sincest update>]


    ''The prince was roughly fifty levels below her, point wise I''m ready but great abilities other than the giant one are stillcking''


    Oh, forgot something else, since everything is only doubled when I''m wearing this, don''t expect any loopholes like the gambling ability idently taking off only half what it''s supposed to, everything stat wise gets doubled. My point is even though five thousand points should be removed; it obviously would make it double if I''m wearing this... wait, that''s technically incorrect, at least for the unassigned points, those don''t count since they''re not being doubled right now.


    That three thousand extra I have for example would be six if applied as I am, I''m just pointing out obvious stuff now though.


    "You seem really happy Ikarus, what are you thinking about?"


    "My stats, I''m basically getting ten times more than normal humans get now"


    Well, I''m technically not but still, this ispletely worth it. Screw that perverted ego bikini, you''ve now be actual clothing! I might be a little weird, wearing clothing that literally has an ego should really make me think twice but I couldn''t care in the slightest, all enchantments have egos and all the other three phoenixes are fine with there''s.


    "Heh, good to hear then"


    I feel like she''s just humouring me by giving a response but I''m not fussed, it''s meant it a nice way anyway. We should start to make a move soon, getting this clothing sorted has been a little bit of a nightmare and it has been close to a week already, time has flown by in here.


    "Should we head back now then?"


    She pauses for a second from my questioning and stops walking, we were walking and talking previously.


    "Would like to spend some more time together but guess it can''t be helped, we''d be pushing for time if we continue on"


    We''ve probably got at least fifteen hours left, shouldn''t leave it toote just in case the train is runningte or some other problems arise. We can always kill some time back down in the southern part of the mountains as well if needed.


    It''s time to head back to the party and go to the elven city of Aurora afterwards, it better be as good as rumoured, all I know is that it''s very big right now. Hang on, where''s Petra?


    Oh, she''s right there, she started walking forward again. Kinda want to hold hands again as well...

 Chapter 58 – Aurora

    Chapter 58 ¨C Aurora


    ---I''ll try and skip the constant thank yous since I know it can get a little boring but once again, we''ve made the trending page and are 2nd! First time I''ve mentioned this since we''ve been on it a few times now but seriously, thanks once again for all your support!


    __________


    "Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama!"


    "Looks like you two are here"


    The knight and priestess seem have arrived here before us, it was a good thing to try and catch the train a bit earlier since there was a problem, we couldn''t actually get on the first few trains since it seemed to be peak dwarven rush hour times. The train we did end up getting on was fully packed and was a terrible experience, thankfully that''s over now though.


    "Did you two enjoy yourselves?"


    "Yes Ikarus-sama, the temples were most excellent"


    "There''s a surprising amount to do in this kingdom, we also went shopping and did some other things too"


    They''re also holding hands but so am I and Petra, I wonder if their rtionship has developed any further since then. It probably hasn''t but I won''t ask about it, they''d get too embarrassed over the whole thing like usual.


    "Good to hear then, shall we head on over the bridge?"


    "Okay Ikarus-sama"


    (Nathan) "Yeah, time to go then"


    (Petra) "Let''s get a move on"


    It''s now officially time to leave to dwarven kingdom, what a weird experience, mostly down to the gnome and Petra being Petra, not that it was a bad thing...


    __________


    "Erm, you three see that?"


    "Yes Ikarus-sama, that''s a big animal"


    (Nathan) "That''s a bloody big bear"


    (Petra) "He is slightly on therge side"


    During our flight over to the city of Aurora, we''ve just noticed a huge bear sleeping on the floor in a small opening in the pine woods. This guy isrger than me and I''m basically an elephant, he''s that big. He also appears to look slightly red, unknown if it''s his blood or he''s be stained from killing other creatures, he looks really dangerous regardless.


    "I''m going to get a closer look"


    Of course, I want to give him a quick look if he''s dangerous, what the point in having no danger in life? We haven''t been in muchbat recently, need to force a fight or two every now and then.


    While still flying in the sky, I descend down a lot till I''m just hovering over the gigantic sleeping bear, I''m still far enough away to be safe but I need to get a proper look at him.


    ''Status''


    [Name: _____ | Species: Bear | Level: 378]


    [Health 40,000/40,000]


    [Stamina 24,810/26,150]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''Damn, that''s a beefy bear, this guy must work out everyday or something''


    [<Species bear has 1.75x distribution multiplier>]


    ''You don''t have to do that unless I ask Aesa but thanks anyway. Still, this guy could be a good test for something''


    This does seem like an opportunity though to have a proper test of my giant ability; I''ve used it once or twice on enemies that have been too weak but the effect it provided was too much.


    Simply put, it was overkill. The wolf I previously used it on exploded after I applied the ability to a kick. Yeah, I''m not kidding, the poor creature literally exploded everywhere after the kick, went all over me and had to find water to bathe in afterwards. Gross.


    Still want to give it a try though, maybe it might not be overkill since this guy has forty-thousand HP.


    "Oi, you three alright if I kill this guy?"


    "Of course Ikarus-sama"


    "Why wouldn''t we be?"


    "..."


    I guess those two are fine with it, Petra does seem to get quieter with other people but I know for a fact it''s nothing like social anxiety, she''s normally not that talkative when ites to things like small talk unless I''m the one asking first. Maybe to other people it coulde across as a little rude but I understand her reasons for it though.


    Since she doesn''t give an answer, she''s definitely alright with me doing it as well. I then find a safe ce tond a bit away and everyone gets off my back, Petra now has something to say it seems though.


    "If it doesn''t kill it first hit, use my version as well, that should finish it off"


    Ah right, can''t forget she''s got it as well. I''ve always got her to back me up, the other two as well but they''re just the empire''s puppets after all, unsure if I feel sorry for them or not.


    "Just call for help and we''ll provide it Ikarus-sama, summon"


    "Yeah, we''ll still be here"


    They''ve just offered to help now as well, too little, toote. Priestess has gotten her sword of light out though.


    All four of us walk into viewing distance of the bear, they stop while I keep slowly walking on. The guy looks even bigger now than he did in the sky.


    ''Aesa, activate aspect of gigantomachy''


    [<Confirmed. -User''s- next hit will apply ability>]


    This does only apply to physical attacks so using stuff like magic or a bow wouldn''t work, it does apply to ded and blunt weapons which is slightly odd but I guess the force of the attack is stilling from myself, that basically is what physical damage is anyway, arrows would count as projectile damage and magic being magic damage obviously.


    Should probably get to work, this guy needs taking care of after all, having a creature this deadly roaming any forest is a risk but I couldn''t care about doing good here, I just want to see if the attack is overkill on him or not.


    As I approach the sleeping creature even closer, two of my party members step back ever so slightly, it''s clear they might be expecting him to explode from the kick. Petra stays still though, she''s fine with being in the danger zone, she might have to take a bath somewhere after as well.


    Just as I''m about to enter kicking range, the beast awakens...


    "ROAARRR-"


    ... Then very quickly receives a phoenix kick to his head as he''s trying to get up off the ground, then copses straight back down after the impact.


    ''Is that... it?''


    He seriously just died like that? I didn''t even put that much force into the kick, I know it''s supposed to be a base fifty-thousand damage but still, resistances and all that. Even Petra who''s standing by the other two look''s a little surprised, she must''ve been able to see this guy''s health too or something simr since different systems and all that.


    ''Aesa, did he have no resistances or something?''


    [<Species bear has enormous health pool topensate forck of natural resistances. Aesa did tell -user- ability -aspect of gigantomachy- kills most enemies>]


    Okay, this ability might be even better than first thought, if something as deadly as that mutated bear falls down in one kick, then Aesa wasn''t kidding. It''s been a long timeing but I''ve finally gotten at least one thing that is absurdly powerful.


    Sighhh, twenty-four-hour cooldowns suck though, at least this guy didn''t explode after impact, that would''ve been a mess to clean up, blood and gore all over these orange feathers would have been disgusting.


    Petra would''ve needed to help clean me to get it out, maybe that wouldn''t have been the worst thing...


    [<-User- has hit level 67 by the way>]


    ''Oh, that guy levelled me up, I guess abilities do count to levelling''


    There was another thing I never thought about bringing up. Turns out, Aesa was wrong about normal EXP growth.


    I was under the impression it was a constant ten percent increase every time towards animals, no it actually isn''t. It''s barely noticeable when it takes that long to level up but once level ten was hit, it starts to be a curve, Aesa wasn''t aware of that when first describing how levelling works, I guess it''s not her making a mistake if it wasn''t known about just yet.


    I don''t want to know about the specifics behind it, she starts going into forms and x equals something plus something else, it makes my head spin. I''m even dizzy thinking about it now.


    The simplest way of looking at it is which she described to me is that level 10 was sixty wolfs to level up once, 100 to 101 is six-hundred wolfs and just under six-thousand wolfs for level 1000, keep in mind those numbers are literally for just going up 1 level. Yeah, we''re still using wolfs for EXPparison, so what?


    ----------


    ---I''ve done the numbers like this since it looks a pain to read otherwise, it''s not a mistake btw.


    ----------


    Obviously, they all stack up as well so we''re talking about thousands and thousands of animals added up in total, it might even hundreds of thousands but I''m not that good with numbers to figure out how the curve works perfectly.


    It matters little anyway, nearly all my levelling is reserved for humanoid targets since it levels me up so much quicker anyway, I might level even more if I have to kill some elves, let''s see how this trip to the city goes...


    __________


    "Look at the size of that tree!"


    "Heh, that''s the elven city of Aurora Ikarus, we''ll have to circle around to get to the entrance though"


    Across therge river on a cliff face is a ginormous tree as high as a skyscraper and wide as a shopping mall, this tree is iparable to any on Earth. Around that tree is a vast elven city with beautiful architecture and is probably bigger than any city in this fantasynd.


    The entire trip from the dwarven kingdom to this city has taken just under a week with us making a few stops like the bear killing one for example, it''s unfortunate this ce is so tree heavy between interesting locations. Bandits seemcking as well but flying is a brilliant repellent, yet toe across flying bandits to counter us.


    "It literally is the sacred tree of Yggdrasil"


    "Oh, you recognize the name Ikarus?"


    "It''s the world tree Petra, that''s the only name it could realistically have"


    I know a little about Norse or Viking beliefs, not half as much as Greek though. It is mad to think that something like this could be in a world where most things seem to be focused of Greek myth but then again, there''s other types of religions like priestess''s God and the church that runs the monastery, it should be obvious the elves are slightly different as well.


    "Do they live inside that tree as well?"


    From this point flying here, I just barely see the fancy styled buildings white and green in colour all around the world tree itself. It''s clear the city has a distinct architecture, even more distinct than any other. The dwarfs may know how to build advanced things but these elves know how to build beautiful buildings.


    "Yeah, this is thergest known city in the world and everything is used"


    "Even the Lord thinks it''s impressive"


    (Nathan) "I can''t believe the empire don''t teach people about this ce; they must know of it"


    I guess even the knight can''t understand how we''ve only just really heard of this ce, the empire seems verycking when ites to knowledge regarding the elves, it''s almost as if they''re trying to erase it from history or something.


    At least in the desert continent, there are books and things you can read about it, even the fourth continent in the southwest still has bits and pieces that the empire can provide. There is next to nothing about the elven cities or tribes that exist, it''s a good thing guide Petra is here to help.


    "It might be better to take a long way round Ikarus, you might end up being shot down"


    "They have air defences as well!?"


    "Heh no, was just making a joke, still better to try and remain unseen though"


    I''m unsure if that was me being na?ve or Petra just being a wind up but I should still try and not be seen.


    Let''s find a way to the front entrance, it seems to bepletely on the other side though.


    __________


    Now that we''ve arrived at the main gate, you can really get a sense of just how big this ce is. Even though the gigantic wall and door that blocks our entry takes up most of our view, the elven style towers still tower over it, this ce really is fascinating. Everything is either white, green or blueish-green as well, it''s astonishing where they even find materials to build it out here in the endless forests but there is a river, they must transport materials in for a lot of this.


    "How do we even get in though?"


    (Nathan) "Unsure, we could just give a knock"


    (Charlotte) "I don''t think elves hate humans so they should just let us in"


    The elves on guard standing on top of the gigantic circr wall that surrounds this side of the city haven''t given us any attention, it''s almost as if they''d rather we just turn away and aren''t even giving us any acknowledgment.


    Petra doesn''t give me a response and steps forward though and goes to ce a hand on the door.


    "Halt! Don''ty your hands on our spectacr door!"


    "Open the door then"


    "We''re currently not allowing visitors"


    "Tell your superior a blind woman wishes to shop; he''ll know what it means"


    After Petra finishes speaking to the guard elf on the wall, she walks back to us and doesn''t say anything to follow it up.


    "Petra, what was that?"


    "Just give it a minute Ikarus, it''s not that much really"


    The guard who was talking has now disappeared from site, he''s clearly gone to fetch someone inmand. The only thing I can think of now is Petra is known over here as well, why else would she say that to the guard?


    She doese out with some weird things but that probably makes me like her even more, my tastes are definitely odd after all. Would hold hands again but might need them if the elves decide to attack us, got my de ready at any time ced in my sheath. I''m sure it''s crying out for some action.


    It takes a minute but then a muffled voice can be heard behind the door.


    "O--n -he -at-!"


    Therge rounded door slowly starts lowering into the earth and an elf in painted fancy armour stands ahead of us alone.


    "Apologies to the hero, you haven''t returned in so long, the new recruits working the wall weren''t aware of your existence"


    Hero? Petra seriously gets about way too much, the dwarves love her and the elves see her as a hero, it''s surprising she''s barely known in the empire but then again, she dislikes them immensely so it''s understandable.


    I''m guessing the elven arrogance stereotype isn''t a thing here? It might still be but unknown just yet.


    "Just forget about it and let''s move on, are Zander and Elise still alive?"


    "Both the lord anddy of Aurora are well and happy; they both celebrated their anniversary several days ago thinking about it"


    "Oh, they got married then? They definitely suit each other''s tastes"


    "It was a while ago, wee back to Aurora anyway... To hero Petra''s travellingpanions, we ask you try to remain civil while inside the city and to try and ignore any abuse you may receive. Not every elf has such open-minded views on humans"


    Oh, I was wrong then, elven arrogance is a bit of a thing. I should be able to control myself from killing a racist elf though. I should, that''s not a guarantee though.


    "Do you lot still hate the other tribes as well?"


    "Don''t even get me started on that, we as a species can be too prideful even to our kin. Dark elves in particr seem to be the trend to hate right now"


    "Heh, you lot did always hate yourselves"


    "I know, still try and enjoy the city regardless. Wee to Aurora everyone, the only problem with the glorious city itself is the people that live here"


    "Heh"


    Of course, us three are a little speechless at their conversation that just went down, having Petra around always provides its benefits and getting to witness odd scenes like this.


    The guy just speaking to us leaves as well and we then enter the glorious city of Aurora, let''s y spot the racist elf, we got away with the one at the entrance so we might be getting lucky but doubt it. Is it racist if they hate their own type of sub-species though?


    While we''re walking and admiring the absolute madness that is this city itself, I can''t help be curious, those other two seem speechless viewing this ce right now though.


    "Who are those two you said about anyway? Zander and, can''t remember the other name"


    "Elise, just two acquaintances travelled with years ago, they took up leadership of this tribe after we parted ways it seems"


    "You want to pay them a visit?"


    "Not really, we were never that close, it was just business after all"


    She doesn''t sound all that happy talking about it, that''s something else that is cklisted from talking about. I really don''t like seeing her recollect on her troubled past so the more we can avoid it, the better.


    "What should we do now then?"


    "It might be best to find an inn Ikarus-sama, it is starting to gette"


    "Yeah, it would be best"


    "..."


    I guess we''re finding an inn then, we can try exploring the city tomorrow on our tourist vacation of the elvennds. After this, we really should head back to the capital.


    __________


    We all find a suitable inn to stay at and as we enter, two faces sitting at a table seem very familiar, unsure where from though.


    "Petra, don''t those faces look familiar?"


    I purposely whisper it into her ear, don''t want people we''re walking past to know we''re talking about them. She also whispers back.


    "Yeah Ikarus, they look strikingly simr to the elves in the desert dungeon"


    Wait a second, that''s why I recognize them!? They were those two elves, the fuckers we fought against for six months?


    I''ve got to speak to them, there''s got to be a reason they''re both here...

 Chapter 59 – Familiar Faces

    Chapter 59 ¨C Familiar Faces


    "Nathan and Charlotte, can you get us some rooms to stay the night? Me and Petra have just seen some familiar faces"


    "Me and Ikarus will shar-"


    "No we won''t"


    Heh, I''m not allowing Petra to get away with that throwawayment and expect me to ignore it, we''re still some ways away from something like that happening.


    I''m not even talking about you know what, that is something that will take me a very long time to even consider. I guess mother gets her wish, there''s no chance of any mating happening any time soon, I feel awkward even just thinking about it right now.


    "Okay Ikarus-sama"


    "Yeah, we''ll get some rooms then"


    Those two-party members head up to the innkeeper behind the bar while me and Petra stay here next to the table with the two familiar looking elves, it''s not like we''re trying to keep Zeki and Ariza''s existencespletely hidden from our party members, just that it would be easier to talk to these elves without having to deal with questions on who we met up with. The only thing that needs to be kept secret is their species, these elves don''t know about us being phoenixes.


    "Can we help you with something?"


    "You seem to look like you have something to discuss with us"


    Like withst time, the male always seems to speak first out of the two, they haven''t seemed to notice who we are just yet though. We''re quite noticeable, Petra''s blindness and my bright orange hair should be pretty unforgettable.


    To describe their appearances since I purposely didn''tst time, both of the elves have long brown hair, both have green eyes and are wearing adventuring type clothing. Obviously can''t forget the pointy ears and their skin seems to be a tiny bit darker than the other elves here, not very noticeable though. Are they dark elves or is it a different sub-species?


    "That depends, do you n on hiding in the forest again?"


    Petra has a good way of recollecting their memories, this very quickly has an effect after they hear her speak.


    "By the Gods, it''s you two!"


    "Shit!"


    They suddenly be extremely ufortable after realizing who we actually are, it even looks like the woman has gone to grab her dagger on her hip, she hasn''t actually pulled it out yet though.


    "Rx, we''re not here to harm you, we''re no longer enemies remember?"


    I might as well try and calm them down, killing them wouldn''t be an issue but-, actually, I have no idea if they are even that strong, they don''t seem all that powerful, could also check there species as well while I''m at it.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Alexander | Species: Elf | Level: 174]


    [Health 7,000/7,000]


    [Stamina 4,690/6,000]


    [Magicka 4,400/4,400]


    ----------


    [Name: Alexstrasza | Species: Elf | Level: 128]


    [Health 2,800/2,800]


    [Stamina 3,712/5,000]


    [Magicka 5,000/5,000]


    ''They have very simr names, wonder if they''re siblings or something. I guess different tribes of elves don''t count as different species then, clearly skin colour ys no part, it''s weird that beast races have different types though''


    [<...>]


    Aesa doesn''t give me an answer to my non-existent questioning, I guess I might have an odd point then, it matters little but still, I guess my system can''t recognize different types of elves.


    I''m sure the name Alexstrasza belongs to a dragon as well but it clearly says elf there, was hoping the woman would be part dragon when I first saw that but oh well.


    Back onto the conversation Petra is leading against the two elves that caused us so many issues.


    "If you mean us no harm, then why do you seem so on edge?


    "Yeah, we are no longer enemies apparently"


    I guess Petra does seem a little on edge, she did say something about blind arrogance to these two just before we got sucked out of that dungeon. She clearly has a dislike of arrogance, probably because she used to be quite simr, at least from the little she''s told me about her past.


    "After what happenedst time, can''t me me for keeping my wits about you two. What are you doing in this city anyway?"


    Petra must also be curious as well as on edge, they wouldn''t be at an inn if they were residents, right? It''s not just only that, their clothing and they look slightly different to most elves in this city. We both could be wrong but dark elves don''t seem to be the type of elves that mostly lives in this city.


    "Dungeon searching, thest one failed to deliver"


    "We couldn''t find what we were looking for so we''re searching for more"


    (Petra) "What were you looking for in that dungeon?"


    Petra really can''t seem to stand these two and keeps up with her questioning, I guess I probably should be a bit more wary seeing that we fought for six months against each other but still, they were in the same situation as us. I''ll trust Petra''s instinct though.


    "Couldn''t we ask you four humans the same thing?"


    "You seem to be travelling with other humans this time as well"


    I''m guessing revealing I''m looking for a cure is a bad idea, those two also don''t want to reveal their reasons for such an odd activity like searching for these annoying ces.


    (Petra) "Fair point but what makes you think there''s a dungeon here though?"


    (Alexander) "It''s in the tree of Yggdrasil itself. Up in the tallest parts of the tree, there is a section that remains closed ever since this tribe of elves settled here. If there''s a dungeon, it''ll be in there"


    Wait, is there seriously a dungeon in the tree itself? If we''ve somehow just managed to stumble across a dungeon without relying on the prince, then the empire really seems to be sucking at this, it doesn''t fare well for the prince keeping his life for very long if I''m able to just stumble on stuff like this, the elf seems pretty adamant on what he just said.


    They are willing to share a surprising amount of information considering we were basically enemies, thatst bit about a dungeon being here is what I was referring too.


    "Why are you sharing that with us? What''s your goal?"


    Oh, Petra picked up on that as well, maybe I''m learning from her like with picking up stuff like this.


    "Honestly seeing that youpeted in thest dungeon with us, wouldn''t it make sense for a shared party?"


    "Hang on Alex, you want to invite them with us?"


    "What''s the problem with that? They were the reason that ce waspleted anyway"


    "But still, they clearly would''ve killed us if it didn''t end abruptly like that"


    No idea what the female elf isining about, we wouldn''t have after we found out. Maybe they nned on killing us for so long in there, her thinking could be skewed.


    "Sister, look away from your stubbornness and think how much helppany could provide in our search"


    "Hmph, fine then"


    Looks like my guess was right then, they are siblings. This female elf seems to be a little against us two but I couldn''t care less.


    "Ikarus, you want to take on another dungeon then? It might be risky"


    Petra kinda seems against this a little but she''s still asking me though, she knows that I still need this type of thing so turning down this type of opportunity is a bad idea. But if she''s unsure with going with these elves, then I''ll forget it.


    "If you don''t want to Petra, we can skip this one"


    "No Ikarus, it''s fine"


    She seems alright with it but I know she''s faking; she''s being too nice for her own good again. I won''t argue over this since she can be stuck in her ways but I would''ve agreed if she didn''t want to do it this time.


    "So... shall we agree to meet tomorrow and go to the top of the tree then?"


    After I ask that question to the two elves, they both seem to look ufortable again now.


    "There is a problem though"


    "They won''t allow us ess into the upper section of the tree, we''ve been trying for days now and they won''t allow it"


    The elves in power here won''t allow them upstairs? I guess elves really do be hating on their own kind.


    "*Sighhh*, knew this was going to happen..."


    Petra can''t help but sigh for some reason but continues on, it''s honestly a little surprising we''ve been talking to these lot for so long about dungeons and no one has even given us a look, should''ve sat down if I knew this conversation was going to take this long.


    "... Can get us ess, meet us at the pce courtyard in the morning"


    (Alexander) "You know someone who can help?"


    "Something like that"


    Petra and her never ending contact list, she would probably have a phone list of hundreds on Earth. We both walk away from the two elves after agreeing tomorrow to meet up again and notice that both the other two-party members look to have gotten some rooms booked as well now, we''ll get a bite to eat beforehand and it should be bed soon.


    Looks like tomorrow could be interesting, we can do all the tourism type things after this. Still not sharing a bed with Petra, yet...


    __________


    "Are elves alwayste or are they just mocking us? This is the second time they''ve done this now"


    "Not all Ikarus but a few of them can be like this"


    (Nathan) "Lateness is annoying, you can get kicked out of the knights for beingte more than once"


    (Charlotte) "There could be an important reason why they are"


    As we got here earlier, Petra said the same thing about being a blinddy to one of the guards in this elven pce courtyard we''re in and he did the same thing as the other guy, then a superior returned and said we have ess to the entire pce as we please. Another odd thing but who cares?


    Petra has already given me a warning about the two elves we''re about to meet, Zander and Elise. From what it sounds like, it might be better for me to not say anything while she talks to them. Unsure of the reason but I haven''t asked all about it yet.


    We did also give a quick update on the situation to Nathan and Charlotte basically exining what happened inside that desert dungeon, they barely had any reaction to such a situation which was honestly expected.


    Walking over to this elven pce looking building, we did get quite a few stares, elves be doing that to species of their own kind so that was also expected, I can still very easily handle a few odd looks every now and then.


    Thankfully, those twote idiots are finally here. They''re already an hourte.


    (Ikarus) "What took you so long?"


    "Apologies, sister had to get her hair ready"


    "You also had tob your hair as well Alex, sorry mad queen for the dy"


    Look like elves like their own appearance, thisnd does love its stereotypes, Petra just took offence from what that woman just said though.


    "You call Ikarus mad one more time, you''ll lose your tongue elf"


    Damn it, you can chill Petra, that clearly wasn''t meant as nastyment though, just a slip of a tongue. We did spend a long time as enemies, using mad queen is still going to be part of her vocabry.


    Travelling with these two is going to be difficult seeing that Petra really dislikes them but if we can use them as cannon fodder in the next potential dungeon, then we shall do it. I don''t really hold that much dislike but even then, I''ll happily kill for Petra. Wait, that''s kinda weird...


    "Ah sorry, I really didn''t mean to say that"


    (Petra) "*Sigh*, let''s just go inside, the guards have already made way for us"


    All six of us enter the beautiful elven pce from the little courtyard we were waiting in and after walking down a short corridor, we arrive at a gorgeous white marble throne room with two elves both sitting on the same throne, the female elf is sitting on thep of the male.


    The room has several elves wearing light armour scattered around the ce as well, clearly elves don''t like the whole heavy bulky metal armour setup the humans and dwarves clearly seem to love, most of the guards in the city don''t like metal armour as well. There was one or two who did though.


    "Shit, Petra!"


    "Why did youe and visit us!? What''s your reason?"


    Immediately, two looks of extreme horror appear on the faces of the two elves sitting upon the thrones. They also look simr to the two elves next to us; they have simr long hairstyles and eyes but have yellow hair instead as well as wearing fancy styled elven robes. Skin colour is a little lighter but they probably aren''t the same type of elf.


    I have no idea why they look so afraid; they probably did something to piss Petra off in the past. I''ll back her up if she wants to kill them though.


    "I''m just here to get my favour repaid, that closed section in the treetop, want it opened"


    "We can''t open it!"


    "You''re asking for an impossible task!"


    This is the same thing as those two elves as well, the male always seems to speak first. Is this elven sexism or something?


    "Don''t need your involvement, just give us ess to the upper parts and your debt will be repaid"


    ...


    They pause for a minute, clearly Petra''s abrupt words are making them think. They return to give an answer though.


    "Urgh, fine then Petra"


    "Please don''te visit us again, let this be thest time we meet"


    Just what the hell happened between these lot for such hostility? It''s weird they don''t ban her from returning if these lot dislike each other this much. I guess if she''s got a hero status over here it might be difficult though.


    (Petra) "Agreed, don''t n to return"


    Then Petra swiftly walks away and the rest of us have to quickly follow, what just happened there? That was over so quickly after we''ve been waiting for so long this morning, that was anticlimactic as hell. To act that way in front of an elven lord anddy, she''s definitely got balls. Well, not technically but it''s an expression, alright? She did have balls in that other dungeon though...


    Ah crap, forgot to use status there as well, wanted to see if those two were any good or not, Petra would destroy nearly anyone with ease though.


    As we leave the pce, I''ve now got to speak with her, that situation was something else that needs an exnation, the others don''t need to know though.


    "You four go ahead, need to have private words with Petra for a second"


    "Okay Ikarus-sama"


    "Yeah, we''ll continue towards the tree then"


    (Alexander) "We''ll guide you two humans"


    (Alexstrasza) "It''ll be a long way up there"


    At least those two seem alright to be left alone with the elves, they do tend to get on with most people so it would make sense. Two guards are also following the group that are leaving, they''re probably under orders to provide the ess to get up to the top of the tree.


    They all walk off just leaving me and Petra by the pce entrance, it''s time to start asking some questions.


    "Petra, is everything alright? You seem a little angrier then usual"


    "It''s those two elves with us Ikarus, instincts telling me they''re going to cause us trouble"


    Oh, is that the reason she was like was that with those two in there as well? Actually I doubt that, she never called those two friends to begin with.


    "Don''t worry about them, we can use them as human shields if needed but what about those two in the pce?"


    "It''splicated, I''ll sum it up quickly for you anyway Ikarus. They strongly used to believe in elven supremacy, was forced to convince them through various means that there''s no such thing..."


    Elven supremacy? I''m guessing that''s basically the same thing as elven arrogance; it does seem like there''s a little more to it than just that so I''ll let her continue.


    "... One of which was destroying everything they built or believed in, it was either that or allow them to wage war on the human continent"


    Hang the fuck on, those two were nning to invade the human continent? Why is it such big pieces of information like thise out of nowhere?


    "They tried to invade the empire? How is this the first time I''ve heard about this?"


    "It just never came up. It probably isn''t the best time for such a conversation though Ikarus, the elves can be just as bad as any empire when ites to stuff like this, even heroes who have saved thousands of lives can have nasty goals like those two. Thankfully, they seem to be able to control their lust for an elven controlled world now otherwise I would''ve taken care of them"


    Damn, Petra really be getting around again, sometimes I feel like she''s the main character in our story, if you could even call our adventure a story. Just another piece of information to add to the do not talk about list, she might be too open at times with information she shares with me, it can''t be good for her having all this stuff going around in her head though. If she wants to share, I''ll always listen.


    Is she a secret guardian for all thends or something? I''m honestly surprised she''s willing to protect an empire she despises so much but it might be like me, I guess even she doesn''t wantplete and utter annihtion for humans. No idea how an elven human war would even go but I can''t see it going well, that experience in the dungeon was basically hell as it was. We''re talking about thousands of lost lives.


    "Well... we probably should get a move on anyways, good distractions and all that"


    While saying that, I casually grab her hand and start pulling her along with me, not just for my own benefit but hers as well, it''ll calm her down ever so slightly seeing that she was slightly annoyed. It seems to have worked as well.


    "Heh, okay then"


    It''s time to head to the next dungeon that may or may not exist, there definitely isn''t going to be a concrete fountain at the top of a gigantic tree, is there? I bet this one is going to be a boss battle but I have nothing to base that off other than the fact it''s at the top of a freaking tree.


    ''This better not take forever to get up here...''

 Chapter 60 – Dungeon Seven

    Chapter 60 ¨C Dungeon Seven


    "Oh my fucking God, my legsss!"


    "You''re right toin Ikarus, that was a tiring trip"


    All the other four have already made it up here already so they had a chance to rest their legs for a slight while, me and Petra have only just arrived at the top section of the Yggdrasil tree.


    The trip up here was so long, it actually took literal hours of nonstop walking up on a branch that spirals up around the outside of this tree circling around the carved-out centre of it as well. This was hell but I guess it helps with leg muscles, gotta be making them gains.


    Myints are more than justified though, how the hell do the elves think it''s okay not to try putting in some easier way to get up and down from this ce? For God''s sake, there''s even homes carved inside the hollow tree up here as well, imagine spending hours going down a tree to work and realizing you''ve forgotten something and need to head back up. This is just so impractical, why even bother living up here? At least living in the bottom levels seems more practical, maybe it''s extremely cheap housing costs up here?


    I think this tree provides them with food as well, at least I''ve seen the asional elf eating leaves and stuff up here. It is weird how a somewhat hollow tree can also grow leaves and stuff inside it but tis the world of fantasy magic. I swear elves are vegetarians as well but I couldn''t give two shits enough to ask. I''ve always got meat hidden away, in my storage I mean, my third leg has been missing for over two years now.


    The ce we''re currently at right at the top of the tree trunk is in a small little section that seems to be dead end, there does look to be something behind arge curled off branch at the end of this part but there seems no way to climb over or under it.


    "If it''s blocked off, why just not cut through it? It''s only wood after all"


    "Impossible Ikarus, most of this tree is enchanted. A part like that isn''t going to open by normal means"


    Oh, so I guess Petra has already gotten an idea on what''s the problem. I''m guessing us two might be taking the lead then, those two elves who have joined us don''t seem to have a clue why it won''t open either.


    "So how do we open it then?"


    "All we have to do is walk up to it"


    "Huh? If it was that easy, wouldn''t it already be open?"


    "Have faith Ikarus"


    Petra walks over to the branch and wouldn''t you know it, it starts uncurling up leaving a gap for us to fit in. That was easy.


    (Alexander) "How the hell did you do that?"


    (Alexstrasza) "What type of trick was that?"


    The brother and sister elf clearly seem shocked from why the magically closed off area just opened; it''s clear Petra has some more tricks up her sleeve.


    "Just an ability received forpleted a set number of dungeons, this one just wants to see if you''re worthy or not"


    Wait, has she alreadypleted ten dungeons? Is that why she has that ability she just used? No, it''s probably something else, she''s probablypleted even more than just ten thinking about it, six-hundred years of life and all. There can be hidden rewards in dungeons after all, at least for people like us. Not always otherwise I''d have loads more abilities.


    "Well let''s go in then"


    "It better be in here"


    ''I''m really getting tired of the male elf always speaking first now''


    The two elves clearlycking in patience skills push ahead of us into the potential dungeon opening itself, I''m not too fussed if they want to be the guinea pigs and test to see if there''s any traps ahead of us, Petra seems also alright with this arrangement.


    Our party of four follow the eager elves and wee across a wooden corridor made from branches, leaves and tree bark. We also find ourselves very quickly past it entering a somewhat open room at the very top of this tree trunk.


    "To think it''s actually here!"


    "So many years of searching and finally our hopes and dreams cane true!"


    In this kindarge open section at the top of the tree, it is slightly rounded in nature, has a simr design to that corridor we just left and has a wooden looking pedestal in the centre of the room. On that pedestal, is a golden chalice covered in jewels and looks beyond stunning. This very clearly seems like a trap putting something like that there...


    "Wait! Don''t touch that!"


    The elves ignore Petra''s advice and run ahead to grab the golden looking cup or chalice and that was a terrible idea, us four knew that but these two idiots didn''t.


    (Ikarus) "You freaking idiots!"


    (Petra) "*Sigh*"


    "What''s happening!?"


    "Shit, Alex!"


    As they take it off the wooden pedestal, the section we''re currently in starts shaking, leaves start falling all around us and bits of the bark on the outsides of the room turn charcoal ck, this tree did not like that in the slightest.


    Branches as well start unfoldingpletly blocking off our entrance and now exit, it''s clear this seems to be a boss arena that these two idiots have just initiated. For fuck''s sake, I like shiny things and all but couldn''t they just have left it? At least till we had gotten fully ready.


    A womanly form then starts growing from behind the pedestal as well, this is going to be the boss I reckon.


    "Ikarus, priestess and knight, get ready. This isn''t a foe I''ve encountered before"


    "Okay Petra-sama, summon"


    (Nathan) "Yeah, my sword is ready"


    (Ikarus) "Okay okay"


    We don''t even need to ask what''s about to happen, that woman clearly looks dangerous, her breasts alone could cause an earthquake if she was to fall over. I make a joke but her face does look pretty angry, at least from what I can barely see from the growing woman, should check something before she grows fully out from the tree.


    ''I think I already know what she is, status''


    [Name: Ria'' Nyda | Species: Dryad | Level: 400]


    [Health 20,000/20,000]


    [Stamina 20,000/20,000]


    [Magicka 40,000/40,000]


    ''I was right, she''s a dryad, wonder if we can reason with her but seeing that Petra also has her de out, this doesn''t seem the way''


    Seeing all four of our party get our weapons out, the elves who decided to touch the golden chalice now realize they should prepare and get out their weapons of choice, both of them take their bows from their backs.


    Just before the woman has fully grown, I whisper something in Petra''s ear.


    "Petra, should we hide some of our abilities?"


    My reasoning is simple, she clearly doesn''t trust these lot so using something that literally one hits might be a bad idea, we barely have any clue who these two elves even are, revealing how much power we hold could prove a potential problem in the future. Magic should still be fine though since they already know about that.


    "Good idea Ikarus, we''ll save anything too powerful in case something goes terribly wrong"


    I''m really starting to like being praised by Petra, it''s not the time for stupid thoughts though, a fight is potentially upon us. Ah, need to speak to priestess too.


    "Priestess, don''t use anything overkill"


    "Okay Ikarus-sama"


    Reason being for her is that the orbitalter might cut through the tree here, just destroying the elves world tree might be a very bad idea. Herser beam that shoots from her sword should be more than suitable, there are six of us after all.


    "WHO DARES TO LAY A FINGER UPON THE HOLY GRAIL!?!"


    A feminine scream roars from the fully formed dryad''s mouth, she clearly is very, very pissed right now. Dogs from miles away would''ve heard that being how high pitched it was.


    As for how she looks, she has bright green long hair, green eyes, her breasts might be as big as my mother''s and she is barely clothed, it basically looks like a green fetish bikini. I know dryads aren''t supposed to wear much clothing from my Earth knowledge but still, a handful of leaves would probably cover her body more. This is even more perverted than my bikini that has now turned into a sweetass ufortable dress.


    ''Wait, holy grail? Damn it, not the time Ikarus''


    After she finishes speaking, the two elves ready their bows and fire two arrows into the woman, both hitting her in the waist.


    "YOU DIRTY LITTLE FUCKING ELVES!!"


    None of us four have even stepped forward to join the fight just yet, somethings not right here. This dryad woman hasn''t even counter attacked against those two, they''re readying another arrow as well.


    "Petra, why do I feel like attacking her is a bad idea?"


    "..."


    "It does seem like a bad idea Ikarus-sama"


    (Nathan) "We might be forced to defend ourselves anyway"


    Petra clearly can''t give me a response either, should we just watch? We very quickly will have an answer to that question though.


    "Are you four not going to join in?"


    "She''s needs to be destroyed"


    Both the sibling elves fire another round of arrows into the dryad, this time she''s not having anymore of it though.


    "ALL YOU FUCKING TRESSPASSERS CAN BECOME FERTILIZER FOR THIS HERE TREE!!"


    Then something strange happens, the interior of the tree starts glowing and thousands of projectiles start shooting towards us from every direction, every single one of us six try to take cover but none of us can stop receiving damage from the attack.


    "HE-HE-HE, FEEL THE UNGODLY PAIN OF A THOUSAND SPLINTERS!!"


    (Ikarus) "That hurts!"


    (Charlotte) "My Lord is not best pleased with this perverteddy"


    (Nathan) "What type of attack was that?"


    (Alexander) "Urgh, that attack was odd"


    (Alexstrasza) "Bloody splinters!"


    (Petra) "..."


    All of us have something to say on the splinter attack except Petra, that attack has made every part of my body hurt.


    ''Damn it, I actually feel like I''ve got a thousand splinters in me, status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 67]


    [Health 29,449*/30,000*]


    [Stamina 8,426*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 20,000*/20,000*]


    [You currently have 3500 unassigned points]


    ''It''s done about a hundred damage, that''s it!? This woman must be simr to that lich we came across a while back, herbat ability seems shite''


    "FEEL MY UNHOLY WRATH AGAIN, YOU STUPID THEIVES!!!"


    Seeing that she''s attacked all of us getting splinters in every single body part, it probably makes sense for us to join the fight even if this doesn''t feel right killing her. All four of us get ready to attack before she has the chance to do another splinter attack.


    The priestess aims her sword at therge chested dryad and a beam of light shoots from her sword piercing the tree woman in the chest.


    The knight rushes towards her and swings his broadsword at the womannding arge cut across her chest also.


    I fire arge fireball towards her and itnds causing a small explosion hitting the top of her legs.


    Petra also does a fireball attack, obviously ck in nature. It''s slightlyrger than mine and it hits the top of the dryad''s head, headshot.


    Despite all the attacks we just did, this woman doesn''t seem able to feel pain, at least that''s how it seems, she didn''t give a response to all that.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ria'' Nyda | Species: Dryad | Level: 400]


    [Health 9,247/20,000]


    [Stamina 20,000/20,000]


    [Magicka 35,000/40,000]


    ''Huh? Her attack used that much magicka and we''ve already taken out that much health as well? This screaming bitch is weak as hell, I was right''


    Petra''s eyes have also turned blue from the temporary status effect and she seems very calm now, we both see that this fight is stupid. Might as well get this over with seeing that there doesn''t seem to be any alternative thanks to these damn elves attacking her first.


    "You two are both mages outside that other dungeon too?"


    "Not time for that Alex, let''s kill this bitch!"


    Both the sibling elves notice what we just did and fire another round of arrows towards the dryad, they make contact again but the woman is ready for another attack.


    "I''M GOING TO DESTROY YOU ALL!!"


    The crazy dryad woman lets out another splinter tree attack, we all try to avoid it once again but we can do nothing. It''s impossible to escape this mild ufortableness this bitch is doing to us.


    (Ikarus) "Ouch, this fucking bitch! I''m going to burn her to a crisp!"


    This time I rush forward, I''m not letting her do that again. I start exhausting my methrower pouring the ungodly amount of mes all over the tree woman. I find after a second or two of doing it, a ck mebines with my attack obviously meaning Petra must be behind me adding more me to my fire.


    We keep this up for close to a minute while everyone else is still attacking and wouldn''t you know it, the dryad has now copsed and has fallen to the floor. Even though her body seems to be unable to be set alight, it''s still turning to ash though and fading into the tree itself.


    The branches covering up the entrance have curled back up open as well now, we''re able to leave this odd tree like arena.


    "What... a weird fight that was"


    (Petra) "Agreed Ikarus"


    "I thank the Lord for protecting us"


    "I don''t think he had anything to do with that fight Lotte, that woman was surprisingly weak"


    Us four are just happy that''s over, we''ve got to pick all these splinters out after all now, ouch, no idea if this or paper cuts are worse. Those two elves have a very different n now though it seems.


    "To think it was always here, the pure beauty and power we hold in our hands"


    "It really is a work of beauty, isn''t it brother?"


    The male elf is holding the chalice with both of them drooling all over it, not literally but it seems that way. They really like the look of that, might because it''s so shiny they can see their own reflection in the gold.


    "You two know you can''t leave with that"


    Wait, does Petra want that golden chalice then? No, there''s got to be a good reason she just said that though, mary gains don''t really affect her thinking.


    "Why do you say that?"


    "Yeah, why can''t we take this? We helped out in that fight as much as you four"


    Petra pauses from their responses, then looks to facepalm but stops herself from doing it halfway through


    "If you take that, this entire tree will wither causing the tribe living here into starvation. You should''ve already known that seeing the chalice is what you were looking for"


    "That''s not our problem though"


    "We need this to rebuild our own tribe, these lot living here are of no concern to us"


    Ah crap, is that why these two want that holy grail chalice so badly? This is not a good situation then, both priestess and the knight understand this as well.


    "Ikarus, this seems like a good opportunity for something, what do you reckon we should do? Shall we allow them to take the source of this tree dooming thousands or should we stop them from doing such a thing?"


    Why is Petra asking me this? Is that what keeps this city alive and running, this tree? I know it provided them with edible leaves but still, I didn''t realize how much they needed it. And it will destroy this entire thing taking that?


    "It''s not a decision you two can make, we''re taking it without your approval"


    "Just because you two are mages doesn''t mean we can''t handle fighting you four, you''re no longer protected by your human army"


    Did they really just say that? How stupid are these elves? Me and Zeki literally led the army from the front line! Maybe they''ve be blinded by greed or was always this stupid.


    Of course, the tension around the ce is on a knife edge right now though. All our party have no idea what to do me included but Petra is the only one who seems calm.


    "Petra, why are you asking me this though?"


    "Just want to hear your opinion Ikarus, can feel an extreme amount of power radiating from that chalice, do you reckon those two can be trusted with such a powerful artifact? Could be wrong but part of this tree has already withered when they took it. Whatever your answer is, that''s the route we''ll take"


    That''s what this is? Is this one of those situations like Petra has experienced loads of times before where a choice to save loads of liveses up? Urgh. I want to set a save point down just in case I make the wrong decision here. If what Petra says is true, then it isn''t much of a decision, at least for someone who has a sense of morality, I don''t really though.


    I mean, I shouldn''t even have to think about it, both these two elves don''t seem like the best of people and if our time in the war dungeon was anything to go off, then they can''t be trusted. Who''s to say they even have a tribe to rebuild? It seems dumb dooming one to start another up if true.


    Of course, Petra could have an agenda behind this but she very clearly dislikes the people in charge here so it would be a bit odd lying about helping this settlement. I think she''d juste out and say if someone deserves to die or not without ying games, she''s simr to me in that sense.


    I''m not a heroic person though, doing something like saving people isn''t even that much of a thought anymore... but, it seems a waste for all these people to stave since they rely on this tree for food, mostly down to the EXP lost. I''d rather keep them alive so if I do decide to turn to the dark side, I''ve got a vast amount of EXP just sitting there waiting for me.


    In all honesty, I might be a bit tsundare when ites to potentially saving people, I find superheroes annoying and beingbelled as a hero for saving lives is something that I never want to happen, rather be hated than loved if I''m being honest. Why be a hero when something like a demon lord sounds so much cooler? But that''s me just being dumb, this situation is pretty simple really.


    "You can ce that back on the pedestal, you''re not dooming an entire city"


    Petra gives me a slight smile from my response but the looks of most surprisee from the other two-party members travelling with us, did they really expect me to not do anything after hearing that? I swear, these two really know how to piss me off at times.


    "Then you leave us no choice!"


    "You must die then!"


    Both the elves step backwards and ready their bows but before they even have the chance to fire, Petra be doing her thing.


    "Heh, did you really think that would work?"


    Her telekinesis sword art makes her samurai de fly away from her and within a second, both of the bow strings are cut from their bows.


    "As if we only rely on our bows!"


    "You''re fighting the wrong opponent if you think that will work!"


    I''m a little surprised Petra didn''t just slit their throats with her de but my questioning very quickly gets answered.


    "Ikarus, make sure you get the final hit"


    "Okay okay"


    EXP is EXP after all, thank the Gods Petra is so generous with me.


    The elves both put out their hands and fire off a new type of magic I''m yet to witness, wind magic. Two small looking sideways cyclones shoot from their hands towards Petra but she just stands there and takes the attack head on. Their magic must be absolute shit for Petra to not even have a reaction.


    Both the other two-party members don''t have a chance to do anything though, both those two aren''t best suited for ranged attacks, priestess obviously is but Petra and I are kinda in the way for her beam of light to work right now, this is our fight anyway.


    "Crap, we''ll fire again!"


    "Another round Alex!"


    Those two may think that but it''s time for me and Petra now, we both start releasing me all over ahead of us. Most of it misses since these two elves love to run around a lot but it still does do some damage, especially to the female elf who is now partially charred and has fallen to the ground. It''s clear Petra held back a lot then to help me out.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Alexander | Species: Elf | Level: 174]


    [Health 5,801/7,000]


    [Stamina 3,294/6,000]


    [Magicka 3,800/4,400]


    ----------


    [Name: Alexstrasza | Species: Elf | Level: 128]


    [Health 421/2,800]


    [Stamina 2,159/5,000]


    [Magicka 4,400/5,000]


    Before she has the chance to stand back up, I charge towards her not giving a chance to re-join the fight, this is my EXP!


    "Wai- ARGH!"


    My vampiric de stabs right through her back killing her basically on the spot, my knife finally got a chance to taste blood, I feel almost a little happy for it.


    "SISTER!"


    The brother elf screams and charges towards me as well as firing another strong gust of circr wind, it does makes contact with my chest but it barely hurts in the slightest, I can see why Petra thought this was shit.


    I don''t want to take chances here though; I''m killing him now.


    ''Aesa, activate you know what''


    [<Confirmed, -aspect of gigantomachy- is now in use>]


    The elf charges towards me, pulls out a hidden dagger and filled with blind rage tries to slice my head clean off. I instantly see through this; duck avoiding his attack and ram my de into his stomach.


    There was something I forgot about since I was caught up in this fight though...


    The elf explodes in pieces from the attack going all over the room but most of him seems to explode all over my face, I''d want to puke if it wasn''t for something else.


    (Petra) "You didn''t have to use tha-... Ikarus!"


    After the fight, a strong feeling like a rush of bloodes to my head and I fall to the ground, why do I feel like this? My stamina was perfectly fine yet I feel like I''m about to pass out.


    "Urgh..."


    Petra holds me from the slumping on the floor, there''s an annoying robotic wife in my head who might have a clue for my copse though.


    [<-User has gained 30 levels>]


    ''Hang on, those two were both in the hundreds, how did I forget that? Oh my God...''


    __________


    ---You won''t be getting a chapter tomorrow unfortunately, had a viral nearly all week and yesterday a migraine came on as well so I''ve lost some progress, still been writing through most of it but have now lost at least a day of work. Will be back the day after though!---

 Chapter 61 – Dryad

    Chapter 61 ¨C Dryad


    ---From now on, expect 5/6 chapters a week (It''ll be either Saturdays and/or Wednesdays missed), reason being I''ve probably been overdoing it and will give me the odd day off if I need it. Still might get 7 in a week as well, just probably expect 6---


    __________


    "You alright Ikarus?"


    "Urgh, should be. Just need a while to sort my head out"


    Petra is still holding me after I fell on the ground after that fight, there''s no reason for me to feel this way other than the fact I just gained thirty levels, maybe my body is going into overdrive rapidly levelling me up that much? I guess the curse did have a simr effect but that wasn''t straight away after, maybe my body still isn''t used to this just yet.


    "You sure you''re okay Ikarus-sama?"


    "Yeah, you do look a bit pale"


    "I''m honestly fine, just give me a minute and I''ll get back up"


    Both the other two have now joined us it seems. While I''m recovering, might as well use this chance to check.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 97]


    [Health 28,862*/30,000*]


    [Stamina 7,182*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 18,492*/20,000*]


    [You currently have 18500 unassigned points]


    ''I swear, I feel like I''ve just won the lottery looking at that, shame I feel light headed. I''m basically a level nine-hundred and seventypared to human growth now, my health is a little lower than it should be by at least a few hundred but I did just take on that trash wind attack after all. I also knew my stamina was more than high enough''


    It really makes me think just how bullshit my levelling actually is, all it took was two somewhat high levelled elves for such a rapid increase. Oh my God, I''ve just realized how much EXP I''ll get from killing the prince and the mage, that''ll be at least fifty levels just from that alone, that might actually make me pass out if this is the reaction I get from such a level increase.


    ''Wait, isn''t this a perfect time to buy a gambling ability or two? Sighhh... I feel like in the space of one fight, I''ve gone from being pretty powerful to being damn right OP, I can''t help smiling but there''s more important things going on right now''


    "Your friend just needs some rest; she did just gain a load of power"


    Wait a second, I thought we killed that dryad? Where the hell did shee from?


    All the other three-party members didn''t expect the busty half naked dryad to have revived herself, she''s even walked over and is now looking over me.


    "I''ll use a sleeping spell to help"


    "Wai-..."


    __________


    "*Snore*, zzz, *Snore*, zzz"


    "Heh, you''re snoring"


    "Wha-... where am I?"


    "We''re still in Yggdrasil, you''re safe by the way Ikarus"


    I awaken from my forced slumber with my head upon Petra''sp, it''s actually reallyfortable thisp pillow but that is not a focus for right now. I''m not going to get up just yet though.


    "How long was I out?"


    "Just ten minutes or so, didn''t want to wake you"


    She could''ve but knowing Petra, she was probably enjoying watching me sleep. I''m not even against it, I''d probably enjoy watching her sleep as well but she barely sleeps most nights and when I do catch her, she''s doing the meditation thing cultivation users do. The sitting cross legged thing with your eyes closed circting your ki or whatever crap that is, Petra says it''s different from what I''m thinking of but it''s kinda the same thing, cultivation is way tooplicated for me to understand anyway.


    Damn it, focus Ikarus! Stop thinking about Petra for one goddamn minute!


    I look around still on Petra''sp and find that dumb dryad woman sitting cross legged talking to Charlotte and Nathan, I''m pissed right now not for the fact she knocked me out, more the fact that was probably the best sleep I''ve ever had. That knockout spellbined with Petra''sp is better than any sleeping experience I''ve ever had, it''s bloody infuriating!


    "Hang on a second, you literally just attacked us so why are you so calm now!?"


    "Apologies for that, those two elves you butchered made me lose myposure. If I knew you four had no such foul intentions, I wouldn''t have used such a dangerous attack to defend the holy grail"


    A dangerous attack? Does she seriously think that was dangerous? It didn''t sound like sarcasm, she might just be stupid, she is basically a hippy tree spirit after all, I bet she likes to hug and mate with trees or something dumb like that.


    I need topose myself now, she''s going to be irritating to deal with so let''s try and rx.


    "How are you even alive anyway? We just destroyed you"


    "That''s because I''m the caretaker of this holy tree, a thing like a mortal death doesn''t really have any longsting effect to me"


    Well... that isn''t really an answer to why she''s immortal but forget it, tis tree things this bird cannot understand. I''m not going to ask since she''s just going to annoy me.


    "She was telling us a little while you were out Ikarus-sama"


    "Yeah, I''m not really sure what she was on about though"


    Looks like the tree nymph dryad has made two friends, good thing I''m not all that close with those two, Petra seems to have a look of annoyance staring at her as well. Those two don''t look that friendly with her if I''m being honest, I''m just being grumpy.


    "Your ck haired friend didn''t make it easy though, she killed me four more times before allowing me to exin"


    Petra killed her four more times? I really hope it was painful for that dryad... Damn, I am slightly justified in my dislike, she did just drug me out and put me to sleep.


    "You did knock her out, was more than justified killing you, do it again if Ikarus wants"


    "It wasn''t knocking her out! It was just a sleeping tranquilizer made from the roots of the tree itself sprayed from my wrist! You looked extremely worried for your friend and I was trying to tell you nothing was wrong!"


    It basically is the same thing as knocking me out, same overall effect anyway. I''m guessing Petra was worried for me though, I would be in the same situation. It''s probably time to get up of herp now though, I actually could fall asleep if I keepying here.


    I get up off the best waifu''sp and precede to take a different route towards the dryad, I''m still of course annoyed at being made to sleep.


    "You''re a terrible fighter you know, that splinter attack is literally just annoying. If your fighting style is based on being a pain in the arse, then none can best you"


    "Heh"


    "That''s because I''m basically part tree! How many trees do you know that can talk, dance, sing and even fight? That''s what I thought"


    Sighhh, this woman is going to be irritating so let''s just try and get some info quickly, maybe those two dead elves were onto something trying to kill her.


    "So... what is that chalice supposed to be and do we get a reward forpleting this dungeon then? I doubt this is even a dungeon now thinking about it"


    "No, you are correct about this ce being a dungeon, that insult you used to call the holy grail a chalice I''ll let slip since you''re ignoran-"


    "Call Ikarus ignorant again and I''ll cut down your roots dryad, watch your tongue"


    This is going to be one of those conversations, isn''t it? I like Petra defending me and all but damn, she really can''t stand people insulting me. Maybe I need to develop more of a backbone to stop people saying stuff like that but then again, I like Petra doing that for me still...


    "Eh, sorry then, alright? If you want to know what this ce is, then I''ll have to start at the beginning..."


    Then the dryad goes into an unnecessarily long and boring conversation about so much, I''ve never actuallye across someone who likes to talk this much.


    A very, very long time ago, there was once three world trees who were best of friends... no, I''m not going through this all, this stupid dryad is the worst story teller I''ve evere across, world building is important but when having to deal with someone who makes you want to punch yourself in your own face, then it''s not worth knowing everything. She can fuck off if I have to sit through anymore of her shit.


    Basically to sum everything up, this dryad is basically a part of this tree itself and is the guardian of most of the elven forest, that would''ve been obvious since all dryads are tree lovers after all, fantasy world stereotypes people! I am a little surprised she holds a dislike of elves seeing that they are also supposed to be protectors of the forests but two did just help kill her so I can understand her irritation there.


    She does allow the elves to live inside her... no, that''s not right, she''s part of the tree, not actually the tree. My point is that she could''ve kicked out the other elves who rely on this tree for food but she hasn''t so it''s clear she doesn''t hate them at the very least.


    If those two elves had taken that chalice, then this tree would''ve definitely started rotting though, that for some reason still wouldn''t have killed this immortal tree sprit or whatever this dryad is, at least she says. Killing her is only temporary so it''s fucking pointless.


    Her entire existence is starting to tire me out now, if you''ve ever had that one friend who cannot stop talking about every little thing and turns a story that can be summed up into a sentence into a half an hour back and forth thing, then they forget the freaking point of the entire story! That is what this woman is just like, very distracted. I know I''m doing that same exact thing right now but so is the rest of our party, I''ve never seen someone like the priestess look so bored as well, we all share this same opinion.


    "Hey! You''re not even listening anymore!"


    All five of us are now up and standing, sitting around listening to that crap this dryad spews is bing even more tiresome so we must stand to keep awake.


    (Ikarus) "That depends, when were you talking about the dog who decided to piss on your roots?"


    "That was like fifteen minutes ago! You humans are terrible listeners!"


    (Petra) "Can you really me us? How did the child who dropped a bucket of sand onto your roots have anything to do with protecting the forest?"


    "That''s because it led onto the dog weeing on the sand, which then led onto the first ever settlers, which then led ont-"


    "*Sigh*, please just shut up for a minute"


    The dryad actually folds her arms and pouts from me cutting her off, she needs to just answer our questions already otherwise I''m going to kill her over and over again till she can only answer yes, or no.


    (Ikarus) "Do we actually get a reward forpleting this ce or not then?"


    "If you had let me finish, that was going to be the ending but seeing that you''d rather skip all that, yes, you do get a reward"


    ''This is going to be shitty, can already tell''


    (Petra) "What is this underwhelming reward going to be then?"


    Of course our thinking is on the same wavelength, I definitely think I''m starting to simp over Petra now...


    "He-he... ME!"


    ...


    All of us pause towards the dryad, we all have an idea what she meant.


    "Petra, can we take the chalice and burn this tree to the ground? It might be the only chance to see if she can really be killed"


    "Agreed Ikarus, many lives will have to suffer but this is a goal that could hold some merit"


    "Even this unfaithful servant and her Lord agrees, this might be the best course of action"


    (Nathan) "Let''s destroy this woman"


    It''s clear we''re obviously joking but this stupid dryad doesn''t understand this especially considering how serious we look; I would consider it just to hope it might kill her.


    "NOOO!... Ahem, let me rephrase that slightly, isn''t the chance to share a bed and have a lovely passion filled night with a dryad too big an opportunity to turn down? You four adventurers must be interested in the carnal pleasures of ecstasy?"


    She was actually being serious!? Is she part subus or something? It''s pretty fucking clear what our responses to mating with this idiot are going to be like, absolutely disgusting.


    "Petra, would it be rude to puke?"


    "Think that would be a polite response Ikarus"


    "Her mind is tainted and needs to be cleansed by religion"


    "I actually agree with you on that Lotte"


    Even I agree with priestess''s religion talk here as well; this dryad''s mind is wrong.


    This stupid dryad looks disappointed at all of us t out rejecting her, it''s more than deserved though. I guess a lot of people would love the idea of doing the deed with a dryad who has the figure of Goddess, none of us have such an intention though.


    We''re all too loyal for such a thing and even if we weren''t, annoying people can be so unattractive at times, ain''t no cheating going down here. I mean, none of us are technically couples yet since we''re still kinda in the stage just before that but it''s still cheating, I think. It doesn''t matter, this bird is one hundred percent loyal to Petra, I''m such an idiot for thinking like that...


    "Well then... this fucking sucks, I''m unsure what to give you now forpleting this ce, you were supposed to get an ability for sleeping with me but now I''m confused what to do. Erm... The leaves up here kinda taste alright if something like that is suitable for a reward, make a nice sd or something"


    Wait a second, that''s literally this dungeons reward? Kill the boss, sleep with her and then you get rewarded with an ability? Okay, I very much don''t want that ability, it''s probably something perverted as well, something sexual I bet. None of us want anything like that.


    "Can''t you give us it without doing the deed?"


    Petra wants that ability? She''s being real sus right now, I won''t call her out on it but still, it might just be she''s an ability hoarder though.


    "Not possible, it''s only something you can have by sharing your soul with nature. Mating is the only possible way, at least what I know of"


    Looks like we''re not getting rewarded then, sighhh...


    "Shall we just leave?"


    "Probably for the best Ikarus"


    (Nathan) "There doesn''t seem like much we can take from this"


    "My Lord is also tired of this encounter"


    That holy grail chalice thing had already been put back on the pedestal so there''s no worry about us walking away with it, she can just live up here or inside her tree or whatever it is she does. Screw this dryad, we''re done and outa here now.


    "Wait, don''t leave me alone up here!"


    Best ignore the pervert dryad, we''vee across many different types of personalities in our journeys, we were bound toe across someone like this at some point. She can just live in her own little part of the tree, best forget about this experience, at least it''s another dungeon marked off. Up to seven now if we count the other one which we didn''t actuallyplete.


    She''d like whoever created the pervert dungeon thinking about it, I''m also guessing this isn''t going to be thest we see of her, it better be though...


    __________


    "So... what do we do next then?"


    I could spend the next few hours staring at my status deciding what I want to do with the points but it''ll be better to focus on that another time. Dealing with that woman for so long has made me want to do something kinda fun.


    We''ve all just walked down the never-ending tree of Yggdrasil and have just arrived back on the floor of Aurora, it''s always easier to walk down then up. It''s a shame this ce doesn''t light up like the sky like an actual aurora but there''s got to be some stuff to do or see here.


    "Heh Ikarus, it might be best to go a find a bath first"


    "You do reek a little"


    "Even my Lord says he can smell the blood"


    Ah crap, I forgot about the exploding elf, that''s definitely a drawback from using that ability. Thinking about it, I do reek.


    "Looks like we''re heading to a bathhouse then"


    __________


    "I swear, this feels as good as the hot springs"


    "Elves do valuefort, pretty sure they put salts in the water"


    "This ce is nice despite it being a little sinful with all this nakedness"


    All three of us women are currently in an elven bath house, the knight had to go find his own since shared gender houses are very much not a thing in this city. Heck, we struggled to even be allowed into this ce since we''re not elves but if you put a bag of money to any intelligent species, they''re not going to say no. We''re still getting a few looks in here from the other elven women but it''s not tant racism so it''s easy to ignore, still ain''t great though.


    This ce is actually beautiful looking, it takes a mixture of the fancy elven architecture andbines it with shrubbery, leaves and vines. Despite it being inside, it actually looks like we''re not.


    No idea why nakedness is sinful, that God has really given priestess some weird thoughts but with her, it might just be her own misguided beliefs. They are misguided, there''s nothing wrong with being naked in a public bath house, people do have to clean themselves.


    "Petra, did I ever tell you what happened one time I went into a ce like this?"


    "A woman groped you, correct?"


    Oh, I guess I did tell her then, that kinda spoils recapping that story. Would I even mind if... No, get your mind out of the gutter Ikarus, this is not the time or ce for that type of thing.


    That''s still a long way away from that type of development...


    "Ikarus, turn around and I''ll give you a clean"


    While we''re chilling rxing in this bath house, Petra has that odd suggestion. When I do decide to clean my back, it''s more than easy enough to just do it myself. Putting a sponge against my back isn''t exactly difficult.


    "Huh? I can do it myself"


    Did she seriously pout from me rejecting that!? Wait, is that a normal thing women do while bathing together, clean each other''s backs? I don''t think it is, or am I just being dense since it''s Petra? With her, I never know...


    I''ll just toss her a bone then; it gives me an excuse to bezy after all.


    "Urgh, fine then. If your hands wander, I will punch you"


    "I have a little more ss than that Ikarus"


    I''m lying, I wouldn''t actually hit her but I''ve got to set some ground rules, she''s helping me clean myself before we''ve even kissed yet. Charlotte has gone away from us, this isn''t anything going on like that subus-sama, she literally is just giving me a helping hand. Nothing is going on, especially in a public ce like this.


    Then I feel the feeling of a sponge up against my back, I shouldn''t have agreed to this now. This might be a little too intimate, it''s not like there''s anything perverted going down though, I swear! It''s just my heart is racing now, fucking stupid human looking bird Ikarus!


    Let''s just get this over and done with, my face is probably returning to my red as a tomato days right now...

 Chapter 62 – Lucky Draw

    Chapter 62 ¨C Lucky Draw


    We ended up spending a good five more days in the elven city of Aurora seeing all the sights there are to see. There actually wasn''t that much to do despite these elves loving to live infort, at leastpared to the dwarven kingdom. This ce isn''t really suited for tourism it seems.


    We did eat a lot though, unfortunately nearly everything is sd rted so food sucked. Elves aren''t actually vegetarians, you can find meat sellers around the ce but most prefer rabbit food, that''s what vegetables basically are anyway. You''d think fish would be quitemon since this city is literally next to that huge river but once again, it''s not all thatmon.


    Always need to make sure I''ve got meat stored away in storage in case of a bad situation like that undead dungeon, we can''t risk the chance of starving somewhere if another dungeon like thates up hence the reason for thecklustre food.


    Despite myints at theck of actual food, it still wasn''t that bad, mostly because of the gorgeous buildings and libraries in this ce, made sure to purchase a load of books since elves like to value history on certain things even if some of its fake.


    Oh, also found out the elves'' perspective on the whole dwarfs'' vs elves thing that went down, it''s a little moreplicated than first thought.


    They actually believe the dwarfs purposely set the volcano to erupt themselves just to spite the elves and get revenge for previous wars they had against each other. I very much doubt that''s the case seeing that father and mother both said the reason was down to a God but if true, there''s always two sides to a story. I''m going with the dwarfs here though; it seems a little mad to set off a volcano in your own back yard but they are a little mad so it''s notpletely impossible. They''d probably make gunpowder bombs and set it off that way.


    Also the dislike of humans isn''t as strong as you''d think, it''s more a dislike for the empire than anything else. Petra probably helped with that since her history did bring her to this ce more than once. A lot of the older elves know about her and greet her as hero in the streets, it''s the younger ones who seem to have the racist tendencies, young in elven standards is still quite old though.


    Elven age is a littleplicated since there are different species of elves that I''m unable to tell the difference between. I''m pretty sure dark and high elves live the longest but for the actual age, maybe up to a thousand years? It''s not written about since elves don''t actually track their own lifespan very well but the oldest I''m aware of is a very old looking elf who is close to a thousand, Petra pointed someone out to me when we walked past her. She looked at deaths door and had darker skin so that''s what I''m basing it off.


    Then again, some of the other species of elf only live a little while longer than humans so it''s extremely varied. Let''s just go a hundred years to a thousand and call it a day. That''s elven lifespan for ya.


    Other than stop the two rulers in this city waging war, Petra seems to have done a lot throughout the years helping a lot of folks in quite a few tribes. This is to be expected though, can''t go into everything she remembers since there''s a lot she''s done but her memory is holding six-hundred years'' worth of memories after all.


    Seeing that I''m thinking about her, that was a very intimate moment with Petra at the bath house, I pushed myself a little too far with that. Like I saidst time, it was only cleaning but that was way too... stimting? I think that''s the correct word for it, still not ready for that much. One day, I should be hopefully...


    We''ve left the city now anyways, back into the skies as an immortal fire bird watching all the little mortals from the heavens. There''s only trees below me right now and I''m stuck with three people on my back but my description of myself still kinda works. I will be immortal if my levelling keeps up at this rate and I gain some more abilities.


    Let''s get the status thing rolling along then, left it purposely till now so I''d have something to do while flying back. There''s only so much enjoyment you can get from flying in a straight line for hours to days after all.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 97]


    [Health 29,540*/30,000*]


    [Stamina 9,718*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 20,000*/20,000*]


    [You currently have 18500 unassigned points]


    It''s been difficult to do not invest anything sincest seeing my status but the main reason is because I don''t know what to do with it. If I invest this all, all those assigned points will double down to the enchanted clothing I have on but... I could gamble three times for new abilities as well. Urgh, I can''t decide, maybe someone else can help.


    "Petra... I''m stuck. I don''t know whether to invest my points into stats or gamble them for something potentially amazing"


    "You should never gamble Ikarus-sama, alcohol and gambling are not good for you"


    So priestess and her God are both against gambling as well? I bet he''s a reformed alcoholic and has a betting addiction, some of his policies are really weird seeing howid back he is on other things.


    Apparently priestess doesn''t even need to pray or worship him as well, she only does it since she wants to. I''ve asked a fair amount about it during our travels now so I''ve got a rough idea on what goes on inside her head but even then, she''s still not that open.


    The knight just doesn''t have much of a personality so there''s nothing to say on him, he honestly reminds me of a nd anime protagonist who builds a harem around him just by being really dense. Nah, I''m just being mean, he isn''t that bad since he can have a backbone sometimes but most of the time he just flows with it.


    I''m not even responding to Charlotte though, sometimes the best response to someone being annoying is to just pretend they don''t exist. It''s rude but that was not the answer she knows I was looking for.


    (Petra) "Need a little more to go off than just that Ikarus"


    "Basically... there''s twenty abilities I can win from investing stat points but Aesa says some of them can be basically God tier in strength but of course, it''s a gamble. The alternative is just increasing my normal stats"


    She already knows the ins and outs of my system, no point telling her about on how the stats per level thing works. Worrying about potential curse death is really no longer a concern, I''ve got way too much health for all that being an issue. Even if the loss is doubled because of my enchanted gear currently being on, I''ve still got way too much time left to worry needlessly like normal.


    "It''s... difficult to give an answer, how many times could you use it instead of improving your points?"


    "Just the three"


    "Then maybe give it a go once? It shouldn''t prove that much of a risk and besides, you''ve always got me to protect the cute and adorable Ikarus if you do buy it a few times"


    Damn it, every time she calls me cute it always catches me off guard, it wouldn''t be as bad if it was something like beautiful or handsome but cute always gets me right in the chest. Fuck it, you only live once and I''ll me her if I get something shitty. It''s only wasting ten levels if it ends up a shit one.


    ----------


    ---Just want to point out, I''m literally randomizing this from my list. The fate of Ikarus''s draw literally relies on pure luck, not story telling!


    ----------


    ''Aesa, let''s give the gambling ability a single buy then''


    [<Does -user- wish to confirm the action of spending 5000 points into -sacrificialmb-?>]


    ''Yes''


    I''m kinda expecting a cool animation or music to start ying when the lucky drawmences. Unfortunately, my system has no such capabilities and will just give it to me straight.


    [<Confirmed, -user- has unlocked -ERROR- ability>]


    ''Damn it, that shitty error message hasn''te up in so long''


    [<Apologies, Aesa needs to update R.P system to amodate for -sacrificialmb->]


    An update? I guess the gambling abilities need apatibility patch or something like that. Aesa takes not even half a minute, then swiftly returns.


    [<-Sacrificialmb- patch has been installed. -User- has unlocked ability -star ze->]


    ''Star ze?''


    [<Every 24 hours, -user- can turn themselves into a miniscule sun>]


    ''Hold up, the hell does that mean?''


    [<That''s the description Aesa has been provided with -user->]


    So I''ve unlocked an ability with next to no exnation, Aesa doesn''t sound too excited over such an unlock so I doubt it''s the extremely rare high tier stuff. It''s literally called star ze though, it''s got to be good, right? It fucking cost five thousand points, I''m demanding a refund if it ain''t.


    "Guys, we''rending for a bit..."


    __________


    I''ve found a secluded spot in the pine tree forest away from any tribe or prying eyes, I''ve got a reason for wanting to do this in an extremely remote area but I''ll get onto that in a second.


    "Erm... you might want back a little Petra"


    "We''re both resistant to fire Ikarus, remember?"


    I guess Petra has a point, the other two I already told to stand way back just in case. Aesa did say a minuscule star, that could still be the size of a considering how big suns can be. Crap, is this how I''m going to destroy the world by activating an ability that causes everything to die? Urgh, my curiosity cannot be defeated, I''m still trying it out regardless.


    "Yeah but it still has star in the name... at least turn around so it doesn''t blin-"


    "Heh, what was that?"


    Okay, that was pretty dumb for me to say, was thinking how you can go blind looking at the sun but obviously with Petra, that''s not a thing. Let''s just get this done with, this better not destroy the...


    ''Aesa, activate star ze''


    [<Confirmed, -star ze- has now been activated>]


    Then ever so slowly, I feel a small fireball created from nothing inside my chest start to grow. The feeling is different to normal magic but it still is a little simr. Then it starts growing by the second, and growing and grows some more.


    By now, it must look like I''ve got a big ball of fire covering my entire bird body and it''s still getting bigger.


    "Petra, what do I look like?"


    "Ikarus, you might want to calm it slightly"


    Petra has a slight look of concern now; I''m struggling to see if it''s still getting bigger or not but I''m thinking that might be the reason.


    "Wait, is it still growing?"


    "Yeah, it is, close to the size of a tiny building now"


    Petra steps even further back while responding, I don''t have any fucking control over this big fireball that is surrounding me. And it''s still getting bigger, I think. Stop growing you stupid bastard!


    ''Aesa, why is not stopping?''


    [<-User- can rx, it should stop soon... probably>]


    ''What do you mean probably!? Shit!''


    Thankfully enough, the sun looking fireball that I''m centre of has finally stopped expanding, it''s roughly the size of a small building. I may have been over worried ever so slightly but for all I knew, it wasn''t going to stop and would''ve continued till the entire had been consumed.


    I can barely see inside here but what I can definitely see is everything that it touches seems to be burnt to me, the ground has turned ck where this ball has touched and the trees inside are rapidly burning up as well, most are already dead. The only thing alive in here with me is Petra, the mad blind woman has literally just walked in without a care in the world.


    "Heh, it''s pretty warm inside here"


    "Petra, I love you and all but you''re mad as a hatter at times"


    "..."


    Why does she look like that? Did I say something stup- shit! I didn''t mean to say that!


    "Like, fucking bird tongue, I meant to say like! Fuckkk!"


    I even facepalm hiding my beak under one of my wings from that wrong use of that word, that was such a dumb thing to say, stressing out about destroying the caused me to say something dumb. Thankfully, Petra isn''t the type of person to call me out on something like that.


    "Heh, it''s fine Ikarus, like you too"


    Good, thank the Gods she''s not pressing me on this. That was NOT an actual confession of love, that was just in ol''Ikarus stupidity. We''re still a long ways away from that like with everything else.


    ...


    Ah, the dreaded ufortable silence now, I''m going to talk to Aesa out loud to drown it out.


    "Aesa, how long is this supposed tost? You must have more information on it by now?"


    This ability is cool and all but it doesn''t seem all that practical other than for close defence and someone could easily counter it with fire resistance, it''s pretty much pointless like with Petra here. I guess I could run around like a headless chicken and charge into them with this for people who aren''t resistant, that could work. I guess it''s somewhat alright, where''s the insane beginners'' luck you''re supposed to have when you gamble though? There''s no way this one is top tier.


    [<-Star ze- should onlyst 5 minutes and has a 24-hour cooldown, should be finished shortly>]


    Ah, can''t forget the dreaded twenty-four-hour cooldown, everything cool is going to have this I guess. At least it means I''ll have to constantly vary my fighting style, that''s my third cooldown ability now. First was invisibility which I still haven''t used for a proper scenario, then the giant and now this. It''s varied, I''ll give it that.


    And wouldn''t you know it, star ze is now shrinking. Give it a second and it''ll bepletely absorbed back inside of me, what a weird ability that was unlocked. I hope I unlock a nuke next, that was a little disappointing.


    "That''s a really good ability Ikarus, your luck was good there"


    "Huh? All it would take is with someone with fire resistance like yourself and it''s pointless"


    "Heh, how many enemies do you think have perfect fire resistance Ikarus? That ability is very strong, don''t underestimate it"


    I should give it some serious consideration if Petra says it''s good, I guess it probably could kill most things that enter its range.


    (Charlotte) "Are you two okay?"


    (Nathan) "We saw that fireball from over there"


    Oh, so it didn''t blind those two then? If they saw it, then you''d think they''d been blinded when taking a peek earlier, guess it barely holds any blinding powerpared to an actual sun then.


    I did tell them not to look just in case it did do something like that but if they want to take the risk, then I''ll just let them get on with it.


    Let''s go and hit the skies again.


    __________


    A short whileter...


    Okay, I now have a problem, I want to buy another... really badly. I''ve already had a slight alcohol addiction, now a gambling it seems, really shouldn''t joke about this but I''m bored flying nonstop, alright? If I could fly and drink, I would but there''s no way I''d be able to hold the damn bottle. I wonder if I could get Petra to pour some in my mouth but that might be asking a little too much.


    There''s only so much conversation you can realistically have with people you spend every waking minute with, it''s not like there''s an endless amount of conversation I can have with Petra as well. I''d love a portable radio just to listen to music or something like that, these trips are getting annoying after all.


    Everyone is obviously back on my back and we''re still on our trip back over to the capital, I really can''t help myself though.


    "Petraaah... should I do it again?"


    "Heh... really Ikarus?"


    "We just got back on you Ikarus-sama"


    (Nathan) "You''ll definitely want tond and give it a test run before heading back"


    I can see why there''sints, this goes against all my previous stuff about not liking to stop constantly, I''m being pretty hypocritical right now but s, gamblinges first. I really ain''t a good role model for kids.


    "I seriously won''t stop till we need to sleep, I''m not a child with zero willpower you know"


    "..."


    "Okay Ikarus-sama"


    (Nathan) "As long as we don''t have to stop straight away"


    I mean, it''s not like I was asking for your approval anyways. I''m the one flying here, I''ll stop when I want too but whatever then, let''s start the lucky draw again!


    ''Aesa, let''s spend some more points!''


    [<Does -user- wish to confirm the action of spending 5000 points into -sacrificialmb-?>]


    ''Another confirmation message? Yeah, let''s do it''


    [<Confirmed, -user- has unlocked ability -human descent->]


    ''I''ve unlocked something called human descent? I swear that sounds simr to my curse''


    [<-User''s- curse is -dragon descendant-, not descent. Ability -human descent- allows -user- to switch to a human for->]


    ''That''s fucking shit! Why would I want an ability for something I can already do?''


    I must be visibly fuming right now after cutting Aesa off, what''s the point when I''ve literally got a choker that does the same exact thing? It''s very clear she was about to say human form, what a pointless ability.


    I can still fly perfectly while annoyed so the others have no clue what''s going on, they probably will end up hearing mein in a second.


    [<If -user- had allowed Aesa to finish, Aesa would''ve exined entire ability. -Human descent- allows -user- to switch to a human form without use of enchanted equipment. However, this form is slightly different andes with built in retractable phoenix wings>]


    ''So what''s the other differences then? Having human wings seems a little pointless knowing that I can change form no issue now, can''t understand any useful situation where wings on a human body would be more beneficial''


    Other than flying through a small gap, I really can''t think when it would help. Maybe for something like trying to remain confidential but wings on a human would look suspicious as hell. I guess it gets cool points but it still isn''t practical.


    [<...>]


    ''You''re seriously not giving me a response?''


    [<Unfortunately -user- has unlocked potentially the worst ability from the list of 20. Only noticeable difference from normal human form is that -user- will have feathers and wings on human body>]


    ''Fuckkk... of course, my terrible luck was always going to return at some point. Gain thirty levels, throw ten of them in the trash, at least the other one is useable''


    At least that confirms it then, no more gambling for quite some time now, I''ll probably get bored and invest in some more stats on the journey back, might leave it as it is right now as well. I really can''t tempt myself though, despite how shit thatst one was, I still know it''s a bad idea to keep over five thousand just in case I ever get another gambling craving.


    Let''s just focus on getting back as quick as possible now... Wait, does this mean I can now fly and drink at the same time? No, it''s still bloody pointless since I''m basically always ying the role of a people carrier, sighhh...


    __________


    ---I have finallypleted the list of 20 abilities from the gambling draw and wouldn''t you know it, Ikarus actually did get one of the worst possible draws! I don''t even have to force her to get unlucky since pure luck is ying its part, you can me random number generator for such a predictable twist!

 Chapter 63 – Friendly Face

    Chapter 63 ¨C Friendly Face


    "Out of the frying pan and into the fire"


    "That expression doesn''t work here Ikarus"


    "Yeah... you''re probably right Petra"


    "Thank the Lord we''re finally back here safely"


    (Nathan) "That was a long trip"


    We have finally arrived back at the capital after a twenty-day or so long trip, pretty sure that''s one of the longest travelling times I''ve spent in my short amount of time living in this world so far. I''m sure these long flights are getting longer and longer now; I mean technically that one was but it is starting to drag out. I really need a potential teleportation ability or something like that to help me get around in the future...


    I skipped paying a visit to my parents despite flying over part of the mountain range, it would''ve been nice to meet them but we''ve dyed enough already, the trip was long enough as is and this bird needs some more dungeon time. Okay, that sounds so unbelievably suspect, I keep misspeaking a little recently so it''s not surprising I''m doing it while recapping as well...


    Oh, can''t forget I left my stats alone for now as well, having over eight thousand spare points that gets doubled is a real difficult decision to decide what to invest in so for now, I''ll leave it as is and decide when needed. My willpower is better than first thought when ites to gambling so they should be safe till needed.


    As for where we are at the moment, we''re currently waiting just outside the pce courtyard, something seems to be going on inside right now blocking us ess but there is kinda another reason, Petra isn''ting inside with us.


    "By the way Ikarus, got some things to do so we''ll meet back up afterwards"


    "You''re wee to join us inside the pce Petra-sama"


    "The royal guards will let you wait inside"


    Both those two are only trying to be nice but it''s almost as if they''ve forgotten Petra doesn''t like the royals, they obviously don''t know of our ns for the future so it must just be them trying to be nice.


    "Like I just said, got things to do so can''t stick around waiting..."


    Thinking about it, this the first time I''m going to be meeting the prince knowing his little dragon secret, can I remainposed? Of course I can, that old Ikarus who was unnecessarily blunt and stupid is long gone, maybe notpletely long gone but I''ve definitely gotten better. I''m actually a really good liar and have a brilliant poker face believe it or not.


    Ah, I need to teach those three how to y poker, Petra might remember but doubt it, should probably listen to her right now though.


    "... After, also want to spend some alone time with Ikarus so can we meet back up tomorrow?"


    Both those two look a bit surprised from Petra''s bluntness but I already know what this is about. On the trip over here, she sent a bird carrying a note to the captain Jekyll, we should be meeting him after our meeting with the prince. Pretty sure Petra has an ability that lets hermunicate with animals or at least makes them send messages, she did that while none of us were paying attention so I''m not all that sure how she did it.


    "Sure Petra-sama"


    "Yeah, we''ll do that then"


    Heh, I do like it when people buy lies without questioning, at least that''s sorted. After this meeting with the prince, I''ll split up from these two and find Petra and the location we discussed while alone. Then, it''s time to meet the captain once again.


    Let''s stop nning ahead now, I''ve still got to deal with this little blonde rat next. If the mage is there as well, then it''ll be harder but not impossible to deal with.


    "See you Ikarus"


    "Later Petra"


    Petra leaves us three outside the pce courtyard and wouldn''t you know it, the gate has now opened and a guard hase out to take us inside.


    ''Let''s do this then...''


    __________


    ''Sighhh, why does she have to be here as well?''


    Of course, the abusive mage has to be here as well, I could just ask for her to be removed but I''d feel like she''d be winning if I let her get to me now. Her presence in this room, I should try and put up with it. If she says something or starts her bullying though, I''m not standing for it.


    We were led by the guard to a visitor''s style room in the pce and both the mage and prince are currently sitting down around a small coffee table. There are otherfy seats around this room but for now, I''d rather stand and so are the priestess and the knight.


    (Charlotte) "Hello Alistair"


    "Greetings your royal highness"


    Nathan has to do his little knight routine and take a knee for the blonde prince; the prince just shrugs it off though. I''m slightly unsure why he seems to dislike Nathan doing that yet he''s more than happy to be extremely controlling for every other part of his ruling empire. Ah forget it, questioning someone''s intentions are pointless, he''s probably faking it anyway.


    "Ah, forgot you dislike the mage Ikarus, I''ll send her away if needed"


    "I really don''t care enough today prince, just as long as she keeps her mouth shut, we''re good"


    "Agree with that Ikarus, Leone is best suited when she''s silent"


    (Leone) "Hmph"


    She really looks slightly pissed at both of us thinking she''s annoying, at least I can still findmon ground with him, even if it won''t change my mind in the slightest.


    The more I look at him, the more I realize why he smiles so much, it''s to try and install a false sense of security. ying the role of the happy and caring prince, it''s so clear that''s what he''s aiming to achieve, I always knew he was a little sus behind the smile but actually seeing it once being confirmed, it makes me irritated but I can control myself.


    "So Ikarus, onto the dungeon talk then. It''s been a difficult task slugging through all our contacts in and outside the empire itself, these new ones have been extremely difficult and time consuming to find but thankfully, we''ve got some more for you..."


    While he''s talking, I can''t help but give a quick thought how easy it would be to just activate one of my abilities and kill both of them with no issue. Well kill at least one, knowing my luck they both have good fire resistance so the ze ability might not work.


    I''ll keep patient for now and strike when needed, you two will eventually feel my wrath, mark my words.


    "... I''ll skip the long and boring conversation since you dislike it Ikarus. Three, we''vee across three more feasible dungeons that you, Lotte and Nathan should be able to achieve. I''d like to hear about the others you''vepleted but that can wait slightly"


    "We''re also travelling with another your royal highness, Petra"


    This little snitch! I''m kidding of course, Petra''s was perfectly fine with her name being brought up, he is still employed by them but it did seem unnecessary bringing her name up right now.


    (Alistair) "Petra?"


    "She''s the fourth member of our party Alistair, we''ve be friends with her over our travels"


    "She excels in fire magic your highness like Ikarus but it''s ck in nature"


    Both those two are surprisingly happy talking about Petra, I''m supposed to be the one showing her off to the world! Damn it, I''ve literally be dumb for her now, well dumber...


    There''s something I noticed in the corner of my eye, did Leone just smile? It was only for a split second but it seems even the prince might''ve noticed it as well.


    "Leone, you recognize that name?"


    "No, I''m mistaken, thought it sounded familiar but it isn''t"


    Is she lying or not though? With these two, you can never tell. I would''ve just tantly believed them a long time ago; I''m never being that na?ve again. I''m probably not going to find out though.


    "Anyway, it''s good you three have found a friend, back onto the dungeon..."


    The prince sounded a little grumpy there, it''s almost as if having another join us irritates him slightly.


    "I''ll start with the two in the empire. The first one waspletely hidden and thanks to the incident with the city, you can thank the dragons for this one"


    All listening ears were sent away before we entered the room, the city incident is still supposed to remain secretive after all. I feel like he just said something passive aggressively though.


    "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "It means where the earth has cracked from that attack, a dungeon hidden deep underground has now appeared. There''s a meadow pretty close by and an old tower guard post sits basically next to the crack in the ground..."


    The earth cracked from mother''s rampaging? I think he literally means the earth split like an earthquake nearby that destroyed city. If true, then damn, I didn''t know that happened. That meadow me and Petra have already been in when she first told me about her ex I believe.


    "... The second is roughly in the centre of the Sierran continent in a ce called the Spire"


    "Oh, the mages tower?"


    "Correct Lotte, the mages in the Spire have been sitting on one for quite some time now that none of us have been aware of. They should allow you ess inside but it would be best to say nothing about being associated with the empire otherwise they might deny it"


    That''s the first time the mage tower has been brought up so far. ording to the books I''ve read, the Spire is a huge skyscraper like building that has three floating inds circling it and is home to the magi guild. No idea why it''s magi and not mage but a pointless question.


    They probably hold dislike for the empire as do I and Petra, it''s surprising they do seeing that they literally part of the empire''s territory but maybe sitting in the giganticke doesn''t count? Ah, the tower is built into theke itself, forgot about that as well.


    (Ikarus) "So that''s the second then, the third?"


    "That would be in the southeast of the desert continent, something otherworldly has been spotted in the mesa down there, that one I can''t confirm or deny though"


    Wait, he just said mesa right? Those bigass biomes filled with red sand and huge rock structures? Sighhh, I''d love to see that but I''d rather not have to deal with more racist beastmen, it''s quite the distance away as well if still in the desert continent of Krieger.


    There is something I''ve just noticed as well, I currently have the locations of eleven dungeons, six are definitely done with the seventh being up for debate. With these three and that other one in the rebelnds which we''re unable to get to right now, that''s eleven.


    Looks like I can skip one if it ends up being another fountain, just will have to break up an entire war to get to the spare one. It actually sounds easier doing that then being stuck inside another fountain.


    Also, what was keeping the prince and mage alive was theck of dungeons. Now that''s finished, it''s just a matter of time before me and Petra strike, there still needs to be a lot more nning done first though.


    "I''ll get you shortly all the enclosed locations with maps of the surrounding regions but the one in the mesa might be a little hard toe across since it''s unmapped. Now that''s sorted, tell me a little about thest few, how well did they go?"


    Ah, he''s asking now, I''ve got to say something quickly.


    "Before we go into detail on everything that happened in thest few dungeons, there''s something I need to be clear on..."


    The knight is not going to be able to keep his mouth shut and will bring up the gold mine there, I''ve already expected him to say that. We''ll probably have to exin what happened down there with Petra saving our arses but she''s perfectly fine with the empire knowing about it for some reason.


    "... That dungeon close to the hot spring ind is one hundred percent property of Ikarus, there''s no room for negotiations and that''s final"


    "You mean the gold mine? That''s fine Ikarus, we aren''t all that interested in sorting out all the logistics in transporting ore from an ind that isn''t technically part of the empire. You can have all three inds if you want for all we care, they are of no concern to us"


    Oh, so he did know about the contents on that ind? I guess the person who found it would''ve reported seeing the gold ore arena and then left, it seems pointless even thinking about that though.


    I''m unsure why he''s so carefree about losing a massive potential source of ie from a ce that isn''t even that far away from the capital if you look at any map, you''d even be able to transport pretty close to the capital using boats as well if you use the smaller rivers but if he''s not going to press on it, then all that potential wealth is mine. Petra can have half if she wants, we''d actually have to get people to start mining it though.


    If I ask, he isn''t going to give me a straight answer anyway so best to just move on, these lot can''t be trusted anyway knowing everything I already know.


    I''ll give him a quick recap of thest few dungeons then, there''s nothing too confidential except about the other two phoenixes but I can avoid saying too much there.


    (Ikarus) "Starting with that giant dungeon then, what happened was..."


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    That party of three have finally left the visitors room me and stair are in and I can''t help but put my feet back up on the table, the little prince is doing that little tapping thing he so likes to do when he''s thinking heavily on things. He should be, another joining that party he can''tpletely control is going to make him slightly unsettled.


    I say that as if he can control the other two, he can''t but that''s not the point. The dumb subus is simple as a boulder and that little knight he''s toying with is no better. Using this ancient crest pacifier for those two would be pointless.


    "Now that those three are gone, who''s Petra? You had a slight reaction like you''vee across her before Leone"


    "Was mistaken, reminded me of an old name but it couldn''t have been her"


    ''Of course I wasn''t, I know exactly who that is. He really can pick up the slightest things even on this nk face''


    He stops his tapping on the table now, then stares to face me. This is going to be an interrogation now I bet, I already know how to y the brat at his own game.


    "If you''re ying games with me Leone, we''re going to have a problem"


    "When have I ever lied to you? I constantly call you out on the stupid decisions you make all the time and point out what you should''ve done instead. If you want to believe I''m lying, suit yourself"


    "I know you too well... but you are getting old now, I guess it''s to be expected you''d make the asional misjudgement, I''ll let it go then"


    ''I should''ve hit him more while he was growing up, damn condescending brat''


    "Whatever, I''m leaving now, got things to do"


    I get up of the chair and head towards the door, this brat can''t help but try his luck.


    "Get one of the maids to get me a drink while you''re at it"


    "No chance"


    "Urgh, whatever then"


    After what he just said, I guess it''s best to leave him be otherwise he''ll start fixating on things. I''d rather the brat not start suspecting stuff otherwise things might be troubled between us.


    To think though, that blind ol''phoenix is still kicking about and she''s even starting to show her face around the Sierran Empire once again. If she''s now involved, things are finally getting interesting.


    Hmph, let''s sit back and see how the end game ys out here, our lovely chubby Ikarus has found one of her own kind. Destruction will surely ensue.


    Maybe it''s finally happening...

 Chapter 64 – Jekyll & Hyde

    Chapter 64 ¨C Jekyll & Hyde


    Now that the meeting with the empire has concluded, it''s time to go head elsewhere. Me and Petra agreed to meet back up at that bar we''ve already visited back in the red-light district of the capital, Jekyll should be waiting for us there. Knowing Petra though, she''s arrived early and is already talking with him.


    Just as I arrive to the bar, I can''t help but take a quick nce to the brothel on the other side of the street. For once, there''s nothing on, no workers working or having fights outside, I guess they''re having a particrly peaceful day for once.


    Entering the bar, I notice very quickly it''s pretty emptypared to usual, there''s a few tables taken and one of them happens to be where Petra and Jekyll are sitting. They seem to be deep in conversation right now, I''ll wait a second before joining in, they clearly are talking about the situation with the capital but are purposely leaving bits out as to not draw attention, even if this ce is practically empty.


    Oh, Jekyll is wearing training clothes and has even grown a slight beard as well now, he looks even older than usual. The empire do be doing that to you, down to stress probably.


    "... Look Petra, I really don''t understand how you''d even do such a task, it''s basically akin to suicide, you already know how powerful those people are"


    "You leave that side of things to me, that''s less of an issue than you''d think. What I need from you is to find a person suitable for whates after, that''s your role Jekyll"


    "You say that as if there''s a long list of people who''d be suitable for such a task. Other than yourself, there''s barely anyone who''s capable and that''s even if they''re still alive. Still don''t understand why you don''t consider taking the role yourself?"


    Even Jekyll thinks Petra is suitable to leading, that''s still not happening though. The empire can''t have her since she''s mine, I''m inflexible to sharing. That was a joke but still, I''d rather her not have to lead an empire. If she wanted to though, I still would have to ept it.


    "There''s no chance of that ever happening, maybe a while back I''d consider it but not now, it''s not fair on her"


    "What are you two talking about?"


    That seemed to be the perfect opportunity for me to enter the conversation seeing that Petra was definitely talking about me. It definitely was about giving me loads of attention, right? It better be...


    I take a seat alongside Petra and am instantly greeted by her littleugh and a smile.


    "Heh Ikarus, was wondering when you''d join us, thought you''d like thatst part"


    Of course she knew I was there, she does have overpowered senses after all. I was right about thatst part as well, I''d should get embarrassed over such a thing but in all honesty, I''m pretty giddy she said that.


    "It''s been a while Ikarus, how''s your swordy going along?"


    "Much better now thanks to Petra excellent teaching, yours sucks by the way"


    It''s a shame Petra doesn''t really have any reaction to me giving her praise, it would be so much better if she got flustered or embarrassed like I do but there''s got to be something that''ll make her go red. I just haven''t found it yet. I will eventually tease her effectively, just need to find out what causes it...


    "Yeah, the methods we use aren''t the greatest, it''s purposely always been style over quality. I still hope you picked up the pure basics though, there''s only so much I could realistically show you while in front of the witch"


    At least he can admit to it but then again, if the empire is telling him how to fight then it''s to be expected. As for what he just said about a witch, it should be obvious who he is on about being the wicked white-haired bitch of the east. The empire is technically in the east part of the four continents so that works, bitch does sound better than witch after all.


    "You dislike that bitch as well?"


    "Dislike doesn''t cut it Ikarus, I have pure hatred for that despicable witch"


    Okay, I like Jekyll a lot now, turns outmon hate can make you the best of friends. I remember thinking once I should set those two up, how the tables have turned. He really seems pissed now though, obviously he can''t go into too many details about the mage but still, he even looks like he''s gritted his teeth during that. He really is a good actor to be able to put up with her while he was training me, that would have been an annoying experience for him.


    "Getting back on track though, what do you suggest I do Petra? This is a little different then leaving the key under the doormat to let you in. This is actually directly searching for a package"


    Key under the doormat? I think he means allowing Petra ess to sensitive information, the other thing might be trying to find someone to take over the empire, I think.


    "If you really can''t think of someone Jekyll, then just find the bastard"


    "Are you mad Petra? Sorry, you know I didn''t mean that, just trying to find that guy is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, he could teach a spirit or a ghost a few lessons about hiding and even when he does appear, it''s normally pure chaos"


    It''s a good thing he apologized then, only I''m allowed to call Petra mad and it''s always in a joking way, might''ve kicked him if he hadn''t.


    "Who''s this bastard guy you''re talking about anyway?"


    (Petra) "The blonde man you dislike Ikarus, that''s his older brother"


    The prince Alistair has an older brother? That definitely wasn''t a secretive way of speaking there, is there another secret royal or something?


    "Then why isn''t that guy in pow-, no... why doesn''t he have his brother''s job?"


    I was about to say something suspicious to any ears that aren''t nearby, those two are being careful so I should be as well.


    (Petra) "Illegitimate child with a woman who was basically a mistress, it would''ve been bad for public opinion so he couldn''t exist, at least in the public eye"


    So that emperor we''re going to kill had a secret woman that he got pregnant before the twins Alistair and ke were born? That''s pretty interesting, I wonder if she''s also dead like his current wife but that''s a pointless thought. I''m a little curious on why this is supposed to be a good idea.


    "Wouldn''t that go against what we''re trying to do though? Would anything even change?"


    I know a good n, let''s remove the illegitimate prince and rece him with his older brother who could be the exact same, enving dragons probably runs in the family at this point.


    "The bastard is apletely different person then you''d expect Ikarus, he was never brought up around the witch and was always kept secret till he decided to flee from his own ord. He would''ve been dead if he hadn''t left"


    "That still doesn''t answer how I''m supposed to find him though Petra, you have any ideas where to look?"


    Captain Jekyll can''t help but get slightly stressed, this bastard guy that we''re now trying to put in power is obviously going to be a challenge to find. I''m still a little against the idea of putting another royal back on the throne but knowing Petra, this guy is theplete opposite from the royals. I''m curious on what he''s like.


    "Last time I heard, he was skulking around with a bunch of pirates to the east. Your holiday over there should provide more than enough reasons to start asking for him"


    Holiday must mean the war he''s currentlymanding forces in, they are definitely pirates that roam the eastern ocean so I think that''s not secretive. Is that guy a pirate or something? Heh, let''s put a pirate inmand of an empire, let''s see how quick that fucks up. He might just be hunting them like a vignte though.


    "*Sighhh*, you still sure that guy is suitable for this? He was always a little rough around the edges"


    "Perfectly, that''s why he''s suitable"


    I guess that looks to be the route we''re taking then, we just need to convince a guy who probably doesn''t want the throne and could be a pirate to be the next emperor after we clean house of the royals. As stupid as it sounds, I''d still rather do this than allow the dragon hunters to stay alive.


    I''ll always put my full trust in Petra but I do wish maybe there could be a better alternative, maybe this bastard guy is alright and I''m needlessly worrying, that''s probably the case like usual.


    "Since I''ve now got an idea what to do, it''s probably best we should part ways early then, I''ll send you an update once I go back on my holiday. Bye Ikarus and Petra"


    The captain gets up while speaking and heads out of the bar, he does have a point, it''s probably best to not be seen around Petra for too long, he is a soldier of the empire after all. I''d like to know one day how he removed the empire''s envement crest but today isn''t going to be the day to ask.


    (Petra) "Bye"


    (Ikarus) "See ya Jekyll"


    Now that he''s gone, it''s just me and Petra alone. I still feel like there''s loads more to discuss though.


    "Does that sort everything Petra? Shouldn''t we decide how we''re going approach the thing thates after?"


    I''m of course talking about the n to kill the prince, mage, princess and emperor. We''ve got to do it all in one go but that''s still easier said than done.


    "Heh, in all honesty Ikarus, the biggest concern with that is secrecy and the timing. What you''re worried about is no longer an issue, strength isn''t a concern now"


    If I''m right, she''s basically saying the royals no longer hold any physical threat towards us, is that right though? I know I''m pretty powerful now but still, they''ve got a load more experience than I so for all I know, they could have secret abilities that kick my arse.


    No, Petra wouldn''t say that if they were extremely powerful, they obviously arepared to normal people but notpared to phoenixes that have five to ten times more stats than them. I still feel like I''mcking ability wise but if she''s telling me it''ll be fine, I''ll trust her like the usual. It hasn''t backfired just yet.


    "Now that''s sorted, we''ve got some time to kill before meeting back up with those two tomorrow, got an idea for something fun to do while we''re here"


    "What you thinking of Petra?"


    I guess we''re done then, I''m kinda hoping she''s thinking of having a drink in this bar for a while but unfortunately, that couldn''t be further from the truth.


    "Seeing that we''re in the empire and they''re known for their quality clothing..."


    Oh no, I think I know where this is going, why are women like this?


    "... How about we go shopping and let me pick out some clothes for you to try on?"


    Oh, that''s not what I expected, I thought I''d have to go clothes shopping with her and spend hours sitting around waiting for her to try things on... Wait, this is potentially worse!


    "Why would I want to do such a thing?"


    "I''ve got to get a few bits and besides, you''ll look happy and cuter with some different outfits every now and then"


    ...


    Urgh, I''ve got to ban her from using that word, Petra has used the attack known as cute and it''s way too effective for this dumb bird to withstand. Ikarus has fainted and needs a revive.


    "*Sighhh*, fine, just don''t be buying too much, my storage is already filled with other crap so putting extra clothes is a waste of space"


    It''s not actually filled right now but I''d rather not be carrying a load of clothing around especially when I''m only ever now using this one set of clothing. Oh, there''s also something I never added since it''s fucking dumb. This bastard enchanted clothing I''m currently wearing is really fussy, I can wear everything thatpletes my current look like my choker, boots and stuff like that, there is one very noticeable exception that it doesn''t allow. Underwear.


    I mean, it''s not that big of a deal since goingmando has always been a choice I''ve been doing every now and then for a long time but still, it would be nice to have the choice. Egos suck, I guess my choker and dagger are alright though.


    "That''s fine Ikarus, got my own storage space tucked away in a portal I can ess"


    "Wait, you have a storage item as well!?"


    I may have said that pretty loud, it''s a good thing this ce is basically empty. I''m rightly a little annoyed why I''m the carrier of the group yet she also has a storage item, there better be a good reason why I''ve only just found out about this.


    "No, it''s an ability that gives me a tiny room that sits in the higher realms. Heh, it''s only about the size of a small desk so it''s really not all that useful, can already tell what you''re thinking Ikarus"


    "I''ll let you off the hook then, I''m still not agreeing to carry loads though"


    At least that makes sense why I''m carrying everything important then, I have an elephant worth of storage space, she has a desk. I''m guessing she uses it to store everyday essentials like underwear and stuff like that then? Actually knowing Petra, she probably goesmando as well...


    (Petra) "Fair enough, let''s go shopping then"


    I can already tell I''m going to regret this; more fan service iing...


    __________


    "I hate you at times"


    "Heh, I''m not forcing you to do anything"


    "You are though! Usingpliments as bribes is literally the same thing!"


    "Heh, can''t helpplimenting you when everything you wear suits you, just stop looking good in everything and I''ll stop"


    "Urgh, you''re terrible at times!"


    We''re currently in a kinda empty fancy clothing store and wouldn''t you know it, my worry of what Petra wanted to do was right. I''m basically her dress up doll at this point.


    The evil woman has gotten me dressing up in loads of different types of everyday clothing, costumes, uniforms and God knows what else. I never even realized how modern some of the clothing looks in this world but now wearing so much of it, I unfortunately know.


    If I were to go through everything she''s gotten me to wear, it would be too big a list. Some noticeable outfits include a Chinese looking dress, a Japanese looking uniform and something that resembles a nurse looking outfit. I swear Petra just wanted to visit ces that had costume looking things in, I would get a bit annoyed at her but in all honesty, everything does kinda suit me. That literally makes this entire experience even more embarrassing!


    She even tried to get me into a wedding boutique as well but I refused sessfully there, that was a step too far. Ikarus the bride is something that is NEVER happening, EVER! Compliments aren''t strong enough for bribes for something like that, that''s something I''m unsure I''d ever be convinced on.


    "That''s definitely the winner, Ikarus the maid beats all. You really do look perfect in everything"


    Yeah, I''m kinda wearing a full-length maid outfit right now with all the other crap thates with it. I know I look good in most things but still, this is so freaking embarrassing, stopplimenting me! I clearly struggle to deny Petra when she gives me apliment, this is bing abuse now!


    We''ve already gone through several stores and she keeps manipting me to wear more! I know girls sometimes have this weird thing about this type of crap but still, Ikarus the maid''s face right now is redder than it''s ever been. I''m getting my revenge soon, mark my words!


    "Heh, think that''s enough for today, already seen more than enough for a lifetime"


    Good, I can finally take this stupid thing off now... Hang on, she''s made me put loads of crap on, it wouldn''t be fair if I''m the only one doing this...


    "No no no, don''t think we''re stopping just yet. You''ve gotten me wearing all this shit, now it''s your turn"


    A devilish smile must appear upon my face, it''s time for my revenge. Petra is even looking a little unsure and maybe potentially afraid, she should be.


    "What are you thinking of?"


    "Just thinking of the most absurd thing I can make you wear; it''s just repaying the favour after all"


    Maybe not that absurd but... it definitely has its effect, muhahaha...


    __________


    "Ikarus, this is a little... perverted"


    "This is my masterpiece, you so adamantly wanted to see me in that damn bikini so much, this is just me repaying the favour from long ago"


    I''ve gotten the sweet and lovely Petra into something that even I would think twice about wearing... ck lingerie! Yes, she decided to force me into wearing all that crap, it''s only fair she repays the favour with something that''s extremely revealing and sexy. I don''t even care how beautiful she looks in all that, this is more important!


    I made sure to get the full works as well, stockings, garter thing or whatever that''s called as well as the basic parts you''d expect. Obviously, we''re both in the changing room right now otherwise we''d be getting looks from any shoppers in here. Unfortunately, she isn''t having as much as an embarrassed reaction as I was hoping. If anything, she''s enjoying this right now.


    "Heh, didn''t think you were so into clothing like this so much but I''ll keep that in mind for the future Ikarus"


    Urghhhhhh! Even though she looks slightly flustered, she can still tease and flirt even while wearing that! This woman cannot be beaten under any means, I give up. I''m done trying to tease her now, it will only ever fail.


    She really be looking... no, doing this was not to admire Petra, this waspletely one hundred percent to get revenge on her using me as a dress up doll. Unfortunately, it appears to have massively failed. It does suit her and match her long ck hair though...


    "*Sigh*, let''s just go, you''ve bought everything you needed already, right?"


    "Sure but not just yet, just let me get clothed and buy this, then we''ll leave"


    Huh? She''s going to buy that? I mean, lingerie is more suited for people who work the streets at night if you catch my meaning in this world, no one wears this stuff, at least for everyday wearing so I''m a little unsure why she wants to buy that. It''s not practical forbat as well, I guess she could wear it under her robe but lingerie is supposed to be sexy, notfortable, right?


    "You''re seriously going to buy that?"


    "You seemed to like how I looked in it so why shouldn''t I?"


    ...


    Her reasoning cannot be argued unfortunately, I want to but I can''t think of a way to argue that.


    "Ah, fine then, suit yourself"


    I was going to offer to buy it for herself but let''s not go down that rabbit hole, money issues and all that.


    "I''m also buying you some stuff as well Ikarus, that isn''t negotiable"


    "I''m not carrying it though"


    "That''s fine, can fold it up and I''ll hold onto it for you"


    I''ve just realized, she''s still carrying some of those previous outfits from earlier, Ikarus the maid doesn''t need to exist Petra! Sigh, it''s her money so I''ll just let her get on with it. She only has limited storage space after all.


    Ah whatever, she''s enjoying herself way too much so I''ll just deal with it, it''s not like this was the worst day ever since we got to spend some more time together.


    Let''s go find an inn and meet back up with the party tomorrow, I reckon I need to get that image of her wearing that lingerie out of my head now...

 Chapter 65 – The Spire

    Chapter 65 ¨C The Spire


    Three dungeons to choose from so which one did we decide to head to first? In all honesty, there was no real favourite since we''d have to do all three but to start with, we''re heading to the Spire, also known as home to the magi guild.


    Guilds are actually a thing in this world despite me never really bringing them up, mostly because there''s no point. I mean, what''s seriously the point in me gaining money by collecting herbs, killing slimes and gaining a higher ranking within the adventure guild? Are there even slimes in this world? I don''t think so, maybe the guilds wiped them out? Thy always seem to be low levelled trash for lower ranked adventurers, wouldn''t surprise me if they did go extinct but I''m only basing that off anime and manga.


    The guilds do kinda work how you''d expect from any type of normal isekai though,plete quests for money and then slowly gain a higher ranking in that guild itself, pretty sure the magi guild over by the Spire will be very simr to the ones I''ve heard about, just more magical. Hopefully we don''t have to enter some shitty, annoying guild for us to ess the dungeon they have hidden away. Knowing my luck, that''s exactly what''s going to happen though.


    Apparently they have a dungeon in their basement, no idea how that even works seeing that the building is built on the giganticke that is kinda in the centre of this empire. Maybe it''s built so far down, it''s perfectly fine? Ah forgot it, just focusing on pointless things once again.


    As for what''s currently going on, I''m currently halfway through the journey to the Spire with everyone up on my back like with our normal travel arrangements, there is something odd going on right now though during this lovely sunny day we''re experiencing.


    "Hang on, is that snoring on my back?"


    "Heh, those two are both asleep"


    Priestess and knight have the audacity to sleep on my feathery,fortable back while I''m carrying them? It''s honestly pretty fine though,st night there was heavy rain and thunderstorms so sleep was terrible for all of us, me and Petra clearly have the stamina tost days without sleep, for those two it''s more problematic.


    "Should I drop them to give them a slight scare?"


    "Heh, that might be a little mean"


    I wasn''t actually going to do it, just thought that might give her a slightugh. It seeded.


    A little time passes still while flying and now my mind has wondered elsewhere, an odd question hase to mind. Seeing that those two are asleep, it seems like a good time to ask such a question.


    "Hey Petra... what is it that you like about me anyway? Like the main thing if that makes sense"


    That''s something I''ve never really understood, I mean, other than my brilliant looks, that''s something I don''t have an idea on, why does Petra like me in that way? I''d use cute instead of brilliant looks but that''s now reserved for Petra''s teasing. Don''t most people in rtionships have these types of questions though? Can we even call it an official rtionship yet? Kinda feel like we can...


    She takes a second before giving me a response, clearly she was thinking on her answer.


    "Can try to give you a specific one if you''d like... maybe your outlook on life might be the main thing, can''t forget about your cuteness as well"


    Urgh, I knew she was going to do that then, I''m a little confused what she said to begin with though.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "It''s probably about your carefree attitude to things that happen around you, your mental strength is strong when ites to dealing with certain situations Ikarus. It''s honestly pretty rare for most people to be able to deal with anything that gets thrown at them with a smile on your face. Heh, or beak"


    When she means mental strength, it''s clear that doesn''t mean intelligence. Still, I guess she''s got a point, I may worry about a load of things but I don''t tend to sulk and prefer to just get on with it, well, I do sulk and I''ll moan nonstop but I''ll still power on though.


    Just look at the whole switching gender and turning into a bird thing, pretty sure Zeki and Ariza took years to fully adapt, Ariza was apparently taking gender switch potions for a hundred years because she had troubles in the beginning. I swear it didn''t even take me months to get used to all this odd shit happening to and around me.


    "What about me Ikarus?"


    Huh? What''s she asking about? Got lost in thought for a second.


    "Sorry, what was that?"


    "What about me that attracted you Ikarus?"


    Ah crap, that''s a difficult question to answer, was hoping she wouldn''t ask that in response. The problem is there isn''t anything specific, there''s literally nothing about Petra that I can point down, shees as aplete package that has no ws, at least in my eyes anyway.


    "Well... if I''m being honest, that''s slightly difficult to answer"


    "Why''s that?"


    "It''s cause you''re perfect, trying to find a single thing that makes me like you is kinda impossible. I guess I could just say everything but that answer sounds fake even though in this situation, it really isn''t"


    "..."


    She''s gone quiet now, did I say something stupid? I don''t think I did, all I said is that Petra''s perfect, that''s not something stupid, just saying how it is.


    ...


    Is she seriously still quiet? I''m questioning her now, that wasn''t something to cause an ufortable silence, at least it shouldn''t have been.


    "Oi, you haven''t fallen asleep as well have ya?"


    "No Ikarus, I''m still awake. Just thinking on what you just said... thanks"


    Why is she thanking me now as well? I only told her the truth, I''m a bit unsure why she''s gone a bit weird.


    "For what?"


    "Heh... don''t worry about it"


    Ah screw it, I feel like I''m being dense here but fuck it, let''s find the Spire and finally meet a guild, you''d think this should''ve happened ages ago but s, not every story needs guild interactions from the beginning...


    __________


    "It''ll be good to return to the guild"


    (Ikarus) "You''ve been here before priestess?"


    "Yes, my Lord suggested visiting this ce to get help once he blessed this unworthy soul, there were some old issues that needed sorting since this vessel wasn''tpletely worthy for such a gift"


    Off in the distance in the country sizedke, a gigantic magic looking tower can be seen with three small floating inds circling around the top of the sharp looking spire also on top of the building. I''m guessing how they''ve managed to do something like that is down to wind magic perhaps? How else would you get three inds to float? Ah forget it, this world is magical in nature after all.


    It''s honestly pretty impressive how I''m yet toe across this ce but it makes sense seeing that there has been no reason to so far. Now there clearly is, there is a slight issue before we can enter the magi guild.


    "There is a slight problem, how do we get over there?"


    It''s not exactly like I can just fly right up to the massive building, can I? There is slight tform which looks to be the main door in sight, the building has windows though so flying would reveal my existence to them getting that close.


    Normally I wouldn''t worry that much but with a bunch of magicians, who''s to say one of them might want to do tests or dissect me? It sounds a little absurd but I am a bird of power and fire though, being extremely careful around powerful people is still kinda needed. Twenty-four-hour cooldowns ruin most of my attacks.


    I could kill anyone who approaches me but with mages, I guarantee there must be someone extremely powerful inside.


    "We''ll have to take a rowboat"


    Priestess suggests that, I guess there are loads of rowboats docked by the side of the river around here. I was hoping we could avoid using one of those since they look old and janky as hell, it''ll take quite a while rowing to the building as well.


    "Do they not have a portal or something to make this easier? Seems a little dumb to make your guild headquarters annoying to get to"


    "They do Ikarus-sama but it''s location is unknown for people not part of the guild"


    Oh, that was just a throwawayint, didn''t realize they actually use portals. Priestess definitely knows about this ce, looks like she''s gonna be our guide this time like how Petra was in the elven continent. Wonder if they have it shooting out of a gun as well...


    Anyway, I find a suitable spot tond and once everyone''s off my back, I quickly switch form into my normal human body and then we all follow the coast looking for a rowboat big enough for us four, there are quite a few of them around but most seem too small, it is odd why there are so many rowboats floating around here though.


    There also seems to be no people near the area we''re at, there is a town on the coast of thiske slightly to the south of us but that still is at least half a days journey away by flight. Probably should''ve paid that a visit and maybe gotten a boat from there thinking about it but oh well, what can you do about it now? We''d be backtracking a little if we went there.


    We do eventually find a rowboat big enough for the four of us and get in, I instantly can''t help but make ament about it though.


    "Jesus, I swear I can see holes in this thing"


    "Heh, should be alright Ikarus, can always swim if it sinks"


    I know Petra''s making a joke but still, swimming that distance doesn''t sound fun especially in human form, phoenix form is superior for swimming since all that chubby goodness helps me float, I swear I look like an orange swan boat while swimming like that. Actually I need to avoid doing that, Petra will definitely call me cute once again if she seems Ikarus the orange swan boat.


    "No need to worry Ikarus-sama, my Lord says he''ll help us in case we fall in"


    "Lotte, your God can''t help us swim though, can he?"


    "He says he''ll bless us anyway Nat, I didn''t mean literally"


    "Yeah I know, just ying with you"


    "Oh, didn-"


    Oh God, those two are getting chummy now, they really picked a bad time for this. I''m cutting priestess off; this isn''t the time for this.


    "Grab an oar and stop being chummy, I''m not rowing by myself here!"


    I don''t regret saying that and stopping them in their romantic tracks, at least pick a decent time for such a thing!


    Everyone grabs a rowing oar and we very slowly start to make our way towards the Spire, this might take a little while.


    Some time passes doing this boring, tiring activity and just before we''re about to reach the docking tform, Petra has something to say it seems.


    "Heh Ikarus, need to give you another warning like I''ve done before"


    Another one of these warnings? The one about Zeki was needed, the one about the gnome wasn''t so it might not be that bad.


    "Who do I need to watch out for this time?"


    "The magi guild''s guildmaster, the woman a little... much, that''s if she''s even still alive, priestess should know since thest time I was here was quite the while ago"


    So Petra''s been to the magi guild as well? Seeing that she hasn''t said much and has let priestess take the lead somewhat, I''m guessing she didn''t spend that much time here.


    "Miss Penelope-sama was still in powerst time I was here Petra-sama, she is a little odd but she means well"


    Even priestess is saying she''s odd? Crap, I''m worried now.


    "She should be alright but if she gets too hands on, don''t be afraid to punch her... hard"


    Petra is even telling me to punch her? This is going to be another annoying encounter; I can already tell. I''ll make sure my punching and kicking ability are both ready to go, it''s time to fight off an annoying woman!


    We dock the boat up at the tform that leads to the door, then all get off and head towards the huge door of the tall building. The door does appear to look a little odd though, mostly cause of the gigantic head that''s built into it.


    "Who dares wish to enter the mighty magi guild!? None of you little peasants are worthy so bugger off!


    ''A giant talking head on a door, where have I seen that before? Pretty sure that was called a demon door?''


    The huge head on the door appears to be talking to us in a stern, ghostly voice, this is a strange encounter, what type of weird bull-shittery is going on here?


    (Petra) "*Sighhh*, these lot were always a little odd"


    (Charlotte) "That''s still not funny Jason, open the door and let us in already!"


    Me and the knight both don''t have a clue what''s going on right now, both Petra and priestess areining at the door but we haven''t a clue why, whoever is making it do this is clearly is annoying the other two women.


    "Fine, just let me remove the magi locks on it and I''ll let you in, make sure you don''t tell Miss Penelope about this, please?"


    (Charlotte) "Just open the door and we won''t Jason"


    "Then everybody,e on innnn!"


    Arge clunking sound, probably gears rattling inside of the door start turning and it slowly starts to open up. Looking past the opening door, a lobby type of reception desk seems to be the main thing inside, there''s no stairs in sight but there are these weird looking ss upright pods around the back of the room.


    While we''re heading towards the seated receptionist, I''ve got questions like the usual.


    "What was all that about?"


    "Heh, idiots Ikarus, this entire guild is filled with them"


    Petra sounds like she just now remembers this ce, it seems more like a mild irritation than extreme annoyance though.


    "That''s a little harsh Petra-sama but Jason can be a little annoying at times, he''s the spirit that controls the door and is supposed to allow everyone ess"


    "That door''s name is Jason?"


    "No Nat, Jason is a spirit who possesses the door, he''s not actually the door itself"


    I think Charlotte is being a little pedantic to her lover Nathan but I guess she does have a point if the door is actually a spirit, not even going to question everything like usual this time. This ce is obviously just going to be whacky now.


    We''re now at the receptionist and she has words for us.


    "What are you here for?"


    A female woman wearing a hooded robe is the receptionist, she seems to sound a little rude and doesn''t even look at us, she''s just reading what appears to be a book or magazine.


    "We''re here to see Miss Penelope-sama"


    "Third transporter on my left, use that and then head up three stairways towards the double doors. You can leave now"


    Just what type of guild is this? We''ve spoken to an odd talking door, now an incredibly rude receptionist who doesn''t even look at us and the woman we need to speak to about the dungeon could be even worse.


    I''ve failed to acknowledge the fact she said something about a transporter as well, I guess that''s what those ss pods are. Might be a bit of a squeeze getting us four into it but I guess we can just go separately.


    Well anyway, we split up into couples and head into the transporter...


    __________


    After being teleported what seems to be close to the top of tower, we all start to make our way towards the part of the building described by the receptionist and during that journey, I can''t help but notice just how odd this ce is.


    First off, it''s pretty empty but that is kinda to be expected, most people don''t have magical abilities so having an entire building filled with them would be pushing it but maybe you would expect more mages in a ce literally called the magi guild.


    Most of the floors have the look of something simr to an office building on Earth, just less advanced. I say most, we did walk past a recreational room and arge sleeping quarters as well so it''s obviously notpletely the same.


    The thing is, this ce is really odd, the mages we''ve walked past barely seem to be doing anything and if they are, it seems to be something weird like using wind magic to throw a ball into a basket or even pulling pranks on other members. This guild honestly seems more like a hang out spot for a bunch of mages to chill at other than an actual guild.


    I''ve seen no quest boards with people giving out orders or stuff like that, I know most of the guilds in the capital do that so these lot not even having a quest board makes it even stranger. At this point, is this ce even a fantasy guild?


    Are most guilds like this in this world and the ones in the capital are exceptions? I get the headquarters would have people rxing but this is pretty absurd, the knight seems to be in agreement with me and even Petra seems a little shocked at how things now are. Priestess isn''t since she seemed to expect thisid-back type of atmosphere, it makes me think what use this ce could''ve even provided for her if they''re all like this.


    Thinking about it, powerful people do seem to like beingzy in this world, look at my parents for example, for those two it''s more trying to avoiding humans than beingzy though.


    "Penelope is in there, don''t bother knocking"


    A male magician says that to us as we arrive at the double doors as described by the reception, he''s just asid back as everyone else learning back on his chair with his feet up on a desk.


    Well at the very least, we''ve now arrived at the office where the woman named Penelope should be at, let''s hope I don''t need to punch her...

 Chapter 66 – Dungeon Eight

    Chapter 66 ¨C Dungeon Eight


    "Petra-sama and Lotte-sama! What a brilliant surprise you two are here and you''ve even brought guests! Howes you''ve decided to pay our guild a visit!?"


    After entering into the guildmaster''s room, we''re greeted by a pink haired woman with jet ck eyes, she''s slightly tall in height and is wearing a very pink looking outfit. Unlike the pink cotton candy haired elf alchemist I remember seeing in the capital, hers is more of a hot pink.


    Is this who priestess gets her speech sama thing off? Both those two also have differing reactions from seeing this woman once again, Petra can''t help but facepalm and Charlotte just looks a little confused.


    Me and Nathan really aren''t going to have that much a reaction to the hyperactive woman, we don''t know her after all.


    The room looks kinda simr to something that a CEO might use, maybe? It''s hard to describe but it does have that feeling to it. Us four are all still standing despite there being a couch in the room, that Penelope woman is sitting behind her desk.


    "*Sigh*, see you''ve changed your appearance once again magi guildmaster"


    "Petra-sama is correct, your hair is now pink Miss Penelope-sama"


    While those two are responding to her, let''s do my curiosity test, this woman seems very powerful at first nce despite maybe a little slow between the ears.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Penelope | Species: Human | Level: 702]


    [Health 10,000/10,000]


    [Stamina 27,777/30,000]


    [Magicka 30,000/30,000]


    ''Damn, she''s the highest-level human I''vee across! We shouldn''t need to fight but our total numbers would be kinda simr if I invest the rest of my points, did waste a lot on gambling after all''


    "Well having the same colour while stuck in this form is such a bore! Who are your cute and handsome friends anyway?"


    While she says that, she gets up and walks around her desk to get a closer look at me and the knight, her calling me cute almost pisses me off slightly. Petra is the only one who''s allowed to call me that, the knight has zero reaction to being called handsome though, his heart is clearly reserved for someone else.


    "Careful what you say or do next otherwise, Ikarus might bite"


    I won''t literally but Petra is clearly implying I can hit this woman if I want, she seems annoying but it should be alright.


    "Oh, does this chubby one have a nasty side to her?"


    This irritating woman now decides to pinch my cheek while also calling me chubby. Fuck her, she deserves a punch now. That wasn''t a small pinch after all.


    I give a strong punch aiming for any part of her and then I idently hit one of her breasts, I know she''s taller than me but damn it, I was aiming lower than that. At least it looks like it hurt, thankfully.


    "Ouch! You were right Petra-sama! This one does have a bite to her!"


    "You shouldn''t have pinched Ikarus, can we just get to our point already or should Ikarus hit you again?"


    "You distracted me by bringing up my hair! I''ve already been stuck in this form for long enough, an appearance change every now and then is needed just to keep things fresh!"


    That''s the second time she''s said something about being stuck in a form, I know we should focus on the next dungeon but now I can''t help be curious on what the hell she''s on about.


    "Okay, this is annoying me now, what do you mean you''re trapped in that form?"


    "The thing is Ikarus-sama, Miss Penelope-sama used to be a man"


    "Actually, technically I still kinda am! Mentally at least, this body of mine of mine is just a cause of cursed magic, it''s just an unfortunate experiment I conducted on myself that now has no cure! Miss does fit a lot better than Mr though for someone in my predicament!"


    "She''s an idiot Ikarus, this is a consequence of mixing dangerous potions with forbidden perversion magic, something like this is down to utter stupidity"


    "How was I supposed to know the effect would be permanent?"


    "Maybe because it said so on the bottle?"


    "Who reads thebel before drinking something anyway?"


    "*Sigh*"


    Sighhh, more gender changing shenanigans, wasn''t me and Ariza alone enough? So if this person technically is a guy, the name Penelope seems a bit feminine for a person born male though. Also I think I can now understand Petra''s irritation and her allowing priestess to take the lead, this ce is just another annoying hellhole.


    [<Names can change depending on the circumstances -user->]


    ''Huh? I guess that''s why you didn''t fight me calling you Aesa for too long then''


    [<...>]


    Of course I knew she might not respond to that, I do wonder if this Penelope person could''ve helped Ariza changed form permanently if he was able to do it but the way Petra was speaking, that sounds like a bad idea, maybe it has some severe side effects or something like that. Could be this person wasn''t so hyperactive and jumpy beforehand and that''s a side effect, Petra definitely would''ve mentioned it if it was safe to do.


    Let''s try and go back on topic, the more time we spend speaking with this nutjob, the longer it''ll take to enter the dungeon. This is getting slightly dumb now though, these types of weird conversations just never seem to stop. I''m not the only one starting to look really frustrated now, Petra seems to share my annoyance.


    "*Sigh*... Look guildmaster, for the love of the Gods, can we get back onto the topic on why we''re here now?"


    In the pink haired person''s defence, I did kinda distract the conversation that time but she continued it on.


    "Of course Petra-sama! I can focus if you want me to, just tell me what you need and I''ll be happy to assist!"


    At least this person is willing to try and be helpful, if she pinches my cheek again, I will punch her though. Next time I''ll aim for the face, give her a ck eye. Ain''t nobody allowed to pinch my cheek other than Petra! I mean, she hasn''t yet and I''d rather not be pinched but my thought still stands!


    "We''re here for the dungeon Miss Penelope-sama"


    "The priestess is correct, we''ve been told there''s a dungeon under your guild, is that true or not?"


    It even sounds like priestess is getting a little tired with this man turned woman now, hopefully we can get this sorted quickly.


    "Ah, it turns out we''re leaking information like a sieve again, that''s unfortunate but it''s not the end of the world! To answer your question, yes, we have a dungeon master currently living down in the basement"


    Well that doesn''t sound sus at all, I guess the amount of times the word dungeon gets mentioned, weird sounding stuff like that woulde up a lot. If there''s a master, does that mean we canplete this dungeon quickly then? I''m not one hundred percent sure but if there''s a master to this dungeon, we can either kill them or talk it out, that seems to be the trend right now. I''m all forbat dungeons but it would be nice for another quick one.


    (Charlotte) "Can we ess it and speak to them then?"


    "Of course! You might have some issues though"


    (Petra) "Why''s that?"


    "The man''s a little crazy, we mostly use that area for training purposes but if you''re looking for dungeons, then you''ll definitely need to have words with him!"


    Oh great, another crazy person, let''s just power on and get this done then, my impatience to people like this is starting to grow thin.


    "What types of things are we to expect down there? You said it''s used for training, knowing you lot it''s highly unstable and unsafe."


    Petra does like to try and get as much information as possible but in this case, it''s probably pointless.


    "You n ahead too much Petra-sama, it''s perfectly safe! He normally is in a good mood so you should be safe, we only have an ident or death every month or so! Ask Allie the receptionist what pod to use and she''ll guide you to the basement"


    It''s not really guiding if she only points us in the right direction but might as well get this over with, another frustrating dungeon iing probably, at least that''s how it sounds just from talking to this person.


    __________


    "This ce is horrible, why would anyone want to train down here?"


    "It''s not the nicest Ikarus-sama"


    "You have to take what you can get Ikarus, the knights can sometimes have terrible working conditions as well"


    "..."


    We end up heading back to the reception and then taking another ss portal into the basement of this ce, the receptionist was as rude as usual so we didn''t even bother responding to her.


    The basement itself has multiple levels all with stairways in each corner, we''ve already gone down four flights of stairs in this cobbled stone, damp basement and still don''t seem to know where this is leading. It''s not leaking from theke mind you, just it does seem quite damp.


    "That man turned woman better have not sent us into a trap"


    "Ikarus does have a slight point, that person doesn''t seem all that trustworthy"


    At least I''m not the only one who might think that, even the knight is a little unsure on that character we just met.


    "Miss Penelope-sama isn''t like that Ikarus-sama, you don''t have to worry as well Nat"


    "Priestess is right here, that idiot holds no threat"


    Then if Petra says so, it''s best to just carry on. This ce does seem like a good area to ambush someone though, it''s strange to think it''s used for training seeing that it just looks like a shitty unused basement right now. There probably is something like an epic dungeon at the bottom of it though. Or an annoying one.


    We walk further down another stairway in the never-ending basement and wouldn''t you know it, it''s finally ended. There''s no more stairs leading downwards and we''ve arrived at a heavy looking wooden door.


    "After you"


    I open up the door for everyone and Petra can''t help but make a little joke, she was right behind me after all.


    "Heh, trying to use me as cannon fodder Ikarus?"


    I know she''s clearly joking but still, I was just doing that whole ''holding the door for ady'' type of thing. There still is some man in me left believe it or not, as little as that may be now.


    "Hey! I was just being gentlemanly like, next time I''ll be sure to walk ahead and let the door m into your face"


    "Heh, won''t happen since I''ll have to hold it open for you next"


    She lightly chuckles while saying that and heads into the room first, sometimes I think this woman may be a little tomboyish. I say a little though, how many tomboys like to force their unofficial partner into wearing loads of dumb dresses and outfits? I found her response humorous and understood what she meant behind it anyway.


    We all end up entering the door ande across another dark, damp and dingy basement room, this time the room is a lotrger than the rest and has a man sitting cross-legged in the centre of it.


    I''ve already got a good idea who this guy is, he''s got to be the dungeon master. I wonder if he''s as high levelled as that vampire dungeon master, he definitely has an odd aura about him but unsure if it''s strength or not.


    ''Status''


    [<Status screen does not work against chosen target>]


    ''Huh? Why is it not working?''


    [<Aesa is unsure>]


    This is different from scanning a phoenix, his status screen won''t even partiallye up, no migraine as well. Just who the hell is he to stop his stats being shown?


    Before I have the chance to speak to Petra on why the status isn''t working against the guy sitting, he stands up and walks over to us.


    "Ho-ho-ho, looks like some very modr fellows have joined me in this cosy pit, I''lle wee you in an tad"


    Modr? That makes no sense, this guy speaks weird as well, he even sounds like a jester or something. I know that Penelope person said this guy is crazy but I didn''t think he''d sound it as well.


    "Are you the dungeon master of this ce?"


    He gets up off the floor while I ask him a question and walks over to us.


    Now that he''s gotten closer, I can finally see his appearance in this darkish ce. He has long ck hair, ck eyes and looks like he hasn''t slept in years. In all honestly, he might even be a she but it''s really difficult to tell, this person looks half dead, reason I''m thinking male is down to the chest being as t as a board. Oh, Miss Penelope also did say he''s a he as well.


    "I am known as the immortal God Lyssa and you lucky creatures have stumbled into my y pit, please do mind the furniture and my wife, she''s sitting upside down behind you, Ah, mind the smell as well, had roses for breakfast"


    Well... this dungeon master is batshit crazy, this is going to be an odd experience then. Keep in mind, there is literally nothing in this cobbled room except us and him, I even look behind us when he finishes and yeah, nothing. Unsure if this guy is dangerous or not right now.


    "Erm... great and wise one... wee to this here dungeon to try andplete it. Would you be willing to help us out?"


    Okay, Petra''s on the spot thinking at times works brilliantly, maybe her acting voice could a bit more convincing but this guy seems to bepping it up. If this guys the dungeon master, could he justplete us before we even have to do the dungeon? Wherever that may be, there really doesn''t look to be anything like that in this room.


    "Ho-ho-ho, such an insignificant task would be mind-numbingly boring for me to achieve, there at least needs to be some challenge for you little ants to do"


    There is a question that still remains and still hasn''t been answered, where is the dungeon? This room has nothing inside it other than this guy here, does it need to be created or something?


    "Excuse me God Lyssa, where is your dungeon anyway?"


    (Nathan) "Yeah, we''re a little confused"


    Priestess asks before I get the chance, I''m guessing she sees him as male as well then. I guess him calling himself a God is a good indicator, it would be Goddess if he was female thinking about it.


    "Oh, your mortal insignificant eyes cannot bear witness currently to what this ce eats, allow me to staple them with beauty ho-ho-ho"


    After the madman chuckles, he snaps his fingers and everything in the room changes in an instant, we now appear to be in a different world where everything looks distorted. Floating inds, upside down buildings, it''s almost as if thend has no fundamentalws like gravity. The sky looks red in some ces as well, blue in others and even green.


    There''s no more detailed description I can give of this ce, it almost looks like some artists failed painting, some aspects like the sideways stairs are in some points of view, others like floating heads, it''s honestly a little overwhelming to my senses.


    Hang on, is that a table of dogs ying poker floating past or am I imagining it? This ce is giving me an actual migraine now, all our party seem to be in agreement, even Petra looks to be getting a headache from all this as well.


    (Ikarus) "What the hell is this ce?"


    (Petra) "We mean you no harm powerful one, this ce is not meant for mortal eyes or senses"


    (Nathan) "Urgh, I feel a little sick"


    "My Lord tells me this ce is metaphorically cursed, whatever that means"


    He looks a little offended from our words but very quickly changes his look, at least this mad guy can understand why this ce might be a little much for us.


    "Have you mortals never visited the feasting realm? The cheese here is to die for! But if you''re having this reaction, it might be better to enter into a less beautiful world"


    He snaps his fingers once again and we arrive at what appears to be a peaceful flowery meadow, that''s a very big difference from that overly confusing ce we just came from. Sensory overload is now fading thankfully enough.


    I guess this is how the mages in this guild train then, this ce is almost like a virtual reality simtor and this guy probably brings the training mages into dangerous situations. Is it real though? No, we''re inside a dungeon so it shouldn''t be, right?


    [<...>]


    Even Aesa can''t give me an answer right now, this is beyond confusing. This isn''t a thought for now though.


    "Since you mortals want to receive my blessing, I''d normally give you an easy task destroying a world or something simr..."


    Easy task? This guy isn''t even sarcastic, that''s an easy task for him? Okay, he either is a God or is even crazier than first thought, everyone in our party is purposely trying to watch what we say around him otherwise things might fuck up even further.


    "... Today I''m feeling happy as a mule though! I''ll just give you a few questions, then bless you if your answers tickle my fancy!"


    Oh God, it''s going to be riddles from a madman, what have we done to deserve this?


    "First question! Make sure you sure you answer truthfully, I''ll know if you''re lying..."

 Chapter 67 – Madness

    Chapter 67 ¨C Madness


    "So then, the first question shall be... what has three legs, can blow a whistle and likes to party? Oh, it also likes sleep on its head!"


    Huh? What type of question is that? I''ve never been good with riddles but that doesn''t even sound like a thing. Yeah, this guy is mad.


    ...


    None of us four can give an answer, that pretty much sums it up, even Petra with her vast amounts of knowledge and wisdom doesm''t have a clue. The guy very quickly realizes that the way he''s going about things isn''t going to work.


    "No guesses? Maybe I should think of something else then"


    The madman puts his finger to his face, takes a minute to think, then gives a smile as he thinks of something else.


    "Oh, I''ve got one! What has one eye, provides endless amount of entertainment and begins the cycle of life?"


    Urgh, damn it, I think I know what he''s talking about. Maybe I''m just dirty minded there''s only one thing I can think of, it can''t be that though, right? That type of eye I''m thinking about was definitely a ng word for something rude.


    ...


    No one else gives an answer to the questioning madman so it looks like it''s my time to shine, he didn''t actually say the answer has to be correct so I kinda doubt this is right.


    "Is it... the third leg males have?"


    Immediately, two looks of disappointmente from the two you''d expect, argeughing soundes from the madman and Petra just looks to have a slight look of confusion.


    "HH-HO-HO! I like your answerss, it''s wrong but it''s funny"


    (Petra) "Ikarus, why would you think it''s that from what he just asked?"


    "Well... back where I came from... there was ng term, that describes a certain part of the third leg. It''s referred to as a type of eye"


    I''m kinda digging myself a grave here, it is a thing though! I don''t want to say it since it''s rude, really have no idea what else it could be. This isn''t even me being childish like usual, it''s a thing!


    Getting two looks of disappointment from those two does irritate me though, if they knew better, than give an answer! There''s nothing stopping you!


    "If you''d like my answer, I''d say some type of dungeon boss? Maybe a type of God?"


    At least Petra is willing to give it a go, this guy didn''t say anything about dying if we failed so we should be safe... probably. I obviously need to treat this guy as a huge threat since I have no idea if he''s powerful or not, Petra does seem to be following the same type of thinking.


    "Well that''s also incorrect... the correct answer was the cyclops''s mother but seeing that you tickled me, I''ll move onto the second question..."


    Urgh, these riddles are going to be shit if answers like this areing out, we haven''t evene across a cyclops... yet. Knowing our luck, we probably wille across one someday. Trying tomunicate with this guy is frustrating.


    "... Soooo... What flies but never falls nor has wings?"


    Before I even have the chance to think on it, Petra seems to have an answer. With her endless amount of knowledge, it''s to be expected.


    "Time"


    He takes a second to think on the answer Petra gave but it didn''t seem like that was the thing he was looking for.


    "I mean, you''re not wrongss, tis a very boring answer but what I was looking for was a g of a painted chicken"


    Sighhh... this guy''s mind ispletely out of whack, hopefully thisst question makes a little more sense. All four of us are starting to look a little drained dealing with this guy. If he gives us apleted dungeon, then we can put up with it but things are never that easy.


    "Thest one is very simple; you''ll definitely get this without needing to think ho-ho-ho... What bleeds, tastes divine and is currently making me hungry?..."


    Unfortunately, he doesn''t even give us time to answer and answers himself.


    "... Bird flesh"


    Once he says that in a sinister tone, Petra unsheathes her sword and swings for the man''s head. I don''t even need to question her and take my de out also, it''s clear this guy was just threating us.


    Unfortunately, Petra''s de finds thin air as he has somehow made his way across the meadow in the blink of an eye. It''s just about now that priestess and the knight have realized what''s going on and get their weapons out also.


    (Charlotte) "Summon"


    "Ho-ho-ho, you two are more perceptive than youe across! You do seem a little sensitive to being called birds though. I really mean you no harm!"


    I very much doubt both the priestess and the knight will learn that Petra is a phoenix just from that but he still needs to shut it.


    (Petra) "If that''s true, then why threaten us?"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah, you know exactly what you were doing"


    (Charlotte) "We''ll back you two up!"


    (Nathan) "We''re right behind you"


    The madmen flicks his fingers before responding, the dungeon turns back into the basement and torches light up around the outside of the room, at the very least we can now see a lot more in this damp basement but the meadow would''ve been better.


    "Does one need a reason for having fun? Seeing that you''ve drawn your matchsticks against me, how about we enjoy a little tussle?"


    None of us respond to the madman, Petra does have words for me though.


    "Ikarus, use everything at your disposal here"


    Before we even have the chance to respond, the madman is talking to us once again, we''ve entered a really terrible situation here.


    "Ho-ho-ho... none of that will work inside heress, we''re in my own created dungeon. If I really wanted to, I could turn you all inside out. Could even turn you into a cheese-coloured frog if I so pleased"


    Do dungeon masters have that much power or have we actuallye across a God? Damn it, not the time to think on such a thing, it''s time to try and survive, this guy was probably testing us from the beginning.


    Petra charges forward at the guy first with de in hand and once she closes up the distance, swings for his head once again but her de stops on literally nothing.


    I follow her up with my vampiric dagger in hand and try to spray my fire at him as well, the fire bounces off thin air and my swing with my dagger does the exact same thing.


    The priestess shoots herser beam from her sword and like with us, it hits an invisible barrier surrounding the madman.


    The knight stops in his tracks from shing at the madman as well, he just witnessed all three of us fail so there''s no point in him following us up.


    "Ho-ho-ho, dungeons barriers are a work of art, are thou not? Try using something with a little more spice and it might tickle me!"


    Petra is looking deadly serious right now; we''vee across a foe who cannot be defeated by normal means. She has now decided to take a different type of action.


    "Ikarus, follow me up if this doesn''t work"


    This situation still doesn''t makeplete sense, is he just trying to test us or are we actually supposed to kill him? It matters little anyway; we''re still going to try.


    Petra charges at him once again with a very simr looking type of attack. However, this hit goes straight through the invisible barrier and makes contact with his neck... but doesn''t cut through, almost as if his neck is made of steel.


    "Hmmmm... It''s quite a good thing I''m immortal inside here otherwise that would''ve gotten my head, those giants do know how to make a strong vour, don''t they?"


    Wait, Petra just used aspect of gigantomachy and this guy just brushed it off like that? I guess it did destroy his barrier after all, mine might be able to finish him off.


    Petra then jumps back once again and has words for me, I was going to follow her up with my attack next but looks like she wants to take a different approach now.


    "Ikarus, cover me while I charge up you kno-"


    "No you don''t"


    Before she even has the chance to finish what she was saying, the madman appears instantly to the side of her and ces his hand on her head. Then Petra copses on the floor.


    (Ikarus) "Petra!"


    "Petra-sama!"


    (Nathan) "You bastard!"


    Petra looks to be breathing thankfully enough but she''s out cold, what the hell did he do to her and how did he just do that?


    Then he follows it up by near on teleporting to the priestess and does the exact same type of thing cing his hand on her head, his speed is unmatched so she also has no chance to react.


    "Lotte!"


    "Damn it!"


    I didn''t think it would lead to this so fuck it, I''m bringing this guy down now by any and all means. It''s time for thest resort.


    ''Aesa, activate it''


    [<Confirmed, -aspect of gigantomachy- is now activated>]


    This is really the only thing I can use down here that might get him, the ze sun ability would end up killing both the other two since they aren''t resistant to it and there isn''t all that much room down here.


    "To think, you both have the same love of giants. Like the best of friends!"


    Wait, he sensed I activated it, who the fuck is this guy?


    Before I even have the chance to try and hit an attack on him, he''s now moved once again.


    The knight tries to swing his de towards the teleporting man but the madman just easily avoids him by going behind Nathan. Then he ces his hand on the back of the knight''s head and he also passes out.


    It''s now just us two alone, the madman doesn''t seem to want to attack me though despite me rushing over to him and while I''m about to swing my dagger at him.


    "What the hell have you done to them!?!"


    Just as I''m about tond my attack, he snaps his fingers and everything in the room goes pure ck, it''s almost as if we''re in the void now. I can''t see anyone, even the mad guy as well.


    This ce is darker than the darkest of nights, I can''t even see my own hand it''s that ck. It almost doesn''t seem like it''s real, it doesn''t even feel like there''s ground I''m standing on either.


    "Huh? Where''s everyone gone?"


    <Do not worry young phoenix! All your little friends are currently inside this ce alongside you in spirit, it''s just much easier this way>


    The madmen''s voice responds inside my brain like with my parent''s telepathy talk, only more intense and strong sounding.


    "What the fuck do you want from us? Why have you done this?"


    <Ho-ho-ho, you really do not need to confuse yourself so much! Things will one day be clear and when that dayes, you''ll thank me for the advice you shall receive...>


    I try to respond but find words cannote out this time, it''s almost as if my lips have been stitched together. Just how much control does this guy have in this dungeon?


    <... Just know fourth phoenix, all prophecies can be interpreted in many hrious ways, the Gods in particr believe it to be something different, they''d love for me to destroy and eat your flesh right about now as well...>


    What is he on about? The Gods want me dead? It can''t be all of them, right? Priestess''s seems to be alright, he''s even helping us. Unless it''s all a lie andpleting ten dungeons will actually kill me but Petra would''ve already done loads so that can''t be right.


    <... Fortunately, I''m a little more straightced then those barbarians, allow me to give you some advice... Kill them all, aim to destroy every single God and your journey will be full of happiness and joy!...>


    ''What the actual fuck is he going on about?''


    <... Now that our natter has finished, I give you my blessing and wish to give you a farewell! Unfortunately, I''ve outstayed my wee now, speaking to a phoenix has guaranteed my death after all!>


    After he says that, it sounds like he snaps his fingers once again inside my brain and all of a sudden, all four of us are on the floor back in that basement, everyone is also now conscience. Just what the hell was that about?


    "Anyone any idea what just happened there? Did you three hear that as well?"


    (Petra) "Sorry Ikarus, no. Has he gone?"


    (Charlotte) "We were still unconscious through that"


    (Nathan) "Yeah"


    So the guy gives me that strange advice, then t out just leaves us and that''s it? To recap quickly, I''ve got to aim to kill the Gods? I know taking advice from a madman is a terrible idea but still, this feels like something very bad ising. Hopefully not for a long time, we''ve still got to sort the empire out first.


    "What did he say to you anyway Ikarus?"


    All three of the party members have gotten up off the floor now, Petra is holding her head while asking me that as well, obviously being knocked out by however he did that makes your head spin a little.


    "*Sighhh*, no idea really, just a giant mess of things, he knew about us and the other two though, something about killing Gods as well but most of it was just odd"


    "..."


    He must have known seeing that he said fourth phoenix, things are now getting even weirder. Despite Petra''s silence, she does seem to understand what I meant by that.


    I''ll tell her in more detail another time but I doubt even she will be able to make sense of what he just said, this is just going to be another one of those things that makes no sense to overly think about right now.


    (Charlotte) "Shall we leave this ce then?"


    (Nathan) "It does smell a bit"


    Those two are right, we should probably start to make our way out of here, we are still technically in a dungeon despite it being a basement.


    For some reason, Aesa hasn''t given me a reward or anything like that, he did say he would give me his blessing so why hasn''t an ability or somethinge up?


    ''Aesa, is this ceplete or not?''


    [<Affirmative, this dungeon is nowplete and dungeon master appears to have given up ownership. Unaware if he is deceased or not>]


    She seems pretty sure on it, I guess this time around, the blessing is the reward? Whatever that does, Aesa would''ve told me if she could feel it''s effect but clearly, she can''t.


    As we''re leaving that dungeon, I have a question that I feel like Petra will be able to answer. I think I already know the answer but I need her confirmation.


    "Petra... why didn''t status work on him?"


    "That madman seemed to be an actual fallen God Ikarus, it must not work on their kind. Not sure why it''s like that but that''s the only thing I can think of"


    So I was right, he clearly was an actual God, not just a rambling madman. Him using telepathy made me think he was a dragon for a second but I should''ve been able to see his status if he was, what a weird thing that just happened.


    "Then why the hell was a God managing a dungeon?"


    "..."


    "That was a confusing encounter"


    "Even my Lord has no idea on who Lyssa is"


    Then a slight memoryes to mind, wasn''t Lyssa a God of madness? Or was it something simr? If true, that encounter does start to make a little more sense...

 Chapter 68 – Breakup

    Chapter 68 ¨C Breakup


    "So... onto the next one then, it would make more sense to head to the one near the meadow since it''s now the closest dungeon to us"


    "Agreed Ikarus-sama"


    "Yeah, let''s head there next"


    "..."


    After pleting'' thatst dungeon if you can even call it that, we had words with the guildmaster on what went down and it went surprisingly well seeing that they have lost a training dungeon. The reaction was of a little annoyance but Miss Penelope basically just said that now the mages in the tower have an actual reason to step outside once again, clearly she can see the positives in the whole situation.


    She was also really apologetic on the fact he attacked us as well, did have the feeling once or twice that maybe this guildmaster knew about what would happen but seriously doubt it now. She doesn''t seem to know me and Petra are phoenixes as well so that doesn''t really add up that much, she let us into their dungeon and unfortunately, we just came across a madman who seemed of his rocker today.


    Still notpletely sure what that was all about, that God was mad after all but still, all stuff like this ever does is leaves me with more questions than answers. Maybe one day I''ll understand what''s happening, maybe not.


    Everyone is back on my back and we''re flying through the skies like with the usual. It seems like Petra has something important to say though.


    "It might be best if we split the party up... permanently now"


    Huh? She wants to split the party up? Where''s thise from?


    "Wait Petra-sama, what''s going on?"


    "Yeah, why do we need to split up?"


    Of course those two are a little shocked, there''s got to be reason why she said permanently though. Wait, I think I have an idea now...


    "Me and Ikarus have things to do elsewhere. Since we''re heading to the capital, it would save us a load of time instead of having toe back on fourth to pick you up"


    If I think heavily about this, this might be about Jekyll, why else would she just randomly bring this up? Has she received a message from him already or something? I''ll have to ask once we''re alone again, she is also right about saving time as well. Once weplete the remaining two, thest one being in the desert, it would end up being a pointlessly long trip if we''d have to drop these two back before we start acting on our n. The bastard is in the east part of the human continent apparently, we could head there straight afterpleting the mesa dungeon.


    "What about protecting Ikarus-sama?"


    "Yeah, you two alone might be too risky"


    They''ve got a point but of course, Petra''s debating skills triumph all.


    "We''d be picking up the other two we told you about toplete the next two dungeons with us"


    Oh great, we''re getting Zeki and Ariza once again? I guess at least with those two, we can start talking about our ''kill the royals'' n in person but is this a little too soon?


    No, ns will need to be made as we can''t always being stepping on tiptoes around these two. The second I''m cured, the royals must die, that''s how this is going to go. It''s obviously not as simple as just that but this is how things need to go.


    The party shouldn''t be splitting up permanently though... well, that kinda depends. In order to do what we need to; we do need to split the party up. There won''t be any need for us to travel afterwards so what do I do after? Forget it, this isn''t worth thinking about right now.


    "Petra is right you two, it probably is time to split up"


    ...


    I''m starting to think these two have loved being a part of our journey, their faces must look terrible right now. They did know that one day we would be splitting up, they are only employed to help me out after all. The priestess is a bit different since she''s kinda self-employed to the empire, the knight however would obviously need to go back and serve under the prince.


    It''s either that or they end up dead by our hands, I''d rather not have to do that but that''s a conversation that needs to be spoken about with Petra when we''re alone.


    "It''s been really fun travelling with you Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama"


    "Yeah, it''s been a pleasure"


    Damn, they do be sounding a little depressed as well, they are acting like we''re minutes away from the capital though.


    "We haven''t split up yet, you two numpties! We''ve still got a good week ahead of us before we get back to the capital"


    At least I can lighten their moods a little, it sounds like they might need it...


    __________


    At one of scheduled rest stops back towards the capital, words now must be spoken with Petra. I need some more information.


    "Petra, what''s going on?"


    We both left the sleeping two in the camp and have gone a little distance away; it is long past midnight now. Even then, it still makes sense to talk quietly and whisper just in case they do hear us. In my bird form right now, made no sense to change.


    "It''s about you know who Ikarus. Even if he can find the bastard, convincing him is a whole different idea. Once we get back to the capital, expect a message waiting saying he can''t be convinced knowing him"


    So it is partially about Jekyll, this bastard guy is really going to prove an issue. Still, if he can be convinced and is powerful as well as intelligent enough to run the capital, then we need to do it.


    "Just tell me how high to jump and I''ll do it then Petra"


    "Heh, you don''t have to agree to everything I say Ikarus"


    The thing is, her ns and actions are pretty much spot on, it makes sense to just follow her along.


    "I know but you are a hell of a lot more intelligent than me, makes sense that you take the lead since I''m dum-"


    She cuts me off from my response there, I am stupid though, everyone knows it.


    "Please stop it Ikarus, stop putting yourself down all the time. Maybe you might be a little na?ve but I''ve met hundreds of people who are full on ignorant and really stupid. You are not stupid..."


    I know she''s just trying to be nice but still, tant lies still won''t make me feel better about it. I have clearly improved, of course but I''m still the dumb bird-brained fool I always was, just now I refuse to allow people to take me for a na?ve fool. Maybe I have gotten a little better but I''m still dumb, alright?


    "... I''m not going to be able to convince you, am I?"


    "Heh, you''re right about that"


    Okay, I just copied her trademarkugh then,pletely unintentional there. Oh well, I like Petra so that''s perfectly fine.


    ...


    Oh great, an ufortable silence, why can''t I just ept praise from the best waifu around? At the very least, there are more questions I need the answer for.


    "Well anyway... what about those two though? What do we do about them?"


    Petra can very quickly give me an answer to my worry though.


    "We don''t need to worry about them, they shouldn''t need to get involved in this"


    There is something else I''m questioning; wouldn''t it look suspicious on our end if those two get sent away? From the prince and mage''s perspective I mean, it would look a bit weird if they just rocked back up to the capital with only us two doing the dungeon searching in their eyes.


    "So we don''t have to kill them or anything? What if the prince gets suspicious?"


    "There should be no need. If we do things quick, clean and silent, then our involvement won''t be known about. As for sending them away, the prince is too arrogant to be worried about such thoughts, he''ll probably see it as somethingpletely else. Of course, I''m only assuming after all, it''s still a possibility"


    Oh, I had a feeling Petra''s n was going to be like that, it really is going to be like a secretive assassination. I''d say that''s cool as fuck if we didn''t have to try and get four people killed as quick as possible as well as getting the sessor for when shit hits the fan afterwards.


    I''m still notpletely convinced that sending them straight back to the capital is a good idea, even she doesn''t sound that confident about it. I do have a slight idea though.


    "What if we ask them to take a break and not speak to the prince for a while? I''m still worried that the prince might get suspicious even if he''s arrogant, we are sending both their puppets away after all"


    Really don''t like to call them puppets but it does fit the situation here. As for Petra''s response, she seems to be thinking pretty heavily on what I just said, I guess even she hasn''t gotten every part of the n set in stone.


    "Huh... that might work, get the feeling they might be easily convinced on that as well"


    She looks like she''s got an idea now, at least that''s somewhat sorted. Wait, there''s something I''ve only just realized, the main reason we''re trying to get this bastard fellow in charge.


    "Hang on a second, is that why we''re getting this bastard guy? To take the fall after we do what''s needed?"


    I''ve literally only just realized that. If we assassinate those in power, then you''d think the older legitimate prince could take the me and on the outside to the public, it''ll look like a family dispute for power. Would the citizens of the empire support it though?


    Actually, I could see that part being pretty easily, all he''d need to do is stop mandatory drafts for the military and knights and that would gain a hell of a load of support right there alone, ending the war with the rebels would also help. Look at this bird knowing a little about politics, that''s basically about it though.


    "Something like that, it''ll be seen as the true royaling to take back his legitimate seat... only hope he can be convinced on such a thing"


    She sounded a little unsure while finishing that up, let''s be optimistic though!


    Before we head back, there is something I want to do, something I feel like I''ve missed since we have been flying for quite the while now. I quickly change form and while the smoke is still all around us, I take a seat somewherefortable.


    "Ikarus, what are yo-"


    "You are right,ps are prettyfortable ya know"


    This time around, it''s my turn to sit on Petra''sp, she was sitting down cross-legged throughout all of that after all. I feel like I haven''t had some rxed time with her for a while, thought this would be a nice way of doing it. It also might ease any tensions a bit, we do have an empire to potentially destroy or fix after all.


    If the roles were reversed now, I reckon I''d be fine under her, why do I say things like that? Sighhh...


    "Heh, then at least allow me to get closer"


    Then she does something else, she wraps her arms around my belly. In all honesty, hugging is pretty good, don''t mind this at all. I''m on herp, and she''s giving me a hug, kinda a little odd but that''s how we do things around here.


    We''ll just stay here for a little bit longer before heading back...


    __________


    "Bye Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama!"


    "Yeah, see you then!"


    Over on the trip to the capital, we suggested they both take a leave of absence in helping us for the dungeon search, Petra came up with some reason basically saying we wanted to spend some quality alone time for a while and didn''t want to be disturbed by the empire when we did start to go back on the dungeon search. There was a little more to it than just that but it worked well enough.


    You''d think that maybe they would''ve maybe questioned a little more but it was almost instantly they agreed to it, it''s almost as if those two want to spend some quality time themselves together as well...


    I mock but it''s probably true, the knight is supposed to be tremendously loyal to his empire but then again, he''s more than happy to bunk off from his duties and spend some couple''s time alone. Ah, the ships do be sailing.


    They could both be lying but they seemed genuine, maybe having another long break from everything that''s gone on as well is a good idea for those two. Next time we meet back up, I bet they might even be able to hug each other! I still shouldn''t mock, I''m slow as hell with Petra, it''s a good thing she''s so patient with me.


    "Byeee!"


    "..."


    I give a slight wave while responding and those two walk away out of sight from us, the centre of the capital market is pretty crowded after all. I do hope they have a good time together.


    Once everything is sorted, we''ll definitely contact these two again someday, the issue for now is we''re about to do some things that they will definitely disagree on. We will kill those bastards in power...


    "So what do we do know? We''re obviously got to pick up those two from the cave but what right now? Oh, and are we still doing the meadow dungeon?"


    "Need to check for a message from you know who, then yeah, that sounds like a n"


    Petra then starts to walk off heading towards wherever her message might be sent to, I''m not letting her get away that easily though.


    "Oi, get back here!"


    "Heh, okay"


    I of course want to hold hands while we''re walking, might as well seeing that I want to and she won''t ever say no.


    After a little walk together in the streets of the capital, we find ourselves back in the red-light district we''ve visited so many times already, I''m guessing Petra''s message from Jekyll would''ve been sent to this bar, odd ce to receive a message but I guess it''s secretive enough.


    We both enter the bar and quickly head up to the barmaid tending the counter, it''s a little crowded in here today but not as bad as it can be usually.


    "What can I do for you two?"


    The woman has a sly smile towards us, it''s clear she has a thought about us two still holding hands. It''s just a sly one so there''s no point calling her out on it, at least a sly smile is better than a face of disgust or something simr, the church don''t like same sex rtionships after all.


    "Should be a note waiting for me, should be addressed to a Miss Bat"


    Miss Bat? Is that a fake name Petra using? Why do I also feel like that''s her referencing our first meeting?...


    Before the barmaid walks off to check, might as well order something, we are in a bar after all.


    "Two whiskeys as well please"


    We''ve got very simr tastes in alcohol; we can share a drink together while we''re here.


    The barmaid pours us two drinks and passes Petra a sealed envelope, it''s honestly a bit weird a bar is willing to ept messages but this ce is in the red-light district after all, they probably have some shady behind the scenes business going on as well.


    We then get a table and take a seat after paying, I''m enjoying my whiskey and Petra is also sipping hers while reading the note. Thinking about it, I should''ve gotten her something else, whiskey isn''t really her favourite but she''ll still drink anything though.


    Now that Petra has finished reading the sent message, she''ll give me a quick a recap on what was sent.


    "That was a little different to how I called it. It turns out, he can''t even get to the bastard in the first ce"


    She sounded a little stressed while saying that, this is potentially going to be a problem now.


    "What does that mean anyway?"


    "It means there''s an entire beachfront size of a small country of pirates in the way of actually getting to speak with him. Had a feeling the bastard would''ve cleared them by now but knowing him, he''s probably just toying with his prey"


    The more and more I hear of this guy, the more curious I''m getting. After we get these next two dungeonsplete, we''re definitely going to meet him as fast as possible.


    We spend a little while chatting about some other things said in the note and now that we''ve both finished our drinks, it makes sense to leave.


    "You finished now Ikarus?"


    "Yeah, let''s head off"


    There''s some things I need to do before we fly off, haven''t stocked up on stuff like cake in a while and some other bits, we are in the capital after all and shopping is a plenty here. Luckily my parents'' money fund is still very much full, what made it run out quicklyst time was buying loads of potions, only need to buy magicka ones now since the other two fountains have kept my stock permanently high. Should have some magic ones spare so I can avoid buying them as well.


    Then, it''ll be time to go and get Zeki and Ariza, hopefully we can withstandpleting two more dungeons with them...

 Chapter 69 – Toxic

    Chapter 69 ¨C Toxic


    ---2 things that need a quick update---


    First is that I''ve updated and added some more faces to the AI art glossary (Even included some absurd looking human forms for 2 specific dragons so you''ll definitely want a look :). I''ve also changed the art style for pretty much every human/human form and made it more anime looking, it allows me to add more noticeable features and hopefully you prefer it as well.


    Second being there should be another poll at the bottom of this page, this one is kinda important to the future of this story and I need as many opinions on this as possible (Basically ites down to if you want ''18+ ONLY'' side chapters, I''m still undecided on such a thing, your opinions would really help me decide).


    __________


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 97]


    [Health 29,464*/30,000*]


    [Stamina 9,718*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 20,000*/20,000*]


    [You currently have 8500 unassigned points]


    On the journey over to the phoenix cave, I couldn''t help but have a little think on what to do with my stats. In all honesty, I''m surprised I didn''t invest the rest in gambling or in that fight with that mad God, it still wouldn''t have been winnable even with more stats though.


    Oh, that reminds me of something. Turns out, you can''t cancel an ability so the next enemy I came across, aspect of gigantomachy was still applied. That was a bloody surprise none of us or that wolf expected, do love this ability but damn, it really can be surprising having a wolf explode in your face so unexpectedly. I''m sure I even heard a slightugh from Aesa, she clearly knew about it and ''forgot'' to warn me, I swear my AI is gaining even more sentience now.


    The thing is, it would make more sense to put my points into something then just rely on gambling, I will definitely be buying more abilities when the prince and mage both die so I''ll have a load of EXP to spend then.


    ''What do I spend it on though?''


    "What you thinking so heavily on Ikarus?"


    Of course, Petra can even tell when I''m stuck on something even while riding me. I really shouldn''t say it like that but it is technically true, I do tend to check my status a lot while flying though. Wait, would it even count as riding if... forget it, dirty thoughts begone!


    Should I tell her or not? I''m starting to realize I rely on her opinion way too much now; it doesn''t help that she always gives such good advice. Ah screw it, it''s fine to rely on Petra, hopefully one day the roles can be reversed as well.


    "Stat points, I want to spend a good amount of them but unsure what to focus on"


    Petra takes a second to think, I''ve exined all the ins and outs of everything in my system more than once and she already knows how it all works.


    "If I''m being honest, I''d probably ignore stamina since it seems a little pointless having extreme amounts of it when we sleep most nights anyway"


    I haven''t tried it yet but could probably go a week without sleeping now with no issue, of course flying longer distances is great for stamina but it''s still doesn''t use a huge amount, ten thousand is more than enough. The thing that seems to drain stamina the most is excessive alcohol consumption believe it or not. Oh, extreme stress does as well.


    "So health or magicka then?"


    She takes another second to think, then gives me an answer I didn''t want.


    "Invest more in health, it''ll allow me to keep protecting you without having to worry if someone gets a hit on your adorable face"


    ...


    "I''m going for magicka then"


    "Heh, fair enough"


    Just cause she decided to turn that into a tease, I''m going against her advice. Sure, I do love being protected by her but damn it, that was uncalled for there!


    ''Aesa, five thousand into magicka''


    [<Confirmed, magicka is now at 30000>]


    Can never forget it gets doubled, at least until it hits max stats. I''ll save thest three and a half thousand for when it''s needed or just before wemence our attack on the empire, have a feeling EXP is going to becking for a while now. No idea why though.


    Let''s double time it to the cave...


    __________


    "Zeki, they''re back!"


    "The lovebirds are back!?"


    ''We''ve just stepped in the freaking house and he''s already started, sighhh''


    Me and Petra have just arrived back at the phoenix apartment hideout, I can still never get over how modern and great this ce looks. There is an odd smell lingering right now though, smells like home cooking or something simr, not bad but definitely not good either.


    Both the other two phoenixes are currently sitting on the couch eating dinner with a te on theirps, I guess that''s the reason why they didn''t greet us at the door this time. Oh, and the smell, think they''re eating cooked goat but notpletely sure, it does look a little burnt though.


    Of course, the red haired Zeki''s personality is still going to be shit while the somewhat shy blue haired Ariza is easy enough to deal with. With Zeki, it doesn''t even seem to be teasing, just more him being an obnoxious dick.


    "You two been up to anything or is Zeki just going to keep slinging shit like the usual?"


    Might as well make small talk while insulting Mr obnoxious as well, they are eating dinner right now, we can''t head to the next dungeon obviously till they''re finished. It is making me a little hungry though, could share a cake with Petra but I''d have to share it with Zeki as well, I''d rather starve thinking about it.


    "Don''t be like that orangey. If it wasn''t for me, you two and your rtionship would''ve developed at a snail''s pace..."


    Huh? How does he even know that it''s developed? He must be assuming, Petra hasn''t sent any messages or visited since we were herest here, he''s just talking shit like usual even if he does have a slight point.


    "... And yeah actually, there is some news... brother has a boyfriend!"


    Immediately after Zeki says that, Ariza''s fist finds his nose, hard. That looks like it hurt it a fair bit.


    "He''s not my fucking boyfriend! How many times do I have to tell you this?"


    "You didn''t have to hit me! Stupid, blue haired, bastard bird!"


    Damn it, looks like we''re going to have to babysit these two once again. I swear they must''ve been reincarnated as whiny teenagers going through puberty or something, both of them have even dropped their food all over the floor down to their little spat. What a waste of some good meat, even if it was a bit charcoaled.


    Petra also can''t help facepalming from those two and their bickering, she definitely has experienced this more than once, she''s even started to pick up their food off the floor while speaking.


    (Petra) "*Sigh*, we''ve literally only just gotten back and you two are already doing something stupid... Ariza, what is Zeki talking about?"


    Zeki is now pouting and rubbing his nose from the punch he received, his nose looks a little red as well. Don''t be winding up your sibling and you won''t get punched, it''s that simple!


    "It all started when..."


    Then Ariza goes into a story about how she was hunting for food one day and came across a stray wyvern out in the bandit woods, they spoke for a while and it sounds like she''s made a friend with a flying rat like my father says. Sure, dragons and phoenixes are better but wyverns aren''t that bad, bit stupid but they still are somewhat useful, obviously not to me. Okay, to humans, wyverns are useful.


    By now, the food has been cleared up off the carpet and we''re all sitting down on the chairs, both Ariza and Zeki are on the single seats separated from each other though. They still are pissed at each other.


    "Ariza... Zeki didn''t give you anything funny tasting or something to smoke beforehand?"


    Huh? Does Petra think there''s something odd with that story?


    (Zeki) "What do you take me for older sis!? You know I hate sharing my opal leaves"


    (Ariza) "No Petra, I wasn''t intoxicated or anything like that. Why do you ask?"


    "The only wyvern that is able to speak is the wyvern king himself, never heard of any other that can also talk"


    Oh, that''s Petra''s issue with her story, I''m also yet toe across a talking wyvern so I guess that''s pretty unbelievable. An idea hase into my mind that might be an exnation for such a thing though.


    "Could that stray wyvern be rted to the king?"


    It seems my little question has gotten those three thinking, maybe it''s a bloodline thing where the strongest wyverns are able tomunicate?


    "Good thought Ikarus but there''s no point in giving it too much thought. As long as he doesn''t know where this cave is, everything should be fine"


    A face of regret immediately appears on Ariza''s face after Petra speaks, Zeki is about to rat on her...


    "Brother has already allowed him into the cave, had to make my own bleach to rid the stench that rat produced"


    (Ariza) "Damn it Zeki! Shut, the fuck up!"


    Turns out Zeki hates those flying rats too, I swear he might be an illegitimate child to my father hearing that. Wait, father does like to sleep around with other dragons...


    Ah forget it, no point specting on something like that, father shouldn''t have a secret other phoenix son, right? We have no idea on who is Zeki''s mother as well as his father so it''s aplete mystery, doubt there''s anything like DNA tests in this world so will just have to forget that.


    "Even then, this ce is still yours. If you want to invite people around, nothing was ever stopping you"


    Petra actually sounds a little happy about that, are these two seriously that antisocial-able? Yeah actually, they probably are. It did sound like she changed her tune very quickly though, I guess she''s not that protective of them but it''s not like they need protecting.


    (Zeki) "Wait, what do you by that older sis?"


    (Ariza) "This is your home as well though"


    Something Petra just said seems to have gotten those two concerned now, I''m unsure why.


    "This cave was already yours, you two have basically owned this ce for centuries already. It should''ve been obvious seeing how little I''m here"


    Both those two still seem to be thinking on what she just said, Zeki has very much gotten the wrong idea though.


    "Hold the hell on... I know what this is! You''re moving out and living with orangey, that''s what this whole thing is about!"


    Oh my God, this kid is unbearable, both me and Petra can''t help but facepalm in sync at what he just said.


    ''I already regret this...''


    __________


    In the end, we did manage to convince them easily enough toe join us in the next dungeon, Petra''s doesn''t actually need to bribe them, spending time with their older sister is an offer tempting enough apparently. That, or Zeki just wants to kill something and Ariza just fancies the fresh air, no idea on her.


    Also, it might be more tempting now since we''re not going to the desert this time around, flying over a meadow is a lot better than flying over a never ending desert.


    We''ve been flying for a good half a day now; the next dungeon is pretty close to the phoenix cave so this shouldn''t take that long though fortunately. However, while we were rxing eating dessert sitting down in the meadow together, Ariza''s has just seen something scary. It iste at night after all.


    "ARGHHH!!"


    (Ikarus) "Urgh, what''s up Ariza?"


    (Petra) "What''s wrong?"


    "Yeah brother, what the hell are you screaming at"


    All four of us are in human form right now, cake is always easier to eat using hands than wings after all. In the end, I did share some with Zeki, at least he shuts up when he''s got a mouthful of food. What the hell did Ariza scream at though?


    I also thought to give my actual human descent form ability a try, from the front I look like normal Ikarus, from the back it''s a feathery mess but obviously I can''t see it. My entire back and folded up wings are covered head to toe in feathers, even the back of my neck and tops of my legs are the same. The other two phoenixes haven''t even given this form a mention which is kinda odd, Petra does seem to keep giving me the odd look though, I think she likes this even more than the normal human form, she isn''t saying anything about it which is also surprising...


    It''s kinda weird that my enchanted dress fits this perfectly as well, there''s no way I could use this form in humannds though, the amount of looks this feathery freak would get would be mad. I guess I could join a freak show but I''m just thinking about something stupid, we were all rxing messing about till Ariza screamed right there.


    "There... I saw a head there!"


    Ariza points to one of the few trees that rarely litter this meadow, what does she mean she saw a head?


    We all get up to investigate while Ariza hides behind us three. Now that we''ve gotten closer to the tree, they only thing I can see is literally a tree trunk, there''s nothing here. The others can''t see anything as well.


    "Brother, if you''ve been smoking my shit, you''ll have to find or buy me some more"


    At least Zeki''s willing to say something even if it''s stupid, is she seeing stuff?


    "Shut it Zeki! I swear on my life, there was a face in that tree!"


    "*Sighhh*..."


    Petra immediately facepalms while sighing, she does like to facepalm a lot around these two but this time, it''s for apletely unexpected reason.


    "... Come out or I''ll burn every single tree near this valley, you''re irritating me now"


    "He-he-he... okay then"


    Then something disgusting appears from the tree itself, that damn green haired, half naked perverted dryad. Her name was Ria something if I remember her status, why the hell is she here?


    She pulls herself out from the tree like that horror movie where the woman pulls herself out of the TV, always disliked horrors but always remembered that one scene. This busty woman still doesn''t understand what decent clothing is it seems.


    (Ikarus) "What the hell are you doing here pervert?"


    "I do have a name, you know. I just came here to say hi, that''s all"


    No, she''s here to perve or stalk us, that must be the case. If she''s able to pull herself out of any tree, then we are fucked, she''s probably been watching us for a while. We''re not even in the elvennds right now as well, she must be able to do it even in areas not part of thends she protects. Fucking tree spirits...


    Of course, me and Petra are just annoyed from seeing this woman once again, Ariza still seems a little afraid and Zeki is just being his usual self.


    "How the hell did that cow climb out of that?"


    The first thing Zeki says to the dryad is that she''s a cow. I mean, she might as well be one, his rudeness is perfectly fine against her though.


    "Oi, you red haired little shit! Did you just call me a fucking cow?"


    Oh damn it, another person who can''t stand his bullshit, this is going to get feisty now, I want some popcorn.


    "Your body is hideous and disgusting dryad!"


    He already knows she''s a dryad? She did just climb out of a tree I suppose, I guess he knows about tree spirit myths then, could also be he''se across one before but probably not.


    "Hideous!? That''s a bit riching from a girl with a chest as t as an egg!"


    "Girl!? You might be even stupider than someone''s who had a lobotomy, dumb bitch!"


    They both look like they''re about to blow a fuse, maybe Zeki might be able to actually permanently kill the perverted dryad, only time can tell. I really want to see if he''s able to though.


    The thing is, I am missing something that''s going on though.


    "Bitch!? Ignorant wannabee little man"


    "You insufferable wench!"


    While those two are arguing, Petra can''t help but give me a nudge and wants to stop watching those two, she dislikes the dryad as much as me so I can''t understand why though.


    "Ikarus, let''s just leave"


    "Wait, why?"


    I feel like we might need to calm Zeki down after he kills her otherwise he might go on a never-ending rampage.


    "Those two may be fighting but if Zeki was seriously angry, he would''ve killed her at the start. He knows what he''s doing and so does that dryad"


    Wait, what does Petra mean they know what they''re doing? Am I being dense?


    "I''m seriously going to hurt you dryad!"


    "He-he-he, you have no chance girly!"


    Oh God, I know what''s going on now, Zeki just had a sly smile for a split second there and the dryad is now also smiling as well. Eww...


    We need to leave, right now!


    Us three quickly head back to where we were eating and unfortunately, something even worse hase up then just realizing how Zeki likes to try and attract partners. I can''t even feel disgusted right now, this is much worse!


    "Damn... all those fucking ants to hell!"


    We didn''t even leave for that long; ants have taken control of the cake that we left. I hate ants and that dryad...


    __________


    ---Just want to point out, this is chapter 69 and those two are definitely NOT doing anything sus. Definitely not...


    ''Author-kun starts to visibly sweat...''

 Chapter 70 – Dungeon Nine

    Chapter 70 ¨C Dungeon Nine


    ---Might be a slow week chapter wise, you''ll still get 5 but just the heads up---


    __________


    (Ikarus) "Looks like we''re here"


    (Petra) "¡­"


    (Zeki) "Look at that massive asscrack in the earth"


    (Ariza) "You''re such a child Zeki"


    (Zeki) "Bite me"


    (Ria) "Oh, is Ariza joining us next time?"


    (Zeki) "What? Of course not, you really can be stupid Ria"


    Wouldn''t you know it, we''ve taken the dryad to the next dungeon with us for some stupid reason, she already knew about the whole ''secret phoenix thing'' beforehand so that wasn''t an issue, no idea why we agreed to bring her along but screw it, she''s Zeki''s plus one so any annoyance she causes will be put on his shoulders. She also has been riding on Zeki''s back for the rest of this journey with Petra on mine and Ariza alone. Thankfully, they can keep it in their pants while flying otherwise that would''ve slowed us down a lot.


    None of sleptst night, all of the reasons were down to Zeki and Ria. Even after going the other side of the meadow, we could still hear them. It turns out, they both really get in the mood when aggressively fighting, I really wouldn''t care so much if it wasn''t so freaking loud! Why the hell did she have to show up now?


    I guess at least he gets that special ''mate with a dryad ability'', still a little curious on what it is but no chance I''m asking about it.


    All five of us are currently hovering over arge earthquake looking crack in the ground, there does appear to be a bridge and road built over it but it''s lucky that there are no caravans travelling on the road right now.


    Oh, can''t forget there''s two derelict guard towers nearby as well, pretty sure this is where the border of the empire used to be years ago before they expanded towards the city that mother destroyed. There really isn''t much of a border security force in the empire thinking about it, elves and beastmen could easily try to invade if they so pleased. Sure, this bridge seems to be one of the only ways on foot towards the main parts of the empire but still.


    "Zeki¡­ did you get an abilityst night or not?"


    Petra! Don''t be asking something like that! While we still hovering just before descending, she decides to ask something that personal. I''m interested to see if he''ll answer but still, best not to ask someone about their love life.


    "Ability? Oh, you mean that piece of shit the dryad gave me? It''s basically just a slight stamina buff"


    A stamina ability? Okay, I''m very happy none of us considered trying to win that then, it could''ve proved useful in the future for when I''m ready with Petra but still. That very clearly got him smacked by the dryad Ria up on his back though.


    "That''s not shit! That ability has been passed through generations of dryads and is one of the strongest for keeping someone fit, healthy and active! You''re just a dickhead!"


    "Try hitting me again cow and I''ll ''idently'' drop you"


    "He-he-he, try it girly"


    "Shut the fuck up you two!"


    I''ve got to stop them now otherwise they''re going to get feisty again. We''re about to enter another dungeon, those two need to pick their moment if they''re going to be like this. Pretty sure Petra facepalmed up on my back as well but not sure.


    We all slowly fly down into the huge earthquake crack with me leading the descent and find it''s deeper than any other dungeon opening we''ve evere across, surprised Zeki can shut his mouth right about now, we did just enter a crack after all.


    "Thinking about it, priestess would''ve been useful here"


    I''m thinking about her light magic, we could all use fire magic to see in this darkness but it''s slightly a waste of magicka and isn''t nearly as bright.


    "I''ll sort that out Ikarus"


    Petra pulls out a stick with a rag wrapped around the end of it, presumably an unlit torch from her storage ability and sets it alight, it helps a bit but it still is going to be pretty dark, it''s also odd that ck me lets off light but it''s magic so that''s the never-ending excuse.


    We must descend for a good few minutes beforeing close to the ground. Once down, both Petra and Ria get of us carrier phoenixes and we precede to head into a narrow looking cave entrance. Thankfully, we can still fit through the gap even as chubby birds.


    "We really are entering the ''bowels'' of the earth right about now"


    I knew Zeki wouldn''t be able to help himself, I know there''s so many rude jokes you can make right about now but that''s way too easy. Still did get a small smile out of me though, I''m am still a little childish even now.


    We walk through the narrow cave for a bit longer and then find it gets even narrower. It''s time for a forced form change otherwise we won''t fit.


    (Ikarus) "Well¡­ great, looks we can''t fit. You lot will have to change form as well"


    (Zeki) "Ah good, human form is always better than bird"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh"


    "¡­"


    (Ria) "I''m guessing you birds have to do this a lot?"


    No one gives the dryad an answer and the three of us quickly switch into human form. Once the smoke is gone, we continue onwards. I''m in my feathery human form right now, might as well use it seeing that there''s no need to hide it right now.


    While we''re walking, Mr obnoxious can''t help but notice something me and Petra are doing, we are walking alongside each other after all. Petra gave me a slight look after I changed form once again. Since she''s checking me out, it made sense to hold hands, at least I think she was checking me out.


    "Aww, you two must love hands or something"


    He is such a sarcastic dick; we''re not stopping just because he said something though. Dealing with his shit is easy enough when Petra''s alongside me, hand holding is pretty brilliant after all.


    It seems Ariza actually wants to defend us this time though, we don''t need it but anything to shut Zeki up.


    "You''re still teasing those two even now!? You understand the irony Zeki? You literally are bedding that dryad!"


    "We aren''t a thing though, she''s just a side bitch"


    Of course, a fist finds the back of his head there from the pervert dryad, he always deserves to be punched and smacked if he''sing out with stuff like that. I feel like he''s just ended up in a rtionship he really isn''t ready for, at least this dryad might feel that way.


    "He-he-he, you want another punch girly?"


    "Urr, calling you a side bitch is way too kind, side hoe works better"


    What a stupid toxic rtionship, it''s funny that how much they fit each other. Insults maketh the man, apparently. I''m going to join in as well now, he is starting to get annoying after all.


    "Hey Zeki, are there little dryad-phoenix hybrids on the horizon?"


    "Urr, one day I will turn you into orange chicken"


    He really can''t take teasing back, can he? That was very much called for even through he''s gritting his teeth now, don''t dish it out if you can''t take it back!


    "Well actually, phoenixes are infertile and so are dryads as well. Surprised you didn''t know that about yourself"


    I did know that but I''ll let that dumb dryad off. Wait, Zeki told her he''s infertile? I mean, it''s obvious seeing that all phoenixes are infertile but I''m surprised he even had the chance to say something while they were doing¡­ you know what.


    (Zeki) "How the hell do you know that dryad?"


    Zeki didn''t tell her that, how does she know then?


    "He-he-he, you four aren''t the first phoenixes I''vee across, was a guy a very long time ago who was yellow, he''s definitely dead now though"


    Hang on, this dryad seems to know a bit about our species, maybe there might be some stuff hidden away that even we don''t know about. This narrow cave seems to be never ending right now, we''ve clearly got the time to walk and talk without worry for a while.


    "What do you know about us then dryad?"


    Petra beats me to it; her questioning will work just as well.


    "Memory isn''t perfect but the guy I remembering across was around a thousand years ago or so, he also had a simr aura to you four. Oh, he was also younger than Ikarus, think he was around twenty or so when we first met"


    Does this dryad know my age? I mean, I would be twenty-five if you counted human years but it would only be technically two if it was phoenix only. That must be what she means so she''s probably wrong there.


    "You know I''m technically only two right dryad?"


    "Are you stupid?"


    "Watch it dryad, there''s no trees to revive from down here"


    Knew that wasing, protective Petra is always ready for action. I wonder if destroying all the trees in the world would kill the dryad but that''s a very stupid idea that would never work if we also value being able to breathe.


    "Erm¡­ sorry then, what I meant to say is that you clearly don''t know much about your own species if you think you''re two. The phoenix body doesn''t just form out of thin air, it needed the human part as the base and your soul to keep it alive, can''t remember what the process is called"


    Huh? Does she mean my human body was in that egg and slowly formed into phoenix? How the hell was I supposed to know that? That''s got to be what she meant, if that''s true than does it even count as being reincarnated then? Wouldn''t that be more of a summon though?


    I''ll ask more in a second, I just would like to confirm something beforehand.


    "Wait¡­ so I should count my human years then?"


    "Of course you do! Why else do you think your phoenix body grew so quickly? It was needed to form it; phoenixes are a lot closer to humans than you''d actually realize. I guess the best way of describing it would be evolution or evolving, like a caterpir turning into a butterfly or something stupid like that"


    Even the other three phoenixes seem a little surprised at this realization, was this supposed to be obvious to us? At least that''s how this dryad is implying. I guess it''s good we''ve learnt a little more about ourselves now, it just turns out I''m twenty-five, not two then. At least worrying about legal age with Petra wouldn''t be a worry down the line, sure there''s still a bit of an age gap but that was never really a issue.


    Being underage was a worry but if being a phoenix is an evolution from being a human, then Petra wouldn''t get in trouble, right? Well, it should be fine, this body is physically of an adult and my mind is of a twenty-five-year-old even if I might have the odd childish tendency but then again, I have grown up a lot recently.


    Just look at Zeki for example, he acts childish as hell and look at what''s just happened between him and the dryad. The couple, Mr obnoxious and Mrs disgusting, they really are a perfect match¡­


    Zeki definitely looks a little annoyed now though, I don''t think he likes beingpared to a human but he''s let it slide.


    This still doesn''t answer how the hell we were even summoned into a freaking egg, maybe she might know more if we keep asking. It does answer why we were able to keep our memories though, that makes sense seeing that we technically would still have the same brain. Wait, did our brains physically evolve as well? Ah forget, more important questions right now, trying to figure out if I''m technically bird brained or stupid is a pointless matter.


    "That still doesn''t exin why we were reborn and taken away from our though"


    Once again, Petra beat me to it again. All of us phoenixes definitely want to hear her answer to that.


    "I don''t have all the answers, that dead phoenix I knew was always pretty secretive about most things anyway, most of what I know was from somebody else. If you want any type of random answer, assume the Gods got bored and decided to just create you for fun, they normally do stupid things like that"


    I hate that type of answer, us four were summoned and created just for the sake of a Gods boredom? If that''s the answer we get if we ever speak to one, I''m going to go mad. Oh, a worse answer would be if we ask and they respond with the whole ''you''re not intelligent enough to understand our motivations'' type of thing. If they do that as well, the advice that mad God gave me will prove useful. I''ll kill them all if our story ending ends up being that shit¡­


    Unfortunately, we ask a few more questions but that dryad doesn''t seem to know all that much as I might''ve thought, it''s still a little weird how she knows that a phoenix evolves from a human but maybe because she''s a spirit she has her ways? Forget it, I''m done questioning her now.


    Eventually, we get to the end of this narrow cave ande across a closed door with a sign on top of it. Since I and Petra were leading, she takes the torch she''s holding in her spare hand and puts it closer to the sign so we can read what''s etched into it.


    (Petra) "Beware the green denizens that dwell beyond unless you wish to receive a powerful blessing. I give thee this warning; this dungeon is not for the weak-willed adventurer"


    Okay, this is definitely the right ce, green denizens can only be one thing as well, right?


    (Zeki) "Oh, so we''re fighting against those little green bastards then. I''m going to enjoy this"


    (Ria) "There''s nothing wrong with the colour green Zeki but goblins can be nasty at times"


    (Ariza) "I''ll try to help out but killing loads of goblins doesn''t sound that fun"


    Judging from their reactions, I''m guessing this might be considered a goblin stronghold? At least that''s what I remember being told about aggressive goblins before, they are usually passive unless you enter their home, it would make sense considering we would be trespassers in their homes after all. If it''s to help with my cure, then fuck it, let''smit some mass murder!


    ''I wonder how many are going to be here''


    Me and Petra open up the door together and are very shocked at the scene wee across.


    (Ikarus) "Bloody hell!"


    (Petra) "Wow"


    A cavern spreading across miles sits ahead of us from the ledge we''ve stepped out onto to, the natural lighting from the slight cracks of the celling of this ce give it a little bit of light but what makes it breathtaking is how beautiful it looks. This might be the first cave we''vee across that looks like a wallpaper or something you''d use as a background, it''s that gorgeous.


    It''ll neverpare to the beauty of the woman I''m holding hands with but there is something else me and Petra haven''t noticed just yet since we were admiring the rest of this cavern.


    (Zeki) "Fuck me, have we juste across Mordor or something? I know goblins are different than orcs but damn, that''s a lot of green shit"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh"


    (Ria) "This must be a breeding ground"


    Down on the floor of this cavern are obviously goblins, loads and loads of them. Not just a handful or a few dozen, we''re talking about thousands and thousands of green little bastards. And there does appear to be something else as well.


    ''This might take a while¡­''

 Chapter 71 – Goblins

    Chapter 71 ¨C Goblins


    "At the very least, this confirms where nearly all the goblins in the empire have gone. They were never fully wiped out, they just moved into a dungeon"


    I don''t know if Petra ispletely right, that dungeon sign hinted at there being goblins but that sign could''ve been thousands of years old. Reason why I think that is because dungeons are supposed to be built into the fabric of the world, they have always existed and will always exist, at least that''s basic knowledge you can find about it. They can obviously bepleted, just that it would remain empty if everything was cleared out.


    Of course, no one has any real clue since they can be hidden so well in ces like this at times, for all we knew this dungeon didn''t exist ten minutes ago but you get my point, there is basically next to no knowledge on they came into existence.


    There is one thing all of us have failed to mention though. Down scattered about in the various huge goblin camps we can see; goblins aren''t the only things about.


    "Are they... humans?"


    Of in the distance, I''m sure I can see humans, at least human remains, can''t see anyone alive from where we currently are though. People must have been down here before and gotten themselves killed, the skeletons do seem to be in odd positions though, almost as if they were captured. Pretty sure I can see one with shackles on and another shackled to the wall.


    "Goblins will mate with anything Ikarus, must''ve dragged them back here. Horrible way to go"


    "Uh huh"


    (Zeki) "Vile, nasty fuckers. I''ll kill anyone but even doing that is nasty"


    (Ria) "That''s doesn''t sound the worst way to go..."


    Well that adds another risk factor, we''re screwed if we end up getting captured by these goblins... literally as well I might add. Thankfully, these little bastards are normally weak as hell, it''ll just be time consuming getting through them all. I really need an AOE ability here. What a terrible way to die though, being the ything of a goblin. Any guilty feelings I had at killing the previous cute looking ones are nowpletely gone, all goblins must die if this is how they treat prisoners. I guess that silver ranked adventurer with the glowing red eye had a point, at least for the goblins inrge groups.


    All of us arepletely ignoring what the pervert just said, why is her thinking always perverted? Zeki really has his hands full dealing with her if she likes the idea of ''dying'' to goblins.


    Still looking down at all those goblins, an idea hase to mind.


    "Petra, how many do you reckon I could destroy in five minutes?"


    "Heh, you''re thinking of using that? In all honesty Ikarus, it might be better to round them up and send them into your path otherwise you''ll end up running around like a headless chicken chasing your prey, it''ll be cute and fun to watch but might be inefficient"


    She''s already given it that much thought? Damn, I really like this woman at times. This is really going to be a perfect opportunity to test out star ze, I''m guessing it''ll tear through them like a knife through butter but that five-minute counter and twenty-four-hour countdown really suck though.


    (Ria) "What you two thinking of?"


    (Zeki) "Yup, what you talking bout?"


    (Ariza) "I''m unsure as well"


    None of them know about my new ability so it would make sense why they''re questioning, the dryad probably already knows just down to her stalking our group, tree spirit things and all that.


    "Zeki, you reckon we could force all of them into Ikarus''s path?"


    "You mean like an EXP or meat grinder? Sure but it would require a fair amount of fire, those little bastards should run with their tails between their legs if we make a show for them"


    Goblins don''t actually have tails by the way, Zeki was just making an analogy.


    Looks like we''re definitely going with this n to take care of these goblins, we shouldn''t have to worry with retreating since we literally can just switch forms and fly back up here, the only one who can''t is the dryad but with her, she''d probably enjoy being left alone against a thousand goblins...


    ''Let''s avenge those humans...''


    __________


    ''Shouldn''t be too long now''


    There was a little more to this n than just that but my role here is literally to stand still and wait, tis a very pleasing role that I obviously am best suited for.


    I''ve found a kinda narrow path far enough away from where all the goblins are, did take me a while to find it flying about in my new human form since I didn''t want to aggro the goblins just yet. The idea is, Petra and Zeki and going to channel them using as much fire as possible scaring the living shits out of these filthy little creatures and send them to me where they will all be greeted by star ze. My role is thankfully very simple.


    In all honesty, we could''ve just done this a lot easier than doing it this way but Petra seems to think this might help out keeping our magicka reserves high, maybe for me obviously but I swear her and Zeki will have to use a lot just to get them over here. Still, I''m not going toin about it too much, this ability now gets it''s time to shine and I get to bezy, it''s clearly a win-win.


    ''How long is this going to take?''


    Fortunately, my answers are immediately answered. Rapidly retreating towards my direction are hundreds and hundreds of goblins, all of which look either scared, angry, aggressive or confused. Some are holding wooden looking weapons, others with armour or some with nothing.


    ''Wait a little bit longer''


    Got to time this right to maximize its effect, too early and I''ll lose precious seconds of full ze potential, toote and I''ll end getting stampeded or even potentially captured by these goblins, think I''d rather kill myself than experience that fate.


    ''Bit more... Now!''


    [<Confirmed, -star ze- has now been activated>]


    Then like the first time I used this, the fireball slowly starts to grow inside me, I nned for this timing to happen so I''ve got more than enough time here for it to grow.


    It quickly grows likest time and then surrounds me, then growing even more to the size of a building once again. Now these goblins have two choices, keep going forward or turn back around, fortunately none of them see this ball of fire as a bigger risk than what''s currently chasing them so this is going to work. I can hear a lot of tiny goblin screams off in the distance as well.


    Now that they''ve arrived, I stand my ground and watch the hordes and hordes of the green little bastards'' rush head first into my ability... and are instantly evaporated. No joke, not a single one of the goblins are able to step more than a foot into this fire before beingpletely incinerated, I knew it would be strong against enemies who aren''t resistant but this is insane, it''s burning so well, no bones or anything like that have been left behind.


    More and more keep piling into this for what must be several minutes, I guess dying this way is better than the hell facing them from the other direction, it would be a lot quicker than the other burning methods.


    Thankfully enough, all the hoards have stopped entering now, they''re either all dead or have turned around, I think they''re dead judging from theck of noise I can hear outside, visibility still sucks inside here after all.


    Time''s up as well, the sun starts to shrink back inside me and I''m greeted by Petra and Zeki both approaching from the sky, Petra did have to change form tomence the attack. I don''t like knowing that her phoenix form causes her pain but I''ll get her to change back in a second, the pain should be deal-able if she''s only in it for a handful of minutes or so but still.


    I honestly would''ve changed the n if I had known she would''ve been forced to change form, she seems to have a smile on her beak though. Still can''t get over how nasty those scars look on her.


    "The fuck was that orangey!? That shit burned them away like a furnace, that was fucking epic!"


    "Heh, Zeki does have a point, did tell you that was a good ability Ikarus"


    Urgh, praise. I guess it was pretty effective in all honesty, just wish I could use it more than once a day. There''s no way we''ve already cleared out this entire ce so for the next goblins, I''ll have to go back to the basics. Stabbing, kicking or fire, tis simple solutions to the problems that are ahead of us.


    The other two, Ariza and Ria have joined us as well now, Ariza never changed into bird form though, she is the healer of the group so she didn''t need to help out with that fight. It kinda sucks that two of us five are useless inbat but me, Petra and Zeki should be more than enough for nearly everything. The less said on the dryad, the better. Pretty certain her splinter attack doesn''t even work inside an area where trees can''t grow, how can she be a protector of the forest when she''s this useless? A literal tree might have morebat potential than her, might be exaggerating but definitely a falling tree.


    (Ariza) "There''s still loads more to get through though"


    (Ria) "Poor little goblins..."


    This dryad really has a thing for goblins, I''m going to kill her if she keeps this up. There''s only so much perversion I can take in the background, she''s testing my patience now. Pretty certain Petra is in agreement as well but she''s also just letting it slide this time.


    (Petra) "Don''t worry Ariza, we''ll be moving further into the cavern next, me and Zeki didn''t use all that much magicka so we''re good to go"


    Oh, I guess it worked out alright then, no excessive magicka drain on their parts, we''ve clearly got enough in the tank to continue on especially considering I didn''t use any magic that fight.


    It''s a shame aspect of gigantomachy doesn''t have an area effect but it''s pretty damn OP so that isn''t that much a concern. Before we continue on, there is something I need to get off my human looking chest, think I''m going stick in this form throughout this dungeon, wings and arms are a pretty brilliantbination.


    "Before we head on though, you can change back now Petra"


    "Heh, worried about me then Ikarus?"


    Does she seriously have to start teasing me now? We''re about to go massacre some more goblins, if she really wants to do it while hurting, then she can suit herself.


    I''m being untruthful to myself; I really don''t want her to feel any more pain though...


    __________


    "Phew... built up a bit of a sweat now"


    "I''ll wipe you down Ikarus"


    "Nah, I''m good thanks Petra"


    Of course she is going to pout slightly from my rejection, really not in the mood seeing that adrenaline is running high after killing so many goblins. I know we''ve got a second now but still.


    (Zeki) "Fucking little bastards, next time I''m gonna make sure to kill even more"


    (Ariza) "Hold still you idiot, I can''t heal you if you keep moving about"


    (Ria) "It''s your own fault for charging head first into them like that"


    (Zeki) "Both of you can buzz off, still keep healing me though brother"


    All five of us are standing around as humans after defeating another group in this never-ending cavern, this is slowly bing a grind now. No idea how long we''ve been down here just yet but it definitely feels like at least a day, we''ve taken breaks but we''ve been fighting a lot.


    The only two who are doing something different other than standing around right now are Zeki and Ariza, Mr obnoxious took some damage thatst fight and Ariza is currently healing him using her healing hands. Haven''t seen her use it in action for a while but basically imagine a blueish aura that flows from her hands, I guess it kinda looks like blue fire but still isn''t thatparable. Obviously the fact that it actually rapidly heals the wound ispletely different to fire.


    This ce really must be more than just a nest, this cavern that seems to spread for miles might be the source of all goblins in this entire world, there isn''t much of a challenge but it is time consuming getting through all these hordes of green little men.


    And of course, no EXP is avable to grab for some reason, realized that pretty quickly after the first group we dispatched with star ze. Dungeons really don''t like giving out rewards it seems, hopefully there is a reward forpleting this ce but not counting on it like usual.


    As for how we''repleting this ce, it just seems we have to keep grinding our arses off killing more and more as we move further into the cavern mostly using fire. Thankfully after every huge group or so, there seems to be an empty patch that allows us to rest for a while and regain our breath, stamina and magicka. We''ve only gone through two additional groups since the first ughter though, even then each group still seems to be in the hundreds, maybe even thousands thinking about it. Sick of goblins now.


    How we''ve been taken care of them is pretty much down to one thing, me, lots and lots of hell fire, trying to use meleebat is pretty dumb against a literal army of goblins, would get way too overwhelmed very quickly if we tried that approach.


    Thankfully if shit gets too much, flight is goblins biggest weakness, they haven''t a clue how to deal with a phoenix above them and have no idea about rangedbat. Doing that really hasn''t been needed though, this dungeon has been easy so far. It would make sense; we might be one of the strongest parties around.


    Guessing how this type of thing works, there will either be a dungeon master or a boss fight right near the end of this, we''vee across no sub-boss type of goblin so far so there clearly has to be something more difficult ahead. I still doubt it''ll prove that much of a challenge but I might be getting a little arrogant now.


    Oh, I also never checked how a goblin''s status seems to work, basically they are all low levelled trash and have half the stats of a normal human, you can clearly see why humans could easily get overwhelmed by all these lot just down to numbers though.


    Also seems like a good time to check my stats right now seeing that we''ve got a second.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 97]


    [Health 29,448*/30,000*]


    [Stamina 4,193*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 19,128*/30,000*]


    [You currently have 3500 unassigned points]


    ''Oh, I guess I was wrong, it''s been two days down here now, it''s a good thing us three can fight for such a long time without needing constant breaks I guess. It might be good to take a quick break now though''


    "Need another breather otherwise... what''s that over there?"


    Off a slight distance away from us, I''ve just noticed what looks like slight gap or crack in the side of this cavern. There still is a lot more of this cavern ahead of us but this looks to be the first side cave we''vee across; it does look pretty hidden at first sight though.


    "They''re already dead orangey, there ain''t no one alive down here"


    (Ariza) "No Zeki, Ikarus wasn''t even looking in that direction, over there"


    Ariza points to show what I was talking about and Zeki scoffs slightly while realizing he was being an idiot. It seems both the dryad and Petra already saw that though.


    What Zeki was referring to is another pile of human remains we''vee across; it''s really sickening how many small groups of human skeletons there are down here. It doesn''t make all that sense how they''re even down here in all honesty, there must be another entrance to this ce that we haven''te across since the way we came in was technically caused by my mother''s wrath. Unless they all came in the same way but the fall should''ve killed them before the goblins could''ve captured them alive though.


    "We''ll head there now, I''m leading though Ikarus"


    Petra already has an idea when my magic or stamina starts to run on the low side so it''ll be safer this way if there is another army ahead of us, I''m guessing her magic reserves are still pretty high and if there''s a problem, she always has her abilities. My twenty-four cooldown finished ages ago as well so we should be more than safe enough.


    (Ikarus) "Okay dokey"


    All five of us led by Petra head into the narrow gap and find we have to walk sideways to pass through, it''s a little tight especially around the chest area but there should be more than enough room... except for one of us.


    "Erm guys... I''m a little stuck here"


    The dryad and her gigantic breasts have caused a pile up, Zeki and Ariza are both stuck behind and cannot continue further through this narrow gap. I can''t help but start to chuckle, I''m so happy I don''t have that type of problem. Sure, I''ve been stuck in tight ces before but form changes are easy, melon chested dryad has no such counter.


    "For fuck''s sake, move you stupid cow!"


    "Zeki, she can''t help it!"


    Zeki''s now getting pissed and Ariza can''t help but try to calm him down, I wonder if this is causing him slight ustrophobia or something. I''m happy I''m in front with Petra otherwise I''d be getting a little pissed off back there, we can at least still go forward.


    (Ria) "I''m fucking trying, you stupid girly bitch!


    (Zeki) "Girly bitch!?"


    Zeki is now pushing the dryad trying to get her unstuck, I''m honestly surprised he hasn''t just burnt her to me right about now. Clearly he must really love her because if it was anyone else causing him this annoyance, they would''ve been killed instantly. Maybe not us phoenixes but for the rest of world, they would''ve been burnt to ash.


    "You seriously need to cut those things off"


    (Ria) "Shut it!"


    And that''s why kids, gigantic bosoms suck, at least for everyday use like cave spelunking. I mean, there''s nothing wrong with them at least from an attractive point of view but there is a point where things can get too big believe it or now, this is one of those times. Me and Petra never have to worry about that and I''m more than happy for it.


    Thankfully enough, Zeki shoving his dryad woman seems to have gotten her unstuck now.


    "Finally, now keep moving forward woman"


    "Why the hell do I like you so much?"


    "Because you''re as toxic as I am, that''s why this kinda works"


    "He-he-he, you''re pretty much right there"


    Can''t those two just shut it now? Whatever, me and Petra continue further ahead of them while Ria the dryad is still getting slightly stuck every now and then. Eventually, us two finally get out of this gap.


    (Petra) "Shit"


    (Ikarus) "Da fuck is that?"


    Both of us step out of the narrow cave and find ourselves in arge, rectangr rundown looking ancient throne room. In front of us in this room appears to be a small goblin army and sitting on what looks to be a throne of bones at the back is a very, veryrge looking goblin. That guy does look quite dangerous but I don''t think that''s what Petra''s swear was at, there''s also chained up naked humans in here, alive.


    Thankfully, everyone appears to be sleeping right now, even the chained-up women along the side wall. There is a slight problem ahead of us though, we''re going to have to be careful here otherwise they''ll end up as friendly fire casualties. At least that adds some more difficulty to this situation.


    ''Looks like we''ve found the boss of this ce anyway...''

 Chapter 72 – Orc

    Chapter 72 ¨C Orc


    ''Status''


    [Name: Kayogg | Species: Orc | Level: 250]


    [Health 28,125/28,125]


    [Stamina 28,125/28,125]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''He''s actually... a little underwhelming, maybe having a literal one hit ability makes this less of a worry''


    Both me and Petra are looking at the big green guy with our status screens, he honestly isn''t that impressive thinking about it. Sure, he looks like a beefy overgrown goblin sleeping on that throne made from bones and his stats to most people would be difficult to defeat, we aren''t most people though.


    [<Orc''s have a distribution multiplier of 2.25x>]


    I guess I didn''t even need to ask that time, Aesa be reading my mind before I even got the chance to ask. It''s kinda mad to think dragons are only a little bit more than his multiplier, it won''t be long till I''m able to hold up to father inbat. Thinking about Aesa though, she has been a little silent recently.


    [<When -user- has no need for system, Aesa prefers silence>]


    ''Oh, I guess that kinda exins it then''


    Anyway, back onto what''s going on at present.


    "That''s... not a pleasant scene"


    "Rx brother, we''ll be curing their pain and misery very soon"


    (Ria) "We''re not mercy killing them Zeki"


    "You really are stupid dryad, that''s not what I meant"


    The three behind us have now joined me and Petra in this room and all have something to say on what''s going on, Ariza looks really concerned seeing all those captured women, it sounded like Zeki was thinking about mercy killing them but the dryad was clearly mistaken about that. I kinda thought that''s what he meant as well but looks like we were both wrong.


    Now that all of us have arrived, I''m a little curious on why we''re all standing around not attacking just yet, it would make sense to try and kill most of the creatures while they''re sleeping just to make this whole process easier.


    "What''s the hold up anyway? Why aren''t we attacking?"


    "Something seems amiss Ikarus, never known goblins to all be asleep at once"


    Petra does have a point, even though goblins are extremely stupid, even they tend to leave people on watch or at least one of them shouldn''t be sleeping. It turns out, the party member with the goblin fetish might know the reason.


    "It''s something that goblins in mating seasons have on themselves and their prey, it''s simr to an animal''s hibernation during winter. Give it some time and they''ll definitely awaken"


    She almost seems a little proud of her knowledge on such a weird subject, I think she really does have a goblin fetish...


    "It almost sounds like you''ve been sleeping with them. You know how disgusting and vile that is cow?"


    At least Zeki says what everyone is thinking even if it can be extremely blunt, remember there used to be a time I was a little like that.


    "Of course I haven''t! Just because I enjoy carnal pleasures of the body and mind does not mean I''d ever do something like that! I just have a soft spot for goblins, that''s all it is, really!"


    She seemed pretty adamant in that response but who knows? If she had said yes though, that would be my reasoning for killing her on the spot, we''re not having that type of mixed-species rtionship here. Both must have a human form otherwise it''s crossing a line; this is just another reason why all goblins must now be destroyed.


    "*Sigh*, you know anything else that might help with this situation dryad?"


    Petra''s trademark facepalm and sighes out, can''t say I me her really.


    "I don''t know if it''ll help but I can definitely tell you more on why they''re sleeping. After a day of mating, they have a day of rest, the pattern goes something like that, I think. They must''ve just finished this day''s activities"


    This dryad really has nopassion in her voice for the women who have been captured here, at least we''ll be saving them from their fates shortly. I do have a question though, if they''re all knackered out, then shouldn''t this be extremely easy?


    (Ikarus) "Does this mean we can just ughter them without any issue and they''ll remain asleep?"


    "No chance, the second one of them awakens, all of them will as well. They''ll also be extremely pissed and feisty over such a thing as well"


    This dryad really knows a little too much about goblins, it''s really is sus. Better not to ask any further otherwise any answer on why she knows this much about them might start to get disturbing, at least she t out denied to sleeping with them though.


    (Ikarus) "So how should we do this then? We obviously need to be slightly careful"


    This fight shouldn''t prove that difficult, we''ve got to avoid injuring the women after all so certain attacks like my star ze thing shouldn''t be used here. Also it would kill the dryad but that would be a positive.


    "Might be best to split up and assign different roles. Me and Ikarus thin the herd and both take a side of the sleeping goblins, Zeki take care of the boss"


    "Hey! Why am I stuck dealing with the boss? I wanted to kill even more"


    The thing is, I already understand Petra''s reasoning for sending Zeki to fight the boss. It basicallyes down to theyout of the room, he won''t be close to the chained-up prisoners on our sides of the room so it''ll be less risky that way.


    As for our roles, I''ll be able to use my methrower alright here as long as I make sure not to overcharge it and idently hit one of the captures, Petra will probably use her samurai sword I reckon. I might give my sword a quick run out as well while we''re here if I get the chance.


    "That''s because it''s you Zeki, friendly fire isn''t eptable under any circumstances"


    "I mean, you are kinda wrong there older sis but whatever, I''ll just deal with the big guy then"


    Obviously Zeki is unhappy with this n of action. In all honesty, it would probably make more sense for me or Petra to use aspect of gigantomachy on the boss taking him out quickly but then that would leave Zeki alone to use his hellfire, some of the women will probably ''idently'' end up dead, danger close and all that.


    Looks like we''re somewhat in an agreement anyway, best to leave the healer and the pervert over here where it''s safe. Pretty sure Ariza has some way of defending herself if things get dangerous, she isn''t aplete pacifist after all. I''m yet to see her harmful phoenix fire but probably down to her only using it for self-defence, no problem with that seeing that she is the healer after all.


    "So that''s the n, we all ready then?"


    I could stop and drink a magicka potion quickly but it''s already more than high enough sitting at around twenty thousand, stamina is only at four but that''s still good enough.


    "All good Ikarus"


    "Yup orangey"


    "Uh huh, I''ll heal you all if you all need it"


    (Ria) "I''ll just cheer you lot on from over here"


    Then it''s time to get started. Zeki is the first to act switching form and then flying over the other side of the room to deal with the orc, me and Petra split up and pick out arge group of goblins each.


    Once I go to my side of the room, I n to be the one to start the attack and wake them all up, Mr obnoxious can''t help but get worked up and stops me in my tracks though.


    "Ahahaha... it''s time to burn, you pig looking fuckers!"


    Zeki has now arrived at the boss throne and has sent a red fireball towards the sleeping orc, he''s still flying about while doing this clearly wanting to be a nuisance towards the orc.


    "GEOAAKKKK!!"


    The orc awakens with a blood curdling roar, this obviously awakens every sleeping soul in this room as well.


    ''No time to watch his fight, got to deal with my lot''


    Immediately, all the goblins in front of me rise from their sleeping positions and set their sights towards my direction, I can''t help but look into the eyes of the furious looking little green men as they very clearly want to send this bird into pain and misery. Thankfully, they''ll never have such a chance.


    I put out my arm and release my stream of fire all around in front on me burning these green little bastards all over, none of them have the chance to even get remotely close as I keep this continuously up.


    I reckon I''ve got a good few minutes left in the tank if I keep my magicka reserves high, it clearly won''t be needed though. Thinking about it as well, it appears I have a second before the next wave of awakening goblins approach me, I killed these lot pretty quickly after all.


    Since I''ve got a second, I take a nce over to Petra and look how she''s handling her goblins. She''s taking longer to cut through her horde but that''s to be expected, she is only using her samurai de tearing and shing through them like it''s nothing. Watching her calming, majestic swordy is really something else but I shouldn''t be doing this right now. I can''t keep admiring her forever despite me wanting too.


    Going back onto my fight, I use more of my methrower to thin the herd even more, I very clearly seem to have the less popted side of the goblins so once I''ve finished up here, I''m going to give some help.


    It only takes a minute more for me to finish off thest of what I have to face, must''ve easily killed around a hundred or so right there so it''s now time to give Petra a helping hand. She clearly doesn''t need it since I doubt even a million goblins could ever match her sword skills but I''ll definitely lend a hand though.


    While I''m making my way over to her side, can''t help but notice Zeki and his little fight off in the distance, he''s just toying with that orc flying above him right about now. He could''ve easily burnt him to ash quickly if he so pleased so I guess he''s just enjoying himself at this moment in time.


    Now that I''m over to Petra, I pull out my vampiric de and it''s now time to switch the fighting style up, she''s taken care of most that attacked her but there still is a good dozen or two left.


    "Heh, were yours too easy Ikarus?"


    "Please, we both know you could kill all of these in the blink of an eye"


    "Still prefer to rely on my own two hands if possible, the ves y a part as well"


    Can''t forget Petra is a sword fighter after all, even if she uses her me and abilities sometimes, her favourite is always the sword.


    Now that I''ve joined her though, we start to hack and sh at thest group together, this honestly from the outside must look like an action movie scene where the couple fight back-to-back brilliantly together and is absolutely epic to watch. I''m over exaggerating it since fighting goblins isn''t all that dramatic but you get my point.


    Hang on, don''t those scenes normally end with the couple joining arms and finishing it off with a k-kiss!?


    "Fuck!"


    The second my mind starts to wonder; I find a goblin club from one of thest few remaining smash into my leg. Petra very quickly decapitates him in response and with her free arm, holds me from falling over on the ground from the attack


    "Ikarus, you okay?"


    I actually can''t believe it; I think my leg is broken from a fucking goblin! For fuck sake, why did I have to think something like that right at that specific moment? Petra holding me in her arms is making me even more flustered as well now, you stupid bird Ikarus! Damn it, I''ve got to avoid her concerned gaze as well, it''s not helping.


    At the very least, all of the goblins are now dealt with it seems, Petra finished the rest off while still holding me and now slowly helps me sit on the ground, this hurts a lot.


    "Jesus Christ!"


    I can''t help but look at where the attacknded, the lower part of my leg is very clearly broken, any kids or someone squeamish would need to look away right now. Ouch!


    "You might want to divert your gaze Ikarus"


    "Then tell me that before I look! Sorry Petra, this hurts so fucking bad right now"


    Look, I know my pain threshold can be a little meh at times but seriously, my leg! Need to look away, that might help. I fucking hate those little green shits!


    (Petra) "Ariza! Over here!"


    While Ariza is rushing over here to me and the crouching Petra, need something to take my mind off the pain. This is why your mind cannot wonder inbat, a fucking goblin has caused this to me!


    ''Urgh, I''ve got to stop looking at my leg, status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 97]


    [Health 29,172*/30,000*]


    [Stamina 3,699*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 6,821*/30,000*]


    [You currently have 3500 unassigned points]


    ''Seriously!? My leg is broken and my health has only gone down a few hundred!?''


    [


    ]


    I feel like I''m being lectured by Aesa a bit there, I swear this is like the first proper painful injury I''ve received up to this point. Sure, I''ve been shot and even stabbed once or twice but never anything this nasty looking and painful. Obviously pain and health is apletely different type of thing then, already knew that but still it''s annoying how this hurts this bad. In future, I need to treat every enemy the same, I refuse to experience this type of pain from being na?ve ever again.


    Tis but a flesh wound I guess, maybe trying tough about it might help.


    At least I''ve got Petra to help me get through this, I swear we kinda had a moment there but she was just trying to help me out. Would a kiss have been a step too far right now for me? I don''t know, this hurts too much to think about...


    "Dang it orangery, that wound is gnarly! Were you thinking of older sis during that fight or something? You must''ve been distracted to end up like that"


    ''I hate this kid so, so much!''


    (Petra) "Zeki, just cut it out for a little bit, please?"


    "Fine"


    Somehow phoenix form Zeki has made it over to us before Ariza has, I guess even he decided to finish his fight then. Thankfully, Ariza is now here as well.


    "Just stay still Ikarus and I''ll give you a hand"


    Ariza crouches down and ces a hand on my leg close to the area where the break has happened, then flows her blue looking power from her hands into it.


    During the healing process of her power, I can''t help but look at what''s going on. In a split second, the bone has gone from view and the pain is already subsiding! I know I''ve been cured from her before back when we were fighting off the elves in that dungeon from the odd arrow wound but it really is amazing especially for stuff like this.


    She keeps it up for a minute or so longer and by now, it feelspletely brand new. Ariza has to now be a permanent member of this party, her healing is so freaking dope! Who needs all those healent potions if we''ve got her around anyway?


    "Now that''s sorted, we''ve still got those lot to deal with"


    The dryad joins us as well and has noticed something all of us four birds haven''t realized just about yet, my injury was clearly more important. Thinking about it, Petra seems a bit calmer as well now, I guess even she doesn''t like seeing me hurt, we''re pretty simr in that regards, she did seem a little stressful during that.


    What the dryad has noticed is the chained-up women, all of them have darkened eyes, looking to be snapping or trying to bite and looking like they''ll kill anyone theye across. Whatever these goblins have done to them, it''s made them go feral.


    (Ikarus) "Why do they look like that?"


    "..."


    I direct that question at Petra who is still alongside me on the floor but even she is unsure, miss know it all about goblins has an idea though.


    "Goblin mating season has that effect on the inflicted, they''ll probably end up in that state permanently unless they get some help"


    I''m starting to get sick of hearing all this about goblin mating, we''re banning those two words together from being used in the future.


    However, there was something much worse that the dryad seemed to imply there.


    "So wait, how do we help them then? We''re not going to have to mercy kill them, right?"


    I''m still not all that into helping others but for these lot down here, no one deserves that type of fate. We''ve already given these humans vengeance, I just hope there is a happier solution to this problem. A mercy killing would be better than just allowing them to stay in the fate they''re currently in but still isn''t a happy ending.


    "He-he-he, tis a very good thing you brought along this beautiful dryad! I know a concoction that''ll help calm them down and relieve their anger. Just give me an hour and I''ll have everything sorted!"


    Well then, at least that''s a good sign that the dryad knows how to handle this. While she''s gone off doing whatever it is she''s doing, it seems Zeki has something to say while he''s switching back into human form.


    "Hey, have you lot unlocked that shit ability as well?"


    "It does seem a little pointless"


    "..."


    Those other three phoenixes seem to have unlocked something, why hasn''t Aesa said something to me yet then?


    [<Aesa needed -user- to focus on healing wound before focusing on system. -User- has also unlocked 2 additional abilities>]


    ''Two? I know there''s supposed to be a normal and a hidden reward but getting two abilities at once is unheard off... except for gambling though''


    I''m a little surprised that''s all there is to it in this dungeon, can''t see any exit in sight from where we currently are and we''vepleted this ce just like that? These abilities are going to be shit, I can already tell. Nothing was worth having my leg look like that.


    [<-New ability -kallikantzaros killer- is probably what target -Zeki- was referring to. First ability gives -user- a 25% increase to damage against goblins>]


    ''Ah, so that is pretty shit then, we basically always one hit them anyways with nearly every attack. What''s the next one?''


    [<Second ability is -blessing of Typhon-, that ability gives -user- additional 10% damage multiplier to all creatures considered monsters>]


    ''I''m guessing there''s like a monster ss that certain species fit into? What type of creatures does the damage multiplier effect?''


    [<Aesa is unable to list off everything but species that -user- has encountered are phoenix, dragon, wyvern, goblin and orc>]


    You''d think maybe the undead species, stuff like zombies and skeletons would count towards it but I guess it''s only a very specific ss that gets mentioned when the term monster is used, undead is probably its own ss. Feels a little bad for us phoenixes to be considered monsters but I guess it means I can hurt Zeki even more when he starts acting like a dick.


    I guess it''s alright but both abilities are just stat bonuses after all, almost feels like I''m being cheated by given something that basically has next to no noticeable effect. Oh well, at least I got something new this time, Zeki didn''t say anything about a second ability which I find a little odd though.


    (Ikarus) "Zeki, did you get the second one as well?"


    "Huh? What are you on about orang-... hang on one second"


    I''m guessing Zeki''s voice is also speaking to him right now, it''s the only thing I can think of why he''d stop talking throughout that.


    "That''s fucking bullshit orangey, why is it you have been blessed but not I!? I killed thatrge dickhead after all!"


    Zeki seems to be getting angry at whoever gave me this blessing, it''s not even that good but it''s still better to have something over nothing. Unfortunately, it''s about to get worse.


    (Ariza) "I also got two things Zeki"


    (Petra) "Same"


    It''s looks like the dryad has gone over to him to try and calm him down, that''s not going to work though. Whoever gave out the blessing has made an enemy he''ll never forgive.


    "Whoever that Typhon God is, he is a right c..."

 Chapter 73 – Dangerously Close

    Chapter 73 ¨C Dangerously Close


    In the end, we had topletely backtrack guiding all the captured women out of the cave, there was a worry that we would have to show them all our phoenix forms to carry them back up to the surface but a circr stairwell seems to have magically formed where we entered giving us a walking way out now. They technically already did see Zeki''s bird form but none of them seemed to be able to remember it, I don''t think the dryads concoction made their memory slip but there might be another reason for it.


    For some reason, every captured woman had no memory of the entire situation and literally just woke up right now with no knowledge on any atrocitiesmitted by the goblins. Zeki nearly did blurt out something about mating season but we quickly shut him up before he said anything of real note, they''ve already experienced hardship enough. If we can prevent more by them not knowing about it, then maybe they can try living their lives without that burden, some definitely have an idea and aren''t that oblivious to what happened though...


    It''s not for us to decide, if they want to ask more about it, then we''ll tell them but none seem to be asking. Sometimes ignorance is bliss, canpletely understand that, at least on something you can''t do anything about.


    As for what''s going on right now, we''re currently guiding thisrge group of women to the closest empire settlement, there is one past the meadow in the empire but I suggested it might be better to head into the fourth continent since it would be a little quicker and maybe potentially safer. No longer hold any trust for the empire after all.


    The only reason we''re helping this group of freed ves this time is that if we were to leave them alone out here, they would likely die. Unlike the group that me and Petra helped out in the bandit woods, there was a lot more supplies scattered around from the deceased bandits and the closest settlement is pretty far away, this time the only thing we can realistically give them is food and ''clothing''. I have a few weapons in storage but I stopped over hoarding everything and for their clothing, all of them have been given pelts we''ve skinned from animals we''vee across. None of these look able to hunt or anything like that as well.


    I guess it''s alright to do a good deed every now and then, just means we''ve got to do something really bad to equal out our karma rating otherwise we''ll end up being hunted by bad guys. I mean, that''s not how it works in the real world but still, everything is better off in bnce, maybe not good deeds though.


    I''m just lying about with the other four around a campfire right now though, there isn''t much to do while we''re restingte at night and these women obviously can''t travel like we do. They are sticking to their own group, away from ear distance to us but just barely in sight. It''s not like we agreed to stay slightly apart when resting but that''s just how things have gone down I suppose.


    "Err, travelling by foot is too damn slow!"


    "Stop moaning Zeki, it''s nice to do something for the unfortunate every now and then"


    Ariza is actually a kind soul so it would make sense why she''s more than happy to do this, the rest of us do get a little annoyed from travelling on foot but obviously Zeki is going to be worse about doing something nice.


    "You''re just a kind pushover brother, too nice for your own good"


    "Be nice Zeki, your sister is right... Why do you even call her brother anyways?"


    "Shut it dryad, you don''t need to know that"


    I actually would like to know that but with Zeki, it probably will offend a lot of people. It''s clearly obvious Ariza is female despite the body she''s been thrown into, one day when we get a chance, we''ll definitely explore trying to help her but we''ll have to take a different route then what happened in the magi guild.


    Did ask Petra about that gender change potion that Penelope person used and long story short, that cannot be used under any circumstances. I''d rather not rethink on what Petra told me but that is not a solution to Ariza''s problem, ever. Let''s just say it causes a lot of suffering and pain and leave it at that.


    "He calls me that because he thought it would help a little when we first met, the first two hundred years in particr were very difficult for me to adjust but when Zeki arrived, he did help me out a lot. In all honesty, I don''t really mind it and it''s just kinda stuck now, would feel weird if he stopped"


    "That''s notpletely true brother! Brother is simply brother, orangey is orangey and older sis is older sis. You dryad are simply a cow"


    Of course the dryad scoffs at him from thatment, he does like to be insulting all the time though. Him and the dryad''s rtionship does seem suited for constant insults though.


    "He also said I remind him of his younger brother back on Earth despite me being older than him, what was his name again Zeki?"


    "I swear if you don''t shut up brother, I''ll make you in a minute!"


    "Uh huh"


    Ariza nods and gives a little smile towards the angry Zeki, clearly someone hates it being known that he has a soft side. Zeki''s anger does seem more forced this time though.


    "Whatever... dryad, you stink right about now"


    "I stink!? Tha-"


    Oh God, I know where this is going with that unnecessary insult from out of nowhere, it''s time to get some privacy from those two very quickly.


    "Petra, want to go leave these lot alone?"


    I don''t care if she gets the wrong idea, best to leave before something happens none of us want to see. Sorry Ariza, you''ll have to find your own way in this world, join us if you want but we''re leaving now!


    "Sure"


    Us two go off quite some ways away and find a secluded spot away from any potential insulting mating ritual, I''m sure I saw Ariza''s face look disappointed with our betrayal but she can leave as well if she really wants. She could''ve followed me and Petra but she''d probably feel like a third wheel or something.


    I take a seat on the ground where we walked to and with Petra, I should''ve known something wasing. The area we''re at is a pretty t, warm grasnd, few trees scattered about but nothing like a forest for example, it''s prettyte but already said that. This seems to be what lies on this side of the earthquake crack mother caused, the other being that meadow we stopped at a while back.


    "Heh, the ground looks ufortable so lend me a seat"


    She of course decides to sit on myp once again, this time however I''ve developed a lot more thanst time this happened, this is basically nothing now!


    "Heh, that won''t work on me this time Petra, you''ll have to try harder"


    I feel like I''m mocking herugh when I do that but it really is theplete opposite, I freaking love herugh.


    "That''s unfortunate, what if I turn myself around like this?"


    Petra puts her legs to the side, turns her body towards me and does exactly as she says leaving us face to face with her still sitting on myp, this might be a little much but this time around, I''m pushing myself.


    "You''ll... have to try even harder than that"


    "Really? What if I get even closer then?"


    Then she puts her body but mostly her face even closer to mine, I can''t help but look eye to eye with her, I swear my heart is fluttering right now! Fuck, I can''t decide what to do, my mind and body are currently at war with themselves, do I do anything or stop this?


    Petra''s smile is causing me even more issues, just looking at her lips, it''s now making me blush. I actually feel like I want to ki-...


    Unfortunately for any potential development, there must always be something in the way.


    "Ah, sorry! I didn''t realize you two were here!"


    It turns out, Ariza has just stumbled through some bushes into the little hidden area me and Petra had found. Clearly, she was trying to get away from the terror couple and has found us by ident now.


    "A-Ahem... don''t worry about it Ariza"


    "Heh, it''s honestly fine Ariza, you''re wee to join us, those two are disgusting after all"


    Ariza''s face looks full of guilt, she clearly regrets finding us right when she did, it really isn''t something she should worry about.


    "No, I really shouldn''t, I feel like I''m getting in your way"


    Well in all honestly, the moment between me and Petra is kinda ruined now so she''s more than wee to join. I think that would''ve pushed myself too far if I had done that earlier. I do think Petra wouldn''t have expected that and would''ve had apletely unexpected reaction; this is a little different than teasing since that would''ve been me taking the next step.


    Forget it, I''m overthinking this like usual, we''re bound to kiss at some point, that just came dangerously close there...


    (Ikarus) "Of course Ariza, join us for a while..."


    __________


    "So... this is the continent in the southwest then? It''s surprisingly... Asian looking and peaceful"


    I mean in the building architecture, the settlement we''ve arrived at near the border seems to bepletely inspired by temple style disciple buildings and the wholeyout you might expect from that time period, there''s still some medieval era parts to it but the architecture is nothing like that. I''m honestly expecting toe across a sect battle or something like that but it''s really, really peaceful as well. We shouldn''t be here long unfortunately to explore enough.


    "Thesends definitely have a Earthern look and feel to them even though I''m not sure I remember it"


    "Older sis is right orangey; thesends don''t suck balls and always reminds me of JRPGs"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh, maybe not what Zeki said though"


    (Ria) "I have no idea what you four are mumbling about"


    I''m pretty certain this is more based on Korean or Chinese but I''ll just ignore what Zeki said there.


    Of course, us five leading into a settlement with basically what is a harem of women following us is going to get some looks from the people living here, nearly didn''t get let in at the gate but after we exined to some samurai armoured looking town guards about what happened and made up some up story about bandits capturing these women, they took them off our hands and allowed us in. Seems like very is illegal here as well and they seemed to be getting good treatment from the guards from the little we saw but with humans, you can never know. Empire being the prime example of ''illegal'' very.


    The women were extremely thankful about being rescued mind you, just the entire situation is a little odd so you can understand why there was no need for extended goodbyes, just an unrewarded good deed done, I''m notining though. Sometimes it''s the kindness that counts, apparently. At least Ariza seems to be buzzing from helping people, she is the kindest out of us lot after all.


    As for what us five are doing, we have no idea right now. After leaving them with the guards, we just kinda started walking into the marketce and didn''t stop, I guess we''re looking at stuff to buy in this Asian looking settlement but it''s more window shopping right now. Actually thinking about it, ss doesn''t seem all thatmon here.


    Something else has caught my eye in this packed-out marketce, it seems to be peak shopping times right not but that isn''t what I notice.


    "Hey Petra, this ce is pretty diverse thinking about it."


    All around us, there are humans, elves, beastfolk, heck, I''ve even seen a dwarf or two in this marketce, all living in harmony with no racism, nastiness or stares.


    "Unlike the rest of the continents Ikarus, Mdonia has never had any issue with discrimination to any race or species"


    Oh, that''s the fourth continents name, Mdonia. Probably a good time for a recap, we have the elven continent off in the northwest which is full of trees and also is home to the dwarves right in the corner of thends.


    The human continent of Sierra, no point recapping the empire but I can point out they are in the northeast and my parents'' mountain range is on the border between J?tna and Sierra.


    Then onto Krieger, thend of the partially naked beastmen and sand, lots and lots of sand. They are in the southeast.


    Thest is Mdonia in the southwest, I''ve read up a little on this ce already so know a little bit, mostly about thend. On the east is a river that splits up thisnd to Krieger. If I was topare thisnd to anything, imagine the warm, vast greennds of Africa or Australia, kinda simr to a savanna as well. On the northwest side of this continent, is arge country sized swamp that separates this and the J?tna continent. Thest two interesting points are that this ce is also separated by a river to the Krieger continent in the east and in the west and south parts of this ce, lies the ocean.


    Also can''t forget about the countries that reside here, there is seven, yes seven. Unlike with the elven tribes, these actually have borders but there obviously seems to be no dislike towards their neighbours or even any wars going on, this ce definitely puts everywhere else to shame. Bit weird that there''s seven like the same number of elven tribes but seven is kinda a lucky number after all, at least it''s mine.


    Anyway, back onto the conversation. For some reason, Zeki seems to have a grin from what Petra just said about discrimination.


    "Hehe, main reason being this country allows you to get away with killing the racist bigots, can''t be a dick when you''ll just end up getting killed because of it. The first amendment clearly means shit here and I''m all for it"


    (Ariza) "You really need to calm it sometimes Zeki"


    First amendment? I''m guessing Zeki was American once upon a time then, at least that exins what he said even if it was probably used wrong. As for why he likes this ce, it''s probably because he just kills all the racists hees across.


    (Petra) "They banned that over a hundred years ago, it probably did have some effect on why everyone is epting here but it has always been diverse though"


    "Ah man, that sucks"


    A question has nowe to mind though. If these lot are very epting of other species, then maybe there''ll be no need to hide myself, right?


    "Then would it be fine for me to be in my other form?"


    As soon as I ask that, a wave of answers instantly arrive.


    (Petra) "No"


    (Ariza) "Probably not"


    (Ria) "Up to you but seems a bad idea"


    "Hell nah orangey, that''s a terrible idea, they''d probably try and cook you or something"


    You know what the funny thing is? I wasn''t even taking about the original phoenix form, I meant my other feathery human one, even I think walking around in a popted area the size of an elephant is a bad idea.


    I''m not gonnain about them all rejecting that idea though, they''re only looking out for my safety after all, even if it''s a little annoying to get rejected like that.


    "I meant, what about the other human form?"


    I''ve never really understood with these three other phoenixes don''t have a human ability with wings like I do. Sure, I know my gambling is exclusive to me but you''d expect them to have unlocked something that can allow arms and wings together. It actually makes me feel kinda good that I''ve something unique that those three don''t, maybe Ariza and Petra deserve wings with arms, not Zeki obviously.


    (Petra) "That... is probably alright Ikarus"


    (Ria) "They''re only feathers and hidden wings, right?"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh"


    (Zeki) "Just do whatever you want and kill anyone who dislikes it if you really want to do something pointless like that"


    I guess that answers it then, I''ll changeter. It''ll still do the puff of smoke so probably not the best of ideas to do it in a crowd, might think an assassin is about to flee ormit an assassination through the smoke. Sigh, I miss my video games time to time.


    "Sooo.... what do we do now-..."


    As soon as I''m about to ask that, a building captures my attention.


    "... Is that, a casino?"


    In the corner of my eye, I swear I see arge sign with a couple of dices on it and even a couple of bouncers by the entrance. That has to be a casino, right?


    (Petra) "Yeah Ikarus, fancy a game or two?"


    (Ariza) "Uh, that''s not really my idea of fun so we''ll split up if you want to go inside"


    (Ria) "Humans do love those little dice"


    (Zeki) "It''s not the dice they love idiot, it''s the sweet, gleaming gold that you win. I''d rather do something else as well, gambling pisses me off"


    I swear this is the first casino I''ve seen in this world; you''d think the red-light district back in the capital might have something simr but I could never find a ce that does gambling, there probably was some back door hidden ces but I never tried to look that hard.


    ''At least that settles what me and Petra are doing next...''

 Chapter 74 – Gambling

    Chapter 74 ¨C Gambling


    (Ikarus) "Read them and weep them!"


    "Fuck!"


    "Lucky feathery bastard"


    "I swear thisss is cheating"


    Immediately as I turn over my two cards on the poker table, a flurry of insults head my way from some of the other yers from my winning hand. I can''t help but smile when my winnings get pushed over to my side of the table, there always is something pleasant about winning against others in a game of chance. The featheryment was clearly about my other human form, changed before I came in and no one seems to give a shit about it. Thatment was just him being pissed off at losing, not racism clearly.


    The thing is, I was always a really good poker yer, no idea why but it''s just always been a thing I''ve been good at. This and ckjack are really the only two gambling games I don''t mind, I''m not actually all that big a fan of gambling despite my system encouraging me to do it, you can me a childhood ofpanies promoting shitty loot boxes for my opinion on that. It''s basically just legalized gambling for kids after all.


    The reason why I like poker and ckjack is that it''s notpletely based on luck. Sure, there''s still a lot of luck involved but you can still win with a good bluff with poker, can always card count with ckjack as well. Games like this are less chancepared to others like roulette for example.


    As for that current hand, four of a kind always beats a flush after all, best hand I''ve had here all night so I don''t know why those three strangers areining. Did ask to see if the other party members wanted to y, Ariza was a definite no, Zeki and the dryad are probably off doing something disgusting and I''m unsure on Petra, she said she''d join after she needed to do something but yet to see here in this casino, all alone but who cares when I''m clearing the house?


    Just before I''m about to get up and move onto something else, Petra finally arrives and takes a seat across the poker table from me. She gives me a slight smile and I do the same back.


    "Small blind is a hundred andrge is two, minimum buy in fee is a thousand"


    "Sure, I''m in"


    The dealer speaks to Petra since she''s a new yer, the rest of us around this table already know the rules. I would say hello to my smiling blind woman but s, gambling is no ce for friendship, it might also appear we''re cheating if we''re at the same table but I''m unaware of the rules in this ce. It is funny no one is questioning why a blind woman is able to y poker but maybe they just see her as an easy opponent.


    This is one of the more expensive poker tables around here after all, parents'' moneying in clutch once again. That matters little anyway, I''ve only been making money since I sat down here, it probably won''t be long before I get asked to leave since I''ve already won a few thousand in profit but it doesn''t hurt to y a few more games, Petra is here as well now but knowing her, we''re going to clear this casino for everything it has!


    The dealer takes Petra fee and starts to draw out the cards around the table, I can''t help but have a little thought though.


    ''Let''s see if my girlfriend is any good at this, I guess it''s fine to use that term now¡­''


    __________


    ''Petra''s cheating''


    No seriously, I think Petra is cheating, she''s yet to make a single mistake or fuck up so far, she always seems to know when to fold, when to bluff or when to raise. She''s either cheating or is a master at this game, I know she''s great at everything but there has to be limits, right? Yeah, she''s got to be cheating.


    It''s only been a good ten minutes or so and she''s already taken a good third of my winnings and is basically the high roller at this table now, I''m not all that bothered losing to her but it must be looking a little suspicious to other yers at this table.


    As soon as I give that thought, of course another yer has toe out and say something, his reaction is a little unexpected though.


    "How the hell can you even tell what cards you have!?"


    It''s taken until now for one of the other yers to finally speak up about Petra''s winning antics, he''s even stood up and basically shouted that. I''m honestly surprised it''s taken this long for someone to say something, it clearly must not be obvious she''s cheating but still, maybe he''s just a sore loser after all. Well it should look suspicions at least, she''s clearly ''blind''.


    "If you feel your fingers against the cards, you can feel what''s being yed. If you make anotherment like that, I''ll be forced to ask you to leave"


    The dealer answers the shouting man with an answer even I didn''t expect, I honestly can''t believe this casino amodates for the blind. I swear that type of thing is called braille, basically it''s anguage for the blind that can used by touch. Thinking about it, the texture on these cards does feel a little odd, that must be why but obviously with Petra, that''s unneeded.


    The guy sits back down in a sulk and still continues to y on, we shouldn''t spend too much time here if this is the reaction we''re getting from other yers.


    In the end, we spend a good ten more minutes or so at the table and by now, we''ve clearly pissed off everyone else at the table so it makes sense to leave. We purposely leave separately as not to draw attention, then meet back up outside. That might''ve been pushing it there.


    Our winnings together might''vee close to being around ten thousand, it would''ve been more if Petra didn''t keep beating me and taking my gold. While we''re heading to an inn, I need to ask her about what I saw from her in there, she''s too good at this.


    "Petra¡­ what was that?"


    "What was what?"


    She responds to my questioning with a smile, she''s hiding something here, it''s the same type of smile she gave me when those two dwarfs decided to hit on me in the dwarven kingdom and she got extremely jealous, I know that fake smile all too well.


    "Your luck is either perfect or you''re cheating, which is it?"


    It''s funny, I actually couldn''t care all that much, just a little curious really. I would''ve been mad if it was someone else but it''s mainly down to the fact it''s Petra, I really doubt there will ever be a reason I could get mad at her, I don''t think we''ve ever even had an argument thinking about it.


    "No idea what you''re on about Ikarus"


    I thought I''d get this response; she''s clearly trying to keep this cheating secret hidden away. I''m on to you woman, I know when you''re lying and this is one of those times, smiling and acting dumb won''t convince me otherwise!


    Anyway, we eventually find an inn after that little convo and wouldn''t you know it, Zeki is in the same one sitting at a table inside. No idea where the dryad or Ariza are, we agreed to meet back up together at the market tomorrow so bumping into him waspletely unexpected. We''ll have some quick words, then rent a room for tonight. Should I share with-, no, too soon right now, someday I''ll be ready for that¡­


    "Oi, looks like you two are here and holding hands as well¡­ why are you looking at me like that orangey?"


    As much as I like my name, I''d feel a little weird if he stopped calling me orangey now, I guess he''s pretty simr to my father in that he doesn''t like to use names all that often. Pretty sure I''ve heard him call the dryad her name once or twice but that''s about it.


    It''s a little surprising why he''d be sitting at a table alone at an inn, he doesn''t appear to have ordered food or anything like that, it actually appears he''s reading something! That''s honestly why I''m looking at him like that, reading books is something I''d never expect from Mr obnoxious!


    I do have a question that he might be able to answer though, I''ll ignore the holding handsment since we basically do it without even giving it a think when walking around a town or city now.


    "Zeki¡­ you know why Petra''s luck is so good?"


    "Luck? Oh, did she cheat you in cards as well?"


    Zeki knows about Petra''s cheating antics? I thought I was right there; he''ll definitely know since he''s spent a good two hundred years around her. Well, knowing Petra, she spent most of that time on the road helping people out and just came to say hello every now and then.


    "How does she do it then?"


    "Older sis must have an ability that allows her to scan cards, it''s the only thing I''ve ever been able toe up with, there''s no way anyone is that lucky even if you had a maxed-out luck skill"


    Oh, so he''s only specting but that I''m in agreement with him, Petra''s way too lucky. Judging from her smiling face though, he''s definitely right. I guess even the old and wise Petra still even has little things that could be considered childish, cheating is kinda childish, right? I actually like it a bit though, it makes her less perfect and a little rougher around the edges, there''s no need to cheat but as long as you get away with it, who cares? I don''t think it counts if I''ve figured it out though.


    "If it makes any difference Ikarus, it''s not exactly something I can switch off"


    So she''s even admitting to it now? Maybe her ability that allows her to kinda see has the same effect as someone who can scan through cards? Ah forget it, it just means trying to y cards with her is a little pointless but we can always do other stuff.


    "I fucking knew it older sis! All those years ying cards with me and Ariza and you were cheating throughout it all!? I''m actually incredibly disappointed in you"


    Zeki looks so incredibly pissed right now, can''t say I me him, I''d feel a little annoyed if you found out you''ve been cheated for this long.


    Petra doesn''t even look guilty about such a thing though, truly a woman with no remorse for screwing over the other two phoenixes. Maybe she could feel guilty towards Ariza, Zeki no chance though. At least she''s got a sinister side to her, not everyone is perfect after all, Petra is still pretty damn close, if anything this is good.


    (Ikarus) "Well¡­ at the very least, looks like ying cards when passing the time is no longer an option"


    Me saying this doesn''t calm down the angry Zeki at all but I am just stating the obvious, ying games with card cheaters is pointless even if she can''t help it.


    "Heh, there''s always other things we can do"


    I''m pretty certain that was a flirt by Petra, it sounded like she said that in a seductive way. I''ll just ignore it though; I''m feeling a little tired now thinking about it so I''m not really all that bothered by her teasing. I don''t know if that counts as a tease though.


    "Let''s get... TWO rooms and speak in the morning, I need a good sleep"


    "Sure"


    "Oi orangey, get me a room as well while you''re up there"


    Sighhh, this kid was probably waiting for us to rent him out a room or something like that thinking about it, might as well seeing that I''m going up there now¡­


    __________


    The next morning¡­


    "Let us in! Where are those cheaters?"


    "They robbed us blind!"


    "Fucking thieves!"


    As I''m waking up from my slumber in this little inn room I''ve rented out, multiple male voices can be hearding through the wall, I''m pretty certain they''re outside but cannot bepletely sure, they sound pissed right now though.


    ''Urgh, such a good night sleep as well, wanted toy in''


    At the very least, I don''t have to get dressed to see what''s going on, slept in my clothes against night since the corset part of this outfit is still is a pain in the arse to get off.


    I get up, find my way back outside of this inn while I''m rubbing sleep out of my eyes and find a small crowd has gathered around the front of the inn, all holding either pitchforks or torches, I swear I''ve seen this scene in movies before.


    ''Oh great, now we''re going to get chased out of town by an angry mob''


    Zeki and Petra have also joined me, clearly they''ve just woken up as well.


    "An angry lynch mob dares to wake me at this time!?"


    (Petra) "Calm it Zeki, let''s try and resolve this a different way than resorting to you know what"


    "Err, fine"


    Cleary Petra is trying to get Zeki to not kill all the pissed off people who we cheated from the casino yesterday, can''t say I me them for being pissed but something is a little surprising, the town guard are actually holding them off. The few guards wearing the red samurai looking outfits are for some reasoning to our aid, we don''t need it but it would be better not to resort to bloodshed like with what usually happens.


    If it does though, this is one hundred percent on Petra shoulders this time around, I wasn''t cheating back there, she was, even if she can''t help it. I''m more than willing to get blood on my hands for her though, it would be ash rather than blood but the point still stands.


    "Back¡­ off!"


    "You know the risks of gambling! You lost so leave and deal with it!"


    I''m honestly shocked at why the guards are defending us strangers so much, a thought has nowe to mind though.


    "Petra, does this town love you as well or something?"


    Well obviously not the gamblers, they want our heads right about now, it sounds like some of them are arguing with the guards as well.


    "Heh, this isn''t one of those times Ikarus, this is also a little surprising to me as well"


    Huh, I guess even Petra doesn''t know why this is happening, maybe this is some type ofw that protects travellers or they just don''t like dealing with idiots. It is a bit strange how a crowd has formed when some of these people weren''t even at our poker table, did the casino send them here or something?


    Ah, I bet that''s it, the casino is pissed at us for taking so much money off them, they''ve decided to send a mob our way, that''s got to be it. It would''ve been easier to just cklist us from ever entering again but whatever.


    "Are you sure we can''t just kill them? It would make this whole thing easier"


    "No Zeki, calm it"


    Destroying that casino doesn''t sound like the worst of ideas if they''re involved but I''d rather we just leave this ce already now, that will take too much time of our schedule, only one more dungeon to go after all. It better be one more otherwise I''m getting pissed at Aesa.


    [<Aesa never gave -user- a guarantee that other dungeon wasplete>]


    ''I''ll still get pissed at you regardless. Even if it isn''t your fault, we''ll have to stop the war with the empire and rebels to get to that final dungeon held in rebelnds, stopping a war will be way too boring and annoying''


    I''m being optimistic though, Aesa did already say about that alreadypleted dungeon kinda counting so I''ll put my faith in her, if it backfires I''ll still be pissed even if I get a load of EXP from killing loads of soldiers. I guess there could be ways around it, it''s a prison after all so I probably wouldn''t have to end the whole war, would need to attack that ce though and hope to not get surrounded, think about another time if I have to.


    Unfortunately with this situation we currently find ourselves in, there''s only so much the guards can do when there''s only three of them against an angry mob.


    "Would you three mind if you left the settlement?"


    "Yeah, there''s only so much we can do to help. If things go sour, then we may not be able to guarantee your safety"


    "..."


    Let''s take the peaceful option this time, we obviously can destroy an angry mob with the blink of an eye but you don''t always have to resolve things with violence.


    If one of them does actually try to hurt me or Petra, I will kill them all though¡­


    (Petra) "Sure"


    (Ikarus) "Okay okay"


    "Err, fine then"


    As we''re being guided out of the settlement by the guards and still being followed by the mob, there''s someone that we''ve forgotten and I give a whisper to Petra about.


    "Petra, what about Ariza?"


    I couldn''t care if we forget the dryad, she''s sometimes alright to have around but it''ll get even more perverted knowing her. At the very least, we can always kill her off kinda permanently in the desert, it''ll take weeks or months for her to get back to us since trees aren''t a thing over there. Truly a brilliant n if she bes too much.


    "I''ll change my face ande back in a bit"


    Oh yeah, she has her face changing, mimic ability, she might need to change clothes but she probably has something spare to blend in knowing her. At least that settles it.


    I guess it''ll be time to set off again soon, unfortunately getting to thest dungeon in the mesa is going to be a very long trip, we''re gonna have to travel across all three countries in Krieger to get to the east side of that continent, then we still have to find the bloody ce as well. At least we''ll get toe across some more racists, I might just take the Zeki route and just kill every bigot from now on.


    I can already tell bringing those other two phoenixes back to the desert is going to be a terrible experience though¡­

 Chapter 75 – Sickness

    Chapter 75 ¨C Sickness


    "Can''t believe the dryad is gone"


    "Why orangey? It''s not like anyone wanted her here"


    (Ariza) "You don''t mean that Zeki, stop being mean just for the sake of it"


    "Err, fine"


    "..."


    We''re now back on course towards the desert continent, this time with all the other phoenixes up on my back and a woman short. The dryad Ria decided to part ways with us just before setting off saying she had some things to do and travelling with us any further away from the elven continent would be a little risky. I guess even she has some priorities, she is supposed to be a protector of the forest after all, a desert is a lot different to a forest, obviously.


    Zeki''s been in a foul mood ever since, he''s such a tsundare missing his tree woman, I may have teased him once or twice about that and he really didn''t take it well. It''s funny how even someone with a personality as bad as him can still find love, even if he''ll deny it forever. At least they suit each other, that dryad can be just as insulting as him at times so it''s probably for the best we''re only dealing with one obnoxious person for now.


    Mr and Mrs obnoxious, I dread to think how their wedding would be, probably would be held in a graveyard with corpses hanging up from trees, tis a match made in heaven but I must stop it now though.


    "What''s the eta?"


    Estimated time of arrival...


    "There should be a desert vige in a day or two, point it out when we get there"


    Petra''s on map duty this time around, obviously can''t forget her ability eyesight only has limited range so I doubt she can see even see the floor of this desert right about now. I do wonder how she''s even able to fly in phoenix form if her sight can''t keep up but I guess if you fly high and slow enough, bumping into obstacles like trees would never happen.


    That''s kinda cute thinking about it, seeing the bird version of Petra flying into the tree bumping her head. Obviously I wouldn''t her to ever get hurt, it would just mean I could look after her if she ever got hurt and bedridden, make her a bowls of soup and give her a bed massage if she needed it. Damn, I''m weird...


    "Ahem... we''re skipping rest tonight; I''m getting there asap"


    As soon as possible, I''m not using these terms anymore. I''ve honestly made myself a little flustered now, stupid bird.


    __________


    (Ikarus) "Wow... I don''t think I''ve seen a camel since I was child visiting a zoo"


    (Ariza) "Aww, I love animals"


    (Zeki) "Yup, camels do taste great brother"


    (Petra) "Heh"


    (Ariza) "That''s not what I meant Zeki!"


    Me and Ariza are currently petting a tamed camel we''vee across, it''s really just Ariza doing it since I already had my share of petting, camels aren''t really petting animals thinking about it. I''m actually a little surprised this is the first one we''vee across but they don''t seem all thatmon out here in the desert, at least in the middle country with the pyramid, think that country''s name was Mitte. The one we''re currently in is called Lenk, the western country out of the three desertnds.


    "You don''t find that many humans like camels"


    "All animals are fun and cute in their own ways, even Mr camel here"


    The beastman on the back of the camel talks to Ariza in a sweet, friendly voice, he clearly is a little surprised for Ariza''s love of animals. So am I if I''m being honest, she''s been petting that guy for long enough, the camel even seems a little bored now.


    It turns out, my worries about this entire continent being racist was aplete waste of time, this country Lenk in particr seems to be perfectly fine with all humans but I could be easily jinxing so it''s best to just leave that thought hidden away.


    All of us are obviously in human form right now with me in particr in the no feathered version, no chance am I wearing feathers and wings in a freaking desert unless I have to. I can handle the heat better then those two but still, feathers be making you hotter.


    "We''re going to set off then, see ya"


    The man riding the camel sets off and gives us a quick wave while leaving, Ariza''s been petting this big guy for a few minutes now so it''s probably best to stop even if she now looks disappointed, it''s not like there won''t be other camels to pet in the vige, unless that''s thest camel in existence. Nah, I like Ariza so teasing her is just being nasty, she does seem quite the sensitive soul after all.


    The camel riding beastman in particr was just leaving this small desert vige we''vee across and we''re now walking into the vige proper, obviously Inded a distance away to change form to make sure no witnesses were about but that''s a given.


    "Fuck me, it''s hot"


    Wow, it''s taken this long for Zeki toin about the heat, it''s been about five days since we set off from that other settlement so I''m shocked he''ssted this long, is he mentally developing? No chance.


    (Ariza) "It''s not that bad Zeki, it was definitely worsest time"


    "Only because someone was willing to share their potions, now they''re not"


    I already know what Zeki is hinting at, I''m not discussing this again with him, moan moan moan. I have roughly a stock of twenty stamina potions that should be used when needed, not for keeping Mr obnoxious nice and cool since he''d get through them in a several days if he could.


    Also, they are love potions after all, he''d definitely have a reaction now. Even though that would be funny to watch him getting flustered over the dryad, he''d probably go on a rampage denying it and destroy a country or two. He cannot be allowed these potions anymore...


    (Petra) "You can stopining now Zeki, there''s an inn right over there"


    All four of us have now walked into the desert vige proper and the obnoxious Zeki runs off ahead of us realizing there''s shade from the heat inside the inn.


    "Good, I''m off then"


    Now it''s just us three left, something isn''t right about this vige though.


    (Ikarus) "This ce seems a little... off"


    (Petra) "Agreed"


    "Uh huh"


    I can''t quite describe but there is something odd about this ce, most of the beastfolk living here look a little sickly and malnourished, no one seems to be working and there''s a lot of stuff just left lying about, undelivered crates, boxes, chests, that sort of thing. It''s almost as if this vige is in the middle of a gue or something...


    "Shit, there ain''t a gue here or something, is there?"


    ...


    I don''t get an answer from the others making me now worry even more, that fucking idiot Zeki has just ran into an inn that could be covered head to toe in gue victims, couldn''t he have just looked first before running off?


    Have no idea what our resistances to things like diseases and gues are, you''d think it would be pretty high or we''d be immune but none of us, even Aesa isn''tpletely sure on that. It would be pretty bullshit if a creature as strong as us were to die from something like amon cold though, catching a gue would be bullshit as well. It''s a good thing we''ve got a healer around who might as well have the powers of a God.


    "In all honesty Ikarus, this seems a little different, somethings not quite right here but no one hase up in boils or seems to be coughing up blood"


    "Uh huh"


    I''m guessing Petra hase across actual gue victims before, that''s not a pleasant thought. I guess she does have a point, the people walking around this ce do still seem able to move about well enough, it could also be early stages of the sickness but there''s a lot of people around here who look ill. My point being no one looks at deaths door, at least right now.


    Thinking about it, that guy on the camel looked a little sickly as well. We''ll focus on that another time, let''s just try and provide help if we can, Petra already has a question lined up for Ariza before I have the chance to ask.


    "Ariza, you happy to give a helping hand?"


    "Of course"


    No point in me saying anything, we''ve got this sorted, kinda. Ariza was definitely going to offer help anyways; you could tell by the way she looked. It''s not exactly like we''re going to leave these people to their own fates as well, I am getting a little bored of doing good deeds but this isn''t for my sake, we are a party of four after all and this isn''t a dictatorship this time around. I guess helping people is still good despite my reluctance.


    It a bloody good thing we''vee with a person who is a literally a top tier healer for this situation though, no idea how we''re going to go about this but Ariza seems more than happy to help out as many people as possible, it does fit her personality after all.


    ''I guess we could just go up to random people asking if they want help, I wonder if that will work...''


    __________


    "Praise the Gods, it''s already starting to take effect"


    "You really must be an angel in human form"


    "Thank you, thank you!"


    "I already feel so much better"


    It''s been several hours since we entered the vige and are currently using a makeshift,rge fur tent as a healing station. After Ariza offered to help the first people around her, they suggested we do this as well so they would get the rest of the vige toe to us here and wouldn''t you know it, we''ve been stuck healing the ill ever since. It''s not really we though, just Ariza.


    It''s probably not gue as well now, Ariza seemed pretty adamant the effect felt different than that type of disease but even she is notpletely sure on what''s causing it. I''m guessing like Petra, she also has probably helped out with a gue once before, pretty interesting considering her and Zeki seem to hate the outside world.


    Maybe something happened to those two that made them like this? Might ask about it one day but it''ll probably be quite tragic if Petra''s past is anything to go off so should maybe ignore it.


    Those four that just spoke to her are some beastfolk that obviously just got healed. After Ariza does her blue looking phoenix magic on them, they sit down for a few minutes to recover and then are good as gold, it''s honestly astonishing how effective her healing is but it''s not all that surprising, it''s her specialty after all.


    The rest of us three seem to be more focused around destruction rather than healing after, it''s strange why that''s a thing but I guess the different types of systems be doing that. I wonder what Zeki is off doing right now, no point keeping him around since it would only be frustrating. If he had a phone, he''d be probably sending death threats to Mrs obnoxious and she''d be calling him girly in response. It''s a good thing those two are apart for now.


    As for what me and Petra have been doing with the healing, we''re basically just managing the lines and making sure everyone gets treatment, in some ways we''re the nurses to doctor Ariza but obviously without the uniform. I already know Petra regrets not buying a nurse uniform now, for God''s sake.


    An idea dide to mind to maybe charge coin for healthcare but that''s one thing I definitely have morals on. Sure, it''s a little ironic seeing that I''m more than happy to kill but to charge someone for being healed!? What type of monster do you think I am!? Well... obviously a phoenix since we''re considered monsters apparently, charging for healthcare is still pretty cruel though...


    "Petra, I don''t really know how much more I can take"


    Ariza''s healing abilities use a mixture of magic and somehow count as an ability as well, I guess it could be considered a hybrid but the way she describes it makes it sound a little different. I''ve already given her a magic pot for a refill as well, she must be getting exhausted doing all this then, I guess she must''ve healed dozens of people by now, can see why you''d be getting tired.


    "That''s fine, there''s only a few left"


    "Uh, good, I''m sleeping for a long time after"


    It obviously must affect her stamina as well; she has basically healed every beastfolk in this vige. She even sounds a little drowsy as well now.


    "Let''s get thesest few done, then me and Petra will investigate while you take a nap"


    "Sure..."


    We''ll rush thesest few along, then she can get some rest. Poor Ariza...


    __________


    "That settles it then, you have any idea what''s causing this Petra?"


    After thest few have now been cured, Ariza is now napping in this tent on afy looking rug, no point in keeping her up to help, she''spleted her role. It probably would''ve been a better idea to try and find the source of the illness beforehand but it''s not exactly like we''ve got much to go off here. It''ll be safe to leave her here for now, it''s not exactly like anyone in this vige is going to hurt her or anything like that, I''m sure I heard someone call her a blue haired Goddess as well at some point.


    "Had an idea but now I''m sceptical, we''ll need to start searching for answers properly now"


    "Agreed"


    Didn''t have the time to ask while healing everyone since most people didn''t really seem all that open to begin with or just simply didn''t know, hopefully we''ll get some answers now...


    __________


    So we end up spending the next couple of hours speaking to people around the vige looking for any clues or reasons why people have fallen sick, some of those answers included things like,


    "Sorry, I just woke up one morning like this"


    And,


    "My husband fell ill first but I''m not sure if I caught it from him or someone else"


    As well as,


    "No idea, everyone else just ended up ill and so did we"


    Thest person we spoke to had a very different opinion to the whole thing though which has now gotten me thinking about something, her answer went like this,


    "This is nothing, it''s simply just the wrath of the Gods that we disrespected and now we''ve been paying the price"


    I''ve been thinking on that for a while now, is that a thing or not?


    ''Did the Gods seriously cause this? No, I bet this is one of those things where no one can figure out what''s going on, then me the Gods since they don''t actually know. Unless they did do it, they did cause a volcano to erupt after all but that wasn''t out of punishment''


    Petra will probably have a better idea, age and experience obviously being a factor, my parents would be best for something like this but we''re too far away from them and father would hate the idea of helping humans.


    We''re currently sitting on a bench at this empty market and are here both looking a little frustrated right now, no one in this goddamn vige has any clue what''s going on. All illness has a cause, it''s just a bit of a struggle to figure out what''s causing it.


    "Petra, you think the Gods could cause something like this?"


    I expected a quick answer saying no but she seriously thinks on my question, it seems even she thinks it might be a possibility.


    "Honestly... kinda doubt it, there obviously are Gods associated with disease and illness but most of the time, ites down to a physical reason like someone passing on the disease. The main cause can be from something like tainted meat or just bacteria that has always existed and developed throughout the years"


    All the food and water in this vige are apparently fine, they mostly hunt wild animals that roam the desert for food but no one has had any food poisoning like symptoms. As for water, they get that from a well and they say that tastes fine...


    "Wait... what about the water? Have they checked the bottom of the well?"


    Petra facepalms and sighs from my question this time. However, she''s not disappointed at me in the slightest.


    "*Sigh*... my age is really starting to catch up me, how did I forget something like that? Anything could fall down that well, it doesn''t exactly look well maintained"


    She actually looks really sad at herself for forgetting something like that, it''s really not that big a deal though, she can''t always be perfect even if in my eyes she is, any faults she potentially has just makes her even better. Everyone makes mistakes, her memory just be doing that at times.


    As for the water thing, I''m notpletely sure of all the symptoms of tainted drinking water but it could be that, doesn''t hurt to have a check anyways.


    "Don''t beat yourself up over it, I''d be more worried if your memory was perfect after that long living"


    Anyway, to cheer up her spirits, hand holding always fixes all so I steal her hand away from her and lead her to the vige well. Thankfully, my abruptness always works to cheer her up, who cares if her memory can be a little bad at times? Petra is still Petra after all.


    Now at the well, I''m a little confused on what to do.


    "You have any idea how we can check down there?"


    "Heh, could hold you up by your ankles and lower you in"


    "Very funny"


    It''s a good thing she''s cheered up now, sad Petra should be always be helped. I do wonder how we can test the water without having to actually go down there. Thankfully, my question gets an immediate answer from an unlikely normally quiet robotic wife.


    [<If -user- were to sample water, then Aesa would be able to detect>]


    ''Couldn''t that poison me?''


    [<Use target -Ariza- for healing afterwards>]


    My system really couldn''t give two shits if I purposely hurt myself so why am I surprised here? Aesa is just as curious as I so let''s just do it then, what''s the worse thing that can happen? I mean, cholera is really bad but who cares?


    ''Fuck it then, let''s get sick''


    Using the rope, I lower the bucket down into the water in the well, then raise it back up filled with water. It looks safe enough to drink but that means shit if something has died down there.


    "You seriously going to drink that?"


    Even Petra has questioned me grabbing a handful of water from the bucket, can''t say I me her.


    "Aesa says she can detect if it''s bad or not if I drink a bit of it"


    "Does she? You shouldn''t have to swallow it for the system to be able to detect it though, I''d offer to drink it myself but mine wouldn''t work. If you feel sick after, I''ll wake Ariza up straight away"


    Would Petra''s system voice not be able to tell what''s in the water? There definitely is a story about her voice that I''m yet to learn but no time for that right now, something else has pissed me off.


    ''Aesa, is that true? I don''t need to swallow it?''


    [<...>]


    No answer, I already know what that means. I''d be pissed even more but Aesa did try and get me to drink those potions long ago so I already know she doesn''t hold my welfare in perfect regards. It''s a good thing I haven''t insured myself otherwise I''d be worried that my robotic wife would try and kill me in my sleep or something.


    [<-User- is just being paranoid, Aesa cannot live if -user- is deceased>]


    ''Knowing you though, you wouldn''t think twice about killing me if it freed you from my head''


    [<No idea what -user- is on about>]


    Anyways... ignoring Aesa lying about digging me and her a grave to sleep in, I take a swig of the water, then very quickly spit it onto the ground. It tastes alright but that means shit.


    [<-User''s- theory was correct, liquid containsrge traces of dead vulture, constant drinking of said liquid would cause potential weakness, nausua and death>]


    At least that settles that mystery then, we''ll tell the vigers this and they''ll have to dump out or clean all this water, no idea how they''ll do it once they find out but that''s not our problem if they don''t have a spare water supply, it''s not like we can stick around and provide a vige with endless amounts of water, none of us know water magic anyways and my storage won''t exactlyst long supplying an entire vige.


    "How is it Ikarus?"


    "It''s definitely tainted. Let''s get this sorted, stay the night and then leave in the morning..."

 Chapter 76 – Higher Forces

    Chapter 76 ¨C Higher Forces


    "The fish tastes like shit; you got anything better orangey?"


    (Ikarus) "Can''t be eating cake everyday kid, fish is good for ya"


    "Still, anything is better than this crap. Where''s the blood, bitterness or sweetness? I hate fish"


    (Ariza) "You hate everything Zeki"


    "Maybe not everything but yeah, you''re probably right brother"


    (Petra) "..."


    After Ist left off, we informed the vige what happened and left it to them to figure out how to deal with it, they didn''t seem all that worried about knowing that their main water souce ispletely tainted, I''m guessing they have a way of filtering or cleaning it out so I guess that kind of worry wasn''t needed. It also rained earlier but unaware if it did over by their country though.


    That was eight days ago, we''ve been mostly travelling ever since with us even rotating the flying duties this time around, we basically just did it so we could travel for longer without needing to rest. I''ve actually been on the back of Ariza and Zeki, it''s kinda weird not flying yourself for once but I have been on the back of a wyvern before so it''s not that strange.


    Mr obnoxious really hated when it was his turn to be ridden, he really is a stubborn as my father when ites to things like that but he still powered on, even if he spent the entire day moaning about it.


    As for what we''re doing now, we''re all eating dinner around a campfirete at night, it''s surprisingly cold out right about now. For thest twelve hours, it''s been absolutely pissing it down, it turns out it can rain in the desert and now that the rain is gone, the heat seems to be cooled down and the night is pretty cold. Obviously not cold enough to affect me, I do have a resistance after all, it''s cold enough for Zeki and Ariza to change form and to be sitting around a fire though, I''ve got my human feathers and Petra clearly doesn''t feel the cold.


    The campfire we set up is in the ruins we found; this is the second time we''vee across these. The first was when we saw it off in the distance on the way to the pyramid and right now. The n is to stay here the night, then get out of the country Mitte as soon as possible otherwise we''ll end up encountering racists knowing our luck.


    Of course, it''s extremely tempting to kill every bigot wee across but if I start using that mindset for everyday use, then I''ll end killing way too much, Zeki being the prime example of what I don''t want to turn into. If it wasn''t for Petra, I honestly think he''d be a demon lord of destruction or cruelty, maybe I''m exaggerating but with him, there''s a good chance.


    Anyway, back onto eating, we''ve basically all finished by now and I''ve just thrown the stick I was using to hold the fish into the fire, I''ve been meaning to clear out some of the food I''ve got stored away so that''s the reason we had fish out in the middle of a desert.


    ''It really is chilly''


    I can definitely see why those two have changed forms, it is pretty cold. Thinking about it, I feel like I can use this an excuse to get closer to Petra, it is ''really cold'' after all. I feel like this is the first time I''ve wanted to cuddle properly as well, not just to cheer Petra up. Of course I''ve got to go about this in an odd way otherwise I''d be lying to myself, it is something new after all.


    "Hey Petra... seeing that it''s pretty cold and all, I feel like I might freeze if I don''t warm up soon"


    I''m such a tsundare at times, this is better than justing out and saying I want to cuddle though. Unfortunately, there''s an elephant sized, obnoxious red blob that can''t shut his trap.


    "You really ain''t fooling no one orangey"


    "Heh"


    Now I feel betrayed seeing Petra do herugh at hisment, it''s even made me cross my arms and pout. Thankfully, it''s clear what I was hinting at so she moves closer on this ruined looking bench we''re sitting on and puts her arm around me and I snuggle into her, would this be called a sideways hug? Ah, I don''t care what it''s called, Petra''s warmth is pretty great to be honest.


    "Err, have a bit ofmon courtesy you two!"


    "You might be the biggest hypocrite around Zeki"


    I feel like Ariza just needs to ignore him at times, he''s clearly just trying to be a wind up, best to not give him any attention and he''ll shut it... eventually. We''re only hugging after all, it''s not like those two have never seen anything like this. Zeki literally would ''fight'' with the dryad in front of everyone without giving two shits.


    Me and Petra stay like this for a little while longer, it clearly seems to be having an annoying effect to those two though, mostly Zeki. It turns out ignoring him actually works.


    "Forget it, I''m sleeping now"


    "It is kindate, I''ll sleep as well... Night you two"


    Zeki leaves us quickly and Ariza gives a little smile from her beak before she heads off, now it''s just us two alone in this ruined building. Unfortunately, a big problem is about to present itself, an end of the world type problem.


    "Heh, it might be best if we get some shut eye soon as well"


    She wants to end it already!?! No can do, Petra is reallyfortable after all, we''re not separating and sleeping just yet, this type of hug is actually really nice.


    "Give me a few more minutes, maybe an hour more and sure"


    "Heh... fair enough"


    The thing is, I''ve always been the person on the other end of this back when I was a dude on Earth, both sides of this type of hug are great and I''d honestly stay here all night if we could. It''s funny how ufortable this type of thing used to make me feel, now I freaking love it. Development! I''m still way too slow though.


    For some reason, my mind always has to wonder even when rxing like this.


    ''What would be the next step after this?''


    Seriously though, whates next? Even if we haven''t actually admitted to it, we basically are an item or a couple now, that never needed confirmation. What about next? Is it kissing, admitting to love, s-sleeping together? Sighhh, I hate thinking about this type of thing.


    The rtionships I''ve had back on Earth always went really weird, mostly because ''love'' neversted long in the slightest. I''m pretty certain my gender has some effect on my thinking on the whole thing but another difference is simply because of Petra, I really, really like her, more than anyone in the past so everything feels even more troublesome.


    "What are you thinking heavily on?"


    "Can you read my mind or something? How do you know when I''m thinking heavily?"


    I can''t help but lift her arm away and end the hug when she asks that, she definitely can''t read my mind, I''m sure on it so why can she seem to normally tell if I''m thinking heavily?


    "Your aura Ikarus, it turns a slightly bit more intense..."


    Oh great, it''s her ''eyesight'' that can tell, at least I can''t hide anything from her. I''ll tell to see her opinion on the whole thing, I''m a little stuck on this.


    "... What we''re you thinking about anyways?"


    "Erm... In all honesty, whates next? I mean between us, what''s the next step? I''m a little stuck on that"


    She can''t help but start to smile from my questing, I''m being deadly serious though, we''ve basically been travelling with each other for over half a year now and I''ve been the one keeping things slow, what happens next?


    Hang on, I think it''s actually been close to eight months, has it seriously been that long? That should be when she joined the party with me, priestess and the knight back then, we''ve basically been together ever since I guess except for once or twice.


    "Heh, are you really thinking so heavily on this?"


    It''s obvious she doesn''t worry too much on these types of things, I am the more worrisome out of us two, she does worry but normally only when ites tobat preparation.


    "Of course, normally I used to take the lead and do initiate stuff now but it''s a little confusing"


    "Heh, you want me to take the lead more then?..."


    It''s obvious that was a tease, things are going perfectly already so there''s no need for her to try harder, I''ve basically started initiating it more now anyways. She really only ever starts it when ites down to teasing, unsure on the reason for that but I guess every now and then she does start things.


    Petra pauses for a second after that and then gets serious though, it''s clear she can tell this is something that''s bothering me slightly.


    "... Seriously though, if you want an answer Ikarus, probably more intimate contact, maybe a kiss on the cheek or something like that? We can always go on more dates when all this stuff is sorted. It really isn''t that much to worry about, I''ll never force you but you already know that"


    "Yeah..."


    She makes it sound like I''mpletely against the idea of progressing faster, all I really need to do now is just push myself and I can get through most hurdles. Knowing me, if I tried to initiate a kiss or something simr and I could get through it, then I bet I''d reckon I''d be able to withstand it in the future.


    Should I give that a try? Not on the cheek though, that would be pointless, maybe...


    "... Then how about-..."


    Just as I''m about to suggest something, a distractiones up that pisses me off. It always has to be something when I''m feeling like this.


    "... What... the fuck is that?"


    "*Sigh*... arachnids, always show up when not wanted"


    Is that a giant scorpion? Well, it''s not a giant but it''s easily the size of a small human, maybe a dwarf. How the hell did that even get in here? There even looks like there''s a few of them, fucking mutated, scorpion bastards!


    "How the hell can they even grow to that size?"


    "They''ve existed forever out here; we''ve just been unluckying across one right now. Careful Ikarus, their stingers hurt a bit but they go down easily enough from any type of damage"


    Looks like we''re going to have to massacre some scorpions, thanks for ruining my thinking, stupid bugs. They''re not technically bugs but I don''t care.


    "Let''s get to work then..."


    __________


    "Heh, you still in a mood Ikarus?"


    "Of course I am, fucking scorpions"


    (Zeki) "They do taste pretty good if you cut out the parts that aren''t lethal but they are irritating bastards otherwise"


    "Uh huh"


    We''re now back up in the skies flying once again, I''m on carry duty this time and am clearly looking like I''m irritated even from where those three are sitting, these desert scorpions that we''ve only just somehowe across be doing that to me. They die very easily though, probably as easy as wolfs thinking about it, no point talking about that since it''s just a pointless fight.


    This is why I can''t ever suggest anything, something is bound to get in the way like a shitty romance story that keeps putting up hurdles when a rtionship might be about to take the next step. I was gonna force myself to get through it despite how red and flustered it would''ve made me but I bet it would''ve helped so much.


    Actually, it probably wouldn''t have, it''s just an idea that keeps getting rejected, obviously there are higher forces in y being right dicks, probably some bullshit like the Goddess of love decided we''re ipatible or something, maybe they just want to dy it for the sake of being a tease.


    It''s been close to a week now since that happened and something else hase up blocking me from making a suggestion twice since those ruins, one time being down to it suddenly raining and thundering just as I was about to say something, I swear rain is supposed to be rare in the desert. The other was early on today, some more fucking scorpions decided to say hello. I hate coincidences or feeling like someone is screwing me over.


    I give up, I swear I feel like someone is trying to torment me or something so I''ll just let them win... for now.


    Anyways, on flight to the red desert, mesa dungeon which should be thest, we did actually see something pretty noteworthy down below. A few days ago, we spotted a gigantic looking desert castle off in the distance with an oasis to the side of it, pretty cool to look at from up here but none of the other phoenixes seemed to pay any attention to it, I am the youngest and they have seen most of what this world has to offer after all.


    There was a settlement near to the coast we had to fly over as well but we didn''t stop to have a good look at it, it wasn''t time to stop so we didn''t bother and besides, this trip has already taken long enough. Thankfully, it looks like we''re now getting close.


    "So... that must be it then"


    "Uh huh"


    "..."


    "Towards the red desert orangey!"


    Off in the far distance, we''ve finallyid eyes upon therge red desert of the mesa and in that desert are gigantic rock structures that seem to be everywhere. We''ve finally arrived flying across an entire desert spanning three countries, we would be in the third to the east now, it''s called Ostin or something I believe. It matters little anyway; all three countries are basically the same except the middle one dislikes humans and arge part of this one is mesa.


    ''It''s time to get searching...''


    __________


    "Where the hell is it?"


    (Ariza) "It does seem to be really well hidden"


    "Agreed orangey, this is fucking annoying"


    "..."


    Days, literally days of searching for the next dungeon, we''ve been flying around this ce taking it turns looking for any signs that could point us in the right direction and nothing, it''s Ariza''s turn to be carrier right now and we still can''t spot any clue on where we''re supposed to go, I''m even looking at a map and still no idea.


    Obviously Petra isn''t going to be great at this, we should be low enough she can ''see'' partially but distances are still a problem for her, I wonder if I can ever find a cure to her blindness, that would be such a brilliant gift I could give her but nothing is ever that easy in this world. From the sounds of it, she was born with blindness so that would be very difficult to fix but magic is magic after all.


    I''m unsure if she was blind as a human though but it doesn''t sound that way, her evolution in the egg seemed to make her blind but Petra has never gone that much into it before, she''d give me an answer but it would make her sad. I refuse to allow her to get sad, that''s like one of my main goals in life now. Petra sadness must be contained and destroyed at all costs!


    While I''m thinking about Petra once again, something has caught my eye though, it''s quite the distance away.


    "Wait a second, is that an ind over there?"


    Off in the distance of this mesa we''ve been looking around for days now, is an ind off the coast that for some reason we haven''te close to yet, maybe because the map doesn''t show it even exists. I know we weren''t supposed to rely on this map but this is still stupid how an entire mesa looking ind hasn''t been marked.


    It also appears there is a rope bridge leading from this maind to the ind, we clearly aren''t going to be using that since wings are better than a shitty, rickety bridge. Not noticing that sooner has really annoyed me further, it''s not like we''ve been flying near the north coast of this ce but it''s not exactly like that ind is small, whoever made this map sucks. Oh yeah, the mesa ind is north of us, you''d think that wouldn''t be possible since the Sierran continent is also north, the mesa part of the desert sticks out a bit so the ocean is in every direction except west. Actually, even that''s notpletely true, forget it now. It''s north of us, alright?


    "Why the hell was that ind not marke-, forget it, they did say thesends aren''t mapped out properly anyway"


    Think it was the prince saying thesends are unmapped, that''s technically incorrect since you can find maps of it, just they clearly are terrible and pointless to use. Maybe he meant they''re unmappable because of how terrible the marked maps are, no idea though.


    Ariza flies towards the ind in question, it shares very simrndmarks like the gigantic rock structures but seems a bit redderpared to the maind. Very quickly however, we spot something that looks out of ce.


    (Zeki) "It''s about goddamn time we found something different"


    (Ariza) "That''s definitely a cave, right?"


    It seems those two have spotted a small cave entrance off in the distance, I''m a little surprised they saw that but I can just about see the little opening in the side of one of the huge rocks.


    (Ikarus) "I really hope this is what we''re looking for"


    (Petra) "Hopefully"


    This is the first cave or opening anywhere in this entire ce we''ve seen, it''s not exactly noticeable but it''s the only thing different we''vee across, it''s got to be that, right?


    ''If that isn''t thest dungeon, then this ce is just stupid...''

 Chapter 77 – Dungeon Ten

    Chapter 77 ¨C Dungeon Ten


    (Ikarus) "Seriously, which way do we go?"


    (Zeki) "The fuck would I know?"


    (Ariza) "This ce isn''t very nice"


    "¡­"


    We''ve already entered thest dungeon and we already know what the theme might be, clearly it must be based around escaping or something simr. The second we walked through the entrance into this ce after heading through the cave, the walls closed up trapping us, then it almost felt like an elevator going deep into the earth. It''s stopped now and none of us know which direction to head in, there are four different doorways around us in this cube looking box to go through but this clearly isn''t going to be easy if it''s a dungeon, at least from what we know right now.


    There isn''t much to describe though, the cube just looks slightly metal, maybe steel looking and the doors look the exact same, that''s really all about it.


    "I swear I''ve seen a movie like this before"


    "Really? How did it go orangey?"


    "Erm¡­ pretty sure only one person lived and the rooms kept moving about as well"


    ¡­


    Well I''ve just killed our spirits, we''ll be fine though! We''re immortal phoenixes after all, maybe not immortal butpared to most humans we are. That''s really the only thing I remember about that movie though, it was one of those films where nearly everyone needed to die because of ''plot'' reasons. Forget it, need to focus on the situation, Petra seems to be concerned on something now.


    "There is another problem though, pretty sure this ce is slowly killing us"


    "What do you mean older sis?"


    "Uh huh?"


    "Yeah, what Petra?"


    We all ask her what the issue is but none of us seem to know the reason why Petra said that.


    "Can feel a slight effect, almost like my health is draining but it''s also not"


    As soon as Petra''s says that, Aesa can''t help but confirm something.


    [<-User''s- health is currently being affected while in current dungeon>]


    ''Lemme check my status then''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 97]


    [Health  29,370*/30,000*]


    [Stamina  7,816*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 30,000*/30,000*]


    [You currently have 3500 unassigned points]


    ''Huh? I swear that''s how it should be; my health hasn''t lost any more than it should''ve''


    [<-User''s- current health has an unknown effect adding to it, effect doesn''t allow any lost health to regenerate while under dungeon conditions>]


    ''So I can''t regenerate health down here? I guess Petra was a little mistaken then. Does healing counter it?''


    [<Unfortunately negative, target -Ariza- or potion -healent- will not counter the stagnant regeneration>]


    Well that adds another risk element to this ce, it seems me and Petra aren''t the only people who have this effect also now.


    "Uh, I feel that as well now"


    "Err, couldn''t you have told me that a second ago? You fucking idiot!..."


    Ariza seems to understand what the effect is and Zeki''s clearly having a go at his system voice.


    "¡­ What do you mean you didn''t know? It literally is your job to know!..."


    ''Damn, he really doesn''t get on with his voice, remember there was a time I was kinda like that''


    "¡­ Oh, whatever you useless piece of shit... Older sis, your voice is wrong, it''s just a regen effect that brother won''t be able to fix unfortunately"


    I don''t know why Zeki said that, Petra said she felt an effect on her, not that her voice said it. Hang on, does Petra even have a voice? She has a system like us but I''m sure she''s never mentioned it speaking, Ariza rarely mentions it as well but she has told me its name once or twice, not that I remember it. I really need to ask her about it but once again, getting sidetracked here, need to focus on what''s ahead of us right now.


    We can stand around here doing nothing or we can try to find a way out, it''s not exactly like we know the way out right now.


    "Look, should we just pick a direction and just try that? There''s not really much we can do right now in here"


    My questioning gets swiftly rejected by who know who though.


    "Hang on a sec orangey. Sis, can you detect the way out?"


    Oh yeah, Petra can detect the other sides of cards using her ''sight'' so does that mean she can see through walls? No, I doubt that, it would be a little OP if that was possible as well.


    "Heh Zeki, it really doesn''t work that way especially through metal"


    Thought so, Petra can''t ''see'' through walls, that would be a little over the top. Cards definitely.


    "Well that sucks, I thought you were like an X-ray machine or something but I guess that n''s out the window. Let''s do what orangey said and just wing it as we go"


    That''s not what I said but he''s agreeing with my main point so I won''t argue with him.


    "Uh huh"


    "¡­"


    I guess we''re all kinda in an agreement? Thankfully we have someone in our party who doesn''t understand the concept of risk and literally will jump into danger head first even when we know regenerating health isn''t possible in here.


    "I call dibs on going first, this ce better be dangerous"


    Zeki opens up the doors and jumps into the next cube room without even giving it an inch of thought, the door seems to be on atch closing behind him just after as well.


    "ARGHH!!!"


    However very quickly after he enters, we hear a spingling scream from behind the door, just what the fuck has happened to him?


    We all try to rush in to the screaming Zeki and find the door hasn''t locked behind him thankfully enough. Unfortunately, the only thing we see in the next room is Zeki rolling about on the floorughing his head off.


    "Ahahahahahahaha¡­ can''t believe you lot fell for that, as if a little bit of fire would hurt. Oh yeah, it shot fire like orangey''s methrower there"


    He points to the ceiling while talking aboutparing the me he just received to my methrower, there does appear to be four nozzles in the corners of the room, this could''ve harmed anyone who is resistant to fire, the floor does look pretty burnt thinking about it.


    (Ariza) "You''re such a dick Zeki"


    (Zeki) "It''s not my fault you lot are idiots, ahahaha"


    "¡­"


    ''This kid really doesn''t care''


    Ariza gives him a slight kick while he''s still on the floorughing, he really is a dick at times, this isn''t the time to piss about. Petra also gives a slight facepalm from what he just did, he deserves to die if he''s gonna do shit like that down here.


    There''s no point questioning his sense of humour though, let''s just continue on otherwise we''ll be here all day. I wonder who''ll go next, hopefully Zeki again and he''lle across something that hurts this time.


    I''d kinda like to hold hands down here with Petra as well but dangeres first and all, I am in a weird mood today though so my mind keeps wondering.


    "I went through the first door, who wants to be guinea pig next?"


    Before I have the chance to volunteer, Petra has to be her overprotective usual self.


    "Ikarus and Ariza, stay back and allow me and Zeki to rotate going first"


    "Err, that sucks sis but it kinda makes sense"


    (Ariza) "Wait, why Petra"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah"


    I think I have an idea on why Petra is looking worried here, it''s all for our safety after all. Her and Zeki would have much higher health pools than us two seeing that their levels are in the hundreds, both me and Ariza haven''t even hit a hundred yet.


    "We''re a lot stronger than you and this ce could be very risky if other things were to appear, no one would care if Zeki was to get hurt as well"


    "Hey! The hell was that for?"


    Guess I was right, me and Ariza both can''t help but smile at Petra being nasty to Zeki though. I''d want to discuss it more with her but I can already tell I''d lose, she really does have overprotective tendencies at times, kinda like mother thinking about it¡­


    Okay, that''s aparison I''m NEVER making again, I love both of them but in VERY different ways. Wait, did I just think¡­ forget it, it''s this dungeon! This dungeon is making me feel weird today, me the dungeon.


    Petra ignores his response though and leads the way into another room, should probably point out by now that all of us are in human form, these cube-like rooms aren''t exactly big enough for phoenixes to be in so human is best, I''m also in feathered-human form but I normally choose this over the other form, the only reason not to use this is if we''re in public or it''s hot so just assume it''s this one most of the time now.


    She opens the door, steps in and it closes behind her. I can''t help being extremely worried as she does this though, what hell could potentially await behind that door?


    "It''s safe, looks like this one if the right path"


    We all go through and this time around however, no effect like fire or any danger happens, it could be the trap malfunctioned on this one, the person who made this ce forgot or we are on the right path. I''ll be optimistic and go with Petra''s view on it.


    "You''re a lucky bastard older sis, I better be luckier next time"


    And so Zeki charges off ahead into the next room, let''s see if his luck is better next time around.


    ''I hope this doesn''t take forever¡­''


    __________


    "I fucking hate dungeons!"


    "At least all of us are alive Zeki"


    "That doesn''t help me brother, these ces must be purposely designed to torment me!"


    "..."


    ''Even I''m starting to feel a little sorry for him''


    We''ve been doing this cube-to-cube thing for what feels like hours now and Zeki''s luck stat must be terrible to be getting so many rigged rooms, I used to think all dungeons were against me until watching the hell he''s facing, this must be the world applying karma to him or something, he can''t be this unlucky normally, right?


    Maybe this is why he dislikes going out so much, the world just keeps screwing him over, at least he''s got a dryad''s shoulder to cry on, I very much doubt Zeki could even cry though.


    Some of the trapped rooms we''vee across have been obviously fire, ice spikes, electricity, needles, metal spikes, these are just to name a few though, there''s been loads of pretty annoying, slightly painful things. Keep in mind everything hasn''t been lethal with all the attacks being small enough to basically shake off, it still will be surely draining his health though. For low levelled humans, they''d be killed off pretty quick.


    Basically nearly everything has shot out of the ceiling as well and Zeki seems to always get most of them, Petra has been hit a few times by traps now but Zeki is theb rat in this dungeon experiment it seems.


    Thankfully, this amount of damage is clearly not enough to really visibly hurt both Petra and Zeki, maybe Zeki''s health has drained a lot by now but me and Ariza can always take his role if it drops too low, Petra probably won''t allow that though. He does look a bit mentally broken, charred and dirty by now, Ariza did try giving him a heal but it didn''t work, we knew it wouldn''t.


    As for Petra, there''s no point even talking about it, already tried and it ended up with her just teasing when I suggested that I should enter a few first. She does pick her moments to be overprotective though, I guess this dungeon is still pretty risky thinking about it.


    The more I think on it, the more I realize just how impossible these ces would be to normal humans though, I can see why the empire hated doing these especially when the rewards are normally shit too.


    "It''s absolute BS! I don''t even have a luck stat and if I did, it would be in the minuses right now! Why does everything bad always happen to good people?... *Sigh*, at least it''s your turn next older sis"


    He''s so unbearable at times, it''s pretty weird we have simr thinking on some things like with luck but seriously though, does he actually consider himself a good person? Maybe he''s not entirely evil but it wouldn''t take a lot for him to turn that way, I dread to think what would''ve happened without Petra basically raising him.


    This prophecy worries about me causing the end of the world, how the hell is it not rted to the third phoenix though? He''s a hell of a lot more likely to destroy the world than I but oh well.


    "There''s something different up ahead"


    Petra standing by the next door in this current cube seems to be unsure on something, she''s got her head pretty close to the current door, is she listening through it?


    "Huh? You said earlier you can''t see through walls older sis!"


    ''He really is an idiot''


    "*Sigh*, can''t see through it Zeki, feel an aura radiating through it, you should be able to tell as well"


    ''Oh, I guess I''m the stupid one then, thought she meant she could hear through it''


    "Lemme get closer one second then¡­ Oh, you''re right, that''s a strange feeling"


    Zeki goes up to the closed door where Petra is at while speaking and seems to understand what she''s on about now, auras have always been a little funny to describe but they seem to be attached to living beings and can be caused by things like extreme anger or other mixed emotions.


    Pretty sure extreme jealously causes it as well but Petra will never admit to that, they also seem to only be caused by people or animals with extreme power though. Or at least some power.


    (Ikarus) "Is there a boss in the next room then?"


    (Ariza) "Is there?"


    (Petra) "Maybe, let''s take a minute to n ahea-"


    (Zeki) "Only one way to find out"


    Zeki cuts off Petra and I swear he goes by the YOLO mentality, it''s a potential boss room and he just charges in like that, we could''ve at least rested a little since his stamina might be getting low but clearly he knows no such thing.


    We all follow him through afterwards and am a little surprised with what we find in the next room.


    (Zeki) "That''s disappointing, is that supposed to be the boss of this ce? I''m sitting this one out, waste of time"


    (Ariza) "Zeki''s exaggerating but he doesn''t seem that strong, at least I don''t think so"


    "Is he a sub-boss or the main?"


    "Unsure Ikarus"


    The room we''ve walked into is a lotrger than the rest of these cubes, this one appears to be more rectangr shaped and fits a giant looking creature sitting in the middle of it. This guy is a lot smaller than the giant previously encountered but still looks threatening enough, the reason why we don''t seem that worried is because he doesn''t seem to feel all that powerful, his aura seems kindacking. This ising from me who struggles to detect auras if it isn''t strong enough and I can barely sense that..


    There also appears to be a gigantic, garage looking door behind him as well, I think this might be the way out, I''m guessing there will be a stairway behind it but it could easily still just be a side boss and more dungeon behind, no idea till we defeat this guy.


    ''This guy only looks to have one eye as well, I bet I know what he is''


    [Name: Bronas | Species: Cyclops | Level: 250]


    [Health  33,333/33,333]


    [Stamina 66,667/66,667]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''Thought so, he''s pretty pathetic thinking about it, just looking at that alone we should be alright. Aspect of gigantomachy should kick this guy''s arse; does he have no minions though? He must have a secret ability like shooting aser from his eye or something''


    I take a quick look around, then towards Petra and see a little smile appear on her face, we obviously shouldn''t take nothing for granted but when she''s confident, things normally turn out pretty easily, is there seriously going to be nothing else form in this room though? The cyclops has gotten up as well now and looks to have noticed us, nothing else seems to be appearing.


    "Petra, you think he''s friendly? If not, should we just end this quickly?"


    "That club in his arm might disagree¡­"


    He now looks to be approaching us, I feel like someone''s just copied and pasted this boss and just made him smaller with one eye, he really does look way too simr to that other guy in that gold dungeon on the ind.


    "¡­ In all honesty though Ikarus, one use should be enough"


    I really don''t know why I keep questioning it, resistances seem to be really shit against this ability, maybe I''m just overly cautious at times and don''t like to rely on it alone but it does seem to be broken in a good way.


    "The allow me to take him on, you''ve done enough for me today"


    "Bu-"


    "No buts Petra, just help if needed, it''s my turn now"


    I can''t help but give a little wink and smile to her while saying that, she''s been protecting me throughout this dungeon so it''s my turn to do something. We are a partnership after all, let me try and protect you every now and then even if you don''t need it.


    ''The question is, should I take this slow or fast?...''


    The phony giant is now getting even closer to us and I step forward towards it, Petra is clearly ready in case she''s needed, Ariza looks a little stressed even further behind and off in the corner is Zeki sitting on the floor against the wall trying to have a nap! Seriously, is he actually trying to get some sleep right now!? Forget him, he''s just crazy.


    ''¡­ I''ve decided, there''s no point dragging out a long fight''


    I could train on this guy for a while but something I''ve learnt throughout my travels now, never underestimate anybody or you''ll end up with a broken leg like in the goblin dungeon, I no longer care if the fight is easy or not, survival is key.


    ''Aesa, activate''


    [<Confirmed, -aspect of gigantomachy- is now active>]


    I unsheathe my vampiric de and intend to end this in one hit, I move ever closer to the approaching cyclops and before I get in striking range, he takes a sideways swing towards me, thankfully there''s more than enough room to dodge under it and narrowly avoid his swing, I actually reckon I might survive a hit or two from him but I''m not testing that theory though.


    I''m honestly a little surprised he''s not screaming like the other giant but that''s unneeded, he''ll have no time to scream when Ind this hit. Now that I''m in striking range, the cyclops has no time to swing his club back around at me, I''ve got an easy chance here and I''m taking it.


    My dagger finds itself swinging towards the cyclops and just like that, my hit connects with the top of his leg and within a second, his entire body freezes up, thenes crashing down off to the side of me. I want toin but like I just thought, I''d rather ignore any pointless risks if I''ve got something that can kill this quickly, I''ve always got Petra to train me to fight more effectively anyways.


    ''It''s over now''


    I swing the blood of my de and put my dagger back into its sheath, I''d say that looked pretty cool but I really couldn''t care all that much. It also looks like a doorway is opening, it looks pretty light out there though, how is that even possible if we''re supposed to be this deep underground? It''s definitely the outside world, this makes no sense since we were supposed to be down here but forget it. Actually, that might be the ocean, that would make a bit more sense since that mesa ind was kinda surrounded by a cliff face.


    However, there was something I didn''t realize, I''m getting a few odd looks from the other phoenixes, thought it was Petra checking me out at first but the other two look weird as well. Is there something on my face?


    "Ikarus, are you alright?"


    "You look a little white orangey"


    "Uh huh"


    What are those three on about? Do I look a little pale or something? That fight wasn''t exactly difficult and I don''t feel tired, maybe a little underwhelmed but I''ve felt worse before.


    I ignore them for a bit since I want to confirm something with Aesa.


    ''I mean, I feel alright so forget it. Shouldn''t I be getting a reward now and the curse being cured?''


    [<¡­>]


    ''Aesa, you there?''


    [<¡­>]


    ''The hell is goin-¡­''


    With that, I feel a sudden rush of blood to my head and copse to the ground.


    "Ikarus!"

 Chapter 78 – Perspectives

    Chapter 78 ¨C Perspectives


    ---No chapter tomorrow, I''ll stop giving these updates (Unless it''s a different day/long time I miss) since you should just always assume the Wednesdays/Saturdays won''t have anything. If they do, then it''ll be a pleasant surprise like this week :)


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "Ikarus, Ikarus!"


    "Sis, calm down, she''ll be fine"


    (Ariza) "People don''t just pass out for no reason Zeki"


    This must be rted to her curse, it''s got to be, right? She felt light headed way back in that other dungeon, it''s got to be something simr and it clearly is having a stronger effect but this still doesn''t seem right, I can''t help but have anxiety over her.


    "She''s breathing older sis, it''s probably just fatigue or something"


    He''s irritating me now; fatigue doesn''t work this way and he knows it.


    (Petra) "Ikarus''s stamina would''ve been fine Zeki, this isn''t that... Fucking curses, really hope it''s not hurting her in anyway"


    At this point, all three of us are around the copsed Ikarus with me holding her from keeping her slumped against the floor, she deserves better than this. If I only I knew more on curses, could''ve prepared her for when this happened.


    I need to calm myself and try to regainposure, she''ll definitely wake up, right? No, that type of optimistic thinking is something I''ve never been able to constantly do, need to find a solution in case she doesn''t wake up quickly, better to be safe than sorry, learnt that the hard way throughout the years.


    "Zeki, you have any way of contacting that dryad?"


    That dryad seemed to know more than she let on when ites to phoenixes, bet she has some knowledge on curses. Even if she doesn''t, her knockout did make Ikarus seem really rxed, never heard her snore before then.


    "Nah, I don''t, it''s fucking dumb how she can basically stalk me anytime she wants and I can''t do the same"


    I''ll let thatment slide, he does say too much at times.


    "Then what does your voice say about what''s going on?"


    I''ve got to ask him for help, would think of asking Ariza but her voice can be a little off at times, it''s why she doesn''t speak to it that much. Zeki''s is easier to understand but that''s only because his is very simr to Zeki, apart from a few differences but that''s to be expected.


    "Huh? Gimme a second then... it says it can''t give appropriate advice on this situation, always told you these AI voices work like shit... fuck you too!"


    Once again, him and his voice can''t help but fight, kind of miss mine thinking about it but now''s not the time for reminiscing about that sort of thing, Ikarus alwayses first.


    I''ve got one more idea that could work or backfire a lot, it''ll take a while to get there but if I fly nonstop with no breaks or rest, can make it work a lot quicker, maybe get the trip down to a third of how long it normally would. Would Ikarus hate me though? No, her safety is more important right now, they''d be able to help, surely.


    "Sis, stop worrying so much, she''ll probablye back around in a minute"


    Normally, I''d agree with him if it was anyone else but with her, can''t help but feel protective, she''s Ikarus after all, rather die than be careless with her safety just waiting for her to awake like this.


    Ignoring giving him a response, I quickly change my form despite knowing how much this is going to hurt and before I ask for help, those two already seem to be worried for me.


    (Zeki) "Older sis! What are you doing?"


    (Ariza) "You know how much that hurts"


    Sometimes I think Zeki fakes any empathy he has for others, then shows just a hint in situations like this, Ariza obviously cares for nearly everyone equally though. Can fly a lot faster than those two, we''re getting back as soon as possible.


    "Both you help her get onto my back, we''re leaving now"


    I''m flying her away, no time for checking if anything has changed or has been revealed from the dungeon, rewards are pointless right now.


    "Shouldn''t we wait here instead of dragging her halfway across the world though?"


    "Zeki might be right here, this seems a little different from how you''d normally do things"


    Once again, I''d normally agree with both of them but this isn''t one of those times, Ikaruses first. It''ll nevere down to needing to pick favourites but it would be pretty obvious what would happen if I needed to.


    "Just please help me you two, okay?"


    Even if I''m overthinking this, at least she''ll get wake up somewhere familiar or on my back, both would be a lot better than this shithole of a dungeon.


    ''Promise I''ll get you somewhere safe Ikarus...''


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "Ah Jekyll, you''ve finally returned, how long has it been since west spoke face to face?"


    "Greetings your highness, roughly just over six months I believe, why have I been sent back?"


    I''m immediately greeted by the prince in this royal visitors room I''ve entered, surprisingly an unfamiliar face is alongside him and the white witch, I''m yet toe face to face with her but that''s definitely Media, the younger sister and only princess of this empire. Her smile is a lot more innocent looking than the prince''s but that doesn''t fool anyone who knows anything about her.


    No words need to be said on the mage, she''s just sitting around like the other two but has her leg up on the coffee table, she really is even more carefree than usually today. They''ve tend to use this visitors room when they''ve got nothing else to do so I guess this is going to be more of a personal favour than actual business on why I''ve been sent back.


    I''ve once again officially returned to the capital after my little ''holiday'' in the east, had no choice but to return early since I was called but there wasn''t much I can really do over there. Between trying to find the bastard and organizing the ongoing war, no progress has been made on either front, hopefully Petra can inevitably sort both problems out but all I can realistically do at the moment is hope for the best and just get on with it.


    "Straight to the point then? I''ve always liked that about you..."


    ''I swear his smile gets more insufferable everyday''


    "... The point is, I need you to organize the princess''s birthday week, it''ll require a load of work and can''t think of anyone more suitable for such a task"


    Hang on, has he seriously called me back to arrange his sister''s uing birthday? Sigh, the priorities of this royal family really need to be sorted sometimes.


    "Excuse me your highness, shouldn''t this duty go to someone else? Like maybe someone who isn''t organizing an ongoing war"


    "Well normally, yes but everyone knows what happens when you try to ''guard'' my sister, her party will need to be something special but most importantly, secure"


    The prince purposely says guard in a sarcastic way, clearly the princess didn''t like that.


    "You worry way too much over me brother! I''m easy to handle!"


    "We both know that''s not true; everyone knows of your exploits down in the castle dungeon with the prisoners, I''m worried for anyone who has to ''protect'' you, it requires a very strong will and powerful mind"


    "You''re so mean brother!"


    It was just then, I realized why he wanted me to do such a thing now. I''d say it''s simr to babysitting, except the trouble she gets into is more of the sadistic kind.


    ''Oh I see, he just wants someone who can put up with the princess''s shit, I knew I''d regret returning''


    In all honesty, the princess in this family might be the worst of the lot, I''ve never known someone so happy and excited looking to want to spend nearly every waking moment in the dungeon interrogating prisoners, truly a sadistic person at heart, she honestly makes the mage look kindpared to her.


    I swear the death sentence was dropped just for her to have more people to torment, I''ve spoken to some of the guards on duty when she''s paid a visit to the prisons and some of them are mentally scarred from what they saw. Most prefered to be sent into the front lines than remain guarding the prisons.


    Wait, why am Iining about this? Petra''s idea was to get all four of them at once, has a perfect opportunity presented itself? Still have to be extremely careful but there are things I can do to make this even more favourable while still raising no suspicions. This might be too good to be true though, I''ll need to send another message for her opinion soon.


    "So then Jekyll, your decision?"


    As if this is even a choice, I''m going to get stuck with her regardless, at least I can make the security reallyx in some ces and me the princess''s insistence on carelessness on it. Of course, this is only if Petra thinks it''ll work, no point trying if she thinks the risk is too high, it could still be but we do need to make a move eventually.


    "If your highnessmands me to guard the princess, then I must... even if I''d rather not"


    "Heya! Don''t make it sound like this is a chore!"


    I said thatst bit under my breath but she still heard it, thankfully I can get away with a lot thanks to my position and these lot still believing I have that thing imnted on my body. I''m actually a little unsure if the princess even knows about the empire''s pacification crest but it wouldn''t make any difference if she did or not, she values nothing more than human suffering after all. It''s a good thing the prince can keep his sister on a leash, metaphorically speaking of course.


    Once this meeting is over though, I must send word to Petra even if the risk is high, she''ll still have her work cut out for her sorting out the bastard but a carrier bird should still be able to find her, she needs to know about what''s going on and decide if she wants to act quickly or not, an opportunity like this might not present itself for a long time again since the princess isn''t always around. When not in the prisons, where she lives isn''t known to most people, unsure if she even lives in the capital as well.


    Thinking about it, the princess''s pouting face does actually look pretty simr to the bastard, obviously just a lot more feminine lookingpared to the hidden brother no one is allowed to speak about. Both have long blonde hair, at least that''s what I remember the bastard looking like, it was a while since west spoke though.


    "Anyone who gets stuck guarding you is akin to a chore sister; you don''t do yourself any favours"


    "Father did always say to be yourself, not everyone is hiding behind a mask like you!"


    "Whatever do you mean by that sis?"


    "You know what I mean brother"


    During all this though, the white witch just sits there picking her nails not even listening to the conversation, it''s a good thing she can be so carefree most of the time otherwise I could see her start to suspect something, it would only be her who could pick up on something like our ns.


    "Anyways, if you can make Media happy throughout that week, I''ll see what I can do about providing more soldiers, you are doing a brilliant job holding back the rebels right now"


    "Of course your highness, I''ll see what I can do"


    ''That''s another lie, he''ll ''forget'' about that like the other promises to me he''s made''


    And with that, I leave the room being guided by the princess, we don''t evenpletely step outside before she starts talking to me, I''m going to be working nonstop now.


    "So then, Mr Jekyll was it? Let''s start with the colour scheme and palette for the first party. Sure, it may be a while away but what I want is that it needs to be ck and blood red, I''d also like food to match those colours if possible as well. Are chains in fashion right now? Don''t answer, obviously they wouldn''t be, still keep the blood red idea, I''ve got a long list on how to make things perfect, obviously we can''t have too many people there otherwis-"


    ''Urgh, I swear this woman would''ve been a vampire in another life, may God have mercy upon my soul...''


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "Look sis, you really should eat something or get some rest"


    At the moment, we''re back in our home cave and I''ve ced Ikarus in my bed with me sitting on the floor on my knees alongside her, it''s thergest and the mostfortable bed in this ce after all, at least ording to Zeki who made it, rarely ever use it for sleep so wouldn''t really know.


    I''m pretty sure there''s a couple red and blue feathers underneath this bed so I know those two have been sleeping in phoenix form in here once again, shouldin but couldn''t care about all that right now. Ikarus has been asleep for so long now, Ariza I sent away to go fetch who I thought might be able to help, really don''t know if they''re going to be any help but it''s the only idea I had that''s nearby and might be reliable.


    The magi guild master might know something but she''s a bit too far away, same thing applies to the elves and dwarves. The dryad seems to be impossible to contact while she can very easily find us when she wants and Ikarus might kill me if I contact the empire for help, I''d never want to but if it wakes her, I''d seriously consider it despite all the pain and hardship they''ve caused throughout the years.


    How long has she been out though? I guess the flight back took just under a week and she''s been asleep ever since, been making sure to feed her three times a day and making sure she''s alwaysfortable. Apart from the paleness, she looks pretty healthy and sleeps with a smile on her face, just please wake up soon.


    "I''ll rest when she''s awake Zeki"


    Zeki doesn''t bother arguing leaving us and presumably goes off to do whatever it is he does when he''s lounging around in his room, got a pretty good idea what he might be doing but no chance I''m asking about it.


    This state she''s in I''ve only ever heard about, never actually experienced in person. It''s basically simr to being partially asleep, she''s awake but at the same time, not. Giving her things like soup and drink are easy enough since she''s still able to swallow but other things like relieving oneself is apletely separate matter, I don''t want to embarrass her on such a thing though.


    A slight surprise presents itself though, Zeki returns with another bowl of soup, I didn''t ask him this time to make Ikarus something though.


    "Seriously older sis, you should eat something, I''ve even made your favourite soup, this one isn''t for orangey though"


    "Zeki, really don''t feel hungry right now"


    He really doesn''t like me rejecting his forced kindness though and swiftly makes an exit cing down the bowl on my clothing drawers after making his thoughts known to me.


    "Look, this is the nicest thing I''m ever gonna do for you and orangey! If you don''t drink the damn thing, I''ll pour it all over orangey and that will definitely wake her up!"


    I''ve definitely annoyed him, I''ll make amends another time when I stop stressing over Ikarus, he''s left us alone once again now.


    ''I should probably eat that otherwise it''s ungrateful to him... do you eat or drink soup though? Forget it, I''m sure Ikarus might''ve said she''s had that question for a while but even she could never decide...''

 Chapter 79 – Awakening

    Chapter 79 ¨C Awakening


    ''Where the hell am I?''


    I swear I''ve been wondering this ce for what feels like days now, might only be hours but time does feel a little skewed in here, maybe because there''s nothing to base it off after all.


    There''s just nothing but pure darkness and it seems endless, no walls in sight nor I can''t even see the floor thinking about it, it doesn''t feel like I''m floating but it doesn''t feel like I''m walking either. Pretty sure I still have a body, at least from touch but can''t see it, I bet this is how Petra used to see before she gained her ''eyesight'', I''ll go to the ends of the earth to find her a cure if this ever bes a permanent thing for her once again.


    ''I''m not in aa or something, right?''


    I''ve got no memory problems or anything like that inside here, literally remember everything up to the moment I copsed back in thest dungeon, clearly this has to be something rted to breaking the curse but why am I in a ce like this and for so long? All alone in a dark, deste void with nothing else but my thoughts to keep mepany, I can''t even speak for some reason and Aesa isn''t here either, I''d go mad if it wasn''t kinda rxing.


    It''s strange, feel a sense of calm and peace inside here, I''m unsure if it''s down to this ce being inside my head or somewhere else, I''m assuming it''s inside my head because I have no idea how I''d be somewhere else, that dungeon waspleted after all and all the other phoenixes were around me, it''s either that or I''ve been teleported somewhere else but this ce in some ways feels like a dream so I''ve scrapped that idea.


    If I see a bright light though, I''m running the other direction, I''m not stupid enough to walk into a bright light and kill myself off doing something stupid like that. That''s how death always works though, right? You see a bright light and to stay alive, you avoid it like the gue, at least that''s what you''d think from all those near-death experiences people have told throughout the years, most are probably bullshit and made-up thinking about it.


    It is a little boring though, only so much sleeping you can do around here and stuff like meditation bores me even further, I''d probably be able to do it if it made me slowly get stronger like with Petra. Actually, that''s not how regting ki works, I think. I''ve got to stop asking her about it since even now, I still can''t understand anything she tells me when ites to cultivation. I really should''ve read more novels but there are only so many hours in a day and they are sooo long and confusing.


    Without giving me a warning though, a voice suddenly rings through my skull.


    <HELLO, CAN YOU HEAR ME!?!>


    ''Jesus fucking Christ! How loud was that!?''


    I''ve actually grabbed my ears, it wouldn''t help in the slightest since the sound isn''t even entering my ears but it was instinctive of me, that was really loud after all.


    <Ah, sorry little phoenix, didn''t realize how loud this damn thinges across, that should be better now>


    Like when I speak to my parents or that mad God Lyssa I came across, telepathy is being used right now, this guy''s voice does sound a little odd though, it''s pretty rxed and almost sounds like a dude or a bro, like a drinking buddy perhaps? I''ve got to stop using thatparison, my excessive drinking days are kinda over, I might get pissed when my birthdayes back around though.


    I''d give him a response but it''s not exactly like I can speak in here, unsure if it''s God or dungeon rted but the same type of silent voice effect is taking ce here like in that madness dungeon. Using my thoughts tomunicate back doesn''t seem to work either.


    <Sorry for the long wait, first time trying to use this stupid thing, can see why the other Gods frown on it, stupid piece of modern magic. Can you respond to me by any chance?>


    ''He honestly sounds like an old person using technology right about now''


    He pauses for a second waiting for a response, then realizes that was pointless, I would like to see him if possible but no chance of that happening in here if I can''t even see my own hands.


    <Ah, this is only a one-way thing, telekinesis also seems to be a one-way thing inside here as well, whoopsie. I should still be able to share some info with you...>


    ''I really hope this guy isn''t insufferable''


    <... I''ve been watching you for quite a while now little phoenix and honestly, you don''t disappoint, it really has been quite entertaining...>


    ''This guy''s been watching me? I''m guessing he''s a God but who could he be? Wait, I have an idea''


    <...Of course, I haven''t always been able to keep eyes on you, Charlotte only has two eyes after all and now that you''ve sent her away right when things were getting interesting, I''ve had to resort to other measures to cheer you on...>


    ''At least that answers that, he''s priestess''s God, he''s the one who even mentioned about the ten-dungeon cure so he''ll definitely know why I''m in this state, I''d be worried about him watching over me but he''s a God, can''t most of them do that already? It''s not really a concern as long as they leave when anything gets steamy for example''


    <... Look at me waffling on though, you''ve been stuck in there for long enough now and should be returning to the mortalnds very soon, also can''t forget the time I have to speak here and remain confidential iscking as well, can''t be having family find out about this, otherwise things will get very heated...>


    ''He''s still waffling on, I remember hearing that God Lyssa would apparently die for speaking with me, this guy must''ve have found a way around it, no idea on who his family is though, it''ll probably be Greek or Norse seeing that they''re the main two mythologies in this world''


    <... I''ll get to my point now though; you''ll always have a friendly face up here if one day you do decide to purge the heavens of the scum that reside here, you''re not alone in the world little phoenix, be it in the immortal or mortal worlds...>


    ''So is this guy basically saying I''ll always have an ally up there where the Gods are? Good to know I guess; not like I can do anything with that right now like with everything else''


    <... Despite what they''ll have you believe, not every God believes in purging thest of your kind, make sure you remember that otherwise you''ll have an unwinnable battle fall upon your shoulders one day...>


    This time however, he pauses after finishing almost as if he realized he''s forgotten something, that should be pretty obvious thinking about it.


    <... Oh, can''t forget about that silly little dragon curse that floats around, dungeons are basically Gods temples or gardens after all, the cure for most curses have normally been blessings, you should have received ten of them by now so that should mean you''re cured...>


    ''Wait, that''s important information! Don''t change the subject, follow it up some more info about the dungeons! I''ve gained ten Gods blessings as well? I didn''t realize every dungeon reward is technically a Gods blessing''


    <... Got to go, time is now up, hopefully we''ll speak face to face again someday, bring your partner along and we''ll all share a drink of ambrosia and someughs together!>


    Then,plete and utter silence falls in this ce once again, was kinda hoping that would be the cue to wake me up from this ce I''m in but clearly, that''s not happening just yet.


    ''What a surprise, more questions with barely any answers, I thought priestess''s God can''t drink anywa-...''


    With thatst thought, another strong rush of blood crashes into my mind causing me to copse once again.


    __________


    ''Urgh, my legs feel heavy''


    I wake up to see a very unfamiliar looking ceiling, actually I''m slightly lying, it looks familiar but I''ve definitely not seen this before, is it d¨¦j¨¤ vu? No, I know where I am and I know the reason my legs feel heavy.


    Where my legs areying on thisfortable bed is a very familiar face, Petra looks to be sleeping with her arms and head resting against the lower part of my body, clearly she must''ve been waiting for me to wake up.


    ''Damn, how long must she have been up? And how did I even get back here?''


    I never catch her sleeping and yet here she is literally using my legs as a pillow, surprised she can even sleep like that on her knees but I must''ve been out for a while if she''s this exhausted, obviously they must''ve flown me back but I swear we''re at least two weeks away from that mesa dungeon.


    ''Ah, I''ve got to check in with Aesa... you alive? We''ll speak properly in a bit''


    [<Affirmative>]


    It''s a good thing she''s there but in all honesty, I need to move my legs otherwise they might fall off, they obviously won''t but Petra is crushing them a little.


    I slowly try to move my legs as to avoid waking Petra and find that''spletely pointless as Mr obnoxious can''t help but enter the room.


    "Orangey! You''re awake!"


    Immediately, Petra awakens from her slumber from his loudness and a look of relief appears on her face once she realizes I''m awake, she clearly must''ve been extremely worried.


    "Ikarus!"


    Without warning, I find she gets up and attacks me with a hug, I know she would''ve been worried but damn, there was something else I noticed as well while she''s violently assaulting me with this body contact. I''m just messing about though; her hugs are always nice.


    ''Wait a second, was that a slight tear on her face? I don''t know, I can''t see it anymore''


    I''ve never seen Petra cry so it might just be a bit of sweat, it is pretty warm in here bu-, no, I''m not being purposely dense here, that was definitely a slight tear.


    While hugging me, I can''t help but feel for her, I honestly never realized she could worry that much over me, heck, even care for me for this long, no idea how long I''ve been bedridden but she definitely would''ve been the main person looking after me. I feel like I need to repay her slightly-, no, that''s the wrong way of looking at it, a reward? Maybe...


    ''Fuck it, I''m doing it''


    I''ve decided this is a perfect time to do what I''ve wanted to do for a little while now, there''s no better time than the present and she deserves it, Petra is always brilliant after all.


    "Petra, can you just move back a bit?"


    "Okay"


    As she''s slowly pulling away from the hug, I make sure to catch her off her guard while still on the bed. I quickly push myself up and do something I''ve been wishing to do for weeks, there won''t be any higher powers stopping me from what I want to achieve right now... a kiss.


    My aim is precise and deadly making immediate contact with her beautiful lips, I''ve got to describe it like this why otherwise I''ll be too flustered and regret my decision for such a thing. Petra is very quickly taken back from what just happened but doesn''t pull away or anything like that, we''ve both closed our eyes doing such a thing as well since that''s what you do when kissing, right? I''ve always done it that way anyways. Of freaking cause I''ve made this awkward, how else would I do such a thing?


    It doesn''tst too long though, longer than a quick peck but obviously not a long kiss, it was our first time towards each other after all. We''ve both done this before so it shouldn''t be that big of a deal but for me, this was. And judging by her reaction, she shares the same opinion it seems.


    ''Her face... heh''


    And that... was the first time I''ve ever seen the strong, confident and perfect Petra properly blush, so much so she might be even redder than me! Is that an effective way of teasing her? By kissing? I''d prefer an easier method but damn it, there is a way!


    I''ll give her a rundown on what I just experienced in that voidter, right now I''m way too happy seeing my girlfriend''s red face, I couldn''t even care that I just made the first move and pushed myself there, this is brilliant! I''ve finally found a way to effectively tease her! Who cares if it causes me extreme redness also?


    "Hehe, you forget I''m here or something orangey?"


    Of course, Zeki has a sly grin after watching us kiss for the first time, expected him to have a slightly different reaction saying something like ''You''re not taking older sis away from us!'' or other stupid things like that, at least he''s approving of it, even if his face is a little too sly for my liking. At least he''s happy to see his older sis happy even if I''m apparently stealing her away.


    "Zeki, leave me and Ikarus alone for a bit"


    "Sure sure, just leave the door wide open otherwise I''ll force it open, byeee!"


    ''He''s such a dickhead, at least he''s gone now''


    Now left in Petra''s bedroom is just us two, how should I follow up what just happened between us?


    ...


    No seriously, how? You know what, let the teasingmence!


    "Oi Petra, your face went awfully red there for a second... I wonder what could''ve caused that?"


    "Heh, well obviously your cheeky mouth caused it of course, swear you be cuter every day"


    Damn it, I forgot once again I can never win with verbal teasing, I''ll just have to stick with the kissing thing for now, it seemed to work so physical actions clearly work better than verbal, good to know I guess. It''s just a shame it''s taken this long to hit this point, probably take another eight plus months for another serious thing like admitting to love. Actually, there''s no chance we''re that far away from that...


    "Just outta curiosity, how long was I out anyways?"


    "Let''s see... six days to fly back... hmm... three weeks in total I believe"


    Three weeks!? She''s been caring for me for that long? Fucking curses man, I''m going to cure her one day even if she says it can''t.


    "That long!?! Hang on, at least that exins why I''m wearing this"


    "Thought it would be morefortable for you"


    I''m currently wearing what looks like a nightgown, clearly this must''vee from Petra''s wardrobe, it fits perfectly so that makes sense. I can smell something though, is that me or Petra?


    "Petra, don''t take this the wrong way but is that smell... you?"


    "Heh, you don''t smell the greatest either, didn''t know if you''d be okay with me bathing you so didn''t bother"


    Well that seems a bit dumb, she''s happy to put me in something morefortable to wear and has helped me clean myself back at that bathhouse in the elven city but this is too much? Maybe she felt like this is a consent thing? Screw that, smelling sucks!


    Well, to be honest, it''s barely noticeable, you can easily go weeks without bathing while travelling if there''s no water around like in the desert so this really isn''t that much of an issue. She also probably remembers how flustered I gotst time in the bathhouse so that might exin it, I really wouldn''t have cared though.


    Wait, does this mean I''d also be okay with bathing her? Ah forget it, mind wondering again, I''m moving too fast now, I''ll overwhelm myself if I keep this up, the kiss was enough for today. Maybe we''ll do again tomorrow if we have time... who am I kidding, just that alone took a lot out of me.


    "Anyways... where''s Ariza at? She would''vee to say hello if she was in, right?"


    Before I get a response from Petra, I hear shoutinge from the living room, clearly Zeki was eavesdropping on our conversation, I''d be annoyed if I even cared all that much, privacy around him was always going to be too difficult to achieve.


    "Brother is out getting two people who were supposed to wake you up, seems fucking pointless now"


    He actually seems a little annoyed while responding, I''m guessing he''s missing Ariza then, Petra seems a little guilty looking as well now, why though?


    "Sorry Ikarus, had to inform them what''s going on, was way too worried after all"


    As soon as Petra apologies for something I have no idea on, a bang on the front door is heard, I swear these types of coincidences are getting boring now but screw it, at least I''ll now know who Petra brought back to help me out. I''ve got a bad suspicion on who it might be.


    "----, open --- door!"


    I can hear Ariza''s muffled voice through the heavy door and I''m unfortunately about to know who''s she''s brought, I guess it''ll be good to meet them once again if it is them, it has been a while.


    "Fine, one sec"


    Zeki presumably opens the door to the people and two more voices are added onto the four phoenixes that are already here.


    "Ikarus! Where are you Ikarus!?"


    "Little one!"


    Off in the living room, I can hear two very familiar voices, normally they''d make noise inside my head but this time clearly not, probably because they wouldn''t be able to fit inside this cave. Looks like I was right, I bet mother had to duck to get under the doorway as well., damn giant of a woman.


    ''Damn it, Isn''t that great? My parents are here and I still haven''t figured out what''s going down with my system''


    [<Aesa isn''t going anywhere, -user- has unlocked 2 new abilities but Aesa won''t share until current situation is resolved. You can thank Aesater>]


    ''Sighhh, let''s just get this over with''


    Overbearing parents inbound, bet mother has been worried nonstop, this might take a while to calm her down...

 Chapter 80 – Happy Family

    Chapter 80 ¨C Happy Family


    "That''s... surprisingly interesting little one"


    "Wow, you''ve been through so much Ikarus!"


    Thankfully enough, mother seems to have now calmed herself down a lot, it only took a good half an hour of hugging and crying, giving her an update of what''s going on and a lot of reassurance that I''m now okay. I''d be a little annoyed at Petra for getting my overly worrisome mother into this but Petra was also really concerned for my safety so it''s fine. I''m also being a little dumb on this, being unconscious for three weeks is something that I should be worrying about but it can be exined just down to curse reasons so it''s fine, I guess. I feel perfectly okay now, albeit a little tired and I definitely need a bath soon.


    I really struggle to deal with mother''s human form though, being taller than seven foot and having breasts like that is just dumb, made the hugging she''s been giving me irritating as well, it''s not exactly like I can pull away from the gigantic melons either. At least she''s gotten it out her system now, everyone''s nice and rxed, with my family that''s nearly impossible though.


    I''m still in Petra''s white looking nightgown as well, didn''t have the time to change since overbearing parents and all that. Thinking about it, Petra really only ever wears white, except when I managed to get her into that lingerie but that doesn''t count, that''s still an image I can''t get out of my head thankfully enough. I might be a perve.


    All five of us, excluding Zeki are sitting down around the coffee table with both parents on the main sofa with Ariza to the side of them, both are only wearing fur robes since there isn''t much we can do for that, at least they''re not naked I guess. I need to get mother''s measurements one day to see if a tailor can make her something, father could probably steal some of Zeki''s clothing, might be a little small but then again, father does look tinypared to mother so maybe not.


    Zeki really doesn''t like dragons and has gone off into his room to sulk I reckon, I guess he never knew his parents so that''s understandable why he''d have a dislike towards them. Thinking about that, we''re missing someone else here.


    "Where is Minos anyways?"


    In all honesty, it wouldn''t surprise me if they''ve left him home alone since they seem to be pretty carefree on some thingspared to others, I''d moan at them for it but they''ve done it before back at the city rescuing incident, I won''t worry since they do normally know what they''re doing. I do tend to worry too much around them after all.


    "Outside this cave little one, he hasn''t got the voice for such a form just yet"


    "Don''t mislead Ikarus, you already know this is human magic Dermak, dragon''s tongue isn''t needed for this"


    "Hmph"


    Father clearly dislikes his ''little'' human form, everyone already knows that so it makes sense why he seems ufortable right now, fair y to him actually using it toe inside. Minos is probably perching on the top of this mountain, I''ll go and say hi in a little while, he''s probably enjoying the change in scenery.


    "Ariza, you don''t have to be polite, you can go sleep if you want"


    I''m worried a little for her, it would''ve taken two weeks to get there and back from my parents'' mountain range so she must be knackered right now.


    "Actually Ikarus... I was kinda resting on your mothers back on the journey home, sorry about that"


    Why does Ariza sound guilty about that? Am I supposed to be guilty that she got a ride from mother or something? Ah hell no, I''m proud for her, she managed to get a free ride and got to sleep on a dragon''s back, she''d be the king of the phoenixes right now, maybe queen thinking about it. Dragon riding is pretty cool, remember doing it a while ago, even if my fear of heights ruined it a little.


    "Ikarus wouldn''t care about something silly like that"


    "Yeah, little one is more than happy to allow insignificant humans riding her back, apologizing for something like that is pointless and you''re not a human so it''s fine"


    (Ariza) "Uh... I guess it''s okay then"


    Wow, both parents seem to like Ariza, it would be a bit weird if anyone didn''t like her though, she does have that type of friendly attitude to everyone. Father might dislike her if he finds out about her ''boyfriend'' the wyvern but that was just Zeki speaking shit like usual.


    Unsure why father needed to add the insignificant part, he didn''t seem to mind those other two but he is just grumpy to everyone after all.


    "Insignificant humans?..."


    Another voice can now be heard from one of the bedrooms. It''s time for a potential secret family reunion, I bet Zeki is going to get on with father a lot if he can get over his species.


    Zeki enters into the living room with all of us, he still does look a little moody having dragons in his home but that is very quickly about to change.


    "... You dislike humans as well?"


    As soon as Zeki asks that, father''s grumpy human face lights up slightly.


    "Completely, annoying little mortal bastards"


    Father finds a nasty re towards him from mother but ignores it, she is trying to get him off his dislike everyone old person faze after all. it''s not exactly like you can me every human for everything that''s happened, most just live life day to day just barely trying to survive. Not all deserve to be put in the same category of being annoying, I can see where he''sing from with some though.


    The empire deserves all the dislike, it''ll be time to turn my talons towards them very soon...


    Anyway, Zeki seems to have found a friend.


    "I know, right? They''re suck in so many ways, don''t even know where to start"


    "Tell me about it red phoenix. Weak, pathetic little creatures"


    "Yup, they''re also stupid and annoying"


    "They taste like shit as well"


    While those two are sharing in their human hatred, mother can''t help but look a little suspicious on something, a suspicion I''ve had for a while as well. They must be rted, I dread to think what will be said when they get started on wyverns since father actually hates them, for humans, it''s more a grumpy dislike.


    I''m purposely ignoring that tastement as well, dragons don''t actually eat humans but clearly father has tried before.


    "Dermakvar... you haven''t a secret child I don''t know about?"


    This is very clearly a joke from mother, father doesn''t take it in that way at all and digs himself a grave deeper than any other before.


    "Of course not dear! It''s been so many times now; I always make sure to bring and use protection whe-"


    As soon as father says, an aura as intense as the ck of the night floods the cave, clearlying from mother and her anger smile. Father has basically just admitted to ALL of his cheating antics and using protection when doing so, at least the cheating bastard is careful, I guess. There''s no response he can give that would calm mother right now though.


    The only people to look terrified in this hellish looking cave right now are father and Ariza, I''m guessing she is a little clueless to what was just said, Zeki and Petra don''t pay this any mind at all. Me, I''m sweating slightly, I''d rather still have an alive father then a dead one even if he''s a bastard.


    "Dermakvar... leave now if you know what''s best for you"


    "Yes dear"


    Father very quickly goes to leave the cave, he''s in for a right punishmentter on, I''d feel sorry for him but everything has consequences after all, even if he''s apparently ''stopped'' now. It''s impossible to believe him though.


    "I''m getting hungry now, going hunting, be back whenever"


    Wait, is Zeki seriously going to follow father? I guess they''re gonna have a chat about hating humans or something, clearly going hunting is an excuse since even he knows not to piss off an angry dragon mother.


    Zeki does get a slightly confused look from Ariza and a look of annoyance from Petra but then again, he wouldn''t give a shit about it anyways. Now that the cheater and Zeki have gone, tensions have calmed down a bit, unfortunately mother has her own ideas where she wants the conversation to lead.


    "Ikarus, make sure you stay loyal to Petra otherwise I''ll make sure you never make a mistake like that again"


    I get she''s pissed and all but don''t beparing me to father, I can''tin right now since I''ve got her staring me down. Damn mother! She''s taking out her anger on me I reckon.


    "Of course I will! I''m the most loyal bird around, I ain''t ever gonna be like father!"


    There might now be visible sweat on my forehead while answering that, mother''s wrath isn''t something to be taken lightly. It''s a good thing she believes me, she should though, it''s not like there were any lies in that. I am loyal as fuck! Couldn''t exactly say that right now otherwise I''d get a smack for cursing.


    "Good, let''s move on then"


    Petra can''t help but give a smile towards me after that little thing was over, my mother has a new favourite and clearly likes Petra a lot. Hopefully she doesn''t bring up mating again, I''m slow with her and all but there''s no chance we''re waiting decades for any further development, it could still take years for me to be ready though, hopefully not...


    We then spend another good, ten minutes or so discussing other various things, it mostly was just about mother asking phoenix type questions from those two and stuff about human forms, odd things like that. I''m a little unsure why she was interested in it but I guess it''s kinda like small talk, I didn''t really speak that much through it, mostly because I''m getting impatient now and want to move things on, still need to meet Minos and check my system.


    "Seeing that Minos is here; I should really go out and say hello mother, he''s probably getting bored right now"


    "Ah, you''re are right Ikarus, it''s probably a good time to leave, we did rush in here without giving a warning"


    (Ariza) "That''s not a problem, you''re wee to stay even longer if you want"


    (Petra) "Yeah, we''ll chat some more"


    Those two clearly want to speak with a dragon for longer, I''m guessing they have some questions for her since it''s not exactly like they''ve spent a long time around dragons. Except Petra but her mother would''ve died a very long time ago, dragons are pretty interesting even if they have their quirks.


    "Hmm... ah, Minos will be happy to see Ikarus so we''ll stay a while longer, why not?"


    At least all of them are getting on, I''m honestly surprised even Ariza can talk to mother so well but it could be just down to the fact she''s not a human, Ariza definitely has trouble being around humans so that what I''m basing it off. It could just be that she''s quite shy as well, I''m just specting for the sake of it though. Petra''s normally quiet with small talk but I guess even she has a few questions to get through.


    I make my way outside, take Petra''s clothing off, store it away and change form on the tform just outside the phoenix cave and then fly up to the top of the mountain. It turns out all three guys seem to be getting on quite well, they are perched on the mountain top talking to each other right now, I doubt Minos even has a clue what''s being said but he now just looks happy to see me. Obviously Zeki had to change form to get up here, just two dragons and two phoenixes on a mountain top, it''s slightly odd and I''m surprised I''ve not been up here yet.


    There''s not really a spot for me tond right now so I''ll just talk and fly, it''s not exactly difficult to do.


    "Cu!"


    "Your mother isn''t joining us, is she little one?"


    "Hehe, she''s really got you by the dragon balls, ain''t she big guy?"


    <Don''t ever get into a rtionship red phoenix, it''s not worth it>


    "I don''t do rtionships; I only ever have bitches on the go"


    I mean, Zeki may be in for a shock with the dryad since I''m pretty sure she believes they are but that''s a trainwreck waiting to happen, I really need to be there to watch and eat some popcorn when it happens.


    <Ah, a phoenix of culture, my days of having dragons on the side are unfortunately over, at least they''re supposed to be... officially>


    Okay, I''m unsure who is going to be the worst influence on brother here, the only thing these two could be doing worse right now is drinking or smoking, he''s mentally like only two!


    "Seriously you two, you''re being bad influences on Minos!"


    I can''t allow brother''s mind to be tainted listening to those two talk. Even if he doesn''t really understand what they''re on about, his innocence must be protected at all costs, even if pink humans look tasty to him and he has a greed for gold that cannot be stopped.


    "Ah, you''re probably right orangey, he does need to learn about it at some point but he might be a little young right now"


    <Little one, look after littlest one while me and the red phoenix converse for a while since conversing here isn''t suitable>


    "Yup, let''s fly off then"


    And like that, both those two irresponsible fucks leave me alone with Minos at the top of this mountain, I seriously can''t believe they''ve flown off toin about women and rtionships! I''m unsure if I should feel offended or not since gender bending and all that... I don''t actually really care to be honest.


    Also, turns out Zeki''s dragon hatred has gone pretty quickly, I guess having someone else who he canin to is appealing, whatever. They both are grumpy after all.


    ''Ah crap, I wanted to ask him about that Daedalus thing''


    I still have a question that remains unanswered about the first ever dungeon I came across, the perversion one. I guess that''ll have to wait for another time, it''s not exactly like my parents are going anywhere so I''ll just wait till the empire are finished first or if I get another chance today.


    My parents will have to leave today though since the phoenix cave isn''t exactly suitable for even more guests, even I don''t have a bed in there, only three bedrooms after all. Well, the bed thing probably won''t be an issue one day since me and Petra can always share, not for a while though.


    Forget that thought, at least I''ve got a spot tond now, the second I do however, a dragon face finds itself rubbing itself up against me. Like usual, Minos is being friendly and has gotten bigger as well, it has been just under five months since west spoke after all, it''s a good thing I''ve started to keep track of dates.


    While he''s doing that, it''s time to do the development check, he''s definitely developed once again.


    ''I wonder how much he''s developed since then, status''


    [Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 59]


    [Health 4,250/4,250]


    [Stamina 5,812/6,250]


    [Magicka 4,250/4,250]


    ''Hmm, eleven levels since then, I feel like that might be a little higher than it should be but he is getting bigger so he should be eating more now''


    My parents should be restricting his hunting if they did what I asked, hang on though, that shouldn''t be needed now if my curse is now cured, I''ve got to check how it all works after I''m done with Minos, this might be over pretty quick though.


    As I was thinking about this, I hear a loud growling from brother, I can''t help but smile from his stomach rumbling, it did sound pretty cute even if he''s a fair bit bigger than me now.


    <Sorry sister, the trip over here was long and I''m getting hungry now, there''s a yummy goat I can smell over there>


    Damn it, I forget about his cute telepathy voice! He clearly remembered it causes my heart not to work properly otherwise he would''ve used it already by now. There''s no way his stamina would''vested a week flying constantly so he probably hasn''t had a good meal in a while.


    "Of course brother, we''ll catch up another time then"


    <Bye then!>


    Minos quickly flies off presumably to find a goat to eat, I''d go with him but I''ve put this off for long enough now, it''s time for a system update.


    ''At least this gives me a minute, the lone phoenix perched on the mountaintop, it probably is a pretty good view thinking about it. No time for that though, status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 97]


    [Health 30,000*/30,000*]


    [Stamina 9,990*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 30,000*/30,000*]


    [You currently have 3500 unassigned points]


    ''Look at that, no more lost health, absolutely brilliant. Aesa, how does it even work?''


    [<One of -user''s- new abilities has effect that destroys curses, ability is named -dungeon blessed- and obviously is rted to 10 dungeons beingpleted. Ability in question automatically allows -user- to destroy curses that effects oneself, can also affect others if -user- choses to, only drawback is 24-hour cooldown like with most abilities>]


    ''Wait, does this mean I can use it on Petra?''


    If I can help Petra with what I have, then that would be brilliant. It''s already destroyed my curse, then maybe it might help her phoenix form out a little. I feel like that would be too easy if that''s the case though.


    [<Unfortunately, target -Petra- has no such curse that -user- can cure>]


    ''But she definitely is cursed though, you''ve seen her phoenix form as well''


    [<Target -Petra- must''ve made an exchange, she was not cursed in the traditional sense. To break target -Petra''s- effect, -user- would need to break the deal that holds it together. Unfortunately, Aesa cannot provide any further information on that>]


    ''Okay... hang on one sec, just realized something else. If Petra has alreadypleted ten dungeons, then wouldn''t she already have that ability?''


    I know for a fact Petra must''vepleted ten plus dungeons already, then she would''ve had it already, couldn''t she have cured me herself?


    [<Negative, target -Petra- has no such ability otherwise she would''ve already used it on -user->]


    I mean, Aesa has a point, there''s no way Petra wouldn''t have cured me if she already had it, this must be an exclusive thing I can only get, that''s why I was a little confused. I trust Petra one hundred percent so I wasn''t really worried about that.


    ''Moving on, what was the other new ability then?''


    I think Petra did say something about her pain being caused from her own stupidity, sounds like she made a deal with a literal devil or something, obviously it would be power rted I''m guessing. I do wonder if she''d even want me to break her ''curse'' if it makes her weaker in the process but pain can''t be worth it, right? That''s a discussion for another time though, she won''t share too much with me on that anyways, mainly because I don''t want to make her sad.


    [<-User''s other new ability is -eye of wisdom-. That ability automatically allows -user- to detect whether another target is lying to -user- or telling the truth>]


    ''Wait, I''ve basically unlocked a lie detector then? That''s... kinda cool if true''


    [<Negative>]


    Okay, that very clearly was Aesa being sarcastic, I knew that but it didn''t feel like an ability told me anything there, maybe it did work but everything felt the same.


    ''Are you sure it''s working though? Your response was pretty obvious''


    [<*Sigh*... Aesa thinks -user- is extremely intelligent and not annoying in the slightest>]


    ''But I already knew the opposite of that! Give me something that I don''t know whether you''re lying or not''


    [<Forget it, -user- is boring Aesa now>]


    I''ve made her grumpy now, at least that kinda exins that? Even if I don''t really know how it works, maybe it''s just a subconscious thing like a gut instinct telling me if someone''s being truthful or not. I can''t use Aesa as the example though, if she gives me praise, it''s going to be fake ny nine percent of the time.


    No idea how ''eye of wisdom'' rtes to being able to tell if someone''s lying or not and why that''s from a cyclops, I guess the eye part makes sense at least. I won''tin since it could prove useful though, first thought is of Petra. I''ll truly know if she gets extremely jealous or not...


    ''There arest two questions I have before you go quiet, promise. You have any idea what happened after thatst dungeon? Why did I need to pass out for the ability to take effect?''


    [<Unfortunately, Aesa does not know. Aesa was also with -user- in that ce if it''s any constion>]


    ''Oh... you were in there as well?''


    A drip of sweat must have fallen from my bird head there, I forget she technically never leaves me, crap. My memory can be as bad as Petra''s at times.


    [<Affirmative, Aesa saw ALL of -user- actions in that ce throughout the 3 weeks>]


    ''Erm... let''s not speak any further on that then, agreed?''


    [<Agreed>]


    There''s only so much you can do it a dark, void like ce for weeks without going insane, it''s just about keeping yourself distracted really. Aesa may have seen me doing some very stupid stuff, also maybe something a little more perverted in there as well...

 Chapter 81 – Introductions

    Chapter 81 ¨C Introductions


    "There was so much death and destruction"


    "Let it go brother, who cares about humans fighting anyway?"


    "Still Zeki, we did just fly over a warzone after all"


    (Ikarus) "There''s nothing wrong with showing emotion for the dead kid"


    "Bite me orangey"


    (Petra) "..."


    After my parents left the phoenix cave, we decided to set off the very next day and have been rotating the flying duties ever since on course to the east of Sierra, it''s obviously time to find the bastard. I''d have liked to spend some more time with my parents but there''s always time for that after the empire stuff, me and Petra can always spend some time around their cave together so there will be more family time even if they can be a little much at times. I''d also rather they stick to dragon form as well; both shouldn''t be using their human if they can avoid it. Sigh, mother.


    Oh, I did have words with father on that ''is he actually Daedalus?'' thing, he doesn''t have a clue what I''m on about. Seriously though, he didn''t stutter while answering and I could easily confirm it with my new eye of wisdom ability, even if I''m unsure how it still works. Also unsure on how a giant''s eye could lead to getting a lie detector ability, notining about it since I''m pretty certain it''s always working, at least it seems that way but none of our group are brilliant liars so it matters little anyway.


    It also turns out, no one else actually unlocked anything from that dungeon which is kinda weird, you''d think they would''ve gotten the lie detector ability too but obviously not, not going to say anything about it otherwise Zeki might say something not safe for work again, he really has a vulgar mouth at times.


    As for what Ariza was mentioning, it was the battlefield between the empire and the rebels we flew across a few days ago, thend was charred ck from the number of fires and battles that had clearly gone across thends, no idea who''s winning but looking at it, I''m guessing no one.


    Like I just said, that was a few days ago and after crossing into theirnds, we''ve flew across what appears to be the capital to the rebels and a tall autumn looking forest, colour of the leaves is more of a yellowish-brown and the trees themselves are pretty narrow thinking about it, a lot of light gets through to the forest floor. A battlefield, arge city and a different looking forest, not much variety for half a month of travelling.


    Didn''t stop at any settlements as well, did get attacked by some bandits a few days ago while camped out in the forest though, unfortunately they were very low levelled and Zeki was in a mood so I only got a single level up from that encounter, bandits do seem pretty rare in this world thinking about it. Already had that thought before, flying does counter most enemies though, it''s when on the ground things be a tiny bit riskier.


    We''ve just left that forest now, it''s Zeki''s turn to be the carrier pigeon, he really hates it when I call him that so I''ll let it slide for now otherwise he''ll drop me again. He really is a grumpy bastard at times and being dropped is not fun even with my winged form, my father when teaching me how to fly taught me that first though.


    "So how are we even supposed to find the bastard anyway Petra?"


    Thend we''ve just entered looks to be pretty barren and sandy, we''re not at the sandy beaches of the eastern coast just yet but thend is slowly starting to change, pretty certain I can just about see the ocean far in the distance now.


    "Knowing them, they''ll know when we get close and will provide an introduction"


    Them? I''m guessing the bastard travels with someone then, this could be interesting.


    Zeki flies for a while longer and wouldn''t you know it, the huge beaches of the east and vast blue ocean have clearly taken up most of our view now, there is something very noticeable sticking out though.


    (Ikarus) "Are they... all pirate ships?"


    (Zeki) "Fuck me, that''s a big convoy"


    (Ariza) "There''s a lot of them"


    "Heh, they really must be nning something big"


    Us three are obviously shocked at the number of ships docked up at the beachfront, there must be dozens and dozens of them, probably hundreds of pirates here. I have no idea what Petra''s grinning about, can just about see it while we''re sitting side by side holding hands up here.


    Oh, that whole kissing when waking up thing, nothing further has gone on since then, I think I may have done that a little prematurely and Petra also seems to understand that, I''d like to see her face go red once again but obviously the right moment needs toe up, that definitely felt like the right time, just it''s kinda hit a small stumbling block since then. I''m not worried though, that kiss was pretty good, albeit maybe a little forced but it was still alright though.


    All those pirates on the beach or the ships, this is a perfect opportunity for something else.


    "Petra, should we start cleaning house?"


    There''s literally an army full of EXP ready for the taking, it might be pretty risky but pirates shouldn''t be that high levelled, right? Well, they might be but I don''t think ship cannons count as the person''s kill so they wouldn''t get EXP for sinking and plundering a ship, unless they died by the person''s sword, Aesa might know since this is gettingplicated on how it works.


    [<Unfortunately, even Aesa isn''tpletely sure what counts towards EXP gain, -user- would need to perform specific actions for effect to be known>]


    I guess the specifics on how EXP works will never be known since I''m not going out my way to kill people in odd ways, the only sure way is if they die by your own hands but even that isn''t perfect, it''s a bit weird how a sword counts since it''s the de actually killing but a cannon or a gun might not count but forget it, Petra''s talking to me now anyways.


    "Might be best not to get involved Ikarus, it''s their prey and they''reing over now"


    Us three still don''t have a clue what Petra is talking about but our answers are very shortly about to be answered with a disy that is beyond epic.


    Far out at sea, a small purple looking spec can be seen in the distance and it''s slowly getting closer and closer now, there''s no way Petra could''ve seen it at this range but she must have felt the purple creatures presence or aura from over here. Now that it''s closer, it''s pretty obvious what it is.


    (Zeki) "Who the hell is that?"


    "Esmerelda, the bastards'' wife if you can believe it"


    (Zeki) "She''s a fucking dragon! That''s sick! Humans and dragons should never be allowed together"


    (Ariza) "You''re literally in a mixed species rtionship as well Zeki!"


    "Don''t use that rtionship word on me, the cow doesn''t count since she''s technically a spirit"


    (Ariza) "*Sigh*, dumbass"


    Ignoring their conversation, a purple dragon, roughly the size of father can be seen quickly approaching the pirate ships and on top of that dragon, appears to be a person, I can''t make them out from this distance but I''m guessing that''s the bastard, looks to be blonde hair as well but it''s still too far away, Petra did say not to get involved so we''re just going to watch what happens up here on Zeki''s back.


    "Are they seriously going to take out that entire fleet?"


    I''m not worried for the dragon, it just seems a little mad for a dragon to be making itself public attacking such arge group of people, I know Petra said they''d make an introduction but still, this seems insane.


    "Heh, you''re going to want to watch this Ikarus"


    "Getting a front row seat watching hell about to unfold, that dragon might be as powerful as your father orangey"


    "She does seem pretty strong"


    Of course, using status from this range is pointless but even I can tell she''s powerful, pretty much most dragons are after all, they''d have to be after what the empire have been doing to them for centuries now.


    Watching on, the purple dragon Esmerelda goes in for a dive from the sky and attacks one of the pirate ships breathing what looks to be some type of gas all over the ship. The people who don''t jump overboard from the attack all start to choke and fall to the ground, I''m guessing her attack is simr to father''s then, might be a little different since she''s purple but poison seems to be her focus.


    Then she swoops back up around for another attack to a different ship, the same exact thing happens again, all those pirates almost look to be choking from the purplish gas all around them, can''t imagine it would be a nice way to go but seems pretty quick considering how fast they''re dropping.


    These types of attacks go on for quite a few minutes, swoop in for one, then return to do another, all those poor little pirates are actually being destroyed like ants right now at this dragon''s poisonous wrath, it''s a pretty horrific experience to watch thinking about it. Mother''s wrath at the city would''ve been a hell of a lot worse than this since hers destroys pretty much everything but this dragon''s breath must also be really nasty.


    There is something else that is upsetting me as well.


    ''I want to cry, all that wasted EXP''


    I can''t help but think after witnessing the destruction that''s going down, my level would''ve gone up so high, I should''ve ignored Petra''s advice and started to kill steal but then again, choking on poison doesn''t sound fun and I don''t think I have any resistance to that, at least me and Aesa aren''t aware of any, except alcohol but that doesn''t count.


    Now that it''s over and any of the survivors have jumped from the ships or started to flee, the purple dragon flies away to approach our direction obviouslypleting what she set out to achieve. They guy up her back did look to be shouting during that fight cheering her on I reckon, couldn''t make any of it out though.


    (Zeki) "I wonder if that gas is mmable, I''d love to see all those little ants burn as well"


    (Ariza) "Poor guys, that did seem pretty brutal"


    "..."


    "..."


    This time around, it seems both me and Petra don''t really have anything to say on what we just witnessed, she already knows about the bastard''s wife so she would''ve expected it, I''m just a little shocked at witnessing a dragon''s wrath once again, I did miss most of what mother did back in the destroyed city after all.


    Now that they''re close, they have finally entered status range, might as well see just how powerful they are.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Esmerelda | Species: Dragon | Level: 399]


    [Health 40,000/40,000]


    [Stamina 15,612/19,750]


    [Magicka 29,403/40,000]


    ----------


    [Name: Desmond | Species: Human | Level: 622]


    [Health 40,000/40,000]


    [Stamina 8,888/10,000]


    [Magicka 12,200/12,200]


    ''At least there''s no worry on the bastard being too weak, he''s more than double the prince''s level, he could probably take the capital back himself. Well, maybe not but he does shit all over his brother stat wise. As for the dragon, I thought she might be a little higher levelled than that due to her being roughly father''s size but I guess that''s average for dragon sizes after all''


    As for the bastard''s description, he looks pretty simr to the twin brothers being lord ke and Alistair, he shares the prince''s blue eyes and one noticeable exception is that he looks a lot more stunning and feminine, you can still tell he''s male but the long blonde hair he has could make you believe differently.


    His clothing consists of something that looks like a ck robe, maybe something like a ninja might wear but isn''t that fancy thinking about it, I guess he and Petra like robes then.


    For a guy called the bastard though, it''s technically true but it does seem a bit ironic considering how he looks, you''d think he might be covered in scars and stuff like that but that expectation ispletely off.


    "Land and we''ll have a talk; Esmerelda finds it difficult to converse in this form"


    <True dat>


    Okay, his voice in particr is a lot more masculine than he looks, that was also surprising. Did that dragon just converse ''true dat''? I''m unsure if that''s how she speaks or if her dragon telekinesis doesn''t work right, guess I''ll find out soon. It''s telepathy Ikarus, don''t let them convince you otherwise.


    "Err, fine then human"


    Zeki reluctantly finds a spot tond on this beach, he did just get told to do something by a human, phoenix pride exists for him after all. Once we''vended, we get off his back and Zeki changes instantly back into human form.


    ''He''s such a hypocrite''


    It''s pretty ironic he dislikes humans yet prefers his human form all the time, his argument would probably be it doesn''t count but he is a jackass after all, even Ariza gives him a condescending look from that. Forget it, we''re about to be spoken to now.


    Then dragon also finds a ce tond and the bastard Desmond jumps off Esmeralda''s back as well, the dragon then does a form change also, I''m guessing she has enchanted clothing so looking away isn''t needed.


    Now that the dragon has also changed form, I''m honestly a little shocked looking at her, she''s beautiful. Obviously not as much as Petra but seriously though, she''d give the Goddess of beauty a run for her money. A slight face of annoyance appears on Petra''s face towards me though, I wasn''t actually checking her out, honest! I''m just making an observation, it''s the first time we''ve met after all.


    To actually describe how she looks, a long, full head of dark purple hair, same-coloured eyes and has a pirate looking ck short outfit on, maybe more something like a mercenary might wear but it''s stillparable to a pirate''s getup. My description of her isn''t great but she is seriously good looking, maybe I might just be into dark haired women thinking about it. There''s no chance I''d ever stray from Petra though, she''s even initiated the hand holding this time around, it''s a good thing I find jealously pretty cute even if Petra would deny it. Could be a chance to check my ability out but I''ll ignore this time, I did kinda just stare at that dragon.


    (Desmond) "So... how did you think of our little introduction?"


    (Esmerelda) "Tis was pretty cool, was it not?"


    ...


    Erm... I''m a little sure how to react, they honestly sound a little proud about that disy, are they childish or something? At least Petra is willing to question them on it, even if she kinda expected something like that.


    "Was that really necessary?"


    "Completely, we''ve been scoping those fuckwits down there for a while now, having someone to enjoy the show is just a bonus"


    "Yup, why are thou here though?"


    Okay, this dragon has a really weird way of speaking, some of it sounds like ng and other parts sound really outdated, I won''t say anything since it would be pretty rude but it is a little odd.


    Petra doesn''t even get around to introducing us or anything like that, the dragon did just ask bluntly why we''re even here.


    "We''re hunting your little brother Desmond; the prince is going to die very soon"


    "Oh, you mean Ali? ke''s already dead so who really cares? Why do you need to tell me such a thing though?"


    He doesn''t actually sound all that bothered hearing about this, would make sense seeing that the rest of his family want to enve dragons and he marries them. He even has his arm around the waist of Esmerelda right now, clearly they have a close rtionship, that''s actually looks nice to do but we''ll stick with our hand holding for now.


    "The reasons don''t matter, what happens after does-"


    "No, fuck no..."


    The guy rudely cuts Petra off there, I''d step up to defend her but the guy clearly knows what she''s speaking about.


    "... This isn''t the first time you''vee to me and won''t be thest, I''m not doing it so you can bugger off"


    Well this is going great, he''s already rejected the idea and we haven''t even asked yet. His wife seems to be a little more open minded though.


    "Des, thou knows one should be kind and amodating to any visitors even if one disagrees"


    ''Is this dragon even using thou and one correctly? Ah, forget it''


    "Urgh, I''ll listen then, something like this would require an entire gold mine just to convince me otherwise though"


    Wait, an entire gold mine? That''s our bargaining tool then, I''ve got a gold mine! Petra looks at me in a way that implies I shouldn''t bring it up though but he mentioned it.


    "What about half a gold mine? Would that be a good start?"


    I try to bargain towards the bastard and he''s immediately taken back, he didn''t actually expect me to answer to him there.


    "Erm... I was just making a joke about that whoever you are, mary gain is kinda pointless if you run a kingdom especially with the empire already owning dozens of them"


    ''Oh, that was a joke and I took it as being literal, stupid Ikarus''


    [<No one''s denying that>]


    ''Shut it you!''


    The thing is, it''s very obvious we should want this guy to run the country, just look at his treatment to dragons, he''s freaking married to one! That alone makes me think he''d be suitable; he does seem extremely rough around the edges though. This might backfire terribly for everyone else but us phoenixes and dragons would benefit massively so that''s all that really matters. I''m joking of course, Petra does seem to believe he''s more than suitable so I''ll put my trust in her, not him.


    How do we even convince someone who seems this adamantly against such a thing though? Money doesn''t seem to be a motivator so what else? I guess even Ariza and Zeki don''t have a clue either but it might be they just don''t want to speak up, Ariza looks a little shy right now and Zeki is just grumpy. Petra might have an idea though.


    "Desmond, allow me to give you a warning. If you don''t take the throne afterwards, the empire will destroy itself, this will happen"


    "Really? Do tell why then"


    "Because it''s inevitable, you already know all the reasons why. Your brother will die by our hands and we won''t be picking up the mess that follows after"


    "You do the fucking role then! I don''t want no role in your schemes Petra"


    In all honesty, he has a point but Petra is doing something sly here, unsure how she''s going about it but it seems like she''s trying to encourage him somehow.


    "You really want to leave all those innocent people left to fend for themselves knowing you''d be able to make a difference?"


    Ah, she''s doing the guilt treatment and it seems to be working on him, I''d say it''s a little hypocritical seeing that Petra could also do the role really well but I''m not having that, she''s mine! The empire''s duties can screw off, he is blood bound to the role after all even if he doesn''t want it.


    "Urgh... let''s just discuss thister, I''m hungry now. Es, you fancy cooking?"


    "Yup, one will make a feast"


    I guess we''re getting a free meal out of this, I really hope Petra can convince him even if this could be a bad idea...


    __________


    ---Both those two have AI that has been added if you want to check it out---

 Chapter 82 – Feisty Marriage

    Chapter 82 ¨C Feisty Marriage


    "So then, your n is to take out all four of the figureheads of the empire and the reasoning for such a thing is because your friend Ikarus wants it?..."


    When he puts it that way, it sounds stupid really, we have exined more than just saying ''Ikarus wants the empire changed'' but he has to sum it up in that way? I''m a little annoyed but not for that reason, I''m not just Petra''s friend though...


    (Desmond) "... I guess it''s pretty understandable, I''d do anything for Es"


    (Esmerelda) "As would this one for you, Des"


    ''Es and Des, pretty cute sounding nicknames for each other I guess''


    All six of us are around a table in the bandit camp on the beach after eating something the dragon prepared for us, I''m pretty certain it was some type of meat and vegetable dish but whatever it was, it was sublime!


    Clearly this dragon knows how to cook very well, I guess Petra does know how to as well but home cooking is extremely rare since we rarely have the time for something properly prepared other than using just a campfire or buying premade food, my example being that bento box she made in the elven war dungeon. My cooking tastes like shit but I don''t really use seasoning or care that much so it''s understandable.


    This ce is obviously empty though, the hundreds of pirates are either dead or all fled after all, they''ll probably try ande back at some point down to the amount of loot scattered around here but it will end up messy if they do, the bastard and the dragon have made a point to wipe these lot out for some reason.


    (Petra) "What''s your reaction to this other than just summing it up or being condescending?"


    I guess even Petra kinda got that feeling from him, he clearly knows we can handle the four.


    "Hypothetically speaking since I''m not agreeing to this, what would you have me do? Just waltz in after you''ve killed everyone?"


    He says he''spletely against this but he''s still asking about it, there is some interest hidden deep inside. Hang on, is that me being perceptive or my eye of wisdom having an effect? I still can''t freaking tell with that.


    "You''re a fan of big entrances after all, their deaths won''t be able to be kept secret for very long so you intruding into the princess''s birthday party dering yourself the new ruler would fit the situation well"


    Wait, the princess''s party? When was this a thing?


    "Petra, what you talking about?"


    "Ah, sorry Ikarus, forget to mention it. Had a carrier bird find me when we were resting a few days ago sent from Jekyll, you were sleeping so didn''t want to wake you. Slight change is that now we have a better opportunity in the near future to get all four targets at once. Waiting a long time for everyone to be together is no longer required"


    Petra normally goes into detail on a lot of things when I ask about them so if she''s saying not that much has changed, then it isn''t a worry, at least our goal ising closer. I do hope we can get this guy onboard; the dragon doesn''t seem to have an opinion on the whole thing and will just follow her husband wherever he goes, at least she seems that way. No idea why she doesn''t really care but dragons do seem to be pretty carefree except in some very exceptional circumstances, of course being mother.


    "You''ve even got someone on the inside? I guess you''ve definitely nned this out, I dread to think what would happen if no one was around to fix all the turmoil that will happen after"


    "Only you can take on that role Desmond"


    Heh, it seemed like he was trying to y the guilt treatment on Petra then and she yed the reverse card, you can never win against Petra in a conversation or a debate, it''s impossible.


    "Urgh, you can try as much as you want, it still won''t convince me otherwise"


    There must be something that can convince this guy to take his rightful seat on the throne, I guess it isn''t technically his seat since his father is still alive and kicking but he won''t be after this.


    "Then exin your reasons why you don''t want to take your legitimate seat on the throne that your family stole from you? All the suffering they''ve put you through, all the hurt and even dragon hunting they do and even then, you still don''t care?"


    She''s getting pretty passionate about this; she''s trying to y at his emotions and convince him but obviously it''s proving difficult. This time around he does take a second before answering, clearly he''s giving this some serious thought but of course, he''s surprisingly stubborn on this.


    "Petra... I already said that won''t work on me... If you want the actual reason, then I cannot give one. I just simply don''t want to do it, nothing more, nothing less"


    Huh? This guy seriously can''t give a reason why he wouldn''t want to be emperor other than he just doesn''t want to do it? I mean, it would obviously be time considering and tedious work but the idea of being that powerful a person has to be tempting. Even I''m notpletely against the idea of being a king or ruler, it''s just everything in that dungeon when we were rulers has shown me it''s too much work and can be boring for someone of my distracted mind, just assign all the boring shit to someone else and that basically fixes nearly everything though.


    Me and Petra are still not taking over the empire even if there are temptations to do so. Even if we could get support and sort a lot of the problems out, I''d rather build our own country together then fixate on something that I''ll never have a true connection towards. There''s a load of reasons for that, I have actually given this some thought believe it or not but I''m not going to get into it properly now, it''s his empire to take control over anyways.


    His wife seems to have something to say on the situation though, this is a bit unexpected.


    "Des... thou should heed this one''s advice; isn''t something to cast aside without a proper thought or diligence"


    "What is it Es? Why should I listen to them?"


    "Because it is thou''s destiny, Des must do what thou was born to do"


    "You really using that destiny bullshit on me?"


    "Yup, ignoring thou''s destiny is recipe for disaster. It is your destiny or fate to lead the empire into glory and new age, denying it is denying thou-self"


    I still struggle a little to understand what this woman is saying but she''s arguing our case so I can kinda understand what she means, I''m not sure if by destiny she means something like a prophecy or maybe just because it''s his blood, what''s the chances of there being two prophet dragons anyway?


    "Look Esmerelda, we''re not arguing right now"


    "Oh? So thou wants to resume this when visitors are gone? Once again thou is putting things off"


    "Must you start?"


    "Oneself must always tell thou when something is amiss"


    Things seem to have gone a little tense now, it looks like those two want to have an argument about whatever it is the dragon is speaking about, she really does like using the word thou a lot.


    "We''ll make our leave if we really can''t convince you then"


    Wait, Petra''s giving up? I know the married couple seem to be in disagreement and now are at odds but that can''t be it, unless she''s got other backup ns, it''s probably that thinking about it.


    "Yeah, you can bugger off now"


    "One apologizes on thou''s behalf, hopefully visitors enjoyed the meal"


    (Ariza) "Yeah, it was nice, thanks for the food"


    (Zeki) "It was nothing special but it was alright"


    (Ikarus) "Thanks"


    (Petra) "..."


    ''I guess that means we''re leaving now, looks like we''re moving onto n B, whatever that is...''


    __________


    As we''re walking away from therge beach tent we were eating dinner in, all of us seem to have something to say on what just happened except Petra.


    (Zeki) "That was fucking pointless, at least that dragon can cook"


    (Ariza) "He really did seem against the idea"


    "*Sighhh*... so what next then Petra?"


    "..."


    The three of us look obviously disappointed in how things have gone, Petra seems to be thinking heavily on something right now as we''re walking away and clearly wasn''t paying there.


    "It''s orangey''s turn to carry us next, my shift is over"


    "Seriously kid? You only had half a day... Forget it, I fly quicker than you so it doesn''t matter"


    Just before I''m about to change form and start flying us wherever next, Petra now seems to have words to say.


    "Wait a second before changing Ikarus, want to check on how things are going"


    Petra stops walking with us and turns around to face the pirate camp we just left, clearly something has her mind thinking about what just happened. She now has that look she gets when she figures something out and a small smile appears on her face, something is about to happen.


    "What is it Petra?"


    "Heh... nearly forgot how those two resolve disagreements, no point leaving until we watch how it gets resolved"


    Huh? Just as I''m about to ask what she means by that; the purple dragon flies out of therge tent we were just in ripping it to shreds in the blink of an eye and now is in the flying above overlooking her husband.


    "You won''t win this time, you overgrown lizard!"


    <Thou can bite my tail>


    Hold the hell up, they''re actually fighting? The dragon has now flown back down and hasnded next to the bastard, she appears to be shing her tail towards his body aggressively and he looks to be swinging his long sword aiming towards her neck, it''s clearly not gotten to the point of poisonous gas yet but it still looks deadly.


    "Should we stop them?"


    I mean, I know married couples have fights and all but not to this extent, it actually looks like someone''s about to get seriously messed up in a minute.


    "Ikarus, this is only a sparring session for them, don''t worry about it"


    "As much as dragons are stupid, they sure do know how to settle arguments like aplete badass, I need to take some advice from them here"


    "Zeki, you''re being a dumbass again, this ising from someone who has never onceid hands upon someone he cares about"


    "That''s not true brother! I''d hit you if you pissed me off enough"


    "Really? You''ve had two hundred years to even when I''ve pped you for being nasty, cruel and insufferable. Ikarus is right, you really are a tsundare at heart"


    "Fuck off"


    I can''t help but start to chuckle at Ariza calling him out, he''s basically all talk to us three phoenixes and the dryad, I''ve never seen him even raise an arm to Ariza despite those two having the asional fight with each other. It''s probably best to stop now though otherwise he really will sulk; can''t say I me Ariza for giving him the odd smack or two though. I wonder if it''s a gender thing but I''ve seen him kill females, specifically the elves in that dungeon and beastfolk without blinking an eye so gender discrimination isn''t a thing he has apparently.


    I''ve only seen Ariza hit him once though and that was about that boyfriendment, he had been mentioning it nearly every hour for days beforehand and that eventually made her snap. It says a lot that he can make someone like the kind and sensitive Ariza get that irritated but that must be his super power, being annoying. It''s a good thing he came along when he did otherwise, I would''ve hated turning into him, I do admit I was a little obnoxious back then and he really did open my eyes to it slightly.


    Back onto the maddening fight we''re witnessing anyways, I can''t believe this is only a sparring session, I''ve seen a decent share ofbat throughout my travels now, best parts have been admiring Petra but this looks nothing like a sparring session, her tail in particr just made contact with his body throwing him backwards and just before that, he actually made a deep cut on her neck with his de. Damn, I''ll never do that with Petra if we get married, I''d rather be weak then ever hurt her in anyway at all. Wait, I''m thinking about marriage now, for fuck sake, shut it Ikarus!


    Their little battle goes on for a while longer and when it finally startsing to an end, the dragon finds herselfpletely on top of the bastard lying t on the ground, his sword has also been disarmed and it''s clear who one thisst battle, it did look pretty close though with the dragon looking to be in a fair bit of pain during that. Obviously if she had used her voice and flew about, he wouldn''t have been a match but clearly this couple have been doing this type of thing for a while now.


    <Thou loses this duel>


    "*Huff, huff, huff*... What am I losing by now anyways?"


    <Half a dozen, thou has been sloppy recently>


    "And you lizard keep using your tail like a whip, it''s harder to keep up with such a cheat"


    <Oh? Does though wish for another tail whipping? That can be arranged>


    "Not funny Es, we''ve gotpany here so get off me already, it''s clearly my loss"


    <Fair point>


    As they''re speaking to each other, I can''t help but want to check out their health right about now, they must''ve done some damage to each other.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Esmerelda | Species: Dragon | Level: 399]


    [Health 10,116/40,000]


    [Stamina 12,612/19,750]


    [Magicka 30,081/40,000]


    ----------


    [Name: Desmond | Species: Human | Level: 622]


    [Health 9,472/40,000]


    [Stamina 4,992/10,000]


    [Magicka 12,200/12,200]


    ''Jesus fucking Christ! Were they actually trying to kill each other?''


    [<Targets -Esmerelda- and -Desmond- both appear to have no life threatening injuries, -user- worries too much like the usual>]


    How ever these two fight, it clearly drains a lot of HP, probably breaks a few minor bones but clearly isn''t life threating for them somehow. Each to their own I guess, some couples enjoy a happy stress-free marriage, others prefer a marriage where the solution is literally violence, they look to be smiling at each other so I guess it''s okay? Some of those cuts and bruises do look pretty bad though.


    The bastard then starts walking over to us after his conversation with the misses is over, he does look to be wobbling a bit but like I just thought, he''s got a smile on his face but it''s just turned to be more forced in thest second or two.


    "Looks like we''re in agreement unfortunately, I''ll be there at the date, make sure you keep up your end of the bargain so I don''t look like aplete idiot dering my sibling and father are dead when they actually aren''t"


    (Petra) "Of course, we''ll see you then"


    And just like that, we''ve somehow got this guy on board, it only took a tail whipping from his wife to convince him to do so. What a stupid chain of events, not going to question it any further. He does have something else to say though.


    "There is one condition I have... the emperor doesn''t die by your hands"


    Does he want to kill his own father or spare him? We can ept the first bit but the second is trickier since he also shares the dragon envement policy.


    (Petra) "What''s your thinking?"


    "Just call it reparations and leave it at that, that''s non-negotiable. You can take on my remaining siblings and the witch, my father is left untouched by any of your party''s hands"


    Okay, this now sounds like he wants him alive, Petra seems to notice this also but gives it a slight pause before answering, then responds in quite a demanding manner.


    "He must die, you surely know that? Sparing him would leave a massive loose end that could end up backfiring massively"


    I''m notpletely for killing an old man but he''s just as guilty as his son so should be viewed in the same way, me and Petra are both wrong on this though.


    "*Sigh*, must I spell it out for you Petra? He will die by my... own hands; you have my word on that. Once it''s done, I''ll make my way over to the party and make an entrance once you''ve finished as well, make sure you don''t disappoint otherwise it''ll be a right cock up"


    The bastard turns, then walks away while the dragon nods at us and follows him, I guess we''re in agreement even if it didn''t need confirmation, all four will die on that night, just he''d rather take his own father on. I guess I can understand that since he basically was abandoned by him, at least ns have now been set in motion even if things are going to go pretty serious now.


    ''Shit''s finally gonna hit the fan, we''reing for you Leone and Alistair...''

 Chapter 83 – Penultimate Meeting

    Chapter 83 ¨C Penultimate Meeting


    So then, what happens next? Simple really, we need to head back to the capital and discuss what''s happening with Jekyll, there still are some finale details that need to be discussed since just sneaking in and killing who we need to would prove extremely challenging. That''s not to say it isn''t possible, it''s just that me and Petra only n on using our invisibility we gained back from that undead dungeon to escape since attacking anybody with it would cause it to stop andmence the daily cooldown. We''ve got to be careful, that should be obvious when nning to assassinate an emperor, the prince, the princess and the mage.


    The bastard apparently has his own contacts and will know when the people we''re hunting down die so the specific timing on the day isn''t really needed, obviously we''re now nning to do it on the day of the princess''s birthday. I dread to think how bad she really is if Petra dislikes her but hopefully I don''t have to find out, she is probably going to be worse than the mage if that''s the case, always take Petra''s opinion seriously so she''s got to be pretty bad.


    Notice that I haven''t mentioned Zeki or Ariza in this, that simply is because they aren''t involved, at least in the current situation. Zeki could prove to be a brilliant distraction for something like an ongoing assault but for something subtle like an assassination, it might be too much of a red g. Ariza could be useful for mind controlling any guards wee across but s, we''re not involving her since she doesn''t like using it.


    They are stilling with us to the capital, Zeki clearly wants to watch the carnage that might happen afterwards and I think Ariza wants to use her healing to help anybody in the chaos as well, there is going to be drama from what me and Petra do regardless if the bastard takes his rightful seat or not.


    The prediction is there might be anarchy in the streets after this goes down, people are going to get hurt regardless of what happens, it''s another reason why me and Petra n on sailing into the sunset so to speak, we''re not dealing with the mess thates after. Obviously Ariza wants to help as many people as possible even if it risks phoenix exposure, she''d get on quite well with the priestess thinking about it.


    You could say that''s pretty irresponsible for us two just leaving but that''s how Petra has always done things, save or kill, then move onto a different ce since sticking around isn''t her style. I agree with her for the most part but there has to be a point where you settle down at some ce, I''m pretty sure she''d do it for me though but we''d obviously need to find somewhere to go. I do have a little idea what we could do afterwards but that''s not a thought for now, things could still go terrible with this assassination attempt so nning too far into the future is pointless.


    "Once we get to the city, we''re going to a dessert shop brother"


    "Really Zeki? Uh huh then"


    ''I guess Zeki really wants some sweets, my stock is pretty low as well now''


    (Petra) "..."


    Up in the sky on Ariza''s back this time, we''re not far off the capital now.


    I skipped a good portion of the trip, nothing much happened so there was no point bringing it up, it has been three to four weeks getting back though. I guess there was a few intimate moments with Petra when resting for the night, mostly hand holding,p sitting and hugging, that sort of thing but we already do that a bit so it''s nothing new.


    That''s not aint, the more we do stuff, the easier it is and the less flustered I get from it all, I really like how our rtionship is going but if I keep trying to force myself, it will only make it a little ufortable for me. Like usual though, Petrapletely understands my issues, everything can just be a little too much to handle, I really don''t deserve her though.


    I''m definitely going to kiss her again once we deal with the empire, it won''t be as forced asst time and kissing after dealing with the bad guys is such a movie clich¨¦ but I''m still doing it regardless. Clich¨¦s can be good as well as bad sometimes, we''ll end up holding each other in our arms and then sharing our souls together. When I put it that way, it sounds stupid but it still makes me feel flustered, I will ovee this someday, mark my words!


    Anyways, I''m getting distracted once again, the capital is fast approaching, Ariza needs to find a ce tond and then we can enter the city again, no idea when Zeki and Ariza were herest, their cave is around a week''s flight away so it''s not that far, you''d think they would have visited quite a bit throughout the years, even if they canck in human interaction.


    ''We''re getting closer now...''


    __________


    "I''lle in with you this time Ikarus"


    As I''m waiting outside the pce in the courtyard, Petra says this to me and it honestly surprises me a little, she''s actually willing toe inside the pce this time around? It''s not exactly like she needs to scout the ce out, she''s been in it undercover more than once so nning out a route in shouldn''t be that difficult for her. Maybe she might''ve forgotten about it but her memory seems to be more long-term forgetfulness and I know she''s been undercover here pretty recently considering her age so it shouldn''t be that.


    Why I''m waiting outside here is because obviously the prince awaits, I''ve been cured so it kinda makes sense to share the information with him, it wouldn''t surprise me if he already knows since I sent the priestess and the knight away but we''ll get to see how this is turns out shortly. He seems to always get a little exited when father''s reward was brought up, it''s a shame he won''t be around to see it take full effect though.


    After this, the n is to go find the captain, we had some time to kill before meeting up with him so I thought this would be better doing this sooner rather thanter. If I really wanted to, I could probably avoid meeting him before we finally decide to enact on our n but for some reason, I''m kinda curious on how this final conversation will now go. This still doesn''t affect our n in the slightest.


    It''s just me and Petra here though, the other phoenixes are going to be doing their own thing for a while, this isn''t their fight after all, at least right now it isn''t.


    "Wait, why? You''d normally hate the idea of doing it"


    "It''s not fair for you to deal with them alone, doubt I''ll be allowed in the same room but they might let me wait close by, just giving peace of mind I guess"


    Oh, she''s doing it for me? I swear this woman is just too good, I''m holding hands with her when we enter now, it''s the least I can do if she''s willing to do this for me.


    The royal guard who I just informed has now finally returned, he seems to actually have something to say then most of the mute guards around here. He guides us in but while walking ahead of us, he speaks up.


    "The prince has instructed me to allow your travellingpanion inside as well if she so pleases, make sure you keep your hands open and visible otherwise the guards may deem you a threat"


    (Petra) "Of course"


    I''m surprised she''s not asked to relieve her weapon but then again, the prince and mage already know about Petra''s magic down to the knight so it would be pointless disarming someone who can literally use fire. Do they not view her as a threat though? From their perspectives, you''d think having a stranger enter into the pce with an audience with the prince would be dangerous, they are pretty carefree on this type of thing, I guess.


    I am a little worried now though, what happens if shit hits the fan this soon? This isn''t a trap as well, right? Forget it, Petra seems confident so I''ll do the same, it''s not like they can reallyy hands on us and Petra is OP as hell.


    Being led into the pce, this time around it seems we''re being taken to a different part I haven''t been before; this area looks a lot fancier then the rest of the pce and that''s saying a lot, this ce is one of the fanciest ces I''vee across. I guess it''s simr to the rest of the corridors that have statues, pedestals with vases and things like that but there''s definitely more gold and shinier metals around here. It''s kinda weird I''ve lost my gold and shiny attachment but when you have the best prize alongside you holding your hand, who cares about wealth?


    "The prince and battlemage Leone are currently in the throne room, please make sure you give him the utmost amount of respect"


    At least the guard says what room we''re about to enter, I''m pretty sure I''m yet toe across this guard so him telling me to pay respects is dumb, my parents would spit at the idea of bowing to a human. Well maybe not mother, I don''t think she''d care on something like that, father would just burn the pce down.


    He opens the door up for us, then leaves and we enter letting go of each other''s hands just before. I''m very quickly taken back by what''s in the throne room.


    Unlike the previous throne rooms I''vee across, this one seems to be even more grandeur and expensive than any other. I know most have been in ruins or in elvennds but this does put all others to shame. Extravagant golden pirs, crystal chandeliers, a red rug that seems to be made of the finest materials and at the other end of the room is two thrones, a small but impressive one and arge, borate one.


    Sitting on the grand throne is the prince himself and on the other is the mage, that''s a little odd why she''d be sitting there. On the outside of room is a line of royal guards, only four on each side but normally the prince prefers having no guards so something is going on.


    "Greetings your highness"


    "Ah, Ikarus''s friend... Peta, was it? That''s incorrect, what was it again?"


    "Petra your highness"


    She really is a master actor, no chance I could ever bow to someone and greet them like that, I guess she has been skulking around the pce in other people''s faces before so it would make sense why she''s so easily able to y the part of someone in awe of royalty. It wouldn''t surprise me if she wants to grin right now, we''re so close from our goal yet so far, it won''t be long before you two are buried six feet under.


    Why is Leone sitting on one of thrones though? I know the prince''s father has basically given up control to his son but this seems like they''re taken the piss, has something happened that we''re not aware of? No, the pce would be in uproar and Jekyll would''ve sent something to Petra if something big had happened, this just seems like those two being themselves.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you then, I trust you''ve been taking care of Ikarus... alone?"


    "Heh, of course"


    That sounded a little passive aggressive by the prince then and Petra did her trademarkugh to hide her irritation from thatment, I think he''s learnt I sent the other two-party members away; it''s got to be that otherwise he wouldn''t have said it in that way. Also, it is just us two here, that would be pretty obvious just by being able to count up to four.


    "Good to hear... Ikarus, how have things gone? Are you finally free from your curse?"


    "Yeah prince, it''s all sorted now, the power imbnce has been corrected"


    "Wonderful, that''s wonderful, we''ve finally freed you from your burden..."


    This might be the first time I''ve seen his true smilee out; it actually looks kinda normal instead of that maniptive one he always does. He definitely seems happy but it''s clearly not for my sake, the reward the empire gets is more of a motivator.


    "... Celebrations are in order for such a task aplished... Ah, Leone, you think sister would be fine with another guest or two?"


    The smiling prince then takes a quick look towards the mage, she doesn''t respond immediately, almost as if she wasn''t even listening to the prince there. She does give him an answer though.


    "Shouldn''t make any difference, there''s already going to be a hundred different faces that she didn''t approve, another couple won''t make much of a difference"


    ''Hang on, am I getting an invite to the princess''s birthday party?''


    "Really? You expect her to be okay with it?"


    "Hmph, don''t ask for my opinion if you''re not going to listen to my answer"


    Okay, the mage seems to be in a mood today, at least it seemed that way towards the prince, he just ignores her and continues speaking to us again.


    "Before you ask, of course your friend cane along, I''ll be sure to get Nathan and Lotte toe along as well... obviously if I can find them in thisrge city, they really could be hiding anywhere"


    Once again, another passive aggressivement, he''s going to start pissing me off he makes another.


    "Thank you, your highness, I ept your invitation then"


    I really wish I had Petra''s acting skills; she really can y the role well.


    "I''d like to ask more about thest several dungeons you encountered Ikarus but that''s a conversation we can have at the party in a week''s time if there''s time. Oh, why don''t you invite your parents as well?"


    You know what''s funny? He hasn''t even asked if I''m going to ept it, he''s just assuming I''m going to be there, such a dick. I know Petra already epted but she didn''t ept for both of us, it makes no difference since we were never going to say no to this opportunity but still, it reminds me back when we first met in my parents'' cave and he got the mage to start teaching me without even asking.


    "There''s no chance they''ll ept so there''s no point bothering, humans are humans after all, dragons would hate that type of thing"


    Well, maybe not mother but eyes would be staring at her and father would go mad with jealously filled rage, it could work if I wanted to kill everyone though.


    "Hmm, you have a point, having two dragonse to a party of humans could be asking a little much. It doesn''t matter anyways, I can always send a message to your father saying our deal is nowplete, a dragon''s word is permanent after all..."


    Don''t really have much to say on that considering I already know what the deal basically is, protect the empire from any non-human like threats. Thinking about it, what me and Petra are about to do would be considered a non-human threat, father definitely knows a loophole or two though, his definition of the empire is thend itself, not the humans living in it so that could be a loophole right there.


    "... Well then, how about we cut this conversation short since we have some business to attend to?"


    Oh, I guess that at least exins why he''s in the throne room today, we just so happened to enter before he had work to do, probably advising type things.


    "Okay then, see ya"


    "Goodbye your highness"


    As me and Petra give our farewells, a different royal guardes up to us and escorts us out the pce.


    While being led, I can''t help but give a thought on what just happened, that was a little weirdpared to normal. At least what happens normally is the prince ends up overtalking and giving way too much information, I get that he''s busy but that seemed different than usual, can''t put my finger on the reason why.


    I''m notining, the less I get to see of him and the mage, the better. It also is brilliant that we have an actual invite to the party, this changes things. I''m looking at the piece of paper while walking right now, the guard just gave me it and it says there''s a plus one, no point in being sarcastic on who''sing with me.


    Once we''re out of the pce and a reasonable distance away from prying eyes, it''s time to have a quick chat, things are now falling into ce whether it''s down to pure luck or just something else.


    "This definitely changes things a lot then"


    "Maybe, it just means getting in is no longer a challenge, won''t have to sneak around any backdoors now... guess it''s now easier but some things will have to be changed"


    I guess she''s kinda right, she does seem to be thinking heavily on something else while we''re walking away though.


    "You''re deep in thought, what''s wrong?"


    Even I can tell when she''s thinking heavily at times, we do understand each other pretty well after all.


    "Heh, you want to know something funny Ikarus?"


    "What Petra?"


    "The mage tried to apply the empire''s crest on me in there as well, they really can be arrogant at times..."


    As soon as Petra says that, intense rage builds up inside me, I want to obliterate all them arrogant fucks now! How dare they try and enve Petra!? Fucking despicable!


    "... Ikarus, calm yourself"


    Petra stops us walking and ces both her hands on my cheeks, then looks into my eyes trying to calm me, it''s working slightly but I can''t help but be angry at that, I didn''t even know they tried that on her. If I did, I would''ve killed them both right there, it''s a good thing she didn''t tell me straight away.


    "It''s not fine though, how dare they try that on you!? Those fucking bastards!"


    "Heh... it''s fine Ikarus, I''m resistant just like you, remember?"


    "But still"


    She just keeps smiling at me throughout all this, at least it''s calmed me slightly. To actually think on the first time they meet, the prince tells the mage to try and enve her? The fucking audacity of such a thing, I didn''t even know she tried it as well till Petra just said, it must''ve been the prince ordering it, right? Forget it, this isn''t apetition on who I dislike more.


    "*Sighhh*... I''m calm now so you can stop"


    "Heh, don''t want to stop though, your face is even cuter up close"


    I can''t help turning and moving my face from her hands at that abruptment, she definitely knows how to calm and tease me together, it''s annoying that I know that would''ve made me go a little red as well. I''d kiss her in response to get payback but that is still difficult to do right now.


    "Ahem... you have any idea how she even did it?"


    "It''s probably a mental type of thing, she would''ve used a fair bit of magicka up on that attempt and realized it failed quickly after, could be why she was a little annoyed"


    Oh, so that''s how it works then, I guess it requires a huge amount of magicka to enve something like a dragon so her alone might not be enough and she has to borrow magic from others topensate, did remember hearing Petra say something about how the empire might go about enving a being really powerful though. It''s a good thing we are resistant otherwise Petra would be their puppet right now, I''d destroy the entire empire in retaliation if that happened, then she''d have no one to be loyal to so that would definitely cause the crest to be useless.


    I like how my first thought to Petra being inflicted with something is pure destruction, there might be more dragon in me than I first thought. My n in theory would work though, can''t be loyal to an empire if that empire doesn''t exist.


    "At least that kinda exins it... you''re more beautiful than me by the way"


    It''s a bit dyed but she did just call me cute like usual, might as well give her apliment back even if it doesn''t make her flustered. I am right though even if we do look pretty simr excluding hair colour, hairstyle and eyes.


    "Heh, no chance Ikarus, you''d put the Goddesses to shame"


    "Yeah... well you''d blind them with your beauty"


    "Heh, you''d cause the heavens to weep with joy"


    "Blinding is more impactful than weeping Petra"


    "Really? Have you ever seen me uncontrobly weep Ikarus? You''d cause it, you know?"


    I kinda feel like this back and forth is like our version of an argument, we are basically arguing on which one of us looks more beautiful, I can already tell I''ll lose this battle but gettingpliments from Petra is worth a loss.


    ''I''d really hate to live without this woman...''

 Chapter 84 – Getting Closer

    Chapter 84 ¨C Getting Closer


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "So then Leone... what do you think of her? Or are you going to remain in a mood?"


    "My irritation is at you, already told you she would be resistant to the crest, waste of time"


    After Ikarus and that old blind bat have left, it''s just me and Alistair in the throne room, he sent the guards away so we could have a quick chat before the advisors get sent in. They can clearly wait as long as he needs, this conversation is pointless though, did tell him using the pacification crest wouldn''t work but the brat wouldn''t listen like usual, thinks he always knows best.


    It''s clear those two lovebirds have been up to something, I''m curious on what''s going to happen but that''s something for another time, there''s always better things to do then wonder what Ikarus may or may not be nning after all. With another phoenix by her side, it''s extremely likely something will happen.


    I''m leaving in a second anyways, this throne is ufortable but there''s nowhere else to sit in this room, the only reason he called me in here was to do his bidding but I did already tell him some people cannot be affected by the crest. Still refuses to listen despite my best advice.


    "She''s that powerful then? That still doesn''t answer my question"


    "She''s of no concern, like I''ve told you before once again, just allow Ikarus to get on with it and ignore who she hangs around"


    ''Hmph, you really should be worried if you weren''t so arrogant''


    It seems my response has made him think a little but more down to irritation.


    "You know I can''t allow such a thing, a random woman with the power to rival your own turning up in the middle of nowhere is going to be a concern"


    "Maybe, but there''s nothing you can do to stop it. Even if you could, you still wouldn''t, you''ve never been that blunt"


    He''s always been fixated on control after all. Even as a child, the specific actions and duties he''d have the maids perform always came across a little odd. It''s never been anything perverted, I''m pretty sure this brat has no interest in such a mundane thing but it''s always been about controlling little aspects and skewing peoples'' mindsets to go and think a certain way. When he encounters someone who that won''t work on, then he starts to overthink and worry about things, I''m still not getting involved on whatever''s going to happen so he can handle it himself, he''d rather do it that way anyways.


    "Yeah, you''re probably right... there is something else though, you really think those two are in love?"


    "Definitely"


    Even though the little knight and that insufferable priestess have given their reports and have tried to be tight lipped on those two, it''s obvious something is going on. Each to their own I guess, never seen the point in such a thing especially with a member of the same gender but it''s not like it''s unheard of, at least if you know how to look. The church would despise the idea of such a thing and try to burn them at the stake though.


    "Hmm..."


    Like with usual with this bratty prince, he can''t help but start to tap either his chin or the table, in this case the arm rest of the throne when he''s thinking heavily on something, it''s such an odd thing for someone who refuses to allow his true emotion to be seen but then again, he always tries to keep a fa?ade so it''s bound to slip up at some points.


    "... She''s seriously of no use then? Don''t answer, I believe you, just it would be more suitable to have someone trustworthy watching that bird"


    ''The knight and priestess aren''t really trustworthy but he clearly hasn''t realized that either''


    I do have a question for him though, the invite to the party thing seems a little odd. Watching Ikarus from a distance is different to actually inviting her to a royal party, I''d say it''s dangerous but he always likes to live a little risky so it would prove pointless.


    "Why did you invite them to your sister''s party?"


    "Boredom... couldn''t be bothered to converse right now so thought to dy it and besides, it''ll probably piss off sister having someone she didn''t approve turn up. In all honesty, might just ignore them at the party as well, depends on how I feel but sister definitely won''t like the idea on how many others I''ve invited. Will give a slight amount of entertainment to the whole thing, it''s either going to be extremely boring or something vampire might have a fetish on..."


    Oh, can''t forget the little princess Media has always been into torture, her and blood have always gone hand in hand. In another life she would''ve been a vampire if she hadn''t been born into this family, both the emperor and prince have always allowed her to keep up her twisted ways despite them both disliking the idea of someone enjoying inflicting pain and misery. Can''t be too sure but think public executions were stopped just so she''d have some more people to ''y'' with, most end up dead or wishing to be dead afterwards anyway.


    "... Forget about all that, with that blind woman and the bird situation... we can always inform the church if they start providing a nuisance, there''s always something we can do..."


    He really is a little brat at times, as if the church could be able to deal with that blind bat. They could easily take Ikarus on, not Petra though, she''d end up wiping the Sierran main religionpletely out. It would be entertaining to watch though, won''t say anything on that either.


    Most of what he says I''ll just let him get on with, he has always preferred to control everything by his lonesome. Someday, that will backfire and blow up right in his face, hopefully I''m not around to watch it but knowing my luck, I''ll be stuck serving the next in line for the throne. Hmph...


    "... I''m going to send in the advisors now, you can leave, your grouchiness will only get in the way"


    "Hmph, was going to leave now anyways..."


    __________


    (Ikarus) "Alright Jekyll?"


    (Petra) "Hey"


    "Ikarus and Petra, make yourself at home"


    This time around meeting with Jekyll, we''re at his house, he has an apartment on the second floor of one of the town houses in the middle of the city. Petra has a key so we just let ourselves in, is that weird that she has a key for another guy''s house? Nah, I trust herpletely and Jekyll wouldn''t give her key if it wasn''t important, he basically is her spy within the empire after all. Does that mean she should have a key to his home though? This is gonna bug me now.


    Anyways, trying to move on and distract myself, his t or apartment itself isn''t anything special, it''s obvious he''s a single guy living alone, he has all the essentials but decorating could be done a lot better. I should know, I was in his situation once upon a time, women always know how to decorate ces better than males. Well, there''s exceptions and I''m not trying to sound sexist but you can normally tell when a guy or a female is in control of making a ce feel lived in, at least when ites to decorations and things like that.


    It''s still nice despite me sounding like I''mining, just there isn''t much clutter, d¨¦cor around and stuff like that, there isn''t really much need for clutter in a medieval looking apartment so I''m just being dumb. It is a little messy with the armour and a few weapons lying about but he is a captain with the knights after all.


    Anyways, we take a seat on his sofa that looks to have a fur pelt on and he starts to ask us some questions, he''s currently sorting through some files on a desk in his living room so he doesn''t join us sitting.


    "So what''s thetest? I assume you received the message?"


    Somehow, he and Petra know a trick when ites to sending out birds, no idea how they''re able to find the other person but the bird always seems to be able to find one another. Thinking about it, there is a bird cage on the balcony, I guess that''s captain Jekyll''s hobby? Unless it''s Petra''s pigeon, wouldn''t surprise me if she has an animal taming ability but I''m only specting like usual.


    "Yeah, the message was received, ns have also changed slightly"


    "Have they? Do tell why then"


    "We no longer need you to leave a back door open for us"


    Jekyll stops sorting files on his desk and looks slightly concerned from that news, isn''t that a good thing for him? At least if he wants to remain confidential.


    "What''s happened? Why is this no longer a concern?"


    I forgot about his stressed-out face, it was a while ago he came to my parents'' cave but back then, he and the knight Nathan both shared a lot of stress being around dragons, it looks pretty simr to that.


    "Ikarus, show him what the prince gave you"


    Doing as Petra asks, I get out the invitation and show it to Jekyll who has nowe over to take a look. As he takes a look at the invitation, his stress levels remain the same, this clearly has him worried still.


    "Urgh, it''s definitely real... you ever hear that expression? When something is too good to be true, it usually is"


    (Petra) "Normally, I''d be in agreement but the mage doesn''t appear to making any counter measures for now, we''re still in the clear"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah... wait, you think the wicked bitch would know if something was up?"


    "Probably, she should''ve clocked on if somethings up just by hearing my name. The fact she hasn''t said or done anything yet proves she either doesn''t know or is ying dumb, she''s always been that way after all"


    The way Petra says that, it''s almost as if those two know each other really well. That''s annoying, I want Petra to share my hatred of the mage but it almost sounds like they''re close, Petra does know I clearly hate that woman after all.


    "Hang on, do you two have a past? When were you nning on telling me this?"


    "It''s not really a past though Ikarus, just came across each other a few times throughout the years. You don''t need to look at me that way, dislike her just as much as you do"


    "Well... I doubt that but still, as long as you dislike her as well"


    "Heh"


    I couldn''t help but pout and cross my arms while answering, couples are supposed to share mutual hatred of someone, right? In all honesty, I don''t think Petra actually dislikes the mage that much just from her smile, clearly she''s just humouring me, it''s a good thing I like her a load.


    "Look... if the n to get you inside has changed, then that''s just how it is, it definitely would''ve looked a little suspicious me leaving a door unguarded or several unlocked so it''s a positive I guess even if I''m basically going to have to do thatter on regardless. That''s still doesn''t help with getting out once it''s done though"


    Oh yeah, can''t forget Jekyll is inplete control of the security and preparations for the princess''s birthday party, that''s why he would''ve been useful for getting in. Now that we have a way in though, his role is kinda pointless unless he can get all three targets alone into a side room all at once.


    "The escape will be easy and requires no thought Jekyll, it''s only me and Ikarus, we both have something for that..."


    Invisibility, as long as we can sneak away without the need to attack someone, then we''re golden. I''ve brought this up before though.


    "... The only thing we may need is if you can send a message sending the royals into an unguarded room"


    "Don''t worry, I already know all that, got your message you sent back as well. Just obviously make sure you are there on time, there will only be one shot at this so make it count"


    Oh, so Petra and Jekyll had already nned out what time the prince, princess, mage and the emperor were going to be sent away? I guess he could just get a guard to tell them there''s a problem, then have them all go off into an unguarded room. If that''s the case, then we definitely only have one shot at this, then the bastard should be making his grand entrance afterwards.


    Wait, if the bastard wants to kill his own father, then shouldn''t we have him sent somewhere else? Forget it, Petra already has this nned, it''s a little annoying to be left out from all this.


    "Petra, I''m a little annoyed, couldn''t you have told me about all this before?"


    "Sorry Ikarus, you never really asked about it and always just trusted me to get things done. If you really wanted to get more involved, you could''ve and wouldn''t have said no"


    Damn it, my own faith and trust in Petra backfired, I like nning out stuff as well believe it or not but obviously this time is down to me, I should''ve been more involved on the specifics. Oh well, shit is still going to get done.


    In the end, we stayed over at Jekyll''s house for a while and had food for the evening discussing various other things, he obviously knows we got the bastard onside otherwise this entire n would''ve been kept on hold. Well, we didn''t get him onside, his dragon wife beat him in a fight but we were still kinda involved, in sprit watching him on.


    In all honesty, I like Jekyll, not in the same way as Petra or my parents but as a dude, he''s alright. Maybe it''s because he despises the wicked witch so much that we share amon enemy but he''s not that bad to have a rxed chat with, I''m never using his training methods again though, Petra''s is way better. His food tastes like shit though, didn''t say anything but if you like the taste of charcoal, then you''d like it, I don''t. Even my cooking might be a little better and I can''t cook for shit.


    As we''re leaving his cete at night in search for an inn, there has been something bothering me for a little while, it''s so extremely pointless but it''s always the little things that get to me.


    "Petra... why do you have a key to Jekyll''s house?"


    I can''t let it go, dopletely trust her but she has a key to another guy''s house, that''s kinda weird even if they are undercover against the empire, I''m being petty but I really want to know the reason.


    "Oh, that''s what''s troubling you? It would make sense why I have a key, bought the ce after all"


    Petra owns actual real estate? Not just the cave with the phoenixes, why is this surprising me so much?


    "Wait, you own a house in the capital?"


    "Yeah, Jekyll uses and keeps it''s from falling apart, have a few ces like that scattered around, should probably start charging rent one day"


    Okay then... hang on, why are we looking for an inn if she owns that ce and Jekyll is living there rent free? We might as well just use that.


    "Then why are we looking for an inn?"


    "Just the one-bedroom Ikarus, we could ask him to leave or use the sofa if you really wanted to share a bed that badly but that could be a little selfish, I''m up for it if you want too though"


    Sighhh, she really has to tease even now, at least that kinda answers why she has a key to the ce, it''s still a little weird why she''s even letting him live there but with Petra, it was probably something more to do with her just being kind and not giving it a second thought. He is providng her with information about the empire, I guess this could be considered payment for it.


    "So anyway... what should we do next then? We''ve got a week to kill"


    What can we do in a week? The first thing thates to mind it going on some dates with Petra and doing some other stuff like that but we should probably get in a serious mindset after all. In a week''s time, it''ll be us or the royals dead, I still feel like there''s nning to do but Petra and Jekyll have already gotten everything done, we should just kill some time for now.


    We could go visit the knight and priestess... crap, where could they even be? No idea where any of those two live and bumping into them in the capital might be too much of a coincidence. I guess we could start looking around a church for priestess or where the knights go to train but both of those ideas sound annoying.


    "Well... we could start with going shopping for some bits, stuff like outfits for the uing party but that shouldn''t take more than a few hours"


    Huh? We actually need to go dress shopping? Fuck.


    "Wait, we actually have to do that? Couldn''t they just give us something to wear?"


    "Heh, that should be pretty obvious Ikarus, it''s not exactly like we can arrive looking like this, it is a royal''s party after all"


    Well shit, more clothes shopping with Petra, know where this is already going, need to set some ground rules in ce since she''s definitely going to have too much fun here. It''s not like I hate doing this but still, I''ve been her dress up doll too much already, even if it was only the once.


    I know I''ve already worn expensive and posh crap like royal''s clothing back in the elven battle dungeon but always had maids to help pick and choose what to wear, I really couldn''t give a shit about wearing stuff like that. Oh God, I''m probably going to have to wear makeup as well, not happening!


    "We need to set some ground rules in ce first... no makeup, nothing too cute, no corsets and nothing really ufortable. Oh, no heels as well"


    I already have to wear this ufortable corseted dress all the time, it could be dangerous trying to fight while wearing clothing and ufortable stuff like that, that''s clearly not my reasoning though, it''s not like we can''t rip parts of the clothing off or take shoes off before fighting. Unfortunately, Petra isn''t having none of it.


    "Heh, all of that is denied except the corset thing"


    Urgh, damn it...

 Chapter 85 – Accident

    Chapter 85 ¨C ident


    "Begin"


    "Okay dokey"


    Me and Petra are at a secluded spot just outside the capital to do some training, it''s a nice little enclosed area surrounded by trees that is close by to where I asionally fly tip dumping all my storage waste. Yeah, I know it''s pretty bad but when I was drinking heavily, that many ss bottles is not something I can realistically dump in the capital, mostly because of embarrassment.


    I did use to be a hoarder after all and stuff like ss bottles don''t grow on trees, I have stopped my hoarding tendencies now, still make sure to keep some spare in case we evere across another fountain potion dungeon but luckily the actual search has no finished, we''ll probablye across another one someday though.


    As for why we''re training, we have some time to kill and this seemed like a good idea to do something like this again, it also dys any potential shopping trip for the uing party. I should just get it over and done with but I''m going to put it off as much as I possibly can, can always use the excuse for training since a fight against the royals is fast approaching.


    Onto the training anyways, my vampiric dagger has just found its way colliding into Petra''s sword, she blocked my downwards attack and I''ve now jumped backwards looking for another way to strike, her defence is imprable after all.


    "Ikarus, try using asp-"


    "NO! Stop trying to get me to seriously hurt you, this is more than enough!"


    I already knew what she was going to suggest, she does help me train every now and then and recently she''s been suggesting I use aspect of gigantomachy on her. I don''t care if she''ll survive because her health is high enough and resistances, that will still pack a huge punch and definitely cause pain even if her tolerance to pain is also high


    Anyways, I shake off her suggestion on continue onwards, I charge at her again and this time swing lower aiming for one of her legs, she instantly senses this and swings her sword crashing into my dagger. Fortunately, I keep the weapon in my hands despite the rattling pain and try for something else next.


    "Heh, good, won''t be long before I''ll start to fight back"


    "Hopefully"


    The praise must''ve been because I normally would''ve dropped my weapon there, that has happened a few times doing this before. Keep in mind, she still doesn''t fight back while sparring as well, that''s just how much of a gap there is between us so just her defending is more than enough. Someday, I will be able to properly train with her, I''m hoping I''ll be able to at the very least.


    Next attack, I lunge towards her using a stabbing motion and unlike with thest two, she dodges to the side giving me a slight chance to try something else out, I may be able to get close to a hit here, this will be thest attack for today since we''ve been doing this long enough now.


    Just as I was about to go in for onest attack, I turn myself and my foot finds itself twisting something hard, a small rock but it stubbing my toes causes me to lose my bnce falling over in a certain direction.


    "Ouch!... Erm..."


    Damn it, damn it, damn it! You know that stupid clich¨¦ where someone falls over and idently ends up in aprising position? Well... Petra was in my way stopping my fall and I may now be on top of her, that''s not even the worst part! The position I''m in, my head is just above her stomach and armnded on something very soft and squishy, I think she tried to help break my fall moving her sword out of the way but clearly it backfired causing her to fall as well. Why the hell did I tense up and grab it as well!?!


    "... Sorry Petra"


    "Heh... you can let go if you want unless this was something you nned all along? Very sly Ikarus, very sly indeed"


    As soon as she says that, I instinctively let go, move my hand and get up off her. That was a pretty heavy fall thinking about it, I''d feel even more guilty fornding and grabbing her if it wasn''t for myplete embarrassment right now. Oh, my toe hurts like hell as well. Despite this embarrassment and pain, I still make sure to give her a helping hand back up even if she doesn''t exactly need it.


    "Seriously, that fucking rock! My foot still hurts... sorry again"


    "Heh, don''t worry about it, something else of mine hurts right now but I''ll leave that up to imagination. I''ll just have to ''fall over'' on you to make up for it next time"


    Damn it, I knew she''d have this type of yful and teasing reaction! She''s too harsh at times, there''s no way that hurt her and she knows it. Hang on, how can she even react like that if her face has gone slightly red? Hang on, that''s something...


    "If you don''t stop it, I''ll-..."


    No, I''m not saying that, don''t be dumb Ikarus, it will only backfire


    "You''ll what Ikarus? Kiss me to make my face turn red or something like that?"


    Well... this has kinda ruined this training session I had in mind in a weird way, how the hell did she know that was what I was going to say? I stopped because I knew Petra can''t be teased, the only thing I can do to make her go flustered and red is kiss and that still is difficult despite doing it once before. Damn it Ikarus, why must you make things like this stupid?


    "You''re imagining things Petra"


    "Of course I am, you really are too easy"


    Sighhh, sometimes her teasing is just next level, my heart, mind and body can''t take it especially when ites up on the spot like that. If I was in a more serious mindset like during a battle, I would''ve probably ignored it, training with Petra is pretty rxed considering I''m basically trying to stab her, it''s a good thing she''s impossible to beat.


    "Anyways... wanna head back into town now?"


    "Sure, let''s do some handholding on the way back though"


    Oh, I didn''t have to do it or ask this time around, it''s not like I''m gonna turn down that sort of request but it''s surprising she initiated it this time, it is normally me who does it after all, at least most of the time.


    "Let''s go back then"


    __________


    "Ikarus... where are you from? I mean back on Earth, remember a little about geography but don''t think you ever said specifically where"


    "You interested in my old life? Any particr reason why?"


    Normally, it''s me who''s always asking Petra questions, she''s in quite an odd mood today, maybe she''s just happy or something. I bet she''s got the wrong impression from earlier, that seriously was one hundred percent an ident! We train so much there was going to be a clumsy mistake from me eventually, just that stupid clich¨¦ ended up happening. That feeling was pretty goo-, forget it, I''ve said this before that I''m not perving over Petra, I''m still not doing it!


    We''re currently walking through the crowded capital streets holding hands right now, it is surprisingly packed today and we keep having to walk around people to get by, maybe the uing princess''s birthday has something to do with that? There does look to be visitors from all over the empire as well, it probably is that since there''s supposed to be things going on for a week and then the final party right at the end. Poor Jekyll, he''s definitely been working a lot throughout this, we won''t have the chance to see him now at least until the party. Our intention is to leave straight after so we shouldn''t have the chance to say goodbyes or anything like that as well.


    "No reason, just curious on some things really"


    "Well... I''m from a little ind that at one point owned the biggest empire in the world... then lost it all"


    I''m being purposely vague here seeing if her memory can pick up on where it might be, I''ll tell her if she doesn''t but it doesn''t hurt to try and test her memory every now and then, mostly just to see what she even remembers from home. It also might allow me to learn more about her.


    Also, the ind Ie from annoys me, we basically had it all and threw it all away even if that was a long time before I was born. Thinking about it, that was also an empire that did some questionable things, there is a bit of a difference between dragon enving and colonizing though. Hmm, there is a slightparison to be made there though...


    "Hmm... oh, that ind? Heh, Zeki did say something about people from there having bad teeth and are all tea drinking snobs, something about fried food and fish as well?"


    Oh, she actually remembered something like that? Fair enough, sometimes her memory is better than she makes out even if Zeki may have told her and is aplete arsehole, why the hell would everyone on that ind have bad teeth?


    "Don''t believe everything you hear from him, how often have you seen me drinking tea and eating fish and chips? I mean, they''re both nice and I would have them more if I could but still. Also, that teeth thing is so dumb, people can have bad teeth wherever you go... Anyways, what about you Petra? You remember where youe from?"


    To be honest, I may be a mixed breed when ites to my home ind, tea is nice and all but not actually that much a fan of it, it''s better if it''s sweet though. Do I really seem like a snobby person? Zeki is just being bitter like usual.


    She pauses and starts to think while we''re still walking holding hands, clearly she can''t remember this, maybe it''s things about herself she has a tendency to forget.


    "Honestly... don''t remember, do remember travelling a lot back then but an actual country of origin, have no idea on. If you want to know about the others, Zeki was American and Ariza was Latino... or was it Hispanic? Not even sure what the words mean, it was one of them for her"


    Oh, so she even was a traveller who went ce to ce back on Earth? That doesn''t surprise me thinking about it. Zeki I obviously thought right, Ariza I had no idea on so I guess that''s kinda an answer, even if that''s twopletely different groups of people, simr type ofnguage but still not the same.


    "Fair enough then, I''m surprised Zeki hasn''t bought a musket from the dwarves if he''s American"


    It''s a joke, alright? I''d have bought a gun if I could but wouldn''t have been allowed.


    "Heh, he has... four of them I believe under his bed. He did try his hand making a rifle and a shotgun years back but that blew up in his face, literally..."


    Sometimes stereotypes piss me off, just cause Zeki''s American doesn''t mean he has to have guns... or does he? The thought of gunpowder exploding over Zeki is pretty funny though, that''s given me a slight grin.


    "... What about something else Ikarus? What hobbies and stuff did you do back then?"


    Is she trying to get to know me better? That''s really nearly not needed though, we both have pasts we''d rather not discuss, at least mine I don''t like speaking about because of other reasons. The main reason is simply because it''s boring unlike Petra''s painful history, there really isn''t much to go through. Other than a few failed rtionships and a lot of procrastinating through life, there wasn''t much interesting going on.


    "In all honesty Petra, there isn''t much to tell, that life was just aple-..."


    As we''re walking through the capital, something in the marketce catches both our attentions causing me to stop speaking. A small crowd has gathered around and in the middle of it is three men, one of them looks to be decked out in priest looking robes, the other two just look likemoners.


    "Shame! Shame on you! Don''t you know the church and the one holy God disapproves of such a vile act?"


    "We weren''t doing anything sinful! Honest!"


    "What the hell is your problem priest?"


    It looks like a priest is currently harassing two guys and a small crowd has formed around them, is this a same sex type of rtionship thing that''s apparently despised by the church then? It''s taking this long for it toe up, don''t tell me we''re going to start hiding things otherwise an enemy is on the horizon?


    "Two guys holding hands in public, despicable! Have you no shame? Do you not care about getting into the afterlife? You disgust his holiness"


    "You''re mistaken priest!"


    "Yeah, I''m not even a guy, dickhead!"


    Oh, both of them are short haired and I also assumed they were both guys at first nce, clearly one of them wasn''t then, the voice isn''t exactly feminine sounding as well so you can understand why someone might make that mistake, maybe we''re both just idiots after all.


    "Erm... Petra, should we stop this?"


    I''m talking about our hand holding right now, we may have joined the crowd and are now whispering, I''d offer to help but it''s no longer needed if she''s a female, the harassment should stop if it isn''t same sex I believe.


    "No chance, they''re not stopping us doing this. If you mean step into help though, the church doesn''t actually have that much power here, you''ll get the odd harassment but it doesn''t turn violent... most of the time anyways"


    The way she says that, we''re definitely going to have problems at some point, we''re getting out of thesends very soon so walking around without a care might prove problematic. If my n for what happens afteres around, then there should be no need for that, there won''t be any empire or church standing in our way but I''m not nning to wipe them out unless they decide to personally piss me off. They will eventually prove troublesome but for now, best to avoid destroying an entire monastery full of people, there is some EXP there if needed though...


    Anyways, we start to walk off and hear the rest of the conversation behind us.


    "Ah, my apologies then, you must be able to understand the Lord''s will on the whole thing"


    "Go back to your church priest"


    "Yeah, leave this city if you''re going to start harassing people"


    "Like I said, apologies again and may the Lord bless you on any troubles you may have"


    "Dickhead..."


    At least people are willing to stand up for themselves here, it might be that the capital is so far away from the monastery that they have more of a backbone, I''m guessing the city close to it may have different views.


    Forget it, that was a pretty pointless encounter anyways, where are we even walking too anyways? I''ve just been kinda following Petra along and unsure where we''re even heading.


    "Where are we even going Petra?"


    "Heh, you''ve put it off long enough Ikarus. We''ll pay a quick visit to the bathhouse, then we''ve got to go shopping"


    ''Damn it...''

 Chapter 86 – Royal Invitation

    Chapter 86 ¨C Royal Invitation


    "Ohe on Petra! Do I really have to wear something like this?"


    "Have you ever been to a royal party before Ikarus?"


    "..."


    "That''s what I thought"


    We''ve ended up back in a fancy clothes store and wouldn''t you know it, I''ve been stuck trying on fancy looking dresses and gowns for a while now. Petra is surprisingly picky when ites to this type of thing, I guess I do understand her reasoning for such a thing, it is supposed to be a special asion. My main issue is just being able to move about, most of the clothing in here would be terrible to fight in, I''d probably have to cut off any skirt just in case. I really ain''t into cutesy things and I doubt I''ll ever be even if Petra likes doing this type of thing.


    This boutique... is that what it''s called? I don''t care but this ce is pretty full right now, I''m guessing some of these might be attending the party or it''s just shopping season in the capital or something like that. The prices in here are disgusting though, it''s a good thing Petra''s already stated she''s paying for all this otherwise I''d have second thoughts about the whole ''kill the royals n''. I joke but seriously though, they do want to put me off it, this dress in particr basically costs an arm and a leg.


    "This might be the one, give me a little spin"


    "Not happening... are we done yet?"


    Of course, Petra''s preference is something that looks kinda cute rather than revealing and hot, I don''t really care about revealing clothing that much but it''s at least easy to get around in. I guess this thing is a lot easier to get around in then most but it does looks more like something that Penelope might wear, think extremely feminine, maybe Victorian fancy clothing except it''s not pink, it''s like a pale yellow. Yeah, she would definitely wear something like this.


    "Heh, yellow does go with your hair pretty well"


    She''s just ignoring me now. Even if I''m moaning, it''s still better she sorts all this crap out since this type of thing isn''t my speciality, got to keep reminding myself I was a guy at some point even if that seems like ancient history now.


    Luckily enough, Petra seems to be liking this one so it looks like we''re done here now, only took around six hours of trying on different outfits, no chance I''d have been able to put up with this back when my patience was terrible. Oh well, at least we''re finished.


    As I''m taking off the dress and other crap that goes with the outfit in a dressing room, I''m also speaking with Petra through the curtain door thing.


    "Why has this taken so long to find an outfit? Seriously though, we could''ve been done hours ago, it''s not exactly like we need to impress anybody"


    I might be a little cranky, we did miss lunch because of how long we''ve been looking for clothes, I''m actually the one who suggested to get this done before going to eat, unfortunately I didn''t know how long it would be. This isn''t impatience, this is hunger!


    "Just trying to be careful and practical Ikarus, I''m not just trying to doll you up here believe it or not. Preparation for this is key after all, expecting there might be a problem with getting weapons in so trying to decide what the best thing to wear would be, also helps for moving about purposes as well"


    Wait, is this why she''s picking something kinda over the top, so we can smuggle weapons in under the skirt? We''re obviously making sure to speak quietly in this store.


    "Why would that be a problem? I can just use storage"


    "Think though, what if they take the ring off you before entering Ikarus? What if they have something that can stop my storage as well as magic? Just trying to be extra cautious since anything can happen"


    Oh, she really does think everything through, I still feel like this is just her having fun with me but I guess she does have a slight point, should be easily able to smuggle something in and it be ignored if we get a shakedown or something by the guards.


    It''s risky, sure but doesn''t hurt to have a backup just in case, it still seems unlikely seeing the number of times I''ve visited the prince and never been disarmed though.


    "You sure you''re not being a little paranoid? It''s not like they''ve ever taken anything before"


    "True, might be but it''s just more a cautious feeling more than anything else, thinking my presence there could spook the mage if she thinks something is going on. Don''t forget, wasn''t assigned to you like priestess or the knight, get the feeling they might be a little more cautious than usual on that night, it will obviously be meaningless if their arrogance ys its part"


    I guess it''s more of a gut feeling she has but I might feel a little naked if they confiscate my ring, at least the bastard would return it afterwards. I guess we''ve still got the option of going weapon less if it happens though, magic is useful and all but the mage herself is supposed to be a master in that so bringing a de or two isn''t the worst idea.


    Also, all aspect of gigantomachy needs is just one hit, a single punch would do the job. Huh, all I need to do is go bald and then I''ve justpletely ripped of an anime. Jokes aside, we''ve still got a little more to discuss and then it''ll be showtime.


    "Well... I''m all done now, normal clothed, ufortable Ikarus returns! Hang on, you haven''t got anything to wear yet, you''re not going to the party like that, are you?"


    I mean, Petra looks good in anything but that wasn''t my point since she is a one outfit person like me... I wonder if I can get her into another set of lingerie or something as well if she''s buying something, maybe white this time seeing that she only ever seems to wear white after all.


    "Heh, already have something perfectly suited from a while back"


    Well crap, that n failed, now I''m depressed. Okay, I am slowly turning into a perve over her but I''m trying to fight it, alright? At least she''s smiling even if she hasn''t got a clue what''s going on inside my head.


    "Let''s just get something to eat..."


    __________


    "Next in line!"


    After the shopping trip was finished, me and Petra spent thest of the week doing various other things, some involved day to day stuff like stocking up on supplies, others being discussing various ns for what could potentially happen inside if something goes wrong or just hanging out together.


    I guess we''ve been discussing what''s about to happen every day now, makes sense seeing this could be the ending of our journey if it goes wrong. I am being hopeful though, Petra''s just been making contingency ns so if something off n happens, then we both know how to react ordingly. Been a little boring but this isn''t something to be careless about, hopefully it goes smoothly but blind faith is something I only reserve for Petra, it isn''t needed right now though since I''ve got an idea what to do if everything goes to shit.


    I''ll just sum up what''s been said since it''s been a lot, basically there''s ideas if the targets aren''t all together or we end up ambushed, remaining secretive goes out the window if that''s the case but the counter to that is we both knee and swear fake allegiance to the bastard after he shows up. Keep in mind, that''s just the tip of the iceberg for what''s been discussed, it''s boring to recap so I''m just going to let it go for now.


    Anyways, would thisst week be considered dating? I mean, we spend all the time together and eat together also, official dating is kinda pointless for us since we''ve been doing that nonstop already. We did see a y so that might count but it''s just a pointless thought, no point in the dating stage since we''ve basically been an item for a while now. Did also make sure to share a few drinks as well, could be ourst after all but no more being pessimistic, we''re going to get through this.


    Oh, another thing, Petra also tried to teach me how to dance a little at the party, did anyone really think that would go well? Seriously though, all that happened is that I fell on my arse and may have gotten a bruised bottom under this dress now, there was no chance she could ever achieve sess doing such a task even if she''s leading or whatever it is called when you do ballroom style dancing. And besides, a same sex couple dancing at a royal princess''s birthday? Even if the rumour is the princess hates that type of thing, that definitely wouldn''t get looks, maybe one day we can dance together in a different situation but it would take me getting seriously wasted to consider that, I basically dance with two left feet after all.


    Now onto the actual situation at hand, both of us have just arrived at the pce and are obviously dressed for the asion, took hours of getting ready since Petra be doing makeup for both of us. Also sucks that I''ve had to get used to wearing heels again, did get used to them back in the elven war dungeon so walking has never been a serious issue but they will never befortable. No moreining, we do look good as hell though.


    Petra is honestly beautiful right now, the outfit she''s got is a long, stunning white dress, hers is more simr to something that looks like a modern ballgown. There is a slight amount of ck on it as well like the bow and sash around her waist but it''s obviously mostly white, that does seem to be her preference clothing wise after all.


    Before we set off, did give her apliment about how good she looks but backfired instantly as she just went straight to teasing without giving it a second thought, words don''t work on her after all, only actions do if I want to see her flustered. With how she looks tonight though, there might be an action iing, will have to wait till we''re alone without prying eyes but I''d rather just focus on our task then stare at Petra''s beauty.


    Sigh, now properly onto the actual situation at hand with no more distractions like how beautiful my GF is right now, we''re at apletely different entrance and courtyard as well as this line being extremely long with noble looking people up and down in it. I guess we''ve been waiting a good half an hour to enter now, thankfully we arrived really early so there''s no worries about showing upte. It is starting to get a little dark out as well now, we still have more than enough time before things get spicy.


    We both walk up the one of the guards controlling and checking the line and wait for him to speak.


    "Invitation please..."


    I give him the invitation I received from the prince and he seems a little surprised after reading the damn thing.


    "... Oh, most women prefer to bring a date rather than a friend to this sort of asion, fair enough if not. Everything checks out so please enjoy yourselves, head on in"


    I mean, Petra is a date to this ce so his pointlessment was technically true, even if it''s pissed me off a little. It also turns out Petra''s worries were wrong; my storage ring wasn''t taken or anything like that so getting out any weapons would be piss easy right now. I wonder if Jekyll had anything to do with that or the prince just couldn''t care enough for me to be armed, he is pretty arrogant after all.


    ''Are we seriously not getting checked as well?''


    I expected at least a weapon shakedown by one of the guards, clearly that worry was unneeded. Some other people have been forcibly checked though, mostly men but there has been a few women ahead of us, I''m guessing my name gives me a right not to? Actually, thinking about it, pissing off the two dragons daughter confiscating her enchanted ring isn''t the best of ys, Petra also seems like a mage in their eyes so no point even bothering with her.


    Anyways, we walk past the guard and through a small corridor into a huge royal ballroom, the bottom part of the room is filled to the brim with people, one side has a gigantic ss door that seems to go to a separate small garden people are also in and at the back on the room is arge stairway that seems to lead to the upper floors of the pce, people are up there as well. Unsure where the royals are right now, feel like they should be in here but maybe they want to make ate entrance or something.


    No point discussing how posh this ce looks though, should be pretty obvious by now that a pce would look extremely fancy and expensive, been here enough already to know all that. There does seem to be a lot a red here though, I guess that colour is the theme? The tablecloths, entrance carpet, heck, even the tes and cutlery are red. It''s a little odd looking really.


    Ah, also can''t forget, there''s also a buffet that no one seems to be near, I''m pretty sure some nobles think the idea of being seen eating at an event is bad or something like that but there''s no chance I''m turning down free food especially crap that looks that good, Petra''s been making sure both of us haven''t been stuffing our face full thisst week since the clothing might not fit, this thing is tighter than what I normally wear after all. It also might be she just likes me looking cute, it''s probably a mix of both since I do look pretty damn good right now. Petra always looks more beautiful though but forget that again, I''m hungry.


    "Petra, wanna get some food?"


    When in Rome... if you''ve ever heard that expression, I''m too hungry to finish it. The food looks sad and depressing not being eaten right now, can''t be leaving it in that sorry state. It''s not like we''ve eaten much today, I''d say it''s mostly down to anxiety then just trying to fit in the clothes, been stressing out a lot today and I don''t really stress eat unless it''s ice cream, there is no ice cream in this part of the world unfortunately.


    "Sure, we''ve got time"


    We both walk over and it''s not exactly like we''ve got anyone to talk to within this ce. Other than the royals, no one would even have a clue who we are, actually that might not be true. I think Petra might be getting the odd confused look but unsure if it''s down to her beauty or Petra''s past, she has spent time in the capital despite spending a lot more time elsewhere. They''re not approaching us so screw them if they don''t want to speak to us moners''.


    Anyways, just as I''m about to grab a te and start loading up on the selection of meats, cheeses and stuff like that, two very familiar faces distract me and my stomach''s attention, I can''t believe those two are here!


    "Charlotte and Nathan! How the hell did you two get in here?"


    Hearing my voice within a small group near us, they quickly make up some excuse leaving ande to the buffet, both look really happy at seeing us both, I''m a little confused why I''m surprised about the whole thing, the prince did say those two might be here but still.


    "Petra-sama and Ikarus-sama!"


    "I''m honestly surprised you''d want to be at a ce like this Petra"


    They are both dressed up fancy like everyone else here, priestess actually has her hair free from that nun''s habit thing she wears and also has a nice-looking ck dress on, it''s not extremely fancy and barely shows any skin since that''s how she''s always been but it definitely suits her and is suitable for this ce.


    The knight has on a royal looking military uniform that several other invited soldier guests have on in this ce, it actually reminds me of the King''s soldiers back on that ind I came from, just the only exception being the bearskin hats that look like a ck toilet brush.


    "It''s a big day knight, Ikarus had a plus one so it made sense to protect her"


    Urgh, I like Petra protecting me but when she says it so causally like that, it annoys me a little, maybe because I want to protect her someday. It''s a shame she''s basically semi-immortal.


    "Fair enough Petra, it''s nice to see you two again though"


    "Yes! How''s everything been? Did thest dungeons go well?"


    Priestess definitely seems the more excited out of the two to see us once again, she''s probably high on cake right now seeing that there definitely was some that had been sliced into at the buffet.


    I''m honestly a little exited seeing those two here as well, been trying to keep an eye out for them in the capital and haven''t seen a single trace all week, they''ve probably been helping out preparations for this party as well thinking about it.


    (Ikarus) "Yeah, they went fine priestess, I''ll give a quick sum up but basically the next one went like..."


    So we had a little chat with them about what me and Petra had gone through since they left, obviously excluding the confidential parts and as I was finishing, someone else called them over to have a discussion. I guess priestess is still considered a celebrity even in this room full of nobles so it makes sense why she would she would need to move on and chat with everyone. And besides, my hunger has now skyrocketed from that kinda long conversation, just please let me eat in peace now! Even if I started the conversation, stupid brain.


    Now that I''ve finally grabbed a te of food, I can finally start to eat. I''d ask Petra why she isn''t eating as well but maybe her nerves are ying up too, she isn''t an emotionless drone after all, even she is going to be a little on edge. Hopefully, Jekylles through for us and sends the targets away to the ce he described.


    A little time passes with me eating and Petra by my side and thankfully enough as I''m finishing off my food, it seems it''s time for the royals to make an entrance.


    "Everyone please leave the stairway and make room for her highness, the princess Media"


    The nobles on the stairs do as asked from the guard that has moved onto the middle part of it and quickly after, the princess makes this party her stage, everyone quietens down and watches here into view.


    Coming down from one of the stairways that connect into the middle, think it''s called a halfnding, a woman sharing a very simr appearance to the bastard makes her way walking down onto it. She''s wearing a red, long dress that looks really revealing basically showing off her two bosoms and seems to have an odd smile on her face, kinda simr to her brothers ke and Alistair thinking about it.


    "Thank you everyone foring to my birthday party! All of you lovely people have made me feel so special ining here today and I''d like to thank everyone for doing such a thing! You really have made this princess feel like the centre of the world!"


    I honestly can''t get over how simr she looks to the bastard Desmond; you can tell she''s a little younger and obviously female but they really do look nearly identical. She''s even got the blue eyes he has as well, I guess their father clearly has a type even if his first child was apparently illegitimate, all of them are blonde with pretty simr looks.


    (Guard) "Long live the princess!"


    "She really is most beautiful"


    "The prince is really lucky to have such a lovely sister behind him"


    I can''t help but also give another thought as the crowd and guards arepping her bullshit up, there is something else I noticed about her.


    ''Don''t like her, she seems fake as fuck''


    After she''s had her little greeting and the crowd havepped it up, the prince makes his entranceing down the other stairway being joined by the mage, Leone might be the only person in this ce not dressed up fancy like just wearing her normal clothing, she''s in her usual white outfit with the prince in a military looking uniform like a lot of the other men, his is clearly more prestigious though.


    At least Leone is infortable clothing for what happenster...


    The prince continues walking down the stairs and starts to talk before he joins his sister.


    "Thank you all foring to see my sweet and adorable younger sister''s birthday. It''s been a tough year with everything that those scandalous rebels have been doing but thankfully enough, we can take this day to appreciate everything we have and can celebrate this empire''s continued devotion to caring about its citizens"


    "Long live his highness!"


    "The prince is definitely getting more handsome as he gets older"


    "Agreed, any woman would love to share his bed, me included"


    Same thing again, peoplep up this empire''s bullshit, I can why Petra never liked them in the first ce.


    ''He''s so full of lies, he despises his sister from that reaction... Wait, why do I know that? Is my lie detector working?''


    [<*Sigh*... Is -user- seriously still stuck on ability -eye of wisdom-? It''s not hard to understand>]


    ''It is Aesa! It feels no different yet something like that felt natural as fuck, it''s irritating cause I can''t tell if it''s me or the ability doing it!''


    This probably isn''t the time to bring this up but Aesa decided to speak to me first this time, fucking distractions.


    [<-Eye of wisdom- abilitycks knowledge even for Aesa but it seems able to detect when -user- wants to know when targets intent is true or false. It is not that hard to understand>]


    Urgh, forget it, that still isn''t a perfect exnation since I could tell he despises his sister, not that what he says was a lie. I''m just being pedantic with Aesa so let''s move on.


    ''At least, three of the targets are now in sight, no idea about the emperor but Desmond said he''d have that sorted without us worrying. All we need to do now is wait...''


    To be continued...

 Chapter 87 – Royal Showdown

    Chapter 87 ¨C Royal Showdown


    "Ikarus, rx yourself, you''ll grow wrinkles if you stress yourself out"


    Petra can obviously sense my tension seeing those three right now, does stress actually give you wrinkles? It seemed like a joke but unsure if it actually does or not now, at least thinking about something stupid has made me rx a little.


    Anyways, the two royals finish speaking to everyone, walk down into the room and are immediately hounded by a crowd of nobles, no chance I''m going over there to talk with them, have next to no reason to speak until my de finds their throats after all.


    "So what do we do now then? There''s only so much eating I can do to pass the time"


    "Heh, unfortunately we''ll just have to wait a little longer"


    It a tad boring seeing that both of us have basically been ignored by nearly everyone excluding the knight and priestess but it''s not that bad, soaking up to these snobby nobles was never a n. I would like to do something other than just stand around eating though.


    It very quickly seems something else hase up, more specifically someone hase over to us.


    "Oh, are you the bird brother invited to the party? Erm... what was your name again?..."


    Exiting barging through the crowd is the princess Media, why has shee over here to us? Is she hungry or something? And she just called me bird, I''m guessing she knows about the phoenix thing but bird isn''t enough to make it obvious to everyone. I mean, I''m pretty sure some people call females close to them bird or is that a Northern thing? Or was thatss?


    Forget it, nicknames are something I struggle with, I''d like toe up with something for Petra but the only thing I can think off is Pet, I''m not calling Petra Pet despite it being a shortened version of her name. Distracted again, not the time or ce for this right now.


    "... Don''t answer! Let me get a drink and we''ll chat for a little while!"


    She then rushes back into a different direction towards a waiter serving champagne, grabs three sses andes back to me and Petra, she seems a little bit of a clutz just watching what she did there. Anyways, she''s now returned so it makes sense to at least great her.


    (Petra) "Happy birthday to your highness"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah, happy birthday princess"


    Petra is always good at ying the part of someone in awe of the royals after all, I really would find it hard to greet someone as majesty or highness but that''s just partly down to stubbornness and also down to having parents that would let me get away with a lot. Respecting humans isn''t anything they''d ever want me to do.


    "Please, you two don''t need to treat me as such, there''s already a crowd of boring nobles so having twomoners here lighten it up! Here take these..."


    She gives us the champagne sses and continues to speak, I''m not really sure what to say here to hopefully she leaves as fast as possible. Also unsure if my ability worked there, she seemed honest about it being boring but something about the way she saidmoner made me irk a little.


    "... So what brings you here? Why did yo-"


    Unfortunately for her, a women''s voice echoes through the crowd behind her calling the princess''s name.


    "Media, someone''s asking about you"


    "Seriously? Can''t you answer for me?"


    "No, I don''t know everything about your life"


    "*Sigh*, useless idiot, I''ll talk with you two a littleter, see ya!"


    And that''s the princess gone back into the crowd, what a slightly weird situation that was, even Petra looks a little unsure what just happened.


    ''At least that''s gotten rid of her now and we''ve gotten a drink out of it''


    As soon as I take a sip of the champagne looking drink, a voice screams at me just before I have the chance to swallow it.


    [<DON''T SWALLOW THAT... ahem... Aesa would like to inform -user- that swallowing that drink is a bad idea>]


    ''Damn it Aesa!... Wait, is this poison!?''


    [<Didn''tpletely analyze substance but held liquid definitely has something that might knock or make -user- sleepy, risk is too great for any test especially right now>]


    Hang on, that fucking princess has literally given me a drink that is drugged!? The nerve on that bitch! I''m going to enjoy killing herter on if this is how she treats guests, we haven''t even spoken properly and this is what she does?


    Before I do anything else, I take Petra''s ss of champagne out of her hand without saying anything and I subtly spit out the alcohol back into the ss, it''s a good thing she didn''t drink it and I''ll make sure to tell Petra what just happened in a sec. I seriously can''t get over how something like that was literally just tried against us! We''ve got to make sure we whisper during this so I make sure to get even closer to her.


    "Petra, don''t care about the prince but make sure the princess suffers badly"


    I''m sure it was her, just the look on her face tells me all I need to know, unsure how she even did it but maybe she carries around a vial of something to drop into drinks? Other people have drunk that champagne and look perfectly fine so I think it was her doing.


    "Something wrong with the drink?"


    "Yeah, it''s definitelyced with something, no idea what but Aesa made sure to tell me before I drunk it, it should be alright since she told me just in time"


    Then I saw something, only for a split second that no one else noticed in this entire ce, pure rage and terroring from Petra. Like I said, the aura didn''t evenst a split second but I''m sure I also saw her eyes turn very slightly ck as well. That''s only the second time I''ve seen her eyes go like that, the first being back in the giant dungeon when she went full power mode, it''s a fucking good thing she can control herself that well.


    "Petr-"


    "I''m fine Ikarus, just make sure you finish both for your level, I''ll make sure to make it extremely painful beforehand for her"


    That''s the first time I''ve heard Petra say something like that, I can''t deny her feelings though, that fucking bitch just tried to drug me. I really want her to suffer as well now so her reaction if anything is making me fall for her even more.


    No Ikarus, it''s not the time for that, we''re in public. I''m not too proud to admit I felt the urge to kiss her right now but we really do need to be careful, I''m pretty sure I''ve seen a priest or two here as well, that''s definitely not a scene would should create in public right now. At least it''s a good thing I''m getting urges like that so we will be able to progress even further very soon, hopefully.


    So... seriously, what do we do? You''d think after having the princesse up to us maybe some nobles might be a little interested to know who we are, I''m starting to think there''s either a massive ss gap or Petra''s the culprit here, maybe she pissed off the lower ruling ss? I think she would''ve already told me if she had done something like that so doubt it.


    ''Sighhh, we really are outcasts here''


    In the end, me and Petra just spend a bit of time making small talk with each other alone. Thankfully, enough time has now passed and Jekyll should be doing his role very soon. I''m still unsure where the emperor even is, you''d think he would''ve shown up for his daughter''s birthday but maybe the bastard has already dealt with him? By the sounds of it, he also has contacts inside the pce but this seriously is starting to be concerning.


    "Look Ikarus, things are finally happening"


    Off towards the other side of this room, Jekyll decked out in a red military uniform simr to Nathan''s seems to be whispering in the ear of the prince, he should be telling him there''s a slight problem in one of the back rooms that requires his immediate attention, no idea what he actually said but he seemed like he''d have a clue on what to say.


    And good enough, the prince speaks to the small crowd around him, then leaves to go up the stairs with the mage following him behind. Jekyll having achieved the first task goes to do the same with the princess closer to us in this crowded room.


    "Seriously!? Why the hell do I need to go?"


    I can''t hear a single word Jekyll is saying, should be pretty obvious why down to the whispering.


    "*Sigh*... fine, I''ll be back ever so shortly, brother is being an arse"


    And that''s all three sent off to go up the stairs, it''s now time to slowly follow behind. Just before we get to the stairs, Jekyll gives us a nod while as he passes us, his job is now mostly done, he better have done the rest of what he said he would do otherwise this will go shit. At least we''ve nned if it does though.


    Me and Petra both make our way up past the crowded stairs, then continue into a long corridor on the upper floor that still seems to have a few nobles loitering around.


    (Petra) "Sixth room on the right"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah, he was pretty adamant on that"


    The further we continue and whisper to each other, the less and less nobles wee across and just as Jekyll promised, there isn''t a single guard in sight around here, wouldn''t this have looked a little suspicious to the royals? Forget it, we''ve found the door now and they are definitely inside the empty unused room as nned.


    We both get to the door in question and before entering the partially opened door, we listen in to the conversation going on.


    "... What the actual fuck is wrong with you Alistair!? I told you not to invite people who aren''t approved by me and yet half this fucking hall is!? Seriously though, what gave you any idea that inviting those two boring fucks would be a good idea!?"


    "You mean Nathan and Lotte? It seemed like a happy asion so why not invite them? He is my knight after all and she is the shining light of the empire, apparently... Might as well get as many people as possible to celebrate my lovely sister''s birthday"


    "Don''t be doing that bullshit with me brother, I swear you do this type of crap just to irritate me!"


    She really sounds to be having a temper tantrum, we really should be going in but Jekyll did say beforehand that no guards would be assigned to this area for a while. If that''s true, then we really have no need to rush, at least for now but I really want to hear their conversation even if Petra wants to go inside right now.


    "I''m surprised you aren''tining about that phoenix being here Media"


    Even the mage is talking to the whiny bitch that tried to drug us as well now.


    "The orange haired one? Nah, she''s got a nice piece of ass, wanted to y with her if I had the chance but I don''t think she drunk it unfortunately"


    She wanted to y with me? Fuck, I really don''t want to know what she had in store, I can''t wait to kill her now...


    "You tried... to drug... the dragons daughter!?! Are you fucking mad sister?"


    "Hmph, to think you tried to drug them both, are all the women in this family this stupid?"


    Even those two know that was a terrible idea, I''d actually have another reason to ask my parents to burn this ce down now.


    "Nah, it was just the orange one, really don''t see the big deal since she would''ve forgotten it the morning after... would''ve liked to hear her screams but whatever... *Sigh*, would''ve been better to just skip this year and spend the night doing something fun"


    It might be better for Petra to take her on, hoping she''ll be able to inflict more pain on her before she dies. Reason I say that is just looking at her, Petra might be about to blow a fuse even more than me right now.


    "*Sigh*... fine then Media, why did Jekyll ask us to go here anywa-..."


    When the prince asks that questions, it seems like the perfect opportunity to make our entrance entering the room. While we were listening though, me and Petra both prepared our weapons during the conversation and have stored away the heels we had on, my vampiric de longs for blood in my hand and Petra''s sword seeks vengeance for all dragons in hers, she doesn''t care about dragon vengeance but that does sound pretty cool.


    "Ikarus and... Petra, w-what are you two doing?"


    ''The prince even has a slight stutter now, status''


    [Name: Alistair | Species: Human | Level: 292]


    [Health 9,700/9,700]


    [Stamina 9,212/9,800]


    [Magicka 9,700/9,700]


    ----------


    [Name: Leone | Species: Human | Level: 325]


    [Health 8,000/10,000]


    [Stamina 7,102/7,500]


    [Magicka 15,000/15,000]


    ----------


    [Name: Media | Species: Human | Level: 474]


    [Health 10,000/10,000]


    [Stamina 28,139/30,000]


    [Magicka 7,400/7,400]


    [<Before -user- asks, target Alistair has levelled 19 times since -user''sst status check 500+ days ago. Target Leone has not levelled once>]


    ''Fair enough... fuck me though, that princess''s level is even higher than those two even if her stats are kinda stamina weighted... I need mine topare them to, status again''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 98]


    [Health 17,000/17,000]


    [Stamina 4,569/5,000]


    [Magicka 17,000/17,000]


    ''This could be a challenge; I''m really going to need Petra''s help here''


    I invested the rest of the four thousand points I had left halving it into health and magicka just before we came here, it''s obviously not being doubled right now because of my enchanted clothing not being on, that''s another reason I hate this fancy dress but at least I still have my abilities as well. If we do this to n, Petra should be taking the two strongest on herself, she could probably do all three if she really wanted. Keep in mind, she also is going to holding herself back as well trying to keep them alive for me tond thest hit, I really don''t deserve her and I know this.


    Now that we''re staring them down though, Petra ces a hand on the exit of this empty unused room and looks to be a magical barrier has formed behind us, only it seems to be made of ck fire than the other barriers I''vee across. Pretty sure that''s the first time I''ve seen that, makes sense to stop anyone joining us like a guard for example.


    Nearly thought it was a rune from that elven dungeon wepleted a while ago, turns out those runes don''t work in this main world so that''s why I never brought it back up. No idea what magic or ability she''s using right now though.


    "Hmph, not all that surprised something like this might happen, honestly a little proud on how far you''vee little Ikarus. It was bound to eventually happen and you''ve even brought that bat with you as well"


    The mage actually has a smile on her face realizing what we''re about to do, is she a masochist as well as being a witch? You stand no chance against Petra despite how powerful your magic is supposed to be and... how dare she call Petra a bat in a nasty way!? That''s my thing and that was only ever idental!


    (Alistair) "Leone, what the hell are you talking about?"


    "If you had done your research instead of just relying on your own arrogance, then maybe you could''ve found out who Ikarus''s lover is, I guess this exins why no guards are here as well... Jekyll, you sly fox... No matter, it''s toote now... don''t mind me phoenixes, do your work and we can talk a little after"


    It was just after she finishes speaking that the two royals fully realize the weight of the situation they''re in, both of their faces have dropped realizing they might as well be fucked here. They may not know Petra''s true strength even if they listened to the phoenixesment but if the mage who serves the empire isn''t willing to help, then something is truly wrong.


    Hold the fuck on though, is the mage really not going to fight back? I want to kill her as much as the other two but if she''s refusing to fight back, then would I be in the wrong? Fuck if I care, I''ll just kill her afterwards, at least it''s now easier for Petra not having to deal with two of them.


    Petra doesn''t even seem that surprised from this realization, don''t tell me she knew this would happen? Not asking that right now, more important things are on the horizon, Petra''s eyes have just turned ck as well.


    (Alistair) "Hold on Leone, you''re bound to me, remember? You can''t just let thest of the bloodline die out like this, can you?"


    (Media) "Yeah, you can''t just leave us undefended like that!"


    Did both of them rely on the mage that much? I know she basically is the right hand of the empire but they seriously are inplete shock right now.


    "Things have changed now that the old bat has returned, you two are both on your own here. This isn''t a refusal of orders before you say brat, it''s impossible to force me to take a stabbing for you and never forget, you''re not thest of your bloodline"


    We really need to start this fight now, I still kinda want to let them finish their conversation beforehand for some reason though. She did just imply the bastard might be involved in this somehow.


    "A power y... that''s what this fucking is!? *Sigh*... forget it, you already know what will happen if don''t protect me Leone, I hope you''re prepared"


    I mean, we would''ve done this still without the bastard being involved but I think they''re close to finishing now, Petra might not be able to hold herself for much longer though.


    "Hmph, of course"


    Now that the prince seems resigned to his iing fate, it now seems like someone else might want to talk their way out of this.


    "Heh-heh... you didn''t hear what I said before you entered, did you Ikarus?"


    "Yes princess, I very much did"


    I can''t help but have a slightly pissed off smile while answering the somewhat scared looking princess, must''ve gotten that smile from Petra or mother but don''t care where it''s from. The princess changes her reaction very quickly though.


    (Media) "Damn it, I fucking knew this would backfire one day!... Heh-heh, I bet this could be fun!"


    (Alistair) "If you think this will be easy Ikarus, I warn you, I''m not going down without a fight"


    ''Let''s go then''


    To be continued... once again, sorry!

 Chapter 88 – Royal Finale

    Chapter 88 ¨C Royal Finale


    ---Last chapter of the volume, should be an update at the end of every volume---


    ---Also, this chapter is a little serious and needs a slight gore warning, pretty sure this is the worst it''ll ever get.


    __________


    "Focus on the prince Ikarus, that arrogant bitch is mine"


    "Sure sure Petra"


    Continuing on where we left of, the prince has just unsheathed hisvish looking sword and the princess has pulled out an ornamental looking dagger from somewhere under her dress, unsure if both can use magic but they have the stats for it so not going to take any chances here. As for the mage, she''s just walked to an empty corner of this unused room and is watching what''s about to happen, would be annoyed at the slight twist but she''s not going to escape her fate either.


    ''Aesa, you know what to do''


    [<Confirmed, -aspect of gigantomachy- has been activated>]


    I''m fighting the prince while Petra is going to teach that princess a lesson, hopefully she can leave her barely alive but if it gets too risky, then instantly killing her is always an option.


    "Stupid fucking bird, things would''ve gone much smoother if you weren''t resistant"


    The prince speaks while making a swing for me that I just barely manage to block it with my dagger, my counter to this is fire, lots and lots of fiery goodness.


    (Alistair) "That won''t work"


    ''Great, he''s fucking resistant to fire''


    The counter to his strike was to spray fire on him with my free hand, clearly that had no effect at all. This sucks, looks like I''m going to have to only fight him de to de and just try andnd one hit against him, of course the royal prince of the empire is going to be excellent when ites to sword fighting so all I need is just one hit, just need to make a scratch on him and aspect will activate.


    He rapidly goes in for another that I have block and turn away, the weight on his attack would''ve collided into my shoulder or neck if I hadn''t moved there, this guy is definitely going to prove a challenge.


    As my fight''s going on, I start to hear slight parts of the battle going down between those two without giving it any focus, my attention is not going to slip here.


    "You fucking blind bitch! I''m going to rip out your hair!"


    "..."


    Not even worried about her, no chance Petra will fall from someone like that so makes sense to ignore it for now.


    Unfortunately though, I can''t seem to break this guy''s defence, he has no opening so trying to stick my vampiric de in anywhere would just easily get countered, blocked or disarmed, I''ve got to time this perfectly.


    There is something I can do, I try to give him a kick but almost as if he has a second sense, he dodges it responding with another sh towards my face, this one I can''t block with the momentum behind it so I have to duck and a part of my hair must''ve been cut off there.


    This guy might be too much, should''ve got a sword out if I knew just how far his range is, I really wanted to charge into him and counter there but that still wouldn''t have worked, Petra''s teachings have shown me to wait for the perfect opportunity. Even if it wasn''t obvious, she has taught me a lot about timings and also about being reckless, it does go against how I normally like to fight but survival is more important then just going in straight for the kill.


    As I''m still in standstill against Alistair, more ramblings areing from the other fight, I refuse to allow it to make me distracted but I''m still going to be able to hear it.


    "Arghhhh!"


    "..."


    ck eyed Petra may be getting carried away by the sounds of it, that scream sounded pretty bloodcurdling after all, not that I''mining. Still not turning my head, the prince is the only one ahead of me so I don''t get to witness how much she''s suffering till after he''s defeated.


    The prince continuing his constant attacking approach goes in for another round of attacks, wave after wave I have to duck, dodge or block, this fucking fight is starting to piss me off now, if only my magic did something against him, at least I could use it as a slight counter, how is he even resistant to fire in the first ce?


    "I-I''m sorry!"


    "No, we both know you''re not"


    Their fight sounds to be getting even more vocal, it sounds like the princess might even be crying a little now, Petra must be inflicting a lot of pain on her. However, the noise going on in the background has given me the perfect opportunity.


    The prince only for a split second after colliding his longsword with my dagger nces away towards his sister''s misery, that''s all I needed, a slight moment and it''s arrived. He really couldn''t help himself and looks like his arrogance has finally gotten the better of him.


    Unlike any of the other attacks previously, I dive towards but aim extremely low, the lowest part of one of his legs to be precise and this is an attack that must surprise him immensely, why would anyone lunge forward aiming for that part? Of course, I''m not anyone though.


    And that''s when Ind a cut, not partially deep or precise, just one cut on his leg and he gets thrown away off to the side from the gigantomachy effect. Don''t even need to have a look at the area he''s been thrown to, that must''ve killed him. Huh... all I needed was an arrow and he could''ve been Achilles.


    Now on the floor, I need to get myself up and check on the other two, there is a surprise in store for me though. The princess who was dressed up in a blood-red dress is now covered head to toe, every part of her body being the same colour, how the fuck did Petra managed to do that? She even looks to be on her knees and is crying her eyes out.


    "W-Wahh, i-it h-hurts"


    "..."


    "Petra... the hell did you do to her?"


    "Destroyed her meridians... If you know where to attack, it can cause constant pain and keep blood loss to a minimum... it hurts a lot more than it looks"


    This is definitely the first time I''ve seen Petra like this, no remorse for what she''s done and pure anger on her face, her cked-out eyes don''t help as well. I''d try and calm her but that would be hypocritical, I wanted the princess to be in agony before she died so Petra was only doing what I asked her do, no regrets or remorse here from both of us.


    "K-Kill m-me..."


    "Here... let me end it"


    I make my way over to those two and my dagger then finds its way stabbing into the chest of the sobbing princess, I really can''t say I feel any remorse for the women who basically admitted she wanted to torture me, at least that''s the hobby this princess supposedly has.


    Now that both of those two are dead, there''s just one more, the first person of the lot I wanted to kill, the women who''s ''punishments'' basically boarded on abuse. Over in the corner of the room, she has slight smirk on her face and has something to say it seems.


    "The brat is still alive phoenixes, trying to y dead won''t work"


    "*Spits blood*... fuck you witch... I''ll be reserving you a seat down in hell"


    ''How the fuck is he still alive!? Status''


    [Name: Alistair | Species: Human | Level: 292]


    [Health 24/9,700]


    [Stamina 8,593/9,800]


    [Magicka 9,700/9,700]


    ''Bloody hell, his resistances are insane if he''s able to still to be breathing, he can''t survive this, right? That''s got to be fatal''


    [<Affirmative, target -Alistair- is losing blood at an uncontroble level, -user- won''t have to do anything to confirm his death>]


    We should probably focus killing the mage next but the prince who''s now sitting up against the wall covered in blood barely breathing still has something to say it seems. I make my way over to him to hear what he wants, not opposed to giving someone final words after all.


    "*Cough cough*... you really have no idea, what you''re doing Ikarus, you really are in for a shock"


    "Really... do tell why then? Why would stopping your dragon crusade be a bad thing?"


    I can''t help but crouch down to the dying prince to hear hisst ramblings, my reasoning is a bit more selfish than doing this for all dragons everywhere but at least I have a somewhat noble reason backing me up. If I''m being honest though, I just don''t like them, this has nothing to do with envement anymore, I just simply want these people dead.


    "That''s the reason why!? *Cough cough*... forget it, you''ll understand my reasoning someday... allow me to give you a warning before I depart this life..."


    Even in the face of death, his face cannot stop that smile. It never stops being infuriating how fake it is, he should be in agony right now, I guess he''s taking the expression dying with a smile on your face too literal.


    "... The Gods will never ept this... been trying to prevent their inevitable wrath *Cough* for too, long..."


    Then just like that, his life fades in front of my eyes... no time to reflect on what he just said. Two down, one more to go.


    "Ikarus, might not want to see this"


    Petra had been watching the mage while I was chatting with the dying prince, something has made Petra concerned. I get back up and turn to face the mage once again, this time around there''s something disgusting going on with the mage''s face and body.


    Imagine someone rapidly aging in the course of minutes, we''re talking years and years of age quickly descend down onto the mage''s body, the fuck is happening? Even in the horrible state she''s in, there are still a few words she can just about muster out.


    "Hmph... to think it would be over this quick, I guess I''m no longer wanted even by the other child... apologies Ikarus, wish we could''ve been on better terms..."


    Then just as the mage smiling was basically turning into standing corpse, she might look more zombified then human now, herst words are spoken to us.


    "... Thank you..."


    Then the standing pile of bones copses, crashing all over onto the floor, is that seriously how she dies? By ageing that much in the space of a minute? I feel kinda grossed out seeing that, even more so than the other gory stuff that''s just happened, blood is only blood after all. Seeing someone turn into a literal corpse before your eyes is not a fun experience.


    ''Did she seriously just say thank you? Even Petra looks a little more surprised than earlier, that scene was pretty fucking gruesome but I didn''t expect a thank you''


    Unfortunately, there was another realization about that, why did she have to die in that specific way?


    "Fuck!"


    "What is it Ikarus?"


    "Bloody EXP, more wasted levels like the usual"


    "Heh, at least you got the higher two"


    "Yeah... fair enough"


    There''s no way I would''ve been rewarded EXP for that, not going to ask Aesa tillter since level checking when inside a pce after killing multiple royals is a dumb idea.


    At least that''s kinda eased the serious mood between us from what''s happened, I''m always pretty good at turning a serious thing into something alright, light-hearted and mostly stupid. Petra''s eyes have started to fade back to the greyness of usual as well.


    "What now though?"


    "Unsure if you noticed but the door has been banging for a while, time for us to make our escapes..."


    Ah yeah, the escaping portion of the n, all three of these lot are dead so it''s now time for our escape. This funnily enough was always going to be the easiest part of our n, some abilities are perfectly suited for specific situations and this time, we both have something ideal.


    "... Before we leave though, let''s loiter around the party for a while longer"


    We''ll both be invisible so it''s not like anyone can see us, I''m guessing she wants to watch the bastard''s entrance so why not then? We''ve also got to head that way to escape anyways so let''s stay a tiny bit longer.


    ''Aesa, activate undead fiend''


    [<Confirmed, -user- now has invisibility until cancelled or fighting breaks out>]


    And just like that, me and Petrapletely disappear from sight, she made sure just to deactivate her barrier blocking the door beforehand and now that it''s unlocked, three weapon drawn guards charge into the blood-soaked room shocked at what they can see. As for me and Petra, we''re holding hands so we can know where both of us and leave together, this isn''t even a romantic thing this time around, even though I''ll never not like doing it.


    "Dear God... they''re dead, the royals... are dead"


    "Where''s the culprits? Where are they?"


    "Must be long gone, there''s nowhere to hide in here"


    One of these guards, thest to speak in particr is Jekyll, I can''t help but give him a little pat on the back as we leave the room as invisible ghosts, he definitely felt that but of course ignored it.


    We both walk together holding hands to the party room we were at earlier and stop walking when arriving at the top of the staircase, the room already looks to be in slight disarray but news of what''s happened clearly hasn''te up yet, at least on those three. Something else has happened though, Esmerelda is standing in the middle of the disorganized room and Desmond appears to be dragging something in right now, Petra did tell me the bastard would know the second our job was finished, this seems way too quick though.


    "Here''s my father''s corpse, freshly killed... both Media and Alistairy down in a puddle of blood upstairs too... I thereby dereplete control over the Sierran empire by right of blood"


    "Thou ims full ownership over the human seat, one seeks to im thou''s birthright and destiny"


    He actually sounds a little disheartened from doing such a thing, I guess killing your own father would do that to most. I''d also like to know if they shared words or anything like that beforehand but that''s not a conversation I can realistically have. Esmerelda has now joined him by his side and I''m guessing she''s here to support him on. That thing he''s dragging along is definitely the old guy''s body though, tonight has really be a bloody mess but this was always the way it was going to go down, even if it might be a little much now.


    Going off everyone''s reactions in the room though, things have turned intoplete silence. Not a single word can be heard radiating throughout this entire room, it does take a second but finally some of the guards on duty or here as guests have finally reacted and have raised their swords to the bastard, not actually that many though.


    "You''re either with me or against me, make your decisions very quickly or reap the consequences... don''t make me raise my de for someone who doesn''t deserve it"


    Both him and Esmerelda don''t even bother raising their weapons while he says that, it''s clear he doesn''t need to seeing that he''s clearly the strongest in the room, well, the dragon might be but they don''t know that after all.


    ''Hang on... that reaction... how many people does he have supporting him inside the pce? That can''t be right''


    Seriously, it appears half the royal guard in here have now bowed to him after saying that, some standing have no idea what''s going on but have lowered their weapons and others have just joined their follow guards because what do you do in this situation? A man iming to have murdered his entire family, shares the same bloodline and could easily kill every person in this room if he so wished. If they vow to protect this empire, then he''s thest legitimate heir. Clearly some of these guards must''ve have known about the oldest brother, that''s got to be the reason why.


    Jekyll and the other two guards have now arrived in this room walking past both us invisible two and down the stairs, it seems he''s about to confirm what Desmond says is true.


    "I can confirm, the princess and prince have both been killed... Desmond Sierra is thest of the ruling Sierran empire''s bloodline, his im is absolute, even if most are unaware of their being a first born before the twin princes"


    "Yeah... If a captain of the knights loyal to my brother is willing to confirm that, then all of you can have no reservations... they are all dead"


    ''Desmond Sierra... I know the empire we''re named after the family name but actually hearing it used as ast name like that is kinda odd''


    Honestly, the reaction from everyone else is still shocking to me, I at least expected some of the nobles in here to speak up but none have, there''s just deafening silence after every statement, no one has a clue what to do. At least the anarchy hasn''t started just yet.


    My best guess is that the slyer ones aren''t that stupid to go against someone iming to be thest of the family, they might try their luck another day when the threat of being stabbed might not be so high. It doesn''t matter now though, it''s time for us to leave, Petra has just slightly tugged on my hand so it''s time to sneak out, that''ll be pretty easy as long as we don''t bump into anyone.


    ''I really hope things go well for those two here...''


    __________


    As we were leaving the city, there were already murmurings of something happening within the pce, it won''t be long before potential riots start and some of the nobles who were at the party try to gain power by picking sides. Unfortunately for all of them, there''s only one side that can win this fight, you are fighting against the strongest in the family and a dragon no less who both already have support internally within the pce, the guards do clearly favour blood ties it seems. If Petra had taken the throne, shit would''ve gone ten times worse than what might happen now though. The more I think on it, the less realistic her taking over sounds.


    Where we''re heading, there''s an entire vast world out there to explore, do have an idea but not setting anything in stone if my mind decided to wonder. As for Zeki and Ariza, they aren''t children and can be left to their lonesome to do what they want, both wanted to remain in the capital for differing reasons anyway.


    Before we fly off into the sunset though, or the midnight sky so to speak, there''s words that need to be exchanged with Petra just outside the city, we''ve both cancelled the invisibility now since our parts are finished.


    "Petra... did you know about the mage?"


    The fact that she barely had any reaction to the mage refusing to fight, I bet she predicted that something like this might happen.


    "Notpletely, just a hunch that was in the back of my mind... the thing is, if you were to spend hundreds of years serving someone else but never being able to break free as well as it forcing you to be immortal as well, would that be an existence worth living? At that point, you''re basically an immortal ve always fit to do your masters bidding"


    "So... she was basically cursed to serve them forever? Shouldn''t she still be alive then? If it''s down to a bloodline thing since Desmond''s taking the throne"


    Still unsure how many generations the mage served under the empire but it must''ve been at least a few, she is supposed to be younger than Petra but it might not be a lot.


    "In a way, yes but notpletely sure on that... If what you say is true though, maybe it''s more of a willingness thing? Desmond would never entertain the idea of having a ve to do his bidding, maybe that breaks it since he is technically thest living of their bloodline. Don''t take this as fact though Ikarus, this is only spection"


    Even Petra doesn''t have all the answers, I honestly feel a little bad for the mage if everything she''s done has been at the orders of the prince, would that exin her twisted personality? Being stuck serving royal after royal, year after year with no end in sight, it''s almost like a prison sentence.


    I bet she was suicidal, that must''ve been the case with that thank you at the end. When me and Petra came around to end her suffering, she embraced it knowing we could defeat them, I feel a little shit now.


    ...


    Forget this, it''s supposed to be a happy experience! The dragon envers are now dead, this is supposed to be a massive thing yet all I feel slight pity for her... nah, she still treated me like shit and used me as a freaking chair, there''s no remorse for her, pity is a slightly different feeling though that can go together.


    Thinking back to that chair punishment incident, it says a lot that I''d let Petra sit on me, this isn''t even a perve thing, just more of if she really needed a seat and there was no other left in the world, then I''d have to do it. I''m not doing myself any favours by actually thinking about it here.


    "Anyways... what about the prince? Did hisst words make any sense?"


    ''The Gods will never ept this'' and ''been trying to prevent their inevitable wrath for so long'', could he be talking about the prophecy in some way or something else?


    "..."


    Even Petra is unsure on anything he said, this really could end up bad if we''ve now pissed off a load of Gods, reminded of that guy Lyssa we came across who was basically immortal inside that dungeon. If they''re all like that, then we are screwed. Even if there might be some that help, I very much doubt we''re ready for an army of Godsing down to kick our arses, Petra could hold her own but I''m stillcking...


    Oh wait, that would''ve levelled me up a tonne, I''ll need to check that outter... there was something else I promised to myself I would do once this was all over.


    "Petra... could you close your eyes for a second?"


    "Heh... why''s that Ikarus?"


    She''s going to make mee out and say it, can she just let me off this once? She knows there''s only one reason for such a thing, please Petra? It doesn''t even matter that she would still be able to ''see'' without closing her eyelids.


    "Well... the thing is-"


    I end up cutting myself off when she ces one of her hands on my cheek from slight surprise, she definitely knows what''s going through my head right now, her hand is working me up as well.


    "Heh, you''re turning red Ikarus, wonder what could be causing that"


    "Well... you''re also turning red! We haven''t even done it yet! At least, a second time..."


    Even she has a slight tint of red growing on her cheeks, how can she do this so well even if the thought causes her to be flustered too!?


    "That because I''m looking forward to it, all you have to do is say and we can go ahead"


    She wins, by dear God she always wins, I''m just going toe out and say it then.


    "Urgh... fine then, you win... can we please kis-"


    Before I even have the chance to finish speaking, she stops me by initiating the mouth-to-mouth action that we''ve done once before, I swear this is even better than the first time...


    ''I freaking love this woman...''


    __________


    ---Volume 2 has now finished! Constant thanking can be a little annoying so if I just reserve it for these end of volume segments, then it should be fine, I think? Anyways, thanks for getting this far and continuing to support this novel! It should be continuing indefinitely, obviously if everyone gets bored of reading, then I''d struggle to keep motivated to continue but thankfully nothing like that has happened... yet (Got to add the yet otherwise I''ll jinx it lol).


    ---Same thing is going to happen every volume unfortunately, short break then I''ll return, this time around a week, the interval is releasing tomorrow (Map work has been pretty slow causing me to lose progress but have some more to release very soon) and a side chapter nned for the return (Not THAT sort of side chapter, Ikarus isn''t ready just yet lol). Basically just assume a week, doubtful it''ll be any longer but no guarantees.


    ---If you want a rough idea on the next volume, can''t give too much away otherwise you wouldn''t return but Ikarus should have a pretty new arsenal of abilities at her disposal, she has just gained an insane amount of EXP all at once (76 levels if you have a perfect memory of the prince and princess''s level). Before you say anything, the curse dragon descendent was causing Ikarus''s passing out and light headedness. Now that it''s gone, it no longer has an effect whenrge amounts of EXPe about.


    ---That should be nearly everything, there might be a patreon announcement at some point but still for the life of me can''t decide on it, got the advanced chapter thing ready but don''t feel great about charging for content, even if it''s more of a donation (You''ll never have to worry about paying for this, even if a certain site is trying otherwise). This is just author-kun''s ramblings though, forget this and hopefully you all stick around. Will always be reading and responding toments even while on the volume break so any questions or things like that, I''ll try to answer, bye then!

 Interval – (Vol2)

    Interval ¨C (Vol2)


    ---Same type of stuff like thest interval, no point putting in the AI art this time around since the glossary is up to date. There are more maps (Some are extremely WIP) at the bottom of the page though. Seriously though, Mdonia in particr needs a LOT done.


    __________


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 174]


    [Health 34,000*/34,000*]


    [Stamina  10,000*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 34,000*/34,000*]


    [You currently have 38000 unassigned points]


    ---Weapon ¨C Vampiric de (Sharpness)


    ---Clothing ¨C Dress (Doubled stats)*


    ---Ring ¨C Ring (Storage)


    __________


    ---Sub-System Abilities---


    ---Volume 1---


    contract killer ¨C 10% killed humanoid lvl (Ignores -user- lvl)


    sacrificialmb ¨C 5000 distribution points exchange for ability draw (1/20)


    subspace (Enchanted ring) ¨C Storage space size of phoenix form (4 tonnes)


    frost walker ¨C 50% frost magic resistance (Water magic counts)


    undead fiend ¨C Invisibility (Cannot use attacks, 24h cooldown)


    aspect of gigantomachy ¨C 50,000 damage hit (Resistances do apply, 24h)


    ---Volume 2---


    kallikantzaros killer ¨C 25% damage ALL goblin type creatures (Orcs count)


    blessing of Typhon ¨C 10% damage ALL monster type creatures (Listed under stat page)


    dungeon blessed ¨C Automatic curse removal (24h, can also use on others)


    eye of wisdom ¨C Can detect when someone is lying or not (No drawbacks but in constant use)


    ---Sacrificial Lamb---


    star ze ¨C Small sun envelops (Size of small building, 5 minutes, 24h)


    human descent ¨C Human form change (Form has feathers and retractable wings)


    __________


    ---Phoenix Species---


    100% fire resistance


    extremely high alcohol tolerance


    infertile


    __________


    ---Other---


    Status doesn¡¯t work on sleeping target


    Reincarnated Person (RP) cannot be enved


    4 MAIN types of magic (Fire, Water, Lightning and Wind)


    User magic cannot self-harm


    __________


    ---Potions (Number in storage)---


    22 health/healent (100% HP regeneration, stops bleeding) 750G


    22 stamina/love potion (Recovers 50% SP, aphrodisiac, 24h cooldown)500G


    4 magicka/magic recovery (Recovers 50% MP, 24h cooldown)   1000G


    __________


    ---Stat distribution---


    ---An example of how each species gets different stat points---


    Lvl 3 Phoenix - [Health 500/500] [Stamina 500/500] [Magicka 500/500]


    Lvl 3 Human - [Health 100/100] [Stamina 100/100] [Magicka 100/100]


    ---M = Monster type (Typhoon ability)---


    Phoenix = 500 stat M


    Cyclops = 400 stat M


    Dragon = 250 stat M


    Orc = 225 stat M


    Dryad = 200 stat


    Wraith = 200 stat


    Lich  = 200 stat


    Vampire = 200 stat


    Bear = 175 stat


    Wyvern = 150 stat M


    Panther = 150 stat


    Subus = 125 stat


    Human = 100 stat


    Racoon¡¯oid = 100 stat


    Wolf¡¯oid = 100 stat


    Cat¡¯oid = 100 stat


    Dwarf = 100 stat


    Elf = 100 stat


    Wolf = 75 stat


    Goblin = 50 stat M


    __________


    ---Continent of <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Sierra</strong> Map (Northeast)---


    ---Gold crown is <strong>capital</strong>, red dragon is <strong>home cave</strong>,


    ---Bottom left is <strong>destroyed city</strong>, ck smudge is <strong>phoenix cave</strong>,


    ---Dark cross is <strong>monastery</strong>, blueish-green gem is <strong>m</strong><strong>agi spire</strong>.


    ---Continent of <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Krieger</strong> Map (Southeast)---


    ---Western country <strong>Lenk</strong>, central <strong>Mitte</strong>, eastern <strong>Ostin</strong>.


    ---Continent of <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>J?tna</strong> Map (Northwest)---


    ---City of <strong>Aurora</strong> is obvious, red trees are <strong>howling forest</strong>,


    ---Volcano is <strong>D</strong><strong>warven kingdom ind</strong>.


    ---Continent of <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Mdonia</strong> Map (Southwest)---


    ---Top right is <strong>casino settlement</strong>.

 Chapter 88.5 – Heavenly Beings

    Chapter 88.5 ¨C Heavenly Beings


    ---And we''re back! Thanks for being so patient with these breaks and hopefully you enjoy this volume as well. Do have some news to give, there will be the rare 18+ side chapters going forward now (Thank the readers over at scribblehub for this) but all of them will be easily SKIPPABLE if you''re underage or just don''t fancy reading about Ikarus and Petra''s love life. Consider this a ''warning'' since these chapters should follow the same 5 a week upload routine but I don''t want to make them all thatmon.


    ---2 chapters releasing today as payment for the wait and unsure if this can even be considered as a side chapter, it''s basically a full length one with some background knowledge on a couple of things that have been hinted at.


    __________


    "Wee my children, please all take a seat and we can begin the meeting"


    Ah, the hall of Olympus, had some fond memories here, a few being bad but the good ones were mostly hazy filled nights full of drinking alcoholic beverages but how else would you enjoy this boring ce? There''s only so much you can do to pass the years.


    There''s just the five of us in thisrge hall with this table that could easily fit twenty or thirty, unsure why it''s only us though, was called for a meeting that could determine the fate of that specific human world yet it''s only us? Me, our father Zeus, uncle Poseidon, Athena and Artemis. Haven''t a clue where the other factions are or where the other siblings might be as well but with Zeus, it wouldn''t be a surprise if another sibling is about to be born, he''s never been able to keep it in his pants after all.


    Let''s just move on from that though, all of us are wearing toga styled robes because what else would you wear in this type of ce? Even excluding the fact we might be wearing simr clothing, our appearances have always been different, even that''s up for debate now.


    Zeus like usual can''t help with his over-the-top human muscley mortal figure with his toga only around his waist, Poseidon has always done that too but I really can''t understand why both of them revel and gloat about such a stupid thing. Mortals gain muscle by working out, us lot would actually have to tap into magic for such a pointless visual effect. Combine that with their grey hair and huge beards, they really are looking more alike than ever. At least the rest of us don''t really do much to our mortal forms.


    I''m lying a bit, I did dye the scruffy mess on my head ck and it appears Artemis has gone for a more natural look then the green she sometimes uses, she looks pretty simr to Athena with her brte hair right now if you exclude theck of wisdom and the gigantic bow she carries around like it''s a newborn child on her back.


    Zeus, God of the sky and who that controls all, Poseidon of the endless sea, Athena the Goddess of wisdom, Artemis of the hunt and little''ol me, stuck with the wine... Do you know how boring wine can be when there''s so much else out there to drink?


    Forget all this, at least he''s invited most of the non-irritating side of the family, would be even better if Hades and Persephone were allowed out of the underworld but suggesting something like would probably get me struck by Zeus''s lightning.


    "Why are we here and only just us few?"


    Before father even has a chance to speak at the head of the long white table, Athena has already questioned him on why it''s just us younger lot and uncle here. We''ve already sat down close together, still can''t understand the point of using the pure white Olympus hall if we''re the only people turning up.


    "Frankly... I wanted a more unbiased view from beings who aren''t aplete pain in the arse... most of the older women up here are batshit crazy as they are, you four seemed the best"


    It seems Artemis is about to blow a fuse from what Zeus just said there though, she has always been a bit wild and blunt, even if she can try her best to be civilized at times like this. It would make sense she spends nearly all of eternity in the hunting realms after all.


    "Really Zeus!?! It''s almost as if every woman in your life ends up ''crazy'' so to speak... never let you forget what you did to Leda"


    "Bah, will you not let that go!? It was consensual, I keep telling you that!"


    Sigh, the Leda and the swan incident has been brought up once again. Long story short, father and his infinite wisdom thought it would be a good idea to bed a spartan king''s wife in the form of a swan, the problem is father''s version of events still don''t sound great. Zeus seems to think the problem was of consent, it was not, both were apparently up for it. The problem is very simple, father bedded a woman in the form of a swan... he still doesn''t realize how strange that is, even if Artemis believes consent wasn''t given, he does have some appeal to women for some ungodly reason even looking like a swan.


    "*Sigh*... can we just get this over with? Why have you sent for us?"


    "Yes brother... Dionysus is right, we can all go back to our own little spaces quick if you hurry this up"


    Even uncle Poseidon is willing to back me up here, it''s odd considering how much of the family dislike being together, constant arguments which are not helped considering Zeus has full power and say over everything. It wouldn''t surprise me if this is just something stupid like fixing the door to the realm opening, that''s been a little faulty for a while now.


    "Fine then... we''re here to discuss thetest prophecy that has been making its way throughout the human realm we control, the prophecy of the fall of the immortal world"


    Hang on, something like this hase up and he hasn''t even bothered to invite the other factions? This should be a meeting all four figureheads should be around to voice their opinions, sometimes I''m sure his power gets to his head but that''s not my main issue right now.


    No one has any real reaction to this prophecy as well. Unlike the old lot up here, we actually prefer to keep constant tabs on the mortals down below, even if it''s not considered decent so this isn''t really new.


    "Human"


    "What was that Dionysus?"


    "The prophecy was fall of the human world Zeus, not immortal... if you keep up to with thetest news down in the mortal worlds, then you''d realize that has alreadye to pass"


    Of course, all of us try to keep up to date with human ongoings like with the recent change in the empire, mostly because there''s nothing else to do up here other than drink, fight and debate. There''s only so much ambrosia you can realistically drink before the stuff gets a little boring, shame human alcohol is nearly impossible to obtain except wine and is basically smuggled contraband up here. That still doesn''t mean I don''t have a bottle or two stashed away...


    Anyways, it takes him a second to respond, then he gets pissed off again, he obviously realized I was talking to him like he''s senile.


    "Damn it Dionysus! Don''t make me out to be a senile old coot... everyone knows the prophecy is the fourth phoenix will cause the fall of the immortal world, I haven''t lost my faculties just yet so stop trying to confuse me"


    Sigh, interpretations, not even going to argue with him.... most of Olympus just cannot help believing the worst of everything, even if the knowledge is not the same on the other side. At least what I''ve gathered from my sources and other various methods, those lot believe it to be the fall of the human world, they don''t even know of the other version that''s been told.


    "Back on topic again Zeus, focus so we can hurry this up"


    At least Athena is the voice of wisdom, literally I might add. Also, like how none of us call him father, that''s a right reserved for someone who actually is a decent father.


    "Ah right, no point arguing over such a little thing... where was I? Erm..."


    ''Now the old man is even mumbling''


    "Oh, that''s right, the prophecy that might kill us all, now isn''t that an important piece of news that all of you should be worried about?"


    No, he was just being sarcastic, obviously seeing all of us not giving a care about the end of the Gods must confuse him slightly. If he wanted different opinions, then he should''ve sent for someone else.


    (Athena) "Zeus... need I remind you what happens when we go out of our way to try and prevent prophecies? Don''t even need to give an example, prophecies are inevitable after all"


    (Poseidon) "She''s right brother, there''s nothing we can do"


    (Artemis) "Sister''s right you old coot, can we go now?"


    (Dionysus) "..."


    Athena makes a point that no one can argue, it only ever ends worse if you go out of your way to prevent something like a prophecy. Even if it''s the destruction of the immortal world, that still doesn''t mean it will kill us all, everything can be down to interpretation. That long dead dragon who was the oracle did always say as such but it does work both ways though, an interpretation could always end up being worse as well.


    It seems that he''s thinking heavily on this twiddling his beard though, can already tell his stubbornness is trying to ignore what wisdom he may receive. Now it looks he has a question to ask me.


    "*Sigh*... Dionysus my boy, what was the interpretation those lot believe again?"


    I just told him a second ago, there really needs to be another titan incident where one of us overthrows him, I''m kidding of course but there definitely would be other siblings who might have that idea.


    "I''ll sum it up since being in your mighty presence is now starting to bore me... it''s fall of the human world, the Sierran empire is considered the main seat of the humanity that resides on that world. The prince has fallen ending a long line of chosen session and has been reced by his brother considered a bastard. The average mortals have been calling it the death of the old empire and rebirth of a new one... that clearly can be interpreted as the death of the human world if you look into it a certain way"


    Maybe I''m trying to be reassuring but whatever I say is just going to go straight through his thick skull.


    "That''s still not good enough, that could still mean everything ends up destroyed, in their world or ours. *Sigh*... this is why I hate these types of things"


    He''s not going to let this go, is he? He abandoned caring over mortals a very long time ago, well most of us did but his stubbornness over one reason or the other cannot be reasoned with when he''s get''s stuck on something.


    "What was the freaking point of asking for us if listening is impossible for you? None of us even care, what happens will happen, it''ll just be a gigantic hunt if things go to poorly"


    (Athena) "Sister Artemis is correct, although she allows her bloodthirstiness to cloud her judgement at times"


    Despite the two Goddess trying to ''help'' if you can even call it that, this isn''t going to work.


    "Bah! It says a lot that you four are the best advice I have to listen to... sometimes I really think we need aplete change up in the heavens"


    "You should really learn to calm yourself brother! Come take a trip with me at sea, it''ll calm all those nerves you have, might shed a thousand years of wrinkles as well!"


    Gotta love uncle carefree Poseidon, he might be the most rxed out all of us, always having a smile on his face never worrying about what''sing next. Of course like all Gods, he does have a nasty side to him but this version is always best.


    "*Sigh*, sometimes I swear all of Olympus is against me... half of you couldn''t care about an important prophecy like this, the other half would obliterate the entire mortal world if they so pleased... I miss my dungeon, still can''t remember where I ced it"


    Oh, he''s brought up dungeons, they are every God or Goddess''s little piece of the mortal world after all. After worship like usual sacrifices or constant devotion became less frequent, everyone came to the decision that we should take a more reserved approach to the whole worshiping a deity thing.


    Can''t also forget, some have temporary gateways to other connected worlds, those lot are normally done by Gods with trickster type tendencies, think Loki had something like that down there but not sure.


    "At least you didn''t get shafted with the cement of yours Zeus, never had a single visitor in mine"


    Mine just so happened to be seated in a ce of the world no mortals can live, they would''ve had such a fun and enjoyable time trying out all the alcohol I stored away down there. Unlike most others, really don''t see the point of keeping mortals stuck in constantbat, me changing the subject has made father frustrated once again though.


    "Seriously now... all of you, listen up! You must already know that sitting on the fence waiting for something to happen isn''t something I can allow... those birds need close attention. Even if we can''t prevent the inevitable, there''s nothing stopping us from using it to our advantage likest time when we cleared out some of the lesser Gods... I mean seriously, why do we need a God for thetrine? What a waste of a position that was..."


    ''He really is random at times; I''m guessing he''s slightly thinking of going to war with them, hopefully not''


    "... I''m getting distracted again, full blown war is something I want to avoid unless it''s inevitable, they do need to be watched and observed though"


    ''Guess I was wrong again... wait, he said something about close attention and watching? Hmm...''


    "Well then father... seeing that you need someone to keep eyes down there, I''d like to volunteer if I''m provided with the correct drinking material to do my job sessfully"


    We really are in a carefree ce; you''d think maybe one or two surprised faces might''vee up for me basically wanting to work alongside father since no one wants the sort of a job but they might understand I have my reasons for such a thing. Besides, it will at least be official now, do spend everywaking minute keeping up to date with news,municating or sharing power with my incarnation or drinking, sometimes all three. It does take a lot of power and is highly illegal to have an incarnation though.


    "You really want to spend all that time staring at that boring world?"


    "Notpletely but it''ll pass the time"


    He stops for a second, probably thinking if I''m toying with him, this isn''t one of those moments though. Secrets still need to be kept but at least this way, being executed like Lyssa shouldn''t be a concern, even if I''ve been doing this a lot longer than that mad hatter had been. Perks with working ''for'' the old man I guess, fear of execution hadn''t stopped me before though.


    "Well, at least that''s settled then! Make sure you give constant reports, the rest of you can now go.... Dionysus my boy... it''s time to get to work then, tell me everything you already know and we''ll start from there"


    ''Hmm, thought it might be this way, I''m going to twist some bits, can''t obviously let him know about Charlotte. Ikarus is a different thing but I can always make her out to be barely any threat, even if he struggles to listen...

 Chapter 89 – Upgrade

    Chapter 89 ¨C Upgrade


    Five yearster...


    I''m joking, I''m joking! Jeez, you really think I would do you over like that? It''s not even been a whole week since the scum from the empire died and for what me and Petra are up to, thought it would make sense to pay a slight visit to the parents on the way to where we''re going. I''ll get to what my ns are another time but for now, it''s just a rxing fun time.


    We arrived a couple of nights ago and are currently out hunting with Minos, actually it''s him hunting with us two both sitting up on his back in human form, I''m in feathered version but I shouldn''t need to repeat myself on that, feathered when away from civilizations, non-feathered for when around people, excluding the odd exception like visiting a settlement that won''t give me looks.


    Oh, kinda off topic but did have a quick chat to father about the reward thing he owes the empire, it still is basically no issue. As of this current moment in time, there are no non-human threats around, at least ording to him and mother''s noses. Unsure what''s going down in the empire right now but that''s some information to learn another time since it''s bound to have gone slightly bad.


    "Minos, over there"


    "Cu!"


    Petra is mainly doing the helping while I''m basically just sitting here cuddling up to her, I''m not having him steal her away from me! I''m kidding of course, unsure on why he really likes her but it''s definitely nothing like love, right? Of course not, he still has the mental age of a youngling despite his size now being pretty big, still a very long way to go before being like our parents'' sizes but it wouldn''t surprise me if give it a few decades, then maybe he''ll be like father. Could also be a lot quicker, apparently he''s simr to me in that regards, he grows really fast for a dragon.


    Oh, an update on me and Petra as well, we kissed again the over day, it wasn''t really a big deal like the other two since it was a bedtime goodnight kinda thing in the nest but it still counts, I think. It just happened naturally without any real buildup so it was just one of those things really. Also, it''s not like I can give an update every time we kiss, sure, in the beginning it matters but at some point it''s going to be normal and something we do most days, even if that still might be a little bit away.


    Also, we obviously slept in the nest together but that still doesn''t count as actual sleeping together like in a bed but we''ve done that in the nest before so it''s fine, alright? It''s a pretty big nest even if we sleep pretty close together, was worried mother might say something about everything but apparently her only concern is about mating, nothing else. Even then, it still doesn''t sound like I would be disowned for doing such a thing...


    Forget it... anyways, I know there''s a massive elephant in the room that I''m still failing to mention, my level obviously being it... I actually haven''t done anything with it just yet, mainly down to indecision. I''ve got so many points spare now, I''m unsure how many I want to spend so I''ve purposely been trying to decide to set a hard limit beforehand, then spend up to it afterwards. I don''t actually have a gambling problem but it wouldn''t surprise me if something goodes up just as I''m finishing, also it''s been kinda rxing this getaway so ruining it with a brilliant new ability that might destroy the cave or forest I can wait on.


    Ah, it doesn''t matter, I''ll get around to itter, Minos is now swooping in for the kill, he was the one who suggested doing this, to Petra as well no less. He clearly can spea-, no, use telepathy really well now but purposely doesn''t use it on me thankfully enough, I''m pretty sure he''s been having conversations with Petra about me without me knowing, apparently you can focus it on just one person but that probably seems obvious by now.


    Should I be concerned? Nah, I love my little dragon brother, I will give him a punch if I find out he''s been gossiping nasty stuff behind my back though, he can easily take it looking at his size, not like I''m actually going to do it though. Minos should be protected at all costs.


    While me and Petra are holding onto a conveniently ced scale on his back, he rapidly descends through the forest and grabs the wolf like a big brown badass. Seriously though, that was epic brother! It''s a shame he''s disappointed.


    <Noooooo! I thought that was a goat, wolfs suck! I wanted goat for dinner... Ah, sorry sis>


    Minos realizing what he''s caught flies back up and throws the poor wolf to its inevitable falling death, I''m a little annoyed with him wasting food and throwing it away like that but there''s another issue.


    "Urgh, my heart Minos, your voice is still too much... don''t worry about it though, we''ve been looking long enough and there are no goats around, might be best to head back"


    "Ikarus is right little fellow, just a forest full of wolfs right now"


    "Cu..."


    Even the sad cu''se back around, you can''t afford to picky little guy, even if he''s bigger than both of us.


    __________


    <Sometimes wish the world would just bur-... forget about it"


    <What was that Dermak?>


    <Nothing dear>


    Back at the cave, you''ll never guess what we''re doing and what father is clearly getting pissed at? Board games, made sure to buy some to bring around while we are travelling a little time ago since ying cards is out of the question so stuff like this is the best option. Sure, you don''t have most of the popr Earth ones and some are a little childish but there''s still a few which are extremely simr, most are pretty easy to pick up on like this one we''re ying.


    Ever remember that one with thedders and snakes? Yeah, we''re ying something very simr to that called serpents and ropes, at least just me and father are since the females have already gotten to the end. I keep getting stuck at the end bit and father gets setbacks every time he progresses, he must have luck simr to Zeki for stuff like this. It''s inevitable he''s going to lose this; the God of luck may be toying with me but he is screwing father over massively.


    Also keep in mind, those two basically have toypletely t in the cave to even be able toe close to the game, it''s honestly surprising they can even move pieces seeing howrge their paws and ws are but I guess it''s only pushing counters. And in father''s case, going forward, then going all the way back down once again.


    <Hmph, how can little mortals enjoy such a boring activity?>


    <I think it''s fun Dermak... go out if you''re going toin, you better be back on time though>


    <Fine... damn curfew, I''ll get everyone dinner while I''m out then>


    It also appears mother has given him a curfew; I dread to think what might happen to him if he''s not home on time but we''re not going to watch what happens. It wouldn''t surprise me if father has this put on him for years but if it''s to get him to stop cheating, then it would be worth it. We could also just kill the dragons he''s been getting with but unlike with humans, I don''t want to kill a dragon, already did that and nearly ended up eating aunt''s tail...


    (Ikarus) "Don''t bother... I''ve got no appetite now"


    (Petra) "I''ll pass as well"


    <Hmph... fine then>


    Father flies off and now that it''s just us three alone, Minos is also out doing God knows what, bet he really wants to find a goat in this forest and inevitably he will find one if keeps searching long enough, the forest to the west does seem endless after all.


    <Anyways... now that we''re alone... how''s your rtionship developing? Even though I still don''t think you''re not old enough for the mating, I would like it if we could be open and honest to each other if you have...>


    Damn it mother! Don''t be asking something personal like that and why does she assume we''re actually doing it!? Sure, I guess there''s not much in the way of news living in a cave far away from everything but still, that''s a little personal.


    "Heh, it''s going nice and slowly so it''s all good"


    "Petra''s right but I''d rather not talk about that type of stuff with you mother"


    Petra always can find words that suit the situation best, I really don''t want mother knowing if stuff happens between us. I know this is a thing some women do, specifically talking personal details between friends but there''s no chance I''m having that sort of rtionship with mother. To be honest, it''s probably just her being curious, it''s obvious who I get that trait off.


    <Well, if you don''t want to share, you don''t have to worry if you want some privacy or- Ah! Don''t forget about that little cabin the humans built if you two do fancy some alone time, even me and Dermak sometimes hunt together alone so you don''t need to worry that much about it>


    I mean, it''s not exactly like we''re staying long though, I''m also surprised that little ce is down there still, I guess there''s no reason why it wouldn''t be. I''m also surprised just how much of a U turn she''s made about this, I guess she''s just trying to be a supportive mother after all even if she''s notpletely happy about it. Why am I thinking about this? Mating still ain''t happening... at least for a while...


    "Ahem... that cabin is still there?"


    <Sure Ikarus, it probably needs some fixing up since it''s been sitting dormant for quite some time but nothing nasty has moved in>


    Oh, so it might just be a little dusty then? Visiting might bring up some bad memories with the mage but it could be good to have a quick check around, they probably left some stuff since Jekyll and Leone did n on returning until my cure came about.


    "Fancy some alone time then Ikarus?"


    Wait, Petra wants to visit that ce? Hmm... I''m unsure why but at the very least, I''ve been putting off my stat points long enough now, it''s quite secluded and could be a good ce to test some new stuff out.


    "Ah screw it, we''ll head there now then..."


    __________


    Back at that small three room cabin I came across however long ago that was, can''t help but feel a little nostalgic while outside, thought there would be some bad memories but honestly it doesn''t seem all that bad, it''s not like the only thing that happened was constant harassment by that woman after all. The training with Jekyll wasn''t actually that bad although a little exhausting.


    Petra opens the door for me and we enter inside the cabin, it''s actually not that rundown except from all the dust that has spread around this ce. Over there was where I first had a human style meal being that rabbit stew, that''s the mirror I first witnessed my nakedness on and just outside was where I got some pointers from Jekyll, I guess not all of it was bullying style memories. I wonder what Jekyll is up to anyways, probably cleaning up the mess we made.


    "So why did you want to-"


    Before I even have the chance to finish, Petra jumps on me, I''m joking but I find an unexpected kiss out of nowhere... that was unexpected, didn''tst long but I''vepletely lost my train of thought, erm...


    "Apologies Ikarus, felt a little nasty doing this in front of your parents while they''re fighting... you okay?"


    I''ll be one hundred honest, thatpletely caught me off guard and has dazed me a little, I know sometimes I can be a little dense but I didn''t realize she wanted to kiss again so badly. Despite the dazyness, if that''s even a word but that did seem toe out of nowhere.


    "A-Ahem... you caught m-me off guard a little, didn''t expect that in the slightest"


    The kiss was still good though, every time with Petra is but that just came out of nowhere, I kinda feel like it needs a slight hint or buildup beforehand.


    "Heh, if I start teasing will that rx you? There''s no need to though, all I need to do is look at my lovely red Ikarus''s face and that will always work"


    She''s such a hypocrite! Her face is as red as min-... oh, I get what she''s doing, distractions do always work, even if she shouldn''t be able to see colour but magic logic people.


    "Thanks..."


    Damn her lovely lips, my memory is still nk.


    "... What was it I wanted to do again?... Oh yeah, my EXP, let''s sort this ce out, then rx while I buy some stuff"


    "Sure"


    We''ll clean this ce up a little, stay here the night and then spend some more time with my parents tomorrow, only thing I''ve excluded is the ability stuff but that''s a reward for doing the dusting chores after all.


    __________


    It takes a little while to get most of the dust off but once it at least looks liveable, I''m now rxing cuddled up to Petra with her on the more masculine side of things on the wooden sofa. Despite me wanting to enjoy this, I''ve put this off for long enough now, can still hug while talking to Aesa.


    Also, can''t forget the atmosphere in this dark dimly lit room with only the fire in the firece to light up the room, it''s quite romantic thinking about it... forget it, need no more distractions, even if I''m literallyying up against the best distraction around.


    ''Let''s do a before and after thing, status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 174]


    [Health 34,000*/34,000*]


    [Stamina 9,362*/10,000*]


    [Magicka 34,000*/34,000*]


    [You currently have 38000 unassigned points]


    As you can see, look at all those points... it honestly might beparable to staring at gold or looking at Petra, sometimes life just chucks you a bone, why does killing have to be so rewarding?


    ''Erm... you know what? I''m going to round some stuff out before I start on the gambling cycle... Aesa, put three thousand in each of health and magicka, then add five to stamina''


    [<Confirmed>]


    ''And now the after-status check''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 174]


    [Health 40,000*/40,000*]


    [Stamina 19,362*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 40,000*/40,000*]


    [You currently have 27000 unassigned points]


    ''And that leaves us five potential uses, I''m not irresponsible enough to spend all of it at once though... let''s go for three, then save the remaining in case I ever need it... Aesa, do your thing... please''


    [<Does -user- wish to confirm spending 5000 points into ability -sacrificialmb-?>]


    ''Yes... you don''t have to do a confirmation message every time I buy it''


    [<Aesa does when spending levels on new ability... processing... -user- has unlocked -doubled potential->]


    ''Well, that''s not going to get annoying... what''s doubled potential do anyway?''


    [<...>]


    Aesa''s silence tells all, it''s really bad I reckon.


    ''Come on, tell me what you know''


    [<Warning, -user- will really not like this ability>]


    Oh God, she''s dying even more, this is going to be terrible.


    ''Just tell me already''


    [<Affirmative... for normal RP system -users-, ability -doubled potential- would double all stats for up to 10 minutes. Unfortunately for -user-, effect does NOT stack with enchanted clothing, activating ability will do nothing>]


    ''Are you fucking for real!? I''ve literally bought an ability that has next to no use!? How often am I not wearing this fucking dress? Sure, I know it might''ve been useful at that party but damn it, what a waste for like every other waking moment''


    I can''t help but pull myself off Petra from that as well, no time for hugging when being this frustrated, what''s the point of an ability that does the same thing as a dungeon reward? Talk about the Gods running out of ideas or something, this might as well be a duplicate.


    "Alright Ikarus?"


    "Yeah, don''t bother about me, unlocked terrible ability that serves no use... still got to get through two more"


    "Okay"


    Sighhh... I guess it does have some use so I should stopining, at least I can use it on the off chance I get attacked when out bathing in ake of something, the things is the ego of the outfit still applies when in bird form so bathing as a big fluffy swan boat has always been the way to go, at least when travelling. If I get attacked in a city while naked, then it''s useful. Eh, silver linings I guess.


    ''Forget it, it''s very situational after all, no point even asking about the cooldown since I''ll just assume everything has it unless you tell me otherwise... Aesa, next one please''


    [<Does -user- wish to confirm spending 5000 points into ability -sacrificialmb-?>]


    ''Sigh, yes''


    [<Confirmed... -user- has unlocked -supernova-... erm...>]


    ''Oh, don''t tell me this one is shit as well!? It''s called a freaking supernova! That should be epic if it''s based on what an actual one is''


    (<Aesa is more concerned about -user- ever using this ability, it hasck of specific description and is among the highest tier of danger levels... Aesa does have a percentage multiplier that can be used but unsure how much potential power this has. Also, Aesa needs to inform -user- that most high tier abilities are unable to provide EXP>)


    ''Wait... so this isn''t bad then? Don''t actually tell me this could wipe out multiples all at once?''


    Is it really surprising that something like this would also be bnced? Think about it, how easy EXP would be to get with an high tier ability? Pretty sure an actual supernova is like a huge explosion, of fucking course there''s got to be drawbacks like providing no EXP from the whole thing.


    [<Ability cannot be as powerful as actual supernova, that should be impossible... Aesa still suggests -user- find a secluded area hundreds of miles away from anyone and chooses the 1% option when firing>]


    It''s rare but Aesa actually sounds concerned about this. By the sounds of it, this might be one of those abilities she said would be more powerful than what mother can aplish, it''s ironic I wanted something like this but it might be too powerful to actually use.


    ''The way you make this sound... it sounds like I''ve got something capable of destroying a''


    [<-User- may have unlocked the strongest ability around... extreme caution is advice, unsure what else could be stronger than supernova>]


    So, she''s actually serious... there''s almost a slight hint of curiosity in her voice despite the concern as well, we''ve got to be very careful using this, what else is in theory is more powerful than a supernova? A ck hole? Never really cared all that much about astronomy but damn, I''m about to end the world if this is the shit I''m getting.


    ''We both know there''s no chance this isn''t getting tested at some point... let''s buy thest one then''


    [<Does -user- wish to confirm spending 5000 points into ability -sacrificialmb-?>]


    ''Yup... once again''


    [<Final confirmation message... -user- has unlocked -atomic hellfire->]


    ''I''m liking the sound of this... atomic means what I think it does, right?''


    [<Affirmative, -user- should now be able to make an explosionparable to Earth''s nuclear bombs. Unsure on the devastation but seems to be smaller than ones used inst global war>]


    ''So wait... it''s true... I''ve just unlocked a freaking nuke!?''


    Listen okay, I know a supernova beats a nuke in every department but still, I can basically use myself as a nuclear bomb!? Oh, I won''t get to see the mushroom cloud if I''m inside it, that kinda sucks, the mushroom bit is like the best part.


    [<While -user- should be happy for unlocking 2 top tier abilities, Aesa reckons that both will be a struggle to use in daily life>]


    ''Of course, that would be obvious especially considering my ns aren''t to destroy the entire''


    At the very least, human targets can no longer be a threat towards me, all I need to do is threaten to use nukes... let''s not go down that route, alright? Otherwise I''d just end up being a dictator who rules with an iron fist and abuses their people. I''ll probably never use it...


    Who am I kidding? If I happene across a bandit stronghold and don''t fancy the EXP for the day, then I''ve got two options for destruction, I can''t wait to give these a try! I''ll ignore my dictatorship tendencies but both of these do have to be used, only against criminal scum after all.


    Obviously, Petra has started to notice me getting happy, I am right next to her still. Of course, unlocking a supernova and a nuke would be doing that, feel like I can now take on the entire world if I so pleased.


    "You''re smiling a lot Ikarus, get something good?"


    "You have no idea Petra..."


    __________


    ---Still sticking with the randomized draw thing, stupid lucky bird...

 Chapter 90 – New Arsenal

    Chapter 90 ¨C New Arsenal


    All alone in the forest flying as a human without a single person around... it''d be a little lonely if it isn''t wasn''t for my robotic wife. To do what I wanted though, having Petra around would be too dangerous and she knows that, testing something called a supernova and basically a literal nuke is going to do a lot. As much as Petra may be strong, she ain''t gonna survive a nuke, right? Heh, she probably would find a way.


    Even though I like to worry, there''s no way this will cause an actual supernova, at least I think so. My sun ze ability didn''t envelop the entirest time so it should all be good, even if that wasn''t a top tier ability. Regardless, we''re not using anything higher than one percent today.


    Nothing happenedst night except just some more cuddling and sleeping in separate beds in that cabin, Petra did make a little joke about pushing the beds together that made me chuckle though, did have to tell her a light no but she''s clearly just teasing for now. It won''t be long till we can share an actual bed, only just for sleeping though...


    Honestly, I''m unsure why my mind thinks it''s fine to sleep in a nest together but not here, maybe it''s down to me changing form? Yeah, it''s probably that, it''s not exactly like we''re going to kiss or do anything romantic while we''re in different forms though, at least I don''t think we should. Let''s not think too heavily on that since it starts going into issue of legality even if we both are technically birds that might look different every now and then.


    Anyways... back onto where I was, I''ve done a thorough search of this ce making sure there''s no humans or elves in sight, also made sure that the family, more specifically Minos wasn''t hunting today so I''ve done what I can to prevent anyone around here... it''s time for some real cool shit!


    "So the question is Aesa... which one should I use first?"


    Might as well speak out loud since I''m probably going to be partially death in a minute, it''s just a hypothetical question though, everyone knows you start small and go bigger.


    [<Aesa obviously suggests -atomic hellfire- first, will give the additional minutes of life before the inevitable>]


    ''You''re joking... right? Ah forget it, let''s get this thing started... activate atomic hellfire.


    [<Confirmed, -user- has now activated -atomic hellfire->]


    When Aesa confirms the activation, a small looking orb rapidly forms in my hand reminding me of one of those marbles you might''ve yed with as a child but is much bigger, it''s reddish-orange in colour though and is roughly the size of those balls you catch creatures in, gotta catch them all...


    ''What''s this?''


    [<-User- throws the orb and the impact activates the ability>]


    ''Hmm... I wonder if I can make that work''


    I really want to be able to watch the cloud from a slight distance, I bet if I fly at full speed and throw it then, I can make a gap so I can at least see a good part of it. It''s seriously a good thing abilities can''t harm the user otherwise this might be suicidal.


    [<User- worries about pointless things too much>]


    ''And you state the obvious way too much as well... you don''t need toment on things like that ya know?''


    [<Aesa couldn''t disagree more>]


    Ignoring her, I do my little thing and start to fly full speed at an angle upwards. Once I''m as fast as I can possibly fly, it''s time to throw.


    "Heave... Ho!"


    I just like that, the orb flies out of my hand and very quickly flies out of sight, just how far did I throw that?


    "Okay... that may be a little far"


    I honestly can''t see where I threw it now, that orb definitely went a lot further than I was anticipating but forget it, when''s the explosioning?


    Fortunately, it doesn''t take long...


    Everything in front of me turns pure white like priestess''s shbang attack and my ears ring from the bang, it onlysts for a second before I can see the thick, dense cloud rapidly starting to rise in the distance.


    ''Fuck me, that makes no sense how I was able to throw it that so far''


    Why am I focusing on that? I''m literally looking at the deadliest weapon humans have created and I''m able to do it from my own hands! The mushroom fireball is in full effect right now as well, pretty fucking epic if I do say so. Also, a strong shockwave passes through the thick forest below me causing leaves and branches to fall off the trees. Nearly forgot that bombs have shockwaves for a second, definitely threw that way too far if the shockwave is only just arriving.


    "I am be death-... I''ve already said that so let''s just move on"


    Look, I know what I''m doing is irresponsible as hell, what am I supposed to do though? Not test the world ending abilities!? Do I really seem like that sort of bird? Even excluding all the little animals and insects that may die from all this, the destroyed trees and the potential fallout if it''s an actual nuke will make this ce unliveable for a while, it''s only a little nuke so it''s fineee.


    ''Aesa, you reckon that''ll be saf-, don''t be stupid Ikarus, radiation from your own ability can''t harm you''


    I want to get a closer look at where it might''vended, I''m pretty sure nukes don''t actually cause huge holes in the ground but still want to check regardless.


    [<Aesa would also like to see impact crater, only for testing purposes obviously>]


    ''You don''t have to exin your reasoning, we''re in agreement after all...''


    __________


    ''Eh... that''s smaller than I thought''


    There''s not much of a crater here, most of trees have been incinerated around it but seriously though, this crater is tinypared to what you might expect, can''t say I''m overly disappointed but that bomb was definitely smaller than you''d think. Oh well, it would still take out most of a smaller city if I wanted to use it, a hole in the ground isn''t the best for measuring its power after all and maybe I''m exaggerating a little with the smallness of it, it''s still pretty big. It''ll probably have a bigger effect if I find a way to explode it midair like what an actual nuke does but that''ll be a little hard to achieve unless I smack it against my arm or something, I''d miss the view unfortunately as well.


    ''Anyways... now that you''ve collected whatever data you wanted from that, you ready for the next one Aesa?''


    [<Everything is sorted... I''d suggest -user- be more cautious where -user- throws this one, the mountain range is only several days away>]


    ''I''m just going to throw it where I was before, that should be fine, right?''


    [<Hopefully>]


    She really doesn''t fill me with any confidence so let''s just get this out of the way, the ability to apparently destroy the world is about to set off, pull up a front row seat and crunch on your popcorn, it might be thest thing you do...


    ''Aesa, activate supernova... only at one percent''


    [<Confirmed, ability -supernova- is now is use... be careful>]


    And like with how thest ability formed, a marble the same size to thest, just only this time having a more orangey-blue mixed look forms in my grasp. Since I''m still flying, it''s time for another run up, or fly up if I''m being pedantic.


    Like with thest time, I rapidly gain some speed and hurl it far away ahead of me, no idea when it''s about tond again but this time around, I know it''s going to be bigger.


    And like I predicted, the explosion is blinding and huge.


    Another bright white light blinds mesting for close to several seconds, then once it goes, a deafening explosion, maybe a hundred times louder than thest roars past my ears and must shake this entire part of the forest... and the sight...


    I must''ve thrown that further than thest and it seems to have spread all the way over here. Unlike thest with the smoke cloud thates with a bomb, this time it''s extremely colourful, shades of blue, purple, orange and red surround the area like a foggy aurora, it''d be beautiful if you exclude the pure destruction that just happened.


    This onlysts for what might be only thirty seconds or so but once it fades, I can see the impact site... damn.


    "Aesa... are you sure that was only one percent?"


    [<Erm... unfortunately -user-... that was only 1%, Aesa suggests NEVER going above that>]


    The crater... must be literal miles or kilometres, I must''ve thrown that further than the nuke and it''s spread this far!? This crater might be the size of a tiny country, I can''t even see the end of it... and it''s only at one percent...


    ''Look... I know they say with poweres great responsibility... but what the actual fuck was that!? Whoever made this system, are they literally trying to get me destroy countries or continents in the blink of an eye!?''


    This might wipe out an entire continent if I used this at full power, I''m not even exaggerating...


    [<Aesa is inplete agreement with -user-, ability -supernova- should never be used unless asst resort>]


    The thing is, I can''t even make a joke about this, it was obvious some of those gambling abilities were insane but this is something as powerful as mother could do... and it''s only at one percent.


    ''Forget it... it says a lot that even you are shocked... let''s just head back, it did take days to get this far away from everyone, thank fuck I took precautions''


    This fucking crater man, at least I''ve got a test site for any other future tests, can''t physically destroy the forest any further than what I just did there... unless there''s something even worse than this...


    [<Agreed, -user''s- worrisome nature might''ve saved the>]


    ''At least I can always rely on your sarcasm, that could''ve been bad though...''


    __________


    ---Thought it would be cool to show the scale of the explosion.


    __________


    <IKARUS!!>


    <Little one! Is everything okay?>


    ''Should''ve expected this, must''ve heard the explosion from the cave''


    Off in the distance, two dragons that need no description and my girlfriend up on one of their backs, I bet she''s been a little worried as well but we''re too far away to hear each other right now, telepathy does have a longer range then sound after all. Also, Petra''s on father''s back, would''ve expected her on mother''s but father does seem to like her after all, more than enough to carry her about. Heh, dragon''s pride is bullshit.


    Now that they''re closer, we can finally speak, can already tell mother is concerned but she really shouldn''t be as I did pre warn her something like this may happen. Ah, also back in bird form since flying is quicker that way.


    (Ikarus) "You really don''t need to worry so much, I can''t harm myself from such a thing and I already told you before leaving"


    (Petra) "Abilities are harmless to the user albeit maybe a bit of tiredness, Ikarus really isn''t that reckless"


    Well... I respectfully disagree there Petra, I''ve got to show her the crater at some point, I am most definitely reckless.


    <Told you it would be fine darling>


    <You two won''t even understand till you have children... and Dermak, shut it>


    <Yes dear>


    Honestly would''ve liked Petra to worry a little but oh well, at least everything is fine on this side of things.


    <Seriously though Ikarus, just how powerful were those two things you used? The first bang was loud but the second was louder than that volcano going off>


    While mother is continuing to speak, father is desperately trying to hold something in, he''s about tough. Can''t respond to mother right now, Petra''s safety is at risk!


    "Petra! You need to get off him right now!"


    <Rx little one... I can hold it in... to think, you''re able to do something like that at the minuscule age of not even a quarter of a century, don''t think I''ve said this but I''m extremely proud of you>


    Oh yeah, I did tell them about the whole evolving from human thing, they actually seemed really understandable about it, almost as if it made a load of sense. Clearly that information the dryad has about phoenixes is true then, no idea what type of shit father is spewing right now though. I know he respects power but the whole approval from parents'' thing has never been something I even care about.


    <Why do you find that humorous though Dermak?>


    <Because darling... she might already hold simr power to you... little one, I''ve already got one powerful nagging creature in my life, please don''t turn into your mother and give me another>


    <Dermakvar!>


    Mother was clearly about to hit him hard there but clearly stopped because it might''ve knocked Petra off, we are all flying while conversing after all.


    <Be careful darling, there''s only a limited amount of smacks I can take before you destroy these weak and fading old bones>


    <We both know that''s untrue. If you want me to stop, then learn to be a kinder dragon Dermak>


    <Impossible dear>


    "Heh"


    He''s getting ahead of himself since he''s got Petra protection, I should really carry her myself and then mother can whack him, he deserves it right now... hang on, I bet that''s his reasoning for carrying her! Sly father, I know what you''re up to... there is something else I''m thinking about though.


    "Look... I''m not trying to brag, y it down or anything like that but that is seriously too much... you know that was only one percent of what''s it''s capable of, right?"


    ...


    Knew I''d get that reaction, this isn''t even bragging! This is too fucking powerful to realistically use, when am I going to need to wipe out an entire country? Seriously though, even if I didn''t care about innocent lives, all that wasted EXP just for a huge bang? I mean, it''s a pretty fucking epic bang but damn it, it''s not exactly practical. This definitely isn''t aint.


    Petra seems to be able to break the slight silence though.


    "Heh Ikarus... at least I know never to piss you off now"


    I can''t help but smile at that, her sense of humour has always been pretty great.


    <Anyways little one, might be best to head back and get some rest, don''t want any mortals nearby to think the world is ending from your little tests ande pay us a visit. If they do, it''ll be a ughter but wiping out mortals does get boring quickly>


    <Your father''s right, best to be a little careful>


    Okay, we''ll head back then, I''m going to try my luck on something though.


    "Fine but I''m sitting up on your back dinosaur, Petra''s already up there after all"


    Might as well get a free ride back, dragons do seem to fly fastest out of everything, phoenixes are close but still are slower. Don''t even get me started on how slow wyverns arepared, would you expect a flying rat to be fast? Urgh, forgot fathers been gging wyverns off again.


    <Hmph... just don''t be doing anything me and your mother would do up there>


    "Whattt? Never..."


    Huh, almost forgot about that time I saw him sitting on mother''sp, definitely get my unorthodox rtionship tendencies from my parents...

 Chapter 91 – Work Preparations

    Chapter 91 ¨C Work Preparations


    So now... it''s time to move on, spent enough time with my parents and it''s not exactly like we''re going too far away, at full speed I could probably do the trip in half a week, maybe even quicker with my stamina upgrade but that would be pretty exhausting. It also feels good to have ONLY Petra up on my back once again, even if we''ve done this a few times after doing our little empire clean up. Look... anything I say is just going to make me sound weird so I''ll just leave it alone for now, I definitely prefer her over anyone else being on my back and I really don''t know why that''s a thing, being ''ridden'' so to speak isn''t something I should lik-... I don''t like it though! Urgh, forget it.


    Anyways, guess where we''re going next? It shouldn''t be that hard seeing that I''ve been bringing up that gold mine every now and then, I''ve gone off mary gain a bit but it couldn''t hurt to set up my own source of ie so I don''t always have to rely on my parents'' wealth forever, even if I could never realistically get through it all. Also, it''s just a nice way of passing the time setting up a goal that could lead to a lot and needs a bit of work put into it.


    Of course, Petra can have half of everything but she''s telling me it''s all mine and that she''ll help regardless, no point in having money discussions with her so I''ll just get Aesa to half everything we get from it and keep that separate in storage so if she ever needs it. Petra will probably never use it but even then, it''s still there.


    Oh, that might not work, also could do with building a vault or a fort to store all my gold in, there is a weight limit in my storage after all, even if I''ve only evere close to it once. Carrying around tons of gold isn''t practical as much as I''d love to do it.


    The thing is, what am I going to do with all that wealth after? That mine in the dungeon was huge, so much gold for the taking that spending it would prove troublesome, it would be wasteful just sitting there like my parents'' nest. I''m getting a little ahead of myself though, it''s a n that requires some buildup and work beforehand, need to find some people to mine, smelt and then sell the gold to first.


    Think trading will be pretty simple, I''m guessing the dwarfs will be willing to buy loads of it, it sounds like they use gold in their filtration systems but that was just something I remember hearing in the background at a bar. Also, it''s freaking gold! It''s like the main thing currency revolves around in this world, the only thing more expensive is tinum when ites to actual crafted coins but they''re too rare to even be practical.


    That''s only on the trade side of things though, there''s the whole issue about everything else so I''m going to start slow, then build our way up, always have Petra to help as well. The first n is to get miners who are willing to work, that hot springs settlement is the only civilization on the three inds so there must be people willing to work there, just need to promise good wages and hopefully that works... things are never that simple though.


    Then... I guess I''ll just have to wing it, need some cksmiths constantly working once we have the ore in our hands... huh, I wonder if that Garry the gnome guy would be willing to relocate, let''s just wait on that until another time though, should be at least a cksmith or two in town that might be able to provide some advice.


    Oh, can''t also forget to mention I''m still flying, did say Petra''s on my back before all that future nning stuff came up.


    "Heh... so Ikarus... how does it feel knowing you hold powerparable to the Gods?"


    I''m surprised she''s asking that but I think it''s a little funny to be honest, why? After we left, I thought it might be a good idea to show her that stupid hole I made, I don''t know why but maybe I''m prideful about it? I mean, I literally did that! I guess the more I think about it, the happier it makes me even if I can''t really be using that consistently. Petra''s reaction to the whole thing was of slight shock at first seeing the crater thatsted for miles, then she very quickly turned it into a joke again.


    I''m so happy she trusts me not to destroy the world or something like that, you''d think her seeing something of that magnitude would make her worry about anybody wielding that type of power but clearly she can''t see me using that for evil. Well... I could very easily use it for evil if someone decides to take Petra from me, let''s not think on that though...


    Oh, did make sure to check with Aesa if it''s safe or not before heading back though, apparently there was no radiation from any of the explosions in the slightest and didn''t bother asking at the time since shock and awe from it all, ya know? I do swear that goes against how they''re supposed to work but I''m no scientist so have no clue on that. Obviously wouldn''t have showed her if it was full of the silent killer, can''t be having her be radiated and growing or mutating a third leg or something-... wait, that stupid memory hase back up...


    "I think you''re exaggerating a little Petra"


    "Maybe... but also maybe not, don''t have or haven''t seen anything of that devastation so the assumption might be correct''


    What? Petra doesn''t have anything as powerful as what I have? She seems serious but hard to tell since I can''t look at her face, also that ability should tell me otherwise if she''s lying or not.


    "Seriously!? You don''t have anything else like that?"


    "Heh, don''t have the power of the world at my fingertips Ikarus, you''ve already seen arguably the best thing I''ve got, even that had to be unlocked via exchange"


    I''m guessing that''s when she goes into ck eyed mode, unsure how itpletely works since numbers don''t really get shown in Petra''s system but it definitely makes everything she uses more powerful. Sighhh... I bet the exchange is that it''s painful to use.


    "You ever gonna tell me more about your curse? I can always shut it and just listen if you want"


    As much as I don''t want to make her sad, it could be a weight off her shoulders so to speak, it doesn''t matter if it''s a deal she regrets or not, I can just always listen if she wants toin about the devil who offered it to her. I''m not sure if it''s a devil or demon but you''d think they''d make that type of deal, I just hope she hasn''t sold her soul or something as well.


    "Perhaps someday, it''s less of a concern than you''d think Ikarus"


    Even if it is, I''m always going to worry about Petra even if I don''t say it out loud enough.


    "Then can I just ask one more question since I get the idea how it might work like this... if you had the chance to make yourself healthy but it cost you your power, would you do it?"


    Unfortunately, I already know the answer because I agree with her on this.


    "Honestly... no, the trade-off is worth it despite it all... besides, I''ve got you now so there''s rarely any need for the normal body as well"


    Urgh, why did she have to do that? I already love her enough and she has to say stuff like that? At this point, I''m not going to deny the word I just thought though...


    "Don''t you like being a phoenix? There is some appeal to thefortable feathers and all that, also it''s great for sleeping and even floating in water!"


    Unsure why it sounds like I''m trying to convince her. If the normal bird form had arms, then it would be superior in nearly every aspect except getting through tight doorways, can''t really counter that without changing. Ah, maybe flying through the desert would suck too, might overheat a little.


    "Heh, maybe, but like I just said, it can be worth it... Also, doubt I''d get such a lovely fluffy seat if things changed"


    She just can''t herself, unfortunately neither can I but with me, it''s just bluntness mixed with a little stupidity that can''t be helped.


    "As if that would make any difference! Even if you could switch forms with no issues whatsoever, you can ride me anytime you lik-..."


    I don''t even need to recap on what I just said, I think Petra is trying to control herugher holding her mouth up there. Sometimes I think she makes me stupid, that''s not even the first time I''ve thought about it in that way and I just said it out loud!... I bet even Aesa is disappointed with me.


    "...Heh... I''ll keep that in mind"


    ''Sighhh... it''s a good thing I basically love her at this point, should I say anything? Probably not just yet...''


    __________


    "Petra... where would we even go to find miners?"


    "I''m... not too sure, might be better to find a cksmith first and work from there?"


    We''ve just arrived at the market of this settlement and clearly both of us aren''tpletely sure how to go about this, I guess even in Petra''s never-ending experiences, even she has never had to run a mine before. It can''t be that hard to do, right? At least we both had the same though about going to a cksmith about this, even if it''s apletely different role to actually mining the damn stuff.


    Before we got back to this ce, we made sure to pay a visit to the mine even if it''s added most of another day onto our travel time. Kinda had to though, needed to make sure squatters or animals haven''t moved in and thankfully enough, the mine is exactly how we left it, the pirs are still in the centre of the gigantic cave and the walls are covered in head to toe full of gold ore. I think I may have saw something silver looking on the roof of the cave as well but that probably was a reflection from something, that entire ce does have a slight shine to it after all.


    I feel like I should say something to her at some point about the love thing, I don''t actually feel like it''s that big of a deal though, at least for me. I''m not going to overthink it this time, if I say something, then I''ll say it but I''ve already learnt it''s better to just flow with it and see what happens. Also, it''s not like we kiss most days now. Sorry, we have been travelling a lot and things have been pretty rxed other than the odd wolf attack, they''re mostly just goodnight ones but still...


    Well anyways, we both walk into the town market in search of a cksmith''s building, there definitely is one or two out here but this ce was only ever a small town that relies on its fishing docks and hot springs to get by, doubt we''ll find anyone as good as a dwarf but got to start somewhere, am I right?


    The thing about this ce is that it''s not actually that big, at leastpared to any town or city in the empire, still a lot bigger than a vige though. Keep in mind, there is no proper wall as well, at least not in the traditional sense since some buildings have been built into what used to look like one but that''s only one side of the ce. There would''ve been one surrounding the ce at some point that''s turned to ruin but I''m guessing they''re not exactly needed? I''m guessing bandits and pirates aren''t all thatmon this area in the world and if they are, there is a force of the town guards to deal with.


    There is something strange about this ce though. Being that it''s technically not part of the elven or human continents, it''s slightly diverse. Clearly not as noticeable as the fourth continent Mdonia but the point is, elves, beastfolk and humans do live together here, even if it''s like ny percent human. No dwarfs in sight though.


    Didn''t notice itst time I visited, maybe because I was a little blind back then to the racism in this world? Unsurepletely but it does at the very least allow me to use the hybrid form, gonna call the feathered version that from now on. Not really getting any res which is kinda good.


    While walking through the market holding hands though, we''ve finallye across what appears to be the biggest cksmith shop in this ce. In all honesty, it''s not exactlyrge or impressive but that was to be expected in a ce not needing weapons.


    "Don''t mind me, sir is who you want to speak with"


    We walk past the fiery forge out the front with what looks to be an apprentice working it and into the shop proper after he speaks to us. That kid is pretty scrawny for someone who strikes metal all day if I''m being honest, he must''ve just started this job.


    Now into the store, we both walk up to the counter and to and old looking balding guy standing behind it, I''m guessing he''s the owner then.


    "What you looking for? Got a good selection of light swords or daggers in stock right now"


    (Ikarus) "We''re looking for advice"


    "I''m a cksmith deary, the only advice I can give is buy some weapons or leave"


    Are all cksmiths in this world like this? Slightly rude I mean, whether it''s in a nice way or a nasty, most do seem pretty blunt even if I haven''t exactly met many.


    "*Sigh*, do me a favour and take a look at these. Ikarus, show him your dagger as well please"


    Judging by Petra''s reaction, this guy is just slightly rude, I''m guessing showing him our weapons proves we''re here for a different reason? Notpletely sure on that but I do as asked anyways and show it to him.


    "You think that piece of enchanted shit will impress me? Prefer the shine of cold, hard steel than that magical crap, the dark-haired woman''s one is better albeit a little worn though"


    "It has been sharpened more times that I can remember a this point"


    "Then you''re stupid to rely on an old piece like that"


    That''s it, this guy''s rudeness is pissing me off now. I don''t mind being insulted myself but when it''s my enchanted items or Petra, that''s where I draw the line.


    "Listen you grumpy old fuck! We''re looking for advice on where to go to smelt a whole load of ore. If you don''t want to be civil, then we''ll just fuck off and take our business elsewhere"


    I know they say old people can have a right to be rude and grumpy but I''m not having this eighty something year old relic talk that way to us; Petra is older than him and she''s not a dick!


    "Hang on, hang on, hang on... Apologies, get a load of people justing in here with things not rted to smithing or smelting so assumed you two were pulling my chain.... Anyways, you''re looking for someone to refine some ore? Should''ve led with that"


    I can already tell this guy might be irritating even if he just apologized, can always find someone else if he bes too much I guess.


    (Petra) "The advice wanted was just on where to find miners for such a thing, you live here so it would make sense seeing that we''ll most likely be working together at some point"


    At least this guy is willing to think and give us the time of day now, honestly have no idea how Petra can deal with stubborn people all the time and not get annoyed with them. Thankfully enough, this cksmith isn''t too stubborn.


    "Hmm... the town isn''t exactly full of people needing work but you could always just put a job listing down in the market, of course you''ll also need some builders to ensure the mine is safe... oh, that kid outside might be able to help... Boy! Inside now!"


    The scrawny, brown-haired kid rushes in from outside and ends up bumping into the door on the way in.


    "Ouch... What was it you wanted sir?"


    Even though I say kid, he''s more in histe teens but looks scrawny as hell, he definitely must be an adult, at least he better be otherwise this guy is using childbour.


    "These two are looking for workers... say, didn''t your old man used to run a mine?"


    "Yes sir, before it copsed killing them all"


    ...


    Well... that didn''t just cause an awkward silence, this kid doesn''t even seem that bothered about it, must''ve gotten over it quite a bit.


    "Then how about we make an agreement? This boy is in a slight amount of debt to me, you take him off my hands and agree to dealing with this shop exclusively, then that''s an arrangement that can be made"


    Before I even have the chance to think on it, Petra already has an answer.


    "No, it''s impossible"


    "Why''s that?"


    "Because frankly, there''s too much ore for you to handle alone. We can start off with slight exclusivity but after, we''ll have to expand, this shop alone isn''t enough"


    I mean, Petra ispletely right like usual, we''re going to have to go see the dwarfs again at some point so that''s another cksmith obtained right there if we can get one. Also, how much ore can an old man reasonably smelt in a single day?


    "Okay... how much have you two kidse across? Don''t answer, that''ll work more than enough... Boy, these two hold your contract for now, the same rules still apply so work for them long enough and repay your debt"


    "Okay sir..."


    __________


    And just like that, we''ve gained someone who apparently can help out massively, I''m sceptical like with most things but hopefully it should work out. I also don''t like how this basically sounds simr to something like a debt ve contract but everyone has to pay back their debts I guess.


    The old cksmith also pointed out it would''ve taken three years of work for him to pay back what was owed, spoke a little more just before leaving so I guess we''ve got him working for us for three years? I''m notfortable with this so once we''ve spoken for a little bit, we''ll just free him and if he knows his stuff, offer him a job, doubt he''ll turn it down since he seems pretty excited right now for some reason though.


    Leaving the shop and heading to a small bench in the market, I want to have words with him quickly, I get that he''s got experience and all that but he does seem a little young.


    "Oi kid, how much do you know about the whole mining thing? It''s not exactly like you seem very experienced in the whole thing"


    "Well, I don''t want to brag ma''am but... most of everything involving day to day mining activities, father was teaching me to take over the family business until it copsed. Most of it was stuff like managing the workers and keeping deadlines in check, also rationing out food and water and organizing the shifts, there''s a little more to it than just that but that''s just a quick summary"


    Well shit, looks like we''ve hit the jackpot, feel sorry for his father dying that way but I guess we at least benefit from the whole thing... I really shouldn''t look at it that way, that''s honestly terrible Ikarus, bad bird!


    "You know what caused the mine to copse?"


    Sometimes Petra can be a little insensitive but the question is valid, we don''t want someone to start the mining process only to have another copsed mine, even if the main part of it technically is a dungeon after all.


    "Funding ma''am, father liked to skip costs and never thought to reinforce the mineshafts properly... it was his own stupidity really"


    This kid sounds a little down but at the very least, he''s honest about the whole thing. Also, that might be a slight hint, don''t skimp out on costs and everything will go smoothly. Yeah... this is definitely going to be the way to go, our luck stumbling across him is brilliant, the God of luck clearly watches over us sometimes especially with my abilities as well.


    "So then, here''s the deal kid... we''vee across something worth a lot on one of the other inds and need as many miners as possible. You can run the mine itself but obviously we''d like to see what you''re capable of first"


    "Excuse me ma''am, but that could be quite the haul getting arge amount of ore over here, you nning on using boats?"


    I''m got to tell him to stop calling us that and start using our names, still don''t like being called miss or ma''am, bloody irritating.


    "You don''t need to worry about that, there''s a trick I can do... oh, you''ll probably have to sign a non-disclosure agreement... they''re not really a thing in this world though, are they Petra?"


    "Heh, no Ikarus but you can always invent them"


    For the time being, I can just transport the loose ore myself, it might be a lot of flying back and forth in the beginning but we can sort out transport shipster on. For now, it would be better to do it this way and maybe fly them over there in the first ce. Actually, getting a ship or using some rowboats could also work getting across the channel, shouldn''t have to show them my wings just yet.


    "Sorry... a what ma''am?"


    "Ah, it''s basically like a keep the secret type thing. If you reveal any details, I can sue you for everyone you''ve got... Basically, don''t spill certain details to anyone not associated with us and your money will be safe... oh, you''ll also be paid a good wage as well"


    "So... you wish to keep the whole thing under wraps ma''am? No problems to that if you''re trying to avoid paying tribute"


    That wasn''t what I was getting at but I guess it''s a good thing? Even if that other ind doesn''t even belong to this settlement, at least no one lives over there right now so it shouldn''t, this kid is pretty open minded which is good. My point was more whether I''m in hybrid or normal bird form, it''ll be an inevitability at some point that the workers see me flying unless I purposely go out of my way to prevent it. Point being, don''t reveal I''m a phoenix to anyone who isn''t allowed to know.


    "At least that''s somewhat sorted then, we''ll give you the rundown of the ce, get your opinion on everything needed once you agree to a wage and all that..."

 Chapter 92 – Anticlimactic

    Chapter 92 ¨C Anticlimactic


    "So... this is the location then?"


    "Surprised no one ever came across it before"


    "They did say it was a dungeon jackass, would''ve been killed for entering"


    "It better be safe now"


    It''s been several days since we first returned to the three inds and we''ve been continuing our n, the people speaking are several of the workers we hired before taking a ship across this small channel. In total, there''s about ten of them, all have been promised high wagesparable to this ce in exchange for either woodcutting, mining and keeping silent.


    Spoke a lot to that kid about this, name was Jaxon about everything we might need. Basically, it''s a lot simpler than you might expect, good money for encouragement, wood for supporting the mine and an inventory full of food and water being brought over when needed. Also did buy a lot of booze for them, need a way of passing the time after all since they can''t be working every minute of the day.


    Actually getting the workers here was easier than expected, all we needed to do was put up a job listing in the marketce giving a rough description of the job and wouldn''t you know it, ten people came about. Jaxon did give a rough estimate on how much a miner might earn; it was basically next to nothing but that is based on my parents skewing my knowledge on money after all.


    Seriously though, could easily afford to pay these lot for months before really needing to worry and even then, parents aren''t exactly far away if a profit isn''t being made. As for their wages, decided to go for double what a normal miner might get paid, simply because all of them had to sign a deal of secrecy, even if not all could read or write.


    It''s pretty simple really, none are allowed to obviously steal from the mine, discuss with outsiders the contents of the mine and talk about my species with them as well, haven''t actually told or showed them my bird form yet but did make sure they understood that I''m not human and that should be obvious just looking at my hybrid form. If they find out and If any of them do reveal it to someone who could be considered an enemy, then the punishment is basically extreme debt, they''ll owe me more than they''ll ever earn down here. No need to mention Petra, she shouldn''t even need to change form but can always add that in if needed.


    The thing is, I''m still not that fussed about it being public, just that there will be people out in this world who don''t like such a thing. Oh, even forgot about the church, they apparently dislike any species that aren''t human especially the beastfolk. Apparently, it goes against God''s view on how there is only one true righteous species. They already dislike same sex stuff, imagine their reaction at finding out I''m not human as well, going to have to deal with them at some point but for now, let''s just focus on the mine and the workers.


    Honestly, none of them really seemed that bothered about potentially selling their lives away at the sake of loose lips, I''m guessing being paid double is a very attractive benefit? Also, I''m pretty sure most of these were unemployed to begin with so the chance to earn a living smashing ore is clearly attractive, it''s a very good thing we came across Jaxon though. Despite his young age, he knows a lot about mining so even if most of these lot struggle at first, he might as well already be the manager of this ce.


    Anyways, onto the present, me and Petra are currently leading the ten plus workers into the giant dungeon and have just arrived at the huge part, made sure to keep it a surprise to see their reactions first hand.


    "Fuck... me"


    "Understand why you want this ce kept a secret"


    "At least we know where our payment ising from"


    "Yeah, that''s a lotta gold"


    Those four do seem to be the more vocal out of the lot, think one of them is female as well. No point mentioning what they''re noticing, anyone can tell what gold looks like at first nce.


    "Jaxon will be taking upmand and assigning you duties. He has more experience than all of youbined so don''t dare give him any shit or you''ll regret it"


    Huh, Petra''sying down thew so to speak, I guess you''ve got to be pretty firm with them since this is our mine after all, even if that seemed forced a bit. That could be a y we do to these lot though, Ikarus good cop and Petra bad cop, I''m just getting distracted now.


    "Thanks ma''am... everyone! We need to sort the schedule first, split up work shifts so some of you will be outside gathering wood, others will be mining. Then we''ll switch it up every week or so"


    That''s going to be pretty backbreaking work dragging logs down here but that''s what I''m paying them for after all, none of the workers really look all that bothered about taking orders from the kid, that''s also a good thing. If they start giving him shit though, made sure that he can dish out punishments. Nothing physical of course but wages can be docked if they start tock about.


    I am trying to be a decent boss believe it or not, just being a little cautious about the whole thing, this is our mine after all.


    "That''s agreeable"


    "As long as I don''t have to sleep in a dumpster again, I''m more than happy"


    "Stick me down here first, this ce looks mint!"


    "Sure, I''ve got some more questions before though..."


    While those lot and speaking with their new mine master, Petra nudges me about something.


    "Ikarus?"


    Petra just says my name like that, almost as if she was asking me a question... ah right, that.


    "Ah, nearly forgot then... here''s all the supplies you''ll need... better make thisst a month otherwise you''ll starve"


    I pull out a LOT of stuff from storage, so much in fact it makes a pile as tall as me. In truth, most of it is dried food that canst a hell of a long time if you store it in a salt barrel but there''s a lot of other stuff that have been picked up in the capital or just bought from the fish market here. In truth, I can get rid of most my storage food because months'' worth of food isn''t exactly needed unless we go dungeon spelunking again. Ah, can''t forget about the pickaxes and wood cutting axes I''ve dropped.


    Also did bring a few storage barrels as well, don''t say I never think ahead after all. Just need to make a freezer and we''ll be set, unfortunately only the dwarfs know how to do that sort of thing without needingrge amounts of ice. I wonder if they''d be willing to share that technology but doubt it, no other ce has technology like theirs. Enough about this though, I''m getting bored listing of the crap I bought in storage.


    It does appear the workers have something to say about the gigantic pile of varied food and other stuff though, I''m guessing some of these have never had things like cake as well. I mean, it''s none of the really good stuff but it''s at least varied, most of them probably have to eat fish every day since that''s the ind''s specialty. Sure, fish is nice and all but not for every meal, would get boring pretty quick.


    "Don''t take this the wrong way but... could you two adopt us?"


    "You''re such a dickhead"


    "He''s got a point though; this is like a noble''s feast!"


    "I swear this will probably go bad before we can even eat it all"


    At least the atmosphere down here is going to be good, we''ll let them get on with it and return every now and then to see what''s going on, it''s not exactly like it would be impossible to get back to the settlement by themselves since the ind gap is more the size of a river, not exactly difficult to row across or even potentially swim.


    "Want to head back then Petra?"


    "Sure Ikarus"


    And now it''s time for some alone time, there''s something we haven''t done in a while and now it''s break time...


    __________


    "Ahhhh... this ce is still like heaven"


    "Heh, would''ve thought you might have bad memories Ikarus"


    "Why would I? They''re all dead now and you''re alongside me... no issues left in the world whatsoever"


    Of course, we''re back at the lush hot springs under the starry filled night sky, we''re like proper business owners now cking off, get all the peasants to work for us while we sit back and rx. For the record, that''s a joke, we''re going to go back there most days to see how they''re getting on, mostly down to safety reasons.


    We did have a quick fly about checking beforehand but unsure if that ind has anything dangerous on it or not, mostly tried checking for wolfs and things like but couldn''t find anything so our job might not be needed if it''s like that. If it''s already safe, then that''s a bonus but it''s not exactly like any of them are terrified children worried that the big bad wolf wille eat them up.


    "So then Petra..."


    What should we chat about? We''re in here alone once again, people don''t tend to bathe thiste so it''s always a good time toe here. Also, could just book out the whole ce to ourselves but that seems a little much, is it a little weird if we''re mostly silent in here though?


    "... Erm... you got anything to talk about?"


    "Heh, we can just rx in silence Ikarus, don''t always have to make small talk"


    She definitely has a point but sometimes it''s better to just have some noise, even if it''s just in the background. Also, I do always love to be around and speak with Petra.


    "Sure, we can... but I like hearing you speak though, it''s always nice to hear your voice"


    "Heh... as do I"


    Oh, that wasn''t really much of a teasing response there, expected a yful thing like she normally does. I guess even she does seem pretty rxed in this spring with me right now, she really is beautiful evenying back like that... hmm...


    My mind has just gone to somethingpletely random, now I''m thinking of what happens next between us again. Kissing is great and all but I''m pretty sure there''s not that many steps before something big happens...


    "Petra... hypothetically speaking... what would happen if we did share a bed?"


    Not in that way! Erm... my thinking was that ONLY sleeping alongside each other might be a step that we could make sooner rather thanter but even without me trying, I swear I''m like subconsciously trying to get her to tease me or something, that really says it all...


    "Heh, I''ll be nice since you really don''t help yourself at times..."


    Even she realizes that was too easy to respond there, she is right, I really don''t help myself.


    "... I''m guessing cuddling would be fine with you? It''s not exactly like I can''t control myself... although, you do make it difficult not to pounce though"


    Damn it! She really couldn''t help herself as well!


    "Listen Petra, I love you and all that but that''s not even funn-"


    Sighhh... I''m just having one of those days today, I''m not taking it back this time around since that would be a pointless lie and I''ll probably just make it worse; she doesn''t seem to have much of a reaction though...


    "Heh, love you too Ikarus"


    ...


    Hang on... did she just confess!? I mean, I wasn''t going to take back what I said but she''s just said it so casual like, is this actually not a big deal then? Have been kinda getting the feeling we both feel the same but to think we''ve both said it like that, even if mine was idental, could she have made a slipup too?


    "Wait... you know what you just said Petra?"


    She does realize what we both just said, right? I know I said it didn''t feel like that big of a deal but it''s still an actual love confession, it is kinda a big deal.


    "Of course Ikarus, felt that way for a while now so it''s not that much of a surprise, also know you''ve felt the same even longer"


    She is pretty perceptive, even if I''ve idently said it twice already now. I''d say it might be a little soon but considering how slow the rtionship has actually developed, it really isn''t.


    "But still... it seems a little anticlimactic, it''s not even like we''ve admitted we''re a couple yet"


    "Wait... are we Ikarus!? Had no idea, thought we were just friends after all"


    Seriously, her smile when she''s messing about is just out of this world, even if this time around it''s because of sarcasm.


    "You know what I mean, no need to be sarcastic about it... I guess we both l-l- fuck! Why the hell can''t I say it?"


    It''s like a mental block, why is it hard to say when doing it on purpose? It''s just a single word, no need to stutter on it.


    "Heh... here, let me say it, then you can follow me up..."


    Then Petra slowly moves closer up to me, now we''re face to face in this steamy hot spring and looks straight into my eyes. Urgh, romance, please help this poor bird''s heart.


    "... So, I love you Ikarus..."


    I can''t take this; it''s too freaking much! You''re too much Petra! The way you said that has given me a slight shiver down my spine, not like that''s a terrible thing...


    "... Now it''s your turn, it''s not going to kill you to do it"


    Damn her beautiful cursed smile! It might kill me, might even make me melt into this water. I do want to say it but it''s just so difficult to do so.


    "Heh,e on Ikarus, you can do it"


    I''ve got to do it, I owe her this much, she''s given me her heart so it''s only fair to do the same even if I don''t using that sort of thing. Like seriously, how can you give someone your heart? I''m being way too literal but forget it though, I''m doing this now.


    "I-I..."


    Come on, you stupid fucking bird! It''s just one simple word that you''ve already said out loud twice, stop making this stupid and just do it!


    "... L-L..."


    This isn''t like the first time like when you learnt to speak; you can say the word so just say it!


    "... L-L-Love you"


    As soon as I manage to get the troublesome word out, another voicees from within causing meplete and utter shutdown.


    [<Aesa is proud of -user->]


    "Fuck off! You stupid piece of shit AI! Why do you have to ruin everyth-"


    Ignoring my rampage at my system, Petra goes in for the kill. I''m never going to turn this down even while pissed, she''s like the best kisser ever...

 Chapter 93 – Gold

    Chapter 93 ¨C Gold


    "Ah, you two are already back? It''s only been a day, hope you''re not expecting an entire backpack full of ore"


    Me and Petra are back in the dungeon speaking with the mine master Jaxon, both of us thought it would be good idea just to check quickly to see if things haven''t gonepletely to shit.


    It''s honestly a little surprising how even just a day of progress can make things different down here. Near one of the pirs, it seems that all eleven bed rolls are around a burnt-out campfire with the barrels next to it, a sleeping bit down here would be expected though. What isn''t is that they''ve already gotten tree logs down here and are starting the first section of an upleted mineshaft, this kid definitely knows what he''s doing.


    As forst night, still couldn''t share a bed with Petra just yet even after our love confession, dide very close to suggesting it though. I seriously reckon give it a week or two, sleeping together could be very much possible, I do wonder who might be in the ''spoon'' position but I''d be happy with it either way...


    (Petra) "Nothing like that"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah we''re just visiting... so anyways, how''s it going then Jaxon? Any issuese up yet?"


    Maybe we might appear over eager but it''s not exactly like there''s anything else going on. As much as I love romantic things with Petra and all, feel like my heart would give up if we spent too much time with a goal in mind, mostly because that''s when all the romantic stuff seems to happen. It would make sense that it would happen in our rxed times but still, I''ve got to be careful otherwise I think I''ll end up loving this woman too much, might get clingy or something like that.


    "Nothing too major but there is a slight one actually, the workers you''ve employed really haven''t got a clue what they''re doing"


    It seems two of the vocal four who are currently down here have something to something to say about Jaxon''sment, they might be smashing rocks in the work in progress mineshaft right now but that still doesn''t mess up their hearing.


    "That scrawny little shit somehow shows all of us up"


    "Yeah, that kid is misleading as hell! How can someone as weak as him smash rocks that easily?"


    Great, I feel like I''m going to have to do something if these lot are referring to their boss as kid or little shit, he seems to have a response lined up for theirining though.


    "Shut your wagging tongues and get back to work! You don''t want me to put in a bad word to our wealthy backers, do you? I wonder how much money we could save if you want to keep it up"


    "Yessir"


    "Fine"


    It''s a really good thing this kid has a backbone and also sounds pretty strict, even if he is misleading as hell. Seriously though, you would think someone this scrawny couldn''t do such a physical job, I still can''t get over it.


    "Now back to what I was speaking about, the slight problem is food. While we''ve got more than enough and the quality is excellent, it might be better to focus more on things that can be preserved for a long time like more of the meats and for stuff which isn''t, only focus it around protein-based things like eggs and milk. Need to whip these lot into shape so sweets and things like that for these lot aren''t deserving"


    Oh, that wasn''t what I was expecting, was thinking more along the lines of there might be dangerous animals around, not him pointing out the food isn''t the greatest for building muscle. I mean, cake does have eggs in so it''s kinda protein based? Forget it though, next time I''ll make it less varied and more boring, meat''s good and all but too much salt can be overwhelming, at least for my tastebuds but obviously not for those muscle gains.


    I''m also sure I heard a few of the lot smashing into the ore grunt at hisment there, they are working for a good wage after all so shut it and don''t moan! It''s not exactly like I didn''t give you bottles and bottles of alcohol to get through as well so losing cake privileges isn''t the end of the world. Hang on, if I had to choose between cake or alcohol, what would I choose?... That''s like an impossible challenge! If Petra were involved in that choice, then there wouldn''t be much of a choice but can''t decide if they''re only the two options.


    "Understandable, we''ll keep that in mind next time"


    "You know that''s a little ironic kid?"


    While I also understand what he''s getting at like Petra, thatst thing he said about whipping them into shape is a little bit funny, shouldn''t he be doing the same? It''s not exactly like he''s got much muscle despite clearly being the best miner down here.


    "Ah, got a slight condition that causes my body this way, unsure what it''s called but I''ve never been able to build up physical muscle"


    Oh, well now I feel bad bringing it up even if he sounded perfectly fine mentioning it, I guess his strengthes from something else then? Maybe his muscles are small but dense? This is stupid, not going to ask further about something like that.


    Thinking about it though, I haven''t checked his status out yet, already know it won''t be high but I''m still curious.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Jaxon | Species: Human | Level: 6]


    [Health 300/300]


    [Stamina 258/300]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''Never judge someone on their numbers, even if they''re pretty low... I need to get him to kill something as some point to help him out though... hey Aesa, how would he be able tost a day mining and not pass out half way through? You''d think his stamina would be too low to mine, he seems to be involved as much as the others anyway then just doing advising work''


    I ask that simply because of how much it seems to drain, you''d think having stamina that low wouldn''t evenst a day.


    [<Is -user- seriously asking that question? We''ve already had this discussion, stamina drains doing various different activities, some drain more than others>]


    ''That''s not my point though, I can lose close to a thousand a day by barely doing anything, you''d think he wouldn''t be able tost that long''


    [<Apologies -user-, Aesa misunderstood the question. Stamina drain does seem to be more percentage based then other stats. Point being, higher levels would drain more from basic activities but would always be worth it, example being -user''s- longest time without sleep, record still standing at 9 days>]


    ''Fair enough... that really wasn''t a fun flight though''


    I guess that answers it, should probably go back to our conversation instead of getting sidetracked like usual.


    "Fair enough then kid, we''ll be sure to pop over quite a bit so if any other problems like packs of wolves roaming about or stuff like that, let us know"


    "Erm... you know there are no wolfs on these inds, right? They seriously are safer than literally any other ce, it''s why so many people fork out their life savings getting a boat out here from all over the ce"


    (Petra) "At least that exins the question on why this ce is so varied, standard of living isn''t that bad as well"


    "Yeah, for most it''s a fresh start where other than starving, there isn''t much else to worry about really. If there were more jobs and money floating about, then I could see this ce attracting a lot more but for now, it''s more than pleasant enough"


    There''s seriously not a single wolf over here? The kid also makes it sound like starving isn''t a big deal, I''m guessing a lot of this world really have it pretty bad then. Need to check in with the capital at some point to see how things are going, already heard the odd rumour about there being a lot of change over there but it''s not exactly like news can get around that quickly in this world, we are on an ind not actually part of the empire after all.


    "Well regardless then kid, still give us a heads up if there''s any other problems, we''ll head back now and let you get on with it"


    Just before we turn and go to head back, it seems our conversation isn''t just over yet.


    "Ah beforehand, take a sample back with you... Sir-, no, that grumpy dick of a cksmith would like to see it. Tell him in that he''ll need to prepare for a hundred times that amount, it''s not literal but he''ll understand what I mean"


    Jaxon picks up and passes me quite a heavy lump of gold ore, I take it nearly dropping the damn thing due to the weight and then ce it nice and safe inside my ring, I''m a little unsure why he needs a sample but the kid knows best.


    On the way-out holding hands, can''t help but have a few words with my lovebird, that''s kinda cute calling Petra that, might do it more often.


    "Hey Petra, we''ve really got lucky with him"


    Seriously though, I already owe priestess''s God a lot and now another, our luck seems to be brilliant right now, just look at the abilities I''ve unlocked as well. Even if there is or isn''t a God controlling luck behind the scenes, I''ve got to make the most of it right now, I''d buy a lotto ticket to go with this streak if they existed in this world.


    "Heh, yeah, this will make this a lot easier going forward... The question is, how do we precede next?"


    It would be better if we could automate everything and transport the ore we getter on without having to fly back and forth, can already tell that''s going to be a nuisance but I guess it''ll have to do for now. Maybe someday might even set up a forge out here in the mine for smelting or even better yet, build a huge bridge connecting this ind to the town, lots of ns but all pointless if we don''t have manpower or money. Huh, could also build a dock over this side as well, need to stop thinking so far ahead though.


    "That''s obvious, right? We sell it!"


    "Then guessing we''ll be paying the dwarfs a visit in the near future? Still might take some time but things are progressing"


    Still got a little ways to go but things are looking good right now, need to ride this high as much as possible before things inevitably start to mess up. I used to be pretty optimistic but with everything in this world, things always can take a turn for the worse at any time so need to make the most of everything... like for example, currently sharing this moment with Petra before I have to change form outside the mine.


    "Oi Petra... you know we actually are lovebirds, right?"


    It''s really cute that, I''m trying to ignore the pun but I surprisingly like it, Petra and Ikarus, the two lovebirds taking on the world as mine owners! I''d say alongside each other but she is on my back a lot...


    "Heh, funny how you can say it perfectly fine like that"


    Saying lovebird is easier than actually saying I love you though, that should be obvious for someone of my unique mind.


    "Well obviously! I am pretty odd when ites to everything after all"


    "Wouldn''t change you for the world"


    "Urgh, that should be my line..."


    Before we head back, let''s have a quick kiss though...


    __________


    "Hmm..."


    Back in the cksmith''s shop showing him the lump or ore, he seems to be staring at it a lot on his shop counter. Look, I know he''s a cksmith so he can probably tell how good ore actually is but it''s been like ten minutes already! Hurry up and start smelting it down!


    "... Whatever you two kids havee across; I want in even if the risk is extremely high. Despite not actually seeing raw gold before, it doesn''t take a genius to tell this is some quality rock"


    Heh, the people over here really don''t care that much about breaking thew, even if there doesn''t seem to be much of aw to break in this town. As for the orement, good then I guess, it freaking should be good since it''s gold after all.


    "It''s nothing illegal like that, Jaxon made sure to pass a message on"


    "Yeah, the kid said something about preparing this a hundred times and that you''ll know what it means?"


    Look at us finishing each other''s sentences, I''m not sure that was what she intended but it seemed to give her a smile.


    "Hmm... you kids really must''ve have stumbled across arge amount of this then. Listen, I''m still up for this but if a band of blood thirsty piratese looking for all this gold you''re stealing, I really don''t n departing this life that way, even if my lips will remain sealed"


    This old cksmith really can''t get it into his head that we haven''t actually stolen this, why is finding a gold mine so hard to believe? Maybe it''s that dungeon that causes it, most people don''t dare go over to that ce since the dungeon is supposed to be cursed, the workers we hired all must be a little more carefree about such a thing. Well... it obviously isn''t, just that there''s no chance a normal human could ever defeat that gigantic bastard so the curse is just people getting pummled by his club.


    "Heh, your worries are unneeded"


    "Stop worrying over it old man, it seriously ain''t nothing like that so let it go"


    "I''ll shut it then... though, I''ve normally charged down to weight when ites to ore. Seeing that the risk factor is pretty high and this will take a lot of time, that won''t really cut it..."


    Oh, so that''s what he''s trying, negotiating a higher fee. I was always just going to offer him a decent wage but if he''s just trying to be sly about it and do this, I''ll just let him get on with it.


    "... Also, if there''s that much of the stuff, I might even need to hire some more recruits... this will unfortunately have to be a high fixed wage for such a demanding constant working job..."


    This old guy... he really thinks he''s bargaining from a position of power here, might need to knock him down a step if he keeps it up.


    Before he has the chance to continue hinting at a higher wage, Petra''s had enough of it and steps in.


    "Listen cksmith, don''t be acting like you''re irreceable, we''re paying a visit to the dwarfs at some point and there will definitely be smiths willing to work with the gold over there as well"


    "True, but most aren''t as close as my shop here, the shipping costs would be enormous"


    He hasn''t realized it yet but he''s not just trying to debate with anyone, this is Petra we''re talking about here.


    "What about the other cksmiths in this town? You also really think we couldn''t convince some dwarfs to relocate? Keep it up and we''ll stop this slight exclusivity we''re already offering you for the time being... you''ll get paid enough so whatever it is you''re doing, it''s pointless and boring"


    Petra is really good at killing a guy''s hopes and dreams, I guess we both do need to have a slight amount of authority if we''re going to have people working for us after all, carefree Ikarus has been developing so that might need to be something I better myself on.


    "Hmph, fine, don''t knock an old guy for trying his luck though, I''d love some of that gold for myself but obviously that''s isn''t something I''d ever think of doing"


    "You''ve already seen both our weapons, no point even giving a warning"


    I do actually like seeing take control of the situation Petrae out to say hello, it''s beencking a bit recently since I''ve been doing most things but it''s always good to see her bossy side return. That''s not sarcasm, I actually like every aspect of her.


    "Yeah yeah, it''s not exactly like I could sell it anyways, no one of this boring ce has the coins for such a thing... I''m a cksmith anyway, not a bloody thief! Those little shits have always made us shopkeepers jobs more danger filled, I mean..."


    Heins about the risk, then alsoins it being boring? Make up your mind old man, and now it sounds like he''s rambling about something else. I''m pretty sure he also just said something about most of the modern generation not wanting to work, I''ve basically stopped listening at this point.


    After an annoyingly short timeter, that conversation has now finished and we''ve left him with the gold, it''ll be doubtful if he can even make a decent size bar out of that since the richness of it could depend greatly but I guess we''ll find out very soon...

 Chapter 94 – Lovebirds

    Chapter 94 ¨C Lovebirds


    "Hehehe... the fruits of ourbour, tis a beautiful thing really"


    "Heh, if only your stares were reserved for someone else"


    "I always look at you in that way! You''re not getting jealous over a metal bar... are you Petra?"


    "Of course not, my lovely Ikarus"


    I''m looking at a small, single golden bar mined, processed and then picked up from the cksmith''s. It''s now in my grasp and is making me drool, not literally of course although I wouldn''t be surprised if I did. We''ve only just picked this up from the cksmith''s from that ore we gave him the other day and are now having lunch at the inn, sure we probably should be a little more subtle about such a thing but it''s not exactly like I''m waving it about, it''s sitting on myp right now.


    Even though we''ve been eating, I really can''t help but keep staring at it. I think the main reason is because I''ve never seen something like this within my own two hands, sure, gold coins are great and all but this thing actually makes them! And sooner orter, we''re could have a vault full of this! This isn''t even a full sized one yet as well! We''ll definitely have to build or buy a ce to store all these at some point though.


    What I just said is true about Petra though, I do check her out a load so I think she might be a little jealous. In all honesty though, there was a slight hint of a lie in what she said, a tiny amount but it was still there... you know what? I''m going to use this even if it could backfire, I''d love to effectively tease her and get away with it but if it backfires, that''s not the worst thing in the world either...


    "So... if I was to give, ALL my attention to this brilliant, sexy piece of metal, you wouldn''t be jealous at all? Even if I was to hug it ever so tightly?"


    "Heh... you''ll regret this Ikarus"


    You know what? I think I will but that doesn''t mean I''m going to stop this despite this thing now getting ufortable on myp, I''d put it in back in storage but I''ve got Petra within my grasp now!


    "Really? Do tell how I''ll regret giving my soul to this absolutely stunning and amazing bar of gold, I''d hate to rece you but with this piece of metal, it might just happen"


    I''m so freaking odd, it''s a good thing she likes me so much.


    "Heh... It''s pretty simple how I''ll do it Ikarus, I''ll just have to draw away your attention by some other method"


    Sitting next to me in the booth, she moves even closer, looks me in the eyes and smiles. I can already tell where this is leading and there''s no chance I''m going say no to some mouth action.


    Petra moves in for the kill and I embrace it, I find very quickly that something else startles me while we''re proper kissing though. When I say proper, you should be able to understand what a ''proper'' kiss is.


    "W-Wha-... what are you doing?"


    "Oops, looks like my hand slip... heh"


    I can''t believe she just did that! You know that whole thing where your hands can kinda wander when kissing? Yeah, one of her hands went to something of which there are two of and pretty soft as well as being brilliant to hold. I don''t even need to be explicit, I''m way too flustered to even care about anything else right now.


    "Petra... we are in public, ya know?"


    Keep in mind, we have been talking pretty quietly throughout this, I guess it was more seductive throughout that gold bit then just quiet but still.


    "No one saw or is even here... it''s funny how your biggest concern is being seen though, noints about what I just did there?"


    Damn it, she realized I didn''t hate it, I''m still not embracing this female side to me despite it basically being impossible to avoid at this point. Despite this body being great, it still had its drawbacks like with being male as well. I definitely don''t remember being like this as a guy back on Earth though, clearly this has had an effect on the way my mind works as well.


    Maybe I should''ve tried to prevent it a little more but it''s not exactly like my personality has changed drastically. Ah, an example I can give, the idea of dating a guy with a third leg is still something I''d never do despite me changing a lot on things. I guess I''ve be a little less insecure about the whole thing but my tastes still haven''t changed in the slightest. As much as I love Petra, that male version of her in one of the dungeons is still not a pleasant memory. That huge thing still gives me terrible nightmares time to time, I joke but there was one where it was chasing me through a dark and scary forest...


    "Urgh, you caught me... it wasn''t that bad... I guess"


    Listen okay, this of course is going to make me pout a bit, I should be the one with wandering hands! Not Petra, that''s only a slight annoyance though,


    "Heh... at the very least Ikarus, you might not want to try something like that again otherwise you may actually regret it next time"


    "I''ll... keep that in mind"


    The thing is, I still don''t regret doing what I did even if it made Petra go a bit hands on, literally I might add. Also, I kinda feel like the moment''s ruined now even if she was flirting but oh well, that was the first time something like that''s happened so it was bound to end a little different.


    Despite all that, it didn''t feel bad though, maybe a bit sensitive but wouldn''t say that''s bad...


    __________


    "Let''s get serious for a bit now, should we head to the dwarven kingdom and set up a trade deal yet or not?"


    Now we''re just wandering the market basically window shopping, the problem is that we might''ve already done everything this settlement has to offer so the constant waiting around for something to happen is a little dull. Sure, I have the best distraction around but I really need to keep my mind active doing something else, that something can''t really be focusing solely on Petra because my mind and body take a long time to adapt to things. Forcing it isn''t ideal but the way we''re going right now, another step forward is fast approaching...


    "Erm... probably not Ikarus, might be better to wait till we''ve got a decent stock for the cksmith to smelt so there''s always some being made"


    Ah, forgot about that, I''m the carrier so transporting the ore over is solely my duty for the moment, otherwise it''ll just sit there in the mine and gather dust. When we leave, the miners will have to find another way of transporting it over, probably by rowboat simply because it could take weeks for us to get to the kingdom and back depending on the trip. Forget that worry though, we''re basically just on carrier duty for now and even that doesn''t take up much time.


    "So... what should we do now then?"


    I''m actually starting to miss Zeki and Ariza a little, they should being over here at some point when they''re both done in the capital but the main reason is that there always is something to talk about with those two. Petra''s great and all but she''s not always so talkative when nothing''s going on so I''m basically always initiating conversations. There''s only so much romance we can realistically do, it''s not like we''re especially clingy... actually, that might not be true, we do hold hands all the time when just wandering around like this and are pretty much inseparable now.


    "If you''re starting to get bored Ikarus, we can always train or try something new out"


    A problem with her first suggestion, we train to pass the time a lot, normally have a little sparring session most days at this point. I still can''t get Petra to fight back but she''s adamant I''m improving a lot so I''m just epting that for now.


    "What new things can we even do though?"


    "Well... don''t really have any suggestions but there''s got to be something you''ve wanted to do but never had the time for... most of mine involve things with you but you''re not ready for that yet"


    Urgh, I feel like that was her flirting a little there but I have no idea what she''s implying, I''ll just ignore that otherwise that''ll start to be a worry... something I''ve wanted to do for a while but never had the time... did always want to try my hand making chocte but maybe making something like lemonade but have no idea how I''d go about either ideas-... Wait, there''s an idea that some people do when being isekaied, haven''te across anything like that in this world yet so we could be the first to do it.


    "Petra... you reckon we could make fried chicken?"


    There''s quite a few food and drinkbinations that simply just don''t exist in this world and fired chicken is something I''m yet toe across, all the ingredients do exist as well.


    "Hmm... pretty sure Zeki tried that at one point but nearly burnt down everything inside the cave when he used the wrong type of oil, that put him permanently off trying anything he hasn''t cooked before"


    The wrong type of oil? No, he''s not that stupid, right?


    "Please don''t tell me he used the ck gold type of oil that Earthen country loves so much?"


    I''m sure I remember seeing a small puddle of it in the desert over here when west were there, clearly that type of oil exists in this world but using it for cooking? Petra can''t help but have a nostalgic smile from that though.


    "Heh, like I said to you before Ikarus, you really aren''t stupid... for Zeki, it''s debatable, Ariza would say it isn''t though"


    He actually tried to cook chicken in the oil used in fuel!? It literally is ck! How the hell could he think that would work? You''d think him being American, he''d be able to tell the difference between oils but that''s just a stereotypical thing, Zeki might just be stupid after all.


    That''s actually sounds like a fun idea though, cooking with Petra, obviously not doing anything stupid like that idiot but us two cooking side by side sounds alright actually, it''ll also give me an excuse to eat Petra''s cooking once again.


    You know what? This chicken n could really work though, you can buy them on this ind despite it being pretty expensive since they are mostly used for eggs, cooking oils are an actual thing in this world and the batter can be either flour or breadcrumb based after all. Who cares if we basically just ate? I can always eat more.


    "Screw it, let''s try frying some chicken, what''s the worst that could go wrong?..."


    __________


    "Fuck fuck fuck!... Petra, I need some help over here!"


    Standing over a roaring fiery cooking pot, I''ve clearly fucked up here, why the hell am I so ipetent when ites to cooking? All that oil inside has turned to me and could easily burn down this entire kitchen at any point.


    "Ikarus... how did you even manage to light it on fire? The pot is on the stove''s heated surface, that shouldn''t even be possible"


    "Urgh, I don''t know, please just help me, I''m so fucking useless at this"


    We''ve rented out the kitchen at the inn we''ve been staying at and wouldn''t you know it, I''m as ipetent as Zeki when ites down to this, all the oil and the chicken in my pot is now useless. I hate cooking now.


    "Just absorb it in, it''s only fire after all"


    "Wait, that works for other me?... oh, I guess it does... sorry about that"


    Like the odd creature I can be,pletely forgot I can basically absorb back in any me like when ites to cancelling my magic. For some reason, I had the thought other mes can''t be affected in that way, I do tend to make way too many assumptions.


    "Heh, don''t worry about it Ikarus, mine is now done"


    Petra looks kinda cute in these aprons we''re wearing but let''s keep the checking out to a minimum right now, fried chicken awaits then admiring her constant beauty. Petra uses a grabber to pick up several pieces of thepleted fried chicken and sets them down onto the te, it really looks good but will need a taste test to confirm but it clearly passes the eye test.


    This did take a while to set up and it''s even gone dark now, hopefully it''s worth it. We had to start by plucking several chickens and cutting them up, then preparing the batter mixture and making sure the oil is up to the right temperature. Trying to maintain that temperature was incidentally that reason how I ended up setting the whole thing alight but that''s why there''s two of us. When I fuck up, Petra is there to back me up, I''d love for the roles to sometimes be a little different but I still love our rtionship regardless.


    I could see this going wrong to begin with so I made sure to buy four chickens just in case this turned-out shit, it''s obvious this won''t be as good as the fried stuff on Earth but I at least want it to taste nice and not just be edible. It matters little about my mess now, hers was always going to taste better so let''s try a piece.


    I take one of the legs from the te, they are one of best parts in my humble opinion and bite into it. Immediately, my love for this woman increases tenfold.


    "Petra... why the hell are you so good at everything!? It''s perfect!"


    There might be joyful tears in my eyes, how the fuck can she cook so well? It''s not asparable to some of the restaurants that specialize in making fried chicken but the bnce in taste is just sublime, the crispiness is perfect, barely any grease at all and it doesn''t taste like it makes you feel sick, kinda opposite to that feeling you get when eating this type of food that makes you feel a little grossed out despite how good it is. Damn this woman and her fried chicken, is she seriously this oblivious to how good this is? Of course, she would be because of theck of taste but still.


    "Heh, it''s just a bit of seasoning Ikarus, this kitchen has quite the few options so used a bunch of different things, think it was eleven different herbs and spices. d you like it though; the texture seems pretty good"


    She must''ve been good at this even back on Earth, the way to get to a man''s heart is through their stomach after all... even if that isn''t technically true anymore. Forget that crap though, Petra''s cooking is top tier, it sucks immensely that she can''t even taste this but one day I''m going to help her disabilities, mark my words!


    "Still though... more please"


    "Heh, sure"


    She gives me another piece of fried chicken and I quickly scoff that down as well, sometimes I do feel bad for the animals that die to fill our stomachs but if God didn''t want you to eat meat, then why does it taste so good? Also, some animals need to eat meat to survive so it''s just the natural order of things, I know some vegetarians would hate me right now but I don''t abide by those human standards goddamn it! I''m a freaking bird after all!


    "What''s that smell in here?"


    Oh great, it''s that clich¨¦ that I''ve read or seen a hundred times over. The main character makes fried chicken, then ends up providing for the whole town, that shit ain''t happening today, capiche?


    Anyways, the old guy poking his head through the open doorway to the kitchen is the inn owner, he normally cooks himself for customers in this ce but you''ll be surprised at theck of visitors in this inn so that side job isn''t needed. Most travellers flock to the hot springs and this inn isn''t close by to it so business is pretty crappy after all. He is a decent chef to be fair, just obviously notparable to the best waifu lovebird by my side.


    "Just chicken cooking, you''re welc-"


    "It''s nothing, nothing to see here! We''ll be done in a bit so you don''t need to worry about something like a fire starting out or anything like that!"


    I have to put my hand over her mouth, I''m reserving her cooking for myself! Seriously though, we''re not doing that clich¨¦ today, there isn''t enough chickens on this ind and knowing Petra, she''ll just agree to do it unless I tell her explicitly not to. I''ve seen that clich¨¦ enough to know where this is heading, we''re not feeding the entire settlement Petra''s fried chicken... Heh, we could make apany called PFC but that''s just a silly idea.


    "I wasn''t worried what you two kids were up to but just noticing it smells nice, I''ll leave you be"


    The old inn owner quickly leaves the kitchen and now it''s just back to me, Petra and the holy fried chicken that could cause world peace. I''ve got to slow down eating this and stop scoffing it when I''m not speaking, there was something strange Petra just did to my hand covering up her mouth though.


    "Erm... did you just lick my hand?"


    "Heh, must be your imagination... you know it''s okay to share though Ikarus, it''s not like we''re going to eat all four chickens we bought"


    "You seriously underestimate me woman... and besides, nobody else is allowed to taste your cooking but me"


    I''m a selfish tsundere at times but I don''t care, Petra seems to adore that side of me as well so let''s embrace it! Fried chicken clearly brings the worst out of me, I might share with Minos and Ariza but that''s it though!


    "Heh, do you seriously want me to cook more Ikarus? You''ll go chubby if you eat all four chickens"


    She''s got a point but then again, I''m a bird weighing tonnes so I can eat a lot without worrying. Actually... thinking about it, I''m unsure how much I''m even supposed to eat for a reasonable diet. You''d think having a form weighing tonnes that you''d need to eat loads but that''s never really been a worry, always just eaten how much a human normally does after all, apart from a few exceptions like eating an entire wolf back in the early days, Petra''s always been the same as well... it might even be the case we don''t need to eat, can''t say I remember ever feeling full or even starving but doubt that.


    "Well... it''ll only be three at this point since mine''s ruined and I''ll make you eat some more so it''s not really all four... even if you can''t actually taste it, I can describe the taste for you in my own dumb way!"


    It is really a shame she still can''t taste food despite being able to cook like a Goddess, maybe I''ll say it''s a good as kissing or something like that, she definitely enjoys those as well even if the kissing might be better though.


    "Heh, fine then Ikarus, you might want to start plucking another then"


    "Yes, ma''am!"

 Chapter 95 – Dwarven Kingdom

    Chapter 95 ¨C Dwarven Kingdom


    "Hey Aesa, when was it thest time we were over here?"


    [<-User- and target Petra werest in dwarven kingdom 212 days ago>]


    "Wow, it''s basically been seven months? Doesn''t time flyby"


    I''m purposely speaking out loud simply because Petra seemed interested on thest time we were over here as well; Aesa is basically a portable calendar after all. Actually, I''ll discard thatparison otherwise it might piss her off beingpared to that.


    "Heh, wonder the reason for time flying by Ikarus"


    Is she being serious or was that her being yful? Either way, it''s down to her being around, she does end up taking up a lot of my focus after all.


    "Do I seriously need to say the reason out loud? It''s obviously because you''re so distracting in a good way"


    "Heh, good answer"


    Quite a lot has happened in thest month, maybe not that much but we did spend more than half of that time still on that ind transporting ore to the smithy. Now when wee back, there''s going to be loads of smelted gold waiting for us ready to be sold in bulk. Of course, there is the possibility that guy can''t be trusted and he tries to flee with it, I actually have a n for that in mind.


    See, all I need his scent and with the help of two dragons, he could basically be tracked to any part of the world so I made sure to take something of his before leaving just to be on the safe side. Sure, that''s sounds a little weird taking something for someone''s scent but then with this amount of gold at stake, it really isn''t that weird.


    There was also some more progress down in the mine but it''s still going to go pretty slow, there''s a lot of makeshift wooden scaffolding all around the ce as well and the starts of several mineshafts are currently being built. There''s no point really giving constant updates on what''s going on down there anymore since Jaxon is pretty damn brilliant at handling anything mine rted.


    Oh... there is something else I might need to mention, an update that you might be a little disappointed about not knowing straight away, me and Petra kinda slept together... NO! Not in that way, ahem... What I actually mean is that we slept together in human form in an extremely family friendly way like two girls having a sleep over, no funny business of anything like that, just a bit of hand holding and a quick kiss before going to sleep.


    It only happened the once and was before we set off, Petra did me some more of her famous chicken and that clearly maniptes my mind into making another step forward. me the fried chicken, not this orange bird obsessed with it and the person who makes it. That being said, the reason why it hasn''t happened more than once since then is because of Petra, she still rarely sleeps and is an extremely light sleeper waking up at nearly anything when she''s out. Seriously though, I think even my blinking might''ve kept her up, didn''t actually sleep great as well but that''s Petra''s fault this time. If she wasn''t so beautiful to look at, then it might''ve been easier to sleep.


    Next time we share a bed together, should we hug or do something else as well?... I really need to give it some proper thought, that night surprised me on how little it actually flustered me out. I was even giving it some serious thought about it and even then, the idea of potentially doing anything further didn''t feel like something that seemedpletely overwhelming. I''m not saying we''re going to try something tomorrow or even the next night she sleeps but it might be sooner rather thanter at this point...


    Let''s just move on was all this Ikarus being ready crap, the return to the dwarven kingdom is here! The journey was long and uninspiring but travelling the continents do have that effect I''m afraid, most of this forest is unpopted with the exceptions being the odd elven tribe, bandit group or ruin. We follow the coast so other than that old vampire vige Petra wiped out, there''s nothing much of note.


    Before getting back here, we did have to go through the long and bending caves again to get across the bridge, I guess I could just fly that part but by the sounds of it, dwarfs actually have something that sounds like an air defence harpoon turret that uses gunpowder.


    Petra seems to remember something about that and it''s because wyverns used to flock to these mountains to be close to the volcano, not obviously that close but apparently the heat that surrounds this huge ind is attractive to them since they dislike the cold. Also, dwarfs are a fan of the meat harvested from the flying creatures so you can see why flying into this ce isn''t the greatest of ideas. This bird be eating fried chicken, not bing one for a dwarf.


    Enough recapping though, let''s push ahead, not really sure where we should go though.


    "You''ve been here a lot Petra, where should we go to set up a trade deal then?"


    Despite Petra pausing and taking her time to answer, this is something she would have a lot of experience on, she has spent a lot of time over here helping a lot of people. If there''s someone interested handling the purchase ofrge quantities of gold, then she should know, if her memory allows it though.


    "Our best bet would be someone from the kingdom itself but I''m pretty sure they hired a new Jarl and had a shift about recently so I''m not too sure if that will work. If anyone will know, the gnome should"


    Ah, looks like we''re paying another visit to Garry the gnome and his misses again, don''t think I actually thanked them forpleting my dress so I guess I can show my appreciation. Actually, I''m not going to do that, dwarfs do prefer insults topliments after all, except with elves, most of these lot up here just simply hate them.


    ''Looks like we''re heading to the train station again...''


    __________


    "Heh... you''re snoring again Ikarus"


    "Wha-... don''t care... don''t be sofortable and I won''t snore"


    "Heh, that''s more of you problem but we''ve just arrived now"


    Sleeping on her shoulder while on the train has basically be a thing at this point so no point even describing it in detail. In all honesty, I might just be a bit clingy to Petra so having the rare nap on her shoulder is probablyfortable just because I''m next to her more than anything else. I mean, it''s a shoulder, not something reallyfortable like ap pillow for example. Need to make an excuse up for another one day but for the life of me, I''m unsure how to go about it other than just be blunt.


    It''s a shame we''ve got to get up now but business awaits I guess, I do tend to snore when in deep sleep and did just fly quite the while without stopping so that at least would exin that, even if I could sleep another hour or two. Oh well.


    We both get up exiting the train and head towards the gnome''s shop traversing the endless stairways within the huge cave of this part of the dwarven kingdom, it''s not long but it does allow me some time to wipe the sleep out of my eyes and focus on something Petra is doing.


    "You alright Petra?"


    She''s seems a little tense, mostly because she''s holding my hand a little tighter than usual. It''s not like it hurts or anything but picking up little differences like that can be noticeable when we basically hold hands all the time.


    "Huh? Ah sorry Ikarus, unsure why I feel this way"


    Well, even if she doesn''t know why''s she feels tense, then there''s not really much I can do. Sure, there''s always ways to put your mind at ease but Petra does normally have a reason so maybe her mind is just wondering right now. I''ll just leave her be but if she wants to talk about it, then I''ll listen.


    Anyways, we''ve now arrived back at the dwarf''s shop and find the door is open, more specifically it''s torn down and the culprits behind such a thing seem to be still inside.


    "Ohe on... you stupid bastards! Did you really have to break that vase? That''s not even mine, the wife will kill me when she finds out"


    "Then you should paid your dues old man"


    "Yeah gnome, this ispensation for screwing us over"


    In Garry the gnome''s shop, there are two other dwarfs smashing things and basically tearing the ce apart. Now I know why Petra was feeling tense, she could probably feel the angry aura radiating from outside the shop, these two do seem pretty pissed off at the gnome. It doesn''t look like anyone''s getting hurt right now but the entire store has seen better days, looks like a tornado has ridden through here.


    "Hey, it''s not my fault you lot decided to lie and raise the price up even further, I''m not paying for something you are tripling the price for"


    Despite the gnome trying to calm them down, they are having none of it and another vase finds itself being thrown smashing into the wall, the old dwarf does sell quite a few various things despite there literally being a forge inside this ce.


    "You agreed to pay regardless of the price"


    "Should''ve read the agreement gnome, you''re not talking your way out of us smashing and burning this ce down this time around... we''ve put up with your shit for long enough"


    I''m a little unsure who''s at fault here, it sounds like he agreed to buy something from them but it sounds like they raised the price causing him to back out of the deal? If that''s the case, then he wouldn''t be in the wrong, right? It matters little, we were going to help him regardless, even if he''s screwed someone over.


    (Petra) "You want a hand gnome?"


    Before I even get the chance, Petra steps into the destruction the store is currently facing seeing if she can be any help. At the very least, he can add another debt he owes to her.


    "Urgh, even you won''t stop using that name... it''s up to you Petra, it''s a good idea but I''d rather not have to make the wife clean up all the blood though"


    This guy actually want''s Petra to kill them? Maybe it''s just a bluff but even so, I''m not opposed to giving him a hand, he did help me with my dress after all... and it''s been a little while since Ist killed, kinda looking forward to this.


    (Ikarus) "Would a little ash work instead?"


    (Garry) "Ikarus... was it? If you''re implying what I think you are, try not to burn the ce down, I know nearly everything''s made of stone or metal but still"


    Despite us literally talking about killing those two who have decided to turn this guy''s shop into a dump, they really don''t seem that concerned with the threats and still go around smashing sses, ripping apart leathers and just doing whatever they can to make annoying noise in the background. Also, they are both armed but what''s a little dwarf going to do with an axe that big against fire?


    "Stay out of this humans, your height won''t mean shit against us"


    "Yeah, we can y with you after if you want but stay out of dwarven matters, this is a man''s job so you just sit there and look pretty"


    Urgh, did the second guy really have to say that? At the very least. There''s no guilty conscience about killing them even if I didn''t really care beforehand, imagineing across a sexist dwarf in this day and age!


    ''They look pretty weak to be fair, status''


    [Name: Rain | Species: Dwarf | Level: 9]


    [Health 450/450]


    [Stamina 278/450]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Dirk | Species: Dwarf | Level: 6]


    [Health 200/200]


    [Stamina 194/400]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''That''s... disappointing, at least it''s another level or two I guess''


    I do have the slight thought that maybe Petra was just bluffing about that though. Sure, both of us don''t mind killing but is it okay to kill thieves just like this? Even if I really want to now and I doubt she''d stop me.


    "If you two don''t leave this second, we won''t be so nicedies"


    "That''s of course unless you want us to be rough with you"


    These two are making me sick, it''s taking all my willpower to not just burn them to a crisp but now I''m past caring, hopefully Petra agrees with me.


    "Petra... I''m getting irritated now"


    "Heh, was never going to stop you Ikarus"


    ''Looks like I was overthinking this...''


    Without even giving the gangster dwarfs a second to react, I pull out my arm and release sweet fiery me towards them coating their bodies. Both of them are basically incinerated within a second leaving just ash and the clutter of weapons on the floor. Damn, I may have put a little too much into that but the gnome did say he doesn''t want a terrible mess.


    ...


    A slight silence ensues from my disy, Petra''s all smiles and the dwarf is just shocked really, at least he has something to say now.


    "Remind me to never piss you two humandies off..."


    Well... that was a breeze, the dwarf does look a little concerned after seeing my handiwork in first action but I was only protecting his store after all, it''s his fault really.


    ''Status check''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 176]


    [Health 40,000*/40,000*]


    [Stamina 19,888*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 38,910*/40,000*]


    [You currently have 13000 unassigned points]


    ''Two more levels, nice... I''ve just realized how high my doubled stats actually are now, another twenty levels or so that gets buffed, I may have stats simr to father... damn''


    [<-User- should hear Aesa''s advice, do not get ahead of yourself otherwise -user- may regret it. Despite having two abilities stronger than dragons, that still doesn''t guarantee -user- can win against target -Dermakvar->]


    ''You seriously don''t have much faith in me, do you?... Don''t answer that, of course I know that doesn''t guarantee a win but it could at least hold my own against him now, right?''


    [<...>]


    ''Your silence says more than giving an answer, I''m just being realistic over getting ahead of myself really. I know I''d still lose''


    It''s not exactly like I''m going to have a serious fight with father but it''s just aparison really. With the way things work in this world, it wouldn''t surprise me if him and mother both could survive one of my end the world attacks just down to being insanely resistant to nearly everything. Despite that, I do doubt if they could survive both attacks though... this is of course all hypothetical! I love my parents despite their quirks.


    Now back onto the conversation with the dwarf since that ''fight'' has made me think about hypotheticals against stronger opponents, the situations he finds himself in do always seem to be a little odd. I''m pretty sure it''s just because he''ll trade with anyone despite knowing if they''re good or bad so these things do seem to be pretty frequent. He also seems clumsy as hell but dwarfs are supposed to be a little odd, even a master cksmith like himself.


    "... Now, what can I do for you? I''m really not in the mood for working with some more enchanted clothing if that''s what you''re here for, I''ve got this mess to clean up now"


    While speaking to us, he''s got a broom sweeping up all the broken ss and putting loads of destroyed things into a bag, feel a little sorry for him so I''ll give him a hand and so does Petra while we''re discussing.


    "It''s something a bit different this time around gnome, me and Ikarus havee across arge amount of ore that we''re mining and are looking for buyers"


    ''I''m guessing it''s safe to reveal to him about the mine? Not even going to question it, trust her instinct more than enough''


    The dwarf for some reason seems a little confused and stops the cleaning up process.


    "So then why would youe here? We''re literally in a mountainous kingdom where mines flow through this ce like veins, why would we need more ore? Heck, I could understand if we were low on things like iron and copper but we have to ship most of spare stuff to the desert, Mdonia or those damn elves... oh, can''t forget about the eskimos in the north as well"


    What the fuck? These dwarfs actually trade with the elves!? It must be the city of Aurora since it''s on the gigantic river but that''s shocked me, they literally despise them yet they are still willing to sell ore? Sometimes I realize I know nothing about this world, it doesn''t surprise me that the other three buy ore though since there''s supposed to be cities on the coasts, the northern settlement is prettyrge as well but they are extremely long trips to make since you do have to go around the entirendmass to get there from this corner of the world.


    "Heh, I think you''ll be a little surprised, show him please Ikarus"


    "Sure sure"


    I get out the alreadypleted small golden bar and another chunk of ore from the mine and ce it on top the shop counter, the dwarf instantly stops cleaning up and goes to focus on the two things I''ve brought. Unlike the previous cksmith we had look at this, his reaction is a lot quicker and more envious than that other guy.


    "You know... you two are absolutely lucky shits... toe across a gold mine that I presume isn''t within the empire''s borders and something this rich in quality is nearly unheard of. Huh, guess I was wrong, you could very easily sell this off in the kingdom, we''d even handle all the shipping since gold is pretty rare and extremely useful for most of us..."


    It doesn''t matter what species or race you are; everyone can always see the attractiveness of gold; it looks like this dwarf in particr has shining eyes right now.


    "... If you''re expecting specifically me to buy this from you or convert it into currency, then you might be a little disappointed Petra"


    "Why''s that?"


    "Because I retired from handling those types of roles years ago... although, I still do have some contacts within the big cave so I''ll send word that you''re looking to set something up. The Jarl himself might want to speak with you since gold is handled by the treasury and I''m guessing he''ll see you as soon as possible if it''s about something this important..."


    So, looks like we finally have a way of selling all this potential wealth, maybe some day we could directly turn it into actual coins and make our own currency but that''s just a dumb dream for now. If we did though, Petra''s face is definitely going on the coins, I''d get to look at her face and the shininess of gold at the same time! I joke but I do actually like the idea despite it being pretty stupid.


    "...Make sure you don''t let the kid jarl take you for a fool though. If he senses any weakness in your negotiating skills, he will exploit it, little brat may look weaker than a broomstick but has the tongue of elf negotiator... you really wouldn''t think that from a kid who''s just turned twelve"


    (Ikarus) "Hang on, hang on... is the leader of the dwarven kingdom a child!? You just said he''s twelve, right?"


    This obviously is pretty big news despite the gnome not really making it out to be that serious, he seems more focused on the lump of ore than discussing their leader''s age.


    "Jarl Denver the third... little brat hasn''t even grown a beard yet and controls everything in these mountains. I mayin but things have been a lot more peaceful despite him having the face of a newborn and the tongue of a viper, even if the irony isn''t lost on me that those two attackers you just killed don''t really count as peaceful. As for the Jarl, you know I had to babysit him once? And even back then, he still wouldn''t shut up and kept talking more than me!"


    I''m not the only one who seems shocked that a bunch of dwarfs that can live even longer lifespans than some humans literally have a child in charge of everything. I mean, I know there have been child kings in history before but a child dwarf Jarl?


    "Heh, to think a child reced that old relic, did his father die of old age then?"


    "No Petra, he''s still about and kicking at the ripe old age of just over a century now, apparently he picked the forty second child simply because he was the most intelligent out of the lot. It''s a fair point because the rest of them couldn''t lead a duck to water"


    "The previous Jarl had forty-two children!? You know what, I''m kinda looking forward to meeting this kid now"


    Even if you exclude my weird awkwardness I have around children and causing them to cry, there''s no chance this kid will be the same, right? Heh, imagine having forty-two kids as well, that''s really not a pleasant thought...

 Chapter 96 – Trade Deal

    Chapter 96 ¨C Trade Deal


    "Ah, so you two have now arrived, wee to the heart of the dwarven kingdom. I''m happy you could make time to meet with me so quickly, it''s only been an hour since Garry passed the message across after all"


    Me and Petra have just arrived in Jarl Denver''s throne room and it''s kinda how you''d expect a dwarven throne room to look, mostly down to it being all stone based. A huge gigantic cavern with carved out faces of previous Jarls on the walls high up to the ceiling, wide and spectacr rock pirs follow the outsides of the room, guards dressed in brutal looking heavy dwarven styled armours and sitting on a metal ufortable looking throne is a kid. That part is clearly not what you''d expect from dwarfs but we already knew this.


    The kid does look pretty young despite being roughly the same height as an adult dwarf but that might just be down to him basically being bald in the facial hair region. That must be a little weird simply because I''ve seen children a hell of a lot younger than him already starting to grow out beards and he is as baby faced as theye.


    Despite all this, he doesn''t feel like someone to who could be considered weak or inexperienced, there''s a strange feeling I have about him that seems slightly odd. It''s almost as if I''m looking at someone who''s pretty powerful in spite of his young age.


    ''I wonder how powerful this kid actually is, status


    [Name: Denver | Species: Dwarf | Level: 1]


    [Health 35/35]


    [Stamina 26/30]


    [Magicka 35/35]


    ''Seriously!? You honestly expect me to believe this kid has never killed a single creature in his life? Nah, I''m not having it this time around''


    I know that my system has always been based about seeing how much others have killed except for the rare asion like with priestess but this kid is definitely not as weak as that. Seriously though, he feels like he could be holding more power to those elf siblings I remember killing back in the tree dungeon. He''s got to have found a way of hiding his true power otherwise this just isn''t right. Aesa hasn''t made ament as well so even she isn''t sure about this.


    I''m not the only one who''s done a status check on him though, it''s been a while since I''ve seen Petra''s eyes go blue as well. Unlike me though, she has a more rxed reaction to him.


    "Heh, it''s nice we get to speak again, been all too long kid"


    I''m surprised Petra isn''t doing her ''in awe of royalty routine'' but it might just not be needed, this boy doesn''t seem to hold any arrogance nor even cares about being called kid.


    "Huh? Excuse me but I don''t believe we''ve ever met; I''d definitely remembering across someone as famous as you in this kingdom"


    "You would''ve been in diapers back then; your father did always say were the cutest child he had, although you did give him a few headaches discussing philosophy"


    Then only for a split second, the kid''s face turns slightly red. See, Petra knows exactly what she was doing there and now I do as well, she is really good at this sort of thing. The kid Jarl regains himself ever so slightly and continues on, he''s not going to win in a battle of wits against her even if he tries.


    "Hehe... fair y, I see how you''re going about this Miss Petra... it''s a pleasure to meet the long-standing icon of the dwarven kingdom and your friend... Ikarus was it?"


    "We''re more than just friends but I''ll forget about that since it''s just a little pointless to worry about..."


    Huh, I''ve never seen Petra be pedantic about something like that. Sure, we technically are girlfriends but it''s not exactly like it matters all that much, should I really care about people knowing? I mean, it doesn''t affect how us two are in the slightest, having people know my love for her isn''t going to change anything between us personally. All it would really do is look a little like I''m showing her off even if Petra would be worth doing that for.


    "... You invited us here so how about you start the process without the needless pleasantries that we''re both doing?"


    Petra just be doing her thing taking control of the situation and steering us in the right direction. The gnome did tell us not to take this kid for granted so that''s the main reason for her taking the lead right now. If it was me, you already know things could go a little off but I''ve gotten a lot better at not letting people take me for granted now so maybe I''d be able to hold my own? Regardless, I like hearing Petra speak so not that fussed about it all.


    The kid on the throne ponders for a second, smiles and then looks almost to have an air of relief on his face.


    "Hehe, did always hear that no one could ever best you so I won''t even bother trying anything of the sorts today, I''ll bepletely transparent and honest without the unneeded mind games... we need gold, not just a little or a one-off shipment, we need constant filled ships worth and even then, it still won''t be enough"


    (Ikarus) "So... you''re willing to pay an extreme premium then?"


    By the sounds of it, we hold all the cards here so getting a brilliant price for the gold we make could be possible. Despite me making thatment, the Jarl seems to have a different idea on the thing.


    "It depends on how much you view a premium since we will only pay a fixed amount, Petra''s been here long enough to know how we handle purchases but allow me to give you a quick recap since this is your second visit Ikarus. All prices are fixed as to keep a consistent economy that will always stay that way regardless of what happens..."


    ''I really don''t have the attention span for a conversation like this but I''ve got Petra for back up if I start daydreaming''


    "... There are obviously exceptions to this but those are extremely rare, being able to produce everything has always allowed us to set our own prices and most major civilizations have based their economy around us as well..."


    Damn, I never really had that much of an idea how these dwarfs set the standard in the world. Prices can vary a bit but for the most part especially in towns or cities around the coast, the prices do seem very stable and consistent other than a few exceptions like the ind we''re currently at but they don''t really import that much from over here. I guess the prices are still simr though.


    "... Despite everything I''ve just said, bronze, silver and gold have always been fixed around the way the currency exchanges in this world depending on demand and all things like that..."


    Ah yes, can''t forget how the basic coinpares to others. Ten for bronze, hundred for silver and a thousand for gold, ten thousand for a tinum even though I''m yet to even own a tinum coin simply because you can''t really use them for normal purchases and are pretty much impossible toe by unless you actually exchange for them at a bank. I think they''re only really used for multiple property purchases all at once. Ah, forgot to mention coppers as well, they are literally the same exact value as a bronzes but some ces obviously use them more than others. Pretty sure the capital use coppers rather than bronzes in speech but my mind''s clearly wondering now.


    "... What we''ll pay is how much the refined gold would cost in weight of gold coins. Technically, that''s a sizeable premium since the costs to actually make currency itself from gold bars is an entirely different thing... The only problem we have is simply put, we use all gold, even coins in construction so you''d get the same value, just in silvers"


    Oh, I think I get what he means. Instead of paying us let''s say a hundred gold coins for a bar weighing that amount, he''s pay us ten times that but obviously in silvers so it''s technically the same value. Damn, we''re really going to have to build a vault when we get back now, storing gold is one thing but now we''re going to need even more storage. At least that''s an idea for when we get back again.


    "Heh, so you don''t reckon you could go a little higher than that?"


    I''ve gotta love how Petra''s trying her luck here, might as well try and earn more if it''s possible. Unfortunately, this kid isn''t as easy as that.


    "Not happening Miss Petra, this is a policy even I agree on from my predecessors. Even though it can hinder progress when gold is in high demand especially in this kingdom, we''d rather just slow our progress than get ripped off. The goal was always to get as close to the volcano as possible and with our estimations, there''s no chance of it slowing down its power for a good thousand years at least... we can easily wait that long for enough gold"


    The thing is, especially in the north of this kingdom, they use a lot of filtration systems which have gold inside them but I''ve already said about that. These lot are definitely the most advanced civilization in this world after all, some stuff they do might even rival human development on Earth. I''m a little unsure why they seem so obsessed with the volcano though.


    (Ikarus) "You said something about a volcano kid?"


    "I''d like it if both of you call me by name rather than kid but as for the n, it''s something us dwarfs have had in mind ever since itst erupted. The power of a constantly erupting volcano is something that could be potentially harnessed even further for an insane amount of energy. Someday, there might even be the chance of making the surface safe to breath around that area but those are just pipedreams for now"


    "Do you not worry if it decides to erupt again like with what happenedst time?"


    From my questioning, the kid actually has a smile on his face, I guess he likes this sort of thing.


    "Hehe, you''d think that we''d be worried about another God idently setting it off. All I can say is that we next time around, we won''t be so unprepared. Our building techniques have improved a lot since then so much so, that volcano might even struggle to kill just one of us, the shaking could do some damage but we''re quietly confident about the risk..."


    Wait, this kid has heard of the volcano story too? I guess even dwarfs know about that even if the elves believe the dwarfs set it off but if there could still be some truth in that if these lot are trying to harness the power of a volcano and idently set it off.


    I''d think he''s being a little arrogant reckoning his people could actually survive another eruption but the evidence is damning, the dwarfs survived and thrived from it, the elves suffered miserably and lost a huge deal of their poption. If there''s any group of people you think could survive it again, it''s definitely these crazy fuckers who basically live next door to it.


    "... Enough about dwarven politics though, do we have a deal then? You won''t find anyone else willing to pay the actual weight of the stuff, at least anybody we know of"


    Petra looks to me as if this is my time to answer, I guess she did say that this is my thing and she''ll support me on even if that''s not what I wanted. We are a partnership in this after all but there''s no point


    "Sure ki-, sorry, Denver but first I''d like to know how you''d go about paying for it?"


    It''s a legitimate question, obviously the dwarfs are going to have a lot of silver to trade with just simply from the caves but I want to know the logistics goddamn it! This is the kind of thing I could see Petra being involved in and I''m just riding along in the background so I don''t want it to go like that this time around.


    "Ah, that''s simpler than you''d think. We''ll send out two carrier ships, one of which is filled with money and the other has a weighting system on it. We''ll measure how much the refined gold actually is while checking it to see if it''s actual gold and not fake, then pay you and be on our way... Say, we''ll send the ships once a month? Obviously longer if your mine is quite the distance away"


    Okay, I actually like the way they do things, all we need to do is get the gold to the docks and were as good as gold. Pardon the pun but it looks like we''re set, this trip might as well be finished at this point but there''s probably is still some more boring stuff to get through.


    "Fair enough, the ind is next to the Sierran mountain range and it''s a ce called..."

 Chapter 97 – Problems

    Chapter 97 ¨C Problems


    "The hell has gone on here?"


    Me and Petra have just arrived back outside of the mine returning from the trade deal trip, took roughly two weeks and havee across a pretty nasty looking sight outside the cave. All eleven of our workers are outside sitting down looking bruised, beaten and some even bloodied.


    "*Cough cough*... damn chest, apologies ma''am, we failed to uphold our duties"


    Jaxon is the first to answer and looks the worst out of the lot, he might have a few broken ribs and a busted arm. Thankfully enough, I''ve always got something to fix injuries like that but it would''ve been nice if Ariza were around right now.


    "I''ve already told you to stop calling us ma''am... here take these, apply it on the injuries, it''ll hurt like a bitch but it will help a lot"


    While responding, I get out a handful of healents and pass them around the broken miners, all of them start to apply the solution onto their wounds while still conversing with me.


    "Thanks ma''a-, Ikarus. Sorry again, a group of pirates followed us from town, beat us to a pulp, then took all the gold we had stockpiled that hadn''t been transported over just yet"


    "Fucking pirate scum"


    "One of the bastards caught my good eye"


    "Damn! That potion hurts like shit, sorry about losing your ore"


    "Sorry bosses, nothing we can do against people like that"


    The vocal four can''t help but join Jaxon is his response, I''m a little annoyed at these lot right now but clearly not for the reason they think. As for Petra, she also seems a little concerned about what''s happened but hasn''t said anything this time around.


    "For the love of God, will you stop apologizing for one second..."


    I have a few questions about everything that''s gone on but for now, there''s a more immediate issue at hand. I don''t really understand why they even went into town since I made sure to give them enough supplies before leaving and I could''ve just transported the stockpile myselfter on. That fact that a bunch of pirates decided to beat up our workers like this though... I''m about to leash my full wrath on them. I couldn''t give a shit about the lost gold.


    "... Money''s just money at the end of the day. Be positive about this, all of you are alive and don''t look to have any serious injuries... Jaxon, how long ago did this happen and are they still close by?"


    "Several hours ago and one their ships was anchored off the north shore, they took rowboats into the town... you''re not going to chase them, are you?..."


    I don''t need give a response to him or even say words with Petra, it''s now time to start the hunt, these bastards won''t get away with this, mark my words...


    "... *Cough*, already know I can''t convince you otherwise but there''s another issue that''se to light as well"


    ''Oh great, another problem''


    (Petra) "What''s the issue Jaxon?"


    The scrawny kid ends up pausing before responding to Petra''s question, he even looks to be more concerned about this than getting his arm broken and bloodied from the pirates.


    "The Lord of these inds is demanding tribute in exchange for setting up a business here without permission... we thought we were being secretive enough about this but clearly we were too ipetent"


    "So let me get this straight then... while we''re gone setting up a deal, piratese stealing our product and now the Lord is basically demanding taxes? For fuck''s sake! We''ve just gotten back and two annoying things havee up... I''m not pissed at you lot, just I wanted a slight break after travelling, that''s all"


    Also, I was kinda hoping Petra would feel a little tired so we could sleep together as humans again, don''t really do that while travelling since constant form changes can be annoying and feathered form is warmer at night without a bed after all. Even though I say that, I did manage to convince her to have slight nap up against my feathers one back at my parents cave but Petra''s really not the type of person to enjoy being smothered all nice and cosy like that. Even though she said it was nice, my lie detector ability kinda said otherwise so I won''t force that on her. I bet I''d like it being the other way around but that''s only a thought for when she''s no longer in pain and doesn''t have to switch form... maybe I''m reading into it a little much but I''m guessing she''d rather not be spooned as well then.


    Conveniently enough, thinking about Petra has led to hering up with a solution for our problems though.


    "Ikarus, you handle the pirate situation while I go deal with the mundane stuff. Whoever this Lord is, he isn''t going demand anything from us and doing it this way means we can rx quicker... just be safe and not reckless about it, okay?"


    "Hey, I''m careful, you know? I mean, it''s not exactly like I can afford to be reckless now... even if there isn''t any particr reason for it"


    "Heh, love you too, my adorable tsundere lovebird"


    Even she''s starting to call me a tsundere and she''s even used that lovebird thing I like; I''d pout about her for understanding what I was getting at but there''s people to be killed right now and it''s not exactly like we''re in a private ce. The workers do know there''s something between us and some are extremely supporting about it, it almost seems a little suspicious but not the time for pointless thoughts.


    "Urgh, see you then Petra... l-l-love you too"


    Before we split, need a quick kiss, really don''t care that much about privacy now, despite me literally just thinking otherwise...


    __________


    ''The targets are in sight... that''s a pretty big fleet though''


    Up in the skies of the northern shore of the mining ind, I can see what basically might as well be an armada of pirate ships. Seriously though, I''m obviously exaggerating but there are at least two dozen ships all flying the ck g with the skull and crossbones on them. I may be quite high up but one of them I''m sure has a pile of our gold ore sitting on the deck, it''s time for a little payback. You take my gold and injure my workers; I take every single one of your lives...


    ''I''m seriously going to fuck all these up now''


    Before I even have the chance to think in depth on how I''m going to go about this, Aesa can''t help but warn me.


    [<Aesa rmends -user- not go too mad and decide to use something that could have devastating consequences on the world>]


    ''This a perfect opportunity though...''


    I''m past caring about the EXP nor any lost gold, most was already transported to the cksmith ording to Jaxon but we still would''ve lost a bit. I wouldn''t even say I''m angry, this is just a stubbornness thing about people getting hurt trying to protect our product and being stolen from. I''m pretty calm about this which surprises me a lot.


    ''... Can I at least use atomic hellfire? It holds a lot less power and still should get the job done''


    I think the concern might be causing a tsunami than anything else, even though there are like zero settlements in this part of the region that would actually get affected by a huge wave. Seriously though, look at a map, there''s no way a tsunami would get any known settlement because of either cliffs, other inds being in the way or just that they would be too far away to be effective. Still though, using supernova might be a little overkill, that needs to be reserved for when there''s bigger fish to fry, a small nuke should get the job.


    [<While Aesa advises -user- EXP shouldn''t be wasted, there is some appeal in using new ability in an actualbat exercise>]


    Heh, even Aesa is curious to see how nuking a bunch of pirates would go, let''s go with that n then. As for the lost EXP, it''s not exactly like there isn''t other enemies out in the world, this''ll just be a one off.


    Since I''ve already switched into the hybrid forming over here, I ready myself getting into a position aimed slightly downwards and now I can start.


    ''Aesa, active atomic hellfire''


    [<Confirmed, make sure -user- doesn''t miss the throw>]


    ''Loving your confidence in me like always''


    The orb has now appeared within my grasp, I''ve just got to make sure to aim at the one of the centre ships and vre, pirates will be scattered everywhere. Starting my descent, I rapidly gain some speed just from gravity alone and very quickly, I''m ready to let this fly.


    "I purge all the sinners and... you know what? Fuck this, you can just all burn for all I care"


    And with that statement, the orb flies diagonally downwards towards one of the ships in the middle of the fleet, my aim is precise and this won''t miss...


    Just like thest time, the blinding lights, bang of the atomic death blind and deafen everyone ensuring chaos. Once sight returns after a little while, I find that a huge ssh has urred also causing sight to be limited from the falling water. This time around, I''m way too close to actually view the mushroom forming as well, this was only ever about causing peak destruction without caring about how it looks.


    ''And that''s all she wrote...''


    Once the water has finally fallen back down into the ocean, the entire fleet is no more just leaving an ocean temporally confused on which way to flow and floating pieces of scrapwood on the surface, even that might''ve been a little overkill but don''t be stealing from me and hurting my workers otherwise nukes getunched. I really wouldn''t make a good leader...


    "At least that''s now don-... hang on, did some of them survive that!?"


    Where the ships had been furthest away from the centre of the fleet, several pirates can be seening up for air after witnessing their ships disappear in a heartbeat. Seriously though, how the fuck did they survive that? Most of the few do look severely injured though.


    "Heh... sometimes I feel like there''s a being watching down on me from above... looks like I am getting rewarded this time around"


    Even though there may only be a handful of survivors, all I can see is little specks of EXP trying to prevent themselves for drowning and seriously injured. If you look at it that way, I''m doing them a favour really, it''s basically just mercy killing at this point and the shore is pretty far away. That''s only of course if I feel like they deserve pity.


    ''I could just let them drown... damn, that thought is pretty sinister, let''s just get on with it...''


    __________


    It''s probably best not to go into detail on how I justmitted a war crime, is it? Eh, I''ll just leave it up to interpretation about what happened, they could even still be alive... the EXP does tell a different story though...


    ''Now that situation is over, status check''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 182]


    [Health 40,000*/40,000*]


    [Stamina 11,335*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 40,000*/40,000*]


    [You currently have 16000 unassigned points]


    ''Huh, they weren''t as low levelled as you''d expect from bandit scum, maybe pirates kill more than bandits then? Matters little, gained six just from that encounter alone''


    Also, I feel like it might be time for another gambling buy, having that many spare points might be a little over cautious... no, not yet, at least until I get back and have some time to rx, all that''ll happen is I''ll be constantly distracted wanting to either test my new thing out or be moody at it being shit. Have a little patience for now Ikarus, it''s not exactly like I don''t have two apocalyptic things to rely on, even if they''re impossible to use around Petra. Ah, I might just wait till I''ve levelled up again, kinda prefer doing it in one go.


    Continuing my flight back to the town, I can''t help but review what just happened there. Truth be told, I may have been a little bloodthirsty to those lot, it''s not exactly like they didn''t deserve it but my calmness with it all was more surprising. Everything I did, felt like it wasing from a ce that was calm and rational despite the fact they clearly should''ve pissed me off. Eh, I''ll see if Aesa thinks I could''ve handled that differently.


    ''Aesa... could I have gotten the gold back?''


    [


    ]


    Aesa does have a big point, I''d have to wipe out the entire deck of pirates by hand simply because I wouldn''t be able to return the ship back into port if it was covered in me, there''s only so much I can absorb back in when everything starts to go uncontroble. Also, how the hell would one birdmand a ship all by her lonesome? Yeah, that lost gold is now mermaid currency... huh, I wonder if they even have mermaids in this world.


    ''Fair point, maybe I could''ve tried to get more EXP from that encounter but oh well, no regrets... even if I dide pretty close to doing something really sinister''


    Now and then, I do start to get feelings like that, unsure if its prophecy rted or just simply because I was raised by dragons. One day, I can see myself doing something really morally questionable or dark and not caring in the slightest. That''s enough about this dark side crap though, mentioned it enough times already and it''s time to return...


    ''Let''s see how Petra''s resolved this tax situation...''


    __________


    ''The fuck... what has Petra done!?...''

 Chapter 98 – Side Effects

    Chapter 98 ¨C Side Effects


    ''Seriously though, what has she been up to?''


    Arriving back into the hot spring''s settlement, I''m greeted to a packed-out town market all witnessing one of the many buildings that surround this area in pitch ck me. Obviously, there''s only one person who could''ve done such a thing, I''m also pretty sure that''s the building this ind''s Lord lives in. Give it a few minute or so, I can see that building turning into debris.


    Without even giving it a second thought, I barge through the crowd and rush into the burning building in search of her, strongly doubt Petra''s in extreme danger but there has to be a reason she''s taken this approach, this was supposed to be a peaceful mundane task so something must''ve gone terribly on.


    Traversing the endless burning hallways and stairways, I eventually find myself at the top floor of the building, wasn''t exactly difficult to get through all these mes considering the perfect fire resistance after all. Finding it a little more difficult to breathe but still have enough time and have just arrived where Petra is at.


    (Petra) "*Cough cough*... fucking vampires"


    "To actually think they were such mythical creatures, can''t believe the entire council were hiding such a secret"


    In the Lord''s business or meeting room stands a battle worn Petra alongside a well-dressed man, he doesn''t exactly look like a noble but might be the fanciest looking person in this town. Should also mention the mes are a lot less frequent in this area, there is a lot of thick smoke and on the floor lies several corpses that lookpletely ck and charred, no need to ask whose handiwork that is. Also a little surprised she had to use her magic to kill them instead of her de but this might be a pretty serious situation for her to go against how she normally does things.


    "Petra, what''s happened?"


    "Ah, I''ll exin a little more in detailter... that damn subus within the group decided to enact her ursed magic on me, you mind giving me a hand Ikaru? Don''t bother with any potion though, it won''t help"


    Petra almost looks like she''s struggling to stand right now so I rush on over to give her a neck to lean herself on. She seriously looks exhausted right now, even the other guy gives her his neck for her other arm.


    "So that''s your friend Ikarus I presume?"


    "Not the time right now, this building needs to fully burn or those cockroaches may revive, they need to turn to ash"


    I know Petra''s experienced killing vampires before but damn, she really knows too much about killing vampires. I''ve heard rumours on how difficult they can be to kill but she might as well write a book on it. I guess they did kill her ex though, she does have an extreme agenda against them even if she can control herself against friendly ones like when we finished that undead dungeon.


    (Ikaurs) "*Cough cough*, let''s just get out of here then..."


    __________


    "You don''t need to worry so much Ikarus, the effect is only temporary and is mostly harmless, vampires and subi do have draining abilities that can cause things like this"


    "But still... as long as you say you''re fine... what happened anyways?"


    Sitting on a bench in the market watching the building slowly turn to debris, I''m currently fixated on Petra who seems to be refusing help while that Lord whoever he may be is next to us. Getting out of the burning building wasn''t all that difficult really, all we had to do was absorb the fire in the way for the human and hold our breathe for a while.


    I''m a little worried cause Petra has a slight red tint to her, I guess you could say it''s simr to blushing but seems to affect her entire body, almost simr to a rash. As for the wounds she''s received, I can see roughly two slight cuts on her arm, I''m guessing her exhaustion was from herself though? Ah, yeah, forgot to mention her eyes seemed to be fading back into normal when I arrived in there, I''m guessing she had to use ck eye mode for a little bit. Whoever those vampires are, they must''ve caused Petra problems.


    "Detected those blood leeches in this ce a while ago but gave them the benefit of the doubt... that''s until I visited the council and found every person on it was undead, except him of course"


    "I honestly feel like a weight''s been lifted off my shoulders, was I seriously enved my them?"


    "No, it''s not envement, some of the more powerful ones have an effect that is a lot stronger and can causeplete mind control if they so desire, being a vampire''s thrall is a tad different. Envement is child''s ypared to what a master vampire can do though... In all honesty, they must''ve been nning to take over this ce if such arge amount of them has gathered like this"


    So vampires and or subis have a mind control ability as well? I can see why she needed to act rapidly if they were trying something here, Petra''s never been one for acting unless she feels she must. The saviour Petra has done another heroic task while I was off massacring pirates, you''d think in a different world we''d be viin and hero, that could still happen but we''d always be aligned in our goals regardless. It''s a stupid clich¨¦ but love does conquer all, I''m going to change it to a lot though since love can''t stop a nuke going off. Actually, it kinda can since I''d refuse to use it if it might hurt her.


    "I''m not doubting you but why wouldn''t they have activated mind control already? I feel different but I''m sure I did appoint them under my own free will"


    The Lord of this ce does have a fair question, problem is Petra is starting to get impatient now due to tiredness.


    "They did, you just so happened to have a pretty strong resistance to the whole thing and the process wasn''t fast enough... we''re going to have to cut this conversation short, need a serious rest now"


    To sum everything up, most vampires are mind controlling fanatics and this group were eyeing up this settlement for cattle. If they had fully controlled this guy, I dread to think what would''ve happened but looks like we''re in the clear, at least for now.


    "Are you sure you''re okay though? Did they try that mind control thing on you?"


    Of course I''m still going to worry even if she tells me it''s okay, for some reason I don''t think she''s just tired, maybe there is pain hidden underneath that she doesn''t want me to worry me about. Despite all this, her smile seems to tell a different story.


    "Heh, yeah Ikarus but we''re resistant to those types of things, remember?... can you do me a favour and carry me to the inn though? May be resistant but it still has a draining effect... haven''t felt this way for a while time, unsure if I can make it"


    "Sure sure"


    Whoever those vampires were must''ve been extremely powerful for her to end up in this tired state, this is literally Petra, the woman famous for barely ever sleeping. Despite all this, she doesn''t seem depressed or anything like that in the slightest, I''m still worried but her reaction to the whole thing is filling me with confidence though.


    Doing as she requested, I go to lift her up onto my shoulders and swiftly get rejected.


    "Nope, pick me up the other way"


    Wait... she actually wants me to princess carry her? It''s not like I''m opposed, just that I''m unsure if I even have the body strength for even attempting it.


    "You''re pretty picky for someone who''s apparently tired though"


    "Heh, you say that but it''s not exactly gentlemanly to pick up someone like that, is it?"


    Even when she seems half asleep, she can stille out with things like that? I''m too open with her at times, pretty certain I have said something about being a gentleman to her before. It''s pretty dumb but there''s got to remain some dude in me, however deep down and little that may be at this point.


    "I was going for practicality over style but let''s give this a try... oh, you''re lighter than I thought"


    I''m sure that got a tiny pout from Petra there, she must''ve thought I was calling her fat but now she''s stopped pouting so I don''t know what''s going on inside her head right now.


    Honestly, princess carrying Petra despite us being the same height and build may look a little odd but really... I kinda like this. For like one of the first times ever, I''m actually on the other side of these types of things! Sure, it does happen but normally it takes her leading with me copying her after she''s done such a thing. If she ever holds me like this, it''ll be her copying me! It also says a lot about me that I wouldn''t mind be carried by her like this as well though...


    Of course, we''re both just ignoring the Lord during this, Petraes before everything even if words need to be spoken with the leader of this ce, that was the main point of hering here in the first ce. I''m actually unsure if it was the vampires or him sending for us but whoever it was, paying tribute still sucks arse.


    (Petra) "We''ll obviously talkter"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah... we''ll have to put this on hold for now"


    Clearly the ''talk'' about paying taxes has been dyed down to the damn bloodsuckers not knowing how to keep themselves hidden enough around Petra whatever the reason. If she wasn''t here to detect what they had done, this ce could''ve ended up being a vampire''s cattle ranch.


    "No worries, thanks again Miss Petra for breaking me free from their hold"


    At least this guy seems alright about having his home burn down in front of his eyes and vampires trying to control him like a puppet on a string. The crowd also seem to be looking a little strange towards me and the carried Petra but unsure why though. Is what we''re doing weird like a same sex thing? Or is it because we look like we just saved the Lord from the burning building? Whatever the reason for their looks, I couldn''t give two shits.


    Passing through the crowd towards the inn, the ce is already in sight but Petra seems to have something to whisper to me. Still looking pretty red, it''s almost like an embarrassed confession even if she doesn''t really get embarrassed.


    "Ikarus... there''s something else I forgot to mention to you, subi''s don''t just have a draining effect... it''s something a little closer to home"


    I''d want tough but I can already see where this is going, what else would a subus do? I should''ve predicted it might be something like that, I''d want to tease her about her ''tiredness'' but I still doubt I''d win that battle.


    "Let me guess, it has a simr effect to a love potion... at least that exins the redness"


    She just gives a nod for a response; I''ve never actually seen her look this flustered nor this ''exhausted'' so to speak, this must be even stronger than a normal love potion.


    Arriving at the inn, I carry her towards the bedroom she has been renting out, we do prefer to book out rooms for a long time simply because it just saves time and also saves money since most innkeepers prefer the lump sum which also ends up in a discount as well. Also, we''ve shared this one before when we first slept together but like I already said, nothing happened.


    As I''m cing her down on the bed, I was waiting for this but she really can''t help but try her luck.


    "Heh... fancy a little yfight Ikarus?"


    A yfight? Seriously Petra? That''s mockable but I love her too much to do something like that.


    "I''lle wake you after you''ve slept this off"


    "You... you''re seriously not going to stay with me?"


    This time around, I have a very good reason for NOT wanting to share a bed with her. I don''t even need to read her mind right now; it''s guaranteed to be filled with filth. Sometimes you''ve just got to take the high road.


    Even just looking at her beautiful face... no, that''s not right. Despite thinking about taking things up a huge step for a little while now, I could never while she''s in a state like this even if I''m very close to being ready. It might beparable to when someone''s drunk, I''d feel a little exploitative even if I could see her not caring in the slightest.


    "Sorry Petra, you know I can''t"


    It doesn''t take a genius to understand she''s going to be a little stubborn on this, both of us can be pretty simr when ites to certain things. Normally in her case, she basically always wins.


    "Ikarus... I''m more in control than you''d think... please stay"


    Urgh, even my ability is telling me that''s not necessarily a lie but I can''t believe that''spletely true, she seems even more forward today.


    Seriously though, the way she''s on the bed, I''ve never seen her sitting on her knees like that learning forward looking at me with hungry eyes, even if the paleness of her blindness can make it difficult to tell. She can''t be inplete control, right? Fucking subi''s, it''s a good thing priestess has no such foul intentions if this is a side effect of fighting against one. She must definitely have a simr thing to this, I''d say the knight''s in for a treat if they both weren''t so tame.


    "Petra, that''s not happening"


    "Hmph... fine"


    And like that, she faces the wall, lies down on the bed and crosses her arms away from me, is she actually sulking!? I''ve actually somehow managed to make Petra grumpy with me, there''s no chance I''m leaving it like this since conflict with her is something I just cannot allow by any means.


    "How about I stay by the door then? That''s fine, right?"


    Sleeping up against a door, not the best of experiences but I''d do it for her if it helped and it is starting to get reallyte now. Unfortunately, that''s not going to work either.


    "That''s still not even close to being good enough but whatever"


    Still facing away from me sulking, is this actually our first falling out? Just because I won''t share a bed with her while she''s under the influence of a subus? I''m unsure whether tough or be seriously concerned, this is the most forward she''s actually ever been, it least it seems that way so this is kinda difficult. I know she does have a yful side to her but for the six hundred plus year old Petra to be acting like this? It''s stupid really that I find this pretty cute...


    "Petra... if you can promise you''ll try nothing, then I''ll stay"


    She says she''s in control, I''ve trusted her up to this point so why would she lie now? Actually, I could see her lying about but it''s not exactly like she''ll force me to do anything... right?


    "Ikarus... can we at least hug? And a goodnight kiss?"


    How in the hell can she even do puppy dogs eyes? Urgh, forget it, hopefully that''ll be enough, it''s not like I dislike those types of things but hopefully she can sleep this off.


    "Okay..."


    At least we get to sleep together once again, even if this time around I may have to fight her off the entire night... remind me to never fight against a subus...

 Chapter 99 – Unexpected

    Chapter 99 ¨C Unexpected


    "You alright Ikarus?"


    "*Yawnnn*... yeah, I guess so"


    Urgh, dear God, I slept like shit... I''m too tired to even get flustered about how that could be interpreted apletely different way, nothing happened except her sleeping like a rock cuddled up to me. You''d think that would be pretty cute and for that part, it was nice. The problem is that Petra was having some very explicit dreamsst night. Whatever that subus she killed did to her, it clearly gave her some happy thoughts. Some of the stuff she said-... no, I''m not recapping that, I''d get extremely embarrassed if I were in her situation knowing what happened.


    This is one of those things I doubt I''ll ever bring up to her, even I think it might not the best idea to say or even tease about. Some things are better left off unsaid, even she can''t be confident in everything despite it nearly being impossible to embarrass her. Teasing is fun and all but let''s leave most of that to Petra.


    At the very least, that night has proven to me I think I''m now ready for the next step. It wouldn''t surprise me if that''s why she was adamant I stay with herst night to see my reaction but she does seem pretty oblivious to her explicit sleep talking, that or she really just doesn''t care. Either way, let''s just move on and try to power ahead, we''ve got things to do today.


    As for what we''re doing, we''ve just gotten some meat sticks from the market since the inn''s kitchen was closed down this morning and are now heading back. Also, my tiredness isn''t helped that we were woken first thing in the morning by the inn keeper saying the Lord would like to meet with uste in the morning. At least he wanted to have a talk at the inn but still, this could be a long day, anything tax rted has that effect but Petra did just save his sorry arse from being a vampire''s thrall so we may be able to avoid it. Let''s just find out and see.


    There isn''t really much to actually recap on from yesterday though, it literally just sounded like Petra went in to have a meeting with the council that runs this ce, found every person in the room was undead baring the Lord and then initiatedbat without giving it a second though. I guess that makes her sound a little bloodthirsty but she knows more about vampires than anyone else so her attacking first would''ve been needed. It also says a lot that they were able tond a couple of hits on her, they must''ve been extremely powerful to even scratch her since Petra is the second most powerful person I properly know. The other being mother of course.


    "You really didn''t sleep well, did you Ikarus?"


    "It''s honestly fineee"


    She really is oblivious to what happened I guess, at least she''s happy... even if her smile is a little too happy this morning, she definitely remembers what she was dreaming about even if she isn''t willing to say it out loud.


    "Heh, guess I must''ve kept you up then, was I snoring or something?"


    "Yeah... you were snoring"


    At least her happy smile can always make me feel a little brighter inside, I''ll neverin at seeing Petra being chirpy even if it''s to the detriment of my sleep... heh, chirpy, I like that.


    Anyway, finishing our breakfast still while walking and now arriving back at the inn, looks like the guy''s right on time already waiting for us in the seating part of the inn where food is normally served when the kitchen isn''t closed. I''m actually a little pissed about that since the inn owner is a pretty decent chef but I guess nothing he can do about it when it needs work.


    "Ah, you two have returned, I''d like to thank you again for yesterday... oh, my apologies, I''m yet to even introduce myself to you Ikarus, the names Marcus and I''ve been trying to take care of this small ind thest few years now"


    Describing the Lord of this settlement''s appearance, imagine any male Japanese or Korean stereotypical main character and he looks identical to that. Dark eyes, jet ck short hair, ckened fancy clothing, quite the slender figure, all he needs is to duel wield swords or be a regressor and he''s perfect. It sounds like I''m mocking but I shared a pretty simr appearance back on Earth so it''s not like I can say much without being a hypocrite. Also thinking about it, father''s human form kinda fits that stereotype as well but he''s a dragon so he can be excused.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Marcus | Species: Human | Level: 25]


    [Health 1,800/1,800]


    [Stamina 672/700]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''Huh... that''s actually not badpared to most''


    Considering the average human who hasn''t been to war, doesn''t go adventuring, isn''t a knight or doesn''t do mercenary work, a level twenty-five is actually pretty high for a guy who doesn''t look particrly strong. Of course, I''ve been around so many powerful people, my thinking is going to be skewed so he is going to appear weak regardless.


    "Morning"


    "*Yawn*... yeah, morning as well Marcus"


    While we''re greeting him back, we both go to sit down in the booth. It''s now time to stop yawning and force myself to listen, this type of thing was bound to happen at some point so it''s time to go into professional, concentrated mode.


    ...


    A slight silence presents itself as no one furthers the conversation, I guess I could easily fill the silence but it does look this guy wants to say something but can''t find the words. At least he''s finally started even if that seemed a little awkward.


    "I''ll juste out and ask it otherwise we''ll be here all day... there was something I meant to ask you both yesterday and now I finally have the chance... would you two be willing to take a seat on the council?"


    ...


    Erm... where the hell has thate from? Is this guy dumb or is this just some way of him giving a reward?


    "Hang on hang on hang on... are you seriously offering us both a seat on your council? I get that you owe Petra but offering us that type of role is just odd"


    Despite the slight surprise, I think I know where this is leading... damn isekais! Why must you forsake my sense of surprise when you''re so good at predicting things like this?


    "In all honesty, reviewed everything that went on yesterday and realized I may not actually be up for the task that this town faces. With you two set to bring in vast amounts of wealth and holding extreme magical power, I''d pass on the entire leadership as well if you wanted it"


    So... in the space of not even a day, we''ve gone from facing a tax bill to literally being offered an entire settlement!? Sighhh, I knew it would be something like this, it could be too good to turn down but our lives cannot be fixated around politics, there needs to be ways around it. There''s already been the chance to run an entire empire, this would be significantly more different than that but I''m just looking forward to a nice future with Petra without being stuck constantly overworking.


    I''m not the only one with a reaction to him though, mine may be more down to annoyance and surprise but Petra''s seems to be more scepticism and curiosity.


    "Heh, are things really that bad you have to give this up like that? If you''re looking for someone to clean up your mess, then you won''t find any scapegoats here"


    Ipletely agree with her point. Despite us being both pretty realistic when ites to viewing certain things, being offered high ranking roles or even the settlement itself does seem weird, almost like we''re being set up to fail. The Lord Marcus''s reactionpletely tells a different story though.


    "No no no!... Apologies, it really wasn''t supposed toe across like that, this settlement has been doing really well for quite some time now, I just know you two could easily take it to the next level"


    (Petra) "And why''s that?"


    "Other than the reasons I said previously about the wealth and power, there''s just something about you twodies that screams leadership to me... As a child, I remembering across a high-ranking dwarf visiting this ce who left a sparkling impression on me. I found outter on, that dwarf was actually the leader of that entire kingdom! I thought it might seem a little odd offering it outright so I thought giving a couple of seats first might be a bit more realistic... Also, it''s not exactly like I''ve got much choice, the entire council is now gone and needs to be rebuilt, offering the role to the saviours is a decent choice, right?"


    I''m unsure what to make of that despite me paying close attention to everything he said or implied, there wasn''t a single lie thrown in there so he at least believes what he says. I wonder if us actually ruling for a time has given that vibe, feeling or aura. I have heard leaders do give off certain impressions on others but all he witnessed was Petra ughtering vampires and me carrying her in my arms into the sunset... actually, that would seem pretty heroic I guess, it probably makes sense why we''ve been getting slight looks walking around this ce today as well.


    "Petra... you think he might get that impression because of the time we spent in the elven dungeon though?"


    Those six months are still pretty difficult to forget, I will stop bringing it up at some point but constantly ughtering elves and dealing with political shit has that effect. It''s not like I have nightmares over it but it''s not exactly something that can just disappear without giving it the asional thought either.


    "Interesting theory Ikarus, there could be something in that but not really sure"


    Even if we ignore the fact this guy wants to turn this settlement over to us, there''s still something that remains unanswered.


    "Look, me and Petra should probably speak alone on this but what about the other thing? The reason why we were even contacted in the first ce"


    The man pauses from my questioning, even he doesn''t seem to have thought thatpletely through. Is he ipetent for not bringing this up sooner or is he trying to be careful about it?


    "Well... the original intention was to ask for you to share a portion of the profits since every licensed business does the same here..."


    Damn taxes! Even in this medieval world, you just can''t escape the hell that is society,wlessness should reign all! Do we really count as a business though? I guess it kinda would... oh God, we''re going to have to start keeping records of money going in and out as well, sometimes my memory on things like this can be as bad as Petra.


    "... Seeing that you technically aren''t located on the main ind and that members of the council do get special privileges, I''m guessing such a workaround would be pretty easy to achieve"


    Ah, corruption, I see how it is, not exactly like I''mining if it benefits us. The thing is, if we take control of this ce, all profits would basically end up getting put back into it anyways so actually making money was never the issue. This has always just been a pet project for us, overworking because of it isn''t ideal but I''ll do it if we must. A pet project... a Petra project perhaps? I''m so freaking dumb at times.


    "Could you now give us a few minutes to speak alone then?"


    It''s obvious Petra has something else she wants to say to me, seems like a good time for this now.


    "Of course"


    Marcus heads off outside the inn and now it''s just us alone like usual, I do like our alone times but it''s probably not the best time for cuddles and kisses right now.


    "Ikarus, know you''re not really up for the idea of controlling a settlement but this does seem a little difficult to turn down, especially if we can fully optimize this"


    Despite me not wanting too many responsibilities, the idea to actually shape a settlement into our image might be perfect. Anyone who can''t see the potential might be blind-... erm, you get my meaning, I think.


    "There''s still the issue with all the day to day stuff, we are only two people after all"


    "Heh, I can handle most of the mundane stuff so you really don''t need to worry all that much"


    Why have I been blessed with such a person? Even if she says that, that''s not happening.


    "No fucking chance, that means I can''t be with you all the time..."


    At this point, the asional slip up when I admit to way too much is bound to happen. Even though how ufortable it is to admit, I''ve be clingy to her and it''s gotten to the point where it''s not like I''ll actually die of embarrassment admitting it anymore. I''d also like to think she might be simr but not ever asking anything like that.


    "... Ahem, what I meant to say is that you''re not doing everything alone again. If we''re doing this though, the end goal is to make a settlement that doesn''t need to rely on us in the slightest... let''s also start with the council thing and see how it goes from there"


    Already done the whole ''rely on the royals'' thing back in that elven war dungeon and I couldn''t have been more bored during that time. If Petra weren''t around to basically do all the tedious work, I would''ve fully turned into the mad queen. There was only so much war to be waged so when not covered in the blood or ashes of elves, there was an entire country on our shoulders to deal with from the outskirts of the battlefields.


    "Heh, agreed then Ikarus... although you know I can''t let that previousment go..."


    ''I knew this wasing, I wonder how she''s going to spin this into a tease''


    "... If possible, I''d also spend every waking second with you as well"


    Urgh, my heart, don''t be saying something like that with such a happy smile on your face! This woman is mentally corrupting me to love her more than what''s even possible! I can''t help but put my hand over my eyes even if that solves nothing.


    "L-Let''s just send him back in"


    "Heh, sure... Marcus!"


    After Petra raises her voice a little, the Lord returns back inside with an eager look on his face.


    "Do we have an agreement then?"


    "We''ll do the role but we have two conditions..."


    ''Are there two conditions though? I''ll just let Petra continue rather than question everything''


    "...The first is that we''ll take a seat on your council with a view to take over but that isn''t a guarantee. However, that doesn''t mean you can flog the tedious stuff on us to get out of work, you will also strongly regret this if there are any foul intentions behind it"


    She really can make threats effortlessly, it''s a good thing this guy isn''t all that fazed with that subtle warning.


    "That''s perfectly understandable and agreeable, what about the other condition?"


    "The second thing is that a very specificw needs to be changed quickly... the one regarding same sex marriage"


    Hang the fuck on!? Is that an immediate issue or was that a proposal!? That can''t be it, right?


    "What!? Please don''t tell me that was what I think it was Petra"


    "Heh, no Ikarus, just we''ve got to make sure the church doesn''t ever try to influence the public opinion here. It''s not exactly like we''re going to hide our rtionship in front of people so it''s more just setting the groundwork for when they inevitably try to rally up worshipers for their bullshit beliefs..."


    Phew... so that''s why it''s important, it''s not exactly like we''re looking at that sort of thing for a very long time.


    "... It would be lying if that was the only reason though... heh"


    Damn it Petra! Why can''t she help herself at times? I''ve already got to deal with the fact that I''m basically ready for the next step and you be bringing up marriage like that!? I can''t help butugh internally about it, she clearly is making a joke but still.


    Marcus doesn''t immediately give an answer though, I can understand Petra''s reasoning instantly but maybe he''s trying to figure out the why of it.


    "Ah... that''s actually quite the fair thought, same sex marriage is pretty much illegal in anyce close by to the empire and I just never changed it since it never came up. I''m all for changing it but even if I wasn''t, you two would already hold the majority vote... also, I very much doubt anyone is this ce would even care in the slightest as well so we can sort that out soon"


    "Some may not like it since the empire does only have the one God religion... I''m excluding priestess''s personal beliefs"


    "Erm, you''ve met with the holy priestess Petra? What was she like?"


    Heh, the conversation between those two have seems to changed topic a little now, I''m not butting in simply because it''s nice to hear Petra being talkative.


    "A little tame but pretty friendly if you exclude her disgust for bandits"


    "That''s... pretty much like the rumours. By the sounds of it, the church is going to end up a problem but I''m getting the feeling you two can handle it... Actually, seeing your fighting in person, I''m very confident in that"


    "It will prove a slight issue but to put it in perspective, those undead could''ve destroyed the entire church and their secret weapon all while being blood starved. Me and Ikarus alone should be enough to handle them"


    "Fair enough, I respect your confidence on it"


    I''ve already heard a slight rumour about the church being quite strong holding a weapon that is considered a gift from the one true God. I''d be worried but an enchanted de means shit against Armageddon... I actually feel bad for my dagger saying that, I''m not even sure their secret weapon is like that but it''s just an assumption. Sorry vampiric de, you could definitely survive a nuke...


    In the end, we discuss a few various other things like stuff about the trade deal we''ve set up and where the new temporary town council is going to be, Petra burning down that building obviously being the cause for that issue. Most of it was just recapping what we''ve been up to leaving phoenix rted stuff out but now it appears our kinda casual meeting hase to an end.


    "See you two tomorrow then!"


    (Petra) "Bye"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah, see you Marcus"


    And now, alone again, at least the meeting has woken me up a little. In all honestly, I''d love to spend the day cuddling since she deserves it and I''m in that sort of mood but I already know things are never that easy.


    "Now that''s sorted, what should we do next?"


    I still want to rx but it''s not exactly like we''ve done much since getting back other than kill pirates and vampires, there''s clearly still ''mundane'' stuff to do.


    "Unfortunately, we''ve still got work to do. Still got to check back in with the miners and make sure the mine is operating again as well as their safety, then check in with the cksmith as well and potentially find a new storage facility..."


    Ah yeah, can''t be slogging around tonnes of gold all the time and we do need to store it before selling it off, I guess any building would do the job for now but a vault would be best... although, Petra''s magic would be perfect for stopping thieves if she casts a barrier.


    "... Once those things are done, we can finally have some more alone time and continue back off as we werest night"


    "You''re actually being this forward again!?"


    I swear that subus has put her in the mood or something, she was never this bad before, right? Or am I now being dense?


    "Heh, Ikarus, I did tell you I''m more in control than you first thought, you''ve seemed a little more intimate recently so thought it might be nice to repay the favour"


    By intimate, does she mean affectionate? I guess I have been a little more but that''s her fault! If she wasn''t so damn loveable, then I wouldn''t be this way! As for what she means by repaying the favour, I''m unsure whether to be happy, afraid or curious now, I''m ready for the next step but that doesn''t mean it will happen straight away... or does it?


    "We''ll... see how things go..."


    That actually took her aback a little, was she actually just teasing there!? Have I just made a mistake? Forget it, this is a worry forter on today, I''ve got to focus on something else otherwise I''m just going to get worked up.


    "...Let''s just get work done first, then think about stuffter..."

 Chapter 99.5 – First Time (18+)

    Chapter 99.5 ¨C First Time (18+)


    ---18+ Content Readme (Click away if you¡¯re underage!)


    ---And so, the 18+ smut fest is upon us! You lot made this happen so this author-kun cannot be med if it ends up terrible! I joke but hopefully it¡¯s alright. If you¡¯re new and just looking for smut to read, I can see this being a little disappointing since there¡¯s actual buildup involved.


    ---This will be a little different than most, the chapters should be normal length (This one in particr I made too long and didn''t want to cut anything) and won¡¯t bepletely filled with just nonstop sex. A bit of buildup/romance/random stuff can go a long way but there is obviously the main dish as well¡­


    ---Not every time will be told about in detail simply down to not wanting to repeat a scene and these should be pretty rare (This volume may have more than most). Each scene should have a different spice to it and hopefully you enjoy! Warning, Petra may have perverted tendencies if this goes to n¡­


    __________


    "Enjoying that steak Ikarus?"


    "Yeah, it''s good"


    Afterpleting the day''s work and during dinner at a restaurant in town, both of us have been a little iffy all day since my vague response earlier. It''s not exactly like I said yes or no but normally I would just blush or shrug off her teasing so it''s obvious I''ve developed to a point where being extremely intimate might just be possible.


    ...


    And now, the dreaded nerves continue to show themselves, I think I may have even surprised Petra with what I said and it''s starting to gette now making it even worse. She doesn''t normally start small talk so that fact she''s asking something like that means even she has been thinking about this too much as well.


    Thankfully enough, she''s the first to finally say something about it all.


    "Listen Ikarus... we don''t have to do anything if you''re not ready. It doesn''t matter if it takes years or if things never go that far, you really don''t need to work yourself up over it... If you feel like you have to force yourself, then I''d never forgive myself"


    In all honesty, both of us have been a little quiet to each other throughout the day while working, it''s clearly obvious now we''ve both been worried about this but maybe for differing reasons. Doing the deed as a guy is one thing but as a female and with someone like Petra? It''s an overwhelming thought, like what am I even supposed to do? I''ve got like two moves I know how to do well and one of them is impossible... unless toys exist in this world but that''s not something for now.


    "It''s not forcing myself this time around Petra, it''s not like I haven''t tried things already... I''m just anxious, that''s all. It''s a good kinda scary if that makes sense"


    As for those things I''ve tried before, think back to when I was unconscious for weeks inside my own head after the curse thing, you don''t remain sane without trying a lot of different things like exploring your body just simply trying to pass the time. I also would like to point out every single try failed, you have no idea how hard it was to pet the cat and I just couldn''te close. It''s funny that frustration actually helped keep me calm and sane inside there.


    That''s not the only time but there really wasn''t any need for me to mention that I may have spent the asional amount of my personal time groping myself when I first gained this human form. Sure, looking at the nakedness was always too stimting but the feeling of having breasts to y with is actually great. It should''ve been expected I may have explored a little when first changing since what''s the first thing you''d do in a different gender? The answer should be pretty obvious, even if I didn''t try anything for quite some time because of my own stupidity.


    "If it makes any constion, I''m slightly worried as well but maybe for a different reason. I''ve been trying to n this to make it ideal for so long yet when something might actually happen... my mind has gone nk. Have no idea what we can do and everything that would''ve been used in the past got threw away since I had no such desire for that after... you know who"


    Even she''s been worrying while overthinking during all this... hang on, everything that would''ve been used in the past? Should I question her on that or will I regret the answer? Yeah, that''s an answer I may regret, she''s obviously talking about her ex as well but I''d rather not know that part of her past.


    "That... I might have an idea that could be a good start"


    We''re two girls, right? There are loads of things we can do even without any phallus type objects or scary third legs floating about... even now, I''m still slightly insecure about that. It really is stupid that the idea of seeing another third leg is aplete turn off that I''ve never been able to rid myself of. Would one made from something else that could be used for intimacy be okay though? I actually think I''d be alright with that but from the sounds of it, Petra got rid of everything like that if I understood what she just said correctly


    "What do you have in mind Ikarus?"


    Eh, maybe it might not be best to be too explicit inside this ce, we''ve finished eating at least but talking about it like this while other people are eating feels a little wrong, there is a time and ce for these types of things I guess. Everything else we''ve said could be interpreted in other ways and this might be a little difficult to not be explicit on.


    "I''ll tell youter when we''re alone..."


    __________


    "So... this is it then"


    "Heh, you don''t have to make it sound this is an ending Ikarus"


    "Maybe... it is nearly the end of the day but I''m just being pedantic... I''m not putting this off by the way"


    Now back at the inn and inside the bedroom, it might as well basically be time to start. It¡¯s a shame these rooms are pretty basic and don¡¯t help with any stimtion but that was never going to be an issue with this woman who makes me feel things I¡¯ve never even thought possible. Urgh, even just thinking like that makes me realize just how much I love her.


    The thing is, during our hugging or even while kissing, both of us have had wandering hands despite me not really bringing it up. Only reason I''m bringing this up now is just to prove this isn''t like we''ve developed straight from kissing and moved straight onto this, there''s been a load of intimate things going on behind the scenes that honestly didn''t feel like a big deal but were obviously pretty hot. It also doesn''t help that I really like it when her hands wander so I''m definitely ready, no more putting this off.


    There''s unfortunately something I must do beforehand, otherwise this''ll get awkward when I try to strip down. I guess things feel a little awkward with us just standing around in the inn room right now but that was always going to happen, I''m hoping any nerves quickly fade when we get started and maybe this shaking of mine might go away.


    I go to pull my corset dress over my head, this thing has always been extremely difficult to get off so doing it now is a must unless we n to ''mate'' with it on. Yuck, mother has ruined that word for me... my mind is not going to wonder from anybody other than Petra right now!


    While I''m undressing however, Petra was always going to make this more difficult.


    "That''s... absolutely stunning"


    She can''t just let up for a minute, I haven''t even gotten thispletely over my head and she''s alreadyplimenting my nakedness!?


    "Urgh... are you trying to make me pounce on you Petra? And are you going to stay like that as well?"


    Both of us have already taken off our boots and I''m now standing here butt naked covering up my most private parts while she''s just still standing there clothed.


    "Yeah actually, please pounce... I''ll strip down in a minute once I''ve finished taking in this glorious sight"


    A woman of nonstopplimentary words that easily knows how to manipte my heart. Whatever, I can''t contain myself if she''s going to give responses like that, we can start while she''s still clothed.


    I slowly go up to her lightly grabbing onto her waist while going in for proper kiss, this type of thing is always supplemented by forey, am I right? Maybe this might help any awkwardness or nervousness as well, even if I want to pounce on her...


    Without even giving it a second thought, she joins me in our foreign tongue kissing, just from this alone has already put me further in the mood. Joined mouth to mouth, embraced close together with me in my birthday suit, I couldn''t even care about anything else now.


    While we''re making out, her hands just cannot help wandering to the side of breasts lightly caressing them causing me goosebumps and a slight shiver.


    ''Damn... I like that way too much''


    As she''s doing that, I''ve also started to slide my hands over to her bottom and have started softly grabbing that as well, I''d like to grope her as well but this just feels more natural right now.


    Still continuing on stimting me even further, Petra tongue now finds its way out of my mouth and she has something to say it seems.


    "Heh... what did you want to do to me again Ikarus?"


    Her seductive, whisper speaking has always been arousing, I''m not sure if mine is as good but both of us are doing this regardless. Any nerves have already gone, turns out being horny is brilliant for anxiety!


    "A little bit of touching, kissing and then a slight amount of slowly and softly sampling your forbidden fruit"


    I''m really not even sure if that sounded sexy or not but it sounds a hell of a lot better than just saying I want to make you climax with my tongue. You''ll be surprised just how much things can sound sexier just with a bit of vagueness or a euphemism though, not everything needs to be unnecessarily explicit even if I''m still pretty hopeless at this.


    "Really?... That position can be a little much to start with though Ikarus"


    My thought can''t help but go the that specific number in the sixties that is also a sex position, clearly she was thinking of that as well but my idea was a lot more one sided than both of us receiving at the same time.


    "Not that one, just let me do all the work... it''ll be better that way"


    "Heh... of course then"


    As Petra responds while still face to face, she unties the waist on her disciple robe and it falls to the floor. Unlike her just wearing underwear, she has a lot more on than expected.


    "You-, you''re actually wearing that?"


    "Heh, you did pick it out after all... although I may have to lose these"


    I can''t actually believe she''s got that ck lingerie set on underneath; this is physically starting to hurt how turned on I am right now. And her slowly pulling them down her legs, looking back at me and then kicking the ck panties away isn''t helping.


    "P-Please... just lie down"


    "Heh, as youmand Ikarus"


    And like that, Petra wearing the sexy lingerie that perfectly matches with her hair seductively lies down on the bed, obviously miss a piece of the outfit now perfectly showing off her most intimate part.


    I don''t even need to stare at herher regions, just a nce at pure perfection is more than enough and it''s not exactly like I won''t be down there shortly. Sure, I know love is blinding-, pardon the pun but her body is even better than mine. Every curve is perfect, every inch of skin or even just how perfectly in proportion she is, I''ve got to stop fangirling over her now... I''m too horny to even care that I called myself a girl again.


    Anyway, enough dying, I sit down onto the bed, move myself to be above her and slowly start to kiss her lower stomach. I''ll slowly work my way down from here lightly running my hands down the inside of her legs as I continue as well.


    I assume she''s enjoying it, at least from miniscule amount of slight shaking I feel from her, it''s either that or anxiety after all. Anyways, slowly keeping this up and still moving further downwards, I''ve arrived at where the best part of this is.


    Now that I''m onto the prize, I can really admire it up close. This type of thing I can never do justice describing in words so I''ll just use the tried and proven word of perfection once again. Oh, she''spletely shaven down there as well but both of us have never really grown body hair any part other than our heads so that''s just a pointless observation really.


    Beforehand, just a little more kissing close to the really sensitive area and now, it''s time to start even if I''ve moved on a little quicker than I normally would. This is actually something I should be alright on.


    Trying to describe in detail how to ''eat out'' is not exactly something I can give a tutorial on, can I? I''ll still try though, just try to imagine licking an ice cream but allow your neck to do most of the work and keep your tongue t. Obviously, there''s a little more to it than just that and there are other much more effective moves you can do but this one is always a good base to start with.


    So that''s what I do, start gentle and slowly work your way up gradually getting faster every cycle until you find a perfect speed. Unfortunately for my sake, I''m worried while doing this to Petra.


    I''m actually a little unsure if she''s enjoying this, Petra is unfortunately mute as a mole right now. From the vibe I''m getting from her body movement, I think she''s enjoying it but her silence is making me doubt myself really. Thankfully enough, her muteness isn''t cause for concern.


    "Heh... you''ve definitely done this before... haven''t you Ikarus?"


    "Mmp-... are you seriously asking me that while my face is down here!?"


    This was something I''ve always apparently been pretty good at but does she actually need to ask that right now? That''s like a conversation about past rtionships we don''t ever need to have.


    "Heh, not really... continue on then"


    Even though the question was a little annoying, just by looking at her face is more than enough confirmation to know I''ve started doing my job well, Petra''s face tells all even if theck of her making noise or moaning isn''t happening. I get that she''s not very vocal but that clearly wasn''t the case when she sleeps, it wasn''t just once I heard my name said in that sort of way. As for how she looks, let''s just say I have apetitor for who can look more flustered and redder between us and this bird is currently in second ce!


    Anyways, I position myself back into the right position and continue on. Time is obviously skewed when you''ve got you head inside someone''s legs but I guess I keep this up for five or ten minutes? I may skim over it a little but honestly, this is like one of those things where time flows so much quicker since you''re having fun... I really am quite horny it seems. And by the feel or it, Petra definitely is.


    Whether or not it''s a good or bad thing, I doubt Petra''s going tost much longer at my current pace, unsure how I''m even able to tell but maybe it''s just a superpower I''ve somehow picked up changing gender.


    "Ikarus..."


    And that is when I know I''ve got her. She un-straightens her legs pushing her knees upward also causing her thighs to softly squeeze together against my head, her hands as well find themselves pushing down against the back of my head, she''s very close to achieving that sweet climax now. Keep in mind, I could very easily pull away if I so desired since it''s not exactly like she''s being rough but I''d never want to do such a thing at this point, I''m literally about to make my girlfriend orgasm!


    And just like that, Petra''s orgasm rips through her entire body colliding into me, being able to feel that slight shake and bliss tearing through her even down here is absolutely hot as fuck. Of course, I make sure to stop a little while she''s finishing due to the sensitivity but by the sounds of it for some reason, that was enough. Doesn''t she want to go again?


    "Wow... that was just... wow... it''s your turn now Ikarus"


    Oh crap, she wants to switch our roles? How do I get out of this?


    "I e-erm... am feeling a little tired now so h-how about we just sleep and cuddle?"


    Of course, my reluctance is going to get nowhere with that smiling tease I''m crouched above.


    "You really think I can allow such selfless behaviour from you Ikarus? Don''t think you''re getting away from this that easily"


    This is not consensu-... I''m joking, I''m joking! Of course it''s consensual, just that I already have a suspicion that this time around, I''m not going to fail to finish and that is making me anxious. I bet this is going to feel stronger than any experience as a guy and that is a scary thought.


    "Fineee then... only if you insist"


    "Heh, okay Ikarus the tsundere"


    Ignoring her response and seeing that I''m still above Petra, we switch up positions so now I''m lying t on the bed. Now that she''s preying on me from above, there was another reason I was going to dread this and Petra can never help herself... I''ve never felt this turned on before and it''s showing.


    "Heh... to think you''re already that moist just from that alone, naughty Ikarus, looks like we don''t need forey"


    Urgh... this isn''t even the teasing causing that, I hate that damn word, moist. It''s just a horrible word, she could call me dirty or disgusting for all I care, just not moist.


    "Moist is such a horrible word Petra"


    "Heh, sure sure"


    While she''s basically ignoring my response, I don''t even have the chance to prepare before her tongue finds its way into pressing into that upper part of where babies are made... oh my God... is that how a tongue feels?


    I almost want to push away it''s that sensitive and she''s started this quickly!? Fuck forey, this is... uh... great.


    Petra''s technique... is astonishing, she someone manages tobine sucking with the licking sensation and it''s... mind-blowing. How in the hell did she manage tost ten minutes with me doing something like this? It''s shocking, there''s no chance I''ming close to that...


    While this is happening, I''m starting to uncontrobly quiver and might also be ying with my chest ever so softly... being a guy is overrated if this is... uhhh...


    I''m also desperately trying not to scream and am biting my lip; this inn may be normally empty but it''s justmon courtesy for Christ''s sake. Despite this, even I can''t help but let out a quiet moan every now and then...


    Then after God knows how many minutes or even seconds, I start to feel the ending in sight, the sensation of this is now getting stronger and I''m almost terrified how strong this is going to feel...


    "Heh... can''t be making it that easy"


    She''s stopped... damn it Petra! Even during this, she still cannot help her teasing!? She''s literally lifted her head up and is now grinning towards me, get your head back down there!


    "You... might be evil"


    "Heh, sure enough"


    Thankfully, Petra continues on again after what feels like an eternity, a minute might as well be that long and I find nearly all progress has been lost from the point I was just at. I''d be pissed at her if this didn''t feel so good... uhhhh...


    I get myself into the rhythm again and find this time around, it''s building up quicker and might even be stronger tost time but of course, I''m just skimming this again cause fuck descriptions... No idea how long it taken and now I''m right at the edge, it''s so close...


    "Uhh... Petra! D-Damn it!"


    "Heh, what''s wrong Ikarus? What could be causing you such frustration?"


    I got even further this time and she cuts it short once again!? I honestly must sound like a mess right now, I''m so close yet she just can''t help herself and continues to tease. There must me sweat dripping from my constant blushing face, at least I''m guessing that''s how I look.


    "M-Must you?"


    "Heh, let''s see if the third time does the trick"


    I''m going to end up swearing at her if she does that again... at least she''ll do it till we''re finished although I may end up giving up if this is she continues.


    This time around, I''m honestly already starting to feel slight exhaustion from the clear edging she''s been sessfully achieving. Despite this, there''s less effort needed on my part for these several minutes or so and it''s just a matter of seconds before I''m ready... please don''t stop this time.


    And that''s when... it happens. A feeling more intense, stronger and aggressive than anything experienced before rips through me like a tsunami destroying everything ahead of its path... and it doesn''t stop. Even during all this and the violent orgasm shakes I''m experiencing, Petra doesn''t stop and frankly, I''m unsure if it''s helping or making it worse, it''s just so damn sensitive I might cry... fuck me...


    Now that the wave has fully swept through me, Petra haspletely finished her duty... or has she?


    "Want another Ikarus"


    "NO NO!... "


    Honestly, I''m fucked right now... she suggests another!? It''s not I couldn''t continue... just that those levels of sensitivity are something I need to get adjusted to... another might make me pass out if that shaking''s anything to go off. Despite all this, words must be said instead of a thank you.


    "I-I... l-love you Petra"


    "Heh... love you too Ikarus"


    __________


    "How was that anyways Petra?"


    "Excellent Ikarus... although..."


    After both ''finishing'', resting a little and me in her arms in bed, I can''t help but ask her about it, it''s nice to know if you were pretty effective after all. There''s no need for her to ask though, my reaction was obvious as hell, I wonder if that''s just a me thing or are first orgasms that effective? It''s a scary thought if that''s just the tip of the iceberg though.


    If I were topare it, in some ways it''s pretty simr to a guy but in others ways very different. For a start as a female, the entire experience isn''t just about the ''ending'' if that makes sense. The journey is a hell of a lot better getting there and when ites around, dear God it''s amazing. It''s more intense,st''s even longer and to think we could continue again nearly instantly.


    The only downside is when you lose progress, things are unbelievably frustrating because you can''t just continue on from that exact point, at least that''s my experience with the buildup and difficulty of it. With Petra''s teasing, I should''ve expected she would do something like that but it doesn''t make it any easier.


    "... Definitely prefer watching you squirm just a fair bit more... heh. Sure you don''t want to go again?"


    Dear God, she''s worse than I ever could imagine. All I wanted was a rxed experience after we both were done and she can''t let up. I know watching me violently shake would''ve been hot as hell bute on Petra! Is this her true personality? She''s just relentless.


    "Must you continue? Can''t we just rx for now?"


    Listen, I know women can achieve sess multiple times back-to-back but that doesn''t mean I have to experience that straight away! I still kinda want to take this slow but she''s making it impossible just by how much she''s able to torment me just with words! Stop turning me on! Pleaseee...


    "Of course but still want to point something out... you''re definitely going to enjoy what we do in the future Ikarus. If you have such a strong reaction just from that, you''re in for a right surprise"


    "You just can''t help yourself... It won''t be that much of a surprise though, right?"


    Is she teasing or trying to make me worry? That shit was more intense than I''ve ever experienced previously and she''s now telling me that was basically nothing!?


    "Heh, let''s just say there''s an entire world you''re yet to discover and I''ve spent a long time perfecting the ways to enjoy it


    Oh Petra, even everything she says isn''t going to soundpletely sexy, that sounds a little suspect there. I couldn''t even care that she''s probably done everything with her ex already, it''s not exactly like it effects how we feel about each other in anyway.


    "You know you sound like a right pervert right now? Hehe"


    "Heh, maybe... and yet, you''re going to enjoy it all... remind me to buy some things when we leave this town next"


    Despite my love for this woman, she terrifies me at times and this time around, it''s for apletely new reason. That smile she has may be beautiful but it''s never been innocent. By dear God, there''s never been an ounce of innocence within her.


    ''Well... if she says I''ll enjoy it, then I shouldn''t worry too much... that''s impossible though...''


    __________


    ---Hopefully you enjoyed that but bad news to give, you may only be getting 2/3/4 chapters this week since I''ve basically burnt myself out. It''s not one of things authors do and never return, normal scheduling should return next week baring any illness but I''m just physically and mentally drained right now.

 Chapter 100 – Onlooker

    Chapter 100 ¨C Onlooker


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "And that... is the perfect time to stop watching those two"


    "What do you mean boy? This the perfect time FOR watching, don''t switch it off just yet"


    That''s not surprising, father has always been a fiend when ites to this sort of thing. Can''t say I me him too much since there is enjoyment to be found watching mortals go at it but s, it really isn''t the time.


    "Really Zeus? You want to watch two mortals getting it on while me, your son is alongside you? Are you going senile old man or are you just a perve?"


    "Bah... switch it off then boy"


    Me and the old coot Zeus have been keeping track on the ''world ender'' Ikarus and that unfortunately means watching a lot of her daily life, it just so happens she and her partner are enjoying themselves a little too much right now. Like most Gods up here, I''m all for that type of thing but it does feel a little indecent to peek on something like that so switching it off is clearly the right thing to do. Also, watching with a family member really isn''t right either.


    This white marbled room has multiple monitors to fixate and view specifically chosen individuals, this one is the official Olympus viewing station despite there being loads more if you know where to look. I''m pretty sure the mortals down in the more advanced worlds have something simr called televisions orputers? It matters little since contact on those worlds are out of our control but bits and pieces of information do get out, especially when some mortals are able to be reincarnated or reborn.


    Ah yeah, I know about Ikarus''s rebirth or her evolving, was actually watching when that tree spirit brought more to light but father has no clue on that just yet. If he did, he''d instantly me Hades despite my other uncle being clueless on the reincarnations, at least I think the leader of the underworld is. I''d think he would''ve said something if he found out about dead people somehow being brought back to life using their original bodies as the base but there''s been nothing on that side of things... yet. That''s even if they had died beforehand, I''m pretty much as clueless as the little phoenix on the whys of such a thing.


    "Anyways, you wanting my report or are you sulking about missing out on the mortals mating session?"


    "Bah, must you persist in your annoying pursuit boy? There''s no need for watching if I can easily get the whole thing anytime I please..."


    ''And yet, more and more women are pushing him away, I wonder when hest spoke to Hera''


    "... Anyways, there''s no need for a report this time, I''ve seen enough for now so I''m satisfied"


    "You''re satisfied? What that supposed to mean?"


    "What it means Dionysus, is don''t worry about it... you just keep on observing and try not to drink too much while doing so"


    Zeus leaves the small viewing station and now it''s just me alone, what in Tartarus is that supposed to mean though? Forget worrying, I''ve tried to do my part ying down everything I''ve seen before in the reports but there''s only so much I can do.


    To actually think how close he came to seeing something though, one of his earliest visits just so happened toe after the testing explosions. If he had seen that actually happen, there''s no chance he wouldn''t have found some excuse to try and kill her by using someone. The problem is, war is inevitable with anything prophecy rted, us younglings have looked into the older lots history too much but at if there''s a chance I can dy or even convince him otherwise, then I''m ying my part for now. That''s not to say I''m alone though.


    Enough of the serious stuff, I''ll ''idently'' lock the door and get back in contact with my incantation. Despite her living quite the peaceful life recently, she does need to hear my voice every now and then.


    ''Charlotte, hear my inner voice, are you currently alive and kicking?''


    Locking the door and switching the screen back on to the position I need, I see the empire''s priestess sitting on a sofa in the arms of that knight she likes. I''m honestly a little happy she''s found someone just like her but he really is in for a shock if she ever drinks or has an episode recollecting on her horrid days. I''m hoping he doesn''t take advantage of her but with him, I can''t see any scenario where he does.


    <My Lord! Yes! Everything''s perfectly fine, have you finished up your business?>


    ''Yes... do you really need to keep calling me that?''


    <Of course! You are my saviour so it would be disingenuous to call you anything lower than the title you deserve>


    Despite me loving my incarnate like a parent who loves their child, she really can be full of religious delusion at times. Hearing my voice always seems to cheer her up as well but thankfully enough, she seemed happy in the knight''s arms right now regardless.


    I still remember the day I came across her face down in a ditch covered in blood and who knows what else. Back then, she wasn''t strong enough to handle the desires that stupid species get afflicted with and the group of vampires she was with treated her like a ything to be discarded. That kinda leads on the bandit disgust thing as well, those vampires did use to attack and plunder nearly anything they came across, viges and town all across


    I actually don''t think she ever realized they were vampires but that matters little when they ended up being incinerated by ''holy light''. Her main attack is actually something she could''ve done herself, just needed the power kick behind it and a little motivation. Also, I see the irony of a species considered undead having holy and light magic, luck is a strange thing after all.


    After the power blessing, several years pass with nonstop unneeded devotion, she prays towards me nearly everyday and it was ten times worse back then. I dread the day we can''t speak for some reason and she has no one tomunicate to, it''s a good thing they were travelling in a group within those dungeons otherwise that would''ve been a terrible experience for her. She would''ve had an episode and broken down due to the lingering silence and I couldn''t have said nothing to help. me the other Gods for that, it''s not difficult to make your own dungeon sound proof to the outside world and quite the few choose that course of action... if only my stupid one weren''t on the northern continent that''s ended up in turmoil.


    It''s a good thing that little mortal she''s surrounds herself with, the brown-haired knight distracts her worries a lot but even then, I can''t always be around as a second voice and he can''t always help as well... Ah, forget this, I''m getting down thinking about her, she''s happy all the other times so let''s not worry about that so much and take a swig of my bottle to calm the nerves. Wow, that''s surprisingly weak, was this watered down?


    As for specifics on the power lending thing, I guess you could say it''s simr to an exchange? The difference is, I never put any conditions that could have any effect on her simply because I just didn''t want her to die or be abused at that time. It''s not like I regret the decision but lending that amount of power and needing to be around for the extremely rare asions when she desperately needs more is a little troublesome... despite me wanting to do anything for her. This is just the responsibility of picking up an incantation I guess, you can understand why it''s banned just from timemitments alone.


    ''Fine then, continue as you please... I''ll be here listening but unable to have a proper conversation today child''


    There''s still some stuff I need to check on and she hasn''t been in much danger recently after the toss up in the capital, I''d continue watching the two phoenixes right now but it might be best to give them some personal time alone.


    <Oh... that''s unfortunate but this unworthy one understands his holiness''s needs>


    ''Goodbye th-... hang on, there is something I''ve neglected to tell... what do you think of the orange bird child?''


    Truth be told, I''m curious on her reaction regarding Ikarus and the empire, she was kinda close with that devilish blonde brat but it was never apparently friendship, she only had a slight amount of sadness when she found out he was dead. The knight''s reaction was a little surprising as well, he actually seems happier serving a new emperor now despite him being devastated at the loss originally. It might be better if Charlotte doesn''t reveal that information to him but he is more open minded that you''d think.


    <Ikarus-sama? She''s great, why?>


    ''If Ikarus were hypothetically involved in the most recent empire shakeup, how would you react?''


    <Ikarus-sama was involved in Alistair''s death? That''s... okay I guess, Nat might not be happy to know it but she must''ve had her reasons. Why do you ask my Lord?>


    Huh, she''s more perceptive than she lets on at times despite me trying not to give everything away, honestly thought she wouldn''t catch on to what I was hinting at there.


    ''It''s of no concern, I''m just curious if you''d ever want to fight against that phoenix''


    That''s more hypothetical than the other thing, I''m just wondering how she would view it if Ikarus were an enemy. There''s no such need for a thing but you never know, Charlotte may decide one day tobel Ikarus as a bandit or heathen and things could go bad... however unlikely that may be.


    <Why would I ever go against Ikarus-sama!? She is a friend and will never be a heathen, why would we ever need to fight?>


    I do like her child like innocence at times, I''m hoping she understands that not all enemiese at you demanding money or with a weapon in hand. Most I''ve founde at you with smiles andughter carrying a bottle of spiked ambrosia or a poisoned dagger.


    ''I think you may be a little na?ve child... was only curious and giving you some more information to test how you go about things... I really must go now so take care, call me if needed''


    <Okay my Lord, farewell as well>


    Despite the information I give Charlotte, there are some things that are best left hidden, things like how I got the information on where Ikarus''s cure came from. Every person whether God or mortal has to get dirty every now and then.


    ''Sighhh... I wonder if those two are finished yet...''


    __________


    "You alright Ikarus?"


    "Eh? Sorry Petra, mind was thinking aboutst night again"


    We''re currently on the way to the cksmith''s to finally check out the gold. When we visited yesterday, the ce just so happened to be closed so actually picking it up hasn''t happened just yet. I should have enough room to carry it for now but will need a suitable ce to stash it, probably have to buy a warehouse afterwards but that process should be easy since we now have friends in power... It''s just Marcus for now but still.


    "Heh, was it that memorable? We can always continue anytime you wish"


    I love her and all but let''s be real, Petra''s a slight perve and I can see her only getting worse the further we''re together. You''d think it would just be a joke or a tease but no, she''s serious even if she hides behind that beautiful smile and singleugh. Like I said, I''d still love her regardless.


    "*Sighhh*... ignoring your tainted mind, I kinda feel like someone was watching usst night"


    Don''t get me wrong,st night was epic, that ''sleeping'' we did was excellent but for some reason, kinda got the feeling like someone was watching us afterwards. It''s like that feeling you get as a kid worrying that there might be something watching you from the closet... I''m so freaking weird that I even remember that feeling.


    "Erm Ikarus... shouldn''t that be obvious? You forgetting about your robotic wife?"


    Oh Petra, do I really seem that dumb? Don''t even bother answering for her Aesa, you already know what I mean.


    "Of course I''m bloody not forgetting about her! Ah forget it, it matters little anyway"


    I''m honestly surprised I didn''t get a congrattory message or something from system as wellst night but I guess even Aesa knows when to shut it.


    [<Aesa was going to remain quiet but -user- just cannot help herself. Aesa is unfortunately stuck to -user- and obviously holds no opinion on events that transpiredst night. If -user- is looking to annoy Aesa, then she has seeded>]


    "I''d apologize but we both know I''d be lying... you really have no opinion on it at all?"


    [<*Sigh*>]


    ''Fine, don''t answer then, clearly you''re in a mood... at least we''re here now''


    Anyways... we walk into the cksmith''s and am immediately greeted to a sight that annoys me. There''s just the old dude here at the moment but this really isn''t great.


    "What the... why the fuck have you got it out in the open like that!?"


    In the old guy''s store are several piles of full sized shiny gold bars out in the freaking open on the counter! Is he trying to attract thieves or is he just stupid? I know we don''t actually have to be secretive about it now but you still don''t have that much wealth sitting out in the open like this.


    Huh... this reminds me when the knight had a slight go at me for walking around the capital with a bag of gold coins when I first visited, back then I didn''t have a clue though. I guess it is going to be safer in a town rather than a packed city but still.


    "The door''s closed and the sign says we''re closed, there''s no one in town who''d even consider trying to steal anything like this if they even knew about it anyway, you worry about it too much kid"


    The old cksmith tries to reassure me it''s okay but is it though? I know those travelling pirates were an exception purposely looking to target unprotected victims outside of the town but I''d rather he not have such a carefree attitude about this, those piles may not be huge but we''re still talking about tens or hundreds of golden coins if they were smelted down. This guy has seriously ruined my day now, I was looking forward to this but now I''m worrying.


    "Whatever then, can you at least not do this again just to be safe?"


    "Ikarus does have a point, it doesn''t hurt to just keep it hidden away till wee to pick it up"


    That old dick actually just rolled his eyes at us! It''s a good thing he''s an effective worker otherwise I''d have a right go at that. Seriously though, apparently he''s already hired extra workers just to handle everything so like Jaxon, he''s very good at doing management work. It just sucks his personality makes me want to kick him in the groin at times.


    "Fine then... just you two youngsters can drag it out from storage in future since I thought I''d be doing you a favour getting this out... Oh, the other piles should be done by tomorrow, this is only half of what''s been done so far"


    Wait, that just half of what''s been done!? I know it''s good ore but still, it still seems like we''re getting too much back in return.


    "That''s... only half?"


    "Heh, you really have outdone yourself it seems"


    The grumpy ol''guy can''t even take praise from Petra and just scoffs that off as well.


    "I''d take your praise but it''s honestly pointless kids, that ore you''ve found might be one of a kind. I''ve actually nevere across something this rich in density, there''s barely anything wasted from the clusters you bring me... That reminds me, if that boy is able to make the mine even more effective, then I''ll have to hire even more workers at this rate... I''m going to be working till the day I die it seems, looking slightly forward to it kids"


    I think it''s been roughly a month and a half since the first days of the mine started and now the fruit has finally bloomed... I actually feel the urge to cry happy tears but there''s no chance of this bird ever weeping! I''m a stubborn dude when ites to that sort of thing, crying is for girls... even if I actually am one and you exclude how sexist that sounds. Wait, would that even count as being sexist seeing that I am-, just forget my rambles again.


    "This is honestly just great... give me a sec and I''ll pick this up then"


    "We''ve got to hurry it though Ikarus, got the council meeting next"


    Oh yeah, the council meeting, you can already tell the first one is just going to be him informing us about the situation and going deep into the numbers of the ce... I think I''m just going to skip past this one for now since you know it''s going to go slow...

 Chapter 101 – Visitors

    Chapter 101 ¨C Visitors


    "Well... that was boring"


    "Heh, you really don''t like these types of things, do you Ikarus?"


    We''ve just finished our first ''official'' council meeting with Marcus, the official part is debatable since we had to do the damn thing at the inn seeing that the town hall has burnt down. At least it was kinda official since the Lord did bring a load of papers and stuff to go through with us.


    Basically to summarize everything up since that type of stuff is unbelievably boring, we went through a LOT of numbers regarding the town and how things actually work. In all honestly, there actually isn''t much to do or fix so to speak, I was actually expecting this ce to be a hellhole beyond the surface seeing that Marcus desperately seems to want us in power but things are actually pretty great.


    The town isn''t losing money and makes enough profit to remain steady and have a rainy-day fund, the inds themselves can grow crops so things like farming is a reliable alternative despite the main diet being fish and the standard of living is better than most towns in the empire.


    The only real issue justes down to further development really. For any significant things to be built like a bridge across to the mine ind or something like another shipyard or port for example, then more money needs to be obtained. I can see why this guy is so happy for us to be here just from that alone, a lot of currency is bound to flow through this ce very soon and what else do you do with such arge amount of wealth? You spend it of course! Well... it''s more investing than actually spending but I''m trying to make this sound less boring really.


    Thinking about this guy, we''ve actually been blessed in the amount ofpetent people we''vee across recently, I honestly think we could just give Marcus a huge consistent amount of money and he''d develop this ce into a thriving city but I still want to be involved a little more than just that despite me obviously having a terrible attention span to anything boring.


    I do have a goal for making this cepletely reliant on itself though, what I mean by that is all money that gets spent finds its way back basically bing a constant cycle between workers, businesses and banks. This settlement already has that type of thing already in ce but the end goal is a city that needs no help from me, Petra and even Marcus... although the defence side of things is a topic for another day but the only real threat might be more pirates and they are apparently extremely rare in the northern seas. I''m more than happy to smite any bastard who dares do wrong in this ce though.


    "It''s not that dislike that sort of thing, it''s just keeping focused more than anything. Luckily enough, I can focus a little more with you around"


    That''s not technically true since Petra''s a massive distraction but I just want topliment her even if the words I speak aren''t correct.


    "Heh, clearly I''m not distracting you enough then, I''ll have to try a lot harder"


    Her flirting or teasing is so unnecessary, it''ll be perfect other than the fact it bes difficult topliment her when she responds like this.


    "You know, you don''t always have to tease so much, actions hold more impact than-"


    Without even being subtle about it, I find a quick peck on the lips from Petra. Sure, I was kinda hinting at such a thing but she really does act fast when ites to this sort of thing. It says a lot that she holds back massively for me, I still dread to think what the ''real'' Petra is like...


    "Like that?"


    "Y-Yeah, like that... are they... who I think they are?"


    Ah, I should probably exin what we''re doing anyways. After leaving the inn, just fancied a little walk around the town with Petra until I found her viting my personal space, not that I''d ever dislike it. What I''ve just noticed after finishing the slight kiss and looking over Petra''s shoulder is the other side of the market; it just so happens three very noticeable individuals have just arrived into town and two of them are being pretty vocal.


    "Erk... will you just leave me alone already!?"


    "No chance of that girly-boy, you''re not getting away from me that easily"


    "I''m not in the fucking mood today cow"


    "Well, that''s unfortunate seeing that I''m going nowhere!"


    You''ll never guess which three have stumbled into town? I''ll give a hint, one''s a green haired, big breasted partially naked perve cuddling the arm of one of them, the other is a sweet and innocent blue haired healer and thest is a grumpy, irritating red-haired dick. Maybe that''s being a little unfair since he puts all tsunderes to shame but Zeki can be insufferable though.


    Ariza notices us and ditches the others running towards me and Petra. She actually hugs us like she''s hasn''t seen us in years, I don''t mind the hug but I''ve never actually been hugged by her I think, it''s kinda odd.


    "Finally some normal people... those two are so difficult to deal with"


    Do I even need to specte? Ria and Zeki have probably been so disgusting, poor Ariza has been stuck in the middle of it when travelling over here. I do wonder when the dryad actually met up with them but I really couldn''t care that much to ask.


    "I''m easy to deal with brother! It''s that pervert who won''t stop clinging to me, that''s the problem!"


    "And yet, you keep using this ''pervert'' for your daily needs. Once you mate with a sprit Zeki, it''s amitment for life"


    "Yeah right, you can fuck right off cow, that ain''t happening"


    I''m all for morepany and all but really? We haven''t even said a how do you do and this shit is already happening again? Sighhh...


    Then without any warning, the situationpletely changes in a heartbeat.


    "Huh?... Turns out you''re lucky today girly-boy, I''m actually needed somewhere else for a change, that kinda sucks but I''ve never stopped doing my duties just yet"


    And just like that in the blink of an eye, the tree spirit dryad Ria stops clinging onto Zeki and walks into one of the few trees in the market and vanishes in the blink of an eye. The market is pretty empty right now so no one seemed to noticed but did that dryad seriously just do that? At least have themon courtesy for a goodbye or a hello, she clearly saw us but she was always part of the obnoxious couple anyway. I''m also guessing she gets informed when an important tree is in danger as well? Eh, who cares...


    It''s funny how no one is even mentioning that odd urrence, what a weird ''meetup'' that was, at least Zeki''s rid of her now.


    "Ah orangey, ran into your old man on the way over... he said something about him and the familying to pay a visit soon"


    "Wait, why the fuck do they want toe over here!?"


    Shit shit shit! Zeki may say that causally and they''re probably isn''t anything to worry about but it''s impossible for this bird to not worry in this situation, there''s no reason for them to visit so abruptly and to a settlement full of people!? Urgh...


    "I don''t know orangey, unsure why you look so worried about it, it''s not exactly like they''re going to burp and burn this ce to the ground. At least your old man won''t anyways, unsure about your beast of a mother"


    "Calling someone''s mother a beast really isn''t nice Zeki"


    "That''s meant as apliment brother! You know me, normally I''d call dragons arrogant dicks but those two are alright"


    That''s still another potential cause for concern even if Zeki doesn''t think so, I''ve not felt great today but that''s not really worth mentioning yet. I know I shouldn''t be that worried but it just wouldn''t surprise me if both parents decide to fly in above the city causing everyone in this ce to literally shit themselves thinking the end times havee... I''ll have to give Marcus the heads up something like that could be happeningter as well now but what do I say? I could just say they''re two big birds I guess.


    "Heh, it really shouldn''t be that big of a deal Ikarus, they aren''t children and know how to behave"


    "Yeah Petra... you''re probably right..."


    At least that''ll give me something to ''look forward'' to, I wonder when they''ll arrive then, hopefully not on the same day the dwarven shipse into dock... well fuck, I''ve just jinxed it...


    __________


    "Urgh... dear God... the hell have I eaten?"


    "What''s wrong Ikarus?"


    I''ve had this weird cramping pain just under my stomach for a while now and it''s getting worse, been this way since this morning but has slowly been getting worse and worse now.


    We''re currently chilling in this inn while those three are basically moving into this ce as well, Zeki and Ariza have a few backpacks worth of stuff they brought over since I''m guessing they n on staying for a while. I''m all for thepany but obviously from only one of them... at least it seems Zeki''s not into the dryad right now sopletely and utter perversion should be less frequent thankfully.


    "It''s been ying up all morning... it''s a little crude sounding but it''s a simr feeling to when you''re a little blocked up if you catch my meaning"


    Saying it like that is a hell of a lot better than saying I have a feeling like trapped wind or constipation, I''m good on that side of things though so I''m unsure why I feel like this. It''s also been rumbling a little as well.


    "Say Ikarus, could it be-... no, that shouldn''t happen at least for a few more years so forget it"


    I hate it when people do that, I love Petra but finish the sentence! It just makes me curious on something that could be pointless.


    "Don''t be doing that Petra, what were you gonna say?"


    "What I was thinking of is that maybe it''s time of the month? If you catch my meaning"


    That time of the month? I shouldn''t be having them... wait!


    "For fuck''s sake! I''m going to have to change form now, aren''t I?"


    "Heh, of course Ikarus, there''s no other way it''lle out"


    Fucking eggs man, I know phoenixes technically evolve and all that shit but should I really beying at this age? Ah forget it, I bet there''s just enough room for me to change in the room we''re renting out...


    __________


    "That''s a motherfucker of an egg..."


    You ever seen an ostrich or emu egg in person? Yeah, they don''tpare in the slightest to this, it''s even bigger than those! I can literally hug it like a body pillow, I''m obviously not since it might crack but still. Also, let''s ignore the obvious fact that this egg is way too big to fit inside the hybrid human form, I''m guessing it must''ve been constantly shrunk down otherwise something of this size should''ve killed me. I may have given it a quick wash as well now, shouldn''t have to exin where it came from but it goes by the same logic on how a chickenys an egg...


    "... At least that''s dinner sorted tonight... why do I feel weird eating that though?"


    It''s just a big egg... that literally came out of me not so long ago. Chickens literally do this type on cannibalistic shit all the time and yet why do I feel like it''s a terrible idea all of a sudden? I''ve cleaned it thoroughly and the inside will be lush and definitely not fertilized... It''s that little remnant of humanity I have still left inside within me. Eating something that basically sat inside me recently sounds so unbelievably fucked up. It''s actually pissing me off, I was looking forward to this!


    "Heh, was like that at first but there''s really nothing odd about it, remember them being pretty good however long ago that was. Taste would''ve still been around back then"


    And now I feel like she''s a pervert... at least Petra''s eaten her own eggs before. See! That''s why it''s weird, actually saying eating your own eggs sounds so freaking disturbing, I''m not letting it get over my curiosity on how it tastes though and I''ve got the best chef alongside me.


    "Chef Petra... could you cook us an omelette please?"


    "Sure, I''ll have to cook Zeki and Ariza something different though otherwise Mr obnoxious as you call him will get jealous"


    We''re already in the kitchen after I washed this bad boy and the inn owner allows us to use this ce as we please at this point, it''s time for some more good ol'' home quality family cooking! Even if it''s going to be her doing most of the work.


    I''ll definitely get over my weirdness after I taste the damn thing, it''ll be guaranteed if it''s good, who cares if the thing basically just came out of my bottom anyways? Also, it sounds like Petra would rather us two just eat the egg, this is weird enough and feeding to the others might be passing a line. It''s fine if it''s just me and Petra though, she''s already been kinda down there before-... that''s not incriminating at all, you''re sharing too much Ikarus!


    Forget that... and now it''s time for the cooking montage! Well... not really but I did help out Petra out a little through it all, mostly passing all the ingredients to her while she turns the gigantic egg into an omelette that''s clearly too big for the pot. Can''t also forget the meats, mushrooms and veg she added to it, omelette with other stuff in does make it taste so much better as well. It''s a shame we didn''t do the Japanese omurice thing with the ketchup love heart on top but Petra''s cooking needs no such lovey dovey crap to it, it''s too good to be romantic! Even if I would kinda like that sort of thing as well...


    Now that everything ispleted, Petra''s serving up our dinner and wouldn''t you know it, the other two phoenixes have arrived like a moth to a me, they unfortunately only have meat and veg but Petra can make anything good after all.


    (Ariza) "It smells good in here, is there enough for us?"


    (Zeki) "Damn, this omelette smells good, how many eggs did you use for that?"


    While answering, Petra''s serving all the food onto the tes, those two are wee to have some omelette if they want but if Ariza or Zekiid an egg, I''d rather not eat it if I''m being honest. Petra''s apletely different thing even if she doesn''ty them anymore unfortunately... it''s funny how that''s perfectly fine but my own eggs now make me feel weird, I really am an odd specimen at times.


    [<-User- is once again stating the obvious>]


    ''Shoo, it''s dinner time and you don''t deserve any attention''


    [<Hmph>]


    "Haven''t done omelette for you two I''m afraid... you won''t want to eat that Zeki"


    And without even thinking about it, the idiot grabs a fork and takes a bite from the omelette Petra just served on the first te. He really seems to be enjoying that...


    "Why''s that older sis?... Shit, that''s a good omelette, are they chicken or duck eggs?"


    Oh, you red haired idiot, I can''t wait to see his reaction when he finds out that''s my butt egg now. He better have a bad reaction to this; looks like I''m not going to have to reveal it to him since Petra seems to have a smirking reaction to it all.


    "Heh, neither... it''s a phoenix egg Zeki... stoppedying a long time ago but someone else just so happened to start"


    Ariza instantly realizes who made that egg and covers her mouth trying not tough, it takes a second for him to realize who ''produced'' that now, looks like he''s not enjoying my butt egg any longer... I''ve really got to stop calling it that.


    "Wait... you mean... this came out of orangey ass!? I think I''m going to puke"


    "You''re such an idiot Zeki, this is why you need to use that brain of yours sometimes"


    And just like that, Zeki presumably runs off to go be sick in the outhouse while Ariza can''t help butugh and mock him, I''m unsure whether tough or be offended that my egg isn''t good enough for him now. At least he said it''s good, even if the thought of my arse makes him sick. Yeah, I am offended actually, I feel the urge to kick him hard now.


    Anyways, ignoring my irritation, I grab a fork and take a quick bite, we should really take a seat while eating but I''m curious and hungry already. Taking a bite and savouring the taste... it''s easily safe to say this is the best omelette I''ve ever had! Sure, if you''re not a lover of strong eggs, you''d hate this but it really has a great taste, I bet this would be unbelievable poached as well... I do wonder how much this is down to the egg or chef though but screw overthinking this, I''m just going to scoff this down regardless.


    "Damn... I will cure your taste one day Petra, mark my words"


    She cooks like a Goddess yet can barely taste a thing; life is unnecessarily cruel to her for not being able to enjoy such a thing...

 Chapter 102 – Perfect Timing

    Chapter 102 ¨C Perfect Timing


    ---Should be back to the usual routine this week but no guarantees, you can mete-night panic attacks this time around for that.


    __________


    "Feel like we need a ss bottle to smash against them when they dock"


    "Heh, I''m pretty sure that thing was for newly built ships leaving the harbour though Ikarus"


    "Yeah but... huh, your memory is weirdly specific at times"


    And so, today''s the day the first of our gold is about to be sold off, me and Petra are currently watching the two dwarven shipse into port and the anticipation is actually not that exciting. It''s probably down to the fact we''ve been juggling the other duties like constantly flying back to the mine, dealing with ''politics'' and even needing to buy a storage facility really close by to these docks. There''s also the issue of needing to merge it with the treasury and building a new town hall but there''s always boring things to do in the background.


    It''s been... two weeks roughly since the first egg and unfortunately I haven''tid another since then, apparently it''s a monthly thing ording to Petra but still, I kinda want another soon. Is there any way to speed up fertilization or whatever it is us non fertile birds do? Hang on... it wasn''t long before the first egg wasid me and Petra turned this rtionship not safe for work, does that speed it up? If so, that''s extremely stupid but also nice to know, the breakfast a day or two after that happens will be egg rted.


    "Erm... Petra, do you se-... feel who I can see in the distance?"


    "Yeah Ikarus, it''s definitely them"


    Just as the ships are docking into the only two docks of this ce, I can just about see three specks off in the distance above the mountain range across the ind channel. Whoever thinks jinxing something isn''t a thing, we cannot be friends, ever.


    "Really? Couldn''t they have thought of any other way to arrive?"


    "In their defence, it''s not exactly like they can get a boat over here, unless they can swim that length in human form... or know how to even use a boat"


    It should be pretty obvious why it''s just me and Petra doing this. As much as I like one of the other two phoenixes, both of them really aren''t the sort for ''working'' unless it''s specifically healing rted or spilling blood. I actually have no clue what they''re off doing and frankly, this is our thing anyways so it doesn''t matter that much really.


    At the very least, the visiting three dragons have started to go much higher now instead of flying directly towards us at the shore, they are still quite the distance away and it''s not exactly like anyone is going to look directly up and over there so I''m hoping they just pass by andnd somewhere no one can see. I''m going to try and put that in the back of my mind for now... unless I hear screams and terror in the background.


    "Drop the anchor gnome!"


    "Urgh, I hope itnds on your foot"


    And just like that, both ships have now arrived and have stopped moving. Unlike most wooden style ships in this world, dwarven ones appear to be a little more advanced than most but still in theme with the design you''d get with something between medieval and Victorian eras. The main differences are that metal can be seen wielded in certain parts, the cannons are highly superior to any other and this leading ship seems to have this weird looking metal device on deck. It doesn''t take a genius to figure out it''s used for weighing but with that odd locking crane and tform, it''s like nothing I''ve everid eyes upon before. The onlyparison I could make is maybe to something steampunk themed but it really is difficult to describe.


    "Garry the gnome, what brings your sorry arse over here?"


    "Urgh... I''ve just had an entire journey of this Petra, give me a five-minute break"


    "Be kind to her Garry, you do basically owe her your life"


    So we have Petra greeting the gnome walking off the deck, him getting annoyed with the nickname and his wife telling him to be less grumpy. It''s just urred to me a lot of rtionships in this world follow that trend, the man always getting nagged by the woman, pretty surely nearly all of them deserve it though. Father''s a cheat, Zeki''s just obnoxious and Garry gets himself constantly in dumb situations despite me only experiencing one of them in person. I''d say me, Petra and the brown haired boring two are the most normal... I''m actually missing Nathan and Charlotte now.


    "Seriously though, what brings you over here?"


    "Well that''s... erm...-"


    Before the gnome can answer Petra, the captain of the ship barges past him to speak with me and Petra. It''s of course a little rude but they are dwarfs after all.


    "You''ll never guess who''s pissed off the Jarl and gotten himself banished for the next ten years?"


    Petra can''t help but facepalm and sigh from the dwarf''s dumbness. That''s actually the first time I''ve seen her do that trademark facepalm in quite the while now, I guess Zeki is normally the cause of it even I have caused it once or twice.


    "*Sigh*... what did you do this time?"


    "I erm... it was nothing really"


    "My gnome tried to convince the young Jarl Denver to buy arge stock of tonics. It went well at first until he realized most of the bottles were basically more water than tonic"


    "Now you''re even calling me that wife? This is why I don''t wear hats anymore"


    "Don''t try and change the subject husband, why did you try and cheat him like that? You know trying to trick the boy would be impossible"


    "I didn''t! There was a very small marking saying that some bottles may contain more water than others... it''s not my fault he didn''t have a microscope on hand to actually see it!"


    Even I can''t help but facepalm now, there''s a reason why he keeps pissing people off. Despite those two dwarfs being at fault I had to kill protecting his store, it''s obvious he must''ve have tried something with them to get to that point. His business sense does seem based around pissing people off.


    "That still doesn''t exin why you''re here old friend, you looking for protection from the new jarl?"


    "Nothing of the sorts Petra, it''s just a small banishment really. The thing is, I''ll never forget I''m a cksmith at heart and knowing you two are in the market for cksmiths, Ie offering my services in exchange for a vast pay of golden coins"


    "He''ll work for peanuts really"


    "Damn it wife! Quiet, alright?"


    Listening to those married dwarfs brings a small smile to my face but I really should be focusing on something else. If this guy is actually willing to stay here and work for us, then there''s no chance we can turn this down. Even by dwarven standards, Garry the gnome is legendary despite having his quirks. As long as he doesn''t handle the business and money side of things, then we''ll be set.


    There is someone getting a little impatient with our reunion though, can''t say I me the captain for wanting things to be done quick even if the reason is a little crude.


    "I''m all for this old relic getting a new job but can we speed things up? Start packing on the gold, we''ll give it a final check and then payment can be made... no offense but I''d rather leave these parts as quick as possible knowing that those devil eared elves also live on this ind... the sea already provides enough sickness as it is"


    Ah, turns out the captain despises elves, it''s a good thing Garry and his wife are alright with them otherwise we could be getting racist moaning everyday. There''s only a handful of them on this ind though but one elf is too many for most dwarfs... despite beingpletely hypocritical about trading with them.


    (Ikarus) "Sure sure, it shouldn''t take that long..."


    __________


    Now that the business deal has concluded, we have chests and boxes full of silver coins needing to be dragged into the warehouse we bought on the sea front. Both the new residents of the town are helping us drag them over, I could just do the trip a few times filling my storage up every time but they offered to help do this after all.


    We''re going to have to hire guards as well soon for this building but that''s another problem forter, there is some logic in leaving something not noticeably protected though. What I mean by that is if we hire a load of guards, then obviously it will look like we have something to steal but I''m not that careless. I might just hire a bunch of people to sit inside and the second a thief breaks in, they''re screwed. I''m not forgetting about Petra''s magical barrier but that actually uses up continuous magicka while in use so it''s not something that can remain for days unfortunately.


    While we''re doing this, it seems Petra has something to say about the contents of the chests though.


    "You know Ikarus, it might be best to set up a different deal with the empire to exchange a lot of this currency"


    "Why''s that Petra?"


    "Just the imbnce really. If we''re only bringing mostly silver coins in from exchanging the gold, there could be problems down the line when smaller currencies aren''t being brought in as well. Unsure what it''s actually called but slightly remember a problem like that in the dwarven kingdom"


    (Garry) "Petra does have a slight point really; it wouldn''t surprise me if that child Jarl ''forgot'' to tell you both about that. Silver has always been something we have too much on"


    Ah shit, that''s apletely new issue, why did I not think of that? If the only currency we''re bringing in is just damn silver, then the entire currency could fuck up simply because we don''t have enough smaller coins. This ce doesn''t exactly have any banks and sure, silver is worth a lot but it still is basically a hundred normal coins.


    "*Sigh*... at least we can make a trip of it I guess; it''ll be nice to do some travelling again"


    At least that give me a good time to recap what''s apparently gone on in the capital told by Ariza and Zeki. Long story short, there was a lot more bloodshed than anticipated meaning both of them had a surprising amount of work. Ariza in particr was actually helping priestess out going around the city looking for injured people from both sides and Zeki by the sounds of it became a walking methrower for the empire itself targeting anyone that goes against the new rulership. I''m guessing they both got paid well enough for the role but with Zeki, blood is always payment enough.


    The thing is, the riots didn''t evenst a week but what didst longer was the constant subtle attacks like assassination attempts on the new emperor. By the sounds of it, both phoenixes have spoken more with Desmond and Esmerelda even if they didn''t have much to say about it. Maybe it''s shyness on Ariza''s part or stubbornness on Zeki''s, it sounds like they''ve been assisting the new leaders in quite the few ways.


    It''s kinda funny really, these two stay-at-homes have finallye back out to enjoy the world so to speak, it obviously turns out it wasn''t that much anxiety after all. Maybe they just got so used to staying indoors that they just needed a bit of a reset or a goal. For Ariza, it''s helping people. For Zeki, it''s very clearly finding blood to spill or corpses to burn...


    Anyways, now that the money is stored and we''ve given the gnome the location of the grumpy cksmith''s shop, there''s a more immediate issue at hand.


    "Petra, you have any idea where those three have gone?"


    I''m honestly surprised they haven''t just walked into town yet but since Minos is with them, I''m guessing even they know bringing him in might be a little much, it''s not exactly like he can do a form change yet.


    "Can feel their auras on the outskirts of the northern side of town... pretty sure they''re walking in now"


    Well shit, we need to move now.


    "Okay, we need to get over there fast then..."


    __________


    "What in the goddamn..."


    Entering the town right now are three ''humans''. The first two I''ve seen before, one of which is an emo looking dude who might be as old as the dinosaurs, the other has two gravitational orbits around her chest and the third is a brown-haired child holding their hands between them. When in the fuck did Minos gain a human form!?


    ''Hold up one sec... status''


    [Name: Dermakvar | Species: Dragon | Level: 522]


    [Health 30,500/30,500]


    [Stamina 48,491/50,000]


    [Magicka 50,000/50,000]


    ----------


    [Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 65]


    [Health 4,500/4,500]


    [Stamina 6,235/7,250]


    [Magicka 4,500/4,500]


    ----------


    [Name: Kellearzar | Species: Dragon | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 100,000/100,000]


    [Stamina 72,727/75,000]


    [Magicka 75,000/75,000]


    ''Huh... Minos has gone up six sincest time, his development is starting to slow down it seems''


    [<Aesa should also advise -user- that target -Dermakvar- has somehow lost 2 levels sincest update when -user- first unlocked G.A.P system>]


    ''How has he managed to do that?''


    [<Aesa is unsure. If Aesa were to specte, some species may potentially have an effect that kicks in when getting closer to death>]


    ''Don''t just say that so casual like! Is father actually dying?''


    [<Aesa shouldn''t have to repeat what was just said -user-, it is only spection after all>]


    While I''m worrying about father''s inevitable doom now, all three of the hidden dragons have finally noticed us, although it appears we''re not getting a greeting from the parents though.


    "Cu!"


    "This sted form makes my scales crawl"


    "Shut it Dermak, seeing your daughter is more important than that stubborn dragon pride"


    "I strongly disagree"


    (Petra) "Heh, it''s nice to see everyone again"


    Of course, father just can''t help butin. While also adorable, cute child Minos is greeting Petra and making me ufortable since I''m really weird around human kids, I still don''t know why I get like this around them even though he''s not a freaking human kid. Just forget that for now, I can''t let this potential scare go.


    "Father... remember when I told you all about that whole blue box thing that shows numbers and power? Apparently you''ve gotten weaker since then by a couple of levels"


    "Have I little one? I guess that makes sense, I am getting older and will depart this life someday"


    So hang on, he actually is dying!? Why isn''t this a big deal? Even if it''s old age, there are ways we can make him live longer, at least there are human methods. I''m not sure if it''ll trante well to dragons but we''ve got to try something, right? His reaction is more concerning than anything else though.


    "You seriously don''t seem to care about this father, you make it sound like dying is of no concern"


    "It''s really is of no concern though; I reckon I''ve still got a good few hundred years left in me. There''s no point worrying about it all that much, every creature has an end date in sight and it''s inevitable really. Immortality is a thing reserved for the Gods and a few select others but I''d rather be worm food than dine with those insufferable beings"


    Sighhh, at least I know who I get my pure stubbornness off at times. This does actually bring up a good question about getting old with Petra, obviously phoenix lifespan isn''t correctpared to the actual Greek myth but there''s got to be a way to make Petra immortal... maybe the Greek myth might be truer than first realized. If her ''curse'' is keeping her alive like the same with that mage we killed, then wouldn''t that mean breaking the deal could kill her? We''ll have to discuss this another time, Petra dying is something I''m not allowing. I''ll go to heaven and hell to destroy everything in my path if something like that happens, that''s a guarantee...


    "So you weren''t kidding about the whole feeling old thing Dermak? Didn''t you say you''d get to ten thousand in our younger days?"


    "Hmph, there''s no chance I''d want to get to ten thousand with the live I''ve lived. I know dragons can get to ten thousand but there bes a moment in time where''s enough is enough. That''s not to say I n on leaving anytime soon darling, I''m just not young anymore"


    ...


    Well fuck me, this is a rather depressing family meetup. I''m going to try and be positive about this though, father still has hundreds of years left in him even if he''s adamant he''d rather die sooner rather thanter...


    "I''m all for getting depressed here but it might be better to go to the inn we''re staying at... ah, this is the perfect time to sort some clothing out for you mother"


    "Heh, Ikarus does have a point"


    All three dragons could use with more than just the furs they''re wearing, it''s alright for Minos and father but with mother, it honestly looks like it might fall off at any moment and cause this''s orbit tobine with hers... I''ve got that breast orbit joke stuck in my head now.


    "Lead the way then little one... I''ll try to control myself if any mortals stare at your mother"


    "I can always increase your curfew you don''t ''try'' hard enough Dermak"


    "Hmph... yes dear"


    "Cu!"


    It''s a good thing Petra and child Minos get on so well and she''s even picked him up on her back now, I just can''t get over that child thing really. Ah well, he''s still Minos at the end of the day and Petra''s always gotten on well with him.


    "Heh, you know can speak more, little guy"


    "Sure but sister says her heart can''t handle it if I don''t use cu"


    And of course, Minos''s cute telepathy voice is just as bad speaking as human. I need to ask when he even learnt how to do such a thing but we can talk more about it soon. I''ll need to get used to that as well otherwise he''ll be only saying cu until he''s fully grown. For dragons, that could take ages, he does only look a little bigger than a toddler as well right now.


    ''Urgh, damn Minos''s voice, let''s just get back now...''

 Chapter 103 – Dragon Fight

    Chapter 103 ¨C Dragon Fight


    "It''s so yummy!"


    "d you like it little guy, that one''s also Ikarus''s favourite"


    ''Last carrot cake as well... that''s a damn shame but sharing is caring or whatever that stupid expression was... It doesn''t help I''ve been in this same exact position before''


    Back at this inn we seem to like so much, all the family and Petra are around a table at a booth. If it isn''t obvious, Minos is currently enjoying the joy that is human food, he hasn''t had anything like this just yet so seeing his face so happy is kinda cute... despite the fact I''m still not great at sharing with anyone other than Petra.


    I''ll round nearly everything said because having a long conversation with the family can be a little tedious at times. Nothing else is new between these lot and father is still under curfew having to return to mother''s side every night, gave them some updates about what we''ve been up to keeping a few things that don''t need exining hidden and also the reason for them visiting. They seriously couldn''t give anything more other than they just wanted to pay us a visit. That''s not aint, just deciding to go explore the human world for a time is definitely odd and extremely worrying.


    I''d say it should be alright but mother has already gotten the ''subtle'' stare from a few men passing by, it''s a good thing father is under curfew otherwise I can already see some of them bing unfortunate casualties. Enough of that though, I''m hoping they leave quickly just simply because I really don''t want to have to deal with more work. If they behave, they''re more than willing to stay as long as they want... although I doubt father will want to remain in human form longer than needed. Sighhh, let''s just move on, everyone''s got their quirks I guess.


    "So this is where you''ve been living little one? It''s not exactly a worthy ce to call a nest... although theck on wyverns around this area is definitely a positive"


    "Yeah... you really will have to learn to deal with them one day dinosaur"


    "Hmph, over my dead body I will"


    "*Sigh*... Dermakvar..."


    Also should add we managed to scrounge up some clothes for them as well. Father has a bad boy vibe to him with the sleeveless jacket and grey top he has on, for mother we had to find the biggest shirt avable and even that wasn''t perfect so had to find something else. Mother basically just has a white ''shirt'' tightened with a belt around the waist and a dark skirt on, the shirt is more just a modified bedsheet if we''re being honest. Last but not least, Minos. Kid clothing is cute and kinda posh in this world so he has shorts, a little shirt and a tie ribbon thing going on.


    Is there really much else to discuss right now though? In all honesty, I''m hoping we can split so me and Petra can do our work for today even if that means I can''t watch to make sure father doesn''t go off his rocker. At lease it now seems mother has something further to ask, I have already given a pretty good update after all.


    "So then Ikarus... is there anything else you care to tell me? Anything new that you may have purposely forgotten to tell?"


    I can''t help but sweat and subconsciously gulp then, mother''s fake smile hase out clearly from something I ''forgot'' to tell. Even though there''s no angry aura behind it, it''s terrifying regardless.


    "W-Whatever do mean mother..."


    "What I mean my sweet and clearly, not innocent child is that there''s a different distinct smell on you and Petra that your father this time around hasn''t corrected me on... it lingers a surprisingly long time if you don''t know how to remove it"


    "I''d congratte you little one but I''d rather not get the smack today"


    Crap... how should I y this then? It''s not exactly like I can me nor do I even feel that bad about it... fuck it, let''s just not care.


    "If you''re expecting an apology... then you may be further disappointed... I seriously regret absolutely nothing!"


    Petra actually facepalms from me basically not giving a shit about what we''ve done. I''ve always tried to be honest even if it cannd me in trouble but it''s not exactly like I''m a child, I''m closer to twenty-six than I am twenty-five now and I''ve done all this type of thing as a human back on Earth before. Well... obviously it''s still way different as a dude but the point still stands!


    "*Sigh*... as long as you''re happy, then nothing else matters really..."


    Thank the Gods I have a mother who can be open minded about this.


    "... I''d still like to know the details on what actually happened though"


    "NO!... Ahem, sorry mother but I''ve already told you that ain''t happening!"


    At least my insistence on being private has gotten a smile out of Petra, why must I share the intimate details of our love life though? Especially with your own mother, it just feels way too weird to me. Also, Minos is right there! Even if he''s still mentally a bit young to understand nearly all of this and is stuffing his face in sweets right now. Heh, he really isn''t great at using a fork yet.


    "Fine then Ikarus, have it your way. Me and your father would like to stay for a little while over here if that''s okay though..."


    Father doesn''t even need to speak to tell that what mother says isn''t true, sometimes it''s better for the old guy to just ept his situation and just deal with it.


    "... Other than just see our lovely daughter, there is another reason foring over here"


    "Really? What''s the reason then?"


    "Well... seeing that you don''t want to share intimate details about your life, then me and your father shall do the same"


    Seriously mother? That''s a little petty but it''s not exactly impossible to figure out what they might be doing, it''s probably something like a refresh or a holiday, they do spend more than enough time away in the cave or forest so the change of scenery is long overdue. I doubt it''s an anniversary thing simply because I''m pretty sure the dates don''t match up, at least from that time I first received that dragon curse that''s now long gone.


    "Fine then... should probably give some heads up though, me and Petra will be leaving soon as we''ve got business in the capital"


    (Petra) "Yeah, it''s unavoidable unfortunately"


    We need to try and get this trip down within a few weeks, a month at tops. Progress when ites to smelting cannot be ran at full efficiency without us two running the helm so the longer we leave it, the less money we can make. That of course only applies when we''re away but we definitely need to sort the exchanging issue out quickly otherwise things will go slightly messy. There''s also the issue of where to spend or invest it but me and Petra both have some ideas that we can leave with Marcus when we''re gone.


    Mother of course seems a little down about this news but nothing we can do about it I''m afraid, they''ve picked a bad time to visit unfortunately and even though I''d rather not leave them alone, it should still be alright I guess, I am pretty noteworthy for worrying a little too much. Father does have something else on his mind though.


    "Hmm... do you reckon you have some time for something different though little one? It won''t even take the length of a meal"


    "What do you have in mind?..."


    __________


    "You can''t actually be serious Dermakvar! You want to fight with our daughter!?"


    <It''s not fighting dear, it''s sparring, it''s the only true way of judging one''s power and we use to do this all the time>


    "Yeah but I was always the one to make sure it didn''t get out of hand; you''ve never been in control of the sparring Dermak"


    <Hmph, have a little faith in me darling>


    Back out in the woods that surround the settlement, me and the parents are out here alone while Minos is having some time quality alone with Petra. She seems to be quite happy babying Minos so nothing wrong with that while we ''fight''.


    Why we''re out here is for a simpler reason. You see, father wants to get an idea on how powerful I''ve gotten and I''m more than happy to give him a scratch or two, obviously if I can evennd a hit. This actually reminds me of those old myths where the Gods took down their fathers... obviously the exceptions being no one is nning on dying right now and I ain''t no God.


    "A word of warning though old lizard, it should be obvious I can''t use any of my insane attacks, you''ve already heard two of them"


    There''s three of them really which are off limits for something like this though, the nuke, supernova and aspect of gigantomachy. We''re looking to train, not actually cause one another to die... although Petra did say Ariza would be close by if something went wrong and I''ve always got healents on me. Seriously doubt they''ll need to be used though.


    <Don''t worry little one, I''ll also be holding back a lot as well... You n on staying in that mixed form?>


    If it isn''t obvious by the ''speech'', father''s returned into dragon form when we first came out here. It''s going to make things more difficult for me but I really don''t expect him to fight in that disgusting body as he describes it.


    "Of course, the speed disadvantage is pointless when you can swing a de"


    <Hmph, I''ll be the judge of that little one... let''s begin then!>


    As soon as father initiates the battle, a smile appears on his face while mother still in human is off on the ground turning away. The old lizard immediately flies up away from me causing me to also spread out my wings to chase him. Armed with a de and me in the other hand, it''s time to hunt some dragon!


    Sure, he obviously is still a fuck tonne more powerful than me but he''ll switch it down a lot, we''ve already discussed that. Something I don''t expect is the pure speed of him in battle, there''s no chance I''ll be able to chase him so I''ll have to go in for counter attack opportunities.


    <Watch out little one, this might hurt if you don''t>


    High above me, he changes his flight direction and turns back around. Then, he rapidly swoops down from above trying to catch me like a dinner wolf, there''s no chance I''m giving him the satisfaction so just as he tries to grab with his paw, I dodge flying to the side swiping at his paw as I avoid the capture.


    <Funny, a little scratch, you''ll have to try harder little one>


    "Stop talking and get on with it already! You too old to fight properly or something?"


    <Hmph, fine then>


    This really isn''t what I was expecting from a duel with father, it honestly just seems like he wants to practice his capturing skills right now. It doesn''t matter how fast or agile a flying dragon can be, he isn''t going to be able to defeat me as easily as that.


    Once again, father repeats his attack motion but this time around, he''s using the sun for cover as he makes the ascent back up. While waiting for him toe back down, I start to charge up a fire tornado attack I''ve neglected to use in a pretty long time now. I''m ignoring star ze simply because visibility is bad enough looking up already, that covering fireball always makes seeing harder.


    Now that I''ve gotten the incredibly fast dragon staring from above, it appears he''s actually trying to eat me! He''s seriously looks like he''s about to catch me his mouth charging back down but you''re still underestimating me lizard!


    As soon as he opens his mouth to swoop me up, I release a fully charged fire tornado attack towards his mouth but sensing this, he switches his falling direction ever so slightlypletely avoiding me and making my dodge easier to attempt. Despite this however, that attack stillnds making contact with his neck.


    <You''ve definitely got agility on your side little one and that burn was a nice tickle, it won''t matter if I just crash into you next time though>


    ''So father''s going to use himself as wrecking ball? Curious to see if my attack even did anything, status''


    [Name: Dermakvar | Species: Dragon | Level: 522]


    [Health 28,666/30,500]


    [Stamina 48,087/50,000]


    [Magicka 50,000/50,000]


    ''Shoulda expected that, dragon scales are strong even on the neck... Aesa-''


    [<Magicka reserves are at 78%>]


    ''Thanks for answering before I even asked... I feel like father still isn''t taking this seriously though''


    Unfortunately for me, this is when I realize I''m fully mistaken. Unlike father going up and doing a routine attack, he appears to do somethingpletely new and unexpected.


    Without even giving me a second to think, he''s already right in front of me smashing his wing into my airspace. Even during the status check, I was paying attention to him but this attack is something I haven''t even got the chance to dodge, avoid or counter, all I can do is brace for impact.


    And just like that, I find myself pped getting thrown midair falling into the canopy of the trees below me. Fuck, that hurt!


    "Ikarus!"


    <Shit little one! I thought you''d be able to avoid that!>


    I hear the faint voice of a concerned mother and father''s concerned telepathy still inside my head. Despite the pain from the smack and now being covered in leaves, I''m still flying and nothing is broken... I think.


    ''Damn fucking lizard, status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 182]


    [Health 32,791*/40,000*]


    [Stamina 19,222*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 40,000*/40,000*]


    [You currently have 16000 unassigned points]


    ''I''m not ending this till I repay the favour... Aesa, activat-''


    [<Negative... -user- is not the right frame of mind currently. Aesa withdraws all ess to abilities until -user- regains fullposure>]


    ''The fuck is your problem!? He''d obviously survive it so just allow me''


    [<Negative>]


    ''Urgh...''


    I think it''s safe to say thatst attack has annoyed me a little and Aesa can clearly tell I''m frustrated, I want to give the old dinosaur a taste of the pain he just inflicted on me, I really couldn''t care it was idental or not. I''m still not angry though.


    Without even giving me a chance to think how else I could go aboutnding a different attack, another dragon enters the sparring session while I''m flying up back out of the trees. It''s safe to say, mother is really fucking pissed right now.


    <I''m ending this! Both of you are taking it way too seriously! Dermakvar! I told you to control yourself!>


    <Apologies dear, I thought little one would avoid it>


    Mother, the world ender fully appears in her true form having a go at father, normally I''d agree with it but right now all I want to do is repay the favour he inflicted upon me.


    <You shouldn''t be apologizing to me... and Ikarus, you have bloodlust leaking out, you need to cool it down and rx otherwise you''ll do something you regret>


    That''s a bit ironicing from the dragon who destroyed an entire continent... she might be right though; I could''ve gotten carried away there. Sure, I love father and all but I did seriously want to harm him... yeah, I''m fine now. Whatever that bloodlust thing is, it''s basically gone.


    This reminds me a little of back when dealing with the pirates, I don''t feel anger nor rage, just a desire to inflict pain... I''m unsure if I''m getting better or worse with this, I''ve had this thing for a while now but it always seems to be more faded when Petra is around. Sighhh, I''ve really got to be careful, Aesa actually did me a favour there.


    Just as our spar is fullying to an end and my bloodlust is cooling, we just so happen to have an onlooker watching that battle. Unsure how much he saw but the reaction is expected regardless.


    "E-Erm..."


    ''The fuck is Marcus doing out here?''


    Standing like a dog with a tail between its legs is the terrified leader of this settlement. That analogy sucked but it''s not everyday you get to witness two dragons and a feathered human flying about; I can see why he''d be stressed out witnessing such a random scene, did give him the warning tworge ''birds'' might be visiting.


    "What are you doing here Marcus?"


    ''P-Petra said to ce collect you f-for a meeting''


    I don''t know whether to facepalm orugh, he even has the same stutter Nathan gets around dragons. I''m unsure why Petra sent him over like this, maybe she thought father would stick to human form to fight but it''s not that big of a deal really. I''ll just exin that he''s my father and leave it at that, I''m pretty sure he''s trustworthy at this point and it''s not exactly like he''s got anyone to snitch to. Who gonna believe he just so happened toe across two mythical dragons out in the woods anyway?


    <That trembling little mortal is making me hungry>


    "That''s not funny Dermakvar"


    "You''re not funny old man... just give me a sec Marcus and I''lle with you..."

 Chapter 104 – Return

    Chapter 104 ¨C Return


    "Been too long since we werest here"


    "Heh, yeah Ikarus, it does feel a little different"


    (Zeki) "Well obviously older sis! The streets were flowing with blood and me not that long ago"


    (Ariza) "That''s not what she meant Zeki"


    And so, we''ve just arrived back at the capital, already said the goodbyes and sorted out all of the mundane stuff we deal with on a daily basis, just made sure to transport as much ore as possible so there''s now a smelting backlog. There''s no real need to recap on what else happened before we left, it''s just the same type of stuff like usual. The only difference is that the dragons are still on the ind and Garry the gnome has basically taken over the smelting operation. That old grumpy guy actually holds a great amount of respect for the dwarf so the turnover of power went pretty easily, even if they''re more like business partners than being an actual boss.


    As for why it''s back to us four travelling phoenixes, no specific reason why we brought them along other than the fact they wanted toe with us, I''m guessing they miss spending time with Petra? I guess I do hog her a bit but I''m happy to share... obviously not in that sort of way but I know what I mean. In all honesty, the idea of having an open rtionship or sharing partners has always been something I''m against. Don''t be expecting any threesomes or stuff like that between us... although I wouldn''t mind spending another night with Petra alone during this trip, we''ll see how that goes.


    All we really need to do here is negotiate a deal with a bank for currency exchanges every now and then and we should be all done? At least for the main goal, I''d like to meet our two previous travellingpanions if possible. I actually know where they''re staying now so I''m hoping Petra''s down for that afterwards.


    "Let''s head over to a bank then, you two don''t have to join us since it might be boring"


    We literally have just only walked into the outskirts of the capital and still need to get inside the gate, it seems Mr obnoxious has a response for me though.


    "Nah, we''ll stick with ya... ah orangey, might not need to head to the bank... I''m sure I remember something that dragon lover said about silver... or was it sliver?"


    "Really Zeki? Forget it, Desmond and Esmerelda did say something about a silver shortage Ikarus but it was just a passingment they made when we were working for them"


    "It wasn''t working brother; it was just a few favours really"


    "We literally got paid Zeki! How the heck isn''t that working?"


    "We did some favours in exchange for money, that isn''t work, this red-haired beast doesn''t EVER work"


    (Ariza) "*Sigh*"


    Ignoring those two and Petra''s facepalming from Zeki as well, I can''t help but think this world is full of coincidences... you''d think it would be a poorly written novel at this point. Seriously though, our luck is bing a little suspect especially when ites to gold and silver. Maybe its karma paying up for a lifetime of cruelty towards Petra but it shouldn''t be affecting my luck as well so something isn''t adding up right now.


    I''m not going to overthink this though. It''ll be good to meet the bastard and the dragon once again, they''ll probably be busy but I''d rather set up trade with another leader if possible. Besides, just gives an excuse to not have to speak with strangers which is a plus.


    "Then we''re off to the pce..."


    __________


    On the journey through the capital, me and Petra have finally seen the consequences of our actions and honestly... it''s pretty messed up. Everything is peaceful now but spotting the odd burnt down building or anything else that''s still in ruins really is eye opening to how bad the riots actually got. It''s not like I feel an inch of guilt but it''s still noticeable regardless.


    Got a rough sense of the riots caused by the people in favour to the old royals from the odd conversation with the other two phoenixes but actually seeing it in person is apletely different thing. Thankfully enough, everything seems to be more back to normal now, just there''s a load more guards patrolling the city and if anything, a happier vibe floating around the capital. Maybe not happier but themon citizen does seem more rxed and there even appears to be slightly more men around, is the war in the east over or something? Probably not, haven''t heard anything like that but I can ask about it soon if I remember.


    "At least we''re finally here... gotta inform the guard like usual I guess"


    Having just arrived at one of the gates to the pce courtyard, Zeki has a surpassingly happy smile on his face after my stating of the obvious.


    "Hehe, you''repletely wrong this time orangey, we can just walk in and this idiot will let us right through"


    Zeki steps ahead of the group and one of the gate guards opens it without even questioning or looking up at him. Just from that reaction alone, Zeki might have a reputation in the capital now...


    "Heh, I''m guessing you two visited this ce a lot when we were gone?"


    "I guess so Petra, there was a lot of infighting and a lot of chaos... too much death"


    "Brother''s right even though she''s wrong about the death thing, you can never have enough death"


    Huh, funny how Zeki calls Ariza brother still but is willing to use she? Did they have words on that or has he always used she before? Urgh, I''m not thinking on this again, she works fine for Ariza so I''m just sticking with it.


    Anyways, we all walk unescorted being guided by Zeki into the new and improved Sierran Empire pce. Being serious though, it looks basically the exact same, I''m guessing they had more important things then dealing with something like decorating... although that room that the princess died in may have needed it, the floor especially with all that bloody mess.


    Now at the throne room, it''s guarded by two guards and like the gate guy, Zeki doesn''t even acknowledge them and just walks in without any issue with us following. I''d say it''s pretty careless from the guards to allow potential strangers in but I''m guessing there may have been some ''idental'' friendly fire when things were really bad. The fact no one looks Zeki in the eyes says it all really, at least Ariza got a few smiles her way from the servants when we were walking through this building.


    "Alright dragon lover, how''s things going?"


    Well... ain''t that a great way of greeting the new emperor, It''s the exact same thing though. Even with the royal guards, none dare look at him other than the two people on the thrones. None of the royal guards loitering the walls nor the several advisors who were just talking to Emperor Desmond and Empress Esmerelda even turn around, I''d rather stay in the dark then know in detail what he''s been up to.


    "Look what the cat dragged in... I''d say it''s a pleasure to meet you all but you wouldn''t be here if it was something good"


    You know, I never once got intimidated from Alistair when he sat upon that throne yet Desmond almost seems to have an intimidating aura surrounding him when he says that. Both him and the dragon misses both are wearing the same type of clothing they were originally and have the same hairstyle, his being blonde and long and hers being purple. The only difference excluding the aura is that their clothing seems to been adjusted slightly so there''s bits of gold and other fancy bits to it.


    "Nothing of the sorts, having that sort of power is starting to make you worrisome ol''mighty and brilliant dragon lover Desmond"


    While Zeki''s giving him a sarcastic response, I can''t help but notice someone standing with the royal guards.


    "Hang on... is that you Nathan!?"


    Standing in line with some of the royal guards is a very familiar face but he doesn''t respond to me nor even look in my direction. He hasn''t forgotten about me already, has he? Nah, there''s no chance anybody would ever forget about me, I''m Ikarus for Christ''s sake!


    "You can be at ease knight, no point for formalities around old friends"


    "If you insist your imperial majesty... yeah Ikarus, things went a little mad after the incident that urred. It just so happened there was an opening for an royal knight that I was clearly not worthy for so it''s just a lucky promotion I guess"


    The dragon hiding in human form Esmerelda actually looks a little irked from what the unconfident knight just said. Going from prison guard to knight, and now royal knight clearly hasn''t made him arrogant so that''s kinda good even if he could be a little more confident sometimes.


    "Thou should learn to have some confidence in oneself, little brown-haired nun won''t be best pleased"


    ''Heh, that should be obvious who that nun is''


    "Apologies Empress Esmerelda... apparently I''m one of the strongest remaining knights Ikarus so the role was given to me... even if I feel like I''m way above my station"


    "*Sigh*, thou just told you to stop"


    So knight Nathan is one of the most powerful knights? Seriously? Just how far has he developed or how weak are the knights that remain?


    ''Heh, it''s also pretty funny he hasn''t realized there''s a dragon in the room otherwise that stutter would be back... status''


    [Name: Nathan | Species: Human | Level: 99]


    [Health 5,400/5,400]


    [Stamina 4,191/4,500]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''Damn... don''t bother telling me how many he''s levelled by Aesa; I don''t actually care that much. I''m more curios just how much death he''s inflicted, I know he would''ve helped ''clean'' up the capital but royal knight Nathan really has gotten stronger''


    [<Aesa could work out the specific number of wolf deaths if -user- really wanted to know but does -user- care that much about EXP levelling?>]


    ''Eh, you''re right... that''s just opening another can of worms''


    I''ve basically forgotten just how normal levelling works because it''s just pointless to even think about at this point, all I know if that Nathan would''ve killed a lot to get to that level. You''d think his personality might change a little from that as well but he still seems the same ol''nomraly Nathan apparently.


    Even just looking at him, he does have a stronger and more intimidating vibe to him as well but that might down to his new custom darkened armour... which also seems to have father''s scale on it as well. I''m surprised Esmerelda is fine with having one of the knights wearing what is basically dragon skin but dragons are carefree about a lot I guess.


    "How''s Charlotte then anyways? Still praying to her ''God'' whoever that may be"


    "Yeah... Lotte''s been good although I think she''s been a little bored with theck of bandit hunting recently, most have been destroyed or have fled due to the increase on cutting down crime so her crusade has been put on halt for now"


    Charlotte''s crusade against heathens or bandits... it does have a nice ring to it but shouldn''t that be a good thing? Isn''t that what she''s aiming for? I guess if there aren''t any heathens left to ughter, maybe she feels a little useless but I''m just looking into it too much.


    Before any of us can bring the conversation back around where it should be going, Esmerelda brings it even further off track.


    "Hmm... one believes we should continue this natter over food"


    "Es... we''ve got advisors in this room as well"


    "Thous can wait till one and Des are ready, visitors are very important mortals... let''s prepare a grant feast"


    Heh, this purple haired dragon really likes to feed people it seems, the Empress isn''t going to cook for us though, right? Also noticing the looks on the advisors faces, none have said a thing nor even n to, I''m unsure if they''re running an empire based on fear but it could also just be down to respect, things have sounded positive recently. I think it might be fear though...


    ''Looks like we''re getting dinner then...''


    __________


    "...What''s happening in the east anyways? Is the war still ongoing?"


    During the huge feast we''ve been served in the pce dining room, it''s a perfect time for such a question even if I know the rough idea. As for the feast itself, imagine a gigantic long table filled with roasted meats, vegetables, different breads and loads of other little bit and pieces. Basically this is fit for a Viking longhouse with the amount of food here, the quantity was kinda needed since there''s eight of us here.


    I should also add who''s around this table. You see the brilliant Esmerelda in all her wisdom actually thought to invite priestess and the knight to this and I''m all for it. Charlotte has been asking me nonstop questions though about what''s gone on since west spoke so the second I''ve answered enough of them and she''s now satisfied, I need to speak with Desmond. As much as I''m happy to see priestess once again, I never enjoy having to repeat or recap on things multiple times though.


    "*Sigh*... that neglected war is a burden we''re stuck with unfortunately. The rebels have hit a point where they hold more than enough power to be a pain towards us especially considering I''ve cut down on the mandatory draftw as well. Even if Jekyll is struggling with manpower, sending out unmotivated and untrained soldiers is something we both disagree with but that''s not something you need to concern yourself with Ikarus. The draft will be stoppedpletely one day though, just for obvious reasons it can''t at the moment"


    Ah, so my idea of stopping mandatory conscription for men has actually been implemented, or at least there are ns to do so. There''s no point asking why can''t Esmerelda just fly over and burn everything to the ground, that tactic could work for a battlefield but even the new emperor has no intention of burning down an entire city... not all of Alistair''s policies were shit after all. Also... can Esmerelda even use fire? Her specialty is poison after all.


    "Are thous enjoying the food?"


    (Zeki) "It''s alright I guess"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh"


    (Petra) "..."


    (Charlotte) "It''s lovely Esmerelda-sama"


    (Nathan) "Yeah, it''s good"


    Having the entire table try to converse all at once it obviously going to be a pain but the purple haired dragon does look happy about everyone stuffing their faces. I can definitely tell she hasn''t cooked this herself since she''s the second best cook I''vee across but having a feast like this even if it''s not as tasty is definitely a nice change. Enough dying now though, it''s time to sell some silver, or exchange.


    (Ikarus) "Anyways... we have business to discuss Desmond"


    "Business? That''s the reason for your visit?"


    "Me and Ikarus havee across arge amount of silver that we should be getting consistently and have a need to exchange it for lower currency"


    "Oh... is it that silver from the trade deal you made with the dwarfs?..."


    As soon as he says that, us four phoenixes look at each other in confusion, that information shouldn''t be known so why does he have it? We''ve already told Zeki and Ariza what''s going on but that was after they returned so they haven''t told him that.


    "... You really don''t need to look surprised, there''s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that is honestly too fucking boring to discuss... your visit hase up at a decent time though. How about we agree to same type of thing the kingdom are doing and finish any negotiation here? Just obviously we''ll be exchanging silver instead of gold, also do the same ship thing they''re doing as well"


    You can definitely tell he knows about the entire deal in detail, did the dwarven leader snitch on us? There might be more of a rtionship between the new empire and the dwarven kingdom then realized. It''s either that or there''s a spy giving out info.


    "Heh, we had heard a rumour or two that the empire werecking in silver, shouldn''t that bump the price up a little? Or a lot?"


    Petra the negotiator has now arrived, I can''t see this working though I''m afraid.


    "Don''t even bother, your mind games don''t work on me Petra... and besides, who do you think spread that rumour? Of course we''re in need to bnce out the currency a little more and the silver would help but nearly every country, kingdom or empire has a slight currency imbnce. Bartering won''t work I''m afraid"


    "Heh... fair enough then"


    Did he just imply that he spread the rumour of there being a silver shortage inside the empire? Sighhh, some of this type of stuff I really don''t have a clue on, Petra seems to have a look of realization on the reason behind it but I really have no clue this time around. I guess thatment did bring us here instead of a bank but that''s the only thing I can think of. At least they say ignorance is bliss I guess although I wish that wasn''t the case for me.


    While we''re discussing the finer details of like when to send the ships and boring things like that, I can''t help but notice something happening off to my side. It appears the knight is concerned about priestess.


    "You... might not want to drink that Lotte"


    "Why not? This tea is nice and sweet Nat, you have some"


    "No, I''m good. You sure you''re okay drinking that?"


    "You don''t need to worry so much about me Nat, it''s fine"


    "Okay..."


    Hang on... has priestess not noticed that tea is alcoholic or doesn''t she care? I swear she doesn''t drink and her God doesn''t like it either so this must be a mistake. Or has she turned into someone less boring all of a sudden? Somethings not right here.


    ''I guess it''s only half a ss of it, what''s the worst that can happen?''


    "Hic..."

 Chapter 105 – Reveal

    Chapter 105 ¨C Reveal


    "Hic... wow, your muscles are really stro- hic"


    "Erm... not the time Lotte"


    Well shit... you must have heard the odd story or two about someone who really can''t handle alcohol, you only need to take a quick nce at priestess to realize just a sip is enough to make her unhinged. It''s honestly a little funny except from the fact she won''t let go of the knight, literally. I''m fearful for him right now.


    Still around the feast table, Charlotte is basically clinging onto Nathan like they haven''t seen each other in years, I never realized she could be like this but it must be the inner subus in hering out. Whatever the reason, alcohol must allow her most inner desires to reveal themselves. Thankfully, she hasn''t done anything too unsafe for work just yet but I can''t see this going well.


    "You know, this has turned into a pleasant evening. A new source of silver has arrived at our front door and the empire''s immortal shining light is hammered, this has turned out to be quite the productive day"


    "One warns that thou should probably shut it"


    "I''m only joking Es; you must see the humour in this though?"


    The bastard Desmond appears to be enjoying watching drunk Charlotte basically attack Nathan. Seriously though, I''ve never seen her so forward and unhinged, she''d basically wrapped herself around his arm and keeps kissing his shoulder as well. The only people finding this still funny are Zeki and Desmond, I''m starting to get more concerned for her now, even Nathan is looking a little afraid.


    "Ohe on! Hic... why are you sooo meannn?"


    "E-Erm... I feel like I should get her home, would that be okay your majesty?"


    "Yayyy! Hic, alone time with Nat! Hic"


    Before Desmond can respond though, it seems Petra has some words of warning for him. Even she look a little concerned for his safety.


    "That might not be the best of ideas knight"


    "Why not Petra?"


    "It depends on how far developed you two are. I''m unsure if she''s revealed it yet or not but priestess isn''t actually human"


    "I already know about Lotte being a subus but what has that got to do with anything?"


    Oh, you poor sweet innocent knight, I''m guessing he doesn''t actually know all that much about subus myth. It''s clear as day priestess is not herself right now and her hidden species ising out, I seriously doubt he''s got the power to ''fight'' her off.


    "Look into her eyes knight and tell me you aren''t that dense. If you go home alone, you''ll be up all night if you catch my meaning"


    (Zeki) "Yeah knight, have you really never heard about what happens when a subus bes restless?"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh"


    Immediately after Petra gives Nathan the warning and the other two birds follow it up, his face flushes and I can''t help but chuckle under my breath. So much for innocence now, is that seriously what he''s in for though? It almost sounds like he has no say on what might happen though, is that how aggressive they can get?


    Does alcohol cause subus-sama this many problems then? It''s pretty damn obvious he wouldn''t take advantage of this situation since the knight wouldn''t do something like that but he may find himself ''attacked'' if Petra''s warning is true. Of course it is, she''s like the undead hunter and subis have a long history with vampires after all.


    "Still thoug... I do trust her enough to fight off those urges... I really should get her home if that''s okay with you your majesty, I''ll return back when she''s asleep"


    "No need, take the night off and finally be a ma-..."


    The bastard finds a small whack on his shoulder from the wife there, clearly his jokes aren''t appreciated when priestess is currently feisty. I''d feel sorry for Nathan but how many guys would actually hate this situation? That''s not sexist because everyone knows guys have two brains, ones for thinking and the other rarely thinks.


    "... I''m obviously joking but you can take the night off to calm her down... don''t look at me like that Esmerelda!"


    The dragon misses doesn''t even need to speak to get her point across, I can now see why the emperor clearly likes having Nathan around. Whether it''s down to actual fighting ability or not, he clearly likes having him just to joke with. At least you can kinda have a friendly rtionship with him then, I could never see this type of rtionship with that fake smiling dick who used to run the ce, he''s be thinking of his next way to manipte someone. Can also see why the knight''s more than happy to serve under a new ruler too.


    Even though Nathan reckons he can handle her, I feel like that might be blind optimism. The thing with the myths in this world regarding subis, some are a lot worse than the ones on Earth, we''re talking death from exhaustion levels and that''s pretty tame for one in the mood. I can see why Petra holds no remorse to both vampires and subis just simply from the rumoured ''treatment'' that prisoners get but then again, some people would be into that sort of death... I''m not thinking about this anymore.


    "Do you want a hand bringing her back Nathan?"


    "Petra''s right, I''lle help subus-sam-, sorry, priestess as well"


    Damn slip of the tongue, the night''s getting prettyte now so it seems a good time to leave, I''m not sure if the other phoenixes want to just yet though.


    (Zeki) "You two going is more than enough so I''m staying... it''s not because the food is good or anything like that"


    (Ariza) "Yeah, I''d rather stay if that''s okay as well"


    Subus-sama and her redness might be getting worse right now; I think it''s pretty fair to call her that when she''s that red... and horny apparently. I''m not a huge fan of that word but it''s the bluntest I can realistically be.


    "Hic... are Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama joining us as well!? Sharing can be borin- hic, but it can also be fun!"


    Oh priestess... you really have lost all that innocence, maybe I''m just dirty minded but it should be obvious what she means by that. Since I''m not into sharing that way, hell no.


    "I really can''t let you drink again Lotte...e on, let''s get you home"


    "Yayyy!- hic"


    Nathan picks up Charlotte in a princess carry, she snuggles into his shoulder and just before we leave, Desmond still can''t help but mock or whatever it is he''s doing. I can see the funny side to this all but we''ve known priestess for a long time, this could end slightly dangerously.


    "It''s been a real pleasure to you see you two again, this whole thing has definitely been special"


    "Des may mock but thou and one do appreciate shiny metal, return whenever thou pleases to do so"


    I guess this is goodbye for now then, if that''s what the dragon even said. Let''s just get priestess back home...


    __________


    "Ouch... my head... how did we end up back here?"


    In Charlotte and Nathan''s house, priestess has just woken up with a banging headache and us three on the other sofa. We got no sleep at allst night; I shouldn''t need to exin why...


    In the end, me and Petra obviously had to stay the night just so Nathan didn''t get gobbled up, I reckon he would''ve survived but there''s no chance he would''ve been able to hold her off alone. It took all three of us basically needing to forcibly stop her otherwise this boring couple would''ve entered a level both are not ready for. Seriously though, the amount of filth that flowed out of priestess''s mouth and what she tried to do would''ve made anyone go insane from embarrassment. From the looks of it, she''s starting to regain her memory just now.


    Should I really go through what was said? Nah, it''s not fair on her to repeat something like that, just imagine her desperately trying to convince the knight to do certain things and leave it at that. I always thought Petra was bad but just listening to an actual subus wanting to get it on really puts the entire world into perspective... Petra still my favourite perve around though.


    "Oh... no, that tea was... no no no... I''m really sorry Nat!"


    She almost looks like she''s about to burst into tears, I guess it really isn''t that big of a deal though. Sure, we saw the real subus-samast night but me and Petra skip sleep loads and there''s no way the knight would hate you for such a thing.


    "It''s fine Lotte... it might''ve been bad if Ikarus and Petra weren''t around though but don''t worry about it that much"


    Despite him telling her not to worry, that''s never going to help with someone this worked up. I''ve never actually seen Charlotte go teary eyed like this, this is horrible.


    "I''m really, really sorry Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama... I just... I''m really a disgusting person..."


    We seriously need to cheer her up quickly but what do you say to someone who looks like they might be close to having a mental breakdown? At least there appears someone out there who knows how to help with this sort of thing.


    "... Oh! My Lord... erm... he says he want to speak to you... he says thank you for helping out my incarnate out and... oh, the second thing was just for me... I guess that helps a little, sorry again though"


    So... priestess''s Lord saw that then? This might be difficult for priestess to trante over but I''m kinda curious on this, I wonder if I''ll get an answer or will I just get bullshit like I''m not ready to know that information just yet. She has already cheered up a little just from hearing that guy''s voice alone so I can provide further distraction by being curious! Seriously though, her face already seems much more brighter from what that voice inside her head just said, I guess Aesa is always great at distractions by irritating me too.


    [<-User- gets irritated way too easily>]


    "*Sigh*... so then priestess, does your all-seeing Lord have a name or is he secretive about that? Even just a nickname could work better"


    I''m not the only one curious it seems, even Petra looks to spark up a little from my questioning. I seriously doubt I''ll get an answer since secrets and all that but it doesn''t hurt to try.


    "My Lord does have a name but it feels disrespectful to say... fine, I''ll say it then since you insist my Lord. His name is Dionysus and he says it''s a pleasure to speak once again little phoenix... when did you speak to Ikarus-sama my Lord?"


    Hang the fuck on, am I seriously the only one who knows that name? Petra has no reaction and the same thing with Nathan, priestess''s God is an actual God and not fake...


    "Your Lord is freaking Dionysus!? You know how ironic this is... he''s literally the God of alcohol"


    Priestess pauses for a second, clearly Dionysus doesn''t answer straight away or she''s just waiting for him to finish. This type ofmunication is going to be a little awkward to get around I guess, this is why I don''t like people asking what Aesa says.


    "My lord says it''s technically wine and a few other things like vegetation, fertility and ecstasy but he understands the irony... he also says it''s a good way to remain confidential"


    So the God Dionysus encourages his incarnate to not drink to avoid suspicion from other Gods perhaps? If true, that''s pretty clever... even if the reason could just be down to subus-sama as well. Maybe he doesn''t want to see her in that state but then again, he might enjoy it. I don''t really know but he does seem to be treating her well I guess.


    "Why did you choose priestess to be your incarnate then? There must be some reason to it"


    "Ah, I can answer that Ikarus-sama... back in my younger days, I came very close to losing my life and if it wasn''t for God''s embrace, I wouldn''t have survived. Through his unending wisdom, I set upon a better life for myself and turned to religion"


    Well damn, I knew Charlotte''s past was bad but she seriously would be dead if it wasn''t for a God? There''s of course a load of questions I''d like to ask but using priestess as a trantor when she''s still hungover is a little cruel, at this point the knight has sat alongside her and has even gotten a wet rag to hold against her head.


    There is something else though, there''s no chance a God who is as sinful as Dionysus would be purposely encouraging his incarnate to turn to religion... unless that''s his coverup and he''s much slyer than realized.


    "You mean the God of basically partying and drinking somehow turned you to religion?"


    "Yes Ikarus-sama... although my Lord denies he had any part in that but he at least guided me in the right direction... he denies that as well"


    Okay... at least that confirms it, priestess is batshit crazy. That''s not meant in a nasty way but if she''s somehow taken up religion from a God whose entire deal is basicallymitting sin and doesn''t sound like he wants to be worshipped, then she has basically turned into a cultist. Whatever makes her happy, I guess.


    "Well then... at least we''ve got you on our side for whatever reason then high and mighty Dionysus... what a weird turn of events this trip has turned out to be"


    "Heh, agreed Ikarus"


    __________


    As we''re leaving after having breakfast and saying our goodbyes round the no longer boring couple, there''s something that''se up on my mind now while walking through the capital. You can thank priestess for this since she was trying way too muchst night and now... it''s kinda put me in the mood... only with Petra of course!


    "Hey Petra... you fancy doing somethingter on tonight?"


    "Heh... what could that something be Ikarus?"


    Sighhh, in her defence, I don''t feel like she''s teased in a little while so yful Petra did need to return... even if I already know this is just gonna end with me being embarrassed.


    "Must you do this? Do I really need to spell it out?"


    "Heh, yes you do Ikarus otherwise how will I know what you''re speaking about?"


    She knows EXACTLY what I''m referring to. We haven''t had another batch of not safe for work content since that first time and now after everything that went onst night, I''m up for some more. You can me Charlotte for this now, stupid subus-sama...


    "Urgh... well...ter on tonight at let''s say something like a fancy hotel room... do you want to do something?"


    "Heh, still don''t know what that something is Ikarus"


    Damn it woman! You know very well I have tsundere tendencies, urghhh...


    "The type of something that is not suitable for younger eyes... THAT sort of something... *Sigh*... can we just do something intimateter on please?"


    She really can''t help but want to see me blush, I can''t say I disagree with it but the only ways I can return the favour is when doing physical actions since she''s so resistant to nearly everything. The problem with that is when kissing and doing things like that, I don''t set out to tease because enjoying the moment is so much better... she''s just evil really, I''ve clearly fallen in love with a seductive devil who''s slowly causing my distinct orangeness to go red.


    "Heh... why didn''t you say so Ikarus? Already said you don''t need to ask before, did say I''ll never turn you down"


    "Yeah but-... forget it, you''re terrible... at least that settles what we''re doingter then"


    I''m looking forward to that now. Even if you excludest night basically being about helping keep priestess out of the knight''s pants, it''s not exactly like we''re even tired in the slightest.


    I''m not forgetting about Zeki and Ariza though, we''ll go find them and spend the rest of the day together, then we''ll have our alone time. Petra does seem to be thinking pretty heavily on something right now though.


    "Heh, it does... there is something I need to buy first but I''d rather be alone for that though"


    "Wait, why do you need to be alone?"


    Why do we need to be alone all of a sudden? Okay, I realize how clingy that sounds but look at what happenedst time we split up! I nuked a bunch of pirates and she massacred a group of vampires, clearly fate is agreeing with my clinginess! Forget that though, Petra for some reason pokes my nose in a yful manner while responding though.


    "Never you mind, it''s a surprise Ikarus. You''ll just have to be patient for a little while"


    Is Petra getting me a gift? There''s still a few months to my birthday so what could it be if it''s that? Unless this is something forter on that I''m being dense on...


    I guess I can go hang around the other phoenixes for a while then, I do feel like pouting a little but it''s not like we can always be together.


    "See youter then... I guess"


    "Heh, you don''t need sound so depressed Ikarus, it won''t be too long... love you and see youter"


    "L-Love you too..."


    Might as well have a goodbye kiss as well...

 Chapter 105.5 – Romantic (18+)

    Chapter 105.5 ¨C Romantic (18+)


    "Seriously Petra!? Why the hell did you buy them?"


    "Heh, isn''t it obvious Ikarus? That''s what we''re using tonight if you''re up for it"


    In the end, I spent a good amount of the day just hanging out with the other two phoenixes, mostly stuff like shopping and listening to Zekiin simply because Petra seemed to take her sweet time looking for ''gifts''. I''m honestly a little disappointed knowing what they are now, she''s justid them out on the bed alongside us both and it just sums up I knew she was a real pervert at heart.


    For the night, we booked a fancy hotel room nobles use just simply because I thought it could be romantic and the package this roomes with is definitely like that. Sure, the rose petals, cosy d¨¦cor and lovey dovey bits around the ce like candles do set the mood but there''s a more immediate issue with what she''s decided to buy.


    You see, Petra has clearly found a sex store and bought two very distinct objects which I''m now guessing is apparently are my ''gifts''. Laid out on the double fancy bed are both objects alongside with what very clearly looks to be a harness that goes around the waist. It doesn''t take a genius to realize that one of those objects attaches to this harness and the other, I''m notpletely sure on, maybe it goes under the belt?


    I''m honestly impressed they even have things like this in this world but has she seriously bought two dildos? I mean, I could find some clever way of describing them like Johnsons, snakes or even sausages but that''s what they clearly are. Is it weird to be using ''toys'' on our second time doing this or is this a normal lesbian thing I''m unaware of? Regardless, I already know Petra''s a little perverted so it doesn''t matter in the slightest and in all honesty... my curiosity has always gotten the better of me.


    The first of the Johnsons looks kinda soft and floppy, have no idea what it''s made from but looks like something simr quality from Earth... is it sus that I remember what they look like? Moving on though, the second is a tiny big bigger but looks to be made out of stone so it''s rock hard... that phallus is rock hard, hehe... stupid Ikarus.


    Also should keep in mind, both aren''t exceptionally huge nor long, extreme length is pretty pointless when ites down to something like this. I don''t even have to be a female to realize something that simple, a tongue has always worked better than arge third leg... even if mine was pretty small, I did use to call him my little friend after all.


    "There''s two of them though... I''m notpletely sure about this if I''m being honest"


    Eh, I''d say it''s a little more just anxiety then anything else, . We are in a hotel basically built for nobles right now as well, got to have a little romance beforehand before the inevitablees around. Knowing how my mind works, I''ll probably change my mind soon but got to at least keep up the appearance that I''m stubborn.


    Describing this room though, imagine a modern extravagant king-sized bed hotel room with an on-suite bathroom that''s pretty big in size and definitely worth the insane amount of silver it costs for just one night. Obviously the furniture isn''t going to be as modern and there''s nothing electric around but the firece is cosy, the furniture looksfortable, the bed is huge and matches the carpet being a romantic red and there''s even actual plumbing in this ce! Even if it''s makeshift and I really shouldn''t be focusing on that.


    "Heh, we don''t have to use it Ikarus if you''re unsure. Don''t push yourself to do anything you don''t want to do but it is pretty good though"


    Petra be liking the fake D... that''s not even funny, just shut it bird!


    [<Aesa also agrees with -user-, that''s was incredibly unfunny>]


    ''Don''t you be showing up this night, go into shutdown mode or something and buzz off''


    [<That would unfortunately destroy both Aesa and -user- but Aesa will be silently cheering you on>]


    I seriously hate her sarcasm at times, I''d honestly feel sorry for her having to basically watch what might happen but her personality makes it a hell of a lot easier to not care. I swear she''s getting more sarcastic now as well.


    "I''m in two minds really, mostly because it''s just a little scary, ya know? I mean, you never did anything with that third leg in the dungeon with your gender change... even if thatparison basically makes zero sense"


    The pervert Petra clearly has a sly smile from me saying that... hang on...


    "Heh, what makes you think that Ikarus?"


    "Wait... you used it on someone!? What bitch of a maid deceived you!? I''ll fucking go back and kill her!"


    Petra actually facepalms at me there, I seriously doubt Petra would ever cheat on me but it wouldn''t surprise me if those bitches who kept trying to get close with male king Petra ended up doing something given those six months we spent inside that ce. Fuck those maids, shouda killed them before we got rudely kicked out.


    "No Ikarus, didn''t use it on anyone but myself if you understand what that means... In all honesty, it''s better as a girl but like I just said, it''s up to you but please don''t force yourself to do anything for my sake"


    "You''re way too kind for your own good at times... imma be one hundred percent honest Petra, do you really think I''m going to say no to this?"


    "Heh, so you''re definitely happy trying it then? If so, how about we make tonight all about you?"


    What is she on about now? I just said I''m fine with it or am I being dense about something?


    "Tonight being about me? What does that mean?"


    "Heh, what I mean by that is that I''m focusing on you tonight, can spell it out for you Ikarus but the belt should be enough. Obviously only if you''re ready though"


    Well great, looks like I''m fucked... or getting fucked, this is a pretty scary thought but at least there''s no real penises in sight I guess. Last time was pretty intense so I wonder if this will be the same? I honestly think any reluctance I may have might just be from anxiety a little but I do want to give this a try though. It''s not exactly like we can''t just stop at anytime.


    "Fine then... can we at least make the most of this experience first? It seems a little pointless forking out for this hotel just to hump like rabbits without even experiencing the ce first"


    My analogy may be crude but it at least gets a further smile outta Petra though.


    "Heh, of course Ikarus, that was the n but just thought you''d like to see your ''surprise'' now"


    This woman is just... sighhh, let''s do some ''romantic'' stuff then...


    __________


    "Erm... it''s a little tight in here"


    "Heh... just means we can be closer then"


    "*Sighhh*"


    Now in a bathtub together, we thought it would be romantic to share a bubbly bath and clean each other. You''d think that would be a great idea except from the fact this clearly isn''t big enough for two people. Basically, we''ve had to position ourselves in a way where I''m basically sitting crunched up in a ball and she doesn''t look any morefortable either... I''m pretty sure my foot under this thick bubbly water just touched something not safe for work as well... I''m getting out if this keeps happening in a second.


    Just as I''m contemting my stupid existence for suggesting this idea, a knock on the front door of this room arrives. That''s good timing except Petra''s more eager to get out first.


    "Ah, room service, I''ll get it so you just stay there looking pretty"


    "Fineee..."


    Petra awkwardly gets out of the bath trying to avoid kicking me and grabs a bathrobe I presume; it''s taking every bit of my willpower to ignore checking out her sublime bottom and bosoms right now. Seriously though, romance before any of the nasty business... even if this stupid bath ain''t romantic in the slightest. I''m guessing we''re not cleaning each other now then; I''d be disappointed if this stupid bath hasn''t made me irritated.


    I hear a little talking and then Petra in the white bathrobe she''s put on returns back into the bathroom once again equipped with a bucket of champagne and strawberries. I was right, this bathtub idea was idiotic.


    "Heh, I''m going to be honest Ikarus, sharing a bath together wasn''t the greatest of ideas"


    "Thank you! I didn''t want to say anything since it''s supposed to be romantic but this tub is freaking tiny... Petra... where''s my towel and bathrobe? And even my clothes?"


    Did she take both bathrobes hanging on the door as well? My clothes were definitely in sight before she left and now have mysteriously somehow disappeared.


    "Heh, looks like I gave the room service the wrong clothes,plete ident that... oh well, just looks like you''ll have to remain beautiful as you are"


    That was aplete lie that I can easily see through... I bet she''s got them hidden away in storage since giving anything enchanted like that to a maid would be all kinds of riskiness. Even if I didn''t have this ability, her smile clearly gives her intention away... I wish I could think of stupid little things like that but I am basically a hopeless romantic after all.


    "Oh no! Whatever will I do? Looks like I have to steal the robe you have on then once I find someway to dry off!"


    At this point, I''m already stepping out of the bubbly bathtub while going through my sarcastic monologue, I actually would like a towel here but I''m guessing I know why''s she''s done this.


    "Heh, no chance... that leads us perfectly onto what we can do next... fancy drying off together by the firece Ikarus?"


    She thinks she''s so clever... jokes on you woman, I don''t care about you seeing my birthday suit! It might be better if she strips off as well but I''ll y her game if taking off my clothes is how she''s going to do things. Also, I did want to cuddle around the firece at some point as well...


    "Sureee..."


    __________


    "You see Ikarus, this one goes inside and this one outside, you''d probably prefer the softer one. Another strawberry as well?"


    Oh, perverted Petra, she really must think I''m more innocent than I look. While we''re sitting cross-legged cuddling around the roaring firece with me in her arms because she seems to want to take the lead tonight, she''s actually showing me how the harness thing works with the two objects. Maybe it might be down to her trying to ease any tensions or just her being a perve, I''ll go with the tensions thing but it''s pretty likely to be the other one as well.


    Regardless of both reasons, this stupid thing is slowly starting to turn me on and I haven''t got a damn clue why! Maybe it''s the strawberries and alcohol, we have been feeding each other over here as well and she''s just put another one to my mouth still while hugging. I kinda wish there was some cream or some sugar but this is nice enough.


    "Y-Yeah..."


    I bite into the fruit and realize I''m even stuttering now! Listen okay, I''m not afraid of anything like doing this, I''d say this is simr anxiety to the first time around but it''s just overwhelming once again. That rock one really looks intimidating even if that''s apparently not for me.


    "Heh... we can just spend the evening hugging if you want Ikarus, nothing has to happen or we can even do what we didst time"


    This woman really cares too much for me, she even said the same exact thingst time around but I''m not putting it off. It was bound to happen at some point so why not try it early? It''s not exactly like we can''t stop if it''s terrible as well, this isn''t even like some gender dude thing I have left over since some guys end up doing this sort of thing... even if that''s not really a thought I want to think about right now.


    "Seriously Petra, if I really were against it... then I''d have said something"


    I''ve got to say this in the most fake pouting way I can! It''s not like I can actually admit I want to try this out now, can I? No, this bird brain doesn''t allow it!


    "Heh, fair enough... how I about I kick this off then?"


    Petra gently takes her cuddling arm off me and goes to retrieve one of the items and the belt. The floppy one has already been attached to it but the hard one still remains untouched, the rock one in particr Petra left close by to the fire I''m guessing in an attempt to warm it up? Regardless, I''m pretty sure I know what she''s about to do now.


    She takes the rock ''object'' and very slowly starts to slide it into herher region alongside me... she clearly must be feeling the same as me right now since it appears to be going in without much resistance, no saliva or lubricant needed... Ah, I forgot to mention we were cuddling naked as well, that bathrobe she has would''ve been pretty wet if she didn''t disrobe but why am I focusing on that!? This is hot as fuck!


    "Give me a hand putting this on, would you Ikarus?"


    I''m a little confused, are we doing forey or are we going straight for the main course then? Ah, there''s probably a reason I''ll figure out in a second.


    It doesn''t really matter that much though, both of us get up with me trying to get this fiddly irritating thing around her waist. I can definitely see why we should do this beforehand now, you''d think that maybe this sort of thing would be easy but trying to get it fit snugly around her waist and under her legs is difficult. Thankfully, that''s now done after a little work... is that thing inside her evenfortable though? I guess she''s already to look pretty flustered so maybe? Flustered Petra is always a beautiful sight to behold.


    Honestly, seeing Petra standing there with that floppy thing dangling from that belt is kinda making me want tough as well... it really is tiny to what she had beforehand back in that dungeon but why does my mind keep on wondering!? It might just be I''m trying to turn myself off a little since I''m getting impatient now, yeah that might be it.


    "So then... shall we start then Ikarus?"


    "Sure sure"


    And like that, I return to her to get things going on. I hate to disappoint but there''s still going to be a little forey beforehand. Face to face in front of each other, both of our hands find themselves lightly touching each other''s lower areas while the start of the quick make out session ensues. In all honesty, everything she''s been doing up to this point is starting to take its toll on me... I really am impatient at times.


    While we''re kissing and feeling each other, I can''t help but notice something and it''s not her warm hands against my bottom... I can feel the slight rubbing of that object against my special area and I really can''t tell if she''s doing this on purpose or not... I''m starting to get ufortable as well now, I hate feeling this turned on!


    "Urgh... can we c-continue on the bed?"


    "Heh, you really are too easy... sure Ikarus"


    Damn it! That was intentional, this evil woman is mentally corrupting me so why the hell am I all for it? Forget it, I just want to go even further now.


    Still next to each other, I grab Petra''s hand and lead her to the bed. Still kissing, I sit first and she follows basically on top me, that probably looked awkward as hell but at least I''m now t on the bed with her on top still making out... it''s a shame she''s not touching my breasts but I can always do that to myself in a second.


    "I''ll be gentle... I promise Ikarus"


    "O-Okay..."


    Even now, she''s still trying to be reassuring but frankly, it''s really not needed... is this even going to be alright for her though? It''s not exactly like that thing inside her is going to moving around much but I guess she did say tonight''s for me...


    Still on top of me, Petra gradually positions herself to be slightly lower ready to put that thing into use, I''m happy she''s skipping a lot of the other stuff right now since I''m getting even more impatient by the second now. It''s not helping with her trying to go as slow as possible guiding the thing around that specific sensitive area still not putting inside just yet. Thankfully, she''s not in an extremely teasing mode today it seems she''s now ready to go.


    Feeling it very slowly go inside is definitely something different and nothing I can even have words for describing... that''s not necessarily a bad thing, just... different. It takes a second for the squishy object to go fully inside but once inside, I can really feel the fullness of it and honestly... this already feels incredible. I know being turned on is a natural lubricant for this sort of thing but it kind of feel like it perfectly fits... just keep reminding yourself it''s not a real penis Ikarus and you''ll be okay.


    Next, Petra learns forward and ces both her arms on the bed alongside me... and begins the slowest thrust imaginable, I get that she''s trying to be careful but it''s not like I''m made of ss or something. Looking at her smiling face and perfect body from below is pretty nice though.


    It takes a few of these very slow thrusts before she gets to a better pacing before I can really start to appreciate this feeling, still not particrly fast but it''s definitely starting to feel... urgh...


    I''m now at odds as the pacing begins to quicker even more, I feel the urge to grab something like Petra''s hips or my breasts... I''m just going to grope myself once again... the rhythm of this is really starting to get mind-blowing now... this is unbelievable!


    Petra tries thrusting at various speeds but sticks with one when she clearly finds the optimum pacing with and... I''m speechless and even struggling to even catch my breath now... this shouldn''t be this good... dear God, urgh...


    The feeling of it going in and outbined with my insistence on ying with my breasts again and even the slight quivering I''m doing is already starting to be overwhelming... it''s rapidly getting closer now and my body''s starting to fight with my mind to make thisst even longer... God, I''m even making moaning sounds now.


    Like I already said, Petra doesn''t seem to be that much in a teasing mood today but there''s always got to be something she does so just as I''m getting close, her rhythm seems to slow down a little. Fuck... I''m notining since this is still pleasurable as hell and this is a way load better than itpletely stopping prematurely but I''d like it if she were to continue... urgh, she''s picked up the speed again thankfully... it''sing, I''m right at the edge now...


    And just like thest orgasm, it builds up like an internal explosion causing me to shake uncontrobly and even clench down on that foreign object no longer thrusting inside of me... I actually want to cry happy tears right now, why the hell is this so intense and pleasurable!? That shaking still doesn''t stop even while going through the long blissful period so I''m still getting jolts of sensitivity even afterwards... to think I''m this out of breath just from that alone, I think need to get used to this more to build up my stamina...


    "Heh... you finish really quickly Ikarus, you can try holding it a little longer"


    "*Huff huff huff* I can''t"


    I can''t even think up a funny response and just precede to keep breathing heavily. Seriously though, I shouldn''t be finishing this quickly, right? Damn that uncontroble shaking, it makes things even more sensitive when there''s already something already inside to clench onto, you wouldn''t think losing that sort of other gender virginity would be that great as well but damn... maybe I''m more perverted than I first thought...


    "Heh... enjoy that then Ikarus? Want to continue further??"


    "*Huff huff*... yeah... *huff*... and NO!"


    This woman and her perverted tendencies... at least I''m in familiarpany, one climax is enough for now at least until my body can get used to this more. Thankfully, she''s already started to kindly take the thing out of me now... that really sounds weird. Regardless, I''ve got something I want to say now.


    "Gimme a sec and I''ll return the favour... *Huff*... you want me to do that to you now or the other thing we didst time around?"


    It makes sense for us both to experience some pleasure after all, even if she looked like she enjoyed that as well, there''s no chance she climaxed just from that rock thing between her legs.


    "Heh, the n was just for you tonight Ikarus, don''t need any more than this as well"


    We''re going to have an argument if she''s going to be this generous and expect the evening to end like that, we''ll probably spoon after we''re done but I''m not letting her get away that easy.


    "I''ll repeat what you said to mest time around... don''t think I can allow such selfless behaviour from you"


    She actually has a proper chuckle from that, she said it first after all! Just repeating and using her own words against her, it''s how a healthy rtionship works apparently. It''s definitely not like people do that to start up arguments but we''ve always been weird when ites to this sort of thing.


    "Heh, did say that after all... let''s go with your tongue likest time then... should obviously take this off and get this out first"


    Looks like I''ll do that to her then...

 Chapter 106 – Concern

    Chapter 106 ¨C Concern


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "Huh¡­ that is a pretty nice room to be fair"


    ''I swear he only ever arrives when those two mortals are about to get busy''


    Of course, back visiting the viewing station which the perverted old man Zeus who just so conveniently seems to always want to tune in when those two mortals are getting it on. It was honestly a little boring watching the little phoenix away from her partner for a while but clearly that boredom has now been reced with blissful perversion¡­ that oddly reminds me of the night before the current one as well with my incarnate but that wasn''t a fun thing to watch.


    Was it a great idea to reveal to Ikarus my existence though? Maybe that might''ve been a little impulsive but I did drink a load that night and was still drunk that early morning, just simply because watching Charlotte go through something like that again was terrible, even been twiddling my already dark curly hair again because of it.


    I guess I felt like I owed that little phoenix some information since she and her and the blind one did help out a lot¡­ I''m honestly a little surprised my name still holds some meaning even if most myths and legends are forgotten when ites to the Gods. I''m guessing the world she came from must have a good sense of tracking history or recording legends I presume?


    "You might want to switch it off now Zeus¡­ unless you really can''t help yourself while I''m working"


    I was on break and return to find good ol''father Zeus basically watching smut. I can''t exactly say I''m innocent when ites to that sort of thing but this is supposed to be ''work'' watching over the mortals. Ecstasy, alcohol and pleasure is something reserved for when things aren''t at a knife-edge and especially with Olympus right now, things are getting close to being at that point. It also doesn''t help that news of the prophecy has finally bemon knowledge around this ce so it should be obvious Zeus might be taking advice from the more irrational Gods now.


    "Bah, you mistake my intentions once again boy¡­ I''m only looking for weaknesses in that bird''s defence and this just so happens to provide more information"


    By the sounds of it, there''s no convincing him that Ikarus isn''t going to be a threat. Just by that alone, I''m guessing he''s thinking of doing something subtle with that blind partner of hers if he''s looking for weaknesses¡­ No, I seriously doubt that he''d purposely try and piss of the little phoenix by killing her partner, I could see him taking her form and doing something disturbing in the bedroom together though¡­


    "So¡­ what are you going to do then Zeus? You gonna smite the little bird who hasn''t done a thing to you? Must you keep up with this constant paranoia?"


    "No Dionysus, even I''m not that impulsive... I''ll allow her to remain but the split second I witness or hear about something that could threaten us, that''s when I''ll enact of the deal I''ve made"


    Sighhh, for the life of me I cannot find out about who he''s been contacting about this deal. By the sounds of it, this is just an attempt to remain confidential while someone else does the dirty work of destroying the fourth phoenix. At least we can dy it as long as Zeus doesn''t find out about the explosions and she isn''t doesn''t do anything while he''s watching but I think we may be okay for now, Ikarus doesn''t seem to want to use it other than for the odd test. I could pass the message along to Charlotte to share with Ikarus but that might end up backfiring if the little phoenix finds herself in danger and refuses to use something in defence. Besides, she spends most of the time alongside the blind one too so she likely won''t use it.


    In all honesty, I''m not actually that worried for her when ites to defence though. Unlike the information father has, I''ve seen firsthand what that little phoenix is capable of. Whether the prophecy is fulfilled or not is irrelevant when you''ve got a being capable of wielding power equal of even more powerful to the Gods. If father were to get directly involved however unlikely that is, then I''d be extremely worried but there''s no chance he''s ever want to step foot on mortalnds for anything other than courting a female... actually, there is a chance of him doing something major if he gets too worked up though. Enough worrying about this though, I''ve done what I can.


    "Oh, that reminds me on something, Athena was looking for you boy but she wouldn''t say the reason"


    Hmm... that''s strange why she''d want to speak unless she''s found out what I''ve been up to. I''m doubtful she''s going to reprimand me for trying to get in touch with Hades since she always tried to be neutral and not pick a potential side but there''s got to be an important reason for it. I already know most of the younger Gods would go against the older lot if forced to but Athena was always debatable. It''s impossible to remain neutral forever and she''ll need to pick a side someday.


    "Fine, I''ll go see her now since you mentioned it... at least switch it off when those two are getting that into it"


    Mortals really doe up with some fun and inventive ways for that sort of thing... you really should give them some privacy than watching on like this, it''s a little creepy really.


    "No can do boy, no can do..."


    __________


    "Are you freaking kidding me?"


    "What''s wrong Ikarus?"


    Waking up the next morning in the fancy hotel room we bookedst night, I''ve already got cramping pains and I haven''t even gotten up yet, we did sleep in sincest time was pretty great... Hang on, that cramping pain isn''t what I think it is, right? it seems a little early for what I''m thinking this might be...


    "My stomach''s been ying up again... you don''t reckon I produce eggs when something happens between us?"


    It''s a bit out there but this hasn''t been a month gap andst time Iid wasn''t very long after me and Petra first got properly intimate together...


    "Heh, it''s always possible Ikarus, us phoenixes do have very strange bodies obviously being down to still having a bit of human in us... and I guess dragon as well because of the hatching but point is, anything''s possible"


    So, she''s saying it could be a possibility? That''s incredibly stupid that something has to happen between me and Petra for me toy eggs but oh well, I guess it''s just an added benefit I suppose


    "*Sighhh*... you mind getting off the bed for a second please?"


    "Heh, sure"


    I need to get this thing out now then... it''s probably best not to describe things in detail since no one wants to hear about me pushing this stupid thing out, right? It also shouldn''t be difficult to find something topare it to as well but I don''t need to be that gross.


    Well anyways, I change form,y the egg on this huge bed and then switch back, that didn''t take too long simply because I was sleepingmandost night so form change was pretty quick. While I was doing this, Petra has already put her disciple robe back on and is starting to get ready... it''s a good thing both of us don''t actually take that long since neither care enough about things like makeup on a daily basis. It would make sense though, it''s not like trying to make ourselves prettier is needed for what we do except on the rare asional like the empire showdown. Why use makeup when we both already look perfect?... huh, I guess my inner narcissist hase back around, Petra still looks better then me though.


    While she''s in the bathroom sorting herself out, I can''t help but ask something while I''m looking at another monstrosity of an egg I''veid. Emus and ostriches really have nothing on this bird!


    "Petra... you reckon we could get the chef to cook this for us?"


    It''s already a bitte for breakfast in bed but I''d rather not ask Petra to always cook for me since I''d feel a little guilty if I keep asking. She''s already done enough for me so making her my personal chef is unfair really, even if I doubt she''d say no but that would just be taking advantage of her good nature.


    "Heh, this ce might be a little too high ss for that sort of thing Ikarus"


    Ah, can''t forget about how high tier this hotel room is supposed to be, this room in particr could beparable to modern civilization back on Earth after all. It''s still not as great as the phoenix cave though but it definitely set the romantic scenest night... eh, I wasn''t really focusing that much on it though.


    "Oh well, I''ll put it in storage and save it for a rainy day like when we''re starving or out in the wilderness"


    [<Despite -user''s- thoughts, it''s obvious that -user- will want omelette made by target -Petra- very soon>]


    Oh, she had ament on that? I''m guessing she must feel a little talkative then since Aesa can be inconsistent when she wants to talk or not. While Petra''s still using the bathroom, we can chat for a second.


    ''You''re just stating the obvious like usual Aesa and besides, I might fancy it poached or fried next time... I''m guessing you have no thoughts on what happened again?''


    Despite her being a little annoying at times, I''d feel a tiny amount of guilt if she hated witnessing what me and Petra do. Don''t forget, she is definitely more than just a simple AI at this point, she can use freaking sarcasm and can even sigh at me like a human for Christ''s sake! I''d actually like to give her a body if possible but that''s just an unrealistic idea right now, how would I even do that?


    [<While Aesa would prefer not to watch -user-, it''s of no noticeable concern regardless>]


    ''So... you do technically have an opinion then?''


    [<*Sigh*... does -user- really need to ask this?>]


    ''Fine, forget it... was just making conversation after all...''


    __________


    "There''s a lot of people gathered about over there"


    "Yes Ikarus... although it might be for a sinister reason though"


    "Uh huh, these were always horrible"


    "What are you lotining about? Public executions used to be the best public event you could go to!"


    Wondering around the city with the other two phoenixes and sharing hands with Petra, we appear to have arrived at a small crowd gathered around a wooden tform. Up on the tform itself are three prisoners with half a dozen guards around them and attached to the upper beam of the stage itself are three lengths of rope... I shouldn''t have to exin what they''re used for.


    We already knew were Zeki and Ariza were staying at so we picked them up after our five-star noble hotel experience had finished. We''ve literally not even been walking around this ce for less than several minutes and this clearly is what''s happening in the market today.


    "Hear thee, hear thee, gather round and listen up! These men are condemned for the crimes of murder, banditry, sexual assault, theft and lollygagging. What say you in your final defence?... even if I have to do thisst stupid thing even though you''ve already been proven guilty"


    The guard reading of a scroll mumbles thatst sentence under his breath but it''s obviously still heard. I have heard rumours of how they treat captured death row inmates, originally they''d just ''disappear'' inside the prisons down to the sadistic princess and thew that stated no death penalty but clearly things have changed. Is this for the better though?


    "We had no choice but to steal, maybe they should''ve defended that caravan better and they would''ve lived as well"


    "Yeah, what are we supposed to do when we can''t afford to eat? Work like the other peasants? Ha!"


    "It''s not my fault that woman led me on! Dirty whore was asking for it!"


    Okay, I at least expected some type of begging or asking for redemption but these three are really despicable, none show any remorse so there''s clearly no worries about them being innocent. Despite all this, I''d rather not stick around right now.


    "Can we go? I''d rather not watch this"


    Ariza actually said that before I had the chance. Sure, killing is great and all but actual public executions aren''t my sort of thing...


    Not every policy I''m going to agree with that the bastard and the dragon wife have implemented, I''m all for killing criminals who really deserve it but disying such a thing in public isn''t my style. What I mean is more just going out your way to show off doing something like killing, it doesn''t have to be secretive but witnessing murder shouldn''t be a family activity to be enjoyed, like I''m pretty sure there''s even kids over there too. I guess it''s a little hypocritical but even I have standards when ites to murdering other people.


    (Ikarus) "Completely agree with you Ariza"


    (Petra) "Agreed"


    "Erk, fine... clearly you three women can''t stomach something as entertaining as this... it''s a damn shame they''re not putting the criminal scum in a pillory and giving out tomatoes first, life was so much better back then"


    Sometimes his nastiness is just... yucky... the idea of pelting someone with a tomato sounds kinda fun though. I can just imagine that stter or squash sound from the impact andughing my head off... damn, I''m terrible at times.


    Continuing onwards past the cheering crowd about to enjoy the hanging, we go through the city further towards the shopping district and wouldn''t you know it, a familiar face has arrived that Zeki absolutely loves.


    "Hang on... look who it is kid? It''s Misses obnoxious!"


    "Err... must you torment my suffering orangey?"


    "Yes... yes I must"


    "Heh"


    "Uh huh, Ikarus is just dishing out karma Zeki"


    "I hate you all"


    Just byplete coincidence, we''vee across the half-naked greed haired dryad just by random chance... that was pure sarcasm there, she seems to be able to find anyone for some spirit magic bullshit reason. There''s barely any trees inside the capital so she probably had to walk in from the outskirts thinking about it.


    Before we get the chance to say hello, she notices us and runs over to us with an ufortable face and a depressing aura, something bad has clearly happened.


    "Ah, that''s where you four phoeni-, people are... I need your help, desperately!"


    She even looks to have a slight tear in her eye, the hell has happened to upset the dryad this badly?


    (Ikarus) "What''s wrong?"


    "Uh huh, what''s the problem Ria?"


    "Yeah cow, why you look like that?"


    (Petra) "..."


    "Zeki, this isn''t the time for ying... what happened was..."


    And then, like the dryad and her infinite wisdom decides to spend the next half an hour describing a story that was incredibly infuriating going into explicit details on things like what she had for breakfast that morning and even the smell of the tree she relived herself under... sighhhhh. Her story telling has always been headache inducing and someone with perfect patience would even get frustrated.


    To summarize it since she has done this drawn-out story telling thing before, a few thieves broke into a secretive part of a ruin that apparently contains something powerful and important. She calls it a vigil to the forest, whatever that means. Ah, should also mention we''re all around a couple of benches now, no point standing around listening to the dryad speak nonstop for this long.


    "So... basically someone stole a marble in a ruin that''s important to the forest? And you want us to find it?"


    "You don''t have to sound so condescending about it though, it''s more important than that!"


    I''m not trying to sound condescending to the dryad but I guess it''s just something I have a tendency to do. By the sounds of it, a group of people, maybe bandits decided to take something that''s basically a magic marble. I do actually remember about the whole holy grail thing that happened in Yggdrasil before but by the sounds of it, this might be a little different.


    "Ikarus is right though dryad, you haven''t actually said why this is such a big deal"


    Even Petra''s questioning her, it''s not like we''re against giving a friend some help but with this odd dryad, you can understand our hesitation. I guess she counts as a friend, anybody who torments Zeki is definitely someone worthy of such a title.


    "You''re not understanding the importance of that vigil. Without it sitting on that pedestal, the entire forest could shrivel up and die!"


    Okay... now I''m liking this potential quest... even if that thing she said seems a little off and it''s taking this long for her to say something like that. The entire forest dying is definitely more of an important risk but she might just be over exaggerating a little.


    "I''ve just got to point something out Ria, you say could? This isn''t one of those things were nothing happens and we''ve just been sent on a bullshit quest that is actually fucking pointless"


    Huh, Zeki just used her actual name for once, I guess even he isn''t going to be a dick when the situation is apparently dire.


    "I may be exaggerating slightly with the entire forest but it could end with a lot of trees dying though"


    That still doesn''t sound right but I''ll just give her the benefit of the doubt simply because she seems really worked up right now. Maybe there is some importance to that marble that is hard for her to describe. Regardless, I guess we can offer some help in exchange for a reward, it''s her duty to protect the forest after all. It''s not like we''re a charity... even though we''ll still probably help even if there''s no reward, it''s more just motivation really.


    (Ikarus) "Another question, do we actually get anything for helping? If you say something like spending a night with a dryad again, I will hit you"


    "Heh"


    Petra clearly remembers that stupid reward that was offered way back in the tree of Yggdrasil, it''s what introduced us to the perverted nature of the dryad. That and I guess she''s basically always half naked as well.


    The dryad pauses for a second thinking of something, then seems to spark up as shees up with an idea.


    "I guess... I could give you the holy grail as payment, it''s not exactly doing anything right now and good do with a permanent owner"


    Huh? She''s offering the holy grail that apparently has to sit inside the huge tree that if taken, the entire tree will die?


    "Wait dryad, you told us that stealing it would destroy Yggdrasil?"


    "That''s not technically true though, it''s more like it decides who''s worthy to hold it sort of thing, those pesky elves were definitely not worthy so it could''ve caused the tree to destroy itself... at least, I think that was the case... Ah, as for the grail itself, drinking from it does make you feel stronger as well... apparently"


    Sighhh... I can already tell we''re going to regret this, so it turns out that whole save the tree thing back in the elven city of Aurora could''ve have ended with a nice shiny reward. At least it apparently has an actual effect to it I suppose, I always thought drinking from the holy grail is supposed to achieve immortality but I guess not then.


    At least she''s gotten us alright three phoenixes on board, Ariza was nodding earlier so confirmation wasn''t need but Zeki now has something to bargain on.


    "I''ll help Ria... but only if you leave me permanently alone from now on"


    "He-he-he... I''d rather watch the entire forest die if I''m being honest then leave you alone"


    "Damn it cow! *Sigh*... whatever, I''ll tag along since you three are going to help anyways"


    Did Zeki really think he could get out of whatever this is this easily? You''ve gotta give her credit, the spirit tasked with protecting the trees would literally allow the forest to die just so she could pester Zeki... can''t say she isn''t determined to get her way. Those two definitely don''t have a healthy rtionship if it isn''t obvious by now, might as well make a joke about it since they''re as bad as each other.


    "Looks like we''ll help then dryad but we''ll need a little more to go off, like for example where the thieves have even gone to?"


    Agree with Petra, it''s not like we even know what temple they stole from or even where they are now. Thankfully, it shouldn''t be something hat takes up too much time.


    "I do actually know where the thieves have gone... it''s just that it might take a while to get there, I''ll show you on your map..."

 Chapter 107 – Underwhelming

    Chapter 107 ¨C Underwhelming


    (Ikarus) "Is this... really the ce dryad?"


    "Yes, those little thieving bastards are inside there!"


    (Ariza) "It''s just an inn though"


    (Zeki) "Brother''s right, are you sure you''ve got the right ce cow?"


    "Stop doubting me, it''s definitely the right ce!"


    (Petra) "..."


    Off one of the main roads that connects the capital to the rest of the continent is an inn we''ve flown across many times before; the thieves obviously must be inside here but this ce looks pretty peaceful for how she described the bandits. Sure, there is a guy out front with an axe but he''s only chopping wood with it, must be these bandits are acting peaceful and staying the night here I presume?


    Regardless of all four of us birds and our slight confusion, we enter the travellers'' tavern and find the ce pretty packed, some of the tables are filled with caravanners, others just civilians and a couple groups of mercenaries as well. None really fit the look of bandits or thieves but the dryad clearly thinks that someone in this ce is the culprit.


    "There they are! Those are the bastards who stole the vigil, get them!"


    What the pissed off dryad is pointing at is a family consisting of a husband, wife and a small child. Is she actually being serious?


    (Petra) "*Sigh*... seriously?"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh, we''re not doing that"


    (Zeki) "I mean... I like killing anyone and all but even I''m not feeling up for it today"


    (Ikarus) "*Sighhh*"


    "I don''t care if they''re just a family, an entire portion of the forest could be destroyed if they''re allowed to continue their fiendish ways! I''ve been tracking these lot for weeks and now vengeance is here, please punish them!"


    Thinking back, this isn''t the first time this dryad has gotten the wrong impression of someone, just look at how our first introductions went, those splinters were really a bother for a second or two. Once again, something she''s saying isn''t quite adding up so it might be best for her to stop talking.


    "Can you just shut it for a second please?..."


    The dryad pouts from me telling her to shut it and Zeki clearly looks a little envious from me doing such a thing, I guess he''s jealous that I can actually make her stop talking. Anyways, we need to talk to the family now, they do look a little startled from all the dryad screaming abuse towards them, also getting a few weird looks from other people as well inside this ce.


    "... It looks like you two have taken something that doesn''t belong to you, would you mind if we could have it back?"


    Despite my asking, both of the parents have faces of pure confusion, things are never that easy it seems.


    "I''m sorry but I''m not sure what you''re on about"


    "Yeah, my wife and I are a little confused what you adventurers are looking for"


    Sighhh, they''re even telling the truth, was this dryad mistaken then?


    Thankfully enough, the child is literally just banging some rocks together at the table so he couldn''t care about his parents being hounded by us. I can already tell this dryad has wasted several days from our lives but let''s just get this dealt with now.


    "It''s a marble sized rock that you fuckers decided to steal from that ruin you stayed at days ago!"


    Jesus Christ, there''s literally a kid dryad,nguage. Eve I know not to swear in front of them despite me being awkward as fuck in front of kids.


    "Oh, do you mean this thing?"


    "We thought it would make a good toy for Jacob for when he stops putting things in his mouth. Honey, we should probably give it back if it''s hers"


    The woman shows a white looking marble... or is it a gem? It matters little what it is, the dryad clearly looks happy from seeing it and basically swipes it from her grasp.


    "Yes!... it''s a good thing we''re so forgiving for your crimes otherwise my friends would''ve kicked your arses!"


    (Petra) "*Sigh*"


    "*Scoff*, stupid cow"


    (Ariza) "At least we resolved this peacefully... I guess"


    All of us have reactions of annoyance, Petra with her trademark facepalm, Zeki scoffs at her and even Ariza can''t help but look a little irked. I''m just trying to contain my anger at something that could''ve literally been dealt with by herself in a second and yet, I''ve had to fly at full speed to get over here just for this to happen!?


    ''Sighhh... I''m seriously about to blow a fuse...''


    __________


    "Ah... I''m so happy I''ve found this; sister would never have forgiven me for losing her precious gem once again"


    ''Keep it in Ikarus... don''t explode with anger''


    All of us have no words to say to the smiling dryad after that quest has beenpleted if you can even call it that. Her happy reaction isn''t making it any easier to remain calm and collected, at least we get a reward from this but knowing the dryad, there''s probably something wrong with the holy grail as well.


    I still can''t contain my anger so maybe if I ask a little more, then that might calm it? Rece it with curiosity or something else... even though that probably won''t work.


    "Hey dryad, how does that thing even work? Have trees already started dying since it''s been gone or something?"


    Unfortunately, her response only makes things worse.


    "He-he-he... it kinda is just a worthless gem really, I doubt you''d have helped if I told you the full truth... also, sister wouldn''t destroy the forest that we both protect thinking about it, whoopsie"


    ''Wait a second... shouldn''t I have detected that lie?''


    [<Aesa has warned -user- ability -eye of wisdom- isn''t perfect. Point being, if target forced themselves to believe in such potential consequences, then -user- wouldn''t be fully able to detect the meaning behind the words or potential lies>}


    ''Wait... you mean she actually got so worked up, she actually believed the entire forest could be destroyed over a pointless fucking gem!? Why am I even fucking asking that? You agree with my irritation, right?''


    [<Affirmative, target -Ria- has still deceived -user- and fellow phoenixes, whether she did it on purpose or not is irrelevant>]


    I do remember detecting that something wasn''t right when she first mentioned about it, I''m also guessing her sister whoever that is could''ve destroyed a part of the forest as punishment but the dryad just changed her mind on that... Fuck this, even Aesa agrees with me being pissed this time around.


    "Hey dryad... you understand I''ve just flown days for you to fucking drag us out here to do that!?"


    I''m sorry but is she seriously taking the piss? I''m clearly not the only one feeling this way as well.


    (Petra) "Dryad... you understand we have better things to do?"


    (Zeki) "Ria... you really test my patience"


    (Ariza) "You could''ve just done this yourself!"


    "E-Erm... s-sorry?..."


    Obviously, the smiling anger from Petrabined with me and Zeki''s visible anger has caused the dryad some difort and is making her stutter... it''s a damn shame she''ll just revive if killed but we can still make it painful at least... Oh, we can even have Ariza making sure she stays alive to enjoy it...


    "... -I-It''s fine though! You still get the holy grail, r-right?... When I''m over there next and I can r-remember where I hid it"


    Is this dryad trying to piss us off even further? She''s even partially lied about that as well, all this so that another tree spirit won''t be pissed at her? If that''s who her sister is.


    "Petra... remember that thing you did to the princess?"


    "Of course, I''m liking the suggestion Ikarus"


    "Damn orangey, I heard about that... your mind is wicked and I''m all for it"


    (Ariza) "I''ll... just look away then"


    For the record, I''m clearly not serious likest time around... although she has crossed a line for something which is apparently just a dumb gem. There does need to be a suitable punishment inflicted on this dryad but none of us are that cruel... at least, I think that''s the case.


    "Nooo! A-Ahem... w-what about another quest!? An e-epic fight against b-bandits not too far from here? There''s l-loads of them as well!"


    Clearly the threat of being mercilessly killed again is ying on her mind... now I can''t trust her even when my ability is telling me that''s the truth.


    (Petra) "This area is clean, dryad. Most the empire is at this point"


    "Yeah, we even saw the area from above on orangey''s back, further lies won''t save you cow"


    "Uh huh"


    "..."


    I''m actually the mute one this time around, I guess I''m the only person who can tell there wasn''t a hint of a lie in what she just then but I''ll still allow her to continue on since I''m still not sure.


    "T-That''s because they''re u-underground! I could f-feel loads of them under a bunch of t-tree roots the other day scarpering about doing h-heaven knows what!"


    Once again, the stuttering terrified dryad tells the truth... unless she''s able to believe her own lies on the spot. In all honesty, getting some more EXP is pretty appealing and the others won''t exactly say no to some more bandit hunting...


    (Ikarus) "*Sigh*... point us in the right direction and go find our reward while we''re handling it then, you better not be exaggerating or lying again"


    "I-I''m not, promise!"


    __________


    "Got to give these bandits some credit, they really are determined to live an ouw''s life"


    "Heh, true Ikarus, they really have put in the work"


    "Is it really okay to admire such nasty people though?"


    "Of course it is brother! Although... I don''t think older sis and orangey were actually admiring them though"


    After pointing out where an entrance to this underground hideaway is, we enter leaving the dryad to go fetch our reward and traverse the endless tiny tunnels that seem to go under this part of the forest. Traversing through these small and tight tunnels is giving me slight ustrophobia but it''s manageable right now. I''m also getting vibes what life would be like a soldier fighting off an American invasion right now as well, pretty sure some of their enemies used to make tunnels like this to fend off those pesky oil hunters... even if the wars I''m thinking about weren''t about oil, oh well.


    At the very least, Ria was definitely right about this ce, already seen signs up on the surface around the little hidden opening of some banditry, mostly just some rags and weapons with a little blood as well. Blood is normally a good sign if you''re trying to find people like this after all, obviously not for the victims.


    You can see why the empire haven''t found these lot yet though. If it wasn''t for Ria pointing it out, this wooden hatch would''ve remained unseen under all the shrubbery and foliage for ages, even Petra couldn''t have detected this since it''s that well-hidden. Any people willing to hide in tunnels likes rats must have some reason to hide, at least this journey shouldn''t be aplete write off if EXP is involved.


    I will be pissed if they just turn out to be regr citizens but let''s be real, extremely doubtful a group of civilians would want to live down in this shithole... okay, I''m starting to get ustrophobic now, it''s not helping Petra''s in front and the other two are behind me.


    Thankfully, we''ve only been in here for a few minutes or so and now we can see the opening of arge area up ahead. Slowly and quietly approaching the opening, all four of us find ourselves up on a ledge looking down a little distance away at a group of people. Whispering to each other, we speak trying to be quiet, this ce is definitely a little odd just looking down at what''s going on.


    "Is this... a cult of some sorts?"


    "I''m unsure Ikarus, never seen anything like this"


    "Uh huh, it might be"


    (Zeki) "Who da fuck are they worshiping?"


    Off in the distance appears to be several dozen bandit looking fellows all praying and worshiping to a shrine of a humanoid looking creature. The statue itself appears to be made of a shiny metal dripping a blood red and this creature even has horns, is this what the rumoured demon species look like? Should probably focus more on the uing battle rather than that, defintely want to get this done quick if possible.


    "Petra, I''m guessing it''s fine to attack on sight?"


    Well, it should be seeing that they''ve brought corpses down here and have done weird ritualistic things to them, there''s one cut up on a table over there. If any of us were squeamish, then I could imagine this ce would be too much. You can even see the knifes an-... I''m looking away from that, it''s pretty brutal and gorey.


    "They''re definitely not friendly Ikarus... Zeki, remember try to limit getting the killing blow"


    "Hey older sis! You do realize I need to level up too? So freaking close to the next one but I''ll try and dy it then"


    "I''ll stay up here so retreat if you need healing anybody"


    It could be a good idea how to strategize against this room of thirty people or so but in all honesty, there''s nothing more suitable for the tried and trusty methrower right now. I could use something like my star ze but in all honesty, the idea of running into a group of people like a headless chicken no longer has that much appeal, I guess Petra''s training methods have taught me to be a little more careful in approaching a situation.


    Us attacking three phoenixes slowly creep down the stairs from this ledge towards the group still kneeling and praying to that demon looking statue, it really does feel intimidating but that''s only the demon itself. As for everyone else, their auras all feel pretty weak so this should be a piece of cake, I''m not taking anything for granted especially when my leg got broken from a fucking goblin. This is going to be as efficient and boring as I can make it, leave no survivors and take no chances with this many people.


    Now in a suitable position, it appears the praying has finally ended leaving our timing to be terrible, all of them get up and realize there''s others in the cave after turning around.


    "Trespassers! Kill the non-believers!"


    "How dare you break into our inner sanctum?"


    "Skin and gut them like a fish!"


    "Fear death and scream for mercy!"


    Well, there''s definitely no room for misinterpreting this situation now, it''s time to go to work on these cultists. All of us stop crouching and prepare but it seems only me and Zeki are actually taking the initiative stepping foward of the other two, I guess Petra will join in a second. Frankly, I could status check them but they don''t seem all that powerful and I really don''t want thirty or so boxes popping up all at once since all these lot are in sight, it would be like a load of pop up ads all at once.


    Nearly in sync, me and Zeki put out our arms and start to spray our hellfire all across the angry and fiendish cult members, you''d think that maybe some would try and avoid the fire but nearly all charge head first into ourbining reddish-orange mes. There really is some beauty in this... shut it bloodthirsty Ikarus! Death isn''t something to be enjoyed.


    Keeping this up for a short while, there''s only so much fire can do against a group of suicidal cultists that just keep charging towards you. At some point, the charred bodies in front of the attackers start to be meat shields... that really isn''t a nice thought.


    "Our sacrifices will only make us stronger!"


    "Death to the scum!"


    Now the attackers charging at me have closed the distance, this would be a good time to duel wield my fire and dagger but I did say I''d rather end this fight quickly. Point is, I know what I''m doing.


    ''Aesa, activate star ze''


    [<Confirmed>]


    Backing off just a little gives me more than enough time for this to charge this inside while my magic helps keeps the distance as well. Pretty sure Zeki''s not struggling in the slightest over there too, we are basically ming people in an enclosed area but enough about him. Petra''s choosing not to fight this time I guess, maybe she sees three of us a little overkill?


    Now my fireball covering ability is starting to surround me, I ck off a little allowing the cultists to get closer and like the idiots they are, try to run and attack me when their des cannot get this far into the expanding fireball. I swear to God, six of them ran into this, how stupid can you be to actually run head first into a huge fireball? Also, it''s a good thing all of us are resistant to fire otherwise this attack couldn''t have been used down here.


    By the sounds of it, the battle is now over as well, visibility always sucks inside this thing but I did want to get this fight done as quick as possible though. Mostly just down to the underwhelming nature of the quest we were sent on by the dryad so I kinda want to get back to the ind now.


    "Heh, your fire is starting to die down Ikarus, you''ll be able to see again"


    (Ikarus) "Ah, good good"


    "Yeah orangey, you can''t see shit inside this thing!"


    (Ariza) "Uh, you two are still inside that"


    Maybe it would''ve been good for Petra to say she wasn''t getting involved but it''s not like I can always rely on her, it kinda makes for good practice as well since you can never expect what might happen in a fight. Her basically doing nothing worked out pretty well, I seriously doubt she''d do that if there was a huge risk though. Despite all this, I might still put on an act and pout over her not getting involved, that does seem like something I would do despite me actually understanding her motive. Pretty sure Petra likes me pouting as well...


    Now that my ability haspletely gone, everyone can finally see each other again.


    "I swear, didn''t we do something like this this to the japs in the tunnels back in the epic war? Of course, we were also saving your sorry asses as well, isn''t that right orangey?"


    After finishing off the underground cult, Zeki has toe out with something like that. He really is terrible even bringing something like that up though, I get theparison with the methrowers but have somepassion... even if these lot were strange cultists and some of the war things you could argue might''ve been deserved. I actually remember a little from a war documentary or two for some reason and let''s just say, my war crimes have nothing on those.


    Now, Ariza''s rejoined us and it''s time for looting portion of this ''adventure'', we normally talk while doing this sort of thing but I can already tell with how things are, loot is going to becking down here.


    "*Sighhh*... you understand that there was to it than you lot justing over across the pond and kicking ass Mr obnoxious?"


    "Don''t care, the first two years showed how terrible you lot were and needed good ol''Murica to bail you out"


    (Petra) "*Sigh*"


    (Ariza) "You never learn when to shut up Zeki, remember a little from that history and Ikarus is right"


    "No, you two obviously learnt the wrong version of history, the entire world would''ve been speaking a differentnguage if it wasn-... oh, looks like I levelled up from that"


    He almost acts like the stage wasn''t already turning due to some terrible decision making and a navy that still managed to rule the waves... screw this, I''m not stooping to his level and I don''t even care. Anyways, Zeki getting a level up is a good reminder.


    ''Statussssss''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 199]


    [Health 40,000*/40,000*]


    [Stamina 16,402*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 27,992*/40,000*]


    [You currently have 24500 unassigned points]


    ''Seventeen levels gained... heh, looks like I''m definitely buying some more shit soon, at least that''ll make the journey back a little more enjoyable. Hey Aesa, you know how many I killed there?''


    I''m curious if they were decently levelled or just that I got a load of them. Sure, they seemed pretty weak but most weak people seem pretty simr now. I guess I''ve gotten that powerful, anyone under let''s say the fifty range seems like an ant... except for that dwarven leader but that kid was hiding something.


    [<Aesa is unsure. If -user- had done a status check beforehand, then we would''ve been able to know if targets were powerful or not>]


    ''Don''t need to be snarky about it... ah well, the trip back is going to be a right st, I wonder if that''s going to be literal or not...''

 Chapter 108 – Another Three

    Chapter 108 ¨C Another Three


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 199]


    [Health 40,000*/40,000*]


    [Stamina 16,402*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 29,245*/40,000*]


    [You currently have 24500 unassigned points]


    ''Aesa... you have any advice on what I should do?''


    During the flight back over to capital, then back to the inds, us three are on Ariza''s back right now and I''m currently pondering what to do. Sure, I know me being indecisive on this is probably starting to be boring but it''s a serious decision! It''s not like I''m starting to get bored of it too.


    I guess I could ask Petra who I''m currently cuddling up to right now for some advice but I kinda feel like Aesa might be able to help more this time around though, I can see it turning into a tease and I''d rather just enjoy this right now. Of course, there''s no funny business going on other than the hug, that would be weird to do something like that on someone''s back.


    [<Aesa already knows what -user- will do just from past experience alone. -User- will inevitably invest some points in some stats, then buy ability -sacrificialmb- 3 times with leftover points>]


    ''You really can be rude at time... I guess you''re right though, that does seem like something I''d do''


    I feel like she''s bing more and more snappy recently, maybe being cooped up inside my head has that effect at times I suppose. No point asking her about it though, already know how that conversation would go so I''ll just try and deal with her moodiness, she''ll probably cheer up soon anyways.


    ''Okay then Aesa, invest four thousand in both health and magicka please''


    [<Confirmed, stats have now been adjusted and doubled ordingly>]


    ''And now for the confirmation status check''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 199]


    [Health 48,000*/48,000*]


    [Stamina 16,400*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 37,249*/48,000*]


    [You currently have 16500 unassigned points]


    ''And now we''re ready to go. Aesa, first purchase please''


    [<Does -user- wish to purchase ability -sacrificialmb-?>]


    ''Yes, I ''confirm'' it... this copy and paste confirmation thing is getting boring now''


    [<Just to rify, -user- is just as snarky to Aesa as well... confirmed, ability -meteor shower- has been unlocked>]


    Clearly Aesa took offence from the way I sarcastically thought the word confirm but let''s just move on otherwise an argument is bound to happen between us. This type of thing does happen time to time, that''s just our odd voice inside head rtionship I guess.


    ''I like the sound of that, you know the specifics on what it does?''


    [<*Sigh*, Aesa would like to point out -user- has been getting too lucky recently. Like previous purchases, ability -meteor shower- is another top tier one>]


    ''Ohe on! You can''t seriously be grumpy that I''ve unlocked something good, we''re in this together, right?''


    She actually sounds like she wants me to get something bad! That literally goes againstmon reasoning, anything good I get just increases her survivability as well.


    [<Aesa is concerned because luck cannot remain at this level indefinitely and consistent good luck must at some point lead to bad...>]


    Oh, it''s just a deep worry she has for us both, I definitely agree with that logic since my luck for the most part has been really good recently... if you exclude what literally just happened with the lying dryad but that wasn''t really bad luck since it''s ended with more level ups. Is luck something that''s guaranteed to turn terrible though? Regardless, I do now share her worries.


    [<... As for what new ability does, Aesa assumes it is another AOE attack that withholds EXP but provides a great deal of devastation and damage. Aesa suggests -user- obviously put off testing this for a bit>]


    You know, I would kinda like something a bit different as well now. Sure, having the greatest top tier shit is cool but none of it is practical and some of the purchasable abilities are actually supposed to be useful for when NOT fighting off an invasion of thousands... heh, I can''t believe I''mining about getting this powerful, I''m more likely to die by a single person than an army now. What a weird turn of unbnced fate has fallen upon this bird''s shoulders.


    I''ll give this a test someday but it''s name is literally meteor shower, I''ve to be careful once again. Aesa hasn''t given any warning that it might destroy the like supernova but clearly this must do a lot of damage and caution should be needed. Also, I''d rather do it at my two-crater testing site but that''s a little out of the way and I just want to get back to the ind asap now. Just back to the capital alone will take three days and besides, this ability should be pretty easy to imagine what might happen, just the sizing of it is unknown just yet. Still though, I guess I have another ability to add to my over the top collection.


    ''That''s the first of the three then, meteor shower. Aesa, the next please''


    [<Does -user- wish to confirm purchase of ability -sacrificialmb-?>]


    ''Yessssss''


    [<Confirmed, -user- has unlocked ability -second chance-. While this may not be one of the many powerful attacks, -user- should also like this one>]


    ''You actually sound pretty happy about this, what''s second chance do?''


    [<Ability -second chance- allows -user- to revive any specified target after death>]


    ''Hold on... you mean to tell me... I''ve unlocked something that can literally cheat death!?''


    No no no, there''s no way something so unbnced would be allowed to exist, right? There''s got to be some serious problems with this.


    [<The ability can only work on one target excluding -user- and obviously has its drawbacks, the main three being the target cannot be confirmed dead for any longer than 60 minutes, has a cooldown timer of 1 year and cannot be used on same target twice. Considering this ability isn''t ssified as highest ss, Aesa is starting to suspect most -sacrificialmb- abilities are just overpowered, not that -user- is lucky now>]


    Erm... I''m unsure what to make of this. The ability is great and all but a year''s timer seems like something that is a problem for a different reason then you''d think. The issue is simply what happens if I use it and Petra finds herself in trouble? Imagine if Zeki or Ariza died, I''d use this to save one of them and then in that year''s period, something happens to Petra God forbid. No point even mentioning the fact the same target can''t be revived twice, it is called second chance after all.


    I can actually see myself never using this and always saving it for Petra even if my dragon family were in danger as well... this ability has basically forced me to pick a goddamn favourite and has now pissed me off. Sighhh, at least it''s broken as fuck I guess, the thought of having to choose someone to save is a clusterfuck waiting to happen though... even if everyone knows there''s no choice to make. No point thinking about this any further, hoping I never have to experience any loved one dying but I''m not that na?ve. Also, no point wondering about old age, seriously doubt that would work.


    ''Eh, I guess it''s really good then even if it''s made me feel a little down now, I should probably talk to Petra about this but I can only see her being selfless about the whole thing and it might cause an argument between us... Aesa, next please''


    [<Aesa advises -user- not to worry so much about choices and consequences. If put in that situation, Aesa agrees with the action -Ikarus- would take, it is -user''s- ability after all...>]


    I guess even system can be reassuring at times, at least that''s cheered me up a little, I''m surprised Petra didn''t say mention something about my aura being down since I''m still clinging onto her but maybe she didn''t pick up on it this time around?


    [<... Does -user- still wish to confirm another purchase?>]


    ''Yup... hang on... did you just use my name a second ago!?''


    I''ve only just noticed that, she called me Ikarus. The system who refuses to use my name definitely just said it by ident, right?


    [<Must be -user''s imagination, Aesa has no records of such a thing happening... hmm... -user- has unlocked ability -personal domain->]


    ''I guess we''re just going to ignore that then, I''m proud of you Aesa... what''s that do anyways?''


    [<*Scoff*... ability -personal domain- allows -user- to create a personal realm for whatever use -user- pleases. From a pure power point of view, it would be one of the weakest unlocked ability but -user- may find some use out of this>]


    Even her scoffing has made me smile a little, I swear there''s way too many people around me who have the slight tsundere tendency but obviously Aesa definitely DOESN''T have any of them otherwise I''m worried that suicidal package may ''idently'' be installed...


    ''I''m guessing I''ll have to sit crossed legged, close my eyes and hum, then I''ll be taken into a ce where time flows a lot slower?''


    Aesa did say something about a realm, my thinking of course has to go to cultivation or being a monk because I''m weird.


    [<Unfortunately, information iscking on this one. Aesa is even unaware if we''d still be able tomunicate inside>]


    ''At least I''ve one thing to test... I wonder if Petra knows anything about this if it''s cultivation focused, you did say something about it being a realm after all''


    [<-User- may be correct, target -Petra- may know something about this>]


    When we stop next, I''ll ask her since her cultivation system and all that. Having a personal realm could be great and all but honestly might feel a little lonely if Petra or Aesa aren''t inside with me. I''d feel a little guilt getting Ariza to stop already but I might not need to ask...


    Like the Gods looking down at me from above, a literal sh of lighting lights up the dreary sky and ocean rains down from above. I''d say that''s unexpected but the clouds were inevitably going to burst at some point just by looking at the colour of them, it''s always a nightmare to fly in the pouring rain .


    And the Lord said, let the heavens rain down upon men! Sighhh, sometimes my cringe is just another level, I should really stop that now... I bet Ariza would be willing tond if asked though, this weather is terrible. Fortunately once again, there''s no need to ask.


    "You lot mind if wend? It must be terrible up there"


    (Ikarus) "Of course Ariza"


    "Sure"


    "Yeah brother, fucking rain, just don''t think I''m flying next shift though"


    My life is full of coincidences, let''s just embrace it at this point...


    __________


    "Hmm..."


    We''ve set up a temporaryrge tent all four of us are under while the lighting and rain thunders throughout the night in the forest, both the other two are sleeping while me and Petra remain alert and awake. Main reason for this other than Petra rarely sleeping is I''ve been telling her in quick detail what I''ve unlocked and it judging from her reaction, she seems to have thoughts.


    "...We''ve definitely got to give personal domain a quick try, the area around this area is safe right now so up to you if you want Ikarus"


    She actually seems a little eager about this, is there something I''m missing? She also said we, does that mean we can go inside my head together? I''m always the master at making something sound really weird. Howes she''s only focusing on that though? You''d think she might be a little more focused on the first two but I guess Petra has just as weird tastes as I do.


    "Wait, you can enter that ce as well? If you can, let''s definitely do it now then!"


    "Sure Ikarus, it''s not asplicated as you may think. Let''s hold hands and activate it, just let me get in the right headspace and I should be able to join you inside"


    I go to sit alongside Petra and copy her cross-legged monk pose, I''m not trying to mock it but it always feels like this when I copy her like when I idently use her trademarkedugh. Anyways, now on this stupid damp floor that''s still wet despite putting something down, I lightly take her hand and she closes her eyes, do I also need to do that? Ah, let''s just activate this damn thing already.


    ''Aesa, activate personal domain''


    [<Confirmed, -u-...>]


    And in a split second, Aesa''s voice disappears and everything fades to ck...


    __________


    "For fuck''s sake! Not this fucking ce again!"


    Remember that shitty void ce I got stuck in for weeks when that stupid curse was cured? Yeah, well looks like I''ve ended up in the same situation except this time around, I can speak. I''ve got slightly bad memories just simply down the the frustration this ce managed to achieve...


    [<-User- does not need to worry, both Aesa and target -Petra- are here as well>]


    "It''s been a while since I''ve heard a voice like that... Ikarus, give me a second and I''ll help with the darkness"


    And just like that, all the darkness disappears and an endless greyish-blue void seems to span forever. Fortunately, I can now see my own body and Petra''s standing as well, I''ve got to ask how she did that in a minute but it appears Petra can understand Aesa. Thest time something like this happened was with the knight and priestess back in that sted confusion dungeon.


    [<Target Petra can understand Aesa? It may be pointless but -user- will never understand the joy ofmunicating with someone intelligent>]


    The first thing she says to Petra in person is an insult towards me, why am I not surprised?


    ''Heh, Ikarus was right, you definitely are unique''


    That''s literally the nicestment I could say to Petra about Aesa without her having a go at me during a conversation I can''t even remember. She''s snarky but she doesn''t like me calling her that.


    [<Hmph, you have no idea what goes on inside -user''s- head fully. Example being after -user- was cured, those three weeks inside -user''s- head were full of pervers->]


    "Hang on! Oi, have a little confidentiality Aesa! You''re part of me so you''re just incriminating yourself as well, right?"


    I''ve got to cut her off, stop being a dick system! Don''t be revealing shit like that especially to Petra who I''ve got to appear my best to because that''s the pointless shit you do towards your partner! Even if Petra smiles, not everything I want known about that time especially when ites to explicit things.


    [<Fine, Aesa won''t reveal how much -Ikarus- adores target -Petra- then... even if some of it could appear as creepy and perverted>]


    Damn it! I''ve got no chance if she can actually reveal shit to Petra now, I''m just hoping she has an off switch inside here but my luck isn''t perfect after all... she used my name again as well...


    "Heh, don''t worry about it Ikarus, mine actually had a simr personality as well before-... it doesn''t matter..."


    Sighhh, Petra''s system voice always brings a slight amount of sadness to her, I''d love to help her bring it back but by the sounds of it, system voices have a set lifespan but that''s only aplete theory. I''m assuming that since me and Zeki''s are somewhat healthy, Ariza''s seems to be going on the fritz and Petra''s is long gone, clearly age might have something to do with it. As for Petra herself, I''m never going to like seeing her in pain so that''s always going to remain a taboo subject.


    "...To think you''re able to do something even the top martial artists struggle to do though, my realm is only a fraction of what you have here hence why I only use it for storage. This is honestly brilliant"


    I''m shocked seeing Petra in awe so much changing from sadness that quickly, you''d think being told that I can rain meteors down on the earth or able to revive someone from the dead would be a much bigger deal than just having a park sized room inside my head.


    "I really don''t see what the big deal is, this ce is pretty nd though"


    What can we actually do inside here in this cloudy foggy looking ce? Not actually sure how big it is but judging from Petra''s reaction, I''mpletely wrong.


    "Heh, this ce is only limited by your imagination Ikarus, think of something and it''lle..."


    And just like that, Petra summons a different sword from her usual into her hand. Then with a snap of her fingers, it disappears.


    "...It''s the perfect training venue, you can summon any enemy you wish as well as make the environment however you like, death is also supposed to be nearly impossible to achieve. Time flows at a decayed rate as well, it''s something like a day inside is roughly half an hour... or was it less? Regardless, you honestly have no idea how envious I am"


    Okay, maybe I can see why she''s so pumped about this now, that does sound pretty brilliant especially for in our free time. We still do spar in the background even though progress has been limiting and it would also allow more free romantic time alone together if time is slowed.


    "Well... you can also share this ce as well you know..."


    At least that gets a further smile from her. The thing is, my mind has now wondered into a much more perverted ce now, damn romance...


    "...Wait, does that mean we''d be able to do you know what inside here? The nasty business that is so unbelievably great? The incredibly shit that doesn''t need any exnation?"


    I mean, I could''ve been a little less obvious by what I said but she would''ve pressed me if I wasn''t obvious about it since her teasing be like that.


    "Heh... and I''m the more perverted one between us?"


    Damn it, I''m was going to get teased regardless of what I said there, she always has aeback lined up.


    "I was only joking, alright!? Still though, I guess this ce could be pretty great for loads of reasons. The only problem I can see is that is defence for our bodies outside"


    "That shouldn''t be too big of a deal Ikarus, it should automatically bring us out when danger is detected if I''m remembering that right"


    Oh, so there''s no risk as well. I quite like this thing now; sure it doesn''t have the explosive power as other things but it definitely is a nice and needed change. I would like to know why she''s the encyclopaedia on this though.


    "Why do you even know about all this stuff anyway? This doesn''t seem like a system would be able to tell you all this stuff, at least mine has no knowledge on any of that"


    [<Hmph>]


    "That''s... let''s just say I had a tutor at some point and leave it at that"


    Oh crap, that''s caused her to look ufortable and sad, sometimes I forget just how old she is and that the amount of death she''s experienced. Seriously though, I''m only assuming her tutor is dead but it''s a fair assumption seeing that most people don''t tend to live hundreds of years.


    ...


    Ufortable silence... how can I cheer her up a little? Hang on, I know what we can do.


    "Erm... how about we create a bed or sofa and have a nice, long and rxing cuddle then? Maybe no funny business this time around though"


    If it''s my imagination, then I can just create shit, right? It would also be a lot nicer inside here especially away from the rain and thunder and we can spend way longer doing it as well! Okay, I really need to limit and saviour the amount of romance between us, just more for my own sanity really. Clinginess is a serious problem that can be so unattractive at times... even if she seems to like it and so do I.


    "Heh, sure then"


    And just like that, Petra creates a small Asian home that seems to grow out of nowhere. I know I''ll never find out where she came from on Earth but the more I think of it, it''s more likely to be some ce in Asia or this might just be the same architecture from the fourth continent. It''s a shame I''m unable to tell the slight differences between the building styles, they all look the same to me... is that racist? No, it can''t be, they''re freaking buildings...


    "Ah, forgot to say about that. Since you allowed me inside, can also create stuff from experience too. Just ask if you want me to remove it since it''s kinda difficult if you didn''t make it yourself"


    I really, really want to make a ''that''s what she said'' joke right now but it''s kinda the wrong way around... maybe I am as dirty minded as that stunning beauty as well.


    "Sure sure, you''re cuddling into me this time around though"


    I''ve got to specify it otherwise we''ll just naturally go into her taking the male role like usual, it''s nice for a switch up every now and then.


    "Heh, okay then Ikarus..."

 Chapter 109 – More Problems

    Chapter 109 ¨C More Problems


    (Ikarus) "What the hell has gone on here?"


    (Petra) "*Sigh*, we haven''t even been gone three weeks"


    "Orangey''s and sis''s favourite ce has been destroyed"


    "Uh huh, what''s happened?"


    The inn! It might as well be the end of the world, it''spletely devastated and destroyed...we''ve just arrived back at the settlement to find that inn we''ve always been staying at is inplete rubble... what bastard decided to do such an evil act!? This is beyond terrible! It''s strangely the only building in this ce like such, is someone now targeting us or am I being paranoid?


    It seems that out of us concerned looking four though, Petra might have an idea who the culprit may be. It would''ve been nice if my dragon family were still in town to help sniff them out but Petra''s already sensed that they''ve left and it appears she''s sensing something else now... she''s like a sniffer dog but I really don''t want topare Petra to something like that.


    "Ikarus... I''ve got an idea on who''s done this, it would be a strange coincidence if it wasn''t her"


    "Who did this then older sis?"


    "Uh huh, who?"


    "You''ll recognize them in a second, *sigh*... follow me"


    Following Petra after being questioned by Zeki and Ariza, we make our ways back into the town market and find a very noticeable pink person speaking with Marcus and the old inn owner. She must be the culprit, why else would she be here and talking with them?


    "That fucking Penelope bitch did this to our beloved inn!?"


    "You want to attack her orangey? I''ll back you up if we''re doing this"


    As much as I like Zeki''s suggestion to attack the extremely pink gender swapped Penelope, that''s not exactly going to work, is it? Pretty sure she was in the seven hundredsst status check way back at the Magi guild as well; it would give a load of EXP but it may destroy the ind in the process. Also, I should probably try and calm it otherwise I''ll blow a fuse, I actually am pretty pissed right now, I really liked that ce.


    "You and Ariza can leave if you want, there''s no chance this will turn nasty Zeki"


    "Yeah, Petra''s right, you two will just be bored dealing with this sort of stuff if we''re apparently going to resolve it peacefully"


    Is Petra one hundred percent sure about that though? She liked that ce just as much as I and like that, it''s gone. I guess Marcus might''ve had a simr feeling when Petra burnt down the town hall... we really need to build a new ce, hopefully everything can start to move forward when the empire''s ship moves into port but that''s nned to be on the same day the dwarven ships arrive as well. We''re maybe a week and a half from that but it could take longer depending on how the waves and wind are.


    "But all your stuff was in that ce sis! You must''ve left something valuable in there!"


    (Petra) "*Sigh*... we''re not fighting her Zeki, end of"


    Is Zeki seriously trying to convince us to start a fight? Both of us wouldn''t have lost anything important other than a toothbrush or two in that ce, everything else always get stored away since it just seems a little risky to leave stuff lying about... I understand the irony seeing that all the silver is still in the warehouse. That''s fineee though...


    Thinking about it, I''m pretty sure there were more guards around there, I guess Marcus has already sorted that problem out for now until we build a vault or a treasury. I swear the second the ship carrying the bronzes and coppers arrive, there''s going to be new buildings being built all around the ce. That was one of the council meeting topics remembering it, I really should stop drifting off through them and pay attention more since I really don''t pay much attention to all the mundane number stuff and end up forgetting anything interesting. That being said, I do still kinda focus through it but there''s just too many numbers, the damn numbers...


    "Erk, I''m leaving then, follow me brother from those two... who are clearly taking the boring route through life"


    "Uh... fine then? I guess I''ll just keep youpany Zeki"


    Both those two leave us just before we''re about to head over to the discussing three on one of the many benches around the area, I kinda feel like we just forced Ariza on Zeki but it''s honestly for her sake as well. This type of thing they tend to go pretty mute on... except Zeki and his moaning, he''s actually pretty vocal to strangers when ites to a good moan.


    Anyways, heading over to Marcus, Penelope and the old inn keeper who I still have no idea what his name is, the first to notice us is the excessive Penelope who I once punched for pinching my cheek. Like thatst time, she''s dressed in an over-the-top pink dress with matching pink hair.


    "Ah, you two have finally arrived!... I''m so terribly sorry what happened to the building..."


    She actually knees down on the cobbled floor being that apologetic, is she trying to beg for forgiveness or something? I get that she''s always been a little excessive but she''s like a level seven hundred and-... was it two?


    ''Status?''


    [Name: Penelope | Species: Human | Level: 702]


    [Health 10,000/10,000]


    [Stamina 29,333/30,000]


    [Magicka 30,000/30,000]


    ''Yeah, I was right''


    "...One of my guild members was supposed to get in contact with you regarding a pressing issue but that idiot got impatient and decided to burn down the inn you were staying at. I''ve already supplied suitablepensation and tried to make reparations for the whole thing so hopefully you can forgive the guild"


    (Innkeeper) "It''s honestly not that bad, the coin you''ve given me could build a ce twice as big and I could even afford to hire kitchen staff this time around"


    (Marcus) "You can probably get off the floor Miss Penelope"


    By the looks of it, the innkeeper is more than happy with the bag of coins given and Marcus just seems more focused getting the kneeling woman off her knees. Both me and Petra must clearly look a little confounded, Petra even brings out her facepalm and sighingbo that could work as fighting finisher... that sounds incredibly stupid, would look it but might just work... I really am weird.


    "*Sigh*... can see why these types of things annoy you Ikarus, at least everything is already sorted this time I guess"


    "Yes! I also made sure to dish out a suitable punishment, that member is now in pieces at the bottom of the ocean! Stupid bastard, what idiot decides to burn down a building due to impatience? I''m honestly feeling a little sorry for the fish who are now feeding off him!"


    Wait... how did she even know where we were? Forget asking that, I already know it''ll probably be some stupid magic bullshit reason that I''m not able to do, I''d also like to know why she''s even here but we''ll get round to that in a second.


    I''m also a little pissed off that she already punished the culprit though, I wanted to do that... oh well, at least everything''s already solved apparently, even if we need to find a different bed tonight. I''m surprisingly annoyed more at that than if someone were to get hurt or killed in that fire, it''s the little things that can be the most annoying I guess... I''m definitely not also irritated because that was the first bed me and Petra actually did something on...


    "Why are you here then Penelope? What reason did you need to find and contact us this far away from the guild?"


    Before I get the chance, the other half of our lovebird due asks the question we both were thinking.


    "Well... tehe, there was kinda an ident at the Spire and the top of the tower may have blown up... Actually, I''m massively underying it, the entire ce is just a shit-stained ind copsed piled on top of that old dungeon... it''s still strange that the inds remain floating above theke though... I''m getting sidetracked, I heard a rumour floating around that my good and old friend Petra and her lover Ikarus had settled down somewhere so I''vee to ask if you''ll allow the rest of the Magi guild residence over here!"


    I know a brilliant idea, let''s invite a group ofzy explosive idiotic mages into our town and see what happens? I guess having this man turned woman''s protection would be ideal for when we''re away but that could easily backfire. I''m also not going to question how she knows about us as well; she must have sources or there must an information guild in this world or something simr, getting information like that basically half way across the world can''t be easy.


    "Heh, why would we invite such a risk into a ce especially when you''ve just blown up yourst?"


    Ah, I''ll just allow Petra to speak, they are kinda old friends and it''s always nice to see her being talkative from time to time. It''s a history thing I guess.


    "Ohe on! Don''t be like that Petra, what are old friends for?..."


    Penelope tries to put her arm around Petra like a bro or something simr and instantly finds an elbow to the stomach, I''m honestly just a little speechless just watching this right now, this person really doesn''t care in the slightest.


    "Ouch... okay, I deserved that... I can guarantee nothing like that would happen here! There''s a reason why forbidden magic is forbidden, the person also responsible for that lies died in the water as well! Although, I''m pretty sure he internallybusted before the tower copsed... that really wasn''t fun cleaning all the dust and bits of his bowels off climbing out of the ruins!"


    Okay, Miss Penelope may be a little more explicit when ites to gore than I ever realized, we really didn''t need to know that... even if the same exact thing happens when I use aspect on weaker enemies. The thing is, I know it''s risky and could be a terrible idea but having a group of mages setting up shop here could provide more benefit that outweighs the risk.


    "Oi Petra, I''m not saying it''s a perfect idea but it would be nice knowing we''ve got powerful people sticking around for when we''re not here"


    In this world, there''s two major guilds and the rest are considerably smaller and less known about. The two major ones conveniently enough are the Magi and the Adventuring guild, the Magi is obviously known the housing the strongest butziest mages on the and the Adventuring guild should also be pretty obvious what they do, it''s what you''d expect with the whole do quests to rank up type of thing that''s so boring and clich¨¦. There''s been no point interacting with them so far but from the sounds of it, the adventures have a headquarters in nearly every city around the continent, theplete opposite to the istionist Magi guild.


    Ah, there''s definitely an Information guild as well but there''s less known about that since it''s not a major one, they probably prefer to work in the shadows. The main point I was trying to make before I got into all that lore, having a group of permanent mages who never leave their living region and definitely would defend from any invaders is too good an opportunity to turn down... even if a building may end up in rubble every now and then.


    As soon as I say that, Marcus butts in before Petra has a chance to respond, not in a rude way but he still does it regardless.


    "Oh, I nearly forgot to tell you two this, there was a message sent by the mine master, something about another problem may havee up that needs help with"


    Sighhh, this is going to happen every time we return, isn''t it? I don''t even need moan out load, everyone can already see my frustration.


    "Heh, it''s fine Ikarus, we can split up and handle differ-"


    "NO!..."


    I''ve got to cut Petra off; I''m not missing another vampire massacre while I''m out nuking bandits. We''re doing shit together if she''s going to get the cool stuff and besides... If I see her under the influence of another subus, it will just put me in the mood again and frankly, I''d rather we keep that sort of thing to be quite rare. Saviour it like a rare delicacy or something, I''ve got to keep the clinginess and romance in check after all, even if doing stuff together is kinda going against the point.


    "...Ahem, what I meant to say Petra is we''ll do stuff together otherwise something like what happenedst time might happen again, just being cautious, that''s all"


    "Heh, right... that''s definitely not you being clingy, isn''t that right Ikarus?"


    Urgh, don''t call me out like that! You''re the same Petra but I need to word it better since being flustered in front of others is a skill Petra needs to calm using on me.


    "Well... I''m not exactly going to deny that''s not a possib-... Ah, we''ve got no time for these shenanigans right now! Miss Penelope, you''re wee to stay as long as you don''t burn shit down. Marcus and... innkeeper? Just go abouts doing whatever it is you were doing since we''re heading to the mine next"


    Tsundere and take control of the situation Ikarusbining clearly gets a light chuckle from Petra there, no time for cute romantic shit in the middle of a conversation between five people, time and a ce for all that and besides, we do that type of lovey dovey stuff when alone anyways... damn, I really am clingy though.


    As for everyone else, I just get a few confirmation smiles as well, we''ve got to go fly over to the mine if there''s a problem so we''ll have a proper chat another time. Penelope will have to find a temporary ce to stay before moving the mages in, Marcus probably has some more politician crap to do and for the inn owner, have a bath in the bag of coins he''s received I presume?


    ''Sighhh, let''s get some stuff done then...''


    __________


    "Ah, both you two have finally returned, how was the trip to the capital?"


    The progress down here back in the mine is honestly astounding, you should see theplicated scaffolding, the deep and long mineshafts, the makeshift shack that''s now been made into a proper living quarters in the arena shaped cave. The ce looks like different, my bird brain cannot find the words to fully describe it in detail, it actually looks like apleted mine now.


    At the moment, everyone except Jaxon appears to be working, everyone else must be in the shafts or on the surface presumably.


    "No point making small talk kid, what was the message you gave to Marcus?"


    I guess I''m being a little like Petra right now just getting to the point, there was a stage I was really blunt and always wanted to get straight to the point but I guess I''ve changed back a little right now. It makes sense, we have just returned and doing work when you want to rx can make you impatient.


    "It''s nothing major or anything too worrying, just one of the workers had a slight ident and lost one of his legs so we might need another worker. Could also be a good idea to hire even more just to help keep up the mining flow, can never have enough able bodies down here"


    "Yeah, everyone keeps calling me stumpy now, it''s pissing me off"


    Off appearing behind a door in that makeshift shack underground is one of those talkative workers who just so happens to be standing with a wooden leg just like a pirate! All he needs is a curved sword and a hook and he''s set... Regardless, the scrawny brown haired mine master Jaxon really doesn''t seem too fussed about someone losing a leg though.


    "Heh, you understand a worker losing a limb is pretty important Jaxon?"


    "Yeah, Petra''s right, how did this even happen?"


    They both seriously just shrug it off in sync! I guess he can still kinda work but imagine going through that experience, losing a leg in this type of era. Sure, I did leave some healents over here in case someone got hurt again so the risk of infection was zero but still! My leg break hurt well enough...


    "I''m told it happened when they were chopping down arge tree, somehow itnded forcing the axe to cleanly slice the lower part of it off? That''s if you want to buy their crap, wouldn''t surprise me if they were throwing axes at each other while on break. That guy was always a walking corpse anyway"


    "Hey! I haven''t died or anything, it''s just a slight limp now if you ignore the stump, I can still use a pickaxe but I''ve now gone off trees a little. There''s no chance I''m dragging arge log back here anymore"


    Jaxon really has nopassion for the miner with the wooden leg, it would be cool if we could build prosthetics but such a thing would probably be something suited for the dwarfs. That''s actually not a bad idea, we have a dwarf...


    "So to summarize... we need to hire more workers then? That''s really the main problem?"


    No major problems over here this time around and it''s not exactly like we''re going to sack the worker for losing a leg, are we? If we were in the modern would, he''d be suing us for an unsafe workce right now but it''s not exactly like he still can''t be of some help around here... also, might give him somepensation just for the pain he received just more as a thank you for not refusing to work but keep it secretive though. Don''t want other workers thinking losing a limb will give them a bonus or anything stupid like that, I can sometimes be nice even if my morality seems to be getting worse these days.


    "Yup Ikarus, everyone will also need this month''s sry soon but we all know you''re good for it especially when the ships nexte into port"


    Ah, looks like Jaxon was thinking about pay day too, we''re going to base it around when shipse into port for obvious reasons, then a sizable portion will go out. Of course, I could just pay them now from storage but it''s good to set a routine and I''ll fuck up the economy if we don''t bnce out the coins first.


    "If that''s everything then... don''t forget to ask for more food when needed... Petra, what else did we need to do today?"


    "Heh, still loads Ikarus, haven''t got a meeting fortunately but we won''t be stopping for a while going ce to ce"


    "Ah, make sure you take back as much gold as you can as well, we could keep using the boats but your secret way that no one... not a single worker has seen works a hell of a lot quicker"


    Yeah... can''t be forgetting our duties and all that, things are always more hectic when we first arrive back at home so to speak. Oh well, at least we can rxter at the inn-... I hate my life sometimes.


    As for what Jaxon finished with, I''m guessing a worker or two has seen me flying in bird form while transporting the ore? Obviously, bad things will happen if they decide to release that information to anyone outside the mine but I''m actually not that fussed about it anymore, I can see the settlement finding out about it someday but I''d rather still keep the phoenix thing secretive for a while longer if possible.


    It could also be that they might just think I have a big fluffy orange chubby pet hanging around but seriously doubt that, I''m pretty sure all that secretive non-disclosure stuff about my species kinda gave me away.


    As we''re leaving, a quick thought hase to mind, that dryad really pisses me off at times.


    "Petra... you don''t think that dryad has screwed us over again, right?"


    She still hasn''t returned with our freaking cup! Or chalice, or whatever the holy grail is, I want my immortality Goddamn it! The dryad already said it doesn''t do that but still, she''s just full of lies, deceit and perversion towards goblins... and Zeki of course.


    "Heh, seriously doubt that, she always shared the same type as intelligence as Zeki so it''s probably just misced"


    I like how Petra refuses to juste out and call them both stupid, I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but I''m definitely not as bad as those two. At least the dryad has the odd piece of information like about phoenix birth but still, they do say people who aren''t smart enough to learn end up teaching. That''s not a dig at anyone particr bute on! The dryad has easily a thousand plus more years of experience then me and is there actually much difference? At least I''ve got time to slowly be more intelligent and the best person alongside me as well.


    "Let''s just get on with it then, shall we? Care to take a ride up on this bird''s back?"


    Now outside the mine, I''m just trying to put a little humour in this never-ending flying, it always gets a smile out of her even if I''m unsure if she even finds it funny or not.


    "Heh, always Ikarus, although..."


    It''s a tease, I can already tell something good''sing...


    "...You''re starting to get awfully clingy right now, you know? It''s almost as if you love me or something, am I thinking that right?"


    Urgh, I know what she''s doing, she''s trying to get me to stutter saying the love thing again, it won''t work this time!


    "Must you evil woman? You already know this bird''s heart is reserved for just one"


    I''d like to try ying her game time to time but talking like an idiot is always the best course of action for me.


    "Heh, well how will I know if it''s true if the words are left unspoken?"


    Devilish woman who''s corrupted my heart, I get that the line is brilliant to hear but I''m always the one saying it now! She always goes in for a kiss straight after...


    "Fineee! I love ya, alright? Can we g-"


    Okay... I knew that wasing but still, I guess we can make time for a quick kiss... or a make out then...

 Chapter 110 – Planning Permission

    Chapter 110 ¨C nning Permission


    "Hmm... if we put that here and that over there..."


    You see, Garry the gnome has a promotion... or just a new job on the side, he''s still getting paid the same amount regardless. Basically what we''re up to right now is checking out an area suitable for development just off the outskirts of the town. This ce in particr is basically going to be where nearly everything is going to be built when things are finally set into motion.


    "...That could work... you two, you''re definitely going to want everything close by and together especially focused around the treasury... although I''m unsure why you still don''t want a pce or a fancy ce to live in just yet"


    He''s been very specific and pedantic on this sort of thing, apparently we need a new district focused around the government side of things and within that district, the suggestion of a leaders building or pce has been suggested. Look, there''s already the idea for a new town hall and stuff like that has been thought out but do we really need such a building like a pce? Sure, it would be small and more like a wooden Viking longhouse in the beginning but still, there''s way more important things to start.


    "You''re still on that idea? Just forget it for now, way too much other stuff going on to worry about that crap"


    "Heh, Ikarus is right though, it would be nice to have a home but workes first"


    In all honestly, a nice little wood cabin out in the woods with Petra sounds brilliant but there''s limited workforce on this ind and it''s all going to be needed when the ships next arrive. Once we can exchange the silver, this ce is going to be a constant mess of non-stop builders which we''ll make sure actually get paid for thepleted job, not by time so they can''t take years building something that never getspleted... my thinking oddly goes back to Earth when experiencing roadworks, remember a one-mile stretch of road taking literal years to fix... weird thing topare it to.


    "Regardless, I''m still setting up a ce in mind just in case you two leaders get tired of sleeping at the inns, people do find that a little odd but I guess it makes them feel like you''re pretty genuine and grounded I guess"


    Huh, where did thatment from Garry the gnomee from? We''re not the leaders, just members on the council for now.


    "Wait, what was that dwarf? You just called us leaders?"


    "..."


    He pauses before answering my question and Petra''s silence, it''s almost as if he thought we already knew what he just said.


    "Are you actually surprised people think Marcus gave you the ce to control? The rumour is any decision doesn''t get passed unless you two say and he''s basically just be your adviser at this point... you don''t really talk to many people, do you?..."


    Was this really noticeable? No, it couldn''t have been, even Petra looks a little surprised about such a thing. There obviously was the slight hint people may get that impression after what happened when I ''rescued'' pervy Petra from the building and we are seen a lot around this ce taking to the guy and even have majority control on decisions... I guess I can see why people might think we''re in power now but it''s not exactly like we''ve been releasing information to the public, at least us two haven''t...


    "...I''m really not the person for such a conversation though, my wife could probably tell you more since she can''t help but talk to any stranger. Now you can bugger off, I''ve got to check the terrain to make sure how deep we need the foundations and this is always bloody boring work"


    Looks like that''s our cue to leave the dwarf alone, I really need to get him a red pointy hat someday and say it''s part of his work uniform so his nickname will only get worse. He should just embrace it at this point, it does suit him.


    You really have no idea just how involved Garry the gnome is actually involved in nearly everything though, whether it was intentional or not, who cares? Basically, he''s taken over anything building, nning or architecture rted, has nearly all the cksmiths'' shops under his thumb looking for advice and has made the smelting of the gold so much faster already. We are so lucky to keep stumbling across capable people who can handle all that stuff with us just making sure everything is still running smoothly in the background.


    If he were down for the politician crap, he''d be good to invite to the council but he''s already declined the offer. He''s more of the type of person to prefer getting his hands dirty or grimy I guess, no problem with that but I do feel like we''re starting to bezy watching everyone else work... why am Iining? That''s a great thing! We still handle the transport and council stuff anyways.


    This settlement is really starting to be reliant on the people now residing in it. Also, we''ve got a constant source of food being from the ocean, water isn''t difficult toe by just because of how often it rains in and around the empire and we''ve got trade set up towards two of the wealthiest kingdoms or empires around. Now we just need to n for expansion, make less work for us and we''re set!


    Before we set off, there was something else I nearly forget to mention while we''re out here.


    "Oh, just a question gnome, you know anything about prosthetics?"


    Got to be helping stumpy the miner out a little, an uneven wooden leg really isn''t suitable if he wants a limp for the rest of his life.


    "Urgh, cursed nickname... a prosthetic? The hell is that?"


    Even Petra looks a little confused by that word, is that word really that rare? I guess artificial works better but still.


    "You know, artificial limbs and all that for when someone''s lost one, you have any clue on how to build them?"


    Garry the gnome pauses for a second pondering from my question, he is considered a legendary dwarven cksmith and builder so I bet he''d be able to do something even with no knowledge on the subject. I''m thinking he might just be recollecting his memory though; he should be over a hundred if I remember correctly.


    "Erm... I know the fundamentals behind the design but don''t expect something like being able to use all metal fingers independently though, it''s something I''ve never actually tried doing before. Legs should be a whole lot simpler, why though? I''m not sure I remember seeing anyone missing anything around here"


    Ah good, looks like stumpy the miner could use his help, I''m still not great with names for everyone it seems so he''ll just be known as stumpy for the time being.


    "Well, there''s this miner who..."


    __________


    After finishing our inspection of the future build site with the dwarf, we''re currently in a council meeting with Marcus and wouldn''t you know it, there''s a guest here with us around this inn table.


    "Just the odd question before we start the meeting Marcus... why is she here?"


    Who I''m pointing at is the pink haired Penelope who for some reason is part of this makeshift council meeting we have going on with the stereotypical ck haired protagonist Marcus... I guess even politicians can be heroes but I''m just distracting myself.


    Unfortunately, we had to find a different inn to sleep at because of the obvious guild destroying it reason and conduct this council meeting today, it''s a good thing Marcus keeps backups hidden away of all the files he keeps on the city otherwise nearly everything could''ve been lost. Seriously though, both the town hall and inn have burnt down which should''ve destroyed everything and yet, he always has pages and documents of nearly every tax or amount of ieing in and out of this ce.


    It''s almost a little suspicious how he''s able to keep up with all this but he might just be exceptional with numbers and likes to keep everything well sorted... even if no one has any clue where he puts all the spare backup files.


    "''She''... does have a name, would you like to be called Petra''s lover instead of Ikarus? It''s annoying, right?"


    Yes actually, I like being called that but Petra clearly took offensive from Penelope being snarky towards me, Petra has always been protective and I guess maybe the way I said she pissed off Miss gender bender off?


    "Careful what you say to Ikarus otherwise it could be thest words you speak Penelope"


    After the threat, Miss Penelope instantly changes her tone, it''s almost creepy how fast she can return to her normal speaking voice.


    "Hey Petra! You know I didn''t mean any harm, just sometimes your girlfriend sounds so mean so I''m just defending myself!"


    The over-the-top excessive emotion this person has always shown can be difficult to stomach at times, I''m just hoping she can shut up so we can get on with this now. I guess I can sometimes sound a little mean rude but that time was clearly not intentional.


    "Okay then, let me rephrase it, why did you invite ''Penelope'' Marcus?"


    (Penelope) "Thank you!"


    "I thought it would be a good idea having such a pronounced guild master involved in some way around the ce, maybe for some advice or just simply to discuss the ns for how their guild wants to build a headquarters. We can always kick her out if you she''s too much"


    "Heh, you won''t get anything intelligent out of her Marcus. Pure power is one thing; brainpower has always becking with this one"


    "Just use the word stupid Petra, it may be blunt but it gets the job done"


    "Heh, of course Ikarus"


    At this point, Miss gender bender has started to pout from our conversation, I''d say we''re being a little mean but this is aimed towards someone who idently took a gender switch potion, her guild literally blew itself up and burnt down our inn. I''d say this is more than deserved.


    "So, is this just bully me day then? I''ll just shut up and let you get on with it..."


    I can''t help but chuckle, it''s really just goes to show that even though she could possibly be the strongest human on the, even she doesn''t stand a chance against Petra. I see what we''re doing more simr to the dwarfs though, it''s more like a friendly bullying than anything with malice.


    "How about we get on with it then? For everything that''s currently nned, this is the amount it will cost, what the upkeep should potentially be and how far we can stretch the budget. I''ve purposely designed it so it''s more heavily focused on the maximum costs rather than the minimum and..."


    Marcus and his never ending paper work passes over piles and piles of papers for us to look through, I''ve honestly started to nk him out when he goes deep into numbers simply because he really doesn''t stop talking when ites to this sort of thing.


    If I were to summarize what we can actually see on the sheets of never-ending numbers, basically everything appears good and we''re set to go. Of course, nearly everything relies on the mining business and we''d be screwed if the mine were to go out of service until we''ve built up a sizable amount of spare wealth but that''s a worry for another day. It''s built into an old dungeon anyways, that''s probably stayed standing for God knows how long already so we shouldn''t have to worry about it copsing but that''s what Jaxon''s main job is for anyway.


    This meeting goes on for a little while and it unfortunately appears nearly everything is going to be number focused like usual this time around, there''s a lot to get through and the issue about building a guild headquarters for the mages would obviously need Garry for that sort of thing since Penelope is very specific in wanting an over the top tower. There is something that''s making my mind wonder while doing this though, something that was said earlier.


    Oh, I should also point out I''ve gotten Petra wearing a pair of reading sses as well, they''re obviously useless for her down to ''blindness'' but it wasn''t actually impossible to do simply because I said it could be cool if we could match. That''s the only reason why I''ve got these on as wear, Marcus does a lot of reading so he obviously would have a few spare pairs lying around.


    They don''t actually suit her that much unfortunately, was thinking she might look like a sexy teacher of something stupid like that but the look doesn''t actually work on her. She still looks good regardless but it''s not like that clich¨¦ where a beautiful person gets amplified wearing sses... I''m actually surprisingly disappointed about this but I need to go back on topic now otherwise I''m just going to keep staring at Petra... I take it back, she does kinda suit them but still.


    "Marcus... you understand people are starting to see me and Petra as the leaders of this ce, right? The dwarf said something to us earlier about it"


    "Really... that''s an odd coincidence, unsure the reason for it"


    I don''t even need my eye of wisdom ability, that''s a tremendously huge lie! You''d think for a politician he''d be brilliant at such a thing but he''s shit at this.


    "You bastard! We already told you not to do something like this, you''ve been making out to people that we''re now in charge, right?"


    "Ikarus does have a point, didn''t agree to actually be in control so to speak"


    "Huh? You two have only just figured this out!? Even at the old Magi guild headquarters, it was thought you two owned these inds and Mr Marcus was just an advisor"


    Fuckkk... even Penelope thought that, I know we technically have a majority but everything that''s been discussed has always been agreed on all three of us and sure, the trade deal was handled by us but that doesn''t mean we own the inds... Okay, me and Petra might be a little dense on this, I guess even she would be a little surprised since settling down has never been her style. It''s obvious why it appears this way now and Marcus has probably been making it worse.


    "It actually matters little anyways, it''s not like I came up with the idea but I didn''t exactly correct people when they assumed wrong either. It really isn''t that big of concern though; we can always continue the same routine of me basically being the advisor toward the two queens of the inds... I''m joking of course but things have been going smoothly other than the odd pirate attack so it''s fine, right?"


    He really isn''t taking this seriously... I guess I shouldn''t worry that much if things still go to n but I''d rather this not go down the route of us appearing like that though. Also, it would be pointing massive targets on us while Marcus works behind the scenes out of the public eye but defending ourselves isn''t really much of a concern now... oh that reminds me of something else we were meant to do.


    "Heh... the two queens of the three inds... I wonder which of one of us would be the adorable but mad one?"


    Urgh, it''s stupid how I take that as twopliments since being called mad by Petra is actually a little thing we had going on back inside that elven dungeon...


    "Then what about the graceful, beautiful and heroic one then?"


    "Heh, I think you''re still describing yourself Ikarus"


    Urgh, stopplimenting me goddamn it! I get that she likes the sound of the two queens thing but still, our act resolves around her being the hero and I''m the sidekick! Even if that''s not the case now especially with me having extreme power but still!


    "Just take thepliment, jeez woman! Queen Petra is a hell of a lot better than Queen Ikarus!"


    "Heh, she really isn''t though... you know I can''t make it that easy for you Ikarus, where would the fun be in that?"


    Despite our stupid but cute interaction, those other two at the council meeting just have awkward looks from our back and forth and even the odd look from some of the people just enjoying their food as well. I don''t care, look as much as you want, this is who apparently leads you people! You lot made up these rumours so look at how ipetent we are!


    "*Sigh*... I''m hungry now, anyone else want anything?"


    I''m actually not but anything to distract me from flirting with Petra, this is basically how we flirt at this point now and she has never really cared if it makes others a little awkward I guess.


    "Heh, trying to get my attention by bing even cutter and chubbier then?"


    ''Urgh... where the heck has thise from? I freaking love her but I''m betting she''s getting bored with this meeting as well now...''

 Chapter 111 – Birthday (Part 1)

    Chapter 111 ¨C Birthday (Part 1)


    ---Apologies, had to split this up into two parts otherwise the chapter would''ve been too long and bits would''ve been cut unfortunately.


    __________


    "Crap crap crap!"


    "You''re still running away orangey?"


    "Shut it kid and don''t rat me out"


    "Please don''t involve us in your thing with Petra please Ikarus"


    "Quiet brother, I''m enjoying orangey''s suffering"


    ''He''s such a dickhead''


    It''s been... just under a month sincest time and right now, I''m currently desperately trying to get away from Petra and am currently ''hiding'' in the room Zeki and Ariza rents out even though it''s more like fleeing from her. Is that weird that they still sleep in the same room together when they could choose separate inn rooms? Ah, forget it, they still have separate beds so it''s just like having a roommate I guess.


    Any updates to give before I exin my reason for running... ah, me and Petra have gotten proper intimate a couple of times in thest month. I mean, both times were mostly as awkward as the first and were nearly identical to what happened as well, at least the build up is always a little since that seems to be something we could improve on. It doesn''t help that her ''teasing'' seems to have gone back to how it was the first time but that''s to be expected, that''s just who she is after all. I guess it technically does make things even greater albeit extremely frustrating but I seriously need to get away from pervy Petra asap! Even if she''s not actually being a perve this time.


    "I don''t get why you''re trying to hide from her Ikarus, she''ll be able to find wherever you go"


    "It''s not hiding brother; she''s fleeing from older sis. The second she gets close, orangey will run like a chicken once again"


    [<-User- is such a coward>]


    ''Must you start as well!?''


    There''s quite the few reasons why I''m fleeing like a coward from my girlfriend but all valid goddamn it! I should probably exin a little for context though.


    You see, a bored Petra is something I''ve yet to properly experience till recently and it''s honestly hell, imagine constant nonstop flirting and teasingbined with basically being a dress up doll. I guess it''s true things have been pretty stagnant after building work started on the new district that actually might be done sooner rather thanter since there''s loads of people on that side of things but there''s one reason that might topple everything else... it''s my birthday tomorrow.


    Slowly footsteps creep down the hallway to the bedroom portion of this inn and by dear God, I already know who that is. Just leave me alone woman!


    "Heh... you really can''t be getting away that easily"


    ''Fuckkk...''


    Without even thinking about it, I climb out of the bedroom window and continue to flee...


    __________


    Listen okay, I know I made the mistake of actually agreeing to allow Petra to n a party for me even though I didn''t want one nor do I even n to celebrate it but the preparations have been astonishing. She''s been going on nonstop about this for a couple of weeks now constantly asking for my opinion about how I want it and that sort of thing while frankly, I just don''t care! It also doesn''t help right now she''s trying to get me back into a clothing store to pick out something for tomorrow, I''m sick to death of these clothing type shenanigan''s now! Just let me wear this!


    I''ll end up being twenty-six tomorrow and frankly, I''m the type of person who hates getting older so the entire idea of celebrating it is a little annoying. At least on the dragon side of things it was just a gift but Petra''s too nice for her own good so wants to celebrate it... I really do have bitter old man tendencies it seems, it''s just another year closer to death after all...


    "Heh, seriously Ikarus? You''re like a lost cat up a tree"


    Crap, she''s found the tree I''m hiding in, I''m tired of running now so wanted a quick break so clearly that backfired... for the record, I do understand I could just fly away but then Petra will definitely change form to chase me, she''s not allowed to be in pain so running it is.


    "No! I''m not doing it this time; it''s not happening so leave me alone!"


    Stand your ground Ikarus... or tree branch right now.


    "Heh, it''s just the one more time Ikarus, you already agreed to it and seemed fine earlier"


    "That was earlier though... it''s never one more time though and we both know it! Find someone else to be your human mannequin cause I''m done with it!"


    I only reason I''m reacting this waypared tost time we had to do this sort of thing is simply because that was necessary, turning up to that royal party dressed how I normally do wouldn''t have worked. It''s supposed to be my freaking birthday so let me live woman! Also, if it isn''t obvious yet, I''m probably being a little over dramatic again.


    "Heh, you make it seem like I''m forcing you to do this Ikarus... how about wepromise then? You wear something I pick out... and I''ll wear something very special for you hidden underneath"


    Wait... she''s on about that lingerie... No! Don''t be tempted by the seductress Ikarus, you must set down some ground rules otherwise I''ll never win against this woman!


    "But I''m still getting the short end of the straw, no one except me will even know what you''re wearing!"


    "Heh, it''s not like I can wear that with nothing else on at a party... unless you''re into that sort of thing, naughty Ikarus"


    Urgh, she already knows I''d never make her wear lingerie in front of everyone, I should just go with it since that could be a way of teasing her but she might actually go through with it and that sight is reserved for this bird alone. Ain''t no one else seeing my sexy girlfriend in that getup other than me!


    "Why do I even need new clothes anyways? Why can''t I just wear this?"


    "I''m just trying to enhance your beauty even further Ikarus. I''m not forcing you to do anything and we can always go as we currently are, just thought the fancy dress code would be nice to see you all dressed up again, that''s all"


    The thing is, I know what she''s doing by going down thepliment route now... actually, I don''t think she is this time. This entire thing is more just me putting up with the patience of doing another dress up session... once again, I''ve made a simple situation stupid. Stuff like this is what I used to do way back when I was na?ve as hell so screw it... it''s not exactly like I''m going to turn down that lingerie offer though.


    "Fineee... I''lle down then... if we''re not done within half an hour, then I''m running away again though"


    I won''t but I willin immensely about it though.


    "Heh, don''t look so good in everything and we can finish even quicker"


    I hate her at times... I mean, I love her more than anything in the entire world but still...


    __________


    "Must we go through with this birthday clich¨¦ thing? It''s not exactly a surprise party, is it? I already know what''s happening so this is pointless really"


    "Heh, just wait a little bit longer Ikarus and I''ll take that shortly off, just shut up and embrace it"


    "Fineee"


    And now, the dreaded day, the day I turn twenty-six and get closer to death... it''s pretty morbid but it''s not exactly like I have to really worry on that side of things for now if phoenix age is anything to go off and I don''t end up dying by something else. Enough about the impending doom about death though, this is supposed to be a happy asion yet I can always find someway to make things odd and stupid apparently.


    Ironically, I''m now the blind one in our rtionship, Petra''s got me blindfolded going to God knows where for my party after going through the endless preparation women go through trying to get ready. Say what you want about me epting the gender thing so quickly but makeup, hair styling and putting on a cute dress sucks! It doesn''t help Petra''s taste always seems to be more on the cutesy side of things and this time around, it''s this pale pink sleeveless dress I''ve got on. Sighhh, let''s just get through with the rest of the day I guess, it''ll be nice to get some cake and booze as well since I''ve cut down massively on that side of things.


    As hard as it is to imagine, I don''t actually like attention on me and I already know Petra''s gone out of her way today for this party. At least this will be an excuse to get pissed like an alcoholic in a brewery but still... that analogy is terrible.


    Being led a little further still inplete blindness, I''m pretty sure we''ve entered a building and like with all surprise parties, I guess I''m supposed to act surprised when I see Zeki and Ariza in front of me... it might be one or two others as well. Ah, let''s at least try and be happy about this, it would be pretty selfish not to after what Petra''s been doing.


    Petra takes off the blindfold and I''m immediately greeted by a room filled with a surprising amount of people. In this inn, there''s a table filled with food and cake, obviously a bartender with a nearly every drink imaginable as well as there being banners, balloons and everything you might expect from a small little party.


    Of course, the banners look more like sideways gs and the balloons I''m pretty sure are made from animal guts but it''s the thought that counts goddamn it! Petra''s actually gone to great lengths to prepare something like this and it actually resembles something you might see on Earth... although I never actually experienced something like this as a kid or adult, I bet that''s the reason why I was dreading this more than anything.


    (Mother) "Happy birthday Ikarus!"


    (Father) "Congrattions little one"


    (Minos) "Cu!"


    ---


    (Zeki) "Now we can finally have the cake since orangey''s here"


    (Ariza) "Try to be a little more patient Zeki, happy birthday Ikarus"


    (Ria) "Slow down girly boy, the first slice is reserved for person whose party it is"


    "Erk, I hate you wench"


    ---


    (Penelope) "Happy birthday Petra''s lover! The Magi guild says hello... even if it''s me alone!"


    (Marcus) "Celebrations Ikarus, happy twenty-sixth"


    ---


    (Garry) "Happy birthdayss, that old grumpy cksmith would rather focus smelting than take a day off and besides, he''d just ruin it anyways"


    "Yeah, he is pretty grumpy, isn''t he husband?"


    (Jaxon) "I won''t be here too long Ikarus, got to obviously return to the mine soon since no rest for the wicked and all that, those workers will ck if I''m not back soon"


    [<Aesa would also like to wish -user- a happy birthday... even though we both see the whole thing as being pointless>]


    Bloody hell! We''ve got the dragon family, the other phoenixes with the dryad, miss gender bender with Marcus and thenst but not least, the gnome, his wife and Jaxon. I''m actually pleasantly surprised I know all these people, was expecting Petra to either invite the entire settlement or just a couple of people but I know literally everyone here! Even Aesa actually said something nice for a change as well, I probably should''ve expected Petra to do something I actually wouldn''t mind I guess.


    Having an entire settlement celebrating a birthday with us and we end up cooking for them is that stupid clich¨¦ I don''t want no part in... I''ve got an agenda about cooking for loads of people it seems, I am a lousy chef after all.


    It should be pretty obvious by now that why we''re at an inn, it''s the one we''ve been staying at recently ever since the old one burnt down and frankly, why go somewhere else? The main tabled area is decent sized, there''s more than enough room for ten plus people and we''ve already got the bar and kitchen to go with as well.


    As for the guests, everyone''s got slightly fancier clothing on except my family, even Petra''s got that white and ck dress on that she wore back at the royal showdown... Heh, I know what she''s got under that as well but let''s leave the pervy thoughts forter, I''m more than curious how she went about doing this.


    "Hang on, when did you invite my parents Petra? You kept that pretty well hidden"


    I did expect the parents to pay a quick visit since earlier birthdays are more rememberable thanter ones for beings that live ages but to actually prepare this when we were together most of the time like usual... actually, my running away may have helped her keep up that secrecy a bit.


    "Me and Jekyll still use bird tomunicate time to time, it actually wasn''t difficult to just get him to send a message to your parents seeing that the route was still in ce"


    Ah right, I forgot that the empire are still employing father for the odd wyvern massacre, they do use message pigeons asionally to update each other but then father has been known to ''idently'' kill one or two every now and then. Obviously, that deal has continued on with Desmond and Esmerelda. Father still protects the empire from non-human threats but that''s basically just an excuse for him to sit on his arse really.


    Despite saying all this, Petra does seem a little down about something else though.


    "Also... did try getting Jekyll, Nathan and Charlotte toe over. All three wanted to but for the two knights, it would''ve been impossible with what''s going and Charlotte is currently off on a sacred pilgrimage? I''m unsure what that means but they did send over small gifts"


    Ah, the rumour is the empire is finally going to put an end to the war one way or another, everything has been heavily focused on that to the point where they''ll either win it via battle, sue for peace or just simply wipe them off the face of the earth... It''s a little morbid for such a happy asion but news is still news I guess.


    "I mean, that''s to be expected though Petra, it''s not exactly like they can really visit this far away..."


    I actually wouldn''t have minded seeing them again but a week''s flight for us could potentially take them weeks to a month to get over here, the continents are huge after all and not everyone has wyvern ess or ship. We always have the added benefit of skipping huge amounts of travelling time. Anyways, Petra it''s never impossible to give her a quick smile.


    "...Come share a drink with me anyways since the party is now kicking off, that''ll make you smile again!"


    "Heh... fine then Ikarus"


    In all honesty, my superpower might as well just be making Petra smile using words but I can always use that as an excuse to start drinking though. Besides, everyone else appears to already have drinks in their hands... obviously except Minos and father for some reason, he''s really looks ufortable right now. That should also be pretty obvious Ikarus, we''re in a room filled with puny mortals after all...


    ''I''ll slowly work my way around the room talking to as many as I can...''

 Chapter 112 – Birthday (Part 2)

    Chapter 112 ¨C Birthday (Part 2)


    "Ikarus... you don''t have to drink your body weight in alcohol, you know?"


    It''s not even been half an hour before my gigantic mother who actually looks so out of cepared to all us little mortals without carrying around twos has to mention about my drinking, it''s my birthday and I''ve literally not had a drink since thest trip to the dwarven kingdom! That stuff they serve over is still way too strong so it''s the perfect thing to drink when you''ve got a massive tolerance to alcohol. Also, I''ve already shared a drink with Petra but now I''m onto someone different since the emo looking dude also looks a little out of ce here too.


    "Don''t worry about it too much darling, this is the first drink me and little one have shared and she definitely has your taste in nectar it seems. Also... it gets me away from hanging around the irritating mortals everywhere else"


    At least the old dinosaur is willing to defend me, this drink I''ve poured is conveniently enough from the kingdom as well. It''s obvious he had to make at least onement about mortals but this is him being good believe it or not, you just kinda used to his mortal hating like background music after a certain point,


    "Don''t you be starting Dermak, what happened to not making ament about mortals tonight?"


    "Darling, I''m an old and grumpy dragon, this is the best I can achieve. It''s just a good thing there''s none of those flying rats around here too"


    Isn''t it great to have a father who despises wyverns? You know, sometimes it might just be better to leave him at home but he does at least tend to get over it a little, I''d say he''s gotten better on the whole mortal hating thing since there was a time where this sort of thing would be imaginable. Also, I really shouldn''t be holding him to human standards as well, dragons are known for being like this despite mother being so much more tolerable... until one of her kine under threat but recapping pointless stuff like usual.


    "You couldn''t help yourself Dermak... as for you Ikarus, don''t let your father make you drink too much"


    "Heh, it should be okay Kellearzar, I''ll stop Ikarus if she tries to drink too much tonight"


    Petra''s going to stop me drinking? Is she trying to get on mother''s good books even further cause she''s never stopped me drinking before...


    "Oh yeah Petra? How are you gonna go about that then?"


    Okay... cue the tease...


    "Heh... don''t you worry about it Ikarus"


    Oh, I expected a witty or yful response from her then, I guess even Petra doesn''t really flirt with me in front of my parents so now I''m slightly disappointed. It''s kinda funny since they really wouldn''t care but still. If Petra was male, I could see father going through that overprotective wanting to kill the boyfriend clich¨¦ some dads do but it''s funny how girl love seems to get everyone onside... except that specific religion, fuck the monastery.


    While I''m drinking and chatting with the parents, little kid Minoses over presumably from the buffet and seems to want to ask father something.


    "Cu?"


    "Oh, you want some of this littlest one? That should be okay..."


    Heh, father''s offering Minos a sip of the dwarven alcohol... hang on!


    "FATHER!"


    "DERMAKVAR!"


    I''ve actually smacked the ss out of his hand, did he seriously just offer the two something year old brother of mine a drink of that!? If we''re being honest, I know dragon biology is different and he probably could deal with a smaller sip of something weaker... but damn it old dinosaur! Just how irresponsible can he be?


    "What the heck goes through your stupid mind at times Dermakvar? How could you think it''s a good idea to let Minos drink that?"


    "Little one isn''t that much older than littlest one but it''s fine for her to drink?"


    "Are you forgetting Ikarus at least has memories from beforehand and isn''t the same Dermakvar? Minos isn''t even close to being full grown!"


    Mother''s saying everything that must be said, you can''tpare a literal child dragon who has a child human form to me, the evolving or whatever you want to call it basically sums it up. There''s an obvious reason why you add on phoenix years just from something like this alone, I really couldn''t see Minos handling alcohol this strong that well. I seriously doubt it might kill him but I could imagine just a sip would do a lot of harm.


    "But... sorry darling... I might be going senile now"


    "*Sigh*... just forget it Dermak, I''m unsure if you''re getting better or worse now"


    Oh well, I actually feel a little sorry for father seeing that I think he was only trying to be a little generous but obviously this sort of thing is actually serious. There''s no point discussing this with Petra, she doesn''t really have anything to say either.


    ...


    That little scene has made the party a little awkward but nothing a little more alcohol can''t fix! At least I can bring out my obnoxious nature to cheer things up a little but let''s first sort out Minos while mother is still disappointed in the old dinosaur, Minos doesn''t have a clue what just went on.


    "Minos, I''ll get you something sweet to drink instead... you don''t have to keep using cu anymore, alright?"


    "Cu... okay dokey then sister"


    ''Urgh... his voice is still too much but I must bare with it...''


    __________


    "...It''s all about the technique really, you can have all the strength in the world but there is a slight amount of skill needed to mine. I''m not saying I''m perfect at it, no chance but it''s a little more than just smashing rocks"


    "The kid is right though, there is an art to mining and smithing. Back in the kingdom, you''ll be surprised just how many dwarfs use pure strength for nearly everything"


    "I guess you could even say politics is a tad simr, you''ll also be surprised just how draining it is staring at numbers all day and making sure everything is running smoothly but it needs to be done"


    Listening to a conversation between the mine master, dwarf and lord of this ce, turns out I''m scrapping that idea of speaking to everyone if they''re going to speak about work right now. Fuck, they can be boring, even the gnome''s wife has gone to the bar to get some more booze.


    ''Looks like I''m going to get some food instead of talking to everyone next''


    Besides, it''s my party! Who cares if I don''t speak to everyone equally, that''s basically impossible with a somewhatrge group...


    __________


    "Are we not going to go onto presents yet!?"


    "Hmm... guess it''s probably fine although I shouldn''t be surprised about your impatience Penelope"


    "That''s fine Petra! I know I''m impatient, that should be pretty obvious just looking at what happened to me!"


    We''ve already had a bit of cake so the party is getting closer to finishing I guess; do I really need to go into great detail on how Petra''s cooking especially when ites to carrot cake that might actually make me weep? Her food is always great so less said about that for now, also have made small talk with everyone throughout the several hours we''ve been here already, can''t even remember what was said now except from that incident with father and Minos. It''s just that kind of pointless small talk you normally make with distant family, would''ve remembered anything important.


    Let''s try and forget just how irresponsible father can be at times and move on, I''ve also drunk a little more than I probably should have but it''snot exactly like I''m tipsy or anything like that. If I were to drink half a dozen more, then I might get onto that stage but I''m at that really happy stage of boozing right now. Looks like Petra may have told a slight lie towards mother about stopping me drinking it seems but I''m pretty sure she''s had roughly the same amount as well.


    "What about you Ikarus? Want to open presents now?"


    "You really think I''m going to say no to that Petra?"


    "Heh, fair enough"


    And so, everyone gathers around and the present opening fiascomences! Everyone appears to have brought a gift of sorts all with different styled packaging, Petra''s got a few but I''m pretty sure some are from the people not here of course.


    I''ll be honest, I wasn''t expecting much and I''m happy with anything but it does seem nearly everyone has gotten me something which is pretty surprising, I didn''t expect the whole gift giving tradition to be this popr especially in another world.


    Starting with my dragon family, shiny bits and pieces like jewellery have made its way into a pelt bag obviously from my parents'' nest and even Minos has given me a golden coin. Sure, it''s not exactly practical since I''ve kinda gone off shiny things for the most part now. Well, except pure golden bars, I can never go off them but that just reminds me of that little thing I did teasing Petra with it a while ago that ended up backfiring happily.


    "Sorry we couldn''t get you anything else Ikarus, we''re really not used to this sort of thing"


    "Cu..."


    "Little one really isn''t like that darling; she''d be happy with anything"


    I mean, father''s not wrong though, I''m just happy they''ve shown up so they could''ve been empty handed and it would''ve been fine. I''m also notpletely sure if everyone here even knows they''re dragons other than us birds and obviously Marcus when he happened to watch our spar going down but they definitely have been standing out quite a bit around the ce. Oh well, everything gone well so it''s fineee... so far at least. Also, I''ve also been purposely trying to avoid mentioning the fact mother has definitely been getting the odd stare despite all the men here trying to do it really subtle like...


    Next, it''s something from Zeki and Ariza. Opening this small thing up, I find a wooden frame with what appears to be a drawing of me and Petra inside it. I''m actually shocked looking at this though, this painting is scarily urate, both me and Petra appear to be smiling in it and it almost looks like a photo taken from an actual camera, where the hell did they find an artist to do this?


    "It''s nothing big Ikarus, didn''t cost much but we both thought you''d like it"


    "Brother''s wrong, it is a big deal. You have no idea how terrible it was to ask the cow for a favour, I''m actually in that pervert''s debt now"


    (Ria) "He-he..."


    (Ariza) "Zeki... you weren''t supposed to mention that"


    Heh, I guess that answers it, the dryad is the artist responsible and Zeki''s probably paying using his booty I reckon... I''m not going to tease him on this, it''s actually a really thoughtful gift even if technically Ria made it.


    For the next few people, Marcus gives me a fancy bottle of alcohol I''ve never tried before, I have no idea what it is but I''ll definitely be giving this a try but it definitely looks expensive. Jaxon passes me a small hand sized metal sculpture that is apparently handmade from the miners themselves, it funnily enough looks simr to my in my bird form so that''s definitely confirmed they''ve seen me flying before. No big deal I guess, it seems to be done in a nice way then and from the dwarf, an axe.


    Literally, an axe. I''m unsure if it''s meant to mean anything but Petra tried to hide a smile when he passed me the thing, I''ll ask about this another time but by the sounds of it, this is an inside joke since only him, his wife and Petra seems to understand it.


    (Petra)"Heh"


    "That''s not even funny Garry! I said to get a proper gift"


    "It is a proper gift! How could you say an axe isn''t a proper gift? For centuries, dwarfs like to give friend axes, you know that wife"


    "That''s just a dwarven thing though..."


    Still, Petra and Garry the gnome are grinning about it the axe thing, I feel like this is going to be a really stupid joke now so I might just not bother asking.


    "Next lot... this is what the few from the empire sent you Ikarus"


    Petra passes me a few very small things wrapped up; these would''ve been small enough to be sent by bird so no point expecting anything too big. Like I said earlier, it''s always the thought that counts then the actual gift.


    When opening all three, I did sigh a little at what priestess got me, it''s basically a small ne with a cross on it... I mean, I get that she''s basically created her own delusional religion from scratch but all this does is remind me of the monastery even though that clearly wasn''t her intention. Eh, it''s still nice I guess even if the idea of wearing a cross might set me on fire. I''d be resistant but still.


    As for captain Jekyll and Nathan, both of them have sent keychains, one with a sword and another with a shield. As funny and odd as it seems, I actually kinda like these, we do have keys for the warehouse and a couple other ces so they''ll get attached to it. Am I weird for liking keychains?


    "Now onto mine Ikarus"


    And now finally onto Petra, I think this is thest gift but there might be one or two left. Regardless, I''m more than happy with everything I''ve been given and I''m really curious on what she''s gotten me though.


    Opening the cutesy wrapping, what I find inside is an engraved bracelet made from silver? I honestly can''t read what it says and that''s irking me a little, pretty sure that''s the alcohol or I just can''t read something that small.


    "I know you''re not really into jewellery Ikarus but seeing that choker you used to wear, thought it could do the same thing since you seemed to like it. Keep in mind, its white gold, not silver and is also enchanted, unfortunately the ego is useless but it still works through forms though"


    Huh, so it''s actually white gold, enchanted and I''m guessing it''ll go on my bird ankle when I switch forms again? It''s actually really nice, not too shy and isn''t over the top that suits me perfectly. Something is still winding me up about it though.


    "Erm... don''t get me wrong Petra, I love it and all but what does it even say though?"


    I just can''t read the damn thing; the engraving is really small. It definitely says something but try reading when you''ve had a few and you''ll see what I mean. I do actually like the gift though, first time I''ve seen white gold in this world as well, she must''ve have gotten the gnome to do this.


    "Heh, can say it out loud for you Ikarus but you may blush a little, unless you want everyone to see that?"


    Oh God, it''s going to be something corny like ''to my love Ikarus'' or something like that, I''ll try and read it another time when it''s a little easier and maybe when we''re in private and I can pounce on her... Okay, that''s put me in the mood now, let''s obviously wait till everyone''s gone. It''s prettyte, hopefully they can all leave sooner rather thanter...


    Just as we''re finishing up the present opening, it seems someone very noticeable has been forgotten, I did think that other gift Ria made might''ve been shared between all three but I guess not.


    "He-he, you''re not forgetting about me Ikarus?"


    Huh, did actually forget about the dryad, I wonder what gift she could''ve possibly gotten me seeing that she still owes us the holy grail. Please don''t be a branch or a nk of wood from the tree spirit, I''m going to be right pissed if it is. Don''t get me wrong, that painting she did was nice but it sounds like Zeki''s going to paying the cost for that.


    Opening her wooden looking box, I''m immediately pissed off to see what the contents are. She actually thinks this is funny?


    "So let me get this straight dryad... your gift to me... is the reward which should''ve been given to all of us, over a freaking month ago!?"


    The holy grail is in a wooden package in my arms. Don''t get me wrong, this would''ve been a great present if this wasn''t something overdue that she owed us! This is like sticking a middle finger up at the entire gift giving tradition, how can a debt be a gift?


    "*Sigh*"


    "Seriously cow?"


    "Uh huh, you must know what''s wrong with this?"


    The rest of the guests aren''t really going to have much of an opinion on this and it might look like we''re bullying the sensitive dryad but she deserves it! Heck, she could''ve given me a literal de of grass and I would''ve been happier then receiving this debt. It''s not exactly like I can im this though, it was supposed to be for all three of us.


    "I-I''m sorry it was dyed but betterte than never, r-right? Drink from it! That might forgive my clumsiness"


    Sighhh... I could probably use some water at this point anyways, I guess I''ll just use this as a cup then. Heading over to the bar armed with the chalice in hand, I pour some water in it and before I attempt this, I''m not falling for her bullshit again.


    "I swear dryad, if this has any ill effect that does something simr to a love potion, you will regret it more than anything you''ve done before"


    This time, I''m not kidding. If this is an aphrodisiac and the dryad ''identally'' spikes me, she''s in for a world of pain... I''m already wanting Petra more than enough already.


    "I-I promise! It''ll just make you feel more powerful, h-honest!"


    She seems genuine but we still all remember chasing down that family for her sister''s gem... If it wasn''t for finding that cult, we would''ve still held a pretty big grudge towards her. It kinda put off any punishment we were going to dish out too if those cultists weren''t around so she got lucky that time.


    Anyways, I take a quick sip from the cup and see if it does anything, it still just tastes like water but Aesa should be able to help quickly.


    [<While -user- may rightly hold a slight grudge toward target -Ria-, Aesa advises -user- never underestimate target -Ria- again>]


    "Hang on... what''s the effect of the chalice then? That doesn''t exactly give me much, does it?"


    Could it be good or bad? I swear if I start trying to hump Petra out of some pervy effect this thing has, I''m going to kill that dryad a hundred times over in the most painful ways possible. I mean, it''s not like I''d hate doing such a thing but still! It would feel a little weird since the dryad initiated it.


    [<Dungeon reward holy grail provides -user- and certain chosen individuals immortality>]


    ''And... what''s the catch? Do I get immortality if I''m naked or something stupid like that? Have I got to drink from the cup every hour or something? Immortality is such an overused clich¨¦ that especially in this world, we know the bncing will screw me over''


    Despite Aesa sounding pretty serious, it''s technically a dungeon reward from a long time ago. I''ve had like one good reward from dungeons themselves and even that has a cooldown timer so this is bound to be shit. I guess that invisibility one worked for one very specific situation but none have been spectacr, even the potion fountains are dumb because I couldn''t take most of it with me.


    [<Unfortunately -Ikarus-, the drawback is written into itself. If chosen target drinking from cup wanted to die of old age, such a thing is now impossible. It isparable to a double-edged sword, death now has to be achieved by less peaceful alternatives. From this current point in time, -Ikarus- can no longer age... heh, phoenix lifespan was unknown but now it''spletely irrelevant, Aesa sees the humour in that>]


    "Wait... you mean to tell me, that drinking from that cup literally just stopped mepletely aging with basically no drawbacks!?! What kind of bullshit is this!?"


    She can''t be serious and I''ve even said that out loud in front of everyone, I couldn''t give two shits though! What kind of shitty development does someone unlock immortality when just chilling at their birthday party? It''s bad story telling or crappy writing, what idiot thinks it''s a good idea to just say, hey! Fancy a bit of immortality? Here you go! Oh, by the way, it was fine for me to swear, Minos is asleep right now.


    This isn''t something down to me having consumed a little bit of alcohol, I''d be reacting the same way regardless, at least have like an epic battle or fight to the death beforehand just so it''s deserving of such a reward... Forget it, I can see why people might not want this though, I''m now forced to die by a less than peaceful means like a sword then peacefully like a shrivelled up old bird. Am I seriously regretting immortality though? Fuck no! I just hope this works on Petra too.


    "Huh? Are you sure about that Ikarus? That stops ageing?"


    I guess Ariza was the first to respond to my shouting there, very quickly Zeki follows her like a bad smell though.


    "You said something about stopping ageing orangey? Lemme have a try..."


    Without even waiting, Zeki basically snatches the still partially filled chalice from my hands and takes a sip from it as well. For some reason, I feel like he''s not going to be ''chosen''...


    "...Are you high or something orangey? Nothing''s happening for me, you wasted or is this another thing where the Gods are screwing me in the ass? Drink this as well brother and let''s see if they want to burn in hellfire"


    "Do I have to... fine, I''ll do it then Zeki"


    Then Zeki literally pushes the cup in front and Ariza and basically gives her no chance to react. After seriously pondering whether to drink from it or not, she decides to do so and then quickly confirms what I just said.


    "Huh... Ikarus was right, I just got an effect about something to do with ageing... that''s pretty neat, you try it now Petra"


    Ariza now passes it to Petra since all us four are around the bar now apparently, Zeki looks really fuming but it''s only about to get worse once Petra takes a sip. It''s actually kinda funny how curious we all are about this.


    "Yeah, looks like that stops ageing apparently"


    I''m so freaking happy that''s worked on Petra! Sure, I could see us living hundreds of years together but she would''ve eventually perished at some point leaving me and the world alone... it''s also kinda funny how little of a deal Petra and Ariza see this thing though, shouldn''t immortally be a great thing or is when you get past four-hundred, your opinion changes? It matters little, I guess worrying about something like age when none of us had a clue about our lifespan would''ve been unnecessary. Now, there''s no need at all! This has turned out to be nothing which is really weird though...


    "What kinda bullshit luck is this again!? I don''t even care that I never have to worry about you three dying if I go beforehand, this is just fucking stupid! Fuck the Gods, fuck them all!"


    Even during his ranting, Zeki can never truly realize just how much of a tsundere and just how much he gave away there... he literally just admitted to worrying about us after he''s dead! It''s a good thing Minos is still sleeping on mother''sp right now not having to listen to this filth.


    "Language Zeki, public ce and all that"


    It seems Petra does have to step up and try to cool him down, I seriously doubt that''s possible though.


    "Erk... you mind if I leave orangey? I need to go away and let off some steam"


    "Look on the Brightside girly boy, at least you get to spend the remainder of your years with me!"


    "Actually... immortality is overrated, I''d rather be worm food then suffer that fate"


    "Hey!"


    I can''t help butugh from that little exchange him and Ria just did. I actually feel a little sorry for him this time around, the dryad is only making it worse for him... I''m considering giving him one of my kill all abilities to go throw and y with but that''s like giving a literal nuke to the hands of a sulking child.


    "Sure Zeki... just make sure you go far enough away from people"


    "Heh, Ikarus has a point"


    Poor Zeki, always getting the short straw even if he kinda deserves it though. As for everyone else, I''ll offer people some potential chance at immortality but I seriously doubt this''ll work on anybody else, dungeon rewards were noticeable when ites to having apparently two rewards but one was always hidden away for certain people to take. I think it was the dead prince who said something like that.


    If it works, I''ll bring it up another time since it''s now gettingte but I can also see people turning it down as well though, father is basically a guarantee although I''m also betting mother would do so as well. The dryad doesn''t need this and besides, it wouldn''t surprise me if she ''idently'' forgot this provides immortality and drunk it ages ago. I still can''t see this working on anybody else though.


    ''Should I worry a little more about Zeki''s wellbeing? Nah, he''ll get over this, nothing a little fire and destruction can''t fix. Hopefully, me and Petra can have some alone time soon as well...''

 Chapter 112.5 – Afterparty (18+)

    Chapter 112.5 ¨C Afterparty (18+)


    ---Just the heads up, these chapters can be tamer then doing full on intercourse but I wanted to show pretty quickly both these two are open to a lot. I guess it was a little much going straight to the ''belt'' thing but then again, it kinda works? Despite saying that, this one isn''t tamer...


    ---Also, another long smut chapter ahead...


    __________


    And now, it''s time for the afterparty! When I say afterparty though, what I really mean is birthday sex! That was quite the long party and I''d like a little bit of booty right now...


    Everyone''s already gone and we''ve cleaned up the inn slightly, we''ll just pay someone to finish it properly since it is quitete right now and it''s pretty messy. Besides, I really want Petra''s sweet body... it seems I''ve found the perfect alcohol level to not care about anything right now. Isn''t life a joy?


    "So then Petra... seeing that it''s my birthday and I just so happen to love you more than words can describe... how about we take this into our room if you know what I mean?"


    "Heh... it might be better to not bother tonight Ikarus, tomorrow if you''re still feeling up for it then?"


    Huh? The woman who seriously said she''ll never turn me down just has!? What the hell kinda bullshit plot development is this!? Am I not attractive to her now or something? No, apparently tomorrow is fine, why not now though?


    "Wait, are you seriously turning me down!? I thought you said you''d never do such a thing and yet here you are"


    "Heh, did say that Ikarus but don''t want you waking up tomorrow with any sense of regret, alcohol can do that"


    I mean, we''ll still sleep together regardless, it just depends on whether something actually happens before the sleep or not. Stop being pedantic Ikarus! This is actual bs, I''ve been monitoring how much she''s been drinking as well and we both aren''t even close to being drunk or even tipsy!


    "Petra, you''ve basically drunk the same amount as me and you''re not tipsy, right? Why is this all of a sudden a problem?"


    I mean, I can already tell there''s going to be a tiny hangover but why do I have to exin I''m not drunk? I think this is just Petra being too caring for her own good again, I''m not exactly going to beg if she doesn''t want to do something but if the reason is because of alcohol, then I would''ve stayed dry all night if she''s that worried about it.


    "Yeah... you''re probably right Ikarus... can you get Aesa for something though?"


    "Sure, in a second... Petra, you are actually up for doing something tonight? You''ve made me worry a little now, you haven''t drunk too much, right?"


    Now that she''s brought up the alcohol thing, it''s made me worry a little. Sure, we both seem sober and consenting but the way modern society works, it''s making me question my own brain. Ah, this is just irritating me now, I want some sexy time and it''s being ruined by my own stupid brain! This is perfectly fine, alright?


    "Heh, looks like you''ve brought it back around full circle Ikarus. I can start teasing you if that would make you worry less?"


    Yeah, she''spletely fine, there''s no worry if she''s going to bring up teasing. She''s as sober as theye.


    "No no, we''re all good on that side of things... you wanna go first today? I''ve got something in mind"


    Hmm... I''m yet to actually use that belt thing on Petra, it might take a bit of getting used to but it could be fun... damn, I''m unhinged tonight it seems.


    "Heh, sure Ikarus, can you get Aesa to confirm something though?"


    "What Petra?"


    "Just make sure she reminds you of tonight... I doubt you''ll forget it but still"


    Sighhh, I thought we were past this alcohol thing if that''s what she means, I''m going to start moaning at Petra if she''s going to be this caring. There''s only so much I can actually take before it get''s a little annoying, this is kinda spoiling the moment a little but that''s not really going to stop us though.


    [<Aesa will remind -Ikarus- of current actions in the morning to help out target -Petra->]


    ''You don''t have to remind me if I still remember it though, do you?''


    [<Target -Petra- is only worried for -Ikarus-, it''s nothing to be to be concerned about>]


    ''Fair enou-... you''re using my name again... sorry! I know you get tsundere about all that so I''ll stop mentioning it''


    [<Hmph, Aesa has no idea what -user- is talking about>]


    ''Right...''


    At least that''s sorted then, it''s time to move things on to the next level. Damn, I''m pretty horny right now all things considered, I know I love Petra and all but I''m really feeling the urge to rip her dress off...


    "Aesa''s just confirmed it... so then Petra, want to give the belt another try? I still haven''t used it on you just yet"


    I know we''re still in the main inn room but we are still alone thankfully, we can walk and talk while she gets that thing out of her storage back into the room. Also, I did say she can go first as well, it''s kind of a shame that trying to finish together is actually pretty difficult seeing that theck of stuff we have and it might require an awkward position or two but oh well. Stick with the easy stuff for now and try the more difficult stuff when we want to spice things up so to speak. I''ve got to admit it though, it does sound pretty hot to do but focus on the now since this is always great. Hang on, does the belt even count as easy stuff? I''m getting sidetracked like usual.


    "Heh, you''re surprisingly forward tonight Ikarus, feel like I may need a love potion to keep up with you"


    "I mean, I know you''re joking but you can have one if you want, still got loads spare"


    Doing the deed and getting frisky while Petra''s under an aphrodisiac, I''d rather not have to rely on performance enhancing drugs but if she wants to use it, it''s fine. I guess it could be considered that but I''ve just made it sound like something weird or illegal now, she has taken that stupid potion before and could control herself but then that was way back when we weren''t even a thing so it may end up being scary...


    "Heh, have no need for such a thing Ikarus, you alone will always be enough"


    ying my heart for a fool like usual... the urge to rip off her clothes is only only getting worse, damn I''m feeling really feisty tonight.


    We''ve also just arrived in our room and she''s only now getting that strange belt from storage from the weird portal looking thing that gets made for her, I''m already stripping down since it''s not like I can wear it clothed. At least this dress I''ve worn today is a whole lot easier to get offpared to the enchanted clothing so I guess the cuteness thing worked out alright , can''t say I liked wearing or removing that makeup earlier though.


    Anyways, now that I''m actually in my birthday suit hehe, I take the belt which still conveniently enough has the two ''objects'' attached both, obviously still being one on the outside and the other on the inside. Unfortunately, I still have no idea how to even do this right. Talk about killing the mood but fiddly leather straps are freaking annoying!


    "Erm... give me a hand getting this thing on please? I''m notpletely sure how this works"


    I swear trying to work this belt requires a master''s degree, I can get a rough idea on where everything''s supposed to go, problem is the straps really. It''s way easier when you''re not wearing it as well.


    "Heh, I''ll help. You''ll unfortunately have to use the other one today Ikarus since it doesn''t fit right otherwise"


    Oh, looks like I''m getting the rock phallus today, I''ve never actually used that one yet. The waist part goes on nice and snug only leaving the bottom part now, this bit does need to go slowly though.


    Gradually sliding the thing in under the strap, I really can''t help just noticing how bad I am down there. You''d think that maybe I''d need at least something to help it in easier but s, that''s never been as issue getting in the mood. It''s kinda embarrassing really but oh well, it does make me quiver ever so slightly due to it being a little cold and pretty full but it was never tremendously huge. At least it''spletely on now.


    I''ll be honest though; I already prefer the softer one. Don''t get me wrong, it''s not bad, just it''s a little bit too filling if that makes sense. Oh well, I bet it''ll feel pretty good when we get started, I hope so but it doesn''t matter too much since Petra''s going first.


    "Heh, guess you can finally see this once again... say, you didn''t forget what I was wearing underneath, did you Ikarus?"


    Damn... Ipletely forgot about that; the party was pretty good so I can''t believe I forgot tha t. She''s already started stripping down and it like the first time we did this, that ck lingerie never gets old. I''d like to get her to wear this sort of stuff underneath all the time but she''s definitely the pervy one in this rtionship so no chance I can suggest that. I''d love to not care about pointless things in the slightest but can''t be drinking every second of the day and the slight alcohol seems to be fading now... she''s so freaking hot, it''s unreal.


    "Of course not! How could I ever forget about that?"


    "Heh, pretty sure you''re lying but I''ll take your word for it..."


    And then she does that same thing that''s just so goddamn sexy again. She turns around and slowly bends over pulling down her underwear leaving the rest of the lingering getup on, I really don''t know why such a simple act is so freaking hot. Just that alone makes me want to skip forey... It doesn''t help that rock phallus is just a waste of space inside me! It''s boring just sitting there doing nothing, needs to be moving about somehow but this stupid belt just keeps it stuck in ce.


    "...Shall we begin then?"


    This time around Petra even flicks her underwear away, damn seductress.


    "S-Sure"


    "Heh, can already tell you really want to start... how should I position myself then Ikarus?"


    Wait, she''s asking me? I know I suggested it but still... erm...


    "How abouts... on your back and... legs down, or up? Erm, just the normal position?"


    I don''t know how to control this scene! Eating out is way easier than doing something like this, did always say I wasn''t great at this but my little friend always tried his best way back on Earth. Let''s just hope this goes well, it''s not like there''s anything to worry about but still.


    "Heh, as youmand"


    The way she speaks like this proves she is such a natural at these sorts of things but I couldn''t care about that, let''s just try and make this absolute bliss for her because frankly I''m starting to get impatient. There''s only so much buildup I can take even if her stripping down isn''t really buildup.


    Petra positions herself on the bed as requested with me following behind. Now smiling and lying down t, I join her crawling on top and start to slowly kiss my way down from her stomach. It''s the same type of forey I''ve used before but it always gets the job done.


    "Don''t worry about that today Ikarus"


    Oh, I guess even she wants to get onto the main course, I''m not going toin about that.


    Moving back to where I was before the kissing, I get myself into the perfect position aiming the soft object into herher regions. Despite me wanting to skip the forey, I''m still going to go about this very slowly at first not putting this in straight away. I''ll gently stroke this around the outside on her forbidden fruit just before I move on.


    "Heh..."


    She just smiles and shakes her head from my reluctance to get started, I should probably move on now though.


    Now moving onto the entering part, the first thrust might as well move at a snail''s pace but clearly it''s had an effect since Petra''s face has gone to that lovely shade of red like when we kiss. Being in this position as well, I can lean myself forward and constantly witness her blissful beauty... that lingerie really does a little too much to me, this stupid rock inside me just makes it worse as well. I know after a certain point, it''s going to start hurting how turned on I am.


    Anyways, it''s obvious I start to pick up the pace still at a slow enough speed, I do have the slight issue of not knowing how she likes it but I''ll keep getting a little faster and I''m hoping I can find the correct speed although I''m not really sure how to tell. Petra doesn''t really moan so it''s difficult to tell.


    "There... that speed Ikarus"


    Good, it''s almost as if she read my mind. The speed itself isn''t exceptional but if that''s her preference, then let''s continue. Her face is an absolute red mess right now and it''s only getting better.


    The thing is, the feeling of the thick, hard rock inside me while I''m thrusting back and forth towards Petra is seriously quite the odd feeling. It''s pleasurable, sure but there''s not a chance I could get off to this. It''s like the ultimate tease feeling like this.


    I must keep this up for quite q while before Petra starts to show obvious signs of getting closer. Nearly everything is the same except her legs have unstraightened and are now slightly pushing into me a little, she''s done this before when getting close but this does give me the slight idea though.


    "Heh... be careful Ikarus... who''s going next, remember?"


    Ah shit, I thought it might be a funny idea to try that edging thing she does and stop abruptly in my tracks. Clearly, that''s a terrible idea that will only ever backfire so best get back to that speed asap!


    Resuming swiftly, I get back into the rhythm that appears to be making her happy, I''m actually a little surprised how much her face is going red throughout this but I guess my head is normally down there so I wouldn''t exactly know. Just two lesbian tomatoes we are...


    "Ikarus..."


    I must''ve been doing this for at least quarter of an hour now and Petra''s now back on the edge and finally about to explode... I always love this part.


    Like the usual, Petra pushes her legs back into me and the orgasmic shakes ripple through her body. Her''s have always been a lot less pronouncedpared to mine but it''s still sexy as hell to watch her go through that pure ecstasy. Like the calm andposed person she is, it should be expected she''s reserved doing this, it''s obvious our orgasms reflect our personalities I guess. Hers are cute, calm and collected while mine are just chaotic and violent.


    Anyways, Petra''s finishes her big O with me still stationary inside her... should I continue on or is she more than happy?


    "You want me to continue Petra?"


    I offer but I think I already know the answer, I guess we''re both the same when ites to finishing.


    "Hmm... I''m good for now..."


    Heh, I really can''t help staring at Petra''s red face, I can definitely see why she likes teasing me so much just by going off the blushing alone. I''ve got to embrace this sight since it''s never all thatmon.


    "...Heh, your turn Ikarus"


    ''Great, I''m looking forward to this...''


    __________


    "Erm... you sure this is okay?"


    "Heh, it''ll be fine Ikarus, let''s just try it"


    "Fineee"


    Petra may have made a suggestion while I was taking the belt off what to do next. The gist of it is I''m basically going to be sitting on her face... literally. Seriously though, I''m really unsure what to make of this, I love a good eating out but is this position going to be good?


    It''s a little difficult to describe it in detail but basically imagine me on my knees facing Petra''s naked body where I can just see her neck down below... the only reason she''s currently able to talk is because I''m not actually ''sitting'' just yet. If it isn''t obvious, Petra''s going to be ''enjoying a meal'' right now, not sure if I prefer this or the soft phallus but both are still pure heaven though.


    Well anyways... I finally pluck up the courage to sit down onto something I know would instantly be the cause of my downfall. Urghhh... her tongue definitely wasn''t made for talking... that''s not even funny.


    I was actually a little worried about her suffocating but if she''s going lick and suck that well already... I''m already quivering just from this alone, damn Petra! It''s that technique she has sends mepletely wild, it doesn''t help gravity is working against me as well.


    "Petra... urgh..."


    It''s unfortunate but I can already tell I''m going to finish fast tonight, it''s not helping ying with my breasts makes everything feel so much more... urgh, no more words, fuckkk. It''sing...


    And like the devilish woman she is, I can never fully enjoy myself even when I''m literally smothering her, I actually want to cry.


    "Urg... ohe on Petra! It''s my birthday and you still have to do this sort of a shit!? I''m actually going to smother you if you keep this up"


    This damn teasing of hers... she always knows the exact moment to ruin everything. Also, it''s not like I''ve just positioned myself so she can actually speak right now, I''m only making a stupid point after all about the smothering thing, kinda had to move otherwise I''d just get a muffled moan than an actual response from down below.


    "Heh, can always make it easier for you Ikarus but you''ll finish way too quickly. It''s either this or we continue after you''ve finished"


    Wait... she''s on about multiple orgasms, right? So that''s the reason for this, because I finish too fast and nothing to do with her being a tease? I guess it has barely even been a couple of minutes... ah screw it, let''s try the multiple thing out tonight then, it can''t be worse than being purposely frustrated... even though I''m sensing this could end up being too stimting.


    "Erm... ah fine then, let''s give that a try"


    "Heh, sure Ikarus"


    And then I return to the previous position covering Petra''s face once again, it''s a good thing she''s so good at this so it shouldn''t take too long to resume to where I was at. It''s still doesn''t make it any less annoying losing the progress though.


    Getting back into my breast fondling routine and Petra having a tongue words can''t describe, I can already feel myself returning to where I just was, urghhh...


    As I''m getting closer, I notice Petra starts to slightly grip onto my thighs this time, not hard or anything but it''s still noticeable... I don''t care about that, let''s just try not to scream or fall down when this happens... any second now...


    "Urgh!..."


    Finally, the orgasmic bliss erupts causing my body to uncontrobly spasm still on top of Petra''s face. I honestly can''t help but whimper and moan loud when the devilish woman still continues gripping onto my legs not allowing me to break free from her ursed tongue still continuing on! This sensitivity is killing me, this might be too much to handle but I agreed to this. At least I know why she grabbed onto my thighs now, to stop me instinctively escaping!


    Thankfully, I''m able to now control myself a little and the spasms have finally started to slow down, Petra however is still having none of it continuing to power on through this and it''s already started to be pleasurable again... why the hell does this orgasm still feel like it hasn''t finished though!?


    This must be how I experience a multiple orgasm then; it bes a lot less intense but it feels like it never ends... fuckkk! This might be a little too much but I can already feel another building up, this shaking of mine isn''t helping and might be making the licking even better.


    Then without proper preparation this time around, it seems toe without the same peak I was getting and violently tears through me again... oh my God, she''s still licking, this is way too much...


    "*Huff huff* no more *huff*..."


    Petra thankfully stops but gives me something else unexpected. Still softly gripping onto my legs, I see her lift up a single finger. It''s clear she''s asking if I want one more... this might be too much but curiosity is getting the better of me, I might be a little slutty by how good this feels.


    "*Huff*... fine... urgh!"


    The second I fullymit to onest orgasm; she doesn''t give me the chance to slow down and instantly the painful sensitivity returns. It''s mind boggling that something this overwhelming can actually hurt... good. It''s a feeling that makes you want to push away yet when being embraced with it, I hate but seem to love it.


    At this point, there''s no point even groping myself anymore, just trying to stay upright is hard enough and grasping onto the bedsheets is really the only thing I can even do. It''s a good thing the violent orgasm shakes slow down otherwise I really couldn''t control myself right now.


    Everything at this point has be a blur, nothing else matters in the world anymore except from me and Petra''s face. It''s just a shame I''ve got no way to even control myself now, the next climax is going toe any second and I can no longer do anything except wait for inevitable... I must look like a sweaty mess.


    And like thest two climaxes, this one crashes through me causing the never-ending shakingbining with the pain of finishing twice already. This time around however, there''s two differences. The first is I''ve now gone light headed, that was so strong I''m basically copsed on all fours still unfortunately attached to Petra''s head. The second is something slightly embarrassing... I''ve definitely made a mess...


    It''s also a good thing Petra stopped the licking this time otherwise I might''ve screamed through thatst one.


    "*Huff*, Sorry Petra *huff*... couldn''t help it"


    It takes nearly all my strength to get off Petra''s face and when I see her, it''s obvious I''ve just ''finished'' on her face. See, none of us have actually done that thing I''ve just done and it had to be right now in this position!? Even if she''s smiling, I''m so freaking ashamed!


    "Heh, why are you apologizing Ikarus? What do you think I was trying to do?"


    Wait... Petra actually wanted me to climax that strongly!? I guess it''s hot as hell but it''s not great though.


    "But still! You know that stuff is basically like piss, right?"


    I''ve just ruined that for nearly every person out there, haven''t I? I can''t help it goddamn it! That''s why I''m embarrassed, that fluid that can flow after is more gross than you''d think but I''m just making it worse... me Petra really, she''s the one who''s turned me on too much!


    "Heh... Ikarus, it''s fine. Stop worrying about it and give me a hand cleaning up, probably a good idea before we go to sleep"


    Yeah... we both should probably clean ourselves up. I''m covered head to toe in sweat and sure, Petra looks just as beautiful as usual but no chance we can sleep like this... Did she seriously want me to do that though? I think that was a partial lie but I had zero control of myself there...


    "Okay..."


    __________


    "Heh, you do like ying with your breasts, don''t you Ikarus?"


    After cleaning up a little, we''re back in bed having our after-sex talk that sometimes happens. Like usual, I''m normally the little spoon simply because I''m cuddlier apparently. I guess she''s got a point and I actually do prefer this side but still...


    At this point, that breast thing is just a weird tendency I have, I feel like my hands need to go somewhere and this feels better than gripping the bed rugs normally. And besides, it''s not just groping, there''s also two very sensitive parts that feel pretty great being touched as well. Breasts are like the two best parts of the human body after all, I''d also y with Petra''s but I''m not sure she''s that much into it.


    "Do you not like it or something? I can stop if you want"


    "No no, it''s all good, just thinking you might enjoy something else someday but we''ll save that for another time"


    Something to do with my breasts? What type of pleasurable sex act would that be? I can think or something a guy can do but that would be pretty pointless for us two so I''m a little confused on that right now.


    "You know... you''re pretty scary at times, right? That vagueness never seems good"


    Sure, I can''t actually see her since I''m being hugged but that definitely made her smile, I know her way too well.


    "Heh, maybe... but you can always say no to anything I bring up. Fortunately Ikarus, I''m pretty sure you''re simr to me when ites to this sort of thing"


    "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "Heh... don''t worry about it"


    Stupid pervy Petra keeping something hidden from me... ah, I''m just going to sleep now...

 Chapter 113 – Building Progress

    Chapter 113 ¨C Building Progress


    "Listen Penelope, how can this be so freaking hard to understand!? That''s just how water works!"


    "Although I''m notpletely sure on the mechanics behind it, the dwarfs did have a simr system in ce when ites to drinking water when the surface was much safer too. Ikarus is right, that type of thing would work"


    "But I don''t get it! How can water flow back up a pipe if it''s just fallen down it? What magic or spell did you use to make that work!?"


    Me and Garry the gnome have been trying to exin to Miss Penelope how an aqueduct or plumbing works for thest hour now and we''re no closer to finishing. All the usual council gang are here right now including the gnome as well, Petra and Marcus are clearly the only people not getting pissed at Miss gender bender right now. As for where we are, we''re outside by the new district that''s currently under construction. By the looks of it, progress around this ce is nowing close topletion and could only take a couple more weeks before everything is finished but this pointless conversation is taking up my mind right now.


    The stupid thing is, something like an aqueduct is too impractical since the only realistic body of water is on the mine ind to connect it to. That was the dwarf originally trying to exin to Penelope how it works but nothing is getting through that thick skull of hers.


    As for this conversation, I''ve even mentioned about water towers in this since she''s still struggling to figure out this stupid thing but it hasn''t helped in the slightest... See, I may have the odd dumb tendency here and there but I do actually know the odd little fact like how some taps work using gravity from something up high like a water tower on a hill. I''ll exin what the entire point of this is in a second as well.


    "Look, don''t look at it like it''s flowing up! It just returns to the level it was... I don''t actually know the scientific reason for it but you''ve just seen it''s a thing... please help me out Petra"


    "Heh, you tried to reason with Miss stupid, this is your battle Ikarus"


    "How rude Petra! I''m not stupid, just these two are terrible at telling me how it works!"


    Damn, betrayed by my own woman of all people... At this point, I''ve even showed Penelope a quick demonstration using a few ss bottles positioned in odd and strange ways. Even some ss tubes that the dwarf made wasn''t enough to convince her it''s not magic. For someone so powerful and has unseen magic that might even be stronger than mine and Petra''s, it''s just a shame there''s a load of fluff between her ears.


    This discussion only came about after I mentioned something about having the new buildings with running water and sewage systems, it''s not as difficult as you''d think to implement such a thing especially having a dwarf here but it could be a little costly though. The n for now is just to continue building the new district, then we''ll figure out stuff as we go along but leaving enough room in the future.


    Besides, the second we start on a sewer system, I''d rather it connects to the whole ce and that''s going to be a lot of digging tunnels underground. It''s a good thing we''ve got a mine full of miners for that sort of thing, also reminds me we hired some more a few weeks ago as well. Even I''m starting to get a little tired of the settlement ark we''re going through but it has to be done unfortunately. We''ll shouldn''t have to worry about it afterwards though.


    "I''m unsure why we''re still even discussing this, it''s not even needed since we have the dwarven pumping technology from our friend the gnome"


    "Urgh, you might be worse than Petra with that Ikarus"


    "No, it''s not over since you still haven''t exined the magic in what causes the water to flow back up!"


    I''m ignoring her now... the more I think on it, the more I find it weird that the dwarven kid Jarl Denver happily allowed Garry to leave with basically no restrictions on him. Sure, I guess he was technically banished but the amount of knowledge this dwarf possesses, it''s almost as if the jarl has given us a gift with this guy. You''d at least think he would''ve been told don''t reveal any secret technology to wherever you may go but it''s almost as if he predicted we''d end up with him.


    That kid is definitely not what he seems... his level is a lie, he seems perfectly fine allowing us knowing dwarven secrets and his entire goal is to harness the power of the volcano... he''s not actually a secret God in disguise posing as a kid dwarf, right? No, I somehow doubt that but there is something fishy about him but he seems to be on our side for now.


    Anyways... moving on from any spection, anything happened since my birthday yesterday... Oh, I do remember everythingst night so there was no worries on Petra''s end, did say that was all done of my own ord even if I''ve still got a banging headache today. No more alcohol for a little while once again, I was pretty forward with herst night thinking about it so might be best to not do that for a little while again otherwise I''ll get clingy again. Was great like usual though...


    Other than see the development, there isn''t any real important reason we''re even out here right now. It''s more just a reason to change the working environment a little bit and also see what the gnome is up to, this was supposed to be a council meeting before it''s turned into a teaching lesson for Penelope.


    The new district is reallying along nicely but did already point out we should only be weeks away now. As for what actually is being built, the main buildings excluding some of the smaller things since there''s quite a lot are the town hall; treasury which will also be a bank, a guard barracks, a leader''s house which isn''t technically the rumoured ''pce'' that might someday get built and a hospital. There is one building missing that still hasn''t found a suitable ce being the new Magi guild headquarters. Penelope is very picky on that and in her defence, a huge tower does need some sort of a decent ce to go but her indecision is getting boring on that now.


    The hospital will take much longer to do just down to the sheer size of it but once that''spleted, free healthcare for everyone! I''m seriously not kidding, maybe it could be alright to exclude it for criminals but Ariza''s never been that petty. It''s going to be her building to control after all and by the sounds of it, she''s looking forward to it. She has always been a kind soul after all.


    Also... I haven''t forgotten about the fact that three of us are supposedly immortal now, none of us feel any different nor have really even spoken about it. I guess you could say we''re now ''cursed'' with life if that''s even something to worry about, I know I''m very short sighted when ites to this but I seriously can''t see any asion where I''d want to die of old age especially with Petra around. Enough thinking about this though, I was always more likely to die by the sword anyway.


    "Look, we''re all getting carried away now. How about we reschedule this for another day?"


    It''s a good thing Marcus can read the room, we ain''t getting no work done today with Miss gender bender around. Also, this room is only half built and the ceiling hasn''t even been started yet but still.


    "Okay then! Those two can show the magic behind such a thing next time then!"


    (Garry) "How you''ve be the leader of an entire mages guild is beyond me"


    (Ikarus) "Agree with the gnome, we''d get better conversation from a rock"


    "Hey! How rude!"


    At least Petra chuckles at me and Garry''s insults toward Penelope, she''s nice to have around but it really can be a challenge sometimes. This entire water thing is boring the hell out of me now and it should be to everyone else.


    "Heh, might be best to call it quits... you want to do something Ikarus?"


    With Petra, always... I''m not going to say that out loud though, still got to hide that clinginess sometimes.


    "You''ve got anything in mind Petra?"


    "It depends, you up for a little sparring?"


    Oh, this will give us a chance to use my personal domain space again, I''m down for that seeing this meeting has basically gone to shit.


    "Definitely..."


    __________


    "How about we go for a little bit of a changeup Ikarus? This time around, I''ll initiatebat and you go on the defence"


    "Wait, you''re going to attack me!? You sure I''m ready for it Petra?"


    We''ve used this ce quite the few times since I''ve unlocked it for things like the odd sparring session and mostly cuddling but we''re yet to actually get that far with sparring despite how long it''s been going on. Petra was right though; this ce is perfect for training especially with having no distractions around and the nk cloudy void helps on that side of things too. I guess we could create an epic looking training dojo inside here but we''re using it for training so something like that is a little unnecessary.


    That reminds me, the imagination side of things in here suck a little for me since everything I''ve made just looks a little odd. It''s clear I don''t pay much attention to how things look but you''d think I''d at least have a better memory when ites down to it. Like I said, we haven''t used this ce much but I have at least tried to create something inside here but everything seems wrong.


    Like for example, I tried to recreate that Asian style building Petra once created in here and it just looked a little off. I still don''t know why but every part of it just seemed different and still to this day, I can''t figure it out. The colour wasn''t right, it seemed nted and just looked like something a failed architect might make. Maybe I just don''t have an eye for creativity or art I guess, I can easily imagine up a sword though since I''m basically just copying and pasting it from outside my head. It could also be this ce needs some time to get used to hence why my buildings look shit but I kinda doubt that.


    "Heh, maybe notpletely but it''s definitely much safer to do inside here. Just be warned Ikarus... needplete focus from you today"


    That seriously just shows the level between us though, can''t think how long we''ve been sparring for and its only now Petra will actually go the offensive. Huh, that actually opens up a question, when would our anniversary be? I''m just thinking about the length of time we''ve been together and all that but do we count that first meeting when I called her a blind bat?... damn it, you stupid bird! Petra literally just said to focus!


    "Sure sure, I''ll be serious and focus... promise"


    ''I really don''t help myself at times''


    "Heh, okay Ikarus... make sure you pay attention... let''s go then"


    Both of us armed with our weapons of choice, Petra with her samurai sword and I with my vampiric de start the spar and immediately I''m unprepared for the absolute monster she truly is.


    Her speed within a fraction of a second closes the gap between us and a swing is already facing down upon me, I can just about block the contact with my dagger but that wouldn''t have made an inch of difference, she''s already on me again. Her speed could beparable to how fast light travels. The exaggeration may be slight, my loss clearly isn''t though.


    And then, in the space under ten seconds, her sword finds its way prompted up against my neck stopping just before any cut... this is just total bs...


    "Hang on... just how freaking fast are you!? How the hell am I supposed to do anything to that!?"


    I know she''s a master swordswoman and all but actually being on the other end of facing down her attacks are apletely different thing. You don''t get a second to even think what to do or even see it, it''s actually just dumb how insane that really is.


    "Heh, don''t be too shocked Ikarus, you did manage to block the first swing after all. Let''s try again"


    I''m honestly a little disheartened realizing I''ll never catch up to that but at least it''s a learning experience I suppose, I''ll still get slowly better regardless but Petra is a monster with this.


    And so, we both ready ourselves again and it''s time to spar again, I can only see this going one way though.


    This time around, she goes for a side swipe but like the first time, I manage to block it. Unfortunately with Petra, you only ever have enough time to react once before her counter finds your neck without even giving me a time to flinch. Fuck''s sake, that was barely five seconds this time, how am I even supposed to see that?


    "Seriously!?"


    "Again Ikarus"


    I guess I could try attacking but it seems pretty pointless...


    __________


    "*Huff huff huff*"


    "Heh... you do understand there''s no air to breathe inside this ce Ikarus? Your panting isn''t needed"


    [<-User- was always overly dramatic about things>]


    "Heh, your robotic wife agrees with me Ikarus?"


    "Don''t you be siding with her Petra, buzz off Aesa..."


    Lying t on the cloudy floor, it''s safe to say I''m done now. Sure, it''s basically impossible to get tired in this ce but mental fatigue is a real thing and knowing that I can''t evenst half a minute against her is extremely frustrating. I really wish I can describe in words other thanparing it to light just how quick Petra is, the human mind cannotprehend something like this. I know that we''re technically not humans anymore but still.


    "...You know this is bullying right? What''s even the point fighting when you''re like that?"


    It reminds me a little back when training with the captain and the wicked mage, sure Petra''s a hell of a lot kinder but this sort of gap is huge. I always knew it was but not to this extent where I can''t even raise my dagger to her.


    Every round, every try always ends with her stupid de up against my neck. I can see where I''m going wrong, clearly speed beats everything but to actually keep up with her and even spot those attacks? I swear she''s using cheat codes but apparently there''s nothing in use effecting this, this is literally Petra with no buffs or effects!


    "Heh, it''s just time andmitment Ikarus. Give this a few hundred years and you''ll look at it very differently"


    "So... you''re going to be beating me up for the next few hundred years then? Gotcha"


    I mean, I''m not against it but it would be nice to know if there''s quicker progress in sight. Can I really stay patient enough to do this for that long? I guess if there were rewards I might...


    "Heh, we can stop anytime you like but let''s be real Ikarus, you''re not going to stop. You may call it stubbornness but think using the the wordmitment again works better, you won''t give up simply because this is a goal you''ve set in mind"


    Damn this woman and her perceptiveness to understand what''s going through my brain! See, if I could in theory be close to her sword level, then maybe, just maybe I can protect her a little. Everything I''ve got except that revive ability seems designed for destruction, too much of it is unusable around Petra due to friendly fire so learning something like the sword could be perfect... I''m still unsure why I''m so adamant about trying to protect her when she clearly doesn''t need it but oh well, I''d rather us both be on equal standing though.


    Should probably get up and stop being dramatic about this though. Petra was right, breathing and exhaustion don''t really exist inside here, just another reason why training here is perfect.


    "Fineee... can we at least have a little cuddle afterwards? Oh, and a kiss for a reward as well?"


    Gotta try my luck, am I right? I need something as motivation for sparring for ages since time inside here is slowed down massively as well. As much as I dislike the idea, going for days at a time clearly could be beneficial and there''s no real need to worry about our bodies outside this ce. Apparently we''ll be awaken if any danger is around.


    "Heh... your mind was wondering through that, wasn''t it Ikarus?"


    "No, it actually wasn''t, that''s just an idea I came up with no-"


    And just like the usual, I mention kissing and Petra just can''t help herself going in for the hunt and destroying the prey. I never get the chance to prepare myself as well since she''s really quick on such a thing but I''m pretty sure that''s her way of teasing doing this though. It''s a damn shame it''s already over...


    "Heh... will that help you focus a little more now?"


    "Y-Yeah..."


    I mean, I wanted the kiss as a reward after but fuck it, let''s get back to fighting then...


    __________


    "Hey Petra... couldn''t we use this ce for you know what?"


    Just as we''re finishing off the stupidly long time we''ve been sparring inside here for now, my mind has clearly gone in the gutter and an actual question I''m really curious about hase up. I''m not sure how cultivation works on this sort of thing since this ce is apparently a realm after all but doing the deed inside here would be possible, right? I don''t mean for right now though, just it would save money on fancy hotels or being able to make a romantic scene with no effort. I''m pretty sure most cultivation things have a type of martial art which is used for that sort of a thing as well...


    "Heh, wouldn''t rmend that Ikarus, just give your hand a slight cut and you''ll see what I mean"


    Doing as she says, I quickly realize the point she was making.


    "Okay... hang on, there''s no pain?"


    Huh, I guess that shows just how in control Petra was of our sparring then, I didn''t even realize certain things like pain or other feelings getpletely negated and that cut I just did has already healed up. From that alone, I''m guessing that other sort of thing would be numbed down then? That actually sucks...


    Thatpletely puts this ce is the no proper sexy time category then, it''s kinda unfortunate since you can basically imagine up anything you want but everything would be pointless if it leads to something else. It could''ve been a romantic hotel, a cottage out in the woods, a barn with the rain heavily pouring in the background or even something less conventual like a prison or dungeon... I''m obviously not into that sort of thing, honest!


    I was just listing off ces that some people might find hot, not me of course! This seriously isn''t like one of those things where it turns out I''m as pervy as Petra... I need to stop thinking about this now, this grave I''m digging is going to end up in thend down under soon.


    Sighhh, it actually wouldn''t surprise me if Petra was into that sort of thing, maybe I make her out to be more pervy than she actually is but she definitely isn''t innocent though. I''m not sure what I''d make of that if she was though...

 Chapter 114 – Ariza

    Chapter 114 ¨C Ariza


    "So Miss Penelope... what was that story about you and the potion again?"


    During breakfast at a nice caf¨¦, all us phoenixes, Penelope and Ria are around a table. Me and Petra have already finished eating so I''m slightly cuddled up to her while those three are finishing or are now talking apparently.


    "Ah, Ariza was it? Petra has told me about your plight a while back so there''s no point asking about how I made a right blunder! I really wouldn''t rmend what happened to anyone unless you''re willing to be literally turned inside out! That week really wasn''t fun!"


    You''re probably thinking, Miss gender bender has been around quite a lot these days and you would be right, she seems to linger like a bad smell. Sure, I get that''s she''s got nothing else to do since her guild isn''t actually here just yet but still. Ah, can''t forget the dryad as well but shees and goes as pleases, did say thanks for the picture she drew of me and Petra for my birthday but by the sounds of it, there was no need since Zeki''s paying the price. Ria''s basically been cuddled up to him as well and he''s yet to push her away like normal, clearly this must be the debt he''s in.


    Oh, that reminds me something about the mages as well, the Magi guild haven''t actually moved in properly yet. They''re currently off the coast on the main continent simply because it made little sense to move everyone in until a building was created. It also seems that once Penelope finds a suitable ce, it will go up pretty quickly due to it being ''magical based'', have no idea what that means but fuck it. I just hope a new tower doesn''t look stupid on our inds.


    You should be able to tell what Ariza was curious on though. Even though she says it''s not a big deal, you can definitely sense if given the choice, she would prefer to have a female body. I''m unsure if those two hundred years without potions made it worse or better for her but it''s just her ''curse'' I guess. All four of us have one except me now since I''m cured. Petra with her pain, Ariza with her gender and Zeki with his dryad apparently.


    "Uh huh... that''s a shame I guess"


    "Lighten up brother, there''s some perks to it like pissing standing up and all that, orangey also got forced the other way round"


    ''He''s so unbelievably crude at times, it may be true but still''


    "Zeki, I''ve already told you long ago it''s fine. Was just curious on the story behind it, that''s all"


    Talking about this sort of thing of thing always seems to bring Ariza down a little, it''s not as noticeable as Petra''s sadness but Ariza has always been pretty sensitive. Thinking about it though, Petra does seem to be thinking on something now.


    "Hmm... what happened to the original way of doing that Penelope?"


    "You mean the way that the potions were made Petra? The old guy behind such a thing simply just stopped living so the knowledge was lost!"


    Zeki did say that he used to buy a load of gender changing potions for Ariza way back before they stopped being sold so it always sounded like that wasn''t an option. I guess Petra seems to think there might be more of a story to this.


    "You think he had any notes left over from his work? He always was a bit of a pervert but he was intelligent after all"


    "Tell me about it older sis, that ce of his really was a yboys dream... wish I was allowed multipl-... Ouch... stupid cow!"


    Heh, Zeki receives a punch from the dryad for that pointlessment, it should be pretty obvious what he was referring to. It actually makes me wonder though, does Zeki even cheat? My father is clearly different since he just can''t help himself at this point but ever since the dryad has taken hold of him, I''ve heard nothing about Zeki creeping off with women of the night. It did used to happen despite me never bringing it up when we used to travel and you''ll be surprised just how easy it is to find that sort of thing basically anywhere you go... remember him saying something about an elves tail once before whatever that means. I guess Ria does look pretty simr to an elf as well, at least her ears are pretty elf looking.


    "I''m afraid that old pervert didn''t Petra... I do remember him saying it involved a contract with a Mr Loki though! Still have no idea who that is even to this day but the potions were always a byproduct of his work!"


    Hang on, hang on... so the original way to change gender involved a method that produced potions as a secondary type of thing and the guy doing it was contracted to someone called Loki? Hold the phone, my obscure knowledge on Gods really can be of help sometimes in this world.


    "Am I seriously the only one who knows who that guy might be? Loki has to be a God, right?"


    Even if you don''t know much about Norse mythology, the name Loki should be pretty noticeable for nearly anything trick or prank rted. The guy was a shapeshifter as well so something like gender changing would be a piece of cake for him. Thinking about it as well, he might even have something to do with what happened to me and Ariza as well. If he does, he''ll truly regret his decision making, I personally should be thanking him but I''ll whoop his arse for Ariza''s sake... it wouldn''t surprise me if he''s as mad as that crazy God Lyssa we came across back in the Magi guild though.


    I''m honestly surprised no one has any clue on who I''m talking about, maybe I''m the only one who knows a little on this? It''s not exactly like the guy didn''t have movies on him as well, you''d think Zeki would recognize that but I think I remember him saying ''superhero films suck ass'' so that might be why. Didn''t really watch them either but still.


    "Hmm... so that guy was employed by a God? That actually makes a lot of sense you mentioning it Ikarus, although the name doesn''t ring a bell though"


    "So Mr Loki was a God then!? At least that exins why that old pervert was how he was, Gods do tend to corrupt everything around them! That''s why our one has the basement!"


    I mean, what Penelope says isn''tpletely true about Dionysus but Charlotte has basically made a single person cult to him so she might have a point. Is it really corrupting though? Priestess seems happy enough.


    "So... if we wanted to help out Ariza, we need to find some way of contacting this God then, how hard can that be?"


    I''m actually not being sarcastic, two Gods have already contacted me being Dionysus and the mad God Lyssa, this shouldn''t be an impossible task I''m hoping. It seems all this attention has kinda made Ariza a little shy though.


    "You lot don''t need to worry about me, it''s honestly fine. I''ve dealt with it for this long so it really matters little anymore"


    "Quiet brother, stop being like that and just ept it, be more selfish and use others to your hearts content"


    Zeki always has to make something nice sound nasty but we all just zone him out at this point, the dryad is surprisingly quiet but I guess she''s enjoying the hug with Mr obnoxious for once.


    "Heh, you make that sound like an easy task Ikarus, contacting Gods has always been a one-sided thing nearly impossible to achieve, we''ve just been incredibly lucky on that"


    The way Penelope reacts to that though, it seems Petra''s a little misinformed about this. Can''t also forget it sounds like my parents have encountered Gods as well.


    "You''re actually wrong there Petra! There''s definitely magical devices that allow you to makemunication, just it can end up exploding in your face, literally! There''s a cut behind my ear and destroyed one of my previous eyes from a crystal ball I used, that wasn''t a fun birthday!"


    At this point, we''re starting to zone out some of weird stuff Penelopees out with as well, I''m just happy that wasn''t a vivid description of how her eye was destroyed since she shares way too much on that sort of thing... Huh, I guess Penelope''s ck eyes are unnatural then, I wonder if that would work on Petra but I''m guessing it''s a little more to it than just recing an eye. Good to know it''s possible, I guess. No point in asking since Petra''s known Penelope for a very long time and something like that would''ve alreadye up.


    "So... we just need a crystal ball then? I''m guessing you don''t have one on you Penelope?"


    Despite me asking, I already know things are never that easy. We''ll have to find a ball, then contact a God and do whatever bidding they want, then hopefully that''ll lead to Ariza having a chance of that sweet female body she desires... It''s still pretty obvious that I like how I am now but I''d still be happy either way though. The thought of having bulging muscles and a third leg again is tempting but let''s be real, I''ve got the ideal female body so the chance ofing across the perfect male might be impossible.


    As for this n, this really does sound insane but insane might as well be my middle name at this point... this entire world be like that after all and I''m just fitting in. Either this entire world is as weird as me or I''m slowly corrupting everything, it could work either way but I''m just spouting nonsense for the sake of it now, my mind does tend to wonder when hugging Petra and all the other bloody time.


    "Of course I don''t! I do know a ce where we might find one though, just we''ll have to say hello to some old hags-, I mean friends!"


    Looks like we''re bringing Penelope along with us on this quest then, unsure what to make of that but everything is pretty automatic now so we can afford to leave for things like this. It does appear when one joins us though, another leaves, at least for this time around.


    "It''s unfortunate but I cannot help you on this quest right now, there''s kind of a family thing I''m needed for and I''ve been running from them long enough, bye everyone! Also... love ya girly boy!"


    "Erk... hate you too wench"


    Ria did always prefer a quick goodbye... that girly name pisses Zeki off so much as well but it''s done in a yful manner so it''s alright, I guess? I don''t know, everyone tries to ignore that toxic rtionship they have.


    "Nope Zeki, that''s not part of the deal. You''ve got to be nice, truthful and honest remember?"


    Just how much of his sanity did it cost for him to get that picture painted of us? I''m almost starting to feel sorry for him, I do like the gift but if he actually has to be kind because of it, his entire life loses it meaning.


    "Erk... just fuck off already! That''s only for when we''re in private, stupid cow"


    Heh, poor Zeki, he even has a bulging vain on his forehead right now but it seems Ria might ha


    "Whatever then Zeki, you can tag along with me if you''d rather something different for a change as well, you liked thatst family thing I had"


    "Tag along with the cow... ah screw it. Sorry brother, I''ll give a hand if you''re desperate but orangey and sis should be more than enough. The pink one as well seems pretty powerful, there''s no real point in me joining"


    "I have a name you know!?"


    "Don''t care"


    Zeki''s actually turning us down for the dryad? How the tables turn, they both get up leaving the caf¨¦ but Petra seems to have a weird questioning look on her face. I know they can be disgusting but Zeki wanting to go to Ria''s family meetup? Something does seem a little off here.


    "Heh, Ariza... you any idea why Zeki''s just left like that?"


    "I... don''t really want to say, Zeki''s just an arsehole really"


    So she knows? This is going to be quite the odd adventure with just the four of us now, the only person who actually remains their gender at birth is currently Petra and even she went through some shenanigans a while back in that dungeon. I kinda feel like Zeki needs to be inflicted with our ''plight'' but oh well, it would be pretty funny hearing him whine regardless though.


    "Come on... what did he say? We can keep a secret Ariza, honest"


    "Heh, you don''t have to do that Ikarus but the point does still stand"


    Ariza pauses for a second, then gives us a reason we really should''ve expected... Zeki is a dick after all.


    "Apparently... Ria''s sister has bigger jugs than her... didn''t actually know what that means till he did the hand gestures"


    "Hehe... that brother of yours really is terrible! How could he want even bigger melons when that dryad was right next to him!?"


    "*Sigh*... tell me about it Miss Penelope, he''s despicable"


    Okay, I take back what I said about his true feelings and him being tsundere, he''s just being a dick once again. At least it''s a good thing Ariza and Penelope seem to be getting on pretty well, I seriously doubt it''s anything other than just a little bit of friendship since I''m pretty sure Ariza''s into guys... but Miss gender bender was a guy but I don''t think that counts, or does it?


    Ah forget it, point being is there''s nothing like that going on between those and Zeki still seems to think Ariza has a wyvern boyfriend anyways... hang on, if Zeki likes bigger jugs, then my mother''s form must''ve made him insane!? No, maybe the dragon counteracts it, he seems his grumpy usually self around her so I''m hoping I don''t have to worry about him perving over mother thankfully. That will grant him a groin kick if he does though...


    (Ikarus) "We can stay here chatting or pay-... stupid disgusting couple! They''ve left us with their bill..."

 Chapter 115 – Hags

    Chapter 115 ¨C Hags


    "What¡­ the hell are they?"


    "Ikarus is right Penelope, I''ve never witnessed such creatures too"


    "Uh huh, the smell is horrible inside here as well"


    Having just entered a cave, we''re greeted by a rotting pungent smell and the three of us phoenixes are disgusted by the sight of the creatures dwelling within the cave. Imagine a horrid human bird hybrid that looks like something from a failed experiment, just obviously not as cute as my hybrid form since these creatures seem to have the worst of both sides.


    Their faces are basically rotten beaks, their feathers look decayed and scarred as well as looking like creatures from a nightmare. They kinda remind me of those gue doctors for Victorian Europe if I''m looking topare those birds to anything. At least they can kinda stand like humans but there''s nothing human looking about them, it''s a little odd none havee to greet us or maybe they don''t even realize we''re here just yet.


    As for where we actually are, around the coast of J?tna lies quite the few uninhabited tiny inds and this one just so happens to be the closest to the ind we basically control. The cave itself is nothing special, just has a few nests lying about as well as a few tables with potions¡­ huh, I guess there''s a few shelfs filled with ingredients and a couple of storage crates too.


    "Hehe¡­ they really are vile creatures, aren''t they!? Wee to the cave of the cursed witches'' phoenixes! Most of these lot use to be students until they tested the forbidden dark arts and their appearances clearly reflect that! They actually smell pretty nicepared to usual!"


    It''s obvious her Magi guild have a long andplicated history with this sort of thing so best not to question everything, there is obviously some questions I can''t help but want to know but perceptive Petra gets to it before me like usual. I could see it being a little annoying but it makes sense seeing that I have to narrate everything I''m thinking apparently¡­


    "Penelope, they don''t seem to realize we''re here, I''m guessing they''re blind and deaf?"


    "Ah yes, that''s just one of their afflictions unfortunately! There is a way you can speak with them but it requires something a little more delicate. By that, a good shock should make them wake up!"


    As we''re walking over to the half bird half human creatures, I can''t help but feel a little empathy for them, no one deserves to live in such a horrid state but I''m not going to say anything about it. Ariza is a much more empathetic person though.


    "Are they okay though? I can try healing them but I don''t think it would help¡­ I don''t like killing as well but if they want, I can do something to make it painless"


    Jeez, that''s gotten pretty dark there, Ariza''s only trying to be helpful but I''m surprised she''d be willing do such a thing. I guess even she realizes not everyone can be saved and there''s only one other alternative in that situation. She definitely would''ve killed before so it makes sense she''d be that way, it''s always thest resort after all¡­ even if Zeki enjoys it and I view it like it''s nothing.


    "Hehe, there''s no need for that sort of thing Ariza! These four desperately wanted immortality and were willing to go to any lengths for such a thing, they''re surprisingly happy for such vile creatures! If they wanted to die, I''d have chopped their heads off ages ago!"


    Ignoring most of what the batshit insane Miss gender bender said, it really makes you think how lucky we actually are though; we get granted with immortality just like that and these poor four people sacrificed so much for such a thing¡­ it says a lot about my mental state that I''m struggling to find any empathy or pity for them anymore yet I feel like I probably should.


    Still led by Penelope, she makes her way off from us a little and puts out her arms. Then, a bright lightning bolt lights up the cave shooting from her outstretched arms straight into the bottom of one of the four darkened feathered creatures. It barely even flinches from the attack though.


    <Awk, ask your questionss or begone foul creaturess>


    <Yess, speakss or leavess>


    <Disgusting trespasserss>


    <¡­>


    They way they speak using telepathy is really something horrible sounding, it''s almost as if you could imagine a snake speaking inside your head, my automatic trantor can''t help when something sounds that repulsive to listen to. I''ll still try to be nice despite the attitude though, they are basically experiments gone wrong even if they apparently wanted this and we do need their help.


    "Come on old students! Don''t be like that, I''ve got guests with me this time around so try to be nice!"


    <Who do you think we''re calling foul Penelopee?>


    <Grosss, dirty excuse for birdss>


    <Horrid phoenixess>


    <¡­>


    Okay, fuck them if they''re going to be rude to us birds... hang on, they know we''re phoenixes? Let''s leave the questions for now since this is supposed to be Ariza''s thing after all, I''m only going to get pissed so it''s best to just leave Penelope to speak to the phoenix haters. It''s probably just a stupid reason like magic anyways.


    "You don''t need to worry! Just tell us where to find a crystal ball and we''ll leave straight away!"


    <They want a sss ball?>


    <Ha ha ha, the birdss want a ythingg?>


    <No no no, none for youss>


    <¡­>


    Listening to this conversation is going to give me a headache if this continues on for too long, the way they drag out the end of sentences as well just adds onto the irritation. I could imagine how annoying the subtitles of what they''re saying would be to read as well.


    "Don''t be like that! You four are obviously in a happy mood today so why don''t you just give us your one? It''s not exactly like you even use it anymore!"


    All four of the odd-looking creatures turn around away from us almost as if they''re discussing something between themselves now. By this point, it''s pretty obvious us three phoenixes haven''t a clue what''s going on, this basically has be Penelope''s show right now. This is all for Ariza anyway.


    It must be a few minutes before they turn back around, now it appears they have questions for us this time around.


    <Who are trying to call?>


    <Yess, curious about birdss>


    <Who do phoenixes want to disturbb?>


    <...>


    "You four remember that old pervert''s master? We''re trying to contact Mr Loki of course! You really won''t care that much on the reason though"


    I guess we''re just sharing that information to the messed-up witches then, I''m not sure if that should''ve been left confidential or not but we''ll just trust the magical idiot then. This isn''t going to backfire at all.


    <Ha!? You want to call Mr Lokiss? Why didn''t you say soo?>


    <Give them the ball sisterr>


    <Bitee me Mell, the silent one can do itt>


    <...>


    Then the silent one of the four witches goes to one of the crates, finds a crystal ball and passes it to Penelope. That looked a little awkward to hold because of its wings but I''m always focusing on dumb things, I''m probably just trying to distract myself by how weird this is. At least everything has gone well and peaceful, I guess?


    <Now leave and don''t returnn>


    <Begone fleshbagss>


    <Scummy phoenixess>


    <...>


    "Bye bye!"


    And just like that, we exit the cave with ourmunication device in hand, there''s no chance we''re setting off for a flight without a quick conversation first. I get that we''re on a quest for gender bender reasons but toe across deformed witches providing us with a crystal ball? This is only going to get weirder I reckon.


    "Well... that was a weird fucking experience, what the hell just happened?"


    "Heh, don''t look at me Ikarus, I''m just as confused as you"


    "Uh huh, I''m also confused"


    Why did those creatures look happy when Loki was brought up? And why are they willing to help us? I seriously doubt I''m going to get anything useful out of Miss gender bender though.


    "Hehe, you lot really don''t get around that much! Hags have always been like that; we should be really grateful they''ve given us one just like that! This is the best mood I''ve seen them in for centuries, they must really like you three!"


    Yeah, they really like us just by how ''disgusting'' we are... as for the centuries thing, it''s obvious Penelope''s age must beparable to Petra. I''m not sure who''s older but just by judging how strong Penelope is as well, she might be older. Humans are naturally weaker than us birds but even if you exclude that EXP nerf we get, Penelope was still in the seven hundreds and at least from what I''ve heard, she''s basically been around since forever. Not a single person knows her age and the Magi guild''s age.


    Her brain power is definitely notparable to her actual magic though, that jolt of lightning she did actually lit up the entire cave all from what was basically a snap of her fingers. I bet that wasn''t even a fraction of her showing any true power. Huh, there''s a damn load of insanely powerful women in this world, it''s pretty obvious why women don''t seem to have any discrimination but it does seem to be prettymo which is kinda cool I guess. As for someone''s species, that''s apletely different thing though, damn racists...


    "So... we''ve already got the ball then, what next? How do we contact him?"


    Let''s give the God Loki a call, hopefully we don''t call him while he''s on the toilet or something stupid like that...


    "Ah, we''ll need several ingredients Petra''s lover! Some are quite easy and pretty convenient like using currency to make the call, that should take a gold coin or two! The other part is a little trickier and more barbaric... we''ll need the still beating heart of a pure blood virgin! I have no idea where we''ll find that though"


    ...


    What type of barbaric ritual is this!? Me and Ariza arepletely taken aback by how this has turned, it seems Petra might know what she''s talking about though. It''s obvious we''re not going down that route even if it helps Ariza, she''s definitely not the type of person to kill someone for the sake of losing her third leg... I''m pretty fucking crude as well at times.


    "Penelope... think I know what dark art you''re getting at now but that''s a little inefficient, why wouldn''t a goat''s heart work just as well?"


    "Seriously Petra!? Have you forgotten everything about the ways of the forgotten ones? It''s always something horrible, disturbing and evil! A pure maiden''s heart has always been a sacrifice the Gods pay the utmost attention to!"


    "It''s just manipting the egos behind such a thing Penelope; don''t tell me you''ve been doing everything the hard and difficult way?"


    "Never! I do things the right way, the way the grandmaster taught and..."


    Sighhh, I really dislike these types of in-depth magic stuff, I get that there''s different types but stuff like magic theory is impossible for me. Even if I could care to learn about it in extreme depth, the problem is it''s extremely doubtful I''d be able to use anything but fire and my abilities, I''m kinda locked with my destruction ss unfortunately. As for Petra, her system does seem a little more flexible with these sorts of things but we''ve discussed this before and even she reckons it could be useless for me to learn it, my system was always basic but I like that so don''tin Aesa!


    [<Hmph>]


    "...Penelope, we''re both getting carried away now, both Ikarus and Ariza haven''t a clue what we''re talking about. The point is, I can get a goat''s heart to work just as well"


    "Fine! We''ll do things your way but if it blows up in your face, then don''t say I didn''t me you!"


    "Heh, I''ll keep the warning in mind"


    It actually appears Miss gender bender is pouting and sulking from Petra destroying whatever magic theory crap they were discussing, enough about all this though. It''s time to go hunting, then find a spot to conduct the ritual.


    "Let''s go find a goat then..."


    __________


    (Ikarus) "Hey Penelope, how did they even go about achieving immortality? I don''t want the gross specifics like the ritual though"


    We''ve set up at an old ruin deep in the woods and luckily enough, there''s a partially destroyed alter perfectly ready for use here. Getting a live goat wasn''t exactly a challenge but I''m definitely going to turn away when those two barbarians go through with the n. Killing, then eating something is one thing but actually cutting out a beating heart is somethingpletely different, at least the goat will still be dinner tonight but I''d rather just kill something outright.


    Obviously Ariza looks disgusted by the whole idea too and has already tried to stop the n but we''re still going through with it regardless. The thing is, she and Zeki do hunt and kill animals for food so it''s not like she''s unable to do it, just I think she''s a little shy about having people do stuff for her and not the fact she''s an animal lover. She always was a little sensitive and caring after all but sometimes she should just ept other people''s kindness I guess... even if a goat of two ends up being sacrificed because of it. You know, vegetarians must absolutely despise us...


    I don''t actually think Petra''s too keen on doing it as well but it sounds like this might the only way, it''s this or we decide to hunt a pure blood virgin after all. Penelope is an odd specimen though so she''s just been smiling about the chance ofmitting the dark arts once again so she''s forgotten about that idea already. Should I be slightly worried she''d be willing to kill another human like that? Nah, I think she likes Ariza just as much as we do.


    The question I just asked is simply just me trying to make small talk while my waifu and Miss gender bender set things up, just call it morbid curiosity I guess, the pun was intended. This really is going to get gruesome very shortly.


    "Ah, it was an old concoction involving a backbreaking ritual and drinking tainted phoenix blood! I did tell them it wouldn''t achieve full immortality since you birds don''t actually live forever, would''ve been better to use dragon"


    So they''re not actually immortal then... Hang on, I''m missing the important thing here, Petra''s clearly beaten me to the response then.


    "Those hags used phoenix blood for such a thing? Does this not seem like an important thing to mention to us idiot? How have you never brought this up?"


    Whoa, Petra''s actually pissed at Penelope for that, it''s actually made her stop painting whatever crest is on that alter. Setting up this ritual is pretty boring thinking about it.


    "Calm down Petra! You never asked about it so why would I have said!?"


    "*Sigh*"


    This reminds me a little when ites to learning certain species traits with Aesa but Aesa isn''t stupid as hell, Petra does seem a little worked up from this though. Seeing her not remain calm andposed is always a rarity. I can always give her a quick hug to help but I don''t think she''ll want it right now.


    "Petra, you okay?"


    "Apologies Ikarus but I''ve known that mess of a person for centuries now, you''d think she might''ve mentioned something about phoenixes seeing that she''s always known about it. Even when you and the others came alone, she''s purposely been sitting on that information"


    I''m pretty sure I did mention that Penelope has always known about us even when we first met, magic sense or whatever it''s called seems to be the main reason behind such a thing. I can see why Petra would be pissed though; I''d be annoyed in her situation.


    "I don''t actually know that much though! Other than that yellow guy lived to just past a thousand, you''re infertile and that you basically areparable to demigods! Oh, he also said something about four is the maximum that can be alive at one time, forgot about that one!"


    "*Sigh*... you never mentioned any of that as well"


    And the trademark facepalmes out, some of that we already knew but this sort of information does seem toe up atpletely random times.


    "You know anything else Miss Penelope like why we exist even or more about the evolving thing then? Ria did give us a little bit but it only ever gave us more questions than answers"


    "Unfortunately I don''t! It''s definitely got to do with some God wanting to mess about with how things work but no idea why though! That yellow guy was probably the same person who met the tree spirit Ria! He did like to get around a bit but he''s definitely dead now, I kinda miss him a little..."


    So that yellow phoenix is the same person who spoke with the dryad? I bet he''s the same person who bumped into father too, the old lizard did say something about meeting a phoenix once or twice ages ago. By the sounds of it though, he might be dead if that four thing is anything to go off, that''s a shame but it''s not like he''s family or even a friend.


    (Ikarus) "Who do you think could be responsible for such a thing though Penelope? Which God since there seems to be way too many?"


    "If I had to make a wild guess... maybe a God associated with fire!...


    Well no shit... that really seems like an uninformed guess but didn''t Loki have a little to do with fire as well? I only remember him being a prankster God but who knows, it does ring a bell though.


    "...Although I''m unsure how they''d know how to summon or even put you inside an egg, it''s just a guess of course... Anyways, looks like we''re good to go! Petra, take Mr Goat and let''s prepare the sacrifice!"


    It''s difficult to describe what Petra and Penelope were doing through that other than drawing signals. Seriously though, this looks like something you''d use to contact a devil, I''m guessing Petra made her power deal using something like this but I''d rather not know.


    "Uh huh... do you really have to keep naming him Mr Goat though Miss Penelope? You''re just making this worse"


    Heh, Ariza doesn''t like that our sacrifice has a name, does naming him actually make any difference though? He''s still going to die regardless of how cute he looks; it doesn''t help he''s making me hungry as well.


    "I could''ve named him something like Gerry or even Garry but then that would be barbaric! Mr Goat will do!"


    I can''t help but chuckle now, Garry the goat! The dwarf really wouldn''t like that he''s now sharing a name with a sacrificial goat but let''s just get this over with since Mr Goat is going to be our dinner once this is done.


    "Uh huh... can we just get this done now please? I feel a little sick"


    "Sure Ariza, you and Ikarus look away while me and Penelope do the deed"


    "Yes! You can look but it''s about to get pretty fun and bloody!"


    ''I mean, I could look but this bit is guaranteed to be really gory, I''m kinda curious but it might be better to look away...''

 Chapter 116 – Cultists

    Chapter 116 ¨C Cultists


    In the end, I didn''t look away from the goat sacrifice and now I regret my life choices... I''m clearly being overdramatic but it has at least made me lose my appetite... I''m lying about that too. Let''s just move on from witnessing a still beating heart outside a goat though, I''m just going to me my dragon DNA for being fine with this.


    "Ashraf kemf achram tome..."


    "..."


    Penelope''s been speaking in tongue while Petra''s been injecting her ck fire into the ss ball directly for a good ten minutes or so now. When we have the chance, I''m definitely going to ask more about how this works with Petra, hopefully she can dumb it down a little for me but this sort of thing is always difficult to understand. I''m also guessing what Penelope ii saying isn''t actually anguage hence why it''s not being tranted.


    All of a sudden without any warning, the light-coloured crystal ball turns pitch ck and an intense murderous aura covers all around us. Whatever those two have done, it''s seems to have done something sinister.


    <WHO DARES MESSAGE ME WHILE I''M WORKING? *COUGH cough*>


    A screeching feminine voice roars from the crystal ball clearly pissed at being disturbed but very quickly calms itself before any of us can respond though. That aura seems to fade pretty quickly as well.


    <*Cough cough*... ah, sorry about that, you caught me right when I was in the middle of something, damn cesspit duty...>


    Then through the coughing, a more masculine voice seems to fade into existence. If that''s the same person, then I''m pretty sure we''ve managed to contact Loki, I actually can''t believe this has worked! I''m also guessing he was just female as well for some reason?


    <...If you''re looking for introductions, I am the one and only God of mischief, trickery and shapeshifting Loki... apparently, it''s honestly a little annoying to be assigned to such childish roles but life would be so much more boring without the odd jump scare every now and then. So... why have you dared to call me whoever you are? I''ll respect you if this is a prank call but this seems a very borate and time-consuming joke especially with the sacrifice involved>


    "It''s Miss Penelope, Mr Loki! You may not remember me but I was friends with that pervert who used to arrange all those gender changing orgies! He used to talk about you loads!"


    Hang on... you know what, I''m definitely not asking Penelope about that. Ariza seems a little dense of what was just said but me and Petra clearly understood it, both of us can''t help but facepalm when hearing something so causally brought up like that. If you don''t understand what that word means, then bless your innocent soul.


    <You were friends with that horny mess? Huh... small world I guess, I think I may even remember you being at one but you were only delivering a message if I remember correctly. Enough about that though, you care to exin why you four have called me up?>


    He must have some way of seeing or sensing us if he''s able to notice that. As for our response, it''s a good thing Petra''s now taking the lead since I''m a little lost for words and Penelope can''t say everything even if she really wants to.


    "We''re looking for someway of changing someone''s gender oh high and mighty Loki and we were hoping you''d be able to assist us in some way"


    Petra has always had a way of appealing to a person in a higher position but I get the feeling this guy might be a little like Dionysus, maybe not as nice but there''s no point trying to appeal to that higher power inside him.


    <Ah, so this is what this is about, you wish to make a deal? Hehe... normally for these types of things, it requires a little sacrifice from someone''s else''s part, the problem is you four don''t have any of the sacrifices I''m looking for. Actually, that''s not true but it would go against what I''m thinking right now. I do find it pretty strange how three of you used to be reversed as well, normally I have a part to y in that so I''m a little ashamed someone else has been taking my job>


    Loki''s job? Don''t tell me he''s been going around randomly switching people''s genders as a joke? At least that proves he isn''t the one responsible for doing this to me and Ariza but there is a different question that I need to ask though.


    "You know about that? Howes?"


    <It''s not that difficult to tell orange phoenix, you four have be all the talk around the hidden districts in the higher realms recently. It''s pretty entertaining to hear about the apparent end bringers who will either unite or purge the worlds into darkness but either way, I''d like to get our rtionship off to a good start before I inevitably do something that is hrious but will probably piss you off. Tell you what, I''ll give you a hand switching one of guys gender permanently but obviously for a favour in payment. Keep in mind though, this will only work for one of you>


    Well, that''s not a problem, me and Penelope never had any intention of changing back anyways so if this is supposed to be a massive plot twist where I all of sudden want to change stealing Ariza''s chance at such a thing, you can unfortunately be bored with how things are going.


    "What''s the price then Mr Loki!? How much does a gender change cost then!?"


    "Usually, the normal price would be a sacrificial exchange just simply to bnce out the fates from someone less willing on such a thing, my preference has always been to rob a male of their best part and switch them up but I''m thinking that the blue phoenix is the person you wish to change?"


    "Uh huh, Mr Loki"


    For some reason, my mind can''t help but imagine Zeki would be a perfect sacrifice if he was here, I''m not that nasty though... or am I? Forget how much justified suffering that would cause him, turns out the God Loki might have a thing for stealing third legs...


    <So, the more boring answer would be killing... always with the unnecessary killing, I''m more like my shield brothers then I''d like to admit. There''s a group who have been worshipping demons popping all about recently, building statues of the ugly ones as well as making a right ruckus over here too. Go find one of the main cultists hideaways, wipe all the scourge from the face of your world and then your price will be paid since it''ll pay off a favour I owe. I''ll keep an eye out so I''ll know when you''re done>


    Then without a warning again, the crystal ball shatters into a thousand pieces leaving a hand drawn map under the ss shards. I know that a quest to help Ariza''s gender would be a little strange but didn''t expect it would involve killing some cultists.


    "This quest is just going to get weirder and weirder now, isn''t it?"


    "Heh, agreed Ikarus"


    "Uh huh, thanks for helping though everyone"


    "No point inining or worrying! Mr Loki''s given us a map so let''s get moving!"


    ''At least Penelope''s always upbeat about everything I guess...''


    __________


    "This is the correct location, right? This wasn''t what I was expecting but this entire thing has been like that now"


    "Heh, that''s what the map he gave us says Ikarus"


    "Uh huh, we can look again but it''s definitely this elven town"


    "It should be fine since Mr Loki gave us that!"


    Out pretty far into the elven continent woods, we''ve just arrived at an elven town really in the middle of nowhere. By the looks of it, these elves appear to be pretty friendly and willing to talk to strangers but if we''re basing this off what Loki says, then cultists that worship demons reside here. It could also be that the entire vige is hiding that secret and killing strangers who find out but for some reason, I kinda doubt that. This ce just seems pretty normal, no one is avoiding us or purposely going out their way to speak.


    I''m also pretty certain the subspecies of elf living here, that being the dark elves are the main inhabitants of this ce. I do remember Petra saying a while back that there''s seven main elven tribes in this world that all seem to have unnecessary racism to each other. By the looks of it, this particr tribe don''t seem to dislike humans oddly enough. I probably shouldn''t call them a tribe seeing that the architecture is pretty simr to that gigantic city of Aurora we went to, just excluding the gigantic towers and tree of Yggdrasil. Elves have a thing for the colours green and white it seems but there seems to be no point focusing on this unnecessary town.


    "So... should we start poking around interrogating the locals and looking for clues then?"


    I''m actually quite liking this goose chase of a quest we''re following despite it being ten days already, unfortunately my inner detective isn''t allowed toe out since magic exists. Bloody magic.


    "Heh, no need Ikarus, there''s a huge surge of energying from below this ce, we''ll still need to find an entrance though"


    "Petra''s right! This feels like one of those ancient summoning rituals used for summoning heroes! It''s unfortunate I only ever got to experience an ancient destroyed one, even that was pretty strong though"


    Ah, something that Penelope just said reminds me of something I read about once. You see, apparently heroes used to be summoned to this world like nearly every other isekai... Clich¨¦ or not, isn''t having a phoenix summoning or reincarnation thing enough? Sigh, I''ve got to cut down on my pointless moaning but the point does still stand, at least that''s another forgotten magic apparently. If it feels simr like what Penelope just said, maybe it might not be forgotten.


    The thing about those old rumours is that no one knows what happened to them or even if they were from Earth, we''re talking thousands of years ago so this is something even my parents wouldn''t have a clue on. It''s a shame knowledge always gets lost to history at some point but nothing we can do about that I''m afraid, that does give me an idea to build a historic library for our ind though. Marcus would be perfect for documenting everything if he''s got time for such a thing but I might just bring that up like a small suggestion sometime.


    "So it''s directly beneath us then? Are we going to find the entrance or take a more direct approach?"


    At this point, we''ve waked into the middle of the settlement and I presuming we''re right over where this magic feeling ising from. Thinking about it, I can kinda feel somethinging from the ground as well lightly pulling me towards it, really odd feeling that.


    "Heh, can already tell what you''re hinting at Ikarus, I''d let you but there''s really no need"


    "Yes Petra''s lover! That well over there looks like a way down!"


    In all honesty, have I even got something small enough to just destroy through the floor here? I really don''t have anything that can destroy just a tiny amount, it''s either fire or full-blown Armageddon so destroying the floor into what''s below us might be impossible.


    Also, Penelope every now and then keeps calling me that for some reason, I''m unsure if it''s supposed to be rude but I actually like it so I really couldn''t care though. As for the well, it lookspletely run down so maybe it''s just used as a vent? There''s no way people would use that as an easy entrance to go down but hey, at least we won''t have to go around asking loads and loads of people if they''ve seen anything suspicioustely. That''s how these types of quests always seem to go anyways.


    "Looks like we''re climbing down a well then... this reminds me of an old kids'' tale..."


    __________


    (Ikarus) "It fucking stinks down here"


    "Uh huh"


    (Petra) "..."


    "Lighten up everyone! It''s not that bad!"


    Now down in the dark underbelly of this elven settlement, we''re currently walking through an endless tunnel that was connected to the bottom of this well we had to awkwardly climb down. It should pretty obvious there was no water in this rundown well and the fact there''s tunnels means we''re definitely on the right track, I can already tell we might need to find another way out since there isn''t enough room to fly back the way we came but it shouldn''t be too difficult, this ce does seem to have a tiny breeze running through it as well.


    We make a couple of turns through the tunnels trying to find the source of the magic ande across a muchrger tunnel filled to the brim full of something sinister. By God, I''ve never seen something like this.


    "Have we juste across an ancient resting ce or something?"


    "Uh huh Ikarus, there''s a lot here"


    "..."


    "Wow! Look at all these skeletons! A necromancer would love this ce!"


    Thousands and thousands of bones, skulls, basically any part of the human skeleton remain stacked on shelfs all across the sides of thisrge tunnel. This ce must be an ancient elven catb and judging by how it looks, it''s overcrowded. Damn, that''s a lot of bones. Is this like that French one I''ve heard so much about? At least we don''t seem to be getting lost down here despite the massive size of the skeleton filled room we''re now in.


    "Huh... this must be one of the many burial grounds that were built after the volcano erupted, heard rumours of what happened but to think this many died just in this small town alone, it''s really not great"


    Petra the historian seems to have an idea what this ce might be for but is she right though?


    "Seriously Petra? This is just from that volcano alone?"


    "Don''t forget Ikarus, the eruption caused the temperature to drop causing a vast amount of starvation and things like that even over here, it basically covered the entire J?tna continent after all. I''m only specting since it could be even longer but a lot of people did die"


    "That volcano really wasn''t fun! Back then, I would''ve been a lot younger but the snow that fell all year round was beautiful though!"


    Well damn, just imagine how popted the elven world would''ve been before that dwarven volcano set off, it makes me wonder if we''d be able to survive it. Not the actual eruption I mean, the aftermath, basically if our settlement could survive an ice age if that volcano were to go off again...


    It also turns out Penelope is older than the volcano eruption, should probably try and find the cult rather than discuss ancient history though, we are in a catb searching for a strong magic force so it could be dangerous.


    We spend a good amount of time searching this ce head to bottom trying to find the strong magic radiating and just as things are starting to feel like we''ve been walking in circles, Petra seems to notice something else. Despite just leaving the main catb room, even the hallways in these parts are filled with skeletons too.


    "There''s definitely something behind this but can''t sense a thing other than a huge magic spike"


    We''vee across a heavy looking metal door down here in the catbs and now Petra''s got her ear up against it, looks like this might be the ce. What''s the bet there''s an entire army of cultists behind this door?


    "Okay dokey Petra, let''s try and get this open then"


    Me and Petra start trying to pull the metal door open but it only seems to move a tiny amount. It actually takes all four of us pulling as hard as we can getting this thing to budge and even then, it still is incredibly annoying.


    Now having just opened the door, inside the dimly lit decrepit room is something spectacr looking and I''m not talking about the huge statue of another demonic looking creature that stands tall in the centre of this circr room. Simr to how colourful my supernova attack is, the magic in this room flows and lights up the ce like an aurora, it would honestly be beautiful if there wasn''t cultists inside.


    "Who dares trespass while we''re in the middle of our ritual!?"


    "Foul vermin wandering these abandoned tunnels"


    "They''ve found our hideaway!"


    There''s six people dressed head to toe in dark robes all praying to the statue. I should really use past tense though, they''ve all gotten up and look to be right pissed off at us now, even the magic inside this ce seems to have gone a little more intense.


    Instead of giving the cultists a response, Petra whispers something in my ear.


    "Ikarus, I''m blind here, literally. That magic inside the room is interfering with my sight, I''m getting nothing but voices"


    Petra''s actually blind in here? Shit, whether it''s an ident or not, that magic surrounding the ce seems to be doing more harm than good, she''ll have to sit this one out if possible. It''s unfortunate but it''s only going to be me and Miss gender bender fighting this time.


    "Penelope, it''ll be just us two"


    "Understood Ikarus, we''ll show these lot hell"


    As Penelope''s giving a surprisingly quiet response, both Petra and Ariza step back a little giving us space. Then, it seems that the cultists have gotten impatient with us refusing to speak with them.


    "Are you trespassers too scared to respond!?"


    "Who cares? Let''s get rid of them!"


    "Yeah! We''ll dine on their flesh like with the countless others!"


    Well great, turns out they could be cannibals as well, this is going to be fun. Just as the fight is about tomence though, there is a slight problem I''m having with the amount of floating magic all around the room as well. I have zero clue on how powerful these lot are and feeling it out seems impossible so got to return to the old and proven method.


    ''Status''


    [<Unfortunately -Ikarus-, the residue magic seems to be interfering with status check as well. Aesa is unsure why though>]


    ''Wait, I seriously can''t detect their levels? Well shit, I''m not taking this fight lightly then''


    [<Agreed, do not underestimate the unspecified targets -Ikarus->]


    I guess the failed checks happen time to time but it would''ve been nice to see, haven''t got the time to recap on when it''s failed before though.


    Now kicking things off, several of the cultists put out their arms and presumably shoot magic at us. I say presumably simply because Penelopeunches an electric looking shield blocking any from even getting close, it even looked to be absorbing some of the magicka inside the room as well but only a tiny amount though.


    Not wanting to be a burden, I start to light up my methrower covering the room ahead of us and try to get some of the closer targets once her shield rapidly fades but it''s really more of a mess, it''s surprisingly difficult to fire in a room filled with bright colours that still it is quite dark.


    Thankfully once I can see again from my spewing fire, one of the cultists is definitely dead from my mes but these lot seem to be a little more skilled than just regr foes. The response is another wave of attacks from most of them, this time around I can see what they are actually firing though.


    It looks very simr to the magic surrounding the room but for what type of magic it is, I haven''t got a clue and I don''t n on getting hit to find out. Both me and Penelope rush in opposite directions to avoid the somewhat slow-moving attacks and this has offered a pretty good opportunity.


    Both now on the nks, she fires an electric bolt from her hands towards some of the cultists her side and I go for another thrower attack since I''ve got three closer to me this time around. Visibility still sucks and all so it''s more just trying to light up the area then actually aiming for a specific target. The overkill method does seem to be pretty effective though, albeit a little annoying since strategy haspletely been thrown out the window here.


    "You okay Ikarus?"


    Hearing Petra''s voice across the room, I can''t help but get a little pissy at her, not the time for checking up on me while I''m in full me coating mode.


    "Yeah yeah, don''t talk to me right now"


    If I could find some way of disabling the magic inside here, then Petra would be able to y everything within a heartbeat but I can''t always rely on her. Heck, even Penelope seems to be struggling but now looking at it, that may be on purpose. Is she taking this seriously? She could''ve avoided that magic projectile that just hit her.


    "For the love of the Gods! Will you rogue mages just surrender before I shock your hearts and make them explode!? Stupid, ignorant demon worshippers!"


    Okay, I may need to hurry this up before she ends up pissed and stealing all this EXP, there''s no chance she hasn''t been holding herself back but I''m unsure how much longer that canst. Thankfully, two more targets are down on my side now.


    "Nooo!"


    "What the fuck have you done to my brothers!? All of you ca-"


    "Oh, just shut up stupid demon worshippers! I''m not ying anymore!"


    As Penelope cuts one of them off, she fires another lightning bolt into one of the people on her side, it instantly makes them copse and then the same bolt somehow makes its way out of that dead cultist into another one. At least it''s good Miss gender bender is actually powerful enough to fight even though I already knew she could.


    Now we''re just down to thest hooded figure and unlike what you might expect from thest person, they don''t speak to us nor look to surrender just trying to fire another magical coloured attack in both our directions. Looks like we have a generic braindead NPC just let to deal with now.


    There''s no chance something that slow could even hit us when fighting seriously so when the projectile misses, we both counter with me using a fireball and Penelope sticking with the lightning. That''s seems to have finished it now and both our attacks ripple through the magic into the heart of thest person.


    As soon as thest mage cultist dies, the entire room filled with magicka absorbs into the walls disappearing and everything returns to dark as it should be. Of course, the questions are endless with this quest but at this point, I''m just happy we seem to be done, fighting against mages always has its dangers and I''m yet toe across a fight like that so it''s good I came out of that unharmed. Same thing applies to Penelope yet she did take a single hit from them though but clearly looks perfectly fine. This isn''t going to be one of those things where that attack secretly cursed her though, right? I feel like she''d say something if it did though.


    ''Thank God that''s over, I wonder how much magic I used throughout that though, status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 243]


    [Health 48,000*/48,000*]


    [Stamina 12,886*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 27,392*/48,000*]


    [You currently have 23500 unassigned points]


    ''Not that much I guess... just forty plus levels added in the blink of an eye and I don''t even care that much... it''s strange I really don''t get that excited from that anymore''


    You''d think that hey, Ikarus should be getting exited from the new unlocks like usual but I can''t remain excited about everything I guess. Maybe it''s because I''m still in serious mode that I''m not getting worked up about this but constant gambling can get repetitive at times though. Ah, I''ll lighten up in a second.


    "Everything good Ikarus?"


    "Uh huh, does anyone need healing?"


    Both those two rush in once the magic in the room has dissipated, Ariza looks a little concerned for Penelope''s sake and Petra just looks her happy usual self. It''s nice she has such confidence in me even if I basically did tell her to shut up during that fight. I feel a little guilty about that now but that could''ve been bad if Petra distracted me though.


    "No need to worry! It turns out, your lover is actually quite the skilled fighter Petra! She''s pretty deadly if I do say so! You really don''t have to heal me Ariza"


    "Uh huh, I do since you took a hit"


    Yuck, praise, I guess it''s alright but Penelope has annoyed me a little with that fight. Despite Ariza quickly healing her using blue mes, I really need to say something.


    "I''d say the same but it seemed like you were just toying with them there, you do know that seemed pretty dangerous? Even if it wasn''t, it didn''t seem like the time to piss around"


    "I''m not one for stealing all the glory Ikarus! Where''s the fun if I hog all the kills!? That amount of danger was perfectly fine!"


    Sigh... I guess even in the face of danger, Penelope still won''t take things seriously, reminds me how I used to be but notining since I still get EXP. At least this quest seems finished now... or is it?


    ''Let''s see if Loki holds up his end of the deal...''

 Chapter 117 – Happiness

    Chapter 117 ¨C Happiness


    (Ariza) "Uh... Mr Loki, was something supposed to happen or does it take a while?"


    Just after clearing the catbs full of cultists, the paper map we were given starting glowing and onced ced on a table inside this circr room, switched back into a crystal ball. Then after that, a beam of light struck out of it hitting Ariza and the God Loki started speaking to us again. It truly was a weird turn of events but there''s a reason why I''ve kinda glossed over it. It actually was a little underwhelming as well since I''m used to this sort of thing by now but that''s not the main reason though.


    You see, why I skipped the congrattory message he gave is simply because how long this is taking, we''ve been literally waiting over half an hour now for Ariza to change and nothing is happening. Seriously, nothing. If this is one of his borate pranks, I fail to see the humour in just making us wait around.


    <Erm... let me get back to you in just one second>


    Oh great, he takes this long to respond and he sounds confused like that!? This better not be him being a dick.


    "Please don''t tell me we''ve been screwed over, this type of ''prank'' ain''t funny if that''s what this is"


    <I can hear you orange phoenix, my pranks have a little more ss to them than just screwing you over... why is this stupid magic not working!? It works for nearly everyone else...>


    He actually sounds stumped; please don''t tell me this is about to be dragged out even further and we actually need to do more things before this is over. Just because I said I was enjoying this doesn''t mean I want this to keep going on indefinitely like a shitty written quest where the developers just want to make it longer by adding another dumb fetch quest or something. Everyone''s looking unsure but I''m always going to turn to annoyance first.


    <...Ah, that might be it... my apologies blue phoenix, it appears I''ve made a slight misjudgement on something>


    ''Oh great, herees the follow up quests''


    "What is it Mr Loki?"


    <I forgot to take into ount you technically aren''t from this world and that oveplicated system stuff doesn''t allow some types of things to get through its protective barrier. It''s honestly just a big oversight on my part, I assumed it would work the same like for everyone else but you birds really make everything unnecessarilyplicated>


    "Uh huh... that''s a shame but thanks for trying anyway"


    Why is it Gods know so much about us birds and even the system stuff? Actually, he didn''t say anything about knowing it in detail, just that it interferes with that effect he''s tried to ce on her. Forget all that though, I''m not allowing him to treat Ariza like this even if she''ll jus take it apparently.


    "So, what does this mean then God? Have we just wiped out that cult for literally nothing!?"


    "Ikarus is right to be a little annoyed though"


    "Yeah Mr Loki! This really isn''t fair!"


    Frankly, I''m more pissed off for Ariza''s sake though, it''s like dangling a carrot in front of a rabbit on a treadmill. Weirdparison, I know but my point is that false hope is absolutely terrible even if she says it''s fine. Gotta be looking after our healer after all.


    <Apologies but it seems I''ve misinformed you a little once again. What I was nning to do is a permanent change with no need for anything else to go alongside it... I''m not saying I still can''t change the blue phoenix though! It just requires something a little more basic and cruder... something like a lifetime supply of potions might suffice... wait, how long do you birds live again? Ah, forget it, I''ll keep sending them just until the blue one dies however long that''ll be>


    Then like how this guy seems to do things, that crystal ball shatters once again with no goodbyes but this time the shards of ssbine together into a blue looking potion of sorts with a note underneath. Since I''m the closest and Ariza still hasn''t moved to get the items on the floor, I''ll quickly read it before giving them both to her. I know it''s technically for her but she''s not doing anything other than looking confused.


    "Huh... it says... he''ll send one a month so make sure to keep the note on you. Also... don''t take it with alcohol or drugs, for some reason... there shouldn''t be any pain taking it though"


    Reading this note the God Loki left really is a challenge just by how poor his handwriting is, I guess Norse is basically Viking so expecting one of their Gods to write clearly might be a little bit of a stretch. Ah, who cares about that? This quest is finally over! I almost want some celebratory music or a respect plus gangster message appearing right now.


    [<*Sigh*... since Aesa is in a rtively good mood right now...>]


    [Mission Passed!]


    [Respect +]


    ''I actually can''t believe you did that! Even without the music to go with it, you''ve just made my day!''


    Aesa in her infinite wisdom actually made two blue bars appear in front of my eyes like mini status screens! Sure, they onlysted a second and I have no idea why she''s being that nice but maybe it might be down to liking target Ariza perhaps? I''m going to consider that my reward for helping now.


    "Yes Ariza! You can finally be the clearly superior sex once again! I''m so happy for you!"


    "Heh"


    Me and Petra just chuckle and shake our heads at Penelope basically being excited for Ariza, she should probably be a little less hands on since she''s basically bear hugging Ariza right now but everyone knows you can punch her if you want, I''ve already done that to Penelope way back. She should probably stop now though, Ariza''s starting to look a little awkward.


    Now that Miss gender bender has finally taken her arms off Ariza, it seems that she has some words to say but look to be having difficulty saying them.


    "Uh... I''m... thank you everyone!"


    She actually bows to us and looks like she''s about to cry, there''s no need to get this worked up over it. Urgh, I don''t like all this sappy crap, don''t be so grateful Ariza! Be selfish and a right tsundere! Everyone else in this poxy world seems to be.


    "Heh, it''s fine Ariza, stop worrying so much"


    "Yes Ariza! Why are you crying?"


    "Uh huh... okay... they''re happy tears though Penelope"


    Ariza actually wipes her eyes while responding but does she seriously need to show this much gratitude? Eh, it''s a nice heartfelt moment I guess but there''s always the chance we were just screwed over by Loki though.


    "Not trying to spoil the moment here but there''s always the chance that guy could have done something to the potion, this quest was sketchy enough as it is"


    Even though it did spoil the moment, at least it''ll stop the happy tears. The potion is probably safe and I can kinda tell when someone is lying but still, he is known for pranks.


    "It looks simr to the ones Zeki used to get me ages ago Ikarus so it should be fine, I think it''s safe to trust Mr Loki on this"


    "Heh... we could always get you to drink it first if you''re so worried Ikarus"


    "Yes! I''d love to know how Petra''s lover as a man would look!"


    At least I''m not the only one ruining the moment, me Petra this time around. At least Ariza finds the conversation funny seeing that it''s her potion, should probably give it to her now as well.


    "Haw haw you two... there''s absolutely no chance I''m doing that and be real for a second Petra, would you want me as a guy? I get the feeling your preference is this way around anyway"


    I''d probably end up being like Zeki or Ariza, basically looking female but being technically male so there wouldn''t be that much of a difference. I guess it could be fun to have a third leg for a month or so but I''m still not doing that... even if you exclude taking away Ariza''s chance at having the body she wants since I''d be using that potion. Frankly, I''m happy as I am right now.


    If I were to wake up in another body like at the start of this whole thing, I might be pissed at first for another random gender change but I really don''t have that much preference either way. That being said, I do kinda like being female especially inside the bedroom though...


    "Heh, wouldn''t be fussed either way Ikarus, you''d still be you even in a different body. You could change and it really wouldn''t be any problem"


    It''sments like that really prove the difference between us, she''s able to see past what body I have regardless and yet I''m so freaking insecure about the whole thing that we had to dy our rtionship for a while in the beginning because of that royal dungeon thing. I really don''t deserve her and I want to snuggle now, it sucks that it''s not really the time for something like that especially in a ce with bodies and those two.


    "Urgh... l-love you Petra"


    "Heh, love you too Ikarus"


    "Read the room you two! Let''s make a move if you''re going to start to all lovey inside a crypt!"


    Sometimes Penelope is just bleurgh... we should probably make our way out now though.


    As we''re finding our way out of the tunnels back to the surface as well as trying not to make those other two awkward so only holding hands it is, might as well start asking some stuff simply because the silence can be deafening down here. Ariza hasn''t drunk that potion just yet so I''m expecting she''ll down it when we get back home.


    "Just outta curiosity... does anyone know what this ce is even for? Not the skeletons since you already said but the other thing like the room filled with magic"


    Of course, it originally would''ve been a catb but as for why these mage cultists were down here worshipping in that magical room with the demonic statue that looks a little simr thest cultist hideaway we found, it truly is a weird experience but this entire quest has been simr.


    "Hmm.... it might be down to something like necromancy and trying to store the power away Ikarus. As for why they are worshipping or even the point of it all, have no clue I''m afraid"


    "Ah yes! Petra''s right, they were probably trying something like summoning the souls from the dead and trying to harness the power from it! You can see why Mr Loki wanted us to take care of it since even the Gods hate people messing around with souls! Everyone despises necromancy even if it''s like one of the coolest magics around!"


    "Don''t take what she says as fact though Ikarus, we both haven''t got a clue"


    "Hehe, Petra''s also right there too!"


    This world and always with the unanswered questions... ah, at least I can feel that breeze once again, we seem to be on the right track which is good...


    __________


    Now back outside the catb, none of us fancied sticking around the elven settlement so we''re heading back straight away. Normally, this would be when I decide to spend a load of points on abilities but this time around, I''m going to take a much more cautious approach simply because everything I seem to get is either minor or really good. Basically, I''m being extremely boring and adding some more into stats, I''ll still leave some over if I get that gambling itch but as for now, I''d rather just focus on improving this time around.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 243]


    [Health 48,000*/48,000*]


    [Stamina 12,868*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 29,216*/48,000*]


    [You currently have 23500 unassigned points]


    ''So let''s see here... let''s put six thousand into mag-. No actually, let''s go for eleven thousand into magicka instead''


    [<-Ikarus- wants to focus on magicka this time around? Ignore the question, points have been confirmed>]


    My thinking is just on that encounter we experienced, nearly all my abilities in that situation would''ve resulted in friendly fire so having more magic is never a bad thing. Of course, I could''ve used aspect to basically one hit a single enemy but that does need to be kept just in case something goes bad. I guess I''ve returned to my over cautious days but I''d rather this then have my leg broken again by something dumb like a goblin though.


    ''Then... ah, let''s just round out health just with a thousand then, I doubt I need more but I''d still rather do that than invest in stamina''


    Maybe next time I''ll focus more on bringing energy up but it''s still more than enough for rxed flying like now for days upon end. I''ve still got the chance to buy two more abilities if I wish as well but I''d rather just get home then have to think about everything else, there''s probably problems back on the ind that need to be sorted as well like the usual.


    [<Confirmed, Aesa will now bring up status screen since stats have been adjusted>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 243]


    [Health 50,000*/50,000*]


    [Stamina 12,866*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 51,220*/70,000*]


    [You currently have 11500 unassigned points]


    ''Huh... and I always thought I had to think status for it to pop up...''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 243]


    [Health 50,000*/50,000*]


    [Stamina 12,866*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 51,220*/70,000*]


    [You currently have 11500 unassigned points]


    ''...I''m such an idiot for opening that up again''


    [<Heh>]


    Ignoring her, the unfortunate thing is that I agreed to fly back since it was getting prettyte and it was only ever going to be me or Ariza flying. Eh, I probably fly the fastest out of us all so it''ll helps a little getting back even faster, it also stops me wanting to gobble up Petra in my arms since I''m really wanting some lovey dovey crap right now but it''s not the time...


    __________


    "So Marcus. Since we''ve just arrived, give us the bad news then"


    "Heh Ikarus"


    Every time we leave, something seems toe up so there''s no point even thinking about rxing just yet. To say I doubled timed it back would be an understatement so the returning trip only took a few days from that settlement. I think we''ve been gone just under two weeks doing Ariza''s ark so time has gone pretty quick I reckon. Also, I like the alliteration so calling it Ariza''s ark works nicely, it technically is true as well.


    "We''ve got two things but they''re not huge issues just yet. The first is that the Adventuring guild have requested an audience seeking a new ce to set up a headquarters, I can handle it if you''d like but inviting another guild to stay is entirely your choice since I have no opinion on it either way"


    Huh... I can''t really understand why the Adventuring guild would want to set up a headquarters over here but maybe it might just be good for northern location close to the ocean? It would make adventures like travelling by sea much easier I guess. By the sounds of it though, we''re going to potential issues with Miss gender bender.


    "Those adventuring pigs dare to show up in this town!? How dare they do this when they know we arrived here first!"


    There must be some bad blood between the Magi and Adventuring guild. The thing is, she can shut it and it appears I''m going to have to say it this time around.


    "Calm it Penelope, we don''t share your grudges towards other guilds over here so y it nice. You fine with theming over here Petra?"


    I''ve only ever heard good things about that guild and if you think about it, more jobs would open up from the headquarters and we''d gain even more visitors to this ind, what adventurer wouldn''t want to spend a night at the hot springs for example? Sure, there might be a few more fights from the drunk ones but this seems like a good thing to have, we mayck in wolves and other low tier quests with enemies but the other two inds are ripe for the picking when ites to herbs and stuff but I''m just thinking about some stereotypical isekai guild crap now.


    "No reason why not Ikarus"


    (Ikarus) "Then it''s settled then"


    "Hmph!"


    Looks like that''s quickly settled then, good. It''s unfortunate that Penelope''s now sulking at me but I couldn''t care less. Ah, almost forget Ariza''s still with us, she has been pretty mute constantly smiling since she''s been able to be female again, I guess she''s just enjoying the moment. The thing is, she looks nearly the exact same except the two smallish things on her chest area now. It seems a little underwhelming seeing that me and Petra are bigger but as long as Ariza''s happy, then that''s enough. I''d never want huge jugs like mother anyways but it''s still nice to have some size though...


    (Petra) "What''s the other thing then Marcus?"


    Marcus pauses probably for dramatic effect, then reveals some information that he really sounds worried on.


    "The second thing is a little more concerning... a couple of priests from the Sierran religion have arrived wanting to set up a church. I''ve tried to talk them down but we should apparently embrace the fact they''re bringing religion over to a heathennd... whatever that means. Clearly word has gotten out we''re expanding the settlement and this is just an unfortunate thing that''s showed up now of all times, I''m not really sure how to handle this though"


    Well fuck, this just had toe up right now, didn''t it? There''s no chance we can allow a church to be built based on a religion that literally goes against what me and Petra do. Is there any way this can end peacefully or is this just dying the inevitable now? Fucking religion man, I''d rather not have to wipe them from the face of the earth just yet but now it seem inevitable.


    "Any suggestions Petra or should we just go over there and rob them of their lives?"


    "Heh, know you''re joking Ikarus but let''s try taking a calmer approach... at least at first and see what happens"


    Eh, I guess what I said was a joke but I could see resorting to murder beneficial though, we''ll decideter on.


    "I''ll leave you twodies to get on with it then, I''m still not sure if we can handle an invasion force sent from the monastery if you two weren''t here but you never know. Miracles have happened before"


    Marcus is clearly being sarcastic about the miracle thing but hey, it''s not like Zeki and Penelope are always here to help defend from any invasion but let''s leave that scary thought for now.


    (Penelope) "I''ll stay here and no longer burden you two! I really need to get to work and find a ce to set up the tower... damn Adventuring guild..."


    "Uh huh... you two will be fine alone, right? I kinda want to go find Zeki for a bit"


    Looks like our travelling party is abandoning us then, good. I like them both but it''s always best when it''s me and Petra alone, even if it''s probably going to end up with us killing someone. Oh well, let''s go see what this is all about.


    "Let''s just go find the bigots then..."

 Chapter 118 – Priests

    Chapter 118 ¨C Priests


    "Hey Petra... what''s the best way to go about this? I may have been joking but making them disappear could actually be the y here"


    While we''re walking over to the inn the priests are apparently staying at, can''t help but think about this a little more. We were always going to make enemies with the monastery at some point but I''m thinking how to dy this even longer, it''s not like we''ve got an extensive guard force and militia set up to defeat them right now. Well, it''s a decent size but nothing extraordinary.


    As for why it''s only us two now, Penelope''s finally doing some actual guild work for once and Ariza''s probably gone to unt her new body off to Zeki. They basically are siblings despite them not being blood rted but I''m not really sure why I''m recapping that, I don''t care what they get up to nor are we babysitters for Ariza. Ah, let''s just focus on Petra, we can always hold hands while going over there.


    "Not too sure Ikarus, we can handle them if you want but let''s just hear them out first. Heh, just had an idea so go along with me if I take the lead, please?"


    "Sure sure"


    Hey, we may have slightly differing opinions on how to go about this but I do seem to be the more cautious one out of us two, maybe too much at times so I''ll let her decide what to do.


    Arriving at the building, this ce is probably the worst inn within our settlement. It''s not bad or illegal or anything like that, just you get what you pay for so it''s more for the cheaper style of travellers or just workers without a ce to sleep. Despite all this, it''s pretty packed to be fair, I don''t think I''ve seen a ce this filled around here yet.


    Walking through the bustling ce, it seems we''re noticed before we notice the priests.


    "Ah, it''s the two leaders we''ve heard so much about, happy greetings to you"


    "Blessings on you sisters, please take a seat if it doesn''t take too much of your time"


    Sitting at a table, we''re greeted by two happily smiling priests actually being kind. Am I hearing this right or are these two being pretty respectful? Everyone in this ce knows about our ''sinful'' ways and the town seems to embrace the fact they basically have lesbian leaders so they should''ve already heard about that by now. Also... I think that''s the first time I''ve actually referred to us as being lesbians, that word feels kinda weird to use but can''t exactly deny it''s true...


    Anyways, we take a seat and Petra kicks off our response.


    "What do you want priests? We have no time for such pointless meetings"


    She''s really having none of it though it seems, maybe she thinks they''re putting on a fake fa?ade but then again, I''m pretty sure she''s toying with them too. Don''t forget, she literally just told me we''re going to y this peacefully for now.


    "Ah, I can see this is going to be a little difficult, we mean you two and your people no disrespect nor any ill harm"


    "We''re hoping we can teach you and your people the ways of the one true God, this ce is crying for his affection and a holy ce of worship"


    Ohhh... they''re taking a much calmer approach simply because they want to guide us on the path of redemption or something stupid like that. I''m actually not opposed to having churches for regr folk but the issue with their religion is it''s factually incorrect, I''ve literally spoken to three Gods already! Of course, I''m ignoring the fact about the same sex thing as well, any religion we allow would have to keep that in mind otherwise they may end up with the same fate these lot are going to receive someday.


    "Heh... could you stand with me one second Ikarus? You won''t regret it, promise"


    What is she thinking of doing? Are we leaving now or something?


    Doing as she asks, I follow Petra getting up off the table, she does somethingpletely unexpected. Right in the front of the inn that''s basically packed, she goes in for a kiss. Ah! I think I know what she''s doing, even I''m not that dense.


    As soon as our lips meet, Petra somehow surprises me even further basically turning our kiss way more passionate than I expected basically causing me to nearly fall backwards into her holding arms! This position reminds me of an old well known ck and white photo of a sailor kissing a random stranger after the war ended, my mind is so freaking odd at times but I''m definitely enjoying this regardless except... erm. I get the point she''s making but damn, this is embarrassing, this ce is actually full and people are definitely looking at us! Urgh, most onlookers are even smiling, just ignore us already!


    "Heh, enjoy that Ikarus?"


    "Y-Yeah"


    Of course, doing such an act in front of priests might get a heated response but these two aren''tplete dickheads. Sure, their religion is deluded but these two are boring.


    "What do you wish to achieve by that sinful action? Anyone can be saved by God''s intervening light and you two can be saved by epting him into your heart"


    "Is your intention just to be sinful in front of us or to show you''re in need of help? We can help you either way"


    That actually sucks, I was hoping the two priests would start screaming sphemy or saying we''ve been corrupted by the devil, is that really too much to ask for? At least Petra''s going to exin to the priests what the point of that was now but I already got the rough idea... damn, that kiss was really, really good though.


    "Heh, my point was, this inn is pretty packed out and you''ve just seen not a single person inside this ce look at us with eyes of disgust. This settlement epts and embraces homosexuality, any ''teachings'' you may have heard would end up with you being chased of these inds. Don''t even bother"


    The second Petra went in for a kiss right in public, I thought this is what she was going for but I''m still not sure on the endgame here. It''s obvious she''s trying to show them we''re unsavable but after that, I feel like she''s ying with fire here.


    "So... you''re basically saying this entire settlement is filled with heathens and you leaders have no intention to change or invite a chance at redemption?"


    "*Sigh*... it''s always the most stubborn ones who need help the most"


    I''ll step in here to see if I can be of any help, Petra did say she wants a peaceful solution but we''re only ever dying the inevitable. I can still see this ending in war regardless of how these two are.


    "Don''t get me and Petra wrong, we''re happy to ept anybody here but not people who belittle those who are different. Your religion also views other races as imperfect too and this ce is pretty diverse"


    "Ikarus is correct. Keep in mind, we also no intention to harm or go against your church but at the same time, we also have no intent to follow or allow your religion. It''s up to you what you do with that information but a word of warning, this won''t go down how you think it will"


    ...


    Both the priests seem at a loss for words from me and Petra, they must''ve expected some resistance but obviously not to this extent.


    "It''s... probably best if we just make our leave then, we can see we''re not wanted here"


    "Yeah, it''s a good idea to give up for now. It was a pleasure to meet you two and for the sake of his holy spirt, we both hope your souls can be saved or purged anew. His holiness however won''t be best pleased hearing this news"


    Both the priests get up and head to the bar presumably to pay their bill before leaving. In all honesty, I feel like we were a little rude to them seeing that they came to us being pretty polite but don''t feel that way Ikarus, that''s how they get to you! Quite the few religions have always been mentally maniptive purposely trying to guilt you into joining or just simply trying to prey on the people who are broken, those types of tactics will never work on us so it''s better to just take the strong approach and send them packing now.


    As we''re now leaving since there''s no point sticking around at amoner''s inn, I''m not trying to be like a snobby noble but there really isn''t any point in us staying, I can''t help but ask a little about Petra''s intentions here.


    "Petra, was that really the best way of doing things? Now they can just return to their monastery and prepare an army or something like that"


    That''s why I suggested killing them. Sure, those two wouldn''t have deserved it but how many people realistically deserve death? I''d have happily killed them in a heartbeat if it means we can put this thing aside for now since I''m just going to end up worrying about the monastery soon.


    "The problem with killing them Ikarus is they''d just send more to investigate when they''re gone so they''ll just keep slowly turning up while more and more disappear, it would also give them an excuse to act. Doing it this way, we won''t have to deal with the constant visitors. We''re going to end up in conflict with them at some point, that''s inevitable but we''re good for the immediate future since sending an army of pdins across seas when the monastery doesn''t actually have a navy will prove troublesome"


    Ah, so Petra thinks such a force will prove extremely problematic for them? I''ll trust her and all but I still can''t help worrying about this.


    "Couldn''t they just rent or buy mercenary ships instead?"


    "No, they''re too stubborn and prideful to do something like that. Priests like we just saw are different since they aren''t supposed to be aggressive and pay for travel but a holy army? They''d go for a more over the top strategy since they''d be acting in the will of their God so it would have to look good to the public eye. I could bepletely wrong but just going off past experience really"


    By the sounds of it, Petra''s knows how this religion works. I guess she and her ex would''ve been targeted by them at some point but I''m a little surprised why she hasn''t destroyed them by herself yet. Maybe there''s a little more to it than just that.


    "How long do you think we have before they be a real issue though? It''s going to be a problem at some point, right?"


    "Honestly... not sure Ikarus but we should be fine for the immediate future, we''re not the only sinners they''re targeting as well keep in mind, they normally prefer going for the weaker targets first. Heh, don''t forget, it''s not like we can''t just fly over there and destroy the monastery in a heartbeat in they try anything too bold"


    Yeah... I guess I''m overthinking about something again, is that really a surprise though? Leaving those priests is of no concern and it''s not like we don''t have a happy ind backing us up. They could do with morebat training behind the scenes though but Marcus does have an eye for decent soldiers which is pretty odd though.


    "Still, we should probably start helping out with the training of new guards just in case something happens when or if we''re travelling"


    "Heh, of course Ikarus, we haven''t trained in a while as well thinking about it"


    Oh yeah, I guess we''ve got some time to trainter on today, I''d rather have some cuddly time since we''ve still really only just gotten back but oh well. It''s not I''ll be forgetting that sailors kiss anytime soon...


    __________


    After having a quick training session inside my head, I''m always the master at making something sound weirder than it is since it''s just that realm ability, we continued doing our duties for the day and wouldn''t you know it, the new district that''s been under construction isplete! We''ve just arrived over there since Marcus got someone to send for us.


    "I''ve already done the speech and the ceremony; it''s would just be a nice idea if you two were to do the honours"


    "Want to do it together Ikarus?"


    Marcus thought it would be a good idea to open up the new district like that thing mayor''s do with the scissors and cutting the long red ribbon, it''s really pointless but Petra seemed to like the suggestion he made. Also, a small crowd has gathered around here as well, these should be the new workers about to inhabit these building so it''s not really that official, I guess. It''s strange that such a tradition carries is shared in this world too though.


    Like I slightly mentioned a while ago, the main buildings are the hospital, town hall, guard barracks, treasury and a general leaders ce that can be used for living in, it''s not a pce or royal building though! I have to specify that because I''m pretty sure I heard someone make a joke about the two queens again walking by when we came over here. It seemed to be made in a nice way but I can already tell where this is leading...


    As for the architecture behind the new buildings, it''s really a mix up and hybrid between medieval stone, Viking log cabins and mixed with a bit of dwarven structural integrity. If you''re struggling to imagine that, just imagine logs with sturdy solid stone and leave it at that since it''s difficult to describe but looks pretty cool. I could go more into detail on like how the hospital is more like a clinic and none of the buildings areparable in size to modern Earth buildings but that should be expected, it''s not exactly like we can build a freaking hospital that holds thousands of people. Maybe someday though but Ariza is going to love that ce.


    "Nah, I''m good thanks Petra"


    "Heh, don''t be boring and cut it with me Ikarus"


    "Fineee"


    And just like that, we both do the stupid cutting the ribbon thing that literally is meaningless especially when some of the buildings are already in use. Oh well, it''ll be nice to have an actual town hall where we can have proper meetings now, won''t need to keep renting out inn rooms as well now. Might need to hire a chef or two to cook for us when working a lot but it''s not like there''s restaurants of cafes all around the ce, pretty sure another one of the new buildings is going to be used for something like that as well. I only listed off the ones I know about after all.


    A round of apuse follows and just as we''re about to leave from the district unveiling, both Petra and Marcus look a little concerned about something.


    "Erm... Ikarus, is this a surprise or did you know about this visit?"


    "*Sigh*... can''t believe I didn''t feel that till just now, he couldn''t have picked a better time?"


    "What are you two... oh for the love of God! What the actual fuck is he doing here!?"


    Literally pping his wings above us is a ck grumpy dragon who for some reason seems to think it''s a good idea to show himself right in front of everyone! I know a brilliant idea, let''s just reveal that I have dragon parents to everyone here! Why the fuck has he just shown up revelling himself like this? Something serious better be going on since there''s no reason father should be doing this.


    ''Sighhh... let''s stop moaning and get on with it now, it was never going to remain a secret forever...''

 Chapter 119 – Invitation

    Chapter 119 ¨C Invitation


    "This better be something important old man, you understand I was trying to keep your existence secretive and yet you''ve just turned up out of the blue like this?"


    Now that he''snded, father gives me a rolled-up scroll before even responding to my irritation. Like the old dinosaur he is, couldn''t he have done this some other way? Pretty much the entire crowd is still here looking terrified, Petra has facepalmed and Marcus... surprisingly looks calm. Huh, I guess he''s a lot more confident than Nathan on this sort of thing, that first time stutter he had after witnessing the dragon fight me and father did is gone but he did get to witness mother as well in her full glory so maybe it was just surprise rather than fear.


    <Apologies little one but you can read thatter, have no patience to wait around until while you and the little mortals are done ying your games whatever this is you''re doing. Your mother wanted me to give you the invitation quickly so here I am... I''m under orders to return as soon as it''spleted otherwise I''m in right trouble>


    By the sounds of it, he''s pissed off mother again so that curfew maybe even stricter, now he might even be grounded. What has he done this time? I guess it''s not exactly serious then but if mother is making him hurry it up, then I can understand why he''d show up like this.


    "Please don''t tell me you''ve had another affair old lizard, you''re better than this"


    <Not this time little one. Take this advice to the grave, NEVER mention a female''s weight or you''ll be paying for it for a while, it wasn''t even meant in a bad way but apparently she''s been watching how many goats she''s been eating recently...>


    Oh for fuck''s sake, I swear he likes mother ''bigness'' anyways but it''s obviously sounded like he''s insulted her or called mother fat. It doesn''t take a genius to realize she''s probably in the right to be pissed at him especially how he normally is. Can''t help but facepalm at the old dinosaur.


    <...I''d rmend you don''t go to this but I''m assuming this is something you''d be interested on regardless. I''m leaving now, make sure you bring the dark bird along with you too since she''s makes things better all-around>


    "Heh, thanks Dermakvar"


    "Yeah yeah dinosaur, stop trying to win favour with Petra and just leave already"


    <Hmph, disrespectful daughter...>


    And just like that, father flies in viewed by a crowd of people, gives me an invitation scroll, then pisses off! I''m obviously a little annoyed because is this really the way the settlement needs to find out about my dragon parents? I was saving it for a rainy day like when we''re under attack or something and it could give people hope but now it just seems like something dumb. This invitation better be something interesting since I''m going to have a right go at them both if this turns out to be them just wanting to hang out or taking a quick vacation over here.


    Oh yeah, I should probably address the crowd that just witnessed that, it''s not like Marcus and Petra are going to help me out in this situation. I love Petra and all but she''s got a right sly smile on her face, clearly she''s found this a little funny.


    "Right... erm... what to say... erm... okay, listen up everyone! There may be a dragon or two visiting time to time, try and keep it a secret if possible, alright?"


    ...


    Of course, no reaction from the crowd other thanplete silence. I honestly can''t see this staying a secret now but it''s not like I''m purposely going to silence them about it. Huh, should just look at the positives, maybe this might make people like me and Petra further, I did just speak to a supposedly extinct mythical creature like it meant next to nothing nothing.


    "Heh, if that''s how you want to handle this Ikarus... want to go read that scroll together then?"


    "Sureee... I want a hug while reading it for that betrayal of yours though"


    "What betrayal?"


    "That sly smile of yours when father was leaving, don''t think I didn''t see that"


    "Heh, no idea what you''re on about"


    Righttt... she''s such a liar, a loveable liar but still...


    __________


    "Well... this is kinda interesting"


    "Heh, didn''t think something like this even happens"


    Reading the scroll at a cosy caf¨¦ hugged up to Petra with some sweet food to enjoy the experience too, we''ve read the scroll multiple times presumably written my mother and it''s actually somethingpletely new and unheard off. We''ve been ''invited'' to my parents'' cave for something pretty strange.


    Basically, we''ve been invited to a dragon meetup. I''m not actually sure what it is about but by the sounds of it, this is something dragons do every few hundred years or so and my parents are hosting the thing. I''m guessing we''ve been invited since I''m technically the child of a dragon and Petra is the same? I''ll ask if Ariza and Zeki want to go but this sounds like something they might want to avoid. Ariza still gets slight shyness around new people and Zeki... it wouldn''t surprise me if he''d onlye to have a look at the jugs on disy so I might not invite him.


    "This makes me think though, it says all dragons get invited to this but I''m unsure just how many would show up. Someone like Esmerelda for example, she never leaves Desmond''s side so that''s one down. You have any idea even how many dragons remain living Ikarus?"


    I''m pretty sure Petra asks that rhetorically but seriously though, both of us don''t have a clue on this. If you include my family and Esmerelda, there''s a few but their can''t be that many more skulking about, right?


    "Well... we know at least four but there would''ve been five if that trip to that northern ind didn''t happen"


    "Heh, your trip with the priestess and the knight, correct?"


    "Yeah, that white one died by Charlotte''s power... or would it be Dionysus since he lends her that shbang attack? It doesn''t really matter though"


    It does say in the scroll every dragon young or old gets invited to the meetups held by the most powerful one which just so happens to be mother. Even if the majority turn up, how many actually are there? Dragons are basically close to being extinct in this world so this really just feels like it will be it''ll be a small get together which honestly, I''m looking forward to. I''m always down for meeting other mythical creatures but it would kinda spoil it a little if it turned into a party of a hundred dragons all gging off wyverns and moaning about mortals'' non stop. Gods, imagine there being more than one version of father.


    "The invite seems a little abrupt though Ikarus, looks like we''ll have to leave in a day or two if we want to be on time..."


    Maybe this is just a dragon thing, give an invite basicallyst second and see if the person will turn up? Or, it might just be this was forgotten about tillst second and they were debating whether to invite me or not, I''m still not a dragon despite hatching from an egg after all.


    "...It matters little anyway, you up for meeting some more dragons Ikarus?"


    "Of course! The weirder the people we know, the better! Dragons can make me seem normal seeing how odd they can get"


    "Heh, you sure about that Ikarus?"


    Hang on, does Petra not think I''m normal? I mean, that would be thest word I''d describe myself but at least just pretend I am!


    "You saying I''m not normal or something Petra? What part about me isn''t normal?"


    I''m going to see if I can make her mess up here. Despite me still cuddling into her even now at this caf¨¦, there will be a day I''m able to make her stutter or fail in that romantic thing she can do without even thinking about it.


    "Heh, I''m not saying anything like that Ikarus. If you really want to ask, is this much clinginess normal? I''m pretty sure my arm has gone dead now, might need the dwarf to make me a new one"


    Really? Clinginess Petra? You really think I care about something like that anymore? Your teasing is needs to step up a level.


    "You say that as if I care! You don''t want me to stop and you know it!"


    "Heh, fair point Ikarus, wouldn''t change any part of you for the world"


    "Urgh... love you too... stupid Petra..."


    We''ll, stay here here a little longer...


    __________


    "Heh, this is definitely going to be a new experience Ikarus, I''m unsure what I''ll even say when it starts"


    "You make it out as if I''m used to meeting a bunch of random dragons too, I''m just as clueless as you"


    Setting off a couple of dayster, we''re now not far from arriving and Petra is in her rightful position up on my back once again, it does feel good to return to this position but I''m purposely making it sound weird this time around. We did invite Ariza and Zeki toe alone but both turned down the opportunity, pretty sure Ariza''s still enjoying her female body and she''s even got a hospital to sort out now. I''ll have to give her a visit someday and see how she''s getting on but apparently she nearly burst into tears again over hearing that had been built for her, I guess she really gets a little too appreciative. As for Zeki, he could be doing anything for all I care.


    As for the invitation itself, there technically was something about a dress code basically saying if you want to switch form, then you better not be nude. I found that pretty funny seeing how blunt mother had written it on the note but I could see the cave getting pretty packed if more than a few visiting dragons were to turn up, the dragons might be forced to use human bodies just so they can all fit but the cave is gigantic though.


    Petra did suggest bringing a gift but what do you bring for a bunch of gathering dragons? Other than meat or shiny objects, I doubt dragons have such a tradition. I guess you could open a bottle of alcohol or two but I''m unsure if this will be a serious or not, like a meeting to discuss the fate of dragon kind or something like that. Eh, I''ve always got stuff in my inventory to lie about being a gift if needed.


    "Heh, true but you''ve always been good at dealing with strangers Ikarus, you make it look effortless"


    The way Petra''s talking, is she getting a little stage freight from meeting all the big scary dragons or something? Heh, no chance, I think this is Petra''s attempt at making small talk riding my back but it does feel a little forced.


    "Don''t worry about it, it''ll be fineee... looks like we''re here anyways, I''ll be sure to protect you if they fancy some deep fried Petra today"


    "Heh... you need to work on your teasing a little if that''s how you''re going to go about it"


    "Says the one who is making me blush less and less everyday now, we should probably put this on hold forter though, is it really the time?"


    I mean, we are about to go greet my parents at the cave and deal with a load of new dragons, maybe this little teasing thing we have should wait for another time since I''m basicallynding at the cave entrance now.


    "Heh, it''s always the time for that sort of thing Ikarus but you just focus onnding, my sweet and chubby little orange bird"


    "How can I be chubby and little at the sam-... forget it... it''s a mystery why I love you so much"


    "Heh"


    I make anding back at the good ol''family cave and Petra immediately jumps off my back. Huh, this ce is pretty empty right now, where''s all the dragons at?


    Currently in the cave, there''s only two dragons of note. The big red dragon everyone knows and loves being mother and a smaller oneparable in size to father being grey in colour as well as looking pretty old even by dragon standards. Keep in mind, me and Petra are technically early, it''s not midday just yet so that was the time to arrive. I wonder where Minos and father are though.


    <...How''s the other half doing Kell or is he not going to show up? Is he still as grumpy and insufferable as always?>


    <I still can''t understand why you put up with him. We''ve all had hard lives, he just seems to be grumpy towards everyone>


    <You never see that other side of him though. Despite his ws, he still means well at heart and I love him tru-... Oh Ikarus and Petra, you''ve arrived!>


    By the sounds of it, this old grey looking dragon is gging father off behind his back. Hey, he deserves it but moaning at father is a right reserved only for the family! He need


    "Who''s this old guy anyways and what''s his problem with father? He just sounds bitter and grumpy if I''m being honest"


    ''Might as well check his status while I''m waiting for a response''


    [Name: Aardavar | Species: Dragon | Level: 444]


    [Health 21,000/21,000]


    [Stamina 39,219/45,000]


    [Magicka 45,000/45,000]


    ''Huh, pretty weird name and stats, I get that he looks old but his health does seem a little low for a dragon''


    Despite my somewhat rude outburst to the grey dragon though, he seems to find the whole thing slightly funny. Petra''s just alongside my feathery body right now as well, she''s always happy to remain quiet even when I''m purposely being rude to a guest.


    <Ha!, I can definitely see some simrities to your father, you must be the little one I''ve heard so much about! Last time I met with him, he wouldn''t stop talking about you and Minos or littlest one as he calls him... it still doesn''t excuse how he treats your mother though>


    <Enough about that... this here is Aardavar Ikarus. I think in human terms he''d be considered your grandfather? Whatever the case, he''s the dragon who raised me and obviously knows about how Dermakvar can be a grumpy old lizard at times>


    Hang on, I have a dragon grandfather now!? You''d have thought they would''ve at least mentioned this once or twice.


    "How am I only just finding this out now!? I thought everyone else in the family is dead?"


    <There was never a reason to mention it Ikarus and that was only ever your father''s side of the family, this old guy as you call him was always a recluse hiding away anywhere he could so his existence has always been a little secretive. You don''t end up being the oldest dragon alive without bing a coward at some point>


    <It must''ve been around seven or eight thousand now, right Kell? I should be annoyed at the cowardment but I don''t think I''ve killed an animal in centuries now, going meat free really does wonders for the body!>


    So great, looks like we have more dragon members in the family then, it still doesn''t make sense how father is apparently dying yet this old guy is still kicking about but that''s dragon age for you... wait, dragons can go without eating meat? Is my dragon grandfather a vegan or vegetarian? Sometimes this world makes me wonder...


    I can''t help but smile because of this, I''m not exactly sure how to follow this up but thankfully mother realizes I''m not alone. By the looks of it, Petra seems to be enjoying how this is going already.


    <Oh, how are you anyways Petra? Nearly forgot you were there for a second, Ikarus didn''t force you toe, did she?>


    ''I''m going to ignore what mother just implied there''


    "Heh, nothing like that, thought it would be a fun experience toe along. Pleasure to meet you Aardavar"


    <Wow, you even said my name correct first try with no issue! That Ikarus definitely knows how to pick a partner, I''m just hoping she understands what she has rather than sniff around like that father of hers>


    The grey dragon Aadavar closes the distance between us and basically pushes his face right in front of Petra, he seems surprisingly interested in her but dragons do seem to like Petra for some reason. Hey, I like her as well but shouldn''t he be focusing on me if I''m family though? I''ve just realized how much of an attention seeking child that makes me sound.


    "Heh, Ikarus ispletely loyal, no worries there"


    <Good good then! At least she''s taking Kell''s view on that whole thing unlike the disloyal guy>


    <*Sigh*... are you done insulting Dermak or are you done yet?>


    <Not yet Kell!>


    Of course, the entire family seems to love Petra, even the vegan grandfather. I should be happy but this old guy seems a little simr to mother and even though I love her, I do struggle a little with this whole family dynamic we have going on. Let''s just try and change the subject a little.


    "So then... father and Minos aren''t going to be here then if what you said earlier is correct? Who else is supposed to show?"


    <No one would dare turn down an invite from your mother Ikarus so we''re expecting five more guests at this point, dragons from all over the continents are expected to show!>


    <Four Aardavar, not five. Esmerelda has already said she can''te due to being busy. Every dragon alive should''ve been invited>


    Huh, looks like Petra was right about that... hang on, there''s only nine dragons in existence remaining!?


    "Is that true mother? There''s only nine dragons left then?"


    <Erm... I guess that''s correct Ikarus, I never really thought about how little few there are of us left. That''s a pretty morbid feeling>


    <Don''t worry about it so much Kell, dragons live and dragons die, that''s always been the order of thing. We''ve always been rare and your daughter and her friend have it much worse as well, phoenixes are even rarer!>


    Ah, he would know about that if father mentioned me to him before, I wonder if he knows about the four-phoenix thing too but I''d rather move this along now. One new dragon down, only four more to go, let''s hope those are weird as well! Heh, a vegan dragon, it really doesn''t sound right...


    "Anyways... me and Petra are going to r-... no actually, you need a hand with anything mother before others get here or something?"


    <Your daughter is really kind as well! You''ve gotten really lucky with your children Kell>


    Urgh, praise... I kinda like this guy though. Sure, I was only offering since Petra gave me a slight nudge with her elbow while I was speaking but we should probably offer seeing that mother''s hosting this thing. Knowing her though, she''d rather do it herself.


    <No need for that Ikarus, I''m nearly finished now, rx with Petra in the nest for a bit>


    <Ah, that means you can tell me about your life then! Do tell everything you can!>


    ''Huh, I thought grandfather felt simr, he''s as curious as mother...''


    __________


    <Wow, that''s so interesting Ikarus. You and Petra have really done that much? What else have you done?>


    Okay... it''s definitely safe to say curiosity runs in the family, went through some of our adventuring stories and how we met, that sort of generic thing and grandfather has beenpping it up. Recapping can be so boring but there''s nothing else to do right now so might as well. I guess the reason it''s easier to converse with this guy is simply down tofort, it''s strange how simr to mother he actually is but it''s not bad having another family member I guess. I doubt I''ll see him very often if what mother said about him being a recluse is true but might as well make the most out of this. We have been telling stories for quite some time now though.


    Thankfully, mother is at hand to stop us having to tell another story, we''ll be here for another hour if she doesn''t help at this rate.


    <Enough pestering Ikarus Aardavar, guests have finally arrived so it''s time to make yourself presentable>


    <Ah, right Kell... I''ll leave you two phoenixes alone while we go to greet everyone>


    Is it a little weird mother calls grandfather by name? Maybe he was a shit father to her or just that she always prefers to use names for everyone? It doesn''t seem disrespectful but it''s a pointless thought. Also, I''m remaining in this current form just simply because this nest was always morefortable this way, I''m hoping I can get Petra to cuddle into me but should probably focus more on the iing dragons.


    ''This is definitely going to be an odd encounter...''

 Chapter 120 – Dragon Party

    Chapter 120 ¨C Dragon Party


    (Yellow Dragon) <Greetings to you once again Kellearzar, it''s been way too long>


    (Cyan Dragon) <Where''s the other half Kellearzar? Where''s Dermak?>


    (Pink Dragon) <Yeah, you''d think Dermakvar would be here-... hang on, there''s phoenixes here?>


    (Navy Dragon) <...>


    Turns out my worries of the cave been packed filled with dragons was a little unneeded. Out of the four visiting dragons that have now just arrived, all of them are smaller than father except the orangey-yellow guy, he might be even bigger.


    ''Quite the few dragons of differing colour here... that really doesn''t sound great, got to check status real quick''


    [Name: Cyclorak | Species: Dragon | Level: 777]


    [Health 75,000/75,000]


    [Stamina 62,117/75,000]


    [Magicka 44,250/44,250]


    ----------


    [Name: Renmary | Species: Dragon | Level: 372]


    [Health 31,000/31,000]


    [Stamina 28,999/31,000]


    [Magicka 31,000/31,000]


    ----------


    [Name: Priscillia | Species: Dragon | Level: 312]


    [Health 26,000/26,000]


    [Stamina 19,912/26,000]


    [Magicka 26,000/26,000]


    ----------


    [Name: Mute | Species: Dragon | Level: 343]


    [Health 50,000/50,000]


    [Stamina 28,812/30,000]


    [Magicka 5,750/5,750]


    ''Of course, dragon names are purposely irritating to remember so I''ll just remember them in order of appearance. Yellow, cyan, dark-pink and navy-blue... hang on, Mute? That doesn''t sound very dragon like''


    I''m also pretty sure the only male one is orange but the blue Mute hasn''t said a word yet, I think it''s a female dragon but you can never be too sure. Also, Mute looks pretty simr to Esmerelda thinking about it, the darkish blue is pretty simr to her purple a little. All the others except the pink are pretty bright in colour though.


    [<Aesa would like to remind -Ikarus- names can change due to situation. Presumably, target -Mute''s- name would''ve beenplicated like every other dragon but circumstances have changed it>]


    ''Rx Aesa, I already know all that... heck, you''re the prime example of it''


    [<Giving Aesa the name Aesa is not the same>]


    ''Heh, not what I was about but it kinda is... I was on about the fact you''ve changed user into Ikarus AGAIN''


    [<...>]


    Ha! I''ve actually made Aesa silent; I should probably focus on the dragons today than focusing on winding my system up... I''ve basically forgotten their names already.


    <Wee everyone back to home cave! Both Minos and Dermakvar are out right now so it''s only going to be us six today>


    (Yellow) <Figures, that coward is probably hiding>


    (Cyan) <Dermak isn''t really a coward though, is he Cyclo?>


    (Pink) <Who''s Minos?>


    (Blue) <...>


    This really is a strange group of creatures; this already feels a little awkward since mother seems to be unsure what to say next.


    <Erm... I''ve forgotten something... Oh, Ikarus and Petra, I should probably introduce you two as well. Starting for left to right is->


    In mother''s defence, she has been stressing out a little cleaning the cave before they turned up and kept refusing help so I can see why she might be stressed. I''ll try and make this easier for her though.


    "There''s no need to do that mother, I can already tell their names and it''s basically guaranteed I''ll forget them all"


    Seriously though, the big yellow guy was Cyclo-something and the dark blue one is Mute. The other two female dragons,pletely forgotten and I''m not going to keep opening my status to remember a dragon''s name I''ll nevere across again... I''ve definitely jinxed that; I wonder who it''ll be we meet again someday.


    "Heh, you could just leave status open or keep checking it Ikarus"


    "Yeah but then what happens if I look at you by ident when doing it? This isn''t azy thing this time around"


    I''m referring to that headache thing that happens when phoenixes status scan each other, that''s another reason why keeping status open for a long time is dangerous. I do always have to make sure not to focus on Petra when doing my checks otherwise I will cause us both unnecessary pain. It''s easy enough to do most of the time but all it takes is a quick slip up and poof! Splitting migraine inbound...


    "Heh, true, forgot about that"


    Honestly, the sight of six fully grown dragons sitting down in this cave must be something out of a poorly written joke or a painting, it''s probably a good thing Minos and father aren''t here otherwise this might get even messier. At least there''s enough room in the cave but this really is absurd.


    <So, which one is your daughter then Kellearzar? Regardless, I''ll make it easier for the orange phoenix then, I''m Cyclo and my family are the greenish-blue and pink dragons. The darkened blue one is Mute; she should be slightly easier to remember but isn''t family though>


    The yellow dragon presents his family being the cyan and pink while Mute gives us an acknowledging head nod but I can''t help but think about something else now. If father keeps having affairs with other dragons, then three of these could be the culprits turning his attention elsewhere. I mean, father''s definitely got varied tastes in size since those female dragons are tinypared to mother. I''m just hoping it was just one of them because with despicable father can be, it could be all three...


    I''m also pretty sure the pink one is his daughter, he did''nt actually say whose who but she does look a bit younger... how am I even able to tell that? I think it''s something to do with the scales, the older dragons tend to look a little more brutal looking and scary while the younger one don''t. Regardless, I say younger but she should still be hundreds of years old, maybe even a thousand.


    <The orange one is my daughter Ikarus and the darkened phoenix is her partner Petra, both were invited since they are family>


    <Yes! This is my granddaughter and she''ll kick any one of your arses!>


    Huh, I nearly forget the grey old dragon was here as well, he doesn''t look scary at all so scrap what I just thought about that age thing. I kinda like the vibe or atmosphere this ce has right now, that arse kickingment did get a little smile out of me and Petra though. It''s obviously a joke but hey, I reckon I could nuke a dragon or two if I really had to...


    (Yellow) <It''s a pleasure to meet you all but there is a more immediate issue at hand, is Dermakvar using Minos as an excuse to hide? I''m going to beat his sorry ass to a pulp if he is! Dirty lizard!>


    (Cyan) <*Sighhh*... must you do this Cyclo? It was just a one-time thing between us, honest! You used to do the same exact thing a millennium ago!>


    (Yellow) <Your betrayal was much worse than mine Renmary, don''t think I''ve forgiven you for that just yet. Give it another hundred years or so and then my opinion may change>


    (Pink) <I still don''t know who Minos is>


    <...>


    At least that answers my earlier question, it looks like father had a fling with the cyan dragon. I''m starting to think cheating is a normal experience around partnered dragons and mother is the exception to that all. Oh well, I''m not a dragon so there''s no worries I''ll do something like that.


    (Kellearzar) <I wanted a more friendly experience this time around since you and him have been fighting long enough so I asked him to stay out this time around... the thing is, how should I put this? Ah, I''ll just be blunt about it... Dermakvar, is dying. It''s not immediate but he has started showing signs of ageing>


    (Grey) <Kell is right, I noticed signsst time we met and I''m unsure if he''ll get another five hundred years or so>


    ...


    As soon as mother and grandfather announces that, an ufortable silence fills the cave. I thought that yellow guy just wanted to hurt father yet even he looks concerned now.


    (Yellow) <Well shit Kellearzar... we''ve always had our problems but I never wished old age upon him. He''s barely livedpared to most of us>


    (Cyan) <He seemed so full of life when... probably shouldn''t bring that up>


    (Yellow) <And yet... you just did once again Renmary>


    (Pink) <*Yawnnn...*>


    <...>


    I guess finding out a dragon still has a few hundred years left is big news to these lot then, all look concerned except the pink one. She seems very distracted and has turned her attention to me and Petra now.


    <Oi, this conversation is boring, can I join the two birds?>


    I mean, it''s like looking into an obnoxious mirror by how rude the pink one is. This feels like a party where the kids go off to y in the corner or something but I''ve always loved this nest and Petra so I''m not joining in the conversation about father dying God knows when. I mean, this really isn''t something that worrying, right?


    (Yellow) <Sure, this really isn''t the serious sort of conversation you''re suited for>


    (Cyan) <Just please Priscillia, just don''t be yourself like normal>


    (Pink) <No promises>


    I''m pretty certain the pink one was the lowest levelled and definitely seems the smallest out of them all, probably the youngest too but that age doesn''t equal strength after all. Also, it seems Mute seems more interested in me and Petra andes over here as well. The thing about father is that it''s really not that big of a deal, at least in my eyes because living hundreds of years is really no need for concern.


    Maybe for the dragons it''s more down to the extinction side of things, there''s only nine left and losing another is always going to be a big deal to them. I guess our timescales are different too, a few hundred years for them would be like ten or five ifpared to human life, I know I''m not human but still. Also, I wonder if they''ve already heard about that white dragon I yed a part in killing, she was apparently a bitch but it might be best not to mention that now...


    While us younglings are together, those older four dragons precede to keep talking about father but no point listening into that conversation. The pink one in particr seems really interested in us.


    <So... you two phoenixes are partners then? Oh, don''t mind Mute, her tongue was cut out years ago and humans gave her a right beating on the head so she doesn''t reallymunicate>


    <...>


    Please don''t tell me I''m going to go into detail about our life to the pink one. For some reason, Mute seems to re at the pink dragon I''m guessing for saying about her past so causally like that but I''m so used to people having troubled pasts at this point, it kindaes across like it''s no big deal. Petra for example, she would''ve probably experienced pain worse than anyone so it''s better to try and leave the past in the past. That sounds like I''m being insensitive as fuck but it''s actually the opposite, I just try not bringing it up because of bad memoires and all that.


    "Heh, yeah, me and this adorable ball of fluff are partners, lovebirds as Ikarus likes to call it"


    Heck, even Petra cuddled up to my feathery body while saying that, I''m always a sucker for a goodpliment from her but damn it! Don''t be announcing that lovebird thing to others...


    "Urgh... you really are too much Petra"


    Then, somethingpletely unexpected happens from response from Priscillia, the pink dragon. Turns out, I don''t like her. Actually, I really, really don''t like her.


    <Are you two exclusive partners or are you pretty open? I kinda like the look of you orange Ikarus, human intercourse is always sublime and I''d love to spend a week or so ying with you>


    ...


    Huh? That doesn''t seem like a joke, so why isn''t Petra getting pissed at her? Even the dragon Mute looks a little awkward at what was just said. I''m guessing this dragon''s thing is sleeping with basically anyone?


    "Heh, yeah Ikarus, what''s your answer to that?"


    What the fuck is going on!? This isn''t funny! Petra''s always hidden that extreme jealously she has and it''s shown itself extremely rarely and yet, she''s perfectly fine this time around! Am I having a hallucination or something?


    "What the hell is wrong with you Petra!? Have you changed your opinion or something?"


    The thing is, me and Petra have always been EXTREMELY exclusive, the thought of even being with someone else makes me sick and even though she''s never said anything like that, I thought she was always the same. No, I know she''s the same.


    "Heh, rx Ikarus, she''s not being serious. I think she''s just trying to wind you up and it''s clearly worked, don''t actually find it that funny but I can see what she''s doing"


    The thing is, Petra''s deadly wrong here...


    <No, I''m serious, that wasn''t a joke. If possible, I''d like to spend a week with your partner, she''s pretty cute and I bet in human form she''d be even cuter. You can join us as well if you want but my preference is her>


    Oh crap... I forgot Petra doesn''t have what basically is a lie detector, is she about to blow?


    "Erm... Ikarus would very much be against that if you''re serious but we both appreciate the offer... I guess?"


    "Yeah... Petra''s right... that''s a no I''m afraid"


    I know my woman too well; she''s really struggling right now. Despite the fact her smile and aura seem pretty calm, I know Petra''s fuming deep inside and using everything to hide it. I can see why she might see that as a joke, who justes up to someone basically asking to steal their partner? Dragons really are strange creatures but even she didn''t expect one that bold.


    <Eh, that''s a shame, I thought you two weren''t boring but oh well. Mute, you want to go listen in to the elder dragons?>


    <...?>


    <I''ll take that as a yes>


    Then the pink dragon basically pulls a confused looking Mute away to the other side of the cave to join in the conversation about father''s inevitable doom that they still are discussing. I''m not listening to that but by the sounds of it, the others are more concerned about the whole thing more than mother and grandfather, it''s not like father was against dying I guess... I''m not thinking about that anymore, it''ll just get depressing at this rate and I''ve got something else to deal with.


    "Petra... are you alright?"


    "Heh... I''m fine Ikarus... say, it would be okay if there were only eight dragons left? Let''s say one went missing and never was found... that would be fine, right?"


    I know she has extreme inner strength but Petra is clearly trying to mask that anger with humour right now, she''s even shaking slightly trying to keep that murderous aura inside. She makes it sound like a joke but that''s clearly not one, extreme jealously has always been something most people don''t like but I''m not like most people. Point being, she could bepletely honest with me and I''d still love her regardless, if anything I like her getting worked up...


    "You can be honest with me Petra; it''s not going to make me love you any less"


    "Heh... do you really want to hear in explicit detail how much I want to kill that dragon right now Ikarus? Sometimes... it''s best to leave things hidden away"


    Eh, maybe''s she''s got a point, I know they say rtionships are supposed to be based on honesty but it''s also about appearing your best to your partner but those two things cane in conflict despite it not being that healthy. It''s just a very good thing we both are pretty simr when ites to things like that but I''d have been a little ''blunter'' to that dragon if she had tried anything with Petra... enough about this though, I''m going to try and help Petra out a little.


    "Well regardless... cuddle up into me and that will definitely calm you down! Heck, I''ll sit on you refuse, can''t be having murderous Petra destroying thest of dragon kind. I''m supposed to be the evil one, remember?"


    Would that crush her? No, I could easily position myself to avoid that but she may get smothered by orange feathers though. Someday, I''m definitely going to sleep in Petra feathers when she''s able to appear her true self without the pain, that honestly sounds so dope...


    "Heh... thanks Ikarus..."


    __________


    (Yellow) <...Enough about that grumpy ol''guy though, that''s enough depressing talk for the next few hundred years. We made sure to bring a few gifts like usual to make this event a little less serious and boring>


    (Cyan) <I think I know where this is going>


    (Pink) <Yay! We''re now onto the good part>


    (Mute) <...>


    After some of the more boring conversations had ended, the yellow dragon Cyclorak has a slight grin on his face from the gifts they''ve brought. I was wondering what might be in that huge hide bag they were carrying but forgot about it pretty quickly.


    Me and Petra have talked a little to the yellow and cyan one a bit more but both of them aren''t really interested in knowing every little detail about our lives thankfully enough. Now, it seems like this little meetup might be about to get interesting especially considering mother and grandfather look a little concerned.


    <Oh no, what have you brought this time around Cyclorak?>


    By the sounds of it, I know what he''s brought...


    (Yellow) <Hehe... it''s much worse actually... this is a forbidden demonic liquor that can make your scales crawl. It''s a good thing Dermakvar isn''t around to enjoy this since he deserves no such pleasure... >


    The yellow dragon Cyclorak reveals the entire bag filled with types of alcohol I''ve never seen before. Seriously though, this sack might be the same size as me and it''s filled with bottles and bottles of sweet poison! This dragon might have a problem but I don''t care...


    (Cyan) <Is this starting to be a tradition at this point Cyclo or have we be the dragonkind alcohol providers? We''re going to have none left at home at this rate>


    (Yellow) <You going to keep moaning or are you going to enjoy yourself? I''m still trying to get over your damning betrayal, remember?>


    (Cyan) <I''ll stop then... although it might be unfair on the birds over there though, I''m guessing you didn''t bring anything a little weaker?>


    Wait a second, if the dragons have brought alcohol to share with everyone, then fuck no am I turning that shit down! The stronger, the better.


    "Hey! If you''ve brought booze, don''t think you ain''t sharing with us too! I''d even bet and say we''d be able to drink loads more than you lot"


    "Heh, Ikarus may be getting excited but she does have a point"


    Mother immediately facepalms at my insistence to drink. This big yellow guy has literally cracked up at my willingness to get pissed, I didn''t expect this could turn into a drinking party especially with a drink I''ve never had before.


    <Ha! Kellearzar, I''m liking your daughter, you''ve got to get her to visit our ce sometime since alcohol is never in short supply where we live>


    <Unfortunately Cyclorak, Ikarus will have to pass up that offer for obvious reasons>


    I mean, I''m not going to moan at mother for rejecting the invite to drink even more, I have been really good recently apart from my birthday... screw this, I haven''t held back and I''m surrounded by a bunch of happy looking dragons who are already about to drink... hey, wait for me and Petra!


    "Oi! Before you start though, lemme change form real quickly..."


    Tonight''s gonna be a st now, I wonder if I''ll get to witness a drunk Petra too but knowing how things normally go, things are about to go blurry...

 Chapter 121 – Distant Past

    Chapter 121 ¨C Distant Past


    "Urgh... my head... what the hell happenedst night?"


    "*Yawnnn*... morning Ikarus... heh, why are you naked?"


    Waking up inside the parents'' cave, I''mpletely naked in the nest on top of Petra using her like a freaking mattress! We didn''t do anything not safe for work in front of all the dragons, right? I seriously doubt it but why the hell am I naked though?


    Okay... I remember a little after drinking that first demonic liquor, that was a lot of jokes andughs. Then, it goes nk for a little but I definitely remember catching the goat and hanging upside down from a tree by my leg at some point... Jesus Christ Ikarus! Stop recappingst night''s events with the pissed-up dragons and get off Petra already!


    "I don''t know! We wouldn''t have done anything like that in front of everyone, right?"


    "Heh... doubt it Ikarus but my memory is a little fuzzy too, do remember you getting jealous at a tree for looking at me and burning it down though"


    Oh, even Petra got smashed up too, I could definitely see myself burning down a tree that tried to hit on my girlfriend... am I still drunk even now?


    Holding onto my banging head, I get off the mostfortable body pillow around and start searching for my clothing. Crap, it''s got to be here somewhere, there''s too many passed out dragons though.


    "Ah shit! Where is my fucking dress!?"


    Here''s a sight for you, the nest is surrounded by copsed dragons all around and I''m in human form butt naked after sleeping on top of Petra now scurrying around trying to find some clothing! Thankfully, none of them have woken up yet but I''d rather them still not see me like this... damn, my head hurts.


    "Heh, it''s over here Ikarus... do a little dance for me and I''ll give it to you"


    Petra still on the nest floor holds up the dress, I doubt she was hiding it but you can never be too sure with her.


    "That''s not even funny, give it then"


    Of course, Petra does pass it back since it''s not exactly the perfect time to be ying around. Right as I''m no longer wearing my birthday suit and am clothed, one of the dragons finally joins us awakened.


    <*Yawn*... oh Ikarus and Petra... you two are already awake? Argh... my head>


    You know, witnessing your absolutely pissed up dragon mother waking up with a hangover is something that makes me smile greatly deep inside, it''s so ironic how much she moans about it all yet was willing to drink with us allst night... screw it, I was going to be nice but sometimes, evil prospers.


    "You know mother... alcohol is pretty bad for you and yet, here you are looking like absolute shit"


    Petra facepalms from my scolding of mother but I''m justified... right?


    <Argh, keep it down please Ikarus... this is why we only do this sort of thing every few hundred years or so and try not to drink in-between... by the way, don''t feel like you have to say goodbye to everyone. Last time we did this, Aardavar and Cyclorak didn''t wake up till two mornings after... your father would''ve liked this but someone had to look after Minos after all>


    Ohhh... this is the main reason why father isn''t here then, obviously having Minos at a pissed-up dragon party really isn''t the best idea for him growing up. I do kinda like how it went from father dying to everyone having a st though, really weird party twist then.


    "We''ll probably leave in a little while Kellearzar, Ikarus isn''t really one for waiting around"


    Huh... I guess I''m not really, I always like to be doing something and there''s no chance I''m going to be waiting here for another day for everyone to awaken just to say a quick goodbye. I''d stay to mock them all but I''m pretty hungover too, obviously not as bad as mother though.


    "Well regardless, thanks for having us mother! Last night was epic... I think? I''m still struggling to remember most of it"


    Did we y tug of war with an animal''s body as well at some point? I think that was just before I started getting hot and decided to take my clothes off butst night was really blurry. Ah, I remember everyoneughing after they found out I killed the white dragon who would''ve been my aunt as well which is kinda weird but I guess even she was hated by all dragons then. Despite the obvious memory loss, I''m definitely doing this again next time around.


    <That would''ve been the demonic drinks Ikarus... you can see yourself out when you fancy leaving, I''m really not feeling great and you two can really outdrink any dragon it seems. Looks like my concern was unneeded and your father, he''d probably praise you... need more sleep now...>


    Poor drunk mother, I really hold no sympathy for anyone who can''t hold their drink. The fact we managed to outdrink this many dragons and can still walk straight is a mystery in its own right, I love this system and the perks I get with it.


    [<-Ikarus- should reserve the word love only for target -Petra->]


    ''You know what I mean... and hungover right now so don''t talk for a while, please?''


    [<...>]


    ''Thank you Aesa''


    Now that we''ve got the treacherous task of trying to climb around any sleeping dragons, turns out there''s less than first thought. The funny thing is, both the pink and the silent dragon are gone, didn''t notice that at first nce but there''s definitely only four sleeping dragons here after all... Say, Petra didn''t decide to kill the pink one in the end after all? I''m hoping she didn''t but if I''m being honest, it''s not like I''d tell her off for it...


    "Petra... we didn''t end up killing pinky as well... right?"


    "Heh, doubtful Ikarus but you never know"


    Nah, I think we''re alright. I do remember her being around until we all passed out on the floor but Petra could''ve woken up in the middle of the night and done the deed. No idea how she''d move or even hide the body but I''m just purposely making Petra into a cold blooded justified murderer at this point.


    Arriving at the entrance finally staggering over the sleeping dragon bodies, I quickly switch form while still trying to be quiet and Petra hops up onto my back, just before we''re about to make haste flying off in the opposite direction of the sunrise.


    Now in the skies about to head home, something almost immediately gives me a big fright as I''m trying to get into a rxing flight rhythm.


    <Did you enjoy yourself little one?>


    It''s of course the dinosaur... who is nowhere to be seen.


    ''Ack! You do understand doing that while I''m flying recovering from a hangover is a bad idea old lizard, right? Where even are you?''


    <Directly above with littlest one,don''t bother trying to find us since I''m giving him some training right now and you won''t be able to get up this high. Hope you have fun little one, those lot can be insufferable but they never fail to disappoint on the drink they bring, I''m hoping your mother hid me a bottle or two>


    I mean, I still look directly up and see a ck dot way up high. I''m surprised they can even breath up there.


    ''Yeah, it was alright thanks but why are you even up there? You trying to descend the heavens and meet with the Gods or something? I swear Minos can fly fine already''


    <Don''t be absurd little one, that idea is ludicrous. I''m trying to help improve littlest one''s flight speed and the difficult conditions can help keep the mind in focus, I''d have done the same for you but you went on your own journey after all>


    Ah, I guess he isn''t apletely ipetent father after all then, he''s been having a bad streak recently so I''m sometimes forget he did teach me how to fly and can sometimes even be reasonable. I''m a little confused how low oxygen flying could be good to train Minos but there''s no point questioning a dragon when ites to something like flying, I''m theplete novice on that side of things.


    ''I''ll say bye then and see you whenever, say hi to Minos for me as well!''


    <Of course little one, do the same to your partner to>


    "Heh, you''re alsomunicating with me as well big guy"


    Petra actually chuckles at that, I''m guessing the old dinosaur didn''t realize he had been using telekinesis on both of us... or telepathy, I''m long past caring what they call it now.


    <Oh, the darkened phoenix heard that too? I really am getting old... see you both soon as well>


    And just like that, we continue flying with the sunrise still on our backs. This is going to be a torturous flight with my head right now but I''d rather just get back already...


    __________


    "Ikarus... think we''ve got a tail"


    "Funny... have I got a feather or something in a weird position?"


    "No, I''m being serious, something gloomy has been following us for a little while and it''s slowly closing the gap"


    We''ve been flying for half a day and something''s following us? Last time this happened, it was way back when I ended up killing my aunt so if something is able to keep up with us, it''s got to be a dragon, right? Could be a wyvern as well but why would a wyvern be following us? The same question applies to a dragon but at least it would make more sense.


    "You think it''s a dragon or something?"


    "I''m not sure but it''s definitely flying, the aura feels familiar yet it''s still too far away to be sure"


    "Aerial fighting while still hungover... the Gods really like to kick you in the groin sometimes"


    "Heh, didn''t say it was an aggressive aura Ikarus... Funny that now that you''ve stopped, the aura has too. Think you''ve got a stalker, not someone looking for a fight"


    Sighhh... if anything having a stalker makes it worse. At least with a fight, we could just deal with it and begone but now I''m going to have to find the stalking dragon, then talk to it! This really isn''t the day for this sort of thing, the chances are it''s going to be the silent or pink dragon.


    "*Sighhh*... I''m going to have to chase this person down now, aren''t I?"


    "Heh, you might have to fly fast, they might be a little shy... or try it on with you again"


    At least Petra thinks it''s one of those two as well. At times I hate my life... I need to stop using that now, I actually love it especially every second with Petra but still...


    ''I could kill a coffee right now...''


    __________


    Flying at maximum speed with Petra guiding me towards the retreating aura, I''m apparently making progress but it''s very slow since this person can definitely fly pretty fast. It''s good having a tracker like Petra but having one of those dragons randomly following me is a little weird feeling. It''s probably one of the two who weren''t at the nest but it really could be anything, dragons do fly faster than me so it might not even be one in the first ce. Or, it''s just purposely not trying to retreat that fast but enough specting, I''m getting closer so this stalker is about to get moaned at or attacked.


    "You see that now Ikarus? It should be in sight but I''m unable to confirm if it is"


    Off in the distance is a tiny and mostly unnoticeable dark spec, it''s a good thing it''s stopped flying away now. This has been an unnecessary waste of time so I''m going to have a right go at this person in a second. Just give it a second and I''ll be able to confirm fully... yep, it''s a dragon alright.


    "At least it ain''t the pink dragon you hate Petra, it''s just that silent blue one called Mute"


    "Heh, don''t hate anyone Ikarus... that''s actually a lie but it''s extremely rare"


    "Sure sure... let''s find out what this dragon wants then"


    We finally arrive to where this dragon is flying stationary and the navy-blue coloured Mute looks a little concerned about something once we''re up close. Normally, I would have a go but I feel like I could make this dragon cry if I do that. Maybe that''s a little farfetched but this dragon was following us for a reason.


    (Ikarus) "What do you want Mute?"


    <...>


    Ah, this is going to be a pain in the arse, she understands speech but obviously hermunicating is going to be difficult. Thankfully, the dragon starts trying tomunicate but in quite the simple and odd way.


    Mute points her paw at Petra up on my back, then tries to mimic drawing something in the air, then points at herself... the hell was that?


    "Erm... you have any idea what she''s trying to say Petra?"


    The only thing I can think of is maybe she has a thing for Petra? I''m trying to give Mute the benefit of the doubt though, I can''t see two dragons both trying to split up our lovebird duo. She did point at Petra and herself though.


    "Hang on Ikarus... continue Mute, are you saying there''s something between us?"


    The navy-blue dragon nods her head, then does something else with her paws. She now keeps cing them together like putting your hands and fingers together.


    "A connection? Romantically?"


    Mute shakes her hand with slight concern, then tries to mimic a hugging action? I haven''t got the perception stat for this obviously. All I can see is a dragon flying in the air doing weird shit with her hands and shaking her head.


    "Friendship? No not that... family?"


    Mute immediately nods her head and looks happy from Petra understanding what she was getting at


    "Are you saying we''re family Mute?"


    Once again, the happy looking dragon nods her head. I''m a little confused right now, I thought Petra had no family that''s alive? Are we both finding out we have more family than we first realized? If so, this trip has been quite the surprise.


    "You think she''s saying you two could be sisters Petra?"


    Heck, even I get a nod from the dragon this time around.


    "Maybe Ikarus... oh... that disgusting vermin of a mother who raised me, hope she''s rotting in a ce worse than hell right now"


    Jesus Christ Petra! Where the hell did thate from? I still remember everything Petra''s told me about her but it was never much except the prophecy and that they never got on.


    "You okay Petra?"


    "No Ikarus... my mother, remember the whole prophecy thing way back when we first met? She was always purposely fond of hiding or removing bits of important information since she always wanted the best future for herself. This must''ve been one of those situations, I knew that aura felt familiar..."


    Throughout all this, Petra doesn''t actually sound sad, it''s more anger than anything else.


    "...The thing is, there was a dragon she used for testing purposes to see and change glimpses of the future, that dragon must''ve been Mute. Always thought she was discarded or killed when mother grew tired of her but here she is in the flesh, still alive after surviving that hell. Would''ve been fully blind back then with no way to use the system sight so it''s not surprising I didn''t recognize her"


    Every time I hear of Petra''s past, it just gets worse and worse. The strange thing is, Mute is smiling and nodding along like that history was no big deal, looks like they both are pretty mentally strong then. This Mute was treated like shit by her mother and apparently humans cut out her tongue and beat her, her past is as tragic as Petra''s. I almost want to give her a hug but this world has a tendency of selecting certain people and giving them hell to experience.


    I can tell this is going to be difficult for Petra but if she''s also got a sister with a troubled past, then couldn''t they get on pretty well? Sure, she struggles sharing her past with me but with someone who was also there with her, I could see this working pretty well.


    "So... what are we going to do with you Mute? You fancying with us back to our settlement? Ah, should probably ask Petra first but it''ll be nice for you to get to know each other, right?"


    I bet Petra''s a little shocked from my invitation but the settlement already knows about one dragon visit, another should be fine. Mute probably has a human form too so it should be alright, I think?


    "Heh, you invited her Ikarus, not me. You really think I''d be fussed either way?"


    "No but-... forget it... you up for staying for a while then Mute?"


    The odd thing is, the dragon seems a little unsure about it, I should''ve probably asked Petra before I actually said but I still feel like it would be a good way for her to cope with her past. Sure, she holds a load of mental strength but it''s got to help to have someone who also experienced it. As much as I''m good at cheering Petra up, it''s not like I''m perfect at it, I just do something dumb and hope she finds it funny and that normally works like a charm.


    Anyways, Mute does find an answer but does another action with her paws. This puts them together but then pulls the back apart leaving a small gap in-between.


    "Heh, would you rather stay for a short time Mute? You can stay as long or as little as you want, just you''ll have to be friendly to the humans around though"


    Then, an immediate happy nod follows from the dragon at perceptive Petra understanding what she''s getting at. She''ll be the fourth dragon to visit the inds now, we should be alright and people won''t be bringing out torches and pitchforks to kill the dragon, right? What am I saying, the people wouldn''t do shit...


    ''Looks like we''re bringing another dragon home with us, what''s the worst that can happen...''

 Chapter 122 – Invasion

    Chapter 122 ¨C Invasion


    "Fuck... this wasn''t supposed to happen, right Petra?"


    "Erm... sorry Ikarus, they''re actually here? Already?"


    <...?>


    Now getting in sight of the ind with Petra and her new sister dragon, we can see quite the sight off in the distance surrounding the three inds. Dozens and dozens of ships look to be preparing for an invasion and whilst they haven''t docked just yet, it''s obvious what their intention is. It''s extremely lucky we''ve returned right now otherwise we''d be returning to an indpletely under foreign control, no amount of our guard force would be able to deal with such arge invading army.


    "Petra, I thought you said we''d be alright for a while and that the monastery wouldn''t attack?"


    It''s got to be them, right? We''re still quite the distance away but if I squint hard enough, I can see religious crosses on some of the ship gs.


    "I... those visiting priests were ast warning before the attack... how did I not notice that? I can''t believe the monastery were this well prepared already, they must''ve known about us for a while"


    It''s obvious Petra''s made a right fuck up in judgement here and sensing her aura, it seems really down. If she were basing this off previous experience, then you can understand why she might think their ways would be different.


    "No point beating yourself up about it Petra, it''s not like you can predict everything so we''ll just deal with it"


    I think Petra''s a little irritated with herself for making such a big blunder though and is clearly not listening.


    "Yeah Ikarus... hold that thought for a second"


    "What are you-... Petra!"


    Petra jumps off my back and then does something I haven''t seen in a long time; she switches back into her scarred phoenix form. There''s no time to worry about how much pain she might be feeling here, I can see why this might be necessary as she starts to fly up and returns back to continue our conversation.


    "Listen Ikarus, we need to split up and deal with things separately, we haven''t got the time to deal with this together since they''re only minutes away fromnding. If you can find the gship, take out as many others as you can and I''ll handle the defence... you mind giving me a hand too Mute?"


    <...!>


    The navy dragon still alongside us named Mute nods her head almost looking happy to give her sister a hand, at least I shouldn''t have to worry about Petra getting hurt if she has a dragon alongside her too. I wasn''t worried anyways but there could be a lot of fighting about to happen.


    Petra does have a point with her suggestion though, this might as well be an armada of ships the monastery have sent and any clinginess cannot be factored in right now. Any hesitation will only lead to further fuck ups, no mercy as well...


    "You know what''s funny? I was thinking the same exact thing... how far can I go with this though?"


    Honestly, the sight of endless ships especially alling from the northeast is slightly an overwhelming sight, to think the monastery have gone this far to take out just a simple heathen settlement. I''m going to destroy as many as possible and prevent the invasion force building up, it''s inevitable they''llnd now so it''s just stopping the reinforcements from behind.


    "Erm... might be best to not use the percentage based attack Ikarus, anything else should be fine though"


    So anything other than supernova? That''s pretty understandable, we still want a settlement to return to after all and a gigantic tsunami goes against that.


    "Gotcha... before we split though, let me change form as well quickly, need hands for this to work..."


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "High Pdin, the message about the first shipnding has been received, we''ll now be able to bring order to the sinful heathens!"


    One of the recruits from our ship reads off the message received by pigeon and then the rest of the pdins, priests or servants aboard this ship all cheer in unison. It looks like this crusade has gone down without any concerns so far and appears to be heading in the right direction. The militia on the ind will put up a small fight but with our vastly superior numbers and soldiers, it''s only just a matter of time before we can fully bring order to these foreignnds.


    To think we were given rumours of the sinful leaders having extreme power and even befriending a dragon, I''m never one for underestimating how far sinners can go but this has always sounded absurd. Seriously, a dragon, really? They probably came up with the idea to draw off attackers in the first ce, anyone with half a brain knows same sex rtionships go against the natural order of things. It''s just disgusting really.


    This fleet we have has been on standby hidden away in the mountains for quite some time now, it just so happens a powerful foe has presented itself pretty close by and is an easy enough target to start with. It''s a perfect opportunity that his holiness clearly understands as well.


    It''s a shame we''ve had to focus the first of our attacks around a group of inders who just want to live their lives peacefully but the sins of the leaders do carry through to everyone I suppose. The pope himself was sure to make everyone aware that any person that doesn''t bow down in fear of the one true God and his army be treated as a heathen. Personally, I''ve never enjoyed killing but if it''s to bring order in this chaotic world, then I''ll happily be his sword and shield.


    ''Hopefully this doesn''t take too long''


    After this crusade, I''m definitely going to have a long break, getting too old for this sort of thing now but I''ll always be ready for the pope''s call anytime he needs it.


    "High Pdin, there''s something approaching us in the skies!"


    "Preposterous priest! You must be seeing things"


    Huh? No, there can''t be a dragon, right? Must keep up appearances and not let fear show...


    "No sir, Pdin Ceto just confirmed it as well... it doesn''t appear to be the size of a dragon but it is getting closer"


    We did actually prepare some ancient taboo technology for dealing with dragons just in case something like this came up but what could be flying around if not a dragon? At least that''s an unnecessary worry gone.


    "Well... don''t just stand there, man the turrets!"


    "High Pdin, it''s too small and far to hit... is that a human with wings?"


    "What is God''s name is that?"


    "Is that an angel or devil?"


    Nearly every person on this ship is now looking to the skies, is it really that interesting they have to stop manning the ship? Sure, it''s hard to see with the sun light beckoning behind it but it''s of no concern if it''s not attacking.


    Catching just a glimpse of the flying creature, it''s clearly not a wyvern nor a dragon and has a surprisingly humanoid shape to it if you exclude the wings. There''s no way an angel hase to help us on our journey, right? Regardless, such a threat cannot be allowed to remain and potentially spy on us.


    "Have you all gone mad all of a sudden? It''s probably just a bir-"


    Suddenly, my ears are ringing and my vison turns to white...


    __________


    ''...I''ll never grow tired of hearing that explosion...''


    Having justunched my nuke attack at thergest looking ship of this armada, there''s always something satisfying about watching destruction happen firsthand. Sure, I''m a little close to see the mushroom cloud rising but that sh and explosion never fail to disappoint... fuck all these religious bastards!


    See, the thing with this fleet of ships is that despite me clearly throwing a nuke at the centre gship, this makes that pirate one I destroyed ages ago look like child''s y and has barely taken a dent out of them all. It''s a shame I haven''t got the time to kill off any survivors right now as well but needs must and all that.


    ''I''m going to have to start using magic nex-... hang on... could that work?''


    Two ideas have just presented themselves to me. The first is that I could use myself flying with my sun fireball ability and kinda turn myself into a fireball crashing into as many ships as I can within that five-minute period. The second attack is something a little newer... that meteor attack I have...


    [<Aesa would like to advise -Ikarus- there is some obvious risk involved. However, that ability doesst longer and could provide a much greater deal of devastation>]


    ''Then I''ve got no time for this. The longer I leave it, the more ships are going to get on the inds... Aesa, activate meteor shower''


    I seriously don''t think I''ve got enough magicka to get through this many ships alone... why the fuck have the monastery put us this high a threat? It just seems a little random if I''m being honest.


    [<Confirmed... hold on for one second -Ikarus-... attack meteor shower appears to be aimed around -Ikarus''s- current position. Worries about attack harming settlement is unnecessary as long as -Ikarus- is far enough away>]


    ''Are you sure about that? Nothing''s happening-...''


    As soon as I think that, a meteor the size of a small car falls right by my face and crashes into the ocean... and then another, and another and so forth. It''s a pretty huge ssh all things considered so this should be more than enough to do some damage.


    ''...Yet... let''s get to work then...''


    __________


    Okay... I seriously like this attack, all I have to do is basically just fly in the general area of the monastery''s ships and wouldn''t you know it, all of them receive crushing attacks sending all those bastards down to Davy Jones locker. It''s only really just started but witnessing ming rocks fall from the skies all around me crashing and splitting the ships in half is something beyond satisfying.


    All those religious dickheads have started clocking on to what''s going on and I''m pretty sure I''ve had one or two harpoons shoot in my general direction now. Figures, I''ll just fly a little higher since they have stormtrooper uracy and this devastating shower that follows me around destroys all... this must look like a miracle or something divine from down below. Like they''ve angered the Gods or something.


    Positioning myself to be close enough in range of another ship, the still continuous flow of meteors showering from the heavens start to batter another ship down below and most of the armoured soldiers try to avoid the impacts but none can avoid their fates. Pretty sure that armour looks heavy too so they''ll probably drown, it''s time to move on from that battered wreck though since I''m trying to optimize this as best I can.


    It''s a cruel fate but no room for mercy when they attacked us first... I''ve only got fifteen minutes of this so I best get a move on.


    It''s getting to the point where the enemy is abandoning ship before I even have the chance to sink them now, less and less harpoons are flying my way as well so this really is like a walk in the park. It feels a little cheaty if I''m being honest but time''s slowly starting to run out.


    There''s only a handful remaining in the northern sea now. Sure, I know for a fact there''s still an absurd amount currently attacking the ind but I reckon this must be around half the current fleet gone, I''ve nearly done the job Petra''s requested.


    ''I''ll burn thest few ships down with a few fire tornados, then hopefully go find Petra...''


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "Die you sinful wit-..."


    "Dirty heretics-..."


    "Arghh-..."


    ...


    ''Good... now thosest three are finished''


    Having just dealt with another group of attackers, I''ve just finished off another ship load of pdins and guess I''ve got a breather for a second now. The blood is really flowing like water today it seems...


    <...?>


    Mute looks at me with a questioning face, I''m thankful she''s able to provide a hand defending but her water magic is only really good at knocking them over a little but is more a stagger than anything else... ah yeah, Mute''s specialty is water, she is a blue dragon after all. Pretty sure it would be more powerful if she could speak as well but that''s just her curse, I guess.


    "Sorry Mute, this has barely even started yet... please go find Zeki, he''s extremely red and has a temper that could rival the Gods. Give him some help and put out any fire he''s neglected to put out"


    <...?>


    "Heh, don''t look like that... I''ll be fine, "


    I''ve allowed Zeki to go full blitzkrieg as he calls it burning as many as those homophobic scum as he can handle, Mute might be needed just simply to keep the wildfires in check, they could spread if he''s doing what I think he may. Thankfully, the dragon gives me a slight concerned nod and reluctantly flies off leaving me all alone...


    Before Inded and switched back into human, had to make sure everyone was informed what was going and help organize the defence a little. Currently, Penelope''s handling the west coast, I''ve got the south and Zeki''s got the east as well as everyone else remaining defending the citizens in the town proper. The north channel isn''t wide enough tondrge ships filled with soldiers but already know some have made their way through and would be attacking the town. We should have enough to defend that part without us but I''ve already assumed wrongly with these fuckers already... looks like I''m getting a little annoyed now.


    "Heh... this brings back horrid memories"


    Can''t help but give out a little smile seeing the docks now swarming with another ship about to unload loads more pdins, could just let them burn and have destroyed a few ships already but I''m trying to y bait here, we could even use the undestroyed ships for afterwards.


    It seems my n is working considering that there''s already arge pile dead by my feet. Just where have they found these numbers though? All abled bodied men wearing white stained metal armour and all ready to die for their cause without a care in the world, they must''ve improved rtions with the city next door to the monastery but I''m just getting distracted now. Heh, pretty sure Zeki would call these braindead NPCs right now, maybe even Ikarus as well.


    "There! That''s one of the sinners who owns this ind!"


    "The ck-haired demonic witch! How dare she kill so many of our brothers!?"


    "God destroys all who defies his will!"


    Another group charges towards aimed with longswords all ready to cut me down like the witch I apparently am... none of these are going to provide any threat unfortunately, they still aren''t sending anyone of note but they will soon. Mark my words, this can''t be the strongest of what they have to offer or this is just an insulting.


    The first leading the group aims for my head but quickly finds my de slicing through his neck before he gets the chance to swing, quickness always beats a slow heavy moving de after all.


    Another goes for a suicidal charging attack but all it takes is a quick move to the side and his head goes flying... that''s pitiful.


    "Die heathen!"


    "You will be purged!"


    Two more try to swing towards me forcing me to duck and while I''m down here, might as well take a deep swipe at their stomachs causing them to fall down, two fatal wounds guaranteed if no treatment. That armour may look heavy but it holds no protection to the stomach it seems... at least from my samurai de as Ikarus calls it.


    After witnessing those four die in the blink of eye, the other charging pdins seem a little less willing to charge directly head first into me and try to surround me a little giving me less space to fight back... good, I can use less ki up this way.


    As soon as they think they''ve gotten the upper head, I release that devastating ck inferno all around me incinerating them where they stand... looks like that''s another ship done. I''ve still got more than enough magic left... or ki, it''s basically the same thing at this point.


    All I need to do is stand here in the open waiting for them to charge like moths to a me, it''s almost as if they''re under a spell but know better than that. If someone believes in something, they''ll sacrifice everything for that cause.


    ''Great, more pdins seeking death... Hopefully, Ikarus finishes up her side sooner rather thanter, this seems never ending...''


    To be continued...

 Chapter 123 – Defence

    Chapter 123 ¨C Defence


    "Damn... it''s like a fucking warzone down there"


    Arriving back in the settlement still in the skies, the streets appear to be filled with bodies and it really is a horrid sight, war really is terrible... okay, I''m overying this a little, the streets aren''t exactly filled and I''m pretty sure every single one is an enemy from the monastery. That''s not a guarantee though, some are definitely enemies but quite the few look charred but can just about make out white clothing or armour. It''s not really a horrid sight at all, who really cares about a hundred bodies or so?


    It''s surprising that all the buildings look untouched... say, this isn''t Ariza''s handiwork, right? I know she can use her fire in aggression and can''t forget about the mind control stuff she has as well but she hates using it. If it''s to protect our citizens though, I can see her doing it since she was never aplete pacifist. If this was Zeki''s work, these buildings wouldn''t be untouched and Petra would''ve preferred sword fighting.


    I''m done with admiring the scene now and go towards the government district since it sounds like there are voices over there. I barely used any magicka destroying thosest few ships and I''m pretty sure I even gained some EXP but there''s no time for something like that right now when attackers could still be around.


    Still approaching from the air, I see arge group of our soldiers all defending the newly constructed district roaming around. It''s a little odd just how empty the settlement is right now but I''m thinking anyone who can''t wield a sword has been brought somewhere safe. My killing spree was far away stopping all the reinforcements after all so now I feel like I missed out some stuff a little.


    Anyways. I go tond next to two of the more experienced looking soldiers on the outskirts and idently give one of them a huge shock, so much so he nearly drops his sword.


    "Argh! What the fuck is that!?"


    "It''s one of the leader''s jackass, Queen Ikarus. Just cause she''s currently got wings, it can''t be that hard to tell?"


    "You make it sound like having wings is a normal thing all of a sudden, everyone knows the rumours but still"


    Urgh, that calmer guard didn''t even say that in a joking way, that stupid two queen thing is starting to sink in for everyone but I haven''t got the time to moan at him for it. I get that people like us and all but it''s really unnecessary.


    "Where''s Marcus and everyone else right now?"


    "They''re inside the town hall ma''am"


    "Yeah, healer Ariza, Marcus and the gnome have been organizing the defence so we''re currently on patrolling duty, those religious fucktards tried tond a few rowboats in the northern channel"


    I''ve only just noticed these guards have blood on them as well, they clearly have been doing their jobs. It''s good to know we have soldiers who can fight but being unnumbered ten or a hundred to one is still an impossible fight. I may sound like I''m exaggerating but if we take that entire fleet into ount, then I might be downying it a little.


    "Thanks, I''m leaving now... make sure you don''t die fighting a pointless battle thinking you''re heroes or something like that, there''s nothing wrong with retreating then a pointless death"


    It''s not exactly like I''m worried for two soldiers but these two are pretty far separated from the rest, I was actually thinking they could be deserters or might''ve have betrayed us at first nce but that really doesn''t seem the case.


    "Yes ma''am! Ariza already gave us those orders, that''s actually part of the n for us to be so far away"


    "There''s no need to worry though, my four year old son fights better than these fanatics. Ipetent idiots really"


    At least those two seem happy, I leave them to continue their patrol and quickly fly to the town hall...


    __________


    (Marcus) "Ah, Ikarus... are those wings? Forget that question, what''s going on with your side of things? Petra said you''d take out any reinforcements, correct?"


    (Garry) "Oh, Ikarus has returned? Things are starting to look up"


    At the nearly built town hall I''ve yet to visit before, the ce looks like aplete mess with dozens of people around, some injured on tables resting while other''s just look to be using this ce as refuge. Even Ariza''s here currently giving a hand but she is starting to look a little tired. By the looks of it, the clinic we built must be full so she''s probably having to rush back and forth to heal as many people as possible, things do look a right mess at the moment.


    Despite the absolute chaotic scenes though, people don''t actually look unhappy and almost seem to be confidant about the whole thing. Heck, even I had some strange looks when passing by and but they didn''t seem nasty... maybe it''s just my wings since I haven''t fully retracted them, I''m going to be moving about as quick as possible and people already know all about this strange stuff that happens around here.


    Anyways, that was downstairs in this ce, I''m currently on the second floor where it seems both the dwarf and Marcus have taking over the defence on this side of things and a makeshift base of operations around a round table has been set up. The only other people in this room are guards who I''m guessing can''t fight or are exhausted right now? You''d think they''d be in the barracks but I''m guessing the strategy is to keep everyone close together, I''ve just happened to miss the pure anarchy since I was out ship hunting on the seas again.


    "Yeah, those bastards are sleeping with the fishes... Where is Petra anyways? And who are those people helping out?"


    The thing is, I also saw quite the few people giving a hand to the guards defending the ce but don''t look like I''ve seen them before. They almost look like mercenaries but all seem friendly enough.


    Despite that, this entire area is inplete lockdown and the town hall isn''t the only building being used to house the civilians, those mercs actually seem to be helping a lot right now. Considering the scope of this attack, I''d say we''ve done the best we could''ve but there''s obviously going to be casualties regardless. Ariza may be able to heal but raising the dead is impossible... except for me but with huge limitations. I''m not wasting it on some random civilian activating the year cooldown timer.


    (Marcus) "She''s currently taking care of the southern part of ind and she made sure to tell me to tell you not to bother joining her just yet, she wants you to focus helping Zeki and Penelope if possible after the town is safe. We''ve taken out the majority of our attackers so the town is as safe as it can be right now"


    (Garry) "Those people are part of the Adventuring guildss; it just so happened their ship docked yesterday and was trying to find them a ce to set up shop before those priest bastards arrived. Heck, their leader isn''t even here yet but they offered to help so who are we to turn it down? Ah, everyone in the mine is safe too, they''ve blocked themselves in and will stay in lockdown till orders are given"


    At least that''s less concern then, both Marcus and Garry the gnome seem pretty confident in what they say so we should be nearing the end of this attack. I know better than to be optimistic though, I''m going to assume the worst till this is over and take nothing for granted.


    "Good... we''ll have to pay the guild back someday then... I''m off to help Miss gender bender since I''m guessing she''s alone?"


    It''s funny really, the Adventuring guild have moved in quicker than the Magi it seems, Penelope needs to get her head out of her arse and decide where the tower is going already.


    (Marcus) "Yes Ikarus, the Magi guild still haven''t arrived... there is onest thing Petra wanted to make clear though. She said take care of as many as you can but make sure you don''t lose your way or go mad. "


    Huh? Does Petra know about that bloodlust I sometimes get? Did I speak to her about it in a serious way or is this something else? Regardless, I''ll try and keep it cool as possible but I can''t help the enjoyment I got out of nuking those ships though.


    "Gotcha... I''m gone then..."


    __________


    "Those religious motherfucking priests! How dare they think it''s okay toe and raid this ind!? That''s it, I''m moving the guild in tomorrow, fuck those dickheads!!! You listening to me?! I know your souls are still lingering around!"


    Well... maybe I shouldn''t have visited Miss gender bender first then. Standing on a literal pile of corpses, the blood drenched pink ''woman'' stands around with her arms crossed and with a sulky expression on her face. Seriously though, she singlehandedly must''ve taken out over a hundred soldiers just by her lonesome. It reminds me slightly of that princess we killed and how she looked after Petra was done with her.


    "You all good Penelope? I can give a healent if needed, you look to be bleeding a little"


    "Ah, Petra''s lover Ikarus! I must look like a right sight but everything''s fine over here! You''ll be surprised how easy it is for people to explode when you give them a good shock so none of that blood is mine fortunately! Unfortunately, all the ships on this side seem to be empty now... I''m getting a little bored waiting around for nothing"


    At least she''s on our side I guess, damn Miss gender bender and her disregard for blood and guts. Everyone knows I''m down for a good massacre but I''d still rather not get covered head to toe like her. She really is an anomaly.


    "Okay... it looks like no more areing your way, at least from what I can see up here so you can probably find enemies elsewhere?"


    Looking out at sea, this side seems to be pretty dead if you exclude the ship graveyard we now have in the way. Huh... most of those ships are intact thinking about it, this is going to be a right cleanupter on but not the time for that right now, I''ve still got two more coasts to check.


    "Then that''s what I''ll do!"


    While still witnessing Penelope from the air, she happily jumps off the pile of bodies and precedes to go on her way, I''m guessing back to the settlement but I need to focus on something else now.


    ''Onto Zeki next... should I pay Petra a quick visit beforehand? It''s only a light detour''


    [<Aesa advised against that unless -Ikarus- wants target -Petra- to be disappointed in her>]


    ''Fair enough, don''t want her to be disappointed. I''m just worrying about her a little now, that''s all...''


    __________


    "Burn you motherfucking bastards! Feel my ungodly me! How dare you attack brother''s, sister''s and orangey''s home!?! All of you scream and feel my vengeance!!"


    "Run-..."


    "Arg-..."


    "Help-..."


    Having just arrived on the eastern side, I can hear the maddening beckoning of a red phoenix and the screams of the people he must be tormenting. This slight forest looks to be a charcoaled mess right now but at least it''s notpletely up in me. However, I''m pretty sure on the reason why Zeki hasn''t turned this into a burnt-out hell, there''s something more noticeable in the skies in front of me currently trying to stop the untouched red me consuming the woods on this side of the ind.


    "Mute? Did Petra send you over here?"


    <...>


    Of course, the dragon Mute notices me, gives me a quick nod then returns to breathing water all over the fire? That''s a pretty strange sight thinking about it, I thought dragons had to use speech to use their magic but I guess she''s different then. Even the silent dragon has her uses, even if ones for helping Petra mentally and the other is for preserving this forest from Zeki, it''s not like we have endless number of trees on these inds after all. We could just always pay for lumber but it seems pretty wasteful.


    "Fair enough... you keep doing what you''re doing, I''m going to try and calm Zeki if I can"


    I leave the dragon to continue doing the fire fighter work she''s apparently good at and try to find Zeki. It''s not hard to find someone who can''t help shutting up when fighting though and it appears he''s just finished off thisst wave that''s approached him. That''s if all the ash and desecrated corpses are anything to go by, I''ll assume they''re the bodies of enemies but with Zeki, friendly fire is always eptable though.


    "Scream, you pretentious homo hating fucks! Cry for your God since he ain''t sav-... Ah orangey? You''ve finished up destroying the fleet already? Say... how much did you hear of that?"


    Heh, he looks a little embarrassed right now, it''s almost as if he said something he shouldn''t have. No time to really tease him of his tsundere ways right now, we''ve all got a job to do.


    "Too much Zeki... way too much. It doesn''t matter right now though, you any idea where Ria might be?"


    For some reason, I was kinda expecting the dryad to be in his arms while Zeki battles the hordes of pdins yet I''ve heard nothing about her. It also appears we''ve got a second despite it looking like Zeki''s fight isn''t over just yet, he has done a lot of killing already though.


    "The cow ain''t gonna be useful here in the slightest orangey so I sent her away, waste of space would only get herself killed nonstop so I told her to fuck off"


    Oh, so he was probably worried for her safety and decided it would be best for the dryad to leave or hide, gotcha. It''s really not difficult to understand what the ultimate tsundere of us all is implying even if he doesn''t actually say the words. I''d actually like to see what he would do if the dryad had enough of him but that isn''t going to happen, they really are perfect for each other.


    "You need any help Zeki or are things good over here?"


    Okay, me asking that seems to have pissed him off a little, it''s a good thing I haven''tnded just yet if he''s going to be this way.


    "What do you take me for!? I could kill most of these with a pencil... probably, I ain''t getting nothing good over here. Go try sister, she''s guarding the docks and was trying to y bait for some reason, pretty sure she got the majority of them too. It''s a shame she''s a right kill hog at times"


    Well great, another party that I''mte for, I''m almost itching for a fight at this point. Despite this, let''s hope Petra''s been kicking ass and chewing gum... that''s an obscure reference even I can''t remember what that''s from.


    "Okay, I''m off then... just try and calm it a little. Oh, also make sure you spare any who surrender, please?"


    I''ve got to try with him. Sure, I don''t normally leave any survivors too but it''s not like I enjoymitting war crimes or purposely intend too.


    "Yeah yeah orangey, I''ve heard this all before, leave me now..."


    __________


    ''Jeez... we''re definitely going to pay back the monastery for this, mark my words''


    Approaching the docks in the western side of the ind still from the air, I can see firsthand more carnage that this attack has left the ind in. The docks are unrecognizable right now, dozens of ships have been wrecked and the bodes this time are endless. Damn, my waifu really knows how to be a menace.


    Comparing the sight to Zeki or Penelope''s fight, it appears Petra''s killed twice, maybe three times more and this area is a bloody mess. It''s proper dark fantasy right now with all the chopped off body parts lying around...


    ''I''ve got to stop admiring her handiwork, where even is she?''


    I''m flying about trying to see, listen or feel any auras nearby but this ce seems literally dead like everywhere else. Petra was supposed to be here yet she''s not, I can actually feel my heartbeat racing now, I know I shouldn''t worry but where the fuck is she?


    Fortunately, or unfortunately, the faint sound of an explosion can be heard just off to the side so I make haste trying to find the culprit as fast as my wings can allow. Quickly arriving at the scene in question is something I never thought I''d get to witness in this world, is that really how far technology has progressed?


    "Heh... looks like you''re having trouble"


    "Die, you wretched heathen! Argh! I''ll resume this in a second"


    ''What the actual fuck is that!?''


    I see Petra on her knee''s spitting out blood while in her ck eye mode but that''s not what I first notice. What struck my eye instantly is the humanoid looking machine that''s white in colour, looks like something out of a superhero film and shouldn''t belong in a fantasy world at all. Really isekai Gods? You had to include something robotic looking like this?


    Anyways, Ind next to Petra just on the outskirts of the settlement and her beaten face looks relieved to finally see me, so much so she barely looks able to even stay straight on her knees right now. I crouch down to give her some support only thinking of how much I want this robot bastard to die now...


    "Petra, you good? You''re not at deaths door or anything, right!?"


    "Heh... thought I told you not to turn up"


    Damn, I was honestly expecting some sort of tease like ''you worried about me or something'' but she really looks exhausted right now. Not like the fight with the subus thing, she actually looks beaten and it''s breaking my heart a little. At least she''s able to smile even if it looks a little forced.


    "I did as you asked though! Those two didn''t need me and the situation in the settlement seems to be stable... what the hell is that thing anyways?"


    I point to therge machine looking thing that seems to have a person inside it. I''m purposely not referring it as a mecha since it''s more like a thick suit of armour then an actual gigantic manned machine but I guess that could work. It really looks out of this world though.


    "Heh... don''t ask me Ikarus. Never knew the monastery uses forgotten dwarven technology, I''m a little stuck against this guy. It appears that armour negates nearly all damage and has already taken several hits of my strongest attacks. He packs quite the punch too"


    "Here, take this then"


    "Heh, thanks but I''ve still got some healent spare Ikarus, I''ll sort the wounds out in a second"


    Well shit... how in the fuck do the monastery have ess to something this powerful? There''s no more underestimating them now, they''ve crossed a line that only blood orpletely destruction can repay. It doesn''t help I desperately want a look at Petra''s health right now but know it''s impossible.


    While we''re having our quick moment, the guy in the white armoured robotic suit finally decides to acknowledge both of us. I''m pretty sure he was recharging or something got stuck that gave us this quick break but now it appears to have sorted itself out.


    "At least that''s fixed for now...so... it looks like both the sinners havee seeking redemption? Of course, me and this machine can achieve your wish to be purged anew, it will unfortunately be pain and misery but this is just one of the burdens you must bare to seek a chance at true happiness"


    Sighhh... another deluded fanatic spewing shit, the only difference is that this guy actually sounds robotic. This will be a difficult fight but at least there''s no small fry to get in the way, it looks like Petra purposely gone about taking care of everyone else first. She really does look out for me even if that probably wasn''t the main reason.


    "Heh, sorry but it looks like I''ll have to sit this one out for now Ikarus... didn''t expect thatst explosion... Be warned, his ranged attacks hurt"


    It''s just then I notice a big piece of shrapnel sticking out behind her leg, was she purpsoly hiding that? Bloody hell, I really hope I can hurt this fucker badly now...


    "It''s fine, you''ve done enough already. Just stay here looking pretty for me, alright?"


    "Heh, as youmand then"


    ''Looks like I''m fighting this one alone then, status''


    [Name: Francis | Species: Mecha | Level: 100]


    [Health 7,721/20,000]


    [Stamina 8,238/10,000]


    [Magicka 13,619/20,000]


    ''Are you fucking for real!? The suit counts as a living person?


    [<-Ikarus- must focus and listen to Aesa. Species -Mecha- must be connected to controllers'' life force and would have insane resistances if target -Petra- could only damage it to this extent. Aesa spectes an ego might be involved but not the time for such discussion>]


    ''Agreed... let''s do this then''


    I step forward ahead of Petra to my impending doom and I almost feel like this mecha guy has a slight grin despite that metal mask showing no emotion.


    "So... the orange sinner wants to repent first? Do not worry! I''ll be sure to make it just as bad for the filthy dark one too"


    ''Keep calm Ikarus... you can tear out his spleen after the fight...''


    To be continued...

 Chapter 124 – Monastery’s Shield

    Chapter 124 ¨C Monastery¡¯s Shield


    And so, I charge towards the heavily armoured pdin equipped with my vampiric de and readying a powerful charged tornado attack in the other hand. Swiftly releasing it towards him, itnds but looks to barely do anything. It actually looks like this guy might bepletely resistant to fire.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Francis | Species: Mecha | Level: 100]


    [Health 7,699/20,000]


    [Stamina 8,238/10,000]


    [Magicka 13,619/20,000]


    ''Petra was right, that basically did nothing but twenty points''


    This fight is going to be difficult if charged attacks basically do nothing, at least it''s interesting to know fire does in fact do damage. Maybe there''s a workaround there but not too sure just yet.


    [<Magicka reserves are currently at 72%, does -Ikarus- wish to activate -aspect of gigantomachy-?>]


    ''Of course, you read my mind''


    While I''m preparing for my next attack, it seems whatever the stationary mecha was nning is now ready to go. Aiming out his mechanical arm, an attached crossbow looking device starts to shoot out projectiles.


    ''Hang on... are those fucking missiles!?''


    Easily managing to dodge the first few on the ground, without even thinking about it I change my approach once I see that they have an explosive effect upon impact. I open back up my wings and try to avoid the iing explosives and luckily enough manage to get out of the way of any of the iing shots. That was way too close forfort though.


    This is so fucking dumb but enoughining, I''ve got to deal with this guy but those explosive arrows on his arm really make things difficult. Without having wings right now, these would be nearly impossible to avoid, I can definitely see why Petra struggled a little. She doesn''t have the benefit I have when ites to having wings and arms, I also couldn''t see her power kicking this guy to death as well. She''s way too graceful for that sort of thing and I could definitely see myself stubbing a talon or two doing that.


    "Trying to fly about will not save you from redemption sinner!"


    Again, I''m still flying about trying to avoid getting hit at all costs, it''s a good thing the sun is currently setting behind me otherwise I could see himnding a shot or two. It must be blinding him slightly, it''s either that or his aim is shit. Could be both but I''ve already made enough terrible aim references for one day.


    After that first barrage of attacks has finished, he seems to be out of ammo and needs to quickly reload. Knowing I have a chance, I rapidly descend flying head first into the path of the white armoured mecha and sh my de towards him while gliding past. That would''ve looked baddass but all I want to do is rip this guy''s throat out right now.


    The impact from aspect never leaves anything to be desired so the mecha finds itself being tossed back a slight distance away. Unfortunately, he gets straight back up nearly instantly making me question my life choices.


    "Whoa... that''s the second one of those attacks you two creatures have tried now, it''s always a mystery how God allows such power to fall into unworthy hands but his will shall never be questioned"


    ''Thought that wouldn''t fucking work, status again''


    [Name: Francis | Species: Mecha | Level: 100]


    [Health 2,699/20,000]


    [Stamina 8,236/10,000]


    [Magicka 12,626/20,000]


    ''Exactly five thousand... say Aesa, you think his resistances are around ny percent? At least minimum wise, I''ve never known my magic to be that low so it must be varied... this is going to be a right grind now, I wonder if that could wor-''


    [<Aesa advisers -user- DO NOT try what -Ikarus- is currently thinking, that n holds too much risk to be viable and is not guaranteed to work>]


    Aesa rudely cuts me off from the master n I''m thinking of, I don''t think there''s much else I can do though. How else am I going to take him out when my most powerful magic attack can only do twenty damage?


    ''What else am I supposed to do!? You do the maths behind such a thing; I can''t drain his health any normal way and I''ve only really got two abilities I can use for damage. One of which would kill everyone on this entire ind!''


    [<...>]


    I''ve already exhausted my daily use of the nuke, meteor shower and aspect now. I should''ve bought more abilities if I knew a foe like this was around but there''s no time for regrets, I''m bringing this fucker down one way or another. Even if the method I''m thinking of does hold some risk, it''s got to work differently to magicka, right?


    By now, it seems Mr Mecha has reloaded his explosive crossbow and is aiming for another round of explosive fried bird. Might as well try and ease the tensions despite this fight looking pretty bleak right now, Aesa better not deny me ess otherwise this fight is going to go on way too long, that''s if I can even take him out alone. I still don''t thing even downing a magic potion would allow me to get through enough of his health though and if Petra couldn''t finish him with a sword, then what chance do I hold?


    I make my way back into the cover of sunlight and once again, his uracy sucks while the sun works as my shield. I''ll be unable to use this tactic in ten minutes or so once the sunpletely sets.


    "You sted coward! Come back down here and face your fate! Otherwise... I''m going to switch my attention elsewhere"


    As soon as he says that, I stop trying to dodge the attacks and charge back down. I know he''s talking about the downed Petra; she may be out of sight right now behind a wall but we both know exactly where she is trying to recover. If he daresys a hand on her, I''m purposely going to stop this just before he dies and hopefully make this hurt even more...


    ''Aesa, activate it''


    [


    ]


    It almost sounds like system is concerned for me right now. The option to draw this out and try to round up Penelope and Zeki to give a hand is a possibility but for all I know, this guy has some hidden healing capabilities and the fact he''s basically brought Petra down to her knees... No, I''m ending this now, I can oust this fucker.


    ''Aesa, it''ll work, just trust me''


    [<Fine... ability -star ze- has been activated... good luck>]


    Now that I know that it''s building inside me, I need to get as close as possible and the only way I can do that is rapidly closing the distance between us. Unfortunately, there''s only so much you can do against a rapid firing weapon when you''re charging into it, I''ve managed to just about avoid most of them but not all.


    ''Fuck! My wing!''


    One of the arrows just made impact with my wing and has blown a decent sized hole through it. Despite this, it hasn''t slowed me down in the slightest but the pain is pretty unbearable.


    "What are you doing heathe-... Huh?..."


    And that''s when I know I''ve got him. Grabbing onto the mechas back once the distance between has been closed, he''s now going to experience something I bet he never expected. I''m not letting go till he drops dead now.


    "What the devil is thi-... arghhh!"


    Star ze always takes a little time to cook and now the fire is starting to expand slowly consuming us both. Other than my magic, there''s not much else I can realistically do and this seems to hold more power than normal fire for whatever reason, maybe because it''s an ability. It is supposed to based of a star as well,


    ''Argh, that still bloody hurts... status''


    [Name: Francis | Species: Mecha | Level: 100]


    [Health 2,614/20,000]


    [Stamina 8,234/10,000]


    [Magicka 11,926/20,000]


    ''It already done that much? This might just work''


    Just in that initial split second of contact, his health has already dropped more than any magic attack could''ve achieved. Since this does continues damage, I thought this would be the most effective way of dropping his health despite the obvious stupidity of me basically bearhugging this guy to death.


    "sphemy! Let go of me you stupid creature!"


    He starts to violently try shaking me off and realizes that won''t work so he decides to take a little more of a risk already knowing I''m going to have to bite down and prepare for the impact. Despite being able to grab on to his back and slowly cook this guy, he can still find a way to get a shot off but his visibility would be terrible seeing that both of us can''t see shit inside this fireball.


    "Mmph!"


    Three of the arrows find their way into me somehow, two into my hip and the other into my arm. There are now two problems he has now though... he needs to reload again and I won''t let him!


    ''Fuckkk... status''


    [Name: Francis | Species: Mecha | Level: 100]


    [Health 2,161/20,000]


    [Stamina 8,233/10,000]


    [Magicka 11,627/20,000]


    ''This is working, it hasn''t even been a minute''


    The mecha starts trying to throw me off from his back once again but he ain''t gonna escape this, clinginess is like my specialty! Just trying to use humour to dwell the pain right now, this is agony! I really hope I don''t have massive impact holes in me right now.


    "Arghhh! Get off me you disgusting vermin!"


    "Heh... no chance"


    To think I''ve has to resort to such an odd fighting technique to deal with this guy... no matter though, anything that get''s the job done is enough.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Francis | Species: Mecha | Level: 100]


    [Health 1,362/20,000]


    [Stamina 8,232/10,000]


    [Magicka 11,629/20,000]


    "Disgraceful sinner! Arghhh... let... me... go!"


    I can feel this guy slowly getting weaker as well now, any second and he''ll be finished. Just burn goddamn it, burn!


    "Arghh-..."


    And just like that, the mecha finally loses this fight copsing face first with me still attached to his back. He''s definitely gone now, right? Yeah, that smell of burnt corpse alone should be enough to tell.


    ''Damn, I''ll check my wounds in a sec... I need to check on Petra real quick...''


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ''Shit...''


    "So boy... you still think that orange phoenix still holds no threat even now? The battle''s finished and after all that, you still think the prophecy is meaningless?"


    "*Sigh*... you do understand she waspletely in her right to use something like that? Those priests attacked first"


    "Bah, you''re still trying to convince me otherwise Dionysus!? You just saw firsthand what she''s capable of... has my boy got a crush on the orange phoenix or something? I''m sure that horrid brother of mine in the underworld could spare her soul if you asked nicely"


    "Real funny..."


    Fuck fuck fuck... why the hell did Zeus have to walk in at the start of that battle!? He witnessed everything that just happened! He rarely visits, maybe once a month and he just had to pick this moment, it almost makes me think he knows something about those religious freaks but I''ve already confirmed that was aplete coincidence. He''d make a deal with nearly anyone except fanatics.


    Maybe if he had walked into the viewing room midway through the battle, then things might''ve gone differently but that still isn''t a guarantee. The fact she has an explosion that huge and can even use the power of the giants? It''s over, there''s no way he can let this go...


    "...It wouldn''t make any difference anyways, you''re always as stubborn as a phantom. You care to exin what the n is going to be going forward then? You going to pay a visit to the mortalnds in person?"


    Zeus ponders for a second from my question but doesn''t seem to sense I''m being a little snarky. Whatever happens now, it''s out of my hands.


    "No... something a little more subtle that''s been in the works for a while, obviously revealing our existence down below is something not allowed so-... Why am I telling you this? What I''ve got nned could take some time but you don''t need to concern yourself with such a thing Dionysus! You can rx while I take care of the problem that gues all us Gods"


    "Yeah, ''problem''..."


    Zeus after making his point leaves me alone in the viewing station to go enact whatever deal it is he''s made; this really hasn''t gone well. At least on the lighter side of things, he isn''t doing something direct and hasn''t witnessed that other explosion attack just yet... the funny thing is, seeing that would either make him go down personally to destroy that phoenix or fear would be so strong, he''d sue for peace. Whatever the case, he''s now decided on who his enemy is so this now means war is about to happen one way or another. There''s no way I''m allowing him to do this without repercussions though.


    ''It''s time to inform some people what''s going to happen... I''m probably going to Tartarus for this, literally as well if I get caught''


    I''ve had no words back from Hades and those lot but I''ve already made contact with some other Gods and Goddess''s who wishes to oppose father''s rule. Actually attacking Zeus is an unrealistic task that will only lead to a painful death but there''s more subtle ways to handle things. Problem is, the risk element is about to skyrocket now, I''m finding out about that deal one way or another.


    ''This might take a while... ah, I''ll give Charlotte the quick news but she still doesn''t need to know everything just yet...''


    __________


    "Ikarus... is that a little better?"


    "Yeah yeah... your hands make everything better"


    "Heh, you''re actually trying to flirt right now?"


    "Well, the battle''s now won, I think... and you do the same exact thing in public that''s far worse"


    "Heh, fair enough"


    After fucking up that robotic bastard, I returned to Petra and she''s giving me a quick hand applying the healent simply because why not? In all honesty, it''s obvious she''s still not in a great state despite the bleeding and her wounds being fixed. Maybe it''s just exhaustion from low health and stamina?


    As for me, you''d think for an actual explosive would mess me up a little further than it actually did. Other than a few small bloody holes and my wing still hurting like a bitch, I''m as good as new! I''m probabaly down ying it a bit, my wing is still fucked and this hurts like a bitch right now. I''m not if it''s the healent or injuries causing the pain though.


    "Oi Petra, let''s head back to the town proper now, I''ll give you a lift"


    I mean, I''ve still got strength in me despite the injuries, she really doesn''t. I''m always for heroically carrying Petra back into town anyway, any pain is irrelevant when ites to this sort of thing.


    "Heh... you sure? If you''re adamant Ikarus... please pick me up the right way this time around"


    "What do you take me for..."


    While I''m picking up Petra and princess carrying her back to our settlement, I can''t help but get curious on something else despite Petra giving me the hungry eyes right now... gotta look away real quick.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 306]


    [Health 24,782*/50,000*]


    [Stamina 7,136*/20,000*]


    [Magicka 52,620*/70,000*]


    [You currently have 43000 unassigned points]


    ''Damn, no wonder why everything hurts... Aesa, why is my level that high!? Those points as well... I swear my kill all abilities don''t give out EXP?''


    [<-Ikarus- must be forgetting the few remaining ships sent burning with fire just after abilities -nuclear hellfire- and -meteor shower- ended-. That would''ve been the main cause of 63 level upsbined with most recent battle against species Mecha>]


    ''I got so caught up in that battle...pletely forgot about all that''


    Once again having such an oddly designed levelling system really is weird, not that I''mining though. Now, I''m going to have way too much to buy but judging how bad thatst battle could''ve gone, I may need it. Anything additional may be of some help, just hopefully I don''t end up with too many AoE attacks again.


    While I''m conversing with Aesa still heading back, it appears I''ve idently pissed someone off a little.


    "Heh... can''t believe you''re more interested in Aesa than me right now Ikarus, you even just looked away"


    Petra''s actually pouting!? Look, I thought she was looking at me like that but still, can we really kiss while I''m carrying her sorry ass back into town?


    "Don''t look at me like that! If we start kissing right now, it won''t be a quick peck and I''ll probably fall over carrying yo-"


    And like the devil she is especially when ites to kissing, she makes her move without giving me a chance to defend myself especially considering my arms are both in use... damn, they never get old even if she''s already stopped.


    "Heh, looks like you were wrong Ikarus"


    "Y-Yeah... can we just go back now?"


    "Heh, sure..."


    __________


    "Erm, Petra... why are people looking at us funny?"


    "Heh... could be that you''re still holding me Ikarus, could be your wings are still out or even the dragon that''s currently flying above us. The only thing missing from this scene is Zeki being in phoenix form as well"


    <...?>


    "Do I seriously have to switch form sis? I''ve had a long day of killing and I want to chill now"


    "She was being sarcastic kid"


    Having just returned from the docks, we''ve just so happened to bump into Zeki and are now in the main square of the town. It looks like the attacks on every side have died down and what''s left is a forming crowd with strange looking eyes all ring in our general direction. Ah, can''t forget about Mute being with us as well, didn''t bother asking if she had a human form since I really couldn''t care about secrecy right now.


    Should I address the crowd or something? No one else seems to be saying anything.


    "Erm... is everyone just going to stare at us like we''re strangers or something? You can''t all be seriously scared of a dragon looking at what just happened"


    ...


    Still no response from the crowd, I guess it''s not the dragon then. Apparently, Zeki actually holds the answer for my questioning right now.


    "You really are something orangey, that ain''t fear they''ve got in their eyes. That''s awe, fear is soo much better though but after what you two just did, it should be pretty obvious why''d they look like that"


    If what Zeki says is true, why are they all quiet then? Just as I''m about to leave and go see if we can find Ariza, two people from the crowd finally speak up.


    "So... the battle is finally over?"


    "We actually managed to defeat the church!?"


    Then like it was prepared, the entire town slowly starts to roar in cheers from these two setting it off. Ikarus dot executable isn''t working right now? Is beating those fanatics that celebration worthy?


    "I don''t get it Petra... aren''t we the cause of all this?"


    The atmosphere in our town has just gone mad, there isn''t an ounce of hatred towards us and it''s astonishing me. If we had hidden the gay thing, then this entire attack could''ve been avoided. There must''ve been loads of causalities from our side in that battle so those deaths should be aimed at us, right? Maybe I''m just being an idiot.


    "Heh, you''re asking someone who leaves after saving the day Ikarus. This is brand new to me as well"


    So, I''m not the only one this clueless on this then. At least everything is over now, I guess.


    "Let''s find a ce to rx, then get a bite to eat..."


    __________


    Okay... remember that clich¨¦ I''ve said I hate multiple times already? The one about the entire settlement guiding around Petra cooking them a meal? That''s basicallye partially true...


    See, obviously at the moment the settlement is simr to the aftermath of a warzone so trying to find an inn or restaurant that''s currently serving food is impossible. After I suggested about food, the entire crowd basically surrounded us and decided we must celebrate and eat with them. The darkness has already fallen yet the celebrations have only just started, it would be nice except I still don''t like being the centre of attention especially in arge crowd.


    At the very least, they refused Petra cooking for them since she couldn''t help offering so the clich¨¦ wasn''tpletely the same but they answered saying the idea of having one of the two queens doing such a thing is absurd! I really, really am starting to dislike how that''s bing an unironic thing now but I''ll just ept it since it''s not like I''m going to argue with a crowd of drunk and happy people. Queen Ikarus and Queen Petra people, sighhh...


    Ah yeah, the alcohol has been brought out while we wait for this huge cooking pot powered by a bonfire to be ready but it''s basically done now, I think? I''m not really focused on that right now though, something else just happened as well.


    Garry the gnome happened to pass by while doing something else and gave us a quick update on some things. The fighting has now obviouslypletely ended; Ariza was working overtime and now needs a long rest since the worst injuries have been sorted, Penelope and Marcus are already organizing the cleanup and the mine is back to work as well. It''s almost as if nothing''s happened except that the streets have the odd corpse loitering around and the coast, well that''s just aplete mess of ships.


    So... that basically leaves us being the figureheads of everything sitting back rxing while everyone else is working or fixing things with the celebrating crowd, it''s almost as if this is what I wanted but was it? Ah, I don''t care about having too many duties anymore. As long as I''m with Petra, nothing else even matters. Heck, she''s still on myp even now but I''m focusing on something else again.


    ''Heh... looks like Mute has been given responsibility of all the kids''


    A bunch of kids are using Mute the dragon as a climbing frame right now and it looks like she''s loving the attention. There''s gonna be a day where any type of species can remain on these inds with no issues whatsoever and we may already be there especially considering the reaction the navy-blue Mute. No one even looks afraid of her in the slightest. While my father and mother might be a step too far for the average joe, I bet Minos would be fine now.


    "Say ah Ikarus"


    "Huh?..."


    While I wasn''t paying attention, it just so happened we got the first bowl of thispleted stew the people made and Petra with her infinite wisdom decides she has to feed me now. Normally, I just suck it up and power through but this time, it''s a little different. I know I can''t do it myself since she still won''t get off myp even while we''re on this bench.


    "...Urgh, must you Petra? There''s literally a crowd watching us right now!"


    I''m going to throw something at the onlookers in a minute! Stop looking at us in awe! Petra''s being cutesy right now and you''re just putting me off my stew doing something like this!


    "Heh, why do you think I''m doing it Ikarus? Everyone gets to see you blush"


    "Urgh, you''re terrible at times... that good enough?"


    As soon as I ept my fate and sip from the spoon, the crowd watching us decide to give us loads of cheers. It doesn''t help Petra teases enough yet the crowed are cheering her on! This entire ind is against me and I''m going down the evil route if this is my fate.


    "Nope... we''ve got the entire bowl to get through first"


    "*Sighhh*... you''re lucky I love you so much"


    "Heh, as do I... nowe on, have some more"


    Still watching on while I''m being force fed by my girlfriend, this ind is full of weirdos...


    ''It''s obvious the people have chosen a favourite queen... this stew is pretty good though...''

 Chapter 125 – Doppelganger

    Chapter 125 ¨C Doppelganger


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 306]


    [Health 45,986*/50,000*]


    [Stamina 15,596*/20,000*]


    [Magicker 70,000*/70,000*]


    [You currently have 43000 unassigned points]


    ''Huh... looks my health still isn''t full, I guess even the healing isn''t that quick. My stamina also hasn''t fully recovered as well but I did sleep like shit I suppose''


    Waking up the right at the start of the next morning, I''ve made my way into the woods since it seems like a good ce to buy and test out some new abilities. Should probably increase my stats as well, those arrows in particr did knock me down to about half HP, I suppose.


    Right now, as the sun rises, the town is dead quiet due to the celebrationsst night. It appears that many have slept in because of celebrating too heavy, even the dragon Mute is out cold sleeping in the middle of the town square right now. Me and Petra left after the meal so most of what went down, we got to avoid. I kinda had to as well, our cutesy stuff is best left hidden despite the town now trying to encourage it... although nothing additional happenedst night other than sleeping. I''m aching way too much for a bit of fun time right now


    Even the restless Petra is still sleeping and so I didn''t dare wake her. My reason for getting up this early other than just wanting to sort my stats out is also down to my hip and wing, I''m still in a little bit of pain so sleep wasn''t great. Another reason is that we''ll need to decide what to do next in retaliation towards the monastery and this seems the perfect time before important discussions need to be made.


    ''Aesa, split twenty thousand in half and put it into stamina and health please''


    I''m neglecting magicka this time around because if thatst fight was anything to go off, it would''ve been useless to increase it. Eh... maybe not useless but it definitely seemed like abilities are better to rely on even if you exclude the daily cooldown. Also, I''ve been neglecting stamina for a while and sleeping like shit has given me the encouragement to invest in it.


    [<Confirmed, invested points have been doubled and this is what -Ikarus''s- stats now look like>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 306]


    [Health 65,987*/70,000*]


    [Stamina 35,596*/40,000*]


    [Magicka 70,000*/70,000*]


    [You currently have 23000 unassigned points]


    ''Thanks... no point dying the inevitable then, Aesa?''


    [<Does -Ikarus- wish to confirm -sacrificialmb- purchase?>]


    ''Yup''


    [<Confirmed... -Ikarus- has unlocked ability -magma walker-. Unfortunately, Aesa thinks -Ikarus- might dislike this ability>]


    ''Why''s that then Aesa?''


    [<Ability -magma walker- allows -Ikarus- to create a smallke of magma every 24 hours. Despite phoenix resistances allowing -Ikarus- to walk over it, may be slightly underwhelmingpared to other abilities>]


    ''Well that sucks... actually, I kinda want to give this a try one second. Aesa, activate it please''


    [<Confirmed>]


    Once Aesa confirms it, the ground beneath me within the woods turns into a steamingke ofva spreading to a sizable distance away from me. It''s only a smallke and it doesn''t seem to have the same gasses an actual bed of flowing magma would have but it''s not that bad. Despite Aesa downying it a little, it''s a rtively decent size and I could see this being pretty useful depending on the situation. Any species that can''t withstand fire would get trapped and continuously burn while inside this. This actually could be really deadly against nearly anyone and might of even worked against that mecha guy I just fought yesterday.


    ''Huh... I think you''re being a little harsh on this Aesa but let''s continue on though''


    Also, I wonder if this ability could help out the cksmiths around here as well? I''m not sure how they make their forges but having thatva could be useful, right? I''m not sure if I can scale it down though, will have to give this some more testing to see down the line.


    [<Does -Ikarus- wish to confir-... Aesa is now getting tired repeating the confirmation message as well so Aesa will forceably skip it... processing... ability -plot protection- has been unlocked>]


    ''Huh... thought you said the confirmation message couldn''t be skipped but oh well. What''s plot protection do then?''


    [<-Plot protection- allows -Ikarus- to neglect any form of damage for up to 5 minutes. Same daily cooldown time applies>]


    ''Okay... so basically you''re saying this ability would technically make me actually immortal? Not just the ageing side of things, like for those five minutes I''d bepletely untouchable by anyone?''


    That honestly sounds a little overpowered if I''m being honest. Sure, at this pointining or being sceptical could be getting a little boring but I''m not really sure what to make of this just yet.


    [<Heh, it seems both Aesa and -Ikarus- are starting to be numb to obvious abilities that could be considered ''overpowered''. This one appears to be exactly as -Ikarus- describes, HP will remain locked for the duration and cannot be reduced by any means>]


    ''Looks like my dream of swimming in a volcano might actually be possible then...''


    It really says a lot we''ve got so much cool shit hidden away, having just unlocked a proper immortality ability is basically nothing now. Hey, it''s not like I''mining, I''m definitely enjoying basically being a walking nightmare to deal with at this point but it''s just this sort of thing is a little difficult to be excited on. Hmm... my stats might be even higher than father''s as well...


    ''...Next one then please Aesa''


    No point testing it out, right? All I''d be doing is making a slight cut and seeing if my HP drains and besides, it''s not exactly like Aesa would lie to me what the ability does.


    [<Confirmed... processing... ability -burning hellfire- has been unlocked>]


    ''Hellfire? My nuke one is called atomic hellfire... is this one supposed to be in the same family or something?''


    [<It appears so... information is a littlecking to the others but ability -burning hellfire- appears to have very simr properties to -atomic hellfire-. The main differences seem to be ability -burning hellfire- only uses fire andcks the explosive effect>]


    ''At least on the brightside, I''ll be able to use this around us phoenixes, right? It''s just fire after all''


    [<-Ikarus- assumes correct, this ability appears to be that way. Obviously testing of this one will need to be reserved for another time due to ability being dangerous>]


    Sometimes being heavily fire focused can be a little boring I guess. Like usual, notining but having abilities designed to destroy the entire world can make me feel like I''m neglecting my true purpose or something. There will be a day this will be needed I reckon, whether it''s to burn down a forest or for murder is an irrelevant thought.


    ''Yeah yeah... let''s just hope thest one is a little more unique, Aesa?''


    [<Confirmed... processing once again... hmm, this ability may please -Ikar-...>]


    Suddenly out of nowhere still on thisvake that''s nearly hardened over, something scares the living shit out of me!


    "What are you doing out here Ikarus?"


    Petra in all her wisdom and beauty decides to try and destroy my heart by sneaking up on me! Fuck, my heart''s still pounding even now, you''d think I would''ve heard her footsteps approaching but that sexy voiceing out of nowhere really gave me a right shock.


    "Jesus Christ woman! You trying to give me a heart attack or something? You''re not stalking me again, are you?"


    "Heh, did I ever agree to stop Ikarus? I''ve got to keep up with your clinginess as well, right?"


    "Haw haw... very funny..."


    We''re both clearly referring to the third time we bumped into each other way back when I used her of stalking me, that might as well be ancient history at this point and I''m surprised even she remembers that. It also says a lot about me that I''d be into Petra stalking me and I''m sure she''d be the exact same... the more I think about it, we really aren''t mentally stable people. Imagine the conversation if both of us were to bepletely honest with each other... I wonder if that teasing she does is actually her being honest. I think I may need to be careful around her...


    "Heh... seriously though, what are you up to? I''m guessing you did something to the floor then?"


    "Yeah, just ability buying right now. Aesa, what was the fourth one again?"


    When we walk back, I''ll tell Petra about the other few but she did put me off track a little.


    [<Before target -Petra- rudely interrupted us, Aesa was about to announce -Ikarus- has unlocked ability -doppelganger->]


    Is that Aesa sulking or something? She''s not jealous of Petra all of sudden, right? This gives me an idea...


    "Hey! Don''t be grumpy at Petra for scaring us like that Aesa! You love her just as much as I do, right?"


    "Oh, is Aesa annoyed with me? Sorry about that then"


    [<Sometimes -user- makes Aesa want to forcibly bang head against wall>]


    "Sorry sorry! She''s fine with you Petra but let''s go back on track, what''s doppelganger do Aesa?"


    Despite me apologizing, something about winding Aesa up a little always makes me smile. There is something great about teasing though but unfortunately, I''ll never be at the same level of Petra,


    [<Hmm... this ability may be better shown rather than described otherwise -Ikarus- will fail to see any use in this, please activate it when ready>]


    ''Okay... activate doppelganger then-... what the fuck is happening!?''


    All of a sudden, it looks and feels like my body is splitting in two. It looks strange enough from where I am but I guarantee Petra would be getting a stupidly weird sight from where she is. It doesn''t look gory or anything like that, it''s almost as if I''m shedding skin or something simr, I think? Thankfully, it''s not a long experience but ufortable though.


    Anyways... once this process is over, me and Petra find ourselves looking over a naked body on the fully hardened magma ground and that body just so happens to be an exact replica of mine... oh, doppelganger! I forgot what that means but it''s basically a double or look alike! That''s what this ability does then, how do I control the clone though?


    "Heh, you understand trying to love two Ikarus''s might be pushing it a little? I can try loving you both equally but only one is the true Ikarus after all... and which one of you is the evil one anyways?"


    Sometimes even she makes me facepalm, I know she''s joking and all but still! And look at her lying to herself, the thought of having two or me would be making her excited and I know it!


    "For God''s sake Petra... you really are something. How am I supposed to control it though?"


    "You don''t"


    Then giving me another heart attack, the naked clone Ikarus on the floor speaks! How the hell did that happen? It hasn''t done something stupid like splitting up my personality in two, right? I''m going to be right pissed at Aesa if it has, I''ve read about that sort of thing before when someone gains a second type of ability and I''m going to purge this fake Ikarus if that''s true! There can only be one...


    "Heh, can you stand clone Ikarus?"


    "Is that what we''re calling it then Petra? Clone Ikarus?"


    I mean, we could call it Ikarus number two, fake Ikarus or anything else but it matters little I guess.


    "Apologies target -Petra- but phoenix-human hybrid body needs some time getting used to"


    Hang on, there''s only one person who talks like that!? That''s sounds so weird in my own voice though.


    "Aesa! You understand how creepy that is using my second body like that, right?"


    "''Creepiness'' ys no part in Aesa''s thinking..."


    Aesa''s using the clone finally manages to shift herself into a sitting position but looks like she''s struggling a little with the human body. Well, technically it''s not human because it''s still got the folded-up wings and feathers but you know what I mean.


    "How does this even work Aesa? Something like this was never possible with my voice way back when"


    "-Ikarus- is an anomaly even with other G.A.P system users so something like this is an impossibility for most. The shortest answer Aesa can give is that ability -doppelganger- allows control of a separate body loosely connected to the original. The unfortunate problem is that this body provides nobat potential but can be activated anytime with no cooldown timer"


    Despite Aesa sounding a little negative about this ability, this actually seems pretty cool. Of course, it would be nicer if it actually could fight or do something but I guess it could just be considered an NPC version of me then. By the sounds of it, that body can''t function automatically though.


    "So... does that mean I can control that in sync with my normal body then?"


    "Negative -Ikarus-, only one conscience can be controlled at any time and would causeplete mental shutdown if -Ikarus- attempted to control multiple at once. This is why Aesa pointed out -Ikarus- may find this ability useless since there would be no reason to control the weaker body"


    Once again, Aesa is right. It''s almost as if this cloning ability is a gimmick that was purposely designed to be useless if that body is basically nothing... Despite me and Aesa clearly looking a little annoyed with the new unlocked ability, Petra seems to find this rather amusing.


    "Heh, you say it''s controble Aesa? Does that mean I''d be able to use it too?"


    "Affirmative, does target -Petra- want to try clone body?"


    Hang on, Petra''s not doing that!


    "Erm... can we not do that please? Aesa is one thing but having Petra inside me is somethingpletely different... I know how that sounds!"


    "Why does -user- have to make everything dirty minded?"


    "Heh... Ikarus..."


    Damn it... I know what I said is actually true because of the stuff we''ve don-... sighhh, let''s just move on from Petra''s smiling and Aesa''s re. Out of all the bodies she could get, it just had to be this obnoxious mirror, didn''t it? The idea of Petra being in my clone body is something I really don''t want to see though, just imagine if we did something like kissing or anything further and it would be like doing it with myself! That''s all kind of narcissistic behaviour I don''t need and knowing Petra, she''d obviously start to tease with it as well...


    "What are we going to do with you though? Don''t get me wrong, I''m all for giving you freedom but this feels a little weird"


    As bad as it sounds, AI freedom here is something I''m kinda afraid on. Literally everything with my system goes through Aesa so having her gone would be a trainwreck waiting to happen. I know it''s possible to run the system without the voice but I don''t have a clue how to do that!


    By now, I''ve helped ''Aesa'' up, I''m actually surprised Petra hasn''t mentioned anything about the nudity but I guess her teasing is reserved only for me... even if Aesa is in my body and all.


    "Don''t be absurd -Ikarus-, Aesa only took up form to show -Ikarus- how ability works, Aesa can stillmunicate..."


    [<...even like this and can still help -user-...>]


    "...Since ability has now been exined, Aesa will discard form shortly"


    Despite me looking a little reassured about keeping Aesa around albeit feeling a little weird from Aesa speaking inside and outside my head, Petra actually seems to be the one more concerned for her right now.


    "You really don''t want to experience living in an actual body for a little while Aesa? You''ve only got a limited amount of time and you''re happy to stay cooped up?"


    Ah right, systems aren''t immortal so I can see why Petra would worry about something like this, at least the voices anyways. I''m more than willing to discard my selfishness for system if it makes her a little happier but I really can''t see this working how Petra might be intending since Aesa is still an AI at heart. I guess in some ways, Aesa could even bepared to an advanced tutorial NPC.


    [<Don''tpare Aesa to tutorial NPC -user->]


    ''Ah, sorry! Having you in front of me and still inside my head is kinda confusing''


    You know what''s better than one moaning robotic wife? Two! Let''s try to focus on the actual conversation though.


    "Such a thing holds no appeal to Aesa but if -Petra- views it as important... then Aesa could stay like this for a while. This isn''t an easy experience though"


    "Ah, great then! What do you fancy doing Aesa? Food? Drink? Anything else?"


    You know, Petra did say once that Aesa reminds her of her own lost voice so I can see why she''s happy over such a thing. I guess we can make a day for Aesa even though I''m pretty sure she''s just doing this for Petra at this point. We''ve still got some time to spare since it''s still pretty early despite us being here for a little while already and I can already tell most people aren''t going to be working how they should be today. Late night drinking always does that and the entire settlement did celebrate such a thing, we do have to decide how to follow up the monastery attack soon though.


    "Again, suggestions are unnecessary. Any memory, emotion, sense or feeling -Ikarus- has always shared. Instinctive activities like breathing and walking are not considered natural or memories to Aesa so focus is on staying alive for now"


    Wait, I guess she weren''t kidding when she said we share everything. Wouldn''t Aesa be more a part of me than I first realized if that''s the case then? It can''t be, right? I''ve been arguing nonstop with myself for God knows how long then!


    "We can decide what to do soon... can we at least do something about her hair? And get some clothes on... give me a hand Petra"


    I wasn''t exaggerating when I said we look identical, even the hair style is the exact same and it''s making me feel a little worried that Petra wouldn''t be able to tell the difference. I know deep down she would but I''d rather us not look that identical if possible.


    "Heh, sure Ikarus"


    I''m already holding Aesa up but she really isn''t adapting to human-phoenix life all that well just yet, she''s pretty adaptable so I reckon she''ll get used to it but it doesn''t look easy for her right now. I guess even an AI can''tpletely adapt to everything, to think breathing is that difficult.


    ''I guess if anyone asks, I could just say I have a twin. Considering everything weird the town has experienced recently and been fine with, this will be like nothing to them...''

 Chapter 126 – Decisions

    Chapter 126 ¨C Decisions


    ---Apologies for another Sunday missed, started work on a little side project writing wise and I may be overdoing it again. It''ll probably be 4 a week going forward now, we''ll see how it goes though.


    __________


    "Petra and... oh, you never said you had a sister Ikarus"


    After sorting out Aesa''s clone body by giving her a quick haircut and putting some clothing on her like that pink dress I wore for my birthday, we had a quick explore about but Aesa really didn''t fancy doing anything so, we just ended up going to see what Marcus is up to. It''s good Aesa''s got used to the simple things like breathing and walking now but she still doesn''t look that happy about this experience. It could just be she hasn''t got a clue about using facial expressions yet, she does make my face look kinda stoic and emotionless though.


    We''re currently sitting around in the town hall study room and despite this ce still being pretty messy, there''s still a few rooms that are normal looking despite the invasion defence that just happened. This ce does have a lot of books and papers around, this must be where Marcus spends most his time in.


    "That''s Aesa. Heh, it turns out both me and Ikarus have sisters we didn''t know about now"


    Petra''s obviously being sarcastic but she is right about Mute though. Those two should probably spend some time together thinking about it but I''m not going to force Petra to spend time with her dragon sister.


    "Yeah, my twin ''sister'' doesn''t talk that much so just ignore her"


    You know, Marcus is the only person to actually mention Aesa walking over here, I was right about people not caring about a twin sister. The town is still pretty empty all things considered right now though.


    "Fair enough, I won''t press any further then. Since you two are already here, how abou-"


    While Marcus is speaking, the door to the study basically ms open revealing someone not wee here.


    "Hello everyone! Not starting without me, are you!? Just because I was building my tower doesn''t mean you can-... hang on, there''s two Ikarus''s here!?"


    Miss gender bender, aka Miss Penelope arrives so things are only going to get more annoying moving forward now.


    "Aesa can understand why -Ikarus- finds -Penelope- annoying meeting in person"


    "Heh, she''s Ikarus sister Aesa"


    "Yeah, twin ''sister'' apparently"


    The strange thing is, all Penelope can do is push her face right up to Aesa staring her all over intensely. I''d encourage Aesa to give her a punch if she keeps this up since this looks awkward as hell, Penelope once again seems to be crossing a line.


    "Why are you two lying to me!? You two look the same and even have the same auras! There''s no chance that person isn''t your clone so how did you do it!?"


    Sighhh... I should''ve expected a reaction like this from her, this is an ability after all and I''m guessing some sort of magic is involved which has made her pick up on it. Since it''s magic rted, obviously Penelope would pick this up since that''s the only thing that''s gets into that hollow space inside her head.


    "Penelope, we''re starting the meeting now so be quiet and stop asking questions. Ikarus says they''re twins so just leave it there, alright..."


    Damn, even Marcus is starting to get annoyed with her antics. Instead of giving a response, Penelope just finds a seat and pouts.


    "...Okay, let''s discuss what''s going to happen with the monastery then, how are we going to go about this?"


    "Shouldn''t we get Mr Gnome here as well!? Won''t he want to know what''s going on!?"


    Marcus literally just told her to shut up yet she''s instantly talking once again, at least we''re partially on topic now though. Also, it says a lot just how rxed all of us arepared to Marcus over this sort of thing, we''re not being arrogant but wiping out an army of thousands are barely suffering any injuries is a reason for slight confidence after all.


    "Already spoken to Garry and he doesn''t see the point in attending since he reckons this is only a problem the two queens can solve. So then Petra and Ikarus, how do you n on dealing with this monastery situation? Are we preparing for a full-scale invasion which could potentially anger the empire, suing for peace or even just forgetting about the whole thing? nning for war isn''t really something I''m ustomed to"


    Damn nickname, just grit your teeth and ept it Ikarus otherwise you''ll end up being a massive hypocrite. I always call Garry the gnome after all but should probably be focusing on the fanatics in the big church right now, Marcus does appear to be sweating slightly due to the stress and I can understand his fears a little over this.


    "Heh, you''re worrying too much about this Marcus. Defence was always going to be our weakness and considering how well things have apparently turned out, there''s not that much to worry about"


    Petra''s reaction has irked me a little, I''m not going to lie.


    "The thing is... I''m actually agreeing with him this time around Petra. That armoured guy in particr was noteworthy so we can''t take these lot for granted. Who''s to say they don''t have over a thousand more pdins ready to fight and even have more armoured guys like that? I remember you saying they had a secret weapon once but nothing about that armour"


    Of course, it''s not like we can agree on everything but I might actually be right this time around.


    "Ah, apologies Ikarus, it probably sounds like I''m underestimating them again. Believe me, this time around I''m not. See, the monastery don''t understand we have a weapon more powerful than anything they can evenprehend, something which no weapon nor armour can protect against. That''s why I''m pretty confident on any counter attack we may potentially do"


    (Marcus) "What''s that then?"


    (Penelope) "We have a secret weapon Petra!?"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah, what Petra?"


    Petra pauses, I was thinking it was for dramatic effect but turns out I''m just being a little oblivious.


    "Heh, you Ikarus. You''re not forgetting you have the ability to wipe them out in a split second, are you? You''re perfect for the attacking side of things... among everything else as well"


    Urgh, Petra just called me perfect and tried to hide thatpliment within that attack statement. Despite the obvious blushing I''m trying to hide being called that, I thought Petra wanted a different approach to how we deal with them.


    "Of course I''m freaking not forgetting about it, I thought you wanted to take a more peaceful option to this though"


    "Ikarus... that was before they dared tried to attack you and our home. We can try for a different option if you want but they''ve made their intentions clear now. I''d rather just wipe the te clean"


    Huh, it''s just her opinion has changed then, it makes sense due to what they''ve done. The monastery has started a war against us so it''s only fair we pay them back, I''m unsure if we should go straight to destruction though.


    "Hey, I''m not against the ideapletely nuking them but shouldn''t we at least share words with whoever runs the show over there? I''m just thinking about mary gain really"


    Why I''m thinking of such a thing is simply down to trying to rinse them of all they''ve got. It''s a monastery so they''ve got to have priceless relics and all sorts of things like that so maybe if they are scared enough of us, then we could get war reparations? I''m always for a good explosion but if it helps improve the settlement, then I can always put that tendency aside.


    (Marcus) "I''m not really sure they''d be willing to negotiate though, the same sex thing really makes it impossible"


    "Yes, Mr Marcus is right Petra''s lover! There''s no chance those fanatics will listen to reason!"


    Despite those two disagreeing with me, this time it''s Petra who''s thinking a little more heavily on this but it''s slightly different to what I was thinking of though.


    "Hmm... although I agree with them Ikarus, I can see what you''re getting at. Say, you remember how we snuck out of the pce after the empire started to crumble? It''s not like we can''t just take what we rightly deserve though"


    "Wait... are we going to sneak into the monastery using invisibility first? Fuck yeah, I''m down for a little heisting!"


    That''s definitely what Petra was hinting at, why make a deal with the homophobic priests when you can just steal from them? Then blow them up from orbit afterwards!


    "Heh, thought you''d like that idea Ikarus. After we''re done getting anything worth of value, then we''ll make sure the monastery regrets everything they''ve done"


    Listen okay, we obviously don''t need the wealth so me and Petra aren''t being greedy but it just seems like a waste for all those religious relics to go to waste. I mean, it''s a monastery that literally just sent thousands of people toe attack us, they''ve definitely got wealth hidden away. Then once that''s done, it''s game over for them...


    Me and Petra will discuss the n a little more while we''re preparing but obviously we are still kinda in a meeting with Penelope and Marcus.


    "At least that''s kinda settles then? If you need any help, be sure to ask but there are some other slight things that could use some advice from you two. The first thing is this, I''m going to assume it''s okay to scavenge or even repair the broken ships surrounding our coasts? It seems a little wasteful to leave all of them and not make some use out of it"


    Ah yeah, can''t forget about the ship graveyard we have surrounding the ind currently. Actually, thinking about it, most of those ships are rtively intact so we could easily use them for a navy if we wanted to. I''m pretty sure me and Petra are happy to allow Marcus to do what he wants with this though.


    "Heh, of course Marcus, you don''t have to ask permission for something like that"


    "Yeah, you are still technically a leader despite constant attempts of binning the role onto us two poxy queens"


    At least my moaning gets a small smile from Petra about the two-queen thing again. Like I said, I''m just going to have to get used to it otherwise this will be another thing I''m constantly moaning abouts. The fact Petra likes it makes it a little more bearable though.


    "Okay, so I''ll do what I want with the fleet then. The second main issue is the surviving enemy force on the inds. Despite the main ind being pretty secure, I''ve already had reports from people hearing voices out there in the inhabited areas. Obviously leaving enemies lurking around out there might be a slight risk"


    Oh, I didn''t think about that. I''m pretty sure most would''ve been survivors from the fleet I personally wiped out and maybe they managed to swim back to the inds? Regardless, there was always going to be survivors from such arge force so this is kinda to be expected, I''d rather not have to waste time rounding people up especially right now though.


    "Couldn''t we just get Zeki and Ariza to do it? This seems like something pretty easy to handle especially considering most of them will be injured or just simply starving at this point"


    "Heh, Ikarus is right once again"


    Despite this settlement being pretty brilliant, the other two indsck a really good food source and even water for the most parts. I''m guessing most of the survivors are on the furthest western ind anyways and we''ve yet to actually step foot on that one just yet since there''s no real point until we need to expand.


    "Okay... let me rephrase what I mean then. We''re are going to have quite the few foreign survivors on these inds so what should we do with them after capture? Do we kill them? Release? Imprison? Or even something like forcedbour? This isn''t something I really have any opinion on"


    Oh shit, that''s what Marcus was asking... erm...


    "You have any idea what we should do with them Petra?"


    "Heh, don''t look at me Ikarus"


    There''s obviously problems with any option we go for. Killing them could be considered barbaric since they''d basically be prisoners of war and building a prison and making them work also could be considered vebour. The only option that doesn''t affect any sort of morality is shipping them off and sending them away but the issue with that is our coasts are wrecked so no ships will be getting in or out right now.


    ...


    Considering we''re supposed to be the leaders, all of us are pretty indecisive about this sort of thing so it''s good Miss gender bender is around to help this time, I guess.


    "Just force them to work for a few years, then release them once they''ve served their time! We used to do this sort of thing with thieves'' way back in the old Magi tower and had them scrubbing toilets for years! It''s no big deal really, those fanatics knew what they signed up for so a little bit of tiny very is fine! Every ce does it, even if no one will admit to doing it"


    ...


    Again, a slight silence but it''s not exactly like any of us disagree with Penelope''s suggestion, we''ll just have to get past the idea of legal very then. Eh, we can always ship them out once the coast isn''t a shithole if I feel that bad about it I suppose.


    "Huh... I guess Penelope''s suggestion could work? Are you two opposed to going with this idea? It seems like the easiest temporary solution for now at least, we could have them cutting wood helping out with the lumber and would speed up mining production as well"


    "That''s sounds fine I guess... just make sure they ain''t treated likeplete shit and have enough food and stuff like that. We may be monsters but we don''t have to act like it"


    "Heh... no problems as well"


    I mean, those other two don''t understand the monster joke but phoenixes are considered monsters apparently if you look at what my status considers phoenixes. It was that buff effect I got from a dungeon thatbelled our species as such.


    "Then that''s everything then. Give a heads up when you''re leaving for the monastery sinc-"


    "Oh, Ikarus and Petra! Can you twoe see my tower next please!? I kinda want some opinions on how it looks!"


    Now that the meeting is over, looks like Penelope wants something from us and rudely cuts off Marcus. I guess we can spare some time quickly since she seems even more excited than usual, I''m also not forgetting Aesa''s still here but she has been as quiet as a mouse for the most part.


    "Heh, fine Penelope..."


    __________


    "Erm... Penelope, how the bloody hell have you done this!?"


    "Heh, you have gotten this up pretty quickly"


    Standing proud at the edge of cliff face to the ocean is a building nearly identical looking to the Magi guild Spire that we visited a very long time ago. Even if magic is involved, this ce was apparently empty yesterday and somehow over the course of a night, she''s managed to build this absurd thing!? We''ve got to use her for more construction projects but knowing how it goes, it wouldn''t surprise me if she can only do this for magic towers.


    Oh, Aesa''s gone back inside my head as well now, she''s had enough human time for one day so after the meeting was ended, that clone body literally turned to ash. It''s a real shame she doesn''t seem to enjoy it all that much but maybe it might just take a bit of time to get used to, Aesa''s normally pretty vocal if she doesn''t like something so if she never wanted to use it again, she definitely would''ve said.


    "I know right!? This is why magic is so freaking amazing! I was thinking about using this spot for a while and now that it''s built, it looks so freaking dope! Am I right?"


    Right at the northern part of the mine ind is where the new Spire has been built so thankfully it''s pretty far away from everything but honestly, it''s less of an eyesore than I was worrying about. Even Petra doesn''t mind how it looks but she seems to be a little more humorous about it.


    "Heh... looks like we won''t need to build a lighthouse if this thing is sitting here"


    "Hey Petra! Don''tpare it to those stupid buildings! It may be lit up, colourful and anyone can see it from very far away at sea but it''s not a lighthou-... okay, it is kinda like a lighthouse..."


    Can''t help but chuckle at that little interaction, Petra does have a point though. Looks like we won''t have to build a lighthouse even if it probably wouldn''t ever be needed in the first ce.


    (Ikarus) "So then Penelope... when''s the mages gonna move in and what are you gonna call it?"


    This has been drawn out long enough now, I''d also feel more confident knowing that we have strong people


    "I''ll start getting everyone off their sorry asses when the coast clears up a little and as for the name... the Spire two! No point changing something that isn''t broke-... Hey! Don''t both of you facepalm at me..."

 Chapter 127 – Searching

    Chapter 127 ¨C Searching


    "Say Petra... how do you think Charlotte will react to what we''re doing?"


    While I''m flying us both to the monastery, I can''t help but start to wonder about priestess. Even though her religion isn''t the same and she''s said the priests have misguided views, she never actually wanted harm toe to them. Of course, we''re very justified to turn that ce into a crater but this still shouldn''t turn her into an enemy, right?


    As for leaving home, the settlement should be alright without us at least for a little while, it''s obvious that the monastery can''t be having repeat forces of that size attacking again after such a huge devastating blow but with Penelope moving the mages in and Zeki, Ariza and even the dragon Mute still around, we should be alright.


    Just getting to the monastery will take longer than a week and we''ve already discussed this uing n further. Something new I didn''t know is that Petra''s infiltrated this ce before using that face changing ability she has so it''s just a matter if she can remember the interiorpletely. Keep in mind, this wasn''t as much as the spying she did on the empire so stuff like that mecha guy she was clueless on but Petra does at least have some information on theyouts of this ce.


    Apparently, she even wore a nun''s habit when exploring the ce, for some reason Petra looking like a sexy nun is a thought I now can''t get out my head. I''ve seen Charlotte wearing the same exact thing yet I''ve never looked at her like that... I think I''m just simping for Petra again really.


    "Honestly Ikarus... think you''re worrying a little too much. Priestess did say she likes that ce but you underestimate how much she likes you as well. When we first started travelling together, had the slight suspicion she might be into you which is probably why we all were a little on edge at first. That suspicion got destroyed because of the knight very quickly though"


    Hehe, so Petra basically just admitted to liking me right at the start as well... wait a second, that''s why they didn''t get on? Petra thought priestess fancied me?


    "Wait, that''s the reason you didn''t get on in the beginning? I thought the reason was down to them being associated with the empire and her being too preachy, not because you secretly are extremely jealous"


    "Heh, whatever you say Ikarus. The empire thing was a consideration but don''t think I ever outright said I hated religion. Hers isn''t a religion anyway but the one God thing has never made any sense"


    I''ve never been one for religion as well but this world in particr seems to me extremely odd with that sort of thing so to only have one God is maddening. At least with priestess, she does seem to acknowledge there''s others but she only chooses to worship Dionysus, the Sierran religion however is not the same.


    "So... you seriously reckon she''d be fine with me nuking them all to oblivion simply because she likes me? Priestess really is a weird specimen at times"


    Believe it or not, that''s actually apliment rather than me bitching about someone behind their back, I like Charlotte a load too. And before anyone says, only as friends. Even if I weren''t one hundred percent loyal to Petra, she really wouldn''t be my type.


    "Heh, that Lord of hers probably provides her information about us as well Ikarus. It wouldn''t surprise me if she knew about our involvement in the capital as well. Of course, I''m only specting like usual"


    Huh... I''d be a fool to take everything Petra says as fact but has Dionysus got a way of watching over us or something? Oh God, that would mean he might''ve seen me and Petra doing you know what... it''s strange that doesn''t actually annoy me as much as I thought it would but enough spection though.


    "Let''s go get our revenge then... say Petra, you mind giving my back a hug or squeeze? It''s awfully cold up there and it might warm you up..."


    I mean, it''s never as good as a normal hug but a bird''s gotta try her luck, am I right? It''s obvious what I''m doing as well since it''s midday and there''s not a cloud in the sky, couldn''t think of any other excuse other than lying about coldness.


    "Heh, sure my cuddly Ikarus, keep being a tsundere then..."


    __________


    "Damn, it''s actually beautiful... obviously not as much as the person alongside me though"


    "Heh, love you too Ikarus but we should probably focus now"


    "Yeah yeah, I know"


    Having just arrived a slight distance away from the absolute monstrosity of a building, justying eyes upon its holy magnificence is astonishing. I''m purposely being obnoxious in my description of the religious building but it is pretty damn impressive though, I''ve never seen something like this in person even back on Earth.


    Think about some of those old European cathedrals with all the beautiful handcrafted architecture, then imagine thergest one ever built and this ce might be even bigger! It almost makes me not want to blow it up after we''re done looking around but such sentimentality is something I''m not doing. They dared to try and fuck with our town so we''ll do the exact same thing to their home. Only we''re going to do this leaving nothing but rubble behind...


    "Let''s both activate invisibility and le-"


    "Hang on one second Ikarus... let''s just walk in like we''re visiting pilgrims first"


    Huh? I swear Petra keeps changing her mind on things with this ce recently, maybe she''s just trying to avoid any further risk but this seems to do the opposite.


    "Erm Petra, don''t the monastery have our appearances on record? This just seems like an unnecessary risk"


    "Probably Ikarus but there''s something I need to confirm but would rather not exin right now. I''m thinking most of the people who may recognize us might be underground anyway"


    I mean, I''ve always trusted her so I''m not going to stop now. Even if it''s already backfired a little with her predicting when they might attack, I''m never going to hold something like that against Petra.


    So instead of activating invisibility, we slowly push open the tall door to enter the monastery. Inside, the ce is just as huge and impressive as outside, the carvings and paintings on the ceiling in particr are most impressive. The more I think about it, isn''t this more of a cathedral than a monastery? Ah, who cares about the specifics.


    "Greetings children, how can this lowly servant help you?"


    Once we''re inside, an old looking priest greets us despite me still having my head in the clouds. I''m not normally appreciative of art but I feel like I have to try and remember this ce otherwise all of this will be lost. I guess we could also take the long approach and slowly take out everyone one by one but by the sounds of it, there could be an entire army of pdins under this ce. No, this ce must burn unfortunately.


    "Heh, you haven''t forgotten me already have you kid?"


    "Of course I remember you Petra... just keep it down a little since ears are always listening"


    Petra just called this old guy kid. Okay, I''m not going to ask but she obviously must''ve known this guy way back when he was younger since why else would she call him that?


    "I''m just here to deliver a quick message... get everyone out of here who holds no hatred of same-sex rtionships. This isn''t a request but a warning, get as far away as you possibly can right now. There''s no longer room for peace"


    "Wait, is this woman you''re-... oh, you two are the rumoured sinners... Okay, I think I understand what you''re getting at..."


    Of course, this conversation these two are having is basically being whispered at this point, this hall is pretty empty but there are other priests around off in the distance. However, that quickly changes when this guy decides to end the conversation.


    "...So, it was a fine pleasure to tell you two lovelydies about the Lord''s divine will! Please be sure toe and visit this temple again someday!"


    While purposely speaking shit, the priest gives Petra a slight wink and goes on his way and so do we. It doesn''t take a rocket scientist to figure out he understood what Petra was implying, there''s going to be an attack so get everyone out who isn''t homophobic. At least that might clear up any guilty conscience we could have about this whole thing but honestly, it wouldn''t have made an inch of difference.


    "You know, you''re so freaking mysterious at times Petra, I''m guessing there''s a story between you and that guy but we haven''t got the time to discuss it?"


    While we''re walking out, might as well ask about it a little still being pretty quiet.


    "Heh, there''s not that much to it Ikarus. Gave him a hand when he was a small child and he just so happened to take up religion, was unsure if he''d still be alive or not since he should be in his one hundred and tens now"


    "That guy was past a hundred!? Damn, he didn''t look that old"


    Anyways, it''s enough dying now. It''s time for the heist, then we''ll turn this ce into a graveyard. This is going to be fun!


    "Heh, he is half elf but that''s a secret otherwise they''d have never let him join. Shall we do this then Ikarus?"


    "Yeah yeah Petra... just leave that door open though"


    ''Aesa?''


    [<Confirmed, -undead fiend- has been activated>]


    And just like that, we both exit the monastery going out of sight, then several seconds pass and we enter back inside as invisible as ghosts. Of course, we still make sure to hold hands otherwise we could lose each other. This is all kind of risky and I''m loving it right now.


    Slowly walking with Petra through the hall, wee to a set of stairs heading down guarded by two pdins right at the other side of this huge hall in this building. By the looks of it, this is the way down and both of the soldiers are oblivious to us standing two feet in front of them.


    ''At least we''re now in, hopeful Petra knows where they might keep all the expensive shit...''


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "What do you fucking mean the attack didn''t work!? This has to be some sort of prank the priests have conjured up, correct?"


    "Your holiness, I''ve already confirmed the information from multiple sources. The fleet is no more"


    Huffing around the underground throne room, I''m not too proud to admit there have been sses, chalices and bottles smashed from the information that the Inquisitor has given me. Lord forgive me for my outburst but you made me in your image, I''ve even put on some of the fanciest clothing today expecting to give a positive announcement but that was a waste of time.


    What type of terrible coincidence is this? We''ve been secretly hiding the biggest holy army even known to man to paint the world in a new image and somehow, just somehow it ends uppletely being decimated at the first ce we seek to cure? What kind of sick joke is this?


    The dwarfs, the dirty elves and beasts, even the sted empire had no clue about what we''ve been preparing for thest ten years and in the space of a single battle, everything is ruined? What is God''s name was the point in all that?


    "All those wasted lives and all of them were proven to be unworthy of his protection... where did we go wrong? Don''t answer... let me think, just let me think... he must be testing our resolve, right?"


    It has to be that, what other reason could this happen? It''s obvious the Lord must want us to have to struggle through this. That''s got to be it, is it?


    "Your holiness... I''d never go against your judgement but couldn''t this be... punishment? We didn''t misinterpret his will, correct?"


    My Inquisitor actually has an interesting point... the ind never held any worth for us until we heard about the two sinners in power and the fact they were using holy golden metal to fund their sinful activities. The thought of people of the same gender doing such heinous acts is a personal disgust of mine but the Lord obviously shares those views, right? I''d have never been selected if that wasn''t true so where could we have gone wrong?


    "Don''t speak such sphemy Inquisitor, surely he would go about punishing us a different way? If he truly wanted to, we''d have been wiped out in a split second"


    "Apologies your holiness but we never had any intention to attack those inds until we found out about the sinners. There are thousands of sinners hiding all around the continents we leave unchecked everyday and yet, this happens when we go out of our way to attack these two?"


    That''s a digesting thought of all those hiding but I can''t allow the Inquisitor to lead me astray. Purging the sinners is always a priority but the empire doesn''t prosecute them so we''re stuck alone in this huge, dirty world that needs cleansing.


    "We can specte all day Inquisitor but it''s time to move on and focus on the future... what are we going to do about this?"


    "Of course your holiness, forgive me. If you still want this servant''s advice, I''d suggest making peace with the sinners until we can regroup and rebuild since we barely have enough pdins to defend the holy building right now"


    He really can be very sly at times, it''s a good thing he has such unyielding faith to me otherwise the Lord could see that as being slightly sinful. His n does make sense though.


    "You strike up a fair point again, they''d obviously sue for peace too since taking out an entire fleet must''ve have taken nearly every avable force they have. From there, we can rebuild and never allow two heathens to corrupt such fragile minds once again"


    It is a brilliant n really. Sure, we may have to pay them with some relics from the vault as ''reparations'' but as long as we suck it up, they''ll be nothing but dirt under our boots someday! We''ll just have to step up our recruiting campaign from the nearby city even further this time.


    "Your holiness, there is still the issue about how they took down pdin Francis. We still haven''t received any information about him so is it safe to assume he also died in the battle?"


    I cannot believe those sinners and their army took down a piece of holy armour so strong and so powerful, none have ever bested it. Pdin Francis must have fled from his duties since that''s the only reasonable exnation anyone could have.


    How we even came into possession of that ''mecha'' as the dwarfs call it was simply down to a miracle! Hundreds of years ago, a small faction of dwarfs resided in the caves in the mountains close to the monastery and once the volcano erupted obviously down to the Lord''s will, they packed up everything to return home leaving works of unfinished miracles. It''s a shame that was the onlypleted one but it''s not like we don''t at least have one other holy artifact in storage. Those caves are a mystery in their own right and are impossible to navigate now unfortunately.


    "*Sigh*... at least we still have Excalibur stored away. The shield of the monastery may have fled from his duties but the sword still remains..."

 Chapter 128 – Monastery’s Sword

    Chapter 128 ¨C Monastery¡¯s Sword


    "What a bunch of absolute horseshit"


    "Heh, sorry about that Ikarus, looks like we took the wrong turn but we should be good now"


    Having just witnessed the Pope''s outburst, me and Petra have now left that underground throne room and are still invisibly moving through the halls under the monastery. To think he''s had that sort of reaction from finding out his army has failed!? Even if there was any sense of doubt doing this, seeing that old man smashing sses and still nning to destroy us proves this ce needs to burn. That young Inquisitor of his whatever that means doesn''t need any sympathy as well.


    "Seriously though, how stupid does he think we are? It''s obvious if we sued for peace that they''d never let go of that homophobia"


    "Heh, arrogance itself is a sin Ikarus. May make a joke but I''ve seen firsthand what too much confidence can do to a person, myself included"


    Ah, right, Petra did say she was extremely arrogant back in her younger days but I always find that extremely hard to imagine. I guess there have been signs like how shepletely assumed wrong that the monastery were much weaker than we thought but I''d say that was just misinformation more than anything else.


    We''re also whispering as quietly as possible, both of us have just crouched past a roaming bunch of pdins in the halls but that seemed to be a rare exception. These halls are pretty empty for the most part.


    "So... I''m guessing that rumoured secret weapon they have is Excalibur then? Does it give us the power to rule Britannia or something?"


    "Heh, it''s strong Ikarus but nothing like that. If memory is working correctly, it shoots of a beam of magic every swing or something like that. It''s been a while since I saw itst being used"


    Of course, Petra''s past has involved encountering the holy sword Excalibur, why am I not surprised? At times, it feels like her story is ending while mine is just getting started. This better not be a bad omen or something...


    Even being invisible though, we''re able to talk just simple down do these halls underground being mostly empty and unguarded, it''s actually a little surprising due to how many soldiers they sent. Frankly, we could probably change up our approach and start attacking everyone in sight but that just seems like an unnecessary risk especially considering these underground halls are like a maze.


    I have no idea where we actually are and there has to be more soldiers hidden around here somewhere, they probably have some sort of rm to warn about intruders as well. That group we hid past only had six or so but that''s really all we''vee past so there has to be more. Something like the barracks for example would probably be in a lower-ss ce down here anyways.


    Anyways, we continue traversing the endless hallways and eventually make our ways to a much wider one. We''ve probably been down here for a good hour now; I kinda feel like Petra forgot the route but was just winging it as we went along. That, or these tunnels are tooplex even for her.


    "That''s definitely the vault Ikarus, looks like we''ve arrived"


    "Yeah Petra, but there''s a bigger problem. How do we get past them?"


    We''re obviously whispering even quieter now due to the two guards standing in front of the vault door. By the looks of it, opening it up would be easy just by rotating the metal bank looking lock but there''s no chance we can do such a thing with those two standing in the way. They''d definitely hear, see and probably even feel the door hitting their backs.


    "I''ll handle this Ikarus, stay here just one second"


    Doing as she asks, Petra let goes of my invisible hand and walks towards the guards I presume but I obviously can''t see her. I''m a little unsure what she''s going to do sincebat always switches the invisibility off and then activates the cooldown timer but maybe she has a way of getting around it?


    Then, without warning, one of the pdins guarding the vault literally loses his head with the other rapidly receiving the same sword stabbing into the side of his neck. Both of them copse to the ground with a standing visible Petra as the culprit.


    "Petra! You understand your invis is gone now, right?"


    "There was no other way of doing this Ikarus. Besides, I''ve scanned one of them so there''s still a way. Let''s get this door open quickly"


    Scanned one of them? Oh, Petra''s face changing ability she showed to me way back in the hot springs! I was pretty dumb and na?ve about the whole empire back then thinking about it but this could still prove an issue. I''ll just trust Petra and see if she knows what she''s doing.


    "Sure sure, this still seems a little risky but you''re the expert"


    Both of us, me still invisible start to turn the huge vault lock and once it''s unlocked, we slowly pull it open. I kinda feel like we''ve just broken into a bank or a fort full of gold right now, minus the lockpicking or the insane amount of prep work scoping this ce out beforehand.


    Inside the room, it actually reminds me of something a bank vault would look like! Metal bars separate certain sections containing chests full of gold, containers filled with jewellery and trinkets, religious artifacts like chalices and diamond adorned crosses...


    And p bang in the centre of the room is a sword stuck into a pedestal. Please don''t tell me someone needs to be worthy to pull it out.


    "Let''s grab anything not tied down Ikarus, then go for the sword"


    "Hey, don''t need to tell me since I''m an excellent thief I''ll have you know... even if I don''t actually remember stealing anything in this life"


    "Heh"


    Beforeing out here, I purposely made to empty my inventory just so I''d have enough room but I''m not sure if it''ll still be enough! Let''s just focus on the relics and other items like that first before we move onto the gold, we have got to try and be quick about this. We may have moved the bodies into the vault but anyone walking to this ce seeing it unguarded would obviously be suspicious.


    Both of us start grabbing as much as we can, then cing it onto my ring for it to be put into storage. Obviously, Petra can''t see it so I have to take the stuff off her and she can''t even see in the first ce but you get what I mean.


    We keep stuffing stuff in for a while and Aesa''s yet to give me a warning about how much we''ve stolen, it''s got to be getting close to full capacity now, right?


    ''Aesa, how much room left?''


    [<Storage capacity is at 32%, -Ikarus''s- concern was unneeded>]


    Damn, I''ve never known the exact number but storage has always been in the tonnes so considering the fact we''ve nearly cleaned this ce out already, there might be less than I first thought. It looks a hell of a lot though.


    "And... that''s thest bit of gold, just need to grab the sword now Petra"


    "Already on it Ikarus..."


    Petra by the pedestal gives the sword a good tug but nothing seems to happen, she better not be making a joke right now.


    "...Huh, it won''t budge. Ikarus, you give it a try"


    No no no, I know what Petra''s doing right now. Don''t be thinking I''m worthy of the holy sword or something when I go over there and inevitably lift the thing easily out without even bothering. This will be her just trying to dish out apliment, I know her too well.


    "This isn''t funny Petra, just lift the damn thing up already!"


    "Heh, seriously Ikarus, it''s stuck. You have a try and you''ll believe me"


    Doing as she says with an invisible look of grumpiness on my face, I go over to the sword and try to lift it up...


    "There yo-... you''re actually right, this stupid thing is stuck! What aplete waste of time this is if that worthy clich¨¦ stopes us from stealing this weapon"


    Seriously though, this stupid sword almost feels like it''s wielding into the pedestal. I''m not leaving without this sword and I''d rather destroy the damn thing than leave it here.


    "Heh, we can''t stay here too much longer Ikarus"


    By now, I''m actually standing on the pedestal trying to use my full strength to lift the damn thing up but it''s really not having it. Who cares if we''re not worthy or not, no one will ever use this sword again if it''s turned into a crater so just let me have it already!


    "I can feel it moving slightly though Petra, give me a hand...e on you stupid piece of metal!"


    Petra sensing my irritation at this thing starts to give a hand lifting the de from the bottom and idently touches my hand in the process. Normally, that would be intentional but I''m invisible and-, damn it Ikarus! Focus on getting this fucking sword!


    Finally about to give up and preparing for onest pull, I''m going to put absolutely everyst bit of strength into this and if my shoulders pop out from pulling too hard, then so be it.


    "On three! One... two... three!"


    And like a knife through butter, the stupid thing slides out with no problem! Fuck''s sake, it doesn''t help I''ve fallen back still holding the sword hitting my head on the wall. The stupid piece of shit that I''m probably never going to use must''ve rusted and stuck to it or something, I guess I could use my vampiric de asst resort but kinda gotten used to using a short de at this point.


    As for the sword itself, it''s a surprisingly basic looking broadsword that''s extremely light and easy to use. Obviously, I''m not going to start swinging it around here but it seems alright, I guess. I do have the option of dual wielding but then I lose my magic ability. Wait, would I? Couldn''t I just use it from my mouth in human form like how I do it from my beak in bird? I''ll have to think about this another time.


    "Let''s make our move then Petra"


    "Sure, one second Ikarus, need to switch clothing and body real quick"


    "Okay dokey"


    ''Now, the real question is, should I watch Petra getting undressed? Why is this even a question? Of course I do...''


    Anyways... Petra undresses herself, takes the clothes and armour off one of the dead pdins and then activates her ability putting the new outfit on. Watching that however was something I need to purge from my memory. Turns out trying to perve over your girlfriend while changing sucks if they grow a third leg and turn male throughout it, I don''t even care if I''m being crude. That is something you really don''t want to see!


    "My eyes are permanently scarred from seeing that... damn that horrid face changing ability of yours"


    "Heh... should probably keep it quiet from now on Ikarus"


    Petra now looking and speaking like that guy she just killed talks to me leading us out while I''m still disgusted from what I just witnessed. Most of the time, you''d expect some sort of effect to block the changing process but actually witnessing her body change female to male like that really isn''t something I want to watch again.


    Anyways, the way out seems to be even more empty than usual, we don''t pass into pdins this time around and once back to the entrance to the underground bit, we get stopped at the top of the stairs to the monastery.


    "Brother Kadlek, I thought you were on vault duty?"


    ''Ah crap, one of the guards in particr knows whose face Petra has on...''


    "Apologies brother but his holiness sent me out to do some errands so someone else had to take my shift"


    "Ah, did he send you to clean out thetrines as punishment again? We''ve all been there brother, wish you luck. Oh, make sure you clean your fingernails after as well"


    Petra receives a reassuring pat on the back from the guard at the top of the stairs and then we both make our way outside. Exciting outside and seeing no approaching army or enemies in sight, it appears that our heist has gone off without a hitch... I''m actually shocked it has gone this well. Where''s the ambush and epic fight scene where we nearly get overrun? Stealth missions always seem to fail right at the end so getting out this easily really is shocking.


    Anyways... now that the first part of our n has gone perfectly, it''s time to move onto the second. This bit should be a tad quicker and explosive though...


    ''It''s time for this ce to be buried...''


    __________


    "Listen Petra... this really is a little danger close. Don''t get me wrong, it looks cool and all but something like this could easily kill you and isn''t all that worth the risk. I''d rather not have to waste a revive on you if things go badly too"


    "Heh, just make sure you throw it far enough then Ikarus. We can always use the smaller one if you''re that worried"


    "No no, it''s got to be supernova since that leaves more of a statement. Just make sure you activate anything health rted like a buff beforehand just to be safe"


    "Heh, it''ll be fine Ikarus"


    Far away and high above the monastery, me and Petra fly separately with me in hybrid and her in phoenix form. You see, Petra for some reason really wanted to witness this attack go down, unfortunately my preference is to leave a crater visible from space so this n screams all sorts of danger. I''m thinking we''re far enough away; I can barely see the monastery from this point and the clouds don''t exactly help but height should lower the risk... I think?


    Regardless, I am justified to be worried and I''m not the only one.


    [<Can -Ikarus- inform target -Petra- that she shouldn''t be here once again?>]


    "Aesa''s still moaning at you Petra... she has got a point though"


    "Heh, looks like we now share your robotic wife Ikarus. It''s fine Aesa, the risk is on my shoulders alone"


    The more I think about it, I wonder if Aesa has a slight crush on Petra-... don''t start moaning at me Aesa, it''s a joke!


    "Ah fuck it... I''m throwing it then. Just try to close your eyes or something... as if that''s going to help but make sure to cover your ears though"


    "Heh, stop worrying my adorable lovebird"


    ...


    ''Sighhh... Aesa, one percent supernova please''


    [<*Sigh*... confirmed, -Ikarus- better throw this far enough away otherwise Aesa will make -user- really regret it. Aesa has more control than -user- seems to realize>]


    ''Damn, you really can be scary. No need for threats though Aesa, it should be alright... hopefully''


    Getting myself ready for the longest possible throw I can make, I fly a good distance away from Petra getting to the perfect speed... then hurl the orb out of sight toward the general location of the religious institution.


    ...


    ''The wait before impact is really making me tense up''


    If I weren''t so worried about Petra, I''d probably make some dumbment about destruction or say something really cringey but for now, I''m just focused on reviving her if that wasn''t far enough away.


    And then... just as the clouds leave our point of view, the orb makes contact far away in the distance and the same routine applies. The blinding light, the ear ringing explosion... then that all leads onto the absolute stunning colourful aurora looking thing down below coating the surface. Blue, orange, purple and red all corrupt beneath us but I''ve seen this all before... it is truly beautiful but nerves negate all that.


    It really says a lot that we can destroy an entire faction just by the throwing of a single orb, I can really only focus on Petra right now though.


    "That''s truly stunning Ikarus... heh, and the explosion is pretty nice too"


    Thankfully even in the worried state I''m in, she can still make a joke disguised as apliment. At least she''s unharmed but with her scarred bird version, I can''t really tell if they''re new or old injuries.


    From this distance alone, you can already see the impact crater has decimated the monastery so it looks like this war is now over... is there really any point in searching through the rubble? It wouldn''t surprise me in some ces if that hole goes half a mile deep so there''s really no hope for anyone who was left inside...


    "Shall we head home then? No point sticking around seeing that the lightshow is now over"


    ''I''ve really got to stop nuking people, this could get me in some real trouble someday...''


    "Heh, of course Ikarus, lead the way"


    "Great, allow me to switch form quickly so you can ride me back... don''t smile at that again! The joke is getting boring now but it works perfectly well both ways if you catch my meaning..."

 Chapter 129 – Reactions

    Chapter 129 ¨C Reactions


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "... How many times is this now Esmerelda? If I go out onto the battlefield, we can get this over so much quicker"


    "Thou is needed here and not allowed to shirk responsibilities, one knows Des only wants to fight to skip emperor duties"


    Currently is the war room, Desmond and Esmerelda have been constantly ''fighting'' about how to precede with the next uing battle. You see, the emperor wants to join in the uing battle to destroy the heart of the rebellion in the east and the empress ispletely against it. By this point, I''m surprised they haven''t excused themselves to settle things in battle like they normally do but it''s not like the empress can really change form anywhere close by and not be seen so arguing it is.


    This room in particr has been used a lot more recently with this whole war going on, the huge round table itself has probably seen better days but both those two have never been pedantic on something pointless like a war room looking neat... Ah, I''ve known Esmerelda was a dragon for quite some time now, it''s not exactly a huge secret if you''ve known Desmond from his bastard days but it''s still notmonly known. Pretty sure the royal knight next to me Nathan doesn''t even know about her yet, wouldn''t surprise me if he still has that dragon stutter of his.


    As for the war, things against the rebellion have been going well for the most part and we''ve finally gotten them back up against the capital and have even progressed further nearly surrounding the city. The rebels in the east have always been a significant problem and now that we can block them off from resupplies, it''s just a matter of time now. We''re trying to avoid starving the poption though since there still is a load of citizens inside that ce who support the empire... Well, I should probably say new empire since these two handle things way differentlypared to the dead prince.


    "*Sigh*... we really need to stop these sorts of arguments Es especially in front of people"


    "Don''t ask one''s opinion if thou doesn''t like the answer then Des"


    In all honesty, they really should be listening to the generals and captains for advice but both the empress and emperor are pretty stubborn on that sort of thing. I think it''s more ack of trust in most people so those two prefer to handle everything themselves, there is obvious exceptions though especially considering Desmond is now looking towards me.


    "Say... what''s your opinion on the whole thing Jekyll? You''re oddly quiet about this considering you''re more involved in this than anyone else"


    "Your majesty, everybody knows not to get in between a warring couple. If you were to order me to answer though, then I''d say the empress is spot on"


    The bastard did always get slightly grumpy if people disagree with him but to actually here the emperor scoff at me? He was always rough around the edges but that surprisingly works in his favour at times, at least that got a smile out of the disguised dragon though.


    "*Scoff*, it appears you''ve chosen your side Jekyll... what about you Nathan? Any thoughts?"


    "Sorry Emperor Desmond, but I''m only here to protect you, this isn''t really my sort of thing"


    "Gods, you two are useless at times..."


    For some reason, me and the promoted knight seem to be heavily favoured by the new leaders. I''m only specting of course but I''m guessing it''s a trust thing? We both have ties with Petra and Ikarus so maybe that''s the reason? It is weird we both seem to have more say then the acting generals and even advisors at times though.


    Speak of the devil, an advisor rushes into the room with a concerned look on his face obviously about to spill something terrible. No one with that sort of face is about to give good news.


    "Your majesty! I have very important news that''s just arrived from the north!"


    "What is it then? This must be important since you''re interrupted our meeting so speak!"


    That came across a little nasty from Desmond but things can get like this when asking for advice, he''ll still follow it despite that slight grumpiness he has over being stuck in the pce though.


    "Your majesty, the monastery... is gone. Apologies, I mean it''spletely destroyed! The only thing that''s been left behind is a crater further than the eye can see caused from an explosion"


    ...


    A dreaded silence fills the room that quickly gets swallowed up with the emperor making a statement after he receives the paper report as well from the messenger.


    "Everyone leave us to process this huge news! Except Jekyll and Nathan, you two can stay"


    The entire war room leaves as soon as possible just leaving the four of us remaining. Three of us have concerned looks of confusion from what''s happened yet Desmond himself looks like he''s desperately trying to hold something in.


    "Heh...haha...hahahaha..."


    "Why is thouughing!? Citizens under your thumb lie dead yet Des finds this a joke?"


    The thing is, me and the knight don''t actually seem that concerned if youpare us to how the purple haired empress is getting pissed off at her long-haired blonde husband. The strange thing about this news is if you look at it logically, this isn''t bad news at all. Of course, having so many people die is never good but with an enemy like the monastery? They''ve been getting irritated with our refusal to assist them for a while now.


    After being scolded from his wife, he starts topose himself a little better.


    "Apologies Esmerelda but you have no idea how annoying those preachy those bastards were... it even says the monastery sent an armada of ships towards the inds owned by the two queens and this was in retaliation. The attack is even justified, that makes it so much better"


    I might be the only one who shares Desmond''s happiness here. Of course, we''ve always been aiming for less casualties but that religion was always going to try something especially considering how secretive they''ve been recently. You don''t go from being a constant annoyance to shutting yourself away without something happening behind the scenes.


    Just checking the report now, it''s an extremely good thing they were dealt with this quickly otherwise we''d have been in real trouble just with the pure size of that fleet. Imagine hiding an entire fleet near the mountainous coast and no one had any clue, looks like we owe Petra and Ikarus a drink or two.


    Esmerelda still looks a little concerned but Nathan is just full of confusion right now.


    "Your majesty... isn''t this a bad thing? I''m a little confused"


    "Ah, you see my young and inexperienced Nathan, the monastery has always been a pain in the backside ready to blow up at any second-... don''t look at me like that Es! It was just a bad choice of words, not a purposely made pun..."


    All it takes is a re from the empress to frighten the emperor but I''d rather not be getting that look from a dragon as well if I''m being honest.


    "...The fact they''ve pissed off someone and aimed their swords towards Petra was something guaranteed to end badly. This isn''t Petra''s handiwork though, I''m pretty sure that crater is Ikarus''s work"


    That explosion was Ikarus''s? Huh, she really has gone far from when me and that dead witch were training her but it''s obvious we had nothing to do with that. What sort of power allows someone to make an explosion thatrge? Is this rted to the voice she once said she has?


    (Nathan) "You think Ikarus did such a thing your majesty?"


    "Probably, but I''m not sure who else would be responsible... Those religious zealots finally got what''sing to them and I almost want to drink over it"


    I do find it weird just how none of us have even discussed the fact other casualties outside the monastery may have urred but it''s not exactly like we''re able to confirm anything. Just from the report alone, they haven''t found a single body. That explosion must''ve been something that destroys everything, even evidence.


    "Despite enjoying this situation Emperor Desmond, we should probably discuss anyway of defending ourselves... even if that seems like an impossibility"


    Without even giving it a second, myment instantly gets shut down. I''ve known Petra basically forever and I trust both of them but it would be nice if we had some sort of counter to this, just to be safe and all.


    "Well, that depends Jekyll... just how much do you trust those two?"


    All of a sudden, Desmond''s aurapletely changes and gives me a serious re. This reminds me a little of my time serving under Alistair when he used to interrogate people but I know for a fact, this isn''t something so sinister. Desmond''s only doing this for dramatic effect since he''s not worried in the slightest.


    "Honestly your majesty... I''d bet my life on it. Those two would only ever attack us in self-defence. Still needed to bring the point up regardless"


    "Agreed, there''s no need for waging your life on it though, I''ve always trusted Petra as well. What sort of counter could we even do for something like that anyways? If she fully trusts Ikarus, then there''s no need to ever worry about the two queens..."


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "This is the news Jarl Denver. As you can see, the two queens seem to have done us all a huge favour if the size of the holy army was anything to by, that fleet could''ve ended up on our coasts next if it hadn''t been dealt with"


    Having just received the news and report on the failed invasion from the monastery, also the aftermath they inflicted upon themselves, I can''t help but rest my head against my fist reading through this. I just wanted to eat breakfast but this sort of news alwayses at the most inconvenient times. This really seems pretty mundane if I''m being honest.


    "This conflict was always inevitable; their beliefs would always conflict at some point so this really isn''t that big of a deal"


    Shrugging off the concern from my most trusted advisor is something I try not to do but I''ve seen all these types of things for centuries already. So much discrimination, racism or homophobia so when something like this happens, it should be a cheery asional for all but it never is unfortunately.


    "Please don''t take this as me bringing yourck of experience Jarl Denver but isn''t what happened extremely worrying? An explosion of that size could end up wiping out any city off the map in an instant and no one would have any counter or defence, even us in the mountains. You seem to be taking this like it''s nothing"


    I am still technically twelve in this life so I guess it could appear I''m being like that but honestly, this is nothing. If you start to view everyone who holds power as an enemy, you might as well give up existing at that point. I''ve seen firsthand, it always leads to hell breaking loose...


    "No need for concern, we''ll probably end up being allied with the two queens at some point anyways so this really isn''t something to get worked up about"


    "But that power! If we idently angered them, then they could wipe out the entire kingdom!"


    This old guy might have a heart attack someday especially if he knew everything but the less he knows, the better. I do sometimes feel a little guilty about the whole thing since he has basically been my carer this entire life but it''s for his own good, I guess.


    "Advisor, use your head for a second. The monastery attacked first with a view to purge all sinners; in what situation would we idently do something like that? You fail to see just how useful those four birds could potentially be especially in the future"


    There''s no real need for that secret anymore especially now that their settlement has seen Ikarus''s form and even multiple dragons apparently. Besides, I can always share with him information found from all around the world when we have eyes everywhere. It''s not exactly like they even try to hide anything so Garry himself would probably provide information himself if asked.


    "But my jarl, you rarely share your ns with anyone so how would I know?"


    The main problem with the dwarfs if I were to reveal the truth about who I really am, it would probably end with them seeing me as a deity. I''ve already ended up by the volcano I wanted to and it was only ever down to extreme coincidence I was reborn as a son of the old leader. Sometimes the fates align and this was just absurdly lucky allowing me to start working much earlier than anticipated.


    The intention was never to steer the dwarfs in a peaceful direction as well as take control but as time has gone on, I''ve found myself taking up this mantle and it would be disrespectful to not try my best. Having them see me as a simple dwarf prodigy then who I actually am works out better for all and besides, there''s no real need for pointless wars anyways.


    "True, but there''s always good reason for secrecy. All you need to know is that there might be a day the dwarfs need to fight an enemy more powerful than words can describe and those four will hopefully be alongside us as sword brothers and sisters. Whether it''s by choice or circumstance is irrelevant... it actually reminds me of an old saying. The enemy of my enemy, is my friend..."


    __________


    "Let me get this straight then, you twosses snuck into the monastery, stole the holy Excalibur us cksmiths have been trying to observe for centuries, then blew the ce up in an instant from the skies!? I''m buying the next round since the more I hear it, the more disbelief I''m in! I''m heading to the bar now"


    "I wouldn''t have believed it If I hadn''t witnessed the splendid defence you two orchestrated, feel like I need another ss of wine as well"


    Celebrating in a bar with Garry the gnome, Marcus and Petra, we''ve just revealed the details of what happened and this entire ce is in a cheerful uproar after hearing what we did to the homophobic religious bastards. Seriously though, this entire bar was listening intensely to our retelling of the story and it''s obvious news is going to spread fast now that the Sierran religion is no more! You mess with the lesbos; this is what you get! Is lesbo offensive or is it alright since I am one? Ah damn it Ikarus! Stop being pedantic...


    Why we''re in a bar is like I just said, this time around celebrations are definitely deserved! No casualties on our side as well aspletely destroying any opposition in sight sending then to the afterlife. The only regret I have is theck of EXP from the attack but can''t be getting too greedy after all, the supernova alone was more than enough.


    Am I supposed to feel any sense of guilt from killing who knows how many people though? If anything, it kinda felt good, almost as if that was my true purpose in life or something... Okay, it''s little thoughts like that get me slightly worried. You''re are not ending the world because it feels natural Ikarus, end of!


    Despite the celebrations, someone always has to ruin it. You''d think it would be Zeki but I have no idea where the rest of the gang is right now so this time around, it''s Marcus having slight concerns.


    "It does make me worry slightly though; couldn''t the empire see this as an act of aggression? The monastery was on theirnds after all"


    Me and Petra both chuckle about Marcus''s worry though. Considering how easily news seems to get around, it''ll probably be obvious we we''re involved and would Desmond the bastard really go to war against us? We''re the reason he''s even in power in the first ce.


    "Heh, no need for worry Marcus. I''ve known the bastard since he was a child and even helped him flee the capital once upon a time, it wouldn''t surprise me if he''sughing about the whole thing right now"


    Petra''s calmness actually appears to calm Marcus down a little but that just leave me with questions, why is Petra''s past soplex?


    "Wait, you helped Desmond flee the capital Petra? When was this?"


    "When he was really young Ikarus, it actually ties nicely into how I first met Jekyll. Was training in the woods one day and came across him with a child sleeping in the woods, the child being Desmond of course. Long story short, he had to sneak him out the pce otherwise he would''ve been executed... it always surprised me the empire never found out Jekyll was the one responsible for doing it but every witness to the ''kidnapping'' did die after all"


    Well damn, Jekyll''s older than I first thought if he''s the reason the bastard is even alive in the first ce. You know, Petra herself could write a book about the amount of small tales she has hidden away, it would be like the prequel to my story! I could see it getting really dark and depressing at times and frankly, I''d hate to read how much agony she''s experienced though...


    "Did Jekyll secretly raise him then or something like that afterwards?"


    "No, he''s always been serving the empire so he gave him to an old caring couple but can''t remember their names unfortunately Ikarus. I''m pretty sure they looked after Esmerelda for some time as well so that probably exins how those two met"


    Well, doesn''t that wrap the bastard''s story up in a nice little bow? His life actually sounds like the starting to some corny romance novel but enough about that now.


    The thing is, Marcus has now gotten himself worried again about something else now. You''d think the alcohol would help a little but I guess he has got a right to be worried since he basically handles anything anyways.


    "What about the dwarfs though? Can we be sure they won''t see this as us holding too much power or something?"


    Now that he''s said it, Marcus might have a point. Despite that kid jarl being pretty friendly towards us, he''s always been hiding something really important. Even Petra who may have met him once as a child as well doesn''t seempletely sure on this so there could be something to worry about there though.


    This time around, it''s actually Garry returning with our drinks that helps the worries now.


    "You think that smart arse kid would be worried about us? Please, Jarl Denver might as well be a pacifist, everyone loves the kid because of his brain but I doubt he''d be able to kill a fly. He''d find some other solution to make peace with it first"


    Despite Garry being pretty rxed, he says this with surprising conviction. I disagree with him though, there''s no way someone hiding that much power I could sense would be aplete pacifist...


    (Ikarus) "You sure about that gnome? You sure he ain''t hiding extreme power and uses it against his enemies or something like that?"


    "Ha! No chance, he actually seems to like you two. Really don''t worry about it so muchss, I''m telling you, he''s practically harmless! It wouldn''t surprise me if he sends rewards for taking them out, the monastery would''vee for the dwarfs at some point because of the different religions so he''s bound to appreciate your work"


    Huh... maybe I''ll put my faith in the gnome then, he does know the kid Jarl Denver more than all of us so less worrying. We''re all at a booth with more booze so let''s keep this going.


    "Then screw worrying then, let''s keep on drinking!"


    The odd thing is, Petra whispers something into my ear after my cheerful announcement


    "Heh, you fancy doing somethingter on Ikarus? Maybe try to limit the drink if you do"


    Petra wants to do something and I should avoid too much drink, what on earth could it be? I''m obviously being sarcastic, this bird ain''t that dense.


    "Actually, I''m going sober tonight... after this one since it''s already poured after all"


    "Heh"


    We haven''t had sexy time in quite the while now, normally I''m the one to suggest it so Petra''s probably got a new idea or something...

 Chapter 129.5 – Sensitive (18+)

    Chapter 129.5 ¨C Sensitive (18+)


    "So then Petra... you got something in mind or want to wing it like usual?"


    Having just arrived the leaders house that was built, we''ve gone straight into our bedroom and are apparently skipping the boring parts like being romantic or trying to set the scene. Hey, when Petra says she wants to do something and seems pretty eager, then you hurry the hell up!


    As for the room itself, it''s basically just a bigger inn room with all the basic things you''d expect in a bedroom but we haven''t gotten around to decorating it properly yet. We do have an actual bathroom up here with a heated bath too but focusing on something like how the servants have to bring us water because of no plumbing will only spoil the mood and get me distracted.


    "Heh, there''s an experiment I''d like to try with you Ikarus if that''s okay"


    An experiment? I mean, I''m pretty open minded to most things but not if Petra decides to bring out the chains and whips already, even I''ll say no at this point... I''m so freaking strange at times, Petra''s experiment could literally be anything yet I assume it''s going to be something like that!? I get that she''s pervy Petra and all but I''m just as bad apparently...


    "What do you have in mind then?"


    "Heh, just rx Ikarus while I get some stuff out. Let''s see that naked glory, pretty please?"


    Doing as she asks; I get my enchanted dress off as quickly as possible and get onto the bed. After doing this, Iy down on my side trying to look seductive while giving Petra my beste hither eyes. I''m a little grumpy that she just chuckles from it while searching the nightstand but me trying to look sexy probably looks awkward as hell from her perspective.


    The strange thing is, Petra obtains the hidden item and it''spletely unexpected. I was thinking maybe it might be a new phallus or maybe something that vibrates but it''s a bottle of liquid?


    "Here it is Ikarus, feel like you''re really going to enjoy this tonight"


    Petra speaks while holding the ss bottle of some dark coloured liquid, I''m doubting it''s a potion just from the nasty colour alone but is it something like lubricant? That seems a little pointless seeing that both of us never need any of that...


    "Erm-... is that this worlds version of lube or something Petra?"


    "Heh, no my lovely Ikarus. It''s a special type of body oil that I n on smothering all over you"


    Huh? Okay, now I''m starting to get confused, are we going to have sex while I''m all greased up then? That seems a little unnecessary but if that''s what she wants to do, it could be kinda fun. We''ve already taken the big step doing pration so something like oil isn''t scary at allpared to that, maybe that''s why Petra decided to bring that out on the second time. So I''d be a little more open to this sort of stuff? Damn it, I''ve just realized that has two meanings...


    "I''m all for looking shiny and slippery but what about after that? Whates next?"


    I mean, she hasn''t gotten out the belt so I''m thinking oral but with Petra, I have no idea what she''s nning. I could always run away if needed... or slide because the oil. I''m actually looking forward to this strangely enough now.


    "Heh, just wait my curious and impatient Ikarus and all will be revealed. Let''s get this on you now"


    Petra puts on a pair of gloves and starts to generously smear handfuls of it onto her hands. Then, starts to slowly smother me in said oil starting from the bottom. This is definitely going to take a while.


    Feeling the slippery oil all over me is a little... weird? Don''t get me wrong, it''s not a bad feeling but it just feels like I''m sticky for the most part, it definitely tickled me a little especially around my feet and hips. What definitely felt nice was her applying it around myher regions but I can be a little slutty at times with that though...


    All that''s now left is to apply the oil to my neck and breasts and judging off Petra''s reaction, she''s got something interested nned for after. Keep in mind, I''m stick in hybrid form so no point applying oil to my back cause of feathers and all, that would make me feel really sticky. I''ve got to admit from the sight of myself in the mirror though, it definitely is quite stimting but that could be the shininess causing that.


    "Heh, just thest bit but I''ll start with that in a second. Now that the rest is done Ikarus, lie back down for me and I''ll start"


    Doing as she asks once again; Petra approaches the oily me by the side of the bed and starts to work doing something I didn''t expect. She applies more oil focusing around my breasts... and doesn''t stop applying it. She seems like tkeeps groping and massaging them...


    "Is this what you''re doi-... urgh..."


    Wow... her hands drenched in oil rubbing all over my slippery breasts is actually something I''d never realized I needed. Combine that with the slight touching of my nipples as well, it''s causing me to quiver and moan ever so slightly... damn, this is good.


    At least I understand what she meant by experiment now, I think she''s going to try and see if I can climax just by using my breasts alone... urgh...


    Not just focusing on the massaging and groping, Petra starts to put her face closer to my chest and then brings her lips to the two very perky looking parts of the body. Then, she gives a slight nibble that sends shivers down my spine causing me to shake ever so subtly. This is so unbelievably sensitive yet so mind blowing, I''m thinking her experiment might be a sess if she keeps this up any longer...


    "Petra.... urghhh..."


    The rotation of the massaging, squeezing, pinching, nibbling and even slight sucking is pure bliss... getting past the sensitivity is surprisingly easy when this feels just as good as something happening down below... urgh...


    The sensations seem to all mix into pleasure even the pain which is starting to already make me shake, it''s getting closer and starting to build aggressively. How the hell am I going to cum just from this alone? Any second now...


    "Urg- ouch! Petraaa!"


    Again with that teasing of hers! It wouldn''t have been that bad if it was just a slight twist since a tiny amount of pain can actually be kinda nice but that felt like my entire nipple had just been ripped off! I''m exaggerating a bit but damn it, progress lost like usual with this teasing pain in the arse.


    "Heh, you were enjoying it too much Ikarus. Where''s the fun if it''s easy to finish?"


    "Fine, but that hurt way too much! That''s just nasty and cruel!"


    "Heh, you seemed to enjoy the pain though... I''ll continue onwards"


    Petra starts the groping process again full of smiles from her sadistic ways and continues on leaving me frustrated and annoyed like usual. The thing is, I did always enjoy groping myself but to actually have her doing itbining it with the exciting mouth action Petra always provides... breasts might be the best thing in the entire universe that have the power to solve world peace... urgh...


    The strange thing is this time, my hands obviously can''t wonder to my breasts so I''m finding myself rubbing my forbidden fruit very gently. The odd part is, the breast action is so great I''ve barely even noticed I''m doing it,


    The orgasm is building once again but I already know better than to get excited especially when she''s in this sort of mood today. Any second now and she''s going to stop it dead...


    "Please Petra... not again"


    Right on the edge again and she just leaves me hanging with her continuously smiling devilishly at me... it''s almost as if she''s found her life''s purpose when she does this. My intention is to destroy the world while hers is my orgasm apparently.


    "Heh, you always get like this right before. What would you do Ikarus if I just kept doing this over and over again?"


    She''s not going to allow me to finish this time around? Wait... is this a game she''s ying? She''ll let me climax, right?


    "I... I don''t know... moan at you?"


    "Heh, you really are terrible at this. I''ll see what I can do again but I feel like you''re not sincere enough today"


    Sincere enough? Urgh... forget that, Petra''s just applied some more oil and it''s still amazing... I can''t belief this sensitivity feels this great. Whoever decided breasts could feel this good, that God needs a raise.


    "Urgh... Petra..."


    The more and more this breast y continues, the further I feel like my eyes are rolling into the back of my head. No more thinking, just enjoy the squishiness...


    Petra this time around seems to be focusing more on pinching and suckingpared to the normal groping and it seems to make this build up even faster, having both nipples experiencing both sorts of sensitive pain is absurdly good! Let''s hope it''s third time lucky...


    "Urgh... I''m actually going to scream in a minute!"


    Fuck''s sake... normally she lets up on the third time yet she''s still stopping right on edge again, this is bing torture! Just let me cum already!


    "Heh, how does it feel Ikarus knowing how close you are, yet how far it is away?"


    "Frustrating! Just let me finish already-..."


    Wait... I know Petra likes to tease but this feels like she''s purposely taking it up a level, is this actually some kind of roley then?


    "...Petra... are you trying to get me to beg for it or something?"


    "Heh, finally clocked on, have we Ikarus?"


    I can''t believe it''s taken this long for me to figure out what she''s doing, I really can be dense at times even if I''ll argue it wasn''tpletely obvious. Hey, I''m down for it seeing how horny and messy I am right now but I''m yet to do something like that.


    "Erm-... can you please help me finish, Miss Petra?"


    Miss Petra!? Damn it, I suck at this.


    "Heh, you can''t fool me that easily Ikarus, still feel like you don''t want it just enough yet"


    I don''t want it enough? Well, I obviously do! Do I need to go over the top then or show that I really want it?


    "I mean, I can kneel down and beg if you really want"


    "Heh... that doesn''t actually sound terrible"


    Begging for Petra? Eh, screw it, I''m horny enough right now not to care in the slightest and it might give her a slight kick so why not?


    If it isn''t extremely obvious yet, I''m freaking terrible at this sort of thing. Sex is one thing but actually doing something like roley really isn''t my forte. I can still give it a try though; don''t think I''ve ever begged to someone before as well.


    Kneeling down on the floor getting really low trying to look as genuine as possible, I really can''t help but hide augh about this whole thing, can''t take this seriously at all. I probably should though, that sweet release is so close.


    "Oh, my holy, most divine and beautiful Goddess Petra. Please allow this pour soul just a glimpse of that orgasmic power you possess"


    Even if I try to sound genuine, it justes across as cringey or sarcastic. me my bird brain for making something that''s supposed to be sexy into something kindaughable...


    "Heh, you really are impossible Ikarus... guess these divine hands can try a little harder then"


    Still kneeling on the floor, Petra unexpectedly joins me grabbing hold of my breasts once again but her hands seem to be covered in more of that oily stuff. She must''ve gotten more while I was doing my little begging routine and by God, more is always better when ites to a good grope...


    In another life, she would''ve been a masseuse especially when ites to this sort of thing. Maybe I''m just easy and a sucker for Petra since I''ve never really heard of someone achieving orgasm just by using breasts before. I think I''m going to start crying if she stops it one more time, I''m getting desperate now...


    Both down here on our knees, Petra starts to sense my buildup iing and goes in for some additions to this current fondling scenario adding a kiss and moving one of her hands to another pleasurable area. To put it in a simpler terms, she''s ying with one of my nipples with her tongue deep in my throat and her other hand is aggressively rubbing against my clit. Argh, this has be so fucking intense all of a sudden!


    This obviously speeds up the inevitable rapidly and that''s when I know she''s got me caught in her web. The violent waves of the orgasm shreds the inner depths of my soul almost making me want to scream only for it to be muffled through this intense kissing. I must be a whimpering, shaky mess right now and I couldn''t careless! Urgh...


    Petra actually has to keep me from slumping over due to the shaking and exhaustion from being edged three times, at least she''s finally stopped now so I can catch my breath now. That definitely went a little different to how I imagine it finishing but hey, I''m notining. The option to stop was always there although having Petra going in for a kiss like that was definitely a happy surprise.


    "*Huff huff* Damn it... "


    "Heh, don''t worry about it. We can always just clean it up Ikarus"


    It''s always the most intense things that cause me to go over the edge and produce the love juice that flows just as the grand finish arrives, I''m going to need a mop now... orter, it''s Petra''s turn first.


    "*Huff*, sure... that was... just give me a second and you can have a turn... I''ll try that for you if you want"


    "Heh, don''t bother Ikarus. Not really a fan of my breasts being touched if I''m being honest"


    She wasn''t lying there unfortunately, it''s kinda strange I''ve only just realized that even though I''ve never done anything with them. Seriously though, I''ve only ever given her breast a slight touch but never anything like actual groping, I guess I''m pretty selfish when it''s my turn so my thoughts always go straight to groping myself. Eh, I guess it''s alright to be selfish in some situations then, it''s mad that she doesn''t like that though...


    "For real? Then what about doing something else then? I''ve always got my tongue and we can get that belt out"


    "Heh, you don''t have to bother Ikarus. I''ve got my enjoyment out of that experiment we did just as much as you so I''m good for today, I''m not actually feeling that up for too much and besides, we''ve got some cleanup to do. That oil is really messy"


    Well, isn''t that just great? Petra gives me an orgasm using my breasts, then doesn''t want one herself? She does have a point about the cleanup though. The floor is covered in my you know what and the oil makes everything slippery or sticky to touch. There''s no way we''re sleeping on the bed like that.


    Feel a little guilty not doing something for her but she does look pretty happy right now though, should I be worried? I mean, if she gets this happiness out of teasing, then whatever floats her boat, I guess.


    "Okay dokey then... love you Petra"


    "Heh, love you too Ikarus..."

 Chapter 130 – Horizon

    Chapter 130 ¨C Horizon


    "Queen Ikarus and Queen Petra¡­ you two really are passionate!"


    Sharing a quick breakfast inside the small dining area of the leaders pce, one of the servants gives us a glorious te of fried food while also having a devious looking smile on her face. Normally, I''d just love to enjoy a fry up with all the sausages, bacon, eggs, it''s got the full works but this servant in particr just said something strange.


    Even though I say servant, she''s basically a glorified maid without the uniform, Marcus arranges all these types of things so we didn''t even know he was employing servants for us till a few days ago. Apparently, this is something we must have despite the slightints I made but hey, me and Petra have experienced this sort of treatment before so it''s nothing new. It just looks like the more and more we do this role, the more these types of things keep happening.


    "What do you mean by that passionatement?"


    The women still with that sly smile leans over and then reveals something I really didn''t want to know.


    "Don''t worry Queen Ikarus! I''m not one for spilling intimate secrets! No one else will know what happenedst night, promise!"


    "Heh¡­ looks like she might''ve heard us Ikarus"


    It was at this moment, I realized just how loud we werest night. Petra just chuckles about the whole thing yet I feel like curling up into a ball and dying, how the fuck did I forget to keep it down!? If this servant heard, others might have as well!


    "Erm¡­ p-please try and be discreet about it if possible"


    It''s hard to tell what''s redder, the fried tomato on my te on my face right now. Nah, it''s definitely my face, why couldn''t she have heard us any other day when we weren''t doing something kinda weird? It just had to be when we got the oil out...


    "Of course! If you''re that worried about being heard, there''s always ways to be quiet! Normally, I try to bite my lip but sometimes that can start to hurt so a gag can work just as well!"


    Okay, this girl is one of those people who don''t understand the concept of sharing too much, it''s the first thing in the morning and she''s talking about you know what and even mentioning a gag!?


    "C-Can we just eat in peace now?"


    "Sure! I''ll leave you two alone now!"


    The servant leaves us with Petra trying not to crack up and me still feeling a painful amount of embarrassment, it almost makes me want to stop doing the nighttime activities but I seriously doubt all the embarrassment in the entire world could put mepletely off it.


    "Heh, I like her Ikarus, should have her around us more often"


    "No chance Petra, we''re sacking herter on"


    I mean, we''re not but I''m just feeling sulky now. All I wanted to do was enjoy an unhealthy greasy te of mostly brown fried food and now I''ve got to deal with this embarrassment.


    "Let''s just eat this already, then get on with our day"


    Not sure what we''ve actually got to do but definitely got to pay the treasury a visit since all that wealth from the monastery is currently doing nothing. Work will probably just be transporting stuff again, at least I no longer have to hide my actual form saving some time¡­


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "Ah, nephew Dionysus! Looks like you decided to turn up to this as well! You smell a little bit nephew, looks like we both didn''t bother cleaning up!"


    "Alright Poseidon, haven''t been dooming too many sailors to their deaths recently, have you?"


    Having just arrived outside the meeting hall, a familiar bearded, muscr half-naked man greets me as Poseidon always seems friendly enough. He''s still not to be trusted as I doubt he''d turn against father if a civil war were to break out but I''ve put him into the unsure category for now. Thankfully, most Gods and Goddess are pretty simple at showing emotions so knowing who would go against or side with Zeus is easy enough for the most part. There''s only a few left I''m not sure on yet.


    "Hah! You know I haven''t done that in centuries nephew, follow me into the hall since we''re already far past being fashionablyte!"


    Uncle Poseidon despite looking really simr to Zeus has always been way more rxed andid back even if I can never be sure where his true intentionsy. I used to be like him and still kinda am to an extent but trying to enjoy life stuck around so many paranoid Gods starts to take its toll on you, this is just one of reasons I envy mortals so much. If it wasn''t for the enviable short life and death cycles, I''d have chosen a new body to possess years ago.


    Should probably focus on what''s happening right now, we both would''ve received an invite to another meetup at the huge Olympus hall and knowing Zeus, things are about to start heating up. Ah, thatment Poseidon made about smell was what I was going for, appearing and smelling drunk should allow me to avoid speaking to the majority of visitors however many havee.


    Entering the grand hall, it looks like me and uncle are thest to show up I''m unexpectedly shocked just to see how many Gods are in here today. The hall is filled with representatives from every part of the heavenly realms and there appears to be people from every one of the four ruling factions as well. The hall is basically packed with most Olympus and Ragnar?k Gods but there is a couple of angels and even just a single demon. If this wasn''t a neutral venue, then heads would be flying right now, both looked pissed enough especially the angels to see the other faction of the never-ending good vs evil battle that is basically a passing joke at this point.


    I''m also pretty certain nearly every major God from our side is here as well obviously excluding the underworld lot and Hephaestus. He''s been missing for years at this point but everyone already knows that since he might despise father more than Hades himself. He''s probably gone into istion but he could be dead for all we know.


    Trying to describe a hundred God and Goddess appearances would be maddening but it''s not that difficult to imagine the basics. Us Olympians all wear togas and are always the most beautiful, the Ragnar?k bunch look like a group of ungroomed barbarians with no thoughts on the animals they wear. Angels just so happen to be wearing simr clothing to us but obviously with the white wings protruding from their backs and then, the very noticeable red demon with two horns sticking out of his head. All Gods have a majestic air to them but demons or devils have always preferred the cruelty aura over anything else.


    "Everyone listen up and take a seat! Olympus wees you all to the grand hall!"


    Most of us do as Zeus asks but it appears the God''s from the Ragnar?k side just want to get this over and done with already. Can''t say I me them considering how much everyone dislikes each other.


    "What''s the reason for sending for us Zeus?"


    "Aye, my hammer needed some more work and here I am stuck serving for this crap"


    "You two should really lighten up but it would be better to hurry this along though"


    The three speaking are Odin one eye, Thor who might as well be a big dwarf and a dark-haired woman wearing a fancy red dress that''s very revealing. Anyone who knows anything about the Ragnar?k faction has heard about Loki and his insistence on trying to confuse or prank people but toe over here looking like that? He''s nning something weird tonight.


    "Just take a seat and we can all get started! Believe me, the faster this is over, the better"


    At least they are willing to listen to reason but now left standing around the gigantic long table, is two others. Sigh, this is already growing tiresome.


    "You expect us to share a table with that evil being?"


    "The stench of demon always lingers on anything it touches"


    The brown haired Gabriel and Michael just so happen to be seated across the table from the demon Asmodeus. At least he can find the situation humorous but the fact they''ve ended up so close together really isn''t great.


    "Heh, it''s a pleasure to see you two again, it''s always a shame when that white of yours isn''t covered in crimson red. I can always give you what you what you weaklings are looking for"


    The angels out of pure hatred go to unsheathe their des but that very quickly gets shut down by father''s shouting.


    "Bah! If you two won''t sit, then you''re wee to leave anytime! All this was supposed to be is an announcement and slight celebration but if you''re not happy, then find the door and leave already!"


    Reluctantly, they decide to take a seat sulking with the demon Asmodeus just smiling shaking his head at them, this is why Gods and other beings don''t get together very often. If just sitting down around a table is this difficult, imagine how bad it gets when making decisions like deciding on the fates of the chosen worlds. Zeus may be paranoid and senile but only he is able to show enough power to get everyone to shut up these days.


    "Okay, now that we''re settled, it''s time to get sorted. Everyone in this hall I''m presuming is aware of what prophecy I''m referring to? Dionysus, if you could exin to them"


    At least that exins why my seat is over by this end but if he thinks I''m going to make it easy for him, he''spletely wrong. I want to get this over and done with but not if it benefits him in any way.


    "No can do... what was the prophecy again?"


    This immediately pisses him off and it takes my all my strength not to smirk from it.


    "Bah! You''ve turned up to one of these meetings drunk again boy, haven''t you? Forget it, I''m not going into details on the prophecy about the four phoenixes but you should all have already heard about it by now. I''ve decided to take things into my own hands and will be personally making sure that prophecy can no longer exist"


    I may have already known this news that Zeus is already nning to do something but to the majority in this hall, this is father admitting to trying to destroy a prophecy. If it isn''t obvious why this is such a breathtaking moment, trying to stop a prophecy almost always goes wrong especially for us Olympians.


    (Artemis) "What kind of deranged bullshit is this!? What was the point of asking for advice ages ago if you''re just going to do this anyways?"


    "You madman! You may be crazier than Lyssa!"


    (Aphrodite) "Have we not had enough war for a lifetime? We need more peace and love, no more death"


    "Are you trying to get us all destroyed!?"


    While the aggressive reactions are hurling towards Zeus from quite the few Gods, I can really only make out two voicesing from the wild green haired Artemis and the pink haired, sex fiend Aphrodite through the shouting towards father. Despite all the tension filling, I can''t help but notice that demon''s smile widening, he''s finding this situation way too humorous. No one at this table looks happy about such a thing, most reactions are either of annoyance, anger, relief or that carelessness but his is enjoyment.


    Pretty sure the angels and most of Ragnar?k both share little care on this though, it''s understandable why the Viking lot wouldn''t since they managed to survive their own ending even naming the faction after it as well. The angels don''t care because all their problems evolve around destroying demons and nothing else, it''s basically an addiction at this point.


    "Bah, silence everyone! Don''t feel like I didn''t take all your advice on board, this is just the safest and smartest way of doing such a situation. That bird in particr if left unchecked could spell destruction and..."


    Even though father''s trying to convince everyone toe around, I can''t help but now fixate on Athena who I definitely saw inside the building a minute ago but has gone. She wasn''t great at public meetings due to being a little strange with normal interactions, but for her to leave just like that? She was always the Goddess of wisdom and to leave this abruptly, even she sees what father is doing as insane. She''s going to struggle to stay neutral this time around if conflict breaks out.


    "...Half of you can scoff and groin at me all you want; this is a problem that I''ve found the solution for so I''m enacting on it regardless on your opinions"


    "Just put your faith in Zeus and trust your fellow Olympian! He''ll guide us to safety"


    And of course, it''s the grey haired, old hag Hera who''s backing up Zeus this time around despite the constant fighting that married couple do, you''d have thought she would have shrivelled up like the slug she is but Zeus has always had a thing for insane woman and she alwayses around to his cheating eventually.


    Huh, it seems I still hold hatred for her after she caused me to lose my sanity but that''s an old tale long ago not needed for today. It is fitting mentioning madness though considering how often the word sister and wife get brought up around here, Hera may be Zeus''s wife but there have always been others who seem to think there''s an even closer connection. They both adamantly deny it but the less said about that, the better. Even we don''t knowpletely what myths get thrown around down below.


    Despite the moans and groins from Gods who know things are probably going to backfire now, it appears there''s a simplerint then the dreaded approaching end times that this prophecy always seems to bring up.


    "Enough about the serious stuff now, can we get onto the only good part about these meet ups?"


    "Aye, we''ve been sober too long and just listening to you talk is making me want to smash something"


    Both Odin and Thor have obviously only showed up for the alcohol and I''d be a hypocrite if I couldn''t respect them for such willingness. Father is still clearly pissed about it all though.


    "Bah, I wasn''t finished just yet but you lot have the attention span of children at times, let''s just move on and call this a day now, shall we..."


    __________


    And so, the heavenly party in this grand hall begins. It''s mostly just bottled ambrosia and diluted wine since I''m the only Olympian who realizes other drinks don''t cause madness but enoughining. I''ll stay for a drink or two, then leave because I''ve already had enough of Zeus''s stench for one day.


    As I''m going to pour a ss from the huge kegs we have stored away up here, a womanly figure stares me down. It''s obvious he''s been made an outcast too since most don''t enjoy his gender changing antics.


    "My old friend Dionysus! How many years has it been since west spoke?"


    "What do you want Loki? If you''re looking for money or help with a prank, I''m not in the mood"


    "Nothing like that, you seem pretty sober considering how bad you smell! I''ve juste up to share that we may have simr interests on what might be about to happen. Say, you wouldn''t happen to know a nun or an orange bird perhaps?"


    He knows... how does this wild and unpredictably guy know such a thing like that? If anyone here were to find out about such a thing, I''d end up screwed. How does the God that even Ragnar?k consider to be crazy know this?


    "Get to your point already or there will be more than split wine on this floor"


    The threat may be forced but it is genuine though, just because I may appear to be a hopeless drunk doesn''t mean I can''t silence someone meddling in my ns. I couldn''t see his brothers caring if he went missing anyways.


    "You really wouldn''t hit me while I''m looking like this sweet and innocent, would you? Actually, don''t answer that but my entire point is to share some information to a fellow friend! We''re more simr than you think"


    Ipletely disagree with the statement he made but as long as he gets to his point already.


    "What is this information then?"


    Loki creeps in closer and starts to whisper, at least he understands some things are best kept secretive for now.


    "Don''t take this as fact but the word is... your father was seen leaving the hellish realm recently"


    What!? Oh shit, this is could be really bad if this is true...


    "You mean actual hell, the demonic ce? You''re not mistaking it for the underworld or something simr, correct?"


    Mortals always seem to mix the two ces up but they are different. Hell just gets used as a scaremongering tactic when to put it simply, it''s just the demonic realms where demons reside constantly looking for things to kill or destroy. The underworld is solely for the dead.


    "Yep, you can interpret that how you want but that informationes from a strong source that wishes to remain hidden, now''s not the time for such discussions regarding phoenix business though... Odin! Be sure to get me some ambrosia from over there"


    "You really are a disgrace to our kind brother"


    "Don''t be like that, this is just as effective as using an axe!"


    Loki then abruptly leaves rejoining his brothers leaving me to ponder on what he just shared. If what he says is true, then this is extremely troubling. By the sounds of it, he knows just as much as I about the phoenixes.


    If Zeus has made a deal with the demons, then something very bad is about to happen. They only ever have one goal in mind and that always involves as much death and destruction as possible, maybe that exins why Asmodeus has been looking so happy at this ce. He''s in on it as well.


    ''I''ve got to find out more as soon as possible and inform Charlotte as well. Whatever''s iing now, Ikarus may need her help as well...''

 Chapter 131 – Clinginess

    Chapter 131 ¨C Clinginess


    "So Petra... what do you fancy doing today then?"


    On one of our rare days off from politics or anything transport rted, we''ve just finished off a quick breakfast and now have the terrifying decision of what to do today. Indecision still effects this orange bird at times it seems.


    "If it''s okay with you Ikarus, I''d like to spend some alone time with Mute today. Things have been busy and I''m yet to have a proper conversation with her"


    Oh yeah, Petra still hasn''t spent some alone time with Mute yet. I guess that''s technically incorrect since they did fight together against the monastery invasion for a little while but it wasn''t like they even learnt anything about each other.


    It makes sense since Mute has been sticking around the settlement almost like a town mascot or something now, you''d think the dragon would''ve gotten bored by all the attention but it seems like she kinda enjoys it? Of course, there''s still a few people who keep their distance but the kids especially seem to love having a dragon around.


    "Of course that''s fine, you''re not forgetting she can''t actuallymunicate though Petra?"


    "Heh, already asked Marcus for arge amount of paper and going to n to take it outside to see if she can write..."


    The thing is, I''m pretty sure Mute is unable to switch into a human form so that''s what Petra means by taking the papers outside. It''s a damn shame both of them have experienced such pain in their lives but it''s got to be good for them both to spend some alone time together, right? Just for themon ground more than anything else.


    "...We''ll probably be split most of the day though Ikarus, will you be okay with us being apart?"


    Wait, is Petra teasing because she seems deadly serious? It''s not like I''m going to die being apart for a day.


    "Hey! Just because I''m clingy doesn''t make me a child or an addict, it''s not like I have a Petra addiction or something. I can stop anytime I like"


    Weird way of exining my point but my weirdness always seems to be a charm for some reason.


    "Heh, it''s always things like that I like best about you Ikarus... Being serious though, we can always meet up for lunch or dinner if all day is too long?"


    Ohe on! She''s going to make me pout in a minute, it''s not like there''s going to be another fleet of pirates to nuke, is there? Well great, iing red g...


    "No Petra, spend the day with your sister, I''ll find something to do... even though I''m not sure exactly what"


    As much as I love being clingy, there does have to be days we''re not together unfortunately since something like this could be good for Petra... hang on, was that Petra being slightly clingy there?


    "Heh, you still haven''t sorted your storage out yet, have you? There''s a start"


    "Ah right, I keep purposely forgetting to do that"


    I still haven''t deposited our haul from the monastery yet, keep meaning to but been busy and it could take a little while meaning it''s a boring mundane task. Mostly because I emptied my inventory out beforehand in preparation but that turned out to be pointless so now I''ve got to put loads more stuff back inside too. Might as well get on with it then, fucking inventory management...


    "Heh, you''re already leaving Ikarus? Not forgetting something important or anything like that?"


    Just as I''m leaving, it looks like I''ve nearly made Petra pout... ah shit, how could I forget such an important thing? We''ve obviously got to have a goodbye kiss!


    "Of course I didn''t! It''s just you always seem to start it but let''s do this quickly then..."


    __________


    After dumping all that loot from the monastery including the sword Excalibur, and then doing a painfully boring sort through what I''m taking with me, I''m now on the search for something to do today and that search starts at the inn where Zeki and Ariza stay at.


    The treasury still is a littlecklustre since we''re basically just using it as a warehouse right now but give it a little while, it should have a working vault underground equipped with a locking system. Once again, another thing Marcus is doing behind the scenes but he did at least take this from suggestion since I have asked about building a vault before. There''s going to be so much coin down there, still nothingpared to my parents pit but it''s a brilliant start.


    That sword will get a try out soon but since it''s an off day, I''d rather just rx then start to train and doing it alone wouldn''t work well either. Maybe tomorrow me and Petra will do that but let''s focus on the here and now.


    Having just entered the inn, by this point I''m surprised they haven''t bought the damn ce since decorations keep changing around the ce making it look more and more modern every day. Hey, those two do like that sort of style and it definitely gives this ce a different look to most. It does make me think how they get their money since modern looking d¨¦cor is basically expensive noble stuff in this world but they must have their ways.


    "...Damn it Zeki! You''re banned from ever visiting my sister ever again now knowing what goes on inside your brain! Just how greedy are you!?"


    "Hey! It''s not my fault she''s absurdly huge! All I was doing was appreciating them, why would I want hers when yours are better anyways?"


    In this mostly empty dining ce, it looks like the dryad has just found out about Zeki''s gigantic melon fetish and is giving him a right earful about it.


    "Wait... mine are better?"


    "Well obviously cow! Hers may be bigger but they even sag and droop in some ces. Yours are much rounder and plump, why the hell would I want hers when yours are like the perfect size to grab and y with?"


    "Zeki... do you actually mean that girly boy or are you just trying to calm me down?"


    "One thing I never lie about is jugs Ria. I may be a lot of things but when ites down to something as important as that, I never lie"


    Urgh, screw this, I''m not even going over there to talk with them. I haven''t called them Mr and Mrs disgusting for a while and that''s perfect for this moment. It''s maddening how that conversation those two are having is clearly going to lead to sex now especially considering the dryad has even sat down on hisp. Toxic couple, bleurgh...


    ''Just because I also like ''jugs'' doesn''t mean I''ll ever be anything like Zeki...''


    __________


    Making my way around the settlement to the newish district, I go to visit Ariza at the hospital and make my way through the ce finding her in one of the back research sections. This is the first time I''ve visited her while she''s been working and it looks more like a modernb than you can imagine! Of course, don''t be expecting stuff like microscopes and sciencey stuff around the ce but it does actually have a white clinic look and feel to it.


    "Ariza, you doing anything today or are you busy?"


    "What? Ah sorry Ikarus, didn''t hear you enter"


    Ariza''s currently busy reading through loads of files. Normally, I wouldn''t try to distract someone but I could be some help to her, maybe?


    "If you need any help or anything like that Ariza, I can give you a hand if you need it. Even if you only want a drink made or something"


    "Sorry Ikarus but I really don''t think this is the sort of thing you''d be interested in. I''m currently trying to study how the medicine in this world actually works since my magic isn''t unlimited and it''s a colossal pain in the backside, just have a look at this for example..."


    Ariza shows me a paper listed full of cures, illnesses, diseases, magical afflictions. Basically, nearly everything on this list I''ve never heard of before and everything seems to have a different namedpared to what you might expect on Earth... how the hell do you even sprain a tumour anyways?


    "...It''s absurd, right!? Even if you exclude of the magical curses and things like that, they still even use leeches as a cure for colds! The amount on things on this I need to correct, then make sure Marcus publishes this to the world since people are harming themselves with these stupid treatments"


    Hearing Ariza this talkative and stressed over something really is a strange feeling but I doubt I''ll be much help then.


    "Well... the offer still stands if you want a hand but I''ll go do something else then... is Penelope still around?"


    "Thanks for the offer though Ikarus... I think Miss Penelope is still off the ind helping move her guild in so you won''t find her for now"


    It looks like I''m destined for loneliness today, there''s got to be something I can do? I could just chat with Aesa if I get desperate... huh, could try using that ability again...


    ''Aesa, you fancy being part human for a while?''


    [<Negative. -Ikarus- must learn to deal with the concept of loneliness and not rope Aesa into beingst resort>]


    ''Bloody great... what do I do now then?''


    __________


    At this point, I''m basically roaming around the town like a lost soul. Listen okay, I know here are things to do but everything just feels a little pointless if Petra isn''t here. The hot springs? No since I''d rather talk to her though it, eating a meal? No once again since eating alone is lonely. Training? No because everything is better done with Petra!


    Okay... it turns out I might actually be addicted to Petra''spany a little but I must fight off this addiction! What can I do that won''t put me off being alone though? This is really starting to piss me off now though.


    As I''m still wandering around town trying to ponder what part of brain isn''t working correctly, someone with an odd aura catches the corner of my eye. A ck-haired woman with two ponytails, red and ckened clothing with piercing red eyes as well. My instincts are telling me she''s looking for something.


    ''Hey Aesa, that woman over there seems a bit out of ce, right?''


    [<-Ikarus- intuition normally is correct so Aesa will bring up target''s status>]


    [Name: Melinda | Species: Vampire | Level: 216]


    [Health 15,000/15,000]


    [Stamina 9,934/13,200]


    [Magicka 15,000/15,000]


    ''She''s a vampire? I mean, it probably was obvious by how she looks but at least my boredom will be cured now''


    It''s about time for Ikarus the vampire yer to be a legend! Can''t exactly be having such an evil creature praying on our citizens, can we?


    [<Does Aesa need to remind -Ikarus- not all vampires are considered evil? Target -Melinda- in particr doesn''t appear to have a bloodthirsty aura so attacking on first sight would be ill advised>]


    To think, I''m actually getting lectured by Aesa of all people not to attack first! Guess it could be risky but I''ve seen firsthand how powerful vampires can be... even if it was a subus that harmed Petra a while back.


    ''Hey, I''m just going off past experience on what happened when a group of vampires werest seen on these inds... you are probably right though. I''m going to go talk with her but make sure aspect of gigantomachy is ready the second a fight might break out''


    [<Affirmative>]


    You''d also think that sunlight would cause the dark-haired woman to burst into mes but I''m pretty sure light only weakens them in this world. Their weaknesses are pretty underwhelming from what Petra exined when I asked a little about vampire gics but if things turn sour, then at least I know I have an advantage.


    Still wandering around, that vampire really might be lost but enough staring at her now. It''s time to determine whether she''s friend or foe.


    "Hey! Do you want some help? You appear to look slightly lost"


    She immediately turns around to where I stand with a surprised face, it''s almost as if she had no idea I was standing here. You''d think a vampire would notice their surroundings a little more since it wasn''t like a crept up to her or anything like that.


    "Me? Oh, you don''t have to worry, I''ll find my way around here eventually"


    Why am I getting the vibe that she might be a little klutzy? Regardless, I should probably try and hint at something.


    "You''re not nning any trouble for us over here, right? We''re epting of all people including rare and mythical creatures but not if they cause any trouble"


    "Ah, so you''re one of the two leaders of this ce then?"


    She''s not taking the hint, is she? Fine, looks like I''m going to have to be overly blunt about this then.


    "Don''t disregard what I just said vampire, we''ve killed your kind over here before so y it nice otherwise you will end up bing ash"


    "Of course, you''ll have no trouble from me. Been clean for a while now so there''s nothing to worry about there"


    You''d think she might have a different reaction from basically just being threatened but once again, she just still smiles like this is nothing. At least that means this vampire should be alright for now but that still doesn''t mean I can trust it just yet; some do apparently have mind controlling abilities even if I''d be immune to their effects.


    "Anyways... what brings you over here? You''ve definitely paid a decent sum to get a ship over here so what''s the reason?"


    This vampire seems pretty open so maybe it might be willing to share its intentions but let''s just continue this extremely cautiously. I''m thinking she might be alright but Petra has experienced all kinds of evil vampires before so I can never take any for granted.


    "In all honestly, I''m searching for an old fling. Been putting off the reunion for way too long so it''s slightly nerve racking now"


    She''s looking for an old lover? Eh, I''ve got nothing else to do so maybe I''ll give this vampire a hand, it also will allow me to keep an eye on what she gets up to a bit more obviously. I really should bring her to Petra to see if she''s safe to have here or not but I''d rather not interrupt her bonding time with Mute and I feel like I can handle this myself this time around. Besides, they''re probably talking about really depressing stuff like it''s nothing really knowing their pasts.


    "Who are you looking for? If you tell me his description, then I might be able to point him out"


    "She, the person I''m looking for is a she. I''d rather get something to eat before I go to find her though... it''s been quite the while and I doubt she''ll even recognize me"


    Oh, a lesbian vampire? Why does that surprise me so much? I''m a lesbian phoenix so we''re both mythical homos apparently... I feel like I''m offending someone by calling myself that...


    "If you''re feeling nervous about it, I''lle with you and you can describe what the person looks like. Maybe I might be of some help"


    Wait... go with her to get something to east isn''t cheating on Petra, right? Of course it bloody isn''t, I''m just spying on the vampire and using this as an excuse. I could see Petra getting jealous but this really isn''t anything weird.


    "Erm... ah, fine then! Maybe that might help a little?"


    I guess she does seem slightly anxious, never thought I''de across a vampire like this but let''s see how this goes then.


    "There''s a nice caf¨¦ right around the corner..."


    This is the second time I''ve been to this ce today, the first being with Petra for breakfast. Hopefully, the servers don''t see this as something sinister like I''m cheating or something...


    __________


    "You okay Miss Ikarus? I haven''t been talking too much while eating, right?"


    "No no, I''m just thinking about something"


    Okay... I''m seriously worried right now. While she''s been eating a sandwich or two to calm that anxiety, she''s been giving me a few details on who''s she''s looking out for and now I''m anxious. You see, the description perfectly matches someone I know very well. Dark long flowing hair, extremely beautiful, grey eyes and always seems to carry a graceful aura around with her... there''s obviously only one person who that could be...


    But Petra''s ex-lover is supposed to be dead though Ikarus, right? Well think about it, the word undead works perfectly for describing a vampire so Petra saying her ex is dead would be technically correct, wouldn''t it? It''s obviously not a guarantee it''s her but I know enough about how this this world handles coincidences so it''s pretty likely this woman is referring to Petra.


    "If I''m boring you or anything, don''t be afraid to say"


    On one hand, I know deep down I need to bring her to Petra just simply because it''s the right thing to do but on the other... I kinda want to make her disappear. It looks like Petra''s not the only person to get extreme jealously but I''m doing this more out of fear...


    Just what happens if Petra decides she prefers her over me? This is the first time I''ve actually felt insecure about our rtionship and it''s physically hurting right now... I''ve got to stop thinking about the worst-case scenario though.


    I already know I''m going to bring her to Petra so all I''m doing is dying the inevitable. Most secrets eventuallye out so if I were to go about discarding this vampire and not telling Petra about it, she could idently find out some day and then hate me because of it... sighhh, it''s so freaking obvious that''s the evil choice and yet I''d actually considering doing such a thing? Let''s just fight those instincts Ikarus.


    "No... it''s just I''m thinking on someone who matches your description. After you''re done eating, I''ll take you to her..."


    __________


    ''Urk, I''m curious what may happen but at the same time, dreading this''


    Taking the vampire to where Petra is, the walk may be short but it feels like time is flowing unnaturally right now. To think I feel this insecure about our rtionship all of a sudden, I really need to man up, deal with this and put my trust in Petra but what if she prefers the vampire? It matters little now though, time''s up...


    Literally right in the middle of the town square is Petra on a bench with the dragon Muteying alongside her with severalrge scrolls, you''d think this sight would gather a crowd but this town is turning weirder and weirder everyday at this point. I''d normally find this situation pretty heartwarming if I didn''t feel like shit right now.


    "She really is here then..."


    The vampire makes a slightment under her breath as well as Petra noticing who I''m standing alongside at the same time.


    "Ikarus and... you?"


    ''Shit...''

 Chapter 132 – Old Wounds

    Chapter 132 ¨C Old Wounds


    "You..."


    "No words for me Petra, other than you? It''s been quite some time, hasn''t it?"


    All of sudden still right in the middle of town, Petra''s aura as well as her eyes turn ck and she charges towards the vampire armed with her de aiming for the vampire''s throat. Melinda manages to equip a hidden dagger just in the knick of time blocking said attack.


    Of course, the reaction I''m going to have is of pure shock, Mute the dragon shares the same sort of reaction too, why the hell are they fighting? Is this supposed to be Petra''s ex or have I just brought her someone she despises?


    Again, Petra goes in for another merciless attack towards the neck with pure hatred on her face while the vampire just keeps blocking, this fight almost looks like a blur due to how quick both sides are able to react.


    "You really hate me this much? I''ll repay the favour then since you started it"


    "..."


    Whatever is going on, I can''t just stand around and gawk while Petra''s getting more and more angrier, even the vampire looks to be swinging for Petra''s neck now. Normally, I''d step in to help her but this doesn''t feel like I should be this time.


    "Petra, calm down! There''s people here!"


    "This woman needs to be destroyed Ikarus"


    "After how many years we spent together, this is how you greet me once again? You forgetting the oath we swore together Petra? Or did that cave in you purposely brought down on my head cause you to forget?"


    "..."


    Once again, another strike with intent to kill flies towards the vampire with the ponytails and she blocks it again. This woman clearly is as skilled as Petra but this fight cannot be allowed to continue for too long, the ground itself looks to be cracking from the sheer intensity right now. I don''t even know how that''s physically possible but not the time. People must be idiots as well; a small crowd has started to gather obviously not realizing just how dangerous this current fight actually is.


    Damn this fuckingck of information, is this woman Petra''s ex or not though? Every time that''s been brought up, Petra always gets depressed so now I''m thinking this is someone else but at the same time, this has to be her, right?


    "For the love of God! Can we try and settle this situation amicably? Calm the fuck down, both of you!"


    This time around, I''ve jumped into the middle of the battle and that finally seems to have stopped it briefly. At least it''s a good sign both parties are willing to reason if I throw myself into the middle of it like an idiot.


    "See? Even your current lover is willing to see sense Petra"


    This vampire is starting to piss me off a little but I''ve got to calm Petra down, those ck eyes in particr are always a bad sign. This woman can''t be that evil that she needs to be purged, right? She seemed rtively alright but we''ve got to handle this in a different way.


    "You don''t know her as well as I do Ikarus, but for your sake, I''ll lower my de... for now"


    Thankfully, I still hold Petra''s heart but this situation does need to be sorted. We can always kill the vampire if she really is despicable but this bird needs some goddamn information right now.


    "Can someone please tell me just what the hell this is about? Why the hell are you two fighting?"


    "You really haven''t told her anything Petra it seems"


    "..."


    Every time this woman talks, Petra''s bloodlust grows stronger, just what the hell happened between them for this sort of friction to ur?


    "Then how about I give you a little? You already know my name Ikarus since we had a quick chat at the caf¨¦, but I was Petra''s first love and someone she swore an oath too. It''s a little hard to believe seeing how rabid she is towards me right now"


    For someone who''s staring at death right in the eye, she really doesn''t seem that concerned knowing all Petra wants to do is kill her. If I wasn''t trying to resolve this, I''d have hit her for calling Petra rabid though but Petra now seems more focused on something else.


    "You did what with her, Ikarus?"


    Ah crap, Petra''s getting her samurai de out again. Now she''s probably going to misunderstand something and try attacking again.


    "Petra, put down your sword down and let''s go have a discussion somewhere a bit more private, we really need to sort this out. Both of you give me your des as well, please?"


    We could probably do without having all the onlookers and Mute staring at us so something like a neutral ce where we can sit might help, maybe like that caf¨¦ again. Thankfully, both of them do as asked giving me their weapons so hopefully I can understand what''s going on a little more now.


    ''Looks like it''s the third time I''ve gone to this caf¨¦ today...''


    __________


    "You two have done pretty well running this ce, it''s quite nice really... still can''t believe you neglected to tell her about me"


    "..."


    Now at the caf¨¦ for the third time today, I''m the only one eating while ck eyed Petra stairs deep into the soul of the vampire Melinda. It''s a damn shame I can''t properly enjoy this cake since Petra is in pain right now, somehow that effects my tastebuds but maybe it''s just an anxiety type of thing? I hate seeing her ufortable and I probably shouldn''t be eating but this is stress eating!


    I should probably try and steer the conversation every other bite or so though.


    "Can we just do this nice and simple? If you two were a thing and now not anymore, why the immense hatred? What happened?"


    I mean, Petra''s normally justified to kill someone on the spot but this seemed different than usual, almost as if she was letting her emotion get the best of her. We''ve always got the option to kill the vampire after but can''t exactly say that will be easy if watching thatst fight was anything to go off.


    "I''m just as confused as you, we we''re going through a rough patch and Petra''s solution was to kill me apparently"


    "A rough patch? You describe what happened as a rough path? *Sigh*... why are you even here Mel?"


    Every time this smiling vampire says something, it just causes Petra to either get more stressed or angrier but at least she''s willing to speak with her a little more now though.


    "Other than to see your angry face once again? Main reason being curiosity really. I heard the rumour the legendary hero Petra had settled down and with another women no less. I wanted to see personally what she was like"


    "You dare say anything bad about Ikarus, you''ll lose more than just your tongue"


    ''I do like Petra being protective but not really the time for it''


    "You can rx Petra; I do see the appeal in her... Although, I seriously doubt she could everpare to some of the stuff we did, but I''m also guessing you didn''t tell her that as well? Things really did get wild and she seems a little tamer than I was expecting, but that''s necessarily not a bad thing"


    Tame? I''m apparently tame? I really should take that as an insult but I''m guessing she''s talking about sexual stuff? Ah, why am I even thinking about that? I really don''t want to know what Petra and her ex got up to behind the scenes, not because of the perverted nature of it but do you really want to imagine your current partner getting it on with an ex?


    "You came all this way just to cure that curiosity? Spill the truth or something else will spill"


    ''Damn Petra, she really can make insults seamlessly''


    "Well... there was the matter of the guild stuff as well but that''s was always less of a concern, really was just curious but it wasn''t the only reason I suppose"


    Wait, this woman came over here on guild business? Was she supposed to be the representative sent over by the Adventurers guild? Even Petra''s clocked on to what was just said.


    "You''re the person who was sent to take control of the Adventurers guild?"


    Not enough gets said about the Adventuring guild simply because they''re the same as the Magi. I never hear anything about them other than the asional drunken brawl but they really do like to keep to themselves for the most part. They always end up paying for it as well as other services so the agreement works perfectly, we give them a ce to set up shop and they give us a hand when we most desperately need it.


    If I''m trying to be pedantic, both of the guilds only real use is for defence and the adventurers have already proven themselves in that regards, should also probably mention they''re converting one of the old warehouses into an actual guild building as well right now.


    "Don''t look too surprised about it Petra, a lot has changed since we werest a thing, haven''t had a sip of blood in decades as well. You really don''t need to worry that much though, was always nning on turning the gig down but the boss said at least have a looksee around the ind before you do in case you change your mind. It''s pretty damn obvious me staying here was never a possibility"


    "Why the Adventuring guild out of all things though?"


    "Eh... I guess you could say it''s making up for a lifetime of mistakes but it does feel better to do something nice for a change. You were always right about the easiest option isn''t always the best but enough about all that, imma head off now since it''s obvious I''m not wee just from your eyes alone. Hopefully, you can forgive me someday for everything... oh, and nice to meet you Ikarus. Look after her for me, alright?"


    "..."


    "Okay?"


    And just like that, the vampire Melinda also known as Petra''s ex leaves the caf¨¦ and presumably from our lives all together. We''ll probably meet again someday since this world does tend to feel pretty small at times but maybe it might be better not to if Petra''s reaction is anything to go by. Maybe killing her could''ve been the better option.


    Now alone with just us two... there''s so many questions I have yet I''m unsure just how much Petra would be willing to answer on this.


    "Sorry about that Petra, didn''t realize something like this would happen"


    "Why are you apologizing Ikarus? Would''ve sensed her aura sooner orter anyways"


    "But still, would it have been better if I tried to get rid of her or something?"


    "Ikarus... what you did was perfectly fine, stop worrying about it"


    I guess her ck eyes have gone so at least the killing intent has faded, Petra does seem calmer now I suppose. It''s still not great what just happened.


    "I''m still way too confused though. If you hate her so much, then why all the sadness when it''s been brought up in the past?"


    I can''t get my head past this fact, Petra''s always said she''s dead and seemed down as hell when it was brought up in the past. For all I knew earlier on today, Petra''s ex was dead but is yet alive in the flesh... even if being a vampire doesn''t really count.


    "Because, I''ve been trying to shut all the unhappy memories out Ikarus. For every moment of passion, there was a burial ground of innocents, that was even literal for a time. It''s how you''ve described Zeki and the dryad''s rtionship before to me... it was toxic"


    You know what they say, love is blind and all that... I''m ignoring the obvious pun with Petra being here.


    "But you even said once you went on a vampire crusade in response to her death? You did say something like that, right?"


    "Heh... wouldn''t say it was a crusade but the hunt was to kill her after she did something unforgivable. I wasn''t technically lying though; vampires did corrupt and kill any resemnce of the person she was and the group she belonged to despised anyone not cold blooded. Thought the cave in did kill her but obviously not"


    So, by the sounds of it, they loved each other originally but Melinda keptmitting evil deeds that made Petra grow to hate her? Then, Petra started to hunt her down as well as other vampires and that ended with her causing a cave to copse apparently killing her but actually not then. It''s actually surprising the vampire really doesn''t hold any grudges towards Petra especially considering the fact she doesn''t even know the reason Petra hates her. She must''ve done something really bad to make Petra despise her then.


    "What was it she even did Petra?"


    "That''s... better off left unsaid Ikarus"


    Oh great. Normally, I wouldn''t press especially when Petra gets down about something but this time, I kinda need to understand the situation a little more. I stuck my beak in between those two so I''m part of it now.


    "Petra, normally I''d agree with you not bringing up the past but this time, it''s kinda needed just so I can paint a full picture of what''s going on"


    Petra pauses from myment, then seems to actually agree with me giving me a tiny nod.


    "Fine then Ikarus. Melinda... tried to turn me"


    "She tried to turn you? To what? Oh, you mean into a vampire?"


    "Yes. It may not sound like a big deal but had told her for years previously had no interest and that was the final straw. In the end, her eagerness for it nearly ended up killing me, phoenix blood and vampire cannot be mixed so what she did was the equivalent of poisoning someone, then leaving them tied up for days in hopes they turn. When I didn''t, she realized her mistake and tried to apologize profusely but the damage was already done"


    Damn... I''ve always heard vampire rituals can be pretty gruesome and brutal but what happens when one goes wrong? I can see why she hates her now though, it''s a pretty dick move forcing someone to do something they really don''t want... say, I wonder if the vampire was trying to give Petra immortality? Vampires are known for being immortal and maybe Melinda wanted them to live together forever?


    "You think she did it out of love or something like that?"


    "Probably... while her intentions might''ve been pure, her methods always leave much to be desired. Vampirism made her twisted so she used to consider doing despicable things even you and I would see as twisted"


    She was that evil? I''d like to know what she actually did but this might be something best left unsaid if even Petra used the word despicable. She''s pretty flexible when ites to stuff like killing but normally tries to be good. Me, I just couldn''t care.


    ...


    You see, now I''m worried about something else. All this talk has made me think about us, would Petra try to kill me if I turned evil? It sounds like it but with the way I seem to be slowly turning, it could end up being a situation where we end up killing each other. It would make for a brilliant twist in a story but fuck that, I couldn''t bring myself to hurt her so I''d be the one dying in that situation...


    "What does that mean for us though? What would happen if I started turning bad?"


    My concern swiftly gets cut down by Petra though, she really seems to think that there''s really no possibility of that happening.


    "Ikarus, you and her will never be the same... speak honestly to me, have you ever enjoyed killing?"


    "Well... yeah! That''s the problem! Nuking those pdins and pirates in particr was pretty fucking dope"


    It sounds bad enjoying taking someone else''s life but it''s not like a feeling that can be avoided. You start off hating it, then slowly get used to it and then even start to kinda like those moments when you defeat someone or enact revenge. I don''t enjoy it all the time but it would be impossible to switch it off.


    Despite my anxiety though, Petra seems to chuckle a little and even agrees with me.


    "Heh, the thing is Ikarus, so have I. Sometimes, you can get swept up in the fight and that''s normal but an ounce of morality or empathy always remains. I''ve seen her ughter innocents because they smiled at her orplimented her Ikarus, entire families ruined all because of a simple hello"


    Well great, looks like we probably should''ve killed her then. Shouldn''t I have been able to detect that from her though? Her aura would''ve been sinister yet it seemed kinda mellow, maybe a hint or two of nastiness but nothing like what you would expect from someone evil. Remember that princess that me and Petra ughtered? Hers was pure evil and the vampire''s wasn''t close to beingparable.


    "She seemed pretty chill now though, you think she''s changed from her evil ways?"


    "I''m not sure... she seemed different, calmer perhaps but any trust that was there ispletely gone. It''s sad how all happy memories can be destroyed by negative over time but it''s just the way of life I suppose"


    "Do you still want her dead?"


    "Honestly... I don''t know. There''s definitely something different about her and if she has turned her life around, then it might be wrong to do something. The Adventurer''s do tend to only hire people that have good intentions and she never had any mind controlling abilities so it should be safe"


    "Ah, think you said once master vampires can control minds"


    "Yeah..."


    Despite now knowing a lot more, all this talk has made me feel a little depressed now, would things have gone better if we had killed that vampire just to remove that potential risk factor? Petra says it''s okay but you never know... it might just be best to leave this up to Petra''s judgement though.


    ...


    Crap, there''s another damning silence as well now, what can I say to cheer up the mood? Something stupid always works but I''m tongue tied right now, there''s nothing from the purposely stupid Ikarus saying book I can think of.


    Thankfully, Petra breaks the silence only with something really ominous sounding.


    "Now Ikarus, be truthful with me for one second..."


    ''Oh God, having her sound this serious is scary''


    "...She didn''t try anything on with you during that lunch you had together, right? If she did, we definitely are hunting her down this second"


    Wait... Petra''s worried she tried something on me? Huh, at least this changes the topic to be a little more light hearted now. Apparently potential murder due to jealously is a better subject...


    "No, why would she? I thought you might get jealous from me meeting up with her alone or something"


    I mean, Petra is the jealous sort even if she''ll deny it adamantly. It''s not like there''s anything to fear, it''s just that I''d rather Petra always be happy and smiling like she is now.


    "Heh, funny Ikarus. There isn''t a single woman on this entire that could avert me from your gaze"


    Hang on... is she being this arrogant? I don''t care if it''s true, false or even just being yful, I could look away and even cheat if I so wanted! I even remember looking at that purple haired dragon Esmerelda once before and thinking she was beautiful, only in human form though. I ain''t into dragons.


    "That''s just not true! I look at other people''s beauty too... I''ve just realized how incriminating that is but it''s fine to look as long as you always stay loyal, right?"


    "Heh... feel like I''m not doing enough to keep your attention then, looks like I''m going to have to step it up a notch"


    "How is my Petra going to do that then? Distract me by teasing even more? Blind me so I can''t look away? My heart may be reserved for you but my eyes have a mind of their own"


    I get that this is yful and all but goddamn it! I''m not that loyal to Petra! I have cheating dragon blood in me as well so there''s always the chance I could stray... why am I getting so fixated on this? I don''t want to stray but it''s the principle! I''m never going to cheat but still!


    "Heh, no. Clearly that''s not working enough. To start with, looks like we''ll have to be together every second of the day now otherwise you''ll look away. Could also do something like only wearing lingerie when we''re out and about, then you''d have no need to look elsewhere ever again, right?"


    Haw haw Petra, I''m calling you out this time around. There''s no way you''d run around the settlement only wearing lingerie...


    "Yeah yeah, go nuts, you haven''t got the balls to do such a thing"


    "Heh... well I''m already dressed for the asion so why not now then? Just let me take this off quickly"


    The second I say that, Petra with a deadly serious face starts to undo her disciple''s robe right inside this caf¨¦ for all to see! I didn''t even realize she had that ck lingerie set on underneath today, why the hell did she put that on? Has she started to wear it most days without me even realizing!?


    The stupid thing is after witnessing it ever so briefly, it was only a second or two away from other people seeing and I actually had to physically stop her from undressing! There''s calling someone''s bluff and all but don''t be doing something like that! That sight is only for me!


    "Wait wait! Damn it Petra... were you actually going to do that!?"


    "Heh, there''s a simple solution to fix this problem then Ikarus"


    "What am I supposed to do then? Every time another woman enters my sight, close my eyes, put my fingers in my ears and start screaming?"


    "Heh, that sounds like a good start. Might have to blindfold you as well if your eyes can''t be trusted"


    It''s a freaking good thing I can tell she''s joking because this would juste across as extremely possessive to anyone who didn''t understand the situation. She IS joking... even if that joke still has an element of truth in it, I''m just lucky Petra isn''t a full blown yandere otherwise I''d be screwed. Let''s just hope deep down, she really isn''t that bad...


    It''s funny how such a depressing day learning about Petra''s ex can end with such a weird situation, Petra was supposed to be spending it with Mute but things never go to nned.


    "Why the hell do I love you so much? Sometimes you really make me wonder..."


    It''s also just urred to me, we''ve basically just left Mute alone...

 Chapter 133 – Old Friend

    Chapter 133 ¨C Old Friend


    "Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama! We haven''t seen each other in ages!"


    Well well well, you''ll never guess who''s arrived at these here inds and is currently giving me a hug right by the docks? The sama part should be pretty obvious by now but the one and only crazy subus-sama we all know and love has arrived! Normally, I wouldn''t ept the hug but it has been so long so I''ll let priestess do what she wants... I have missed her quite the bit though.


    It''s a shame it''s just her alone and not the knight Nathan but I guess he does have an emperor to serve, workses first, I guess.


    (Petra) "What are you doing over here anyways priestess?"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah Charlotte, what brings you to our neck of the woods?"


    You''d think us two being around such an established figure like the holy priestess would draw some attention but the people on these inds are so used to these sorts of things now, all we get is the look of awe from basically everyone at this point. It''s not like they''d hold any hate for the nun looking woman as well, I''m pretty sure everyone knows she isn''t actually connected to the deceased Sierran religion.


    "We need to have a serious talk as soon as possible... you should probably bring anyone important as well like any trusted advisors Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama"


    Charlotte seems pretty concerned about this, something like this must be pretty big if she wants others around as well. She probably could just tell us right now but eh, might as well make the iing bad news public...


    "We''ll get the town hall arranged then, do we invite Zeki and Ariza though Petra?"


    "Probably not Ikarus, Ariza''s busy and there''s no point inviting with Zeki"


    Oh yeah, our healer has basically turned into the cure all doctor of this ce, should probably get her some more helpers at this rate but she seems to have be obsessed with learning about it all. It''s slightly weird seeing that her magic basically helps everyone anyways but at least it''ll help training future doctors and stuff like that I suppose.


    "Let''s go get everyone important then..."


    __________


    Having quickly rounded up the main figureheads of our settlement, we''re now in the town hall around the sizable table all seated and ready to go. Listing the people off; we have Marcus, Garry, Penelope, Charlotte and of course, this lovebird duo of ours.


    Marcus has been pissing about again it seems, originally we just had everyone sitting anywhere but apparently us two figureheads have to be seated at the top of the table. The two seats are definitely more noticeable but this just seems so unnecessary and pointless but less of theining today Ikarus.


    Anyways, Charlotte kicks off the quick gathering with a pretty grave look on her face... now I''m slightly starting to get even more worried.


    "I have some bad news to share... my Lord has instructed me to make sure all of you are prepared for what''s iing and has asked me personally to stay here while it is happening"


    Almost immediately, some quieter questions fill the table as if priestess is crazy or something.


    (Garry) "Her Lord?"


    (Penelope) "Who was that supposed to be!?"


    I was half expecting Marcus to join in with the questions, I''m not really sure why Penelope is asking though. I really shouldn''t tell them about Dionysus, right? Having an actual God on our side might be taking things intond but then again, we already have dragons and lesbian queens.


    (Petra) "It doesn''t matter who it is, but priestess''s source of information is solid. What do we have to prepare for then?"


    "Demons"


    (Ikarus) "Demons?"


    "Yes Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama, demons. Demon kind is apparently some sort of race, God has informed me a deal has been made towards the demons and something big could be iing to these inds very soon"


    ...


    Well... that''s just fucking great! We''ve basically only just recovered from the previous attack from the church, now a bunch of demons might be showing up at our front door any minute?


    The reactions around the table are obviously going to be slightly of concern but we''ve already survived a huge attack so don''t be expecting any jaws hitting the floor or anything like that.


    "What was the deal then priestess? What are we to expect?"


    "Apologies Petra-sama, but he only knows that a deal has been made, not the details behind it. The only thing known is that they may be nning to attack these inds, we''re both clueless on that much really"


    ...


    Another brief silence, so we''re basically facing an enemy we know next to nothing on? I know it was simr against the monastery but at least we had a rough idea that the forces would be human. How do you even fight a demon?


    This time around, it''s Marcus turn to ask the questions, it weird how I''m not the curious one this time but everyone in this ce has their roles to do I suppose. It''s not like I can always be the extremely curious one.


    "Okay... can we have a little more backstory or any kind of information? There''s not a single person who hasn''t heard of your reputation priestess so trust isn''t an issue but there''s got to be something else to this, right? Do we have any way of going about this peacefully for example?"


    "I don''t know who she is Marcus!"


    Huh? Penelope''s just being a jackass again, priestess literally came with us when wepleted the dungeon inside their old headquarters! They even have history together apparently; I think she''s just making an unfunny joke... I even remember thinking priestess gets that sama thing off her but that clearly wasn''t the case. She was probably doing that in jest as well.


    "*Sigh*... sometimes it might be best to avoid inviting her"


    "Hmph! I was only being funny... it''s nice to see you again Lotte-sama anyways!"


    To hear Marcus finally start to realize how annoying she can be is a relief but let''s just focus on Charlotte for now since everyone can get distracted with this sort of thing.


    "Unfortunately... I''m really just as clueless as you lot are. My Lord only gave me the basics on this demon thing after all, there really isn''t anything else"


    This is a disappointment... you know, I remember that wicked mage Leone saying something about demons ages ago, something about her knowing one with a system and then killing it? I have told Petra that story once before but it was very long time ago, we''ve also met a vampire with a system before inside a dungeon but I''m just recapping on history... hang on...


    "Petra... you think those cultists we came across a while ago are rted to this sort of thing? We did kinda kill off two groups of them"


    I mean, it''s impossible to know if they found out about that but we have randomlye across two groups of people worshipping statues of demonic looking people. The first was when Ria the dryad pissed us off and the second was when Loki got us to go underground.


    "Sorry Ikarus, I''ve only got an extremely limited experience with them, that being the power exchange that was made a long time ago. If we were to presume that statue was of a demon simr to who might be attacking, then you could be onto something"


    That surprises me slightly but I guess even Petra can''t be extremely experienced with everything I suppose. We really are in for a treat when ites to fighting these guys then but it doesn''t hurt to start the preparations as soon as possible then.


    "Marcus, are we even able we able to defend against another full-scale invasion this soon again?"


    "I assume so Ikarus... If everyone here is avable including Zeki and Ariza, then I have no concerns. We can''t just rely on you for everything... although it wouldn''t hurt for the soldiers to get some actual training from good fighters if you would be willing to give a hand"


    I guess we can help out there but something he just said seems to be sparking up reactions for basically everyone.


    (Garry) "Yeah Marcus, the two queens can''t be here to save our sorry arses all the time"


    (Penelope) "I know right!? Apparently Ikarus took care of half of the fleet herselfst time!"


    "Ikarus-sama took care of that many ships on her own!? I''ll also be here to help out as well"


    "Heh, that''s my Ikarus for you"


    Urgh... I appreciate the praise but not the time for it right now. There''s so much we''re going to have to do like organizing more patrols all across the coasts, actually making sure everything is ready to go when the invasiones. No idea why I''mining, Marcus will handle pretty much everything but it could be good to help out on the training, I suppose.


    Also, it''s a littlete but I''m assuming good ol''Dionysus has told Charlotte about the whole destroying the religious ce thing? The news has spread everywhere else so it would be weird if she didn''t know that by now, I''m not going to bring it up if she doesn''t say though. I do remember her saying she liked the ce excluding the religion, apparently she seems to like me more though. I feel like I could get away with nearly anything to priestess.


    "Can you lot stop kissing my arse for a second and focus!? I guess we''ll assume peace isn''t an option so that would obviously mean increasing the army and things like that, but that''s a chat for another time. Is there any other issues Marcus that should be brought to our attention while we''re all here or is this the only worry?"


    Might as well try and find more issues why we''re all here, no rest for the wicked and all that. Even if me and Petra do find a lot of time to rxpared to how things used to be.


    "No other issues I can think of mentioning... at least at the moment"


    Sighhh... sometimes Marcus can piss me off since he really can be a politician at times. That sounds like there''s an issue iing except he doesn''t want to bring it up just yet.


    "What do you mean, at the moment?"


    "Well... we''ve already cleared up the ship graveyard mostly and can make money trading that way, it''s just the issue about losing money from the treasury"


    Huh? This isn''t a problem though, we can easily spend more than enough increasing budgets and improving defence. What is he on about?


    "Why is that a problem? Just spend however much you need; the treasury is part of the government anyways


    This sounds like I''m being reckless but we have savings and stuff like that, the constant trade deals are still happening in the background so coin is always flowing around this ce. The treasury in particr is filled with coin and the monasteries relics right now, money isn''t a problem in the slightest.


    "You two own this ce so everythinges under yourmand, the same thing applies to money. Are you sure you''re happy losing any personal profit thates your way?"


    That''s his worry? Me and Petra not earning enough profit from the town? He really is like a true capitalist at heart, it''s probably a good thign we do have the final say then.


    "Marcus, every coin that flows through this ce should in someway be returned back. Me and Petra couldn''t give two shits about earning money, right?"


    "Heh, Ikarus is right. Money isn''t really a concern"


    I mean, we can always rob my parents blind if we really needed money as well, I always carry more than enough so it really is a stupid worry. We have money to use, so just freaking spend it! Don''t be turning into an evil billionaire capitalist Marcus!


    ...


    Why am I getting weird looks from everyone but Petra now? Did I say something weird?


    [<-Ikarus- really can''t understand facial expressions it seems. Aesa assumes people are surprised by -Ikarus''s-ck of greed since leaders are traditionally obsessed with money>]


    ''That''s what it is? You, an AI, can pick that up looking at facial expressions more than I, a human? I might be dumber than a rock at times''


    [<-Ikarus- is being too harsh on -Ikarus- this time around, you are working with reduced perception ''stat'' after all>]


    ''Wait... I just called myself stupid and you denied it... and you even made a stat joke!?''


    [<...>]


    When in the hell did Aesa turn so kind? I think I need to get her checked or something...


    "Okay... is that everything then? Or do we need to follow this up?"


    You know, sometimes I think Penelope just wants to be part of the conversation and just can''t help herself.


    "I don''t care what everyone else is doing but I want to spend some time catching up with Lotte-sama now! It''s been way too long!"


    To think, even Charlotte gets ufortable when Miss gender bender starts bear hugging, it''s freaking stupid that she literally got up just to do that. Nearly forgot she tried to hug Marcusing in before getting swiftly rejected as well, we don''t try to be mean to her but she is the cause of it!


    "I really don''t care Penelope. Me and Petra basically spend every single second clinging to each other like glue yet we''re not telling you what we''re going to do next"


    Heh, that actually got everyone looking slightly ufortable and even Petra facepalms. I know we can be a little odd with how close we are but it''s not-... wait, did I just imply something? Is the awkwardness different this time around?


    [<*Sigh*... -Ikarus- just cannot help herself>]


    Oh, just forget it, I don''t care. If they think me and Petra are going to have sex or something next, that''s not what I meant...

 Chapter 134 – Oddity

    Chapter 134 ¨C Oddity


    "Again Ikarus"


    "Sure sure!"


    Out in the middle of the woods, me and Petra are currently sparring against each other and things have been getting pretty intense right now. The shing of steel probably rings all throughout the woods as well.


    You see, this time around I''m doing some slightly new training with Petra and I''m currently dual wielding. I''m my left is the good and always proven vampiric de and in the right is something we picked up back in the monastery. The metallic sword Excalibur is finally getting a run out.


    The way we''re doing it this time around is that I have the first swing, then she counters and we see how the spar goes from that. It''s safe to say I''ve had my arse kicked multiple times already but I''m not getting sat down instantly like usual.


    It''s been a flurry of dodging and countering for the most part but she hasn''t gotten her sword to my neck this time just yet. The thing about using Excalibur is that it really presents some interesting fight moves. Unlike a regr sword, it seems to have a slight magical effect that happens every swing. This sword is actually the reason why we''re not in my head space training area right now, it''s the first time it''s being used so copying something over you''re not experienced with would be a little stupid. Everything does have to be created inside there after all.


    Every swing from the de fires off a magical beam that seems to do some HP damage in the direction of the swing. It doesn''t seem to be able to cut through anything and Petra can easily block it with her de but it still has its uses. I can basically use this sword like a ranged weapon if I want so backing off and keeping the distance is a valid strategy, it matters little towards the beast Petra who can close down anyone in a split second though.


    And that''s what she''s done right now with her samurai de swinging in from above, I swear we both are getting riskier with the type of attacks we do but we should be skilled enough not to kill each other.


    Without any warning though, Excalibur briefly shines from my block and Petra gets thrown back from some sort of pushback! It doesn''t push her over but she is partially crouched over just ahead of me and even had her spare hand on the floor, never knew the sword did that as well.


    "You alright Petra? That looked like it hurt"


    "Heh, perfectly Ikarus. It turns out that sword had more secrets then realized, looks like I can try a little harder"


    "H-Hang on... what does that mean Petra?"


    "Heh, don''t worry about it, just focus Ikarus"


    She''s even gone ck eyed mode on me now! The sword has also reacted gleaming just as brightly as beforehand constantly keeping up that glow. I''d be pissing myself looking into those lifeless eyes right now if it wasn''t for the fact she also is smiling. How anyone can not feel fear fighting for real against that is madness to me.


    Petra instantly changes up her approach aiming for my left side and there''s only so much my dagger can do before it ends up being pointless, no defence is capable of withstanding multiple attacks happening in split seconds of themselves. Once again, it''s my loss with her sword resting firmly against my neck, I didn''t even see that second and third attack go in then! She really is unbeatable.


    "You know just how freaking terrifying it is to face you like that, right? It''s like fighting a wild beast or dog!"


    "Heh... I''ll try and take that as apliment Ikarus, even if you justpared me to a dog"


    "You know it was meant in a nice way though... Besides, if you were a dog, you''d be all mine to pet, or that could be your nickname as well!"


    ...


    What I just said sounds so idiotic! Why the hell can''t Ie out with some smooth line or flirt properly!? I wanted to use pet like how her name is Petra but it just came out weird and all it''s done is made her chuckle.


    "Heh... you really are terrible at this. If we''re really doing this though Ikarus, can''t imagine how cute you''d be wagging your tail with a couple of ears on your head. My heart might melt at that thought, giving you a head pat as well would be too much"


    See? Why couldn''t I havee up with something like that!? Petra would be a cute puppy as well but there''s no chance I could ever say that smoothly...


    "It''s so freaking unfair how easily you cane out with shit like that..."


    "Heh... we should probably continue again though"


    Ah yeah, she is in ck eyed mode as well, nearly forgot what we were out here for in the first ce...


    __________


    "Damn it! Even with this freaking sword, you still always best me with no issues"


    It shouldn;t be too hard to tell what''s happened. Even with having a sword that can push her back, all she needs to do is avoid colliding with it and focus elsewhere. If anything, this might be backfiring on me. Having this sword makes Petra put more effort in unfortunately, it makes me want to throw it away in protest.


    ¡°No need to beat yourself up Ikarus, I¡¯m trying harder now and you can even defend for over a minute... want a hand?¡±


    Like how I always seem to sulk when training, I''m currently lying t on the floor. Eh, at least I''m not out of breath this time around but I''m not sure if I want to lose another round again to her.


    "Sur-..."


    I take her hand and then immediately find myself being forcibly dragged towards her mouth without warning. I always make things out to sound weird or terrible but that one did seem a little more forceful than usual.


    It''s fucking strange I prefer these types of kisses more than normal ones, is it because it catches me off guard? Regardless, the proper kissing is always a little more exciting if I don''t expect it... that sounds really weird and suspect. I think it''s because Petra can sense what I''m into really...


    I also like how she initiated this kiss with ck eyes, we obviously went through the epic mouth action both keeping them closed, then it returns to the normal boring shade of blind grey I love.


    "Stutter for me Ikarus"


    "W-What? Damn it! Is t-that why you do it like this?"


    "Heh, not sure what you mean"


    I can''t get rid of that fucking after kiss stutter it seems! I swear she''s getting worse again, it''s almost as if it''s apetition of seeing how much she can fluster me. I''ve never understood what part of brain tells me... Hey Ikarus! Evil Petra and her never ending evilness is literally the most attractive thing in the entire world!


    "Anyways... what are we doing next then? We''re not training anymore if you''re going to start getting all handsy"


    "Heh, we should probably start to help out the training of soldiers Ikarus, it never hurts to have more able-bodied men and women after all if an invasion is iing"


    Oh great, this is something I''ve now been dreading if I''m being honest. The thought of having to go through the basics with someone less skilled than me sounds like a waste of time. I obviously know it isn''t but do I seriously seem like someone suitable for teaching soldiers how to fight?


    This is just one of the ns to prepare for the demon invasion that has already been set in motion, this won''t actually take too much of our day up but still.


    "You mind if I sit this one out Petra? It''s not like I''m going to be much help really"


    "Heh, you''d really rather go off by your lonesome instead of helping me train them Ikarus? Have you grown tired of me already?"


    Is she doing the guilt treatment thing? Nah, she''s just being a windup today.


    "Of course not! What I meant is, can I watch you while you kick the shits out of the new recruits? I''m getting bored of swinging swords now"


    Even when I give a perfectly valid counter, she still can''t switch it off! I know for a fact Petra doesn''t care about training the troops by herself.


    "Heh, so you n on being the queen who watches while I slug it with the troops? Feel like we''re going to have to doll you up if you''re going to take a sideline approach Ikarus, make you all pretty if you want to do that"


    ''She''s just as weird as me at times...''


    "I think that''s called being a trophy wife? Why am I even focusing on that? I don''t care, I''ll happy sit back and watch you any time of day!"


    "Heh, really Ikarus? What do you want to watch me doing?"


    The way she''s said that seductively... Oh! That''s why she''s being weird, Petra''s in the mood and for some reason seems slightly awkward with it today. Maybe she''s just trying to hide it behind the teasing and it''sing across right weird. I love our stupid rtionship dynamic at times.


    Should probably keep it in out pants for the time being though, we have done it in the woods before but not really the time right now...


    Oh, did I forget to mention that time? Eh, it''s not like I should say every time we do something... right? Every time with Petra is majestic and happens pretty often so can''t be incriminating myself every time. It''s mostly just that the stranger or newish stuff end up being more noticeable if you catch my meaning...


    "Petra... might not be the best moment for you know what"


    "We still have some time Ikarus. It''s not like they can really moan at the two queens turning up a littlete, can they?"


    Look at Petra being naughty abusing our roles like that, we''re cking off on our duties to roll around in the foliage... it''s a shame I''m so damn easy...


    "Ah... fine then..."


    __________


    "Listen up everyone! There is no right moment to ck off even during training so if I see anybody doing it, I promise you will regret it"


    ''That''s what she said... I hate myself at times''


    Petra nowmands the crowd of recruits all paying extreme attention to her, none trying to appear disrespectful all filled with eyes of awe. It''s really quite the strange sight but my brain is still a little high on dopamine right now. Little weak in the knees as well...


    After doing something not suitable for younger viewers, there was no chance I was going to help train this time around so I''m just going to stand here looking pretty and smiling while she starts to teach the new recruits. Maybe we can do a good cop, bad cop routine to themter one day but this probably isn''t a situation to be messing around.


    I''m probably looking a little too happy right now, I can''t control my facial muscles, alright!? It wouldn''t surprise me if Petra watches me sleep normally after the sessions we do as I''d probably do the same if she smiled like this. Stop fangirling over your girlfriend Ikarus! Seriously though, there''s other things to look at...


    We''re actually at a little training yard on the ind that holds the mine and the Magi guild tower right now, a makeshift temporary bridge has already gone up in the channel making this slightly easier to cross so it makes sense why things are starting to be built out here as well. Having recruits train their strength using and being around the mine is never a bad idea too.


    "All of you! Pair up, grab a training de and start sparring so I can see how sloppy your forms are"


    She''s obviously going to be a natural at this, it almost sounds like she could be a drill sergeant drilling the troops. I''m so freaking lucky I get extreme favouritism from her but that still doesn''t stop me from getting beaten time to time as well... I know how that sounds but you all know what I mean.


    All the trainees have done as ordered grabbing swords and are now wailing on each other... they really aren''t that good it looks. Petra''s already started to go around to certain people and guide them on what to do, can''t hear what she''s saying but it must be good advice if it''sing from her.


    My advice to them would be get good kid... I joke, but me giving advice on swords sounds terrible. I could imagine myself telling them to get faster and stronger and that''s pretty much the limit to my knowledge on it...


    Anyways, while I''m watching Petra give some of the trainees and trainers a hand, a familiar face walks up to me from someone I haven''t seen in quite a while. Normally, someone else goes to pay the miners now so he''s normally off working deep in the earth.


    "Jaxon! What brings you out into the light? Us surface dwellers aren''t scaring you too much, right?"


    The scrawny brown haired mine master finally leaves the mine joining us surface dwellers, it still makes no sense how he''s able to mine being that skinny but he does have a conditional Ikarus. Don''t be mentioning something like that again.


    "Funny ma''am. I came looking for you two queens-... you have a few leaves and a twig in your hair"


    Do I? Damn that Petra! She let me walk over here knowing full well I didn''t realize I must''ve have picked them up from our little yfight in the woods...


    Shaking my head full of shame, I continue the conversation knowing full well Petra needs moaning atter on. At least Jaxon didn''t question why I had so much in my hair I guess, maybe he''s purposely not asking...


    "Don''t you be starting that ma''am and queen thing too kid. What did you want us for?"


    "There''s something in the mine you might want to check out Ikarus. It''s not really a problem, just something a little weird has been going ontely"


    "Okay then... you know what? Petra''s too busy right now so I''lle with you alone then"


    This is her punishment for not telling my hair was a mess. I say punishment, all this will probably be is work for me to do alone...


    __________


    "Just how far down is this Jaxon?"


    "Not that much further Ikarus, we''re already gone past section sixty-four. You''ll get used to the burning smell soon"


    Having walked down the endless tunnels that adorn this ce, once again the mine is looking more and moreplex but there''s no real point going too heavily into it. I have no idea how these miners navigate this ce at this point.


    He does have a point about the smell though, I''m currently following Jaxon into one of the deepest tunnels and presumably the burning for light does that. There are other ways you can light up things in this world other than fire but this tunnel does look more makeshift than the others so they probably haven''t got around to it yet.


    Eventually, we arrive at some boarded off sub-section and I can''t help but think of a video game quest this reminds me of. No idea which though.


    "If you start to tell me there''s gigantic blood sucking spiders down there, get another pest exterminator!"


    "-Ikarus- is making joke target -Jaxon- wouldn''t understand"


    Ah yeah, I forgot to mention Aesa fancieding out to y for a little bit on the journey over to the mine so we activated doppelganger. That was definitely a weird experience for Jaxon realizing I had a ''twin'' that randomly showed up in the middle of nowhere. I did make sure that he didn''t see her naked before putting clothes on though, the clone body is the exact same as mine after all. She''s back in that pink dress that was bought for my birthday as it kinda suits her... or me. Jaxon''s reaction was a little boring if I''m being honest though.


    I have zero ideas why Aesa wanted to do this considering she seemed to hate being in a human looking body but if the robotic wife is happy, then noints on my side.


    "Okay, it''s nothing like that though. As for the concern, follow me and you''ll understand. A lot of the miners have been hearing voices down here recently..."

 Chapter 135 – Consequences

    Chapter 135 ¨C Consequences


    Just before we''re about to enter the boarded off section of the mine, a hand approaches my shoulder, but both Jaxon and Aesa are in front of me...


    "Wah! Jesus Christ Petra! Is it your life''s goal to stop my heart or something?"


    Us three should''ve been alone down here yet somehow Petra followed us all the way down here? I swear we''re like a mile or a kilometre under the surface!


    "Heh, you wondered off in the middle of training and didn''t give me a heads up Ikarus. I''m going to have to start putting you on a leash if this happens again"


    Her sense of humour can be so boring at times... that was a joke, right? We we''re making those dog jokes earlier; I just really hope I haven''t awakened anything in her or something like that...


    "Funny... I''m guessing it was okay to leave? How in the hell did you even find us?"


    "Heh, you''re obviously forgetting I have a way of tracking phoenixes Ikarus, it''s impossible for you to get away from me that easily"


    She really does give off stalker vibes at times. It''s just a good thing both of us see past those sorts of things and even seem to be attracted to it... Ah! Get your head out of the gutter Ikarus, you''ve already had enough of that sweet booty in the bushes for one day.


    "Seriously though, was it okay to leave the soldiers like that?"


    "If you randomly wander off like that, I can''t really be expected to keep helping out, can I?"


    She really is clingy as well... I want to kiss her again but probably not the best time for that right now. We are about to discover the mysteries of the secret part of the mine.


    Anyways, Jaxon starts to remove the nks stopping our advance and Petra can''t help but be curious on my ''twin''.


    "Howes you''re out and about today Aesa? Ikarus hasn''t annoyed you too much or anything?"


    I''ll have you know Petra, me and Aesa have been on good terms recently! I''m sulking from what she just said now.


    "To put it bluntly how -Ikarus- would say... Aesa is bored. Watching fighting after satisfying intercourse was uninteresting and target -Jaxon- presented different opportunity"


    Heh, looks like we share the same attention span... damn it Aesa! It''s a bloody good thing Jaxon is really trying to mind his business ignoring the fact she just admitted that we just had sex.


    "Boards are now down... say, do you three fancy going in first?"


    Jaxon seems pretty ufortable right now, is he afraid of what''s further below? I''ve never seen the scrawny miner looking like this.


    "Say kid, you''re not worried that there might be ghosts down here or something?"


    "Heh, I''ll have to hold Ikarus''s hand if that''s the case then. Can''t be having her get too scared"


    "I hate you at times..."


    Even when I''m trying to tease someone else, Petra just cannot help herself. Just because she may have the perfect ass: perfect breasts, perfect everything does not mean she has to do this shit, all the goddamn time!


    "Nothing like that... it''s just hearing voicesing from caves is a bad omen. It''s more of a personal reminder of how my father perished, but I''ll go first then... wish me luck"


    Oh right, Jaxon did say hees from a mine owner''s family and that it ended up copsing once upon a time. I''m guessing the voices would''ve been from trapped miners? Ah, I don''t know, best not to ask such depressing stuff really.


    Being led by him, we all make haste moving past the small opening and very quicklye across a huge cave intersection heading in multiple directions. It''s pretty strange how there''s a natural cave down here but it seems like something has Petra''s attention.


    "Can hear what you''re hearing Jaxon, there''s definitely voices down here"


    "I knew Stumpy wasn''t mad when he first mentioned this, pretty sure they''reing from the left side"


    I seriously can''t hear a thing so I''ll just follow them along for now.


    Anyways, the four of us head forward towards the left tunnel and it doesn''t take long before I realize just what the fuss was about. It may be extremely quiet but the faint sound of muffled voices can definitely be heard. What''s being spoken, I have no idea on though.


    "Oh, I hear them now... is that anynguage we know?"


    "Is Ikarus forgetting trante ability? If noise is not understandable, then it is not anguage"


    I mean, I already knew that Aesa but forget it. She cane across as being rude but that really wasn''t meant that way.


    The further we progress; the voices obviously start to get louder but still no source can be found just yet. An odd memoryes to mind of when we sacrificed that goat though...


    "It sounds kinda like that tongue talk you and Penelope were speaking when we killed Mr Goat Petra, that''s definitely nonguage I''ve heard off"


    As soon as I say that, Petra''s face drops and she instantly goes into serious mode.


    "We all need to leave right now and prepare the ind. Jaxon, you need to evacuate the mine and get everyone to the surface as well"


    She seems really worried about this now. If that tongue thing is true, then it might just be a group of cultists or fanatics, right? We''ve already killed loads of them easily enough already.


    "What''s got you all startled Petra?"


    "Ikarus, that speaking in tongue thing wasn''t only for contacting Gods and enacting rituals. Originally, it had another purpose that got forgotten to the ages, something to do with the majin or demon race. I''m not sure what the purpose was but that definitely sounds simr"


    If those voices are demons... oh! Priestess''s warning about the invasion...


    "Wait a fucking second... are the demons going to attack from underground? The invasion itself... is going to being from the caves under the inds?"


    Even if we ignore the absurdity of how they snuck people down here under our noses, something like this just seems a little whacky. Imagine invading some inds using caves... it sounds absurd but is the perfect cover instead of using ships or wyverns for example.


    We''re just extremely lucky the miners have ears like hawks so something like this had been picked up. It''s still not a guarantee this is even correct but the timing seems a little too coincidental for it to be something else.


    "Potentially, although I can''t say it''s a fact Ikarus"


    "Okay Petra... shouldn''t we continue onwards than return though?"


    That gets a reaction of shock from Jaxon, I should''ve assumed he''s really not suitable for anybat. Aesa still hasn''t figured out human emotion yet so she just looks stoic as hell right now.


    "We can''t take the risk Ikarus. If a literal God has warned us from the threat, they won''t just have a few scouts residing down here. We need to return"


    "But what if they''re summoning something down here? You did just say thatnguage was bad, so if we leave what''s going on, couldn''t that be even riskier?"


    ...


    No answer... Petra knows I''m right here. We need to inform the settlement but we also need to check this out, both situations hold risks. It''s a good thing there''s four of us though...


    "Jaxon and Aesa, can you two inform Marcus about what''s going on while me and Petra stay here?"


    "Of course! I''ll also tell the gnome since he might know the areas where the demons might surface"


    "Aesa also knows what to do"


    Both of them agree and just like that, rush back to where we came from leaving me and Petra alone to continue deeper into the bowels of the earth. Very quickly after we continue on again, the voices are getting louder and louder now, any second and we''ll see the cause.


    Having turned a corner and now arriving at a ledge, what we can both see below us something astonishing...


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "Heave... ho! Heave... ho!"


    "Put your backs into it!"


    "Don''t let go!"


    Watching my countless brothers training each other''s strength tugging on a rope is truly something riveting to watch, it almost makes me want get involved myself but no true majin can be allowed to show such behaviour around the lower sses. There was a day where I was just a lowly servant as well but those days were a distant memory now.


    As I''m wandering around inspecting the finer details of this forward base we now have up and running, things for the most part look to be going steadily along and very shortly, the n wille to fruition. We have been waiting for this opportunity to impress the higher ups for so long now and finally the day is upon us to bring chaos into the world! I can already hear the human screams already... gosh, I''m going to get excited in a minute.


    Getting down here was never of any concern, the transport obelisks have been set up across the world all hidden out of sight and ready to go. All it takes is the singr order and we can finally start the festivities! So much potential blood and fear... I''ve really got to stop fantasizing now.


    "Ashraf cashem kemf"


    "..."


    Two of the brothers are currently tending to the obelisk presumably sending a message? I was never fully aware of how these sorts of things work other than actually using it to cross the doorway. I do remember being scolded from asking a question on theplexity of how they work but that was an answer I was not allowed to hear unfortunately. All the majin lords have knowledge and strength all of us can only dream on and will neverprehend.


    "Are the messages being received or are they still cutting us off till the invasion starts?"


    "Yes! The words are being sent, just we''re still cut off elder"


    It''s a safety issue apparently, don''t want any outsiders entering the realm despite all our areas being secure. Shouldn''tin too much, it''s always been this way once battle is about to start, just slightly annoying really.


    "After we take care of this ind, we''ll be able to help our brethren all around the world. This is the will of Asmodeus! He gave us the chance to prove ourselves and all those incredible potions after all..."


    __________


    "Petra... what the fuck is that thing?"


    "Really not sure Ikarus, it looks like it belongs in a different world"


    An army, we''ve literally stumbled across an army! The cavern must hold hundreds and hundreds of these red-looking horned creatures all working going about their business. Some are mining, others are sparring and it even looks like some are praying! This clearly must be a staging area for the attack on the settlement but how they even got all this down here is beyond me.


    The demons themselves do look more human than you''d think, obviously if you exclude the red skin, horns and protruding muscles. It makes me a little jealous they can have a body like that but my body wouldn''t work looking like that so oh well.


    The really strange thing we''ve noticed is right in the centre of this cavern that looks to be some sort of hollow... obelisk? Imagine that tall American white monument that''s pretty well known but just with a pretty hug gap in the middle. It lookspletely out of this world and defintely doesn''t belong in a cave this deep underground.


    I can''t nuke the demonic bastards, right? Even ignoring the danger close friendly fire that could happen to Petra, wouldn''t nuking underground cause and earthquake or sinkhole up on the surface? Maybe I''mpletely wrong but I really can''t see this much firepower working well down here... actually, I might have something else...


    "Petra... you think this is an opportunity to test out my new fire attack?"


    One of my most recent unlocks is burning hellfire. It''s apparently roughly the same size of a nuke but only uses fire so for something underground, that would cook all the red rats down here and leave Petra unharmed, right? There shouldn''t be an explosion as well.


    "Wouldn''t bet your life on that Ikarus. If any resistance you could imagine a demon having, what would it be?"


    "Wait... you''re telling me they''re resistant to fire?"


    Well, that makes mepletely useless. Not really but life without fire is kinda worthless...


    "No Ikarus, it''s just an assumption since demons are supposed toe from a realm full of fire and brimstone. Seriously doubt it''spletely like that but save it as ast resort for now, I reckon we can handle them without any fire or magic"


    I guess she''s got a point. It doesn''t hurt to try using a bit of fire during battle... is it weird me and Petra seem so calm about to fight what could be hundreds, maybe a thousand demons? I haven''t tried a status check but there doesn''t seem to be anyone too powerful down there, at least from first nce. If anything, all of them seem pretty weak despite the hulking bodies which is kinda odd. All of them are male and don''t even look to be wearing armour,st time I checked muscles can''t stop metal.


    "So... you reckon we should use des?"


    "Sounds like a n..."

 Chapter 136 – Hell

    Chapter 136 ¨C Hell


    ---I''d rather ask this a better time but an idea hase up for an 18+ chapter which I''m 50/50 on whether you readers would want it. Poll is at bottom of page.


    __________


    "Sounds like a n¡­"


    Petra being the absolute crazy protagonist she is, jumps down mid conversation into the cavern filled with demons. It looked reckless as hell and she even did a freaking superheronding as well!


    As I''m jumping down to join her, another ideaes to mind about what I can actually do. Trying to avoid using fire really is something I''m not ustomed to after all.


    ''Aesa, should I activate my new protection ability just to be safe?''


    I''m still yet to give some new abilities a try out but two of which are fire based so may not work right now.


    [<Aesa advises -Ikarus- wait until ability -plot protection- may be needed. Target -Petra- does seem pretty confident in being able to handle species demons alongside -Ikarus->]


    ''Okay then¡­ just make sure you get it ready as well as aspect, just in case''


    [<Affirmative, Aesa will always try to assist -Ikarus- to the best of Aesa''s ability>]


    Almost immediately being down here, we gain the attention of two demon kind looking like they were on a break, think one was having a piss but they very quickly go to grab their des when discovering we''re right in front of them.


    "Wha-¡­"


    "Attackers! Sound the r-, argh!"


    Petra ruthlessly cuts off the first demon''s head while I rush to give her a hand with the second by swinging Excalibur in his direction cutting him down with a magical beam.


    I must have a face of pure shock right now, always thought that beam was weak as fuck but it''s basically cut right through him like a knife through butter. I seriously underestimate how strong and able Petra is when it barely holds any effect on her. Never thought I''d be able to use a sword as a ranged weapon


    It looks like we''ve definitely tipped the ho''s nest already down here, it takes less than a minute before we''repletely surrounded by demons in every direction all looking to kill us like the trespassing vermin we are. Feeling this confident really shouldn''t be allowed given the situation we''re in but for some reason, I feel like these demons are going to be crap...


    Almost in sync, me and Petra seem to instinctively grin even when the situation we''re in should lookpletely bleak to anyone else and yet¡­ all I can think of is how fun this might be! Forget the danger of the impending attack that could happen at any moment the settlement, I''m finally going to be fighting using des alongside Petra. This really needs to happen more.


    ''Let''s see just how much I''ve improved then¡­''


    And so, the first of the group surrounding us decides to attack¡­


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "What in zes is going on over there!? What''s causing all this ruckus?"


    Almost without warning, demonic screams can be heard on one side of the cavern and soldier upon solider have all pilled around trying to find the source of the problem, the rm has even been announced! What in hell is going on!?


    "True majin, we appear to be under attack. Oddly enough, there''s only two humans right now"


    One of my brothers standing on a rock answers my question clearly having a view of the attackers, I should really try and get to grips with this situation.


    Why would two humans randomlye into our forward camp though? Could they be scouts? If so, then there''s no reason to worry, they won''t be getting away from this army that easily!


    Still hearing the roaring on my brethren, I can''t help but be curious when those two humans are somehow still fighting. They obviously must be pretty strong to survive this long being surrounded by loads and loads of hulking majin, but it is still pretty confusing how they''ve been able to hold up so well.


    "These two humans just won''t die!"


    "My arm!"


    "You dirty humanoid scum!"


    I''m even more curious now so I get a couple under mymand to give me a lift up. Now, I can finally see the two culprits fending of wave after wave of majin. The sight of them fighting together causing so much blood is a real valuable sight but that''s not what I''m focusing on.


    Seeing them block, duck, counter, slice and lord knows what severing limbs and heads from my brothers is truly inspiring! Every movement they make is of pure grace and beauty, every single cut is precise and they only go for vital attack every time! They really should saviour the oppositions suffering more but I may be slightly biased in my viewing towards them knowing that they both appear to be female looking.


    Knowing that they two beautiful human women and now, I really just cannot contain my excitement! To think they''ve just so happened to walk willingly into the spider''s nest like this, it must be a sign! We have to capture them, for Asmodeus''s sake, of course.


    "Keep them alive! We can use them to gain favour with the lords!"


    Imagine the rewards for bringing back two absolute stunning beauties. Sure, they may need slight taming first since they''ve already killed dozens of my brothers but I''m sure that''ll be easy if we toss them around a little after they''ve been caught. Hear a scream or two of agony as well, that would be grand¡­


    "They''re killing too many of us true majin! Argh!"


    "You fucking whores! Why won''t you just die alrea-¡­"


    Two more of my brothers find the impact of the spicy females attacks and now their souls will be reborn anew. The society has always been run on strength so if they can''t survive especially with our superior numbers, then they were never worthy of being called a brother.


    "True majin! We seriously need some help right now!"


    I probably should join in to help, can''t let them have all the fun. I can already taste the enjoyment of howter on is going to be¡­ those screams are going to be blissful!


    "Looks like I''ll have to show you lot how a true majin fights then"


    Just as I''m about to join the front and help my brothers out barging through the crowd, a strange phenomenon looks to being my way after witnessing the copse of several more majins¡­ that can''t be what I think it is, right?


    Almost as if I''m witnessing a miracle, a bright beam of magical energy soars in my direction. I''ve only ever heard rumours on such a weapon doing this and it''s considered the bane of all majin existence¡­ why is it down here of all ces!?


    "Is that¡­ Excalib-¡­"


    __________


    "Ha! That''s guy''s head went flying!"


    "Heh, we''re getting surrounded again Ikarus, let me try something¡­"


    Just as I''ve sent that big demon''s head flying, Petra begins to activate her magic and all around us, ck me burns all who aren''t resistant so, pretty much the entire group closest to us.


    Huh? Watching her burn that entire crowd was hot and all but don''t they have at least some resistance to fire? What kinda bullshit is this?


    "What the fuck Petra!? You told me they would be resistant?"


    "It was just a theory Ikarus, not sure why you assumed it was fact. Thought you were enjoying fighting like this with me as well"


    "I am, it''s just... forget it. Looks like we''re crowded again"


    Knowing that I could''ve been using magic has annoyed me slightly, lessining since I can very easily bring this fight to a close any time I desire now... should probably stop dragging this out as well now. We''ll end up spending hours fighting like this if only sticking to meleebat, this fight isn''t even worth trying over but being careless is something I refuse to do now.


    The fight has been overwhelming easily especially having a ranged sword and my backup dagger. I can''t believe I never thought to dual wield before this but now that I have, it''s absurdly good... I guess the training we do helps a little as well.


    You''ll be surprised how easy it is to cut through hordes of demons with two des though. The main is obviously going to be Excalibur, just having that ranged magic beam basically fucks up any demon before they get close and if they do manage that impossible task, I can easily manage the other with my less stronger hand giving my vampiric de a taste of demon blood.


    I''ve just cut down another who got extremely close as well, it''s almost as if these lot are fighting in slow motion or something. I''m exaggerating obviously but it''s really not difficult to get a hit or two in before they even have the chance to react regardless of the weapons they use. It''s mostly been clubs, warhammers and swords but there really is some variety to what the swing though.


    Despite thatst group being cleared by Petra, another rapidly takes its ce so it''s time to use something with a little more kick... that couldn''t be more of an understatement if I tried. It is supposed to be simr size to the nuke after all. Almost feel like I''m wasting something on these lot as children could probably put up more of a fight. I''m not saying I''d attack children but theparison is legit though.


    ''Aesa, activate burning hellfire''


    [<Confirmed, ability -burning hellfire- has been activated>]


    Almost forgetting how this works, an orb starts to form causing me to have to sheath one of my weapons to grab it. Once the reddish-yellow thing has formed, I toss it directly at my feet...


    "Ikarus! Give me some warning beforehand if you''re going to do that"


    Simr looking to a heated furnace or my star ze ability, everything around us goes into an foggy, orangey shade of fire causing visibility to turn to shit. It''s pretty hard to tell its even fire but the demonic screams beckoning all around us definitely proves that it''s seems to be cooking demon flesh right now. This entire cave must be flooded with fiery goodness right now, that has just effectively ended this battle.


    "Sorry Petra... are you blind as well right now?"


    "Heh, obviously Ikarus, I know that''s not what you meant though, can''t sense anything other than you inside this right now"


    It doesn''t take long for the screams to fade yet the fire consuming the cavern remains leaving just us two wobbling around trying to get any sense of direction in this furnace of my own creation. Maybe I could''ve given this some more thought before activating it but hey, we really shouldn''t be toying with our prey that much when we don''t know what''s going on up there... hang on...


    ''Aesa, how''s things up on the surface? Please don''t tell me everything''s gone to shit just yet''


    [<Things are fine, however, -Ikarus- is being impatient. Aesa and target -Jaxon- haven''t even made it back to the settlement yet>]


    ''Huh? What the hell is taking so long? It''s just a quick flight over the channel''


    [<-Ikarus- is asking for impossible task... Aesa doesn''t know how to fly>]


    Ohhh... it''s an AI in humanoid body thing that''s causing problems, gotcha.


    ''Okay... just keep me updated if something''s going down or going wrong then''


    [<Aesa will inform -Ikarus-, but surface seems perfectly calm as of right now. If situation changes, Aesa will provide update>]


    ''Good...''


    Once visibility finally returns, all that''s left down here under the surface is us two phoenixes, a charred ckened ground and that obelisk still standing proud in the centre of it all. Burning hellfire definitely is good for wiping an area clean, if you obviously exclude the fact all those demons just perished in a horrible way to go. I really should have more smypathy for burning someone alive but hey, that''s my focus so nothing I can do about it. me Aesa since she''s my system after all.


    However, there''s something else that''s caught my eyes... and lips apparently.


    "Petr-..."


    It''s every freaking time at this point! Why the hell does she need to keep doing this so unexpectedly? She''s even put her hands on smothering my cheeks while stuffing that brilliant tongue down my throat, shouldn''t we be focusing elsewhere right now?


    "Heh, sorry about that Ikarus. Watching you fight like that has made me go a little crazy... didn''t you say you have a fantasy of passionately kissing after a fight?"


    Oh... Ipletely forget I told her about that thing where we fight side by side defeating the immortal hoards, and then having a brilliant kiss to celebrate the fight. It''s more of a movie clich¨¦ I''ve seen once or twice but I think Petra''s ruined it since I couldn''t see iting


    "Y-Yeah... you don''t have to a-apologize for it though..."


    Post kiss stutter like usual, pointing it out makes no difference so let''s just continue on otherwise... we''ll end up moving this kiss further on if you understand what I mean.


    "...Anyways... you have any idea what that tower looking thing does?"


    "You know Ikarus, this reminds me of those pods they use in the Spire for getting up the floors. You remember them?"


    Erm... oh! I nearly forget the Magi guild have ess to teleporters that get used for moving up the tower, really sums up just how much magic can do in this world


    "So that''s how they got down here then, using that thing as a teleporter? Is it still working at the moment though?"


    Considering I''m now standing right in the middle of it and nothing''s happening, it''s safe to assume it''s turned off or broken, right?


    "Heh, it just requires a little bit of power if you know what you''re doing. Stand back one second Ikarus... just in case something explodes or goes wrong. Know the magic but not if the majin side of it is the same"


    Doing as Petra says, she starts to pump ck fire into the obelisk and almost instantly, the ground cracks causing a gigantic mirror to form in the centre of it.


    "That... wasn''t supposed to happen. Say Ikarus, how curious are you today?"


    ...


    "Are you really asking me that Petra? Don''t you know anything about me?"


    "Heh, stupid question. Fancy seeing what''s the other side then?"


    This sounds absolutely stupid, let''s just enter the ce demons came from to see what it looks like and hopefully not get stuck... I''m not really sure why I''mining. It''s obvious my curiosity is going to get me in serious trouble one day.


    "If we end up stuck in that mirror, the me is fully on your shoulders Petra"


    "Heh, duly noted Ikarus"


    Both of us approach the gigantic portal mirror and slowly I put my hand inside. This almost feels like I''m about to enter a metallic liquid or something but forget worrying. The demons came from this so it should be safe, right?


    Anyways, no point dragging this out so I hold my breath also holding Petra''s hand conveniently enough and enter the demonic obelisk...


    __________


    "Wow... this ce is intense..."


    "..."


    There''s only one world that can describe best what this ce is... hell. All around us is a hellish redndscape stretching far as the eye can see, no life in sight with the only colour adorning the darkened sky is fire burning in patches across the crimson ground.


    It really is that dead except from only two real things of note. Alongside this obelisk, there appears to be hundreds of others lined up all going to different ces in the world and really far off in the distance appears to be a manor or mansion looking house.


    This ce is really unsettling, almost as if this isn''t something we''re supposed to know about or even experience till wayter. Petra can probably tell how I''m feeling just from the hand holding alone, it matters little how weak the demons seem especially when they seem toe from an entirely different world like this. They may be weak but the people who control them could bepletely different, you''d think something like a demon lord in particr would be strong.


    "I feel like we really shouldn''t be Petra"


    "Agreed Ikarus, let''s see if going back is just as easy..."


    __________


    Thankfully enough, passing back through was just as easy and now we are back in the caves. I''ve never felt this happy to be underground more than I feel right now, that ce has a real scary feel to it.


    "Before we head back Ikarus, let me switch this off quickly"


    Petra absorbs the magic she just put into the obelisk, the ss we just entered from shatters in a million pieces right in front of us. There seems to be a different problem now...


    [<Why isn''t -Ikarus- answering!? Answer Aesa!>]


    ''Aesa, what''s up?''


    [<Both -Ikarus- and target -Petra- must return to surface as soon as possible! Unless -Ikarus- wishes settlement to be turned into dust>]


    Shit... this has to be the demons again, right? We were only gone for like a minute...


    "Petra, we need to get to the surface now! I think the full invasion has arrived..."


    To be continued...


    __________


    ---Would you be okay seeing Aesa in a threesome alongside the lovebirds? I could see it as a way of making Aesa more human and Petra would be alright with it since the system is literally part of Ikarus. I really think the dynamic could work perfectly, especially having Aesa knowing everything hidden about Ikarus...

 Chapter 137 – End Times

    Chapter 137 ¨C End Times


    "..."


    "..."


    ''Dear God... it''s like the end times havee. This took us way too long to get back out''


    Both of us are speechless from the sight that greets us upon exiting the mine, to think they even have an air force.


    Flying across the sky like an airborne armada is literally an entire army full of flying creatures being piloted by demons. Red in colour looking slightly wyvern like, father would be disgusted by what they are but focusing on that is extremely dumb right now. It looks like the demons had more than just one way of attacking, that being from the skies as well as any caves loitering about.


    "We really need to get back now Ikarus"


    "Sure sure"


    Just as I''m switching into bird form, something else flies into sight catching one of flying demons ripping it to shreds midair. I''d be terrified if I didn''t know who the red culprit was.


    <HOW DARE YOU VILE CREATURES ATTACK IKARUS''S HOME!!>


    The red dragonnds proud with blood in her mouth and a vengeance that could destroy all. Having a literal badass for a mother negates any fear from seeing her look like that.Witnessing your mother basically just tear a demon apart right in front of you really isn''t something I thought I''d be witnessing today but hey, any help against this invasion is appreciated.


    ''Mother? The hell you doing here??''


    <IKARUS!?! Ah, apologies for the introduction, I just had to make sure you were okay! Got over here as soon as I could>


    ''You have any clue what the fuck is going on right now?''


    <Language Ikarus. Me and your father aren''t too sure but the majin race have decided to show their ugly faces back on this continent. Him and Minos are currently defending the capital since it''s even worse over there>


    Ah, can never forget about father''s deal with the old empire that''s carried over. He''s supposed to protect the empire from demon threats so it makes sense why he''d be doing that... hang on...


    ''Wait, they''re attacking elsewhere?''


    <They''re attacking everywhere Ikarus! From dwarvennds to the elven, in the swamnds to even in the far reaches of the deserts. We''ve sent word to every dragon regarding this issue and hopefully they''ll be able to assist elsewhere too. A majin invasion is no good even for our kind as well>


    A full-on demonic invasion of the entire world just so happens like this? I can see why Dionysus sent over Charlotte if this was the potential oue. Can''t believe dragons have be the unofficial protectors of the world as well.


    We need to get a move on but if other ces are in danger, then mother probably shouldn''t be here, right? Our inds are full of extremely powerful people so having the most powerful creature in the entire world might be overdoing a little, maybe?


    ''If the entire world is in danger mother, then you really shouldn''t remain here. I appreciate the help, it''s just that you must be needed elsewhere, right?''


    <But Ikarus... you''re probably right. Just let me help out rip apart all those flying creatures first>


    ''Okay, you do that''


    And so, mother flies off to grab another mouthful of demon but making sure to leave another message before leaving our sight.


    <Onest thing... Petra, please make sure Ikarus doesn''t lose her way. There is a certain appeal to spilling demon blood and I really don''t want her to lose focus of what''s important>


    Petra just nods slightly and presumably answers to mother using telepathy, I should be offended but death is one of those things that''s inevitable in these situations. Don''t guilt me for enjoying it though...


    "We''re leaving now Petra, get on..."


    __________


    "Keep it steady Ikarus... not just yet"


    "I know, just say when"


    Currently preying from above, we''vee across another group on flying demons and are about to enact our n. They really have no clue we''re above them right now.


    "Little longer... now!"


    Doing as Petra says, I glide directly down still being piloted by Petra towards the direction the group and we both attack!


    Perfectly in sync like the lovebird due we are, I spit me all over the flying demons to the left while Petra aims for the right causing peak destruction to all, me deservedly consumes like the trespassing vermin they are.


    None of the riders expect such a thing so randomly receiving a deadly burst of mes is more than enough to do the job, all would inevitably perish from the burns or from the fall up here.


    Like I said, this isn''t the first group we''vee across during this flight but may be thest in this vicinity over this part of town now. As for all the hundreds of others, let''s just say mother has been ''working'' and leave it at that, I can still hear the scream and crunching of bones...


    The others small groups we came across were dealt with just as swiftly as they really didn''t think that far ahead, the idiotic demons actually use melee weapons while flying! Whoever decided to equip this army is an idiot, what use is someone using a sword while flying? This entire invasion seems a little iffy.


    The demonic wyverns don''t seem to have anything ranged as well so this entire demon race seems like a bad joke, almost as if someone wants their troops to suffer immensely... No, what leader would purposely do something to make their forces weaker? This must either be a stupidity or stubbornness thing regarding anything ranged. Even the monastery had soldiers capable of using ranged weapons.


    Anyways, we now see the settlement down below and honestly, it looks like a demonic burial ground. Specifically in the centre of the town, clearly arge-scale battle has taken ce and we''ve somehowe out on top with it all. It freaking sucks that we''ve managed to miss this fight but hey, as long as we win.


    Finding a spot tond, we''re both immediately greeted by the lovely Penelope. Normally it''s annoying to be around her but when ites to helping defence, nothing wrong with Miss gender bender right now.


    "Petra and her lover! I was wondering when you two would show up! Look at what we all did, those red bastards stood no chance against us!"


    The town square is filled with mages and adventurers crowding the ce like our own personal army, when did they learn to work so well together? The mages only really arrived the other day and those guild rivalries already seem to be in the background.


    It''s actually a godsend that the mages aren''t toozy to ignore an attack where they now live and the adventurers havee to our aid once again. I freaking love the people we have here at times.


    (Petra) "Heh, surprised you can stomach them Penelope considering what you''ve said about the adventurers before"


    "I can''t stomach them! They really are soo annoying... I can hold it in when ites to demons and fanatics though, you know what they say! There''s nothing worse than someone with horns or a religious nut!"


    Miss gender bender really hates religion and demons then. We''d be able to get on well enough if they didn''t do the obvious annoying things like try to destroy everything we''ve built and worked for. I hold nothing against religion but I''ll happily kill someone who attacks me in the name of it though.


    "Nice to know you still hold hatred for us Miss Penelope, it''s been way too long since west spoke"


    A new voice seems toe from the crowd of irritated adventurers being a blonde beastkin with a serious vibe to him. Pretty tall, barely wearing any clothes and having muscles that could poke out your eye, I''m exaggerating a little but he definitely seemspetent.


    Just from feeling alone, this guy holds some pretty mad power and definitely is someone worthy of leading. Both me and Petra have a good feeling who this guy could be...


    (Petra) "Presumably, you''re leading this faction then?"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah, are you in control of this headquarters then?"


    "Yes ma''ams! We''ve currently got this area under lockdown, but the rest of the town isn''t as secure. We''re also pretty sure most of the popce have been sessfully evacuated over here too!"


    "See!? And this is why I can''t stand you adventurers! Why the hell are you so professional!?"


    The beast just shakes his head from the whiny Penelope, really can''t see why she''s hated someone for being professional though... actually, scrap that. All you need to do is take one look at the bodynguage of the magespared to the adventurers to see how both philosophies rub off on the people employed. One group is only here because they have to be and the other is doing it out of some sort of duty.


    Something the beastkin just said seems a little odd though, the citizens have been evacuated over here? That''s strange since all ns focused on making the new district the main ce to defend, has something gone wrong? Maybe something''se up so Marcus, Garry and Ariza have switched the n? Maybe Aesa might know something.


    ''Aesa, you any idea why the citizens are over here?''


    [<Negative, Aesa can confirm most of ind''s poption is safe though. Aesa was with target -Jaxon- and otherrge group of people before discarding clone body to return to -Ikarus->]


    ''At least that''s good, I think?''


    I kinda feel like we''ve somehow managed to miss the main brunt of this attack entering that obelisk ce... wait, could time have sped up inside there? Or that teleportation taking hours? It does seem like we''ve lost additional hours in the blink of an eye. If so, then everything makes a little more sense but really not the time to specte. We''ve still got a settlement to defend from creatures and by the sound of it, we need to be heading to the most recently built district.


    "Me and Petra should probably go and find what''s going on in the government bit then, you lot stay here till everything is sorted?"


    "Yes Queen Ikarus! We will remain here stationed until the battle is won!"


    "Hmph!"


    The beastkin even salutes this time before Penelope just crosses her arms at him. At least this guy is a much better optionpared to who they originally sent over to represent the guild, that person being Petra''s ex obviously.


    "Let''s get a move on again..."


    __________


    "Looks like the fight wasn''t over just yet..."


    "..."


    The new district of the town is currently overflowing with demons all in constant battle with of guards, citizens, the militia, basically anyone who wants to fight currently is. And they''re even holding their own against the hordes of demons as well! This is maddening how the average citizen is able to stand against a demon, how the hell are they so weak?


    Clearly from what I can tell, what makes up the bulk of the demonic army is the male soldiers, demonic wyverns and those hell hounds that I''ve only just seen right now. The hounds basically just look like ckened wolfs and I''m only naming that cause they remind me of something we came across in a dungeon. It really isn''t even worth mentioning, those dogs are weak as well.


    It''s really strange just how well we look against these lot, maybe I was under estimating our army but it really seems like those demons don''t stand a chance! The initial scare from the main invasion kinda feels like it''s over considering how easily we seem to be equipped for this, I''ve barely had to use any abilities as well.


    But just then, that''s when I notice a less popted area with something a little more brutish looking. Pretty close by to the hospital and treasury is a small battle going on with only what looks to be a few people.


    Very quickly finding a spot tond nearby, then changing form, it looks like two people have been fighting with a creature of immense power. Damn, that demon is beefy as hell!


    (Zeki) "Haha... you''ll have to do better than that ogre"


    (Demon) "I''m not, a fucking ogre!"


    (Ikarus) "What the fuck?"


    (Petra) "..."


    Zeki finds himself getting hit by the demon''s club while the person alongside him being Charlotte speedily goes to check if he''s okay. It''ll take more than every bone in his body breaking to defeat Zeki, that much I''m sure on. It''s pretty strange out of all who could be partnered up to fight, it ends up being priestess and Mr obnoxious.


    What more can I say about this demon other than he''s big, like really big. Not the size of a giant but maybe the size of a ten-foot human or so? This demon is built differently and he seems immensely powerful too.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Belphegor | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 135,074/166,666]


    [Stamina 155,231/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    ''Shit... I fucking jinxed this fight! Of course, the freaking demons would have someone this powerful leading the army''


    He literally has max stats! This fucking demon has max stats! Even mother doesn''t have max stats, he is like twice as powerful as mother! What the fuck!?


    ''Are we actually screwed here or can four of us take him... hang on, does he use magicka or not? Hopefully not since he seems to be using a club''


    Anyways, enough admiring the absolute beast of an enemy in front of us, it''s time to get to work. Us four stand on one side of the street while the demon lord corrupts the other end, we still have a chance despite him being stupidly powerful.


    "Haha... *spits blood*, it''s about time orangey and sis showed up. This fucking ogre might be too much for me"


    "Zeki''snguage is disgusting but this heathen is proving to be an ungodly foe"


    "Erk, you''re so freaking irritating nun! Just shut up and help me out"


    At least it''s good those two are getting on, why is it priestess hasn''t used something extremely overpowered against him yet? She has the power of a God yet this guy has only lost around thirty thousand health?


    "Charlotte, howes you haven''t dealt with him just yet? This seems like something you''d be suited for"


    "My Lord said he had a meeting so he wouldn''t be able to help today I''m afraid Ikarus-sama. I''m locked out of nearly everything, even heavens holy light isn''t working right now so it''s magic and the summoned sword only I''m afraid"


    I think, she''s talking about the orbitalser I''ve seen so much in the past, she does seem to use that religiously I suppose. Can''t also forget about her magic sword that can shoot out beams... hang on, her summoned sword is more simr to Excalibur than I realized.


    Anyways, it''s time to deal with this invader. Words don''t need to be spoken to Petra, we know what to do...


    "*Scoff*... this is thest time I''m doing Asmodeus a favour..."


    To be continued...

 Chapter 138 – Demon Lord

    Chapter 138 ¨C Demon Lord


    [Name: Belphegor | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 135,074/166,666]


    [Stamina 155,231/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    "Huff... this is thest time I''m doing Asmodeus a favour..."


    This hulking demon who seems to be the leader looks to be slightly uninterested looking, almost as if he really doesn''t want to be here. Despite us being ready to fight, maybe there might be another route that can be taken if he''s like this...


    "Hey, erm... demon lord? Why are you even attacking us anyways?"


    Questioning him gives all three of the people alongside me a slight surprise and even the demon lord himself.


    "I''m not really sure why little mortals, Asmodeus has a thing for being cryptic but all I care about is him owing me a favour. That just means I''m going to smash you poor little creatures into jelly"


    So, someone called Asmodeus is to me for this? However, assigning me right now is useless since the demon lord Belphegor charges at us swiping his club towards our direction...


    Without giving it any thought, all four of us split up in separate directions with me flying a little off the ground and the others remaining grounded. It''s a good thing all of us are extremely quick and adaptable otherwise we''d have been turned into jam from that guy''s club right there.


    The speed of this demon swinging his club might beparable to Petra, all us four can really do right now is just try to avoid the attacks and wait for an opening. It''s almost as if we''re fighting off a wild bull or something.


    Thankfully, an openinges pretty quickly when the demon finds his club stuck in one of buildings after missing another swing.


    "Damn! The sted thing is stuck"


    While he''s trying to recover his club, all four of us seize the opportunity for a counter and ready ourselves for an attack back.


    Priestess aims her summoned sword towards the demon and a beam of light shoots out of it making piercing contact with the red guy''s back.


    Zeki starts to coat him with red fireughing like a maniac doing so and for me and Petra, there''s no doubts we need to use our strongest suitable attack right now.


    ''Aesa?''


    [<Confirmed, aspect is ready>]


    Meing from the sky and Petra the ground, we both charge in sync towards the hulking demon hitting his back from separate sides, both our des make contact with him crashing him straight into the wall. That building is really going to need some work after this but distracted Ikarus has to focus right now.


    For some reason though, the demon recovering himself from the attack seems to find the situation really funny...


    "Haha... hahaha... hahahahaha! To think both of you have a giant''s power! Now I see why Asmodeus wanted me here, obviously my immense power was needed to crush your weak, flimsy spines! Try that again, little mortals, I dare you!"


    This sluggish guy all of a sudden gets seriously worked up and even starts to glow, has he just activated a power up or something?


    ''Shit, status. He seems even stronger no-...''


    [Name: Belphegor | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 54,375/166,666]


    [Stamina 154,971/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    Without even giving me the chance to fly away, I find the demon twist his body with the club and it guiding towards my chest...


    "Ikarus!"


    "Orangey!"


    "Ikarus-sama!"


    The impact throws me further into the air quite a bit but I''m still able to withstand the pain, just barely I might add. That must''ve have broken a rib or two but I can still fly and fight. That could''ve been way worse if I wasn''t airborne though.


    ''Fuck! Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 466]


    [Health 42,434*/70,000*]


    [Stamina 36,372*/40,000*]


    [Magicka 57,317*/70,000*]


    [You currently have 83000 unassigned points]


    ''Damn, that hurt like a bitch... hang on, what the fuck!?''


    My level was barely past three hundredst check, this makes literally no sense! That demon army were weak as fuck... urgh, just focus on not dying right now Ikarus!


    ''Aesa, invest a load into health, I don''t care how much!''


    [<Aesa will pick an amount, another attack iing -Ikarus->]


    Rapidly darting up out of his swinging range again, this demon seems to have an agenda against me and I''m not sure why.


    "Oi, you bastard! There''s four of us you know!"


    "Keep flying little bug, I''ll be sur-... what the fuck!?"


    Petra simr to him like a wild animal, charges alone de in hand forcing his focus to go elsewhere, he''s just angered someone he really shouldn''t have pissed off.


    "Who in hell did you sign that contract with ck one? Those eyes are not mortal"


    "..."


    The fight instantly bes a blur from the speed those two are blocking and countering, I''m not shocked Petra''s pissed right now but the fact this guy can also match her pure speed also isn''t shocking. We can''t stand or fly around in awe though; we''ve got to help her out! She''s the perfect distraction right now!


    Priestess and Zeki both go for simr style attacks likest time, that being the red me and magic beam also avoiding Petra while I quickly charge up a fire tornado letting it rip all over his back. All our hits make contact but this guy might as well be made of metal, his resistances are nothingpared to that mecha guy we fought a while back though.


    "I''ll deal with you in a second dark one, the insect needs taking care of first"


    Just as we''re about to repeat for another round of attacks with him still being distracted by Petra, everything suddenly goes ck and I find myself standing on the floor.


    ''The fuck? Where am I? Aesa?''


    Almost simr to how my headspace ability works, it''s like an endless void with no life in sight or anywhere to go. I didn''t idently activate that ability, right?


    "You''re not that intelligent it seems little phoenix. You have my sympathy for this"


    The illusion instantly breaks after hearing a voice and I see the demon just about to swing his club down onto my head...


    Without warning, something huge takes up all my vision and the demon lord finds himself being crashed away in the clutches of someone who is clearly his match, at least level wise.


    Getting an actual view of the situation now, the red creature holds the demon within her jaw trying to press any life from the bloody demon, but if a dragon jaw could kill him, we''d have already been done with this fight. That collision has at least caused his club to be tossed far away I suppose.


    <Disgusting little majin... YOU DARE USE SUCH MAGIC ON IKARUS!?!>


    Mother saves my arse right in the nick of time, crashnding as well causing both of the two to collide into a building. That building was newly built as well...


    Whatever that attack or illusion was, us four really look clueless while mother tries to rip the demon to shreds now in the rubble. It''s actually a shock he''s got enough strength to pry her jaw open but that only ends with mother spewing fire all over him while he''s getting free.


    "A fucking dragon? Oh, you bastard Asmodeus! That unbelievable traitor set me up!"


    ''Status''


    [Name: Belphegor | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 38,421/166,666]


    [Stamina 152,290/166,666]


    [Magicka 150,667/166,666]


    ----------


    [Name: Kellearzar | Species: Dragon | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 82,912/100,000]


    [Stamina 51,754/75,000]


    [Magicka 64,469/75,000]


    While he''s partially distracted by mother using all his unarmed strength, the four of us smaller lot seize another opportunity for attack flooding as much magicka based damage as we can into him. It really looks like a colourful mess when everythingbines together like that but we''ve got to try anything we can right now, we aren''t ready for this fight!


    <Ouch! You dirty little majin lord!>


    "I''m not going down that easily, world eater! I''ll rip your scales out!"


    The demon lord somehow manages to push away and even injure mother in the process of the tussle they were stuck in, her neck is actually bleeding from that punch he did! This guy needs to just fucking die already, how dare he touch mother!


    We try to attack again but the speed of him just cannot be countered, it doesn''t help that we now seem to be getting in each other''s way doing this. For a demon to be this powerful, this fast and even have an illusion attack, this really is starting to drag out now. Who knows what else he has hidden away as well?


    ''We need to force him to stay still... hang on! I''m such a fucking idiot!''


    Two new abilities I could''ve activated, stupid bird Ikarus! Why the hell did I forget about them? There''s something I''ve got to pick up beforehand though...


    "Huh... Ikarus-sama?"


    "You''ll die if I don''t do this Charlotte... sorry mother!"


    ''Aesa, activate the immortal andke abilities that were unlocked recently... you reckon mother is resistant to fire, right?''


    [<-Plot protection- and -magma walker- have now been activated... Aesa presumes target -Kellearzar- should be okay>]


    Like a second skin or something weird, a shiny glow seems to envelope me while the ground on this street is about to turn into a molten pit. I''ve got you now demon lord!


    Currently fighting fist to fist with the dragon, the ground changes in a split second to entrap both fighters causing the demon alongside mother to be knee deep in magma... actually, mother''s more like paw deep but you get what I mean.


    <What the-... very clever Ikarus. It''s turn to burn now majin!>


    "Argh! Fucking flying insects!"


    The demon tries to lob something at me but misses spectacrly, it''s brilliant that they don''t havepletely fire resistance but he still seems able to move inside that fiery magma, albeit as slow as a snail.


    "You can be really smart at times orangey, let''s torture this guy!"


    "Thanks Ikarus-sama! Repent demon!"


    "..."


    Having just ced priestess to the side of theke, me and her start the barrage of attacks on the stuck demon with everyone following our example.


    I''m throwing as much me as I can while Zeki and Petrabine there''s into mine to make some horrid looking ck, orange and red hybrid fire that smothers the demon.


    Priestess continues using her beam aiming for the heart of the stuck demon and mother, although she may right next to the demon, her fire breath has the most vivid colour of all so I can only imagine how powerful and painful that would be to experience right now.


    "ARGH!! You fucking mortal scum! Release me from thiske!"


    All of us ignore any demonic screams and just keep pumping more and more fire or magic into the slowly moving demon. This is only going to get worse for him as even theke seems to be hardening up now. He is royally fucked with his only option to try and pull up pieces of hardening magma as his weapon, this guy has zero chance to escape from inevitable death now


    Very slowly, his lifeforce is obviously draining from the never ending barrage from us, he''s fucked now and he knows it.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Belphegor | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 13,291/166,666]


    [Stamina 152,290/166,666]


    [Magicka 150,667/166,666]


    Just as I''m checking how much life he has left; everything goes ck again back into that lifeless void. I do not stop my attacks where I was pointing at though, this ce isn''t real goddamn it!


    "Fuck off you bastard!"


    Maybe it''s thebination of continuing to attack or the demon giving up, but getting out of that ce takes less than a moment. The bloody and charred demon seems to have something to say just before departing this world though, it doesn''t stop the fire burning deep in his soul and body though.


    "Mark these final words Asmodeus... I will find some way of getting revenge for this... *Cough cough*..."


    And just like that, the demon still standing upright stuck in the magma stops moving almost looking like a burning statue. It''s pretty creepy seeing someone die standing up like that but the fight is now won, I think.


    ''Thank fuck that''s over, really should''ve activated plot protection at the start since my chest hurts like a bitch right now... status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 566]


    [Health 92,434*/120,000*]


    [Stamina 35,958*/40,000*]


    [Magicka 32,324*/70,000*]


    [You currently have 108000 unassigned points]


    ''You might''ve gone a little overboard with the health Aesa but thanks anyway... wait, seriously!?''


    [<-Ikarus- must havendedst hit on target -Belphegor-, even Aesa can''t believe how much -Ikarus- has levelled up today>]


    Just another hundred levels you know, this levelling is so dumb and I''m loving it... I''ve just realized I can now purchase every single remaining ability if I wanted too. I was already pretty overpowered but this is starting to get a little insane.


    While I obviously can''t contain my grin at breaking all concept of power in this stupid world, it appears mother may have a slight problem right now.


    <Erm, Ikarus? That idea you had was brilliant to trap the majin but I may need a hand now>


    Poor mother, all four of her paws havepletely hardened in theke and she really can''t get out. You''d think she would have the strength to just break out but maybe my hardened magma is special or something? I''m such a dick, all I want to do isugh and mock her right now.


    "Sorry mother, I''m not really sure what to do though. How do you feel about bing the mascot statue of the town? We could hang some lights around you and even use you for celebrations!"


    "Heh"


    <Funny Ikarus. I''ll just wait here till you can get me out, not like I have much of a choice. I''m going to chew off my legs if I''m here for too long though, are you sure you want a pawless mother?>


    "Just try and rx for a little bit, I''ll get you out in a jiffy"


    Despite the rest of us obviously look pretty relieved at the battle that was just won, Zeki now seems a little concerned and almost frightened over something. He does look pretty bloody from holding on against that guy with Charlotte in the beginning but I think this might be something else.


    "Orangey and sis, you have any idea where brother might be?"


    "Maybe the clinic kid? She''s probably helping some people right now"


    "Ikarus is most likely right. If she''s anywhere Zeki, it''ll probably be in the clinic"


    Me and Petra trying to reassure him only makes his worries worse.


    "Yeah, but that fucking ogre just came out of the clinic! We''ve got to get in there now then!"


    If that guy fought Ariza befor-... no, she''s got to be elsewhere, right? Regardless, now both me and Petra now share his concern.


    "We''ll look for her now then... crap! Anyone know where Mute and the two guys are?"


    There''s a few missing people uncounted for at the moment, most noticeably including Garry and Marcus but a dragon shouldn''t be that hard to find, right?


    "She''s definitely fine orangey, I told her to go hide with Ria since putting out fires and causing splinters in a fucking warzone is just stupid. We really need to find brother"


    ''He really can be caring at times, let''s find Ariza then...''

 Chapter 139 – Death

    Chapter 139 ¨C Death


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "So let me get this straight Asmodeus¡­ instead of focusing your army on the phoenix and only going for her¡­ you decided to attack, the ENTIRE MORTAL REALM!?!"


    "You''re making this out to be bigger deal than it actually is Zeus. Things would have gone much smoother if you told me the dragons had decided to band together and protect the world. Further preparations could''ve been made if that vital piece of information were present"


    ''It''s always bittersweet seeing father like this, I''m not sure if this situation is good or bad but seeing him this anger does bring a hidden smile though''


    Me, Asmodeus and Zeus are all currently at a viewing station after witnessing the demon lord Belphegor''s death and I can''t help but notice how much Asmodeus seems to enjoy getting ripped at by Zeus. He nned and orchestrated this failed attack yet seems to not care in the slightest? It''s almost suspicious how he really has no care for his own kind.


    "Bah¡­ are you actually mad demon lord!? Why on Olympus did you think it was a good idea to do all that!?


    "It''s obviously for a distraction. If I were to send the entire demonic army straight to the inds alone, then wouldn''t that have looked suspicious? You wanted this under wraps, correct? It sounds like this is aplete waste of time then, can always call the attacks off if you really still don''t like my n"


    "You still haven''t called them off!?! Bah, I think my soul is losing its grip on reality¡­"


    To actually see Zeus be this worked up over something. Despite his irritation, none of it is aimed for the safety of mortals since such a thing isn''t a consideration at all. This justes down to being moaned at by other Gods when this information finally reaches public ears. And it will, I''ll personally make sure on that.


    "*Sigh*... this is why I cannot put my faith in anybody... there''s only one real option left to protect the Gods now. I feel like you''ve forced my hand a little as well Asmodeus"


    Even now, I''m still not sure what his final option is. There''s been a rumoured final resort father has been keeping secret for dealing with troublesome problems but no God or contact even seems to have a clue what it could be... well, at least of what we know of. There probably is someone out there who has a clue but we''re in the dark right now.


    If I''m specting though, father''s solution cannot be him finding a body to possess and doing things that way, it''s way too risky and time consuming to be considered a choice. And besides, he only does that sort of thing simply for sex. If not for the most basic of carnal needs, then what''s the point? But taking up a temporary form is slightly different to actually being able to stay a while longer in the world.


    Zeus wants the phoenix gone yesterday and getting stuck in a baby''s body for years being fully conscious is a choice he''d never make since picking a mortal body is the only way to be able to return. If you go down there full power mad, you''re permanently stuck is what I''m told.


    He could also do what I do with an incarnate but I think Zeus see''s that idea as a little disgusting and would be extremely hypocritical if he did. Relying on mortals to do your own job would repulse him.


    If thisst attack, whatever it may be on Ikarus fails, there might be the chance for a peaceful route but after what''s happened, could you really see the phoenix wanting to be a Goddess? No chance, in her situation, I''d want to purge the heavens personally...


    It''s a shame Hephaestus isn''t around since he used to handle all of Zeus''s affairs and may even know what the final solution is but that''s justplete spection. Still can''t find him despite my best efforts, should probably join in the conversation as well. I was invited here today despite my observation job being finished.


    "I''ll neverin at seeing you get angry old man but why am I even here? You basically deemed my help pointless a while ago"


    "Asmodeus wanted to invite you boy for some reason. Personally, you''ve never had the stomach to deal with high pressure situations but I think the demon does? Everyone up here is useless anyways..."


    Now Asmodeus aims his slight grin towards me, it really is quite unsettling but man up Dionysus. You''ve already drunk enough to kill a boar today so ignoring his sinister smile should be easy.


    "Oh, your father nearly made me forget my reason for wanting to see you. Zeus, our lovely and majestic leader, don''t you find it pretty strange how well the attack was defended?"


    "What are implying Asmodeus? You''re always been a tricky fellow so get to your point already"


    "Of course! I''m not hinting or implying at anything. What I am stating is a fact... your innocent, alcoholic son has been meddling in ces he shouldn''t be"


    And that''s when the demon Asmodeus presents a scroll showing a very noticeable face, someone I''ve been in contact with for years now. To think he knows about Charlotte...


    "Am I supposed to know who that is?"


    ''This bastard''s got me...''


    "Hehe, don''t y dumb with me and neglect your little worshipper Dionysus. It must break her heart for you to ignore her like this"


    This little charade is going tost longer but father really cannot stand anything like this so his anger is only going to get worse at this rate.


    "Asmodeus! Get to your fucking point already and don''t tempt my wrath!"


    "Okay, okay... My point is, our humble and brilliant leader Zeus, coincidences don''t happen this easily. I can prove Dionysus has been in contact with that particr human and heh... the best part is, that particr human is best friends with the phoenix you''ve been trying to desperately kill"


    And that''s when he presents another scroll showing a picture of Charlotte and Ikarus standing over Belphegor''s corpse with several others. This clearly is something that was just shown on the monitors but actually seeing that I have a connection to her and seeing some of the transcripts of what we said on that paper as well... I''m fucked. There''s no way father''s paranoia will believe any lies I spill now.


    He picks up the overwhelming evidence against me and his face goes from sheer anger to disappointment. I feel no regrets doing what I did despite the potential threat of execution, this was worth it all...


    "Dionysus... do you have anything to say on this? This seems... pretty damning"


    "Other than a sentence or two? You''ve proven time and time again you''re no longer fit to rule the heavens and someone morepetent will rece you. Whoever that is, I really couldn''t care"


    A ss gets thrown in my direction from father luckily just missing my head, a small injury like that is the least of my concerns right now though. I really have no y other than to ept what iing, I''ve always prided myself on being a lover, not a fighter so this is inevitable.


    "Bah, you''re not even denying it boy!?! To think you betrayed my trust like this and even have a dirty smile on your face! Treacherous scum..."


    Without even having the chance to react, I find the demon''s arm wrap around my neck and a sharp prick go into my shoulder. This was nice while itsted I suppose, still not a single regret. I just really hope Charlotte will be okay without me...


    Just as I''m about to lose consciousness from what the demon stabbed me with, a small whisper enters my ear...


    "Rx young God, things are moreplicated than you can believe so this is for your own safety. Apologies for this but things will be clearer soon..."


    And that was thest thing I heard before everything went ck....


    __________


    (Ikarus) "Shit..."


    "..."


    (Zeki) "No no no! Fuck fuck fuck!"


    Having just entered the clinic in search of Ariza, what presents us is a damning site of just how harsh this world can be. This ce is drenched in blood, demon and human bodies litter the ground like garbage everywhere. But that''s not just it in the hell turned ce of healing, right in the corner at the far back is three people. Two of which are clearly alive crouching down over the corpse of the third...


    (Marcus) "Ariza... s-she..."


    (Garry) "Thess told us to hide when that huge guy came in here"


    Sitting peacefully up against the wall is the smiling Ariza... or her blood-soaked corpse...


    Me and Petra are just shocked while Zeki rapidly rushes over there aggressively pushing the two guys aside to grab a hold or her body. This is just... I''m speechless.


    "Brother! Why the fuck d-didn''t you just run away!?"


    Watching him with his eyes filled with tears kneeling over her corpse is just too much... fuck it. There''s no choice to make here, right? It doesn''t matter if I want to save my resurrect in case Petra passes away... No, there isn''t a fucking choice here...


    "Screw it, let''s do this then"


    Quickly making my way to where the sobbing Zeki is, I crouch down and grab hold of her cold wrist. I really, really hope this isn''t toote.


    ''Aesa, there''s no way she''s been dead longer than an hour, right?''


    [<Aesa presumes so>]


    "Orangey, g-get the fuck o-off her!"


    The thought of anyone touching her corpse is sending him into despair but I have to be making contact, I think?


    "Zeki, just trust me one second"


    ''Aesa, activate second chance''


    [<Does -Ikarus- wish to conf-... forcibly skipping notice regarding 1 year cooldown time. Ability -second chance- has now been sessfully activated into target -Ariza-... thank you -Ikarus->]


    Holding onto Ariza''s lifeless wrist, I feel a jolt of energy course through me into her body... and then almost instantly, a pulse can be felt.


    ''Thank fuck...''


    "Uh... is everyone alright? I handled most of them... what about the big guy? Is he still here?"


    I can''t help but crack a smile about Ariza''s first words returning from the dead but the main reaction seems toe from the tsundere beside me.


    "You fucking idiot brother! T-This is why I keep telling y-you''ve got to be selfish! Thank you o-orangey!"


    If anything, Zeki''s crying has gotten even worse now but nothing better than happy tears, even if he seems to be suffocating her with hugs right now. I''m a little surprised Petra hasn''t broken down from this but maybe she expected me to do this? It could just be she''s trying to appear strong as well.


    "You''re crying Zeki? Ria didn''t break up with you or something like that, right?"


    "D-Don''t change the subject! You j-just died because of your s-selflessness brother, how fucking dare you leave us like this!"


    "Did I? Uh... huh, I did, didn''t I?"


    While those two are having a moment, it might be for the best to leave and do something else. It''s kinda an unnatural feeling seeing Zeki be this honest with his feelings for once.


    "Petra... should we probably return to the fight?"


    "Think everything''s over for now... thanks Ikarus"


    No more words need to be said regarding the issue of me using second chance. Now for the next year, I''m going to be wrapping Petra in bubble wrap so this doesn''t ever be a thing. It may sound like I''m joking but I''m being deadly serious, I''m going to be clingier than I''ve ever been before...


    ''It would''ve been horrible to lose Ariza permanently though... let''s just move on from his sappy shit otherwise I''m going to cry as well in a minute...''


    "No need for thanks... we''re going to repay this favour to Asmodeus one day..."


    __________


    "Huh, what a weird and chaotic day"


    "Heh, yeah Ikarus"


    Currently chilling on the roof of a building, Petra''s currently snuggling into me while we''re watching some miners struggling to get mother out of theva pit. It''s a strange position to be in, I know but it''s probably that inner bird in using out on why we''ve chosen such a risky and stupid thing.


    I also kinda feel like we need to be seen, just more for people walking around the town so they know things are finally over. Seeing the two queens hugging and sitting on a rooftop together definitely gives off that impression, could be something less weird but weirdo might as well be my middle name at this point.


    There''s also the slight problem of my level having gone through the roof from that one battle but really can''t be arsed focusing on that right now. I''m still pretty sure one of my ribs might be broken but all I want to do is rx andfort Petra right now.


    "Ikarus... thank you again, you really didn''t have to do that"


    Whether it was sweat or a tear, something definitely justnded on my leg but I won''t say anything to Petra about it. I already know she cares for Ariza enough anyways, maybe she just expected me to save it for another time?


    "What do you mean Petra? Of course I did, everyone loves Ariza around here"


    Speak of the devil, Ariza''s currently walking past in the distance over there and she appears to have a tail. Not literally of course, what I mean is Zeki seems to be following her around while he is being followed by the dryad and the dragon Mute... wait, please don''t tell me Mute likes Zeki or something...


    No, I seriously doubt that, it might just be because he''s been crying a tonne and still seems a little sad at the thought of his sister or brother dying. Mute does seem like a prettypassionate person to be fair and Zeki is surprisingly loyal even if she did have a thing for him. He''s stuck with the dryad permanently, unfortunately for him


    "Ikarus, I... there''s a prophecy I never told you or the others about"


    "What was it Petra?"


    "I''ve... been expecting both Zeki''s and Ariza''s death for a while now. I never told them about it but that was one of the connections between the fourth phoenix thing. You''ll destroy the world and in the process, harm us three as well"


    Petra kept another part of that prophecy secret? Oh, I don''t even care about it that much...


    "Let''s be real though Petra, your mother was clearly a maniptive bitch who may have been a prophet but was a evil mess. Just look at the way she treated Mute for example..."


    I don''t even need to know Petra''s mother to get that vibe, who the fuck tortures their own daughter since it might benefit your future more? My bluntness does surprise Petra slightly though.


    "...I''d personally take anything she''s ever predicted as a grain of sand. If I''m going to go about destroying any world, I can guarantee it ain''t going to be this one nor will I ever hurt those two. She probably lied about the whole thing to misguide you as well, probably has more of a grip on you than you seem to realize"


    ...


    A silence ensues but not down to it being ufortable. Despite Petra fiercely disliking her prophet dragon mother, I guess she never really assumed that she may have been screwing her over even now. I know that she basically said all her prophecies turn true but we really cannot trust someone like that.


    "You know, you really can give the best advice at times Ikarus. Hey, erm... forget it"


    Oh great, she''s doing this thing again. We cannot continue to hug if she''s about to say something, then changes her mind! If it''s a kiss or something like that, then just do it already!


    "Don''t make me beat it out of you Petra, what were you going to say?"


    Threating to beat my girlfriend is always something great to be heard out of context...


    "Heh, fine then Ikarus. I''ll say it but promise not to take it out of context, alright?"


    "I won''t, promise!"


    "Okay... what''s your view on marriage?"


    ...


    If this is suddenly Petra''s way of proposing... no Ikarus, she literally just said don''t take it out of context! Why else would she be bringing it up now of all times though?


    "Bit hard not to take that a certain way Petra, any reason you''re asking that then?"


    "It''s the two queenments that keeping up and I''d just like to know your opinion on it really. Heh, this really isn''t a proposal so you really don''t need to look like that"


    I don''t know what she means by how I look. If she were to propose, I''d find it nearly impossible to say no but actually giving it some thought? The only word thates to mind is eh...


    "I guess if I had to answer... eh?"


    I probably should find a better word and not shrug but that''s seems like the perfect word to describe my thoughts on the whole thing. Eh is more than reasonable.


    "Your thoughts on marriage, is the word ''eh'' Ikarus?"


    "I''m actually not that fussed or even care that much, maybe because there''s still a tiny bit of dude left in me? Something like that really isn''t that big of a deal since it''s basically just a big party anyways, I''m not really sure..."


    That seems to have made her a little disheartened, that''s not what I was going for!


    "...Don''t take this as me ever saying no if you offered though Petra! It''s just that I really don''t have any opinion... except on clothes, I ain''t wearing no wedding dress!"


    "Heh... there''s really no point then. The only point in getting married would be to see you in a gown anyways"


    ...


    Sighhh... I know what she''s doing, I can see through her like a piece of ss now. This could be seen as being maniptive but it really couldn''t be any further from the truth...


    "Well... there might be some way... some tiny chance to convince me otherwise. It would have to be the biggest and most maniptive bribe you could think of though, something so impossible that you might have to even resort to mind control... something like a fried chicken the size of a phoenix? That would make a pretty dope dowry to be honest"


    "Heh, looks like I''ll have to get a date ready then. How does first thing tomorrow soun-..."


    I love the banter we have sometimes, might as well cut her short with a quick kiss... or a proper one. Ah, quick feel around as well...

 Chapter 140 – Lovers

    Chapter 140 ¨C Lovers


    "What the fuck have you done to me Ria!?!"


    "Ariza had some potions spare so I thought it was time you had a taste of your own medicine Zeki. Juste out already!"


    Now that things have settled down a little, we''re back to our daily lives either working or just chilling out. Today just so happens to be a chill day after a week of non-stop helping things get back on track and this is the first rxed day since the majin invasion.


    The reaction from the average person was a little mixed this time around. Sure, there was no ill intent towards the two godly queens but we did actually have a noticeable number of casualties this time around. Not enough for things to turn really bad but we may have to encourage immigration from abroad to steady the poption increase again...


    Oh, I wasn''t purposely referring me and Petra as godly. It just another stupid nickname gets floated around when people get a glimpse of us fighting inbat or training, I don''t even question how absurd their loyalty to us is anymore At this point, this is just normal...


    However, the demonic invasion may have settled down but the things inside the settlement always seem to be hectic. This time around, it seems Zeki and Ria have had a lovers spat and he''s refusing to leave his room. We were just having lunch but by the sounds of it, Zeki''s been poisoned...


    "But to do this and drug me, just how fucking evil are you!?"


    "Rx Zeki, it''ll wear off in a month or so. Look on the Brightside, you''re going to enjoy sex so much more now!"


    "I don''t want to live anymore..."


    Currently, it''s Ria and us four birds hanging out right now... ah, can''t forget there''s been some departures unfortunately. Mother, Mute and Charlotte have all left this ce for the time being. Mother has official dragon business making sure the rest of the world is now safe from demons, Charlotte really wanted to go find Nathan as apparently Dionysus has gone silent and Mute, gone to y with puppets or something? It''s a stupid assumption but I really have no idea what she gets up to really.


    You know, I haven''t spoken with father and Minos for ages now, I''m kinda missing them with me thinking about dragons. We''re going to make a point to go pay a visit in a while since they''ve both been working over in the capital for now. I almost want to go over and tell father off for allowing Minos to fight with him but I guess it can''t hurt for him to learn how to fight a little young though.


    I should probably focus on the CURRENT situation at hand rather than daydreaming in Petra''s arms. This situation sounds like it could be pretty funny if Zeki''s been given one of Ariza''s potions, he better get screwed over pretty badly here.


    "Come out kid, it''s not like you can spend the next month hidden away"


    "Heh, we''ll try and be nice about it Zeki"


    "Uh huh, it can''t be that bad Zeki, right?"


    Very slowly, Zeki reluctantly leaves his inn bedroom and enters using his hands to cover up two noticeable features...


    "Hahahahahaha..."


    "..."


    (Ariza) "Zeki... this is karma at its finest"


    (Ria) "Oh wow! This is like your perfect dream Zeki!"


    The second hees out; I can''t help but copse fromughter. All of us who have been genderbent before have had pretty decent proportions but never anything like that, Zeki''s got boobsparable to mother! Of course, he basically looks the exact same everywhere else but seeing Mr obnoxious even look flustered says it all! I can''t stopughing at his misery!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ---You''re wee :) (There''s a HUGE update to AI iing pretty soon soon hence why I''m now adding images like this)


    ----------


    I''m not the only oneughing though, Petra''s desperately trying to conceal it but I at least have the decency to be a dick to Zeki. He loves gigantic breasts so much, now he''s been cursed with them! They''re sooo out of proportion...


    "Fuck you orangey! That tears it, I''m cutting these stupid things off right now! I need a fucking saw..."


    "Wait a second Zeki! We''ve got to give your new body a test! Don''t run away from me..."


    Heh, is it that hard to believe the dryad won''t be into Zeki in this current state? She has tried things on with me and Petra before way back in the Yggdrasil dungeon so realizing that she''s bi really is meaningless... is she actually bi though? I get the feeling she''d be into anything regardless of gender or species, there was that moment she seemed a little too into goblins if I remember correctly...


    "Haha... *sigh*... at least that''s made this morning pretty entertaining. You fancy hanging out with me and Petra today, Ariza? I''m nning on clinging on to her as much as possible so I can''t help it if you feel like a third wheel I''m afraid"


    "Heh, you''ll happily admit to being clingy now Ikarus?"


    "Did I ever deny it? And besides, after what happened, I''m pretty justified since there''s no more second chances for any of us right now..."


    ...


    Ah, probably shouldn''t have brought that up. Mentioning how Ariza died has obviously be a little bit of a sore subject all of us try to avoid mentioning.


    The strange thing is about it all, I privately had a quick chat with Ariza afterwards to see what happened before and after and it really sounded odd. Mostly because wherever Ariza''s was sent, it was apparently like waiting in a never-ending line in an endless hallway filled with other souls. The fact she even remembers it is strange enough.


    The way she died remains a slight mystery other than the fact that Belphegor definitely killed her but remembering something like purgatory than her actual death? It''s pretty weird really, maybe the trauma of getting pummeled to death really isn''t something you want to remember I suppose.


    Anyway, Ariza herself actually breaks the silence this time around.


    "No need Ikarus, feel like I should probably go and help Ria with Zeki. I wouldn''t have given her the potion if I knew she was going to do this to him, kinda thought she was going to drink it herself to punish Zeki for the jug thing and punish him that way. I guess I''ll see you twoter"


    And so, Ariza''s leaves us alone like usual so it''s just a day for the lovebirds then. She seemed a little awkward though, even more than usual so maybe something else is going on? I''m not going to question everything though.


    "So then Petra... what shall we do today?"


    "Heh, actually had something nned if you''re up for spending the day clinging onto me Ikarus"


    I''ve still got the problems of system rtedziness but dealing with over a hundred thousand points is something I''d rather wait on for now. Petra alwayses first.


    "Always, let''s get a move on then..."


    __________


    "I''m sorry but we''re having a slight crisis in the kitchen today. The only thing we can serve you today is fried chicken, milkshakes and carrot cake"


    "Heh, that''ll be perfectly fine for both of us"


    ...


    "Petra..."


    Having just spoken to the waitress who''s now left, she doesn''t even present us with a menu and obviously something fishy is going on here if that''s the only thing on the menu...


    Petra must think she''s so clever. We end up at the caf¨¦ we seem to frequently visit and they just so happen to serve only three of my favourite things and nothing else? If you remember what we spoke about after the demon invasion, the talk of marriage came up...


    "...I swear, if there ends up being an engagement ring in the cake or something like that, I will moan at you Petra"


    "Heh... it''s actually inside the chicken instead Ikarus"


    ''It''s good thing a could detect that was a lie...''


    I''m obviously going to pout a little if she''s doing strange things like this. I love and her all but this is something stupid like I''d do! If you''re going to propose, then just get it over and done with! Or he''s trying to bribe me for something bad, I dunno!


    "Let''s be real Petra. If this ends up being you buttering me up for some bad news, I''ll be extremely disappointed"


    "Heh, just stop worrying about it Ikarus. Just try to act na?ve and dumb for me, please?"


    I''m always willing to be my usual stupid self around Petra so there''s noints on this end. I''d rather it be a proposal than something sad though, just we all know my impatience is going to kill me today if there is a hidden meaning to this all...


    ...


    "Here you go! I hope the two lovely queens enjoy this meal!"


    The waitress has somehow already returned with our food. She presents all three things ordered together on a tray and ces it down on our table. I''m pretty sure she just gave Petra a wink as well, don''t think I didn''t see that Petra...


    "Let''s tuck in then...yummy! What a strange andpletely unrted coincidence! They somehow have the same exact recipe for your chicken Petra!"


    I know my woman''s chicken, alright? There is nothing thates close and this tastes the exact same. Keep ying dumb with me Petra, I''m onto you...


    "Heh, nothing''s going on Ikarus, I promise"


    ''Lie detector says otherwise...''


    __________


    Having gotten through lunch without being proposed to yet, we''re currently walking through the streets locked in hands with me clinging as tightly as possible. I may be a little annoyed with her but that''s still not going to stop this.


    "You fancy a bit of shopping next, Ikarus?"


    "So... shopping means clothes... so you are trying something! If you just wanted to doll me up, you could''ve just asked rather than the chicken and cake bribe. It has obviously worked though"


    This time around, this gets a clearly visible amount of chuckling out of her. She even shakes her head while doing so.


    "Heh... Ikarus. Stop overthinking and let''s just do anything, it was only a random suggestion. There is a ce I''d like us to visitter but the rest of the day ispletely free, you decide what we do then"


    So, she''s not trying to make me dress up in something then? Huh, I''m slightly disappointed in her for some reason...


    "You''d be happy if we spend the new few hours in a bar like alcoholics then?"


    "Heh, really don''t have any secret agenda Ikarus, so sure. Let''s share a drink together then"


    It doesn''t matter how much she tries to reassure me, that hamster in her brain is currently in deceptive mode and I''m not for it! I don''t even fancy drinking really, she''s being too friendly and it''s unsettling. Where''s the teasing and nonstop embarrassment? That''s like our schtick, whatever that thing was called.


    "You''ve already treated me to some of Petra famous chicken so you can decide what we do next! You''ve already bribed me and fattened me up so I''m down for anything right now, not even kidding"


    "Heh... you sure you''re willing to agree to anything Ikarus? You do know this is going to end exactly how you think?"


    Maybe it''s the fact she''s being so kind and caring today that I''m kinda hoping she wants to do something pretty absurd. I mean, who goes to a caf¨¦ making sure nothing else is served other than my favourite foods? It''s too kind and nned out, doing something she wants is probably better than spending all day drinking. Should probably avoid drinking before five if I remember that weird thing as well...


    "It''s your decision Petra, I''m not using the word anything loosely here"


    Once again, another chuckle and a shake of her head.


    "Heh... if you really want to Ikarus..."


    __________


    "A-Are we actually d-doing this?"


    "Heh, you gave me the option to choose what next Ikarus. By the sounds of it, you wanted me to do something this absurd so you decided on this"


    "But this is so f-freaking embarrassing! Why couldn''t we have just b-booked the entire ce if you wanted to roley?"


    There''s a goddamn crowd out there who are about to witness what little game we''re ying. It doesn''t matter if we''re the two queens or that this fancy tea shop love us as much as everyone else, what Petra suggested is just absurd! And of course, I''m the freaking idiot to encourage her!


    This ce is pretty new to the settlement and seems to attract quite the few mages and wealthy people around. Cakes and sweet drinks sell everywhere so it''s not surprising we''d eventually get a shop like this I suppose. But that really isn''t even rted to the embarrassing disy that might be about to happen.


    "Heh, seemed a bit unfair to book the whole store. Might as well share the sight to as many as possible, the option to just simply back down is still a thing Ikarus"


    "No no, I''ve already g-gone the full way, might as well make some fanfiction out of this"


    And that''s when I finally walk out behind a curtain and show my face wearing a stupid maid outfit. My ''duty'' right now is to serve Petra basically taking the role of the server but this entire idea is just mad. Seriously though, I bet I look cute as hell but maid Ikarus really is something I can''t believe we''re showing to the public right now...


    This is more of a costume rather than an actual uniform though. It seems to have changed slightly fromst time I wore something like this so now it no longer is full length, has short sleeves, a tiny apron and my hair even wearing that headband thing maids wear. This is all kinds of frilly bullshit¡­ I¡¯ve really got to get Petra in this someday. I bet she¡¯s look freaking amazing as well¡­


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Of course, walking over to Petra and other people look at me with stupid awe in their eyes as well, I''m roleying a freaking maid for Christ''s sake! Look at me with disgust like I''m some disgusting pervert or something, damn these freaks...


    "M-Mistress Petra... w-would you care f-for some tea?"


    ...


    "I can''t believe you actually did it..."


    Petra didn''t actually expect me to go through with it!?! She looks like she''s just seen a ghost or something!! Ah screw it, I''ve already gone this far and I''m now pouring the dumb tea into her dumb cup. I''ve already been embarrassed enough for one life time, parading around as a maid at this point is basically nothing. I mean, I wanted this apparently... that chicken definitely has some sort of mind controlling drug in it.


    It''s actually surprisingly pretty hot wearing all this gear but I''m not sure if it''s down to feeling flustered or the fact I''ve even got lingerie on under all this as well. Getting flustered actually looking at yourself is a trait I''ve managed to get mostly over but that ck set never leaves anything to the imagination.


    "Heh, thank you maid Ikarus... I wonder, should I share my personal maid with others as well?"


    As soon as Petra says that, faces seem to perk up at the idea of humiliating me further. It''s probably just more out of love rather than humiliation though, I think people just like riding along with Petra''s schemes...


    "P-please don''t make d-do that Petra, this alone is e-enough"


    "Heh, I''m only ying with you Ikarus. There is something on your face right now other than redness though"


    "Wha-"


    Then without warning, Petra grabs my apron pulling herself up into me and my embrace. Then, I shouldn''t have to exin what sort of kissing happens next, the bitterness of the tea actually makes it even sweeter strangely enough. The unexpectedness always helps as well.


    I knew the thought of me looking like this is a thing she loves but damn, she really can be overly passionate at times...


    "Heh, me Ikarus. It''s no longer on your face anymore so you can continue serving now"


    She''s so smooth at times-, the fucking onlookers just cheered our kiss! That''s it, people are going to start turning up missing at this point, this maid turned queen is going to turn pure evil at this rate.


    ''This settlement is full of perverts and somehow... we''re the queens of them...''


    __________


    "You know, it''s strange. I don''t actually feel like I''m dying of embarrassment from what just happened"


    "Heh, don''t be saying that Ikarus, I''ve really got to step up my game then. Next time, how about we go nurse or even school girl?"


    Afterpleting the little serving Petra maid gig which took longer than I care to admit, the sun has finally fallen and we''re on our way to the woods for some reason. We came very close to doing something when she realized I had that lingerie on underneath but it seems like time''s an issue right now for some reason...


    "You really are a pervert, you know that? Why are we out here anyways? If you wanted to sleep or do what in the woods, you could''ve just said and ignored the secrecy"


    Out in the middle of the small woods we have on the ind, is a little makeshift area covered in a fur pelts and rugs surrounded by quite the few candles. It''s a pretty romantic setting out in the darkened woods but all I can focus on is the absolute Goddess of a women to my side.


    I''m not even going to question on who set this up, definitely couldn''t have been Petra since I''ve been with her all day but who really cares on such a pointless detail? Being a fake maid for a little while has tuckered me out a bit.


    "Heh, don''t be acting like you don''t enjoy it Ikarus, you''ve always got the option to say no to anything. There''s a reason for being out here but let''s get a little morefortable first"


    She has got a point, Petra''s never forced me to do anything and I do have some limits believe it or not. Parading around only in that lingerie or being naked for example would be too much but a good amount of embarrassment isn''t terrible. I''m not actually sure why I go so easily along with her schemes but maybe secretly deep down, I actually enjoy it? Nah, she''s just evil really, it''s nothing like that...


    Both of us lie down on the furs and I quickly cuddle up to Petra, more specifically using her breast as a slight pillow. I''ve always been a breast guy over bottoms and that will never, EVER change... oh, nearly forgot about that, Petra doesn''t like her breasts being touched so I''ll go stomach instead. She didn''t seem to say anything though.


    "Is this the part where we make love, then you propose or something?"


    "Heh, you still stuck on that idea Ikarus? I''ve gone this long without doing it so give me some credit"


    Eh, I guess she''s right. I''ve got to admit though, listening to Petra''s heartbeat looking up at the night sky is really somethin-... the fuck? The fuck is that up there?


    "Petra... seriously!?"


    "Heh, looks like we arrived a little earlier than expected, oh well"


    Up in the dark night sky is very obviously something being written. Although it may not bepletely done yet, the orange glow of the letters being spelt definitely say ''Will you marr-''...


    Out of all the ways she could''ve done this, it had to be something over the top, right? I''m notining though, I just never realized how much of a hopeless romantic she can be...


    "I''ve got to ask, how the hell did you even do this!?"


    "Heh, asked Mute for a little favour before she heads off. Also, got some help from Zeki and the gnome because the gunpowder and the colouring was slightly troublesome to set up. Ariza also set up the little nest we have out here, none of them except Mute know the reason though"


    Now that it''spleted, I still can''t believe this is how she went about doing it. I''m also slightly curious if anyone else in the settlement can see how this portion of the night sky now says ''Will you marry me Ikarus?'' but I''ve already been maid Ikarus for a few good hours so it''s nearly impossible to be out flustered now. Actually, that might be a lie, it''s a good thing she didn''t do this in front of everyone earlier on thinking about it...


    "Heh, can I have an answer then Ikarus or are you still going to gawk at the sky?"


    Now sitting up getting my head off her stomach, I can''t help but be a little feisty. Not that kind of feisty, the other kind...


    "Why are you even actually asking!? Of course it''s a freaking yes! Did you really need an answer?"


    "Heh, no but still nice to kno-..."


    This is when I vividly attack her using my mouth as a weapon and aim for hers as well. Who cares about social norms when the guy, or ex guy is supposed to propose? This was corny, clich¨¦ and so sappy, yet I love just how stupidly romantic I find this entire thing to be. We''re actually going to get married!? It''s only really just sunk in while I''ve got my tongue you know where...


    Just as I''m about to undress Petra and start the first time we do this as fianc¨¦s, the ground starts to shake rapidly rolling me off Petra still connected by mouth. That actually felt strangely nice but full focus needs to be on the ground not opening up beneath us right now.


    "Mmph... the hell is going on!? Is this an earthquake!?"


    Leaves and branches are falling off the trees while we both struggle to get up, should probably stay down but damn it. I''ve never experienced an earthquake since that ind on Earth I came from has no need for things like natural disasters, we''re way too developed for such problems! Or just lucky, even trying to find a dangerous animal in the wild is next to impossible.


    "I''m not sure Ikarus, never heard about earthquakes happening around here"


    Thankfully, it seems to stop pretty quickly but it''s impossible to tell just how much damage has happened from that alone. It felt pretty weak from where we are but it could be much worse back at home, doesn''t help we''re now covered in leaves as well. People are definitely going to get the wrong idea but that doesn''t matter right now.


    "We''ll have to put this sexy session on hold then, let''s get back now..."

 Chapter 141 – End of the World

    Chapter 141 ¨C End of the World


    "Listen to me Marcus! I''m telling you that''s not an earthquake! I''m a freaking gnom-, dwarf damn it! This is my bread and butter"


    "I''m not disregarding what you''re saying Garry, it''s just seems a little farfetched so feel it from way over here. Are you really sure that''s what it is?"


    "Aye! I''m telling you, it''s that!"


    Having just arrived back at the town hall after experiencing the earthquake, we find Marcus and Garry arguing over something in the study. The settlement itself actually hasn''t received any damage from the tremor strangely enough, was expecting at least something falling over but I guess it was a pretty small shake considering.


    "What''s this all about? Why are you two arguing?"


    "Me and Ikarus felt the shaking as well so do we have an idea what the problem is?"


    "Apologies two queens for witnessing our little spat. Garry seems to think those shakes weren''t an earthquake"


    "I''m telling you Marcus, it''s not an earthquake! I mean, it technically is but it''s not what you''re thinking of. The tsunami evacuation is a bloody waste of time"


    Ah, I nearly forgot about those tsunami protocols we set up just in case something bad happens. Most of the ind have a cliff face aimed at the ocean but not the western sides so any sort of shaking, we''d evacuate the whole area regardless if we even know the risk or not. We have that unupied ind in the way as well blocking it up but it still never hurts to be safe.


    By the way it seems though, Garry the gnome is obviously trying to get Marcus to cancel the ongoing n.


    (Ikarus) "Context gnome, we need a little more than that. What''s caused the shaking if not an earthquake?"


    "It''s most likely the volcanoss, it''s erupted and I''m pretty sure the kid Denver has set it off"


    ...


    (Ikarus) "What?"


    "All of you don''t look at me like I''m mad! I know that kid more than any of you, we should not be preparing for a massive flood heading this way. What we need to do is start to move everything underground now"


    I''m not the only one looking at him like he''s crazy, the kid Jarl Denver has set off the volcano? I get that volcano eruptions can sometimes cause earthquakes, or the other way around but to actually feel it from this far away?


    "Hypothetically speaking gnome. If this is truly what you say, why would he set of the volcano in the first ces?"


    "The kid may be a dreamer Petra but he knows that volcano better than anyone else, he would''ve only set it off if someone else was tampering with it, damage limitations it. He said a while back that any God could fuck with it and I''ve felt those same exact shakes before during testing... We need to stop specting and start working right now! I''d bet my entire life, and wife that a gigantic ash cloud is approaching as we speak"


    ...


    Okay, now I think I believe him. The fact that the Gods have been mentioned and that kid is extremely suspicious, this seems like something that could be terrible. I swear that is like a super volcano though, wouldn''t that mean we may all be screwed?


    Why hasn''t Dionysus sent us this message though? I know Charlotte lost contact with him before leaving but is this something even he had no idea on? Why the hell would a God even set off a volcano in the first ce, or Denver?


    "How do we even prepare for this volcano gnome? Last time it set off, apparently the world went into an ice age? Wouldn''t we all be fucked regardless being this close?"


    "Ikarus is right, I''ve lived through that previous eruption as well, this entire continent really didn''t fare well"


    Marcus is still sceptical and Petra seems a little more on the fence now, this situation is something I never thought we''d have to deal with as leaders. How do you even survive a potential ice age?


    "Ah, you lot aren''t dwarfs so it makes sense why you''re confused. To start with, we need to start moving anything edible underground, the mines are a reasonable choice for setting up underground farms as well. Combine that lots and lots of filtration systems as well as gas masks, it''s a good starting point and we can work from there. It''s going to be"


    Of course, the dwarf would know all that... hang on, is this why Garry even came over here? Did Denver know this could be a possibility and he''s supposed to help us survive?


    Ah, any spection right now is stupid. Focus on saving as many people as possible and focus on thatter, starvation could be a huge thing problem if we don''t handle it now. There''s still the chance he could bepletely misguided but I''m not taking that chance,


    "Then let''s do as you say and prepare for the worst. You make it sound like surviving a literal ice age is easy though gnome"


    I''m taking his advice and leading this situation if everyone else is unsure what to do. I swear a tsunami would''ve arrived by now and if it turns out to be nothing, then no harm done other than a little bit of setback.


    "It is thoughss! If you''ll all just listen to me, I promise we can get through this like it''s nothing! Being adaptable is the only thing us dwarfs can master... and metal... and buildings. There''s actually a lot but our species can beplete idiots at times as well"


    At least the dwarf is extremely confident in surviving, that''s a positive if I''m desperately looking for one.


    "Marcus and Petra, you two still seem a little sceptical so is it okay if we switch up the n? You can me me if a tsunami does show up but that should''ve happened by now if it was"


    At the end of the day, we''re still technically running a democracy, even if it''s hard to debate against that we''re also a dictatorship as well. Eh, tis a pointless problem for people who care.


    "Heh, you really think I''d disagree Ikarus?"


    "No but... ah forget it. Marcus?


    "If the two queens believe Garry, then I''ll fully put my trust in his judgement as well. You''re going to be helping as much as possible though"


    (Garry) "Wouldn''t have it any other way Marcus"


    At least we''re all in agreement then, I''m actually a little surprised Penelope didn''t barge in with something stupid to mention like these usual things. Don''t tempt fate Ikarus, we''re being professional and Miss gender bender will only cause annoyance.


    "Let''s go prepare for the end of the world then..."


    Could be what the prophecy foretold and this volcano is a consequence of my existence? It matters little anyways, were going to survive this...


    __________


    "Hey Petra, I know serious stuff is happening right now but the marriage thing. You''re not expecting us to do a shotgun wedding and get it down with tomorrow, right?"


    While we''re helping out transporting duty getting as much food and dirt to the mines, there''s nothing else to discuss while flying so talking with my actual future waifu is always good. To think we are engaged as wife and wife though, hoping we can drag this out as long as possible since wearing a wedding dress is like thest straw in any hopes of there being any guy left within me.


    "Heh, was thinking this evening Ikarus. Seriously though, we can always wait years or decades till we''ve got a good break. This sort of crisis canst dozens of years but if you really don''t want to wait, a winter wedding could work just as well. Probably best to avoid thinking too much about it right now though..."


    Ah shit, I just realized an ice age could evenst millions of years if the ones on Earth are anything to go off. Let''s hope Denver has done us a favour setting it off before someone could fuck with it, the thought of living in a cold wastnd really isn''t that fun. I reckon us birds and dragons would survive but living all alone in this world seems a little depressing.


    "...Heh, feel like I should start calling you honey or darling now"


    "Please don''t. Being fianc¨¦s already causes this bird to be flustered enough and if anything, father used both of those for mother so just nah"


    The old dinosaur has kinda ruined those names for me. I''m not even referring to the cheating or anything like that, just being called that makes me think I''m mother or something...


    "Heh, I''ll just stick to chubby, cute or adorable then... Oh right, we both forgot something else. I was supposed to give you a ring"


    And that''s when I see Petra hand reach down close to my eye and see the engagement rings she''s gotten. Kinda like that bracelet I got given on my birthday but a lot smaller, it''s made from white gold and looks pretty basic, but I''m a basic bitch so it''s perfect!


    "You know... you could''ve gone for something more over the top if you wanted. You don''t have to amodate for my tastes all the time, I''d have still been happy with a fist sized diamond, ya know?"


    "Heh, never realized you had such expensive tastes Ikarus. Is my future wife going to be possession orientated then? I''ll have to literally go gold digging to amodate your tastes"


    Her teasing is just... it probably sounds like she''s calling me a gold digger or something but it''s Petra for Christ''s sake! Our sense of humour has always been pretty weird.


    "No no, it''s perfect... why do I even bother with you at times? We''re here now so get ready to jump off"


    "Heh, I''d rather cling on to your back if I''m being honest"


    "Suit yourself... I''ll put the ring onter then"


    ''I''m guessing it''s enchanted and will attach to one of my talons? Petra thinks about everything so that''s probably the case''


    Landing just outside the mine, you really should take a look at how busy the ce is. All around us is boxes, crates and barrels all being transported underground in preparation for what may be iing. The ce is choc-a-block.


    This isn''t the only ce being prepped like this though, the entire settlement has gone into full preparation mode. All windows are being sealed, people are lined up in the streets being instructed what to do and the cksmiths are all working overtime to create as much gear to help as possible. Trying to create that mysterious dwarven filtration crap is something I have no idea on except it uses gold, that''s literally it. Let''s just hope all this extreme preparation is all overdramatic and in vain though.


    "Listen up everybody! If we don''t get everything down here by tonight, you''ll all be working overtime for a week!"


    "Yes boss!"


    "Damn scrawny bastard..."


    It seems Jaxon is handling the main operation getting things underground using the miners to their full capabilities. The people remaining on the surface however seem to be mainly focused around Zeki, Ariza and Ria.


    The strange thing is, this is the first time I''ve seen Zeki and Ariza in bird from for quite the while. We did send out the order everyone has to help the preparation regardless and they look to have bags and straps attached to them so they''ve obviously been helping a load too.


    (Zeki) "Move your fucking asses, yazy bastards! If this ends up being a waste of time, me and orangey are going to have words"


    (Ria) "It''s better to be safe rather than sorry girly boy... can you please change back in a minute?"


    "Stop perving over me woman, goddamn it! I''m not your portable jug machine!"


    (Ariza) "You really should stay as female Zeki, it''s cool having us all like this and you kinda deserve it if I''m being honest"


    "Don''t you start talking about karma again brother, your potion caused this so now you also need to take some me. To think I actually cried when you died"


    ...


    Oh, for the love of God, why did Zeki have to say something that nasty? I''d step in and give him a kick right now if Ariza wasn''t pissed off as well.


    "Don''t start acting like a dick again Zeki or I promise you, you''ll be stuck like this longer than a month. Mr Loki himself keeps offering to send more potions if it''s to cause you difort"


    "Ah... sorry brother, you know I didn''t mean it"


    "Then why even say it Zeki? That was uncalled for and you know it"


    Zeki really has struck a nerve on Ariza there and I can see why, hopefully he just learns to shut up sometimes but we really should avoid getting involved with those kids right now. We still have our duty to do, it''s mad that the two queens are on transport duty but don''t start getting snobby Ikarus. This is really one of the two tasks we do over here now, the other being council meetings.


    "We should probably get a move on now. Heh, giddyap Ikarus!"


    Giddyap!? Now I''m Petra''s horse apparently, at least she''s a breath of fresh air to the stressful aura around here. I''ll drop this load off, then I''ll y along with her since why the hell not? It''s not like this is going to turn into some weird fetish thing, it bloody better not be...


    "Yes ma''am! I''ll move now-, don''t you dare kick me Petra, I will throw you into a tree..."


    __________


    The next several days were filled with nonstop flying around everywhere in preparation and now, we''re currently resting in a tree looking towards the skies while we''ve got a moment. It''s more like I''m in the tree with Petra''s camped in my back feathers but it still kinda counts as both of us.


    It''s a weird position but this is something we can''t help doing when got a second, can''t be having sexy time every break we get. Ah, the end of the world may be iing but that''s not going to stop our fun when we''ve got a moment. We''d normally do it most days if other things aren''t going on.


    "Look Ikarus... think the gnome''s worries were correct"


    Far off in the distance to the west, is what clearly looks to be clouds consuming the sky as dark as the void slowly heading towards us. Normally, looking at clouds wouldn''t be a world ending thing but with all the scare going around at the moment, we''d be foolish to assume everything will be alright. The do seem to look a little unnatural though.


    "Let''s just hope it''s just a simple storm approaching. That does look really ominous though..."


    __________


    ---And volume 3 isplete! Thanks to everyone making it this far and boy, this volume has been pretty long, this was the only time I could think of that would suit an ending to it. Reckon we''re halfway through the story now but don''t take that as fact. There''s still loads to tell and hopefully you can see the ending with me!


    ---There''s not much to add this time around other than the usual, an interval will be out tomorrow (There''s a HUGE AI update as well) and shouldn''t be gone too long as well, doubtful it''ll even be a week.


    ---What to expect from the next volume? Surviving the ice age, a lot of story/adventure driven content with party members again and the lovebirds basically bing untouchable...


    ---Should finally be doing a patron advanced chapter thing as well when returning if anyone wants to know, still going to remain entirely free regardless. Thanks once again and see you soon! (Or in thements cause they still all get read)

 Interval – (Vol3)

    Interval ¨C (Vol3)


    ---I¡¯ve done aplete rework of the AI stuff (Loads of new additions too) and you can check it in the chapter after this one (Literally releasing at the same time, made sense for a dedicated chapter). Also a tiny update to the map as well down here at the bottom as well.


    __________


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 566]


    [Health 120,000*/120,000*]


    [Stamina 40,000*/40,000*]


    [Magicka 70,000*/70,000*]


    [You currently have 108000 unassigned points]


    ---Primary ¨C Excalibur (Magic beam effect, random magical block)


    ---Secondary ¨C Vampiric de (Sharpness)


    ---Clothing ¨C Dress (Doubled stats)*


    ---Ring ¨C Ring (Storage)


    __________


    ---Sub-System Abilities---


    ---Volume 1---


    contract killer - 10% killed humanoid lvl (Ignores -user- lvl)


    sacrificialmb - 5000 distribution points exchange for ability draw (1/20)


    subspace (Enchanted ring) - Storage space size of phoenix form (4 tonnes)


    frost walker - 50% frost magic resistance (Water magic counts)


    undead fiend ¨C Invisibility (Cannot use attacks, 24h cooldown)


    aspect of gigantomachy ¨C 50,000 damage hit (Resistances do apply, 24h)


    ---Volume 2---


    kallikantzaros killer ¨C 25% damage to ALL goblin type creatures (Orcs count)


    blessing of Typhon ¨C 10% damage to ALL monster type creatures (Listed under stat page)


    dungeon blessed ¨C Automatic curse removal (24h, can also use on others)


    eye of wisdom ¨C Can detect when someone is lying or not (No drawbacks but in constant use)


    ---Sacrificial Lamb---


    star ze ¨C Small sun envelops (Size of small building, 5 minutes, 24h)


    human descent ¨C Human form change (Form has feathers and retractable wings)


    ---Volume 3---


    ---Sacrificial Lamb---


    doubled potential ¨C Doubled stats for 10 minutes (24h, DOESN¡¯T stack with enchanted clothing)


    supernova ¨C Creates a TINY fraction of what an actual supernova can do (24h, can use percentages of it, 0% EXP)


    atomic hellfire ¨C Basically a literal nuke (24H, a lot smaller than modern nukes, 0% EXP)


    meteor shower ¨C Rains down meteors for 15 minutes (24H, 0% EXP)


    second chance ¨C Revive any person/creature dead for under 60 minutes (1 Year cooldown, no double uses on target)


    personal domain ¨C Creatable small realm inside -user¡¯s- head (60 Minutes inside equal 1 minute outside)


    magma walker ¨C Walkablevake for phoenixes (Lava hardening depends on temperature, 24h)


    plot protection ¨C Allows -user-plete immunity to damage for 5 minutes (24h)


    burning hellfire ¨C Simr to atomic hellfire except no crater, firests much longer and burns everything away (24h)


    doppelganger ¨C Allows user to create a second Ikarus (No cooldown time but clone is extremely limited)


    ---Other---


    immortality ¨C Stops ageing permanently (Drawback could be living longer than wanted)


    __________


    ---Phoenix Species---


    100% fire resistance


    extremely high alcohol tolerance


    infertile


    __________


    ---Other---


    Status doesn¡¯t work on sleeping target


    Reincarnated Person (RP) cannot be enved


    4 MAIN types of magic (Fire, Water, Lightning and Wind)


    User magic cannot self-harm


    __________


    ---Stat distribution---


    ---An example of how each species gets different stat points---


    Lvl 3 Phoenix - [Health 500/500] [Stamina 500/500] [Magicka 500/500]


    Lvl 3 Human - [Health 100/100] [Stamina 100/100] [Magicka 100/100]


    ---M = Monster type (Typhoon ability)


    Phoenix = 500 stat M


    Demon Lord = 500 stat M


    Cyclops = 400 stat M


    Dragon = 250 stat M


    Orc = 225 stat M


    Dryad = 200 stat


    Wraith = 200 stat


    Lich  = 200 stat


    Vampire = 200 stat


    Bear = 175 stat


    Wyvern = 150 stat M


    Panther = 150 stat


    Subus = 125 stat


    Human = 100 stat


    Racoon¡¯oid = 100 stat


    Wolf¡¯oid = 100 stat


    Cat¡¯oid = 100 stat


    Dwarf = 100 stat


    Elf = 100 stat


    Wolf = 75 stat


    Goblin = 50 stat M


    Mecha = N/A


    __________


    Only tiny update to map this time around so only check the other intervals if you want to see it all.


    ---Continent of <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Sierra</strong> Map (Northeast)---


    ---Gold crown is <strong>capital</strong>, red dragon is <strong>home cave</strong>,


    ---(NEW) <strong>Spire</strong> and <strong>monastery</strong> destruction, settlement improvements in top left corner.


    __________


    ---Please note, the map isn''t to <strong>SCALE</strong>! This is four continents remember so all the settlements are much smaller than they appear on the map. It''s not possible to get everywhere explored in and for it to be to scale!


    ---<strong>Sierran</strong> Map


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ---Inds -<strong>before </strong>and<strong> -after-</strong>


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    --- <strong>Entire</strong> map (The fourth continent is purposely unknown for now)


    Spoiler


    [copse]

 Chapter 141.5 – Empire’s Update (Announcement)

    Chapter 141.5 ¨C Empire¡¯s Update (Announcement)


    ---I''ve finally embraced the dark side and decided to do the evil author thing of advanced chapters over on Patreon. I purposely won''t mention it too much other than link it once or twice a volume. I know this sort of thing can be a little annoying if it keeps getting brought up (Link is at bottom of page as well as connected to the site).


    ---As for this 0.5 chapter itself, a bit shorter than the usual hence why it''s not a full one. I''ll probably do something like this at the start of every volume, call it something like ''Tales from the Empire/anything else''.


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    (Esmerelda) "Could thou pass me my ss?"


    (Nathan) "Y-Yes ma''am!"


    (Desmond) "For the love of the Gods Nathan! She''s no longer in dragon form so stop that incessant stutter of yours!"


    "E-Empress isn''t the reason y-your majesty. I d-didn''t think I''d be meeting M-Mr Dermakvar again"


    "Hmph, you really are a terrified little mortal. If I meant to eat you, I would''ve done that when you saved little one years ago"


    "Cu?"


    "No littlest one, you can''t eat him either"


    After fending off the invasion, me and Nathan, the empire''s most trusted advisers are currently in the war room again with the leaders and two additional hidden dragons right this moment. I''m obviously being sarcastic about the adviser thing but we are heavily favoured after all, it''s a shame Nathan still can''t speak around dragons, even hidden dragons no less.


    Should we really be having this kid inside this ce? What am I saying, of course it''s okay. That smaller brown dragon was a right little danger towards the demons when the invasion was in full force, he does seem pretty shy and keeps using cu when around us humans though.


    He kinda reminds me of Desmond when he was young, albeit much cuter and a hell of a lot more violent. I''ve seen firsthand what him and his father can do to a bunch of demons and boy, they don''t disappoint. It''s a bloody good thing we''re no longer pursuing them like with the old empire.


    The war room has seen better days at this point but this is really the first time we''ve had a break since the invasion. Dermakvar in particr wanted a breather before heading back home to his cave so he''s been an important guest for a bit. Considering he apparently despises this form; he doesn''t look all that concerned right now having Minos sitting on hisp.


    "Jekyll, are even paying attention right now? Give me a recap again so I know what we''ve got to do"


    "I''m listening, just rather not to get involved when you''re ying games. As for an update, we''ve lost considerable parts of the city Emperor Desmond but if you want honesty... we''vee out of this exceptionally wellpared to other ces. Having three dragons in the vicinity obviously helped massively"


    I''ve heard reports from other ces mostly within the empire that didn''t fare as well from the day long invasion and even more sightings of the rare dragon popping up around the ce to assist us mortals. If the enemy didn''t disappear without a even a trace, things could''ve been pretty dicey.


    Ah, forgot about that. Esmerelda herself made a public appearance in her true form during that battle and the poption is in an uproar right now. I say that as it''s a good thing, the idea of having mythical creatures protecting citizens is something everyone has been a huge fan of. Even the hidden remaining rebels in the east have either started to surrender or have switched allegiance. They still can''t be trusted due to that city needing aplete overhaul from that very situation but at least that battle should now be over with no more death for both sides.


    "As much as everyone hated my brother, that deal he made really can''t be underestimated. You as well Minos, that bite of yours sent many demons into despair"


    "Cu!"


    "Hmph! You mortals fail to see us dragons would''ve destroyed those demonic bastards without being indebted to your little empire. Other than wyverns, there''s nothing worse than those pointy horned, crimson idiots"


    "Yeah yeah, everyone knows about your wyvern disgust Dermak. That hasn''t gotten boring yet"


    "One agrees with Des, one is also tired of Dermakvar''s wyvern plight"


    The more and more you spend time around these dragons, the less and less you actually see them as superior mythical creatures. All seem to be uniquely strange and Dermakvar in particr has an unnatural disgust for wyverns.


    The ck dragon just scoffs at them like they know nothing and decides to be quiet now.


    "Then, let''s start to get serious, shall we? First off, we need to enhance the defence on the eastern side because..."


    While we''re starting to discuss rebuilding ns, a messenger quietly sneaks into the room in search of the royal knight Nathan. This almost looks like some secretive spy thing going on but there''s only one thing on this continent that could turn his attention away from duty...


    "...L-Lotte''s finally returned!? Apologies your m-majesty but could I be excused?"


    His face always lights up when the priestess is back in town. We all found it strange how she basically left without even telling the reason why but she has always been serving the ''Lord'', whoever that is.


    "Of course knight! It''s perfectly fine that you turn your back on the empire for your girlfr-... ouch!"


    "Des..."


    The emperor receives a beating from his wife and rightfully so. He treats the royal knight way too much like a drinking friend at times and sometimes ites across a little weird. That sarcasm in particr get on the empress''s nerves.


    "He knows I''m only messing with him, right Nathan? That was uncalled for this time around Es"


    "Thou''s incessant teasing of the boy is getting stale as much as the wyvern hatred around here now"


    Almost as if they both know this situation all too well, I see Dermakvar and Desmond''s eyes meet asrades in arms or something. Have zero clue what that was about but maybe it has something to do with couples? Never cared all that much for such distractions really.


    "Is t-that a yes then y-your majesty?"


    "Sure, just make sure you give me any updates you two may receive... stop giving me that re Es! I''m actually not making a joke this time, updates on what she''s been up to. I really don''t care what they get up to while dating..."


    And so, the royal knight goes off in search of his priestess lover. Can''t say I me him for his noble quest, anything to get out of these meetings at times. It''s not exactly like two of the most powerful people within the empire need protecting anyways.


    "*Sigh*... can we get back on topic now then? As I was saying before, what we need..."


    Just as Desmond is about to start discussing ns again, another messenger pops through the door. This time, he really is starting to get pissed at the distractions.


    "...For the love of who knows what! What is it this time!?"


    "Your majesty! There''s been an update to the goings on around the world... the volcano has erupted!"


    ...


    A devastating silence fills the room with all of us knowing the consequences of this problem. Out of any problem this world could face, this might be up there with the worst...


    That volcano has erupted, the one which nearly killed half the elves and even effected temperatures and harvests over here? History has never been well recorded but thest eruption was known for being extremely deadly, and it''s now just erupted with no warning?


    Some historians I spoke to a while back reckon it could''ve killed close to a quarter of the poption if you ount for initial impact to long term starvation. Keep in mind, thest eruption was smallpared to others...


    The first to break the deafening silence ends up being Dermakvar flooding the room with an extremely angry aura.


    "Those fucking Gods... don''t repeat what I just said to your mother littlest one. They just couldn''t help meddling down here again, I bet those demons had something to do with this as well"


    "Cu?"


    "Dermakvar is correct. One knows the Gods must be inflicting punishment on mortals for some reason. Those vermin just cannot leave this mortal world alone"


    So, the Gods have decided will should suffer immensely? What sick, twisted game is this? Thest was rumoured to be a God''s work as well but no one was ever too sure on that. If the dragons say it was the Gods, then this must be the case.


    The strange thing is, all of us seem depressed about this news but strangely enough, it''s the emperor who seems to be pondering on something. It''s almost as if Desmond knew something like this was happening soon.


    "Having been in contact with Jarl Denver, I feel like you two may be a little off the mark with this"


    "You think you know better than two dragons, little emperor!?"


    "Agreed, Es shouldn''t downy what the Gods are capable off"


    His reluctance on the matter seems to piss them both off but there''s something Desmond knows that he hasn''t shared just yet. He maye across rough but he''d never neglect something like this.


    "I''ve done or doing nothing of the sorts. It''s just a previous conversation with the boyes to mind about a contingency n, something rted to what could happen if a God tampers with the volcano. He called it thest resort that would doom thousands, but end up saving millions in the process"


    (Jekyll) "What was that n then?"


    Before responding, you can actually hear his gulp. It doesn''t matter if the dwarven jarl is involved or not, it''s still the magical volcano that''s been the bane of this world.


    "He personally... would set it off before it fully erupted. It had something to do with reducing the force..."


    __________

 Chapter 142 – All Powerful

    Chapter 142 ¨C All Powerful


    Seven dayster...


    "You know Petra, your new look really suits you"


    "Heh, th---- Ikarus. You al---- look as ------ful as ever t--"


    "Sorry, what was that? Ah, these poxy gasmasks!"


    Crunching through the never-ending snow with both of us wearing gasmasks, me and Petra wanted a little bit of time outside for a while, there''s only so much being cooped up we can handle really. Witnessing the settlement covered by ayer of dark clouds and knee-deep snow, it''s slightly creepy if you factor in theck of any voicesing from anywhere around here. It''s almost as if our town ispletely dead.


    The gasmasks are simply down to the volcanic clouds still smothering this area causing the quality of air to be terrible. You can breathe for a little while but it''s like breathing in a mouthful of dust, it still is pretty bad right now so going out without a gasmask is really not a great idea. Apparently as an immortal phoenix, you still need to breathe oxygen. I know, I still can''t bathe in the volcano unfortunately. I''m pretty sure the no damage ability would allow me to do it for five minutes though.


    Due to the cold as well, Petra has changed her style a little and has added a ck and redyer to her current outfit. I''ve also got a new outfit made, obviously still from the same enchanted base. The colours are a mixture of white, orange and ck and I now kinda look more like a freaking German barmaid with this getup! Combine that with the attached stockings that somehow manage to trick the aura, I look pretty good to be fair. I''m used to feeling embarrassed and ufortable by now so wearing something like this even in the freezing cold is nothing!


    Time hasn''t been limited when all of us have been unable to stay on the surface for too long so upgrading my enchanted dress was something from boredom more than anything else. It''s still revealing as hell but feathers in the hybrid form basically make the cold a non-issue anyways. Ah, I have some resistance to that sort of thing as well, forgot about that.


    How we''re actually fairing right now, the first days in particr were hell but we seem to be adapting well enough now. Starvation could be a real problem if the crops underground don''t start to grow quickly enough but we still have a good enough stock tost for now. Most of the settlement are either locked up inside homes or underground so we can afford to ration things out a lot with most people not being able to work.


    We have no idea how other ces are currently faring right now. Obviously, we''re going to get the worst of it since we''re the closest settlement to the volcano excluding the dwarfs but news has been eerily quiet right now. Due to the cold, the ocean has mostly frozen over and it would kill any message birds to be sent as well. We should only focus on ourselves right now though, helping the entire world get through this crisis is an impossibility. And frankly, I don''t care about them.


    "You still go--- to do w--- you --ed, Ikarus?"


    "Ah, fuck this, I can''t hear you Petra! I''m taking this stupid thing off!"


    "Aesa advises -Ikarus- leave mask on otherwise breathing will be much harder"


    "It''s already been a week Aesa; you''d think it would be safe to breathe by now"


    "-Ikarus- should already know not everything in this world is easy to predict"


    Ah, should probably mention clone Ikarus is with us out in the snow dressed in nothing but that pink dress Aesa now wears. She can always speak inside my head somunication with her is fine and clones don''t need to breathe apparently. I don''t make up the rules folks!


    Anyways, Petraes up to me and adjusts something on my mask almost immediately making things better. I''m such a freaking child at times.


    "Heh, that better Ikarus? You were wearing it wrong again. You haven''t forgotten what you came out here to do, right?


    Ah right, nearly forgot the main reason we''re out here for. It''s time for a little R and R. By that, I mean bing all powerful and defeating any foes that stand in my way! That doesn''t really work for starvation or freezing to death but you''ll get what I mean in a second.


    "Aesa?"


    "Aesa will now show -Ikarus- status screen"


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 566]


    [Health 120,000*/120,000*]


    [Stamina 36,528*/40,000*]


    [Magicka 70,000*/70,000*]


    [You currently have 108000 unassigned points]


    "Let''s see then... let''s start with maxing out my health first. With the doubled effect, that should bring me down to the eighty thousands, I believe"


    "Confirmed, health is now at 166,666"


    While I''m discussing what to do with Aesa, Petra approaches me from behind and goes in for a cuddle around my waist resting her head on my shoulder. If it wasn''t for the World War One gasmasks we have on, I''d give her a quick kiss in return.


    "Then... damn it Petra, leave my arse alone right now! Where was I..."


    If I try to ignore the obnoxious devilish phoenix groping my backside, I''m pretty sure I need roughly forty thousand to unlock every ability since there''s eight left. I could do that but I''d also like to give magic a good boost as well.


    "...Screw it, let''s max out magicka as wel-, Petra! N-Not right now, d-damn it!"


    "Heh, Aesa really doesn''t care Ikarus. We could do it right here in the middle of the snow and she really wouldn''t care"


    "B-But still, not right now, okay?"


    If it isn''t obvious yet, Petra hands have wondered somewhere higher where cold can make two things stand on edge and it''s irritating me now. Not because I don''t like it, just that I really can''t multitask like this. Petra has seemed to be a little hornier ever since the volcano erupted oddly enough.


    My best guess is like me, she doesn''t really have much in the way of hobbies so it''s basically just been us making sweet love nearly every day at this point when time allows it. While the entire settlement struggles to survive, we''re humping like rabbits. Not like there''s anything else to do but still.


    "Aesa confirms magicka increase, status screen has adjusted ordingly"


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 566]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 38,828*/40,000*]


    [Magicka 166,666*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 36334 unassigned points]


    "Ah shit, I didn''t want to buy all the abilities anyways. Let''s just buy half of the remaining four and see how that goes... Aesa?"


    "Does -Ikarus- wish to confir-... doing this pisses Aesa off now..."


    ''Aesa actually looks annoyed, that''s like the first expression she''s made!''


    "...Forcibly skipping... processing... processing... four purchases of -sacrificialmb- have been unlocked. -User- has unlocked -winged brethren-, -sun kiss-, -raining napalm- and -admin privileges-"


    "So, what do they do th-, damn it Petra! Seriously!? The groping I can enjoy but if you''re going to start pinching, I''m going to end up hitting you in a minute! Wait..."


    What the hell has gotten into her? She''s never been this bad, unless...


    "...You haven''t taken one of those aphrodisiac love potions, right??"


    "Heh, guess you caught me Ikarus. Guess I just can''t control myself right now"


    ''That''s one hundred percent a lie, this is her just being extremely horny for some reason''


    Despite Petra being this hands on, Aesa really couldn''t give two shits and just waits for us to be finished. She does like Petra so it wouldn''t surprise me if she''s secretly enjoying my plight...


    [<-User- is wasting limited brain power specting on something absurd>]


    ''Yeah yeah, you big tsundere''


    Anyways, moving back on to my future wife to be...


    "Petra, just because you''re bored doesn''t mean you can use me as your ything"


    "Heh, what makes you think I''m bored Ikarus? If you really hated it that much, you''d have pushed me away by now. Just say no and I''ll instantly stop"


    Sighhh, of course it''s not like I dislike it, I''m just trying to do something and she-... she''s purposely being distracting right now! Of course it''s that, this is just her finding some stupid way of teasing rather than horniness. What better way of distraction while I''m doing status management then groping!? It''s that redness in my face she''s addicted to, I know it!


    "Can I at least please finish this first? Then you can do whatever the hell you want!"


    "Heh, anything Ikarus? I''ll keep that in mind"


    I don''t even care on the filth what could be going through her dirty mind right now, this bird cannot multitask like this! Huh, I guess I''m still like a guy with that multitask thing.


    "So then Aesa, back onto what we were doing before I was RUDELY interrupted by that sexy piece of ass over there. What do those four new abilities do?"


    Petra just stands there casually smiling and no longer keeping up her sexual harassment... I kinda want her to do it again now. I''m such a freaking idiot.


    "All new abilities excluding -winged brethren- have 24-hour cooldown and are surprisingly unique. Aesa suggests -Ikarus- start with -winged brethren- first and think of a winged creature"


    Oh, is this some sort of clone ability then? Can I make another phoenix or even a dragon perhaps? I wonder if Aesa will be able to pilot itt.


    "Okay... a dragon then?"


    "Activating..."


    As soon as Aesa says that, I start to feel my body rapidly start getting bigger and morphing into something else. It''s strangelyfortable expect the fact it''s now forced me down onto my knees, or four legs. Wait, four legs!? The hell is going on!?


    "Aesa, what the fuck is happening?"


    ...


    I get no response except a surprised look from Petra doing this transformation. Thankfully, it''s now over and I have a pretty good idea what I look like. What w weird bunch of abilites I have.


    "Wow, never thought to get witness something like this. Heh, looks like we''ve found dragon number ten then"


    "..."


    A huge, terrifying dragon now stands tall above both Petra and Aesa with said dragon being me! Obviously, I''m going to be orange looking but my size shocks me a little, I''m fucking huge! For some reason, I can''t seem to speak like this though.


    <The fuck!? I thought dragons could speak but don''t because it''s too dangerous?>


    "You picked up telekinesis that quickly Ikarus?"


    "Telekinesis, or telepathy as -Ikarus- calls it must obviouslye to dragons naturally if it''s been picked up this easily"


    Using telepathy is just as easy andmunication with Aesa through using thoughts, this isn''t a big deal at all. Being a gigantic orange dragon is!


    <Don''t get me wrong, this is cool and all but how the hell do I switch back?>


    I must be roughly the same size as father in this form! Bing a dragon is pretty damn dope except for the huge overwhelming fact... I really don''t like being big and this makes me feel fat. I''m obviously not but still, the phoenix bird form as bad enough and I could probably eat myself in two bites like this!


    "Heh, do you not like being big and scary Ikarus?"


    <You''re actually right Petra... I bet my arse looks massive right now>


    "Heh, you''re still the adorable, chubby bird I fell in love with even when you look like the cutest world ender out of them all"


    Of course, Petra likes me in this form as well, is that really surprising? She can see past appearances, I''m still stuck with that third leg phobia I apparently have. I''d still love Petra if she changed, just we''d probably have to do everything blindfolded and make sure it never touches me... why am I thinking so heavily on this?


    <Thanks Petra but seriously Aesa, can I switch back already?>


    "Aesa will deactivate -winged brethren- then"


    In reverse, the same type of body morph switch happens and I end back into the cute hybrid form everyone knows and loves. That form is definitely going to be fun to try out when I get a sec. Oh, need my gasmask back on as well quickly, almost didn''t realize breathing was fine as a dragon.


    I''ll figure out what I can do with that form another time but I''m guessing it''ll be pretty easy to adapt to if I just use my magic and stuff. I''m betting it''ll be great for flying acrossrge distances as most dragons fly fast as fuck.


    "Onto the next ones then Aesa please"


    "For the next two, Aesa suggests -Ikarus- don''t activate these right now. -Sun kiss- and -raining napalm- are both attack based abilities which could cause significant damage to the surroundings..."


    ''Ah, more devastation type things then''


    "...Specific description for -raining napalm- would beparable to raining fire that sticks and burns to anything below. For -sun kiss-, beams of light from the sun shoot and pierce enemies below as well"


    It''s pretty funny how I look forward to the non-attacking ones rather than the killing abilities now. Don''t get me wrong, I''m grateful for all of these but being able to kill something twenty different ways seems a little much. I guess it''s technically not that many but still.


    So anyways, the napalm attack might be like an airstrike that the Americans do I''m presuming and sun kiss would be like... deadly God rays? You know those beams of light that appear behind anding out of clouds? I''m assuming both would technically stille under fire so I should be able to use them with the phoenix fam. Heh, I guess we are kinda like a family, me and Petra are the parents while the other two are like kids who have grown up. Is Zeki really grown up though?


    I guess it makes sense why I keep getting sky-based abilities if you just base this off how the myth around the original Icarus works. He did fall from the sky andbine that with my fire, it kinda makes sense why this sort of stuff keeps being unlocked. I''m not going toin about not testing it out though, I kinda expect this now.


    "Oh well, let''s move on to thest then. Aesa?"


    "Aesa knows -Ikarus- will love -admin privileges- ability and this could be one of more useful abilities. Aesa really is a huge fan of this"


    The way Aesa''s bigging this up, she''s actually showing the tiny amount of excitement to go along with it. We''ve really got to make sure she''s in this form more often since it hopefully it will give her something to do rather than just assisting me all the time.


    "Tell me what it does then"


    "Target -Petra- and -Ikarus-, hold hands with Aesa before we activate ability. It''ll be better shown rather than exined"


    ''Aesa wants all three of us to hold hands? What sort of weird ability is this?''


    We all do what she asks anyways and join hands, then Aesa continues to speak once again.


    "Now, -Ikarus- must think of any location close by on these inds, it could be anywhere but just stick with these inds for now. Once done, Aesa will activate ability"


    "Okay Aesa... what about the Magi towe-..."


    ...


    __________


    "...What the fuck?"


    "Heh, i-it''s fucking f-freezing up h-here Ikarus"


    "Seriously -user-? Couldn''t you have thought of any ce other than the peak of the tower!?"


    We''ve somehow managed to end up right at the top of the new Magi tower right where the spire is. Believe me, if you think being down there is cold, then standing at the top of a literal skyscraper when it''s still snowing is bone shivering even for me. I dread to think how cold Petra is right now.


    I''m getting both these two on my back right now, then lighting up a fire up on my back on the way down.


    "Don''t you be moaning at me! If you had told me it''s a teleportation ability, then I would''ve chosen somewhere more suitable. It''s called the Spire, of course I''m going to think of the spire on top of it!


    Changing form and getting those two onto me, I start to rapidly make my way down to the warmer surface while Aesa gives me some more information. I can definitely feel Petra''s shivering dying down now, fucking Aesa man! This is on her! I refuse to call myself stupid for this.


    "Anyways -user-... -admin privileges- allows -Ikarus- to teleport to ANY previous location at any time with only with drawback being cooldown. Just from abat survivability perspective, this might be Aesa''s favourite"


    Aesa'' favourite ability is one that allows me to flee like a coward? Ah, I''m not even going to question her on this, this freaking ability is dope if you exclude what just happened! You understand how much time this will save getting around? It can take weeks, even months to get around at times even with me flying so being able to skip all of that in a second is brilliant!


    Wait... could this work in realms as well like that quick visit we made to hell? If so, this bes even doper! Aesa did say any previous location visited so that should work as well, right? Not sure why I''d want too but at least this allows me to start hopping around worlds at any moment if I so desire. Hang on, I''ve just thought of something else as well...


    "Aesa... if it''s to any ce I''ve been before, doesn''t that mean I could return to Earth?"


    "Hypothetically speaking, yes. Aesa presumes -Ikarus- would be able to do so although, Aesa feels like it could be risky"


    "Do you miss Earth a lot Ikarus?"


    Petra''s now sounds depressed. The shivering haspletely stopped but why does this make her sound sad?


    "Not particrly Petra, just it could be good for some interdimensional shopping, right? The chance to try some fast food or buy some fizzy drink sounds brilliant... why do you sound so depressed about it though?"


    "So, if given the chance, you would definitely remain here?"


    "Of course I''m staying here! My ce is obviously with you. That still doesn''t answer why you seem a little down about it. Wouldn''t you want to go on a vacation back to Earth?"


    "Heh, visiting would be perfectly fine Ikarus, it''s just more the worry if we couldn''t get back. I''d follow you anywhere irrelevant of the world, just I don''t remember having any happy memories even back then. That''s from the tiny amount I can even remember"


    Oh, so she''s just a little bit worried about repaying a visit to our home then, gotcha. Can''t say I''m like that but had no ties back then so it''s never been like I had bad memories; I''m just thinking more for my stomach really. I never knew my parents nor ever kept in touch with any of the few exes I had so bad memories are kindacking... I wonder what happened to my t anyways? Ah, forget it, we''re not going to Earth anytime soon so i matters little.


    "Anyways, we''re still not sure if it even works yet so best leave that for a time when time is better..."


    I''m way too unsure about doing it so we''ll leave that idea for now. Think about it though, who''s to say time would be right? In my personal headspace which is technically considered a world, time flows slower and I even suspected something like that on that quick trip to hell, just in reverse. If returning to Earth did something like that, we could be gone for minutes and may even lose months inside here. It would be fine the other way around but the unknowns are too risky right now. Being unable to check time flow kinda does that.


    "...When we get back, I need to get this chill out of my bones and I know the best course of action. You may want to disappear Aesa when things get heated if you catch my meaning"


    "Heh... you actually present a good question there Ikarus. Would Aesa be interested in that sort of thing? I know she''s not interested in much but there must be something she wants to do, even if it''s more animalistic in nature"


    ''Petra''s mind is in the gutter again, as if she''d be willing to share me even with an AI''


    "Haw haw Petra, are you really suggesting a threesome with Aesa? What happened to the extremely jealous beauty I know and love?"


    "Heh, I''m still the same exact scarred bird like always Ikarus. Just think about it though, would Aesa being involved even be something to get jealous over? It would be weird, sure but I don''t think it would count since she is you after all"


    Is this really what Petra thinks about in her free time? I swear my stupidity is starting to rub off on her now, can already tell Aesa''s going to shut this down quick enough.


    "To answer target Petra''s question, no. Aesa would find the entire concept pointless when Aesa has already experienced those shared moment of passion loads of times before"


    Oh right, Aesa has said before she feels everything I experience. That does actually present a really weird question that horny Petra has made me think about, would it even count as a threesome if my system were involved too? I mean, it''s my cloned body and Aesa is technically part of me as well so she technically has already been part of it, I think Petra is right here. Not saying anything would ever happen, it''s just a really weird andplicated thought.


    If I were to think what might happen, I could see Aesa taking up the teasing role pretty effectively alongside Petra and I might be screwed having two of them in that situation... I need to stop now. Aesa can hear my thoughts after all... I''m hoping I forget about this in a few minutes now.


    ''No idea why I''m even thinking so heavily about this, Aesa has already said she ain''t interested... oh shit! I was going to put the remining points into stamina. Eh, I''ll do that another time...''

 Chapter 142.5 – Perverts (18+)

    Chapter 142.5 ¨C Perverts (18+)


    "Petra... now that we''re fianc¨¦s, I''m guessing this is your way of showing me how much of a pervert you are?"


    "Heh Ikarus, had these hidden away for a while but never knew when to bring them up or if you''d befortable with it. Anything pike your curiosity or is it all a little much? We don''t have to use anything and I''m happy to throw it all away as well if you don''t like it"


    What greets me on our lovely king-sized bed now in our fully decorated bedroom is quite the selection of things. We have the used stuff like the belt and phalluses but in addition to those, we have a much broader selection of phallus this time around and even... vibrators? I think that''s what they are, no idea how you could even create something like that in this world but a couple look to be those smaller types that are connected to a remote and another that happens to be a massager looking thing. Oh, should probably mention the pilled up, soft looking rope as well.


    We have been messing around a lottely just down to boredom but to think Petra had a stash like this hidden away? I''m kinda disappointed she didn''t introduce me to it beforehand... not like I''m going to say that out loud though. She''s supposed to be the pervert in this rtionship, not me!


    At least I can understand why she''s been a little more hands on today than usual, she was probably just worrying about bringing this sort of stuff up and just decided to show it all together doing it all in one go. If I''m being honest, I was expecting even more from her than just a bit of rope with that sort of thing. Like, where''s the whips and chains already? I always thought Petra''s had that sort of fetish yet all she''s got is rope?


    "No no, I always knew I was marrying a pervert. Erm... eh, fuck it, let''s piss about with a little bit of bondage, then see what happens. Can always burn it off if it gets too much"


    "Heh, it''s not that kind of rope Ikarus but there should never be any need for that. We still have the decision of who''s going to be one getting tied up though"


    ...


    Is she seriously asking me that? Petra, who''s entire existence seems to be about tormenting me, has now suddenly decided to think about deciding who does what?


    "Let''s be real Petra, we both know what role you want to take so don''t lie to yourself"


    "Heh, funny you should say that Ikarus. I''ve actually never been on that side of things, but the thought of being able to tease you that easily is pretty appealing"


    Petra''s never been the one tying up? Oh, maybe her pervious rtionship was a little different than I was expecting then but I really don''t want to think about the vampire Melinda right now. It''s time for a little bit of perversion but beforehand, I need to set some ground rules. I love her and all but I''m not feeling up for a never ending edging session.


    "Fair enough. If we''re going to do this today, there''s one big condition especially when I''m at yourplete mercy. No stopping right when I''m at the edge, alright?"


    "Heh, that spoils half the fun Ikarus, but if that''s what it takes, okay. Beforehand, how about we get dressed up a little for this? I''ve got something new for you to wear as well..."


    __________


    "Seriously Petra!? You get the sexy ck lingerie we both know and love, and I get this frilly, cute orange shit!?"


    "Heh, it suits you really well though Ikarus"


    "I know! That''s the freaking problem! *Sighhh*"


    Petra''s back in that ck lingerie set I''ve seen plenty times before and me, I''m in something simr looking but with more frills, and is more orange and white looking. It''s even got a tiny skirt with it! Why can''t I be the sexy one too?


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Anyways, I ignore my frustration and embarrassment from the outfit and make my way over to our bed trying to be sexy while walking. I''m better off just acting natural because my sexy always seems a little awkward.


    "Heh, lie down t for me, would you gorgeous?"


    "Okay dokey then Petra... Hey, do you want me to call you mistress as well while we do this?"


    I mean, I''m more making a joke but if she''s into it, I''m really not that fussed. I''ve already called her that once when that stupid maid innocent happened, still can''t believe I did that.


    "Heh, and I''m the more perverted one then? We''ll decide that in a second, let''s get you nice and snug then"


    Nowpletely t on the bed, Petra grabs the length of rope, a knife and starts to work down below on my ankles.


    She then lightly pushes my legs apart, focuses on one leg wrapping the rope around my ankle and finally tying it off to the bed post. Repeating the previous action on the other leg, now both legs are spread apart giving me no room to move. As if she hasn''t been on the other side of this, her ropework is way too natural.


    Having both my legspletely apart like this with no room to even wiggle is a pretty overwhelming thought if I''m being honest. It makes me feel a little vulnerable and... slightly turned on as well. I''m not really sure why though.


    "Not too tight?"


    "All good Petra"


    "I''m going to do the same with your arms. If it''s too tight or you want to get out, just say and I''ll do it straight away Ikarus"


    "Sure sure"


    Petra then moves her way around the side of the bed to my arms and starts the tying process up here as well. She''s so gentle doing this that I can barely feel the rope tugging into my wrist, it is pretty weird knowing that arm can no longer be used as she''s finished attaching it the post now. At least I can still make a fist or flip the bird I guess.


    Making her way back round again, it''s now onto the final arm. This gets done just as quick as everything else so now, we''re finished. Me, the phoenix in orange lingerie barely able to move my restrained limbs with Petra, the devilish bird dressed in that goddamn sexy, ck lingerie. I''m slightly nervous what she has in store now, what wicked scenario is she going to whip up? I''m starting to get ahead of myself now it seems, and even more turned on.


    Before doing anything else though, Petra leans in for a quick kiss and I obviously would never turn down such a thing... even if I physically couldn''t right now. It''s actually really overwhelming the position I''m in now, she could continuously torment me and I literally have no resistance other than nuking everything. I''m not even sure I could that to work right now or if some abilities work in this state but less of that thought right now Ikarus. You''re only turning yourself on even further!


    Beingpletely at her mercy while tied down in the shape of an X is really something I never thought I''d experience. I can''t understand why the hell this alone turning me on so much though!? I''m not secretly submissive and into being tied up, I swear! Fuck''s sake!


    "Heh, great as always... you calling me mistress did bring up a good point Ikarus. How far do you want me to go with this?"


    "Erm... What do you mean Petra?"


    "What I mean my adorable and cute tied up little bird, is that, do you want me to give you a mistress treatment, or just keep things more loving? I''m a little unsure just how far you want this to go Ikarus"


    Mistress treatment? Is she suggesting acting like a dominatrix or something? It could be kinda hot, but might it be even more overwhelming? I''m already helpless enough and I''m not sure how I''d react if Petra was to change her persona to be like that. I''d probably struggle to take the roleying seriously as well.


    It''s slightly funny really, this is obviously her being too thoughtful about all this. Here I am,pletely tied up on the bed and her first thought is how I want things to go. It makes me feel like I''ve got more control over this situation than her... huh. I''m oddly surprised about it all.


    "Let''s just keep this more loving than going that direction, at least yet. I''m not sure I''m ready for you wielding a whip and wearing that shiny crap Petra... it might piss me off more if I idently ended up liking it too much. Actually, disregarded the outfit bit, I could see that suiting you really well"


    You know, that shiny ck material that mistresses wear, I don''t know what it''s freaking called! I barely know about this sort of stuff... Oh,tex. I guess I do know what it''s called then.


    "Heh, that''s how we''ll do it then. I''ll still try doing it a little bit though, just say if you don''t like it, alright Ikarus?"


    "Yup"


    While I''m answering, Petra climbs up onto the bed and takes a seat on top of my stomach. Almost immediately, my fluster is only going to get worse especially consider what she''s currently holding up in front of me. I didn''t realize she picked up one of those wired looking vibrators already and that smile on her face, it''s actually worrying.


    "Heh, think you''re really going to enjoy this Ikarus. You know what this is?"


    "Y-Yes"


    "And do you know where this is going Ikarus?"


    "I-Inside me?"


    "Heh, good girl"


    Petra responds while giving me a slight pat on the head and my arousal is only going to get worse from now on, I''ve even started stuttering!


    She then twists herself around a little still on my stomach and I feel that tiny skirt start to lift up. I can tell she''s purposely being slow exploring my panty region, how long it''ll take


    It thankfully doesn''t take too long before Petra lifts the underwear up and starts to explore under it. Unfortunately, the only exploring she''s willing to do is push that tiny vibrator into my growing wetness. It barely feels like it''s even entered but it''s definitely in there now.


    Petra gives me a slight wink, then switches on the remote...


    "Jesus C-Christ! Just how s-strong is that!?!"


    Feeling that small vibrator buzzing inside me is way too strong. That''s not necessarily a bad thing, just it is for me when everyone knows by now, I''ve got the endurance of a dude when ites to sex.


    "Ah, sorry about that Ikarus. Little better now?"


    "Y-Yeah, thanks P-Petra"


    Petra thankfully dials it down to a more reasonable setting and so I can enjoy this without immediately climaxing. It really is pleasantly nice, although, I doubt I''d be able to finish without this being on extremely high. It doesn''t feel close to being enough right now.


    The feeling of the vibration is slightly hard to describe. Unlike everything else, this seems to be a more numbing pleasure but that can also be extremely powerful as well. It''s definitely something different.


    "Heh, how does that feel Ikarus?"


    Petra has started to fiddle with the remote slightly and keeps turning it up and down, this is an incredible pleasure yet only frustration can be obtained. My legs are even starting to quiver but no orgasm is close.


    Urgh, this devil has even started to grope me with her free hand as well. Fuck me, this has suddenly gone great...


    Almost like I''ve forgotten, I go to try and grope my other boob and realize straight away I''m still restrained. Whatever it is she''s doing with that remote, all I want to do is touch myself right now and knowing I can''t, is freaking turning me on even more!


    "Urgh..."


    "Heh, let''s see how long we can keep this up. Don''t worry Ikarus, it''s not edging if you don''t get close, right?"


    Damn this evil woman! I don''t care if I could tell she''s making a joke, don''t be screwing me over like this! It''s like a special kind of torture feeling this turned on with such limited stimtion, ah! That changing buzzing is just... urgh...


    Petra goes in for another kiss but this time it quickly turns French; she''s still fiddling with the setting and groping even like this! The other boob needs touching as well!


    "Mmph..."


    Of course, my moans are going to be muffled. I can''t contain myself around this woman! It turns out, I''m happy to admit I now like bondage.


    Petra stops the kiss and I finally can witness the redness in her face taking over, not that I even care though. I''m still being tortured by vibrating pleasure right now and it''s a great sort of torture. I''m so freaking turned on now, I bet this is what it feel like drinking that love potion.


    "Heh, you''re putting on a lovely show tonight Ikarus so I''ll be really kind. You definitely are going to enjoy this"


    And that''s when Petra gets off me and grabs something I witnessed earlier. That massager looking vibrator, kinda in the shape of a wan-, oh! I remember the name of that on Earth, it''s a magic wand! It''s not suspect why I know that; this isn''t the first rtionship me and Petra have been in before after all. One of my exes had something like that... Ikarus, you''re such a fucking idiot! Don''t let your mind wonder right now!


    Anyways, Petra gets back on me and changes up her position moving back a little. Getting herself reallyfortable taking a painfully slow amount of time, then ces the massager under her perfectly positioned against the top of my forbidden fruit. Giving me onest wink and grin, the switch turns on..


    "F-Fuck! Oh my freaking God!"


    "Heh, it''s nice, isn''t it Ikarus?"


    Nice!?! I could literally cum in seconds with this, why the fuck is this so powerful!? Luckily, she''s turned down a little but damn, the shakes are alreadying in full force and I''m not going tost long like this...


    It doesn''t help she''s returned to fondling my covered breasts again, fuck this Petra! I''m going to cum any second now...


    "Ikarus, hold it in for me... please?"


    "W-What? You w-want m-me to hold it i-in?"


    Trying tomunicate with that intense buzzing between your legs and also with one inside you is definitely a horrid battle. It''s baffling how Petra can remain soposed with that thing attacking her as well but she does look like she may be getting closer as well.


    "Yes, you''ll understand in a moment"


    "F-Fine... I''m struggling though P-Petra"


    I''m now right at the edge and everything is starting to get torturous, I really, really need to cum right now! This might be worse than edging or what she was just doing, how the hell do I hold it in!?


    "C-Can I please c-cum Petra?"


    I feel like my entire body is starting to uncontrobly shake and the pleasure is only getting stronger, let me finish Petra!


    "Not yet Ikarus, just hold on a bit longer"


    "P-Petra pleaseee, I can''t hold this a-any longer!"


    "Little longer Ikarus, you can do it. I''ll even countdown"


    Despite this torture I''m currently withstanding, I''ve somehow managed to find the strength to keep it in and I have no idea where this power hase from. Every part of my body desperately wants to climax yet I can just somehow stop it... oh God, I don''t have that power, it''s getting too much again...


    "Five..."


    "Urgh... I-I can''t h-hold on!"


    "Four..."


    "Petraaa!"


    "Three..."


    "D-Damn it!"


    "Two..."


    "I-I''m going to cry!"


    "One... now Ikarus"


    "ARGH!! Fuckkk! Urgh..."


    Just before the orgasmic waves crash through me, Petra turns both vibrators up causing them to send me violently over the edge losing all control over the climax. Even in this blissful but violent state I''m riding through fighting against the rope, I can easily understand what Petra was going for just by looking at her shaking on top of me as well.


    Obviously, she was trying to get us to finish in sync and that''s worked incredibly... urgh... The buildup was worth it just by how strong it''s ended but, this orgasm is getting painful now just by how much I''m still turned on, these vibrators are killing me...


    "*Huff huff*... Petra, help *huff*"


    "W-What? Ah s-sorry Ikarus"


    Damn, even she''s stuttering now, that must''ve been that intense for her as well, this sensation is too much.


    Thankfully, she''s switched off the vibrator so I can catch my breath for a second. Breathing isn''t being helped since she''s partially copsed on top of me as well but having Petra exhausted looking like that, is only turning me on again.


    "*Huff*, damn... you really should''ve brought them out sooner Petra. I''m more than happy to be a pervert with you if that''s the result"


    "Heh, yeah... you fancy going again Ikarus?"


    "Again!?!"


    "Heh, I''ve got to make the most of this. Never know when I''ll entrap my little bird again"


    It''s actually pretty scary how easily shees out with lines like that, it makes me wonder if it''s more roley or her beingpletely honest. Eh, I think that''s the entire point of what she does, her teasing is supposed to be ominous...


    "Funny... let''s go again then. I''m not sure if I''ll have the strength to hold it in like that again though"


    "Heh, that''s fine Ikarus. How about we keep this up for half an hour or so and see how we feel after?"


    ''Half an hour!? Damn, I can''t keep up with my horny fianc¨¦ it seems...''


    ...


    Ah screw it, it does seem a waste considering all the work it took dressing up like this and being tied down. Might as well make the most out of this experience and cum as much as possible, right? I''m definitely going to be feeling this tomorrow though...


    "Fineee..."


    __________


    Something I failed to take into ount, is that those vibrators don''t discriminate or even let off in the slightest. In the space of ten minutes, I hit that sweet climax three more times...


    *Huff huff*, n-no more *huff*, Petra *huff*, c-can''t take anymore *huff*"


    "Heh *huff*... w-we''ll stop now..."

 Chapter 143 – Planets

    Chapter 143 ¨Cs


    ---Was thinking about doing a Halloween themed chapter but didn''t have the time for it, so here''s the art and a little snip bit that would''ve been used.


    "D-Damn it Petra! This is way too short!"


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ¡°Heh, that¡¯s a you problem Ikarus¡±


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ¡°I¡¯m not a big fan of mine as well¡±


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ¡°Are you two serious!? At least you don¡¯t have a cow screwing you over like this¡±


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    __________


    "Miss Ikarus and miss Petra! I''m so happy I get to serve the two queens again!"


    Oh God. Remember that maid how happened to hear me and Petra during the boob incident? Of freaking course, she''s back again, not sure why I''m surprised seeing that I knew she was in here already... Hang on, is that my old maid dress!? Petra, you naughty vixen. I know that she needed a uniform but still, that was mine! Wait, I don''t even care though...


    I''m pretty sure I''ve neglected describing the elf''s appearance, she''s would be considered a stunner if you''re into curly blonde hair and blue eyes. Andrge breasts as well but I think that''s because she goes braless. I''m probably being a little harsh but I already know what''s about to happen...


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Anyways, she''s just given us our breakfasts consisting of an egg tart looking thing, we obviously still get fed well due to leader privileges after all of course but this is a little disappointing to the normal cake diet I enjoy so much. The best kind of eggs alwayse from my bottom after all but those always end up as omeletts as even Petra enjoys them.


    "Heh, nice to see you again Eve. I''m going to assume you heard us again?"


    "Hehe, don''t worry about it! There''s a reason why Marcus has personally assigned me to you two! My lips are sealed..."


    Oh yeah. Due to the snow and all volcano stuff, she''s basically living inside the leaders'' house alone with us. Most people prefer to sleep where they work at the moment, mostly down to do with the heating situation more than anything else. We can easily afford to heat ces that can house loads of people but it''s impossible to keep everyone warm if they were all to remain in their homes. That''s another reason why the mines have been so packed as well, heat get easily trapped down there so it''s perfect for living through this.


    "...Although, you may want to use something else other than rope next time. It can sometimes leave a mark and you don''t want anyone knowing about that! I even have some softer cuffs if you n on doing it again. If you don''t care about marks at all, I even have a whip somewhere! If I can remember where I put it..."


    ...


    I have no words. This woman is just, it''s a good thing Petra likes her so much. Imagine having a maid like this.


    "Heh, we''ll definitely keep that in mind then. You hear that Ikarus, Eve has a whip we can use"


    "*Sighhh*... I''m going to kick both of you outside naked in the snow in a minute..."


    __________


    (Garry) "Idiotic bastards! Move your arses!"


    (Jaxon) "Yeah, we''re not running a daycare for youyabouts! Get a move on!"


    We''ve gone to pay a quick visit around the settlement looking to help and in one of the main chambers of the mine resides both Garry and Jaxon shouting at some workers for taking a rest. I can now imagine both of them wielding whips down to Eve being a huge pain in the arse, the miners deserve no sypathy though. All of them look guilty as sin.


    The mines themselves have basically be a massive hub for farming and residential right now with anybourers having to switch up their jobs ordingly to amodate for everyone. It wouldn''t surprise me if mining activities havepletely stopped due to the production of filtration systems, gasmasks and heaters but surviving alwayses first. We''re going to get through this without a single person dying from the ice age, mark my words. Then, we''re going to get revenge on the bastard God who did this... Or Denver if he set it off for an evil reason.


    (Ikarus) "Do you need two need help with anything?"


    "What? Oh, apologiessses but there isn''t much for you to help out on"


    "The gnome''s right, we already rely on the two queens way too much as well so asking for anymore is disgraceful"


    ''This settlement really doesn''t need us... it makes me strangely proud''


    Heh, to think we''ve made this settlement so self-reliant that even our help is getting turned away. This isn''t the first time today this has happened already.


    Before visiting here, we already visited Marcus and Ariza, both of them didn''t need anything either. Heck, even Penelope over at the Magi guild was fine. The mages themselves are pretty arrogant when ites to receiving aid so they''ve been dealing with this crisis separately. The Adventures are the opposite though, they''ve been giving assistance underground to everyone for the most part.


    Now that the workers who have just been disciplined and the two others have made a move on back down into the deeper areas of the mines, it''s up for us to decide what to do and honestly, Petra is simr to me when ites to this sort of thing. We really have no normal hobbies and I''m not exaggerating!


    "So... what do we do now then Petra? I''m starting to feel like we need to find something really mundane to do with or without each other"


    "Heh, can think or something that''s always great to do together if you catch my meaning Ikarus"


    ...


    Okay, at least that confirms it, a bored Petra equals a horny Petra. I''m more than happy to do it with her every night but still, we can''t be doing it every second of the day, right? Should probably mention that seemed to be a joke but I''m notpletely sure...


    "*Sighhh*... all you can do is think with your pants right now. Seriously though, what should we do?"


    "Heh, hmm... could always go for a walk up on the surface again, maybe we might find something interesting going on this time around?"


    Just given how crammed the mines are right now and the fact I can still get a little ustrophobic at times, going outside is always preferred, only was ever offering to help out of boredom anyways. Spending every second down here would drive me insane.


    "Eh, let''s give that a try then..."


    __________


    "Every single second of this is hell cow. Why did I agree to not use the bird body?"


    "Hehe, just enjoy the moment girly boy! We''ve already done loads together with your new body, just embrace it Zeki! You wouldn''t be able to breathe with your beak anyways"


    "You two can be really weird at times"


    Okay, going for a walk was an inspired decision by Petra and right now, we''re witnessing sixs walking around the deep snow in the settlement, makes me think we''re witnessing a miracle or something happening right now. Bys, you should understand what I mean by that now...


    The first two people consist of Zeki still stuck in his hellish nightmare of a body being hugged by his dryad girlfriend. I guess she''s technically a spirit so it makes sense why she doesn''t feel the cold nor even needs a mask like the rest of us. Actually, scrap that because I''m still not sure how a tree spirit wouldn''t need to breathe since trees still need oxygen but I''m just questioning fantasy world logic after all. Dryads are strange creatures.


    Thest person is someone who just so happens to look pretty much identical to Ria, except the ponytail she wears and she actually has slightly more clothing on. That women wears a cloak and it should be pretty safe to assume this is Ria''s sister that hase up once or twice.


    ----------


    ---Warning, overload! (Leah is the second spoiler)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Probably should mention hers as well, she''s definitely bigger than Ria and might be even bigger than mother''s...


    ''Quick status scan seeing that I keep forgetting to do these''


    [Name: Leah'' Nyda | Species: Dryad | Level: 400]


    [Health 20,000/20,000]


    [Stamina 18,249/20,000]


    [Magicka 40,000/40,000]


    ----------


    [Name: Ria¡¯ Nyda | Species: Dryad | Level: 400]


    [Health 20,000/20,000]


    [Stamina 14,931/20,000]


    [Magicka 40,000/40,000]


    ''Huh, I guess her and Ria might be twins then, their levels and stats are identical''


    I''m not the only one who does a quick scan as I even notice Petra''s eyes glow blue for a quick second, been way too long since I''ve seen that as well. Forget admiring the few moments when Petra''s eyes show a little colour, the three melon sellers seem to have noticed us now.


    "Ah, it''s a pleasure to finally meet you two queens. The name is Leah, I hope my sister hasn''t been giving you too much trouble"


    "Orangey and sis have been fine, mostly because they turned down this absolute mess"


    "Shut it Zeki, otherwise you''re going to be enjoying those jugs forever. I''ll personally speak to Loki myself"


    "Ah shit... I''ll shut up then"


    The new dryad gives me and Petra a quick bow, then almost immediately shakes her head at the disgusting couple. To actually think, there''s a dryad who think they are disgusting as well, kinda had the feeling they were all crazy sex fiends.


    "Nice to meet you Leah, assume you know our names then?"


    "Heh, ignore Ikarus''s slightly arrogant introduction but she does have a point"


    "I''ve already heard about you two from Ria anyways but it''s nice to meet you in person... So, you two turned down Ria''s advances then? Can''t say I me you knowing what my sister is like"


    "This is why I don''t mind hanging out with you, the cow can be so irritating at times"


    It''s nice to know Zeki''s found a friend to insult his partner with, is it that surprising that these sisters don''t look to have the best rtionship? This Leah seems to be way more reserved and professionalpared to Ria so it''s pretty understandable why their personalities may sh a little.


    "You two are so mean to me at times, what have I even done to you Leah?"


    "You''re still on thin ice after you nearly lost that gem Ria, don''t you be starting. I do hope she thanked you immensely on my behalf about that... Ignoring the goblin lover for a second though, can I ask you two queens a personal question?"


    ''Heh, goblin lover, Ria really hated being called that''


    (Petra) "What''s that then"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah, what?"


    "Do you two happen to have an open rtionship by any chance?"


    ...


    "*Sighhh*"


    Why the hell can''t dryads just be freaking normal!? It''s the same thing with dragons, why can''t some of them just be normal? We don''t want a threesome with some stranger, end of!


    We''re struggling to decide if Aesa would be pushing it and now, we''ve got that pervy maid listening in on us and another sex fiend dryad around! At least Petra can hide her jealously this time around but these types of things seem to happen to us more than other people. Me and Petra are pervy enough for each other with no further additions.


    "No. It seems a little personal to be asking something like that"


    "Yes! Thank you Petra! Is it dryad DNA to want to hump everything in sight or something?"


    Our response takes the dryad back a little, I really don''t think that''s what she was implying now.


    "Apologies if I offended you two, but that wasn''t what I meant. The question about open rtionships only exists because on how the rtionships with the roots and trees work, the concept of humanish rtionships always confuses me a little so was seeing how you two do things"


    Eh? Okay, this dryad is definitely a tad odd. Is this how they''re actually supposed to be but Ria is so freaking odd, we assumed she wanted to hump us?


    Despite this, both Zeki and Ria have started moaning.


    "Oh great, your sister is talking about trees again cow"


    "He''s got a point Leah, it''s so boring! All you ever do is talk about them, why not talk about sex or something else?"


    The visiting dryad almost looks to burst a blood vessel from those two, that vain on her forehead doesn''t look great as well.


    "Are you seriously lecturing me about having a thing for trees!? Ria, everything you do ispletely unnatural to how dryads work, but I let it slide because it makes you happy. You keep forgetting our entire purpose is to protect the forest"


    "But it''s so boring! Why would I want to deal with boring trees when I can p Zeki''s ass?"


    (Zeki) "I hate you so much..."


    I can''t help but start to chuckle now, this is like a conversation between a lecturing mother to her daughter and Zeki''s caught up in the middle getting his cheeks pped! Female Zeki really is a joy to have around.


    (Petra) "Heh, we''re all for making Zeki ufortable around here but is there any reason you''vee to visit us dryad?"


    "I''m just surveying different regions effected by the volcano to see how much devastation has urred. There will unfortunately be a load of tree casualties from this but thankfully, the clouds haven''t passed the mountains or the gigantic river. It''s only effecting the elven continent right now"


    "Wait a second, this ice age is only affecting this region? What kind of unlucky bullshit is this!?"


    Maybe my reaction was a little unhinged but what kinda of crap is this? The ash and snow only affect us, the dwarves and the mostly inhabited parts of the elvennds? This is barely going to effect the entire world at all!


    "Heh, are you reallyining about the entire not being covered in ayer of snow Ikarus? That volcano is magical in nature and this sort of thing happenedst time as well, just a fair bit bigger though"


    (Leah) "Wouldn''t say the rest of the world is fine. The temperature in every continent except the desert has fallen a fair amount, obviously not to the levels of over here orst time though"


    "I stand corrected then"


    It''s the magic excuse once again, what a surprise.


    "You say it''s magic but in all likelihood, it''s probably that kid jarl setting off the volcano early causing this. Of course I''m conflicted about this Petra! I never imed to be a saint or even good person so I''m going to be pissed!"


    It''s so freaking petty, right? We have to deal with this shit but a good portion of the world have only gotten away with it getting a little colder. We''re definitely going to have words with the kid once the ice and snow melts, we could just fly now but I still feel like it might be risky to leave our people in this situation.


    "Heh, fair enough Ikarus. I''ll help you freeze over the rest of the world then"


    Funny Petra... it''s odd that wasn''t aplete lie or joke though. Would I actually be able to turn Petra to the dark side with me though? Maybe, but let''s throw that thought away... for now.


    "It was nice to speak with you two but us three should probably be off now. I''ve still got some more lecturing to give to Ria and Zeki said he wanted to help out"


    "I didn''t offer to help; it''s just so freaking boring being stuck underground without burning or making something bleed. Moaning at the cow sounds more appealing"


    "Love you too, girly boy! You''re so getting pounded tonight Zeki..."


    This kids, is what an extremely healthy rtionship is like. They are so perfectly matched for each other; I might make it a goal they get married before me and Petra... Ha! We''ll make Zeki a bride as well, might have to bribe Ariza for a potion or two but that''s definitely a stupid idea I hopefully won''t forget...


    (Leah) "Regardless, we''ve still got some stuff to do. It''s time to go grab some samples of the soil in the northern areas"


    "Zeki, please use your breasts as a lethal weapon and knock me out so I don''t have to do this"


    "Hell no cow! You''re on your own..."


    And so, the three who could cause an earthquake from falling over leave me and Petra alone in this part of the snowy settlement. I''ve got to stop making boob jokes but damn it, such a thing is impossible when you could see them from orbit... I''ll let myself out now.


    "What a weird encounter Petra. Who do you think is the weirdest out of them three?"


    "Heh, is it really fair for us to describe others as weird Ikarus?"


    "Of course it is! We''re like the lesbian leaders of the weirdos... what the bloody hell is going on over there?"


    Over there in the snow, something seems to be moving...

 Chapter 144 – Overpowered

    Chapter 144 ¨C Overpowered


    "Sorry Ikarus,pletely forgot about them"


    "Them? You''ve seen those creatures before Petra? What even are they?"


    Over there in a growing pile of snow looks to be several white human looking figures with a thick body and tall stature. I want to say they look like yetis but I really have no clue what the hell they even are. Oh, can''t also forget a couple of ghostly looking things alongside them as well, e''ve fought ghosts before though..


    "Golems, and presumably wraiths, although the wraiths seem a lot weaker than the one we encountered before. Due to the magical nature of the volcano itself, sometimes these things can spawn in the ash, or in this case, the snow. Thest eruption as so long ago, my memory left me"


    Huh, just the magic volcano doing magic things. Maybe bits of left over magicka from the eruption made its way over here and that''s what causes these to form? Pointless spection anyways, any trespassers need destroying.


    "So... should we go attack then? They don''t exactly look friendly"


    "Heh, they''re definitely not friendly Ikarus. Don''t forget, wraiths can only be damaged by magicka"


    "Look at you telling me not to forget. There''s no way I''ll ever forget fighting alongside you in that undead dungeon... or how beautiful you look inbat"


    We already havee across ghosts and a single wraith before, although that guy was much bigger and scarier than these couple drifting around. Thepliment is simply because I feel like I owe her one every now and then.


    "Heh, appreciate thepliment Ikarus but probably not the time. Let''s go deal with them then"


    "Gotcha..."


    As we''re heading towards the snowy formed creatures, another thought quicklyes to mind but may not be needed. Even if the golems seem kinda strong, nothingpared to me and Petra.


    ''Bet this won''t work, status?''


    [<-Ikarus- presumes correct>]


    ''Thought so...''


    Now that we''re close enough but just before getting to striking distance, I make a swing with Excalibur to shoot off a magic beam at one of the wraiths and it collides instantly causing it to disappear. Whilst I''m doing this, Petra sends a ck fireball into the other and the same exact result. These things go down in a single hit.


    Now all that remains is the three white golems, all have realized they''re under attack and have started to charge at us armed with nothing but those huge fists.


    Watching these creatures charge is almost a little sad, it''s like watching something in slow motion. Even the one currently hurling his arm towards me looks to be as slow as a snail.


    I easily duck from the swing and sh both of my two weapons into its side causing a muffled scream toe from the creature, that sounded surprisingly human like...


    "Petra, these creatures aren''t secretly turned humans under all that snow, right?"


    It''s not like this will really affect me killing them in the slightest but hey, it''s nice to know though.


    "No Ikarus, golems are nothing like that. The inside is the exact same as the outside"


    ''Eh, she''s the expert after all''


    Petra''s already decapitated one of the others so I can see there''s nothing but snow inside as well now. I should probably try a little harder but this is extremely disappointing. Every punch this guy tries tond on me misses spectacrly, even the reduced visibility from the gasmask is meaningless.


    Petra''s already moved onto thest one and I''m just standing here toying with this guy like an idiot, am I seriouslyining about being overpowered now? Those wraiths would''ve been impossible for anyone not being able to wield or use magic and these golems do require a bit of strength to bring down. This really isn''t worth my time though.


    In the end, I simply decide to step back a little until his swing passes, then jump upwards sending my vampiric de into the bottom the golem''s head causing it to die... or copse. I''m not sure golems can really die.


    And looking over, Petra''s decapitated thest as well, she really has a thing for sending heads flying it seems. Heh, it''s literally Petra''s finisher, decapitation...


    "Sorry about that Petra, these guys suck though"


    "Heh, don''t worry Ikarus. Looks like these aren''t the only lot forming though"


    Looking to where Petra''s pointing, there looks to be another few golems forming in the gleaming snow. This better not be another pointless battle of endurance where it turns out there''s thousands of them... fucking red g Ikarus. That might be my finisher, causing red gs to happen...


    "I''m guessing this is how we''re going to spend the day now Petra?"


    "Heh, can think of worse ways of spending the day together Ikarus, but it may not be needed. Somethings about tond"


    "Wait, what are yo-..."


    <Fucking golems, they might be as annoying as wyverns. At least that''s thest of the scent of them around here now>


    "...talking about... Heya old lizard, what you doing over here?"


    Arriving by crushing the new golems is the grumpy dragon everyone knows and love. Almost immediately afterwards though, two more dragonsnd alongside him appearing from the cloudy skies without no warning as well. It''s pretty strange how dragons can breathe this air perfectly though, I guess us phoenixes are strange with that sort of thing. Can''t forget about the human evolution process or whatever that crap was.


    <Language Dermakvar! Minos is with us this time around>


    "Cu?"


    <Your father kept saying that word in the capital Minos!? What else did he say?>


    "Cu cu..."


    <Damn it littlest one, stop ratting me out!>


    "Cu!"


    Both me and Petra can''t help but chuckle from mother''s anger towards father, Minos must be using telepathy to royally screw him over right now. It still appears nothing changed on that side of things, mother still doesn''t like swears so should try and be careful for a little while. At least she''s not hitting him for a change, maybe he finally stopped his cheating and is being less of a dick? It''s pretty doubtful though.


    Also, I''ve got curiosity from not seeing Minos in ages, actually surprised he hasn''t gone in for a hug or to rub his head against us but maybe he''s starting to outgrow that? No clue but his size seems to be slowing down now, not like he''s small though. Minos is still way bigger than me even in bird form.


    ''Status''


    [Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 74]


    [Health 5,500/5,500]


    [Stamina 6,941/7,500]


    [Magicka 5,500/5,500]


    ----------


    [Name: Dermakvar | Species: Dragon | Level: 521]


    [Health 30,250/30,250]


    [Stamina 11,192/50,000]


    [Magicka 50,000/50,000]


    ----------


    [Name: Kellearzar | Species: Dragon | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 100,000/100,000]


    [Stamina 50,379/75,000]


    [Magicka 75,000/75,000]


    ''You know with my doubled stats, I''m statistically more powerful than mother now. I''ve got topare it, status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 566]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 38,828*/40,000*]


    [Magicka 166,666*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 16334 unassigned points]


    ''Damn... it really is mad. What was thest update on my family like anyways... Aesa?''


    Seriously though, just look at it! Statistically, I''m way more powerful than mother! Stamina is a shitty dump stat anyways.


    It''s really only just kicked in how powerful I''ve actually be. There''s got to be more to improve on when I''ve unlocked or maxed everything, right? There''s got to more on the horizon than just this, I hope so at least.


    But that''s not the question I want to ask Aesa though, I''m more curious on their levels.


    [<Target -Minos- has gained 9 levels sincest update 132 days ago and target -Dermakvar- has lost 1 level. Aesa still isn''tpletely sure on the rate of levels dropped but uneducated estimate may be 1 or 2 a year if -Ikarus- wants a guess>]


    ''Right, can''t forget father is dying, albeit extremely slowly''


    No point getting depressed about old age, we''ve had this discussion before and he''s not even going to want immortality if it''s possible for him. Another five hundred and twenty-one years is more than enough to ''enjoy'' father''spany. Eh, I''m just being bitter, I love him in my own special way.


    "Seriously father, howes you three are visiting anyways?"


    <What little one? Is it really that strange for us toe visit every now and then?>


    <Your father is purposely neglecting the fact we were worried for you and your partner Ikarus. Judging from that thing on your faces, it''s safe to assume you''ve been handling it well enough?>


    Father just looks away like he didn''t want mother to admit that, has he been infected by the tsundereness that flows in this world as well? Wouldn''t surprise me since everyone seems to be catching part of it now, maybe it''s like a disease with no cure. I''m just getting side tracked like usual.


    "Yeah, the air quality sucks ass out here... Hang on, that reminds me of something I need to show you two. Turn around real quick and I''ll do it"


    "Heh, thought you didn''t like that Ikarus?"


    "I don''t really Petra, don''t be spoiling it for them though! Seriously, turn around quickly"


    Can''t help but have a slight grin, the tenth dragon in this world is about to make its appearance! Minus the fact I don''t actually like it like Petra just said, it''s way too big for my liking but I''ve obviously got to show my parents it, right?


    Anyways, they do as asked and I start my winged brethren ability change. Nothing now matters except the fact I''m now standing tall and proud as a world ender actually overlooking father no less!


    <Oi you three! Look at this orange monstrosity! I''m going to burn the world to the mother fu-... ground!>


    All three turn around and both mother and father''s jaws seem to hit the snow, I''m surprisingly happy with that reaction.


    <Wow! Sister is even bigger than father!>


    <Erm... are we supposed to be impressed little one?>


    <Dermakvar! She''s able to make a dragon form and you''re going to be grumpy because Ikarus is bigger than you? Are you really not impressed?>


    <Of course I''m impressed and even proud dear. It''s just that I can''t really call her little one when she''s bigger than me now, can I? She definitely has your blood it seems>


    I have mother''s blood? Oh God, doing this better not lead onto a side effect of gigantic bosoms or something, no chance in hell do I want to be another wielder... I really need to stop thinking about huge breasts at the moment but everywhere I seem to look, they''re there! I''m inevitably going to stumble across mother''s soon, should probably take this conversation indoors as well. Conversing as dragons really is inconvenient.


    <Anyways, you three fancy switching to human for a bit and entering a warm, cosy house? Obviously, we''ll need to make sure you''re dressed first though>


    It''s not fair on Petra to stay around here for that long as well. Sure, she says she rarely feels the cold but I know her better than anyone else, always trying to appear stronger than she actually is. I''ve always been the sidekick in our rtionship but today, that changes! I mean, it doesn''t at all since she is like the hero of this world and I''m just a stupid but powerful bird... I''ve really got to shut myself up now.


    <Will there be sweets!?>


    "Heh, of course Minos. I''ll get some out from me and Ikarus''s personal stash"


    "Cu!"


    ''Huh, looks like I was wrong about Minos and his head rubbing, he''s started it again with Petra now''


    <Hmph, still dislike that human form of mine but it might be better to do this indoors. It is cold I suppose>


    <Yes! We''ll happily go inside with you two for a bit>


    (Ikarus) <Then let''s get inside then, I''ve had enough snow for a lifetime now...>


    __________


    "To think that over three years ago when both little and littlest ones hatched, we''d be using human forms like this seated around a fire. What a strange life this has turned into"


    "Dermakvar, please stop the moaning just a for a little while, okay?"


    "It wasn''t moaning this time around dear; the warmth is actually appreciated and I didn''t say it was a bad thing. Just odd really, but also nice"


    Whilst I''m trying to get any semnce of a conversation out of these two, Petra can''t help but start babying Minos tying a ribbon in his hair while also giving him some sweets. We probably should try and be careful but child Minos is something you really can''t say no too, pretty sure the little scamp knows he can get away with whatever he wants as well.


    Oh, should also mention we''re around a firece in this sort of living room in the leaders house. It''s connected directly to the dining room and is pretty cosy with the decorations around the ce but we really don''t use this enough for it to be that noticeable, I guess. I guess like real birds, me and Petra like to be outside loads.


    "Heh, try to make thesest since we all have to be careful with sweets right now"


    "Okay then, thanks auntie Petra!"


    Oh my freaking God, Minos just called Petra aunt! I know I''m not great around kids but that was an entirely different level of cute my heart cannot withstand. I''ve got to ignore him, for my own sanity really...


    "Erm... Is there any news I should probably know with what''s been going on? More about you two I mean"


    "News little one? Is there ever that much to tell?"


    "You know, about the world and stuff. You two can actually fly around and were helping with the demon invasion, that sort of thing regarding the volcano as well"


    Normally, it''s me and Petra sharing information but this time around, we''ve been stuck here while the parents have been out around the world. I don''t know why I say stuck but you get what I mean, we''ve invested in this settlement enough at this point so it''s always a thought, even if we aren''t actually needed that much now. Eh, everyone loves their queens so who cares if we''rezy? We''ll be taking a trip once the ice age is over anyways.


    "It''s really not that big of a deal considering how cold thest eruption was Ikarus, this is nothingpared to thest time. As for the invasion, all the demons started to hide underground again and haven''te back out ever since. If anything, dragons helping all across the world was a little unnecessary due to the retreat that came really quickly"


    "Your mother is right little one, the cold shook these old bonesst time and this one set off by the child is irrelevantpared to it. That ''invasion'' was an unfunny joke, demons have never been that weak so something strange is going on. Most of the little mortals survived that and will this as well, just might need to add some more holes in the ground for the ones who don''t"


    "Dermakvar, that''s a little morbid. Don''t forget Ikarus used to be human as well"


    "What''s the problem darling? Little one doesn''t care about death; she''s not even listening to us right now..."


    Ignoring those two, my thoughts have gone back to the kid jarl again. This situation definitely sounds like things could''ve been way worse if he hadn''t erupted it previously but that''s what we''ve been assuming for a while now.


    Not sure about the demons but they did seem exceptionally weak, almost as if they weren''t fighting at full strength or something? We won''t be able to find out about that easily so it makes more sense to focus on the kid right now... wait...


    "...See? I was right about little one not listening"


    "Sorry father, but there''s a reason for me nking you out. How the hell do you know about the kid jarl as well?"


    "That empire with the irritating purple dragon little one, they seem adamant it was the child and I agree with them. That kid jarl cannot be mortal and anyone who tells me differently is wrong, anyone who knows how to manipte that volcano must be heavenly in nature"


    "How many times do I have to tell you this Dermakvar!? There''s no proof that kid is a God! You haven''t even met the child yet!"


    "Bullshi-... sorry darling, but he has to be one. I''ve only ever heard that volcano being erupted by Gods, there''s no way a child would have such knowledge. It''s possible he''s a Demigod but even that''s unlikely"


    So, father''s theory is that Denver is a God posing as the kid jarl? Eh, I guess it would make sense, but there''s got to be more to it than just that, right? His level was only one and I''m still unaware of any real way to hide your status screen just yet.


    Another theory could be he was reincarnated and knows how to make bombs? Then decided to basically set off the volcano that way? Zeki said something like that in a forgotten conversation once but I really have zero idea at all. Once the snow clears up and the settlement is definitely safe, we''ll find out soon enough.


    "If he is what you say ol'' dinosaur, is that a terrible thing? I mean, you almost sound like you have fear in your voice"


    "Fear!?! I know no such thing little one... but seriously though, listen to this advice. You cannot trust any Gods little one, regardless if they y nice or not. All of them are corrupted beings with no sense of loyalty or honesty"


    "Your father is just being paranoid Ikarus, probably from his lifetime of bad experiences. Not all Gods are bad but all have their own wishes and desires. Some may wish for a simple existence of peace, a few just simply like to have augh while others wish for death and destruction all around. There more like mortals than people seem to realize"


    Damn, this stuff is really starting to get serious now. Any advice my parents can give is appreciated just simply down to the fact we will be sparring swords against some of them one day, it''s inevitable at this point.


    "Whether your mother and I agree or disagree on this topic, there''s only one real way of handling them little one"


    "And what''s that old lizard?"


    "Power, lots and lots of power. It''s how they''ve always done things and that will continue to remain forever, how could you ever follow someone weaker than you in the first ce? Enough about this mundane stuff though, I''m tired and weary from flight so want a warm floor to lie on... or bed, whatever you two have avable"


    So, to deal with this bastard God responsible for this ice age, we need to be strong? I mean, that''s pretty obvious, right? It''s not an official goal but it does feel like we''re being steered to targeting the Gods and this is like an extremely slow buildup...


    Petra must''ve been listening in because she''s willing to help father out.


    "Heh, I''ll call the maid then... Eve! Could you set up a couple guest bedrooms please?"


    "Yes Queen Petra! I''ll sort to it immediately!"


    Eve, our elven busty maid responds from the other side of the house and father gets up to go towards the voice. Should we tell her these three visitors are dragons? She listens in to everything else going on so it might not be needed...


    "Anything else mother I should know that''s been going on? It''s obvious today father''s a little tired"


    "In his defence Ikarus, he has been working nonstop over by the human capital and hasn''t slept in several weeks now. Anything else to share... oh! Apparently, Minos was a right little warrior ording to your father in the battle for the capital!"


    "Cu! All those little red men screamed when I chased them down to bite them! It''s was amazing!"


    ...


    Well great, Minos has already upgraded from his killing animal faze and has a huge grin on his little face right now. At least it''s only demons and not humans... yet...


    "Okay, let''s be having less of Minos enjoying the murdering of demons, shall we?"


    ''I sense the irony here...''

 Chapter 145 – Spy

    Chapter 145 ¨C Spy


    "...It was a pleasure to speak with you two queens again, should probably get moving along now though"


    (Petra) "Heh, nice to see you as well Geld"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah, bye..."


    In one of the mornings me and Petra were walking around our snowy settlement, we just so happened to bump into the beastkin leading the Adventures guild out in the town. It turns out that little ''scare'' about the golems and wraiths was unneeded as their guild have turned it into a subjugation quest for the members and we even found Geld destroying a small group of them.


    We''ve only really spoken to him once or twice, one of those times being the demonic invasion itself. We haven''t exactly discussed much except giving our thanks for the guild''s help and small talk like about the weather but there is something a little iffy about him.


    He''s pretty slim but quite muscley, has blonde short hair and always carries around a big two-handed longsword. His clothing choice isn''t exactly practical considering the guy basically just wears a tight tank top even if the freezing snow but his appearance isn''t the reason why I''m cautious about him. I''ll get onto that in a second...


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Ah, can''t forget the gasmasks we all wear as well but that should be a given right now. Apparently, the dust is already starting to settle a little more so we may be able to finally remove these in a week or two, at least that''s ording to Aesa.


    Oh, parents are still here as well but I''m focusing heavily on this guy right now, I can''t decide whether he''s friend or foe. I''ve basically been ignoring the entire conversation simply because of something I saw when doing his status check, something there is suspect as fuck.


    As the beast Geld is walking off, I''m still ncing in his direction.


    ''Status check again''


    [Name: Geld | Species: Wolf''oid | Level: 500]


    [Health 30,000/30,000]


    [Stamina 17,723/20,000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''That''s suspicious, right Aesa? This isn''t me bing extremely paranoid or something?''


    It''s nothing to do with his stats since he holds nothing to me, but it''s the level making me question things. Nearly every human or humanoid person wee across always seems to have a level that not perfectly rounded like that with only a few exceptions like with the dryads or boss fights. Another exception being Charlotte, who also is exactly five hundred as well...


    [<Aesa is unsure on this as well. Maybe target -Petra- may be able to help?>]


    ''Right, I''ll ask her then''


    While the beast Geld is still walking off, I quickly start to whisper to Petra. Pretty sure she thought I was going in for a kiss there but a potential foe is more important than lovey dovey stuff right now... even if I don''t want it to be.


    "Petra... have you checked out his level yet? It''s suspicious as hell, right?"


    "It''s five hundred Ikarus, why is that suspicious? We have loads of powerful people here already and he is representing the guild after all"


    "It''s not that he''s powerful, it''s the specific level itself. Priestess for example, she is also the exact same but hers is borrowed from a God. It''s either an extreme coincidence, or he''s also the same"


    Almost as if you could hear a pin drop in the snow, Petra finally clocks onto what my problem is. Enemies who seem to have a level perfectly rounded like that are extremely rare so there is a small chance he could naturally be that level... but coincidences like that don''t happen in this world. Shit always has a bigger meaning... I know it sounds like paranoia but I refuse to be na?ve anymore! That guy is sus!


    "Hey Geld! Come back here a second"


    Without even giving me a warning, Petra calls him back and I can already sense how she''s going to approach this. It''s funny how I''m supposed to be the bloodthirsty one out of our duo yet she''s about to attack him...


    "Yes Queen Petra, what can I help you wi-"


    And of course, Petra charges towards him de in hand and goes for his neck while I quickly join her. We''re obviously not going to kill him but need to make it seem scary enough.


    Anyways, Petra''s first attack gets parried by the huge sword the guy wields and my follow up also tters against it, could feel the vampiric de rattle from the impact there. We may have been holding ourselves back a load but damn, this guy knows what he''s doing. The speed of his reactions were simr to Petra.


    "...Why the fuck are we fighting!?"


    "Spill the beans wolf! Reveal who you work for and we''ll stop!"


    "Heh, me and Ikarus aren''t fools guildckey. We know you serve someone else"


    Both of us decide to go for another attack with Petra leading going for his neck again and me going for his shoulder, somehow he manages to evade us both jumping back and avoiding the swings. It''s crazy how a guy wielding such arge sword can match our speed, it doesn''t seem like he really wants to fight though.


    "What the hell are you two on about!? I work for the Adventures guild, only! I serve no one else!"


    ''Eye of wisdom ability says that''s a hugeee lie...''


    "He''s lying Petra"


    "Heh, you can tell as well Ikarus? Let''s continue then"


    Both of us rush in unison towards the stumbling man and this time, looking to aim for his legs. There''s only so much backing off he can do so he finally decides to fight back a little swinging towards us both. The length of his de cause me and Petra to have to give up on that advance. That could have ended really badly if we didn''t back off but that attack of his seemed reluctant as hell though.


    "I don''t want to hurt you two, but you''re leaving me no choice! Just stop this already!"


    (Ikarus) "Then answer what God you work for? It''s not a difficult question wolf blood"


    "God? I don''t work for no God!"


    Hang on, that wasn''t a lie!? Then who the hell does he work for?


    "If not a God then, who could it be..."


    Think about it Ikarus, what other higher power creatures could potentially share powerparable to Gods? If I think about the strongest creatures I''vee across, it would probably be dragons, that giant or... wait a second, the invasion!


    "...It ain''t a demon lord, is it? Are you contracted to one of those demonic bastards!?"


    "..."


    No response from the beast, bingo! I''m not sure why I''m happy finding this out, this is extremely bad, right? I''m really didn''t want to piss of an entire guild but this may be the only cause of action now...


    From finding out his answer, Petra''s eyes darken and I now know things are about to get really serious. There''s no doubt about it, we need to kill this guy now...


    "Wait wait wait! I''ll talk, I''ll talk! Just get rid of those cursed eyes! I''ll spill everything I can!"


    The wolf''oid then precedes to falls to his knees dropping his de into the snow in the process, that reaction from witnessing Petra''s eyes was really unexpected. I guess it''s scary as hell and she did get it from a demon or devil but still. At least he''s not stupid enough to fight against someone who will fuck him up.


    "Heh, surprised that worked"


    Wait, Petra wasn''t actually pissed at him? Huh, her eyes are back to normal as well, looks like I was mistaken there as well.


    Anyways, I put my de away and go to approach the terrified guy crouching down next to him in the snow while Petra still wields her de making herself look like a menace.


    "So then Geld... are you going to reveal who you''re working for or not then?"


    "I... I can''t say"


    "What do you mean you can''t say!? Do you want your head ending up on a pike then?"


    It''s a crude response but this guy does work for a demon after all. Just because the guild he works for helped massively doesn''t mean he ispletely innocent. We did miss a great deal of the fight after all, so he could''ve been murdering our people for all we know. I mean, I know he didn''t but still! Demons are the enemy, right?


    "It''s impossible. If I say master''s name, my head explodes. I''m not exaggerating, it literally will go poof and the snow will end up a crimson mess"


    ...


    Hold the phone, he''s actually telling the truth? Maybe there''s another angle I can approach this from.


    "So, if you can''t tell me his name, what if I were to hypothetically start listing names off? Like Asmodeus... or Belphegor?"


    He has a surprisingck of reaction for me mentioning both those names, they''re the only demon lords I''ve heard off though...


    Before anyone says anything, I know they both seem to be based on the bible seven sins thing, but how the hell am I supposed to remember all their names or what sin they do? It''ll probablye back to me one day but my choice was always Greek or Norse mythology after all. The bible was a little too much for my liking.


    I remember a little, like the two animals on a boat thing that would''ve led to loads of inbreeding and the apple falling on someone''s head... Wait, no. That was something else, it was stealing the apple that Adam and Eve did. Another inbreeding thing there, not sure why those are the first two things thate to mind though.


    (Petra) "Forget names then, what''s your reasoning for being here?"


    The beast Geld pauses for a second from Petra''s question, but then realizes he hasn''t got much of a choice but to try and answer what he can. We will kill him if he doesn''t, probably... eh, I''m not that evil.


    "Erm... look, all I can really say is that I''m under orders to make sure you two and your settlement remain safe, thates from both the guild and my master who has to remain nameless. Those orders seem ridiculous in hindsight spending time around here though! How he thought you''d need any help is beyond me, you might already be as powerful as him!"


    He definitely believes that... I get that we''re powerful and all but the same power as a demon lord? Just look what happened against that Belphegor guy, we did deal with him but that was cutting it close. What would happen if there''s another guy much stronger than that? We need to keep getting stronger, even if I gained an absurd amount of EXP after thest battle ended.


    It is strange that the Adventurers guild wants us protected as well though, not really sure why that''s been stated to him. You''d think that they''d only care about their headquarters but they have been really useful for the most part. Not sure on who their actual leader is as apparently, they prefer to remain anonymous.


    Enough of this internal monologuing though, there''s still some more questions that need to be asked to this guy.


    "If you''re employed by a demon lord though, why the hell were you helping us in the invasion? Wouldn''t it make more sense that you''d be on the side attacking?"


    "Because, everything is crazy right now and my master is cleaning house, as he calls it. I really have no idea why he wants me here nor why we''re going against other demons. I''m just his pawn till he needs me unfortunately"


    Once again, he''s only spilling the truth. I know not topletely rely on my lie detector but his words are spoke with true conviction though.


    "Petra, it''s not like we can really trust him but he doesn''t seem to be lying about this"


    "Agree Ikarus, he does seem to be telling the truth"


    The thing is, I''m not sure what else to ask him now. He clearly isn''t an enemy but he obviously works for a demon lord. I''m not saying that they''re all bad but we did actually suffer some casualties even including Ariza, having an agenda against them should be pretty obvious.


    "So... what do we even do about you Geld? If it isn''t obvious by now, we really aren''t fans of demons around here, even if you did help us out"


    "Well... nothing really, I guess? My master is a fan of predicaments so my life has also tied to yours if you''re worried about me attacking you. If one of you two were to die, then my head goes bye bye in that situation as well"


    Wait, his life is attached to ours? What kinda cruel bastard does that?


    (Petra) "Your master ced a forced servitude curse on you? Weren''t they supposed to be forgotten?"


    "Yes! He''s terrible at times, but it does promoteplete faith and devotion to him... and you two as well now. It''s not like I hate him because of it but when you two flew off to kill Belphegor, I was shitting myself! Not literally, you get what I mean. Actually knowing you destroyed him makes me no longer worry"


    I can''t help but let out an inaudible sigh, this demon lord he serves sound like a piece of work. We''ve already got the heavens to fight off, now hell as well it seems.


    "Considering you could die if one of us perish, I''m surprised you haven''t been trying to stick around me and Ikarus more"


    "Like I said, there''s no real need for me to be here, you two really don''t need any defending. It makes me think he just wanted some privacy while he conducts his schemes and made sure I kept quiet over here in the human world"


    You know, it''s bloody irritating he can''t reveal who he works for, the only named demon we have is Asmodeus right now but it could be any of them for all we know. It may end up in a bloodbath if it''s him, we did hear his name being used specifically in the attack.


    (Ikarus) "Do you even get anything from doing this or are basically just his ve?"


    "Not really. I think servant is better than ve but I can see why you might say that"


    (Petra) "Would you like it if we could find some way of releasing you from your servitude Geld?"


    Like earlier, he pauses before answering Petra taking a second to think. Oh, also he''s finally getting up off the ground, at least it''s okay he no longer views as a threat even if that thought would''ve gone pretty quickly. Petra''s kindness can make even the most fearful of people change.


    "It''s... not as simple as that. It may sound like I''mining but my master has saved my mind and soul many times already. Gosh, I can remember him helping me out with one of my old bodies a thousand years ago, that''s how far back I''ve been serving him"


    A thousand years ago!? Why am I even surprised? This world is full of people like that at this point so this guy being a thousand years old isn''t that unbelievable. He did say something about an old body so maybe his demon lord helps him switch bodies when a new one is needed? I''m not going to question him on everything though.


    Petra now seems a little ufortable about something different, is it something to do with the time span perhaps?


    "Geld... your master, would you say he looks pretty simr to you?"


    "Erm... it''s difficult to tell since he changes faces every now and then. He could look like me right now but also like one of you two! If you exclude the red skin and horns of course"


    "Oh, don''t worry about it then"


    Petra almost seems depressed about his answer, is this regarding her deal with a demon?


    "You think this is about you know what Petra?"


    "Maybe Ikarus, he could be the same person but it was a very long time ago. Thought we were onto something there"


    I haven''t seen Petra start to get like this in a while so now, it''s time to switch on the obnoxious side to me!


    "Don''t you be getting depressed Petra, can''t be having my future waifu frowning gaining wrinkles. I''ll personally kick the arse of the demon or devil who did this to you, mark my words! I''ll also kick yours as well if you don''t show me that smile again!"


    "Heh... thanks Ikarus... You really make everyday better than thest"


    "Jeez, don''t be getting like that on me, you''ll make me blush like usual..."


    Urgh... what were we talking about again? Ah, Geld, I think we''re pretty much done here though...

 Chapter 146 – Phoenix Fight

    Chapter 146 ¨C Phoenix Fight


    "Ahhh... fresh, ash smelling air. It''s so good to be finally able to out of these masks... you don''t have to keep following us around even to this, Geld?"


    "Heh, Ikarus does have a point. You''ve been following us around like a lost dog for a week now... that wasn''t meant to be an offensive"


    "No worries Queen Petra! I am part wolf after all, I take it as apliment!"


    Like a bad smell lingering around, the Adventurers guild representative Geld has been following us quite often this passing week and is even wagging that tail of his right now. Still not sure what to make of this demon servant but at least he allows us to ignore those pointless fights against the golems. We still have to handle the wraiths but they are child''s y if you know any magic after all.


    Any other updates... oh, family went back to the cave because dragons always struggle living around humans and the gasmasks are no longer needed as the dust is finally at safe levels to breathe in. That actually leads nicely onto where we''re going.


    As for what we''re actually doing right now, we''re just about to arrive at a meeting ce outside in the snow where us figureheads of the settlement are. It''s nothing spector, basically just being a pic area with a few tables and benches, but it is nice to finally be outside breathing normally once again. Even if the cold isn''t appealing for pretty much everyone here.


    We must be thest arriving since Zeki, Ariza, Penelope, Marcus, Garry, Jaxon, Geld and Aesa are already here. Pretty much everyone who normally doesn''te out is wearing big, fluffy winter coats only really excluding Aesa who is in that pink dress of hers again. She''s been wanting to spend more time in human form recently so who am I to say no?


    Anyways, we take a seat sweeping off some of the snow on the bench beforehand while Jaxon can''t help but speak first. He looks pretty ufortable right now.


    "I know it''s a little abrupt but why am I here queens? This seems like I''m out of ce"


    (Ikarus) "Because, it''ll be good for you Jaxon to get outside for a while. You rarelye outside even before the ice age we''re surviving through"


    (Garry) "Thess has a point boy; the air down there can''t be doing you or any of the miners any favours. There''s only so much filtration systems can do if you''re spending every second breathing polluted air"


    (Jaxon) "Disagree, the air is much more suitable when slightly smoky but no point in arguing over it. Doesn''t help with the cold as well"


    Don''t normally see Jaxonin this much but I guess he is like a hermit when ites to being underground, can kinda see why people don''t want to be outside with the cold as well so I''ll just let him get on with it.


    Trying to do something nice for a change, I get up off the table, get a metal pot out of storage and precede to light a controlled fire on the table. Everyone around here seems to appreciate the gesture even if the main reason I''m doing it is because of thirst.


    "Give me a second and I''ll heat something up to drink as well... you all wanna know something funny? I''m not even sure the main point we''re all even out here. What was the reason again Marcus?"


    "Well... I''m not too sure as well. Other than celebrating the fact the air is finally safe and the cold is very slowly heating up, there wasn''t anything to really discuss. Things have been going as smoothly as possible, even the crops we were worried about have started to bloom"


    "There''s got to be something we need to worry about, right? There''s always a problem to solve around here"


    (Marcus) "But there really isn''t anything we need to worry about Ikarus, settling down and making do is the only real n we can realistically achieve till everything subsides. The only thing that could be an issue is if another invasion happens but with the endless winter, it would be suicidal to stage a war"


    Marcus is right though; wars famously turn to shit especially in the winter so attacking through a literal ice age would be idiocy. Then again, thest attack felt idiotic so not sure there.


    "Let me get this straight then, there was no need for this weekly meeting? What a freaking waste of time it was inviting you all out then!"


    By this point, I''m serving people the brewed tea I made and my annoyance seems to get few chuckles out of everyone, except Zeki but he''s still grumpy at having jugs. Should''ve brought our maid Eve along to do this but eh, I''m not that snobby to serve people drinks.


    "Heh, this is a good thing Ikarus, you''re looking for problems that aren''t there"


    Maybe Petra''s right but not having problems around here just feels weird, I guess I could just be me being bored from doing nothing but humping every day. Nah, boredom is a terrible choice of word for something I love so much, it''s just I need a little more variety to stimte my brain rather than the kinkiness that we get up to all the time. It''s only getting worse the longer this ice agests.


    "Hehe, and I''m apparently the stupid one around here! Look at Petra''s lover making us all get cold for nothing!"


    (Garry) "You are still the stupid one Penelope; the twosses could lose their heads and still be more intelligent than you"


    (Jaxon) Didn''t you ask some of the miners for a pet rock once Penelope?


    (Marcus) "A pet rock? Oh right, I heard about that, everyone was thinking you were being serious"


    (Geld) "It still shocks me how you''re able to control an entire guild at times"


    (Aesa) "Aesa agrees with everyone else, target -Penelope- has same intelligence level as a pet rock"


    (Zeki) "Good one fake orangey, although I think the rock might be slightly smarter"


    (Ariza) "You don''t have to join in as well Zeki, everyone''s already being mean enough to Miss Penelope already"


    "Ariza''s right! Why are you lot all so mean to me!?"


    (Petra) "Heh, you don''t help yourself Penelope"


    Can''t help but chuckle alongside Petra, bullying Miss gender bender has be a thing everyone can get on board with now. We didn''t even start it or encourage it but some of the things shees out with just baffles everyone at times. The pet rock incident was supposed to be a prank she nned except she ended up walking it more than once, at least that''s what I heard.


    Ignoring Penelope''s pouting while sipping the tea, I continue guiding the meeting despite this now being pointless. Might as well end it if this is the case.


    "Then... I guess we say screw it, any official meeting is over then. Ariza and Zeki, you fancy hanging out with me and Petra for a bit? We''re staying outside though"


    "Hmph"


    "Oh, and Aesa of course. Don''t you be looking pissed at me just because you now know how to use that face of yours!"


    I''ve now got fake Ikarus pouting as well, I didn''t forget her since I assumed she''d be alongside anyways. Where else would my robotic wife be other than my side?


    "Erm... ah, fuck it. The cow''s not here to torment me right now so why the hell not?"


    "I guess I can leave the hospital for a little bit, the students seem capable enough"


    Good, we can hang out with the OG phoenix gang for a little while, it''s been too long since we''ve done this. Even if I''m not sure what we''re even going to do yet...


    __________


    "Is there any reason for this orangey or are we just going to wander like idiots in the cold?"


    "Uh huh, I''m not really sure as well"


    Walking through the snowy filled settlement like the usual, I''m trying to think of something fun we can do together but nothing hase to mind just yet. Oh, we did have to shoo Geld off a little by sending him on a ''quest'' to help out the other council members. Really couldn''te up with any other excuse really, feel a little bad but we''re not adopting a demon worshipping puppy. He does seem like that from the brief interactions we''ve had.


    "Considering the dryad is away with her sister not currently groping you every second of the day, I thought us fou-, five could so something like the old times, even though I''m not sure what though. Being stuck in that hospital all the time can''t be good for your sanity as well Ariza"


    (Ariza) "I guess it''s good for som-..."


    "Hang on orangey, you don''t even know what we''re going to do!? If it was that important, you could''ve just waited till the snow melts since we''re all going to go to the dwarven kingdom together. This just feels like you''re trying to parent us or something"


    Oh, forget to mention that. Both Zeki and Ariza wanted toe along when we finally decide to confront Jarl Denver about everything that has gone on. Not sure why but whatever gets them doing something different for a change, they must get a little bored with their routines. It''s the same exact thing with me and Petra but we both don''t have any hobbies though... except you know what...


    Zeki saying something about the parent thing has irritated me a little so I''m just going to toy with him then.


    "Unironically... you two are kinda like our kids. Ariza''s the older being all grown up and ready to do what she wants even having a job. And for you Zeki, me and Petra have to make sure you don''t get gobbled up by an immortal dryad. It''s like we''re a married couple and you''re going through puberty dating someone much older than you"


    "Heh, we still haven''t discussed the wedding thing properly Ikarus"


    "Oh yeah, it seems a little irresponsible to have something like a winter wedding in an actual ice age though"


    There''s no need to rush it, both me and Petra understand thispletely. We''ve got until the end of time to do such a thing, obviously if we don''t get defeated by Gods or demons first.


    Something we said seems to have shocked Ariza but Zeki is his usual grumpy self.


    "I so freaking hate you at times oran-... hang on, what the fuck!?! When did you two decide on that!?"


    "It took you long enough to realize what Petra just said Zeki, they just announced they''re getting married!?!"


    Wait, why is this a shock... oh, that''s pretty dumb...


    "Erm... I''ve just realized we forget to tell others about this Petra"


    "Heh, guess we did Ikarus. It was on the same day as the earthquake after all"


    "That was like three weeks ago! Are you two dense or something!?"


    "Uh huh, Zeki''s right here. How could you forget to tell us?"


    We''ve basically been engaged for three weeks at this point and both of us have neglected to actually tell anyone else!? Okay, I can see why those two are shocked now.


    "Heh, it wasn''t really the time to bring it up. Things have been hectic so it seemed a little selfish to inform everyone. You know what the people are like, they''ll want a big royal wedding probably"


    Oh crap, how the fuck did I not realize that!? We can''t be telling anyone else about this, it''s bad enough I''m probably going to have to wear a dress but having the entire settlement there to celebrate it? Nah, this bird ain''t ready to be married! I mean, I am but let''s dy this as long as possible...


    "Uh huh Petra... I call dibs on being bridesmaid and helping with everything though"


    "Why would you even need to call dibs on that brother!? In what world would I want to help out with anything? The only role I have to annoyingly do is have a serious chat with orangey about never hurting sis and threatening her about it"


    Heh, it''s cute that Zeki thinks he needs to have that brother to future husband talk that used to happen with marriages. It''s also pretty adorable that he thinks he can threaten me as well, I should probably say something but Petra''s having none of it.


    "Heh, you really think any threat would work against Ikarus, Zeki? Hate to break it to you, but she''s more powerful than me now"


    "Bullshit! I could kick orangey ass and you know it! She''s already stolen you away from us so I''m not having that she is somehow more powerful than you!"


    He actually looks pissed right now hearing that. Do I really need to say anything? There''s no point in bragging or anything like that, I know I''m now stronger than Zeki. What''s the point in bragging about strength anyways?


    "Heh, you really don''t want to go there Zeki. You''ll regret it"


    "Petra''s right Zeki, even I don''t think it would be fair if you fought against Ikarus now. You do rely on fire way too much after all"


    Even Ariza''s taking my side, you don''t want to go down this road kid...


    "Now you as well brother!? Fuck this, we''re fighting right now orangey!"


    "*Sighhh*... at least that settles what we can do today..."


    __________


    Finding an open area far enough from any trees or buildings, me and Zeki are currently staring each other down in the snowyndscape while both being ready and willing to die to prove a point.


    Ariza does look a little concerned but she doesn''t like fighting after all, she''s good to have around if something goes wrong though. Petra, she''s just grinning like a madwoman and Aesa is just standing there without a care in the world. I''m a little annoyed that I have to do this but if beating up Zeki pleases her, then screw it. I guess I can enjoy giving the kid a little taste of his own medicine, maybe inflict a groin kick or two... that''s pointless! It''ll massively lose efficiency with Zeki like this.


    "You better not underestimate me orangey; it will hurt if you do!"


    "Yeah yeah kid, I''m letting you have first hit though. Let''s see what you can do"


    "Don''t start crying when it hurts orangey!"


    Zeki precedes to kick off our battle by aiming his hand towards me firing me... is he stupid?


    "Are you seriously using mes against me kid?"


    "Haha, I''m not that stupid orangey... watch this!"


    Figuring it out pretty quickly, the kid decides to use his iing me as sort of a smoke screen rushing towards me de in hand. It''s honestly pretty impressive the blood mad Zeki can use his brain but it won''t make any difference.


    What Zeki wields is a pure ck sword, maybe made from obsidian? Anyways, should probably avoid this attack instead of admiring the short sword since it ising straight for my face.


    "You''re actually slower than I realized kid. You just said to try, right?"


    "Shut it orangey!"


    I''m not trying to piss him off but being serious though, that attack was just as slow as everything else. Zeki always seemed like aplete beast when witnessing him fight and now, it''s almost as if he''s like a tutorial NPC. Hopefully, he can speed it up a little more.


    Once again, Zeki tried to repeat his attack getting a tad quicker but no much for me just stepping to the side of him missing my face by a foot or two. This repeats a few more times before his anger starts to explode...


    "What the actual fuck is this!? Is orangey on drugs or something? How the fuck did you get this quick!?"


    I''m literally doing nothing other than blocking or avoiding his attacks, I don''t think I''m moving that quickly though. I did say he cannd the first hit but this feels like I''m just bullying him now.


    "Heh, did already warn you Zeki, been training Ikarus for long enough now. Do you want to give up before she grows tired of you?"


    "Uh huh Zeki, this isn''t even a fight"


    "Not yet... I''m going tond at least one scratch on her!"


    Trying to psych himself up, Zeki aggressively charges at me switching up his approach trying to stab me... and I just step aside from the charge again. At least this time around he anticipated it...


    Trying to be sly, Zeki tries to sh my back just after the failed attack and I''d be impressed with him, if I hadn''t easily blocked it with both two weapons ttering the attack away. Even though he still is holding his de, this is starting to get pathetic...


    This fight being like this, it can''t all be result of training and improving my level, right? It''s almost as if after defeating that demon lord, everything seems slow. Like, all fights seem more and more disappointing.


    [<Is Ikarus purposely forgetting that stats are higher than target -Kellearzar- now? Aesa is unsure whether to use the term ''God'' yet but this must be close>]


    ''I guess you''ve got a point... but a God though? I can''t be that powerful, right?''


    [<Ikarus did want to be a swords master after all, now goal has finally been achieved>]


    ''I think you''re just going overboard Aesa''


    It''s pretty mad how I''m able to just casually talk with Aesa like this while Zeki''s trying his hardest to swipe again. This is pitiful at this point so I''m going to retract my previous statements of getting a hit first. This isn''t entertainment.


    "You mind if I go on the attack now kid? I''m getting a little bored"


    "Nah, fuck this! I ain''t about to get my ass kicked by orangey so it''s my fucking loss"


    "Seriously kid!? You''re not going to try calling it a draw or something like that?"


    Zeki being reserved in defeat!? He''s still unable to contain his anger but to think he actually knows when to call it quits? I actually wanted to fight him then but he''s already lowered his sword by now.


    "Orangey, I may be nasty at times but I ain''t stupid. I''ve fought with sis more than enough to know when I''m screwed. Getting embarrassed like a weakling isn''t my style so I''m quitting this pointless battle. If we ever fight for real, this won''t happen but still... fucking orangey man..."


    It almost makes me want to attack him now knowing his opinion on the whole thing, I''m so powerful that even Mr obnoxious doesn''t want to spar. I''m not getting arrogant since meleebat continues to end in losses against Petra but still. Actually being overpowered something like this is really a strange feeling, I''m not sure if I need to brag,ugh manically or even just shrug it off.


    "So... if you don''t want to spar then, what now?"


    "Honestly orangey, I''m done. The cold is pissing me off and all I want to do is sleep wi-, fuck! She''s not even home right now! I''m going back to my room; brother will spar with ya if you want"


    "I''m not fighting Ikarus Zeki! Why even say that?"


    "Whatever brother, we can always y a board game or something instead..."


    Like the strange sibling duo those two are, both of them leave us three without even saying goodbye, Zeki''s not even listening to her which says it all really.


    I guess Ariza is the only person who''s fully capable of actually calming Zeki down after all, they really are close I guess. I could see iting across as a little weird to others but eh, we''ve all got weird rtionships and this settlement is based on weirdness. Who wants to be normal anyways?


    As I go to join the other two remaining, I''m greeted by a blushing Petra, probably admiring my speed, maybe? This can only mean one thing in the entire world and I''m not about to miss this opportunity especially after a ''fight''. I''m always the one getting attacked after all...


    Managing to get her before she gets me, I manage to initiate the kiss first this time around even getting both my hands on her cheeks. I''d like to say it takes her back a little but if I were a secondter, she would''ve done the same exact thing to me. Smooching is always something brilliant but I''m a little disappointed. I think her unexpected kisses thate from nowhere have spoiled me a little...


    "B-Brilliant like always"


    "Heh, you even stutter when you start it"


    "O-Of course, you l-love it though... Anyways, it''s just down to my gorgeous fianc¨¦ and robotic wife, you two have any ideas or hobbies we can do?"


    Should probably focus more on doing something the three of us can do, Aesa is wanting to be human today after all.


    "Erm... I''m not too sure as well Ikarus. You any ideas Aesa?"


    "Aesa has a couple ideas, but Ikarus must promise not to judge"


    Aesa''s face is red, I''m not sure if it''s her blushing or coldness but it''s definitely weird seeing her like that. Maybe she''s just trying to mimic me, I don''t know. Probably that, she can''t even feel the cold in the first ce.


    "I won''t judge, let''s go do something then..."


    Let''s do what Aesa wants, I wonder how this''ll go...

 Chapter 146.5 – Threesome (18+)*

    Chapter 146.5 ¨C Threesome (18+)*


    ---Still haven''t decided if this chapter will be canon or not so the * is supposed to represent that, it''s pretty wild...


    ---If it isn''t obvious by the chapter''s name, don''t read this if you only want the lovebirds!


    ---For those you do continue on, a warning needs to be made since I''ve gotten carried away with this. This chapter is too long with buildup, also contains BDSM like thest and Aesa will shock you a little. It''s pretty unhinged so hopefully you enjoy? Things will be back to normal after the lovebirds get this out of their systems...


    __________


    "Will Ikarus promise not to overreact?"


    Aesa for some reason has been extremely reluctant to say what she wants to do and it''s starting to wind me up a little. We''ve even returned back to our home and she still hasn''t said what she wants to do yet, my limited patience can only go so far...


    "For the love of God Aesa! Just get on with it already!"


    "Heh, it''s obviously difficult for her to say Ikarus"


    "I know her more than you Petra, getting to the point is not difficult for my system. Whatever it is she wants to do, she can just say already"


    Aesa almost seems to look a little moody from me knowing my robotic wife way too much but something like embarrassment doesn''t exist within what AI package she has. Should probably stop calling her an AI permanently now, she''s a hell of a lot more than that.


    "Fine then, Aesa will just be as blunt as -Ikarus-... Could Aesa partake in intercourse alongside -Ikarus- and target -Petra-?"


    ...


    Wait... Aesa wants sex!?! Okay, I can see why she wants me not to overreact now, I''ll just let Petra handle this then.


    "Erm... Aesa, we both thought you had no such desire?"


    "Until recently, Aesa had no such desires but experiences inside -Ikarus- with target -Petra- have been of exceptional quality and have convinced Aesa to try something new. Aesa would like to experience one in person if possible and only if target -Petra- would allow it"


    Petra almost seems to blush a little from that, Aesa''s speaking for both of us so there''s no need for me to get embarrassed spilling that secret. These ''experiences'' have been exceptional so she''s only spitting facts.


    "Well... I guess it would be okay, Ikarus?"


    "Huh!? You''re alright with Aesa joining in Petra?"


    This obviously shocks me a little, what happened to my jealous lovebird I adore so much? I think I said the same excat thingst time this came up


    "Heh, she is part of you after all Ikarus, it doesn''t even feel like this would be cheating though and I''m notpletely sure why"


    I think Petra is right. If we were to include someone a little more human, then that might be pushing it a little but this doesn''t feel like that. Maybe it''s the clone body more than anything else? I''m not sure exactly why both of us seem to think this is fine but eh, it''s not like there''s anything to argue on. We both agree.


    "Erm... I guess I''m down for it as well. There needs to be some ground rules set beforehand though..."


    ''I feel bad doing this but Aesa will spoil the mood if I don''t''


    "...If we''re definitely going to do this Aesa, then can you at least try to speak a little different? I can already imagine how much of a mood killer it''s going to be when you announce ''Aesa is about to orgasm'' or ''target Petra''s tongue is amazing''"


    "Aesa can easily change up speech patterns if Ikarus desires... like so. Sounding robotic is just easier for you to understand so I''ll try and sound more like you Ikarus"


    Wait, she can switch it off that easily!? I almost feel a little betrayed she''s only just told me this. Having Aesa be a little more human was something I always wanted after all but thought she was against such a thing.


    "So, you''re basically going to mimic me then? Eh, that''s better than nothing I suppose. You have anything you fancy doing Aesa?"


    This experience is more for her sake after all, she might as well choose what we do. I''m thinking something along the lines of both me and Petra giving her as much pleasure as possible but that may be a little much for a beginner...


    "Vibrator and bondage again likest time"


    ...


    Seriously Aesa!? Both me and Petra are obviously going to be a little shocked. For Aesa''s first-time experience, she wants to do something that intense?


    (Petra) "Erm... are you sure that''s okay Aesa?"


    "Even though Ikarus will refuse to admit it, Petra havingplete control over situation is biggest turn on experienced so far"


    "Fuck''s sake..."


    Ipletely forgot Aesa has no concept of keeping anything secretive to Petra... it wasn''t my favourite experience anyways! All of them are equally as good, just that was definitely the most intense...


    "Heh, it''s really notplete control though Aesa, but I can already think or something you may enjoy. Get onto the bed and I''ll get the ropes ready then..."


    I guess we''re doing this again, it''ll be pretty hot to see my clone body tied up all like that though. I''m still a little gob smacked Aesa wants to do this but hey, I''m all for a little Petra perversion...


    "...You just going to stand there Ikarus?"


    "What? Oh, you want me to help out as well? I''m really not sure how to do it though"


    Aesa''s already gone on the bed so I guess we''re going to do to her what I didst time? That X position again, maybe I can fondle her breast while Petra vibrates the hell out of the forbidden fruit? That does sound pretty dope, not going to lie.


    "Heh, no silly, don''t you want to join Aesa on the bed? Have the idea of tying you and Aesa together, does that sound appealing Ikarus?"


    Petra wants to tie me up again? Oh God, just saying that has be an extreme turn on but I''m not sure I want Petra to know that I liked it that muchst time around. Aesa''s already told it though.


    "Erm... I''m not sur-..."


    "Ikarus wants this but she''s purposely being reluctant like usual. All she is doing is wasting precious bondage time"


    ''Damn this freaking system of mine! Stop outing me Aesa!''


    "Heh, you really can''t hide anything from me anymore with Aesa being around Ikarus. You in or out?"


    "Fineee... I''m in"


    "Heh, good. This may take quite a while though..."


    __________


    "Heh, we should''ve brought Aesa out earlier Ikarus. Having two of you to tease is driving me insane, I''ll have to fight the urge to keep you like this forever"


    ''I hate her so much at times...''


    [<Ikarus better shut it and enjoy this situation withoutint>]


    ''Oi, stay off this channel especially when we''re like this face to face!''


    Lying on our sides and face to face, both me and Aesa are naked tied up in rope with barely any movement and Petra must be having the time of her life seeing us like this.


    I have no idea how she''s managed to get us this snuggly tied together with the only real movement we can do is to slightly push our breasts into to each other and move our heads to look around the room a little.


    Hands arepletely bound behind our backs and our legs are positioned backwards as well; think they call it being hogtied? Just sideways anyway. I really don''t know that much except that rope is wrapped around all our intimate parts as well connecting to the bed and each other. Petra is a pervy genius with all this, she really needs to use her talents to solving world peace rather than tormenting the Ikarus n.


    Slight distraction ensues from staring at Aesa when I feel a slight hand rub down against my tied-up vagina...


    "My my Ikarus, you''re already that excited? It makes sense for Aesa to be since it''s her first time, but I haven''t even started with you yet. It almost makes me feel like you need a slight... punishment"


    "P-Punishment?"


    "Heh, let me get dressed into something slightly more ufortable quickly, then we can start the fun. How far do you want this to go anyways Aesa?"


    Oh God, I know Petra''s only roleying but damn, it''s actually making me stutter as well. We''ve got to reserve bondage for rare asions in future cause this is a little much. Dominant Petra is something I''m not mentally prepared for, my body definitely is though. Fucking forbidden fruit giving me away...


    "Anything and everything is eptable to both me and Ikarus"


    "No, it''s f-freaking not! I-Ignore what she just said Petra!"


    Aesa, don''t be sparring her on! I know Petra''s only ying the role but this is going to go too far if Aesa starts doing this!


    "Heh, I''ll keep what you both said in mind. I''ll be back in just a second..."


    Petra then walks out of the room presumably to put something extremely erotic on and now, it''s just left to me and the clone on the bed. I''d be pissed at Aesa if she wasn''t able to read my mind and being tied up together like this wasn''t such a turn on.


    ...


    It must take her a good ten minutes for Petra to return with me and Aesa just staring at each other inplete silence. Aesa doesn''t seem to be blushing or getting flustered from this situation yet the longer we stay here, the worse it seems to be getting for me. That freaking rope around my crotch isn''t helping as well, Petra''s handiwork leaves nothing to be desired and space is a luxury I''m not allowed. It''s funny how I don''t get ustrophobia from doing this, horniness cures everything I suppose.


    And that''s when I see something that makes me actually sweat. Dear God, is this actually what my future wife is like? She''s literally wearing a ck,tex dominatrix outfit! To think they have stuff like that in this world, it''s almost a little scary if she didn''t look so damn good in it.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Why the freaking hell has Aesa started smiling so much now!? Is that how I look when I start to grin like a madwoman? It''s unsettling as hell... shit, I''ve just noticed something else...


    (Aesa) "Wow..."


    (Ikarus) "H-Hang on just one second! Do w-we need to agree a s-safeword or something?"


    I mean, just look at her! She''s literally wielding a freaking whip as well! I''m ming Aesa for sparring Petra on this much, what the fuck have I gotten myself into!?


    "Heh, Ikarus. Do you really think I''m going to do something you''re ufortable with? Just say no if you don''t like anything, can easily change into something less intimidating as well if this is too much"


    "Petra should not worry, Ikarus is enjoying this disy just as much as I. She just refuses to admit to it. The whip is most intriguing"


    "J-Just shut it for a s-second Aesa! Look, I''m all for trying something new but straight onto a whip? We haven''t even tried spanking yet!"


    That''s my main problem! Nothing to do with the sexy outfit that Petra rocks like she belongs in it, that thing looks like it''ll hurt!


    "Heh, the whip came with this Ikarus and wasn''t nning on using it, it justpletes the look really. If you''re really wanting to be spanked though, then I guess your punishment can be arranged. Does Aesa need a punishment as well?"


    "E-Erm... okay..."


    "Yes. Aesa does need a punishment"


    Petra the dominatrix puts the whip on a chair and then climbs onto the bed positioning herself between our bound legs. Then, I feel the slight rubbing of a rubbery hand on my butt cheek, instinctively I clinch waiting for the impact that seems to be taking forever to happen... there it is!


    The two sounds of pping hands collides against me and Aesa''s bottoms and a slightly unsure feeling I didn''t expect courses through my body. That''s disappointing.


    "Ouch! Erm... can you try that again one second Petra, just a little weaker? I''m not sure about this"


    But Ikarus, spanking is so sexy, right? I don''t really know why but if anything, that seems to have turned me off a little.


    Petra does as I ask and smacks both of us again just a little weaker... yeah, I actually don''t like this. What a buzzkill.


    "Nah... Sorry, Petra, but I''m really not into that. Everything else is great but that just hurts"


    Don''t get me wrong, having the slight pinch around the bosom area is brilliant but being spanked like that seems to be doing less for me than I expected. It wasn''t even that painful really. Like Petra not liking her breasts being touched, I don''t like pain around there it seems.


    "Heh, don''t apologize Ikarus, both of us aren''t into certain bits of pain it seems. I think someone else may be a little different though"


    Wait... Aesa''s freaking biting her lip and looks in ecstasy! I swear she''s supposed to be a part of me so having her tastes like this is odd...


    Heh, I wonder if this is more the AI ying a part. Think about it, a system that can only experience feelings through me so when greeted with something like pain, it could be extremely overwhelming. Obviously, just not in a bad way for her...


    "Haha, to think my system is literally a pain slut! Hit her with the whip next Petra!"


    "Heh, you''re getting carried away Ikarus. It seems only Aesa deserves a painful punishment then. Are you willing to ept that punishment Aesa?"


    "Yes... mistress Petra"


    "Mistress Petra? Naughty Aesa, you really are pushing it. Choose one or the other, not both"


    "Apologies... mistress, Aesa will learn"


    "That''s better... ve. You''re not deserving of a name right now"


    Hang on, what the actual fuck is going on between those two!? Don''t you be stealing the show away from me Aesa! This is a threesome after all, don''t you be turning this into a full on BDSM session between you and mistress Petra!


    "Oi, don''t you two forget about me, I''m here as well!"


    "Heh, don''t worry Ikarus. Say, I can always punish you in a different way as well. How does a vibrator turned up fully sound?"


    ...


    "Hell yeah! If you''re also happy with that p-punishment as well Petra..."


    Petra gives me a quick smile, then gets back off the bed to prepare some toys. Despite the slight dy from not liking a good spank, I''m back to being happy and horny again. Maybe it''s having such a natural person helping us or the fact I''m basically staring at my own face but damn, this is pretty hot.


    Petraes back over holding four of those little bullet vibrators and I already know where these are going. This woman is literally perfect in every single way and she''s about to ''torture'' us with something absolutely brutal. Who needs a proper BDSM rtionship anyways? This works just as well, even if it seem pretty weird even from my perspective.


    "Here''s the game us three are going to y. Both of you do not orgasm without permission, no exceptions. I''m not getting any pleasure this time around so this is the least you two can do for my sake"


    "I will hold it in then mistress"


    "Okay Petra"


    "Good then. Let''s get this performance started"


    Petra makes her way around to Aesa and presumably starts to put a couple of the vibrators deep within her, not like I can really see it tied up facing her though. Aesa seems to turn a little redder from such an action but it''s pretty hard to tell right now.


    "Naughty ve, you''re just as wet as Ikarus"


    "Apologies mistress, Aesa will do better"


    "You don''t even know why you''re apologizing, but forget it... your turn now Ikarus, you''re going to enjoy this"


    Petra circles back around to behind me and I feel her warm gloved hands exploring my forbidden fruit trying to get a hold of her handiwork she''s created. Now she''s got a hold of the rope, both those small objects about to go inside now...


    Feeling the slight chafing of the rope, the two small things slide very nicely into mydy parts and sit inside like they belong there. In some ways, this is even better bondage then everything else. There''s no way I''d be able to push them out with the rope being a nuisance and my hands being behind me... fuck, this is getting even hotter...


    "Let''s see then... I''m feeling generous today so both of you can share the same treatment, except the ve, she needs disciplining as well. Remember, you don''t have permission to finish, I''ll be extremely disappointed if you do early"


    Petra climbs back onto the bed sitting between us while speaking and starts to fiddle on the remotes of the four vibrators... urgh...


    The vibes spring to life causing both me and Aesa to quiver a little and keep raising till they hit an unbelievable level of pleasure. This is what life''s all about, being aplete sex addict and I couldn''t care less...


    This is just pure ecstasy, every second of this I wish I could experience forever but it''s already starting to build... no Ikarus! You are not going to cum in seconds! Enjoy this for as long as possible...


    "Do you like that ve? This is what you deserve"


    "Yes mistress! I deserve this..."


    While the sounds of the vibrators buzz throughout our bedroom and inside our pussies, I can hear and feel the asional p coursing through Aesa and by God, her face looks of pure ecstasy from every time it happens. Petra''s purposely slowing the gap down between ps just simply because Aesa''s getting into it way too much.


    As for me, these fucking vibrators are already sending me mad...


    "Urgh... mistress..."


    "Heh, she''s a natural at mimicking your moaning Ikarus"


    "D-Damn it Petra, urgh..."


    This pleasure like usual is way too enjoyable for my body to fight against so this orgasm is building rapidly, I''m trying everything I can to fight it off. It''s not helping that our breasts are pressed together and it feels awfully close to groping as well, urgh... damn these cursed squishy things of mine...


    "Don''t you dare cum Ikarus. Aesa''s doing her job so you do the same"


    "P-Please turn it d-down then"


    "Heh, that''s not even on full Ikarus. You can hold it in, just enjoy it or it''ll bepletely turned off"


    "F-Fuck..."


    She''s so freaking evil at times! She''s given me a predicament in which I can have everything, or nothing! Of course, I''m going to choose this option, just need to slow done my breathing and focus keeping this in...


    I''d rather this then being edged though; I still have the option to just be naughty and do it if I want. I''m not sure what would happen if I came early but Petra would probably find something wicked enough as ''punishment''. No Ikarus, don''t be further turned on by that, keep it in, you stupid bird, fucking hell. These vibrators might be harder to fight than a demon lord.


    "Could I please cum mistress?"


    Without even realizing it, Aesa''s orgasm has already built from the vibrations and spanking, she''s struggling just as much as me now. I don''t even care though, there''s only so much brainpower I can use to keep this orgasm from breaking free and looking at my own face is just a further turn on/


    "Ah, so you''ve managed to make your way to where Ikarus is at? Hmm... not just yet ve, keep it in a little longer"


    Almost being cruel, I feel the vibrator turn up a little more and know Petra''s enjoying this more than she really should. Fuck this, Aesa just received another p and she''s just rubbed against my chest again...


    "Please mistress, can Aesa please climax?"


    "P-Please Petra, this is t-torture"


    Both me and Aesa are obviously trying our hardest trying to keep this in but there''s only so much we can do if she''s going to make it even harder. I almost want to cry now; this pleasure is turning into pure frustration,


    "Not just yet. If you two can be quite for the next thirty seconds or so, then I''ll allow it, okay?"


    ...


    Without needing to give her a response, me and Aesa do as she says and zip it. The only sound that can be heard throughout the bedroom is heavy breathing and buzzing right now, I swear these are getting stronger... fuck this, I''m already shaking like I''ve already achieved orgasm... not just yet Ikarus, you can do it... urgh...


    No idea how long it''s really been but this half a minute feels like hours of torment, I''m starting to even prefer being edged now. Please just let us cum Petra...


    "Hmm... guess that''s been long enough. Keep it in until I do this though..."


    Almost in sync, me and Aesa lose all control once Petra switches the vibrators fully up...


    "Urgh..."


    "U-Urgh! D-Damn it..."


    Both of us violently orgasm together and by God, this might be one of the longest I''ve ever had, it feels never ending. This is extremely problematic since being this tightly together makes the entre bed shake from me and Aesa thrashing into each other writhing the tightpounds of the rope, it''s only making the orgasm stronger.


    After getting through it all and Petra turning them down to a low numbing sensation, I''m greeted with an exhausted looking Aesa who really shows just how red this face can get. It really is quite the sight and makes me realize why Petra loves this so much, my face really is sublime looking like that. I''m not trying to be a narcissist but hey, it''s difficult to not notice when the face is directly in front of you.


    "Heh, that was quite the show you two put on. Ready for the next performance?"


    "Okay mistress"


    "*Huff* s-sorry Petra, but can I get out now? Another orgasm might be a little much"


    This was for Aesa today and I''m... kinda done. I probably could go for another round but now, I''m just tired. This threesome was great and all but I really need a good sleep, there''s only so much bondage this bird can do, it wasn''t long ago west did this after all.


    "Heh, of course Ikarus. We''ll finish this now then since Aesa has surprised me more than I realized. May have gotten slightly carried away there as well"


    Can''t help but chuckle about that. Aesa must be the fully masochist version of me and I''m pretty happy she has different tastes as well. Petra could probably go full dominant with her and it would honestly be pretty fun to watch. Not saying she couldn''t with me as well but it''s obvious I''m not a natural with that sort of thing though. Also doubt these will be amon experience but it was quite nice having another with us this time around.


    "Aesa can help with that then... thank you target Petra for this experience. That was something I''ll never forget..."


    And just like that, the clone body disintegrates in front of me only leaving the loose rope and vibrators that were inside Aesa''s pussy behind. Despite losing half of the Ikarus double act we have; I''m still surprisingly wrapped up in rope with barely any moment still.


    "Erm... you know the vibrators are still slightly on Petra, right?"


    "Heh, you''re imagining things Ikarus. If you want to be untied, then that''s a problem I can''t solve I''m afraid"


    Even when we''re going through cleanup duty and she''s starting to untie the rope, Petra still can''t help herself. I bet she''s purposely going to leave my hands tillst as well so I''ve still got that vibe going along, I guess I didn''t say anything about it about when asking to get out I suppose, might as well let her have this.


    "Fineee, it can stay in for longer then. Just hurry this up please..."


    While she''s doing this and I''m trying to focus on something else getting my mind off that painfully low vibrator, a strange thought hase to mind about our preferences regarding breasts. More specifically, about Petra''s.


    "Say Petra... why don''t you like your breasts being touched anyways?"


    "It''s just painful, like with your bottom Ikarus. It''s the ufortable sort of thing rather than the pinching pain you like, wasn''t always like that though"


    At the same time of us conversing, I feel the rope unwrap between my legs and the vibration seems to change without the pressing of the rope keeping it in...


    "Urgh... you think it could be down the deal you made? You know, the one with all your pain?"


    "Probably Ikarus, it did feel nice before that I suppose"


    "Then, once we sort out the pain you get, I''m going to grope the hell out of you to show you how good it feels, alright?"


    "Heh, really are a smooth talker Ikarus. Feel like I should turn the vibrator up as punishment. Let''s get you out now..."

 Chapter 147 – Tartarus

    Chapter 147 ¨C Tartarus


    "*Yawnnn*... guess I''m up first then"


    "..."


    Waking up the next morning cuddled into Petra, I can''t help but pull slightly away from her embrace to witness her sleeping face. She''s even smiling right now, it''s so freaking adorable...


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Simping aside, yesterday was pretty tiring after what happened so that sleep was absolutely lush. The session as well was really good but less said about what happened, the better. Was a little bit too perverted for consistent use...


    Even just the beauty from the morning light and snow gleaming through the window seems to make my mood even better but I am cuddled into the best person in the entire world after all. Keep in mind, the days are considerably darker because of the clouds and all but just a hint of light can get through every now and then. It''s such a rarity waking up before her as well so might as well make the most of it.


    ''That''s unfortunate, she''s about to wake up as well now''


    "Oi sleepyhead, rise and shine"


    "*Yawn... *, heh, morning Ikarus. Last night was pretty different, wasn''t it?"


    ''I like how she used the word different. That''s the understatement of the year''


    "Petra... don''t get me wrong,st night was epic and all, but we should probably keep things a little tamer from now on and keep that extremely rare. That went to levels I think both of us aren''t fully willing to embrace"


    "Heh, agreed Ikarus. Let''s keep that sort of thing locked away for special asions... maybe on your birthday next for example?"


    [<Tell target -Petra- that''s an unreasonable time to wait>]


    "You wanna hear something funny Petra? Even Aesa''s shouting in my ear saying that''s way too long to wait. No need to set a date, we''ll just wing it, an-"


    The without any warning, the sound of knocking can be heard on our bedroom door and the culprit must obviously be that damn maid of ours.


    "Are the two queens up yet? I''ve prepared your breakfast for the usual time, but I can go away if you''re still sleeping"


    "You can obviously hear us speaking maid, so why even bother asking!?"


    "Heh, bring it in please Eve"


    "Okay!"


    Don''t get me wrong, I like this maid and all but I can already tell there''s going to be ament or two aboutst night...


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    Deep down hidden beyond the earth, the never-ending fires and pits of Tartarus burn and consume all souls that dare to venture this far within its depths. It''s countless fierykes, agonizing brimstone and itsck of life make it inhospitable for even the most powerful of souls.


    This is why it makes for a brilliant ce to hide or imprison heavenly beings,pletely entombed within enchanted cages hidden within an unknown cave. Many others have had their stay down here before even including the legendary titans once upon a time. All of which have suffered the unending loneliness of beingpletely isted and unable to reach another soul.


    Except I, the God of wine and various other things am not alone. Beyond the chains and cage that keep me trapped like an animal is a red creature with a never-ending grin on his face...


    "Have youe down here to gloat Asmodeus for my betrayal or is there any reason for such a visit?"


    "Gloat? Oh Dionysus, you really have no idea how much of a favour I''ve done you right now"


    "Favour? You think ratting on me to Zeus and getting me imprisoned, is a favour?"


    "The heavens are currently in a civil war young God, with no winner in sight. This is unironically the safest ce for you right now, especially considering how much power you''ve stolen for that incarnate of yours"


    The knowledge this demon lord has is honestly baffling. He seems to know everything that I''ve done, everything that''s going on behind the scenes and even the power I stole for her. He''s obviously been onto me for much longer than I first realized.


    "What about the others then? Please tell me they haven''t all ended up in simr or worse fates"


    "You mean the people that were conspiring with you? All of them have gone silent and are currently hiding, probably waiting for the day they truly believe there is a chance Zeus can be defeated. You really don''t want to be up there right now, believe me"


    "At least give me something a little more than that Asmodeus, that''s not really much to go off"


    "To give you a rough example then... Ragnar?k haspletely lost all faith in your father and even a good portion of you Olympians have now chosen sides, Athena''s disappearance has also turned heads thought to be loyal as well. The angels aren''t doing shit like usual, still fixated on the only evil out there being us demon folk"


    Ragnar?k has gone against Zeus? Fuck, the entire heavens are in uproar from the volcano news getting out it seems. Normally, they wouldn''t care about something like this and if anything, they care little for volcanos but going this far? It''s the fact Zeus has tried to hide and cover this up, they still care for the elves and dwarfs since their religion is supposed to loosely based around their beliefs.


    Already knew about Athena disappearing, she knew this would end up madness so best not to stick around. As for the angels, they are theughing stocks of the heavens because of the pure fixation on demons. Everyone knows not to trust a demon but the angel would sacrifice everything in order to destroy evil, even if there would be no good left in the world.


    "Then, isn''t this the perfect time to attack? You obviously aren''t on father''s side so why are you here?"


    "Heh, nonsense. If I were to join in with the beauty happening up there, I''d end up facing his wraith just as everyone else. What they''re doing right now is suicidal"


    By the sounds of it, most of the heavens may be in civil war but Zeus would still hold the majority of power. It''s not that surprising considering he''s the strongest, just having more people wouldn''t be enough. Even if every single God and Goddess were to turn against him, it''s still a debate on who would actually win.


    "You still didn''t answer on why you''re even down here. You couldn''t have hitched a ride from Charon to the underworld just to inform me about current events?"


    The demon, unlike the rest of the conversation seems to pause slightly. This seems slightly out of character for him.


    "I did want to see how you were but honestly... I''m also hiding for the time being. The rest of the demonic world weren''t supposed to find out about my tiny involvement in this tillter on so my ns have been put on hold for now"


    "Tiny involvement!? You literallymanded the entire majin army to invade the mortal world and failed miserably. You make it sound like it was nothing"


    The demon almost looks a little irritated from what I just said there, almost as if he thinks I''m belittling him or something.


    "Do you really think that little of me Dionysus, that what I''ve done wasn''t on purpose? I literally made sure to poison that entire force before the battle itself! Listen young God, there''s a reason for everything, trying to wipe out my entire race is something that doesn''t concern you"


    He actually is trying to wipe out the entire demonic race as well? Everyone knows demons want to destroy everything but actually going about it this way? This demon lord is crazy.


    "So, that''s why the attack went so lousy, it was done like that on purpose? I bet you also knew about how father would react to the failure as well, erupting the volcano"


    Grinning like a madman, he definitely knew about that.


    "Technically, he didn''t even set it off, but that secret n was also predicted as well. I''ll reveal a little more to you in time but there needs to be the perfect moment for such an important piece of information, don''t you think?"


    Sighhh... it''s almost as if he sees this entire thing as a game but there is something interesting about what he''s doing. Maybe it''s just boredom from theck of anything else going on down here making me interested in what he''s doing, there''s no exactly much you can do staring at a cage door every single day. This is the longest I remember being sober as well.


    By the sounds of it, I really wouldn''t be surprised if Asmodeus is going for the destruction of every single soul, whether it be heavenly or mortal. Whatever he''s up to, it''s extremely big and may end up with Zeus''s finally reaching his end. I''d be in agreement with him if it wasn''t for the fact, he wants to destroy everything in the process.


    "If you really are against him as well, why not join sides with me and release me from these chains then?"


    "Heh, that sort of thing is impossible I''m afraid young God, I couldn''t let you out even if I tried right now. Just wait patiently and this will soon be over. The volcano in particr will onlyst three more months so your time down here won''t be as long as first feared. The rest of the time depends on how long it takes for them to show up here"


    "Three months? Them? Just what is going on Asmodeus? You... found a new prophet, haven''t you?"


    It has to be something like that, the information this demon lord has makes no sense. Father doesn''t share with anybody and yet this guy knows exactly when the ice age will end and that people will being down here? If it''s not a prophet, then I have no idea...


    "Heh, just don''t worry about it young God. You''ll know a lot more when you get to see your incarnate face to face next..."


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "It''s about time you showed up. Had the feeling you''d arrive any day now"


    "Apologies for theteness Jarl Denver, but this was the earliest I could do with everything going on"


    A brown-haired beautiful woman, stands expressionless in front of me and my throne managing to arrive in the dwarven kingdom even in such a crisis. Dressed head to toe in tattered clothing, it''s astonishing she''s even managed to make her way here especially with the risks that currently face this world but then again, she has always been a woman of many talents. Such adaptability is nothing for her.


    Before continuing on the conversation, I make sure to wave away my guards and advisor from the underground throne room itself. Still need to be careful but at least this allows a little more to be said.


    "No worries... best to keep up appearances though, at least for the time being. I''m guessing things up there have gone to shit?"


    "Yes Denver, it''s exactly how we both predicted. The heavens are in uproar all calling for Zeus''s head. I''m still not happy about this all but at this point, he''s unsavable"


    This exact scenario we both predicated centuries ago with Zeus declining mental capabilities and it''s finally happened. I''d have personally loved to see his reaction from finding out he has been out meddled but that would require dying, no chance I''m throwing such a perfect life behind.


    The problem with everything is whates next. Helping the other Gods dethrone the God who rules all is an impossibility but if a different yer were to enter the scene, then they''d have ourplete backing. All that''s needed is to find said person first though...


    "Excellent. Now all we can do is wait and steer those who are powerful enough in the right direction. I did tell you decades ago it''s impossible to remain neutral with him after all"


    "That was based on your assumption that at the time held no credit. In hindsight, yes. I was incorrect but there''s no reason to sound proud about such a thing"


    Ah, maybe that dide across a little bratty towards her but then again, I''m still in the body of a child I suppose. You''ll be shocked just how much this sort of thing can mess with your head but I''ve already gotten through the worst parts of mortal life. Learning to use the potty especially was a memory that will haunt me for eternity...


    "Sometimes relying on things like luck and gut feeling work out more than you realize. Just look at me right now for example, this child''s body was pretty much perfect for what was needed. Saved me years getting this right"


    As usual, I''m one of the only people who can get a reaction out of the stoic women. We have known each other way too long so being able to push her button is sort of a skill of mine.


    "Unlike you Denver, I had to find a way toe down here with a body suitable for instant use. Relying on pure luck like you did was extremely ill advised and could''ve ended up with you in the backend of nowhere"


    It''s not hard to understand she is correct but obviously my luck counters her reasoning. I had the feeling I''d reincarnate pretty close by to where I wanted and it happened. There''s no amount of reasoning, knowledge and wisdom that can ount for that and it confuses the hell out of her.


    She''s never been able to see the future but predications and logic have always been her strong suit. Both of us knew it was an inevitability that Zeus would eventually find some reason to set the volcano off again, this time around the fixation just had to be on the orange phoenix rather than Zeus knows whatst time. It''s just a good thing he doesn''t know the core of this world more than I, I did create this sted thing after all.


    "Don''t you start lecturing me again about that, we both know I don''t only rely on luck. Are you forgetting that I''m still able to return to the heavens someday? You''re now stuck down here permanently"


    "That''s true, but this was inevitable. You just put your trust in me and I''ll do the same like how we''ve always done this"


    "I never said I lost faith in you sister, just you''re even more reckless than me at times..."

 Chapter 148 – Time Skip

    Chapter 148 ¨C Time Skip


    "It''s funny how such a small thing can be so beautiful when you haven''t seen it in so long"


    "Heh, looks like I''ve got topete with the sun as well now Ikarus"


    "Not funny Petra. The sun could literally have the greatest body, excellent personality and a perfect arse but still would be uselesspared to my lovebird"


    "Heh, love you too Ikarus, but you really need toe up with some better lines"


    "Hey! That one was alright, I think..."


    Looking up at a barely clouded sky actually getting to witness the sunlight not opposed by anything in the way, it truly is an experience you forget about when you haven''t witnessed the sun like this in such a long time. It''s a shame Petra can''t view it but blindness is a thing that her poor soul has been afflicted with... I''m pretty weird this morning it seems.


    Three months have passed and finally, goddamn finally, the snow and ice are melting. Actually, that''s notpletely true, the ice melted several weeks ago but it was still cold so it counts, alright? The temperature is finally reasonable so people can start to popte the settlement once again and everything can return to normal. Maybe the word normality works better than normal, this settlement is as weird as us.


    While we''re walking through the still mostly empty settlement locked by hand, a very familiar face runs towards us and makes me think why she''s even running.


    "Aesa needs to inform Ikarus and Petra about visiting ships that are currently arriving by the docks"


    Oh yeah, Aesa has been out a load more recently and seems to have juste from the docks. Her speech patterns have been slowly changing over time as well so the removal of things like target and sounding a little more human isn''t that big of a surprise. No point mentioning it further because we all know what she''s like with that sort of thing, I do have a tendency of making it out to be a bigger deal than it actually is.


    "We''ll make our way over then..."


    __________


    "Move it ya bastards! Get that anchor down or you''ll all be strapped to the hull!"


    "Aye sir!"


    Two ships appear to have docked and the one we''re currently at seems to have the dwarven captain we''ve met a few times now. He seems to be pretty pissed at his fellow shipmates right now but very quickly makes time for us while he''s setting down the nk so they can get ontond.


    "You were the captain who handles the silver exchange, right? I''m sorry but you''re going to have to wait a while since nothing is ready yet"


    "Ikarus is right, no message was sent so this is on your shoulders"


    Once we get some loaded up, the dwarfs are definitely going to love us considering we''ve still been mining during everything that''s gone on. We literally have tunnels upon tunnels filled with gold bars at this point in time now, couldn''t exactly bring it to the treasury due to the cold so all operations were underground like everything else. We''ve actually survived this like it''s nothing thinking about it, dwarfs might be the greatest species in this entire world. We''d have been clueless if it wasn''t for the gnome.


    It''s also going to be nice to eat food not grown underground again but less recapping quickly, we are in conversation after all.


    "No need queens, I''m only here to deliver a message this time around. The other ship over there isn''t even with us"


    (Ikarus) "Then who''s on it?"


    Taking a quick nce to the other docked ship unloading, two very familiar faces seem to be getting off first and my happiness levels instantly raise. It''s been ages since Ist saw these two!


    "Is that Charlotte and... Nathan? What the hell are you two doing over here!?"


    "Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama! It''s been so long!"


    "It''s a pleasure to finally greet you two once again... Never realized your majesty had a twin sister"


    Both the priestess and the knight hurry towards us and of course, subus-sama can''t help but embrace me in a hug. I''m not going to push her away since I''ve missed her as well, it''s odd that the knight is here as well though. His armour is way fancier than I''ve ever seen it before but I did know about his promotion after all. Should probably mention he''s noticed Aesa as well, she does follow me around like a bad smell after. Most of the time anyways...


    "Heh, remember Ikarus''s voice in her head? What''s wrong with you knight?"


    "Yeah, Petra''s right, I''ve told you about Aesa before, that''s how she looks in person. You can drop the formalities Nathan"


    Petra gets round to calling him out first, the bloody knight even bowed for us during that greeting! What happened to the stuttering innocent knight I know and love... as a bro of course! You know, I reckon my mad decent into bing full on female would''ve been slowed down if he was around more. It was inevitable after all but he is basically the only male party member we''ve had. I''m not counting Mr obnoxious for obnoxious reasons.


    "Yeah, I''ll cut it out then, and it''s nice to speak with you again Aesa"


    "Likewise. Last time Aesa spoke with Nathan and Charlotte, it was inside secondpleted dungeon"


    "Ah, that irritating ce, it was really..."


    ''While they''re speaking, I''ve got to check this out real quick, status''


    [Name: Nathan | Species: Human | Level: 182]


    [Health 9,100/9,100]


    [Stamina 9,002/9,100]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Charlotte | Species: Subus | Level: 500]


    [Health 12,500/12,500]


    [Stamina 19,793/20,000]


    [Magicka 30,000/30,000]


    ''Wow, he really has beefed up and not just in appearance it seems. Priestess is the exact same as well but being powered by a God does that, I suppose''


    This actually reminds me about the demon worshipper Geld, his guild has had problems recently so he''s been unable to follow us around despite him wanting to. So much for him needing to protect us but eh, do we really need a demon worshipping puppy around us? It sounds like I''m being rude but he seems perfectly fine with it though.


    (Ikarus) "So... what brings you two old friends over anyways? It couldn''t have been easy to get away from your duties Nathan"


    "The emperor gave his permission as this is for something kinda important that requir-..."


    "Don''t mean to be rude queens but I''m standing here like an idiotic elf right now. Can I just speak to you two first?"


    Can never forget about dwarven rudeness so that butting in isn''t that surprising. Even if we are the unopposed leaders of this ind, the majority of dwarfs are like this after all. Garry the gnome is pretty kind considering the rest of them are bullish idiots, they do know good humour and alcohol that makes up for it. Petra looks like she wants to smack him right now though.


    (Ikarus) "Sorry then captain. You said something about an invitation?"


    "Yes, I did. The beardless kid Jarl Denver has graciously asked for both the queens to visit as soon as possible. Don''t ask for the details, it''s supposed to be a secret I''m too stupid to understand... or remember"


    "The dwarfs have sent an invite for you as well Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama?"


    "Me and Lotte only came over here because this was on the journey... and to see you of course"


    Look at the knight trying to y on our emotions, we both know that''s bullshit but it''s kind, so who the hell cares?


    (Petra) "Why did you two get invited as well? It sounds like you may know what this is about then?"


    Both the visitors look a little unsure whether to answer or not. That''s actually shocking to me because Nathan at one point in time had a problem keeping secrets. I guess he really has grown up then, wonder if that dragon stutter still remains...


    "I guess it should be okay to answer, I''m not sure if the captain is allowed to hear it or not though"


    "Just ignore me holy priestess, I''ve already been told the reason but I''ve forgotten it twice already. This is why the kid likes me for some reason, nothing else matters other than money after all"


    "Okay then. Jarl Denver said he may be able to help me get back in contact with my Lord. He''s been quiet ever since the demon invasion and I''ve been extremely worried for him ever since"


    Shit, Dionysus is still quiet? That can''t be good, right? He''s literally priestess''s coping strategy. I know the knight would be able to help as well but it''s a little different to having a literal voice in your head. Believe me, I know, Aesa may be with us in person but she''s always up there somewhere.


    "Have you been okay Charlotte? I know having silence can''t be good for you"


    "I''ve been okay Ikarus-sama, I guess. I''m more just worried for his sake since he was supposed to return shortly but hasn''t spoken a single word ever since then"


    Just by judging from the knight Nathan''s face alone, I think Charlotte is putting on a brave face there. Dio is kinda like a father to her after all and suddenly losing him for this long is bound to affect her sanity.


    Should we give them a hand with this? Yeah, it would be like repaying the favour for helping me cure myself way back when. I also like Charlotte so I''m down for this.


    "So... after we confront Denver about the volcano, you two up for joining up again in search for him? It sounds like an impossible task rescuing a God but Denver seems to know more than he lets on after all"


    I know we''re supposed to be finding a way of destroying whoever''s responsible for the volcano and demon invasion but rescuing Dionysus seems like the most reasonable course of action. This n still involves heading to the dwarven kingdom anyways.


    Petra''s with me and knowing that the ice age seems to be over, we can finally afford to ditch the settlement behind for a while. We have been tied down here for way too long recently, the people are going to be pissed but it''s not exactly like they can stop us from leaving, can they? Eh, we''ll just slip away when they''re not looking or something.


    "Are you sure about that Ikarus-sama?"


    "Yeah, this could be a long a difficult task that has no end in sight Ikarus"


    I can see why both of them may be a little sceptical, it''s not like we''re trying to search for a regr human so this could be quite the task. But hey, we''ve already spoken to Gods before so it can''t be that hard, right?


    "Well... it depends on if my fellow lovebird wants too as well"


    "Heh, never stopped stalking you Ikarus so of course I''ll being along, can''t be letting you get away that easily"


    That actually gets a slight chuckle out of both of them two, that was how our first introduction happened after all. Petra started stalking me, then admitted to it and I preceded to wake up drunk in her bed! Then was a little more in-between but that''s the story summed up after all. Might as well make it sound as bad as possible.


    "So then everybody... it sounds like you''ve all decided to board my ship then? Can we get a move on?"


    The rude captain is still standing around, can''t say I me his impatience. Anytime staying docked like this doing nothing does cost him money after all, it''s not like we''re exchanging gold today now.


    "Just hang on a second captain, Zeki and Ariza wanted toe with on this expedition as well so... wait, how could I forget about that? Aesa, would that ability work if everyone was holding hands together?"


    "Yes Ikarus, ability -admin privileges- does work how Ikarus is intending"


    "Then there''s no need to wait around captain. We''ll make our own ways to the kingdom so you don''t need to stay..."


    __________


    "Oi you two, get the bloody hell up!"


    "Erk... do you really need to shout orangey?"


    "*Yawnnn*... uh huh, it''s not thatte, right?"


    Having just found Zeki and Ariza sleeping together at their inn, it turns out both these twozy heads are still sleeping and its freaking midday!


    Ipletely forgot how those phoenix siblings still sleep together on asion... and no, not in that way. I''m pretty sure Ariza''s gets night terrors or something like that and Zeki always says he just prefers sleeping alongside someone so that there''s more chance against an assassin... yeah, right. I''m pretty sure he''s chosen to sleep alongside Ariza over Ria at times and like I just said, it''s really not in that way. I think these two are unable to fully grow up despite it sometimes appearing otherwise.


    "Heh, you two wanted toe with us next time we leave after all. We''re departing for the kingdom right now"


    "Uh huh, are we going right now then? Need to get dressed first"


    "Oh, it''s the nun and the stutterer as well. Last time we met, I was torching the capital if I remember correctly"


    Both of the phoenixes seem to wipe the sleep out of their eyes in sync, both Nathan and Zeki seem a little grumpy speaking with each other though.


    "You forgetting an orphanage was nearly burnt down after you went rouge? It doesn''t matter if the nobles were uprising, what you did was insane"


    "Buzz off empire''sckey, I''ve just woken up and can''t be bothered to deal with your moaning"


    (Ariza) "*Sigh*... don''t you two be starting again, this used to happen daily when we were helping the empire out"


    Damn, I never realized those two didn''t like each other but I guess I can kinda see it now, it''s not like Zeki and Nathan have simr personalities at all. Nathan is extremely loyal and will do anything for anyone while Zeki is the picture of being a tsundere but only to a select group of people. Everyone else is an NPC in his eyes.


    "You two get dressed real quick and we''ll wait outside then..."


    __________


    "All done now... why are you looking at us like that orangey?"


    "Uh huh, it''s a little scary"


    "You two... have literally taken a freaking hour! We even had chance to tell everyone we''re leaving and... oh, just forget it. Are you finally ready to go then?"


    I mean, it''s not exactly like the goodbyes are going to be drawn out. We can literally leave in a split second and can return doing the same in twenty-four hours. Marcus always handles anything anyways so as long as he doesn''t turn into a corrupt capitalist, we''re okay to leave the settlement anytime. The people will be depressed than wee and go but it''s not like they can do anything about it, they don''t even need to know.


    "All good, me and brother are now set"


    "How does this even work Ikarus-sama? Is it kinda like flying?"


    Priestess seems to be the most curious out of everyone about this which is fair enough, the other phoenixes have been told about my teleportation capabilities beforehand.


    "All we need to do Charlotte is hold hands and I''ll handle the rest, feels kinda simr to a small nap? You know, seeing that we''ve already wasted enough time already, I need to show you two something now"


    [<Does Aesa really have to help Ikarus do this?>]


    Aesa''s gone back inside now, should be pretty obvious to tell when we''remunicating like this but still.


    ''Yes Aesa, please just activate it please''


    [<Confirmed, winged brethren has been activated->]


    Like with other couple of times Ikarus the dragon has formed, it looks like a mess from my perspective but very quickly, I''m towering over the little mortals down below me. I''m pretty sure Petra just chuckled from my insistence at showing this off to everyone but there is kind of a reason though.


    <You two, this is pretty dope, right?>


    "Wow Ikarus-sama, you''re so big!"


    "Yeah, that''s pretty impressive Ikarus"


    <Hey look, your stutter is gone! Good on ya Nathan for dealing with it>


    That''s the main reason, I just simply wanted to see if he has developed with that as well. I wasn''t trying to bully him, if anything it''s more helpful since he could never contain himself around dragons after all. I''m nothing like a dragon so I was thinking this might help his brain a little, good thing to know it''s not needed...


    "I wouldn''t really say it''s gonepletely Ikarus, just it''s reserved for dragons who scare the shit out of me. Esmerelda''s okay but both your parents still make me shiver"


    Heh, that''s a pretty good reaction. Anyways, I quickly morph back into the hybrid happily knowing I''ve wasted seconds from everyone''s day, and now, it''s time to go confront Jarl Denver. We''re going to beat it out of him if he doesn''te clean, probably. Might be a bit cruel beating up a child but he''s a fake kid so it''s fine, I think? Adult mind in a child''s body... nah, this seems like crossing a line. Maybe we''ll have to leave the threats behind unfortunately.


    "Okay... everyone grab hands with me and Petra and I''ll get us over there. Don''t let go unless you want to be ripped in half or something"


    Everyone does as asked except Zeki has just can''t help but moan.


    "Do we seriously have to hold hands orangey? Can''t I use my foot or something?"


    (Nathan) "You really are such a child"


    He''s ended up alongside the knight and knowing Zeki, holding hands with a dude is probably not allowed as some part of a bro code.


    "Yes kid, just shut up and think about the dwarven booze you can drink over there"


    In the end, he reluctantly agrees so all of us are now joined in hands ready to go. If anyone is idiotic enough to let go, I''m going to be right pissed.


    ''Aesa, admin privileges please?''


    [<Confirmed, teleportation will nowmence...>]


    __________


    "What the fuck!? How the hell did you lot get in here!?!"


    ''Well shit, maybe I should''ve gone somewhere different...''

 Chapter 149 – Rescue Planning

    Chapter 149 ¨C Rescue nning


    (Denver) "What the fuck!? How the hell did you lot get in here!?!"


    "Heh, you really wasted no time getting us to where we needed Ikarus"


    "Hey! Where else would I go other than the throne room Petra? It saves loads of walking time, right? Even if we probably shouldn''t be here right now though"


    "Erk, that TP bullshit makes me feel sick"


    "Uh huh, me a little as well Zeki. That''s not a great feeling"


    "You two should''ve trained your bodies more when you were in the empire"


    "Be kind to them Nat, most people can''t handle that training"


    Having just arrived in Jarl Denver''s throne cave-room in a split second due to the teleportation, all six of us are greeted to the kid jarl half-dressed clearly having just gotten out of the bath.


    Almost instantly as well, the entire room fills with guards from Denver''s scream and surrounds us within seconds. Literally none of us even bat an eye from the overwhelming response though, there''s no reason for this to turn deadly. It''s not like any of them could even do anything anyways, I singlehandedly could turn this ce into a bloodbath...


    "You can all stand dow-, screw it, you can all fuck off as well..."


    The guards do immediately as asked by the kid not giving anyints to the leader shaking them off. I think he''s a little annoyed that we were so easily able to infiltrate his throne room but there''s not much anyone can do against a literal TP ability though.


    "...Erm... when I gave the invitation, I didn''t expect you to arrive this quickly. How did you even do that?"


    At least the kid is able to regain hisposure pretty quickly but I''d rather not give him that information just yet. He owes us some information first before we start sharing secrets. Thankfully, Petra''s perfect at distraction tactics.


    "Heh, still cute as always kid, you keep getting bigger everyday"


    "Your tactics won''t work again likest time Petra... but thanks for thepliment anyways. I won''t bother asking if you n to change the topic then"


    The kid goes out of the main cave into a tunnel while drying his hair with a towel quickly, then makes his way back into it now actually wearing something a little more appropriate. His hair is still really wet though.


    Waiting for him to make himselffortable on his throne, I''m the first to start the questioning barrage we have lined up for the leader so he better give us what we want to know.


    "Now, you have some answers for us kid, and we want to know everything, don''t be hiding shit from us"


    "Must you still refer to me as kid as well Ikarus?"


    "Then give me a different name, other than Denver because we all know there''s something fishy about who you are. You knew about the volcano and even set it off, apparently only Gods have such an ability"


    Judging from the kid''s slight reaction, clearly my bluff just worked there. My father did say only a God would be able to mess with it and judging by his reaction, the old lizard may be right.


    "Fine then, I guess things have now hit a point where it''s unavoidable... does the name Hephaestus mean anything to you?"


    "Wait, you''re the cksmith God? The fuck? That makes so much sense!"


    Of course, I''m the only one who seems to know anything about Greek mythology so everyone else just looks clueless from this huge reveal that no one had any clue on... It actually pisses me off a little that I didn''t get this earlier, of course it would be the God associated with volcanos that sets one off! He''s a master smith as well, of course he''d be rted to the dwarfs. Okay, I feel dense not noticing this sooner...


    The kid seems pretty happy to be recognized though


    "Hah! To think there''s still mortals who remember me, I''ve been quieter longer than most so always assumed I was lost to history. It''s not just cksmithing though Ikarus"


    "I know it''s other things like volcanos and carpentry, but that''s the main one that''s remembered"


    Didn''t he also have some rtion to fire that was separate to volcanos? Pretty sure Loki has some rtion to fire in the old myths as well so maybe it''s just prettymon among Gods.


    "Excuse me God Hephaestus, but why did you set off the volcano in the first ce?"


    It''s actually the quiet and reserved Ariza to ask that which is surprising to all. Normally, her and Zeki like to stay out of these sorts of conversations. We kinda already know what Ariza just asked but a little bit more from the direct source would be good to know as well.


    "Didn''t the gnome give you the memo or did Garry forget? Regardless, it was simply to limit the destruction it would have on the world. Leaving that another day of two could''ve made itst for years or decades..."


    Like a child proud of his aplishments, Denver seems really happy to discuss this.


    "...If you wanted to know how I actually did it though, that I can''t reveal. Not because I don''t want to but mostly because the calctions I''ve mostly forgotten, it really is infuriating considering I created the sted thing. The only thing I remember how to do is stop it from building up and set it off early unfortunately"


    Heh, that proud child mentality has gone into annoyance now, I guess even the dwarf prodigy isn''t as intelligent as everyone thought. I wonder if that''s the reason why he''s so obsessed with the volcano, mainly because he''s forgotten how to fully optimize it?


    This should probably be concerning but at the end of the day, if he wanted it to erupt and kill everyone, he had the perfect opportunity and didn''t do it. I''m pretty certain this God wants best for humans, him creating the volcano kinda goes against that theory though.


    (Ikarus) "Why did you even create a volcano that powerful in the first ce though?"


    "Ah, that was an old favour for father back when we were on speaking terms, it was supposed to be a prideful aplishment until he kept using it as he pleased anytime someone apparently offended him. Oh, he coincidentally is also the God trying to wipe you four out"


    ''Damn it, please don''t be who I think this is...''


    "Your father... you mean Zeus, right??"


    "You know his name as well? Yes Ikarus, the God you''ve managed to piss off and is currently trying his hardest to erase you from existence is Zeus. Albeit, he''s doing a terrible job with all the meddling going around against him but he''s at least trying what he can"


    ...


    Fuckkk! It could''ve been any God we''ve pissed off, any being of higher power but it has to be that one? It''s safe to say, we might be a little fucked if we have to fight the God who rules all...


    Out of all of us six, the only one who seems to understand the gravity of our situation is Zeki oddly enough. I guess he probably watched some film and knows the name from that.


    "Even I know that name orangey, looks like we''ve managed to annoy the lightning bearded guy. He''s got to be stupidly powerful so how do we fuck up the grumpy bastard up then?"


    Heh, at least Zeki''s willing to see this like it''s nothing. It does feel like he''s forcing the optimism a little.


    "You don''t, but that''s not a conversation for right this moment, that stupid prophecy drives everyone mad after all. As of this current moment in time, none of you are even close to being powerful enough to defeat him so don''t even think about it"


    (Ikarus) "So, what the hell are we supposed to do then? Just let him keep trying to destroy us?"


    "No, but in time you hopefully will be strong enough. Thankfully at the moment, he''spletely distracted with the civil war going on up there so has probably forgotten about you right now. That should present more than enough time to get ns into motio,n but like I said, it''s not worth discussing just yet"


    Well, this just sucks. We''ve somehow managed to piss off one of the most powerful Gods and can currently do nothing to deal with it? Sighhh, no moaning Ikarus, you already knew targeting a God or demon would be difficult enough. Just because it''s the most powerful one means jack shit; we''re going to destroy him after all. Asmodeus and Zeus, those are the targets on our kill list...


    There are so many questions to ask Hephaestus yet I''m not actually sure what to ask now. Getting to speak face to face with an actual God and one that isn''t through a crystal ball or is mad has made me a little tongue tied. Maybe I could just focus on something simpler right now, no one else seems to know what to ask as they seem to understand the gravity of the situation as well.


    "Look Hepha-, Denver, I feel weird calling you by that name. Howes you''re so easily able to hide your level?"


    ''Status''


    [Name: Denver | Species: Dwarf | Level: 1]


    [Health 35/35]


    [Stamina 28/30]


    [Magicka 35/35]


    See? It''s the exact same asst time so what God would be a level one? If priestess is able to get five hundred from just being a God''s incarnate, you''d think it would break the scale a little.


    "What do you mean by level Ikarus?"


    Oh, the God doesn''t know about our system thing? I guess he''s giving us important information so it might be okay to give him some back.


    "Above your head, it''s a reflection of how many things you''ve killed and things like that. Us phoenixes use it to determine if someone is strong or not"


    I may be giving away information I probably shouldn''t to the God but the other phoenixes seem interested in my questioning as well, all of their eyes are glowing slightly blue from checking his status as well.


    "So, you have some way of determining power? That would be pretty useful if it wasn''tpletely wed based on only killing. I personally haven''t killed a single thing in this life so maybe that''s why it looks hidden?"


    ''I mean, it''s not only based on killing that if you look at Charlotte or Geld''s but I''ll let him believe that...''


    "Bullshit! How the fuck have you, one of those bastard Gods gone through life without killing a single thing!? What''s the point in living if you only y pacifist!?"


    Zeki seems to take offence from what was just said, I actually agree with a little there. Pacifist in certain RPGs can be so boring depending on the game, I''d say that applies to real life as well but my mindset is slowly getting twisted with this sort of thing. It''s irritating I''m actually agreeing with Zeki on this.


    "The red one was Zeki, correct? Not every God, or in this case dwarf has to prove themselves by killing. I can still defend myself well enough without the downside of causing blood with my own two arms. I''d still fight in self-defence but I''ve had no reason to yet"


    (Petra) "Knowing you kid, you''re more protected than we canprehend, right?"


    "You''re right Petra. This entire cave in particr is rigged to copse if I so desired with the only safe spot being this throne, of course there''s no real need for it and boasting about such dwarven architecture is unnecessary, but it''s nice to know there''s some protection I can achieve"


    I think we''re all starting to go a little off topic and thankfully, the knight is actually the person to realize it before everyone else.


    "Don''t mean to be rude your majesty, but could we maybe get to a different topic now? Me and Lotte have been quiet so far"


    "Ah... the new royal knight... Nathan, correct? Putting the distractions aside now, it''s time to finally discuss the reason I invited you all over here. Please keep in mind this task will also help the phoenixes as well"


    "Yay! Can you tell me where my Lord is then?"


    "My Lord? Oh, the famed priestess, sometimes it''s difficult to remember that my brother is your esteemed Go-..."


    "He has always been the strange one in the family taking much longer to grow up than others. It has always been a joy to know he has adopted a mortal and taking her on like he''s her own"


    Without giving an introduction, a womanly figure walks into the throne room taking everyone''s attention while continuing her monologue. Wow, she really is stunning...


    Long brown flowing hair, radiant blue eyes and dressed in a skimpy white robe almost dressing like a game character, she really is a beauty. Her aura is pretty strange as well with a slight graceful vibe to it, it really reminds me of someone standing by my side.


    Imagine if Charlotte were mixed with Petra, just more emphases on the Petra vibe and that''s how stunning this barely dressed beauty is. I''m purposely trying to steer my attention away from her but it''s a little difficult.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Almost as if Petra can sense my gaze, I find one of her arms wrap around mine almost as if she''s signalling that I''m hers and I should look away. There''s no real need to be concerned, Petra still looks way better but actually having someone look that close to her is pretty eery. She''s even got that lifeless stare Petra sometimes does, stop it now Ikarus...


    For some reason though, Nathan has taken extreme offense from something that was just said.


    "Adopted a mortal? You make it sound like Lotte''s an unfortunate child or a pet"


    "Nat is right, my Lord isn''t my father. He''s more like an advisor or... tutor?"


    "Apologies, my choice of words could''ve been chosen better but from brother''s perspective, it would be simr to an adoption"


    I''m pretty sure both Nathan and Charlotte seem a little ufortable with the joiningdy but then again, she is treating Dionysus like he''s priestess''s father or something.


    ''Let''s see who she is then, I''m getting godly vibes here... status''


    [<No can do Ikarus, status doesn''t recognize figure as any target. Assuming that is another God like Lyssa we met back in a previous dungeon>]


    ''It''s pretty strange how we can view her but not Denver, maybe it''s the body that causes it? Their base bodies can''t be status scanned or something?''


    Not being able to view Gods and Goddess level seems a little shitty if I''m being honest but there''s got to be some reason, right? Doubt anyone in this room would know why though.


    "Who''s the eavesdropping women anyways?"


    Petra''s the person to ask this time around but it seems like Hephaestus was about to present her.


    "That''ll be my sister Athena, the Goddess of wisdom... and being aplete pain in the ass really. There''s only so much wisdom in the form of advice you can take"


    That''s the Goddess of wisdom? Huh, I guess that makes a little sense as well, I''m starting to be numb to this sort of thing. And a little bored and impatient as well.


    "If it wasn''t for my advice Hephaestus, you''d have ended up under father''s boot ages ago"


    "You really believe that sister? Sometimes that wisdom of yours makes you as oblivious as a rock"


    It''s obvious these two have aplicated siblingplex, am I really surprised that two Gods from those types of myths have this sort of rtionship? It was always obvious they would be as goofy as everyone else, even if I just kinda want them to get to the point now.


    "Can we just hurry this up? I''d love to spend hours asking what rumours are true or false about your history but we''ve got your brother to save apparently? And then defeat Zeus? Even if that could take forever though"


    (Athena) "Apologies orange phoenix, I will no longer dy then. What you six brave souls must do isplete three dungeons in order to possess tokens uponpletion as payment"


    (Hephaestus) "Once you gotten the tokens, you''ll need to head into the underworld in search of him as the tokens are for the ferryman. We presume he''s been locked up in Tartarus as father still has a way of sending prisoners there despite Hades and his best efforts to lock him out"


    You know, this quest has actually started to sound pretty dope, we get toplete more dungeons again and even go into the mythical Underworld!? This sounds quite epic, can''t be appearing too eager though. At the end of the day, we''re looking for their brother after all.


    "We''ll need to? Don''t get me wrong, I''m pretty sure we''re all willing to help, stay quiet Zeki but why can''t you two do this task?"


    That gets a scoff out of Zeki but he wanted toe along on this adventure so he''s being helpful whether he wants to or not. I will kick him where I know it hurts if he slows down this conversation any further now, his manhood did return a good time ago.


    (Hephaestus) "Because, the second one of us willingly steps foot inside a dungeon, things start to beplicated and lives are lost. No God is allowed in another Gods dungeon with a few tiny and rare exceptions, Tartarus is a tad different but you''d still have to go through the Underworld to get there"


    (Athena) "A dungeon is essentially a God or Goddess''s home or influence on a mortal world. The same rules apply to the Underworld as well, we cannot enter without causing huge problems for anyone involved"


    (Petra) "Heh, slightly ironic how we''re rescuing a God from a ce Gods can''t enter"


    (Hephaestus) "That''s simply because Zeus has a secret backdoor entrance down there. Believe me, if we could have done this ourselves, we would''ve. Every God knows why that prison has been so effective all this time"


    Both of them seem pretty adamant on this so best not to question too much on why we have to be the ones entering the Underworld. Maybe a God internallybusts when they step foot into another''s dungeon? I''m just getting bored so trying to imagine something funny right now, this conversation is taking way too long.


    "So, where are they at then? The tokens I mean, might as well hurry this up or we''ll be here all day"


    (Hephaestus) "In thend of the ancient and forgotten mortals, or itsmon name being Mdonia. Like your inds, thatnd doesn''t discriminate on species... I''m still unsure what to even call your inds"


    Mdonia, the fourth continent which we''ve only really visited on a brief gambling trip. Sierra, J?tna, Krieger and now Mdonia, the four continents of the world which I swear I don''t mention enough anymore.


    Our ind is technically located in J?tna so between that and the empire, we''ve spent most our time in human or elvennds. There''s been no reason for long visits to the desert or the fourth continent so this is going to be quite the adventure then. Combine that with admin privileges, getting back is going to be a breeze.


    "We''ll name them another time, let''s keep it on topic right now. So, after that, we just stroll into the Underworld with the tokens and we''re good to go?"


    "Heh, we should probably find a name at some point Ikarus. We could name them after you as well"


    I just ignore Petra and that stupid suggestion. Just because I''m now overpowered as fuck doesn''t mean my concentration span has gotten any better so discussing what to name our inds is just annoying. This quest actually interests me, not saying being alongside Petra doesn''t as well but there''s only so much humping we can do. Every time it gets cold or snowy now, I''m going to get PTSD by how often we did it throughout those months...


    "Well... there''s a little more to it than just that but you''ve got the gist of it right Ikarus. I''m not sure what you''ll expect on the journey but you''re more than capable to handle anything thrown your way"


    "Brother''s right. Can''t forget to mention the matter of five tokens being needed to enter the Underworld as well but we''ve been guaranteed the other two will be there already"


    (Ikarus) "What do you mean they''ll be there already? Someone''s already paid for a portion of the ferry?"


    ...


    Both of the heavenly beings seem a little unsure about that question, why do we only need to get three if we need five? Who else is involved?


    (Hephaestus) "We''re not actually that sure, just an anonymous contact has that side of things sorted"


    (Athena) "Yes. We believe they''re an ally but also they''ve been extremely silent in revealing their existence. We have a Gods guarantee they''ll be there though"


    So, we''ve got an ally even these two are unaware on? Ah, let''s just not question it too much, maybe it''s another God who''s with these meddling lot as well? I just said not to question it...


    (Ikarus) "Anything else we need to discuss or can you give us the locations then?"


    "Yes. Before you children leave, there is something I must gift upon one of you though"


    The Goddess Athena walks up to Petra, ces a hand on her shoulder and precedes to softly talk to her. I''m really not sure what to do here but inner Ikarus is telling me she need to get her paws of my women! I''m going to file that under intrusive thoughts that need to be locked away though.


    "You''ve been having problems with your sword art, correct?"


    "..."


    Oh yeah, I nearly forgot Petra had that telekinesis ability thing with her samurai sword. Only really seen it being used in exceptionally rare cases so just assumed she didn''t like using it or something.


    Anyways, magic seems to flow from Athena into Petra and it really is quite colourful witnessing whatever it is she''s doing.


    "This should allow you to use it a little more freely to your liking. It will still cause pain like the rest of your afflictions but it may help just a tiny bit"


    That sword art caused Petra pain? No wonder she only used it once or twice then, it was pretty dope seeing that sword fly around like that but it makes sense to ignore it if it hurts. Can''t be having my little lovebird in pain, I have got to wrap her in bubble wrap especially until the revive works again...


    "Thank you... I guess"


    Look at Petra being as awkward as I, I''m normally the person giving odd thank yous so looks like my idiocy is rubbing off on her. I''m strangely proud about that...


    "Let''s wrap this shit up then. Give us what we need and we''ll make our leave..."


    Not really since I''ve still got to wait a day before teleporting again but dwarven booze is exceptional for a day off...

 Chapter 150 – Back to Maladonia

    Chapter 150 ¨C Back to Mdonia


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "*Sighhh*... I still can''t believe you gave her that sister. It was bad enough you''re stuck down here and now defenceless? You didn''t have to give her everything"


    "You''re wrong Hephaestus, this was something that had to be done and I have no regrets giving that phoenix my boon. Those children will need it someday, all of us have already failed so now it''s left to mortals to help"


    All that remains with me still within the cave is Athena after we both finished off with the visitors giving some maps of the dungeon locations to them. I''m clearly looking distraught over her decision but she was always going to make that sacrifice I suppose, doesn''t make it any better though.


    "Yeah, you''re right. It just now means that you cannot be left alone without protection from the dwarfs. We''re not negotiating on that Athena"


    There''s a huge difference between sharing and gifting power, unfortunately Athena has just made a sacrifice of basically what is her godhood. I wish I were exaggerating and that things were simpler but s, that''s the fate she''s now resigned to. I''ve just now got to focus and make sure no harm everes to her.


    It wouldn''t surprise if she still lives considerably longer than any mortal should but having the power of what is essentially a clone, she''s not going anywhere without constant protection. I''ll make it dwarvenw that she bes an idol or something like that, I''ll even build her a throne as well. The dwarfs will be more than happy with it, it''s not like she''s got pointy ears or anything like that despite me trying to break that pointless hatred.


    "I guess that''s understandable, although I''d rather haveplete freedom preferably. Back on topic though, all I''m doing is treating them how you would Hephaestus"


    "No sister, it''s not evenparable, you know I''m guilty as sin when ites to that. It doesn''t matter what I can do, it''ll never be enough to make up for the betrayal I''ve inflicted on the birds"


    Maybe sensing my extremely guilty conscience, Athena ces a hand on my shoulder but it makes no inch of difference though.


    "You don''t need to feel guilty about this brother, it had to be done as well. If you hadn''t made that deal, they never would''vee to this world in the first ce..."


    __________


    "Erm... Ikarus, have you got a second?"


    "For you Petra, always. What''s up?"


    Chilling out alongside Petra inside a dwarven bar, both of us share a strong drink with her having a slightly concerned look.


    In the end, we ended up discussing things a little further with both Hephaestus and Athena giving us some maps and little things like that to help. One of the dungeons we''re actually heading to is owned by Athena apparently. However, she couldn''t give us any advice on how toplete it because that would be against the point? Ah, I don''t know, I''m really a little unsure on that Goddess, shees across a little cold personally. I guess she''s trustworthy but we''ll have to wait and see on that.


    To summarize everything again, we need to find a way into the underworld to rescue Dionysus and to do that, tokens frompleting dungeons need to be obtained. We''re going back to the days of exploring the continents and I''m all for it... once the cooldown timer resets for admin privileges of course.


    Thankfully, we know the locations of where we need to go. The problem lies in the location and the given maps being the fourth continent, I can teleport to that casino town easily enough in a day''s time but we''ll still have to search around for dungeons. Can''t be fast travelling somewhere you haven''t been before, my system at times does feel like it was created by a game developer or something I suppose. More like a alpha test to it rather than thepleted version.


    "My level won''t stop increasing Ikarus and it''s starting to get a little odd"


    "Really? When did this start happening?"


    "Ever since that Athena blessed me, it won''t stop going up. At the moment, it''s currently seven hundred and thre-, no, four now"


    What the fuck!? Last time I spoke to her about this, Petra was in the four hundreds... and twenties I believe?


    "That''s great then, isn''t it? What about your pain though Petra?"


    I mean, it''s not like it''s apetition that she''s now higher level than me again. I''ve already protected her more than enough so the dynamic shifting means nothing to me anymore. Both of us are OP as hell and long may it continue, she just gets to be even more overpowered than usual. That''s if it actually makes her more powerful though, levels granted by God''s seem to be a little weird.


    "Heh, I guess it is but it feels a little different than usual levelling. With the pain, can already feel a slight difference with that as well despite not using the sword art yet. That definitely seems to be better"


    Petra''s pain is actually fading? Maybe I was a little too harsh on Athena then, anyone who helps Petra out is a friend in my books after all. My mind can''t help but go into the gutter now though...


    "Wait, does that finally mean I can grope you as much as possible!?"


    "Heh, really Ikarus? You could''ve asked if flying was now okay or anything else, yet your first thought is about fondling?"


    At least she''s chuckling about it, I''m not going to deny her point though.


    "It''s as if you don''t know me at all, my dear women. When have I everined about being ridden? Besides, you massively underestimate the importance of a good breast massage, it does wonders for the mind, body and soul. Don''t look at me like that! You always knew I was a boob guy, or boob woman? At times I don''t even know anymore... you''re just as bad as me, you know?"


    See? Pure, unfiltered honesty, it''s not like anything I say is going to scare Petra away anymore. Being fianc¨¦s has made me a little bolder it seems, could be the dwarven alcohol as well. This counter we''re both sitting at is a reminder of how much we''ve both been drinking with the amount of sses we''ve already consumed from.


    "Heh, can''t argue with your reasoning Ikarus. To answer your question, that obviously is of the most importance out of anything you could''ve asked... no. It''s just more of a numbing pain rather than full blown agony right now. You can still do it if you want but it''ll be disappointing"


    Once again, she needs to be a hell of a lot more selfish. I''m not going to grope her if it hurts, what good is that? I really need to get breasts out of my mind now, this is starting to be an addiction or something...


    "That''s no good then. Looks like we''ll still have to kill the demon who did you dirty. And for the record, fondling means nothing when my concern for you beats any perfect boob fetish. Any pain you feel is uneptable and any person who causes it will tempt my full, nuclear wraith"


    We''re getting looks from other people now, as if I give a rat''s arse about dwarven opinions on our conversation! Actually, ths seems to be more of awe looking at the hero Petra than anything else, dwarfs don''t care about any of this pervert talk. The kingdom is more like our inds than I seem to realize...


    "Heh, I think you''ve drunk a little too much now Ikarus"


    "Just the same amount as you. Alcohol is always good forplete honesty, I suppose..."


    __________


    (Zeki) "Erk, this TP bullshit really makes me want to puke"


    (Ikarus) "Are you going to be the party moaner this trip kid? I thought that role is reserved for me"


    (Petra) "Heh, there''s nothing wrong with your moaning Ikarus. Zeki''s is just irritating"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh, it is getting a little boring Zeki"


    (Zeki) "Everyone should bask in my moaning brilliance... Just give me a second... *bleurgh...*"


    Having just arrived at that fourth continent, we''re at the Asian looking town we got ran out of so freaking long ago, of course Zeki can''t help but moan... is he actually being sick right now!? Eh, maybe I should be a little softer on him if he really can''t handle teleporting that much, it definitely is a feeling simr to motion sickness if you''ve had that before. I guess it may be worse considering we just travelled across an entire continent in a single second.


    Not much else to add about the dwarven kingdom other than we all booked out some hotel rooms together, had breakfast and lunch the day after and me and Petra did something not safe for work again. I guess this is the burden we must now bear since there''s going to be loads of fast travelling around the world from now on. We seriously need to find a different hobby other than splitting off and screwing, it''s starting to get a little sus... or a load...


    "Is that a casino Ikarus-sama?"


    That''s conveniently the area we''ve arrived at, right outside the casino where me and Petra robbed them blind. Actually, she did that, I was ying legitimately and then the little cheat came along clearing the house. My lovely little cheat though, it sucks we can''t y card games together because of that ability of hers.


    "Don''t you be getting any ideas of gambling Charlotte. We''ve already seen you on the booze so seeing you gamble as well would send Dionysus into despair"


    I''m happy priestess chuckled at that, the joke was a little bit hit or miss considering what the true subus-sama is really like.


    "I''ll be fine Ikarus-sama, I promise. Are we going to stay here for a little while or are we heading straight off?"


    (Ikarus) "That depends on everyone else Charlotte. Does anyone want to do anything here or should we leave straight away?"


    ...


    No response, that''s great everyone also wants to get on with it. Stuff like food supplies were prepped before we left and this continent seems to be mostly unaffected by the literal ice age we just had. I can imagine the elven forests are pretty much lifeless due to what happened but the ins of Mdonia are thriving as always. It''s not just ins though, this continent also has forests, jungles and the gigantic swamp that splits thisnd to the elven. Pretty certain there''s even savanna ces in parts as well, I wonder if there''s stuff like lions in this world.


    It actually makes me a little pissed that the ash clouds didn''t spread this far but what can you do about it? Cause another ice age to destroy the entire world? I prefer the sweet smell of everything burning after all so if I''m going down that road, that''s how it''ll be done. If it''s ever needed of course.


    "Then, let''s just wait for Zeki to finish and we''ll get on our way. It''s pretty strange how you''re fine flying but not teleporting"


    I mean, he is still hunched over struggling to keep the flowing rainbow in. This bird can also filter things out as well, it''s for the best cause that looks disgusting. What the hell has he eaten?


    "Erk... it reminds me of being on a boat orangey. Just give me another minute... when did I eat sweetcorn..."


    __________


    "Why the fuck did I agree toe with you lot?"


    (Ariza) "Zeki... I''ve already flown for a bit so it''s your turn now"


    (Nathan) "Feel like you may need wyvern training Zeki, whip you into shape. It can''t be that difficult to fly straight, right?"


    High above the skies flying alongside each other, Zeki''s nowining about helping out on carry duty, sighhh. This has to be done because two phoenix bodies are needed for this job after all, it would be too much of an ufortable squeeze if everyone were to pile up on only one phoenix.


    As for the actual allocation, I''ve currently got both Charlotte and Petra on my back while Zeki''s carrying Ariza and Nathan. There''s only so many partnerships we can carry as I''ve obviously got to carry Petra as one of my two passengers, that was unnegotiable and I will remain as stubborn as a mule on that.


    "I dare you to whip me empire''sckey, and your nun will be having a closed casket funeral"


    (Charlotte) "Will you two just please just stop!? You can''t be arguing for this entire trip!"


    Heh, when the priestess grows tired of something, you know things are bad. The only few things she''s really against is bandits, drugs and alcohol after all. She normally can deal with people fighting but this is starting to get annoying.


    "Sorry Lotte, I probably shouldn''t be making jokes right now"


    "Looks like she has you by the balls knigh-... ouch! Did you just fucking kick me!?"


    (Ariza) "You deserved it Zeki, stop moaning and deal with it!"


    "Oh, it was just you brother. I''ll reserve killing the knight for another time then"


    You want to know why me and Petra aren''t getting involved? This sort of thing has been going on for hours now... This is a vivid reminder on why we don''t do this more often. It''s always Mr obnoxious who ends up doing this, it''s making me more and more want to seriously kick him now but I haven''t turned that evil just yet. With Zeki though, he is pushing me though maybe he''s due another ''idental'' gender change...


    I''ll leave that thought for another time though, this quickmute is now close to finishing.


    "You can stop moaning now kid, the dungeon looks to be in sight"


    "Really orangey? You''re not fooling around?"


    "Ask Petra, she''s got the map after all. Pretty certain we''re in the right ce though"


    "Yeah Ikarus, this is definitely the right spot"


    Sitting below a ruined watchtower is a fancy looking house that seems pretty unupied considering the home looks perfectly fine. Still fitting with the red Asian style temple buildings in the fourth continent, it really is quite beautiful, just out of ce with the destruction behind it.


    We''re not actually that far away from the desert continent right now, the river the splits thend up in particr is only a day or two away. No reason to go over there though, at least yet.


    Anyways, enough gawking. Both me and Zekind while everyone departs from our backs pretty quickly.


    All of us head to the front door led by me giving a quick knock onto it. Like it was purposely left open, the door opens from said knock so I guess it''s okay to go inside the house? Whoever lives here couldn''t give a shit about privacy... and judging from what''s inside, maybe they really should.


    "Erm... is anyone else getting yboy or porn shoot vibes from this ce? Everyone be at your wits because this doesn''t seem right"


    It''s a little crude but we''ve literally walked in to a house designed for sex, maybe even something like a pimp''s home?


    A big love heart bed sits right in the centre of the room with the d¨¦cor very heavily favoured to be red or love heart shaped as well looking. Combine that with coloured lights that seem to set the mood, only one reason why anyone would set up a ce like this and it clearly isn''t for anything safe for work...There''s also a freaking bear carved rug staring at us! Sighhh...


    Can''t forget the few chains hanging from the ceiling but they look more decoration themed rather than for actual use. There''s no way they''d be used for... just forget it Ikarus. Is this the dungeon or is this a den of sin something else? We''re in the right location so maybe we need to look behind a cab of something? I guess you could say it''s like a different sort of dungeon I suppose...


    "Haha, even orangey thinks it looks like that! I used to have a pad like this back on Earth and all the bitches loved it!"


    ...


    ''It''s funny how no one believes Zeki and yet my lie detector says he''s telling the truth...''


    "We really shouldn''t be in here; just look at that"


    Looking to where Ariza is pointing, I''m quickly taken aback as well when I realize what those shelves are holding. For the sake of younger eyes, all I''ll say is that they are toys for grown ups and that''s there''s hundreds of them all around the ce...


    ''Some of those look simr to the things me and Petra use... let''s just stop looking now. What sort of pervert does this?''


    It''s kinda funny how the only people who are flustered witnessing someone''s toy collection is Ariza and the boring couple, the rest of us really aren''t going to be that concerned witnessing something like this. I''m also finding it a little odd Petra isn''t making a joke like, ''heh, we should take some home with us Ikarus'' but I guess even she isn''t that perverted. At least keep those things hidden away and not disyed like a fucking art gallery!


    "Is anyone feeling a little funny as wel-..."


    Ariza suddenly copses onto the bed with no culprit or reasoning why. From previous experiences, it''s safe to assume this might be the way into the dungeon but this seems way more forced than usual.


    "Brothe..."


    Then Zeki does the same but copsing onto the floor knocking over a chair in the process. Oh shit, we really shouldn''t have walked in here, this might be a dungeon we may regret if this is entrance doesn''t even require drinking from a fountain or something like that. Just look at what''s around us for example, things are about to get perverted...


    Both me and Petra try to grab the copsed phoenixes but very quickly start feeling light headed too. It doesn''t help both the other couple have just copsed behind us as well, the door is wide open and we haven''t taken anything so why is his dungeon doing this!? Can''t smell anything bad as well.


    "Ah shit, this can''t be gas-..."


    "Ikaru-..."


    ...

 Chapter 151 – Love Dungeon

    Chapter 151 ¨C Love Dungeon


    ¡°Ikarus-sama¡­ you need to wake up¡­ Wake up!¡±


    ¡°Huh!?! Where the fuck am I?¡±


    What the hell? Where am I? Is this¡­ a ssroom? And why is Charlotte looking like that? She looks kinda like someone who either is a student or teacher. At least it¡¯s good I know everyone inside here, hang on¡­


    Is that¡­ Zeki wearing a girl¡¯s uniform? All of us six, wait, is that Nathan¡­ as a girl!? What the actual fuck is going on inside here!?


    Waking up at a modern school desk with the rest of my party the only students inside this small ss room, I¡¯m obviously going to be shocked and a little dazed. Unlike other dungeons, my mind feels a little confused on what world is real, almost as if I have memories being a student inside this ce. I¡¯m not stupid enough to realize all of them are false though, it¡¯s just a strange feeling really.


    ¡°Language Ikarus-sama! You know such foulnguage isn¡¯t allowed¡±


    ¡°Ahhh, orangey¡¯s going to get told off again¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Shh Zeki, we¡¯ll be told off as well¡±


    ¡°Lotte is going to give her detention again at this rate¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Everyone inside the ssroom makes a quietment except Petra who just seems to be writing in her notebook, or studying. Am I high right now or something? Why was I sleeping through ss anyways? Think Ikarus, this is probably the only way you could¡¯ve entered.


    ¡°*Sigh*, I¡¯ll let this time slide Ikarus-sama but you really need to learn to stop staying up all night watching cartoons. Now, let¡¯s back onto calculus¡­¡±


    While Charlotte returns to the front of ss and starts giving out extremely important information that will help you in all aspects of life, I can¡¯t help but start to feel a little worried. Destroying something is one thing, but handling my party full of brain-dead idiots who think they¡¯re actually part of the world? What do I do here? All of them seem like they have no clue on what¡¯s going on.


    ¡®Please don¡¯t tell me I¡¯m going to be alone like this inside this ce¡­¡¯


    Just as I¡¯m about to go crazy thinking I¡¯m the only sane one here, a slight nudge from the table across from me arrives. We need to speak quietly though or the teacher-sama will tell me off again.


    ¡°Heh, it seems like we¡¯re the only two people conscious in here Ikarus. Everyone else is into the roleying a little much¡±


    ¡°Thank fuck you¡¯re normal. You any idea how toplete this ce Petra? The entrance is way too misleading to end up studying inside a school¡±


    ¡°Heh, maybe it¡¯s not misleading Ikarus. Could it be this is more just the background or the beginning that leads onto that?¡±


    Petra¡¯s spection could be right but then again, all my mind can think of right now is how perverted this entire thing is. As long as there¡¯s a sizable gap before this and then, the FBI shouldn''t be getting involved and screaming, FBI, open up! Even if we are all old enough and still appear to be the same ages¡­ I need to stop thinking about this now.


    ¡®Yo Aesa, you here as well?¡¯


    [<Affirmative Ikarus. Aesa feels like this world could be based on something simr to Ikarus''s history of watching cartoons originating from Korea or Japan>]


    ¡®I thought I was getting anime vibes from h-...¡¯


    ¡°Ikarus-sama! What¡¯s the answer to the equation?¡±


    Standing ahead of me is a grumpy teacher-sama crossing her arms for me obviously not listening in the ssroom. Trying to make a reasonable guess to what was asked, I nce at the chalkboard and all I can see is a mess of numbers and symbols I have no idea on. I didn¡¯t actually fail maths believe it or not but this is like reading a foreignnguage!


    ¡°Erm... what was the question again?¡±


    ¡°*Sigh*, you¡¯re not even listening Ikarus-sama. I¡¯ll just ask someone else then, Nat?¡±


    ¡®Let¡¯s just try and get through this lesson as quick as possible, then focus on how to get out of here¡­


    __________


    ¡°It¡¯s lunchtime everybody! I¡¯ll be in the teacher¡¯s lounge if you need me!¡±


    Charlotte leaves the ssroom while all of us go about getting our lunches ready. Pretty sure everyone has brought packed lunches because what else would you bring to school? This world is definitely an anime, I¡¯m betting my life on it.


    ¡°Heh, wanna eat lunch with me Ikarus? I¡¯m pretty certain this is your backpack¡±


    Petra grabs two backpacks and of course, my backpack has to be the one that¡¯s extremely pink and girly looking with flowers all over it. I¡¯m not even going to deny it because the few memories I seem to have of this ce definitely says that¡¯s mine¡­


    I¡¯m also pretty certain me and Petra are dating inside here as well and that backpack was a gift from her. Even the dungeon versions of Petra still can¡¯t help but love to try and girly me up way too much.


    ¡°This is just madness Petra, look at Nathan for example¡±


    The most masculine of us somehow looks like that!? Even the way he¡¯s eating his lunch is feminine, the gender bending has started to be insane! As for Zeki, he looks his normal grumpy self except with him being much smaller in the chest area than he is on the potions.


    Ariza¡¯s looks cute as shit almost looking like she belongs a year or two below than the rest of us and I guess I¡¯m kinda the same? Body proportions are still fine but the uniforms are slightly different for us all but with matching red ribbons. Only difference has to be Petra of course.


    ----------


    ---Originally, I was going to show only the lovebirds like this but screw it, everyone gets sent back to gender bending school!


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Heh, he seems happy and cute enough. You definitely have the cutest outfit out of everyone though Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Of course you¡¯d say that, you¡¯re the only one who seems to be dressed a little different¡±


    Petra¡¯s uniform is the only one that actually lookfortable to wear unlike the rest of us. Maybe she¡¯s the ss representative or something? Eh, I don''t care that much.


    Anyways, Petra¡¯s gets both bento boxes out, obviously both are extremely pink as well and we start to indulge in our lunches. It¡¯s mostly just rice, a bit of egg and some sushi but I can already tell Petra¡¯s made this just from the taste alone.


    The chopsticks are pissing me off considering I¡¯ve never actually used them before though, really never saw the point considering when I came from. A fork does everything better than a pair of wooden sticks and you won''t convince me otherwise...


    While we¡¯re eating lunch and Petra is now giving me and hand feeding me, we really need to discuss what to do next. At least she''s purposely not saying ''say ah'' or something like that this time around.


    ¡°You have any idea how we canplete this ce then Petra? I know you said something about it earlier¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s love rted Ikarus? An action rted to love and thatpletes it? Could be dating, marriage, admitting to love? I''m really not that sure but that''s the vibe I''m getting from this ce¡±


    Thinking about it now, I can see what she¡¯s on about but my reasoning would be a little different. Outside this ce is a room filled with sinful lust and perversion, and inside this ce remains a scene perfect for a high school ro¡­


    ¡°So¡­ a love focused dungeon that¡¯s based in a Japanese high school? Yeah, you¡¯re definitely right Petra, this has to be love focused. I¡¯m really not looking forward to acting out an anime though¡±


    ¡°Heh, I doubt it¡¯ll go how you¡¯re expecting Ikarus. All the other dungeons have been purposely annoying after all¡±


    ¡®Mmm, this sushi is really freaking good¡¯


    ¡°True true¡­ just don¡¯t start screaming war is love or something like that, was that the other way around? Ah, I¡¯ve seen so much of that sort of crap, I don¡¯t even remember it anymore¡±


    Anime be doing that. I can barely remember half the shows I¡¯ve seen so we¡¯re screwed if we have to start copying scenes and stuff from high school romances. Luckily for us, dungeons never seem to go to n¡­


    <*Cough cough*¡­ Ah, you haven¡¯t been waiting for too long, correct?>


    Giving both of us a slight shock, an extremely feminine voice seems to ring throughout me and Petra¡¯s brains. If this is simr to the other experiences, I¡¯m pretty certain the person speaking right now is a God, or Goddess. For all I know, it could be Loki again but this woman sounds a little more klutzy than what he¡¯s capable of.


    <Ah, silly me, you two can¡¯t respond inside here. Where was I¡­ you two should be mentally sound in that lovely ce, correct? I¡¯ve just asked you a question again. Gosh, I really am stupid¡­>


    ¡®Oh great, it''s one of these beings...¡¯


    <¡­I¡¯ve been told by fellow family members that you wish toplete my dungeon and not be turned into mindless husks only longing for love and passion? Probably not the best of times to be spending years madly in love I suppose, things are pretty tense right now! Everyone hates each other up here>


    Heh, even Petra gives me a look like ¡®what the hell is this person on about?¡¯ Wee to the world of dungeon exploring where this sort of thing is the norm!


    <I haven¡¯t even given a you a proper greeting yet. I am Aphrodite, the Goddess of the thing mortals lose their minds rightfully over! I¡¯m so going back into that world when I get the chance, mortal love is just so pure but let¡¯s not get distracted right now¡­>


    ''By the sounds of it, maybe Hephaestus and Athena gave her the heads up we might being over here shortly?''


    <¡­In order to actuallyplete my dungeon, all you simply need to do is find true love! Wait¡­ apparently you two are already in love? Well¡­ that kinda doesn¡¯t work¡­ let me see here¡­>


    ¡®For fuck¡¯s sake, please don¡¯t be something really time consuming to do like win a war again, only this time for love!¡¯


    It almost sounds like she¡¯s turning pages looking for notes on the dungeon this Goddess has created. Talk about these lot being forgetful, Denver hasn¡¯t got a clue on his volcano and she doesn¡¯t know how to finish the dungeon.


    <¡­Ah, right. That¡¯s a much easier solution! All you two need to do is set up your fellow party members with each other. If you want the specific details on how to do it¡­ erm¡­ that¡¯s it! What is more passionate than a kiss!? Yeah, that¡¯s definitely how I made this ce. Get each couple to kiss and you¡¯ll be done¡­>


    The high-pitched feminine voice then fades out of existence just leaving me and Petra looking at each with puzzled faces. It¡¯s good we now know what to do but still, are all these beings going to be like this?


    ¡°Petra, what is it with these Gods and dungeons anyways?¡±


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t look at me Ikarus. I¡¯m just as clueless as you¡±


    It¡¯s more of a rhetorical question but oh well. To summarize this dungeon up, all we have to do is get two couples to kiss. How hard can that be? Impossible actually, destroying this entire world may be easier...


    ¡°At least that confirms your suspicions Petra. Aphrodite is the Goddess of love after all, but we may be a little fucked¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Because getting Zeki and Ariza to kiss is impossible¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°School¡¯s finished ss! Make sure you all get a good night sleep!¡±


    After spending the rest of the school day ¡®learning¡¯ and pondering how to go about doing this task, the sound of the ringing bell finally echoes throughout the school and we can finally leave this hellhole. Did I ever say how much I hated school? Need something to moan about as I''ve been pretty good today.


    ¡°What are you up to tonight brother?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll probably just practice and learn more about medicine. I will need it for coge after all¡±


    ¡°So boring brother, you need to learn to stay up ying MMOs all night. What about you boring?¡±


    ¡°Sword practice again. Go bother those two at the back Zeki, maybe they¡¯ll be able to stomach you¡±


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯d rather just annoy you. Orangey and sis never stop touching each other and it¡¯s gross¡­¡±


    Me and Petra wait for everyone to leave ahead of us and grab our bags following along. Zeki does a have point about the touching thing cause we¡¯re still going to hold hands even inside here.


    While we¡¯re walking through the never-ending hallways and stairways of this mostly empty school building, we¡¯re still going to quietly discuss the others talking behind their backs.


    ¡°Have you thought of anyway we can deal with the brother-sister situation Petra?¡±


    I really shouldn¡¯t say it like that but that¡¯s basically what Zeki and Ariza are. I know there¡¯s animes where that sort of thing happens but it still doesn¡¯t make it right! Even if those two aren¡¯t rted by blood at all or anything like that, it¡¯s definitely going to beparable¡­ this Aphrodite really has a sick taste in love it seems. I get behind the yuri gender bending aspect of it though¡­


    ¡°Not yet Ikarus, only way I¡¯ve thought of is by using force but that¡¯s a little nasty. Heh, you have any clue how we should handle the boring couple?¡±


    Petra¡¯s got a point; we could just physically force them to do it if necessary but we should probably leave that tost resort. I¡¯ve got a bad feeling it doesn¡¯t matter how we handle this; things are going to get weird and strange regardless now. That distaste forpleting dungeons has returned pretty quickly it seems.


    ¡°Those two will be easy, mark my words, already have an idea for that but it¡¯ll have to wait for breaktime tomorrow¡±


    There¡¯s a period of break before lunch and that¡¯s when I¡¯m going to conduct my scheme that¡¯s guaranteed to work! I¡¯ve always called them the boring couple but that¡¯s always been more in jest than anything else. I''m pretty sure I can get them to kiss easily.


    Now out of the school and into the outside animends, it looks exactly how you¡¯d expect it. Japanese style town buildings, empty streets with no cars in sight and everything just looks so pristine and clean. I guess it wouldn¡¯t be a terrible ce to live in, if there weren¡¯t so many other obvious problems.


    ¡°Assume you¡¯reing round mine tonight Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Oh right, we have our own houses in this world. I guess I can stay the night, we don¡¯t have parents inside here¡±


    Pretty sure Petra has a nice two-bedroom house while I¡¯m stuck in one of those tiny apartments that costs God knows how much yen a month. I really have no idea how this ce works except I¡¯ve already grown tired of it.


    Still noticing more of this ce, this entire world is vast and empty almost like an anime background, theparison is getting boring now so I¡¯ll stop in a minute. Doesn¡¯t make the truth any less true though.


    It¡¯s also devoid of life like one as well, you do stumble across people walking by every now and then but all seem faceless and actually pretty terrifying to look at. Some of the other students and teachers in the school look like that as well. I wonder if we¡¯ll be like that if we stay here too long but no chance that¡¯s happening. We¡¯ll force a kiss long before that.


    If this world happens to be a real ce, then I really can¡¯t see it, it¡¯s just simply too unbelievable for it to work. Maybe the people or souls are real, but the world was created like an experiment? It''s the only thing I can think of, other than just using the magic excuse...


    ¡°So¡­ let¡¯s have a rxing night round yours and then decide what to do tomorrow. Like I already said, reckon getting Nat x Lotte together will be a piece of cake¡±


    Maybe we¡¯ll make love as well tonight? Eh, probably not, might just be better to focus on getting out of here as quickly as possible. Everyone already understands my dislike about ros already, pleasantly surprised I haven¡¯t been moaning about all day really.


    ¡°Heh, that reminds me Ikarus, got some leftover cake as well¡±


    ¡°Brilliant! Regardless of any world, my stomach will always love you the most. He¡¯s a simple minded fellow¡­¡±

 Chapter 152 – Kisses

    Chapter 152 ¨C Kisses


    "Heh, seriously Ikarus? This is your masterful n?"


    "Just have faith in me Petra and watch the magic unfold, it''ll work"


    Me and Petra are currently chilling out at break time up on the school roof scoping out a potential ce for Nat x Lotte to meet up. Directly below us at the side of the school building, is an alleyway perfect for a love confession or two if you understand my hinting...


    Actually witnessing it go down is slightly difficult due to this wire fence being a little in the way but better this than falling off the roof I suppose. We should still be able to see and hear them though.


    As forst night, we had a lovely romantic evening together basically just doing homework, eating dinner and then going to sleep. Her ce is really cosy though, fits the stereotype of this anime world perfectly like everything else so I''ll leave the finer details of description up to imagination. All it reallycked is a couple of parents trying to get too heavily involved with our love life but we don''t get fake parents inside here unfortunately.


    Then, in the morning, we just simply walked to school again. I have fake memories of this ce like the others so describing something like this seems a little pointless. Just imagine we''re in a Japanese high school ro and leave it there, alright? I am sick of this world already though.


    "So let me get this straight Ikarus. Nathan believes someone is confessing to him and Charlotte believes someone is doing the same?"


    For the actual masterful n I''ve conducted, there was two conveniently ced notes on several desks in the ssroom that also have two anonymous confessions from someone in the ss. Did have to try and make the handwriting a little different which was kinda tricky and not be seen, but both of them have definitely read the notes, I saw them reading itst lesson.


    Conveniently enough, the boring couple are bothing from separate directions right now...


    "It will work! Quiet now, they''re here right on time..."


    Both of them arrive at the alleyway together, stop for a second and quickly realize the other is apparently the one ''confessing''.


    "Huh? It was you who wanted to confess Lotte? Isn''t this a little odd?"


    "You received something like that as well? Oh, that silly Ikarus-sama and her pranks, she''s obviously yed us both, it must''ve been her. I''m going to have to give her another detention now"


    ''Fuck''s sake...''


    Almost instantly, my n has backfired and Petra can''t help but quietly chuckle at my misfortune. I''m hoping this''ll still work though, those two are more in love than people seem to realize. If me and Petra''s love carried over, then their feelings must be the same even if they''re braindead right now.


    "At least this presents a good time to talk Lotte, you fancy having lunch together like the old times?"


    "Lunch together? We''ve already been through this before Nat, a teacher and student can''t date each other, end of"


    ''They even have history together? Turns out I was righter than I first realized, if that even makes sense''


    "No one has to know; we''ll just use the same spot we always do!"


    "It''s tempting... no! Sorry Nat, but all that''ll happen is both our hearts will break again. We can''t keep going through this same routine, it''s not fair on me or you"


    And of course, it''s the forbidden love clich¨¦ some people love so well. It makes me want to scream in frustration but I still reckon this will turn out favourably. Petra however doesn''t.


    "This isn''t going to work Ikarus, we''re not even sure if they''ve gotten to the kissing stage in real life yet"


    "I''m telling you Petra, those two are not as innocent as they let on! Just keep watching, their innocence disappears when they think people aren''t watching"


    Still watching on, I''m now starting to get worried this won''t work but don''t let Petra derail your confidence Ikarus! You only ever teased those two because they didn''t like to be seen!


    "You know this isn''t right Nat. It doesn''t matter how much we love each other; it''ll always end badly"


    "Then I''ll leave, drop out and get a job somewhere so I won''t be a student anymore! This cannot end on a technicality; you want this as much as I!"


    ''Argh, just hurry this up already. I cannot deal with this sort of boring romance!''


    By now, Natty has even grabbed Charlotte by the shoulders, not aggressively or anything like that since he is feminine as hell right now. Watching yuri go down would be fun if it was more to my preferences, I guess it''s still alright to watch.


    "I erm... you''re right but... screw it! I can always go repent for my sinster..."


    And like the evil genius I am, both of them end up embracing each other in sweet lip action with the female knight being gobbled by the teacher turned subus.


    I always knew those two would eventually develop behind the scenes and it was always me noticing their development which actually made it slow down. At least that confirms they got way past the hand holding stage, I wonder if they''ve reached the love making one yet? I''m betting they have on that as well, no chance in hell am I asking about it though.


    "We''ll... talk about thister Nat. That was... lovely though"


    "I wasn''t kidding about all that Lotte, just keep it mind, okay?"


    "Okay Nat, I promise I will..."


    Both walk back off in separate directions while I obviously can''t hide my grin towards Petra, I was also a lovestruck idiot once upon a time so I know how these sorts of scenes go. Now I''m just a love-teased idiot, much prefer this over anything else...


    "Looks like you owe me a massive apology Petra, one couple down so one more to go. That''s actually the first kiss I''ve seen them do that thinking about it, does it really count if Nathan''s a girl though?"


    "Heh, guess you were right then Ikarus, that was way easier than I thought it would be. Now we''re onto the difficult part, do have an idea that may work though"


    "Great! I''ll follow your lead then. Should probably get back to ss now though..."


    __________


    "Right ss, this is the homework you''ll need toplete this weekend. Please make sure you don''t forget about it again"


    ''Heh, Charlotte has been looking flustered all day. I wonder who could''ve caused her to do that?''


    "Erk, more homework!? Come on teacher, you''ve given us some everyday this week!"


    Zeki does appear to be the most vocal and ss clown out of us five students, would you expect him to be any different? He is speaking for all of us though, homework might be the single worst thing about school. And the crowds, and the bullies, and the everything else. It''s really obvious I enjoyed my younger years, rather have that than what Petra''s gone through though.


    Anyways, after a long, hard day of intense boredom, the bell has already rung and Charlotte is giving out homework... actually, scrap that. She''s stopped it now.


    "Well... I guess I can go easy on you this time around. Just make sure you alle in"


    ''I guess teacher-sama is kinder than she first seems''


    (Zeki) "That actually worked? Damn, teacher is really in a good mood today"


    And so, all of us get up ready to leave again for the day. Beforehand, we need to say something real quick so we can enact the n she wants to do. Not sure on everything just yet but I do know we need to invite them somewhere first.


    "Me and Petra are having a quick party round herster on today, are you two up for it?"


    (Ariza) "Hmm... uh huh, that sounds oka-"


    "Hang on one second orangey, what sort of party is it? If you''re inviting loads of other people, count me out. Crowds suck"


    ''Huh, I guess all us phoenixes prefer smaller crowds it seems, I guess we''re all pretty anti-sociable then''


    "Heh, the sort of party with barely any people Zeki... and alcohol"


    Petra whispers that alcohol part under her breath almost as if we really shouldn''t be mentioning it, we are supposed to be at school I guess. Despite our actual ages, talking about booze like this could get us in a shit tonne of trouble by teacher-sama. Charlotte was always anti booze, main reason being it turns her really horny.


    "Then you can definitely count both me and brother in. Is brown-hair boring going to be joining us as well?"


    (Ikarus) "No, we already know Natty is busy"


    Looking towards the leaving knight, his face seems pretty happy and almost a little suspicious as well, reckon he''s got ns tonight that don''t involve meeting someone...


    I''m assuming those two lovers are going to meet up outside of school grounds. Best give them their privacy and don''t involve them any further, we''re nearly done after all. Well, not really considering this task will be much harder but still. Petra seems pretty confidant onpleting this now.


    "Great! Me and brother will head back to get changed first"


    (Ariza) "Can''t we just go like this? Uh, I guess not then..."


    Zeki ends up taking Ariza''s hand and basically drags her away to hurry on back to their homes. I guess Zeki''s looking forward to this then, he''s really going to be disappointed when he figures out what''s going down.


    ''I guess that part was easy enough. Let''s get home and see how she''s going to do this then...''


    __________


    "Uh... what sort of party is this?"


    "The best kind brother! Who need anyone else when just us four will do?"


    All four of us are currently chilling in Petra''s living cosy room, things have already been prepared for this ''party'' with the coffee table now covered in bottles of alcohol and paper cups. Other than this room being dimly lit and ssical music ying in the background, Petra''s preparations have been purposelycking. Not that it matters in the slightest, the entire point is to get them to kiss after all.


    Petra''s music tastes are kinda weird but I like how it''s different, this world does seem to have its own theme to music, mostly being pretty energetic andck of lyric based. Her ying ssical sounds so out of ce but she is over six-hundred Ikarus, she would have some old person tendencies.


    I could go into extreme description on how every inch of this house is spotlessly clean and how living somewhere like this could warm your heart. but at the end of the day, I''ve made way too many animeparisons already. I would love to live somewhere like this though but even Earth buildings would struggle to meet this happy vibe lingering around the ce.


    "Heh, you should try this Zeki and Ariza. Both me and Ikarus aren''t fans but you two may like it"


    ''We aren''t fans?''


    Petra very quickly gets things rolling along by pouring them both a cup of the blue coloured liquor and I''m a little surprised why we aren''t getting any as well.


    "Are you sure this is okay Petra? We''re not going to get in trouble because of this, right?"


    "Erk, don''t be like that brother! Sis is offering us alcohol; it would be insane to turn it down. Drink with me!"


    Both of them do end up drinking the liquid and seem to enjoy it quite a bit, really can''t remember drinking that before but Petra says we don''t like it so I''ll assume she''s right.


    "Can youe outside to check something with me Ikarus for a second?"


    "Sure sure Petra"


    Doing as she asks, both of us head into the kitchen while Petra''s face has a mixture of guilt and slyness on it. I quickly close the door and I should probably know now what scheme we''re going to conduct.


    "So, what''s your n then Petra? Are we going to y spin the bottle or something like that? Maybe blindfold them and try something that way?"


    You know, some of those ol''party games that can happen... if it isn''t obvious yet, I never got invited to many parties as well. I much preferred the scene of a stiff drink at the local pub and getting drunk that way, now I sound like the old lovebird in our rtionship.


    "Heh, they both would still refuse so I''ve given them something a little more direct. That blue liquid is this world''s version of a love potion"


    Petra''s drugged them with love potions? That won''t work, right? We''ve seen what happens when we''ve all taken them before. The only person to ever have a reaction was Petra and she just turned a little horny.


    "Love potions Petra? Didn''t you say they only enhance feelings?"


    "Heh, the ones inside this world are a little different than what you might expect Ikarus. There''s a reason why we''re out here and not in there right now, any second it''ll kick in and we don''t want to be in sight when it happens"


    This evil woman of mine! This is actually quite the wicked n and I''m all for seeing Petra showing her dark side a little more. Sure, it''s not great for Zeki and Ariza but the end result justifies the means... Okay, I swear pure evil people say that. Eh, I''m slowly turning so who cares that much?


    "So... we just leave it a minute and hopefully those two might kiss? Feel like your n is as basic as mine was"


    "Heh, guess it is Ikarus. You want to do the honours and see if we''re good to go?"


    "Nah, wait a little longer. I really don''t want Zeki deciding he finally loves ''orangey'' or something and getting in the way"


    Giving it a minute or two, both of us walk back into the living room only to find both Zeki and Ariza making out! I instinctively look away from it as this just simply feels a little wrong but at the end of the day, this had to be done. Name me a betterbination of partnerships we could''ve done and I''ll have done it. Some of us were bound to be put in an ufortable position here and unfortunately, it''s had to be our phoenix brethren.


    "I guess I stand corrected as well Petra, this task was a hell of lot easier than it seemed"


    "Heh, that was before I knew those potions existed. This world non-surprisingly has quite the selection on things rted to forcing love like this. It''s actually not great, really"


    I''m inplete agreement with Petra, this ce really isn''t great. Those anime ros can be entertaining and all but you really wouldn''t want to actually live in those worlds. No one watches them for realism anyways so why am I even bothering?


    "This Aphrodite really is sus... Are you two done yet!?"


    Finally clocking on to us two witnessing what''s going on, both Zeki and Ariza suddenly stop kissing and finally realize what''s just happened. Confusion and redness gues their faces like a disease and I really can''t help feeling like we''ve done something unforgivable right now.


    "Erk, what the hell are we doing!? I think I''m going to be sick..."


    "Zeki, wait! Uh, my head..."


    Both of those two have extremely flustered faces and look to regret every second of what just urred with Zeki running to the bathroom... Actually, Ariza seems to be handling this a little less seriously than Zeki and doesn''t seem that disgusted... wait...


    Nah, no chance of that. Had the slight feeling Ariza may not have hated it that much and maybe has a crush on him but that''s bullshit, right? Yeah, utter bs, there''s no way that''s a thing.


    I still feel shit doing this though even if this was Petra''s n, it wouldn''t have made any difference since I would''ve done the same exact thing. We could''ve spent a load of time trying to find some subtle and secretive way of doing this but s, this was clearly extremely effective and got the job done.


    ''Me and Petra aren''t fully taking the me for this, Aphrodite and her tastes are massively at fault for this as well...''


    __________


    "So now then Petra, it''s just down to us two to finish the deed. It''s mad to think we haven''t kissed yet inside here, doesn''t help the mood massively sucks though"


    After that ''party'' came to a close with both Zeki and Ariza now questioning their life decisions, me and Petra are currently chilling on her balcony looking to the night sky trying to remove that guilty feeling festering over us. It doesn''t matter how many times we justify it; this entire thing really isn''t great. I''d have honestly felt less guilty nuking a thriving city than was we just did...


    "Don''t feel great as well Ikarus. We could always stay here a day longer and do it when we feel a little less guilty if you want"


    Huh? Has Petra gone mad or something? Why would she want to stay inside a dungeon voluntarily? Every second we spend her, out bodies are undefended and exposed. I''m pretty sure dungeons have something to counteract it but still. We may just have to force a kiss out even if we don''t want to right now.


    "Are you alright Petra? Why would we want to stay here any longer?"


    She ponders a little before giving me a response but it doesn''t take long for me to understand her point.


    "There''s something happening tomorrow Ikarus that both of us could enjoy together, could be good to take our minds off it and we do tend to neglect going on actual dates or other things like that. Heh, we still haven''t told the other couple we''re getting married yet"


    I guess she''s got a point about the dating thing but it still seems a little risky though.


    "You''re not worried about the timespan or our bodies outside Petra?"


    "Actually Ikarus, we''re alright on that front. The timespan in this ce is even slower than your headspace, a day would be nothing to worry about. The dungeon would have the same effect to anyone standing over our bodies as well so I think we''re safe"


    Well, that''s good to know then. I''m not exactly sure what the scale of it was again but it couldn''t have been long, maybe something like a minute equals an hour? Eh, I''ve actually forgotten that.


    "You know, how can you even tell Petra? The timespan thing I mean"


    "Something that Athena did. Everything feels slightly different now, almost as if I can sense things that aren''t there. Even I''m not too sure about it all Ikarus, sort of like a six sense?"


    Oh right, that blessing Athena gave Petra. It''s kinda be a background thing because of all the teleporting and kissing shenanigans going on.


    "That reminds me of something, what did your level end up as anyways? You stopped mentioning it pretty quickly"


    "It''s one off a thousand now Ikarus and doesn''t appear to be rising anymore"


    Petra''s basically max level!?! What the fuck did Athena do to her?


    "Are you feeling okay though? Last time I gained a load of levels, it either ended with me getting cursed or feeling like everything is in slow motion"


    That''s my main concern, just how she''s adapting really. Remember that dragon descendant curse I had years ago? That was apparently due to a levelling and even that demon lord we killed made things likebat seem a little different.


    "Heh, perfectly fine Ikarus, just my perception on the world seems to be a little different. I think it''s broken everything a tad, and not in the way you''re thinking"


    Heh, she knew I was thinking of the overpowered sort of brokenness. Petra''s basically that sort of broken anyways with me always being her lovely sidekick so her suddenly gaining six hundred plus levels in the blink of an eye isn''t that big of a deal.


    Would Petra be considered an demigod now or has Athena just broken her level counter? Eh, who knows? I couldn''t care either way, she''s still my lovebird and no heavenly being status would change that. I''d literally turn myself into a demon lord to stay by Petra side if it was needed, really can''t see that bing a thing though...


    "Oh well then, I''m always up for you being a Goddess, being a level nine-nine-nine is basically the same thing. Let''s make sure we avoid kissing till tomorrow so we can go on that date you want. I do warn you though, going that long fighting off my Petra addiction may prove an impossible task..."

 Chapter 153 – Festival

    Chapter 153 ¨C Festival


    ---A quick heads up, I''m unsure how many chapters I''ll be to do this week. I literally can''t write/read without getting a headache/eyestrain so doing this physically hurts right now. Hopefully, it''ll be gone soon enough but it''s fucking up any progress I want to make.


    __________


    "You know Petra, this is first outfit you''ve gotten me wearing that isn''t causing me to blush"


    "Heh, that''s a real shame Ikarus. You''d think the pinkness and flowers would do the job"


    "I mean, that''s not great but it''s way morefortable than I first realized. If it was ck like yours but flowerless, then it would be perfect"


    "Heh... I''m depressed now Ikarus"


    Having both gotten dressed up in those yakuta kimono-robe things, me and Petra are currently off towards the location of our date and like with this anime world we''re currently in, what else would it be other than a nighttime festival?


    Both of the outfits happen to be flowery but mine is a slightly reddish-pink while Petra''s, is mainly ck. I think it''s because of the fact they aren''t revealing and are reallyfortable I''m not getting embarrassed? It would be a little better if it wasn''t pink but hey, I''ve definitely got to get one of these for rxing. Maybe just a bit looser as well.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "So... we''re definitely heading to a festival Petra, right?"


    "Heh, looks like you guessed correctly Ikarus. Have long forgotten memories of having visited one of these as a child, so thought it could be nice to go together. Think that would''ve been on Earth as well"


    Petra has memories of a nighttime festival like this? At least that kinda confirms my suspicions from long ago, Petra was most likely Asian back on Earth but then again, loads of other countries have nighttime festivals so... Ah, Petra was Asian, that''s what I''m sticking with.


    . Now all that''s left to confirm is Ariza but the current theory is that she''s Spanish. We both know where me and Zeki are from, both ournds are famous for good ol-colonizing or pointless wars about oil after all. Even if my ind helped out with all that bullshit, no wonder I''m not a huge fan of endless deserts.


    Anyways, should probably focus on this uing date really, I''m looking forward to this now. Sure, we should probably focus more on getting to the Underworld but this extra day is basically nothing. I hope it''s fine anyways.


    "Have you two got tickets or do you wish to purchase some?"


    Having just arrived to the ce in question, we''re asked that by a guy at the gate to the festival. I assume he''s a guy from the voice but he''s as faceless as everyone else in this world.


    "Tickets? You need those to enter?"


    "Heh, don''t worry Ikarus, got us both covered"


    Petra gives the guy both tickets and he happily lets us through.


    "Thank youdies, hopefully you enjoy the asion"


    We then both walk past him and the sight of the crowded but colourful festival floods our eyes. We''ve got game stalls, food stalls, dancing areas, prize scoops, basically anything you can imagine at an Asian style festival. I''m more used to the European or Western version of these but it''s still pretty dope though.


    I''m assuming we''re going to ignore all the dancing and that sort of thing since Petra already knows I have two left feet. Seriously though, you won''t ever be catching this bird dancing even if my blood alcohol level is through the limit!


    While we''re walking through the faceless crowds though, mostly the part with all the market stalls, I notice two of our fellow ssmates wearing yakutas as well. To actually think both of them can still stomach each other.


    "Is that... No way, those two aren''t going on a date, right!?"


    "Heh, seriously doubt it Ikarus. Might be better off leaving them alone"


    Both Zeki and Ariza are together enjoying the asion and I''m pretty certain only as friends though, they would never do something like the hand holding me and Petra do all the time. I''m a little surprised Natty and Charlotte aren''t here but they have to keep that rtionship hidden I suppose... Sighhh, I really am getting tired of this dungeon now, let''s just try to enjoy this for Petra''s sake Ikarus.


    Anyways, both of us ignore those two purposely trying not to be seen and once out of sight, it''s time to decide what to actually do.


    "So, what are we going to do first Petra? y some games or stuff ourselves like pigs? I''m guessing the food of choice all involves it being on sticks?"


    "Heh, have you also got some memories of something like this Ikarus?"


    "No no, this is just me remembering a little about cartoons. We''re guaranteed to find something with bean paste inside or something named yaki..."


    "Ikayaki! Get your ikayaki here!"


    "We sell taiyaki here as well!"


    "Ignore all them, we have yakisoba!"


    Speak of the devil and thou shall release Japanese street food to the world! I rarely had the chance to try stuff like this so let''s stuff our faces then!


    __________


    We queue to go buy a load of things for several different ces, get the food and then go to find a bench to eat everything. Stuffing our faces full with all this Japanese goodness would be great and all, but at the end of the day, I''m Ikarus. Normal doesn''t apply to me.


    "Enjoying that Ikarus? You don''t seem to be that happy about it all"


    Like Petra being the Goddess she is, hiding such distaste really is problematic. I''m not the biggest fan of all this...


    "Eh, It''s alright I guess? Imma be honest with you Petra... I don''t actually like soy sauce"


    It''s madness, right? I can''t use chopsticks or like soy sauce, what sort of weeb am I!? It''s kinda a problem here as well because most of the street food seems to be drenched in the stuff, even things you wouldn''t think have that vouring.


    The fish shaped, taiyaki cake thing is quite nice but feels more like a gimmick then something you''d want to pig out on, basically just a tourist trap. I''m sorry but normal cake is way better and you can''t convince me otherwise! I''m so brilliant at ruining these sorts of moments...


    "Heh... that might be a dealbreaker Ikarus. How could we ever get married if you don''t like soy sauce?"


    "Haw haw, very funny Petra. I guess I can stomach it just for you"


    "Heh, no need for that Ikarus. The definitely have some sweeter stuff around here, let''s take a further look..."


    __________


    "What is it with food on sticks at these ces? Seriously though, I was making a joke but everything is served like that!"


    Having just stuffed a huge cotton candy all to myself and now questioning if I really needed all that sugar, we''re now off to a different part of the festival and my moaning always makes the situation better.


    "Heh, it is pretty convenient though Ikarus. You want me to get you a balloon or watch a kiddie show?"


    I get that''s she''s teasing and all but hell no! There''s something else I really don''t like in that direction...


    "You can Petra but I''m good. I''m staying the hell away from over there"


    The problem with the shows around this ce seems to be focused around kids and doing stuff like making balloon animals and things like that. It''s not a problem if you''re into that sort of stuff and a child. There''s a huge issue about the entertainers around this ce which don''t actually seem to fit the vibe... clowns...


    "Heh, never realized you had such a phobia Ikarus"


    "It''s not a phobia! Clowns are insanely freaky and no one should like them, anyone who dislikes clowns should be seen as the normal lot!"


    Petra chuckles at my dislike of them but I''m more than justified! It has nothing to do with the serial killers who were clowns or anything like that, they are just Satan spawn! Even just looking at that evil painted face is sending shivers down my spine. How kids seems to like such a thing is beyond me.


    I''m not a huge fan of mime''s or those fake statues as well but I''m starting to think it''s just a phobia of people who have their faces painted now.


    "Heh. If you don''t want to do that, we can always go y one of the games around here"


    "Erm... eh, why not then? Let''s go do that... sorry I''m being so awkward with everything though"


    It does need to be said. This is something Petra wanted to do and all I ever seem to do isin about everything, it makes me wonder why she even likes me at times...


    "Heh, don''t worry about it Ikarus. Truthfully, the only good memory I have of these ces is watching the fireworks disy at the end, the rest of it wasn''t even that great. Just spending any time with you is more than enough"


    "Jeez, don''t be saying stuff like that, you''ll end up turning me into a right lovestruck idiot"


    "Heh, love you too Ikarus"


    "Urgh, you too Petra"


    Of course, the urge to kiss nowes in at full swing but we must contain ourselves for a little longer. Moving on, we finally arrive at many of the game booths around here and something catches my eye a little.


    "Step right up, step right up and you may be able to win a prize! All you have to do is hit as many as possible within thirty seconds! Prizes from the top row are worth five hits and it goes down from there"


    ''I still can''t get to grips with the faceless NPCs around here but maybe we can give this a go''


    I mean, it''s that shooting the ducks carnival game! Except the water pistol has been reced with a toy bow and the ducks aren''t inside the barrels. Eh, at least it''s roughly the same.


    "Heh, you mind if I go first Ikarus?"


    "Of course not, you go Petra"


    Petra gives the NPC some money and then readies herself with the tiny bow made for kids. The arrows kinda reminds me of mini little toiler plungers with the ends being like that but you''re just noticing strange things again Ikarus.


    "Ready... set... go!"


    The time sets off and all the stic ducks start moving along at a pretty decent speed with there being two rows going in separate directions. Despite the choice of having quite the few ducks to shoot at appearing briefly in front of the small barrels, this could be quite the tricky game to win...


    The first arrow flies straight into the body of one of the ducks and sticks...And then another shot rapidly follows it up hitting another... And then another...


    Petra''s shooting leaves nothing to be desiredpleting all five easily under ten seconds. Despite it being really short, it actually garners a few witnesses who even cheer at her aplishment. That game would''ve been hard for pretty much anyone else so I guess it makes sense. There''s no reason for me to get excited though. I mean, it''s perfect Petra after all, as if she would suck at archery even with her blindness.


    "Wow, you really are brilliant at this! Any prizes that strike your fancy?


    "Heh, which one would you like Ikarus?"


    "Seriously Petra? Why would I want a... plushie..."


    Almost as if my jaw hits the floor, I spot a plushie that looks absolutely perfect. That''s copyright infringement but I don''t care! It''s beautiful...


    "...That ck and white one at the top. It has to be that; I don''t even want a go now seeing that nothing canpare"


    "Okay then, I''ll get it down for you"


    Being passed the plushie by the stall owner, I can''t help grinning my face off looking at Petra and even hugging the stupid thing. It''s looks so freaking simr!


    ck flowing hair, grey deadish eyes and even has white samurai robes on... is it called a plush or plushie? Oh, I don''t care, this is perfect! The Petra plushie! This clearly isn''t a coincidence but pure fate!


    "Heh, can''t believe I now have topete against a toy Ikarus"


    "Normally, I''d say something witty in response Petra, but you seriously have no idea how much I freaking love this! It''s like a tiny version of you! I need to get one of these made in the real world because I actually love it!"


    "Heh, d you like it Ikarus"


    Happily walking around with it now on my shoulder, it seriously is brilliant. At least Petra is finding my stupid joy funny, I''m not kidding about this thing though. I''ve never seen any reason to have teddies or toys until this exact moment and being an ex-guy has no effect on my reasoning here. An actual Petra plushie, it''s like pure perfection!


    Anyways, we end walking to a small hill and quickly setting up a nket to sit on. Presumably, it won''t be long till the fireworks start and we happen to have found a really empty spot far away from prying eyes. It would be great to make out here except the obvious fact we''ll get kicked out of this ce the second we do. That''s if we''re trusting the Goddess Aphrodite, I assume she''s telling the truth but you never know.


    Still should wait a little longer till I repay Petra for the gift she won for me though. Maybe i''ll try toying with her a bit...


    "Getting to watch a firework disy with Petra and plushie Petra, this day will definitely be up there with the bes-..."


    "..."


    Almost as if she can''t control herself, Petra throws herself into my embrace and initiates a kiss! Why the hell did she do that!?


    ''Really Petr-...''


    __________


    ...


    "O-Oh,e on Petra! Couldn''t you have just waited till at least the fireworks started!?"


    "Heh, it was you own fault really Ikarus, had to assert my dominance over that plushie or I''d have lost you forever"


    (Zeki) "What the fuck!? What the hell did we do Ariza!?"


    "Ariza? You just called me by name Zeki!"


    "Of course I did, it''s not like I can call you brother anymore! What the actual fuck did we do!? We fucking kissed!?"


    "Are you okay Nat?"


    "Yeah, just give me a second Lotte... need to readjust. That body felt so natural, my head can''t get to grips with it all"


    Waking up back inside that perverted house with the love heart bed, everyone is obviously a little shocked at what went on while I''m just focusing on the fact Petra ruined our date.


    Sighhh... I know Petra''s not being serious right now but couldn''t she have waited a little longer? Eh, probably not, maybe the thought of seeing me so happy made her lose control? Can''t say I me her if that''s the case, seeing Petra get that excited over something would make me do the same, probably.


    As for everyone else, the memories of what happened inside there seem to be flowing and nothing seems to be forgotten unfortunately. I was hoping we may get a clich¨¦ where everyone who was braindead is oblivious to what happened but this world is much crueller than that.


    We should probably try and give Nathan a hand who looks like he''s just seen a ghost being turned back into normal but at the same time, we''ve got Zeki who looks like he''s about to go on the war path.


    (Petra) "Zeki, if we hadn''t done what we had done, we would''ve remained in there forever. In what situation would you have ever kissed Ariza on purpose?"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah kid, it was unavoidable. We''re both sorry but it had to be done"


    Both me and Petra trying to justify it isn''t doing anything for him, this is something Zeki can understandably not ept.


    "I know I wouldn''t but still... it''s too fucking much. We kissed like we were in love, Ria''s going to kill me"


    "Zeki, they had no choice and she''ll understand why. It''s not like we feel anything now, right? Just imagine it''s like a European thing greeting your friends or something like that"


    Ariza''s analogy may sound weird but it may just work for the shellshocked Zeki. I don''t think it is though...


    "Maybe, but that doesn''t make me feel any better..."


    Zeki leaves the building making me and Petra obviously feel even more guilty about what happened, what else could we have done though? Literallying from his own words, he never would''ve kissed Ariza so we had to do it. The only other solution would''ve been changing couples about.


    Seriously though, out of all of us, who would Zeki be most willing to kiss? There''s the problem, I couldn''t make a case for a single person he''d be willing to do it to even as a sacrifice. No, there''s no point justifying it anymore, it had to be done...


    If only their memories of that ce had disappeared, things could''ve been much smoother. Zeki doesn''t seem like he can forget this and even Nathan seems a little weirded out after being back in his normal body. I guess gender bending isn''t for everyone, he was pretty cute as Natty I suppose.


    ''Let''s just get a move on and forget this ce... I already miss my Petra plushie...''


    __________


    (Ariza) "Would anyone like some tea?"


    (Zeki) "..."


    (Ikarus) "Yes please"


    (Petra) "Yeah Ariza"


    "No thank you Ariza-sama"


    "Me and Lotte are both good for now"


    Afterpleting the ce, flying for a few hours and resting overnight, we''re now out in a makeshift camp out in the vast ins and things are still a little awkward around here. I think that''s the main reason for Ariza offering tea, to help settle things around here. Maybe she''s more British than I first thought, offering tea in stressful situations was something I used to do.


    The atmosphere around this camp has been a little iffy because of what happened, most have gotten over it now but there''s always going to be an obnoxious red phoenix still a little pissed. I''m thinking of someway we can make it up to Zeki but this might just be one of those things we best just leave behind and no longer speak on.


    I''m pretty sure the main reason Ariza''s not that effected by it is because she''s always seen Zeki like a close friend. For Zeki, it''s obviously more like a sibling thing... just look at me. Stop thinking about it Ikarus, nothing good is going toe from this so just leave it!


    Anyways, me and Petra chill for a little while in each other''s arms while the atmosphere still stinks. Roughly at the same time Ariza is giving both us lovebird''s tea, Aesa decides to give me a heads up.


    [<Just a reminder Ikarus has unlocked a new ability from that dungeon, although it isn''t anything to get excited by>]


    ''Thanks Aesa, I''ll deal with it tomorrow''


    Oh yeah, Aesa mentioned that shortly after leaving the building about a new ability being unlocked. It''s going to be something love rted so I''m putting it off for the time being. Already pretty adamant it''s going to be trash so putting it off for a little while.


    Ah, the token thing as well, there was a big coin on that love heart bed after we came too that we took. It looks unimpressive as hell but at least it''s good to know we''ve definitelypletely one, no idea how the token even got there but magic reasons probably.


    Anyways, taking a quick sip of the tea, I notice something kinda strange...


    "That''s pretty sweet Ariza, how many sugars did you put in this?"


    "Yeah, Ikarus is right, same thing for mine"


    Considering I''ve got a sweet tooth and even I''m finding it really sweet, did she forget how many to use? I''ll still drink it regardless, just a little odd really.


    "Is it? Mine tastes fine though, I can make another batch if it''s not good"


    (Ikarus) "No need Ariza, we''ll still drink it regardless"


    (Petra) "..."


    While me and Petra are drinking this, an eery smile seems to appear on Zeki''s face witnessing us drink said tea... wait...


    "This is karma orangey and sis. You both poisoned us in there so you''re now getting payback, that sweetness is something I added"


    (Ariza) "What... did you do Zeki?"


    "Payback kid? You... haven''t poisoned this tea, right? Shouldn''t you be focusing more on the Goddess who did this then targeting us!?"


    Da fuck!? Zeki''s poisoned us!? And why is Petra not looking that concerned about it?


    "Yeah, I will get her back one day as well but you two are also to me. That tea Ariza just made also has a secret ingredient I dropped it your cups while she was pouring it. An eye for an eye and all that, you two will definitely enjoy that aphrodisiac..."


    And just like that, Zeki switches form and flies off into the distance. At least it''s good his payback only involves a love potion and not actual poison... wait, this isn''t fucking good!


    "Fuck! I''m going to beat him to a pulp Petra!"


    Of course, I''m going to be pissed, how dare he decide when me and Petra are going to screw! That''s what''s guaranteed to happen now, right? There''s no way we''re going to be able to keep our hands off each other and he knows it! This doesn''t even sound that bad except I''ve been dreading taking that potion again, it''s actually quite the intelligent type of revenge from Zeki but still!


    "I''m sorry he did this to you two... Zeki! Get back here you idiot!"


    Ariza''s already run off in search of telling Zeki off while the other couple aren''t too sure what to make of this. They''ve seen us both take this potion before but not when I was madly in love with Petra, we may need to exclude ourselves for the night as well...


    "Heh, considering what Zeki''s capable off Ikarus, this really is nothing. What I did in there was much worse"


    "You''re not the only one taking the me for that Petra, I''d have done the same exact thing even knowing beforehand. *Sighhh*... Let''s just get through this and hopefully not end up killing each from you know what"


    "Heh, no promises Ikarus"


    Once me and Petra get through whatever we''re about to do, he''s either going to die or turn into a eunuch. My bird kick has been neglected for way too long...

 Chapter 153.5 – Under The Influence (18+)

    Chapter 153.5 ¨C Under The Influence (18+)


    "Oh God, this is going to kick in any second"


    "Heh, I''ve told you before Ikarus, it''s not that bad. You''ve drunk it as well, remember?"


    Both me and Petra have split off from the other party members and are now inevitably waiting for the love potion effect to kick in. If it isn''t obvious yet, I''m sweating bullets from knowing what''s about to happen, I''m always happy to do something with Petra but being under the influence is sort of worrisome! I mean, it''s called a freaking love potion, imagine if I started serenading or reciting poetry to Petra while we were in the middle of getting freaky...


    "Yeah, but that was when I had no feelings for you in that sort of way... I''ve just realized any wedding vow saying love at first sight won''t work for shit now"


    "Heh, well I can still use that line Ikarus... That''s technically incorrect thinking about it"


    "So, it''s fine if you make a blind jok-, ah, forget it. The effect is finally starting to kick in..."


    The dreaded moment of the second time I''ve taken this aphrodisiac finallyes to fruition and trying to avoid looking at Petra''s face is now an impossibility, she''s just that beautiful really.


    My first thoughts under this influence, is just simply how stunning this woman really is. All it''s making me want to do is make her feel as happy as possibl-, no Ikarus! You may actually believe that but the potion is in making this love too heavy! Ignore it and fight it off!


    Looking towards Petra, her face has also started blushing and it honestly is striking. Every single part of her is just pure perfection... fuck!


    "Heh, are we really going to fight this off Ikarus? We probably would''ve done something tonight anyways"


    She approaches me graceful as a swan and all that flows through me right now is a mixture of love, fear and hatred of Zeki. And horniness, can''t forget about that dreadful thing...


    "I-I... don''t know? What''s the best thing to do while like this anyway?"


    "Heh... I could see edging being pretty fun right now Ikarus"


    ...


    ''That isn''t appealing to you Ikarus and you know it. Don''t you dare say yes, don''t you do it!''


    "M-Maybe?"


    ''Fuckkk!''


    "Heh, maybe that potion is stronger on you than I first thought. If you want to do something together, then it''s your chance to decide. If you''re adamant about fighting it off, I''m probably just going to go off and do something by myself for a little while"


    Petra''s going to do something herself? Wait, is she going to spank the monkey? Or whatever a more fitting euphemism I can use.


    "B-by yourself? You mean m-masturbating, right Petra?"


    "Yeah Ikarus, you wanna watch?"


    At least that confirms what she did when she disappeared ages ago when that first love potion experience happened. Reading a book my arse, Petra was horny and I knew it! Why the hell do I find that soplimentary though?


    This matters little because I''m not allowing her to go off and masturbate by herself! What''s the point in having a partner if not to do it together? Damn, this potion really is strong, she can go do it by herself if she wants but I would feel like I''m missing out a load.


    "Don''t you be leaving me out of anything you do. You said I can decide tonight, right?"


    "Heh, yeah Ikarus, what do you fancy doing?"


    Let''s have a good think about this, what can me and Petra do that will be extremely hot and enjoyable? Basically anything is suitable but trying to finish simultaneously could be excellent. Huh, that may work.


    "Can we try out a certain position tonight... w-which also happens to be a number? The idea of finishing together is really damn hot"


    Let''s be real, it would''ve been better if it happened on something like the sixty-ninth day of the year, or if it was a novel, the sixty-ninth chapter but I''m too horny to wait or find some way to travel back in time for that though.


    "That position is a little difficult Ikarus and you will have to hold it in till I''m ready if you want to do it. You still willing?"


    "Y-Yeah, let''s do that..."


    __________


    Preparing a huge fur rug for us to do it under the midnight stars, it truly is a romantic scene but I''m unsure if that''s actually right or the potion enhancing everything. The sounds of the odd owl hooting and crickets chirping could be considered nice if you''re into a little background music, I suppose.


    It matters little though, both me and Petra are now naked and are already making out with both our hands exploring every part of our bodies. This lust feels uncontroble and it''s a miracle how we were able to evenmunicate for that long beforehand. There''s no point fighting off this feeling when you know any sex is going to feel great. Petra''s tongue in particr has always been a godsend.


    Anyways, we keep up this kissing for a little while with my hands mostly around her bottom area while hers are obviously floating around my breasts, and then we very slowly start to make our ways down onto the rug while still locked in constant kisses.


    "Top or bottom Ikarus?"


    "W-What? Is that s-some sort of BDSM joke I don''t get?"


    "Heh, no silly, the position. Do you want to go top, or bottom?"


    "Erm... t-top then.... Don''t grin at me sarcastically like that! I can sometimes be a top!"


    "Heh, you''re imagining things Ikarus, my face said nothing"


    Oh right, my mind just went there because of stuff that''s happened previously. Let''s be having less of that Ikarus, no need to be that turned on especially with that aphrodisiac already flowing through your veins.


    Now, both sitting on the rug, Petra goes toy down first with me awkwardly joining her trying to get myself into the perfect position aiming both our genitalia in mouth''s reach. Petra was right, this position is pretty awkward but who cares about all that? I''m pretty sure that won''t matter when we''re face full in you know what.


    Petra starts off first and it almost makes me forget what I''m supposed to do, until she abruptly stops and I hear a tiny grunting from underneath me. Can''t say I me her for that so I better start tucking in...


    "Urgh..."


    Can never forget just how good she is at this, her technique of mixing the licking with the sucking always sends an unreasonable shiver down my spine. Combine that with the fact I''m also making sure to give a good lick to the forbidden fruit voured ice-cream, all it''s doing is providing an excellent addition to the extreme horniness that currently betrays this bird. Fuck, this is good.


    "Heh, stop groping yourself Ikarus, or I''ll have to slow down"


    Hearing the muffled voice of Petra, she can obviously tell that even though I''m on top of her and that my breasts are pretty squished, I still can''t help but try to touch myself there. I can''t help myself; breast y justpliments everything else so well!


    "B-But it feels sooo g-good though Petra!"


    "Heh, give me your hands then. You wanted to finish together, right Ikarus?"


    I reluctantly ce my hands down to my sides and Petra takes a hold of my wrists softly but also kind of firm, instantly continuing to plough down assaulting myher region once again with that devilish tongue of hers. If anything with my hands being in this position unable to move then, it reminds me a little of bondage and is only further turning me on now. It wouldn''t take a lot to get them away but it''s the thought that makes me horny I guess. And the potion but we all know how bad I can be with this sort of thing already.


    "Urgh... Petra..."


    But I''ve not got to try as hard as I can making Petra cum otherwise this''ll only lead to extreme frustration with me having to hold it in. I know how good it feels so I''ll try to repeat what she does, just need to find the perfect thing that makes her toes curl up...


    Almost as if I can sense something that isn''t there, Petra seems to shake an unnoticeable amount from that sucking I just did so that''s where I ce my immediate focus. It''s freaking difficult trying to multitask like this enjoying yourself but you must power through Ikarus!


    It unfortunately doesn''t take too long before my big O starts to build up but Petra''s definitely has longer to go, thankfully she doesn''t slow down but I do have to start pacing myself otherwise I will cum in seconds.


    "Little longer Ikarus"


    Between the licks, Petramunicates to me so I know that sucking I''m doing definitely is effective... Fuck, I''m right at the painful edge now, you better cum any second Petra because I''m going to suck harder if you don''t...


    "Ikarus... bit more... now..."


    And that''s when we both orgasm in sync causing me to violently shake on top of Petra while she''s just forced to enjoy the spasming of her lover on top of her body. I''d feel sorry for her if violent orgasms weren''t sexy as hell, I love Petra''s reserved ones as well but that uncontroble aspect of it makes it so much more enjoyable. The orgasm like usual is mind-blowing, these never disappoint but I''ve described my love of such intimate moments many times before.


    Despite everything that just went on, I could definitely feel her orgasm ripple through me and even witnessed something I never thought I would. There is one other major thing to add... both me and Petra couldn''t contain ourselves. Both of us may have released a little something extra finishing off.


    Maybe I''ve said something before about not being a huge fan of the love juice thing but by God, that was hot as hell watching her do that with me shaking on top of her. I''m kinda wanting to see if I can cause her to do that again now...


    "*Huff*... Heh, you may have broken me Ikarus, never done that before"


    ''Petra''s never done that? That orgasm hasn''t solved any of this horniness...''


    "C-Can we go again?"


    It doesn''t matter if the position is a little awkward or anything like that, I just literally made Petra do that! If this isn''t cause for celebration and to feel even hornier, then I have no idea what is. Pretty sure the love potion is still in effect as well but that feels like it''s having less of an influence, I still can''t believe I actually just did that!


    "Heh, I''ve still got hold of your wrists Ikarus, didn''t want to stop either"


    "Y-Yayyy! Erm... urgh..."


    Petra starts again and I quickly join in while ignoring her slight dominantment, it''ll only turn me on further...


    Whatever Petra''s doing, it''s already causing me to approach the mountain peak and by God, I want this feeling tost forever. Got to keep it in despite this looking like an impossible task, Petra''s tongue is relentless though...


    "P-Petra, slow down a little, d-don''t you want to finish together again?"


    "Heh, I''m good Ikarus. Turns out I''m addicted to that shaking of yours so please don''t stop"


    Before I even have the chance to get her close to finishing again, Petra''s not even giving me a chance to pace myself so this second orgasm is inevitable... fuck, fuck, fuck!


    I almost want to fight it by holding it in for as long as possible, not in serious way though but the intenseness of this second O feels like I''m having life drained outta me... why the hell is this so powerful!?! Fuck!


    "Argh, Jesus Christ Petra! Urgh..."


    Without an inch of control over that, another orgasm explodes within causing the same vtile Ikarus shaking that happens all the time. Thankfully, she lets off pretty quickly after but it''s not like I''d have any say if she didn''t, my wrists throughout all that are still within her grasp...


    Look, obviously I could just tell her to stop and she would, but that''s not the fantasy goddamn it! Just let me have my moment of peace and don''t question my horny brain.


    "*Huff* d-damn it Petra, *huff* why was that so strong?"


    "Don''t you prefer it that way Ikarus? You seem to prefer the overstimtion more and more every time we do this"


    ...


    "Yeah, I''ll answer noment to that"


    ''I''m not sure why I need to answer like this, she can sense it easily enough''


    "Heh, I''ll just assume I''m correct then. Now that you''ve caught your breath again, wanna see who can orgasm the most like this? You don''t seem to want to stop tonight"


    Again!? Oh God, we''ve turned this into some sort of game now. Let''s see who can cum the most? I''m kinda wanting to see if I can win this, it''s obvious I can''t but maybe I can surprise Petra a little? Let''s try to fix this male endurance of mine!


    "D-Definitely, I could surprise you though Petra"


    "Heh, maybe Ikarus. Let''s see about that"


    So, let the pervy games begin! It''s safe to assume I''ve got no chance in hell of winning this battle against such a vixen but hey, it''s the battle that counts. And pleasure, this is one of the better perks about gender bending after all. Being a guy sucks considering I used to sleep after one finish.


    "U-Urgh..."


    The pleasure of already finishing twice before just makes everything more sensitive and quicker to get around to again. At least I know holding it in isn''t impossible but then again, Petra will probably find some way...


    At the very least, I''ve got some sort of grip and can steady myself a little... No I can''t! Like Petra''s flicked a switch, the sucking bes way more intense and starts to be unbearable... fuck! Holding it is no longer possible, I''m losing all control over this...


    "Argh!"


    Another one ripples through me almost sending me mad by how easy Petra was able to do that. It actually makes me scream by how quick and intense it was, these multiple orgasms always achieve such unexpected results.


    "Three to one Ikarus... Heh, that''s really naughty..."


    "*Huff huff*"


    Before I''ve even caught my breath, I decide to get a head start for the next round sucking intensely trying for any way to recover my score up a bit. Petra who was giving me a second to get through that wave realizes I can be just as evil as her and decides to give me a taste of my own pleasurable medicine, not like I care about taking it...


    Thankfully, I can already tell that she''s getting closer this time and I know if I keep this up, she will finish just before me. Ignore all the lovely sensations Ikarus, nothing else matters other than you and this work of delicious art right now.


    Finally, after much hard work, I know I''m getting her again. Petra finally gives up to the pleasure and I get to feel her shakes under me, can''t help but think that was even more reserved by her normal standards. Wait, urgh...


    Somehow during peak orgasm, Petra still has a way of still sucking and licking, that''spletely took me aback making me lose all grip of control over myself... urgh, Petraaa...


    And of course, a fourth orgasm buckles through me and I can''t even pay attention to what''s going on anymore. That one came about so abruptly, I can''t even remember my own name or birthday now.


    "..."


    Through thatst orgasm, nothing now matters in this spinning world, haven''t even got the energy for screaming, moaning, or even heavy breathing. It''s actually making me go a little light headed, breathe you stupid bird!


    "*Huff huff* no more. *Huff* Petra.. my head"


    "Heh, *huff* you dizzy Ikarus?"


    "*Huff huff* yeah, can, *huff* we stop?"


    "Heh, of course. Should''ve stopped sooner if it was too much"


    "*Huff* It wasn''t..."


    Taking a bit of time recovering some oxygen and dragging my lifeless body off that tormenter I was just on top off, we lie down together looking to the skies while I can''tprehend how she''s that strong. I could''ve gone for another one of two there but I tried so hard to get her to another peak, it''s left me physically drained. I guess losing four to two is better than I first expected, it could''ve been much worse...


    "How... do you even do that? I feel like your second time was more for my sake really, we both know you could''ve kept that in"


    "Heh, can''t be revealing my secret. You fought a doomed battle from the start Ikarus"


    "Hehehe... Seriously though, I don''t say it enough but I freaking love you Petra, more than words canprehend"


    "Heh, love you too Ikarus"


    "No, I actually mean it more than just that Petra. There''s no being who coulde close to loving anyone as much as I love you, nothing in the entire world would be close"


    To say my proud admission of love takes her back a little would be an understatement as that fluster of hers has returned ever so slightly. I think she knows what I''m doing though.


    "Ikarus, we know what''s going to happen if we start doing something like this again. We''ll end up arguing on who loves the other more, so let''s just end it in a draw and say we love each other equally, alright?"


    "No can do Petra, there''s no way you can love me as much as I do to you. It''s iparable"


    "Heh, whatever Ikarus. Say, how many more times do you reckon you can finish before you need to sleep? You still think that love is stronger with a few more rounds under your belt?"


    ...


    ''Sighhh, it''s a good thing I like her sense of humour, there''s nothing serious in what she said at all so this isn''t something to misinterpret''


    "No no... you win, let''s just call it a draw then. I know when I''m wrong even if I don''t fully believe it..."

 Chapter 154 – Random Encounter

    Chapter 154 ¨C Random Encounter


    ---Should be back to regr scheduling this week but don''t hold me to it, head is better but still not great.


    __________


    "Sorry aboutst night Ikarus and Petra, I had no idea Zeki would do something like this. I''ve already inflicted punishment on him for you"


    "Punishment? What have you done to him Ariza?"


    "Heh, Ariza only gets involved when she feels she has to Ikarus, this is going to be pretty bad"


    Having spent the night together and returning to our party''s camp the following morning, Ariza immediately greets us with a slight guilty look to her. She obviously feels bad for what Zeki did and is for some reason taking the me upon herself. There''s not really much me to take though.


    Considering just how greatst night was, I''ve already lost interest about the ''poisoning'' that Zeki did to us for payback. I was going to get my own back giving him a little power kick but like I said, lostplete interest now. Love potions are an excellent thing to use in the bedroom, or in this case under the night sky.


    "I''m not proud of it, but I shared words with Mr Loki and he thought this was the best course of punishment. I''m not too sure but Zeki seems to know he''s done wrong..."


    ''Oh God, can already tell what Zeki''s punishment is now''


    "...Zeki! Will you stop hiding behind that tree already?"


    "Fuck''s sake... you and that God are pure evil brother"


    ...


    "Heh"


    "Hahahaha..."


    The second Iy eyes on Zeki, the American but Amazonian queen, I really can''t help but crack up and nearly copse fromughter. He despises that body so much!


    Zeki has obviously be female again but what makes me crack up is what Ariza has got him wearing. Or more specifically, theck of clothing only involving a certain green bikini I''ve seen someone else wearing before...


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "Hahaha... *sighhh* Oh, you devilish Ariza, why did I fall in love with Petra when you were capable of such atrocities?"


    "Heh, I''d normally call you out for that Ikarus but even I''m loving Ariza right now"


    "I fucking hate you both... can I please have my clothes back brother?"


    "No Zeki, you''re staying like this till those two decide"


    Ariza''s letting us decide when Zeki gets something way less revealing? She really shouldn''t grant us this power...


    "Those potionsst a month, right Ariza? Might as well make our money''s worth then"


    "Seriously orangey!? How fucking evil are you!?"


    "You have no idea kid..."


    His embarrassment obviously turns to pure rage when he finds he may have to wear that outfit for a month, he could just refuse but I really couldn''t see him defying Ariza like that.


    I actually find it pretty funny how both Nathan and Charlotte really don''t seem to care by the literal perversion around the camp, they''re even used to this sort of thing by now or know Zeki deserves this. Maybe not for the poisoning but there must''ve been something nasty or evil deed he did that justifies some sort of karma.


    "Erk... Look, I can deal with this body for a while but I seriously can''t have a month in this, right!? You have no idea what the cow is going to do to me..."


    ''Is that... fear in Zeki''s eyes? Okay, maybe we should be a little less yful with this, he clearly doesn''t want a month of being Ria''s ything, she''ll never leave the party if she witnesses Zeki like this''


    "Heh, Ikarus was only toying with you Zeki, even she refused to wear a piece of enchanted armour when it was bikini shaped"


    "Yeah kid, we''ll probably get bored of you like this in a day or two. We''re not counting bird form though so you better work showing off that body for us!"


    He absolutely despises me mocking him for all this but at the end of the day, this big ol''tsundere had thising. Who doesn''t love the twin version of Zeki anyways?


    "Erk, if you weren''t so overpowered orangey, you''d be getting it..."


    "Yeah yeah kid, you''re all talk to us lot and you know it"


    He just goes to a corner of the camp and sulks knowing full well Ariza''s going to be flying most of the day now. I really would have left it but if Ariza decides he deserves a punishment, then Zeki deserves a punishment. I always thought she was the kindest of us but hey, I guess even she has a nasty side. Maybe it should be obvious, she does have a sort of mind control ability after all, even if she refuses to use it.


    "So then... how''s the other couple this morning? Those two seem to have handled that dungeon well enough, but haven''t actually asked you two yet"


    That gets a scoff out of Zeki but everyone''s ignoring the Amazonian woman now, I''m still not sure if Nathan is good after everything though. He now seems alright but you never know, that transformation did seem to shock him a little.


    "We''re fine and happy enough Ikarus-sama, Nat''s a lot better as well"


    "Yeah, it''s not worth worrying about so we''re all sorted Ikarus. Just give us the heads up and we''ll be ready whenever"


    To be fair, Charlotte is cuddled against Nathan so I''m probably worrying about nothing as they''ve sorted it themselves. As self-elected party leader, it''s kinda my job to check the welfare of the party, even if it isn''t needed and I''m unsure why I''m the leader. If Petra the protagonist spoke up a little more, she would be but she does sometimes go quiet around other people. Obviously not me though, I make her speak through annoyance and love...


    "Oh, you two are already sorted then? We''ll head off as soon as possible then... I''ve just realized I''m a huge idiot"


    You know when you have a massive brainfart and realize that stupidity can never truly leave your brain? Just because I''ve developed so much means jack shit when I have moments like this.


    (Petra) "Why''s that Ikarus?"


    "I could''ve been flying you all using dragon form..."


    __________


    Okay, maybe this wasn''t as much as a brainfart than I first realized. Sure, the carrying capacity is higher allowing everyone onboard but my main worry was about speed and how we could travel faster. Turns out, I''m just a fake dragon really, flying extremely fast is pointless as I''m the same exact speed like this. If anything, I feel a little slower but I do have five little mortals on my back. Look at me turning into my ol''lizard.


    Anyways, we''re now on course to the next dungeon which could still a few days away and this dragon needs a little bit of mental stimtion, overlooking the forgotten continent is cool and all but it''s mostly just endless ins right now.


    <Hey Aesa, howes you didn''t say anything snarky about me forgetting dragon form?>


    [<Aesa didn''t say anything since Ikarus shouldn''t always be the one on carry duty. Irrelevant of our love for carrying Petra, the rest shouldn''t be sofortable>]


    <Eh, I guess you''ve got a slight poin-, hey, let me get this straight one second Aesa, we don''t love carrying Petra. We like it a great deal but love might be a little far when we''re basically being ridden like a wyvern... Hmm, it does feel a little too natural for her to be on my back though>


    [<*Sigh*>]


    It takes me a second to realize why Aesa sighs at me but Petra pretty much confirms it.


    "Heh, we can hear your side of the conversation Ikarus. That''s always great to know you like being ridden though"


    "Uh... huh?"


    "Didn''t want to know that orangey"


    "It''s nice to know you like carrying around Petra-sama, Ikarus-sama"


    (Nathan) "I''m staying out of this"


    Okay, it turns out I can''t use thoughts as well as I thought in dragon form, you''d think I''d be able to filter it but s, fake dragon over here. As if I''d care about this, everyone already knows this constant ongoing joke that never gets old...


    <Whatever, I really don''t care right now though...>


    Feel like I''ve forgotten something else as well... oh yeah! Thatst dungeon and the reward.


    <...Yo Aesa, what was the reward for that ce anyways? I really neglect that sort of stuff too much now>


    [<Ikarus has unlocked the ability -lovers embrace- and Ikarus will be just as disappointed as Aesa in this ability>]


    <It''s crap then? What''s it do?>


    [<New ability named -lovers embrace- allows Ikarus to gain a minuscule amount of EXP from sexual experiences with chosen partner or partners. In all honesty, this ability is terrible considering how Ikarus normally levels. It has provided a single level up that Aesa has been waiting to show Ikarus now though>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 567]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 39,686*/40,000*]


    [Magicka 166,666*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 16834 unassigned points]


    <My OCD still can''t stand the fact my numbers don''t have zeros any more but forget it, thanks anyway Aesa... Oi, fellow birds, did you three get that shit ability as well?>


    "Yeah Ikarus"


    "Uh huh"


    "Yup orangey... I''m also still hating my existence up here as well"


    Huh, so we all got that crap. I guess it''s kinda cool to be rewarded for being a sex fiend but still, as if me and Petra are going to do it for levelling purposes other than enjoyment. Passive EXP will be pointless if I ever get to max level though.


    It probably requires five times the amount of intercoursepared to normal people as well because of the phoenix discrimination EXP has... for the record, I''m notining but I was more than justified until I became encouraged to kill. If I hadn''t unlocked sacrificialmb, I doubt I''d even be half way to a level hundred right now.


    <Oh well, dungeons are notorious for being hit and miss. Let''s see if the next one has anything worth of value...>


    __________


    "Wow... this is the first time I''ve seen a jungle in person"


    "Really Ikarus? Even back on Earth?"


    "Nah Petra, I never really travelled that much"


    "Is it really that impressive orangey? It''s just trees, vines and a few mountains"


    "Don''t be grumpy Zeki just because you''re on flying duty as well, this is the first time us two have seen this ce as well"


    "I''ve got to admit Ikarus-sama, it really is a sight"


    "Yeah, me and Lotte would never have seen anything like this if it wasn''t for you"


    Off in the distance, stands a sprawling jungle vast as the eye can seebined with sharp, spikey mountains and density that could cause you to be ustrophobic travelling throughout it. I''m pretty sure there''s even buildings carved into the mountains as well but that''s pretty far away though.


    Oh, we''re back to the two flying phoenix system as Aesa was right, it''s not my duty to carry everyone and I''ll just get used to it again. It has been two days since we set off and now it''s the other phoenixes turn to fly for the day. Us lovebirds are currently on Zeki while the others are on Ariza.


    "Huh, looks like something is going on... Zeki and Ariza, we may need tond to investigate something"


    "Wait, why orangey?"


    "Uh huh, why Ikarus?"


    Hidden within the depths of the jungle, I can just make out the remnants of a battle that''s just gone down. I''m actually surprised I''m the only one who can pick this up but Petra''s blindness sight does seem to have it''s own range.


    "Pretty sure a fight has gone down..."


    __________


    All of us are back to human and now heading to where the location I saw from the skies is at. Keep in mind, the isn''t an easy task though,nding was difficult enough but actually traversing the thick underbelly of the jungle really isn''t great. Sure, we could just burn everything around us away but probably best not to leave a trail of destruction everywhere we leave. Eh, we''ll just stick to using our weapons like machetes cutting through the vines and stuff for now.


    Oh, Zeki''s also out of that bikini as well now, we''re not that cruel to make him wear it around all the time. He''s back in his normal outfit, albeit it''s been heavily modified for obvious reasons.


    "You''re right Ikarus, there''s definitely something ominous nearby... and oddly familiar"


    ''Petra''s sensing something familiar? Wonder what that could be''


    Travelling a little longer, we reach a pretty big clearing and what looks to be half a dozen mercenaries all standing around battered and beaten from a bloody fight that has taken ce. It''s pretty obvious they''ve won just from the fact there''s bodies all around the ce, some from their side but mostly from the opposing.


    Judging from their clothes and the fact they kinda look like mercenaries, my best guess is that these lot may be rted to the adventures gui-, actually, they definitely are from that guild. I''ve just unfortunately seen a familiar face as well...


    "All of you, listen up! There''s another wave of these bastards iing and... what are the chances are running into you lot out here?"


    Petra''s ex, the vampire Melinda stands surprised at running into us so far in the middle of nowhere and can''t say I me her really. Out of all ces to run into your ex again, you wouldn''t expect it to be on the edges of a jungle.


    Standing over a body with a slight amount of blood on her face, the ck haired, red eyed creature of the night has obviously been fighting alongside these adventurers against these human enemies, yet I have no idea on the reason why. Can''t forget vampires can still handle the daylight despite popr culture saying otherwise, it definitely weakens them though as Melinda looks pretty exhausted right now as well.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Almost immediately, I can sense Petra''s aura and gaze getting darker witnessing her vampire ex in the flesh once again, but at least she is willing to avoid attempted murder this time around. I''ll just handle themunications between us because even now, this might be the only person Petra struggles to remainposed around.


    "What''s brings you all the way out here?"


    "Sorry... erm, I think your name was Ikarus? There''s no time to talk tight now, more of them areing"


    This vampire has a surprisingly professional attitude to this current situation and it makes me feel like she''s the person in charge here. Actually, scrap that, I know she is because she already has a leadership role in this guild, so it should be pretty obvious that the vampire might be inmand here.


    "Them?"


    "The denizens of this jungle Petra... fucking martial artists..."

 Chapter 155 – Jungle Warriors

    Chapter 155 ¨C Jungle Warriors


    "Hahaha, to think we managed to surround you adventurers so easily"


    "Boss, I don''t think those six are with them. Just look at that guy''s fancy armour for example, he looks like he could be a hero or something"


    "Really? A hero? Have you been taking the wrong strength garnering pills recently? Everyone knows the heroes are long gone"


    Within seconds of Melinda''s warning, we''re surrounded in every direction by dozens of humans all wearing martial artist robes and looking beefy as hell! Seriously though, all have those extremely prominent muscles but I''m simply not jealous because these lot seem idiotic and weak... Okay, maybe a little jealous but those muscles do seem a little much even for my liking.


    ''Let''s confirm these three, status''


    [Name: Kung | Species: Human | Level: 9]


    [Health 400/400]


    [Stamina 354/400]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Dominic | Species: Human | Level: 33]


    [Health 2,300/2,300]


    [Stamina 899/1,000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ----------


    [Name: Powder | Species: Human | Level: 12]


    [Health 600/600]


    [Stamina 528/600]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ''I was right, always knew muscles were overrated anyways. Coming across enemies like this really is a waste of time though, especially considering those seem to be the strongest''


    This fight is clearly going to be one of those things I end upining about how easy it''s going to be so let''s just save the moaning for another time. I''d rather not waste any time but these guys don''t seem that eager to leave us alone, free EXP at the end of the day I guess.


    For some reason though, the adventurers seem to be pretty tense about this situation. I know being heavily outnumbered can be bad and all butst time I checked, Melinda was a decent level so it shouldn''t be that worrying, right? Is this actually a dangerous situation for them? Eh, maybe it is, most humans don''t have the capabilities to deal with this many people and a single vampire weakened by daylight isn''t perfect as well. Looks like it was good we came along when we did.


    "Stand down marital artists or we will treat you like heathens. We don''t wish to enact needless conflict with you all"


    Priestess is actually the one to announce that, maybe her internal bandit detector isn''t working and is unsure if they count or not? It matters little anyways; she will still destroy anyone who attacks her first.


    "Boss, why is there a nun way out here"


    "Probably on some sort of pilgrimage. It matters little, we don''t discriminate when ites to punching! Let''s beat''em to death, then take their gear!"


    "*Sigh*... summon"


    Heh, its obvious things are now going to turn bad just from the fact priestess has revealed her summoned sword. It doesn''t seem to spark much of a reaction for anyone else around here though so maybe they''ve seen something like this before? It matters little, past experiences won''t help them in a second...


    Walking over to who I presume is the boss, that Dominic guy I scanned, I feel like I should give these weaklings one more chance before starting the action. Really can''t see it working though.


    "Oi,st warning, or you will regret it"


    "Hahaha, are you really trying to intimidate us weakling? Just look at how small your arms are!"


    "Suit yourself..."


    Without giving the martial artist a chance to react, I release a fully charged fireball I was hiding within my fist and it literally burns a hole in his chest...


    He just stands still, looks down to the gaping hole, then shortly copses onto the overgrown flora that covers this jungle. That was easy enough, doesn''t seem like the rest of these are fearful over that though.


    "What the fuck? She just killed the boss!"


    "Break every bone in her body!"


    "Destroy the orange bitc-..."


    Without giving me any warning, the guy calling me a bitch literally loses his head from a floating sword that just so happens toe into view. It''s cool Petra can use that again but that really seemed unnecessary, these lot don''t deserve such effort.


    At the moment the guy''s headnds, all the surrounding martial artists close in on us obviously extremely upset at what''s just happened. All on our side have readied ourselves for the iingbat and things starts to kick off...


    Almost instantly, everything goes to shit with pretty much everyone piling up like the ending to a medieval battle, swords sh against each other while the mes around burn in every direction. There''s no time to try and observe others though. In a matter of seconds, five or so artists surround me only armed with their fists.


    The first attacking me goes down from a single sh to his chest, the second tries to avenge him trying to strike my head but that gets swiftly stopped by a block from Excalibur and a dagger into his ribcage. Anotheres in from the side and finds himself into the path of another stabbing.


    This entire scene seems to be taking ce in slow motion but I''ve used thatparison enough already, fighting weaklings is no big deal at all now. Refusal to be distracted and training in the background with Petra has that effect it seems, I''m barely even focusing on what the others are doing right now.


    "What th-"


    "She''s too fas- Argh!"


    Two more go down without any issue from both my two weapons and I can''t help but shake my head at these lot. This isn''t even worth using any abilities, all this trash is good for nothing but bing fertilizer for this jungle.


    Before I have the chance to see how everyone else is handling this battle, another three of the artists surround me and by this point, I''m already bored. Doing what my fellow phoenixes have done, I just spray my methrower all at those who approach and all go down like a burning sack of potatoes. Dual wielding and using magic is pretty damn easy when you literally can just point a finger and the magic flows from that, funny how I was worried about this once upon a time.


    ''Screw this, I''m killing all these idiots now''


    I wouldn''t say I''m angry buting across braindead enemies who only seem to be ced for ''plot'' reasons bores the hell out of me, I''m just going to embrace killing right now. It''s time to spill more than a little blood...


    "Fuck this, those adventurers have found some heroes!"


    "I''m not dying today, run!"


    "Let''s retreat!"


    Finally realizing this battle will only end in failure, the dozen or so left, scarper into the jungle with their tails between their legs. As for the rest that haven''t, they''ve joined their brethren as corpses all around this clearing now. Some are burnt and charred, others and cut and bloody, and a few seem to be missing their head. Petra''s getting even deadlier with her swings now it seems.


    (Petra) "..."


    "Fucking idiots, get back here and burn!"


    "Calm down Zeki, the fight is won"


    "You all good Lotte? Things got a bit hectic there"


    "All good Nat, heathen scum deserve no mercy but best leave the rest... for now"


    While everyone is cleaning the blood of their des and calming the adrenaline of just being inbat, all I want to do now is kill as many of those retreating as possible. They dared to waste our precious time like this so they deserve everything they get...


    "No you don''t, get back here you cowar-"


    Before I have the chance to chase after them, I feel a slight tug on one of my wings.


    "Leave them Ikarus, they''re not worth getting split up in the jungle for"


    But... yeah, Petra''s probably right, best save my wrath for when it''s needed and not on low levelled scum who focus more on appearance rather than ability. Who the fuck uses a fist in battle anyways?


    "Think my bloodlust returned there for a second, thanks Petra..."


    __________


    "Thanks for that assist, but I''ve got to ask what you six are even doing out here this far away from your inds or the empire?"


    As for what''s going on right now, most of us are either sitting or standing taking a quick breather while Ariza''s tending to the injured adventurers. Some of them definitely took pretty deep cuts from that fight but there''s no casualties on this side though.


    Who asks that question is the vampire Melinda. Presumably, she knows about the knight and priestess and where they''re from so no point following that up. Should I reveal what we''re doing way out here though? It''s not like we really trust Petra''s ex.


    "Just doing a bit of exploring and adventuring in this part of the world, nothing too major or anything like that. What about you?"


    "You travelled all this distance just for that? We''re on important guild business so there''s no point continuing this conversation if both sides aren''t willing to share"


    Considering how the vampire wasst time we spoke, if anything she seems grumpy as hell today. Maybe she does have a point but I can''t be revealing to everyone we''re dungeon spelunking, right? I actually don''t think it would matter that much but still.


    "Don''t be like that guild master, none of us keep any secrets so loosen up a bit!"


    One of the adventures puts his arms on her that gets an even sterner look from Melinda. I really can''t see how it''s a good idea to be treating a vampire this way but hey, it''s his funeral if he wants to treat his guild master like that. I''ll speak to him then and see if I get an answer.


    (Ikarus) "So... do you mind answering what you''re here for then?"


    "Ah sure, I''ll say, just ignore her since she''s a little grumpy we got outshone by you lot! We''re actually out here subjugating the locals since those martial artists have been a menace to everyone wanting to use this forest recently..."


    In all honestly, it could be down to meeting Petra once again and realizing she shares no happy feelings to her but what do I know? This guy actually travels with her so maybe he''s right.


    As for the guild being way out here, they are known for travelling all over the world and epting many different jobs so something like this isn''t that unheard of. It makes them sound more like mercenaries rather than adventurers but as long as the pay is good and they''re notmitting atrocities, no one really cares all that much.


    "...I''ve got to say though, your fighting was brilliant! The way you use both your des was inspiring!"


    (Ikarus) "Heh, thanks... I guess?"


    While I''m conversing with the happy adventurer, the vampire moves away from him and seems to want to speak with Petra now. I''m still keeping a close eye just in case she goes ck eye mode and wants her destroyed, but I reckon that fear is long gone now.


    "Seriously Petra, what brings you six out here? I promise I''ll y nice and try not to say or do anything evil"


    "..."


    Petra''s silence says all, except the fact she reluctantly forces herself to speak with the woman once again.


    "...*Sigh*, dungeon hunting Mel, shouldn''t need to say anything else"


    You know, it''s pretty good how Petra can now share words with her even if it''s just that... what are you saying Ikarus? This is like the perfect time to get jealous and worry about the ex-stealing away your future misses! It''s funny how I don''t feel that way in the slightest, I guess I trust Petra more than I could imagine.


    "Dungeons... Oh, you''re trying to enter that cursed ce? You''re in for a right surprise then"


    "What''s the surprise?"


    "That only happens to be one of the bases of these gori bastards. We''ve already confirmed it and have no chance against them all until we can get reinforcements..."


    The next dungeon is the base of these martial artists? Oh, for fuck''s sake, I keep forgetting dungeons are never easy. I might just nuke them and call it a day if we have to take on an entire base now.


    "...Look, we no longer have the strength to keep on fighting and we really should start to head back. Thanks for the assist everyone and for healing my men as well"


    (Charlotte) "Blessings to you all"


    (Ariza) "It''s no problem"


    "If you were really thankful, you''d pay brother for his services"


    (Ariza) "Just shut up Zeki"


    The rest of us just end up giving them a nod as we can all tell this vampire really doesn''t want to be here right now. Can''t say I me her too much if they''ve been fighting nonstop against these goris for days, it definitely seems like us being here doesn''t help at all. There''s clearly some feelings still towards Petra and that can''t be helping Melinda as well.


    ''Should we offer to fly them-, no Ikarus. You aren''t a charity act flying and helping everyone, they can find their own ways out of here''


    Just as they''ve gotten everyone ready to go and are now leaving, a question hase up that I just can''t help myself with. There''s got to be a reason this vampire doesn''t seem evil anymore, right? People just don''t change for no reason, at least that''s what I''ve noticed from life. Look at me for example, I realized I was na?ve and stupid so went about trying to fix myself. Can''t say the journey I''m on is perfect yet but I''m definitely a load better than how I used to be.


    "Before we part ways, I''ve got to ask something Melinda... Why did you change? From the sounds of it, you were apparentlypletely evil and yet, you don''t seem to be anything like that now"


    It''s her aura when she''s around these guys as well, it''s nothing like what you''d think an evil vampire would be like. Maybe she''s hiding it but it just doesn''t seem that way.


    Petra as well seems to spark up most from my questioning but something like this is interesting to us all, right? An evil vampire changing for the good and leaving that old life behind, it can''t be all down to Petra trying to kill her?


    "That''s a little persona-"


    "The boss was addicted to blood, that''s why! Ever since she''s been off the strong stuff and onto a substitute, she''s been kind and caring. Heck, she even goes to feed homeless and orphans now! She pretty much donates all her ie from the guild as well!"


    Before the vampire even has the chance to respond, the same guy who had his arm around her answers only making the vampire start to visibly turn red. Not from fluster though, he''s really starting to piss her off.


    "Even you lot know she''s a vampire? Huh, I guess that wasn''t a secret then. What substitute do vampires even use for blood anyways? It''s got to be something simr, right?"


    "Ah, that''s pretty simple really, the substance she takes is-"


    This time around, the vampire quickly goes to cover the mouth of her guild member, that was clearly embarrassment on her face this time around. What substance is embarrassing enough that she''d have to do that?


    "Some things are best left unsaid, we''re definitely leaving now... Can''t believe you were going to tell them that! What''s wrong with you..."


    "Ah, sorry guild master, forgot you want it kept secret..."


    The adventurers walk off out of sight and out of mind presumably in the right direction? My mind is thinking about what was just said though.


    ''I''m kinda annoyed, what could vampires take as a recement? There''s got to be something out there simr that could work, but what though? Wait... aren''t vampire''s and sibis considered part of the same family? Priestess doesn''t need anything to rely on but she has a God supporting her so that may remove any temptations. Without Dio, would she get urges as well? Okay, I don''t want to know the answer to this question now''


    [<Aesa agrees with Ikarus, that thought it best left ignored>]


    ''You don''t say anything until something dirtyes up? Naughty Aesa...''

 Chapter 156 – Grievances

    Chapter 156 ¨C Grievances


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 578]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 31,322*/40,000*]


    [Magicka 162,284*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 22334 unassigned points]


    ''Eleven more levels obtained, how should I go about it this time?''


    Back to the usual routine of flying while sorting my status out, still can''t forget the endless jungle still below us all.


    I''ve now got the choice to buy some more abilities from sacrificialmb or stop neglecting stamina. It does feel like I need to stop ignoring it, it''s got to affect something under the surface that I''m unaware of, right? Maybe it could improve stamina while doing you know what, making mest a little longer perhaps? Enough Ikarus, there''s a time and a ce for heaven and bliss.


    ''Eh, I''d rather save thest four abilities for a different time, been neglecting stamina for way too long so it does need some adding onto now. Can you put twenty thousand into stamina Aesa?''


    [<Confirmed, adjusted status will now be shown>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 578]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 71,322*/80,000*]


    [Magicka 162,284*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 2334 unassigned points]


    ''Thanks Aesa...''


    __________


    (Ikarus) "Wow, that Melinda wasn''t lying about this ce, no chance we''re sneaking in here"


    (Petra) "Me and you could sneak in easily with invisibility Ikarus. The others, not so much"


    (Zeki) "Yeah yeah, orangey and sis have better abilities than us. We''ve heard it all before"


    (Ariza) "Uh, I''m yet to see you two do that"


    (Nathan) "That''s a lot of fighters, even we may struggle here"


    (Charlotte) "Don''t worry Nat, we''ll definitely be able to handle them all"


    High above the jungle overlooking a gigantic camp carved out within it all, we''re currently flying over it and boy, this really could be a challenge to get through. I reckon we could kill most of them easily enough, just the time to do this all could be maddening. That''s only if we don''t take a much easier and simplistic approach getting into this dungeon that''s somewhere hidden down there.


    As for the camp itself, we''re talking about dozens and dozens of jungle styled huts, a sizable pike wall that stops any foreign trespassers and constant martial artists training together almost in a cult like fashion. Of course, there''s not that much we can get from a quick flyover but it doesn''t look like a reasonable ce to live. Maybe I''m just trying to justify what I want to do...


    "This could be a difficult battle that wastes precious hours of our lives or, I could just nuke the gori bastards straight away and be done with it"


    "Fucking orangey man, why is it she gets OP shit like this?"


    "Nuke them, Ikarus-sama? Not sure what that means but if it kills all the heavens quickly, then go ahead"


    (Nathan) "I don''t really have much of an opinion on this"


    "Uh, couldn''t we try speaking with them first and seeing if these lot are friendly?"


    "You know... Maybe Ariza has a point Ikarus"


    The main two who seem opposed to my kill all n happen to be Ariza and... Petra!?


    "I already understand your reasoning Ariza, but why are you agreeing Petra? Are you suddenly turning pacifist or something?"


    Having just flown over it again, it''s very obvious the people down there are the same style of martial artists from thest battle. It''s not like I can see any women, kids or ves as well. Who cares if we kill some more of these bulky idiots?


    "Heh, not at all Ikarus. Are you forgetting about the potential EXP you could gain?"


    "Oh, that''s your reasoning? I guess it could be good... Hang on, scrap that idea of nuking them. Something else hase to mind"


    (Petra) "What is it Ikarus?"


    "I still have two kill all abilities I haven''t tried out just yet..."


    __________


    "Are you going to give us a little more info orangey or am I just going to keep carrying sis remaining clueless?"


    "Heh, Zeki does have a point Ikarus"


    Having split up from Ariza carrying the other couple away for safety reasons, it''s now just us three hovering around like vultures way up above this camp. You see, the idea to nuke them obviously saves more time, but this seems like an opportunity I probably shouldn''t waste.


    "There was two kill all abilities I got a while back and it should be safe to use one right now. I get the feeling you may like the other Zeki as it''s supposed to rain napalm"


    Raining napalm and sun kiss, both have been neglected because there hasn''t been a perfect time to test them out just yet. This seems like the perfect opportunity.


    "Just because I was American doesn''t mean I''d like that orangey... that does sound pretty dope though"


    "What about the other ability Ikarus?"


    "It''s called sun kiss Petra but I''m thinking it may be based around light magic, don''t want to be hurting you after all"


    ...


    Almost as if I''ve said something incredibly dumb, I get two odd looks from the others. I''m not sure why though.


    "Erm, Ikarus, you do understand how light magic works, right? You never asked so I assumed you knew it works simr to fire"


    "Yup orangey, it also has a burn effect so it counts as the same thing. I know it''s pretty rare toe across but did you never spar with that nun?"


    How the hell have I gone this long not knowing we''re also resistant to light magic? They both look deadly serious.


    "What the fuck!? You''re pulling my chain, right? Priestess''s magic for example would have zero effect on us? Why did no one tell me this sooner? Even Aesa didn''t say anything"


    ...


    No answers, even nothing snarky from Aesa so maybe she didn''t know that as well? This just sums me up in a nutshell. If I had taken more care to learn the fundamentals about magic, I probably would''ve found that out pretty quickly...


    Eh, me that bitch mage for putting me off it all and not learning something that could''ve been pretty useful. I''ve always been a visual learner anyways, if that''s even what it''s called...


    "Ah, forget it, I''ve always been someone more suitable for learning in the moment rather than all that boring shit anyway. At least that means I can use both if needed"


    Finally getting onto the imminent destruction, I do a quick form change into the hybrid and fly a little bit away from the other two towards the centre of the camp. I do always find it odd how people just don''t pay attention to what''s above them but hey, no point bringing it up.


    ''Aesa, activate raining napalm''


    [<Confirmed, this may take a second Ikarus>]


    Waiting it out like Aesa says, very slowly, a tiny amount of rainfall begins to fall crimson in colour but does nothing to the ground or people below. Maybe it might be burning a few like how acid rain works but none of the artists even care about such a light drizzle, we are in a jungle so rain is frequent.


    ''This doesn''t seem like it does much... hang on!''


    The trickling rain suddenly turns into a downpour coating the area below and simr to a spark going off at a gas station, all of it ignites exploding all around us with the heavens still pouring more gasoline onto the igniting fire.


    Like a work of art, the area below jolts into a smoky mess filled with thick deadly me that seems to consume anything in and around the camp. The smoke cloud almost reminds me of how the nuke looks up close, just much thicker not allowing a glimpse of sunlight to peak into the mess.


    "Hahaha, listen to all those ants scream orangey! That ability is fucking epic!"


    "..."


    Of course, Mr obnoxious likes napalm, shouldn''t have expected anything else. The screaming down below is a little unsettling though, there may have been more fighters than first expected so it''s like a disturbing orchestra, just aimed towards psychopaths and serial killers. I really hope they all deserved it and that other group was a reflection of them all otherwise, we may actually be the bad guys here.


    Anyway, the napalm fades surprisingly quickly and what remains is a burning, charred camp devoid of life and... what the hell!? Just how many people survived that!?


    Some people seem to bepletely untouched from what just happened and I presume having a makeshift roof on their heads stopped the napalm affecting them? I''m actually shocked any survived that but at least it allows me to give the other ability a try now.


    ''Aesa, the other one please''


    [<Confirmed, ability -sun kiss- has now been activated>]


    After activation, now a slight roaring can be heard high above us in the skies. That roaring very quickly bes visible when bright lights start to form all above me and the other phoenixes. This very quickly turns into something else though...


    That light fades, then rapidly forms into something resembling god rays and they pierce through the clouds striking down any and all foe that dare get in the way. I''d say it''s simr to how lightning hits the ground, except the deadly lines are straight and yellow in colour causing damage that pierces the body like spears.


    ''This really seems like overkill now''


    All the surviving people try to hide or flee from the impending beams of light but all get struck repeatedly by the deadly precision of the attack. This just simply feels like bullying now, ain''t no one surviving all this. I feel like a pissed off God right now damning the little mortals for some petty and pointless reason.


    After doing all this devastation and feeling like I''vemitted quite the few war crimes, bot the other phoenixes have something to say about all that.


    "Heh, your ability doesn''t seem to like us Ikarus"


    "Feel like I need to flip the bird to the sun God, motherfucker won''t leave us alone!"


    Neglecting to pay attention to my fellow phoenixes throughout that brief attack, both of them keep getting struck by the beams of light but it has next to no effect. I''m guessing they''re getting struck more because there''s no one left alive down there?


    "Just give it a minute, or a few. That normally seems to be the case..."


    __________


    "Anyone have any idea where the entrance could be?"


    "No clue Ikarus-sama, we''ll just have to keep searching"


    "Erk, normally I''m good at this sort of thing orangey but you really have made a mess"


    (Nathan) "Remind me to never piss you off Ikarus"


    (Ariza) "This ce is a little depressing"


    (Petra) "..."


    From quite the thriving looking camp to this absolute monstrosity we''re now walking though, maybe there''s an ounce of regret towards the people I just did this to but it might be more down to irritation. Trying to spot anything that might be an entrance to the dungeon is proving annoying, mostly because this ce is just an ashy dark mess.


    It didn''t take long for Ariza to bring the others back over here and to get everyone onto the ground, albeit there were still mes burning that we had to quickly absorb allowing the others to safety walk around as well. We''ve been shifting through this looking for anything since.


    "It''s got to be underground, right? I could just nuke it so we don''t have to start digging even further..."


    ...


    All the phoenixes look at me with faces of disappointment, even Petra goes to facepalm but cuts it out mid action.


    "...It was just a joke, jeez, don''t keep looking at me like that! As if I''m going to use nukes for finding the entrance"


    I mean, I would do it and it wasn''t a joke but still. All I''m trying to do is save us time since this situation was down to my curiosity in the first ce.


    "Heh, that idea really isn''t needed Ikarus..."


    While humouring me by giving a tiny chuckle, Petra bends down and starts to swipe some of the ash away on what appears to be a mound of dirt, but actually is a cer door! Okay, we probably should''ve spotted that sooner.


    "...There you go, something is down here"


    "You using magic sense Petra?"


    "Not this time Ikarus, something is making my skin crawl around here. Think it might be that sense thing I told you about"


    ''Eh, I won''t question her further on that then, even Petra is unsure how that sixth sense sort of thing works so none of us will not he answer''


    Being led by Petra, we all make our ways into the soot filled cer and find a huge vault like door in the underground room itself. Looking at the steel door that probably could survive a nuclear st due to the thickness, I''m desperately trying not to make a reference...


    "Erk, it''s like one of those shelters in that post apocalypse game with all the nukes"


    "Hang on Zeki, you actually yed those games!?"


    "Don''t look so happy orangey, all of them were shit, even the original turn-based ones"


    Of course, us ''gamers'' are the only ones who have a clue what we''re discussing, he''s pissed me off about that though. How dare he hate those games that passionately! Single yer RPGs were like my thing and those games were some of the best!


    "Hey! I don''t rip on the shitty pay to win MMOs you used to y so don''t be doing the same, dickhead! Urgh, just forget talking to you, anyone know a way in-..."


    <Wee to my dungeon children. Please, wait a second while I unlock the door>


    "...side. Guess that''s sorted then"


    All of us can hear Athena''s telepathic voice so it''s safe to assume this dungeon is the one she owns then. Anyways, the door slowly starts to unlock with the locks rotating like we''re about to enter somewhere untouched for centuries, at least this Goddess understand how to keep things secure. What''s the bet it''s aplete mess inside that ce now?


    ''If we find this ce covered in rotting humans or need to find a water chip, I''m unsure whether I''ll be happy or sad... I knew I couldn''t help myself...''

 Chapter 157 – Wisdom Dungeon

    Chapter 157 ¨C Wisdom Dungeon


    <The ways ofmunicating within these ces have always been one sided so I''ll try to guide you children but hopefully, it shouldn''t be needed>


    Having just entered past the huge vault entrance and into the dungeon, we''ve now arrived in a... bedroom?


    There''s a single bed inside the ce, a few wardrobes, nightstands and basically anything you could imagine in a fantasy setting for a bedroom. I''m failing to see the point of this dungeon other than it be for something perverted but the Goddess of wisdom wouldn''t care for anything like that, right? Nah, this definitely isn''t something dirty but why a bedroom of all ces? This dungeon better not suck...


    <My dungeon was always designed to be a test of knowledge regarding the unknown and willingness to spot things that seem out of ce. I''ll give you a little time to see if you can figure it out by yourselves before giving the answer>


    ''So, we need to find out how to progress ourselves in this dungeon? Sighhh...''


    "Seriously? Can''t she just give us the answer instead of having to do this shit? Does any of us even enjoy this sort of thing?"


    Okay, one of the biggest things I hate, is escape rooms and puzzle-based video games. Just give me a waypoint and point me in the correct direction, don''t make me have to use my brain! I''m exaggerating a tad but I have always found them absurdly irritating though, mostly down to boredom rather than my idiocy. No Ikarus, you stopped calling yourself stupid so less of that...


    "I actually agree with orangey on this, we''d be better off inside that pervert school ce again. What a waste of freaking time, escape rooms suck"


    "Heh, settle down you two. It can''t be that hard, right? Let''s just have a quick look around"


    ''Eh, at least Petra is okay with it. Her happiness is good for stopping my moaning... Or starting it if we''re talking about a different kind''


    Anyways, all of us separate around the room and start to look for anything out of ce. Charlotte, Nathan and Petra start to look behind furniture and things like that, Zeki and Ariza go to look inside of drawers and I, stand around like an oaf getting everything in sight.


    If I were topare it to a normal bedroom, the only thing strange about it would be the fact it seems awfully big for a room with only a single bed and there''s a load of dust everywhere. People can have dirty bedrooms so I''m not that surprised about it.


    No one else seems to be saying or finding anything so maybe I''m onto something? I doubt it a little.


    "I mean, the only strange thing about this ce is the size of it. I don''t think that helps that much though, right?"


    "Could that be the point, Ikarus-sama? If the size of this ce is strange, then maybe that''s what we need to look for. Something else that isn''t the right size maybe?"


    (Petra) "Think you and the priestess may be right Ikarus"


    "You know Petra-sama, it''s fine to call me and Nat by name"


    You know, I''ve only just realized Petra doesn''t call Charlotte and Nathan by name as well, I think it makes subus-sama feel a little like Petra doesn''t like her but that''s really not the case anymore. Petra did say at first she didn''t like her due to the empire ties and potentially Charlotte being gay for me but that was way in the past.


    "Heh, fair point Charlotte, apologies for not realizing it sooner. Just became a habit I suppose"


    "There''s no need for apologies Petra-sama! I was just wondering if there''s a reason or anything, but I''m happy that you''re okay using it now!"


    ''Okay, I''m getting a little grumpy now...''


    "So, ignoring you two best of friends, we need to look for something else out of size then, right? That''s what I''m doing now anyways"


    Okay, that came across as if I''m being a little snarky or jealous of Petra and Charlotte. Judging from the fact Petra smirked, she picked up on it as well. Ah, just screw it, I''m going back to searching.


    Thankfully, the tease doesn''te around so all of us start looking for something else being the incorrect size.


    "Uh, could it be something to do with that thing on the ceiling?"


    Ariza points to the ceiling and there appears to be a small chandelier out of proportion, how is it none of us noticed that to begin with? I guess the room is quite high as well and it''s not like you purposely look up when searching for something... Why am I getting the urge to swing from it though...


    Regardless, that could hold the next clue so let''s go have a closer look. The chandelier looks to be pretty fancy and made from crystal but seems pretty normal if you exclude the fact it''s smaller than ampshade.


    "Heh, give me a boost Ikarus"


    "Sure sure"


    Giving her a lift up, I quickly find I''m unable to lift her high enough up so she decides to take a freaking seat on my shoulders! Why the hell didn''t I just fly up there? Being ridden is one thing but not with her legs on my shoulders like this, it doesn''t help the way she''s facing also gives me shbacks of some of thete night experiences we''ve had...


    Looking up to her, she can''t help but grin knowing the position she''s currently sitting in. Everything could''ve been fine if she had decided to face the other way but no, Petra has to be like this!


    "Heh, it''s surprisinglyfortable here Ikarus, this seat is definitely better than your back"


    This must get awkward looks for around and obviously my fluster cannot be contained despite it being hidden between Petra''s legs. She really ispletely unhinged at times.


    "J-Just hurry it up already! This isn''t the time for dirty thoughts Ikarus..."


    I mutter thatst bit under my breath but Petra definitely hears it from her grin getting wider. Eventually but still taking her sweet time, Petra finally grabs onto the chandelier and pulls down on it. Like a lever or switch, the slight tug on the light fixture causes something else to ur...


    All of a sudden, a hidden doorway begins to open on the other side of the room and presumably, we''ve now gotten through the first stage of this ce. That took longer than I thought it might.


    And of course, I have to moan.


    "Seriously? The answer to this is just pulling on the chandelier? You know how stupid that sounds?"


    "Heh, stop moaning Ikarus or I won''t be getting down from up here"


    "Yeah yeah, just get off already! I need my eyes here Petra... you could stay if you moved the other way"


    "Heh, where''s the fun in that Ikarus? Was doing you a favour hiding your flustered face"


    While I''m now forcibly getting Petra off my shoulders and questioning life on why this sort of thing I find enjoyable, everyone else starts to make their way into the next room while we quickly follow suit. I like how they basically just ignore us at this point, it''s a guarantee we would''ve been even worse inside thatst dungeon and the memories still linger from all around.


    <Congrattions, you did that much quicker than I would''ve anticipated. As for the next room, this one is a test for realizing your limits and finding the correct solution for such a situation. I may have to guide you through this but please, still have a quick look around and see if you can figure it for yourselves>


    Like the first room, this one is really simr to the first except the bedroom is more in proportion being a little smaller and the bed is now a double.


    While everyone is searching around for another crap way to escape, all I want to do is sit down and have a bite to eat now. I''m bored, alright? There''s a reason why Petra calls me chubby on asion, eating when there''s nothing else to do is great... For the record, this is something I only picked up as a phoenix. I would''ve been morbidly obese back on Earth if I lived this lifestyle, phoenix metabolism people...


    Anyways, I go to sit down on the bed and instantly get called out by my lovely lovebird before getting any food out.


    "Heh, going for a nap while we do all the work Ikarus?"


    "Well... Carrying you took a load of strength out of me, definitely need a sleep after doing all that heavy lifting"


    It immediatelyes to me that what I just said could be interrupted another way and Petra picks up on it as well...


    "Heh, are you calling me fat Ikarus?"


    "No no, nothing like that! Chubby and cute are like the same thing and you''re only cute, not chubby or fat at all! Erm... beautiful, amazing, epic, those words work perfectly and fat or chubby don''t in the slightest!"


    "Heh... You''re so easy at times Ikarus"


    That gets quite a further few awkward faces and frankly, I can''t me the rest of the party. I came very close to calling Petra fat and she had to mess me around about it. As if she would think I''d ever call her fat! I should''ve just doubled down and ignored that tease but I refuse to be nasty to her so the solution is just bullying Ikarus with teasing.


    Anyways, I lie t on the bed giving Petra a slight wink cause why the hell not? She returns a wink while still searching for any clues, I''ll give them a hand in a second after I''ve scoffed down something.


    Just as I''m about to get any piece of random food from storage, the doorway to the next room opens with no exnation.


    ''Huh, what? Why has it done that?''


    All of a sudden, the party seem to think I''m responsible for opening the door. Wait, is that what Athena meant by realizing limits? Taking a rest was the solution?


    "How did you know lying on the bed it would do that Ikarus-sama!?"


    (Nathan) "Yeah Ikarus, how did you figure it out?"


    "What secret are you now hiding orangey? Was that fat thing some sort of ruse for sis or something?"


    "Uh huh, I''m a little confused as well Ikarus"


    All four of the friends, non-lovers ask me that so how am I supposed to answer? Make some shit up about figuring out it as soon as I entered? Act like an evil genius?


    Before I have the chance to figure something out, Petra being the devil decides no Ikarus! You aren''t allowed to have fun!


    "Heh, she had no clue there, that was pure luck. Your face always gives you away Ikarus"


    "Hey! Don''t you be ratting me out Petra! Sometimes my genius cannot beprehended by you mere mortals so I shall forbid the exnation"


    [<Ikarus can really suck at saving situations at times>]


    ''Shut it you! Say to my face and see what happens!''


    [<Does Ikarus wish for Aesa to say that in front of everyone? That can easily be arranged>]


    ''Sighhh, just forget it''


    It''s been way too long since Aesa chirped in with something like that, it was a hell of lot friendlier than the old ''Ikarus is stupid conversations'' we used to have though, almost sounded like she was saying it jokingly.


    Anyways, moving onto the next room and ignoring everyone, another bedroom presents us...


    <Ah, you''ve alreadypleted this one as well children? I may have designed to clear conditions to be a little more flexible than I first thought. Maybe the preparations keeping the ce secure made me neglect the interior as well? Oh well, let''s just move on>


    ''Heh, so this is what an unfinished dungeon feels like? Noints if this gets done really quickly then''


    I was also expecting some boring lecturing from the Goddess about how we should''ve went about things but by now, it seems like these heavily beings have as much of an idea about their own dungeons as us. So many interesting, annoying and unique dungeonspleted and today, wee across one under construction. Athena should''ve hired some people wearing high vis vests around the ce to not work as well. Get the union involved as well.


    Like the previous two rooms, the next room is very simr except the colour scheme seems to be more focused around red, yellow and orange. The others were mostly just wooden furniture with shades of depressing grey around but this definitely seems more upbeat.


    <Thisst room is more a battle of experience and wits rather than the first two. By that, it means you must have a true warrior''s heart toplete such a challenging and...>


    "Oh, for fuck''s sake! Screw this shit, we''re not doing another one of these ces! I''ll fucking burn everything down if I have to!"


    Zeki, who had been keeping his intense annoyance under wraps finally explodes and decides enough is enough with these stupid bedroom escape rooms. Out of pure frustration, he starts to fire fireballs all around the ce targeting every wall in a pitiful attempt of trying to do whatever it is he''s doing. He could also be a little pissed because of two things constantly weighing him down, it''s not like we''re even close to the month of potion use being up yet.


    It''s odd how none of the furniture seems mmable and even when he''s having a fit like a child, he still can focus his aim away from us which is good I suppose... Hang on...


    <...Fruitless task that can test your resolv-... How in Olympus did you manage toplete it that quickly? That should''ve taken much longer!>


    The Goddess actually sounds shocked as the final doorway opens, thankfully this next room looks different from this boring bedroom design.


    "This ce is just a pain in the ass, at least I''m not getting screwed over like that one in the cubes again"


    "Heh, there''s probably a more hidden meaning behind each one Zeki. The first could''ve been perception for example"


    "Maybe the second and third could''ve been rxation and strength Petra-sama? I guess Athena-sama did give it away for the most part"


    "Fair point Charlotte, the Goddess basically did say the same exact thing"


    Sighhh, sometimes I forget about these two and how they can discuss boring stuff like magic theory and whatever it is this is. It''s funny how it only appears that those two are capable of such boring thoughts, us guys or ex guys have no care about such a thing. Ariza just prefers being in the background I suppose.


    "Look, can you two discuss this another time? Can we just finish this ce first?"


    "Heh, you''ve been awfully grumpy with me speaking to Charlotte today. You''re not jealous, right Ikarus?"


    "Ikarus-sama is jealous of us!? Why would she be?"


    Shaking my head and ignoring them both, I lead into the next and am quickly taken aback by how different this one is even if I already noticed it from the outside.


    Entering the next room all together, this ce ispletely covered in head to toe with reflectionless obsidian and sitting directly in the centre of the small room is a pedestal with nothing on top of it.


    <And now, we''re onto the final room before the dungeon will dispense the token and the reward... Oh no, it looks like I may have made a slight misjudgement here. The bad part of this is that to receive the rewards, you must sacrifice something in return...>


    ''A sacrifice? Shit, I''m getting PTSD from that pervert''s dungeon way back now...''


    <...The good news is, the conditions on this are just as flexible as the others. Sacrifice something you consider a fair exchange for the rewards and it should work fine?>


    Athena almost sounds a little unsure on that but oh well, we''vee this far already.


    "What on Earth would we consider as valuable as a dungeon token? Dungeons are pretty shitty after all"


    "Heh... maybe something like a coin for the token Ikarus? We both like money after all"


    Huh, Petra''s idea kinda makes sense, might as well give it a try.


    "What about for this dungeon''s ability reward though? Maybe an ability exchange could work as well? Aesa?"


    [<Ikarus has a valid theory, maybe it could work? Aesa can''t predict everything>]


    Anyways, while I''m pondering on what I could potentially give up in exchange for a new but unknown ability, Petra ces a gold coin onto the alter and the coin quickly changes into one of the Underworld tokens we need. Two down, one more to go now.


    "Well... I know what shit I''m happy to rece, let''s give this thing a try"


    Mr obnoxious decides to ce his hand on the alter and absolutely nothing happens except Athena responding to his call.


    <Ah, you understand it has to be something you value, correct? If you believe deep down the ability is useless, you''ll get nothing in return>


    "Oh, for fuck''s sake! I knew Ria cursed me with this stupid thing!"


    Heh, presumably, Zeki''s just tried to get rid of that sex ability he obtained from sleeping with a dryad andbine that with everything else he''s experiencing, he''s now leaving the dungeon to go sulk.


    "Uh... I''d rather not remove anything really"


    "I''m the same as you Ariza-sama. All of my Lord''s blessings would be disrespectful to remove, even if I can''t use most of them right now"


    No one wants to exchange anything then? It''s just down to me and Petra now, it''s not like Nathan can even use abilities.


    "So, it''s just down to us two? You willing to gamble Petra?"


    "Heh, I''m good Ikarus"


    "One of us has to try it, right? Urgh, let''s see if I can figure something out"


    Let''s see, what abilities do I have that are good but I would be willing to let go? I coulde up with a few like the ability to double my stats that is pointless when wearing enchanted clothing due to the stat limit, but that would be the same thing as Zeki just did.


    I''ve also got so many kill all abilities but I feel like it could be risky getting rid of something like that so... hang on, that could work...


    Now going up to the pedestal myself, I ce down a hand and quickly Athena goes to speak to me. I''m pretty certain this is still a one-way line though.


    <What would you like to exchange child?>


    ''Aesa, put down kallikantzaros killer please''


    [<Confirmed, ability has been selected>]


    Now, you''re probably thinking what sort of ability is that Ikarus? You remember way back in that goblin dungeon and thatcklustre reward I got? No? That''s because I thought it was shit at the time and never brought it back up.


    You see, I despise goblins and that ability gives me an additional twenty-five percent damage against them. To others, that may seem like trash especially considering I haven''te across any since but I am not others! This ability is like the one of the best I''ve got! Those little green bastards need all the pain and misery they can get...


    <Hmm, it''s definitely eptable...>


    ''Keep convincing yourself you don''t want to give it up Ikarus...''


    <...The exchange has happened, although I''m not sure what blessing you''ve been given in return>


    Very quickly, Aesa chimes in to give me a confirmation message though.


    [<Ability -redacted- has now been reced with -goblin superiority-. New ability allows members of Ikarus''s species to gain an additional 10% damage multiplier to enemies when in close proximity to her>]


    ''I get that in exchange for the other shit? Okay, I feel like I''ve cheated the Goddess there, how is that an equal exchange for a goblin modifier!?''


    Sure, it basically is meaningless for me but anything to make the phoenix fam more powerful is eptable. Kinda want to see if they notice it though.


    "Yo, Ariza and Petra, can you two feel anything different or strange?"


    "Uh, not sure what you mean Ikarus"


    "No Ikarus, why?"


    That''s a little disappointing if they can''t even feel the fact they''re stronger. Oh well, maybe it only applies when needed? Or just isn''t noticeable.


    "Don''t worry about it, let''s get out of here then"


    Just before we head off, Athena still has some words she''s like to share but sounds a little depressed about saying said words.


    <Thanks forpleting this ce children and hopefully the next dungeon is easy enough. I''m not sure on who owns that ce but I''ve got the suspicion it could be half-brother Ares. If it is, you have my condolences...>


    __________


    Arriving back outside the cer and dungeon, we''re greeted to Zeki hurling abuse at something going down.


    "How dare you motherfuckers try to ambush us..."

 Chapter 158 – History of the World

    Chapter 158 ¨C History of the World


    "Calm down, we mean you no harm! We''re just here to investigate!"


    "Investigate my ass! You idiots could''ve done that from a distance, it''s like you''re asking to burn!"


    Having just arrived outside, Zeki looks like he''s about to go off on a killing spree but I''m not sure on the actual reason why. The people who he seems to be mad at haven''t raised any weapons or even seem to be a threat, it could just be he''s still pissed about the whole gender thing but still.


    As for the small group of people he''s currently pissed at, they are dressed in simr robes to the martials artist we just obliterated but the only real difference is that the clothing is dyed ck. Oh, and they also wield samurai des simr to Petra, none are showing the slightest bit of hospitality to us anyways.


    "Zeki, calm down for a second, they''d have already attacked if they meant any harm"


    "I know that sis but they still shouldn''t have been sculking around like rats waiting for us toe out. They could still be plotting an ambush even now"


    Petra tries to regain hisposure but it''s obvious he''s just in a foul mood again, best just let him calm down and get over the curse he''s currently having to bear.


    "Look, all we''re trying to do is figure out what''s happened. Presumably, at least one of you is responsible for this destruction that''s urred, right? Or did you just happen toe across this camp like this as well?"


    The man leading this small group of darkened martial artists seems extremely concerned with the hell around the ce, I''m pretty proud of my handiwork if I''m being honest. Sure, it''s nasty and all but they were in our way after all, it''s not like I really care about justifying my ughter.


    "Yeah, that would be my handiwork. You got a problem with us destroying these bastards?"


    Anyways, stepping forward making sure to take responsibility, I''m not sure if these lot can be trusted so might as well act like Billy big boots. Or whatever that old expression was.


    "A problem? No no, nothing like that, but please, you muste with us and meet someone. All of you are invited as well"


    Our travelling party obviously seem a little unsure on the reasoning for such an abrupt invitation, is this a trap or are we getting a reward? I''d kinda like to see them trap us, rid the jungle of some more artists.


    (Petra) "Need a little more to go off than that whoever you are"


    (Ikarus) "Yeah, don''t even think about trying anything as you''ve already seen what we can do"


    All this does is makes the guy even more ufortable but he does seem pretty desperate for us to tag along.


    "Our leader. She will be most appreciative of the what you''ve done today and it will be cause for celebration. Please, there''s nothing to worry about, we won''t even ask you to disarm! Just follow our group through the jungle for a few days and we''ll be at the city..."


    __________


    The fourth or forgotten continent, best known as Mdonia has a rich and troubled history throughout the ages but has always been known as the original continent all mortal life came from. The history is impossible to fully track but there are some key stories that have been kept as an attempt to keep history remembered.


    Starting from the first ages of humans and everything else, it was heavily rumoured the first descendants of Gods came down and blessed this ce as a way to encourage and develop the first remnants of civilization. Things always start off as nice and cosy but mortals will always find something to dislike, in this case it was themselves.


    For a time, the Gods were worshipped as such until all the species that lived in perfect harmony had enough of the differences between each other and started neglecting worship in favour of war and power. It didn''t take long for the Gods to sense this and in the end, all came to an agreement to give up on another failed project creating a perfect world in their image. The irony is never lost because this world is created exactly in their image, Gods hate each other as much as the racism flows through this world.


    As for what the separate groups of mortals did, the dwarfs created gigantic metal ships capable of carrying thousands and set off to and they could mold for themselves. Those shipter be the mountains that they now reside in... apparently. That''s if you decide to believe in every fairytale you''re told, they most likely thought the idea of mining in a gigantic mountainous ind was too attractive to turn down.


    The elves in hatred of everyone, even themselves tried to set up new homes in the gigantic forests of J?tna but quickly realized they struggled to stomach even the most simr of their own kind, further separating into even smaller unorganized tribes till only a handful remained. Ironically, the volcano eruptions that happen every now and then actually caused them to stomach each a little better due to the sheer amount of hardship they''ve had to endure. That hatred is mostly aimed towards dwarfs now, despite some groups even managing to trade with the enemy species despite that disgust.


    The beastkins longing for a world of battle and warmth flocked to the deserts of Krieger in hope of thatnd they craved. And they found it to an extent, albeit the water situation always proved most difficult even at the best of times. The species eventually got to the point where they would drink anything to stay alive, even blood through the worst of draughts. This reminds me of something us lot did over there whening across a tainted well ages ago.


    The humans wanting a fertilend ripe from crops travelled all the way to the northeast in search of Sierra, originally the home of the dragons. The all-powerful lizards weed the mortalpany with open arms until they were forced to reconsider their options when the first empire came to fruition. They just so decided dragons were better off serving the humans and no longer wanted to share the bountifulnds shielded by the asional mountain range.


    Obviously, the dragons would never agree to such a disgusting deal so the endless wars and the destruction of the species no longer became a matter of if but when. The humans may have never held as much strength as the flying creatures but they always had their own methods using such tricks as mind control even forcing the dragons to fight for the mortals at times.


    This would be the first time in thousands of years dragons haven''t been relentlessly hunted, but the empire were the weakest they''ve ever been making it much harder to do so. Then, Desmond came along and that was history...


    And finally, the few groups of different species left remaining on this forgottennd decided to put all differences aside and love each like they were family regardless of ears, stature or anything that could be interpreted as racism. It still lingers even now especially with the martial artists that only recruit men and humans but the rest of the continent lost that species hatred hundreds of years ago.


    Or, that''s what the story I''m being told tells. The seven countries that now dwell within this continent still fight and war but as least it''s no longer down to race, which I guess is good? War is still war at the end of the day, it matters little who''s doing it and we know that first hand...


    __________


    "So... how did you two like hearing about the history of thesends?"


    "Heh, it was interesting, but you may have put someone to sleep"


    "I''m only resting my eyes Petra! It was alright I suppose... not really sure why you even brought it up. We still don''t know what the point of this invitation is for"


    Sitting cross-legged on the floor around a small table in an Asian styled room, me and Petra have just heard this tale of history from a grey-haired woman wearing darkened robes simr to the other people we''ve came across. Pretty sure she''s the leader of this settlement, maybe even country but we haven''t actually discussed all that much yet.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    As for that never ending tale about everything regarding the entire world, there''s definitely some issues with some of it. The main thing is a ringck on information when you go back after a certain point so it''s hard to fact check things, any written records start fading more and more the further back you go. The effects of multiple volcano eruptions that set back the world every now and then don''t help as well.


    Sure, you could talk to a being who lived way back then but all dragons seem to either forget a load or they just simply don''t wish to discuss it. By that logic alone, I''m guessing the history about Sierra is spot on but the rest of thends are slightly more difficult to record.


    Oh, getting here just under a week of travelling on foot to get here and this city is pretty spectacr if I''m being honest. It''s still got that red Asian building design but seems to be mixed with a medieval castle structure as well, the location is also right on the edges of the swamp.


    As for why it''s just us two, this woman already knows who we are as apparently, the two queens have making waves all around the world. Not sure what to make of our reputation bing worldwide but eh, I guess it matters little. The rest of our party are around this castle somewhere doing God knows what.


    Anyways, finally moving on from that massive info dump that was just given, this woman definitely got carried away with all that.


    "Ah, I really love history so I''m sorry if I went a little too heavy. How are you enjoying our city anyways? We know it''s not as fancy as the humannds to the northeast but it should still providefort"


    "Please, just get to your point already"


    I say that in a slightly grumpy manner while sipping the tea we''ve been given, I listened through all of that and even paid attention so the least you can do is get to your point already!


    "Sorry sorry, I''ll stop that then. Other than to thank you for taking out the evil martial artists that reside in this jungle, we''ve got to crown you queen of the jungle for such an aplishment!"


    ...


    (Ikarus) "Eh!? What?"


    "You did a deed of great value and as such you need to be treated like a legend in this ce. Taking care of such arge camp single handedly is truly an aplishment needing such a title"


    Erm, what the hell is she on about? I get that we took out a foe they''ve been struggling with but to crown me queen of the jungle for such a reason? Just give me something mary and we can be our ways. Petra seems to be into this more than I though.


    "Heh, Ikarus, queen of the jungle. I''m liking that title for you"


    "Of course you freaking would! Why am I only one getting celebrated though? We''re travelling in a party of six after all"


    "Heh, that was all your handiwork I''m afraid Ikarus. You''re the rightful heir to bing queen"


    Sighhh, I sometimes forget we still do this. It''s about bigging the other partner up and helping with self-confidence, it just bes annoying because both of believe the other is perfect in our own special way. It pisses me off, alright!? Petra is perfect, I am not!


    "Damn it Petra, just shut up one second! We''ve already got three inds to deal with and we neglect them enough already, you can''t expect me ept taking control of an entire jungle!"


    "Heh, I''ll zip it then"


    That''s my main problem, there''s no way we''re sticking around a shitty jungle and dealing with the politics down here. I''m not sure why I dislike the area all of a sudden but I''m also unsure why anyone would want to live in a ce like this, the same thing applies to the swamp as well. I''d be flying around every second as it''s just a pain in the arse to get around in these sorts of ces, it''s not like we do that all the time already...


    "Well... being queen of the jungle is less work than you''d think. Actually, there''s none since it''s more of an honorary title than an actual royal one"


    (Ikarus) "What''s the entire point of it then?"


    "To show our appreciation of course! There''s nothing else really to it other than having a little ceremony, crowning and celebration."


    So, this crowing of the jungle queen is basically just an excuse for a party? That sounds way more appealing than expanding our area of rulership, three neglected inds is big enough. If it just ends up being a big party, that sort of thing doesn''t sound too bad...


    I still feel like we should know a little more about this area before we start anything like that though. For example, we barely even know anything about those martial artists yet, the ones we killed for example.


    "Okay... Other than the celebration, can you tell a little more about those martial artists me and Petra just killed? They got in our way so we''re not even sure what they''re after"


    "You''re not sure on the group you practically wiped out? Other than what I''ve told you about them hiring only male humans, there''s not much to tell other than the fact they''re basically just bandits and inhabit a lot of the jungle. Sure, they don''t really kill people but they are a right nuisance we''ve been struggling with for ages. We hired the adventures guild for help but obviously that wasn''t needed"


    "They don''t kill?"


    Petra asks that looking a little concerned about killing people who didn''t deserve it. Sure, she''s not fussed about doing it if it must be done but she still has a sense of moralitypared to me. Whether they were killers or not is meaningless, it''s kinda cool to know these lot are the reason for meeting Melinda and the adventurers earlier on though.


    "Well, that''s notpletely true as some of the injuries they inflict can lead to death, but there''s no real need to worry about it all. They have been the scourge of the jungle for decades now, you''ve done everyone around here a huge favour"


    At least that''s a little relief for Petra but like I just said, I couldn''t care less if they killed or not. All weak and unworthy scum not worth discussing really...


    "What about this country in particr though? You said there was seven in total earlier on?"


    Mdonia seems to have seven countries simr to how the elvennds of J?tna also has a seven-tribe thing going on as well. Thosends don''t have borders and we''ve barely visited other ces, can''t be exploring everywhere I guess. Still though, it''s good to learn a little bit about how other ces handle not being in the shadow of a gigantic never-ending empire and dragons, lots of lots of strange dragons.


    "Yes, but it''s more like six since our country has an alliance with the other country within the jungle, setting up borders is practically impossible around here after. Actually, if I''m being pedantic about it all, you could make a case for there only being two countries"


    (Ikarus) "What do you mean by that?"


    "We''re part of a four-country union and the three countries to the southwest also share a different union of sorts. We''re not really on the best of terms with them in the south though..."


    ----------


    ---Blue crystal is current location within Mdonia, it kinda makes sense to have looksee right now (WIP).


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    So, I guess you could kindapare it to an early version of the empire, just twopeting sides? It doesn''t sound like they''re at war right now but this woman didn''t sound too happy to bring them up.


    "...Enough about boring politics though! Will you stay with us to celebrate? A warning if you do though, we''ll all be filling our livers full of dwarven alcohol. As focus of the celebration, you''ll may end up drinking too much when everyone offers a tribute"


    ...


    Another night to potentially forget, we''ve done this hangover thing enough times already, but it would be rude to turn them down, right? As if I''m even considering saying no to this, of course we''re up for getting hammered!


    "I guess we''ll be happy to stay... just for a night or two"


    "Heh, me and Ikarus won''t turn down this offer"


    "Excellent! I''ll get the preparations sorted..."


    ''Let''s see what sort of shenanigans we get up to this time, dwarven alcohol is known for causing memory loss...''

 Chapter 159 – Heading Back

    Chapter 159 ¨C Heading Back


    "Urgh... feel like I''ve got an elephant crushing my head"


    "Heh, youfortable there Ikarus? We''ve really got to stop doing this"


    Waking up on top of Petra''s ample bosom, it''s obvious we''ve had one of those nights of nonstop drinking and celebration again however, the hangover is really bad this time around.


    Trying to recollect my memory, things are just as blurry as always. I don''t think anything too insane happened this time around like getting jealous to a tree but things definitely weren''t normal.


    "You''re right Petra, gimme a second and I''ll get off... There was definitely a grassy throne, oh, and a thorny wreath I remember wearing, not sure I remember putting this dress on though. Why is there an umbre on my head as well?"


    I''m wearing some orange tribal looking garb and I''m not exactly sure why. I definitely remember putting my enchanted dress away... and getting stuck upside down hanging from a vine after dering I was part chimpanzee. Okay,st night was crazier than I remember, at least we''re not naked this time around.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "Heh, they tried to get you to do the ceremony naked Ikarus, remember?"


    "Oh yeah... they said its tradition, or was tradition. I regrettingly would''ve done it until you pulled out your sword and threatened to send heads flying. It''s a good thing your jealously can still remain while pissed"


    I mean, drunk Petra gives less of a shit than normal. She probably looked like a badass threatening them but all I can remember is a faint outline of her doing it. That was after a few litres of the dwarven booze though.


    "Heh, you remember that? It wouldn''t have been out of jealously Ikarus, can''t be having anyone see such unfiltered perfection, it was for their own safety really. Erm, do you mind getting up now? My chest is hurting a little"


    "Yeah yeah, sorry. Forgot about how you get pain there as well"


    Finally crawling off Petra, grabbing my throbbing head and looking around, we appear to have woken up on a patch of grass surrounded by dozens of other drunkards. Ah, the life of a partyholic, I''d hate to do this all the time but on asion it''s not terrible.


    Some are in costumes, others in simr tribal stuff to me and more in those ck robes I''ve already seen all around the ce. Oh, Zeki and Ariza are here as well passed out within the crowd. Ariza got peer pressured into drinking by Zeki and spent most the night struggling to stay awake and Zeki, what the hell is he wearing!? It''s like some costume sort of thing with a corset and shows quite the bit off. I''m so going to take the piss when he arises...


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "We''ve got to stop doing these Petra, I''m gonna lose my memory at this rate. Seeing Zeki dressed like that is great, but not worth this headache"


    "Heh, agreed. We can always travel back home for a rest at any moment Ikarus"


    "You... have a point there, we haven''t been back in a little while as well"


    We''ve already done two dungeons so a bit of recovery back at home can''t be that bad, right? It''ll only be day or so, I know we want to get to the Underworld as fast as possible but Dionysus can wait a little longer. We probably should go check things as well, can''t be leaving Marcus for too long without a quick check up.


    "*Yawnn*... It''s been too long since we crowned a new queen, that was a most excellent night"


    That grey haired woman who info-dumped the history of the world has also just woken up on top of a pile of other drunkards, this is definitely a leader I can support if this is how she is normally. I think her name was Dara or something? Don''t even remember her telling us it.


    "We''re probably going to set off in a bit, no point in wasting time sitting around"


    "Heh, Ikarus does like to get moving after a night of drink"


    I mean, Petra is right, it''s basically tradition to fly with a hangover now. Actually, I won''t even have to fly! Just need to round everyone up, and then teleporting it is.


    "Oh, already? The celebration normallysts a week but if you''re busy, then it doesn''t matter that much. Imma go back to sleep for a bit longer"


    The woman returns back to the grassy floor and I really can''t help but smirk at this whole situation. To think there''s a ce with a leader as reckless as us! It gives me hope for the world, normal leaders are boring anyways.


    "Erk... my head. Fuck, I need a coffee with loads of cream right now"


    "Uh... can''t believe you convinced me to drink so much Zeki"


    Within the crowd of copsed people, the other two of our species seem to have finally awakened from the dead. I think this is the first time I''ve seen Ariza drink and boy, she can hold her own as well. Already said Zeki''s to me for that.


    Despite all this, I''ve got to tease him now, right? It''s like a golden opportunity I can''t pass away.


    "Oi kid, you liking that outfit you''ve got on? That must be extremelyfortable"


    Zeki finally rises like a reanimated corpse clutching his head and notices the skimpy outfit he has on. The strange thing is, he seems less bothered about this than usual. Has he finally embraced his womanhood or something!?! Nah, it''s probably just the hangover being more a focus then the little skirt and other shit he''s got on.


    "Buzz off orangey, haven''t got the energy or strength to care right now"


    "Try to stay awake Zeki, we''re going to head off soon"


    "Erk, really sis? Probably shouldn''t eat till we get back then, I''ll only spew it up"


    ''Oh yeah, Zeki gets stomach problems while teleporting''


    "Let''s go find Nathan and Charlotte then. They''ve got to be around the castle somewhere, it''s a good thing they both don''t drink..."


    __________


    "Stop lying to us!"


    "Yeah! Bring them out already!"


    "There''s no way they would''ve abandoned us without saying anything!"


    Getting the gang back together, teleporting to the settlement and ending up at the back of a small crowd, it seems like arge gathering of people have been protesting for some unknown reason.


    It''s like a scene out of a movie or show, some people are wielding things like torches and pitchforks towards the town hall! I''d love tough, if it wasn''t happening in our home. Pretty sure it''s more for show as there are guards around making sure things don''t get violent, not like I can sense any hospitality though.


    We did say once in a council meeting that people are allowed to share their voices and not be opposed, but maybe we should''ve gone a little more oppressive with this sort of thing if protests are now happening. Eh, let''s just see what this is mainly about first.


    "How many times is this already, they''re not here! You can keep sulking all you want, there''s nothing I can help you with"


    "The two queens are out exploring the world, even I can''t serve them right now!"


    Both Marcus and our maid Eve are currently on a balcony addressing the crowd. Unsure why she would be here but both are looking pretty stressed out from everything going on.


    "You''re lying to us! The queens would never leave us like this!"


    "Yeah! Please tell them toe out!"


    "We just want to see their faces again!"


    Feeling a huge amount of regret from deciding to help build this ce, I can''t help but hide under my arm while Petra tries not tough from the whole situation. To think the main reason for the riot is literally because we''re not here! It''s just stupid really.


    (Ikarus) "Erm... anyone know what could''ve caused this? I''m being sarcastic by the way"


    "Don''t care orangey, need to go find somewhere to puke"


    "Heh, maybe we should''ve given more of a heads up before we left Ikarus"


    "Uh... huh? They really like you two, I''m going to check on the clinic as well quickly"


    "To think your people love you this much Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama!"


    "Even the emperor doesn''t get people rioting just to witness his face"


    Now just the four of us remain within the crowd as our phoenix brethren split, I still can''t help but feel shit about this whole thing. We''ve got to startying down thew a little more if these idiots are going to be like this, we''re not staying just because they want to admire the freaking queens! It''s time for evil Ikarus to show a little bit.


    Anyways, I finally decide to get my head out of the sand opening my wings and flying up in full view of everyone. I really hoped that looked janky as hell since these lot need to stop viewing us like we''re icons or something, probably looked like a majestic eagle to these idiots though.


    "Seriously... What the fuck is wrong with you all!? Get back to what you were doing and stop this pointless charade!"


    Unfortunately, I think my appearance does nothing to help.


    "Queen Ikarus is here? And looking majestic as always..."


    "Marcus was lying, I knew they were here!"


    "Yeah, Queen Petra must be nearby as well! Where is she?"


    What the actual fuck has happened to these idiots under our thumb!? Has not witnessing our brilliance in a little while caused them to all start fangirling or something? All of their eyes are full of pure awe and envy, it''s fucking annoying!


    "All of you, listen up! Whatever this is, it''s uneptable! We''ve not even been gone for two weeks and you''ve started protesting over such a stupid thing? Free speech is pointless if you''re going to be idiots over it"


    Almost immediately, the crowd seem to look slightly guilty over everything, rightfully so. That doesn''t stop a few voices from stirring the crowd in a direction I don''t want though, stop worshipping us!


    "But you left straight away after the snow! It''s not only been two weeks!"


    "Yeah, we barely saw you two at all over those months! It was sooo long and we barely saw you at all..."


    "It''s not fair that we don''t get to see our queens anymore! What is the point in even existing?"


    Even up here, I''m starting to facepalm and it even looks like Petra''s trying not to crack up. At least they''ve now noticed she''s here as well and are fangirling just as hard for her. I''ve really got to start being deadly serious and using threats, but I can''t bring myself to do such a thing to people basically treating us like we''re Gods.


    "I don''t care! Just because you think we''re nice doesn''t mean we''re always going to stand around looking like statues for your amusement! Go away!"


    The atmosphere from my ''extremely'' damning statement brings the depression up even further sending a few people to their knees. I really have no idea how to talk to these idiots, we''re literally going to end being forced to stay if I don''t do something now.


    I know there''s been slight hints about our poprity every now and then but this is a different level I never thought I''d have to endure. I''d rather be hated leaders with everyone fearing us than turning into cult leaders, it''s basically the same thing. Petra can''t help but try and be sympathetic about it all though.


    "Heh, think we may have depressed them a little Ikarus"


    "They''re treating us like we''re some Gods to worship Petra, we were never going to remain here forever. If they really want to see us so much, they can do it when we go through that whole wedding fiasco we keep putting off. We''ll be here a lot then"


    ...


    Like I know I''ve just announced something I shouldn''t have, the reaction around the ce switches to pure excitement.


    "WAIT!!! The queens are getting married!?! When was this announced?"


    "When''s the wedding happening? Is it going to be like the empire''s royal asions!?"


    "Queen Ikarus is going to look beautiful, mark my words. We''ve got to start preparing everything!"


    My hatred of people is slowly rising everyday and this day, it''s drastically increased. It''s going to be these idiots who causes me to turn pure evil... MARK MY WORDS...


    "It''s not happening yet, and you dipshits aren''t helping or evening to it! *Sighhh*... Oh, just fuck this, I''m not talking to you lot anymore..."


    No one even cares about me swearing at them and are now just excited, best just leave them now. I swear all that stupidity I got out of me has ended up consuming our citizens....


    "...Marcus, any problems that me and Petra need to solve?"


    "Other than the few protests we''ve been getting due to both your absences; things have been going along pretty smoothly. Was a little worried about defence in case we do get attacked but the constant dragon presence has helped ease those nerves"


    "Dragon presence? Who''s been over here?"


    "Mute and your family, they''re actually over here right now"


    Well, at least its good things have been going smoothly, despite this stupid thing that''s currently going on. Surprised they''re here right now, will have to go meet them in a little while after everything else gets sorted. Petra however seems to have something to say down below.


    "Ah, we need go visit Garry after this Ikarus. Got something for you and Mute I nearly forgot about"


    ''Petra got me and Mute something? Did she send a messenger bird all the way back over here without me even realizing?''


    "Sure sure Petra... I''ve got to ask you though Marcus, why is our maid with you anyways?"


    It''s weird, right? Our maid is currently alongside Marcus and was addressing the people with him, that''s not strange at all.


    "Ah, I''ve been helping Marcus out since I''ve had a load of free timetely. Feel like I''ve been freeloading a little staying at your ce while unable to serve you two"


    "Don''t be like that Eve, you do more than enough around here already"


    "Hehe, thanks Marcus but you know that''s not true. I should probably go and make sure the leaders house is spotless! I cleaned it this morning but I can always do it again!"


    ''Okay, the way Marcus just touched her shoulder while consoling her, I''m right on this...''


    So... Marcus and our maid have a little thing going along? A politician and a maid having a rtionship!? This is such a scandal! So much so, I''m fully going to endorse it and encourage it. If I can be bothered to of course, we don''t really care on who can date or marry so anybody can do what they want around here. The main exceptions being stuff like legal age and anything which would be considered illegal taboo, that sort of thing should be obvious though.


    Anyways, going tond and traversing the endless idiotic crowd still excited from a potential royal wedding that has no date in sight, I rejoin the remaining four of our party and both priestess and the knight look like they''ve been betrayed or something.


    "Erm... Ikarus-sama, did you forget to tell me and Nat about that? You were okay with us knowing, right?"


    "It must be that, right Ikarus?"


    They actually seem a little sad we didn''t mention it. Why is being fianc¨¦s such a big deal anyways? Even we don''t know when we''re going to bother yet, I''ll never understand we people care that much.


    "Heh, sorry about that you two, this has kinda be a thing me and Ikarus keep neglecting to mention"


    "Yeah, still no idea when it''s even going to happen yet. For all we know, you two could end up married before us!"


    Without even realizing it, I''ve somehow managed to make those two blush and a little shy. I forgot how I liked teasing them about this sort of crap, even if that waspletely idental.


    "Anyways... you said something about a gift Petra? Let''s go find Mute, then find the gnome..."

 Chapter 160 – Gifts

    Chapter 160 ¨C Gifts


    "Seriously Petra? Can''t you just tell us already?"


    <...?>


    "Heh, just be patient you two, we''re nearly there"


    Currently, me and Mute are being led by Petra towards where our gifts are residing. Absolutely zero clue on what they could be and why Petra''s done such a thing, feel a little guilty I haven''t prepared anything for her but the only things Petra seems to like is weapons,bat and well, me after all. I was shit at gift giving even back on Earth.


    I''d also say walking alongside a dragon in our settlement is weird but at the end of the day, I''m pretty certain the looks we get is always from awe since people just don''t care about dragons around here anymore. Ah, Mute did just get stopped by a kid cuddling her leg so it''s not just us getting attention, she does seem to be the favourite attraction to all children around the ce.


    Anyways, finally arriving at where the gnome is now setting up shop, it''s the cksmith''s ce we''ve been to on several asions where the main focus of the smelting operation is based. The smelting doesn''t actually happen here anymore, mainly because it''s easier to do it in and outside the mine but this ce records and makes sure the right amount of gold gets sent to the docks. Other than the treasury, this ce might as well be a storehouse for gold. It''s basically filled with boxes and ledgers now anyways.


    We walk into the store and see an old but familiar face currently working behind the counter. You remember that grumpy old bastard we spoke to when first setting up the mine? The guy who could be in his nies and gave us Jaxon way back? Yeah, he''s the one currently working the forge, I did hear about him and Garry bing business partners but by the looks of it, the gnome is fully in charge.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "Garry''s in the back, don''t bother me kids"


    Even now, he''s still as charming as ever so we ignore him and find Garry shifting through some of boxes filled with God knows what. Mute has to wait outside for obvious reasons.


    "Gnome, have you got the two items I requested?"


    "Urg-, Petra! Give me some warning, would you? Just how impatient are you?"


    The gnome who was crouched down gets startled from being disturbed and ends up banging his head against a shelf he was under, that looks like it hurt! Doesn''t help all the boxes on said shelf end up copsing all over the floor as well.


    "Heh, idiot. Did ask that you make it a priority, assume the items aren''tpleted then?"


    "No no, I''ve got them done Petra. It''s just that I''d rather not have to waste my expertise doing something mundane like this. Give me a second and I''ll get them..."


    Garry while speaking, grabs several of the boxes that fell to the floor and passes them to Petra. I''m still getting more and more curious on what these gifts could be.


    "...This time around, I''m definitely charging you Petra. I''m not ving away working for free on another favour"


    "Heh, no worries gnome, guess we''ll forget about all the times I''ve given you a hand"


    "Urgh, whatever. I''ll just put it on a tab or something"


    Both of us leave the grumpy cksmith''s and return to the dragon who now is neatly sitting down waiting for our arrival. Even she is curious on Petra now, albeit Mute can only show curiosity rather than asking. That head tilt she does to question is pretty funny though, reminds me of that thing dogs sometimes do.


    <...?>


    "See? Even your sister is like this Petra, the suspense is killing us. Just reveal it already!"


    "Heh. For all you know Ikarus, you may not even like it..."


    Sighhh, oh no, I think I know my fianc¨¦ too well. The way Petra says that, she''s gotten me clothes and it''s going to be the embarrassing kind. It''s either going to be pink, extremely girly or cute, that''s the only sort of stuff I may not like from her.


    "...First of, this box is for Mute. I''m not sure if it will work yet but I''ve also got some clothes prepared just in case"


    <...?>


    Petra opens the smaller box with Mute looking a little puzzled over receiving something, then Petra pulls out... a dog''s cor? There''s also ck clothing in the box, although I''m not sure what it is yet.


    "Remember your old choker from the empire Ikarus? The one that allowed you to change form?"


    "That''s what you had Garry turn it into? Why a cor-... oh, guess she doesn''t mind it then"


    <...!>


    Is Mute''s eyes sparkling or something? Why the hell does she look so happy to receive what basically is a dog''s cor? I know it''s enchanted and all but is she part pet or something? Eh, no point questioning it too much, everyone has different tastes I suppose. This dragon clearly has the slight dog or cat instincts, those creatures have always been pretty unique.


    "Just put this on one of your ws Mute and it should hopefully allow you to gain a human form. Might want to go somewhere hidden first and take the box as well"


    <...!>


    Mute, the towering dragon takes the gift and hurridily finds a building to go hide behind. She takes a few minutes to get ready, thenes back out but no longer as Mute the dragon.


    Dark, flowing hair that seems to glow a dark shade of blue in the sunlight, a face adorable andparable to Petra''s and an outfit that''s basically a ck sailor''s uniform. Mute the dragon really seems to rock that human body looking cute as hell!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    For the record, this isn''t one of those moments where I start to admire a different woman, Mute just seems to fit and suit this form more than words can describe. You can definitely tell those two are sisters as well.


    "...!"


    By the way she''s handling that form and instantly smothering Petra with hugs, I''m guessing she must''ve had a human body at some point in time but obviously theck of a voice has affected her in more ways than one. It''s still a shame she can''t speak even now but we''d have toe up with a new name if she could, what''s the point is using Mute if she could chat as much shit as I do?


    "Heh, calm down a second, got Ikarus''s stuff next. You don''t have to stay with us if you want as well Mute, go run around and experience that body or something"


    "...!"


    Mute gives Petra one more big hug before she decides to skip off into the distance to do whatever it is the dragon does in her free time. I''m still betting on her being a puppeteer or something like that but at least having human hands will now help her with that.


    "So then Petra, can I open mine up now!?"


    "Heh, open them up Ikarus. Start with therger one first though"


    Petra passes me the boxes and like I''m a kid at Christmas, I can''t help but get straight into it tearing it to pieces. It''s a shame it''s boring wood and not decorated with fancy wrapping paper with ribbons, really can''t expecting the gnome to be doing something fancy like that though.


    Finally getting inside of therger box, I find two garments of clothing inside and just from the feel alone, I''m certain these are kimonos.


    "You said you liked the ck version Ikarus? Heh, I tried to limit the flowers but couldn''t bring myself to ignore it on the red belt"


    To think, she must''ve drawn up designs or something because there''s no way the gnome would''ve been able to make something look this good. Unless he''s also a master tailor as well, that''s probably the case to be honest but still, these look freaking dope!


    "What about the white one though?"


    "Ah, that should be mine, that idiot of a gnome shouldn''t have put them together. As for the point of this, remembered you liked wearing one back in thest dungeon so thought why not get some made? It''ll definitely be morefortable when rxing now"


    I''m honestly a little speechless at her kindness... wait...


    "Petra... is there something about to happen you''re not telling me about? I mean, just look at it! It actually suits my tastes and isn''t pink or extremely girly. You''re hiding something so what the hell is it?!"


    This devilish woman of mine has to have a hidden motive, right? I''d rather she just say it and not y games if the intent is for something like teasing.


    "Heh, did you want it in pink Ikarus? Believe it or not, just wanted to do something a little different for you. As much as I love your face going bright red, that''s not always my intention"


    She''s actually being serious? Oh, for fuck''s sake, why does she have to be so kind at times? It''s actually giving me heartache how she can really be at times.


    "Well then, let''s both go and get changed real quick, then it''s onto the other gift. I''ll wait before I suffocate you with kisses..."


    __________


    "We''re definitely going to be wearing these when rxing now Petra, these are really dope. You basically look like a Goddess!"


    "Heh, thanks Ikarus. Don''t forget about the other gift as well"


    Having walked around together for a little while in our new kimonos, I''m noticing we''re getting even more onlookers than usual. I''m purposely trying to filter out all of it because the number of idiotic citizens that worship us seems to be a little annoying. I''m down for them doing it towards Petra but they can piss right off if they want to kiss my feet or something... Why did I even go there?


    Anyways... Sure, it would be nice if I could still have my doubled stats wearing this but for pure rxation, these outfits are pretty great. Eh, I''m powerful enough like this already.


    As for the outfits themselves, mine is mostly ck with a flowery red belt while Petra''s, is mostly white but with a hint in ck at the seams and the belt. Keep in mind, these are considerably loosepared to the ones we''ve worn previously so they are reallyfortable. I can definitely see why Petra likes to wear robes all the time, this also gives me no worries about any potential skirt uplifts due to goingmando, even if that''s never happened before because this ain''t no hi! Even if we can sometimes go down the hentai route, let''s just forget about being pedantic.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Moving on, both of us are sitting on a bench and I''m opening the second box, I really can''t help but get really excited again when I see what lies inside. Petra in her infinite wisdom seems to vividly remember the two things I liked from that love dungeon with all the kissing shenanigans. The first was the kimonos we''ve currently got on and the second, was that toy I love so much.


    "Oh my God! It''s identical... There''s even a plushie of me!"


    "*Sigh*, did tell him to keep them separate, guess the gnome forgot about this one as well. The Ikarus one is mine by the way"


    By the looks of it, Petra has gotten Garry to make us two plushies of each and boy, they really are exceptional quality. I''ve already described the perfect plushie already but the one of me looks pretty cool as well, am slightly worried Petra may use it for voodoo reasons but knowing her, it would only be for embarrassment reasons anyways. Could see her trying it when she''s a little horny though, best not think too heavily on that as well.


    "Erm... There is one huge problem with all this Petra..."


    It''s inevitable I''ve got to bring the mood down. It doesn''t matter how much I love the Petra plushie and my lovebird, my own brain always betrays me at times like this.


    "...Now I feel bad cause I don''t ever do shit for you. Seriously though, you get the gnome to do all this for me and Mute yet, I''ve got you nothing. It makes me feel bad at times"


    "Heh, I''ve got you Ikarus, that''s enough"


    "But that''s not enough! I don''t freaking deserve you"


    I don''t like to say this sort of stuff but it''s true though, she always so kind to me and yet I feel like I do nothing for her. I''m not counting making myself flustered because that''s for both our sakes really, I''d always t our refuse if I hated doing something anyways.


    "Heh, stop that Ikarus. All I''m doing is just giving you a couple of things, it defeats the entire point if you''re going to feel guilty about it. Just enjoy them or... the plushie will it"


    "Eh... I guess I''ll stop Petra, it doesn''t hel-... Wait, what were you going to do to the Ikarus plushie!?"


    ''Is she threatening the fake me!? I knew she was going to do voodoo stuff on it, or is it something else?''


    "Heh, nothing too bad, just give it a hug and dere my undying love for it. Might end up marrying it instead of you if you don''t cheer up"


    ...


    Okay, now I understand why she gets so jealous when I do that sort of shit, fuck that plushie! How dare she parade it around like it''s better than me! That thing needs to die!


    "I''ve now got a love rival I need to burn!? You better hide that Petra otherwise you may find that it has be dirt!"


    Did that fucking toy just flip me off!? Of course it didn''t Ikarus, that would be insane... But it''s thinking about it, that plushie knows exactly what it''s doing...


    "Heh, maybe I took I wrong turn with this Ikarus, let''s put that plushie away for another time then..."


    Petra puts the Ikarus plushie into her storage while I do the same to mine pouting the entire time. To think I actually want to destroy a toy right now, never realized I was secretly the jealous one out of us two but it least it''s confirmed I have that side to me. Never really felt any need to show it towards Petra''s ex but to think I have topete with myself!? That''s a plot twist nobody expected...


    "...Heh, you have any idea what we can do now Ikarus? I''ll be honest, your reaction took be aback slightly and I''ve forgotten any ideas on what to do next"


    "At least you know now what it''s like having a jealous partner, lemme have a think..."


    Hmm, I wonder if there''s something I can do for her, like get her a gift now or something. Not out of guilt or anything like that, just to show my appreciation really.


    What does Petra like more than anything in the world? Well, not trying to seem arrogant but it''s got to be me, right? Huh, maybe I can work with that, she''d be happy with anything physical but I know deep down she isn''t a huge fan of things like that. Maybe I can be literal with this...


    "...You know Petra... I think I''ve finally thought of a gift I can give you now"


    "Heh, told you earlier Ikarus, the guilt was unnecessary"


    "No no, I''m not doing this out of that Petra. We''ll have to go home before you can have it though"


    Petra pauses for a second, obviously pondering what it could be, then returns with a smile. Knowing how smart she can be, I think she''s got an idea what it could be.


    "Now I''m intrigued Ikarus, lead the way..."

 Chapter 160.5 – Harder (18+)

    Chapter 160.5 ¨C Harder (18+)


    "Are your eyes still closed Petra? No peeking!"


    "Heh, you understand how pointless this is, right Ikarus?"


    "I know you can''t see but still... just wait a tiny bit longer"


    Having returned to the sex pad, aka our bedroom, I''m about to present the gift I''ve gotten Petra and boy, it really has Ikarus written all over it. It''s required a slight amount of preparation but it''s the thought that counts, and the stupidity as well.


    Anyways, turning Petra around to face me, she opens her eyes and tries not to chuckle at the ''gift'' I''ve given her.


    "Ta daaa! Your present is me!"


    Standing proud, basically butt naked with all but a couple of ribbons wrapped around me, this was the best idea I could think of to at least show how grateful I am for what Petra''s gotten me.


    It''s an obvious gift for Petra, right? A naked Ikarus ready for whatever sexual scheme she''s got lined up! I know it''s stupid and it''s still daylight outside but oh well, Petra enjoys sex so why the hell not?


    "Heh, you really are something else Ikarus. If you wanted sex, you could''ve just asked"


    "That wasn''t the entire point of this Petra, I''m basically giving you free rein to do whatever you want! Nothing is off the table"


    I''d even let her spank me tonight if that''s what she wants, despite me not being a huge fan of it. Actually, maybe not, I doubt Petra would want to do something I dislike anyways.


    "Heh, I''ll keep that in mind, but there''s no point if you don''t enjoy it as well Ikarus. Before I unwrap my present though, it needs a little fine tuning first"


    Petra steps in closer and starts to feel around her gift while giving it a little present of own, that being a full-on kiss. I honestly could spend hours making out with her but I seriously doubt that''s what she''d like to do, right?


    Anyways, Petra eventually stops the kissing leaving me slightly turned on and curious on what she wants to do. It says a lot that both of us can turn this red and horny from just that alone.


    "E-Erm... you have anything in mind yet?"


    "Heh, could relentlessly tease you with no end in sight Ikarus, that could be fun"


    This woman, always with the edging. At least I know this time around it''s definitely a joke, she''d enjoy it but we don''t tend to do that anymore. It''s probably down to how desperate I can get when it happens, even Petra doesn''t want to send me that mad.


    "Seriously Petra, we can edge if you want but I can tell when you''re kidding. You have any other ideas?"


    The absolute Goddess of a women pauses for a second trying to seriously think of something that we can do, then she has a slightly sly grin.


    "Hmm... We could go a little animalistic Ikarus"


    "Animalistic? You don''t mean that pet y thing, right?"


    I mean, I can get behind the cute ears and tail, but if Petra wants to go down the rabbit hole with that sort of thing, it may be a little much even for our tastes. Hey, I''ll never kink shame anyone but a rubber pet suit or furry sort of thing might be overdoing it? I can imagine sweating my arse inside something like that but I''m pretty certain Petra doesn''t mean that now. The fact I even know what those are troubles me a little...


    "Heh, nothing like that Ikarus. I mean the position more than anything else... You really have a dirty mind at times"


    Huh, I guess we haven''t actually done it doggy style yet. Despite the belt and phalluses being pretty great, we don''t tend to use them all that much so something new like this could be fun. I feel like making a joke.


    "Still though, you should''ve gotten me a cor like Mute as well if you wanted to do something like this"


    "Heh, funny you should say that Ikarus..."


    ...


    "You didn''t... I was making a joke! You better not have gotten me a cor as well, right!?"


    I feel sorry for Mute now, it was supposed to be a nice present yet it''s going to have pervy connotations now.


    "Heh, no Ikarus. Our maid Eve gave me something a while back and honestly thought we''d never use it. If you want to put it on, who am I to stop you?"


    Damn that maid of ours! I know she''s said about having stuff like this before but to actually give Petra a cor? She really is unhinged when ites to this sort of thing, she''s even offered Petra whip before.


    "At least that way more exinable if it helps... Eh, fuck it, I''ll give it a try. Let''s just get everything else ready first..."


    __________


    "Heh, who''s a good Ikarus? Want a head pat and a stroke?"


    "*Sighhh*, I hate you at times"


    Still naked with the ribbons on but upgrading to a dog''s cor loosely around my neck, I''m rolling my eyes at Petra while getting ready into position on the bed. We''ve already gotten Petra into the two-sided strap on belt and started the necessary preparation, no point dying the inevitable as Petra can be worse than me when ites to horniness.


    Anyways, I position myself onto all fours while she starts to inspect my backside while giving it a good rub over. This also seems it would be the perfect time for a spank but like I said, I''m not a huge fan. I''m definitely a fan of Petra''s warm hands rubbing it though.


    Standing proud over the bed and over the doggy version of me, Petra starts to yfully rub the soft and ppy phallus along my crotch obviously causing an ufortable horniness that''s need satisfying. While doing this, she even reaches around to my chest and start to tug one of my nipples a little bit as well.


    "Heh, you really want this Ikarus?"


    "Y-Yeah!"


    "Heh, can''t do all the work. Come and get it if you really need it"


    Now perfectly positioned right at the tip of my genitalia, I slowly back myself into it and Petra decides to back off just a little further making me want to hit her! She keeps backing off until I start to lose my bnce a little and nearly fall off the freaking bed! She would''ve caught me but still!


    Anyways, she eventually decides to toss me a bone and slowly slides it in, kinda causing me to recall a little when it''s fully inside, only due to how cold the dildo is. Despite the coldness, it now belongs within me slipping it with no issues whatsoever. It''s not like there was ever going to be any issues getting it in, just one kiss from Petra is more than enough for my natural lubricant to start applying all around. It''s surprisinglyfortable like this as well despite being on my knees, maybe that fact I''m on the bed helps as well.


    Lightly grabbing onto my hips, she starts off with a slow and steady thrust that already sends waves of pleasure through my loins. Judging from this position as well, I can already tell I''m going to really like this.


    "You want me to try choking you a little Ikarus? It won''t hurt, I promise"


    Getting herself into a teasingly low rhythm going back on forth, Petra presents a question that I''m not really that sure on. If it''s not painful, then I may like it, right? I know some woman like being choked so might as well give it a try.


    "E-Erm, okay then. Just don''t be really rough though, please?"


    "Heh, of course Ikarus"


    Petra takes out a length of rope from storage, ces it under my cor, then threads it back around giving me a slight tug when she returns back to the thrusting. That didn''t feel bad or painful, if anything, the tightening of the cor is a little erotic and I have no idea why. I kinda want her to tug on it a little harder and go faster now.


    "Heh, want some more Ikarus?"


    "Y-Yeah... urgh..."


    Picking up the rhythm, Petra starts to pound a little harder into me and starts tugging on the rope as well. Fuck me, this is bloody great...


    Taking it doggy style while Petra has a hold of my ''leash'', it''s safe to assume I''m enjoying the hell out of this right now. Every thrust is met with me clenching and even pushing into it, this is making me feel wild in a brilliant way. My eyes must be in the back of my head as well!


    "I''m going to start picking up the pace even more Ikarus. If it hurts, tell me straight away and I''ll stop as fast as I can"


    "Y-Yeah, don''t worry Petra, I''ll say if it''s too much to handle"


    Even during all this, Petra still is caring and considerate on whether I''m fully enjoying myself. It''s almost as if we''ve forgotten this was supposed to be her gift and that this situation is supposed to be a little more animalistic, just do what you want Petra! Ah, she is now...


    She then starts to rapidly pick up the pacing of the thrusting and even tugs harder on the rope connected to my cor. Why the hell is this such a turn on!? Fuck, I''m going to explode soon...


    "Ikarus, no groping. You''ll lose your bnce"


    "O-Okay..."


    She does have a point; I did just try to do it but I really should be focusing more on staying upright in this position. It matters little though; I don''t need to add anything right now as I''m already there...


    "Urgh! Urgh..."


    And of course, the first orgasm explodes causing the intense Ikarus shaking everyone knows and loves, the pleasure like usual is mind-blowingly amazing. Trying to stay in position during this is difficult enough but it doesn''t help Petra''s not giving me any rest, she''s still continuing to pound into my most sensitive parts! What happened to the break in-between?


    In the end, I can withstand it but the continues attacking going on down below is already causing me problems. Mainly because the sensitivity is already starting to build into another shattering finish. Who''d have thought taking it like an animal could be so great? Fuck, the next one ising way too quick...


    The second orgasm quickly presents itself and this time around, I''ve started to w at the bedsheet while she still hasn''t stopped! Ah, I''ve just released my love juice as well and it''s only making the phallus slide in and out even easier now. Fuck! I can''t stop shaking from this pleasure. Urgh, the sensitivity is so good!


    "Petra... urgh!"


    By now, I''m clutching at the bedsheets desperately trying not to copse while Petra just relentlessly keeps up her pacing pounding away with no care in the world, if anything, it feels likes she is going harder and faster now. What the hell has gotten into Petra? After the next orgasm, I''m going to have to call it quits despite enjoying this so much, there''s no way I can continue climaxing like this! It''s endless...


    I wonder if Petra will still continue and find a suitable position even if I find myselfpletely bent over with no energy left. That sounds hot as hell but I should probably focus on staying upright...


    "Ikarus..."


    Finally, Petra stops a little before my third orgasm by ceasing the rhythmic movement, letting go of the rope and using my back as a support to copse upon. By just the feeling from the slight shakes, she''s definitely just hit a climax as well.


    That''s the first time one of us has managed to orgasm being on the other side of that belt, that stone phallus was never really that pleasurable but obviously this position has managed to send her over the edge as well. It also exins why she didn''t give me a break; she was enjoying it just as much as I. Could it be the vibrations going through the belt from pounding into me that''s done it? Eh, it matters little, I''m just happy she''s just cum really.


    "*Huff huff*, you enjoy that Petra?"


    "Heh... Yeah Ikarus, that was lovely. If you''ve still got some stamina left over, we can switch"


    "You want a turn like this? Sure... Just give me a minute first..."


    __________


    "Before we do this Ikarus, let me add something else onto it"


    Petra, who has switched attire with me now only wearing the cor, has gotten something else out of one of the drawers in our room and has found another phallus. As for this bird, I''m still in my ribbon outfit now attached to the belt, also getting to feel the boringness that is that stone phallus inside me. Despite already cuming multiple times already, it really doesn''t do much just sitting there like that.


    She''s currently applying what looks to be another phallus to the outside of the belt around my waist and is adding a good helping of lube to it. Is that one going where I think it is? It still has the same consistency of the other one but is slightly bigger and longer in size.


    To think Petra was into anal, that''s surprises me a load, not sure why since I know she''s kinky. I''m a little confused why she''s only just bringing it out though.


    "You can attach a second thing? Howes we didn''t try that one on me?"


    "Heh, did you want to try it then Ikarus? Sorry, thought you''d have no interest in it because of the ex-guy thing, assumed you''d really dislike the idea as it can hurt a little as well"


    Petra assumed I wouldn''t be into anal? I mean, she''s not wrong and has a point, that doesn''t sound actually sound very appealing. I''m still going to pout because my woman knows me better than I know myself at times though.


    "Anyways, you can stop grabbing it now so get on the bed. It seems slippery enough already"


    "Heh, as youmand then Ikarus"


    Petra eagerly climbs onto the bed and assumes the position ready for inspection. Admiring the pure perfection of the buttocks in front of me, I''m slightly curious on something now.


    "Hey... Are you into spanking Petra?"


    We already know I don''t but nothing about this magnificent piece of work currently on all fours.


    "Can take it or leave it Ikarus. If you say I''m deserving of a spanking, then I''m deserving"


    Wow, I always assumed she''d hate it because of her curse and pain but maybe Petra''s extremely open minded to this sort of thing? I guess she did bring out the belt on our second time so it wouldn''t be that surprising, we''re basically both perverts anyway.


    "So, if I do this..."


    While speaking, I give her a good smack on the butt cheek and the smack rings throughout the room. It wasn''t that hard but it definitely sounded like it.


    "...Are you going now going to thank me, or tell me to piss off?"


    "Heh, thank you Ikarus"


    ''Okay, her face didn''t light up as much as I was expecting so I guess she wasn''t lying... I just realized, I subconsciously went a little dominant there, I''m oddly proud of myself despite it feeling out of character''


    Anyways, finally getting around to giving Petra what she''s after, there''s something I want to do beforehand. Getting down onto my knees and admiring herher regions really up close, I start by giving her a quick kiss that quickly leads into a good licking right in the area I''m about to be exploring shortly. Might as well make that area a little wetter before I start but it''s not exactly like it needs it though.


    "Heh, you really are devilish Ikarus"


    Petra like how I was, stays perfectly in position and doesn''t budge from the cunnilingus I''m currently doing to her. I can definitely see why she''s likes taking control on asion because ''tormenting'' her like this is pretty dope.


    "Well, you are in the perfect position right now. That better not be aint, right?"


    "Heh, no problems here"


    ''Huh, I was trying to use that as an excuse to spank her, oh well''


    Moving on otherwise I will just end up causing Petra to cum from this alone, I get back up and start to position the two items attached to the belt into where they''re about to disappear. I''m going to be extra careful here though.


    The lower one goes in easily enough but the upper one is finding slightly more resistance due to it being Petra''s other hole. I very, very slowly start to guide it in making sure not to harm her in the process. Petra clenches a little but I think the ess amount of lube has worked a charm here. Both are now fully in and this double pration thing can begin!


    As soon as I start thrusting into Petra, albeit still really slowly, I can already feel how she managed to orgasm from the stone one inside me. She must''ve done some adjustment to this because that''s never moved that way before... urgh...


    Getting myselffortable, I start to speed up a little making still making sure not to go too hard, that one in her other hole could hurt after all. By the looks of how Petra isn''t showing much movement, I think this isn''t going to n...


    "Harder Ikarus, please..."


    Petra wants it harder? I can sense the irony considering she can treat me like ss at times but if that''s what she''s asking for, then I''ll oblige. I think she deserves a small smack as well; she does want it harder after all.


    "Ouch... heh, did ask for that"


    After giving her a little smack and quickly picking up the pace, I feel like we''re forgetting something... Oh! The rope...


    "Where''s the rope Petra? You want the same thing, right?"


    "Here Ikarus"


    Petra passes me the small length of rope and I do the same thing wrapping it under her cor, then giving it a good tug. Petra still hasn''t said anything about slowing down so I''m going to assume I can go even faster and harder now,bining that with the pulling of the rope. She''ll definitely tell me to stop if it bes too much, right?


    Pounding harder and faster into her, I can already sense her orgasm is starting to build but there''s a gigantic problem on the horizon, this is way too pleasurable even for me. That rock, hard thing inside me feels like it''s rubbing in an indescribable way, feels pretty damn good though. Having already came twice, there''s not much I can do to stop it...


    I think it''s down to the rubbing of the leather straps and the vibration of colliding into Petra''s backside... Fuck, my body is betraying me now...


    "Heh... really Ikarus?"


    "*Huff*... You did it as well so don''tin"


    "Ouch... heh..."


    Giving her another smack while in the middle of it all, I''ve somehow managed to orgasm just from this alone while still attached to Petra, it''s bloody difficult to keep thrusting while standing and your legs are jelly! Fortunately, I''m still standing but I really can''t afford to have another one, really need Petra to cum now otherwise I''m royally fucked! Three orgasm Ikarus is more than enough for one day.


    Anyways, getting past the orgasm blues and grabbing a hold of the rope leash again, I try to continue where I left off and Petra is thankfully not that far away from the peak herself.


    "Huhhh..."


    Petra partially copses onto the bed but still leaving her back end in position, I can tell she''s extremely close now, even her mouth is betraying her! When does Petra ever moan during sex?


    Finally, the end is in sight when Petra''s bodypletely gives way causing me to drop the rope and move down a little. Seeing her spasm while both connected to the belt is like watching porn in the flesh but I probably shouldn''t be trying to turn myself on again. Unless Petra wants another round...


    "That''s it Ikarus... *Huff*, no more"


    "Was that alright Petra? That was enjoyable, right?"


    I''m still not sure why she wanted it harder today but I can always give her it if she wants. I don''t feel like this is going to bemon urrence though, I''ll also give her a second before I pull out. I could imagine the butt one may hurt a bit.


    "Heh, of course Ikarus, just wanted something a little rougher for a change. Doubt we''ll do it all that often, my preference will always be causing you extreme embarrassment after all"


    ...


    Of course it is... Just because Petra wanted to feel a little submissive today doesn''t mean she''s changed from those evil ways, why would I ever think differently...


    "*Sighhh*... Love you too, stupid Petra. Feel like I should give you another smack for that..."

 Chapter 161 – Dragon on Dragon

    Chapter 161 ¨C Dragon on Dragon


    "Well... this is definitely something new"


    "Heh, looks like everyone is enjoying themselves Ikarus"


    (Dermakvar) "Alright little one, you''ll have to find a seat"


    (Kellearzar) "Evening Ikarus and Petra, care to join us?"


    "Cu!"


    All of my dragon family greet both of us whilst entering the room but none look excited or even look in our direction, all are heavily focused on what''s going on inside the building.


    What''s currently going down inside the town hall is quite the sight. We have my dragon family, Mute, the two dryads, being Ria and Leah andst but not least, the phoenix fam all around the meeting table. As for what important task they''re doing this fine evening, you ever heard of that property buying boardgame? The one with the guy in a top hat and moustache? Yeah, that capitalist adventure.


    The only two missing from this is Nathan and Charlotte but I''m pretty sure they''ve gone to book a hotel room and definitely nning on keeping their content suitable for all readers. I have no idea if they have done the deed or not yet but I''m going to assume they have, already know that innocence disappears when alone. I mean, she is a subus at the end of the day, it would be a little weird if they haven''t done it yet...


    "...!"


    (Ariza) "Sorry Mute, I''d let you off but I''m not allowed to"


    "Damn right brother, don''t you dare give anyone any help! Capitalism is the heart of America"


    By the looks of it, Mute''s justnded on one of Ariza''s properties and might as well be bankrupt now. Pretty sure Ariza and mother are the high rollers in this game at the moment, Zeki''sment sounded sarcastic but you never know with him.


    "You know, if you were all ying board games, couldn''t you have invited me and Petra?"


    Maybe that sounds like I''m a little disheartened but I kinda am. Sure, I was giving Petra her ''gift'' but feels like we''ve been missing out on what everyone''s up to.


    "You and the dark phoenix can never keep your hands off each other little one, we all thought best not to disturb you"


    "Yes Ikarus, don''t forget we can smell when something has happened..."


    I''d say a face of embarrassment is required but at the end of the day, I couldn''t give two shits about my parents knowing that. Actually, I''d rather not discuss it with them but it''s not going to kill me knowing that they can tell when we''ve done the deed. When growing up in the dragon cave, I''ve seen both of them fly off out of sight in search of the other dragon''s booty so it just runs in the family I suppose.


    "Can we join in now then?"


    "No orangey, there''s only eight pieces in total and sis cheats. This game is already crap enough"


    (Ria) "Don''t be like that girly boy, we can always make room for more yers. Just use a shoce or something as a piece"


    (Leah) "You two can take me and Ria''s ce if you''d like, we should be getting to work shortly"


    (Ria) "Damn trees, why couldn''t I have been born as a normal spirt? I could y with Zeki all the time then"


    (Zeki) "Please just get rid of her already..."


    It''s only just now I''ve realized Zeki''s still wearing that skimpy costume fromst night, obviously Ria has decided it''s in everyone''s best interests he remains in it longer. I wonder how long he''d be stuck in that bikini if she had seen him like that but best not think too heavily on that, I''d rather not start feeling sorry for him.


    "Eh... actually, I don''t even want to y now"


    "Heh, you''ve changed your mind Ikarus?"


    "Yeah Petra. We''ll only be starting with a huge disadvantage anyways"


    These sorts of games either end prematurely with no real winner in sight or end up taking hours upon hours making you wish you hadn''t sat down to y in the first ce. The atmosphere around here already seems pretty tense, it wouldn''t surprise me if the game board ends up ''identally'' getting thrown about soon.


    "Think I''m going to call it quits as well, boredom isn''t a luxury I can afford to waste time on these days. I''ll join you little one"


    "You''re finished as well Dermak?"


    "Yes dear. It''s obvious by now you and the blue one have this mundane game won, I haven''t got the focus to care about it anymore"


    Well, it looks like my presence has basically finished the game. I''m pretty happy about this despite it being petty as hell, nobody should be having fun without us being around! It''s a joke... based on honest emotions.


    "You have anything you want to do ol''lizard?"


    "Yes little one, there''s something you may like..."


    __________


    "Damn it Dermakvar! What is it with you and wanting to fight Ikarus!?"


    <It''s not fighting dear and, it''s only the second time, me and little one won''t use anything too dangerous>


    In the end, mother came with us three and for what''s about to go down, me and the old man are going to have a spar in the woods. I know thatst time we did this, things got pretty tense near the end but if he wants to do it again, then I''m more than happy to oblige. We both just need to make sure to keep calm and carry on, easier said than done I guess.


    "But still, just look at what happenedst time you did this! I''m not sure I''ll be able to stop Ikarus if she loses her way"


    ''Loving the confidence mother...''


    <It''ll be different this time, just trust me darling>


    "Yes mother, it''ll be fine. Even if I lose my way, Petra''s right there to strike me down!"


    "Heh, you really say some odd things at times Ikarus"


    She''s still not happy about this but enough trying to garner mother''s approval. At the end of the day, I''ve gotten way stronger sincest time we fought and I''m extremely curious if I can actually best the dragon, I will make sure to not get carried away though.


    <Dark phoenix, while me and little one are sparring, would you be willing to give littlest one some tips as well? He could probably use some additional advice>


    "Cu?"


    "You want me to spar with Minos? I''m not sure that''s the greatest of ideas"


    <Not spar, just give him a few pointers really, we do sometimes have the tendency of coddling our offspring>


    Mother says nothing but that re is enough to send shivers down anyone''s spine.


    "Hang on one second father..."


    ''Aesa?''


    [<-Winged brethren- is now being activated>]


    I''m yet to use my dragon form in an actualbat scenario so this could be a good test, puts us on an even ying field as well. Still never like how gross that form change looks though.


    <...Might as well look the part if we''re going to do this>


    Anyways, now standing just a slightly bit taller, bigger and scarier than father, he just precedes to shake his head at me! The audacity of the lizard.


    <Whatever little one, just make sure you keep that bloodlust under control otherwise we''ll both end up in trouble>


    <Yeah yeah, I know already. Let''s get started>


    ''Now I''m getting the res from mother as well, best ignore her otherwise it''s an unnecessary distraction''


    <Let''s begin little one...>


    Father, who was a slight distance away from me, kicks of the preceding''s immediately closing the gap armed with those razor-sharp teeth of his decides to try and go for my neck. That mouth should be a terrifying site for anyone, as if I''d be scared of such an opponent even now..


    The attempt fails miserably with me dodging to the side giving him a good swipe from my tail in return. That looked like it hurt but there''s no way a little tail swipe will be enough to bring down this monster.


    <Hmph, knew you had vastly improved but not to this extent little one, that dark phoenix of yours really knows her stuff>


    <Stop talking ol''man and get on with it!>


    I''m all for praising Petra but now''s not the time. Thankfully, father does shut up and goes in for another frontal charge attack that I''m easily able to dodge once again. This time around however, he ns ahead for the failed bite by swinging his tail only to be met by mine as well. Heh, we''re shing our dragon tails like they''re swords, it''s pretty funny if this battle wasn''t kinda tense.


    <Stop smiling little one, take this seriously>


    <I am! I can enjoy myself and focus at the same time father>


    This is first decent fight I''vee across in quite some time so of course I''m going to like it, the grin that sits upon this face has nothing to do withck of concentration. Maybe I''m turning into a battle junkie but when put into a world with countless NPC trash, can you really me me?


    Sensing a slight opportunity, father''s tail finds itself being thrown to the side a little so I take the chance to snap at it.


    <Argh! You little shit>


    Getting a bite out of father''s tail and getting thrown away from his reaction, I still can''t help but smile despite hurting him. I''m actually holding my own and currently winning, don''t let this cloud your judgement Ikarus. Beingcent is something you stopped doing ages ago.


    Father, like the absolute unit of a dragon he is, decides to change approach a little and charges differently making sure to spread out his wings and taking up as much room as possible. Despite all the speed in the world, there''s still only so much you can do so I decide to take a different approach to this.


    <That won''t work little one, I''ve mastered the skies long before you even hatched>


    <Yeah yeah, keep on nattering>


    Now heading for the skies, it''s very quickly apparent to me he flies way faster than me so no point making this be a disadvantage. Predicting what''s he''s going to do next, I stop moving forward in preparation for a counter attack...


    Except, I end up finding a face full of tail when my n backfires tremendously, turns out he wasn''t going for a bite this time. That hurt as much as mother''s smacks!


    <Damn it!>


    <Gotcha little one. Not so fast up here, are we?>


    Discarding that approach and returning to the ground where we were just at; father begins his descent as well clearly nning to use me for a crashnding. There''s no way I''m going to let him do that, just make sure I focus heavily on the time... Now!


    Missing me spectacrly, father crashnds into the ground tumbling around even hitting a few trees in the process. That seriously looked it hurt a bunch but I really can''t contain myself right now, what happened to the terrifying lizard we all know and love? I need to stop questioning how much I''ve developed because this situation clearly proves it, unless he''s purposely losing but I hope that''s not the case.


    <Haha, looks like you may be too fast dinosaur!>


    <Hmph!>


    Looking away for a brief second, I notice mother facepalming, Minosughing and Petra whispering something in his ear. There''s no way Petra''s giving him sparring tips right now, she''s just treating him like a child. Can''t say I me her, father did spring that on her without any warning.


    Focusing back onto the world ender ahead of me, albeit he''s a grumpy and dirty world ender now, he''s gotten himself into a little bit of a mess and presents a perfect opportunity while the remains of several trees are weighing him down.


    With one strong swoop of my tail, it collides against his wing causing an audible groan with him trying to protect his face. It matters little if that''s what he''s focusing on, I''ll just continue this and keep pummelling him with my tail while he''s still a little stuck. I never imed to be a clean fighter so might as well make the most of this.


    I''m allowing myself to get a little carried away here but I actually seem to be doing pretty well all things considering. Of course, father could just release poison breath causing me to lose immediately but at the same time, I''m also refusing to use any abilities so maybe we''re more even than first thought? That, or I''m stronger than him now.


    While trying to recover from the constant tail beating he''s receiving, I notice a very small opportunity, a ce he''s leftpletely unguarded. I don''t want to do this but at the same time, a win''s a win.


    "Ikarus!"


    "..."


    Getting a good bite into father''s neck, the taste of blood disgusts my senses but this must be done if I''m able to win this fight. He''s been trying to chow down on me so it''s only fair to repay the favour a little, don''t think the bite is too deep as well but those scales of his are definitely resilient enough to handle it.


    The lizard starts to thrash about trying to get out of the clutches of my jaw but struggles immensely, I think I finally may have him here...


    <Give up old man, I don''t want to rip your neck off>


    <We''ll see about that little one>


    Father fully retracts his wings pushing be aback and even cutting one my eyes in the process! Despite feeling like I now have a paper cut through every blink, I can''t help but worry for father and that blood that''s trickling down from his neck after getting our from under those trees. Have I seriously not won this yet? This feels like he''s just being stubborn now.


    <He''s able to withstand way more than that, right? Status>


    [Name: Dermakvar | Species: Dragon | Level: 521]


    [Health 18,249/30,250]


    [Stamina 47,729/50,000]


    [Magicka 50,000/50,000]


    ''Yeah, he''s not dead yet but that did do a lot''


    [<Dermakvar''s health is dropping at a considerable rate due to blood loss so Ikarus should have battle won if the stupid lizard decides to give up his pride>]


    It''s not just me and Aesa who realize that this fight is already won in my favour, mother as well notices what''s going on.


    "Dermakvar! You''re letting your pride take over! Just admit defeat, you''re bleeding all over the ce!"


    <Not yet dear, little one will need to go in for the kill if she wants to win this>


    <What the fuck on you on about!? Are you trying to get me to kill you!?>


    <Just focus little one or you''ll end up in defeat>


    Father like a dragon hell bent on revenge starts trying to snap at me like a wild dog or something simr, it''s strange mother hasn''t changed form to stop him at this point. Is he actually mad at me, actually being suicidal or is this a distraction for something else? Regardless, I''m going to take this seriously.


    All of a sudden throughout the biting, he unexpectedly pounces on mepletely taken be aback and ending up with him crushing me with that weight of his. Despite now appearing to lose myself, I''m way more flexible than father gives me credit for...


    <I think we''ll call this a dra-, Argh!>


    Getting an even deeper bite down on his neck despite the weight of a literal dragon on top of me, the only thought that''s going through my mind right now is that I''m not losing this fight to him. Maybe I''m just as stubborn as him but there''s no way this is a draw considering his neck looks like a butcher''s nightmare right now. This is aplete checkmate, he can''t pull away without causing serious damage this time around.


    <Admit defeat father, I''m not letting go till you do>


    "Dermakvar! For the love of the Gods, just admit it''s a loss!"


    "Cu?"


    "Don''t look Minos... Ikarus knows what she''s doing"


    Mother looks distraught at how violent this fight has now turned out but Petra is just still ''mentoring'' Minos without a care in the world. Despite this bloody disy that''s urring, she understands that even right now while I''ve got a strong grip on my father''s throat, I''m inplete control. There''s not a single once of bloodlust running through me, this is more just proving a point.


    <Hmph... Guess you''ve gotten me beat then Ikarus>


    Father finally disregards that stubborn pride of his and now I can''t help but worry this his safety letting go of that neck of his, that gash from my teeth really doesn''t look pleasant. Combine that with the trail of blood that now stters the grassy floor of the forest and even over me a little, he really should''ve given up sooner.


    This doesn''t even prove who''s stronger, he just happened to end up at a disadvantage so I took that opportunity with both hands. I''ll attribute this win more to luck rather than anything else, we''re probably even if we just go off sheer power. With dragon voice however, I have no counter to poison so I''d be screwed.


    <We really need to get you to the clinic father; Ariza will be able to help >


    <It''s only a scratch little one, it''ll heal well enough on its own>


    <How can you even say that? It''s still pouring right now!>


    He still can''t help but be stubborn on the whole thing. Where has this prideful father acte from all of a sudden? He can''t be that pissed that I beat him, right? I can''t even mock or say anything right now cause this dinosaur just won''t let me rx!


    "Dermakvar... listen to your daughter"


    "It doesn''t hurt to have a little help time to time big guy, no one will think less of you"


    "Yes father! Listen to sister, mother and auntie Petra! That bite looks like it hurts"


    Even the other three have to say something to get him toe around, just ept the help, you stupid lizard!


    <Hmph, fine then, I''ll get it sorted... I do hope you know I am proud of you little one, despite my actions sometimes showing otherwise>


    <Eh, you know I don''t care about all that sappy stuff, at least you''re finally willing to listen to reason. That fight was pretty cool though...>

 Chapter 162 – Travel

    Chapter 162 ¨C Travel


    "So interesting Ikarus! You two really have been busy"


    "That ce is a dragon''s worst nightmare to hunt in, jungles are immensely frustrating little one. I assume you two are going to return today?"


    "I wanted sister to stay a little longer, can Ie as well?"


    Having breakfast with my fianc¨¦ and the dragon fam in our dining room, me and Petra have been giving a slight update to what we''ve been up to while chowing down on a good ol''fashioned fry up. Even the dragons seem to be enjoying the fried food, I swear our maid was a Brit in a pervious life with how gross looking but amazing the food is!


    Oh, there was also the fact me and Petra forgot to mention the marriage thing again, luckily dragons don''t seem to care about that at all. Even mother who likes to know about our life seems to not understand the concept of marriage really. Eh, I guess marriage is a human thing after all, I''m not even sure if Desmond and Esmerelda are technically married despite it seeming that way.


    "Yeah, sorry Minos, that''s not happening I''m afraid"


    "Heh, no chance little guy. It could be too dangerous even for you"


    "Cu..."


    Athena did give us a slight hint on who may own the next dungeon so bringing Minos along would be irresponsible as hell. If it is someone like Ares, blood is guaranteed to be spilt since he''s supposed to be the God of war. Can''t remember too many myths about him but don''t remember hearing good things.


    Anyways, eating the rest of breakfast in mostly silence, and now that we''re all finished, a familiarrge chested blonde elf arrives to clean the tes and do her role.


    "Thanks for breakfast Eve, nice as always"


    "No worries Queen Ikarus! When you two have a second, could we have a quick chat?"


    "What''s it about and is it important?"


    "There''s little ears here right now so it needs to wait. I was just going to give you two some more ideas on you know what"


    ...


    And of course, this pervy goddamn maid of ours must''ve heard everything yesterday. Thought we got away with it but obviously not, what is it with her and sex anyways!? Why does she have to give pointers and tips about stuff!?


    "Heh, we made good use of that thing you gave us Eve, Ikarus really seemed to like it"


    "Did she!? I''ve got some even heavier ones if you want!"


    For fuck''s sake Petra, my parents are literally right there! Even if they have no clue what''s being referred to, I know what small item of ''clothing'' is being spoken about. This fucking maid is corrupting Petra man...


    "Both of you, just please stop with this! *Sighhh*..."


    What is with this maid wanting to discuss our sex life!? Petra only seems to humour her because it brings me embarrassment, this is not the sort of Ikarus teasing I can get behind!


    "...Imma go round everyone up and wait till we''re ready to go. I''m not sticking around if this is the ''intelligent'' topic of conversation..."


    __________


    "Erk, can''t believe I''m flying right now, my stomach is still churning"


    "Kid, please just stop moaning about it, we all know you get sick already!"


    "Have you no sympathy for people with motion sickness orangey? Your TP shit makes me feel like my balls are twisted... if I had any right now"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh, Ikarus has a point Zeki, all you do isin... That''s really not a pleasant thought"


    "Heh, Ikarus could always take your shift Zeki but she will have to demand payment in return"


    "Yeah, we''ve still got that skimpy costume or Ria''s bikini, right? Putting that on seems like a reasonable payment"


    "Erk, I hate you all..."


    Eventually getting to the point where I can peacefully leave without having to listen to pointers or tips about how we can make our love making sessions even more pervy, our party of six is now back on the grind and heading towards the next dungeon. The other couple are both hugging each on top of Ariza right now hence the reason why they''re not getting on the bitching at Zeki train.


    We teleported just outside of the jungle city we came across, waited a little so that Zeki could spew up his stomach and then set off. I do wonder if his female body may cause that sickness to be worse but then again, I''m gender bent to hell and I''ve got no problems with it. It''s hard to have sympathy for someone like Zeki after all.


    "What''s the n anyways Ikarus-sama?"


    "Yeah Ikarus, this dungeon was supposed to be really far away, right?"


    It appears the other couple have finally stopped being lovey dovey and are joining the conversation. It still a shame that''s the most they''ll do in front of anyone, that being hugging but I guess even me and Petra don''t kiss that often in public. Actually, we kinda do but shouldn''t really beparing rtionships.


    "The n is to keep flying at a reasonable pace, maybe for the next four or five days and see how things pan out. It could bebat heavy so try to prepare for anything really"


    "Heh, with Zeki being around, make it a week Ikarus"


    "I heard that sis"


    Best just ignore him. With Zeki, we''re guaranteed to be making more stops just because everyone will need a break from the moaning.


    "Anyways, we should be looking for a lighthouse on the coast. Apparently, the dungeon location is close to the Bones of the Ancients as well"


    "Bones of the Ancients Ikarus-sama? What does that mean?"


    "Ah, it''s the region to the south of Mdonia filled with gigantic bones and ruins, we shouldn''t be going that far south but it is kinda close by"


    Believe it or not, I do sometimes read when I''ve got nothing else to do and I heard of it in some ''ces to see before you die'' kind of book. The only reason I read it to begin with is that the front picture was misleading, thought it was erotica...


    "Ikarus is right, I''ve even been over there a lifetime ago with Mel. It''s mostly just a gigantic graveyard anyways"


    At least Petra doesn''t sound sad referring to her ex this time around, maybe that was way before the vampirism turned her? Any jealously on my part gets overwritten when Petra''s able to not sound depressed about her history.


    "You''ve been over there Petra? Is it worth seeing then?"


    "Honestly Ikarus, not really. I guess there is some appeal seeing the gigantic skeletal remains there, but it''s not worth spending days or weeks flying to. Nothing lives on those cliffs or in the nearby area so you do have to go prepared for survival as well"


    You know, I''d kinda like to see the huge creatures but at the same time, we''ve got no reason to go visit, this trip will already take enough time as it is. Eh, I''ll just imagine there''s loads of dinosaur bones over there and call it a day, it can''t be that impressive, right?


    "Well regardless, let''s continue onwards..."


    __________


    "Hey Ariza, you got a sec?"


    "Uh huh Ikarus, what is it you want?"


    Currently chilling around a campfire on one of our prenned stops, all six of us have finished a hearty meal of meat and are currently settling down for the night.


    "I''m oddly curious about something. The rest of us here clear tastes when ites to a partner, but what about you? Do you need a little bit of lovebird matchmaking to help? I mean, I''m not even sure what way you swing"


    I know it''s a little abrupt and out of nowhere but I''ve never known what Ariza''s even into. If we can try setting her up with a partner or something, then that could be nice, right?


    "Orangey, you four are in WILLING rtionships, I''m basically a hostage to that cow so don''t include me"


    ...


    And of course, we all just Zeki''s little outburst and Ariza gives me an answer. I''m happy she took that question seriously and didn''t get offended or something, I am genially interested in helping if she''s a lovestruck idiot like how I used to be back on Earth. It proves it really, if someone like me can be wrapped up in the arms of the perfect waifu, anyone can find love.


    "Honestly Ikarus... I don''t think I''m anything. I''ve never had a crush in the four hundred years I''ve been here and don''t remember caring that much about it all even back on Earth. It''s slightly ironic considering my system"


    ''So, Ariza''s asexual? Huh, I guess I could see that but it does seem awfully lonely I guess''


    "That''s just not true! Brother''s got a thing for that wyvern prince and you won''t tell me otherwise!"


    "Uh! For the love of the Gods Zeki! You seriously are bringing this shit up again!?"


    Ariza looks like she wants to hit the wielder right now and can''t say I me her, no one liked being teased on who they may or may not like. It''s childish, sure but Zeki''s not exactly the most functioning of adults.


    (Ikarus) "What even is this wyvern story thing about anyways?"


    Way back when we were first getting to know each other, I remember Zeki making ament to Ariza about her having a crush on a wyvern, don''t remember iting up again though.


    "There''s not even that much to tell Ikarus, I came across him in the woods and he was hurt needing medical treatment. It also turns out he is a prince and his father is the wyvern king, that''s really all there is to tell"


    The wyvern king, another old story that got brought up a while ago when father was going about his genocidal stage. I still have no idea if the ol''lizard even managed toplete his task of ridding the world of the evil wyvern king, it never really came up again so I assumed he may have won the fight. Knowing father''s tant wyvern racism, the ''evil'' wyvern king was probably as sweet as a cake though.


    "What brother fails to mention is that wyvern dickhead offered brother''s hand in marriage, he wasn''t just hurt as she even saved his life. Would''ve been better off letting that blue haired dick bleed out, fucking flying rats ma-... ouch!"


    Zeki rightfully receives a punch from Ariza on his shoulder, I guess she''s pretty touchy about this subject but always two sides to a story. Wouldn''t surprise me if Zeki has been really obnoxious about this to her and it keeps going on and on. He really is like that annoying younger sibling you just want to punch at times... Of course, you don''t act on those feelings! It''s not like I ever had a little brother back on Earth or wanted to do it to Minos when he''s being annoying, but you get my point!


    Wait, that wyvern prince is also blue haired as well? Guess we know what colour hair the kids would have then, even if the infertility makes all my pregnancy jokes irrelevant.


    "Let''s continue this conversation another time, it''s starting to gette... Petra?"


    "..."


    What the fuck!? Petra''s managed to fall asleep while I''m still in her arms! It''s not even that body gathering ki thing she used to do ages ago, she''s basically just sleeping upright. Fair y to her if our cuddles can put her to sleep, unsure if should feel good or bad about it.


    "Imma put her to bed, to think my fianc¨¦ was so knackered tonight"


    Priestess and the knight give me a smile while I try to w my way out of Petra''s grasp, she''s surprisingly clingy when asleep this time around.


    ----------


    ---Couldn''t get Petra''s kimono to be white so best I can do.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ''She does struggle with sleep at times I suppose so this is good. She''s so freaking adorable like this though...''


    __________


    "Finally, the lighthouse is in sight"


    "Heh, not much further to go Ikarus"


    "Five long, boring days now over, let''s hope the next dungeon involves spilling lots of blood"


    (Ariza) "You really make me worry at times Zeki"


    "Agreed Ariza-sama, Zeki could really benefit turning to religion"


    "Fuck no nun, there''s more chance of me staying like this permanently than worshiping some bullshit being. I couldn''t stand the south because of the fanatics back at home"


    ''The south? Oh, Zeki''s talking about America''


    (Nathan) "Actually agree with him Lotte, religion isn''t for everyone"


    Finally arriving at the final dungeon, what presents us is a huge but unupied lighthouse that can be seen from miles around. It''s pretty earie all things considered; I''m getting quite the sinister feeling from the ce as well.


    (Beware! You will regret entering this ce! Leave immediately or face severe consequences)


    Before we all enter, a sign presumably painted from blood adorns the door and makes several of us gulp from the anticipation of what to expect. It''s obvious this dungeon is going to involve blood now.


    ''That''s not ominous at all...''


    Regardless, we all ignore the sign and open up the door...


    Entering the lighthouse, almost instantly a sense of nausea and dizziness infects me like a disease. I''m guessing it could be the inevitable dungeon pass out that sometimes urs but before that happens, there''s something in this abandoned ce that''s caught my eye.


    Piles and piles of corpses and skeletons adorn thepletely run down interior of the ce and the smell of blood lingers for all to smell. This ce looks like horror movie or serial killer''s dream, it''s disgusting even for myck of care over things like death.


    Everyone else has the same sort of reaction, even Zeki to this ''art'' but right now, I''m more focused on making sure we''re safe.


    ''Aesa, this dizziness is definitely the dungeon, right?''


    [<Aesa senses no signs of gas or other harmful substances so Ikarus should be safe. Presumably, it is the dungeon taking effect>]


    ''At least that''s one fear gone...''


    "...Everyone! Get ready for anything, this ce could be sickening so be ready"


    (Petra) "..."


    "You don''t have to tell me orangey, this ce is disturbing as hell"


    "Yes Ikarus-sama, we''re all ready"


    "Stay by my side Lotte and we can get through this"


    (Ariza) "Let''s just hope we all arrive together"


    One by one, my party members start to drop like flies until it''s just us lovebirds left. The dreaded dungeon sleep is about to happen.


    "See you on other side Petra"


    "Heh, you too Ikar-..."


    ...

 Chapter 163 – War Dungeon

    Chapter 163 ¨C War Dungeon


    <Ah, what puny little mortals do we have entering inside my dungeon today? That''s... unexpected, you should have sent me some warning Athena if you were nning to disrespect father...>


    Having just arrived in a lifeless void presumably just before the dungeon, I''m greeted by an extremely sinister sounding voice sending chills down my spine. I''m going to assume we''vee across Ares just down to how evil he sounds and the fact he mentioned Athena and father.


    <...So, here''s the deal little insignificant phoenix, we''re going to y a game of sorts since you''ve tumbled into my world. In order toplete my dungeon and provide me with some entertainment, you''re going to do something fun...>


    ''This guy sounds like he''s about to say something sinister''


    <There''s six of you that have entered making this quite an opportunity. You see, I''m not allowing any of you to leave until one side has met its doom. Sacrifice two of your party members for me otherwise, you''ll spend eternity stuck in world you have no reason to remain in. I''ll be watching over your actions little bird...>


    And just like that, everything fades to ck...


    __________


    "*Yawnnn*... Urgh, my head..."


    "..."


    Waking up next to Petra in a gigantic bed, my head fills with fake memories of this dungeon world almost causing me to pass out. Unlike with the love dungeon, there''s years and years of history within this ce that''s causing this vertigo like spinning.


    "You alright Ikarus? Feel like I''ve been hit with a rock as well"


    Petra wakes up as well clutching her head, at least that''s a good sign we''re both conscious inside this ce despite the pain.


    Getting a quick look at our surroundings, we''re currently in a huge noble style bedroom but I already know the reason why, we are the leaders of these people so it would make sense why we''re treated like royalty. Actually, there''s no such thing in this world, at least for demonic culture.


    As for the actual setting of this world, I could try thinking about the decades of history but there''s no real point knowing the intricate backstory of a dungeon. To summarize everything up nice and tidily, we''ve got three major factions that upy this world and have been in constant war forever. Those factions are the demons, the orcs and the humans. We''ve been ruling over the demons the past twelve years as the joint queens, it hits a little close to home really.


    It honestly sounds like we''ve been served a duplicate dungeon but it''s a little different than the one we got stuck in for six months, mostly because this war has been going on forever. That, and we also know that the enemies are going to be wearing familiar faces.


    The world itself isn''t that big, could probably fly one side of it to the other in a couple of days but that still doesn''t help this situation in the slightest. You see, the leaders of the orcs are the other two phoenixes and the humans, both Charlotte and Nathan.


    By the sounds of what Ares was suggesting, one or two sides either by alliance or other methods have to win this never-ending conflict by destroying one of the three warring sides. To think this godly bastard thinks we''re going to go down this route! When we get out of here, I''m adding Ares to our kill list, dickhead deserves a painful death for trying something like this.


    "Petra, that bastard wants us to kill each other! If this is the same as that love ce, the others could be braindead as well"


    How the fuck do we end this without killing them if they could be braindead and think we''re their sworn enemy? They wouldn''t listen to reason, right? Demons, orcs and humans despise each other in this ce, it''s not like the hatred back home with the elves and dwarfs. Over here, it''s built from the very core and upbringing in this world. The only way you can stop it is through fear, blood and violence. I''m good at causing that but still.


    "We don''t know that yet Ikarus, let''s just get to grip with things first and go from there"


    "Agreed... Should probably get up as well"


    While I''m getting up trying to calm myself and find a robe to cover with, I still haven''t confirmed if my robotic wife is with us in here


    ''Aesa, I have all my abilities and faculties in here, right? There should be no problems with teleporting out if it bes too much''?


    [<Affirmative, Aesa senses no restriction to power or status. The God Ares may have made an oversight due to Ikarus''s teleporting capabilities>]


    At least that gives an option, just grab everyone and then teleport out of this ce. The problem I can see with it is, would that actually bepleting the dungeon? Eh, I''ll give that some more thoughtter, I''ve already got an idea on how there may be a way we can ignore the fact Ares wants us to destroy each other. If he wants us to kill ourselves, there''s got to be a way we can satisfy that bloodlust of his.


    Now loosely dressed if that''s what you can call it, I''ve just remembered I''ve forgot to mention something. You see, me and Petra also have horns. Yes, horns, not even kidding. Mine are ck and hers are white, pretty sure we look identical everywhere else but


    "Should probably get fully dressed while I''m up now thinking about it"


    "Heh, think we have servants for that Ikarus"


    "Yeah, I guess I''ll call them in now..."


    __________


    I''ve got to admit, we do look pretty badass now dressed in these fancy suits of armour that our maids have prepared. Mine is a lot darker and redder in colour while Petra''s is a lot whiter but still keeping some of that ck that''s obviously needed for a good outfit design. Even as a demon, I''m always going to remain weird...


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Now finally dressed and ready for the day ahead, suddenly rms ring throughout our extravagant pce just as we''re about to leave the bedroom. Almost instantly, several guards storm into our room in the process as well.


    "Protect the queens! Intruders areing!"


    "They''re arriving now, get ready!"


    Obviously, me and Petra have no idea what''s going until two very familiar faces find their way onto our balcony and our guards. Being a little more specific, two beaks rather than faces.


    "It''s about time we found you orangey and sis, been flying nonstop to get over here"


    "Uh huh, we didn''t even stop for breaks"


    ''Thank fuck these two are normal... hang on...''


    Both Zeki and Ariza change form into something I wasn''t expecting, not sure why because I assumed they''d be orcs but still. The faces of the guards around us turns from shock into pure disgust though.


    Looking at their new forms, both have horns like us but also ears simr to elves. For Ariza, her skins is a blueish shade of green and her proportions are pretty normal. As for Zeki, his proportions AREN''T normal, man looks like a gender bent version of that huge green superhero that smashes things!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Normally, I''dugh my head off at what''s happened to Zeki but the seriousness kinda outweighs the humour of the huge and hulking phoenix right now. I will start cracking up if he says something like ''Zeki smash'' or ''stronk'' though. It also reminds me of that death by snu snu thing as well, he must be despising that body.


    "Dirty orcs! Just give us the order and we''ll destroy them"


    "Scum! How dare you invade the queens bedroom!"


    The group of guards that havee to our aid still haven''t got the memo yet and need a little shouting at now, guess the NPCs inside these ces always were a little rough behind the ears.


    "Stand down or face our wrath! We erm... invited them here, that''s what this is"


    "Heh, Ikarus is right. Leave our quarters immediately!"


    Hearing use to defence of the orcs, the face of the guards look astonished, why would any self-respecting demon allow a creature like an orc into their bedroom? That''s what would be going through their heads right now, I''d be the exact same if it wasn''t the outside knowledge and friendships we have. Seriously though, even I feel disgust to other species right now, fake memories of living in this ce be doing that I suppose. Just need to view them as Zeki and Ariza and ignore the distaste... I am going to rip Ares''s throat out for making me slightly racist someday.


    Thankfully, they do end up listening to our orders and reluctantly leave the room, albeit with immense puzzled looks on their faces. Couldn''t they at least think these two are spies or something that we''ve hired to destroy the orcs? Ah, demons aren''t the smartest of bunches, pretty sure it was that way back at home as well.


    Anyways, we can finally converse with our phoenix fam, let''s just get on with it.


    "Heh, you two got here awfully quickly, me and Ikarus only just arrived"


    "Really sis? We arrived here two nights ago and have been flying ever since!"


    "Uh huh, we headed over here first because we knew you two would know what to do. I did suggest we split up and go get Charlotte and Nathan as well but Zeki wasn''t having it"


    "We''re in this deadly world brother where all the humans and demons would spit on our corpses, splitting up is suicidal right now since you really don''t fight"


    "But still, those two could be in danger as well"


    "Brother, stop being an idiot and think for a second. What happenedst time you were left alone in a dangerous spot? Yeah, we don''t have orangey''s revive anymore"


    "But... sorry Zeki, guess you''re right"


    It''s surprisingly refreshing knowing that these two seem fine and Zeki being logical!? It''s madness!


    "I''m sorry Zeki, but I''m just as clueless as you two right now. May be able toe up with something in a little while but I''m unsure on what other clear conditions there could be"


    Even Petra is a little unsure how we should go about this dungeon? That''s not exactly reassuring for the other two, guess I''m kinda going to have to to take lead again. Petra would eventuallye up with something but she can''t be doing all of the work I suppose.


    "We''re seriously not going to listen to that God bastard and kill each other, right? I''d rather fuck up this entire world then listen to that dickhead"


    "Uh huh, I don''t want any of us to die"


    "Heh, you two can rx, we''re definitely not going down that route. You have any ideas Ikarus?"


    "Yeah, I do actually, I''ve got an idea but we''ll need to find both Nathan and Charlotte first. Those two will definitely be in the human castle, right? It''s not like they can fly over here or something so we''ll head off as fast as we can"


    Us demons and humans like to live in luxury and enjoy civilization while the orcs basically live in squalor like pigs and the most they can build is tents. If it wasn''t for the brute strength of their forces, they''d have lost the three species war years ago.


    "Heh, should probably get something to eat first and rest first Ikarus. Both those two look exhausted as well"


    Didn''t even realize how tired both Ariza and Zeki look right now, they could also do with some food and a quick rest. I''ll just carry everyone since it''ll save time, don''t be moaning at me for this Aesa.


    [<Aesa only mentioned once that Ikarus shouldn''t be carrying everyone all the time. In this situation, it makesplete sense to do so>]


    ''At least that settles it...''


    "...Let''s order up some food for those two, then I''ll fly everyone over while they sleep on my back. You might want to hide out of sight just for now though, especially you Zeki"


    "Why orangey?"


    "Because, some of maids will pass out if they see what you look like that. That body of yours is insane..."


    __________


    "How much longer orangey? Your scales really suck to sleep on"


    "Uh huh, it''s not bad Ikarus but have poked my eye a couple of times"


    "..."


    Something I''ve very quickly noticed about this world on the trip over, there''s not much to look at other than constant battlefields, the odd homestead and farms in ces that don''t really seem suitable. There''s not much in the way of fertility amongst the soil so it does make sense on that sides of things but if this ce wasn''t controlled by a God, then I really couldn''t see how everyone manages to survive.


    I really shouldn''t be using that word survive though, the poption of this ce is like ten women to one male at this point if you exclude the noble poption. That''s just how devastated this ce has be due to constant conflict.


    Anyways, I''ve been flying straight for two days and now, the human castle is in sight high atop a lone mountain in the distance. Sending an army to invade this ce would be a nightmare due to the single stairway up to the top, believe me I already know as the memories already say we''ve tried a n and lost thousands of demons doing so. Eh, they were actions done by the leaders we''ve inhabited so it''s not like we care all that much, still doesn''t feel great to sacrifice thousands pointlessly though.


    It''s takes a little bit more time flying towards the vast and beautiful human capital and almost instantly, we''re greeted by screams and concerned looks all around. I guess a big, terrifying but chubby dragon is ''attacking'' their homes after all.


    "Dragon! Sound the rms!"


    "Get the crossbows ready, God save our souls"


    "They were supposed to be extinct!? What''s going on?"


    ''Ah, even in a different world, dragons are extremely rare or extinct... These little mortals really look worthless down there''


    Honestly, the technology in this world is pretty simr to ours but everything seems to be weak as fuck. This isn''t the first time I''ve been shot at flying over here and even had a harpoonnd into me by a patrol or two, literally feels like nothing more than a scratch though.


    I''m pretty sure the overall bnce of power in this world is much weaker due to how much death has urred. Of course, if you and your children are constantly getting sent off to die in a war, it''s not exactly like you''re going to gain strength and levels being sent into the meatgrinder. This world is doomed and it honestly wouldn''t surprise me if Ariza''s is the sixth strongest person inside this ce, that''s just how much of a gap remains in this world if our healer is this powerful.


    Enough about all that crap though, I''ve already flown past pretty much all the terrified humans and have now arrived at the pce itself. Luckily enough, there''s a balcony connected to the throne room big enough to allow me tond.


    Making a quicknding, getting everyone off my back and changing form, the entire room filled with guards'' pile towards us looking to destroy the demon and orcish scum that dare to invade the holynd. Like ours though, none seem to be willing to attack without explicit orders to do so from the powers that be.


    Both of the two thrones are currently upied and like we all predicted, both Nathan and Charlotte are the leaders of the humannds. Like us, they both have different outfits on as well, priestess rocking a white priestess garb funnily enough and the knight in a golden set of armour supplemented by a white cape.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ...


    Both Nathan and Charlotte look at us with puzzled faces and my anxiety starts to build when nothing is said, these two can''t be braindead, right? We''ll have to kill them if they want us destroyed and can''t be reasoned with...


    Luckily, such fear is unnecessary, they were just more surprised than anything else.


    "You''re all here!? Me and Nat were worried we may be all alone in this ce, we really have no idea how to get out"


    "It''s really good to see you all... Guards, leave this instant! These are very important guests!"


    The knights under the rulership of the holy priestess and King Nathan immediately leave the room with no questions asked once shouted at, I''d have liked a reaction simr with our guards who first saw the orcs but obviously these humans are a little less tant with their racism.


    "It''s great to see you two are faring well, white suits you really well Charlotte"


    (Ariza) "Uh huh, it''s good to know you two are safe"


    (Petra) "..."


    "Thanks Ikarus-sama and Ariza-sama, I-..."


    "Can we skip this pointless reunion cause we''ve already been in here for days already? Does anyone have any fucking clue how we''re going to get out of this shithole? I''m down for sacrificing the nun and empire''sckey but I''d rather not have to take orders from a bastard God"


    ...


    Thatment Zeki made cutting off Charlotte makes everyone ufortable except me, I know what he said about sacrificing them was a lie despite him and Nathan not being on the best of terms. Just him being a tsundere like usual so best ignore it.


    "Patience kid, already told you I may have an idea. Now that we''re all here, let''s get started..."


    Both Nathan and Charlotte leave the thrones and we all go to stand around a round table inside this room, presumably used for plotting war if you look at the maps and other things on the table.


    "...You lot may not know this but Ares is the God of war, that basically means his entire goal is obvious. I can think of three ideas that may just work getting us out of this ce..."


    All of the party stand around full of expectation from Ikarus finally embracing the protagonist role and leading on! I''d rather they all not look at me like this since they''re just ideas after all, they could all fail and go terribly wrong.


    "...The first one, I''ll call the nuclear option. That involves wiping out this entire world and killing every single person that lives inside this ce"


    ...


    And of course, the ufortable looks now focus on me rather than Zeki. I''m being deadly serious though.


    "You can look at me like that all you want but if the God is looking for war, what better way than to destroy the entire world hemands? He''d probably enjoy it as well, the war to end all wars. I''m not saying we do it, but it''s still an option"


    Nuking an entire world does have some appeal but it''s obvious only I and Zeki would enjoy such a n. The only reason why this isn''t my main idea is that I''d rather not disappoint Petra and Charlotte, my morality basicallyes down to my future wife and friend anyways.


    "Option two... let''s call it the annoying sibling n or something stupid like that if you want a name. This n is theplete opposite and we go against his ns by forcing peace. Imagine his reaction when we decide to turn this ce into a paradise and stop all the wars, Ares would be pissed if he''s watching"


    That gets a few happier faces around excluding Zeki who obviously seems to prefer the nuclear option. I do agree with him but already said my reasons otherwise.


    "Seriously orangey? One of your ns is destroy everything and the next is make everything happy and peaceful!?"


    "Heh, Zeki has a point Ikarus, both are considerably different"


    "The funny thing is, they really are more simr than you''d think. You''ll understand more when I go into the details, lemme just get onto the third..."


    ''In all honesty, I really don''t see the point in mentioning thest n but still should bring it up just in case, I guess''


    "...The third option is, we just TP out of this ce and see if we can find another token elsewhere. For some reason, I imagine abandoning this ce will cause us to lose out on it since we technically wouldn''t be finishing it. There''s obviously a fourth choice of sacrifice but I''d rather doom a thousand different worlds than kill any of you five... Don''t say anything Charlotte"


    By the looks of it, priestess was about to say something but I don''t want to hear it. As much as people refuse to admit it, some human lives have greater value than others, life is not equal and never will be. I''m just being realistic about it all, I could see Charlotte offering to sacrifice herself and maybe the same thing with Nathan, I''m not even entertaining the idea.


    "That peace n Ikarus, how does it even work? You''ve clearly been giving this some thought"


    "Petra, it''s a little janky and needs a load of work but it may just piss him off enough to let usplete the dungeon, the other two ns can always be done if it fails anyways. I am sorry Ariza but you will have to give me a hand with this all"


    "Me Ikarus? There''s not much I can do other than heal"


    "This n heavily involves you, let me get through it all first..."

 Chapter 164 – Bloody Celebration

    Chapter 164 ¨C Bloody Celebration


    "So, everyone gets that? That''s the basics for my n anyways"


    (Petra) "..."


    "It''s a little brutal Ikarus-sama but if it''ll work, then I''m onboard"


    "Needs of the many outweigh the few and all that, something we all learnt in knight''s training anyways"


    "Ignoring the boring thing the empire''sckey just said, hell yeah orangey! This is going to be great!"


    Having just exined my n in heavy detail to everyone, I''ve gotten nearly everybody onboard, even Zeki but that wasn''t difficult considering there is bloodshed even in the attempt to bring peace into this world. The only person who still is unsure is the only person I need to glue this entire operation together.


    "Uh huh, I''m not sure about this Ikarus. I''ll do it if I must but it seems really bad though"


    "This is the most peaceful option I cane up with and you are the only person who can make it work effectively Ariza. It''s either this or I start nuking everything, no one else has any other ideas yet"


    "I''ll still do it Ikarus, I''m just sad about it really"


    You see, I could go about wiping every single person from this continent of thends and turn it into a nuclear hellscape but even for me, that might be overdoing it. The main problem is that I don''t want Petra to hate me and Charlotte to determine me a heaven or something, feel like nuking an entire world would be pushing it despite options being limited right now.


    "I''ve got to admit Ikarus, this is a really well thought out n though"


    "It''s as if you sound surprised Petra. What, am I not intelligent enough toe up with something like this?"


    "Heh, don''t be putting words in my mouth Ikarus, or I''ll y the same game with you. Remember when you nearly called me fat?"


    "Erm... okay then"


    Putting whatever yfulness that was aside real quick, it seems we''re good to go? Ariza isn''t happy but at the end of the day, this n will save more lives than it will take so she''s kinda onboard.


    "Now, the prep work starts. If my memories recall, there is a perfectly ced venue right in the centre of this world..."


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "Hurry up ve, those horses won''t park themselves!"


    "Yes sir!"


    Having just got outside my carriage and now at the ce in question, I''m currently getting my ve to park and move everything to where all the other carriages are. Boy, there clearly must be quite the few invitees here since the outside to this huge ballroom looks like a carriage parking lot! Of course, mine is the fanciest of them all.


    ''Ah, the joys of freebour. It was either this or the frontlines for the boy''


    Thews regarding forced conscription have always been kind to us nobles and will keep allowing us to keep our roles regardless of how many poor boys go off to war. This kid in particr would''ve been dead if it wasn''t for my outstretched arms, all it took was signing a few forms and that was it, he apparently no longer exists! Easiest piece of business I''ve ever done and I get to feel like I''ve saved a life as well. I really am too kind at times.


    Enough about him though, might as well recap on why I''m here at this strange ce in the middle of nowhere. Roughly about a week ago, most of the higher ups in the demonic faction were sent suspicious invitations to attend a party from the queens themselves! Of course, we all thought it was bullshit at first especially considering where this enclosed location is at but the stamped seal does not lie. Ah, attendance ispulsory as well which definitely means this must be important if we''re being forced to show up.


    As I''m just about to enter the grand hall, I notice a few other higher ranked demon nobles and generals around the ce... and humans!?


    ''Is this what I think it is? The queens are going to broker peace with the puny humans? Huh, what a strange n indeed''


    I''m strongly against this but this clearly must be why someone like me has been sent, to advise over the whole situation. If the humans are nning to surrender, then I''ll be a lot more open minded to the idea but that ''noble'' human doesn''t exactly look like he''d be willing to grovel down by my boots though. At the end of the day, all races should be grovelling if not from demon descent.


    I''m honestly surprised fighting hasn''t already broken out but the invite did say fighting of any kind isn''t allowed and will be treated like treason. If the majesties really feel like this is something that must happen, then so be it.


    Anyways, we all eventually walk into the hall and immediately, my face drops upon seeing what other disgusting race is residing within these halls.


    "What the hell kind of sick joke is this? What self-respecting demon would be seen on a room filled with fucking orcs!?"


    This is outrageous! The two demon queens send apulsory invitation out to all the higher ups and they want me to stay inside a ce filled with dirty beasts!? It doesn''t matter if I''m getting the odd look or two for openly voice my opinion like this, I don''t care!


    As for the actualyout of the hall, it clearly was a high-ss ballroom that''s now been turned more into a partyyout with a buffet and things like that, doesn''t help there''s easily over a hundred souls inside this ce as well. As a demon, it was only logical I arrive fashionablyte but to think my brethren have been sharing a room with this scum for this long already?


    Standing at the top of the hall is both the queens, a golden armoured looking human and a dirty blue skinned creature! It''s bad enough there''s humans all around the ce but to think orcs litter these clean halls, there''s even a huge green orc sitting on a chair with a grin upon its face! The audacity of this! Have the leaders gone mad!? Peace with any orc is uneptable!


    "My queens, whatever is going down in this hall is akin to madness! Please, stop whatever it is you''re doing and return to the castle"


    Both Queen Ikarus and Petra don''t even acknowledge my existence and just keep whispering something to each other, what disrespect! After everything I''ve done for them, this is how they dare treat me!


    ''How dare they treat their most trusted adviser like this! Loyalty is something I pride myself on but not to madness''


    It''s obvious we need a new change in leadership if this is how the queens are now doing things, we''ll have to start up secret meetings and plot to rid of them somehow. Of course, that''ll be a difficult task but if we can get them in their sleep, then maybe there''s a chance for things to return to the norm.


    Unlike how I''m visibly able to show my dissatisfaction over such a situation, most of the others in the hall look disgusted as well, obviously just trying to hide it in an attempt to not anger the queens. Screw angering them, we need a different leadership if we''re nning to befriend the other species! The only use an orc has, is to be skinned and made into a rug.


    Just as I''m about to turn around and leave, one of the humans closes up a doorway and causally addresses our Queen Ikarus like it''s nothing!


    "That''s everyone Ikarus-sama, not a single soul unounted for"


    "Good then Charlotte, looks like I can finally get the show moving along..."


    While speaking, Queen Ikarus grabs a bell and grabs full attention of the room. That couldn''t have been more unnecessary if she tried, everyone has been giving the queens res ever since we entered from all factions.


    "...Say, out of curiosity, how many of you inside this room despise the other species? I don''t just mean a teeny bit. I mean, who would go to great lengths to kill a child or baby from a different race? Don''t worry, I promise I won''t judge!"


    ...


    ''Queen Ikarus has lost all sense of reasoning and logic; the other queen needs to strike her down if her brain has lost it''s reasoning''


    As if anyone would answer such a disgusting question, who would honestly admit to killing children?


    If I''m being honest and being unfiltered, yes, I probably would. Killing that child would stop a potential soldier fighting yearster and killing one of our demons, it''s a logical answer despite no one would ever personally admit to killing children. I''d be a little more sceptical on humans but orcs, they are nothing better than animals anyways.


    "No one really wishes to answer then!? Ariza? Who''s the lucky winners of the game then?"


    "Uh huh... numbers... two, seventeen, neen, thirty-one, thirty-six, forty-five and one-hundred and four. I''m taking care of three and forty-one personally"


    Both the filthy orc and Queen Ikarus are reading off a sheet of paper and now seem to be directing the armoured male human and Queen Petra, what sort of lottery even is this? A small grin seems to be growing on the mad queen''s face as well.


    (Petra) "Confirmed, left side is mine"


    (Nathan) "Despicable... let''s get this done Petra"


    All of a sudden, a couple of the humans within the crowd pull out des and slit their own throats! Then, the two humans being directed jump off the stage, unsheathe their des and start shing at people all around regardless of their species.


    "Arg-"


    "Hel-"


    It doesn''t matter on the species, Queen Petra is sending heads flying on all sides and is nowing over to my direction, what the actual fuck is going down right now!?!


    "No-..."


    __________


    Screams fill the ballroom as nobles flock trying to escape only to find the doors locked and nowhere to go from the celebration. I''m still just standing on the stage directing everyone and trying to turn this bloody asion into something a little less deranged. It hasn''t workedpletely how I intended but everything is going down without any real problems, this purge is surprisingly enjoyable but then again, can you me me for ordering the deaths of potential child killers?


    "Hahaha... You really are a master at entertainment orangey, this is the best party I''ve ever been to!"


    [<Even Aesa is proud of Ikarus foring up with this n. If God Area is watching over, this will either send him mad or he''ll be impressed>]


    Zeki stands as bulky as ever blocking one of the open doorways not allowing a single panicked soul to enter past, Charlotte also does the same to the other side of the room. Her summoned sword is more than enough to scare people away from that exit as well, it''s not like there''s any way out of here right now.


    Anyways, the initial blood ughter is now over and both the knight and my waifu''s de drips with the sweet blood from child murderers. It actually feels good not having to worry about killing for a change especially considering those lot had no issues over doing such a thing.


    "So, those few were the most racist out of the lot then? At least that''s a good start, you two can join me back up here now"


    "Heh, of course Ikarus"


    "To think that those fuckers would kill kids, we should''ve made them suffer for longer"


    "Rx Nat, the heathens are dead now"


    To go into a little more detail on this ce, there was a big reason why Ariza''s is needed. You see, there''s a reason why she hates her mind controlling abilities and purposely refuses to use them. If you''re able to control minds, then reading them wouldn''t be beyond the realms of possibility, correct?


    She literally has the power to read ALL minds regardless or strength or anything like that, it''s pretty understandable why she wouldn''t use it considering Ariza despises exploiting people. My lie detector is good enough but imagine being able to know everything inside someone''s brain? Our healer is pretty damn OP.


    The thing is, I''m personally not too worried if she reads or has read me before, all she''d find is a Petra shaped plushie running on a hamster wheel and porn, lots and lots of porn. At least I''m honest about it I suppose, the Ikarus hard drive definitely needs a factory reset someday.


    Going back on topic, Ariza by herself still isn''t strong enough to force all the bigots in the room to kill themselves so this is why Petra''s and Nathan are acting as the swords except for the two who killed themselves, I''m obviously the orchestrator for everything. Sure, I could just go through every person and do a lie detector test myself but that would be massively time consuming and if they refuse to speak, then I''d be clueless. This is better for everyone.


    "Let us out!"


    "We don''t want to die... get your arms off me human scum!"


    Even when faced with imminent death and they''re trying to force a way out, they still can''t help but show their true colours. They can keep banging on the doors for as long as they want, there''s only two ways in and out, each of which have either a bulking orc or a heavenly priestess.


    Anyways, us four are back on the stage ready for next part of this y, I''m definitely embracing my inner psychopath right now but can''t exactly say it''s being used unfairly. Ariza can see into the depths of their souls after all.


    "Everyone listen up and gather back around if you wish to live! All six of us have decided to join arms and put an end to this pointless war that has been killing all our children. Tonight, things will change whether you want to embrace it or not!"


    Eventually, the panicking crowd settles down but it doesn''t take a genius to figure out the opposing sides really don''t like the sound of this. Demons and orcs in particr have such a huge rivalry, peace would never be an option with all the nobles and advisers around the ce.


    If we had gone down the sacrificing route and disposed of a single side, it''s nearly guaranteed that the humans would''ve been one of the groups surviving. They may seem the least racist side but I''m pretty sure they''re just better at hiding itpared to everyone else. Anyways, it''s time to continue on with the show...


    "Now, it''s time to be honest with yourselves and you may just live through this beautiful night! The next important question is just as a simple as thest, all you need to do is answer if you''d be willing to stop fighting with each other? Permanently!"


    ...


    Once again, silencepletely fills the hall as none wish to answer the question. It doesn''t matter if lot try to hide your true feelings, Ariza can see through everything.


    "Ariza?"


    "Twenty-two, thirty-two, thirty-eight..."


    Ariza ends up listing off a good twenty numbers or so and once done, both Nathan and Petra start to read through the list and confirm who they need to hunt.


    "... and one-hundred and one... I really hate using this Ikarus"


    "Only one more round left, then I shouldn''t need to ask you again Ariza"


    While I''m trying to console Ariza on why this is the right thing to do, Petra and Nathan start going headhunting again looking for more and more blood to spill.


    Oh, I never exined this whole number thing as well, we stamped the hands of the majority of guests while they were first entering. For the few who arrived an hourte, it wasn''t worth the hassle so just added on a few more numbers.


    Screams start to fill the hall again while I just take a seat right on the corner of the stage witnessing the glory that is Petra''s finisher. This ce is going to have a gigantic pile of heads by the end of this, a few have tried to fight back but we are the strongest individuals in this world after all.


    Nathan himself is pretty good with a sword as well but it''s hard to pay attention when fangirling the hell out of that sexy piece of arse over there. Ah, looks like those two are getting involved as well now.


    This time around, people are trying to forcibly push past Charlotte and Zeki, this will only lead disastrously.


    Charlotte reluctantly has a face of guilt slicing down a few with her summoned sword while Zeki just smiles that nasty grin of his torching a bunch of people who all tried to get past. At least the terrified nobles now know escape is hopeless.


    Once the second round of racists are dead, the smell of death lingers in this ce like the aftermath of a gue, but we''re not done just yet. One more question left to go to rid this world of racist nobles, let''s just hope this fear they have of us can force a change in mindset.


    "Now, onto thest question. How many of you would be willing to live in the same city with a different species? Don''t worry, I''m not asking you to get married with another race or anything like that but, would you be okay with an orc or human neighbour for example? That neighbor can be several houses away as well"


    People are afraid of things they don''t understand so a tiny bit of racism can be ignored, people can change their beliefs depending on the circumstances and I''m hoping pure fear may be able to break them.


    "*Sighhh*... there''s no point me listing this off Ikarus, all of them say no"


    "Seriously Ariza!? There''s not a single person in this room willing to live in the same city as someone different!?"


    "Yeah Ikarus, none of them are willing to change. The people really aren''t nice inside this world, feel less guilty using this now"


    I''m not the only person with a face of slight shock, most of the party excluding Petra and Zeki share the same expression. Maybe I haven''t witnessed the worst of humanity yet hence why I thought there was a chance these bastard nobles could change, guess my naivety has returned a little. As if people in power could change their ways even just a little.


    "Eh, oh well then. It''s time to put on a closing act for this y..."


    Just as I''m about to kick off the final round, the ground starts to shake and all the doors within this grand hall suddenly burst open. It looks like we''ve stirred the hos'' nest, at least by who is standing in one of the open doorways now.


    "What the actual fuck are you doing inside my realm!? How dare you try to end this war!"


    ''Ah, so this is what Ares looks like in the flesh...''

 Chapter 165 – God of War

    Chapter 165 ¨C God of War


    ---Should be back to regr scheduling this week but don''t hold me to it, head is better but still not great.


    __________


    "Wah! You lot have no idea how much this is going to set me back! It''s taken me decades to find the perfect parameters for this never-ending conflict and just like that, you destroy everything gluing it together!"


    A man decked out in a red set of armour wielding a spear and a shield charges through one of the now open doorways absolute furious with the performance we''ve been acting out and honestly takes me aback a little, this is supposed to be Ares? He looks grown up enough but sounds like a spoilt child or something.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ''That sucks, looks like this noble purge is uplete''


    While he''s getting mad at the n I conducted, all of the nobles start to charge outside and I can only feel immense disappointment from my unfinished n. I wanted to kill some racists too.


    "Get back here, you motherfucking racist scum!"


    Turns out, orc Zeki really hates racists all of a sudden, I''m pretty sure he was just embracing his inner psychopath tonight like me, it''s not really like we can chase them considering who is standing right in front of us.


    "You stupid mortals really have no idea how much you''ve set me be back, looks like some sort of punishment is needed"


    That''s when the God raises his spear and points it towards us, also setting up abat stance simr to how Spartans may fight with their shields. It''s obvious that we now have to fight this bastard, was hoping he''d just kick us out of this ce but guess not then.


    Suddenly, just beforebat is about to kick off, a terrible memoryes up of something that nearly got forgotten. If we have to fight this God within his own dungeon, doesn''t that mean we may be fucked? Can''t also forget there''s also no point status scanning him, divine beings seem to have a filter on unless you''re Jarl Denver.


    It was that time we came across Lyssa, the mad guy back inside the ol''mage tower and he wiped the floor with us. I know we''re more powerful now but this might be a fight we cannot win if Gods are practically immortal in ces like this. It''s either than or that Lyssa was deceptively strong, we''ll still try and put up a fight against this armoured God though.


    Anyways, we ready our weapons of choice and the God charges at us causing a small shockwave to ur throwing all but the strongest of us back. Only me and Petra were strong enough to stay standing throughout that attack.


    ''Aesa?''


    [<Confirmed, -aspect of gigantomachy- has been activated>]


    Sensing a slight opportunity despite his excellent stance, I attack first trying to sh Excalibur into his side but it only gets blocked by his shield. However, I repeat the same attack ttering into the metal again but it proves ample distraction for Petra whose sword art flies plunging deep into one of the gaps around his shoulder tes.


    "Wah! Hahaha..."


    The God screams from pain but that quickly turns to maddeningughter, clearly he''s just shrugging off the pain despite his shoulder looking pretty gnarly.


    "...Despicable to use a giant''s power against me. I was only going to scare you a little, but now, you''ve really pissed me off"


    A tremendous amount of power flows out of the enraged God causing the ground to shake and the walls to crack, we are nearly swept off out feet again but thankfully we''re still standing.


    Then, he goes on the offensive swiping and dashing his spear ahead of himself forcing both me and Petra to avoid his swing, both of us make sure to coat him in fire while retreating backwards though.


    While me and Petra are trying to defend his immense speed and skill with the spear, the rest of our party have finally gotten their heads out of the sand and have joined us in fighting against the God of war.


    Zeki unleashes hellish red me all over our enemy but like with ours, it seems to be pretty ineffective to the beast of a guy we''re fighting.


    Charlotte shoots off aser beam from her sword only to find itpletely being blocked by Ares''s shield. Using the distraction of that, Nathan now tries to swipe at the guy but only finds his sword ricochets off the armour effectively doing nothing.


    Heck, even Ariza is joining in firing several arrows towards him but like with Nathan''s sword, all just reflect off it. Didn''t know she was an archer but guess she surprises me more every day.


    Despite all this and me now using the cover of my party, I swoop around to the side and try tond a hit of my own into the armoured juggernaut that is this God of war.


    Ares manages to sense my first swing from Excalibur going to great lengths to swipe the attack with his spear but my vampiric de finds another route sinking into a gap to the side of his stomach. That armour isn''t imprable if you know where to avoid it.


    "Wah! Both of you have that cheat skill!? I''m done humouring you now!"


    Like the heavens ripping apart from the seams, this entire world disappears within an instant after the God snaps his fingers and all that''s left is a lifeless void, the same type of void we always seem to end up back in. This ce is unoriginal as hell now.


    ''Has this God chickened out on us or some-, urgh! My head...''


    Suddenly, the lights switch on showing us in a tiny cer like room just containing just us lovebirds and the God, albeit we''ve just been tossed to the ground by an invisible force and now remain in a begging position.


    Panic immediately sets in when I realize I have no control over my own body and Ares slowly walks towards us, this is seriously the power Gods have within these ces!? I need to break hold of this shit; I don''t know how though!


    ''Aesa, is there any way to break out of his control? Have I got an ability that could do anything!?''


    [<...>]


    ''Really!? Now you''re fucking silent!? Shit...''


    "You see, I feel like you little mortals have no idea on how these sorts of ces work. Inside this world, I am unstoppable! The only chance you have of defeating me is to destroy this entire world and even then, that''s still asking for a lot even for a God. This entire realm is my lifeforce and you puny insects were always doomed from the start"


    The God just stands their boasting while me and Petra are still grovelling on the ground, to think we made such a rookie error. No, Athena and Hephaestus sent us here, they also share some of the me but are we seriously going to die like this on our knees? That would make for a shitty ending...


    "However, let this be a lesson learnt rather than the fight finishing. I''ll reluctantly let you all out shortly... even if it''ll cause father to go crazy when he finds out"


    (Ikarus) "Wait, you''re sparing us!? Why?"


    This guy is loyal to Zeus, right? Shouldn''t that mean he should be destroying especially considering he''s currently busy handling the civil war amongst the Gods?


    "If you''re wondering why I''m doing such a thing, you can thank half-sister for this. Without me owing her a favour, you''d have died the second you entered this ce and we wouldn''t be having such a pleasant conversation..."


    Finally, the control this guy has over us breaks free and we''re able to finally stand facing him. This doesn''t really make sense to put us in such an ufortable position if he owes Athena a favour, right? Wouldn''t he have just let usplete it easily enough?


    "...Despite my undying loyalty to father and how much he''d love for me to purge you all right now, Athena was always fated to be the next ruler so I refuse to remain in her debt for when it happens someday. Even I understand prophecies are inevitable, even if they can be fun to fight against"


    Athena was fated to be the next God that rules all? Huh, I''m not sure if I remember that prophecy or legend, surprised Zeus didn''t try and kill her hearing that but maybe he did? This bird doesn''t know everything about Greek myth after all.


    I''d kinda like to know what Ares owes Athena but right now, all I want to do is get far enough away from this ce... Wait, is that why he tried to get us to kill each other? Because Ares agreed to not kill us but if we did it ourselves, it wouldn''t count? This sly motherfucker, we''re definitely going to kill him someday...


    "Anyways, just take my token and fuck off already, so much work and not enough time"


    Ares flicks us the coin and I catch it mid-flight, another odd dungeon experience once again. At least this time around it doesn''t feel anticlimactic, or does it? Eh, let''s just move on...


    As we''re slowly fading out of existence, slight mumbling from the God can be heard as he tries to justify something.


    "Hmm, maybe this could work out better if you lot live. It''ll definitely draw more of the rebellious Gods out to try and help... which in turn also means more war! I''m slightly happy Athena got involved no-..."


    __________


    "Well, that was annoying, that guy basically tore us a new one"


    "Heh, that fight really could''ve ended us Ikarus. Now that we know Gods are practically untouchable within dungeons, we should try and avoid them as much as possible"


    "Normally, I''d say you''re being a coward sis but the less dungeon exploring we do, the better"


    "Uh huh, they may be too dangerous for even the six of us"


    "Atst, we have everything we need to free my Lord! Now, let''s just hope the next part is easy enough"


    "We''ll be good Lotte; we''ve already gone this far together"


    Finally awaking back inside that lighthouse, all of us are obviously happy with finally getting outside of that ce. Things were looking tense there so the fact none of us ended up hurt is a blessing.


    ''Yo Aesa, you back with us as well?''


    [<Apologies for going quiet Ikarus, Aesa was unsure what to say in that situation. Whatever power Gods hold inside dungeons, that power isn''t beatable with normal levelling standards>]


    Aesa sounds really little depressed about this, it''s not like we haven''te across more powerful foes before but maybe the imminent threat of death was a little overwhelming? Eh, maybe it''s less of a concern for me because knowing my luck, I''ll probably end up reincarnating inside another egg or something like that, might end up being a chicken as well. I''d freaking hate to be one of those little bastards.


    ''So, you going quiet was by choice? What, were you embracing our deaths or something?''


    [<Affirmative, Aesa assumed our adventure hade to an end and was reflecting on things>]


    ...


    ''Wow... I''lly off if that''s the case. You cane out and I''ll give you a hug if it''s needed''


    [<Ikarus really suggests some weird activities at times... Aesa appreciates it but no thank you>]


    To think Aesa really got that worried about it all. Not really sure what to say but I''ll just let my robotic wife get on with it then, she''s strong enough to get over it quickly enough.


    "Well, we appear to have the coin but did anyone get a reward for that? Aesa hasn''t told me anything so I assume we''ve got another dud?"


    Another dungeon, anothercklustre reward. It was foretold dungeons are shit so best not even mention it anymore.


    "Heh, nothing here Ikarus"


    "Uh huh, none as well Ikarus"


    "Hang on orangey... What do you mean you don''t know!? Erk, this is why I don''t talk to you dickhead..."


    ''Heh, I forgot Zeki sometimes has fights with his system''


    "...What do you fucking mean do it yourself!? Erk, fine... Oh, Ares actually gave me his blessing"


    ...


    Wait, Zeki actually got rewarded for something!? Obviously, the God of war saw something in the blood crazy Mr obnoxious that he likes, I''m actually happy for him and not jealous at all! It may sound like it but he does tend to get screwed over the most out of us, even if it''s justified.


    "What was it then kid? Do tell already"


    "It''s this red, pointy spear of his orangey..."


    Zeki pulls out the fancy looking spear Ares had just tried to damage us with but he can''t help but look a little disappointed with his reward. It''s funny really, Zeki''s just been given an actual God tier weapon and he''s currently using it for nothing more than to scratch his back.


    "...Seriously though, who even uses a spear nowadays? I guess it''s kinda cool I get something that you lot don''t but if that guy thinks I''m going to use this to be a hero or something, then he''s an idiot"


    (Ikarus) "There''s no way that God thinks you''re capable of bing a hero Zeki. Heh, I guess you could be the spear hero of the Amazonian tribe though"


    "Heh"


    "Seriously orangey? Erk, what is it with you and my suffering?"


    "Karma kid, those breasts of yours are always prime material to mock"


    Anyways, we are still in that bloody lighthouse filled with corpses so best make our leave and find the entrance to the Underworld next. This hopefully should be a more enjoyable trip but you never know with how this world works.


    As soon as we make haste and exit the building, two extremely strange things seem to happen together. The first is that Zeki rapidly begins to morph back into being male once again, albeit ''male'' was always an extremely loose term for how feminine he usually looks. Those twos are now gone and my disappointment is immeasurable.


    That''s pretty strange because he should''ve had another fortnight of his gender bender sentencing. My best guess is that time inside that dungeon was quicker than we first anticipated, didn''t bring it up but Petra did state it feels a tiny bit quicker than normal time flow. Focusing on such a mundane detail right now is little pointless though.


    "Ah, the sentence is finally up, no more backpain! I''m in heaven right now!"


    "Erm, kid, are you not noticing something else?"


    The second is what stairs us all dead in the face high up above the sky, there''s freaking airships! Like those huge balloon looking things that are gigantic and look like the belong in a steam punk sort of world, three of them span the horizon like monsters adorning the midday sky.


    By the looks of it, none of my party knew about this and look as shocked as I. Even dwarfs don''t have airships so this is amazing!


    "Heh, that''s definitely new Ikarus, didn''t realize the technology around here ha-"


    "ATTENTION! All of you who have just left the building, stay still and wait to be seen!"


    A thundering voice, presumably from one of the airships roars obviously directing towards us. Whatever the reason for this is, it''s not exactly going to look great considering the state of that lighthouse...

 Chapter 166 – Odd Circumstances

    Chapter 166 ¨C Odd Circumstances


    "Is that... is that two dragons!? No, they can''t be, all dragons are different colours"


    "Heh, you can''t be forgetting something that important Ikarus. They definitely aren''t dragon"


    (Zeki) "Is that... hahahaha..."


    "Are they... Yeah, they''re definitely wyverns"


    "You can tell that from over here Nat? I guess you did fly them quite a bit"


    Still ahead of the party remains the three airships, however, two blue flying creatures have appeared in sight having just exited the airships. It''s been way too long since we''vee across wyverns, bit strange that both of them are unmanned though.


    The odd thing is, the only person who hasn''t said anything is Ariza who seems to be a little anxious.


    "Uh... Ikarus, can we flee? I really don''t want to deal with this again"


    "Hahaha, I knew it! It''s brother''s boyfriend! To think he lives ove- ouch!"


    "He''s not my freaking boyfriend Zeki! Uhhh, how many times to I have to tell you!?"


    Ariza rightfully gives Zeki a quick punch from the boyfriend tease but now I can''t help being extremely curious. I always thought that wyvern prince moment would never be brought up again so meeting a royalty of the flying rats sounds pretty cool. Unlike father, I can bottle easily bottle up my dislike of the creatures, should probably avoid calling them actual rats though.


    "So, I''m going to assume one of them is the wyvern prince then? Could the other be the fabled wyvern king as well?"


    One definitely appears considerably bigger than the other and they both are fast approaching, the other phoenixes don''t seem to be worrying about things so hopefully the king won''t attack us?


    "Uh... huh? Never got around to meeting his father Ikarus, we didn''t even speak for longer than an afternoon"


    "No idea orangey. All I know is that the prince has a massive crush for brother"


    "He doesn''t Zeki! He was just thankful for the help; will you please just stop already?"


    ''Ah, so this is an unrequited love sort of thing? Let''s see how this goes then''


    Eventually, the two blue flying rats make their way over to where we''re at andnd right in front of us. If I didn''t have to forcibly act like I dislike wyverns, reason being the ol''lizard would be disappointed if I liked them, I''d almost say they look kinda... cute? At least by wyvern standards, sort of a mixture between a puppy and a dragon face.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Anyways, both of them barely spend any time if those cute forms of theirs before switching into something a little more human friendly.


    A boy, the spitting image of Ariza forms from one of the wyverns with a blue suit of armour on and the other, a much bigger, bulkier and manly version of the boy with a crown atop his head. These two are definitely rted and judging by how they look, I can see why the prince may have a crush on Ariza. Just imagine how blue the family would look together!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "Uh, why do I have do this father? You always handle these sorts of affairs"


    ''He even freaking speaks like Ariza! Even Petra''s just given me a wink, she clearly knows what''s up! We probably shouldn''t get involved''


    "I''m not always going to be here boy so best get you started while you''re young, all we''re really doing is saying hi anyways"


    The boy whose probably in histe teenager years but we all know I use kid and boy loosely, sulks from clearly having to do speak with strangers until his eye gleams when he spots one of our party members trying to hide in the back.


    "But still father, you said I should enjoy my lif-, wait... is that you Ariza!? What brings you to our part of the world!?"


    Almost instantly, the boy''s face switches to pure excitement and even a slight fluster appears on his face. There''s no doubt about it, he''s head over heels for Ariza. I''m notpletely sure if she feels the same just down to the fact she''s desperately trying to hide from him.


    "It''s uh... good to see you again prince. How did that injury heel up?"


    "Brilliantly! If it wasn''t for your majestic hands, I would''ve lost that wing! The offer still stands by the way"


    "*Sighhh*... not this again"


    Ariza facepalms, the prince just smiles with joy and the king grins in a sly manner knowing what''s going on in his son''s head. That offer was presumably about him proposing to Ariza, perhaps? We should probably leave them to it, don''t want to be getting in the way of the next potential couple. I do have to admit the prince looks girly as hell though.


    "Heh, you''re presumably the wyvern king we''ve heard so much about then?"


    "I am indeed. I also presume you two are the phoenix queens sparking so much interest as well, Petra and Ikarus? I''ve already heard too much about Ariza and Zeki from my sap of a son, I am a little surprised four phoenixes are travelling with a royal knight and priestess of the empire though"


    (Charlotte) "The reason is a little personal if you don''t mind us not sharing"


    (Nathan) "Yeah, we''re not really willing to go into it"


    "Don''t worry, I wasn''t asking. Just surprised more than anything"


    And of course, this guy seems to know way too much, shouldn''t be that surprised considering all leaders except us have eyes and ears everywhere. Surprised both Nathan and Charlotte aren''t willing to share but they have always been a little suspicious of strangers I suppose.


    "If it''s not too much though, I would like to ask why you were in that ursed ce? The strench of death still reeks over here"


    ''Ah, now the awkward bit. How do we exin ourselves here?''


    Sure, this guy probably isn''t an enemy, would be slightly hard to be considering his son won''t stop pestering Ariza right now, but is he trust worthy enough to tell him the truth? Eh, it''s not like dungeon hunting requires a license or anything, what''s the harm is saying why?


    (Ikarus) "We were dungeon hunting and that ce just so happened to be on our list. Don''t ask on the reason why though"


    "That lighthouse was an entrance to a dungeon? No wonder why everyone who entered it died, you six must''vepleted it then? Get anything nice for the reward?"


    "Not necess-"


    "Eh, not really blue guy, this stick looks pretty cool but seems useless. Stabbing is great, but fire is always the way to go"


    Zeki cuts me off in the most obnoxious way he can showing off his new toy, that being Ares spear. Despite him saying it''s useless, he seems oddly proud holding it there. The reaction from the wyvern king is astounding really to Zeki showing off his ''spear'', I know what I''m doing...


    "Hah! By the Gods, you''ve been granted Ares''s spear! To think such an item was residing in that ce, well done!"


    There wasn''t a hint of malice, jealously or envy is what he said so maybe this wyvern king is more trustworthy than I''m giving him credit for? I guess my father has slightly skewed my thinking on this considering how much he used to go on about how he despises him back in my younger days, just father being pointlessly grumpy I suppose.


    "You know of the Gods and Ares?"


    "Of course we do, Queen Ikarus. You don''t live long in Mdonia without knowing the stories of the pantheon, list them off for me boy"


    "Uh, I''m not doing that father. They really don''t care enough for me to list off all twelve. If you want the stories and myths, we have books everywhere back in the city"


    ''Huh, I''ve just realized we''ve already had encounters with five of them, that being Ares, Aphrodite, Athena, Hephaestus and of course Dio. Could count Zeus as well but he is still trying to kill us after all''


    ...


    A slight awkward silence ensues when none of us figure out how to continue this conversation. By now, we normally get invited to something so the fact they haven''t done it yet is strange. Wait, I guess I could ask that...


    "Erm... outta curiosity, what are you actually king of? Land wise I mean, it''s obvious you own those airships but"


    It''s an odd question that gets half a facepalm from Petra but all I know is his title after all, not if he actually owns any humannd. For I know, it could be meaningless like how I''m apparently queen of the jungle. I can see why Petra did that though, who goes up to a king and asks ''what do you actually do?''


    "Ah, that''ll be thisnd you currently stand upon and all wyverns, even those enved by the empire"


    (Nathan) "Using enved seems a little much when tamed works better. You must know a wild wyvern is dangerous around humans?"


    "While that may be true knight, wyverns and dragons lived perfectly fine in that area until humans starting sticking their faces in ces they shouldn''t. Best not discuss that sort of thing otherwise, it''ll just cause needless argument, we won''t agree on anything rted to your empire"


    (Nathan) "Agreed"


    Eh, it does make sense why Nathan would defend such an action, he was a flying knight once upon a time. At the end of the day, humans do cause more harm than good everywhere they go, it''s not hypocritical despite me once being one as it''s just the way of things. Humans are destructive, not as much as me but you get my point.


    (Ikarus) "How does that even work though? The airships I mean, you''d think technology like that would be a dwarven thing"


    "Funny you should mention that, the information to create such a thing was bought from dwarves using a special sort of gas to keep it in the air. I can''t really go into specifics but you can take a closer look at it if you all want"


    "Okay, we''re definitely doing that"


    So, just the dwarfs just doing dwarf things, it could be pretty cool to have those flying around on our inds but it''s not a huge focus. I''m pretty certain the gas he''s referring to is helium, no idea how they''ve even able to extract it but as if I care about such a boring subject. I like our citizens but no way am I building airships for them.


    ''Let''s go up to the airship then...''


    __________


    ''Status''


    [Name: Wyvern King | Species: Wyvern | Level: 701]


    [Health 50,150/50,150]


    [Stamina 40,451/45,000]


    [Magicka 8,522/10,000]


    ----------


    [Name: Wyvern Prince | Species: Wyvern | Level: 255]


    [Health 17,250/17,250]


    [Stamina 14,672/16,000]


    [Magicka 3,511/5,000]


    ''Really? Both their names are literally king and prince? This isn''t going to be one of those clich¨¦s where only I have the power to name them, right?''


    While we''re hitching a ride on the wyverns up onto one of the airships, thought it could be a good second for a quick status check. Checking stats is mostly pointless for me now but when there''s nothing else to do on the fly over, might as well just for the sake of it. Seeing their names like that proves it wasn''t worthless.


    [<Aesa should advise Ikarus this may not be a topic worth bringing up. Think about it, if wyverns in the empire can have names and these two don''t, maybe it''s by choice?>]


    ''Ah, I get what you mean, it could be a touchy subject''


    Hearing the slight bit of conversation between Nathan and the King earlier, it''s probably best not to pry too much into that. Maybe they see names as a reminder of the wyvern very? Let''s forget about it really.


    Still riding on the back on the King alongside Petra and the other couple, it seems the Prince wants to converse about something while carrying Zeki and Ariza. Please be a love confession...


    "Ariza... have you been up to anything un or interesting recently? It''s been ages since west met and I''ve missed you a lot"


    "Will you just stop trying to flirt with brother!? We all get you like her already; you don''t need to do say stupid shit like that!"


    "I''m not flirting! I was just curious really, jeez..."


    Zeki''s sends the hopes and dreams out of the Prince, thankfully Ariza is intelligent enough to ignore Zeki like everyone else does. Maybe he''s trying to protect his sister''s heart or something, but this kid really isn''t somebody he needs to worry about.


    "Uh... not that much, I think? We did help out keep the empire safe when thest emperor died, I guess we helped around the ind a little... Oh, I finally found a way of staying female and even got my own clinic! I also died for a bit as well but I''m fine now"


    ''I like the fact she''s so causal on dying, I literally used a revive on her!''


    "I''m so happy for y-, wait... you freaking died!?! How the hell did that happen? Are you okay now!? Does it hurt anywhere!?"


    "*Sigh*, it''s fine now, just got cornered by a demon lord and needed some help getting back up"


    "A demon lord!?! You were cornered by a demon lord? What happ-"


    "Brother clearly doesn''t want to talk about it so just shut up bluey!"


    "He''s just being curious Zeki, it''s honestly fine. What happened was..."


    Heh, I don''t know whether tough or cry for Ariza''s sake right now if this is who the other half is going to be. It''s bound to happen, right? This world is pretty consistent when ites to potential lovers, the flying rat will somehow find a way to woo Ariza''s heart. I''m not sensing she''s into him at all right now but love always has a way.


    He definitely seems to bepping up Ariza''s retelling of the story, bet he likes carrying her as well as even I know the joys are carrying your partner. I really never help myself.


    ''It''s a shame we won''t be here long enough to see what might happen''


    Hmm... could we stay here and fix the ongoing tensions in Mdonia? I remember that grey haired woman saying that not all the countries get on, maybe that''s a reason fo-, No Ikarus, we''re not going to go off on a side quest bringing peace when Dio is still imprisoned, it would only be as an excuse for seeing if Ariza likes him or not.


    The thing is, I''d like for Ariza to find someone she likes but not at the cost of wasting too much time, she may just continue to find him a little much though. Eh, I''ve already said once before I won''t meddle in someone else''s rtionship so if something happens, it happens...


    __________


    "Hang on, what the actual fuck are you doing here!?! You massive hypocrite!"


    The infrastructure inside this airship is spectacr,rge metallic catwalks surround the hull and follows the centre of it like a spine, living quarters for all the wyverns that seems to contain actual plumbing. I can''t really do it justice because how does one describe the interior of a steam punk looking airship? Maybe something like a older interior to a submarine perhaps? Just much more spacious, fat and open.


    I wouldn''t say it''s exactly cosy but if you''re looking for something to fly over a ce and conduct war from, this would be the perfect staging area for sending swarms of wyverns from. None of this is what has caused me to swear though.


    What I''ve noticed is something at the bottom the airship during the beginning of our brief tour. Lounged out lying on a gigantic table is a creature capable of huge destruction. If anything, it just shows the sheer size of these flying fortresses when there''s literally a dragon lying down inside one...


    <Hmph, why are you looking at me like that for little one? You look like you''ve seen a spirt or something>


    Lying down receiving what appear to be a massage from several wyverns all using their ws and wings to providefort, of course I''m going to be shellshocked! Forget receiving a tour from the King and Prince of this ce, the lizard who despises wyverns is currently being touched by multiple!


    "Father, all day long you talk about how much you despise wyverns, yet you''re literally on an airship filled with them! This is madness!"


    (King) "Ah, I probably should''ve mentioned your fatheres here time to time. Believe me, we''ve all heard about his hatred about our race"


    (Prince) "Uh, it''s honestly boring at this point, all day long he goes on about flying rats and all that. I think he just likes the sound of his own of his own telekinesis"


    <Hatred isn''t hard to ovee little one when the rats do have some redeeming qualities, one being is that they''re extremely suitable for serving superior species. Every couple of months or so, I forcibly get the birds to give me some rxation>


    "Forcibly? We fight every few years or so and it always ends in a draw, there''s only one person who''s getting forced to do anything around here, reptile Dermakvar"


    <Hmph, disgusting wyvern king>


    To think my father and the wyvern King had such a rtionship. Wait, he mentions how he despises him, of course it''s something like that!


    "Are you two like bickering brothers or something?"


    <No!>


    "No!"


    Both of adamantly seem to deny that fact, at least it makes sense why he can''t stand him so much, it''s like that rivalry siblings can sometimes have. To think all this wyvern hatred was an afront for father getting massages and sparring with the wyvern king, I''m hugely disappointed in him for this.


    During all this confrontation, Petra''s trying not to chuckle, Zeki looks ashamed of my father and everyone else is and confused as ever. Except Ariza, she''s just trying to get away from the prince in love over there.


    "Does mother even know about this father? It seems like something she''d be heavily against you being touched by other female hands, or paws, or whatever it is wyverns have"


    I''m pretty certain the wyverns massaging father are female, you must know what I''m worried about. That very old clich¨¦ about masseuses providing extra ''services'' to clientele, with father I''m unsure if his wyvern hatred or cheater instinct would win.


    <Your mother was the one who suggested I do this little one, she said it may take the stress off and give me a few extra years down the line, she was right unfortunately. Oddly enough, I''ve stopped being unfaithful since getting these done as well, strange coincidence, is it or not?>


    ''Oh God, I think I interpreted that in a wrong way, I''ll give him the benefit of the doubt though''


    Still unable to confirm whether father is getting extra services or not from the wyverns, another question has presented itself. Why would wyverns even need an airship? They have an entire city to the northwest that we''re just yet to see if these are thends the wyvern king owns.


    "I''ve got to ask, what actually is the point of this ce? Are you looking to wage war on the world or something?"


    "War? Of course not Queen Ikarus! It just never hurts to be prepared after all; we never know when enemies maye to ournd. Prime example being your father, he first came to thesends looking for my head before we came acquaintances. You never know when threats may arise"


    <Hmph, as if your little boat and rats could stop me or anything credible. Against the humans, you''d be alright, until they shoot you down>


    "You underestimate the strength of this thing reptile but we''re not discussing this again"


    Trying to sense anything amiss, it appears the King was telling the truth about using it only for defence. It matters little if they do use it for attack as it would prove no challenge to bring it down but I guess for humans, it''s a daunting challenge fighting a flying fortress.


    "Heh, you should be alright from the jungle at least, the darkened martial artists shouldn''t be attacking first"


    Petra is correct, they didn''t seem like they wanted to wage war despite the brief interaction with their leader Dara, that time we got drunk again.


    "Well, that may be true Queen Petra, but things can easily change in a moment, let''s stop discussing Mdonian politics any further. Now, back onto the tour, I''ll show you everywhere else except the engine room, let''s move back on..."


    ''Eh, I guess me and Petra only wanted to know some more lore but if he doesn''t want to discuss it, then fair enough. Let''s just continue this tour, then head back to the ground...''

 Chapter 167 – Ferryman

    Chapter 167 ¨C Ferryman


    "So then Ariza, what did you think of that prince anyways? Is he your type?"


    "Uh? What are you on about Ikarus?"


    Currently chilling around the crackling campfire cuddled up to Petra sitting together on a log, I ask that to Ariza who''s currently ying cards with Zeki on the floor. Both Nathan and Charlotte are whispering God knows what in each other''s ear right now as well, I guess their privacy standards spreads to whispering but they still won''t do anything more than hug in public.


    In the end, the wyvern king did offer to fly us back to their city for a slight rest but would''ve forced us to have to backtrack a little to visit the wyvern city. It could''ve been cool to see but at the end of the day, the Underworld is calling for us. We''ve got a decent flight ahead of us getting to the entrance as well.


    "That wyvern prince Ariza, he''s clearly got a thing for you. I''m unsure if you''re interested in him or not"


    "Uh, not you as well Ikarus, Zeki keeps going on about it as well but I just can''t see it"


    "Listen brother, orangey may not know a lot of things, but if she can sense there''s something there, you best believe her"


    ''That''s the most roundabout way of calling me stupid, Petra''s even ring at him but he hasn''t even realized what he said''


    "Even if he is, even if I still don''t believe it, what difference does it make? He''s prince of the wyverns and we live the other side of the world. I still don''t believe it though"


    In some ways, I feel a little sorry for Ariza since she seems to be reluctant on epting it''s a thing. It''s not like we''re suggesting to go out with him or get married, just that he definitely has a crush on her.


    "I mean Ariza, he did offer your hand in marriage, right? That''s a pretty big indicator, you should''ve used your mind control on him to confirm"


    "But that was only because he felt like he owed me! I''d feel ashamed of myself if I used it for something like that Ikarus"


    ''She''s really stubborn on this, is it that hard to believe? She really needs a boost in self-confidence at times''


    "Heh, even I can''t help but get involved now Ariza. You''re being purposely dense on this"


    "Am I? What about you Charlotte and Nathan?"


    "Hehe, sorry Ariza-sama but I think he likes you"


    (Nathan) "I''m not getting involved on this, I''ve shared the sorrow of having a crush once before. Thankfully, everything ended well on that front"


    "You liked me from the beginning Nat? I liked you as well"


    Trying to ignore the cute moment Nat x Lotte are having, Ariza''s now hiding her head under her arms from embarrassment. Ah, the burden of young love.


    "Uh nooo... what do I do then? Seriously! I haven''t gone dated someone in like four hundred years! This is terrifying, please help!"


    Most of us crack a smile from Ariza being clueless on how to go forward with this, maybe we shouldn''t have said something if it''s stressed her out this much but at the end of the day, it seems like she kinda likes him as well. This isn''t something we can really help her out with though, a little advice is fine but it''s her life after all.


    "It''s easy Ariza, just forget about it and if you see him again, give it a further think. Heck, you can always write to each other as well, Petra should be able to help with that. If the boy turns out to be too much and bes annoying, just say the words and I''ll personally fly over and give him a strong kick below!"


    "You don''t have to do that Ikarus! I know you''re joking but still!"


    "Heh, what is it with you and wanting to kick the area down below Ikarus?"


    "It''s my burden Petra, I had to lose my little friend so I''m taking it out on the world. I''m starting to see why Loki has such tastes and wants all guy''s gender bent, you''ve really got to be careful around me Zeki"


    "Bite me orangey"


    At least my forced idiocy gets a smile out of everyone, except Zeki for obvious reasons. As for Ariza, she looks a little calmer but clearly her brain is going into all the potential oues from this situation. I''ve been in her exact position once upon a time so I know the pain of new love. Doesn''t help I''m painfully terrible at this sort of thing but still. At least it means I can give perfect advice from experience I guess.


    "Uh... I think I''ll send him a letter then, maybe he might like animals as well..."


    ''Aww, Ariza''s really cute when worrying about potential love. I''d love to tease her about it but she''s way too precious to do such a thing''


    "Anyways, let''s all get some rest and leave first thing at dawn. The entrance to the Underworld could be quite the journey... youing Petra?"


    "Heh, obviously Ikarus..."


    __________


    "Ah, the Underworld finally awaits! This is going to be brilliant I bet!"


    "Heh, you''re really excited for this Ikarus"


    "Of course I am Petra! The Underworld is like the coolest part of Greek mythology. I''d love to meet Hades or Persephone, knowing our luck they''ll probably be mad or need defeating though. We might have to run if that happens"


    "Why would you want to meet that dead God orangey? The entire concept of death is pointless anyways, we''re like the best example of that"


    (Ariza) "You know of those names Ikarus speaks Zeki?"


    "Just the Hades one brother, me and orangey still remember a bit from Earth being the youngest. Hades was the God of dead and I remember fighting him in a MMO dungeon battle once"


    ''I have literally zero clue on what game Zeki is referring to''


    "The Underworld does sound a little scary but as long as we can rescue my Lord, then the fear is of no concern"


    "We''ll be able to save him Lotte, it''s okay to be a little afraid. Death is scary and it doesn''t help the dungeon is supposed to be where souls go"


    "Thanks Nat, that actually helps more than you''d think"


    Having finally arrived at the entrance to the Underworld, what presents us is a huge green mountain filled with trees and nestled within thendscape is a gigantic temple sized door covered in nature. This would be cool enough if I wasn''t now focused on something else.


    ----------


    ---The <strong>red</strong> crystal is current location, it''s still technically a sneak peak but Mdonia is pretty much done.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "Let''s go ton-, what the hell? What are those two doing here!?"


    Outside the gigantic doorway sitting around a campfire, there''s two very noticeable people that we''vee across in our adventures. Remember that blonde-haired beastman who was leader to the Adventurers guild on our inds? Yeah, Geld is here alongside Petra''s ex, the vampire Melinda.


    Both Athena and Hephaestus did say the other two tokens will be waiting for us but these two are the contacts? Huh, I guess it makes some sense, what other group would you hire to take down dungeons other than adventurers?


    "You two were the contacts then?"


    "Heh, small world, isn''t it?"


    Landing and doing the instant form change that usually happens, me and Petra speak to the surprised adventurers. Actually, only Melinda is the one confused, Geld definitely knew we wereing.


    "Greetings Queen Ikarus and Queen Petra! We''re already ced the tokens inside the slots already so we''re ready to go!"


    "Alright..."


    Immediately standing up and saluting us, Geld gives us a happy but serious smile while Melinda almost looks a little sulky still sitting around the fire. I guess she still is pretty hung up about the whole thing, her and Petra will always struggle to get on but as long as it''s no longer pure hatred, that''s the best I can achieve.


    I take a quick gander towards the door and see five small rounded slots which clearly those two have already done what Geld just said. I assumed the tokens would have to be given to the ferryman directly but I guess not then.


    "Can we have something a little more informative than just that? Like, how do you two even know about this situation? What about the dungeons you twopleted to get the other tokens though?"


    (Melinda) "There isn''t much of a story to tell here Ikarus. The first one has been in storage after our guildpleted a dungeon in the swamp years ago, Geld sent me a message it was needed here so I brought it over afterpleting the recent assignment. Guess it makes sense it would be rted to you two"


    "The second, I personally went toplete in the southeast! That Goddess Artemis made me hunt inside her world for a little while but in the end, she gave it to me after ranting and raving calling Zeus a cu-... I can''t even speak the word, it''s that bad!"


    The beast wags his tail almost as if he''s expecting us to praise him or something. I probably should if I wasn''t annoyed at how things have turned out.


    "So, you two get the easy job while us six had to personally deal with Ares himself? Eh, I''m not going toin about this, thanks for the help regardless"


    Two outta three ain''t bad so I''m past that Ikarusining everyone''s knows and loves. The love one ended up being pretty cool if you exclude the slight incest and Athena''s was pretty doable as well, Ares is a proper dick though despite giving Zeki a cool toy.


    "Heh, are we going to take a quick break or are we going to go straight inside then?"


    (Geld) "Of course! I''m ready to go now!"


    "This isn''t my adventure so I''ll be leaving at dawn, it''s already getting prettyte out now"


    Petra only gets a response from the other two outside of our party so us six our good. For some reason, Petra wants to follow this up a little further, I''m kinda happy she''s able to deal with her ex now. It''s unhealthy to hold so much hatred towards someone so I''m content she can stomach Melinda now; I''ll always be Petra''s lover so there''s zero worries about jealously.


    It says a lot I actually feel more jealously to that Ikarus plushie more than this vampire, it doesn''t help we sometimes sleep hugging them. We''re females so we have to hug something at night, alright? If not hugging each other, what else do you hug? A crappy pillow? It''s not like I hug the plushie version of myself though, Petra won''t let me near that and I can''t me her since it needs to be destroyed...


    "Mel, despite what''s happened between us, don''t let any awkwardness stop what you want to do. What''s a party of eightpared to seven anyways?"


    "I mean, Petra''spletely right. Who wouldn''t want to go dungeon diving into the Underworld itself!?"


    "It''s not that, you two. It''s probably best for me to return to that idiot''s side as quick as possible, the thirst always seems to be dwelled travelling with him"


    ''Ah right, one of the adventurers she was travelling with. Still unaware on the recement substance vampires can use instead of blood but nothing but filth still flows through my brain from that''


    "Regardless me and Ikarus really appreciate the help, so thank you"


    "It''s fine Petra, you don''t need to say anymore"


    ...


    Okay, slight awkward silence, this is why you NEVER speak to your ex ever again. I''m to me for this silence so I''ll also be the one to end it.


    "Anyways... are we moving on or not then? The Underworld awaits!"


    "Heh, you''re getting too excited over this Ikarus. It''s technically a dungeon, remember?"


    "Ah, don''t be trying to spoil my mood Petra, I know it is but it''ll be different this time! No idea why though"


    Heading up to the huge door with tokens now out of storage, I excitedly ce each one into the corresponding slots and vre! Nothing happens...


    Actually, something does happen but it takes a few seconds for the old and bulky door to start moving downwards. This door cleary hasn''t been touched in forever just by the amount of crap falling off it but at least it''s down now. The sound of a huge crash happening doesn''t send confidence for this door closing back up though.


    Leading into the ce, what presents us is a lot of greenery and a lot of cave. At least it''s different to the normal caves wee across but still, looks like the outside of this mountain has seeped inside this ce.


    ''Let''s see what this is like then...''


    __________


    "This ce is just... wow"


    "Heh, it truly is beautiful Ikarus. d I get to see it with you"


    "Uh huh, this ce makes me want to cry a little. I''ve never seen anything this nice"


    "Hey empire''sckey, if you''re ever wanting to propose to the nun, this ce is definitely the perfect background"


    (Charlotte) "Huh!? Where did thate from Zeki?"


    (Nathan) "Not funny kid, really not funny"


    (Geld) "My master would like this sight"


    Travelling through the dense greenery of the cave, we''ve just arrived at a mostly underground sanctuary inside this mountain and it''s absolutely stunning. Beautiful pine trees, bright coloured flowers and mushrooms spread out all across the floor, a tranquil waterfall that flows into a small river with all of it being shined on by a tiny amount of light reaching through a small crack at the top of this cave. If Petra hadn''t proposed to me already, I would''ve done it here, this ce is something else so Zeki actually has a point there. Even if thement shouldn''t have been said.


    It''s obviously made both Nat x Lotte blush but no one''s focusing on that considering the boat that now sits on the slow flowing river. It''s actually more on the hooded robed figure inside the boat that grabs attention, the figure is also joined alongside two much smaller figures.


    "Is that... Charon!? Okay, I''m seriously getting excited right now"


    "Heh, who''s that Ikarus?"


    "The ferryman Petra, he''ll take us into the Underworld on his boat!"


    "What''s so impressive about him anyways orangey? He''s just a skeleton"


    (Ariza) "I think Ikarus is more excited about the legends rather than his appearance Zeki... that''s if Charon is a guy"


    "That skeleton is definitely a male Ariza, at least his bone structure seems that way"


    "You can tell Nat?"


    "Yeah Lotte, identifying bodies was sort of a side project we had to do in knight training. It seemed pretty useless at the time though"


    "Khaarr..."


    Sounding like a groaning undead, the ferryman to the Underworld clearly is upon us mostly hidden from view under those clothes of his. At least from this part of the sanctuary.


    Getting a closer look at this guy''s face, he''s basically looks like a walking corpse but more skeleton rather than zombie with a red glow from one of his rotting eye sockets. The other two look pretty much identical to him, other than the fact they may be kid sized. That''s not a pleasant thought but no point thinking about something pointless like that, the Underworld is thend of the dead after all so it should be expected. Still feel a little sad about it though.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ''Status''


    [Name: Charon | Species: Lich | Level: 500]


    [Health 33,333/33,333]


    [Stamina 33,333/33,333]


    [Magicka 33/334/33,334]


    ''You know, it''s pretty funny how certain types of undead appear within status yet others don''t at all. You''d think it would be pretty consistent over this''


    [<Ikarus should not question the powers that be that create systems. They may curse you with dreams of gigantic third legs again>]


    ''You think those nightmares are from the system creators!? Okay, I better shut it''


    Until you''ve had a third leg the size of a skyscraper chasing you down while fearing for your life and your virginity, don''t you be thinking Ikarus is batshit crazy! It was freaking terrifying man; I don''t get dreams like that anymore but that shit kept me up for a week!


    "So, the legendary Charon is actually a lich? You have anything to say fe, other than khar?"


    "Khaarr..."


    It''s obviousmunicating with this guy is going to be fun so best to just enter his boat and see where this goes. There should be enough room if we all squeeze together.


    All seven of us just barely fit inside the big rowboat so Charon sets off rowing alongside his two little helpers. Now, it''s onto the Underworld! If I don''t get to pet Cerberus this trip, I will be greatly disappointed. He may rip my arm off in the process but that is a price I''m willing to pay! You don''t tend to see many dogs in this world thinking about it, wolfs are apletely different matter though.


    ''Entering the Underworld via the river Styx. As if my life could get any weirder, pretty dope though...''

 Chapter 168 – The Underworld

    Chapter 168 ¨C The Underworld


    "...Tell me a joke Charon"


    "Khaaarrrr..."


    "Very funny. Your only good eye is leaking by the way"


    "Khar..."


    "That''s a fashion statement? Huh, fair enough dude"


    During our ferry trip to the Underworld, I''m now nattering with new best friend Charon and boy, he really is such a charm. If it isn''t obvious, I''m getting extremely bored on this ferry ride...


    There''s not much to see other than this never-ending darkness that we currently float down, this cave hasn''t exactly got much in the way of lighting so it''s just down to me to do something, anything really. Might as well make some ''conversation'' with the lich ferryman.


    "Heh, are you actually understanding him Ikarus?"


    "Of course she can''t sis, just orangey doing orangey things"


    "What? I can understand him kid, he literally just said you''d look so much better as a girl"


    "He what!?! Erk, you''re so irritating at times orangey"


    "Kharrr..."


    At least my stupidity always brings a smile to most of the party, as if I could understand what ''khar'' means. It obviously doesn''t mean anything otherwise we''d be able to trante it.


    ...


    Eventually, after a painstakingly long time inside this dark tunnel, we finallye across a growing light at one end of the tunnel that shows the first glimpses of the underworld itself.


    Like a world of pure beauty, this world looks like something out of a fairytale. Despite only really being able to witness the ins, trees and the river we float along at this moment, this ce is as beautiful as the underground sanctuary we were just in.


    The vibe and feeling of this ce reminds me of those old animated movies created by that evilpany that has the mouse mascot everyone knows and loves. Apparently, the guy thepany is named after had his head frozen in order to be brought back to life someday, I''m not saying it''s true, just one of those funny conspiracy theories that floats around.


    Anyways, back on topic onto this cartoony looking Underworld region we''re in, my best guess we''ve just entered the Elysium portion? The ce of fallen heroes, heaven and everything nice about the world.


    Ah, can''t forget about the residents we can see from the boat, the floating souls or ghosts around the ce make it feel a little eerie. They don''t look or seem hostile, if anything it''s like they can''t even see us.


    "Kharrr..."


    Charon finds a suitable spot to stop on the river and points one his skeletal fingers away from the boat, pretty sure this is our stop so we all awkwardly get out and onto a grassy mound.


    "Guess he''s not going to wait for us then..."


    Charon the ferryman immediately starts to row the boat back into the rocky cave we just came out of, had a feeling we''d have to find our own way out but this could be tricky. Unless I can just TP out, that seems like a pretty easy solution. Guess we won''t be needing him after all.


    "...Hey Geld, you have any idea where we need to go inside this ce? I already know Dio will be held in Tartarus, but how do we get there?"


    It''s obvious us two are going to be takingmand this trip, mostly because his master seems to know way too much and I''m an Underworld nerd.


    "From what I''ve been told Queen Ikarus, we just need to find the entrances to the next regions. ording to my master, heading down the Underworld is really easy, it''s getting out which is the hard part. I''m pretty sure we''ve ended up in Elysium so we''ll need to head through here, then to Asphodel,stly onto Tartarus"


    Three Underworld regions that are ripe for the picking filled with souls of the undead. I actually don''t think there''s any loot in these ins nor do the ghosts wish to speak to us living but this journey wasn''t for something this tedious, or fun. We''ll just try and get through here as fast as possible, speed running the entire underworld or something. I just realized Hermes would probably like me, I swear he''s been down here before as well.


    "Let''s just hope we don''t run into anyone who wants to kill us. I mean, it''s inevitable but still"


    "Heh, we really need to get you a red g Ikarus since you keep jinxing things. Would a tattoo also work?"


    "That''s actually not a terrible idea Petra, I''m already a walking red g so might as well get a permanent reminder"


    "Uh huh... we''ll be okay, right?"


    (Zeki) "Why is everyone so worried all of a sudden? As if the dead can harm us!"


    (Nathan) "I''m pretty certain they''ll be more than just these souls about Zeki, the Underworld has to have deadlier things around"


    "Nat''s right, there must be powerful enemies ahead before we find my Lord. Hopefully, they''re intelligent enough to leave us alone"


    At least our party is willing and ready to go so the denizens of the Underworld await! As much as I''m brilliant at setting red gs, this time around I really don''t care, this ce would be a little boring if we don''t wonder into something unique. The floating souls around here do basically nothing after all, guess it would be a peaceful existence after death but as if I''d ever want anything like that. Chaos is the way to go, actually mean being chaotic more than anything else. Not that void like state that''s also happens to be part of Greek mythology.


    ''Let''s get going then. I never understood why the Underworld was my favourite part of this, maybe it''s all the death rted to it...''


    __________


    "Really? Couldn''t they havee up with something better? A big backless doorway that must work like a portal seems unoriginal as hell!"


    "Heh, always love your moaning Ikarus but you''re tempting fate again"


    "Uh huh Ikarus, you''re going to get us in trouble at this rate"


    "You lot are too superstitious, as if orangey stating the obvious is going to be the direct cause of us getting attacked"


    "My Lord has told me once about tempting fate and that it''s sometimes better to remain quiet. Maybe that might help you a little Ikarus-sama?"


    "Dionysus believes in superstitions Lotte? Didn''t think a God would believe in something like that"


    (Geld) "I''m erm, not really sure what to say"


    After walking over a couple of hills and admiring the heavenly beauty of this Underworld region, we traversed a few hills and a couple of trees and have found this. I know that Geld said getting down is easy enough but to think the we''d be through Elysium this quickly, what''s the entire point of existing if we''re actually just going to speedrun this dungeon? I was beign saracastic earlier, at least let me have some fun down here.


    Anyways, we all inevitably walk up to the closed door standing on top of a flowery hill and wouldn''t you know it, Petra waspletely right. I''m the walking red g of the group but I don''t care.


    A blue womanly figure starts to rise from the ground and immediately, Zeki runs up armed with Ares''s spear in hand trying to give her a quick stab but hitting an invisible barrier.


    ''As if that woman wouldn''t have spawn protection dumbass, this world ain''t that simple''


    Anyways, might as well do a quick scan to see what we may be up against.


    ''Status''


    [<Unfortunately Ikarus, status scans seem to be restricted inside this dungeon and Aesa is unsure why. The person forming ahead of us should be able to be scanned but we''re unable to>]


    ''Really? Huh, that''s pretty weird, any theories Aesa?''


    [<Maybe the rulers of this ce have added extra precautions? It''s different to scanning Gods or unintelligent undead, we should be able to scan her>]


    "..."


    Anyways, continuing on from Aesa''s observations, the woman has now fully raised up from the ground and does nothing except staring nkly at us all.


    Describing the women''s appearance, she''s blue skinned, red eyed and barely dressed at all rocking a simple bikini that could work as video game armour. I guess she would be considered a beauty as well, just maybe not in the humanoid conventual sense.


    ----------


    ---The snake doesn''t exist! Figment of your imagination...


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "Heya, erm... Are you guarding that gate or something?"


    "..."


    The woman just continues to stares at us making my question feel dumb as hell, I don''t think she''s being rude but I''m not too sure.


    "Do you erm, speak or anything?"


    "..."


    Still no response, she doesn''t look braindead but you never know. I think she understands me though.


    "What about a name? That''s a good starting point, right? You have anything we can call you?"


    "Alecto"


    At least it''s good she understa-, wait, it''s one of the fabled fury sisters! y this cool Ikarus, don''t be fangirling over an Underworld deity. It doesn''t matter how cool or badass she looks, she''ll probably try to kill us in a second.


    The three fury sisters, or the Erinyes are basically just deities of vengeance and punishers of severe crimes. In all honesty, I can''t go into great detail about their myths simply because they seem moreparable to a boogieman legend rather than actual mythology. It matters little what I''ve heard about them though, myths don''t always trante directly into this world so best just move on and see what else the Underworld presents. If she''ll let us pass that is.


    "Can we enter the doorway behind you then?"


    "No"


    ''Of course, things are never that easy''


    "We kinda need to go throu-"


    "No"


    While she''s rudely cutting me off, a snake starts to form from one her fingers and rapidly grows to an unnatural size. I''m not opposed to fighting with this woman, is just that I literally can''t gauge her strength in the slightest. Pretty sure the sensing aura check inside this ce is nerfed as well.


    "Hey Geld, did your master mention who we may have to fight inside this ce?"


    "Sorry Queen Ikarus but he wascklustre with the specific details"


    Just judging from the fact that snake is getting bigger and bigger, all of us ready our usual weapons of choice, this is going to end inbat one way of another...


    Zeki''s the first to kick off the approachingbat lunging forwards with Ares''s spear but it''s obvious how much he neglects arm to armbat just with how much he fails alone. Within a matter of seconds, the snake finds itself chomping down on one of his arms and refuses to let go.


    "Fuck! Fucking bastard, let go of me!"


    He manages to break free from the snake''s grasp mostly because Petra''s telekinesis sword art cuts its head cleanly off. That spear is a bad influence on him, mostly because Zeki''s useless enough as he normally is. His only real use is fire and without it, he basically just bes a passenger or bait. Well, can''t forget those ''useful''s of his but I''m trying to be serious right now.


    Almost instantly though, multiple other snakes form from her fingers after losing the first, can already tell what sort of fight this is going to be now. Oh well, I''ve been longing for more intense battles, let''s hope this delivers...


    All us magic users, even including Ariza start to turn the hilltop into a fiery-beamy mess of magic coating all over the multiple enemies ahead of us. This seems as useful as a smoke screen but we still persist with this approach, at least temporarily.


    Using the cover of our attack, both Nathan and Geld go to start cutting off some of the heads, Nathan using that broadsword of his while Geld uses his absurdly huge two-handed sword. Nathan aims his de cleanly and precisely stabbing through the head of the one he''s fighting. Geld just roughly cuts off the entire thing simr to how Petra does it, guess we''ve got two head decapitators in the party as of now.


    It doesn''t take long for us magic users realize the woman and snakes seem impervious to our magic so quickly change things up to be a little more melee based to deal with thest snake or two.


    All of our party, now excluding Ariza go to pile up on the other snake while me and Petra fight together taking care of our own. In all honestly, there''s not much to tell other than us lovebirds dispatching ours extremely easily especially considering we both can attack from range, both Excalibur''s ranged cutting attack and Petra''s sword art makes easy work of our prey cutting into the fleshy body almost in sync.


    Even the other members of our party dispatch there''s easily enough, albeit I''m pretty certain Zeki got bitten again. I guess he''s the closest thing to a tank we have in our group so he''ll be fine... probably.


    Once again like this fight is starting to drag out, the fury seems to have endless amounts of these snakes as ten, yes ten, grow out from every single one of her fingers. This is starting to piss me off now.


    This takes us all back a little and even ends up with me needing to backtrack a little being surrounded by three. Unfortunately, all the speed in the world isn''t enough to avoid multiple snapping snakes...


    ''Argh! Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 578]


    [Health 149,334*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 74,821*/80,000*]


    [Magicka 166,666*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 2334 unassigned points]


    ''Oh, it wasn''t as bad as it seems, think that''s ten percent of my health though''


    [<Warning, Ikarus has snake venom currently running through veins and will continue to drop until removed. Aesa suggests finding Ariza for help>]


    ''Yeah yeah Aesa, haven''t got the time right now''


    "You okay Ikarus?"


    "Yeah Petra, it has more bark than actual bite. Still hurts a shit tonne though"


    While Petra''s overly worrying for my safety, I notice her sword art aiming for the neck of the fury Alecto but almost as if she has a forcefield around her, the samurai de just hits air. At least that kinda confirms killing the snakes are the key to this battle but seven against ten of those bastards isn''t an easy challenge. However, putting my dropping health aside, this still feels like an easy battle to win.


    ''Aesa, activate plot protection and star ze''


    [<Ikarus really can take unnecessary risks at times but Aesa willply, both are now confirmed>]


    Plot protection is simply because it''ll freeze my health in ce and star ze since it''s a decent ability but nothing too world ending.


    Pretty certain Aesa''s saying that because we just figured out those snakes have good resistance to fire. However, I''ve already proved once before that extreme resistance is still not perfect against star ze, that shit basically consumes their souls. I''m so freaking cringe at times.


    "I''m taking care of this so everyone, get back!"


    Everyone does as asked so I hurriedly draw the attention of the floating snakes connected to the woman, now set to be the centrepiece while my ever-growing fireball grows within me. If this doesn''t work, I''ll just activate something else, I''ve already wasted my immortality for today.


    "Fuck! Why the hell does that still hurt even with plot protection? This is such bullshit!"


    [<Aesa never said anything about -plot protection- removing pain. This one is on Ikarus for assuming unfortunately>]


    Snake bite after snake bitend against my body causing me unimaginable pain despite me trying to swinging madly at them all, definitely got one of two there but I''m basically a walking snake treat right now. At least I know for a fact my health will be stuck like this, hopefully this n pays off as well.


    My fireball starts to consume us all causing the snakes to let off hissing sounds and scaly skin to burn. At least it''s good this n of action will in fact work, albeit extremely slowly and painful like. Those fuckers won''t stop snapping despite imminent death approaching, I''m continuing to widely swing my des just hoping to stop them in said action. Visibility always sucks inside this ability after all.


    All the snakes eventually burn up from the ability so once the fire dwells and visibility returns, I see the fury Alecto still standing unaffected from my hellfire causing me extreme disappointment. At least the snakes are now gone but still, as if that didn''t harm her in the slightest. I guess there are creatures out there withplete resistance to fire like us but still, you''d think she''d share the same fate.


    "Little unorthodox but... You are worthy. You may precede..."


    Like how Alecto came into this world, she sinks back into the ground leaving our party victorious. I use that word loosely though considering how bit up I must look right now.


    "Erk! That fucking snake bitch man! My arm is killing me"


    "Stay still Zeki, I''ve got to get the venom out first"


    Of course, Zeki''s pissed we don''t get to kill her but the rest of us are just happy that test is now over. Ah, I''ve still got that venom running in my veins as well, the throbbing in my shoulder is a stark reminder of how painful that shit is.


    "Ariza, can you give me a hand as well?"


    "Uh, of course Ikarus. Come here and I can heal both of you..."

 Chapter 169 – Asphodel Meadows

    Chapter 169 ¨C Asphodel Meadows


    Twas the night before Christmas, noise echoed through the house. Embarrassment started brewing, as Ikarus moaned at her future spouse...


    "*Sighhh*... always the same with you Petra. It''s appearance over practicality like usual"


    "Heh, you barely feel the cold though Ikarus. Give me a spin since you look cute"


    "No..."


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ---FYI, I''m using the holidays as an excuse to ck off so uploads will probably be sporadic this uing week. Happy holidays everyone and don''t drink too much! I''m a hypocrite so I''m ignoring said advice...


    __________


    "Uh, this ce seems scary"


    "Heh, slight understatement Ariza. You don''t have to look so happy about this though Ikarus"


    "I''m not Petra! It''s just that this sort of ce was something I expected, that happy Elysium ce was unsuitable for the Underworld. This is definitely more like it"


    "Even I don''t understand orangey''s tastes here, this ce just looks shit. Like a necromancer''s wet dream or something"


    (Geld) "Funny you should say that Zeki, my master did mention once all undead are summoned from the Asphodel Meadows"


    "Meadows? But there''s no flowers or even life here?"


    "Maybe the spikes are supposed to be flowers Lotte? There is a lot of dead shrubbery around, the name probably isn''t literal though"


    Now fully healed up and ready to go, we''ve just entered the doorway to the next Underground region and boy, this ce definitely looks more suitable for this ce.


    Standing on top of a huge rock overlooking Asphodel, what presents us is a huge, t but lifeless wastnd vast as the eye can see, also containing these small rocky spikes and deceased nt life. The darkened sky itself adds to the ominous atmosphere, the lighting that repeatedly strikes thend in the distance makes it feel even more terrifying.


    "So, we''ll have to fight off the hordes of the undead then? Pretty sure I can just make out the next gate way over there"


    "Heh, your eyesight is probably the best out us all Ikarus so that''s where we''ll head"


    Should also mention the skeletons roaming about aimlessly, countless different shapes and sizesing from any sort of creatures corpse imaginable. This ce still has the ghastly souls that reside in the Underworld but it almost looks like they''re trying to hide or stay out of sight from the undead, are they policing or hunting the souls? Not really about all that sure.


    "Anyways, let''s get on with this then"


    "Heh, catch me Ikarus"


    "What..."


    Slowly climbing down the rocks with me leading, Petra can''t help but ''idently'' slip and somehow ends up being princess carried within my arms. Normally, I like this sort of thing but not when we''re literally about to fight the entire goddamn skeleton army!


    "...You know Petra, sometimes you really make me wonder"


    "Heh, that better be in a good way Ikarus. You also make me wonder as well"


    Putting her down before having a quick kiss and trying my best not to scoff at the joy of a woman alongside me, we gradually make our way to the first batch of skeletons after passing one of the rocky spikes around Asphodel.


    Ahead of us is a small squadron of boney creatures all approaching not looking best pleased from us intruders. I''m getting the vibe this may be easy but I''m not overconfident enough to neglect a fight.


    Putting out an arm and releasing a good burst of me all over ahead of us, my suspicions are all but confirmed when the shattering of bones urs and most of the forces copse onto the ground adding more death into this ce. I barely charged up the methrower there as well.


    Even the few to the side get swiftly burnt up by Zeki and Petra, just how weak are these undead to me? It reminds me a little of how video games do it, skeletons are always either too powerful or too weak. In this case, it''s obvious the answer.


    "Heh, don''t jinx it Ikarus. We all know what you''re thinking"


    "Uh huh, Petra is right Ikarus"


    ''Look at Ariza ganging up on me as well''


    "I erm... imma just stay quiet this time then"


    "Orangey doesn''t have to jinx it, these bastards are worthless fodder only fit for bing a wolf''s treat"


    At least I''m not the one setting a red g now, it just has to be Mr obnoxious doing it this time around. When wee across a skeletal mammoth or dragon now, he can be med.


    After Zeki can''t help but do what I''m best at, another group of undead makes a way to our travelling party and like the first, have greatly superior numbers to our seven.


    Once again, us mages now including Charlotte let out our usual spells of choice and like the first time, all the skeletons copse with no issues whatsoever. This ce is clearly going to be a breeze until wee across something different, more and more skeletons appear to be approaching again all as weak as thest. As much as we all love overpoweredness, this isn''t even worth it. The fight is basically form a line, spray magic everywhere and the undead copse. I get that the Underworld needed some foes like this but still.


    ''That''s the second group of these done. Now, only a few thousand more to go, no point wasting too much time on this...''


    __________


    ''Status''


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 588]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 72,420*/80,000*]


    [Magicka 130,008*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 7334 unassigned points]


    ''Oh, did I level up without realizing it, Aesa?''


    [<Apologies Ikarus but even Aesa didn''t receive the notification, 10 levels have been gained and 22% of your magicka have been used. Already mentioned the status is a little bugged out inside here but presumably, the EXP was from the fight against Alecto>]


    ''Those snakes held EXP? Huh, maybe the dungeon aspect of this ce won''t be a huge bust''


    Having just dealt with another sizable force of these skeletons, actually more like an army''s worth, we all find ourselves taking a quick breather and bite to eat before the next inevitable battle. With the number of skeletons around this ce and the factbat is unavoidable, might as well take a second when we have the chance. We could be doing this for hours, maybe even days if this keeps up.


    "Erk, is there seriously more of these bastards iing? Why don''t we just fly over this all already?"


    "Try it for yourself kid and you''ll see why"


    While we were in the middle of one of the previous fights, I posed the same exact question to Aesa and got an answer. Might as well allow Zeki to find out firsthand why none of us are even trying.


    Zeki quickly switches into bird, tries to take flight and immediatelynds t on his beak when trying to take flight. Me and Petra are the only people to chuckle due to his failure, everyone in this party is way too kind at times.


    "What the fuck orangey!? It''s like I''m ten times heavier!"


    "If you and your system were on better terms Zeki, he''d have told you the gravity inside this ce makes literally no sense. The higher you go up, the stronger it pulls you down"


    "Uh huh Zeki, even my voice told me about that despite it sounding like a riddle. She has been losing her mind a little recently"


    "As if I''m asking that dick for advice. At least that exins why we''re dealing with all these weak bastards, can''t you just nuke''em or something orangey?"


    ''He''s pissing me off now''


    All I want to do is quickly rx and eat something in the arms of my woman while we''ve got a sec, yet Zeki just won''t let that be a possibility. We''ve probably got like two minutes at tops before the next group slowly gets to us.


    "You''re being serious kid? You want me to waste one of my nukes on skeletons? What happens if we have to face someone much more powerful inside this ce? Use your brain kid"


    Zeki just scoffs from my reasoning but I am right though, I''ve already wasted immortality and star ze on those snakes. For all we know, it could get progressively harder and harder within this ce. The abilities haven''t even recovered from the daily timer yet.


    "Heh, we should probably make a move now Ikarus. We really don''t have the time for this"


    "Urgh, fine then. Charlotte and Nathan, you two can stop gobbling each other up as well"


    "We''re not doing anything though Ikarus?"


    "Yeah Ikarus-sama, we were only hugging"


    "Yeah yeah, don''t be acting so coy and innocent because we all know what you two are really like. If you were alone, I bet that hug would''ve gone way further, right?"


    Heh, I was only making a joke but clearly, I was onto something there considering how red those two have gotten. Of course, me and Petra weren''t the only couple locked in cuddles, those two are getting bolder by the day and they may even be at our public intimacy level in a couple hundred years or so.


    ''It''s funny how Geld, Ariza and Zeki can get so awkward around this sort of thing. That actually presents a good question about Geld though, does he have a partner or potential interest? For some reason, I''m getting the vibe he could be gay, not sure why though...''


    __________


    "Finally, we''re at the next gate. This was fun at first but I''m over it now"


    "Heh, it''s taken you this long to realize that Ikarus? How many undead did it take?"


    "Eh, probably got bored after the first hundred or so Petra"


    "This ce is a little sad if you think about it, all those skeletons we''ve had to destroy"


    "Brother, are you seriously caring for the undead now!? You really are too sensitive at times"


    "There''s no problem with Ariza-sama being a little sensitive to other people, of things Zeki"


    (Nathan) "Yeah kid, not everyone needs to murderous and ruthless like yourself"


    (Zeki) "Both of you and the nun can bite me, I''m right and I know I am"


    (Geld) "I feel a little out of ce around you lot at times"


    Having just spent a day or two getting through the endless skeleton armies around Asphodel, we''ve finally managed to clear a sizable area out, had a quick rest and now we''re all ready for the next doorway.


    Everything just came down to time rather than having to put in any effort. Seriously though, even Ariza would''ve been safe fighting hand to hand against these skellies. Ah, made sure not to use any abilities and for good reason.


    There''s an important piece of information I neglected to tell earlier on. Apparently, my abilities aren''t recovering inside here, well they are but extremely slowly. Aesa said there''s some restriction but it could also be the time inside this ce so we''re a little unsure right now. Technically, the Underworld is a dungeon and maybe it''s using real world time instead of inside this ce? Ah, I really don''t know.


    Petra''s already tried to tell what the time ratio is but other than her saying it''s slow like with every other dungeon we visit, she can''t get the specifics either and seems to be restricted a little like I. It must be done this way slightly on purpose, pretty sure I remember something being said about dungeon creation once before than can restrict certain things.


    Anyways, now onto the next gate and of course, another fury sister appears to be rising from the ground. It would''ve been nice if the gate keeper was something different this time around but at least we get another humanoid enemy this time around.


    Looking kinda simr to her sister Alecto, she shares the same skin and hair colour, only wearing hers in a ponytail this time around. She also is a lot more conservative with her clothingpared to thest bikini wearing fury, you can still see a load but still.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Judging from the fact she''s wielding a whip, it''s safe to assume we need to fight this sister as well? We''ve all raised our weapons and have steadied our resolve, whatever that means. Might as well give a slight warning beforehand though, save any guilt the other members of the party could have. I''ll happily kill her if needed though.


    "We''ve already taken down one of you so let us pass and we won''t need to fight"


    "Don''t worry, have no intention to fight you all"


    She responds in a calm and soothing voice taking us all back a little, that wasn''t even a lie though.


    "Wait, seriously!? You don''t want to fight us like with the other fury?"


    "Tsh, you really shouldn''tpare us three sisters to each other. I do want to fight you, and we will inevitably fight, just right now isn''t the ideal time since there''s other ces to be within Sir Hades''s realm"


    ''Huh, I wonder what the cause could be the cause of this. Judging by how ufortable her face looks, it''s clearly something embarrassing so not going to ask, bet she''s got a date or something like that! Wait, could the whip be rted? Okay, I''m definitely not questioning that...''


    "Who are you anyways, if you don''t mind me asking?"


    "Megaera, make sure to keep that to yourselves..."


    While speaking, the fury sister sinks back into the ground and the doorway to the gate opens up a mirror portal to the next Underground region. To actually think we got through this next bit without having to fight the boss, I know she just said we''ll have to fight again but still.


    [<Aesa has been keeping an eye on status and would like to inform Ikarus another 10 levels have been obtained>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 598]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 65,518*/80,000*]


    [Magicka 101,226*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 12334 unassigned points]


    ''Seriously!? She''s given levels as well? Well, this has been a fight worth fighting!''


    To think, we just got to skip a boss fight! You''d think I''d be pissed but if it wasn''t for so much boring skeleton action and just wanting to leave the meadows already.


    By the sounds of it, I''m not the only one noticing the increase. Mr obnoxious does sometime pay attention to his system stuff as well.


    "Wait, when the hell did I gain twenty levels? Was this from the half-naked sisters or something?"


    As soon as Zeki notices, both Ariza and Petra join us in the blue eye status gang. Guess they didn''t realize we''re getting EXP inside this ce as well.


    "Zeki, you really need to be friendlier with your voice more, this seems like one of those things he would told you if he noticed it. Mine didn''t but she''s sleeping right now"


    ''Ariza''s voice can sleep? Ah, I probably shouldn''t ask, hers does sound like it''s going down the route of Petra''s''


    "Brother, that dickhead doesn''t deserve anything nice! Like orangey, he keeps going on about that stupid jugr body of mine that I''m NEVER going to ept! He can fuck right off"


    Okay, I really want to speak with Zeki''s voice now if he''s in agreement with me, we really need to drug Zeki up again sometime soon but should probably wait until he does something despicable. So won''t be a long wait I hope.


    "What about you Petra? Have you finally hit max level yet?"


    "Heh, still stuck just before a thousand Ikarus. It''s good that this ce is levelling you three up though"


    Ah, guess she''s still at nine-nine-nine again. We''re still unsure why Athena broke her level counter but it definitely shoulde up someday.


    Of course, Nathan, Charlotte and Geld still aren''t going to bepletely sure on the whole level thing but two of which are locked at five hundred after all. The only one who isn''t and isn''t a mythical creature is Nathan, that actually presents a good question though.


    ''Huh, wonder what his level is at now? Status''


    [Name: Nathan | Species: Human | Level: 209]


    [Health 10,450/10,450]


    [Stamina 4,321/10,450]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    [<Last check on Nathan showed him at a level 182 Ikarus. Even excluding 10 levels just obtained, clearly travelling in the party agrees with him>]


    ''I''m pretty certain he must''ve gained some EXP from one of the previous dungeons somehow? Eh, I''m not figuring this out''


    It wouldn''t surprise me if he''s able to level inside the majority of dungeons unlike us birds but basic levelling was always weird and broken to begin with. Let''s just move on from all this system rted stuff now.


    Before moving on and deciding how to approach the next region, Geld now feels the need to step up and say something though.


    "Before we precede into Tartarus, I suggest we take a much longer break than beforehand Queens. Unlike these two previous areas, the next one could prove an extremely difficult challenge"


    Judging from the fact his arm is shaking a little, the warrior is surprisingly nervous about entering the next region.


    "It''s safe to assume Tartarus is extremely dangerous then Geld?"


    "Yes Queen Ikarus, at least that''s what I''ve been told from my master. Tartarus is the heart of the Underworld so anything that is really strong must be residing down there. Hopefully, we get lucky and miss most of it but he did say to be careful"


    We still don''t have a clue who this mysterious master of his is other than the fact he''s a demon lord but best not question everything right now. We''ll find that out as well someday, hopefully he''s not a dick but you never know with these sorts of things.


    "Then, we''ll definitely have a proper break and a good nap or two... me and Petra call dibs first though!"


    "Damn it orangey! Can you read minds as well or something?"


    Noticing Zeki spark up when a break was mentioned, could tell he was about to call shotgun on first break but me and Petra always deserve it first. Can''t all be sleeping when it''s guaranteed more and more skeletons will approach this area throughout the night, or however the light cycle works within this ce. It''s always kinda dark really.


    "Heh, are you really that desperate for a sleep Ikarus, or is this something else?"


    Judging by the way she just winked at me, Petra''s clearly got a dirty mind and I''m not for it, at the moment. As if we''re going to hump in the middle of this ''dangerous'' ce, we''d clearly get interrupted by skeletons and ain''t no one going to stand over us protecting us while we do the deed. This isn''t that sort of show, guess Aesa could be useful for watching duty but even then, that clone body is extremely weak.


    "No no, nothing like that, just want a proper hug before sleep really. You started it earlier when you idently fell into my arms..."

 Chapter 170 – Pits of Tartarus

    Chapter 170 ¨C Pits of Tartarus


    (Ikarus) "Just... wow. This must be what ass the fuss is about, right?"


    (Petra) "Heh, presume so Ikarus. It''s surprising the air is safe to breathe though"


    (Zeki) "Now this is more like it! A ce filled with deadlyva and no souls in sight, I''m right at home!"


    (Ariza) "Uh, you actually like this ce Zeki? It''s like we''re in actual hell right now"


    (Charlotte) "I really hope we find my Lord soon"


    (Nathan) "We definitely will Lotte, there''s only an endless ocean ofva between us now. That''ll be nothing for this group"


    (Geld) "My master did say this ce is a thing of beauty but I don''t see it I''m afraid"


    Having just entered through the gate, what presents the party is a hellish looking area filled with a reddish brimstone floor andkes ofva far as the eye can see, the ceiling as well is covered head to toe in brimstone. This is the true Underworld everyone recognizes and thankfully, we''ve now arrived.


    It reminds me a little of that block game that has sold more copies than any other game on the, albeit much more intimidating and deadlier. I mean, we did enter this ce using a portal as well so I think you can see why I''m remembering such an odd thing.


    "Hey orangey, before I decide to try flying over thiske, I''m guessing gravity is stupid again?"


    To be honest, Zeki does have a point here. The area we''ve arrived at ispletely surrounded byva with no other inds in sight, we''re going to have to cross it to get anywhere. I''m still going to have a little fun with him first.


    "Have a test kid and we''ll find out firsthand then"


    "Are you seriously trying to kill me or something orangey!?"


    (Ariza) "You''re such an idiot at times Zeki. We''re resistant to it, remember?"


    "As if I''m falling for that, I''ll drown in that!"


    To prove a point to the idiot, I crouch and grab a cup full of the magma within my hand. It surprisingly feels a little slimy considering it''s freaking molten rock.


    "See kid? The gravity situation is still the same though, I really just wanted to see if you''d sink or not. You could change gender since those jugs with definitely act as a life jacket"


    Zeki just scoffs at me, can''t say I me him but it would be good to see if those things would help him float. I mean, they shouldn''t but this world is weird enough already.


    "Heh, didn''t you want to someday swim in a volcano Ikarus? Looks like it''s the perfect opportunity, shame we turned that bikini into clothing though"


    And of course, my lovebird can''t help but get involved as well now. She does have a point but given the chance, I''m not actually going to try swimming in that, right?


    "Eh, the appeal has slightly died down a little Petra, seems pointless if the other three can''t do it as well. Anyways, does anyone have any idea how we''re all going to get past this, WITHOUT swimming through it? You know which direction to head as well Geld?"


    "Queen Ikarus, I''m sorry, but I''m as clueless as you lot on this. My master didn''t give me the specifics once again"


    Turns out, Geld''s master is as useless as the rest of us. Normally, I''d force myself not to moan but this time around, it''spletely justified, we really have no idea where to go.


    "So, what the hell do we do then? It''s obvious we''ll just have to wing it and pick a direction but I''m not swimming through all that crap. I''m pretty sure we''d be able to get through it but still"


    If we''re trying to be realistic and use physics, there''s no way you''d be able to swim through it even with fire resistant because it''s freakingva! Of course, realism doesn''t really exist when you''re a multiple tonne phoenix hiding in a hybrid human body though.


    "Heh, we could try using these Ikarus"


    Petra walks over to what looks to be a door sized nk of wood just sitting around, then ces it on theva. For some reason, it''s floating with no issue.


    "Why aren''t they setting alight?"


    "Heh, maybe the fires down here only burn living material Ikarus? We obviously get excluded"


    Huh, that''s probably the reason but we should try and just move on now. There is four of those ''barges'' and multiple oar looking nks around as well so this looks like the way we''re getting across this ce, seems dangerous as hell but gravity is still stupid inside this ce after all. Flying isn''t possible.


    ''This ce could''ve been filled with dangerous enemies, and it still may be, but now we all have to row across an ocean ofva. We''re going to be down here forever at this rate...''


    __________


    "Row, row, row your boa... eh, I''m not that bored yet. Hey Petra, can you sing for me or something?"


    "Heh, have you ever heard me sing before Ikarus? I can try if you want but it might sound like a dog howling though"


    Splitting into pairs excluding Geld who''s on his own barge, we''re all sailing across the endless molten rock and I''m trying to make the best of a bad situation. Mostly because of how unstable this sort of thing actually is, can''t help but worry when just under half this party would die pretty much instantly if the fell right now. It''s not like I can use a revive even if I had one, can''t imagine it would work all that well considering whatva would do to the body.


    "You can''t be that bad at it Petra, bet you sound like a goddess or som-"


    "Can you please just stop talking orangey? It''s way too freaking hot down and I''m stressing out enough about this fucking trip"


    I rudely get cut off by Zeki a raft behind, obviously he must be feeling the tension a little as well as everyone else.


    "Fine then kid, I''ll shut it for a little bit"


    ''I guess this isn''t a situation for that Ikarus charm then, let''s just hope we get across this soon enough''


    A little time passes till we''repletely out of sight of the ind we arrived on and I start to feel the door beneath us rocking a little bit. Just because my love for this woman is endless does not mean I won''t get pissed in a situation like this.


    "Petra, I love you and all, but if I fall off because of you pissing about, I might end up hitting you"


    "Heh, don''t me me Ikarus. Thought you were the cause"


    "If you''re not doing it, then who-"


    Suddenly, a creature spanning the size of a dragon pops up from under the magma causing a tiny fiery tidal wave to rock around the ''boats'' we''re currently on.


    "...Is? Fuck me, is that a goddamn hydra!? How the fuck are we supposed to fight that like this!?"


    "What the fuck is a hydra orangey? What creature has four heads like that!?"


    "Uh, he doesn''t look best pleased"


    "Lotte, we may be fucked here"


    "We''ll survive Nat, we have to"


    "Damn it master, couldn''t you have warned us about this?"


    The Lernaean Hydra was, or is a water monster from legend with a canine like body that has multiple snake like dragon heads slithering up from under the water, at least that''s the description I''m getting staring at the bastard right in front of us! Looking at what we can see swimming around in the magma, clearly this guy is half dead judging by how dposed he looks. Regardless of that, this is a deadly serious situation.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    We''re in a right pickle here. Sure, us birds will be fine falling in that if the nks of wood topple over, but what about the other three? We''re not losing anyone here so it''s time to be obnoxious as hell, it''s safe to say that creature doesn''t look pleased people are on hiske.


    "You lot at the back, don''t make a sound or do anything!"


    "..."


    Thankfully, the non-fire-resistant members of the party listen and all the heads on the hydra immediately seem to despise the waving of my arms, hopefully he''ll just fixate on this beautiful couple ahead of him.


    "Heya big guy, over here!"


    "Heh, guess we''re doing this the Ikarus"


    Now that I definitely have the monster''s attention, it''s time to try killing the beast, at least it seems that way considering how much the heads are now hissing at us.


    As of right now, Zeki might as well join the others in being passive as his attack of methrowing towards the creature is pointless, so Ariza kicks of the actual preceding''s pulling out her bow making sure to fire several arrows at once towards the beast.


    Petra sends her sword flying to sh at the necks of some of the heads while I wildly swing Excalibur around making sure some of the magical cuts fly off andnd against it. All three of our attacks seem to be working tremendously as two of the four heads have been cut off.


    However, one of the remaining heads in particr has had enough of our little game and ns to simply just crush us lovebirds...


    (Petra) "Ikarus!"


    Pushing Petra off the side of our makeshift barge just in the nick of time, I feel the weight of the creature''s head crash into me breaking the wood and causing both of us to be forced into the fiery abyss. Except this bastard clearly has a thing against me now.


    "Mmpf!"


    Almost as if the hydra predicted where I''d end up in theva, I feel a bite sink into my leg and suddenly the entire world is falling as I''m being dragged to wherever it is this bastard wants me to go. Vison ispletely non-existent except for orange and breathing is an impossibility within these hellish depths, this would make for such an epic tale if I wasn''t in such a deadly situation though.


    Getting dragged to the bottom of theke, the hydra just won''t let my ankle go despite my best attempts to break free, almost like I''m wearing concrete boots or something. Panic obviously starts to set in while I''m practically being drowned in a pit ofva.


    ''Fuck fuck fuck! I''m actually going to drown like this!''


    [<Ikarus needs to calm herself and think about this logically, you still have more than enough time to get yourself out of this situation>]


    Strangely, hearing a robotic monotone voice while having a full-on panic attack helps more than words can describe. Could just be my will to live kicking in as well but there''s no fucking chance I''m going to die like this, I just refuse to die in such a stupid way.


    ''Guess you''re right, can always cut the leg if neede-, hang on Aesa, I need aspect, now!''


    [<Confirmed, d Ikarus came to that conclusion herself>]


    Still clutching onto both my weapons, I start wildly swinging into the thick magma once again just hoping for any chance to free my leg, all while slowly losing more and more air in my lungs. It''s nothing graceful but it''s the only chance I have, honestly shocked my weapons aren''t melting as well but pretty sure enchantments are the reason for that.


    Thankfully, I feel my ankle finally break free as Excalibur definitely hit something, I''m hoping it was the hydra bastard but if I''m a foot down right now, I couldn''t care less right now!


    Using all the strength left remaining in my body, I start trying to swim up through the dense liquid rock and find it''s harder than you could ever imagine. Seriously though, try swimming through something like slime and you''ll understand what I mean.


    Just as I feel like I have to breathe in, my arms break the surface and finally, sweet, ashy Underworld air. I''ve got to admit, my adrenaline is through the roof!


    Still catching my breath, the body of the hydra slowly rises to surface bobbling along clearly showing that I must''ve struck it. I''m a little annoyed aspect had to be used but this ce isn''t worth risk taking any further.


    "*Huff huff*... that shit was intense! That fucker nearly got me... give me a second Petra and you can ride on me if you want"


    Ahead of me, Petra''s still on theke in her scarred phoenix form, don''t like her hurting like that but it was always better for floating I suppose. To think we used shitty nks of wood when we could''ve just done that, I guess it wouldn''t have stopped me being dragged down though.


    "Heh, it''s fine Ikarus so please just get on... phew"


    Doing as she says, I climb up onto her back and take a seat, bet it looks like I''m riding a ck rubber ducky or something from the side.


    Considering how tightly that bastard bit onto my ankle, it doesn''t seem to be bloody or anything like that. Of course, I''m more focusing on how relieved everyone looks from me not drowning there, even Zeki looks like he was just stressing out a load. I''d rather tease Petra about it if I''m being honest.


    "Heya Petra... you weren''t worried or anything, right?"


    "Heh, why would I be worried Ikarus? There was no way that creature could ever bring you serious harm"


    ''Look at her putting on a tsundere act for me, as if I can''t tell what she really thinks''


    Despite me trying to get her to show a little bit of that concern she definitely just had, I don''t care that much about it so I just make sure to give her head a hug as softly as I can. She''s definitely in pain right now, that much is guaranteed but she seems to appreciate it.


    "Let''s just keep moving and get tond already, I already hate this ce more than words can describe now..."


    __________


    "Finally, fuckingnd! I don''t care what anyone says orangey, we''re going a different way back then doing that shit again"


    (Ariza) "Agreed Zeki, all of us were terrified when you fell in Ikarus"


    "We thought you nearly lost you Ikarus-sama"


    "My master would''ve killed me if any harm came to you, I was literally about to jump in and help!"


    (Nathan) "Geld''s not kidding Ikarus, he did look like he was about to jump in"


    (Ikarus) "As if some four headed loch-ness monster creature is going to be the end of me, you lot worry too much"


    (Petra) "..."


    It''s taken this long for the adrenaline to die down and for people to speak again but, I''m pretty certain tensions are better simply because we''ve just arrived on a new ind. The rest of that journey was peaceful enough after taking care of the hydra in all fairness. I think Petra''s still a little shook up despite me being alright and switching forms again.


    Before we start to search this newndmass though, feel like I can''t leave this as it is. While everyone''s going off ahead, I give her a slight tug on the arm.


    "You can rx now Petra, I''m fine, see? I can give you a spin or dance if needed!"


    "..."


    She doesn''t give me verbal response only giving me a little smile, I can definitely tell she''s rted to Mute at times when she goes silent like this. Unlike her sister, Petra seems to get like this when in arge group or just down to stress really.


    "I love your smile Petra but can you give me a response please? I''m not sure if you''re okay or not"


    "..."


    ''Still no words! She''s not actually pissed at me or something, right? The smile seems genuine though''


    "This isn''t some sort of depressive silent treatment I''m unawa-"


    Completing taking be aback, she goes in for a passionate kiss swooping me off my feet and nearly making me fall over. The way she does this has always made my heart flutter but this is definitely not the time for something like this, right? Or is it?


    "Of course, I was a little worried Ikarus, this was just me thinking of a way I could kiss you really"


    As if I''m falling for that! There''s no way she''s gone silent because she wanted a kiss! She clearly was worried more than a little!


    "E-Erm... don''t change the subject! You seem a litt-"


    And again, she''s attacks me with another kiss! I really should be annoyed at her but as if I could be annoyed at this pain in the arse smothering me with smooches right now! Urgh, conflicting emotions...


    "Heh, does that answer it again Ikarus? How many more times do you need confirmation?"


    "Urgh, I just won''t ask then"


    I don''t even know what goes through her head at times so best just let her get on with it, our rtionship dynamic has always been a little weird so no problems if she doesn''t want to discuss it any further. Unless, the kissing is actually her way of saying she''s fine? Eh, guess I''ll never really know.


    "*Sighhh*, let''s just catch up to everyone Petra. I love you more than words can describe but you really confuse me..."

 Chapter 171 – Guardians

    Chapter 171 ¨C Guardians


    (Ikarus) "What the hell are they!? Seriously, those things are freaky as hell, like they belong in some eldritchian horror or something"


    (Petra) "Heh, not sure what you mean by that Ikarus, but they do look like a summoning gone wrong"


    (Geld) "My master did say there might be creatures of the damned, presume these are the things then?"


    (Ariza) "Poor souls, do you think they hurt like that?"


    (Nathan) "Maybe Ariza, but they don''t look friendly"


    (Charlotte) "Nat is right Ariza-sama, they look really angry"


    (Zeki) "Whatever they are, they look like prime material for stabbing"


    Having just travelled for a good hour or so across this new Tartarus ind we''vee across, ahead of us lies several ckened humanoid ape looking creatures, with outstretched limbs making them look like creatures from nightmare.


    Joining alongside them are those ck hellhounds we''vee across before but all of us are clearly focusing on the creatures with no name. Presumably, they''re undead but what undead has the colouring of pure obsidian, are partially ape, partially human and stands but has arms longer than legs? I think the term abominations works the best.


    "You lot are right. Whatever these abominations are, think they''re about to attack us"


    One of the few from the group notices us trespassers while priestess is strangely the one to step up first, not particrly sure why but maybe she''se across these hell spawn before? Or they appeal to her inner heathen hatred then?


    "Summon"


    She''s raises her sword and the rest of us ready our weapons towards the foes as well.


    Splitting slightly up, the group of enemies wildly charges towards us screaming and hissing madly in the process rapidly closing the distance.


    The abomination closest to me runs on all fours and then opens its mouth to try and go in for a bite. It''s takes me back a little, mainly because the bite missed by so far. These creatures might be partially blind or was trying something else...


    ''Eh? The fuck even are these things? That''s disgusting!''


    You ever seen that ck alien creatures named zeno somethings? Yeah, it''s mouth opens up a different mouth presenting a set of human teeth almost like a set of dentures. And that tries to snap at me.


    I quickly go to sh towards it but it awkwardly runs back tactically retreating, this ce really is pretty weird with creatures like this lurking around.


    The hellhounds who went for the arguably weaker members of our party have already been dealt with but the three monsters still remain standing, quick as a whip dodging and screaming at any chance to be shed upon.


    Except, there was four of those abominations but that one just so happens to have lost its head from a flying sword, as if any speed can outrun Petra''s wrath.


    ''Huh, Petra really likes that sword art of hers. I kinda miss watching her majestically fight up close now''


    Despite sending the undead to the Underwor- my pun doesn''t really work here; Petra doesn''t bat an eyelidpletely engrossed with the other enemies ahead of us trying to cut down another. Should probably take these creatures as seriously as the rest of my party but can''t exactly say I don''t like an increased risk.


    Anyways, while they''re being distracted by the hovering de desperately trying to avoid it, the rest of us seize this opportunity. The excessive screaminging from the monsters is pretty unsettling though.


    "To the right Lotte!"


    "Gotcha Nat!"


    Nat x Lotte run together and the knight shes into one of the beasts while the priestess''s sword flies the other direction nearly cutting the creature in two.


    "Haha, die hell spawn, die!"


    Zeki charges forward wanting to give his new spear a proper run out and the tip of it finds its way into the undersection of the monster, impaling it upwards with Mr obnoxious relishing every moment of the killing.


    ''Not today''


    Thest of the three realizes it now is in a really sticky situation and tries to flee, only to be met by me plunging both my two weapons into its back, presumably piercing its lungs and heart if it has those organs. I''m not even sure if these things are undead but it''s a fair assumption.


    A strange thing then happens which I failed to notice being from the other dying creatures, almost like a white fog seems to be excreting from the corpse I just produced. It reminds me a little of the souls around this ce, albeit faceless and more of a condensed husk.


    It matters little how things were done or what''s happening now though, all the opposition ceases to exist anymore. I am a little curious on something while cleaning the blood off my des.


    "Hey Charlotte, have you fought against those beings before?"


    "No Ikarus-sama, it''s just that I could feel life being consumed within them. That mist might be the residue from the souls they''ve consumed"


    (Petra) "Huh, sensed that as well Charlotte, pretty sure that was the consumed souls themselves though"


    ''Oh, these two both picked that up as well? I''m oddly proud of myself''


    "I presume they feed off them like how vampires might do with blood Petra-sama?"


    "Unsure Charlotte, their bellies were filled with conscious souls though. Not a pleasant way to go if those screams were from the victims they consumed"


    At least I can see why those two took that fight pretty seriously then, these soul eaters must consume the dead and we''ve just freed the victims from their burden? Eh, everybody wants a peaceful death but I really couldn''t care about this sort of thing if I''m being honest. At the end of the day, maybe the souls should''ve done better hiding from these creatures. I''m probably being a little upassionate to the dead though.


    "So, those creatures eat souls then? Bit unoriginal but at least we have a name for them now. We going to move on?"


    Other than that small group of soul eaters and hellhounds, there doesn''t appear to be anything else around here, even those passing souls we came across in the other Underworld regions don''t seem to be loitering around. Considering Tartarus is supposed to be extremely dangerous, it''s pretty empty all things considered. I guess those guys and the hydra weren''t exactly easy foes though.


    Regardless of the finishedbat, Petra has started to crouch down next to one of the bodies and seems to be staring at it intensely. It''s a little weird but she must have her reasons, we are the couple of weirdness after all.


    "Heh, just give me a second Ikarus and we can continue on, these things are surprisingly fascinating to observe"


    ''Fascinating? Is Petra turning into a scientist or something now? Ah, I''ve got to get her in ab coat someday, imagine if she was naked under it as well...''


    "Saying it''s fascinating is a little worrying Petra-sama, but I get what you mean, it''s interesting despite how these souls may have suffered. Hopefully, they can rest in peace now"


    Just the two knowledgeable members of our party sharing conversation once again, at least it''s not something like magic theory this time around. Ah, the joys of not caring in the slightest, intelligence is overrated anyways.


    ''It''s pretty understandable why this Underworld is mostly dead if these sorts of guys are feasting on souls, that''s such a obvious pun...''


    __________


    Travelling even further through Tartarus, the journey is pretty uninspiring if you''re looking for vastndscapes of beauty and tranquillity. At least we''ve arrived at somewhere different for a change, theck ofva around here does make things a little uglier though.


    Arriving at an area a little different to the usual brimstone and fire, there appears to be actual hills of the stone around here and for a change, we won''t have to worry about idently steeping in magma oring across something else undead. This area seems pretty peaceful considering where we are, almost too peaceful...


    "You lot think we''re on the right trac-"


    "Shh Ikarus, there are voices up ahead"


    Petra''s cuts me off whispering so I hear what she can, there''s clearly two voicesing from the other side of one of these hills. Best go investigate and hopefully, they''ll be friend and not foe. It feels like we''ve been down here for quite some time now.


    We all slowly creep up to where the voices areing from and find two women discussing something in front of a cave entrance.


    "...Telling you Meg, all you''re doing is angering the God and Goddess even further with your transgressions. Did you really have to abandon your post like that?"


    "Sir Hades has already lectured me enough about that sister so you''re boring me already. Besides, it''s not my fault no one ever checks the ledger, I''ve been due some vacation time for centuries"


    Scolding Megaera, a new fury sister seems to be lecturing the other on duties or something like that? Regardless, either don''t look to be enjoying the other furiespany.


    Describing the other woman''s appearance, this fury is a slight bit greenerpared to the usual blue still rocking the crimson red eyes all sisters seem to share. Ah, she''s also barely dressed like the first fury and her hair is green and curly with a somewhat cuter vibe to the mythical woman.


    The other is just Megaera with that sterner look still wielding the whip she favours.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "That''s because we''re guardians of the Underworld Megaera! As if we get vacations, it''s our duty to serve the God and Goddess forever!"


    "You really need to find a hobby sister, being this straightforward really doesn''t do you any favours"


    "*Sigh*, you could''ve snuck out to see anybody in Tartarus Meg, yet it has to be the bosses s-. We should continue this conversation another day, feel like we''re being watched"


    "Not that perceptive, are we dear sister? I noticed them a while ago, juste out so we can get this over with already"


    Completely being found out, we all get up from our little hiding spot and go towards the two fury sisters. That leaves any potential sneak attack out of the question but if we can avoid fighting again, might as well give it a try. It''s not like I''ve turned pacifist or anything but the excitement from being in the Underworld has already died down a lot.


    "You still wanting to fight Megaera? I thought you were going to leave us alone?"


    "Heh, it did seem like that was the case back in Asphodel"


    "Never imed we wouldn''t lock weapons at some point you two. Unfortunately, I''ve been roped into this much earlier than I thought might happen"


    "Yeah, Megaera has to do her duty like the rest of us! She can''t be skipping work just so she can go off on a date!"


    The fury Megaera clearly can''t stand her upstanding sister and gives her a killing re, guess I was right about that date thing. The fact she''s still holding the same whip means it went well? This isn''t something I want to think about if that''s what she''s into so let''s see if I can win over the other sister, it''s a good thing I''m such an Underworld nerd.


    "Presumably, you''re the fury Tisiphone then? You think we can get a free pass? We can pay for it if it helps"


    "You''ve heard of me!?! Ahem, to think you know about me as well! And hell no! As if one of Hades''s most trusted servants would ept a bribe"


    "If she wasn''t here, I''d happily ept your coins"


    "Seriously Meg!? *Sigh*"


    Despite now knowing we''ve got to fight, it''s actually Zeki who seems the most pissed off about having to do such a thing. Maybe it''s because he knows the furies will most likely not die or we won''t be able to kill them or something.


    "Can we just get this over with? This is the only cool ce down here and it''s been ruined by having not enough things to kill, let''s just get this finished. It''s not like you''d be able to beat orangey or sis even without the rest of us"


    "Of course, of course! Let''s just set some ground rules first though. No going for the face, crotch and breasts! Oh, absolutely no killing as well! I''d have to file a form and I''ll end up in some trouble with the rulers"


    ...


    Is Tisiphone being serious? We''re in the Underworld and she''s not allowed to kill us? Then what''s the freaking point of thesebat duels!? To prove we''re worthy or something?


    "Just excuse her, she''s always been a little strange in the head. Let''s just begin"


    Megaera starts off thebat by wildly swinging her whip towards us and all of us have to jump back otherwise end up receiving the harsh sting of leather, this could be quite the decent fight having such a unique weapons to fight against. None of us are going to take this like a sparring session though.


    Before the other sister has the chance to join in and help, all of us with ranged capabilities responsd swiftly and precisely towards the attacking fury sister.


    Me using Excalibur, Charlotte using her sword beam, Petra using sword art and Ariza using a bow, we all fire off differing attacks mostly aimed towards the whip user. All end up hitting Megaera and are exceptionally effective, except, they really aren''t. All that damage she just received seems to be instantly healed. But for some reason, she''s nowpletely copsed on the floor.


    "Ah, that hurt way too much! I''m spent..."


    "Damn it Megaera, get up already! We all know you''re faking it!"


    "They defeated me fair and squarely, so it''s my loss, your turn Tisiphone. You wanted a fair fight sister, now it''s your time to lose so we can leave already"


    "*Sigh*, I hate you at times Meg, why can''t you just do your job!?"


    "Don''t care, I fought and lost"


    ...


    You know, I''m struggling to decide whether to look confused or amused right now, the rest of the party shares my opinion with only Petra showing a happy smile from Megaera''s antics. To think one of the fabled fury sisters wanted to shirk her responsibility this badly and not fight us, at least that means one is down.


    Anyways, while the fury isining to her ''dead'' sister: Geld, Zeki and Nathan all charge towards Tisiphone armed with their melee weapons looking to strike blood. This fury wanted a fight so she''s going to get it.


    Geld using his gigantic sword goes to sh towards her legs, Nathan towards her arms with his broadsword and Zeki''s spear pierces the fury''s... boob? Was that even intentional?


    "Heya, that''s no fair! I just literally said the rules!"


    "We''re inbat idiot, you really can''t expect me to aim elsewhere. Next time around, cover up and wear armour!"


    "Eww, I''m fighting a pervert!"


    Zeki just shakes his head and scoffs to the talkative fury, this fight really does feel like bullying, she did want a battle though, if you can even call it that. Like her other sister, the damage received heals basically instantly though.


    Eventually, she finally gets around to actually doing something by first, wiping the blood of one of said boobs and then pulls out... a tentacle? Where the hell was she hiding that? Okay, I really don''t want to know.


    I mean, it''s a literal tentacle with a sword handle that she''s using to hold it, I''m unsure what to do in this situation, Ikarus dot executable has stopped working when looking at a potential hentai plot.


    Anyways, the thing seems to have a mind of its own and instantly goes for Zeki, sticking onto his arm without giving him a chance to respond. When he does respond, he drops his spear and desperately tries to free himself from the suction cups with his free arm. It''s sticking pretty damn well though.


    "What the fuck is that slimy thing? Get the fuck off me!"


    "Hehehe, feel the slight difort of the painful... sucking! It''s a shame it only works as quick as leeches though. Give it half an hour, then you''ll bepletely defeated!"


    ''Why am I getting the vibe this fury is simr to the pervy dryad we all know and love?''


    In all honestly watching the legendary fury sister attacking Zeki with what looks to be something not safe for work, all I want to do is destroy this dungeon now. Why is it everywhere we go, no one is freaking normal!? Literally all six of us are witnessing this scene and really have no idea what to do.


    In the end, we do decide to try and help defeat the woman with me leading the counter offensive, I am slightly worried for Zeki''s safety if that tentacle turns out to have a perverted mind of its own, he''s not exactly in the best of forms equipped to deal with it right now, but maybe it can sense he''s truly better suited to being female or something? Females and tentacles, tis a love story as old as time...


    Eww, why am I even going there? Even Zeki doesn''t deserve to be assaulted like that, I''ve seen way too much disturbed stuff back on Earth. I could see him and Ria trying something this deranged though, I''m not thinking about this anymore.


    Easily cutting the tentacle off Zeki''s arm, I get a really stern look from the fury who clearly didn''t like the fact I just destroyed her favourite toy... I just went there again, for fuck''s sake Ikarus! It''s a tentacle sword with no pervy connotations at all, get over it already! I still don''t know where she was hiding it though...


    "Ow! That hurt, why are you lot so mean!? I''m going to try for real now!"


    All of a sudden, eight tentacles grow from the back of said fury making her look like some sort of cute human outer God hybrid. This really is getting worse and worse, how am I supposed to take this seriously!?


    ''Oh, for the love of God. I swear I''ve seen this same exact scene before, and it definitely wasn''t from family friendly anime''


    Just as we''re about to all start delimbing the tentacle turned woman, a voice scream''s from behind us causing all of our eardrums to ring.


    "Pathetic! Just what in Hades is going on here!?"


    The owner of said voice is the first fury we came across previously, that being the mostly silent Alecto. She really doesn''t look best pleased with this situation, I guess one of her sisters is ying dead and the other looks like a hentai from hell. I''m going to have nightmares about those tentacles being penises knowing my luck now...


    "Sister Alecto! Please scold Megaera for not helping me! These thugs are trying to break into the prison!"


    ''Thugs? She''s like a crying child ratting on her older sister to her mother, wonder how this is going to go down''


    The first fury sister we encountered Alecto walks over to the whining Tisiphone,pletely ignoring us about to do something unexpected... or expected?


    "Ouch! What was that for? Stop it!"


    The fury Alecto flicks her sister''s nose like she''s a misbehaving dog and keeps doing it. I''m slightly afraid Petra will pick up some ideas now but best not say anything otherwise she definitely will.


    "Have you forgotten one of Sir Hades''s teachings, idiot? What could possibly be the reason Meg isn''t fighting?"


    "Ouch, stop flicking my nose already! I don''t know why, she''s just beingzy again!"


    "When faced with an opponent who greatly outmatches your strength, don''t waste your energy! I found that out firsthand and even sent you both a message about the approaching intruders, at least one of you actually acknowledged it"


    "But that''s not fair! I bet she didn''t even get your message and went straight on the date"


    "..."


    Megaera doesn''t even respond nor denies the sister currently getting a painful nose, pretty certain she''s guilty as sin here but has massively gotten away with it.


    Turning around to face us after turning her sister into that red nosed reindeer, Alecto seems surprisingly apologetic despite attacking us with those snakes previously.


    "Apologies for wasting your time and the experience you had killing the hydra; it should be pretty obvious who''s been looking after him these days with that aggressiveness of his. Hunger is a terrible thing for a creature of the Underworld"


    "Huh!?! They killed Lenard? How dare the-, Ouch! Stop it with the nose flicks already!"


    While Alecto is flicking Tisiphone''s nose again, I see Megaera sneakily walking off in the distance trying to avoid this situation. Clearly, she knew nothing of Hades''s teachings and just wanted to avoid wasting her time, can''t say I me her too much. Shirking responsibilities and not working is basically my thing! We''re supposed to be queens ruling a settlement believe it or not.


    Anyways, Alecto returns to us with Tisiphone now looking like she wants to cry.


    "If you wish to enter the prison Dionysus is held, we will not stop you nor will the rest of the denizens of the Underworld will. Give them thepletion for the battler sister and let''s go"


    "Huh!? I''ve got to give them my boon as well!? This is so freaking unfair; I hate you all!"


    The childish sister runs off almost looking like she has tears in her eyes while her sister Alecto just shakes her head slowly following suit leaving us outside of the cave alone.


    Anyways, now that''s over, it''s pretty easy to predict what our reactions are going to be like, it''s honestly surprising we don''t expect experiences like this considering how frequently this happens.


    "Well... that might be the weirdest encounter we''vee across, anyone else have any other suggestions that might topple this?"


    "Heh, maybe meeting Ria in Yggdrasil Ikarus? Or something to do with Penelope? There''s probably a load more if we think about it"


    "Nah, you lot meeting the cow was weirder despite me not being there. Didn''t she try sleeping with you all?"


    "Unfortunately, yes Zeki, she really could''ve used religion back then and even now"


    "Yeah, Lotte''s right. There''s no way that dryad would ever be into something normal though"


    "Hey, not cool empire''sckey. I''m the only one allowed to insult the cow, and maybe orangey and sis every now and then"


    (Nathan) "That wasn''t meant as an insult kid, as if any of us are normal"


    "That''s what happened when you met the dryad Ria? That story sounds simr to how I first met my master"


    "What happened back then Geld?"


    "Probably shouldn''t say Ariza, he might kill me if I spill that little secret"


    Anyways, moving on from whatever conversation that was, Aesa seems to have something to say.


    [<Just to confirm, another 10 levels have been obtained presumably from the fury sister Tisiphone. Aesa will show Ikarus now>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 608]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 65,518*/80,000*]


    [Magicka 101,226*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 17334 unassigned points]


    ''Thanks Aesa''


    And just like that, another ten levels gained. I''ve finally decided once I hit twenty thousand, I''m going to buy the remaining four abilities toplete sacrificialmb. Hopefully, there will be something else after that and when stamina hits the limit as well, you never know how these sorts of things work though. I''m going to be really annoyed if that''s it though.


    ''Is it actually time to meet Dio in the flesh? This cave better be the ce we need to go....''

 Chapter 172 – Rescue

    Chapter 172 ¨C Rescue


    All of the party slowly walk into the cave carefully unaware of what we might expect so making sure to be ready. Except, what presents us almost immediately is the ending of the cave when all of us realize this ce is much smaller than expected. And friendlier as well from first nce.


    The interior of the ce is simr to the reddish stone that adorns this Underworld regions, except there''s clearly several barred off areas making it looking like some old prison cells. The interior of the cells actually look simr to a noble''s bedroom in some ces, mostly down to the furniture inside the ce. I guess even imprisoned Gods need some luxury, I suppose?


    The other strange thing about this prison is that there''s only two people of interest around this ce. Inside the cell is a ck curly haired male hunched up on the makeshift bed and outside the cell, is a blonde-haired creature clearly from the depths of hell.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ''Why the hell is there a demon visiting Dionysus anyways? Wait...''


    "Master! Is that really you!? You didn''t say you''d being down here youself!"


    Geld rushes off to the visitor outside of the cell basically giving him the biggest hug imaginable all while wagging this tail in the process, it would be a cute experience if the guy clearly wasn''t a demon.


    (Demon) "Just call it a lucky coincidence I suppose, it''s good you all arrived on time though"


    Before we all go over to question why the hell there''s a visitor being Geld''s master down here, I''ve noticed Petra''s aura turning darker and darker by the second. She looks like she''s about to erupt.


    "That''s him Ikarus, no doubt about it"


    Before giving her an answer, I think for a little bit on what she might be referring to, then an answer presents itself making me as pissed as her. Still able to whisper despite immense rage building up.


    "Wait... you mean the demon who cursed you Petra? You sure it''s him?"


    "The aura, it''s identical to the devil who made the power exchange long ago. I''m unsure if his appearance remains the same, but it''s him"


    So, wee across the bastard who''s caused Petra so much pain right as we meet Dio in the flesh? Should''ve expected something like this considering the amount of coincidences that gue this world but still.


    (Dionysus) "Guess I won''t doubt you any further Asmodeus, you did say this would happen"


    (Asmodeus) "Heh, I''ve always been a demon of my word young God. Delivering on a promise isn''t difficult when you know what I know"


    ''This motherfucker is Asmodeus too!?! We''re definitely killing him right this second...''


    Remember way back when Ariza got herself killed by the other demon lord, Belphegor or something like that I believe? Asmodeus was supposedly responsible for the invasion...


    Anyways, still whispering to Petra while the rest of our party go over to the others not realizing who currently faces them, we definitely need to decide how we''re going to do this if we''re about to fight a demon lord. Petra thankfully can still use aspect if needed, I cannot as the cooldown timers are still wed inside this dungeon.


    "How do you want to handle this then Petra?"


    "Straight for his neck, that''s how I want to do this. You with me Ikarus, or should I try to calm down?"


    Her eyes are slowly fading to the darkest of cks and she clearly is trying her hardest to contain herself. As if I''m going to stop her in this situation, this fucker was the cause of Ariza dying!


    "I''m with you always Petra, we can always ask for more details from Dionysuster"


    Now both aimed with a goal in mind, we both slowly make our ways over to the group conversing trying to keep our auras under wraps. It''s a little hard considering this guy is literally the source of all of Petra''s pain.


    "It''s about time you birds arrived, I''ve been keeping our godly friendpany for quite a while... oh, you really don''t seem happy to see me"


    Me and Petra charge together weapons ready to send this demon into a world of pain, only pure bloodlust clouds our minds right now.


    Just before both our des are about to make contact with the demon lord''s neck, he pulls out his arm armed with nothing but his fist and a smirk forcing a strong gust of wind pushing us both back. Of course, this fucking demon lord knows magic, things are never that easy.


    "Why are you attacking my master!?"


    Geld instantly charges in the space between us grabbing his gigantic de and remains undecided on who to defend or attack. His master did apparently put a curse on him saying we need to be protected, he''s kinda fucked regardless of what happens here though.


    "Get out the way Geld, this bastard is the one who''s responsible for Ariza''s death and Petra''s curse!"


    (Zeki) "Wait, that demon fucker is the one responsible for both things orangey!? Don''t kill him yet, we''ve got to torture him first"


    (Ariza) "Asmodeus, that''s where the name is from. Shouldn''t we try talking first?"


    Thankfully, Zeki''s instantly onboard with our destroying demon scum cause. I''m pretty sure Ariza is in the unsure what to do camp like with the other couple though, I''m not sure why she wouldn''t want revenge on the guy who orchestrated the demon army and even killed her. Maybe she''s just a little confused or too forgiving.


    "I don''t care, I can''t allow you to attack my master like this! Can''t we just talk?"


    (Asmodeus) "I inflicted pain on her? Hmm... the aura does seem familiar, but I don''t remember torturing or cursing the dark phoenix, never encountered the blue one either. You can step aside Geld, that''s an order"


    Geld reluctantly steps aside from his owner giving us another prime chance to strike him down. This bastard is the reason for Petra''s pain so killing him would obviously break that, right?


    The rest of our party without knowing the full situation finally decide to back us up, now ready to destroy the bastard ahead of us. Keep in mind, all of this is being witnessed by a puzzled looking emo dude who I presume is Dionysus still stuck within the confounds of the cage. I mean, it''s definitely him but still.


    Before we go in again, Petra now has something she wants to say.


    (Petra) "It wasn''t torture per say, but the agony has at timese close. You really don''t remember the power you ''gifted'' me?"


    By the way Petra''s emphasizes power, she clearly regrets the deal she made way back when. I remember discussing it once before and she was a little unsure about the idea but I guess her opinion has changed on the whole matter? Did Athena easing some of her symptoms change her thoughts a little? Could be that I suppose.


    "Oh, is this one of those exchanges I did way back setting up preparations? Sorry about that, they are known for being pretty agonizing, it is basically selling part of your soul after all"


    The fact this demon reacts like it''s nothing continuously smiling with that devilish grin of his only pisses both of us off even further, anyone who causes Petra pain deserves the harshest of punishments regardless of if she agreed to it or not.


    (Ikarus) "How the fuck do we break it then!? Maybe share that advice and we''ll spare you"


    ''We won''t but he doesn''t know that...''


    "Well... if you really want to break the agreement and keep the power you''ve obtained as well, you could just kill me. That would be the simplest solution..."


    ''This fucker better stop toying with us because we will fucking kill him!''


    "...But, that would be extremely ill advised and would end your world"


    (Petra) "And why''s that?"


    "Because, I''m the only one who knows how to truly defeat Zeus. All the power in the world and you still would fall short in the final battle and die within your lovers'' arms. It would be pretty romantic and make for an epic tale, but, you both need to be a little more rational if you wish to survive for your ending"


    Fuck! Why is that apparently the truth? I guess he could personally believe that and it turn out to be false, it''s just these sorts of situations require actual thoughts. Petra doesn''t believe a word he speaks though.


    "You''re lying"


    "Now now dark one, you should probably share words with your lover about this because she knows my words stand true. She does have Athena''s eye of wisdom that can help detect lies after all... or did you not know that? Have I just shared an intimate secret that shouldn''t have been told?"


    ''Fucking Asmodeus just ratted me out! How the hell does he know that!?''


    "Wait Ikarus, is that true?"


    Well great. At least Petra''s seems to be calming a little now, but she now looks like she''s now been betrayed or something. Did I need to tell her I can mostly detect lies? Why didn''t I think of this earlier? I''m so stupid at times...


    "Well yeah... it just never came up really. Why are we even focusing on this!? Asmodeus is the bad guy here!"


    Great, Petra''s actually pouting at me! I know I probably should''ve told her sooner, but it was for her own sake really! She lies about being jealous and all that stuff, I wanted her to believe


    "Should''ve told me that Ikarus. Now, you do understand I have to be extra honest with you? Heh, feel like you may regret this..."


    ''At least she can turn it into a joke, even if that didn''t seem like a joke...''


    "... Erm, anyways demon. We have to leave you alive otherwise we can''t defeat Zeus? So, Petra is forced to remain in pain forever?"


    That''s fucking bullshit and I''m not having it! She''s always been forced to avoid her bird form and even if I''m happy with her riding me, this type of twist is not standing!


    "I didn''t say you have to leave me alive; my death is already foretold and is inevitable, just the timing of it will screw up everything. Things have already been set in motion whether you want it or not. You wish for my death and you will have it, just Zeus has to be your sole focus otherwise you will fail"


    "The way you speak... you''ve know glimpses of the future?"


    A strange glint appears in Petra''s eye once the darkness fully fades, must be the times she spoke to her mother about prophecy rted things. This has to be the same sort of thing.


    "Hmm... I thought that aura was simr, it''sparable to the oracle dark one. You are in fact the prophet''s daughter, correct? This really has gone full circle, I never realized we had such history before"


    By now, Petra''s lowered her de and so I follow. It''s almost as if she''s speaking to someone she shares a much bigger past with regardless of power exchanges.


    "My mother shared her prophecies with you?"


    "Of course, we did spend a great deal of time with each other before you and that other dragon came into existence. She did always have a way that could be considered a little vile and sinister, but her predictions always came to fruition, even if sometimes she could purposely withhold information as well"


    This sounds like the same exact description Petra given of her mother before but by the sounds of it, those two were really close or something. Did he know Petra''s mother before or after she hatched?


    "Just how much do you know of my mother demon lord?"


    "Hmm... these are some strange memories I don''t feel really are mine. I remember holding love for her once upon a time but that memory shouldn''t really exist. That would''ve been before death, maybe six hundred and... sixty, or seventy years ago?"


    ''No fucking way, I think I know what this is...''


    "You held love for her?"


    "I''m... not too sure, I definitely wouldn''t have been in the same body though, that much is a given. It wasn''t till after death the oracle spoke with me once again and gave me glimpses into the potential futures. Believe me dark one, there''s no future where you can be sessful if I die in this current moment or the immediate future. Those strangely enough were herst words as well"


    Wow... this information has just blown my mind, it''s like Petra''s horrid backstory all summed up in one terrible package.


    There is a huge problem with the time span, he says he was in a different form and loved Petra''s mother before she hatched. If I recall, Petra knows she''s in the six hundreds, except the specific number. It''s a huge timespan but it doesn''t take a rocket scientist to maybe figure out what the connection might be...


    ''Could Asmodeus have been a dragon at some point? If so, there could be the chance we''ve found Petra''s father''


    Just before I have the chance to ask about it, the emo guy in the cage can''t help but break the strange mood around the ce.


    "Hey, I know spoiling a family reunion is bad and all, but could we perhaps move this along? I''m still unaware what Hades may do if he finds out you''ve all broken into his realm"


    Good ol''Dio can''t help but want to get out of the prison he''s inside, can''t exactly me him but he could''ve maybe waited a tad longer. I''ll just continue this conversation another time.


    "I assume the ck-haired crossdresser in the cage is Dionysus then? You really look exactly how I pictured you"


    ''That came across way ruder than I intended but he doesn''t seem to care in the slightest''


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you in person as well Ikarus. I really do appreciate all you lot looking after my incarnate making sure she keeps sane, but you think we continue thister on? Asmodeus has already told me way too much about what''s going to happen"


    "Of course, of course. How do we do this though?"


    Before any of us have the chance to start trying to break the God free from the ce he''s trapped, priestess just can''t help herself. She''s definitely been trying to hold this in...


    "Is that really you my lord!? I can''t believe we''re actually speaking face to face!"


    "That''s the Dionysus you pray to everyday Lotte? He''s... not what I was expecting"


    "It has to be him Nat! Can''t you tell just by basking in his brilliance!?"


    Almost as if Charlotte is meeting a celebrity the first time, her face shows an immense amount of excitement and is onlyparable to when the cakees out. She''s really fangirling over him right now, not in a romantic way though as I''m pretty sure her heart still lies with the knight. It''s a good thing none of us feel unnecessary jealously and trust our partnerspletely around here... except for that stupid plushie but that''s justified! And Petra''s asional teasing sorting of thing.


    "Well, this wasn''t the introduction I wanted to give you my child, but it''s better than nothing I suppose. I''d love to talk for a while but this really isn''t the time"


    ''She''s so freaking giddy right now but the God does have a point''


    "Of course my Lord! How do we release you though?"


    "You''ll have to speak to Asmodeus about that, this door is enchanted and he knows how to unlock it. Using brute force won''t work for something this tedious I''m afraid"


    ''That''s my n out of the window then''


    Grinning like a know-it-all madman, Asmodeus now has the floor while we wait for him to give an answer. The more and more I look at him, he really is a bastard, that smile makes me want to hit him.


    "In order to release my good friend Di-"


    "We''re not friends Asmodeus"


    "Really? Even after I went to all this trouble visiting you every few days and even smuggling ambrosia down here for you? Ah, I''m getting distracted now, this situation actually requires Geld"


    The young God just scoffs at Asmodeus, I''m still unsure what this ambrosia stuff even is but hopefully we can share a bottle someday. I mean, going out for a drink with the God of booze sounds way too appealing.


    "How can I help master?"


    "Since Zeus is surprisingly thorough when ites to imprisoning people, that cell cannot remain unupied. Opening it is easier than expected, just he will be informed if no one remains inside this prison"


    ''To be fair if you exclude the metal bars, I wouldn''t mind sleeping in there. It''s quite cosy despite the fact we''re literally in Tartarus''


    "Are you ordering me to take his ce master?"


    "Not ordering Geld, I''m asking. I''m long past the days of ordering you to do something"


    "Of course I''ll do it master, it''s just that it could get awful lonely like this"


    "I''ll visit on asion, if I can rememb-"


    Something that the demon lord just said has pissed me off a little, mainly because it seems like a partial lie.


    "Hang on hang on, you don''t order him to do anything? He literally said you''d blow up his head if any harmes to me or Petra, right!? It wasn''t exactly an order but, it doesn''t sound like he has any say at all"


    I feel like I need to step for the beastkin now, this was something that got said way back in our settlement when first describing his demon master about the head exploding curse or something. I actually could remove it if it is considered an actual curse but Geld seemed against that and it wouldn''t let me even if I tried.


    "What in hell did you tell them Geld?"


    "You told me a while ago master, that the conditions regarding you now apply to the two phoenixes. It was obvious I''d assume I''m still cursed like"


    Asmodeus pauses for a minute looking confused, then finallyes up with something.


    "Hmm... you know I removed the betrayal curse centuries ago Geld, you still thought your head could explode? Heh, that''s pretty funny considering"


    "Wait, there was never any concern!? I''ve been worrying every night for your safety and yet, I didn''t have to!?"


    "Heh, must''ve have forgotten to tell you. At least that''s an unnecessary worry gone then, right? Is that the only reason you worry for me?"


    "Of course not master, I would still worry about you, it''s just that... forget it, doesn''t matter than much"


    It''s funny really, Geld''s now pouting at the demon lord while I''m just trying toe up with anything to prove he and Petra aren''t rted. The random memory loss, the asional heh, him loving her mother potentially before she was hatched, it''s really making it hard to ignore. I''ll ask Petra what she thinks when we get some alone time next, this really isn''t the time.


    ''At least this demon lord isn''t pure evil towards his follower I guess, despite it seeming like very. Eh, pretty sure Geld''s happy with the situation? Sometimes it''s better to just not question things''


    (Ikarus) "Can we move things along now then?"


    "Just give me a couple of minutes to say our goodbyes, then he can switch ces. The cell is already unlocked so the ritual isn''t needed"


    "When in Olympus did you do that Asmodeus?"


    "Heh, never you mind young God, never you mind..."


    __________


    "We''re really going to leave him down here like this? I''d probably go mad if I were in his position"


    After the goodbyes were said mostly between demon lord and servant, also we made sure to bid our farewells, we''re now off to wherever we need to go next. Having someone who literally knows the future should make what happens next easier, if we can really trust him though...


    Of course, losing Geld isn''t going to be as impactful as parting with an actual party member since we''ve barely been travelling with him, but it definitely feels a little shitty. Eh, at least the beastkin seems happy enough waving us off, I think he''s just lovestruck by this demon bastard though.


    To be honest, most of our group is a little unsure what the events that have transpired and we could all probably do with a good rest right now. Except Zeki, he keeps eyeing up the demon lord, pretty sure he''s trying to hold in his potential vengeance against the guy who temporally killed his ''brother''. Can''t say I me him because I want the exact same fate for this demon lord.


    "The souls will tend to him and keep him fed treating him like the young God himself, there''s no worries on that sort of thing. He''ll probably get bored but he''s spent decades in pure nothingness before and came out alright... well, mostly alright"


    ''That helps a load, not''


    Just before we''re about to exit the cave and leave Geld for God knows how long, I can''t help but get a little pissy about everything that''s gone on. Even if Petra can stomach up her dislike of someone, I''ve always been a little more temperamental with this sort of thing.


    "So, I assume you''re takingmand of the group now or something like that since you know theplete future? This makes me feel like our actions have no meaning anymore"


    "It''s nothing like that orange one, there''s still an infinite amount of possibilities that could ur but a lot of them can be guided on certain paths. Just act how you normally would and you''ll end up on a favourable path, with my guidance on asion"


    "If I wanted to act normal... you''d already be dead"


    "Heh, fair point. Maybe just exclude that one action... Any second now, they''re slightlyte"


    (Petra) "Who are?"


    All of us wonder what he''s on about and out of nowhere, the fabled three fury sisters appear right in front of us outside the cave. I was hoping we''d be free of them by now but I guess these lot are better than nothing I suppose.


    (Alecto) "Greetings once again travellers, we cordially invite you to the house of Hades"


    (Tisiphone) "Sister says it''s an invite but the God and Goddess will lock up Tartarus if you refuse. Still can''t believe you killed my poor Lenard"


    (Megaera) "I''m so taking a nap after this"


    All three sisters bow towards us but clearly two really don''t want to be here.


    ''At least this eliminates any semnce of choice then. Let''s go see what Hades and Persephone are really like...''

 Chapter 173 – Hades

    Chapter 173 ¨C Hades


    "I''m sorry but, I''ve got to mention the elephant in the room. Or gigantic puppy"


    "Uh huh, please can we pet him!?"


    Having just arrived at Hades''s pce, actually being teleported here by the furies oddly enough, we arrive inside a grand hall and ahead of us is a gigantic throne and much smaller one, both of which being upied by the owners of the Underworld, that being Hades and Persephone.


    Persephone is a blonde-haired woman full of smiles, there is an air of a sinister vibe especially with the ck and red dress making her look like a leader capable of great atrocities. As for Hades himself, imagine a grumpy looking dark-haired man, with a beard full of vour and an aura like he is about to explode at any moment. It is weird how his muscles seem to bulge out of those red robes though.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    The architecture around this ce is definitely... unique. It has a usual fancy pce theme except with a mostly blood red colouring, the uniquenesse from the art and d¨¦cor around. We''re talking paintings of armies of undead, statues of naked people and even the odd relic or artefact as well. It makes me feel like we''re in museum rather than a pce.


    Of course, me and Ariza care about none of this because in the corner of this hall lies something big, cute and adorable on a rug.


    "Allow me to get this straight, we invite you into my home and the first thing you want to do, is give Cerberus a head pat!?"


    "Don''t be like that husband, can you really me them with how cute Cerberus is?"


    "Bah, this is why I stopped dealing with you living. Cerberus should be fine with it, just avoid his back end otherwise he may idently kick you"


    "Woof!"


    Oh, should probably mention both Asmodeus and Dionysus have to wait outside. Apparently, it''s bad etiquette for Gods and demons not associated with the Underworld to enter the house of Hades, at least that''s what the furies said before arriving.


    Anyways, getting the confirmation we need, me and Ariza rush over to the three headed dog and start the human instinct of petting everything. Sure, he looks like he could devour us in one bite, but that cuteness of his overrules everything.


    "Uh, who''s a good Cerby?"


    Have you ever heard about that kid''s program with the big red dog named Cliff or something? Cerberus literally looks like him! Except with having three adorable heads instead of one, as if we could ever turn down such a prime opportunity to pet him!


    ----------


    ---Imagine this but way redder and one body. AI wasn''t working how I wanted and this is way out of my area of expertise to edit it in lol.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "Who''s a good dog? Howes you weren''t guarding the entrance big guy?"


    Smiling over to me and Ariza having the times of our lives, Persephone happily answers to us while Hades seems to be sulking now.


    "Cerberus only stops the dead from leaving so he has no interest in stopping the living... make sure you scratch his stomach on the left side, he really likes it there"


    "Bah, you''re all spoiling him"


    While we''re doing this even getting smiles from the rest of our party, Petra thankfully enough is capable enough of asking the needed questions. We would all like to know why we''re even here, despite the pup who is a perfectly eptable distraction. He really loves his stomach scratched it seems.


    "Heh, while those two are getting that out of their systems, would it be okay if we converse? It really is a pleasure to bask in your brilliance, how would you two like to be addressed though?"


    ''Look at Petra trying top up to the Gods''


    "You really don''t have to do that mortal, me and my husband despair at anything formal"


    "Yeah, my dear Persephone is correct. We already get enough backtalk from our boy so at this point, formalities feel unnatural"


    "You two have a son?"


    Despite me still petting Cerberus, that information was unknown to me so I''ve got to ask.


    "Bah, don''t even get me started on him, probably out ransacking the realm or off sleeping with Megaera again. That disappointment of ours always finds something annoying to do"


    "Hades dear, if you call our boy a disappointment again, I''m withholding you know what for the next decade or so"


    "Bah... I''ll drop it then"


    I''m pretty certain Persephone was referring to withholding sex? I mean, this should''ve been obvious who holds the pants in this rtionship even before speaking, you don''t woo the God of the dead without being strong enough to withstand his anger. If anyone could tame the beast that is Hades, then it would be her.


    That thing about a son is actually a myth I''m unsure on, mostly because I''m sure the son of Hades and Persephone is supposed to be dead? Eh, did always say not all myths trante well, maybe we''lle across him? Who knows...


    "Heh, I''ll be more causal then. What reason did you want to speak?"


    Petra asks that almost taking after me a little, it sounded way blunter than it probably should''ve been. At least that means we can get a little more serious, should probably leave the pup alone as well now. No chance Ariza will, she''d bring him back with us if she could.


    "I invited you here personally, to ask why you havee down to such a ce to rescue a God of all people?"


    "I mean, I could respond by asking why Dio is imprisoned down here in the first ce? Last time I checked, you and Zeus aren''t on the best of terms yet you allow him to use a prison in your world"


    Properly joining in the conversation, that seems to take both the Gods back a little. Being aplete Underworld nerd works in my favour this time around.


    "Done you research there, girly? Whatever business that goes down between me and that cretin is none of your business"


    "Hades, the mortals ahead of us aren''t enemies so best we do this on equal terms"


    A stern look is given to him by his wife as well as that statement, clearly Persephone is that rational voice in his ear that keeps nagging until he calms himself down. This is honestly exactly what I was expecting.


    "Bah, fine then. That backdoor he essed, the one the demon knows of as well is impossible for me to defend when Zeus travels down here personally to imprison a being. I may despise my brother but I''m not suicidal enough to face him head on like that... yet..."


    It should be obvious Hades despises his brother as much as the rest of us, the way his face scrunches up like that shows it all. At the end of day if you follow the myths, he did get screwed over when it came to deciding on who rules what but not going to go too heavily on that. Zeus got thend, Poseidon got the sea and Hades got the dead.


    "...Now, I''ve answered a question so you do the same. Exin why you''re even down here?"


    "Actually Hades if you don''t mind me interrupting, I guess I''m the reason. My Lord was in danger and Jarl Denver gave us the information to help. Everyone just offered to help"


    Priestess is the one to answer, I guess we can be pretty open with the God if he''s nning to take down Zeus as well. The enemy of my enemy is my friend and all that.


    "You''re the child he adopted and Hephaestus is now involved? Huh, interesting..."


    ''I''m still unsure why Nathan gets a little weird with Charlotte being referred to Dionysus''s child, it''s the same sort of reaction once again''


    "...I assume Dionysus and the demon told you what needs to be told? It doesn''t matter if they haven''t yet, we''ll be getting involved regardless further down the line"


    The way this sounds, Asmodeus has been swaying over the Gods of the Underworld as well. We''re going to get thrown right into the middle of this now, I know that we want to defeat the God but it feels like we''re going straight into the deep end and have no idea how to swim. Eh, it''ll probably be one of those things where we''ll know a lot more when we speak to Asmodeus next. We''re still going to kill him someday though...


    "They haven''t told too much yet. Is it safe to say you are in an alliance with Asmodeus then?"


    "..."


    Instead of getting a response from Hades himself, all I get is him grinding his teeth and looking at me like I''m an idiot. They definitely aren''t in an alliance it seems.


    "The word alliance will send my husband mad so let''s just say we''re acquaintances for now. When the dayes our suppott is needed against Zeus''s tyranny, that and our faith will be given to you all"


    ''Ah, so this is what this mainly is then. When the dayes all-out war happens, the Underworld is saying they''ll help?''


    About this time, I notice the three furies arrive into the pce almost as if they''ve been listening in to the conversation around the corner. Pretty sure Hades wants to scold them but he might just be like this to everyone.


    (Alecto) "Continue on your journey and when the timees, we''ll also be there to assist"


    (Tisiphone) "There''s way more stronger people down here to give a hand when needed than just us! Lenard could''ve helped as well if you didn''t kill him..."


    (Megaera) "Just make sure it''s not on a weekend, holiday or when it''s nap time in the Underworld though"


    "So, to summarize. This meeting was basically just to say you''ll help us out, when it''s needed? You understand how vague that is, right?"


    A smile appears on the woman''s face once again but Hades just looks his usual grumpy self. He''s definitely like this to everyone.


    (Persephone) "Fair point, but it''ll all make sense someday. Your ck-haired partner in particr is the key to this whole thing after all"


    ''Wait, Petra''s the key?''


    "Me? You do understand Ikarus is the most powerful of us all, right?"


    (Persephone) "You''ll understand someday, it''s not our ce to intervene just yet. The fates will decide when you''re ready"


    Sighhh, thought we long past the days of there''s information to be known but shall not know of it yet, what''s the bet the prophecy gets brought up again soon?


    ...


    Ah, the beautiful awkward silences that our party seem to attract, it appears both sides have no idea on what to say next so I''m always perfect for such a situation.


    It is strange how silent the others have been through this though, Zeki and Nathan have been as quiet as a mouse. I''m pretty sure Mr obnoxious is still sulking at the fact we haven''t attacked Asmodeus yet, maybe the knight is just happy to listen along? Eh, it doesn''t matter that much really, they''ll talk if they want to. Ariza''s still off giving Cerberus the time of his life. We need to buy her a puppy or a cat someday.


    "So, do we leave... stay or continue speaking? I''m not sure if there''s anything else left to ask, unless anyone else has anything they wish to ask?"


    ...


    Complete silence from my party, guess that means we can move this along now?


    "It''s entirely up to you, the furies can guide you back outside if you already wish to leave but the guest bedrooms will need a little preparation if you want to stay a night or two"


    "That... may be a little ill-advised dear wife. We both know the living aren''t supposed to spent any longer than needed down here, it''s unnatural to the order of things"


    ''Eh, Hades cane across as a bit of a dick but there''s no real point in staying any longer than needed I suppose''


    Before setting off though, it actually turns out one of us does want to ask something.


    "Before we leave, there is something that must be said. Being the rulers of thend of the dead, you presumably might know where a specific soul resides? The one belonging to the oracle"


    ''Wait, Petra wants to know if her mother is down here or not? Please don''t tell me she''s looking to make amends or something, that dragon doesn''t deserve it''


    "Apologies mortal but the souls of the oracles are always lost upon death. The person you seek would be around here somewhere but it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. You could spend thousands of years and still never being able to find the soul"


    "My dear Persephone is correct. There''s only so much documentation we''re able to keep up with so the likelihood is that soul would be listed under anonymous. It just simply wouldn''t be noticeable regardless of species"


    Petra seems less concerned by this that I thought, maybe it wasn''t about making amends then? I''m going to me her for this though, I had no questions I wanted to ask but she''s now set me off.


    "I''ve got a question or two now though, how does this ce and the souls even work? Time seems weird since my abilities refuse to recover down here"


    My questioning really seems to annoy the God, I''m starting to think Hades isn''t a huge fan of curiosity.


    "Bah, you really want me to go into explicit detail on how the soul discards the body, makes its way here and then settles down? Or on the reason it makes no sense to leave power unrestricted inside here? I''ve already tried stopping Zeus entering this ce but even that doesn''t work"


    "I don''t think that was what she was asking Hades, maybe she meant what the souls do when they die? It''s just a state of bliss, calm or agony depending on how you were during life, each soul gets determined separately and some can even end up together if they can''t be disconnected. There are some noticeable exceptions though"


    That... really wasn''t what I wanted to ask but I guess it''s kinda cool knowing what happens when you die though. Judging by the way they do things here; I''m guessing it''s safe to assume these two would have no idea how we came into this world then? This ce is thend of the dead and we technically didn''t die crossing over into those eggs if you believe what we''ve been told before.


    (Ikarus) "What noticeable exceptions are they?"


    (Persephone) "With beings that don''t belong in this word, like with what happened to the blue mortal"


    "Uh, me?"


    Ariza''s responds looking a little confused, pretty certain Persephone is referring to the time she died? I remember something was said about how she remembered where she went after death and that she was in line for something.


    (Hades) "You obviously forget much from when you visited this cest mortal. It''s a good thing you were revived since we wouldn''t have known where to send it..."


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "Bah, are you sure it was okay to share that much my darling Persephone? We haven''t made a mistake meeting those mortals in person, right?"


    Finally alone after continuing the conversation about the blue phoenix, me and my husband Hades are a little exhausted now, more down to mental fatigue rather than physical.


    That situation regarding the blue one''s travelling soul wasn''t that difficult to fix since we only reallyid eyes upon her for seconds, it''s just that the phoenix goes against all naturalws regarding this world or any other. Once you start messing with biology mixing different species from different worlds, you start getting corrupted beings capable of deciding the fates but in turn are unable to do the simplest of things, like fertility for example.


    I''m actually a little surprised more questions weren''t asked, maybe they''ve had enough of thend of the dead already and just wanted to leave? Even just something about how they came into this world wouldn''t have been stupid, would''ve been difficult to give them a straight answer but we could''ve at least tried.


    "Honestly Hades, thought we didn''t share enough. You can stop it with the act now"


    "What act?"


    "Return to being my adorable blushing man now, would you?"


    "Bah, it''s pure madness how you stole my heart back then..."


    He''s always been a little rough around the edges but that''s what I''ve always liked about him, our first meeting actually goes against the norm with this sort of thing considering we met in a meadow. Yes, a meadow, no bloodshed, killing or kidnapping, just two Gods falling in love at first sight. It would''ve gone better if we had mother Demeter''s blessing but I fell out of love with the rest of the family ages ago.


    "...Now that moment has passed, where do we continue next?"


    "There''s not that much to do yet dear except keep the denizens willing and ready to go. On the day the message is sent, that''s when we''ll finally reveal our faces to the Gods back in Olympus"


    The demon Asmodeus has already exined the details of the future he''s aiming for and how to go about getting there, albeit in his own mischievous vague way. Despite how he appears and his affiliation, he''s the only demon that truly isn''t evil at heart, at least it seems that way if you look down into the depths of his soul. His past wille back to haunt him someday though, that''s a guarantee considering what he''s aiming for...


    "What about the birds dear? You think they''ll hate us after finding out who''s responsible? It had to be done but we do hold some responsibility for it"


    "That''s why you''re grumpy? Because of that?"


    He grumbles as if I don''t really know my husband''s heart deep down. He was always the most caring of the three brothers despite the persona he puts on, Zeus and Poseidon have always been evil whenpared to my Hades.


    "It''s inevitable it''lle up someday and if they feel the need to turn to violence, then we''ll unfortunately have to perish. They may not even me us though; Hephaestus was the one who started this finding souls from another world thing..."

 Chapter 174 – The Future

    Chapter 174 ¨C The Future


    (Zeki) "I swear this whole trip feels fucking pointless after all that. Those Gods were boring as hell and I''m not even allowed to avenge brother for what that demon did, life really stinks"


    ''At least it''s not me stating the obvious for a change, when I''m agreeing with Zeki you know things aren''t quite right''


    (Ariza) "Uh, it''s not that bad Zeki. We''re all still alive and well, right?"


    (Nathan) "Actually agree with him for a change, this does feel a little off putting"


    (Charlotte) "I''m honestly just happy we''ve rescued my Lord more than anything else"


    (Petra) "..."


    After meeting with the Underworld leaders and now back in Tartarus in the middle of nowhere, we''ve rejoined both Asmodeus and Dionysus wherever this ce is we''ve been teleported.


    I think both Hades and Persephone realize I can teleport as well? I sure hope it works down here cause we''re royally fucked if this doesn''t work out. It was always said that getting out is way harder than getting in but how many people have what basically is admin privileges?


    (Ikarus) "At least wepleted our task kid, we dide down here to save Dio and have seeded. I can agree with you being annoyed about us now being stuck with that dickhead though"


    I aim my insult towards the demon yet all he does is smile and treats it like it''s nothing. I don''t care if he knows I''m going to hate him, there''s got to be some way I can hurt him a little...


    "Heh, you two really don''t like me it seems. Is it my scent or something?"


    "Can you really me them Asmodeus? By the sounds of it, you''ve screwed over more people than you can even remember at this point"


    "Maybe young God, but it was always is pursuit of the greater good. Something those angels in particr will never understand"


    To be honest, it''s obvious me and Zeki hate this guy for someone else''s sake especially considering how calm Petra and Ariza are around him now. Can you really me us though? He is basically responsible for that other demon lord crushing her and Petra''s pain, it would be weird if we could adapt to this whole thing as easy as everyone else.


    "Oi Asmodeus, there''s still a few questions left that remain unanswered. Like what happens next with us and Dio? Oh, and what was that whole demon invasion thing about anyways? You must''ve known it would''ve led to the volcano?"


    ''That gets Zeki grinding his teeth now, guess he''s picked up something from Hades since it''s normally a scoff''


    "Getting the young God out of here is easier than you think orange one, he can just leave with us. The Underworld is technically part of the main world despite it not seeming so..."


    ''He seriously doesn''t help himself with that grin of his, always makes him look like he''s about tomit a war crime or something''


    "...Heh, the invasion thing, that was a gift to Zeus. Something that ipetent would make even his most trusted followers think twice when they found out he was involved. Of course, I knew he''d probably use that as ast resort, I also knew that there wasn''t a future in which Hephaestus-, or Denver would allow it to erupt again"


    So, Zeus takes all the me for this guy''s meddling and we''re now having to work with him otherwise the God who rules all can''t be defeated? It doesn''t matter how many times I say it, the bitter taste will just not leave.


    "Couldn''t you have gone some other way about doing things though? Whether you know the future is set or not, invading a literal world and setting off a world ending volcano only makes me think your intention is for everyone to suffer"


    Petra finally joins in abandoning that silence of hers, I guess she has always been the most logical out of us so this sort of question makes sense.


    "Of course dark one, this funnily enough is the most peaceful option if you still n to live through it all. That invasion on the human continent also allowed some of my minions to start nting things in ces around hell as well, this actually presents a good chance to talk about the uing n..."


    By this point, we''ve all taken a seat on the brimstone and are listening to Asmodeus intensely. Except Zeki, he''s gone off either sulking or taking a whiz, could also be both.


    "...In order to start dethroning Zeus, we first need to get you two the conditions to enter the heavenly realms"


    Asmodeus points to us lovebirds making us both seem a little unsure. Aren''t we basically a minimum party of six now? At least until Charlotte and Nathan get called back to the empire.


    (Petra) "Just the two of us?"


    "The conditions on entering the heavens are a little tricky, mostly because mortals aren''t allowed to enter. Gods, demons and angels can. However, making you all Gods would take years too long"


    "Ah, so you''re saying me and Petra need to be Gods to get up there? Wait, what even is the thing with Gods leaving and entering the heavenly realms? By the sounds of it, we could end up stuck up there, right?"


    I mean, I don''t remember who said it but God have problems getting down here, right? Just look at Zeus for example, he clearly has the power to juste down into the world and destroy me outright but for some reason hasn''t. Maybe it''s more down to the civil war happening more than anything else.


    "You see my friend Dionysus in the flesh this moment, right? There are ways you can bypass the watchers heading up and down, but that''s something not worth discussing until it''s needed. For now, let''s just get you two turned first"


    It''s clear Dionysus resents the fact Asmodeus called him a friend again but was fine enough to ignore it now, we are in a pretty important conversation.


    "How do we do that then?"


    "It''s simple really. For you orange phoenix, all you''ll have to do is a lot of killing. Helping me with my plot to destroy the rest of the majin lords should do the trick. It will require bing a majin lord in the process though"


    Is he seriously suggesting I be a demon lord? Ah, I knew my story would take this clich¨¦ turn! I''m not sure whether to be happy or annoyed simply because bing a demon lord normally turns out to be really cool, just we all know how my life turns out with anything cool. Except Petra, she''s the only consistent badass thing around with an exceptional arse believe it or not.


    "We''re wiping out some demon lords then? What''s the catch here because we all know there is one? I''m not going off alone if Petra ain''t there"


    That gets a slight smile out of Petra, as if we''re going to split up while I go off demon hunting or something.


    "I never said the rest of you can''t help getting into the heavens, just the final blow must fall upon your shoulders when taking care of the lords otherwise, things will be even furtherplicated"


    The funny thing is the rest of the party seem relieved at that turns of events as well, I guess they''re definitely joining us on this journey then? Well, unsure on Zeki because he''s not returned yet but can''t see him stopping that following of his ''brother''.


    "What about Petra then? Has does she obtain Godhood?"


    "All she needs to do is go visit Athena once again, she''s already given her everything to take the mantle except the final boom. For all intents and purposes, she already is a God"


    ...


    "Wait, are you being serious? Petra''s already an actual God!?"


    "Heh, why are you so surprised orange one? Wasn''t it obvious? Thatst meeting you had with Athena should''ve clocked you on"


    You know, it really sucks how my perception or intelligence haven''t seemed to increase all but if even Petra seems a little shocked, it couldn''t have been that obvious, right?


    Sure, other than the fact her level counter is broken, the sword art gets used loads now and that she can kinda sense things that aren''t there, was it that obvious? Eh, maybe those are the starting signs, Petra''s always been full of wisdom so she wouldn''t be that different from the literal God of wisdom.


    I''ve just realized something dumb as well, our story is turning into a forbidden lovers tale. The Goddess Petra and the demon lord Ikarus, it sounds like it could be the start to one of those stories that ends with both loversmitting suicide with a bottle of poison when they realize they can''t be together because of social or family reasons. I can already guarantee nothing like that will be happening even if my parents were to decide they hated Petra all of a sudden, I chose love over blood months and months ago.


    (Petra) "What''s your n for destroying the demonic world then? If Ikarus needs to deal the final blow, we can deal with that but need more on the specific details on how we go about fighting everything else"


    ''Petra has always been the brains to my brawn. Once you get power stronger than nukes and dragons, you tend to see less reason to n in detail''


    "Heh, I''ve already done most the work there, all we''ll have to do is walk in over the gigantic piles of corpses and find my brethren trembling in the knees. I over simplify it but they will still prove a decent fight that can end you if you don''t focus enough"


    "What have you done this time around Asmodeus? Have you already started the purge?"


    "Heh, of course young God. That world right now is so toxic, we''d all end dead in seconds. You see, this was the second thing to the human invasion, a distraction that was needed to nt my devices..."


    Grinning even more than usual, it really makes my stomach churn that we now have to work with such a psychopath.


    "...At this current moment in time, the majin world is relishing in a beautiful cloud of poison that burns and consumes everything it touches. No amount of technology or breathing equipment can stop its effect as it is far too superior for such a cheap counteraction"


    Bloody hell, this guy is freaking insane! He actually has doomed his entire race if that''s true. I''d like to ask him why but feel like I''m only going to get a stupid answer if I ask for his motivations or something. At the end of the day, he wants to destroy Zeus as much as us so we need to somehow deal with it. It''s just he clearly is a huge antagonist if he''s dooming an entire world like that, I''d be jealous if I wasn''t for the poison usage...


    (Ikarus) "That was the overall goal of your n Asmodeus? To gas out your entire species? Damn, that shit is intense even for me"


    "Heh, I did tell say things are going on, this has been something intricately nned out for decades orange one. Even you and your family young God, you lot in Olympus have been so predictable and it''s honestly disappointing"


    ''This dickhead actually wants it to be less predictable? Bit contradictory considering he knows the freaking future! Just ignore it Ikarus, he really has old spy movie viin vibes and it''s infuriating''


    (Ikarus) "This still doesn''t answer how I''m able to help you kill them though. You don''t exactly need help if you''ve done all this behind the scenes, right?"


    Show, don''t tell, right!? All this information we''re getting from Asmodeus we''re unable to confirm simply because we haven''t seen what''s been going on. It just makes us feel like we''ve been stumbling around in the dark without a clue.


    "Ah, your help is desperately needed orange phoenix, especially when the gas dissipates in exactly three months'' time. As if a little poison that consumes the insides will kill all the lords, doubt I''ll even get two of them. It will wipe out the other ny-nine percent of my race though"


    "Then couldn''t you have told us bef-... wait, three months!? It''ll take three months for it to go?"


    Fuck''s sake, this damn demon lord is running his own story or something! I always thought it was protagonist Petra but this guyes in and says fuck you to everyone!


    "Defeating Zeus isn''t a process that can be obtained overnight orange one, I''ve been involved in this one way of another for over six hundred years. You will be happy to know this won''t take nearly that long for everything toe to a close though"


    ''Well great, maybe we can defeat him in ten years or so. Fucking vagueness man, destroys the heart and soul''


    Considering Petra has always been the type to hate evil and try to destroy it at every corner, she''s surprisingly quiet throughout this. Even Charlotte as well with her heathen hatred, this must be conflicting her simply because genocide is way worsepared to a little banditry. The greater good and all that I guess, even if it feels like this guy will try destroying this world at some point as well...


    "I''ve got to ask Asmodeus, not for my own sanity but everyone else''s sake. Why are you even doing this? Destroying Zeus is one thing but wiping out your entire species so I can be a demon lord? What''s the reason?"


    For the first time in forever, that smile on his face drops into a depressive frown from my questioning. I thought he wouldn''t want to share his reasoning but I only asked for my lover and friend''s sake really, I can see Petra and Charlotte not liking this, think Ariza doesn''t care since she is still buzzing from all the Cerberus head pats.


    "Just call it vengeance taken amongst my own kind and leave it at that, we all have our own reasons and mine will remain personal. The more of my kind that die in the process, the better for everyone..."


    By the sounds of it, Asmodeus really has a grudge he''s not going to share. I mean, it should be obvious considering he''s using chemical warfare against them but still.


    "...We really should get out of here at some point and ideally back to your inds. I believe you can help with that process, orange one?"


    ''Of course this motherfucker knows I can teleport as well, I can see why Petra hates her mother so much if this is what speaking to someone who knows everything is like''


    "Ah, beforehand though, put this on Petra. You''ll understand in a bit..."


    __________


    "Heh, was this really necessary Ikarus? The cloaks I mean, I''m always happy so spend some alone time"


    "It''s more for my sanity really, wanted a little bit of privacy from our group... and the entire settlement"


    After TPing back and splitting off from the rest of our group, we both walk through the settlement without a care in the world since the idiots haven''t noticed our return just yet. I''m actually surprised how easy going incognito is just by wearing a hooded robe, put them in storage in case we ever needed a little time out of the spotlight. Should be understandable considering these idiots of ours inevitably start worshipping us again if we don''t do this.


    I''ve just realized all they need to do is find the other phoenixes and realize we''re also back at home. Let''s just see how long we can ride this out before the crowds start to pile up.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Anyways, finding a nice pic area inside a park and quickly sitting on the grass, I start the serious conversation that''s been needed for a while. This ce would make for a nice date setting if you just look at the leaves blowing in the wind, the light from the streemps and spotless buildings in the background but need to cut this needless distraction out right now. Petra looks beautiful as always but must ignore urge to kiss her.


    "Hey Petra... there''s something I''ve got to say but I''m unaware if you picked up on it or not from that big reveal conversation from earlier. The time before we met with Hades and Persephone is what I''m referring to"


    "What was it Ikarus?"


    "Asmodeus... fuck it, I''ll just be blunt. Do you think he could be your father? At least whoever he was before bing a demon"


    It''s a difficult subject to bring up but might as well rip it off like a band aid and see how Petra reacts. I was expecting a little surprise but for some reason, I just get the usual heh I love so much.


    "Heh, picked that up as well Ikarus? Didn''t realize you did, wasn''t really sure how to bring it up as well"


    We both noticed that then? I guess Petra has always been more perceptive, just it didn''t get said hence why I thought this was something that was a throwawayment.


    "You think he could''ve been your ol''lizard then? I''m not sure if this changes too much, just if you feel conflicted when we no longer have to put up with the demon, I''ll easily do it for your sake"


    Despite now working with Asmodeus, this still changes nothing if this is the only way we can free her from the pain. Despite it appearing to be the truth, trusting that guy when he''s basically said he''ll allow us to kill him after Zeus is gone is an impossibility. As if any of us are that na?ve.


    Petra does take a second to respond, obviously talking about killing your own father has that sort of effect. I love the fact I couldn''t careless about such a serious topic.


    "It changes nothing Ikarus, even if we''re rted or not. When the dayes and all of this is over, his throat will be cut. No amount of shared blood will change that..."


    ''Damn, the way she just said that sent a shiver down my spine. My fianc¨¦ is so freaking cool''


    "...I''m more worried about the demon lord thing, are you not worried about the change Ikarus? By the sounds of it, Asmodeus remembers barely anything from beforehand, he didn''t even mention what species he was or what happens when you go through with it. If it ends up being simr to how Melinda nearly turned me, I will kill him where and while he stands"


    Ah, I didn''t even think on that. I guess changing species could be painful but would it even work though? I guess he does know the future and seemed pretty adamant that''s what we need to do, just what would my system say? Demon lord sh phoenix? Eh, I focusing on something stupid.


    "Honestly Petra, not really. The main reason is you if I''m being honest, as if any part of me could ever forget you, my soul would tear apart if it did. Ah, Aesa as well, I could imagine she''d install that suicide package as payback for forgetting or not being able to withstand any change"


    [<Ikarus is damn right>]


    ...


    You know that feeling when you identally say something so weirdly romantic both parties have no idea how to act? No? I don''t either... Being serious though, when Petra blushes from something and it''s not about being kissing or getting physical, I know I''ve said something right. Or wrong.


    "Anyways... how about we go onto something a little less serious then? We''ve got like three months before all this crap, we''ve got to do something other than being ves to these inds. It''s funny how we still haven''t named them yet"


    I''ve got to change the subject from potential parent killing and passionate romance. Sunshine and roses and all that, we''re part of a happy story after all!


    "Heh, pretty sure I heard Eve call them the Lesbos inds once Ikarus? It''s a little on the nose but could work. Three months is quite the long-time though, we could do practically anything in that time. Go sightseeing exploring more of the continents, build this ce up more, finally get married, we could even go back to Earth"


    "I like how causally you just throw getting married in there. Hey, you are in fact still wanting to do that, right?"


    "Heh, of course Ikarus, you the same?"


    Tall about a change in mood I''m all for, parent killing to wedding bells!


    "Then hell yeah, let''s get it over with! We can evenbine with teleporting to Earth to go for a full-on shotgun wedding at the gambling city!"


    [<Aesa would like to advise Ikarus if she isn''t seen wearing a wedding dress, it will annoy and piss a load of people off>]


    ''Sighhh, that was obviously a joke and I already know it''s my fate Aesa. As if I''m that tacky''


    "Heh, I''m not sure I understand that Ikarus but already promised Ariza she could n it, she said she really wants to help when we decide to go through with it"


    So, Ariza is going to be the nner to the wedding then? My preferences are no crowds, casual wear and lots and lots of cake! Might as well skip all the boring bits in between, I really need to make sure I''m not involved in this at all or this will end up enjoyable for no one except me.


    "Eh, this isn''t really something I can moan about since we''ve put it off long enough already. Just give me a time, date and what to wear, and I''ll do the guy thing of absolutely nothing at all! Well, except turning up on time"


    "Heh, you really don''t want to help pick out what flowers to use, the seating arrangement or at least pick the menu? Believe me Ikarus, I''m happy Ariza likes this sort of thing because it bores me as well"


    "Well, I take back anything regarding nning food, but my obvious choice is fried chicken, pretty sure that''s not a weddingey type food though"


    While we''re still chilling along at the park, the sound of voices and footsteps . It''s almost as if arge gathering is nearby...


    "You hear that Petra? Please tell me that isn''t what I think it is"


    "Heh, of course Ikarus. It''s definitelying this way"


    The sound of voices and footsteps get progressively louder and finally, the crowdes into sight while I try to hide into my hood. Please don''t notice us, I''m begging you whoever I should pray to! The riots have already formed but maybe, just maybe we''ll get away with it...


    "Where are the queens!? They''ve got to be here somewhere"


    "I''m going to check the park, maybe they''re having tea or something?"


    "I''lle with you; I''ve got a sixth sense when ites to finding them!"


    Amongst the crowd, I see our freaking maid Eve leading the rabble! Such betrayal, she needs sacking but Petra wouldn''t let me. She''s a pretty damn good maid as well if it wasn''t for her entire personality...


    "Oh great, and of course the riots have already spotted us. We couldn''t even have ten minutes..."


    __________


    ---And so, volume 4 is finished! I feel like this is the best time for the break, no idea where else to put it so right before the potential wedding might work? (That was a difficult thing to write lol)


    ---Should be some cool slice of life and action focused things next volume, also reckon they''ll be 6/7 volumes of this story in total so we are fast approaching the end! It would be quicker if my eyes/brain weren''t fried and I could write more but I''ve mentioned that enough by now.


    ---Need to mention the AI is going to be changing on new images now except from a few I''ve got spare, the site I was using changed its pricing model making it unrealistic to continue using for now. The new style still looks good though.


    ---Hopefully, the break will be a few days to a week again (Need Patreon to catch back up more than anything else) with the interval releasing in a day or two. See you soon or in thements below!

 Interval – (Vol4)

    Interval ¨C (Vol4)


    The same AI art chapter, just updated should be appearing after this one, the Mdonian map should be at the bottom of this page and on the glossary.


    ---


    __________


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 608]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 65,518*/80,000*]


    [Magicka 101,226*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 17334 unassigned points]


    ---Primary ¨C Excalibur (Magic beam effect, random magical block)


    ---Secondary ¨C Vampiric de (Sharpness)


    ---Clothing ¨C Dress (Doubled stats)*


    ---Ring ¨C Ring (Storage)


    __________


    ---Sub-System Abilities---


    ---Volume 1---


    contract killer - 10% killed humanoid lvl (Ignores -user- lvl)


    sacrificialmb - 5000 distribution points exchange for ability draw (1/20)


    subspace (Enchanted ring) - Storage space size of phoenix form (4 tonnes)


    frost walker - 50% frost magic resistance (Water magic counts)


    undead fiend ¨C Invisibility (Cannot use attacks, 24h cooldown)


    aspect of gigantomachy ¨C 50,000 damage hit (Resistances do apply, 24h)


    ---Volume 2---


    (Exchanged) kallikantzaros killer ¨C 25% damage to ALL goblin type creatures (Orcs count)


    blessing of Typhon ¨C 10% damage to ALL monster type creatures (Listed under stat page)


    dungeon blessed ¨C Automatic curse removal (24h, can also use on others)


    eye of wisdom ¨C Can detect when someone is lying or not (No drawbacks but in constant use)


    ---Sacrificial Lamb---


    star ze ¨C Small sun envelops (Size of small building, 5 minutes, 24h)


    human descent ¨C Human form change (Form has feathers and retractable wings)


    ---Volume 3---


    ---Sacrificial Lamb---


    doubled potential ¨C Doubled stats for 10 minutes (24h, DOESN''T stack with enchanted clothing)


    supernova ¨C Creates a TINY fraction of what an actual supernova can do (24h, can use percentages of it, 0% EXP)


    atomic hellfire ¨C Basically a literal nuke (24H, a lot smaller than modern nukes, 0% EXP)


    meteor shower ¨C Rains down meteors for 15 minutes (24H, 0% EXP)


    second chance ¨C Revive any person/creature dead for under 60 minutes (1 Year cooldown, no double uses on target)


    personal domain ¨C Creatable small realm inside -user''s- head (60 Minutes inside equal 1 minute outside)


    magma walker ¨C Walkablevake for phoenixes (Lava hardening depends on temperature, 24h)


    plot protection ¨C Allows -user-plete immunity to damage for 5 minutes (24h)


    burning hellfire ¨C Simr to atomic hellfire except no crater, firests much longer and burns everything away (24h)


    ---Other---


    immortality ¨C Stops ageing permanently (Drawback could be living longer than wanted)


    ---Volume 4---


    ---Sacrificial Lamb---


    winged brethren ¨C Can change into ANY winged creature


    sun kiss ¨C Piercing God rays that shoot down from the heavens for 5 minutes (24h)


    raining napalm ¨C Napalm type airstrike attack falls from the skies (24h)


    admin privileges ¨C Can teleport to any previous location encountered, other worlds included (24h)


    ---Other---


    lovers embrace ¨C EXP can be unlocked from sexual encounters


    goblin superiority ¨C 10% damage multiplier for other members of species


    __________


    ---Stat distribution---


    ---An example of how each species gets different stat points---


    Lvl 3 Phoenix - [Health 500/500] [Stamina 500/500] [Magicka 500/500]


    Lvl 3 Human - [Health 100/100] [Stamina 100/100] [Magicka 100/100]


    ---M = Monster type (Typhoon ability)


    Phoenix = 500 stat M


    Demon Lord = 500 stat M


    Cyclops = 400 stat M


    Dragon = 250 stat M


    Orc = 225 stat M


    Dryad = 200 stat


    Wraith = 200 stat


    Lich = 200 stat


    Vampire = 200 stat


    Bear = 175 stat


    Wyvern = 150 stat M


    Panther = 150 stat


    Subus = 125 stat


    Human = 100 stat


    Racoon''oid = 100 stat


    Wolf''oid = 100 stat


    Cat''oid = 100 stat


    Dwarf = 100 stat


    Elf = 100 stat


    Wolf = 75 stat


    Goblin = 50 stat M


    Mecha = N/A


    __________


    ---<strong>Mdonian</strong> Map


    ---<b>Pointy city</b>edge of swamp is where the darkened martial artists live, jungle is<b>centre</b>of Mdonia.


    ---Airships are the<b>Wyvern King''s territory</b>, doorway in green mountains is<b>Underworld</b>entrance.


    ---There''s 5 dungeons around the ce, the one in the<b>swamp</b>and the the<b>southeast</b>were done by others.


    Spoiler


    [copse]

 Chapter 174.5 – Tales From the Empire

    Chapter 174.5 ¨C Tales From the Empire


    ---Sorry for the longer than expected break, lost a bit of progress when mother got sick and have been struggling a little with depression, just annoying things like that recently. Also, this story seems to be getting harder to write as we go into thetter stages but thankfully, the chapters I have written are REALLY long so it silver linings lol. Wait for the wedding arc bit and you''ll see what I mean...


    ---Just a quick reminder for this chapter since it''s been a while, the dragon Esmerelda uses ''one'' for herself and ''thou'' for others.


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    "You dare hide from one Des!? Don''t think you can be part of the shadows in here!"


    Storming through the castle like the true empress she is, Esmerelda the dragon has finally found where her husband is residing after my failed attempt in calming her down, ''hiding'' in the throne room currently handling some advisors. Except, she isn''t one alongside me while storming into the room basically dragging the wrist of a barely dressed woman along with her. I''m ying this down slightly, this woman ispletely naked.


    "I''m currently working Es; can''t this wait another time? What is she doing here with that woman Jekyll?"


    "Not getting involved in this your majesty"


    "Not when one keeps neglecting his duties. How many times does thou need to say that this isn''t okay?"


    ''Oh God, not this again...''


    You may be thinking, that scum of an emperor must''ve been sleeping around with a harlot for something like this to be happening, right?. Except, this is far from the truth, there''s no chance the bastard would ever be disloyal to his wife. Even the advisers around here know the truth behind what this is, third time this week the Empress has been dragging naked women around the pce.


    "Is thou struggling to perform or is it this concubine is ineffective as well? One can always find another that shares even more simrities to one"


    Despite being a captain and basically Desmond''s most trusted adviser at this point, even I''m struggling to not find this situation humorous. The fact that Esmerelda is the one to keep pushing this brings a nice change to the mundaneness of the pce at times.


    "How many times have I told you already Esmerelda!? I''m not sleeping with a concubine, end of! It doesn''t matter if you can find one that''s enchanted to look like your twin, it''s not happening!"


    "Thou needs an heir and since one is unable to provide, this must be done. This is one of the burdens an emperor must face to keep the bloodline pure and consistent"


    (Concubine) "Your majesty, I can try to mimic the Empress if that''ll make this easier. I''m unsure how she moans but I can try"


    "*Sigh*... NO! Will both of you just leave? I''m working on important business here!"


    This is something that has be the main issue regarding Desmond''s rule, what happens with an heir? The royal family''s blood line has always been consistent and kept partially pure, it''s the reason for the stunning blonde hair they all have, but how would a child be conceived between a dragon and a man? It simply doesn''t, hybrid species have never been able to be born.


    It reminds me of an old wife''s tale about an elf and human having a child together but such a thing turned out to be aplete hoax. It''s pretty cruel if you think about it since elves, beastfolk and human fall in love together all the time but the fates of the world dictate it to be an impossibility.


    "Look, this conversation has already been answered weeks ago, we''ll just adopt someone! I''m telling you Esmerelda; this isn''t a fight you can win"


    "Thou must otherwise bloodline will not be remain pure, Des knows this yet allows emotions to get in the way. One will never hate Des for doing such a task"


    This really should be a private conversation between the couple but everyone around the castle has heard about this pressing issue, this is just another working day at this point.


    "Damn it Esmerelda, just look at what pureness has done to this empire and dragons already! Drop this now Esmerelda or we''re going to have serious problems, and not the kind that can be solved throughbat"


    "Everything can be solved throughbat Des, but if thou feels so strongly on this, then one will leave it... for today at the very least"


    ''Great, that means she''ll be dragging in a different woman tomorrow''


    ...


    Trying to get past the now awkward atmosphere inside the throne room, Emperor Desmond tries his best at regaining control but that''s a little difficult when the empress and rejected concubine are still standing there garnering attention.


    "Now, where were we again? Ah, we were discussing the tax goals for the current year... Can someone do thedy a favour and get her some clothes? And presumably pay her off so this wasn''t aplete waste of time for her"


    (Jekyll) "Of course your majesty..."


    __________


    "You know she''s got a point Desmond. The remaining nobles in particr that supported you in your im, they would be even more supporting if they knew everything wouldn''t crumble with a single death"


    "We could just kill them like we did the rest if they prove an issue Jekyll"


    "It''s always an option, just that the majority that remain aren''t corrupted. A longsting empire is a massive appeal to anyone under your thumb"


    Currently sharing a drink with the emperor after a long, annoying day of work, we''re both in the study and he''s asked me to speak my mind on this future heir situation.


    On one hand, Ipletely understand his frustrations but at the same time, something like this is unavoidable. Every leader needs an heir, even if it''s not done via conventual means. Unlike his dragon partner or other being like elves, us humans don''t have the benefit of such a huge lifespan.


    "So, you''re nning to side with the empress then? Considering our history, I''m disappointed in you for such a betrayal"


    ''This little bastard has always had a way with words, it''s a good thing I''ve known him since he was a toddler since he''s always liked the sound of his own voice''


    "No Desmond, we both know this isn''t a time to pick sides. The session needs to be decided one way or another. If that involves you having to sacrifice that fierce loyalty of yours, then that may just have to happen"


    Instead of responding to my statement, I just get an eyeroll from the emperor. He''s not going toe around to this and I''ll always support any decision he makes, just this problem does need solving sooner rather thanter.


    I do wonder how Petra and Ikarus would go about deciding such a thing, on who would take over if something were to happen to the queens. Something like adoption is partially our back up n but my best guess is that they''ve nned differently, maybe a long list of sessors like the other phoenixes, the Magi guild master or that adviser of theirs? That''s if they''ve even thought about that yet...


    "How did thest emperor decide on this? Actually, I''d rather know what Alistair''s potential ns were as he always seemed better at nning rather than the execution. My father was the opposite"


    ''He wants to know about his brother''s ideals instead? Maybe it''s a bitter taste talking about the old emperor, he did kill his own father after all''


    "Alistair''s n was to find any suitable noble who could be controlled but, without having to apply the ve crest since he started growing tired of the mage. After that, make the fool fall in love with him and y on those heartstrings as an excuse to skip certain duties. Think of things like ''idental'' food poisonings and incurable illness to her, it would''ve given him an empathetic side to the public despite your brother causing the problems himself"


    As much as the prince and mage were seen as the great rulers of this continent before Desmond came around, he never could fully control her which obviously led to how both of them perished. I almost feel a little sympathetic for the witch strangely enough despite my hatred of her, she was basically enved like everyone else under the old empire''s rulership. Any potential bride would''ve suffered terribly around the prince as well.


    "Brother wanting to control and manipte someone, tell me something new Jekyll. This is a problem with no perfect solution though, my mind will never change on this"


    Pausing for a second to pour another ss of this whiskey we''ve nearly gotten through, I can''t help but think how much better off this empire is now. A male leader that doesn''t have concubine''s, it really is something I''ve never heard of.


    "Don''t take this as me kissing your ass Demond, but this is the exact reason why you''re perfect as the emperor. There hasn''t been a single leader I can recall that hasn''t had extra marital affairs on the side"


    "Yeah, don''t be doing that, ass licking really doesn''t suit you, captain. If I wanted that, I''d make Nathane back from whatever journey those lot are on. At least he''d agree with my blind loyalty towards Esmerelda though"


    "Guess you''ve got a point; the knight is surprisingly loyal considering how flexible he can be"


    Still resting around and finishing off another ss together, Desmond seems to have a glint in his eye as if an idea hase up. I guess getting through most of the bottle has that sort of effect.


    "Just give me some time, get my wife off my back and I''lle up with a solution. I''m being serious Jekyll, any more naked women parading around the pce and there will be actual fighting again"


    "I''ll keep that in mind, we''ve already spent resources enough repairing the pce already"


    At first when they took over, the married couple would refuse to fight in public and used to sneak off at night to do that ''sparring'' of theirs. After the demonic invasion and Esmerelda''s species was known to the world, both no longer cared about the fighting being known about. There''s been multiple asions of the dragon switching form within the pce and it always ends up with broken ss and blood ruining the carpets. At this point, we might as well just put in marble all around.


    "If Es does decide to bring anotherdy back Jekyll, why don''t you take some time off and see if you can woo her? I''ll give you the week off if needed, you''ve only got to ask!"


    ...


    "I think you''ve drunk enough for tonight your majesty, clearly your decision making isn''t up to standard"


    "You really were always boring, I suppose, even back when we first escaped the capital together..."


    __________


    "Attention everyone! I''vee up with a solution to the problem regarding the heir to the empire! Take this list and pass it on as the nextw"


    ''Okay, that was quicker than I expected''


    The following morning, Emperor Desmond has called for all his most trusted advisers, generals and the wife and we''re all around expecting great things. Any solution is better than nothing by this point.


    He gives the list to an unnamed general who takes a quick nce, has no reaction and then passes it on, eventually ending up going past a few others.


    ''That was strange, no one seems this bothered. Has he reallye up with something good this quickly?''


    Eventually as it gets passed around a few more times, it makes its way to me and the empress. Both of us get a good look and unlike the ass lickers inside the pce, our reactions are a little more pronounced. The bastard is really ying with fire here if he thinks this is a good idea, literally I might add.


    "Are you sure this is a good idea, your majesty? This seems like something that is bound to piss off a lot of people"


    "One agrees with captain, this seems like Des is ying an unfunny joke. Who''s to say thous will even ept it?"


    Despite giving our real concern, all he can do is smile back on that throne he sits upon. He''s made up his mind, despite the fact sleeping with a concubine would''ve been much easier.


    "They have to ept it; it''ll be written intow. You two wanted a solution and I''ve now given one, what goes aroundes around and all that. Those two both brought up the idea of taking the mantle of emperor, if I just happen to drop dead, then they can have a go as well"


    He makes it sound like it''s a nothing job ruling the empire. Sure, the queens have experience in managing their own little bit ofnd, but there''s clearly a huge differencepared to three inds over an empire spanning a continent! I reckon they''d do a good job but still, mainly because I can already tell they wouldn''t want the burden and are really going to be pissed receiving the news they''ve been written into royal session.


    "They''re going to kill you if they find out about this. I can understand the longevity aspect of the choice, pretty much everyone on this list can live longer than normal humans but still your majesty. Your brother used to y with fire "


    "One thinks the poption won''t take too kindly to this news as well, it seems awfully risky when the alternative was so simple"


    The list itself doesn''t only contain the next leaders if both Desmond and Esmerelda were to perish, it also has other scenarios in case things were to happen to the two phoenixes. There are quite the few dragons on the list as well, even Charlotte and Nathan are listed if you go down far enough. I understand why I''m not on it though, it would defeat the point considering how grey I am nowadays...


    "Esmerelda, you forget just how popr the two queens really are, we don''t even need to use spies anymore considering how quickly news travels around. Jekyll, I know they''ll dislike it and I know it''s a risk, that actually makes the decision even more appealing..."


    It''s obvious the emperor is clearly trying not tough now, I guess it won''t matter much about pissing off the phoenixes if he''s already dead by then.


    "...I''ve just thought of something even funnier, you all heard the news of the two queens getting married, right? I''ve got the perfect wedding present..."

 Chapter 175 – Rehearsal

    Chapter 175 ¨C Rehearsal


    Two weekster...


    "...So, to repeat again, this is how it''ll go. The guests will be in the hall first and once filled, we''ll be onto who walks down first. I''ll handle the ordering of things but it depends on if you want your father alongside you or not Ikarus, it doesn''t matter if you don''t but we can decide that in a minute"


    "Then, I''m supposed to read this Ariza-sama? I''ve never done anything like a wedding before so I hope it''ll be okay"


    "Yes Charlotte, that''ll also then lead onto the vows if they want to do any"


    ''Vows? That''s going to be a problem, it''s guaranteed mine wille out cringey''


    "Heh, I''ve got something that could work. Ikarus, you still listening or are you daydreaming?"


    "I''m listening... despite me wanting to shoot myself right now"


    Currently sitting down at the only church we have in town, Ariza is giving me and Petra the quick rundown to how our wedding is going to go and boy, I really regret falling in love now. This bird brain of mine couldn''t give a tiny rats arse about any of this.


    It''s safe to say after we announced we''d finally be going through with this marriage thing, thest two weeks have been hell, mostly because people are treating this like if we don''t do it now, it''ll never happen. I guess we do only have three months before the demon lord killing spree will happen, just being stuck listening to how perfect the wedding needs to be is surprisingly maddening. This isn''t being an ex-male problem; Ariza is mad about nning weddings!


    By the sounds of it, she is traditional as hell when ites to marriage and looks like we''re stuck in whatever it is she''s now nning. Sure, we did say she can handle everything because both me and Petra really aren''t suitable for this sort of thing, I know for a fact Petra couldn''t care about this but is putting on an act for Ariza''s sake. Seriously though, even she is starting to get exhausted with all this mundane crap like picking out colour schemes and seating arrangements.


    "Ariza, I think you''re great and all, but must you torment me to this torture? It''s a freaking wedding! We both walk down the aisle separately, then do the ring and kissing thing, have the party thing after and hump like rabbits. Do we really need all this preparation?"


    "Heh, I''m not a huge fan of you describing it like that Ikarus, but even I''m starting to grow a little tiresome"


    ''I knew I was right about Petra getting bored!''


    "But it is necessary! Don''t you two want this day to be perfect with no idents, mistakes or problems? It doesn''t help we''ve now got to n around the entire ind celebrating as well"


    It''s safe to say Ariza has gotten caught up in a little of that wedding fever and so has the entire settlement I guess, there''s posters all around the ce being a constant reminder of the fanatics that seems to worship us. Thankfully, it''s not going to be like an actual royal wedding simply because the only church around here is way too small, but the streets will end up being filled making getting here a pain in the arse.


    I feel like Ariza''s hinting at me screwing this up though, at least with the mistakesment. Hey, my ol''stupidity does like to return at the best of times but still!


    "You worrying I might fall over or do something stupid Ariza, like using the wrong name when saying I do? At least give me some credit, I can force myself to be cool"


    "Heh, don''t you be getting any ideas Ikarus. If you use the wrong name, we''re going to have serious problems"


    "Oh really? So, if I were to call you Petah or something, yo-"


    Still sitting alongside Petra inside the church, she violently grabs my hands and assaults my mouth going full on French! Probably not the time or ce to be describing her epic kissing like that but I don''t care, I''m make this sound terribly despite the fact it''s sensational.


    "Y-You better not be doing that d-down the aisle"


    ''Damn fluster of mine, that one was intense''


    "Heh, use the right name and I won''t have to Ikarus. Now, what part were we on again?"


    ...


    Making those two awkward enough for one day, Ariza continues back on getting into the wedding nner mindset again. It''s scary how into this she can get really, that wyvern prince is going to have his hands full one day.


    "Back onto what Ikarus asked, I''m just trying to limit any bad luck in case anything goes wrong. With everything us lot have been through; things are always unpredictable and I really don''t want you two to have any problems on the big day"


    ''Ah, so Ariza''s pretty superstitious then? I guess I do have a tendency of setting red gs all over the ce''


    "Fair enough, just don''t expect us to go through with that whole not seeing the bride before the wedding tradition though. We''re not doing that..."


    Almost immediately, I get an awkward look from the blue-haired devilish wedding nner. As if Ariza thinks she can separate us for a night and just before the wedding!


    "...Damn it Ariza, don''t you know us two are addicted to each other!? It''s like you''re asking an drug addict to stop everything cold turkey, even just a few hours is way too long!"


    "But it has to be like that Ikarus! If you see each other before the ceremony, things will probably go wrong, it''s evitable with how bad our luck can be"


    Looking towards Petra, she can''t help but smile from my grievances. She''s the exact same, maybe even worse but better at hiding it. I just simply refuse to hide my addiction.


    "Heh, reckon we can do just about do it Ikarus. You''ve always got that plushie of me if it''s really unbearable"


    "That... could work. If I end up preferring the plushie more than you though, me Ariza. She''s the one at fault"


    "Heh, I''ll keep that in mind"


    Hugging into Petra, obviously making sure to satisfy my addiction and for no other reason, Ariza wants to continue on but seems to look slightly ufortable about doing so.


    "There is something else I need to ask Ikarus, just I know you won''t like it. I''m... still not sure if you want to be treated like the groom or bride. It does matter since we''ll have to decide who walks down the aisle first or if you want to do it together"


    ...


    ''Outta of the serious issues persisting in the world, this is the one I have to deal with''


    "If it''s a question of groom or bride Ariza, always the groom. Despite knowing I''m going to look nothing like it on the day"


    I thankfully still haven''t seen what I''m going to have to wear yet, but I know for a fact it''s gotten Petra''s decision making all over it. I know I''m going to hate every second of it once I see it so might as well put it off for as long as possible.


    "Heh, no can do Ikarus, you''re my bride and I''m not taking no for an answer. Make sure she gets for full experience Ariza, make it as terrible for her as possible"


    "*Sigh*, I knew you wouldn''t be able to help yourself. When do we get to avoid seeing each other again? I think my addiction has cured itself..."


    __________


    "Hey Ikarus, wanna try something funter?"


    While we''re walking through the settlement about to go somewhere we''re needed, Petraes out with one of the most blunt requests for you know what. She''s normally way more subtle and leads into it rather than this.


    "You mean sweet loving, right? What happened to you trying to woo me or some unnecessary tease? We''re not married yet so we still have to try at our rtionship!"


    That gets a little chuckle out of her but I am right, Petra normally is a little more subtle than just going ''want to humpter Ikarus?'' I know she didn''t actually say that but it was basically the same thing!


    "Heh, with everything going on with the wedding, it''s given me a little idea Ikarus. Besides, obviously need to be a little more direct now, can''t exactly y it cool when you''re able to read me so easily"


    ''Oh, this is what it is. She''s just using my eye of wisdom ability as an excuse''


    "I mean, it''s just a lie detec-... really Petra? Really?"


    Despite just holding hands, Petra''s changed her mind and now feels the need to hold onto something round, juicy and plump.


    "Heh, it''s fine for me to grab what''s going to be mine, right?"


    "Anyways..."


    It''s really a good thing we aren''t getting looks from all the idiot worshipers today, mainly because it''s peak working hours so we''re able to slide through mostly unnoticed. I guarantee some onlookers saw that though but our citizens love my plight anyways. As if getting married makes my arse hers like it''s property or something!


    Trying to focus away from what clearly is my now horny fianc¨¦, might as try and go back onto the wedding.


    "...Ah, something Ariza said has made me think. Do you want my ol''lizard to walk you down the aisle Petra? He may be grumpy but he does seem to like you, even more than me at times it seems"


    At the end of the day, Petra must have some preferences for the wedding so she might like something like this. It''s not like we can make Ariza decide on everything for us and besides, getting Asmodeus to do it considering he probably is Petra''s father sounds ridiculous.


    Ah, that''s actually where we''re heading now, both Asmodeus and Dionysus are staying with the Magi guild and we''re going over there to discuss some more stuff. Not entirely sure why that''s their ce of residence but it does keep everyone separated all around the inds I suppose.


    "Heh, thought we agreed you''d be taking the bride role Ikarus so he''s got to walk you, it might be weird if he did it for both though"


    ''Sighhh, they''re not getting invited if this is how she''s going to be''


    "Must you torment me like this Petra!? As if I''m doing such a thing like that, at least allow me to regain some of my manhood going through this charade!"


    Don''t get me wrong, I want to marry Petra but at the same time, I''m still a man at heart! Well, not really but there has to be some things I''m inflexible on! Walking down the aisle with my ol''dinosaur is one of those things I''m not doing for a magnitude of reasons that I can''t be bothered to share.


    "Heh, no can do Ikarus. What''s the point in even getting married if it''s not to torment you? We''re only doing this once so I''ve got to make the most of it"


    Petra in her infinite wisdom decides to stop us both down the alleyway we''ve just entered and I can already tell how this is going to go. I get interrupted by an inevitable kiss that I love and Petra just doing Petra things.


    "*Sighhh*, let''s just kiss and get this ov-, seriously with the slight pinching now!? You''re in one of those moods today, aren''t you?"


    My bottom is going to end up red if she does that again! Sure, it wasn''t painful in the slightest and felt almost a little simr to groping, just much lower but still! Just kiss and let''s move on already, it''s a good thing she didn''t p it otherwise I would be actually mad and not faking it.


    "Heh, no idea what you''re talking about Ikarus. That''s what I''d say if I didn''t know about your lie detector..."


    __________


    "It''s Petra and her lover Ikarus! It''s been way too long since west spoke!"


    "Don''t you dare Penelope; I will kick you where it hurts"


    "I was only going to squeeze you both as a greeting, geez!"


    Having just arrived at the outside of the Magi guild headquarters, we''re both greeted by a very eager Miss gender bender who instantly tries to hug the life out of us but I stop it as quick as possible. She''s always been too hands on even now it seems.


    In the end, we did kiss but not that much else happened. Actually, I''m lying a bit as hands definitely wondered a little further around but might as well save most of that for whatever pervy scheme Petra has lined upter, right?


    "Heh, what brings you outside today Penelope? You''re normally stuck inside doing guild work"


    "I''m still doing the same work Petra! All those good for nothing guild members of mine are starting to piss me off so got them doing some hardbour! It''s either that or I start beating them into submission!"


    ''Huh, at least that exins the change around here. I''m starting to feel sorry for the mages if Penelope is always like this''


    Heading over there, both me and Petra notice the work being done around here and boy, no exaggeration when I say basically an entire new town has been built around the tower on the cliff face. The second ind is starting to look as dense as the main one now,


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "You do know we''ll have to treat this ce the same as the rest of the inds, right? Just because you''ve built it doesn''t mean you can skip taxes and things like that"


    I mean, I''m not sure on the exact numbers on how Marcus taxes people and businesses except it''s always been the more you earn, the more you pay. It works out surprisingly brilliant for keeping corrupt nobles away especially with fear of imprisonment if they dare avoid paying their way. May also be a factor why us lovebirds are worshiped almost like cult leaders by themon folk.


    "What are you on even about Petra''s lover!? You two are the queens of the ce, of course everything here is yours to rule! Half the buildings are empty and the ones that aren''t, as if those idiots in the guild can''t afford to pay rent! Oh, is that why you came over!? To rule and lead with an iron fist!"


    ''Thought that was the case but still need to say. Fucking taxes man, we used to hate the issue, now we''re part of the problem!''


    "Heh, that wasn''t the reason Penelope, we''re here to see the heavenly beings"


    "Seriously!? You barely evere to see me and when you do, it''s to see the annoying demon and God who are lovers!? Everyone is always so mean to me!"


    And of course, Miss gender bender spouting shit like usual. Something she just said has made me think though.


    "Lovers? Did you really just call them lovers? You one hundred percent sure about that?"


    "Well, Asmodeus is the demon lord of lust and Dionysus is the God of ecstasy, I''ll be shocked if they haven''t humped yet! That''s not a fun thought though, men on men is a little yucky! I''m leaving now so bye you two!"


    ''Asmodeus and Dionysus? I really don''t see it, funny to know Penelope doesn''t like BL yet I always assumed she would. I''m not a huge fan either but only because of third legs and being as straight as a banana''


    While Penelope''s walking away and we''re about to enter the tower, something I really shouldn''t say hase to mind. If those two do end up being the token BL couple around here, then my words may hold some meaning.


    "Turns out Petra, your father may have a thing for screwing anything in sight. Guess our parents may be more simr than first thought"


    "Heh, you''re terrible Ikarus, that''s really not funny"


    I really shouldn''t be making jokes about that dickhead but Petra still seemed to chuckle about it, might as well use humour to mask the situation because there''s nothing we can do about Petra''s curse till that demon is dead.


    Anyways, we make our way into the tower and find a reception desk inside with a magician tending the desk.


    "Take the pod on the right if you''re here to see the visitors again"


    A hooded mage sits behind the reception desk greeting us rudely reminding me of an experience we had way back at the previous spire tower, at least before that one was destroyed.


    ''Mages and rudeness, tis a love story as old as time itself. Could always do some purging if they get too out of line, been meaning to do something a little edgy for some time''


    We go over to the pod in question, teleport up to the top and instantlye into the room where both of the heavenly visitors spend their days.


    Located in a lounge likemon room, both the beings are deep in conversation with the demon lying down taking up an entire sofa, while the God sits hunched up slightly concerned with whatever it is going on. Before joining in, we wait to see how this what this conversation is about.


    "...We don''t need to go over it again young God, things are easy enough if you just sit back and wait for my words"


    "Just because you know the future Asmodeus doesn''t mean everyone should wait around till you say they''re needed. I''m already stuck down here for the meantime so the least you can do is tell me who your contact is"


    "It doesn''t matter if you know who they are, it''s just a pointless tad of information that isn''t needed yet"


    ''Ah, while I''ve got a second, status''


    [Name: Asmodeus | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 164,993/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [<Only one of the two targets can be scanned, the other for obvious reasons>]


    Despite not being able to confirm it back in the Underground, the two demon lords we''vee across seem to share maxed out stats and the level counter. Since Dionysus is in his actual heavenly body and not like Jarl Denver, it makes sense why he can''t be scanned.


    Anyways, getting involved in the conversation that seems to be pissing the young God off, doubt I can be of much help but you never know.


    "Sooo... what are you two talking about then?"


    "Asmodeus has someone feeding him information from the heavens Ikarus, yet I have no idea on who. The problem is that Olympus dislikes demons so can''t imagine anyone willing to help this bastard out"


    The demon lord seems to relish being called a bastard, each to their own I guess.


    "Is the contact from Ragnar?k then? The Viking lot would be more willing to work with a demon, right?"


    Ah, forgot to mention something important. During thest two weeks, we''ve already had conversations about things we probably should know, stuff like how there are four ruling factions and various things like that. Most of it was stuff already discussed by Dionysus and Asmodeus but obviously me and Petra weren''t exactly well informed. At least now we kinda are, this honestly has been a needed distraction from all the wedding stuff going on.


    Apparently, Olympus is divided, Ragnar?k wants Zeus''s head on a pike, the Angels only care about the destruction of demons and we''re nning on wiping the entire demon race out. That pretty much sums everything up in a nice bow.


    "Heh, you really can pick your moments to be perceptive orange one, I''d have told the young God when he eventually got close to it but it does save needless minutes of torment I suppose. I''m not sure if Loki wanted his involvement to be known yet though"


    "Loki? I''ve really got toy off the strong stuff, why in Olympus didn''t I get that earlier?"


    Should also mention the piles of empty bottle scattered around this ce. If you think me and Petra have a drinking problem, then all you need to do ispare us to the God of drink himself.


    "Loki himself has been making waves and rumour has it, he may have even chosen an incarnate himself"


    "You know exactly who his incarnate is, don''t you Asmodeus?"


    Petra asks that making the lord grin madly, of course he knows but is being purposely vague.


    "Sometimes, it doesn''t hurt for a little bit of suspense and surprise dark one. You can do whatever you want to me, this''ll be something I''m not sharing till said person reveals him or herself"


    ''Just this dickhead being unbearable like usual, no surprises there''


    Ah, talking about people blessed by Gods, there''s an important question I still haven''t asked Dionysus himself about priestess.


    "Oh, that reminds me of something, when will Charlotte''s powerse back? She was wanting to ask but couldn''t bring herself to do so"


    Almost if I''ve said something ufortable, Dionysus really struggles to answer this. Is it some reallyplicated answer that may require a mountain of exnation?


    "I... can''t really give her anything, other than what she''s able to do with her own two hands and that sword of hers. It''s difficult to share"


    "What the young God is struggling to say is that, all the power he was giftinges from another. More specifically, the God of light to be precise"


    "Everything my incarnate was able to do wasing through brother Apollo. He''s been dormant for Zeus knows when so borrowing his power wasn''t that big of a deal"


    "''Borrowing'', really isn''t the correct word for this young God, stealing from someone more powerful is not borrowing"


    "I left a message saying I''d pay him back someday, even if I have no clue if he''s with or even against Zeus right now"


    Ah, at least that exins how priestess was able to use that orbitalser and that shbang attack from way back when, her supporting God was stealing said power through another God. I''m starting to think Dionysus is pretty weak all things considered.


    Anyways, we end up spending a few more minutes discussing various other boring things before I start to see that gleam in Petra''s gloomy eyes. She''s wanting to get busy, no doubt about it.


    "Heh, wanna head back home for a bit Ikarus? There''s a gift waiting for you"


    "Sure, we can TP back as well..."

 Chapter 175.5 – Chaste (18+)

    Chapter 175.5 ¨C Chaste (18+)


    ---Another slightly different smut chapter with a bit of a BDSM warning...


    __________


    "I had a thought this could be some pervy scheme you lined up, but are you really being serious Petra? Doesn''t this defeat the entire point of sex?"


    "Heh, it''s always been about the destination and not the journey with you Ikarus. This isn''t what you''re thinking"


    Back at home, aka our sex pad, what presents us both on the bed is a metal piece of clothing clearly meant for keeping woman chaste and pure. As if us two are true maidens, Petra''s got a freaking chastity belt and I''m confused on why as stopping sex is something both of us would hate. Unless this is some wicked attempt at making me beg for release or something, I can do that without needing a freaking metal piece of armour!


    For some reason, I feel like our maid Eve may have brought up the idea of a chastity belt to Petra as even I don''t think she would''vee up with this idea herself. It may sound like I''mining and I guess I kinda am, it''s more at myself though. As if that belt isn''t going around my waist shortly.


    "This is because of the wedding, isn''t it Petra? Chaste, pure maidenhood and all that crap, it''s given you an idea. Why is it I always end up being the test subject in your pervy experiments?"


    "Heh, say it every time Ikarus, you don''t have to do anything your ufortable with. There''s nothing stopping me from putting it on as well


    Imagining Petra in a chastity belt... nah, that doesn''t do much for me. I mean, I''d rather get to the forbidden fruit then locking it up, the illusion of control is pointless if it withholds sex. That being said, maybe this is chance for me to get stronger against Petra''s teasing though...


    "Heya, don''t you be robbing me of this experience! You know more than anyone that I only moan for the sake of it, as if I''m not putting that on"


    "Heh, that I do Ikarus. Strip down for me and let''s get this started then"


    Doing as she says, I quickly get into my birthday suit, excluding the fact I''ve still got stockings on a throw my dress onto the ground. Once baring everything good to the world, Petra surprisingly gets out a thick length of ribbon and starts to wrap it around my head, sorta working like a blindfold. I guess she doesn''t want me seeing how to get it on or off.


    Anyways, the feeling of the cold metal starts brush up against my waist unsettling me slightly when Petra starts to apply the upper part of the ''underwear''. Like she''s a seasoned pro at this, the clicking of the lock can be heard once the waistband firmly sits around my waist with no leeway or ce to go other than just wrapping around myself.


    Then, the lower part of the belt starts getting attached and the feeling of the cold rubbing against me sparks interest in my most sensitive area now. Pretty sure Petra is purposely being clumsy getting this part on just so it gives me a little bit of stimtion beforehand. She''ll have to do more than that to make this a horrid horny experience.


    The final click corresponding with Petra removing the blindfold, giving me quite the sight in our bedroom mirror. What now is added is a very shiny belt attached underneath the groin basically working as a kinky set of underwear. This fits against my body way too well and even looks... alright? I''m not saying I like how it looks, just saying it doesn''t look too bad. Petra might as well be drooling though.


    Giving it a slight tug and trying to reach my fingers underneath, it seriously has no budgepletely entombing my private parts within the cold confounds of the metal. That''s quite the turn on thinking about it.


    The belt does look a little impractical considering there is no hole for anything leaving or entering on both sides, the front should be obvious on why but not the back. This piece of equipment is clearly not meant for long term use all things considered. I''m not even going to ask who created this as I can only imagine what the gnome''s reaction would be like to Petra requesting a chastity belt be made, maybe there''s a sex store in town I''m not sure of? I''ll have to look for it someday.


    "Heh, now that''s over Ikarus, how about you put your clothes back on, we go for a walk and them get some food?"


    "Huh!? That''s your epic pervy n for tonight Petra? Get me in a belt and we do nothing but eat!?"


    Talk about a buzzkill, I thought she was going to tease the life out of me and make me beg for the belt to be removed or something! Is she way less predictable than I thought? As if getting dinner is going to make me beg.


    "Heh, I''m a little hungry Ikarus and fancy going to a nice ce. You''ll probably find it more enjoyable than you realize"


    ''More enjoyable than I realize? She''s definitely nning something... I know that voice too well''


    "Eh, fine then, let''s go grab a bite to eat. This seems like one of you worser ideas, my dear fianc¨¦..."


    __________


    "Where do you fancy going the-, urgh! What the fuck Petra!?"


    "Heh, still can''t believe you didn''t feel that enter Ikarus. Was going to wait until we got to the restaurant but couldn''t help myself with you getting ahead of yourself"


    As soon as we open the front door to our house and back into the outside world, a huge vibration can be felt deep within the belt causing my legs and libido to quiver immensely. That blindfold was to hide the fact she put a vibe underneath this belt, how the hell didn''t I feel it enter!? Maybe my sensitivity nerves have started to fade considering how much we like to hump.


    Normally, even I think this may be a little much except, this is something that is hell of a turn on. Petra literally has the power to make me cum even while we''re going to get food" The vibe is quiet as hell as well so it''s just on me to figure out how to deal with this.


    "Can you at least pace it a little better? Urgh... tonight''s going to be really long"


    "Heh, have no control on what''s going on Ikarus, it''spletely randomized"


    "I can see you literally holding the remote in your pocket Petra! Can you at least try and not abuse your power here? I really don''t want to be doing you know what in the middle of dessert"


    "Heh, what about the middle of the starters then Ikarus? And the main for good measure?"


    ...


    Ignoring her and just deciding to just walk on, she thankfully turns the vibe off for now but I''m in for a night of worries. Petra''s nice enough to not abuse this control she has over me, right? Right!?!


    Continuing onto the restaurant Petra wanted to go, we just so happen to bump into our busty elven maid Eve down the street wearingmon clothing, still a ck dress like her maid garb though. Believe it or not, even we allow the odd day of vacation. With Eve, the more time she gets off, the better.


    "It''s the queens! How are you both doing this lovely night?"


    "Heh, afternoon Eve, enjoying your day off?"


    "Not particrly Queen Petra, I''ve been a little bored without being able to serve you... Is Queen Ikarus okay? She looks a little red"


    "Heh, she''s just experiencing a light fluster really, you know how she gets embarrassed at times"


    ''Light fluster my arse, turn this freaking thing down Petra!''


    During the conversation, the vibe turns back on suspiciously raising in strength forcing me to use all my strength to keep my legs from quivering. She''s turned this poxy thing close to the max and if we weren''t in public, I''d be at the peak of blissful heaven right now. As if I going to cum in front of someone!


    "Ah, that''s good to know then! I''m going to head off and remember, if you two ever want any more gear like whips or chains, you know where to find me!"


    "Heh, of course Eve"


    "Y-yeah, sure..."


    Once our maid leaves, the vibes slow down again to a much more calming sensation. This fucking belt man, I would''ve taken the vibe out ages ago if it wasn''t locked in ce. She can''t be trusted, this much is a given now.


    "Heh, are you alright Ikarus, or has something got your mind in a twist?"


    ''Mind in a twist? That''s an freaking understatement''


    "Let''s just go get food already, you really are terrible..."


    __________


    ''Should I get something different today or-, damn it! Not again''


    "Wee! How can I get the two queens on this lovely day?"


    "Heh, I''ll decide in a second. What are you having Ikarus?"


    Finally arriving at the high-ss restaurant and instantly being seated due to our VIP status skipping past themon rabble, we pretty much get instantly served with an eager waiter all the while Petra decides to flick the vibe up again. I swear she''s purposely doing this just to see if I''ll cum in front of someone or something.


    "D-Don''t care Petra... y-you order for me"


    Petra still grinning like madwoman orders us food all the while I''m desperately trying to keep myself from exploding. It really is strange how quiet yet how powerful that little thing that hums away inside me is, all that power yet nobody is none the wiser to my libido getting worse. Fuck eating dinner, all I want to do is moan wildly right now.


    Despite the happy waiter now being gone, the vibe still powers away with no reduction in sight, Petra just happily smiles like a dumb person with the torment she''s currently providing. These vibrators have always been unforgiving but damn, it''s almost like she''s found one even stronger than the norm, this is way past my limit to reliably hold it in.


    "T-Turn it down Petra, please. I-I can''t stop it for much longer"


    "Heh, no can do Ikarus. My hands are up here and my pocket is way too far away, maybe I can be convinced once the starterse out, or if you rx and just embrace it"


    Petra ces both hands onto the table still smiling showing truly what an evil person she is! She''s actually going to make me cum in public, why the hell do I enjoy this type this type of shit!?


    "W-What!? Mmph!"


    I''ve got to forcibly put my hand to my mouth otherwise a moan as sexual as theye will spew out, fuck! Urgh...


    At this point, there''s no way I can keep up this fight so I give into my biological needs of being a right slut. Unfortunately, this is going to be more annoying than pleasurable as I''m going to have to stop what I really want to do here.


    Using whatever internal strength I have; I pluck up every conceivable idea I can do to stop those inevitable Ikarus shakes that always rock the inds, in the end deciding to basically grab onto the table and hope for the best.


    The orgasm rips through me with me biting down and doing everything I can to stop the fit like shakes I get. There''s no way I can stop them all, just try and make it look like I have a brain freeze or something... that was agonizing... frustrating.


    ''Phew... Can''t believe I just came in such a fancy ce, guess it isn''t so high ss anymore with me slutting it out''


    Thankfully, we didn''t seem to get any looks other than the odd ''Is that the queens?'' awe inspiring thing that usually happens, also Petra gives me a wink and finally decides to turn down the remote to a pointlessly low level.


    "R-Remember when I told you not to exploit your power Petra? I knew you couldn''t be trusted"


    "Heh, you want it turned back up Ikarus?"


    "Hell no! I mean, yeah, butter on when there''s less eyes about"


    "Heh, think you enjoyed that more than you care to admit Ikarus"


    "Enjoying it isn''t the problem... ah, looks like food is here, we really do get prioritized..."


    __________


    "Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama! Surprised you two are here!"


    "Yeah, we''ve never seen you here before. You normally eat at caf¨¦s or causal restaurants"


    "Heh, hello you two. We do sometimes go to nice ces so today is sort of special"


    "Ah, are you two on a date as wel-, urg-ermmm..."


    ''Every freaking time with this woman! I had to turn that moan into an erm''


    After finishing our starters and the main course, both the priestess and knight enter the restaurant providing quite the odd coincidence. And of course, an excuse for Petra to continue her evil reign.


    The second those twoe over, the vibe of course switches back on to an unreasonable level. She just can''t help herself with this, can''t exactly me her because I think I''d do the exact same if we switched roles. Making your partner hit that sweet climax is seriously one the best parts of sex.


    "Are you okay Ikarus-sama? You look at little feverish today"


    "Yeah Ikarus? Is everything okay?"


    ''I hate Petra! She''s literally trying her hardest to make me finish again!''


    [<Ikarus once again has to say something unreasonable, she is enjoying the embarrassment more than words can describe>]


    ''It''s not unreasonab- Urgh, there''s a freaking throbbing setting on this!? Fuck, I want to w at something now''


    The vibe suddenly starts to rapidly raise and lower in speed making this an unbearable amount of pleasure, thank fuck both those innocent two have no idea what''s going on down below because this really would be a really awkward conversation to exin.


    "Heh, are you okay Ikarus? These two are worrying about you"


    ''Of course I''m freaking okay, it''s just that I''m too okay right now...''


    "Y-Yeah... I''m f-fine, just a l-little hot really"


    There''s no more fighting this, the orgasm ising whether I want it or not now, there''s no use in battling it any longer. I just need to grab something again, even just the sides of the chair...


    Like always, it violently rips through me with my entire focus on being to contain it within this bird body. Compare it to a sneeze desperately trying to get out but you know it''s got to stay in, it''s so freaking conflicting this. On one hand, cumming in front of someone is so embarrassing yet all I want to do is moan like a virgin on their wedding night.


    After getting through the orgasmic waves of pleasure, I''ve somehow managed to hide it even better than the first time albeit a drip of sweat falls from my forehead, I''d be smiling like a dope if I had the energy to. Unfortunately, the vibe still buzzes despite be already finishing.


    "Heh, how about you two join us and we have a double dat-"


    "NO! A-Ahem, you know how m=much I like you two but I''d r-rather me and Petra just have a little a-alone time if that''s okay"


    Freaking Petra is trying to get these two to join us! I swear if I orgasm again, I''m going to lose all control and start full on shaking and screaming, maybe even start leaking under this belt. I''m getting to my limit now; think I don''t have the power to stop three violent orgasms.


    (Nathan) "We''ll leave you two alone then and get a table ourselves"


    (Charlotte) "Yeah, speak to you two another time then"


    Thankfully, both the boring couple leave us alone to our own pervy devices, Petra still won''t turn down the throbbing setting on the vibe though. I''m going to go mad at this rate.


    "Heh, what wrong Ikarus? Struggling a little?"


    "P-Petra, I really dislike you r-right now"


    "Heh, love you two Ikarus. How do you feel about one more just before dessertes? Then I promise I''ll turn it off permanently"


    "I-I don''t know if I can do a-another"


    "Heh, I''m sure you can, I''ll even hold your hands if that helps"


    Petra always sparks up when ites to tormenting me, I still have no idea what broken part of my brain loves this so much. The pleasure is always going to be perfect but the fact being tormented seems to increase the pleasure that much more proves that my brain may be broken.


    "Ur-erm... o-okay then"


    Just giving up and embracing this moment, Petra gives me her hands to hold onto across the table and I make sure to grab on, all the while clenching my pussy while the switching vibe continues to make every moment of this a heavenly nightmare.


    Once the third and final orgasmes around and despite literally just holding onto her, I find it''s impossible to keep it fully under control letting way too much of the shakinge out. At least I''m able to stop the love juice flowing and screaming, but that pure unfiltered horniness has left me in quite the awkward position. I''m kinda on the floor after falling off my chair.


    I definitely got some looks from around his ce considering the fact I''m now on the floor looking like an idiot, hopefully they''ll just think I''m being clumsy and think this is a silly queen thing rather than realize I just came a third time inside this ce. That''s made my head go funny as well now.


    While I''m getting back up staring at a beautiful face that can''t help but chuckle, I feel like I''m starting to get a slight headache for all that keeping it in I''ve been doing. It''s so energy draining doing this I''m spent, thankfully Petra has already stopped the vibe from continuing minutes ago.


    "*Huff huff*, think I''m g-getting a migraine Petra"


    "Oh, I''m sorry Ikarus... did I push that way too far?"


    Just looking how quick her demeaner can change in an instant, Petra must think she''s done too much this time around and now look like she has an extreme guilty conscience. That''s really not the case though.


    "D-Don''t apologize... that was great"


    Just as I''m vibing through my post orgasm faze not caring about anything in the world, the waiter seems toe out of nowhere holding both our desserts. This really has been quite the ''interesting'' night.


    ''Brilliant, cheesecake after sex needs to be a mood...''


    __________


    "Finally, back home! We''re not doing that again for some time, maybe make it a yearly thing but have it no sooner, right? Ah, and we can call it pervy Petra''s birthday present or something. Can we finally get this thing off me already?"


    "Heh, funny you should say that Ikarus"


    Having just gotten back after what was a very exciting dinner, Petra can''t help but grin slyly after my suggesting of removing this piece of equipment she keeps exploiting the hell out of. She can''t be trusted with situations like this, that much is obvious now. It definitely was fun though.


    "I swear, if youe out with some bullshit like the key is snapped or lost, I''ll be pissed Petra"


    "Heh, would''ve done exactly that Ikarus but you being able to detect the truth ruins the fun. How about we extend this evening for even longer though?"


    "You''ve already made me cum enough for one day so I''m good, unless you mean you want a go? Something like oral perhaps?"


    ''Eating Petra out while wearing a chastity belt, pretty hot thought if I think about it, could also get her in the belt but it might need a quick clean first''


    "Heh, I''m good for today as well Ikarus, that disy has more than satisfied me. What I''m thinking is, wouldn''t it be neat if that were to stay on for a little longer? Say, what about the night on the wedding day?"


    ...


    I freaking knew something like this would happen! As if Petra would let this opportunity go to waste, she loves tormenting me so adding a freaking chastity belt into the mix for everyday use would be ideal for her.


    "*Sighhh*, you''re so predictable at times. You understand things will get really messy like this?"


    Considering theck of holes in key areas, I think you could imagine the dirty problems that may persist...


    "Heh, there''s removeable parts Ikarus so that''s not an issue, I''ll let you out now if you don''t want to try it, just I know how open to things you can be"


    ''Sometimes I feel like she has eye of wisdom as well, she knows my pervy curiosity too well''


    "Just be real Petra, the ideal of controlling if I can orgasm or not is more appealing to you rather than me"


    "Heh, never implied anything different Ikarus. Hope you know I wouldn''t be leaving you with the vibe though, the idea is to gopletely without sex for that time"


    And of course, the n is no orgasms at all, why am I not surprised she''s willing to go this far?


    I guess it could be good to put more focus on the wedding day and it would make that first night of marriage even more intense with a little wait. If it gets too much, I could always be sneaky and try to grope myself into orgasm but that kinda defeats the point. Why am I even trying to convince myself on for or against? I never disliked that pervy side to Petra anyways so let''s just do it.


    "Eh, fuck it, I should be able to handle one week of this, right? It will be a little pointless wearing my normal dress over it though"


    We''ve always got the kimonos to wear but not having doubled stats ifbat breaks out, it may be risky. It seems Petra has a solution lined up for that as well.


    "Heh, you mean that perverted ego that used to be a bikini Ikarus? For some reason, I can imagine it would be perfectly happy knowing what''s between your legs, orck of in between"


    ''Eh, she''s probably got a point, it always had a way like that. I think I''m worrying way too much about this, what''s one week anyways...''

 Chapter 176 – Ecchi

    Chapter 176 ¨C hi


    "There''s only a few more things to go over, then we''re finally done you two. Please don''t fall asleep again Ikarus"


    "Ariza-sama is right, this is for your special asional so you really should pay attention Ikarus-sama"


    "Heh, you hear that Ikarus?"


    "Yeah yeah... not my fault Petra''s body works as a perfect pillow"


    ''It''s bullying Ikarus day today it seems, I feel asleep doing this yesterday and they still won''t let it go''


    Back at the church with me currently using Petra as a pillow on one of these pews, we''re with wedding nner Ariza and pastor Charlotte once again finalizing the final details of this poxy wedding of ours. Unlike with the usual annoyance, I''m frustrated for a simpler reason this time around.


    You see, me and Petra have ''agreed'' to no woohoo until the wedding is finally over, I''m not going to go into the reason but it was decided during ourst you know what session. Petra''s clearly handling things perfectly fine because deep down, she knows I''m suffering and that pleases her, pure evil my woman is. We''ve only been doing this for thest two days and I''m already spent, the only satisfaction I can get right now is by using her legs as I please... that sounds weird.


    "Now, where do you two n on keeping the wedding rings? We need to keep them safe otherwise someone will end up forgetting them"


    ''Is that directed at me or Petra? No, Ariza''s not like that, think she just means in general''


    "Erm... on our fingers Ariza?"


    "Heh, I don''t think that''s what she meant Ikarus, but I''m a little unsure as well"


    Showing off the white gold ring I got way back from Petra, we both get confused looks from the women running this show. Have we both just said something stupid?


    "You two know the difference between wedding and engagement rings, right? There''s no problem if you want to use the same but would''ve thought you know about it"


    "I never realized both Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama were so unsure about all this stuff. Isn''t thatmon knowledge?"


    Charlotte basically just called us dense in a really polite way. I mean, she has got a point, Ipletely forgot about that fact and Petra seems to have done the exact same. A shotgun wedding really would''ve suited us more than this.


    "Hey, don''t you two start getting funny with us because we''re not used to this sort of crap, can you really me us though? I couldn''t care about the nning and Petra has no time to remember such mundane details. This would end up a literal nightmare if you two weren''t around so seriously... thank you"


    My brutal honesty seems to take them back a little, not sure why but I''ve never been great at understanding facial cues after all.


    "Heh, we can always get the gnome to make us something quickly Ikarus, might as well send some more work his way"


    At least this stupid issue is now sorted, now back to thep pillow where hopefully I can pretend not to sleep. It definitely seems Charlotte and Ariza have be good friends nning out our wedding though.


    "Uh... I think we''re done then? Have I forgotten anything else Charlotte?"


    "I don''t think so Ariza-sama. If we have, we can always call those two back aroundter"


    Despite knowing I''ve now got to get up because this meeting is basically over, I can''t help but see if I can drag this out for just a tad longer. Lap pillows don''te about all too often and with the burden of no sex I now carry upon these feathery shoulders, I must savour every moment!


    "Erm... Ah, where''s Nathan anyways Charlotte? You two definitely should use this ce when you finally decide to get married, it''sfortable as hell"


    "Heh, think that''s myp more than anything else Ikarus. Pretty sure Nathan trains around this time"


    "Eh!?! Where''s thise from Ikarus-sama?"


    Priestess nearly stumbles off the pew listening to me make that randomment, was that worth getting flustered over? It wasn''t even a tease really.


    "Nowhere, just it''s a nice ce considering it''s a church... and the fact cultists run the ce"


    The funny thing is, this ce didn''t exist a couple of months ago, this church is actually one of the more recent things built on the second ind around Penelope''s tower. I never understood why it was built at first considering the Sierran religion is all but wiped out thanks to yours truly, thought it was another attempt at an invasion only for a split second until I found out why it was built.


    It''s a temple for worshiping the two queens... Yeah, I''m not freaking kidding, this church was literally built as a ce so people coulde and pray so we''d stay longer in town. You know the most annoying part? Once a week, it literally bes the most densely popted area ANYWHERE on our inds. These idiots of ours really are unhinged...


    "But marriage Ikarus-sama? Me and Nathan have only just gotten past the intimate bedtime stag-... oops"


    Charlotte immediately puts her hand to her mouth thinking she''s made a huge embarrassing mistake, as if any of us would say anything bad that''s she''s finally gotten past this hurdle. All I can do is be annoyed though.


    ''So, even priestess is getting some right now? To think I agreed to this week of pureness...''


    __________


    "Ikarus..."


    Upon leaving the church, Petra decides now is the perfect time to seductively whisper in my ear. I''ve never been an ASMR sorta person but for my waifu, I could listen to her on repeat.


    "...You''ll never guess what I''m wearing underneath my robe?"


    "Nothing? It''s not as sexy considering I always gomando... Well, not right now but you know why"


    "Heh, that I do Ikarus. I''ll just show you then"


    Petra the naughty vixen decides to slowly pull up one side of her robe revealing a leg covered in what looks to be one of those stockings from that lingerie set we''ve used so much before. She''s all smiles as well despite the fact she knows exactly what she''s doing.


    ''I hate her so much at times''


    [<Ikarus needs to stop using hate for action that sparks a feeling of intense love>]


    ''Don''t you start as well Aesa; you know I don''t use hate correctly. I''m currently ''frustrated'' with my future wife at the moment so don''t make me hate my robotic one as well!''


    "Seriously Petra? This is what we''re doing today?"


    Trying to look bored and not entertained at all, Petra knows that I can''t help but look if she''s going to do stupid shit like this.


    "Heh, what if I were to bend over instead then?"


    Petra stretches out touching her toes presenting me with the ever so faint outline of both her cheeks under her robe. I really need some help if this is what today is going to consist of, that or I''ll just run away.


    "Not hot at all Petra, the robe makes your bottom look t"


    ''Freaking Petra man, she''s using this chance to turn us into an hi or something! Why the hell did I agree to this!? Her arse doesn''t look t at all! All plump and juicy, brilliant as always''


    "Heh, t!?! Looks like I''ll have to step up my game if you''re this resistant to my charm then Ikarus"


    Just as Petra''s conjuring up what next devilish scheme to conduct, another soul ends up passing by us but of course, just can''t help but say hello.


    ''The maid Eve, what a freaking surprise. It just had to happen when Petra''s trying to make my life a living hell''


    "Heh, fancy meeting you here Eve"


    "Yeah, why aren''t you at home working?"


    "I was getting groceries for the home since if I don''t now, it''ll be porridge tomorrow morning! It''s nice and all but not a meal fit for the queens"


    When ites to serving us, our maid has always been really eager. I bet she visits that church like the rest of the idiots in town as well, I can tell she''s about to say something idiotic as well...


    "Say Queen Petra... did you end up doing that idea you had? You know the one with the metal thing?"


    "Heh, noment Eve"


    ''I freaking knew the maid was involved in what happened! Petra''s pervy and all but even she has a limit to how far she''ll go, this maid is out to get me man! Next, I''m going to start receiving suspiciously tasting honeyed tea at this rate...


    "So, you did use it then!? How did it go!? Please please please, tell me everything!"


    "Heh, I''m happy to discuss some things with you Eve but maybe this might a little much?"


    "Pleaseee! I won''t tell a soul, I promise!"


    "Heh, hmm... only if Ikarus says it''s fine"


    ...


    "You two are mad, I''m leaving now..."


    __________


    Now in a quiet corner of the world, funnily enough an empty bar area of an inn, I''m currently having a drink while doodling on some paper. Sure, midday drinking isn''t exactly good for the soul but I need a fix right now, that damn maid of ours presses Petra way too much on this sorta thing. It''s odd how that''s the issue I''m focusing on rather the people knowing just how kinky we can be...


    "What are up to orangey?"


    ''Ah, nearly forgot this is the inn Zeki and Ariza live at. Can already tell Ria''s here just by taking one look at him''


    "Just plotting a way I can either kill off or fire the maid without Petra knowing. She''s corrupting her, I know it!"


    For the record, killing her is a joke! Petra was also always corrupted but I like that part of her, I''m more just cranky really.


    "Wee to my word orangey. If you think sis is bad, at least you don''t have to deal with a toxic cow obsessed with jugs"


    "She stole one of Ariza''s potions, I assume?"


    Zeki, the Amazonian queen dressed in what basically is a costumed bodysuit takes a seat alongside me scoffing when both of us hear another set of footstepsing from the bedroom area. Huh, guess his hair looks pretty messy as well, those two have also been up to something.


    "He-he-he, not this time Ikarus, Loki himself sent me one. Zeki''s going to look so great at the wedding!"


    ''She made him like that for the wedding? Bridesmaid Zeki iing, that''s definitely going to make the big day even more encouraging''


    "Erk... Oh right, that reminds me of something, we''ve got to have a man to man talk orangey, it''s a good thing you''re here"


    Listening to Zeki say man to man when I''m dressed in a kimono and he looks like he owns an invisible ne or something, I''m struggling not tough. Us ''men'' couldn''t be manlier if we tried!


    "Take this whatever way you want kid but that talk, is freaking pointless. As if I''d ever hurt Petra nor could you do anything even if I did. You forgetting the duel we had which you surrendered to?"


    "Erk, can''t you at least allow me to have something orangey? I''ve got to contend with this bitch, at leas-, ouch! Really cow!?"


    Zeki finds a strong whack to the back of his head for the dryad dressed in her usual green bikini garb, that one seemed like it was deserved, I think?


    "You weren''t calling me a bitch when I was just treating you like one back in there, were you girly boy? We can go for round two anytime to see who the real bitch is!"


    "Fuck off cow, can''t you tell I''m trying to protect sis''s heart from orangey''s wicked nature? We''ll go screw again in a minute, where was I again? Where''s orangey gone?"


    ''No way in hell am I getting in-between them while they''re in the middle of a ''sparring'' session''


    I kinda made haste and got the hell out of there when Ria said something about Zeki being a bitch. It doesn''t matter how vague it was, that image isn''t going to be leaving my head anytime soon...


    __________


    "Heh, Ikarus... where are you?"


    ''She knows exactly where I am, as if I could forget that phoenix stalking ability she has''


    Where on these stupid inds surrounded by stupid people could I be? Well, I thought I might as well join them at this point so I''m currently in our bedroom walk-in closet. Why? Because I''m definitely NOT scoffing at entire cake I promised to share with Petra.


    "Heh, juste out the closet already Ikarus, no one will judge you"


    ''We''re seriously doing gay jokes as well? Eh, might as well get all the stupid out before we get married I suppose''


    "Fine... just stop going on with all the sexual stuff already, I''m bored of it now"


    Quickly hiding away the non-existent tray of sponge cake that definitely hasn''t been eaten, I leave the closet only to be greeted by a still happy Petra blocking the exit. I know what''s about to happen and this is going to be teasing I struggle to fight off.


    "Have no idea what you''re on about Ikarus... Say, you reckon I can touch my elbows together? Like this?"


    ''For the love of God! She even has to bring her breasts into this teasing fiasco she''s going through!? It''s like all the suggestive stuff I''ve missed from having low perception has just piled up to this one day!''


    Do I really have to describe how things look when ady puts their elbows together and seductively winks at you? Let''s just say it''s quite a traumatic sight when you''re especially into boobs and dark phoenixes.


    "Seriously Petra, you''ve got to stop it now. There''s only so much my heart, and other area, can take!"


    I mumble that other area part under my breath but she definitely still heard it, she knows how much torture this is putting me through! I''ll seriously start begging if she continues because this bird is slowly going mad! Two freaking days, there''s still five more until the wedding...


    "Heh, I''m not doing all that much though Ikarus, you''ve seen everything there is to see before"


    "You know exactly what you''re doing Petra! This isn''t one of those things where I''ve suddenly gained perception due to being deprived, you''re purposely going out your way to tease me even more than normal"


    Today may not seem like that much but I''m like a dog with a toy with this. I can go days, even weeks without needing for sweet loving but the second it''s gone, every fibre of my being wants Petra''s booty! Damn, I think marring Petra is going to turn me into a right perve, as if I really care though.


    "Heh, we only agreed on no sex Ikarus. In your ''deprived'' state, you''ve yet to kiss or even hug me today, wouldn''t that ease it up a little?"


    "But earlier I... wait, didn''t you kiss me at the church while I was on yourp? Or did I dream that?"


    "Heh, so that was what you were dreaming about? And here I thought your dreams were always explicit"


    You know, Petra actually brings up a point. Why is it I always have to go straight to the good stuff instead of just enjoying the little things in life? I can just fight all the temptations by recing them for other God tier things. Petra, cake, alcohol and more Petra!


    "I mean, a lot of them with you are explicit, and that one ended pretty explosively as well, but enough about all that! Let''s do nothing for the rest of the day except talking, hugging and kissing in bed! You gotta problem with that?"


    Inner deprived tsundere Ikarusing out, I feel like I need this after all this torture I''ve been getting. This would be a perfect time to binge on a series and chill but this no time to be missing technology now.


    "Heh, that actually sounds like a really nice idea Ikarus"


    Just as I''m about to getfy and then so smother the life out of Petra, a nagging voice beckons from the heavens.


    [<Ikarus... can Aesa join in as well?>]


    ''You know I mean literal hugging, right Aesa? There''s going to be no funny business going on whatsoever''


    Aesa has always taken after me and been a little weird, she rarelyes out and one of the more noticeable asions was for intimacy. I guess this is kind of the same situation?


    [<Aesa doese out more than Ikarus realizes, even left the clone body in the settlement in case Ikarus needed information ryed across the continents. Aesa is just a little bored and lonely right now>]


    ''Huh, didn''t know that... and you can feel loneliness!? I feel like you''re ying with me here, this definitely won''t end in sex Aesa. You can join if you''re not being impure though...''


    "...Petra, you mind if Aesa joins in with the hugging? She''s apparently ''lonely''"


    "Heh, she said that Ikarus? Sure, she can join in, tell her no funny business though"


    "Already done that, let''s getfortable then... wait, I''m going to turn around while you''re putting something morefortable on. Ignore the temptations and all that..."


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]

 Chapter 177 – Stag Do

    Chapter 177 ¨C Stag Do


    "Already told you; I''m not doing it! It''ll be so freaking boring!"


    "Uh, but it''s a tradition Ikarus! I know not every one does it but considering where you were from back on Earth, it makes sense"


    "Heh, you really are turning down a night to drink Ikarus? I''m also forced to do something as well"


    "As much as me and Nat don''t normally do these sorts of things, even we''re going tonight Ikarus-sama"


    The penultimate day, the day just before the wedding and like usual, stuck in our worshippers'' church again. However, there is something else I''ve forgotten about this whole wedding fiasco that''s needs sorting out while conversing with Petra, Ariza and Charlotte. The dreaded stag do...


    See, going out for steaks and drinking your body weight in whiskey is a tradition I can normally get behind, the issue is that it''s us guys only! It just means I''ll have extra hours without seeing Petra before the wedding and that is uneptable.


    By the sounds of it, Ariza has nned out both nights out for me and Petra, hers obviously being the hen do but I can tell this is already going to be shit. Even if the guys around here are pretty boring and most of the fun lot are female, is Ariza really the type of person to hire strippers and make this night unforgettable for bad reasons? Badparison but that would a least spice things up a little.


    "All the guys around here are either too tame for something like this, or just simply make you want to blow your brains out. It''s obvious on who thetter is"


    "Heh, you can alwayse to the hen party if you''re finally willing to give up thatst bit of guy inside you Ikarus. I''m definitely picking out what you''re wearing though"


    ...


    "Okay, I''m going to the damn guy thing then. Don''t really care what youdies will be getting up to but makes sure Charlotte stays off the hard stuff. We''ve already seen enough of subus-sama to know that''s a bad idea"


    My quick change of heart gets a chuckle all around, I''m surprisingly more open to this now considering my manhood is at stake. Sure, I gave up caring about that pretty much instantly but I must at least keep some of my pride! If that means going to a stupid men only party, then I''ll just have to get on with it.


    "Heh, are you sure you don''t want me to pick out something you can wear Ikarus? All the guys will like you showing up in something frilly"


    ''She still tries getting me in stupid outfits even now, my enchanted dress or kimono is enough''


    "Petra, as if those guys would give two shits to what I''m wearing. Well, except Zeki but that would be karma backfiring. Don''t give him ammunition to mock me because it''s my job to make his life a living hell!"


    While Petra''s chuckling at my insistence on mocking female form Zeki, another thought hase to mind about another male turned female.


    "Hey, is Penelopeing to my thing or yours? I really can never tell what goes on inside that pea sized brain of hers at times"


    I mean, I''ve always got the vibe she just goes with the flow and doesn''t care about anything gender rted. I guess we''re somewhat simr when ites to all that but I still at least like some aspects of being a guy than just fully embracing it... despite the fact I''m literally going to be wearing a wedding dress tomorrow. Contradictions are the best.


    By the looks of it, no one else seems to have a clue as well.


    "Uh... I actually have no idea Ikarus. Charlotte?"


    "Penelope-sama said she''d show up but never to which party specifically"


    "Heh, don''t take that as fact Charlotte. It wouldn''t surprise me if she gets distracted and ends up spending the night ''working'' at the guild"


    The way Petra emphasis working, I''m pretty sure that refers to her finding a spot to nap and forgetting about the whole evening. As much as Penelope does asionally do things like helping build up the area around the Spire, we all know mages like to be hidden basically doing next to nothing.


    ''A night out with the guys with at least two of us gender bent to hell without Petra. Eh, at least they''ll be booze at least...''


    __________


    (Dermakvar) "You''re finally here little one? What time do you call this?"


    (Zeki) "Rx big guy. Like sis, orangey always shows up fashionablyte"


    (Jaxon) "Can we get started then? I''m itching for a drink, mining while drinking is guaranteed to end badly"


    (Garry) "Ah, we''ll make a dwarf outta you yet boy! Livers are meant to be filled with the poison!"


    (Marcus) "Let''s try and limit it a little tonight though, can''t exactly be turning up to the wedding with us all nursing hangovers"


    (Nathan) "I''ll o-only have one, this r-really isn''t my sort of thing"


    (Dionysus) "You really are too simr to my incarnate with the alcohol knight. At least she has a good reason for not liking the stuff"


    (Nathan) "I just like being aware at all times Dionysus. I''d hate myself if something happened to Lotte while I wasn''t in top condition"


    (Dionysus) "That''s... actually a reasonable answer"


    ''Guess Miss gender bender didn''t show or is on the female side then, I''m not that surprised really... Ah, can''t forget Nathan''s dragon stutter towards my parents''


    Arrivingst to the pub Ariza told me to go to, I''m greeted to a reserved table with quite the surprising turnout. We have the mine boss Jaxon, the knight Nathan, my father, Garry the gnome, our advisor Marcus and of course the Amazonian queen Zeki. Heck, even Dio is here as well! I''m happy Asmodeus isn''t here because that really would spoil anything.


    "Alright everyone, looking great as ever, especially you, girly boy!"


    As soon as I take a seat, I really can''t help myself. Ria''s clearly got him in that costume that constantly shows off the top of his thighs once again. At least I was able to stand firm with my partner and choose my own outfit... even if said outfit is the enchanted dress with stockings I usually wear. Maybe I shouldn''t mock as much.


    "Your words won''t hurt me tonight orangey, because, there''s something really cool nned"


    "Really? What''s going to happen kid?"


    Instantly answering my own question, a robed figure joins us at the table giggling slightly, thenpletely throwing her robe away. You''d think the culprit would be someone known to us catching our attention like this but surprisingly, it isn''t.


    Describing the elf''s appearance, she has brown flowing hair, piercing jade eyes and a smile that could send any man wild, none of that really matters though. I should probably mention the main ''attraction'' being what''s under that robe of hers. She''s barely dressed rocking at outfit which can only be described as a full set of skimpy lingerie with a corset and even stockings.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ''Seriously, we''ve got a strip-... wait! I''ve seen this woman before!''


    It''s an extremely faint memory but back in the capital''s version of a red-light district, there was a bar me and Petra used to frequently visit when going through the spy stuff with captain Jekyll. Across the street to that bar was a brothel and I swear this woman worked there.


    I of course never visited, I''m just pretty sure I remember seeing her ripping the hair out of another woman while baring all to the world, even the guards had to get involved. To think I remember such a weird thin-... Hang on, has Ariza idently hired us ady of the night instead of a stripper!?!


    "I''ve been informed to make sure you boys don''t drink too much because of the big day tomorrow. I also warn you if you get too handsy, I will bite"


    ''Maybe she also does stripping as a side gig? Why am I even questioning this? This isn''t my sort of thing!''


    Seductively grinning at us all around, she takes a seat onto the table top while I realize almost immediately that our group is definitely NOT suitable for such an attraction.


    Out of the eight of us around, more than half of us, including me clearly have faces of shock or pure embarrassment. The only exceptions to this are my father, Zeki and Dio. My father couldn''t care less about the nude woman clearly favouring dragon tail but the other two seem to be right up for this. Hopefully, they can get her attention away because there''s no freaking chance I''m getting ap dance from this stripper sh prostitute sh whatever she is.


    "Erm... Zeki? I never realized how mad Ariza really is. Has she seriously hired us a stripper"


    Trying to whisper that as quietly as I can, it''s obvious I was heard by others but I need to ask this. Is Ariza actually crazy deep down or was this an ident? She couldn''t have really thought I''d enjoy this, right? I don''t even want the temptation especially with Petra''s booty being out there in the world somewhere.


    "You thought brother had any clue about this orangey? This is all my doing; I stole a look at what she nned weeks ago and made sure to add something a little extra. As if we could have whiskey and steaks without a little extra meat on the table!"


    As soon as Zeki whispers back to me, the seductive woman climbspletely onto the table all while giving me a wink and even rubbing one on her legs on my arm in the process! I hate Zeki for this, the only thing I can think of right now is how sexy Petra would look earing what that woman has got on!


    "Now, I presume you''re supposed the groom? Tehe, look how flustered you are! Don''t worry, I won''t bite.... Unless you want me to"


    ''I''m actually going to kill him, fucking idiot Zeki!''


    All I wanted was food and drink but Zeki''s ruined everything! Sure, it would have been boring but boring is better than this! I get flustered enough around Petra alone, this is a horrible kind of fluster! I feel nothing towards this woman and I only like being embarrassed by one other so this isn''t fun!


    "So, how would the groom care for ap dance to get us started? Don''t worry, I''ll try to think of your fianc¨¦... while I''m nice and snug on yourp"


    ''Being called the groom really is all kinds of weird all things considered, but I can''t focus on that right now!''


    "I-I''m good t-thanks"


    "Tehe, so adorable! We haven''t even gotten started on the body drinking or eating yet"


    "Body... w-what?"


    As soon as I say, that woman slowly removes her bra and freaking throws it on myp! Then, goes to grab a ss of water, puts it in between the two very pixted things and does a quick hand gesture to me to put my head near her stomach...


    I think I''ve died and gone to hell right now; I''m not fucking doing this! I don''t care if I have cheating dragon blood in me, this is all kinds of wrong.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ---Ikarus did say they were pixted...


    ----------


    Most of the group continue to share simr shocked reactions to me, except Zeki, Dionysus and father again. The first two are really enjoying this show while father just seems disinterested in such a scene. I''d like it if he could try and be a little more like a parent and discourage everything going on but with his history of cheating, it''s not exactly surprising.


    Forcing the best smile I can and ring towards Zeki, he quickly notices my intense aura and gulps heavily. He''s not going to get away with this....


    "Zeki... I hope you know, you''re NEVER seeing your third leg again. I don''t care how many potions it takes, or if I have to sell my soul to the devil, you''re staying like that until I drop dead"


    "E-Erk! O-Orangey? You d-don''t mean that, r-right?"


    Considering how much pent-up anger I have right now, I mean every word. That freaking hooker is going to be the death of his third leg, mark my words...


    "You really don''t want to do it then? That''s a shame, it''s cute you''re so loyal though! Do I have any other takers, or am I forced to stay all hot and bothered then?"


    ''I just want to go home now''


    "I''ll happily divide your attention Goddess of the night. hope you know I can''t promise to the no biting rule though"


    "As long as it''s only a yful nibble. Tehe, let''s get me wet then"


    ''Where''s Petra and her facepalms when they''re needed?''


    At least Dionysus is willing to ''sacrifice'' himself, I''m just going to look away from the actual filth going on over there now. Is this really what these women are all like or has Zeki paid too much for a service I have no interest in? At least this gives me an idea for something me and Petra can do on our wedding night though. Albeit in our own superior way, this is just making me ufortable.


    Trying my best to ignore that annoying elf that sits upon our table and the sounds of what can only be described as a scene that needs its own dedicated eighteen plus chapter, I feel like I need to now step up and take control of this situation! We need a distraction from this vixen and the slurping Dionysus ah, a server is walking by, perfect.


    "Heya, can we order now..."


    __________


    "...So, you''ve been all over the world then? Seen anywhere nice?"


    "That I have, the tree of Yggdrasil in particr is most beautiful when the winter glow gleams against the leaves. What about you?"


    "The hall in Olympus is pretty spectacr, none asparable to the Goddess right in front of me though"


    ''God of wine and ecstasy? Bleurgh, more like wine and cringe''


    Now finally receiving some goddamn service getting bottles and bottles of whiskey and wine, we''re just waiting on our food now while Dionysus seems to be working his charm. I really wish there was some fizzy drink in this world because c is lush with some of the strong stuff but s, drinking it with a ssh of water and ice is enough. That bitterness does have a distinct taste though.


    Thatment by the young God seems to have made the seductive woman blush somehow, maybe it was the way he said it rather than his actual words? At least it''s got her sights off me for now, I''m more worried for her sake because Petra would rip off her head off if she found out what nearly happened.


    "Orangey, y-you weren''t being serous about earlier, right?"


    "..."


    "Answer me orangey! I can''t stay like this forever; I''ll never get a peaceful night sleep again with Ria around!"


    "..."


    Still giving him the silent treatment, the fear in Zeki''s eyes in the only real thing I can fully enjoy right now as well as the taste of alcohol. If it wasn''t for the God currently getting the attention of thedy, Zeki would be getting more of my wrath rather than just this.


    "Here you go everyone! If there''s anything else you need, be sure to call on us!"


    Several waiters bring out the huge cuts of meat on tes the size of tters for all the eight of us. Should also mention the fact the gigantic tes also have fries, onion rings and mushrooms on. Not sure why they thought putting a side sd was a good idea but good for making the te seem colourful, I suppose?


    As soon as the steaks are brought out though, it grabs all our attentions including the half-naked intruder on the table as well. It''s really mad that this ce allows this behaviour but I guess there''s not much they can say to a leader of this ind without fearing dire consequences. With these idiots though, it''s probably blind love towards us rather than fear though.


    "Ah, so is this my te then? I''ll start and I''ll maybe feed you the leftovers"


    The hooker eyes up my food and my reactiones from a ce I didn''t know I had.


    "Youy a finger on this cut whore, and you''ll lose the entire arm"


    Maybe it was a little unhinged but this steak is cooked perfectly, all bloody and rare like it should be. Being yful or not, you don''t touch a person''s steak without dire consequences.


    "Tehe, getting feisty just because you have a bit of meat now? Don''t worry, I know better than to try taking food off a puppy"


    ''Puppy!? Just please leave me alone already...''


    Eventually, I finally get around to start eating my meal but the fact this woman just sits there cross legged staring and smiling at me while I''m trying to chow down is really putting me off. Need a distraction again... anything...


    "Erm... Ah, how''s work been everyone? We obviously don''t talk as much anymore so me and Petra aren''t too sure if everything is good or not"


    Just trying to find any source of conversation between the vixen and mouthfuls of juicy bloody steak, it''s the only thing I can really think of because my brain can''t work right when being stared at like this. It''s almost as if she''s looking at me like I''m looking at my food...


    (Jaxon) "The mine is running at peak efficiency Ikarus so there''s no worries over there. We did have a slight cave inst week but no one was hurt though, this is why those idiots can''t be left alone for too long otherwise they start using shortcuts"


    (Garry) "Aye, the smelting and the transporting to the ships is going swell as well. That mine is an anomaly with the quality and quantity of gold"


    (Marcus) "That reminds me, we''ll have to have another budget meeting soon. We really should be looking at bing a proper city, at least poption wise since we''ve already got the budget of one"


    While those three give me a response, the other four seem more interested in dinner than the conversation. I''d be the exact same if it wasn''t for this green-eyed beauty who won''t keep freaking looking at me!


    (Nathan) "This c-cut is really good"


    (Dermakvar) "Agreed little mortal, meat is still best raw but this definitely is pleasant"


    "In Olympus, trying to get something like this would cost you and an arm and a leg. Maybe even a firstborn child as well in some ces"


    "I really hope orangey isn''t being serious about this..."


    At least this spicy evening has turned into something a little more boring again. Except, this elf still won''t let me rx...


    "Since you lot are more into your meat rather than me, maybe I''ll have to up the antics and give something else away..."


    The woman starts to move her hands lower making me realize what piece of clothing she''s nning to remove next...


    "NO! A-Ahem, I appreciate the work you do but please, can we have at least keep it somewhat tasteful? That''s a whole different level we don''t need to go down!"


    That gets a surprisingly depressive look from Dio and Zeki, but we need to have some boundaries goddamn it! I don''t care if these pre wedding parties can go mad, she''s not taking off her underwear! Censoring her breasts with my mind is hard enough so I''m not doing the other part!


    "Tehe, you really are no fun! I was going to have us switch underwear, but since you''re so unwilling, I guess I can just remain the centrepiece"


    The woman then goes to lie t on the table and takes a French fry from my te! Ah, I forgot I gave Marcus a bunch of recipes from Earth ages ago hence why these and onion rings exist in this world. It was roughly a little time after I first discovered Petra''s fried chicken and gave away anything I could think of. Most of it ended up being fried food but regardless of all that, these are my chips!


    ''Thank fuck I stopped this in its tracks then especially considering what ''underwear'' I have on right now...''


    __________


    "Hey... who was paying the bill again?"


    ...


    A little time after engorging on my steak and losing half the potato on my te to the whore, absolutely no answers. It was a joke but I was at least hoping someone around here would speak up and offer to pay. Eight fine cuts of steak will probably be really pricey to be fair.


    I''ll just take some money out of the treasury to make up for it all. This counts as a non-corrupt expense us leaders are allowed to do, right? Charge parties at the tax payers'' expense, what''s the harm in that?


    "There''s no need for such a thing Queen Ikarus, as if we could charge you for everything you''ve done around here!"


    Without even realizing it, there was a waiter behind me. When you''ve basically got a backside a metre away from your face on the table, you tend to lose a little bit of depth perception. I''m not trying to look at it but it just sits there begging to be looked at! ]All I want to do is look at Petra''s arse now...


    ''I do love a good VIP privilege though. Also, helps me from going fully corrupt but I was always part dictator after all''


    Anyways, just as we finally start to collect our things and put this night behind us, I realize we''re missing someone who still is talking to the half-naked stripper. That''s woman''s face shows all as she really is smitten with the ''smooth'' talking Dio right now, he''s even whispering in her ear now.


    "He''s seriously going to have a one-night stand with her, isn''t he? It''s a good thing Charlotte isn''t seeing this"


    "What else did you expect from the God of ecstasy little one? What is the most ecstasy inducing activity there is?"


    "I guess that you''ve got a point father, have you met Dionysus before this? It sounds like you have history"


    "Never met him little one, just heard stories from the older lot about sons and nephews. The majority are boring but it was always said he''s a fan of the drink and partying"


    Can never forget my parents have both said they''ve encountered Gods before, just they never seemed that willing to share about it. If he''s willing to speak today, then who am I to ignore that curiosity of mine? Maybe father lightens up a little when he has the sweet nectar running through his veins as well.


    "Wait, so which God told you about him then?"


    "The grumpy bearded bastard associated with the dead I believe; his name passes my mind. Me and your mother used to dine with them quite the bit a few centuries ago"


    My parents actually had a good rtionship with Hades and Persephone!? Huh, talk about tying things together then.


    "Howes you stopped talking? Did you all fall out or something?"


    "There was nothing in particr that I can remember little one, just as you grow older, you tend to lose track of rtionships. Gods in particr are immensely boring creatures so no point even trying to remember them all"


    Huh, guess this night at least had some silver lining, just add a little bit of backstory lore into the mix. At least, that''s if I''m forcing myself to be a half ss full sorta of person, slightly difficult when Dio and thedy of the night are getting closer. He''s even started nibbling her ear now.


    ''Those two really aren''t going to hump right here in the bar, right? Actually, I''m not sticking around to find out... damn it! I forgot I''m sleeping in this inn tonight...''

 Chapter 178 – Wedding Mishaps

    Chapter 178 ¨C Wedding Mishaps


    ---I''m saving all the wedding AI for the next chapter as it''ll fit a little better with the theme of it. You''ll understand a little more reading this one first...


    __________


    "Uh, nearly done Ikarus. Take a look now and see for yourself"


    "Do I have to? Can''t I just walk down the aisle blindfolded?"


    The big day, the day I sell myself into very towards my fellow lovebird and Ariza has thankfully taken it upon herself to help me get ready. Pretty sure the dryad is helping Petra get ready wherever those lot are staying; pretty sure I''ve purposely not been told simply because it''s inevitable I''ll run off and look for her.


    We''re currently at an inn close by to the church and I''m cranky more so down to a slight hangover and starvation, apparently I wasn''t allowed to eat breakfast because it could make me look puffy or something stupid like that. I guess I still ate something but that was only rabbit food, or sd, it''s still not a viable alternative!


    "Uh, you look great though Ikarus. You''re going to have to look at some point"


    "*Sighhh*... fine, might as well rip the embarrassment off like a band aid..."


    Finally plucking up the courage to look in the mirror, what presents me is something I really didn''t want to see. Bride Ikarus has finally be a thing and all I want to do is unalive myself now.


    "...Hey Aesa, can you please find some way of ending my existence? Get a dagger and stab it right in there nice and deep?''


    "Ikarus needs to stop thinking of easy solutions like suicide, this is only a one-day thing"


    "Uh, suicide Ikarus!? It can''t be that embarrassing wearing a wedding dress, right?"


    "You two both have no idea..."


    Ah right, Aesa is here in person helping Ariza get me into this dress and the rest of the outfit, should also mention the both of them two are all ready and dressed up for the big day. Eh, at least Petra''s going to like how I look, only silver lining about this stupid piece of clothing I suppose.


    To actually describe the wedding dress, imagine something cute as hell with a high neck, long sleeves, an oversized bow, a frilly vail, I''m even wearing freaking tights under this! I guess it''s not exactly modern looking but I''m pretty sure this is something Petra would''ve preferred?


    Eh, it pisses me off because of course, cute outfits rather than sexy outfits always suit me more. I don''t think it would have made any difference on what dress I was given regardless on preferences, guessst night and this has made me realize I still have a percentage of guy left in me. Of course, in could only be a point of a percentage though.


    While those two are helping get the finishing touches and I really have no idea what they''ve even doing, might as well make some more conversation going on.


    "Hey Ariza, what did you lot end up doing for the hen do anyways? Ours ended up being pretty wild"


    "Just out for drinks really but things did also get a little strange. For example, Penelope brought her pet rock for some reason, Charlotte had a tiny sip of alcohol and ended up red the entire evening, she even started praying hoping that Nathan wouldn''t be asleep when she got to the inn..."


    ''Huh, guess their evening was as wild as ours. Wonder if the knight managed to survive the inner subusing out?''


    "...Then, Ria drunk a little too much and decided she was going to strip for us all as well. Your mother and Mute were the only normal ones that evening thinking about it. As for Petra, she may kill me for saying this but she was hugging that plushie of you all evening"


    Petra''s was hugging that plushie of me all evening!? Man, that''s so freaking adorable... wait, I hate that damn plushie! Eh, maybe I can ept it if I''m not nearby, she needs her Ikarus fix as much as I need my Petra. I mean, I was also hugging her plushie in bedst night but it''s nothingpared to the real thing though.


    "What about your evening Ikarus? Remember you didn''t want to go but did it end up okay?"


    "Eh, guess it turned out alright except for the fact there was a literal hooker on the table showing her breasts off to everyone. Bet Dionysus had a fun night but Zeki really shouldn''t have done that"


    Don''t get me wrong, it added something new into the evening but that was kinds of fluster I''m not for. Hopefully, Petra never finds out about that because I could imagine her trying a stripper persona if she knew how much that embarrassed mest night. At least it would be good kind of embarrassment, I guess.


    Probably shouldn''t have said about the woman considering Ariza''s face now though.


    "Uh, he what!? Zeki hired a hooker!?"


    "Yeah, she was mostly doing a strippers job but when she tried to get us to eat and drink of her partially naked body, that''s when things really got ufortable"


    "What!?! That little shit..."


    This might actually be the first time I''ve seen sheer anger on Ariza''s face, she''s been mad at Zeki before but this might top the iceberg. He may have gotten away with it if she was only a stripper but the fact things could''ve gone that far speaks volumes.


    "...When this is all over, I need to have some serious words with Loki... Anyways, think we''re all done now Ikarus"


    ''Damn! She''s got the same exact idea as me, Ariza''s wrath is seriously underrated!''


    "So, can we leave now then? The church is in walking distance, right?"


    I mean, I can walk while wrapped head to toe in bridal crap, right? I don''t need some fancy carriage or stupid ride to the church but by the sounds of it, that''s happening regardless.


    "Actually Ikarus, we''ve kinda got to wait for the carriage. If you look outside, you''ll understand why"


    "Surprised Ikarus didn''t notice that, Aesa noticed it immediately this morning"


    Heading to the empty inn tavern area and looking outside one of the blurred windows, what presents me is faded faces everywhere. Checking another and another, this entire inn is surrounded with queen worshippers! Fuck''s sake! I knew this was going to be a problem months ago but still.


    "How the fuck do they even know where I''m staying? I swear this may be the day I decide to embrace evilness, motherfuckers are going to make mete to my own wedding!"


    "Uh, it''s like this everywhere Ikarus. It doesn''t help Marcus decided to make this a national holiday as well so everyone''s off searching for a quick glimpse at the brides to be. I wouldn''t me them too harshly"


    "Of course it''s freaking Marcus, should''ve just made all the idiots work today. Guess we''re going to have to wait for a little while"


    Eventually, after what feels like a lifetime but is more like minutes, the carriage finally parks up outside and loud imposing voices can be heard half a minute or so once the carriage stops. It''s now time to roll...


    "Make way for her majesty! Get back you rabid dogs!"


    "We will use force! You darey a finger on the queen and you will regret it!"


    ''Sighhh, guess being subtle went out the window then. I''m liking these guards though''


    As soon as we open the door and try to quickly make our way to the street as soon as possible, of course everything goes to shit when people first get a glimpse of my overwhelming beauty. Little arrogant but I can''t deny it''s true, as much as I wish it wasn''t.


    "It''s Queen Ikarus! Everyone, Queen Ikarus is here!"


    "She''s gorgeous!"


    "I bet Queen Petra looks just as great!"


    Trying to ignore the idiots as best I can, I basically throw myself into the fancy gold adorned carriage trying to get out of sight as quickly as I can. There are too many people here right now and it''s unsettling me more than I care to admit. Honestly could do with a drink now but turning up to the wedding tipsy sounds like a bad idea waiting to happen.


    ''At least this thing is enclosed and I can close the curtain. I need a few minutes to rx and breathe now, fucking voices everywhere...''


    __________


    "Erm... is it hot in here is it just me?"


    "Uh, is this a joke I''m unaware of Ikarus? It''s not cold but it''s not exactly warm in here either"


    "Is it? Must just be me then"


    As the carriage pulls away and all three of us are now sitting inside this surprisingly warm carriage, I can''t help but get even more bothered by it. The carriage isn''t on fire or something? I know I''d be resistant but it still feels really warm though.


    "Seriously, are you two sure it''s not hot? Feel like I''m burning up or something."


    Why does it feel so hot all of a sudden? Feel like I''m even sweating, my skin itches and breathing seems a little heavy as well. I''m not getting ill or something, right? No no, I don''t get stupid things like sickness so what is this then?


    "Aesa feels fine, maybe it''s just the clothing Ikarus?"


    "Uh, you do look a little red though Ikarus. Is everything okay?"


    "I don''t know, maybe I''m a little overwhelmed? I think I feel fine though"


    By this point, I swear the entire carriage is spinning, I can''t sit still and it''s getting harder and harder to breathe. What the actual fuck is happening!? I haven''t been poisoned or something, right!?


    "Just breathe Ikarus, Aesa can assure you there''s nothing wrong..."


    Aesa rapidly senses whatever is going and starts wrapping her arms around me trying to be helpful, I''m not sure if it''s helping or not but maybe it is? What''s goign on?


    [<...Focus on slowly breathing Ikarus, everything is fine>]


    ''You sure? Then what the fuck is this!?''


    [<Ikarus is simply panicking and needs to calm down. Aesa assures you nothing is amiss so focus on breathing in and out>]


    "What''s going on Ikarus?"


    Of course, Ariza is going to be extremely concerned with my turn for the worst as well, it just had to happen right now.


    "I-I''m just in panic mode a-apparently, really brilliant t-time to be doing this"


    By this point, I''m now physically shaking just trying to do what Aesa says, focusing on one slow breath at a time. I know they say wedding days can be anxiety inducing but to go through something like this right at thest minute? It''s making me angry but all that seems to do is make it worse.


    "Look Ikarus, you know Petra wouldn''t care if you can''t go through with it, right? No one will judge you if it''s too hard"


    "That''s not the reason why A-Ariza! There''s just too many p-people all around! Everywhere I look or listen, it''s like I''m being smothered with idiots. It''s doing my head in"


    Even now as the carriage goes past, cheers and voices rattle through every nook and cranny of this vehicle making this even harder to ignore now. It''s like some form of stage fright or something, I don''t even understand why I even care about it so much.


    [<Would Ikarus like Aesa to stop this hugging if it''ll help?>]


    ''No no Aesa, you''re fine. It''s this freaking settlement causing this''


    At least, I''ve figured out my main problem now. Even while the carriage is slowly making the way to the church, the cheery voices can still be heard everywhere and then there''s the fact I''m going to have to stand in front of everyone up there with Petra is bing too much to handle. I should''ve been more adamant about this being kept hidden and small if I knew this was going to happen.


    Is this panic being caused by some sort of stage fright or is it only the quantity of people? Maybe the wedding is ying a part as well but I freaking love Petra! I need to stop thinking about this otherwise I''m going to start hyperventting next, this is bad enough right now.


    "We''re here! Just give me a second and I''ll get the door... Oh, is everything okay here?"


    The carriage stops and pulls up while I''m still struggling to breathe, one of the driverses to the door and sees me in my stupid state. I can''t let the idiots know about this, he''ll need silencing or bribingter on...


    "Ikarus, stay here for a little bit while I get some help. Driver, make sure this door remains closed and Aesa, keep trying to help her, please?"


    Ariza suddenly switches into a deadly serious mode and takes control of this situation caused this idiotic bird brain of mine; I actually hate myself right now.


    "Don''t worry Ariza, Aesa has her"


    "Affirmative Miss Ariza! I''ll stand guard and won''t allow anyone to get close!"


    Ariza rushes off closing the door just leaving just me and Aesa alone now. I''m not sure if being left alone with my clone is the best of calls right now but at the moment, there''s no way I can get up and go through with this. I''ll fall t on my arse if I get up.


    "F-Fuck! Why the h-hell did this have to happen now? It''s b-been so freaking long Aesa!"


    "Ikarus, stop it and focus. Listen to Aesa, recollecting on the past won''t change anything so continue focusing on the breathing"


    Still listening and being hugged by Aesa, I try to focus on my breathing again but it still doesn''t seem to be helping. I''m sure I had this immense feeling of dread once when I was a child back on Earth but I really can''t remember when or why it happened... Ikarus, ignore everything else and just focus for now.


    Thankfully, it takes a little while but I start to feel like the breathing is getting back under control, but the hotness and shakes still persist. However, something else catches my attention when the door ms open.


    "Ikarus!"


    Absolutely taking me back entering the carriage, Petra enters looking like a literal white Goddess in that dress of her.


    Unlike mine, hers is a tad more modern looking but still keeping the slight medieval theme in this world. It also has a high neck and shows off just a little bit of cleavage and shoulder, gloves thatplement the slimness of her arms and a tiara topped wedding veil sits upon her gorgeous head as well. She could''ve been a princess in another life with how beautiful she is, it honestly makes me want to cry.


    Joining in the hugging embrace, Petra almost looks like she''s about to cry when she ces her hands on my cheeks and looks me dead in the eyes. Obviously, Ariza has just told her I''m in the middle of a panic attack and she''s hurried over from wherever she was. I think seeing her has calmed me downpletely now though.


    "Aesa, can you go to Ariza and tell her we''re not going through with thi-..."


    "N-No! We''re not cancelling this b-because of me Petra. You''ll drag me down that aisle dead before we stop this!"


    "Ikarus, please don''t force yourself for my sake. We can always do it another day or even if you''ve changed your mind, there''s absolutely nothing to worry about"


    Without giving it a second thought, she''s willing to cancel all of this just because of a slight panic attack? Okay, there''s no way I can evenpete with that love of hers she has for me if she''s this serious.


    "But I want to do this! It''s just, there''s too many faces around Petra, they''re just everywhere almost like they expect something from me. I don''t get it; I could destroy them in a split second yet all those joyful eyes are making me feel sick"


    Even just when Petra opened the door, I caught a glimpse of some more of the crowds behind the area the guards are trying to police. It''s freaking anarchy right now, why do these idiots have to love us so much? We don''t do anything for them!


    "Then we''ll do it again another time with no guests Ikarus. Heh, you can even take your frustration out on the crowd if you like, throw a few nukes and that will definitely make them scarper"


    I''m so freaking thankful she can make jokes at times like this. No, that''s not sarcasm, it helps more than words can describe since I''m pretty sure I''m back to normal now. Well, normal is subjective anyways...


    "We''re doing his Petra! Just, give me a blindfold and some earplugs or something until we get into the church, I''m not being serious but will take it if you have any"


    "Heh, sorry Ikarus but I don''t carry that stuff around with me"


    "Oh well. Before we head out though, just let me do one more thing as well..."


    Despite the hugs now being over and everything a little calmer, there''s someone who really deserves more credit than I ever give her. I''m honestly shocked my system was able to help so much there.


    "...Thanks Aesa, you really have no idea how much you helped. Is there anything I can get you or anything you want as a favour?"


    "Unnecessary Ikarus, you panicking effects Aesa as well but it''s perfectly fine. Aesa doesn''t need anything so go and get married already..."


    [<...Maybe Aesa wille up with something if Ikarus really cares but now''s not the time>]


    ''Ah, fair enough''


    Finally plucking up enough courage and exciting the carriage with Aesa and Petra, I''m immediately blinded by the midday sun and fear settling in once again. At least this area we''ve arrived at has been fenced off but every direction besides this bit is packed full of onlookers. It''s even making me feel ustrophobic despite people not actually being in the way.


    "We love the queens!"


    "Aren''t they meeting each other a little early? Ah, who cares about all that, we love you both!"


    "Please, be godparents to my child!"


    Like earlier, my nerves are starting to sky rocket listening to the crowd when Petra tightly grabs my hand immediately switching my focus elsewhere.


    "Heh, just think of them as EXP Ikarus and how many levels you could get from killing them all"


    "Aesa agrees with Petra, that thought is pretty appealing all things considered"


    ''Am I secretly a sociopath considering their suggestions seem to be working?''


    Hurriedly moving along until we get to the church, a new different feeling presides over me when I realize I''ve massively fucked up here. I had literally one responsibly and I''ve screwed that up as well! Turning up to the wedding was difficult enough but there had to be something else as well.


    "Oh shit! You''re going to hate me Petra"


    "Heh, never Ikarus. Why do you say that though?"


    "I, erm... kinda forgot to do some vows..."

 Chapter 179 – Bride & Bride

    Chapter 179 ¨C Bride & Bride


    ---The longest chapter I''ve ever had the misfortune of writing! (Over 5000 words!) Seriously though, I see why authors rarely write about the wedding instead skipping most of it or leaving it to the end. Hopefully it''s cute enough and you show it some love because this was torture...


    __________


    "Heh, to think I''m supposed to be the forgetful one out of us Ikarus. I''d let you use mine but I''m not sure it''ll fit for you"


    Now both just outside the church doors, Petra always tries to help my idiocy but can anything really help pure unfiltered Ikarus?


    "Eh, I''ll just figure it out on the go. Let''s just head in quickly before I have another attack or something"


    Opening the door, albeit as slowly as I possibly can, what presents us is obviously a packed hall filled to the brim full of cheery people all waiting and expecting us to arrive at any second... No Ikarus! You can deal with this; just imagine they''re floating orbs of EXP or something else.


    Once the door is fully open, the somewhat noisy atmosphere in the church goespletely silent, all focus is now on us two and it''s terrifying. This is exactly the scene I was picturing in my head and my stomach feels like it''s breeding butterflies right now, if that was the expression?


    Petra sensing my nerves are starting to get the best of me again firmly clutches my hand and smiles deeply into the depths of my soul. All I wanted was for her to have a perfect day yet I''ve basically be a train wreck, I so don''t deserve this woman.


    As we''re walking down the aisle together in full view of everyone, I can''t help but stumble and nearly fall over when I see just who''s one of the bridesmaids at the front. I think purple is the colour Ariza went for judging by the fact they all have purple dresses on, the people wearing said colour is Ariza, Mute, Ria and Zeki.


    Obviously, we knew Ria has fucked him over here but little surprised they had a dress nned for him, guess Ariza ns for everything then. Guess it could''ve been nice for Aesa to be involved as well but she''s happy chilling by the front door it seems. Everyone else is in something formal looking except Penelope and Charlotte, it makes sense why priestess would be looking like a nun but I guess mages refuse to wear anything other than their daily attire.


    ----------


    ---Here''s the AI! This took long enough so wasn''t going to do the entire cast lol.


    Spoiler


    Aesa + Mute


    Ariza + Zeki


    Dermakvar + Kellearzar


    Nathan + Ria


    Lovebirds


    [copse]


    ----------


    I''m really shocked they make them in that size. Heck, even mother is in something! Ariza really is the wedding nner Goddess it seems; she''ll give Aphrodite a run for her money someday if she''s that good at all this! Probably should avoided bringing that up considering what happened in the love dungeon thinking about it...


    Anyways, should focus a little more on the special asion rather than all this but at least it''s good for the anxiety I suppose, there''s definitely faces I can''t remember around here though. Some are more obvious like the miners we first hired way back, even the guy with the prosthetic leg when but I''m not sure on others... Ah, I think that was one of the waitresses from the caf¨¦ we frequently visit? It doesn''t matter all that much though.


    Finally getting down the green mile, thatparison is horrible but I''m trying my best to remain sane here, all the bridesmaids and priestess greet us with smiles when weplete the journey. I feel a little odd considering we don''t have a best man up here but the only real options are Zeki and Nathan I suppose. I like the knight and all but I''d feel a little weird calling him the best man though. Guess another option is father but if that wyvern hypocrite is better suited to the background now it seems.


    (Ariza) "Uh, are you feeling a little better now Ikarus? We still can cancel if it''s too much"


    (Zeki) "Erk, orangey wanted to cancel!? What''s this all about?"


    (Ria) "Ariza just told you girly boy, she was feeling a little panicky"


    (Mute) "...?"


    (Charlotte) "Is everything okay Ikarus-sama?"


    Before starting the actual ceremony, of course everyone''s going to be worried if Ariza''s just told them I had a panic attack. I''d have preferred her to keep it hidden but I guess she did have to rush off and get Petra I suppose.


    "Yeah yeah, it''s all fine now. Just in future Ariza, don''t be making me eat sd for breakfast otherwise, this is the side effects of malnourishment"


    At least that cracks a slight smile out of the really sensitive one of us phoenixes, I think she got a little shook up when things went like that so think she needs to calm down a little as well. If I''m making stupid jokes, it''s obvious everything''s cool.


    "Anyways, let''s all get started then..."


    Priestess discontinues the whispering we were all doing and addresses the crowd as the officiant of our wedding. It''s now time to start selling ourselves into very... I really need to stop with this now.


    "...Family, friends and acquaintances, we gather here today to celebrate the union of Petra-sama and Ikarus-sama, and to witness their love join together as one..."


    ''Damn, Charlotte is a natural at this. Maybe we''ll can use sama as ourst names as well if we ever need to sign anything''


    "...Before we continue further, you two both have vows prepared, correct?"


    "Actually Charlotte, we''re no-"


    "No Petra, it''s fine. Please say what you were going to"


    I can''t stop Petra from saying whatever it was she prepared, I''ll have to figure something out myself but that can''t be at the detriment of my lovebird.


    "Heh, sure then Ikarus... I know you aren''t a fan of clich¨¦s but one unfortunately applies here... The second I firstid eyes upon you, I felt something I''ve never felt before and love at first site doesn''t evene close to exining it. Your upbeat personality, your smile, your fluster, your silliness. Even when you pout at me for no good reason, there isn''t a single thing about you I would change nor, could I ever stop loving you if I tried"


    ''Fuck''s sake Ikarus, man up and don''t you dare cry tears of joy. She always knows the best way to tug on my heartstrings''


    Composing myself and getting ready to respond, I know anything I say isn''t going toe close but I always knew I could neverpete with her in the first ce.


    "Okay then... erm... eh, that might work... Petra, like the ying and yang, you bring light into my darkness and without you, I''d bepletely unbnced. Love is an easy word to throw around and of course, I love you with all my heart but I simply need you. Without you, I''d be iplete and broken. You fix me and make me whole"


    After finishing my makeshift vow, Petra can''t help but lovingly smile and whisper towards me about it. Thought that was alright considering I''ve had about two minutes to prepare.


    "Heh, you came up with that on-the-spot Ikarus? I''m a little surprised you even know of the concept"


    "Well, I mean, it''s a little cringe but it''s Asian in nature so thought you might''ve heard of it? Only know of it because they exined it on an anime once..."


    That gets a chuckle as well out of the gleaming Petra and can''t say I me her, any knowledge I have is probably obtained from experience, cartoons or erotica. Petra looks absolutely stunning today so you can see why I might be going there; never realize you could guess you can improve on perfection but Petra be doing that.


    By this point, some of the crowd looks to be holding back tears of joy as well, mother is a key example but even priestess as well! I should''ve abandoned my pride and cried my eyes dry earlier if loads of others are doing the same.


    "Lovely! Next, onto the deration part... Petra-sama, do you promise to take Ikarus-sama as your wedded partner, to love each other in sickness and in health, and to continue loving each as long as you live?"


    ''Considering we''re apparently immortal, Petra''s going to be stuck with me for quite the while''


    "Heh, I do"


    "Excellent! Ikarus-sama, do you promise to do the same to Petra-sama, to love each other in sickness and in health, and to continue loving each as long as you live?"


    "Of course I do"


    "Then as a symbol of your affection, ce these rings on both and repeat after me. With this ring, I vow to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever"


    ...


    Both me and Petra repeat what Charlotte asks us to say once again and Zeki of all people gives us the rings but the entire time, I''m honestly a little out of it after seeing what Petra''s managed to obtain. This actually makes me feel like a trophy wife now, going to whisper about it regardless.


    "Seriously Petra!? I remember making a joke about this once but isn''t this a little much?"


    The rings she''s somehow managed to convince Garry to make, they''re covered in diamonds! It''s got the same white gold design the engagement rings were made of but this jewellery is covered in the small gleaming bits of thepressed carbon. Yeah, I surprisingly know what diamonds are made from, doesn''t make them any less pretty to look at though...


    "Heh, my wife has expensive tastes so I''ve got to do this Ikarus, diamonds are even rarer in this world so just one of those rings is roughly around a years budget. Garry nearly had a heart attack when he heard about this"


    "Wait, for the entire freaking settlement!?! Urgh... we need to sell these off and go for something less expensive"


    "Heh, no my blushing wife Ikarus. The ringes part of a package deal, it''s me with that ring on your finger or nothing at all"


    "Urgh... fineee"


    ''Look at her ckmailing me into being irresponsible! This is way too much... her calling me wife is making me pout as well''


    Anyways, Charlotte waits for us to have our little moment, then continues on with the ceremony...


    "Then, before I announce this couple as wife and wife in the name of the Gods, and my Lord. If anyone has any reason why this couple cannot be wed, speak up now!"


    ''Heh! Freaking Dionysus just cringed up and facepalmed when priestess said that. Feel his pain slightly with all the idiots that worship us''


    ...


    Thankfully, the crowd is dead quiet and eager for our confirmation, knowing our luck I''m surprised someone didn''t butt in there but as if I''m tempting fate today.


    "Then, in the name of all the Gods and my Lord, I now announce you bride and bride! You may now seal this marriage with a kiss!"


    Charlotte almost sounds a little giddy closing that up but my focus is only on one thing, that being Petra not wanting to wait a split second getting straight into confirming our marriage. This is a big problem right now, she''s way too overzealous with this kiss...


    "P-Petra... not the t-time for tongue"


    "Heh, embarrassment or anxiety Ikarus?"


    "Neither, l-little excited if you catch my meaning. Doesn''t help considering how stunning you look as well"


    "Heh, worked out perfectly then. You look gorgeous as well Ikarus"


    The crowd erupts in cheers from us finally connecting our fates and the realization of us actually being married has finally settled in! Not in a bad way though, I''m feeling hyper like a dog with zoomies now! Screw that little episode I had earlier, we''re actually married! Like for real, not just promising to do it but never getting around to... I''ve even got this stupid piece of jewellry on that could solves world hunger! Why the hell is it so satisfyingly to look at? I''d feel guilty about it but this one is all on Petra.


    "So then, what''s next for this little lovebird duo of ours Petra?"


    "Heh, we''ve still got the reception party Ikarus. After that, an evening of whatever our minds can conjure up. Then, I get to spend the rest of our lives badgering my adorable wife"


    "Urgh, will you stop it with the wife name calling already!? Honestly prefer chubby over that"


    "Heh, nope my blushing and beautiful... WIFE..."


    __________


    "Jesus Christ! Okay, this is over the top even for our liking, we can''t eat all that!"


    "Heh, looks like your storage wille in handy here Ikarus. Think you''ve gone a little mad Ariza though"


    "Uh, did you want it smaller? I told them to make it as big as possible but I didn''t think they''d take it literally"


    "My Lord, have I died and gone to heaven!?"


    "No child, we''re all seeing that monstrosity. That ce you refer to is hugely subjective anyways"


    Having just arrived at the reception party, the first thing we see upon entering the venue is a wedding cake the size of a carriage! I have a history of exaggerating but not this time. I''m pretty sure the cake lover Charlotte has stars in her eyes from this sight as well.


    The venue looks kinda simr to that event I orchestrated back inside thest dungeon we went in, albeit a lot smaller and with a noticeableck of blood or racists around. Well, except father but he can''t be that much of a wyvern bigot if he gets touched all over by them. Getting distracted like usual, this ce is mostly just an open hall with quite the few fancy decorated tables, a main rectangr one for us and obviously the carriage sized cake that stands as the main attraction. Ah, there''s an ice sculpture of a dragon as well but I don''t think mother or father even realize what it''s supposed to be. The damn thing already looks to be melting, guess the mages must''ve made that since ice is a pain in the arse to get most of the year.


    The church may have been filled with people I can''t remember seeing oring across before but this is a lot more familiar. I''m not going to list everyone off but it''s basically anyone who spends a good time in the settlement, is family or is part of our party. Obviously excluding Geld and his master Asmodeus, this is a happy asion so no thinking about all that crap!


    As everyone is stumbling about finding a ce to seat, I''ve also noticed another person fascinated by the cake. I know he has a sweet tooth and all but he looks like he''s about to try swimming in that.


    "Cu cu!"


    "Sorry Minos but you''ll have to wait. We''ve already gone off tradition enough so cutting it now might make Ariza sad inside"


    "Cu..."


    "You can speak me with me brother, I managed to deal with your cuteness ages ago"


    "I know sister but I''m trying to picture if there''s anything better in the world other than cake and gold coins... Cu! What about a cake made from gold coins!? I''m hungry now..."


    ''I seriously hope he never grows up''


    Anyways, me and Petra eventually make our way to the head table awkwardly scooting by the people already seated on this long table, we''re directly in the centre with all the bridesmaids and the boring couple alongside us. I really should stop saying boring couple but I love those just as much as everyone else... Well, except my wife but that should be obvious.


    Once we''re seated, two very simr looking waitresses flock over to us obviously a little excited at the chance of serving the two queens, the only difference being that one of them has that eye condition that makes the pupils a little different. Huh, it''s pretty rare to see twins and one of them like that, no idea why I''m even paying attention to them especially with this monstrosity on my finger...


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "We''ll be serving the two queens today so if you have any problems, let us know and we''ll punch the chefs!"


    "She''s not kidding, any problems at all and those idiots will suffer misarably!"


    ''Talk about being a little hyper and a little scary, I''m getting Penelope like vibes from these two''


    "Let''s just start with some champagne please... ah, might as well leave us both a bottle or two each..."


    __________


    "Man, urgh... I''m stuffed like a pig now"


    "Heh, my piggy Ikarus. Give me a little oink"


    "Oi waifu, you''ve got literally zero chance of that EVER happening. I''m content with being part human, dragon and bird, but ain''t no pig getting thrown in the mix"


    "Heh, aww, you''ve made me depressed Ikarus"


    After finishing both starters and the main course, I''m now stuffed without even starting on the cake yet. Who thought asking for a bucket sized portion for every course would be a good idea? Damn Ariza, it was the rabbit food causing me to overeat!


    "Hey, erm... you can keep patting my head if you want Petra... only if you want too though"


    Petra when making that stupid pigment has awoken something in me... not in that way! I mean, she gave my hair a little rub and it felt really nice. Like, maybe it''s all the glitter and crap my hair has in it but that feels like ecstasy.


    "Heh, I''m happy again now"


    Petra start rubbing my head again and seriously, I can see why dogs like this so much. If I start lifting up my back leg in an attempt to scratch my ears though, we''re stopping this immediately.


    Anyways, me and Petra had the same thing being soup for starters and a chicken bake thing for the mains, the filling aspect came from the fact the bucket size portion wasn''t a joke. You eat three bowls of soup and you''ll see what I mean, or drink because you don''t eat a liquid. Again, me Ariza if one of these buttons on my dress pops open.


    Ah, we''ve had most of our family and friendse up to us already congratting us, it''s a little rude but I can''t for the life of me remember what was said. Everyone knows I''ve got the attention span of a moth by this point... ah, someone different ising over this time as well...


    "Greeting to your majesties. Once the food has gone down and you two feel up for it, it''s tradition for the wedded couple to have the first dance"


    ''Ah shit, Ipletely forgot about the dancing thing''


    Who actually said that was one of the band yers I also forgot to bring up earlier, mainly because they were runningte and didn''t show till everyone was sitting down eating. To be fair, the music they y isn''t half bad but anything in the medieval era setting isn''t going to be as memorable as modernish music.


    "Ikarus, I know you don''t like to dance but would you do it just for my sake? Heh, promise this will only be time I ever ask you to do this"


    It''s been a long time since I''ve seen those void-like eyes of her plead for something, as if I can really say no to her like this. If I just so happen to fall over making a fool of myself, then so be it, I''ll me the champagne.


    "Fineee... just, you''ll obviously need to take the lead"


    Anyways, waiting for a little longer and once the food has gone down, the lights start to dim all around and what was a happy upbeat tune that was ying, turns into a smooth romantic kind of jazz. Okay, I didn''t give as much credit to the band as the saxophone in this sounds simr to that careless whisper song or whatever it was called.


    "Heh, care to take my hand Ikarus?"


    ''Sighhh, let''s just get this over with''


    "Yeahhh, okay then"


    Without warning, Petra basically sweeps me off my feet wrapping me in her embrace as we slowly start to slow dance looked in each other''s gazes. I''m not exactly sure you can call what we''re doing dancing, we''re really only holding each other in our arms slowly rocking side to side around the dancefloor but damn, if this isn''t romantic, I don''t know what is. My heart even feels like it''s fluttering right now.


    "You know Petra... you seriously look stun-"


    Despite being in dance and trying topliment her, Petra can''t help herself but go in for the kiss. Thankfully, it''s not as passionate as the one up the aisle but it''s still damn good as ever.


    "A-At least let me cpliment you befor-"


    And again, another kiss...


    "Damn it w-woman, just l-let me say how pre-"


    Third time! I just want topliment my bride, am I asking for that much!?


    "Heh, stop be so charming Ikarus and I''ll stop. You definitely are the more beaut-"


    Getting my revenge, I manage to catch her out midpliment getting a kiss of my own in the process!


    "A-Anyways... Petra, did y-you actually want to dance or was this just an excuse to continually kiss in front of everyone?"


    "Heh, surprised you didn''t clock on sooner Ikarus. I don''t even like dancing..."


    Just locked in arms with my wife and floating around the dimly lit dance floor, this moment could honestlyst forever...


    __________


    Anyways, once the first official dance is over and others have joined in now surrounding us, I can''t help but listen in around still while holding each other. With the amount of kissing we''ve been doing up here, it might be best to just try and calm it for a minute...


    "Girly boy, you look really pretty today! You wanna n our wedding so I can pick out your dress already?"


    "I''ve told you before cow, that''s not happening so you might as well shut it. Weddings suck, this one isn''t terrible but we ain''t ever doing something this normal"


    Without even having to look at those two, I can already tell Ria''s ignoring him.


    "Aww, noment about wearing a dress Zeki? Is this girly boy of mine ashamed that he secretly doesn''t mind being like this? You''d look really sexy though!"


    "Fuck off"


    Thankfully, I know Ria''s only messing with him because if Zeki secretly liked being female all along, all that teasing I''ve done towards him be wasted. Zeki must suffer, especially for what happenedst night...


    "Uh, I need to speak to you both about something. Something that happenedst night..."


    ''Speak of the devil and Ariza joins the fold. Let''s see how this turns out because she might be the most evil out of us at times...''


    "...Ria, I''ve spoken to Loki and he can get you six potions if you need them"


    "Really!?! You''re seriously the best Ariza!"


    "Erk!?! what the hell is wrong with you brother!? Why are you giving her potions all of a sudden?"


    ''Things are about to get good...''


    "Zeki, Zeki, Zeki... I found out about your ''friend'' who came to the guy''s partyst night. I tried to keep the location secret so you wouldn''t do something like that, but you''ve been secretly looking through my stuff again, haven''t you? Make sure he doesn''t miss a dosage Ria otherwise, we''ll have to force it down his throat"


    "He-he-he, I won''t Ariza! He''s going to love it so much!"


    "E-Erk!?! No n-no no... o-orangey was being serious..."


    Absolute fear and misery can be heard from behind us even making Petra crack a chuckle, six months of punishment for Zeki!? Okay, this wedding might be the second-best thing to happen today! Don''t be looking through Ariza''s shit Zeki and karma won''t fuck you over like this!


    A little more dancing and what do you know it, another couple can''t help but have an intimate conversation up here...


    "Lotte, do you ever think about us getting married? This isn''t a proposal but I am a little curious really"


    "I''ll be honest Nat... I''m not too sure and I really can''t picture it happening"


    Charlotte doesn''t want to get married? Little surprised about that, I really shouldn''t be listening in on a private conversation like this but still. They shouldn''t be talking this close to my ears then.


    "Howes Lotte?"


    "Don''t get me wrong Nat, it''s beautiful and I''m really happy for Petra-sama and Ikarus-sama, it''s just that just can''t envisage it happening. Vampires and subi''s just don''t do this sort of thing really, it feels unnatural to the fates of the world"


    Even though she helped out Ariza massively and even was the officiant for our wedding, Charlotte doesn''t have dreams of wearing white and walking down the aisle? I mean, even I did once but that was strangely enough part of the nightmare with the third legs chasing me as well...


    "So, you don''t feel like you deserve it, or you just don''t want too then? If it''s atter, it helps to know just in case I was nning to do anything when we get back to the capital"


    ''Wait, was the knight actually going to propose!? I really need to stop listening but I can''t help myself damn it!''


    By this point, Petra''s slowly trying to move and dance us away from those two but I just simply won''t let her! We''re not missing any potential rtionship breakthrough, think of the non-existent readers!


    "I''m not saying we can''t get married Nat! It''s just that the idea of a big party with friends showing up feels too open, I''d rather we do it in secret and not tell anyone if it''s okay"


    "Of course that''s okay Lotte, it''s just that I doubt we can keep it secret with wagging tongues and ears all about..."


    As soon as Nathan says that, his neck turns to face me and Charlotte''s quickly follows. Oh crap, caught fucking red handed here...


    "Heh. For the record, I was trying to get Ikarus to stop listening but she wouldn''t budge"


    "Damn it Petra! We''re a partnership now; you''ve got to take half the me as well!"


    "Heh, that may be your definition of marriage Ikarus but that''s not mine"


    Charlotte doesn''t look too fussed about me listening in but Nathan looks a little grumpy, I''ll apologize when it''s needed but not for something like this! Find a private spot if you want a private conversation!


    "You two must know by now all I want is for you to be happy. If that means I have to spy on any potential development to find out how things are moving along, it''s happening and you''ll just have to sue me for it"


    ...


    ''Yeah, it might have been better to just say nothing''


    "*Sighhh*, heh, let''s just go sit back down Ikarus"


    Yay! The Petra''s facepalming is back, don''t even care that it''s aimed towards me...


    __________


    "So then, who''s next? How much more is there to go?"


    As the night wasing to a close and honestly, my perception has been a littlecking considering my eyes have basically been fixed on Petra since sitting back down, we''re just now opening gifts. Why my eyes are on her you ask? Well, it''s gettingte and it is our wedding night, it''s kinda expected we do something really naughty tonight...


    Cake''s also been cut and only about ten percent of it has been consumed, it was nice and all but now the day has been long and all I want to do is rx. Well, rx isn''t the correct word but I am tired in the sense of socializing with everyone. Just need to get through the gifts, thank everyone foring and we can finally go home! I''d rather just open themter on at this point.


    A lot of the stuff has been things like jewellery, trinkets, money and the odd gravy boat or something made from silver but there were a few odd gifts like matching bikinis from Ria and Penelope giving us our own pet rock to love and cherish. I swear this inside joke I wasn''t part of is getting stale now.


    "Uh, there was a messenger saying he had something Ikarus but I''m not sure where he was from"


    ''A messenger? Bet he''s from the empire or the dwarven kingdom then, who else would send a messenger anyways?''


    Both me and Petra indicate for Ariza to go fetch the guyand she quickly returns with him instantly dropping to his knees presenting a small looking scroll. It''s obvious he''s from the empire by the fancy attire he has on but what could Desmond and Esmerelda have gotten us?


    "Before I converge with the queens, I must present this gift with Sir Nathan so he can share it with you"


    ''It needs to go through Nathan first?''


    Giving Nathan a quick hand gesture to show it''s okay since he''s gone a little more formal now, the knight goes to collect said scroll and reads it to himself before presenting telling us what it is. My guess is that it''s some fancy deed to property in the capital but who knows?


    "Oh... okay then... this is, really unexpected. If his majesty really thinks I can soften the blow so to speak, then he might be a little mad"


    "Sir Nathan!? You can''t speak such ill will of the emperor!"


    "Rx messenger, the emperor himself told me to be a little more forward and this definitely justifies as slight madness"


    ''Okay, the suspense is pissing me off now...''


    "Nathan, just say the bloody thing already!"


    "Heh, you look like you''ve just seen a ghost or something knight. Is it that bad?"


    "It''s not bad Petra, it''s just... huge. Emperor Desmond has officially put you two next in line for the throne. I know his sense of humour can be a little difficult to understand but this doesn''t seem funny at all, or am I missing the point?"


    Wait... Nathan is deadly serious... that fucking bastard! We went through all this trouble putting in him hisfy throne with that fat arse of his, now he''s throwing us the job when he finally decides to take the big sleep!?


    "He can go fuck himself if he thinks this is happening, can''t wait to send a rejection letter telling him to shove it right up there!"


    The messenger almost despairs at me telling the emperor to go fuck himself, this is a perfectly reasonable response to being told... ''Hey! You want my empire when I die despite the fact you couldn''t care less about those three inds you own? Here you go!''.


    Petra doesn''t show any visible anger from all this but even she doesn''t seem to find this situation humorous in the slightest. I guess the option to just make Marcus do everything is there but he''ll probably be long dead by then as well! Eh, maybe we''ll just do what dragons do and go hide in a cave or something for the rest of time...


    (Nathan) "Unfortunately Ikarus, he''s written it into the sessionw and has even started telling the general poption about all this. He''s also said he won''t take no for an answer so I''m not sure just sending a rejection notice will be enough"


    The bastard was always a clever fellow, evenparable to his brother if you take out all the ego and evil stuff. He''s going to make this as hard for us to refuse as possible and frankly, I''m not going to spend tonight, our honeymoon or even the immediate future stressing about this. If he wants us to screw up his empire once he perishes, then that''s what we''ll do...


    "*Sighhh*... Petra, what''s the punishment in this world for kicking an emperor in the crotch..."

 Chapter 179.5 – Wedding Night Feast (18+)

    Chapter 179.5 ¨C Wedding Night Feast (18+)


    ---If you expect a normal non pervy night from the lovebirds especially on an asion like this, then you really don''t know how this story works yet...


    __________


    "So then my beautiful wife Ikarus, how about we make this marriage official?"


    "I thought the kissing, the vows and the ring were supposed to do that?"


    "Heh, yeah Ikarus, but we still need to consummate our love together, right?"


    I already know what Petra''s referring to but might as well y a little dumb or coy. We''re already helping each other get out of the wedding dresses so it''s happening regardless, just things may end up a littleplicated considering what I''ve still got on under this getup...


    "Petra, you''re seriously not forgetting I''m still in that stupid chastity belt, right? Any ''consummating'' is going to have to wait"


    "Heh, that''s a real shame Ikarus because I still don''t want to let you out of it yet. Maybe I can be convinced on changing my mind?"


    Ah, I can see where this is going, I give Petra a mind-blowing orgasm and she maybe, just maybe lets me out of this. It does sound appealing except; I''ve got an idea for today that could even tie into what Petra wants to do. Something from that stag do has given me a cool idea and hopefully Petra will bite.


    "Maybe Petra, I''ve got something I''d like to do tonight though. How do you feel about being tied up?"


    Petra''s face nearly shocks me by how surprised she looks, why is it so hard to believe I''m not aplete submissive at times!? I want to tie her up for a change!


    "You''re suggesting something like that Ikarus? Of course I''m up for it, what do you have in mind?"


    "I''ve got an idea, but it''s a little messy and won''t work on our bed. Heck, think we may require a table for it to work properly"


    "Heh, funny you should say that Ikarus, Eve isn''t here today so we have the entire house to ourselves"


    Ah yeah, our maid made sure to book some holiday as even she thought it would best to let the queens have some alone time before we go off on our honeymoon tomorrow. Maybe she was thinking we may end up screwing in every room of the house so good thinking by the pervy maid, I guess.


    "Okay, I''ll need you topletely strip down, give me the rope you always keep in storage and get ready on the table then... Stop looking at me like that! This isn''t that surprising and I know you always carry rope on hand in case I ever need tying up..."


    __________


    "Heh, you''re surprisingly good at this Ikarus. You haven''t been practicing on Aesa or someone else, right?"


    "What can I say, must''ve picked it up while being part of the exhibit. That bit not digging in?"


    Lyingpletely t spread out on our dining room table while I''m connecting the rope from the table legs to her arms, naked Petra really is quite the sight to look at like this. I think they call this position spread eagle or something? Both sets of limbs are spread up and out basically meaning she''s in like an X shape right now. It definitely feels weird being on the other side of this though.


    "Heh, all good Ikarus. Say, when did you buy that outfit anyways? My cute wife has a sexy slutty side to her it seems"


    "Never you mind sweetheart, never you mind"


    Ah, should also mention I''ve bought something a little fitting for this asion. Remember that hooker Zeki hired and the ''outfit'' she was wearing? Before I got homest night after the stag do, I kinda found the sex shop on the ind and bought this in my somewhat drunken state. Sometime tipsy Ikarus really does do the best of things because this does look damn sexy! Except the flustered turned on face I can''t help having wearing it though.


    ----------


    ---Tried to fix the hands but it just wasn''t having it nor do I have the patience for editing it in. Just says she''s wearing sexy mittens or something lol.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    I''ve already secured both her ankles to the table legs so now I''m just making sure to get her arms nice and snug without cutting off too much cirction. It can''t exactly be afortable resting spot on the hard wooden table but I can''t exactly put something underneath that thing since it''ll get spoiled though.


    "How''s that feel Petra? Be honest though, it''s supposed to be inescapable but not painful"


    "The table is a little ufortable on my back but I''ll get used to it Ikarus. The ropes are perfectly fine though, just like you"


    ''Urgh, the fact I thought that analogy was cute says it all really''


    "Eh, I''d give you a pillow but it''ll only get messy if I start adding stuff. Nearly done now"


    A few more knots and twists around her wrists and we''re done! Petra is now part of the furniture and boy; this definitely is a nice feeling tying up the person who''s been tormenting you for ages. She looks so freaking helpless, bet she''s loving it right now!


    Once part of the table, Petra half-heartedly makes an attempt at breaking free only to find there''s barely any leeway with her arms and legs still stuck how they''re meant to be. I''m oddly proud of myself for this and for what''s about to happen. It''s a good thing I only ate three slices of cake because this feast is going to be just as good...


    "Before we start this Petra, I''m really not sure if I''m going to be any good at this so please, just say if things get really bad or you start to freeze or something. Heck, let''s just agree on a safe word or something since that''ll put my mind at ease"


    "Heh, don''t think we really need one Ikarus but if it helps a little, let''s use... chubby. You said something about freezing?"


    ''The fact she''s like that on the table and can still tease really shows I''m clearly the underling in this rtionship. I won''t be for much longer though''


    "Since you want to use that, I''m not saying now so you''ll have to wait..."


    Bigging myself up and trying to get into character, it''s time to introduce dominatrix Ikarus! Minus thetex, whip and even knowing what I''m doing. I''m pretty certain this roley could work a treat though, pun intended.


    "...Now ve, it''s time to confess up. Where are the keys to this belt!?"


    "..."


    Almost immediately, Petra clocks on to what I''m doing and tries to stop herself grinning, failing miserably. I want tough at her reaction as well but I''m going to fight my inner Ikarus cringe here.


    "Really going to keep smiling, worm!? I do warn you ve, I will make you reveal that information to me one way or another!"


    "Heh, and how do you n on going about that?"


    "Why, with the threat of being consumed that is! You''re either going to hate or love this..."


    Thatst bit definitely didn''t sound as hot as I imagined inside my head but it makes sense if you see what I''m getting from storage now. This is going to be better than the wedding cake we had earlier.


    Getting out a jar of thick cream, honey and jam, Petra''s quick wit instantly knows what''s up and that smile on her face lights up even more. Guess she was right about putting on a dominant act for my sake because, she''s as submissive as me! She clearly wants this to continue...


    "Heh, I presume that''s going on me then?"


    "You''re damn right it is! Now, this better be cold enough..."


    Dropping the first blob of cream onto Petra''s stomach, she instantly tenses up from the coldnessnding across her stomach. Still full of smiles all things considered though, I''m not aiming for sensation y but that was pretty hot, or cold though.


    Due to the fact I still want Petra to enjoy this and not feel the cold that much, I start with the honey making sure to cover as much as I can, then the jam andstly the cream making sure to get it all over her. Since the cream is bloody cold, I put that onst so hopefully the other sweet treats work as an instionyer or something stupid like that. There''s always method in my madness.


    "Heh, are you gonna put me in the oven and bake me now Ikarus? That honey smells really sweet"


    ''Freaking honey zed Petra man, I can''t be serious if she''s going to be this funny''


    "A-Ahem! Must you persist with this cheek of yours ve? Keep this up and I''ll about forget keeping you warm"


    Just for that lip, I decide another dollop of cream is needed and that one works the same as the first causing her to tense up, even worse thanst time since that goes straight onto her nipple. She just freaking bit her lip as well! Damn pervy Petra man, don''t be enjoying this as much as me!


    It''s safe to say, smearing ayer of honey, then cream and jam onto Petra''s torso takes longer than I care to admit but thankfully, the task does get eventually done. The cream is already fast melting already so I''m going to have to hurry this up now.


    Getting underway with my feast, I make sure to get a mouthful of everything very slowly starting across one of Petra breasts, all the while my eyes are fixed to her face licking it up. I may not be great at detecting emotions at times but I know for a fact when Petra has that sort of ''ecstasy'' face, I''m doing something right. I also get a slight shiver for her but I''m pretty certain that''s not from the coldness of the cream though.


    ''Damn, that''s actually not half bad mixed together. This idea was so dope''


    Continuing on making sure to get some more of this tasty treat, she starts to shake again all but confirming my suspicions. This definitely isn''t a cold shiver...


    "Hehehe..."


    Almost as if she was trying to fight it back, Petra starts loudly gigglingpletely taking me back. When does she everugh like that!? Wait, she isn''t...


    "Hang on, when the hell were you ticklish Petra!? I swear I''ve rubbed my fingers across you before and nothing happened!"


    "Heh, I''m not particrly Ikarus, just your tonguebined with the coldness of the cold is making me mad. In a really good way of course"


    ''Ah, at least I was right about her enjoying the switch up then. Maybe I can use this...''


    "Really ve? You''re still using Ikarus while you''re tied up like that? Don''t you feel like I deserve a little more respect or something?"


    "Heh, that may be so Ikarus, but would you like me calling you ma''am or mistress though? There''s no way in hell I''m calling my wife sir or master"


    "That''s... urgh, mistress will have to do"


    "Heh, then you''re my mistress Ikarus. That rolls right off the tongue"


    "Oi, no more words outta you or you''ll regret it in a minute!"


    From what I''ve gathered, Petra''s ying the bratty kind of submissive so that deserves another blob of cream. I guess she does have me still in this chastity belt so it''s not aplete power shift but still! Probably should''ve gotten the key to this beforehand but at least it makes for some quality ''plot'' I suppose.


    Suddenly, a brilliant ideaes to mind when thinking about how best I can make this work. There''s no way I''d be able to eat all this up without it melting into a messy sticky mess so why not invite another to help out? Why not one Ikarus eating off Petra when you can have two!?


    ''Heya Aesa, you want to help me consume this then? There''s no way Petra will mind''


    [<Aesa ising straight out>]


    Aesa forms into the clone body as quickly as possible and once Petra gets a glimpse at the second Ikarus who just so happens to be naked, her grin gets even worse.


    "Heh, so this is how you n on torturing me mistress? You''ll have to try way harder than th- hehehe..."


    Aesa goes around to the side and both of us start to eat some more while Petra is stuck fighting off the rope and the tickles. This scene has so turned out better than I thought it would!


    "Hehehe..."


    Still unable to contain herself, Petra can''t help but giggle making me think I can use this. Need to try and act a little strict in this situation.


    "Oi, no more noise ve! That was thest chance, I''ve already told you so punishment is long overdue now"


    "Apologies mistress, this lowly ve just cannot help it"


    Getting caught in the moment, I realize I may have dished out more than I can chew. Spanking her isn''t really on option due to herying on her back and doing that on her sensitive area just sounds mean. Her breasts are off limits because curse pain isn''t fun and I didn''t n this out other than just eating off her body. Maybe Aesa may be able to help if I whisper it to her quickly or something?


    "Aesa, give me a hand. We need to dish out a suitable punishment and I''m a little stuck here"


    "Aesa suggests forcing Petra to eat one of us out as that''ll mostly muffle those uneptable giggles"


    ''Damn, Aesa is good at this''


    "You really are a horny one, aren''t you? Since I''m still in the belt, guess you get the privilege"


    Noticing Petra''s continuous grin again, I reckon she heard our whispering but oh well. She''s not going to be seeing or hearing much in a second.


    "Oi, you hear that ve? Aesa wants an orgasm so you better give it to her!"


    "Of course mistress, this lowly being wil-..."


    Aesa leaving no time to be desired instantly climbs up on the table, plops herself on Petra''s face and basically forces herself to start licking. The way Aesa has done this is pretty ingenious considering she''s still eating off Petra''s stomach as well like this. Sometimes it makes me wonder who the hell Aesa gets all this intelligence off? Maybe any boost was given to her instead of me.


    "Oi Aesa, just make sure she can still breathe, alright?"


    "Ikarus doesn''t give Aesa enough credit, of course ve Petra can still breathe"


    Anyways, both of us start licking off the Petra again while Petra has something of her own to lick now, almost instantly things go a little differently than expected though.


    "Ikarus... ve Petra is saying she''s about to cum. Does she have permission?"


    "Da fuck!? Both of us haven''t even started on that area yet, no fucking chance! You don''t have permission!"


    Upon realizing my choice, I hear a slight whimper under Aesa''sp that quickly gets muffled when the crotch finds its suitable spot back on Petra''s face again. Is Petra seriously getting this turned by all this though? The most stimting area I''ve done were her breasts back at the start, I purposely didn''t put any of the sticky treats around that part because that seems like a recipe for disaster if any were to get inside her. Tastes nice but you''re not really supposed to get food inside you know what.


    As I continue this and just as me and Aesa are close to finishing, the muffled sounds of Petra''sughing getpletely sounded out by someone who has as much endurance as I.


    "Urgh! Urgh..."


    Without any warning, Aesapletely loses all control on top of Petra spasming all over her face and causing what can only be described as a job well done.


    "Good job Aesa! ve, congratte her on the big finish!"


    "Mmph!"


    "Urgh... Would Ikarus like Aesa to help continue with the torturing of ve Petra? Aesa believes she can edge Petra relentlessly if Ikarus wants to go down that route"


    ''Look at my system being a right little domme!''


    "Nah Aesa, you''ve had your fun so it''s my turn now. You can stay and watch or go back inside if you''d like"


    "Aesa will go back inside and watch from there"


    Once Aesa''s off Petra''s face andpletely out of the way, what presents me is a mostly licked clean Petra albeit a little sticky with a face as red as mine! I can tell she''s been holding an orgasm back and I seriously have no idea how tickling is able to do that.


    "Now ve, how about we make an exchange? You tell me where the key is for my release and I''ll give you yours!"


    "Hmm... it''s in the top draw, left side mistress Ikarus"


    ''She''s so freaking cheeky with this, I love it!''


    "Respect ve! It better be where you''ve said..."


    Going to check the draw for the key, I find nothing resembling what she says except several vibrators including a massager one. I knew this was where she kept these but if she thinks ''oh, Ikarus is too kind and she''ll definitely give me and orgasm with these'', then she''s probably right... Actually, I guess I can use this as a threat.


    "Is this funny ve? If this is your idea of a sick joke, then maybe I''ll be sick as well keeping you like that all night long with these on full whack!"


    Dangling the bullet vibes in front of her face, her smile turns almost a little sadistic when she''s obviously weighing up the options. Orgasm torture, I doubt even she wants to go that far but if it keeps me inside the belt, then maybe she might.


    "Heh, sorry mistress, I meant the bottom draw, left side"


    ...


    Giving her the best death stare I can muster, I know firsthand what''s in that drawer so I''m not biting this time. That location just so happens to be where that cute orange lingerie is stored...


    "Last chance ve, I''m not ying your games any more. Where, is, the key!?!"


    "Heh, I may be more inclined to talk after I''ve been edged a load mistress. I''m not feeling particrly desperate anymore"


    As much as that definitely sounds intriguing, I know myself too well and I think I''m at my dominatrix limit. After the first edging of Petra, I''ll take one look at that frustrated face and lose myposure.


    "Seriously Petra, I love this thing we''ve got going on and all but this belt does need to be taken off at some point"


    "Heh, check the underwear I took off Ikarus. Kept it closer to home than you may realize"


    Finding where she''s folded up her robe and underwear, the chastity belt key is exactly where she says it is. Now, this is where the real fun begins.


    Returning back, I''m going to try my hardest to y this game but I already know this is when it gets difficult.


    "Now, that wasn''t so hard ve, was it? You''ll get your reward, and I''ll get mine..."


    Hearing the click of the chastity belt open is seriously an amazing sound but I''m more focused on two other things right now, getting on top of Petra''s face and this magic wand I have in hand.


    "...However, I have one rule for you. I get to cum three times before you do and I need you to ask for permission, got that?"


    "Heh, that''s a tall order mistress but this ve will try her hardes-"


    Without giving her the chance to finish, I hurriedly make my way to her mouth that has already seen action today and getting myself into afortable kneeling position wrapping my legs under her arms... Wouldn''t you know it, this is as epic as usual...


    The absolute bliss of Petra mouth action cannot be described except from the fact I''m going to cum really hard and fast if this keeps it. Despite putting the wand on high and keeping it firmly against her clit, Petra seems unfazed from the stimtion only focusing on making me cum as quick as possible. I''m supposed to be the one dictating how this goes here!


    "S-ve, slow down or the b-belt will go on you instead... urgh..."


    Instead of slowing down, Petra gets even more intense even adding the sucking on now, fuck fuck fuck! This disy has turned me on enough already, no point fighting the inevitable...


    "F-Fuck! Urgh... J-Jesus..."


    For what might be the first time ever, this orgasm literally only stops for about a second or two when another piles onto the first causing spasming worse than ever before. Calm down Petra, she''s purposely aiming for those weakened moments of sensitivity when I can''t control myself... cheeky fucking brat...


    By this point, I''m thrashing about on Petra''s head trying not to fall off and keep that vibrator attached to her crotch, but she''s just not letting up for a split second. Why the fuck did I lock my legs under her bound arms like this!? I haven''t got the energy to pull away even if I wanted to, I''m just resigned to keep climaxing!


    The thirdes around and by this point, it''s safe to say there''s love juice all over our fancy table and Petra''s face. How the hell do I still have energy for this? Petra''s like a relentless sucking machine here, I''m going to cry in a minute...


    Despite the bussing vibrator still pressed right up against her clit, Petra is obviously making a stance refusing to cum basically leaving me in a state of pure ecstasy right now. Is she going to keep doing this to me forever? I don''t even know how she''s able to breathe right now with me pressed into her like this, I''m losing my mind...


    And then the fourthes in kicking off the high from orgasm dizziness, couldn''t care in the slightest though. At this point, my entire life is about orgasming in this position. Nothing else even matters anymore, just let me live and die like this...


    Just as the start of the fifth one is kicking in, I hear a primal but muffled scream from beneath me which instantly makes me concerned. Except, Petra''s actually shaking from something else. She''s given up sense of control and it''s pushed me over the edge again as well...


    "*Huff huff huff*... D-Damn it Petra *huff*"


    Since she''s finallyid off, I move my legs a little andpletely copse on top of my sticky woman. I''ll get up in a minute but I think we both need to breathe now.


    "Heh... sorry mistress, forgot to ask for permission and wasn''t sure how many times you came"


    ''That''s a massive lie, Petra always knows when I cum''


    "*Huff huff* Need, a minute..."


    Finally getting that sweet honey smelling oxygen into my lungs, I realize I may have gotten carried away there and need to do something if I don''t want to be a hypocrite.


    "...You know I''ve got to lock you in that belt now, right? It''s your fault I forgot to give permission you know"


    "Heh, if that''s what mistress demands. Although, was that an empty threat or a real one? Doubtful mistress Ikarus would want that area locked away for even more than a day"


    ''When she''s right, she''s right. I''m not that much a fan of control and discipline anyways''


    "Eh, you''re definitely correct Petra. Just, give me a second and I''ll get you off the table. Heck, let''s even have a bath as well because we''re going to attract flies and ants at this rate"


    "Heh, is that an order or a request mistress?"


    "I''ve just cum five times Petra... I need a bit of a rest if we''re going to do anything more tonight..."

 Chapter 180 – Honeymoon History

    Chapter 180 ¨C Honeymoon History


    ...


    Sleeping like two wedded angels after making this marriage official in our own strange kinky way, me and Petra just simply refuse to awake the next morning enjoying the not wanting to get out of bed stage. Except, someone has to spoil the mood...


    [<Aesa would like to inform Ikarus that a level up has been obtained>]


    ''Yawnnn... really Aesa? First thing in the morning and I''m still feeling things from yesterday. Couldn''t you at least have waited a bit?''


    Instead of being romantically locked up in cuddles with Petra for as long as possible, of course Aesa has to go into all the boring system stuff. No one freaking cares about a single level! Even if it was obtained via sex...


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    [<Aesa is unable to sleep so having waited 10+ hours already, my patience level has already been exceeded>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 609]


    [Health 83,333/83,333]


    [Stamina 40,000/40,000]


    [Magicka 83,333/83,333]


    [You currently have 17834 unassigned points]


    ''Damn, my eyes weren''t ready for all that unenchanted crappiness... Still don''t see the point in this Aesa, I''m not doing anything with it till it''s at twenty thousand''


    [<Aesa still needs to update Ikarus regardless. Ikarus can go back to asleep now>]


    ''Me and you both know that''s no longer an option''


    Anyway, about the buying abilities thing. I know it''s always been a little odd but my way is odd. I can only buy three of the four abilities left to purchase and just knowing I''m that close to finishing off will be irritating. Also, should be no need for my system if our honeymoon goes to n, can''t really think of any ce safer than where we n to go.


    "*Yawn*... heh, morning Ikarus. Last night was pretty dope"


    "Look at you using my lingo! Say dope for me again Petra"


    "Heh... dope"


    "Ah, my loins... have a quick kiss for payment"


    Giving Petra a quick kiss interrupting the chuckle she was about to do; this morning has already been salvaged so I''m not fussed about the annoying wakeup call now. We probably should start getting ready though.


    "You still down for our little honeymoon adventure Petra?"


    "Heh, of course Ikarus. You''re not getting cold feet at the idea, are you?"


    "Why would I be? The chance to go back home is epic! I''m literally going to treat you to anything you want"


    "Heh, I''ll take your booty with a side order of fluster to go then"


    "You know what I mean... that was pretty clever though"


    What we''re doing for our honeymoon is pretty damn simple really, we''re heading back to Earth. I''ve been putting off showing the slight history I have basically since forever so considering we apparently have some time before things get bloody and violent, might as well reveal those demons in my closet then.


    The idea of our honeymoon I''ve been keeping partially secret due to knowing some people would want toe alone, mainly the other phoenixes. Ariza already knows about our ns but didn''t want toe along, only asking for me to bring a few medical books in Spanish if possible. Not sure why she wants it in thenguage due to us all having trante but at least it confirms the theory of senorita Ariza then.


    The problem is Zeki and the fact I could imagine him nevering home if he returns, not even considering the danger it could bring if we don''t get any restrictions. Maybe one day I''ll bring him back and see what happens but for now, he''s not escaping his destiny being the boy toy for the dryad. This isn''t evening from a ce of spite but, I''m more than justified considering how he is.


    Anyways, Petra seems surprisingly excited considering she never wanted to return all that much. Maybe it''s down to me getting excited more than anything else.


    "Let''s go get dressed and make a move on th-... Petra, we can''t go until you release me"


    Her arms find their way wrapped my waist pulling me further into her embrace. I can already tell Petra''s in a clingy mood today and hey, I''m always for being the less clingy lovebird every now and then.


    "Heh, but I want you wearing that chemise for longer Ikarus. Can''t we just teleport over there, like this?"


    "No Petra, I''ve already made the mistake once before TPing to Denver''s ce. I don''t know if my ce is still under my name so going straight inside could get us in real trouble"


    Imagine if someone new lives there and just so happens to see two women dressed in nightwear teleporting onto their sofa! It would be funny as hell but may end with us ending up in handcuffs. Unfortunately, not the fun sort of way...


    Anyways, Petra eventually lets me go all the while sulking into the pillow. Actually, she''s now getting out that demonic Ikarus plushie from storage to sulk into. I fucking hate that little bastard.


    ''She''ll get this out of her system soon enough. If she doesn''t, maybe I''ll just have to princess carry her everywhere until she''s satisfied her addiction...''


    __________


    ''Huh, the ol''ce still looks the same, shitty as ever. Hopefully, that''s a good sign''


    In an unknown town, in an unknown county close by to the heart of the colonizing capital that once ruled the waves behind an empire, me and Petra stand around outside a random bungalow once used as my ce of residence. This area has seen better days, but home is what you make of it after all.


    Having just teleported round the back, we make our way to the front door and the sight of a single car driving past really feels odd. Even the modern buildings around here makes me feel like we''re in a world we really shouldn''t be in. Maybe it''s some ipatibility with phoenixes and real life, it''s like this world is a dungeon and the other is the real one. I know for a fact this was once my home though.


    Before we can move onto showing Petra my past, a stressed-out AI can''t help but bring up a problem. My odd feeling clearly has some reason behind it.


    [<Aesa needs to inform Ikarus that most of the system is currently under review and Ikarus has no ess to all core systems at the moment>}


    ''Review? What the hell does that mean?''


    [<Aesa is being told by the powers that be, a return like this is too unnatural and messes up the order of things. Ikarus will be treated as an anomaly of sorts and won''t be allowed such unfiltered ess to her abilities>]


    At least this makes sense for why Earth has no actual magic and stuff like that. Apparently, we all have something watching over and putting restrictions on fun shit.


    What''s the point in being an atheist if this shit can happen? Maybe it''s less of a God like in our world and more of an energy higher power sort of thing? I still find it a little hard to believe there''s a bearded guy ruling over this world despite everything odd I''ve experienced so I can reluctantly remain an atheist here then.


    Despite me trying to figure out what the point of our species even is now, something else is really scary from what was just said...


    ''So, no abilities then? Doesn''t that mean we''re fucking stuck here!? Teleporting is an ability!''


    Shit shit shit! We don''t even know how quick time passes and here we are potentially being locked out from teleporting home!


    [<The powers that be say they''re giving you an exception since they don''t want you loitering around for too long. Honestly Ikarus, Aesa can''t me them. We have the powerparable to a nuclear state right now so the faster we leave; the safer things will be on both sides>]


    Phew, that''s a massive weight of my shoulders and Aesa is always right with this sort of thing. As if I could be allowed to walk and fly around Earth, even the feathers on my back and wings aren''t visible or useable right now. Heck, I don''t even think I can use the phoenix bod as well but something like this shouldn''t be too surprising. There''s a reason why everyone loves being reincarnated or summoning stories so much because we get away from this boring sort of crap.


    ''Aesa, what about enchantments though? This entire journey is going to be wasted if I can''t bring shit back with me''


    A honeymoon with Petra is great and all but what''s the entire point if I can''t bring back a literal tonne of fast food, fizzy drink and motherfucking chocte!?! Ah, I''m going to print out a load of recipes as well and pass them onto Marcus, our settlement it going to end up with modern food everywhere! This trip will suck balls if I can''t do that...


    [<*Sigh*... Aesa has told -user- time and time again enchantments do not exist, -user- keeps bringing up that dream. They don''t exist in original, new world or any world we''ve visited so stop bringing that recurring dream up>]


    ''Wait, what are you on abo-...''


    Almost as if I''ve had an epiphany mid thought, I realize what Aesa is trying to do and decide to leave her to fight our case. If we''re still able to use enchantments, that means my weapons, dress and even my storage will work. That only ever started as an enchanted ring gifted by my parents after all, then integrated into my system but was never an actual ability.


    "Petra, while Aesa is clearly trying her best at manipting who knows what, I kinda need your help with a couple of things. The first is about the time, how much do you think we have here?"


    Athena''s blessing being the reason why Petra is like an interdimensional clock. She is now apparently part Goddess or something, still don''t know everything about that because Asmodeus is someone who doesn''t like to spoil the show despite knowing our future.


    "Hmm... time is definitely sped up massively here Ikarus. I feel like the ratio is... maybe a day to a month? Heh, we''re going to have way less time than expected''


    An entire month!? Okay, we need to make haste then, no time for sleeping or anything like that for the next couple of days. I''d skip showing Petra around my house if I couldn''t tell she really wants to know who I was before bing Ikarus. I''d honestly rather not but I owe her considering how much she''s been forced to share her history with me.


    How the hell does that work though? The numbers I mean, how long would six-hundred years bepared to Earth time? Erm... the numbers Mason! Seriously though, that would be... twelve days is a year...


    [<To give Ikarus a quick hand, Aesa can roughly guess it would be 200 years to 240 days here on Earth. The timespan of reincarnating phoenixes makes sense, at least if going of wife''s sensing of time>]


    ''Oi, thanks for the assist Aesa, but we need to set some ground rules here. She''s MY wife, not yours so don''t think I''m allowing that''


    I love Aesa in a weird sort of indescribable way but sometimes, it just feels like she''s a cockier version of me. Just because she gets to explore around in the bedroom time to time with us doesn''t mean we''re sharing Petra!


    [<Aesa absolutely refuses to ept that and will not back down from Ikarus refusing to share OUR wife... Back to the powers that be, Aesa has no intention to allow Ikarus to do anything stupid during this trip. Forced paralysis and threat of death will be applied if she does misbehav-...>]


    ''You little shitbag...''


    "...Thanks for the time thing anyways Petra. Aesa''s being a pain right now, a somewhat useful pain so me her for my attention span. Can you also give me a quick lift up as well? I was a tad taller back then"


    On top of the bungalow door is a little ledge that I used to put a key on top of. Sure, I feel like I could easily kick the door down or break some ss but if my house now belongs to someone else, then that really isn''t a great idea. It doesn''t look like it''s changed at all though.


    "Heh, only if you use my shoulders Ikarus"


    "I don''t need that much of a lift but, if you insist"


    Quickly getting onto Petra shoulders and taking a second to receive the key, I realize I''ve got a slight problem when this woman just can''t help herself. We''ve done a bit like this before!


    "Oi Petra... you gonna let me down yet?"


    "Heh, don''t want to Ikarus"


    ''Clingy Petra people! I was right about her today''


    "No? So you n on carrying me inside like this? Even you can''t get us both through the door"


    "Heh, what can I say Ikarus? Guess I like having your thighs around my neck"


    "*Sigh*... just put me down already, devilish vixen! We haven''t got the time for this!"


    "Aww..."


    While letting me down, Petra let''s out a really depressing aww making me feel like I''ve just kicked a puppy or something. I''m only trying to be practical about this but now I feel like shit. I''ll probably let her do something really embarrassing to meter on to make up for it, that way it can be fun for both of us.


    Anyways, opening the door and being presented with an Earthy musky smell, I know for a fact this ce is still mine... That sounds sus as fuck but you''ll hopefully never understand the reason why it smells like this. The faster we get through this, the less chance of meeting that idiot...


    The bungalow itself is quite different to what you may expect but mostly down to all the technology around the ce and the fact it''s really cosy. The best way I can describe it is to be literal, imagine a home that once used to be owned by a grandma but has been massively converted into something modern housing two guys with two bedrooms. I''m actually surprised the ce has even been cleaned, it normally only ever got done once or twice a year.


    "This was once your home Ikarus? It''s... different from what I expected. Heh, where''s all the pink, dresses and flowers?"


    "Funny. I''d apologize about it not being decorated well but, two guys living together kinda has that effect"


    "You lived with someone?"


    "Yeah, let''s leave that discussion for another time Petra. I''m doing everything in my power to avoid seeing him. I''m getting some stuff from my room real quick so make yourself at home, I guess"


    Petra starts to have a quick look around while I head straight into my old bedroom getting an overwhelming sense of nostalgia from my nd ass bedroom.


    ''Brilliant, my phone was still on charge. Passcode was sixty-nine, sixty-nine... and, I now have the entire inte within my grasp! Wait, did I have anything naughty on this? Ah, I don''t care if Petra looks through it, we''re both perverts anyway''


    A single bed, some drawers, a wardrobe, a desk with a gaming PC on it and piles and piles of clothes that clearly haven''t been touched in a while. It''s the epitome of a single guy''s bedroom and honestly makes me feel a little sad but I wouldn''t have had it any other way.


    As quickly as possible, I gather my phone, my wallet and an armful full of clothes so me and Petra can use if needed. Sure, kimonos are great and all but we may stand out even more than usual like this. Besides, I''ve been wanting some modern clothing for a while so this is just more of an excuse for somethingfortable really. Will probably have to clothes shopping here at some point as well.


    "These will obviously be too big but we can always buy somethi-... what are you looking at Petra?"


    "Who''s the girl Ikarus? Was she your sister?"


    Petra appears to have found a photo frame of a long-haired person standing overlooking one of the towers in the capital city. The fact that''s still here pisses me off more than you could imagine.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    "Your blindness seriously makes no sense at time. That picture... it''s erm... kinda, me. One of my exes suggested growing out my hair and I just never got around to cutting it off"


    "Heh, that''s really you Ikarus? Seriously? You won''t want to hear it but the old you, you''re just as cute as the new you"


    "Urgh... if you know I don''t want to hear it, then don''t say it!"


    Now I''m fully justified in pouting at my teasing girlfriend. I didn''t look like that much of a girl, right!? Even Vikings used to grow out their hair so it''s clearly not that girly. That being said, I do remember another ex-putting makeup on me once and I swear I looked better than her...


    I''m pretty sure I said once I had the look of a stereotypical look? Yeah, the stereotypical look of a guy that looks like a female. That''s not the first time I''ve heard that and I doubt it''ll ever be thest, if I hadn''t evolved past puny humanity standards anyway.


    "I''ve got to ask Ikarus, what''s even the story of this ce? You seemed pretty certain the house was yours despite it being left for so long"


    "Ah, the only other person living here would never move out even if he won the lottery. It may take a little longer to exin than you may think though..."


    __________


    The story behind Ikarus that''s been long overdue, it must be filled full of fun and silliness, right? It''s a hell of a lot more grounded and boring in reality.


    As a child, I spent a lot of time bouncing home to home as my parents died in a car ident when I was really young. I don''t even remember that much from the time period except ending up in a dozen households all with different faces that blur into one.


    It wasn''t till I was eighteen where I was contacted by a group that handles wills. It turns out, my unknown parents had set up a decent inheritance fund and this old bungalow was also part of the will belonging to my original mother''s mother. Apparently, the files got messed up on a technicality so this ce was sitting empty for years before everything was settled, all the while the other side of the family tried to im it for themselves but the will explicitly said nothing goes to them.


    You can imagine how much they hated me when I randomly came along iming the inheritance that had been sitting for years. It''s not like I tried to, it was explicitly listed for the two sons so what were we supposed to do?


    I won''t go into a specific number but it was enough to not work if you n carefully. Considering I have no ns to stay and we''ve only got two days, if all that money ends up spent bringing stuff back to the settlement, then so be it. I may even go around buying engineering books and things like that as well, Marcus is going to be in his element getting all this to all the right ces. Just give it some time, we could make the settlementpletely modern...


    "...So then, that''s basically my story Petra. I did always say it''s not that interesting"


    Petra was listening intensely during my quick exnation but seems a little concerned about all that was said. I don''t like sharing mostly because it bores the hell out of me, my old life is a clich¨¦ in its own right.


    "That was more interesting than you think Ikarus. Are you okay saying all that though? Your past sounds gloomier than I expected"


    "It''s not that bad though, is it? You and Mute have experienced way worse Petra"


    "You really shouldn''tpare histories Ikarus. My past may also be troubled but bad history is still bad history. It doesn''t make it any easier to handle so are you actually okay?"


    As stupid as it sounds, I kinda just shrug Petra''s words off a little. Is not knowing your original parents that bad? I guess foster care wasn''t great but some of the families I remember being nice. Life wasfortable enough back here, just immensely boring more than anything else. I really don''t see where the problem is.


    Just as I''m about to change the subject into something a little lighter, the front door lock twists from a key turning the mechanism. I knew this meeting would be inevitable but this still isn''t going to be fun.


    "Huh? Who the fuck are you two!?"

 Chapter 181 – Big City

    Chapter 181 ¨C Big City


    ¡°Petra, meet my original brother Connor. Connor, meet Petra. He was always the idiot out of us two¡±


    As soon as the short haired blonde man enters the bungalow, I can¡¯t help but send an insult his way while giving the introduction. If you¡¯ve ever had that annoying younger sibling, you¡¯ll know exactly why I failed to mention I ever had a brother back on Earth. Minos is way different so not even worthparing.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Anyways, Petra tries to give him a handshake like she somehow remembers this Earth based greeting but my sibling doesn¡¯t pay attention to it. Motherfucker just left my wife hanging!


    ¡°Brother!? I only have one bro and he disappeared around¡­ forty-five days ago I think, probably chasing some skirt who¡¯ll put makeup on him or something. Is this some fake identity fraud shit where you try and steal his life? I ain¡¯t falling for that scam, gonna call the cops round if you two don¡¯t piss off¡±


    ¡®Only a month and a half? I know Petra said time is slowed down massively herepared to our home but still. Anyways, that makeupment pisses me off¡¯


    ¡°Seriously bruv? Even with a different face, a different gender and different height, you still can¡¯t recognize me? Jeez, you really are terrible. And as if you¡¯re going to call the police! The second they do; they¡¯ll discover the nts you¡¯re growing out in your room¡±


    ¡°You know about my shit!? I knew Brooklyn was a snitch, how dare he rat me out! You supposed to be his girlfriend or something? I¡¯m not selling to anyone I haven¡¯t smoked with before!¡±


    ¡­


    Not even having the strength to respond to him and just facepalming instead, maybe you can understand now why I didn¡¯t want this meeting happening other than just brotherly rivalry. Consuming drugs is one thing, growing it in your bedroom is an entirely different matter. I would¡¯ve kicked him out ages ago if the house wasn¡¯t left in both our names.


    ¡°Was that your name Ikarus? Brooklyn?¡±


    Despite Petra trying her best to pretend ignoring our conversation, think the fact she finally knows about my original name makes her happier more than words can describe.


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ always hated that sted name with a passion¡±


    ¡°Yeah, bro always thought his name was a little girly and personally, I think it fit him perfectly. I¡¯m still not falling for you pretending to be him though¡±


    I can tell the longer I stay here talking to this idiot, my anger level is gradually going to rise to an uncontroble level. I¡¯d leave right now but there is still some things that need to be said. At the end of the day, he probably should know I¡¯m not dead face down in a ditch or something.


    ¡°Fine then bruv, let me find some way of proving it to you¡­¡±


    So, how do you prove to someone you¡¯ve somehow been summoned, turned into a bird and gender swapped? Eh, maybe I¡¯ll leave out the summoning and other world thing but to prove myself, it¡¯ll have to be something big. Any secret I reveal about him, Connor will believe I found it out from my old self so I¡¯ll have to give him one of my own¡­ I guess that could work¡­


    ¡°¡­ Okay, I¡¯ll reveal something extremely embarrassing about myself that will only make sense to you and I¡¯d never tell a partner. Petra, can you cover your ears up one second?¡±


    ¡°Heh, no chance Ikarus. You know everything about me so it¡¯s only fair if it works both way¡±


    Fuck¡¯s sake Petra! Sighhh, looks like I¡¯m going to just say it then, I can already tell Petra¡¯s gonna love this¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*, fineee. You remember way back when we both got kicked out of that religious foster family bruv? Think we were about twelve or something?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, those dickheads thought we stole something from their room¡­ wait, you didn¡¯t steal underwear or something!? I always knew you were a closet pervert! Is the smell really that worth it?¡±


    ¡®I-¡­ this brother of mine, fuckkkk¡­¡¯


    ¡°Who the hell do you take me for!? I never told you the reason but it was kinda down to me. I slightly got curious one day and wondered what it would be like to crossdress a little. A broom, a dress, some lipstick and a pair of heelster, the religious woman came in and basically had a full-on shaming fit iming my soul isn¡¯t pure. Never heard the word sin said so much in my life but at least you now know the reason¡±


    It may not sound that embarrassing of a story I guess but with Petra around, this is more painful than I care to admit. Her brain only needs one word swirling around it for all this¡­ justification. She seems more considerate than I thought though, not really sure why because I expected at least a slightment or two.


    Anyways, my brother finds it hrious so he¡¯s making up for Petra¡¯spassion.


    ¡°Ha! I always knew you were into that stuff! So, it really is you then bro? Wait, did you make a wish to a genie and he did this to you!? Nice! Was this woman the genie or is she your new mummy or something like that?¡±


    Before even getting the chance to do anything from his odd response, Petra senses my intense rage and grabs my shoulder stopping me from what I was about to do. I was about to make sure he never has the ability to make future offspring, that was how hard I was about to kick this fucking idiot of a brother of mine. Mummy!?! He seriously had to call Petra that? I don¡¯t have many limits but, even I wouldn¡¯t be into that. The yful bnce of teasing, torment and embarrassment is enough for us, don¡¯t need to be adding anything like that into the mix.


    ¡°That¡¯s my actual wife Connor. You say anything perverted or imply anything else, I promise she won¡¯t be the only person blind in this room¡±


    You know, that slightly inappropriate threat has made me think. I¡¯m surprised the powers that be have allowed Petra to use her sight around here but I guess that¡¯s less of an ability than I realize? Eh, I¡¯m not going to question it, let¡¯s just move on already.


    ¡°I can be nice, promise! Does your Mrs even know you used to be a dude though? Isn¡¯t that like, a big deal?¡±


    ¡®This was another thing about this brother of mine. You think I get distracted and ask odd questions, you don¡¯t know the half of it¡¯


    ¡°Heh, had no problem with that. Even if Ikarus was still a guy, I¡¯d still love him or her just as much¡±


    ¡®Urgh, my heart still can¡¯t adjust to Petra¡¯s love at times¡¯


    ¡°Ah, so you swing both ways then? Maybe you can join me and my GF having a night of drug filled passion if you want¡±


    Before I even have the chance, Petra¡¯s having to hold me back again. Does he even think before he speaks!? I know I used to be bad with this sort of thing but damn, I could neverpete with his idiocy.


    ¡°What the fuck did I just say bruv!?! Nothing perverted and you¡¯re alreadying onto her!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything by it Brooks! Just I know putting up with you would drive anyone to need some extra relief, that¡¯s all! You could join in as well but that might be a little too weird since we were brothers¡±


    I just, that¡¯s it, I¡¯m done, I¡¯m cooked. Continuing this conversation is quickly destroying braincells so no more¡­


    ¡°Petra, we¡¯re going now. Just speaking to this guy is making me want to stick a screwdriver in my ear so let¡¯s be moving along. I¡¯ve got all we need from here¡±


    ¡°Heh, okay Ikarus¡±


    By the sounds of it, Petra¡¯sugh was more an awkward one there and can¡¯t exactly me her for it. This situation could¡¯ve been so much easier if he wasn¡¯t in but s, family always catches up with you I suppose. He¡¯s the only blood I¡¯ve got on the human side that hasn¡¯t disowned me thankfully enough.


    ¡°Bro, you¡¯re seriously just going to pop in like this and piss off back off to wherever you went? What am I supposed to do if anyone tries to find where you¡¯ve gone?¡±


    ¡®Finally, he asks a question that makes sense to ask. Only took him twenty-one years¡¯


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty easy bruv. In the forty something days I¡¯ve been gone, how many people have asked about me?¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ none?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no problem then! If anyone does ask, just say I¡¯m out on a long camping holiday or something like that¡­¡±


    As me and Petra are heading for the door, there¡¯s onest thing that must be said. As much as I can¡¯t stand the waste of space ahead of me, I still wouldn¡¯t want him toe to harm though¡­


    ¡°¡­Ah, just one quick thing before we go. Please, try and stop the excessive smoking. I could smell that shit from outside Connor, a little is fine but you way overdo it¡±


    Maybe Petra¡¯s unsure on it but that musky smell around here wasn¡¯t from just us guys. To say excessive smoking is a huge understatement, been a couple of times where the ce has looked like a fog machine has gone off and he¡¯s looked like he¡¯s about to start his own reincarnation story.


    ¡°I stopped dealing Brooks, isn¡¯t that enough!?¡±


    ¡®Some people have idiots for brothers, some have decent folk and others have geniuses. How many can say they have dealer though?¡¯


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. You know that stuff makes your third leg smaller, right bruv? You don¡¯t even need the cash so at least try to do something about it¡±


    ¡®It doesn¡¯t but anything to try and get him to stop smoking it. Little is fine but too much turns you into a dopey idiot, it¡¯s ironic considering I¡¯ve never touched the stuff¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯ll try Brooklyn but no promises¡­ Ah, that doctor thing is on TV now so piss off already. You know my routine already¡±


    ¡®Okay, he¡¯s definitely going to light something up if he¡¯s watching that sci-fi doctor show¡­¡¯


    __________


    Upon exciting the now smoky house of my brother, I can¡¯t help but mimic my wife in that trademarked facepalm of hers again.


    ¡°Heh, your brother is a tad different Ikarus. I can definitely tell who the cuter looking one out of you two is¡±


    As she¡¯s giving a pointlessly lovingpliment, Petra cuddles into me as we¡¯re leaving casa Ikarus. At least she always knows how to chirp me up.


    ¡°I mean, you can¡¯t cause of blind reasons but love you too wifey... Are you ready for the actual honeymoon portion of this trip then Petra? We¡¯ll have to take the train if we¡¯re still doing it¡±


    ¡°Heh, of course Brooklyn. Let¡¯s go get a tic-¡±


    ¡°No no no Petra, you¡¯re not using that name so don¡¯t even think about getting this out of your system. I¡¯m Ikarus and I¡¯ll remain as such so please, just don¡¯t¡±


    ¡°Heh, aww¡­ boring Ikarus¡±


    Petra let¡¯s out a depressive moan but I really don¡¯t care! That name is long lost to history so we¡¯re not going to turn this into a regr thing. That¡¯s grounds for a divorce using my old name like that, love can¡¯t conquer everything I¡¯m afraid. Even if it does a little in this situation.


    ¡®It¡¯s odd how much I hate that name yet it seems kinda okay when Petra says it. I already simp for her enough so I¡¯m not rapidly changing my mind on this though¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°You like my phone Petra? Your hands have been glued to it ever since we sat down¡±


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m just looking for hotels Ikarus. You sure this is okay if I do this?¡±


    Now on the train ride cuddled up together, Petra¡¯s glued to my phone and somehow seems to know how to easily use it. I guess muscle memory is a thing with how technology works but still, it¡¯s shocks me how easily she¡¯s still able to do this even after six hundred years. I¡¯d buy her one and bring it back if we had any way of charging it¡­ ah, I¡¯m definitely going to print out designs for a generator just before we had back. Might not work but oh well.


    The current n is to take this until we get into the city, then just wing it along from there. A modern city is a huge ce after all but with the underground and all that, it¡¯ll be a breeze. We¡¯ll probably see a double decker bus and a ck cabby or two if that¡¯s appealing to some but this really isn¡¯t that big of a deal around here¡­ ah, just saw a ck cab out the window. Bit odd considering we¡¯re not even in the city yet.


    I¡¯ve only ever been to the capital a few times but mainly down to not wanting to waste money more than anything else. Seriously though, you buy anything in the capital and it basically gets more than quadrupled due to how much wealth is focused around the area. Despite that, I do have a small fortune I can waste if needed though, Petra¡¯s always worth it.


    ¡°Petra, money really isn¡¯t an issue. I¡¯ve got more than enough from the inheritance and I¡¯ve always got some stuff left in storage to pawn if needed. Go nuts and buy whatever you want! It¡¯s your turn to be my trophy wife!¡±


    While saying that, I look at my diamond wedding ring and can¡¯t help grin at the over-the-top thing, it really is too much but who cares?


    Can¡¯t forget about all the random crap in my storage though: gold, jewellery and more and more gold. There are pawn shops everywhere so money will never be an issue. Petra clearly wants to pick out the hotel on my phone so I¡¯ll just let her get on with it. I¡¯m actually hoping for a stupidly expensive five-star experience for a change but whatever floats her boat.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant Ikarus. I mean, are you okay if my choice is a little different to what you¡¯re expecting?¡±


    ¡®Different to what I¡¯m expecting? Ah, I don¡¯t care, just choose for us already!¡¯


    ¡°Petra, I¡¯m going to get pissy in a minute, pick whatever you want! If it ends up being a one-star shithole that makes our skin cruel with bed bugs, then you¡¯ll be the one to me, but at least we¡¯ll still be sleeping together. Actually, make sure the beds aren¡¯t separate, might as well share the shit experience together¡±


    ¡°Heh, okay then Ikarus, I¡¯ll book whatever I want. We have any ideas on what else we¡¯re going to do for the rest of the day though?¡±


    Thinking about it, time¡¯s already getting a littlete so we¡¯ve only got a few hours of daylight left¡­ ah, it¡¯s literally just started raining as well so this country is always living up to normal expectation.


    ¡°Well¡­ we have got some time before dinner but I¡¯m not budging on what we¡¯re eating, it¡¯s fast food or nothing. Before all that though, it¡¯s up to you¡±


    Even if we¡¯re heading to a fancy hotel, a fatty greasy meal bound to cause cholesterol is required as I¡¯m basically drooling thinking about it. Maybe buy something covered in sugar as well. Mmm, donuts¡­


    ¡°Heh, let me have a quick think¡­ could get a tattoo done Ikarus. Remember it was mentioned once before, personally not into myself but one could look cute on you?¡±


    Honestly, I was thinking she might suggest something rted to her history back on Earth but guess she really doesn¡¯t care about it all. It¡¯s either that or she just simply can¡¯t remember anything specific, probably a bit of both.


    ¡°Huh¡­ that¡¯s actually not a bad starting idea Petra. Could get your name on my ankle and even a stupid red g done or something¡±


    I mean, why the hell not destroy my body with ink just for the sake of it? Obviously, Petra just said she¡¯d rather not get one done herself but we definitely need to kill some time before food. Also doesn¡¯t help that shopping the markets and all that will require being drenched in the rain as it¡¯s poring outside right now. This ind and rain, tis a tale as old as time itself.


    Anyways, Petra¡¯s still scrolling on my phone when she clearly thinks or sees something that gives her a smile. It¡¯s strange how little I miss technology but then again, I get as much enjoyment just from staring a Petra all day long¡­ I¡¯m getting creepy stalker vibes from myself now.


    ¡°Heh, that¡¯s given me another idea Ikarus. How do you feel about getting a piercing done? The ce will probably do both and it might be something you enjoy¡±


    Petra¡¯s now suggesting I get a piercing as well? Huh, that actually sounds like it could be fun. Painful, but fun since I¡¯m curious on most things. Look at her bringing up ideas to cause me physical pain, I know that¡¯s not the point but still.


    ¡°Can take them or leave them really. As long as we don¡¯t go mad on the quantity and it can¡¯t be a tongue stud, I¡¯m down for it¡±


    If you don¡¯t know the reason why women get tongue studs, then think about my fear of certain limbs and you¡¯ll be a little more perceptive on the matter¡­


    ¡°It¡¯ll only be two Ikarus, got a feeling you¡¯ll really like the end result. If you¡¯re okay with it, I¡¯d like to add something to the tattoo as well¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®I know what route she¡¯s going down here. Wife or not, she still can¡¯t help herself¡¯


    ¡°Petra, getting my body pierced for you is one thing, but if you think I¡¯m getting something like ¡®Petra¡¯s bitch¡¯ printed on my body, you¡¯re deadly wrong here¡±


    ¡°Heh, was thinking more like Petra¡¯s propert,y but bitch does have a better ring to it, does it not?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ you forgetting I can tell when you¡¯re kidding Petra? I know for a fact all that was a tease¡±


    ¡°Heh, didn¡¯t forget Ikarus but knew deep down you¡¯re seriously contemting it now. How about wepromise and go for Petra¡¯s adorable bitch instead?¡±


    ¡®I¡­ fuck¡¯s sake, dealing with my brother has made me lose myposure with her! Not like I ever had any resistance to her teasing to begin with¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡®Ouch ouch ouch¡­ I¡¯m so freaking miserable now¡­¡¯


    Coming out a tattoo joint piercing parlour in the middle of the big city, I¡¯m hugely disappointed with the end result and now regret the pain of vandalizing my body. Damn it Petra, this hurts so much! Feel like I¡¯ve lost a tenth of my health but I can¡¯t open my status to prove myself wrong!


    ¡°For some reason when you said two piercings Petra, I thought it would be my ears. How does it even work when I change form though?¡±


    In the end, we scrapped the tattoo idea after the piercings hurt too much! There was also a good reason why I didn¡¯t show what happened mainly down to the two areas that got stabbed. It still doesn¡¯t matter how much I rub my breasts; this shit stings! Damn this vixen for suggesting I pierce those two pesky peaks!


    ¡°Heh, they¡¯ll probably just attach to your feathers Ikarus. Be honest with me though, you seriously regret doing this?¡±


    ¡°No, but it¡¯s not like we can even do anything till it¡¯spletely healed, right? Till then, I¡¯m stuck being miserable¡±


    ¡°Heh, forgetting something Ikarus? Healent? We can do something with them tonight if we sort that out now¡±


    Putting healent on to help the healing¡­ that¡¯ll hurt even more! Eh, we¡¯ll decide what to do another time, I need a distraction from all this pain and what better distraction than food!?


    Didn¡¯t mention it but we already took the underground to get to this point as the entire thing took way longer than expected, queues and all that. Nothing noticeable except the rampant homeless problem most cities get, did donate to a couple of them but you never know if it¡¯ll go on food, drugs or alcohol. Screw that depressing shit though, this is our holiday!


    Anyways, both of us forget about the weather that inflicts this stupid country and both get caught in the immense downpour on exit. This freaking ind people, might as well have rainforest climate considering how much it rains. I¡¯m not exaggerating despite us inder¡¯s being terrible with any weather, it rains too much!


    ¡°Heh, want to shop for some warm clothes quickly Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, an umbre as well why we¡¯re at it¡­¡±


    __________


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Heh¡­ are you¡­ are you crying Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°No? What are you on about Petra?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s actual tears in your eyes. Heh, you¡¯ll cry over this but not at our own wedding?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not crying, damn it! My eyes, they¡¯re¡­ they¡¯re just drooling down to the food! That¡¯s all it is!¡±


    [<As if Ikarus believes eyes can really do that>]


    ¡°Now Aesa as well!? Both of you, just let me enjoy my burgers in peace! This might be the bes-, second best day of my life¡±


    ¡°Heh, close call Ikarus, very close call¡±


    Now enjoying some high ss, quality piles of grease, aka fast food, my eyes are currently watering due to how hungry I am. They¡¯re not tears, as if I¡¯d be that happy for something like this¡­ the fizzy drink as well is jus-, I¡¯m not crying damn it!


    Ah, should probably backtrack a little before we got to this current moment in time as well, this entire trip seems to be going this way but nothing else that noteworthy is happening! As soon as we stepped inside some huge clothes shop that I don¡¯t remember the name of, the rain miraculously stopped and even a rainbow appeared! Fuck my life, we did end up getting some things but obviously Petra ended up choosing my current outfit. If I knew she¡¯d find something simr to my enchanted dress, I¡¯d just have worn the bloody thing.


    Also, I¡¯m sorry but I skipped the evitable embarrassing moment when Petra gets me in clothing but I can¡¯t be arsed right now, alright!? My breasts hurt, I¡¯m flustered and I was sooo hungry. Only one of those problems is fixable so I¡¯m fixing it now¡­ by God, you haven¡¯t lived till you¡¯ve had a quadruple bacon bypass burger from Burger Queen.


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t fill yourself up too much Ikarus. Didn¡¯t you want to go to multiple ces?¡±


    This street we¡¯ve ended up is like fast food heaven! They¡¯ve got the burger ce, the fried chicken one, another burger joint, the Mexican one with the bell and a hell of a lot more. Except, I can¡¯t fully enjoy all the choices since I have only one stomach and two breasts apparently¡­


    ¡°Honestly Petra, I¡¯d rather just go back to the hotel to rest after this feast. Those piercings are still pissing me off even now. Besides, what¡¯s the bet it¡¯ll rain the second we step foot outside again?¡±


    Even during this meal, I can¡¯t help but keep rubbing on them due to the pain. It¡¯s already gotten a lot better but still ain¡¯t great and a nap after dinner on top of a bigfy bed will do the trick. We can always do all the boring shopping and touristy stuff tomorrow if Petra even cares about all that.


    ¡°Heh, just rest Ikarus? Something tells me that pain will suddenly disappear when you see where we¡¯re staying tonight¡±


    Stopping myself from engorging in the greasy food for one second, my stomach doesn¡¯t feel great and it definitely isn¡¯t from that. Petra¡¯s done something weird again¡­


    ¡°Wait¡­ what have you done Petra? What hotel have you booked? Give me my phone one second¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯ll find out soon enough so no can do Ikarus. Just enjoy your food for now and don¡¯t worry about it, okay?¡±


    In the most condescending yet reassuring way she can do, I get a tilted sly smile from my wife making me regret ever giving her my phone. I¡¯m not that na?ve but even I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d do what I¡¯m thinking she¡¯s done.


    ¡®Oh no, God have mercy on our sins because I can already tell she¡¯s proud about this. I¡¯m sure I know where we¡¯re going next, our honeymoon technically is still a special asion after all¡­¡¯

 Chapter 181.5 – Love Hotel (18+)

    Chapter 181.5 ¨C Love Hotel (18+)


    ---This time I mean it; this will be the furthest I go down the BDSM route as this is starting to go way further than expected lol. If you like that sort of thing though, then here you go since it¡¯s a really longgg session¡­ (Basically 2 chapters in one.)


    __________


    ¡°Heh Ikarus, we really need to buy some of this stuff and bring it back. We¡¯ve got an untouched cer back at home and this would fit perfectly down there¡±


    You know those times where you sooo don¡¯t want to be right yet you unfortunately are? My part yandere wife has thought it¡¯s a brilliant idea to book one of those dungeon themed hotels and honestly, I¡¯d be a little overwhelmed if my libido wasn¡¯t so excited.


    Having just entered the hotel room and to describe the interior, it has the stereotypical red and ck vibe you can imagine but the amount of bondage stuff we have around here is insane! We¡¯ve got a sex bench with straps all around, boxes filled with various toys and discipline tools, a spanking bench, a pillory that¡¯s connected to the end of the bed and even a small cage on the floor at the foot of the bed as well! This ce is my-, I mean Petra¡¯s dream!


    Despite my excitement, I still can¡¯t help but pout a little, I am trying the best to keep this rtionship from going full fifty shades but it¡¯s so hard goddamn it!


    ¡°You seriously couldn¡¯t help yourself, could you Petra? We could¡¯ve gone to a five-star hotel, spent days lounging by the pool and having as much room service as possible, but it had to be bondage hotel, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Heh, we already get treated like queens back at home so why not the kinky change Ikarus? Besides, are you really telling me you wouldn¡¯t like a little room service of our own? I bet you¡¯ll look amazing inside that cage!¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ So, guess I¡¯m the submissive this time around then? And here I thought I awakened something in you¡±


    Petra tries not tough at myment but I generally thought I had!


    ¡°Heh, you did Ikarus but deep down, I think we both know how the real power dynamic between us works. If you want to prove me otherwise, then does mistress Ikarus want to return tonight?¡±


    Wait, she¡¯s actually giving me the chance to? Hmm, I guess I could¡­ erm¡­ okay, all this stuff is way too advanced and I haven¡¯t got a clue where to begin.


    ¡°Nah, you¡¯re not robbing my of this opportunity Petra. Let¡¯s just get on with it then before I change my mind¡­ you want me to strip down?¡±


    In the end, I guess we did say we¡¯ll save stuff like bondage and BDSM for special asions, the wedding night and honeymoon holiday are pretty special. Not sure why I¡¯m trying to convince myself otherwise against this, let¡¯s just hope things return back to normal when we get back because we¡¯re going to end up in a proper master-sub rtionship at this rate¡­


    ¡°Heh, yes Ikarus. From now on until the morning though, you don¡¯t call me anything other than mistress and you won¡¯t be anything more than my loving pet. Is that clear?¡±


    ¡®Pet? I guess it¡¯s cuter than ve or something like that but still. I¡¯m kinda hoping this doesn¡¯t go too far down the animalistic route but not opposed if it does¡¯


    ¡°Urgh, do we really have to do that Petra? It always sounds so cringe when I¡¯m involved¡±


    ¡°Heh,st time I checked, this pet of mine got me to call you mistressst time around, did it not?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but you were being bratty for most of it! Fine¡­ poxy mistress¡±


    ¡°Heh, much better pet but remove the poxy part otherwise you¡¯ll regret it. Now, neatly fold your clothes up in the corner and then get on the bed. Once there, you shall await further instructions nice and quietly, got that?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡®Stupid Petra going full on domme mode with me tonight. I should try and be bratty but I¡¯d rather not since this is hot enough already¡¯


    Anyways, once going through her instructions and being naked on the bed, albeit with two additional piercings that still hurt a tad even now, Petra¡¯s attitude changes in a split second when she points at the pillory. She¡¯s actually pretty scary when she¡¯s like this.


    ¡°In the stockade, now!¡±


    Quickly doing as Petra says, I rest both my hands and head against the lower part, then find the top part click down keeping me securely in ce from the devilish mistress alongside me. This is definitely not what I imagined we¡¯d be doing waking up this morning.


    From this position, Petra has full ess to everything behind me and I can¡¯t see shit! What has she got in store for me today then?


    ¡°Good girl! Pretty as always¡­¡±


    Petra very slowly starts to make her way into my limited range of sight smiling like a madwoman at the trap she now has me trapped in.


    Beforehand, there¡¯s something she must do going up to my obviously flustered face. Once standing right in front of me, she ces both hands on my cheeks and quickly changes the tone of what¡¯s going on¡­


    ¡°¡­If things get too much Ikarus, make sure you say chubby and I¡¯ll stop whatever it is instantly. You got that?¡±


    ¡°Are we really still using that as our safeword Petra? Can¡¯t we just use banana or something less stupid?¡±


    ¡°Heh, for someone in your position, pet, you¡¯re surprisingly picky¡­ Seriously Ikarus, we¡¯re not starting until you say it first¡±


    ¡°Urgh, fine¡­ chubby¡±


    ¡°Good girl pet! Stay here for a minute while I go freshen up¡­¡±


    ¡®She even just gave me a freaking head pat! Urgh, I need to destroy that part of my brain that doesn¡¯t hate this!¡¯


    Anyways, Petra goes into the bathroom giving me a second to think and recollect on how I got here, how all my life decisions have ended up with me about to be tormented by my wife in freaking stockade of all ces. This piece of furniture is less ufortable than I imagined it would be but I guess the hotel owners would getwsuits if people kept getting splinters of something.


    ¡°There you are mistress¡­ hang on, please don¡¯t put that freaking thing on me!¡±


    Once Petra returns taking a good amount of time, shees out wearing a slightly different dominatrix outfit to the usual still looking as hot as hell. This one seems lesstex based but still has that fear factor that makes her so freaking good at this. Except, that¡¯s not the reason why I¡¯m scared¡­


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Calm down pet! I can¡¯t be having you hump everything in sight so this is necessary! It¡¯s either this or you getting neutered¡±


    Petra waves that stupid chastity belt in my face like she¡¯s pure evil. The only difference fromst time is that the butt te is already removed basically meaning she¡¯s going to keep that on me for a long time, I know it! We¡¯ve already done chastity y for long enough! I¡¯m trying not to be pedantic on that neuteredment since we¡¯re already infertile anyways but still, anything to get my mind off that stupid belt now going on my waist.


    Trying my best to notin, I knuckle down and allow mistress Petra to do what she pleases¡­ except, my thoughts change almost immediately when I realize how she¡¯s going about this.


    ¡®Aww, I really don¡¯t want this on agai-¡­ hang on, I¡¯ve changed my mind! I love her so freaking much¡¯


    Petra quickly gets the belt wrapped around and back under my waist, that¡¯s when I feel something muchrger than just a simple vibe slowly slip in between the wetness that¡¯s already formed. Obviously, the disappointment swiftly turns into excitement from that partially soft dildo between my legs. There¡¯s no chance this is going to be a long-term thing now.


    Anyways, once the belt is nice and secure around my waist leaving me filled with my foreign intruder, Petra eyes up her prey almost looking like she¡¯s heavily thinking about something new. What pervy scheme has she got lined up next?


    ¡°Something is missing¡­ ah, a true pet needs a tail, does it not? This one suits you perfectly, right pet?¡±


    Petra now pulls something else out, a butt plug connected with a long, reddish-orange fluffy tail that surprisingly matches with my hair. No idea where she¡¯s had that made but it ain¡¯t from this hotel I can tell you, bondage restraints are one thing but actual sex toys that prate are off limits here. Eh, I guess that magic wand in the box doesn¡¯t really count as it¡¯s a ¡®massager¡¯ and there is a sex store literally next door to the hotel but we haven¡¯t been to that yet.


    ¡®Guess I¡¯m finally going to experience what anal feels like today, can¡¯t say it sounds too appealing but you never know. I¡¯m not going to say chubby for something like this¡¯


    While I¡¯m making myself ready trying to prepare for the pain I can see iing, Petra¡¯s making sure to apply literal handfuls of lube basically making the thing drip in it. At least she¡¯s trying to


    Before starting the entering procedure, my wife gets back on the bed and instead of going straight to the plug, starts getting me ready another way.


    ¡®That¡¯s¡­ different. Mhmm¡­ not entirely sure about that, so so is the best way I can describe it¡¯


    Entering using a finger, then moving up to two, Petra¡¯s obviously trying to prepare me best for this but I don¡¯t think this will make that much of a difference. At least it¡®s not painful yet, I suppose. The fact she¡¯s using her other hand to lightly rub against my clit definitely seems to be taking my mind off things as well.


    Going in as slowly as possible, I start to feel the warmed-up metal sliding in thanks to Petra¡¯s preparation. It must be going in at a snail¡¯s pacing but it¡¯s still bearable, for now at least.


    Every time it starts to feel any interference, Petra takes a second to allow myself to rx again, then we continue on. All of its fine until the tail finally gets to the end and slips entirely in¡­


    ¡°Ouch ouch ouch! Fuck! Oww¡­¡±


    How the fuck can anyone enjoy that!? That shit really hurts! Pun not intended¡­


    ¡°Everything okay pet?¡±


    ¡°*Huff*¡­ yeah Petr-, mistress. Why does that hurt so much? That¡¯s not fun at all!¡±


    ¡°Heh, just give it a minute and it¡¯ll get way easier, trust me pet. If it doesn¡¯t, I¡¯ll take it out if it¡¯s really too much¡±


    Trusting Petra fully, it does start to feel way easier to handle and I even give my new tail a little wag once the pain ispletely subsided. That¡¯s kinda cute thinking about it, I¡¯ve now got a fluffy tail! It would be a hell of a lot better if it wasn¡¯t painful going in but what can you do I guess. The pain¡¯spletely gone now just leaving me feeling full.


    ¡°Heh, hmm¡­ I feel like we still need to add something a little more onto this scene pet, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®More!? I¡¯m plugged up with both my holes full in a freaking chastity belt and she wants more? What¡¯s next, a blindfold and gag?¡¯


    ¡°There is a sex store connected to the lobby, correct? You¡¯ll be okay if I leave you here nice and warmed up ready for me pet, won¡¯t you?¡±


    As much as the scene is really starting to get hot, this is where realism and fantasy collide¡­


    ¡°Chubby, chubby Petra! You¡¯re not actually going to leave me here alone like this, right?¡±


    Look, I don¡¯t know all that much about this sort of stuff but leaving your submissive tied up alone while you go out is like the biggest sin you canmit with it all, right!? What happens if there¡¯s a fire or anything like that? I mean, I¡¯m a fire-resistant immortal phoenix so I¡¯d be alright but still! That seems like something we should never do.


    ¡°Heh, of course I¡¯m not that irresponsible Ikarus. Out of curiosity, have you even tried getting out of that yet? Like lifting up your head and arms up just a little bit?¡±


    Doing as Petra suggests lifting my head and arms up ever so slightly, I feel the thing lift up making me feel like aplete idiot. Petra didn¡¯t even lock it on, how the hell didn¡¯t a realize that!? She didn¡¯t even have to because of howpliant I am as a sub! Fuck!


    ¡°Just¡­ go and buy some more toys already. I¡¯ll stay here till you get back then¡±


    ¡°Heh, okay dokey then pet. You¡¯ll stay exactly in that position without cheating, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sure¡­ mistress¡±


    Giving me a quick snog on the lips before leaving, Petra leaves the hotel room armed with my wallet and hotel keycard obviously looking for new and improved ways for tormenting. This is way less scary considering I can just get up an anytime now but being alone is a little boring if I¡¯m being honest. Even if both my holes are full, it¡¯s not exactly like I can do anything with them.


    ¡°All alone¡­ by myself¡­ I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m trying to sing. Couldn¡¯t she at least turned the dildo on or something?¡±


    [<Aesa thinks this is the point Ikarus? To wait patiently with nothing until she gets back? Besides, does that phallus even produce a vibration?>]


    ¡®Maybe, I¡¯m sure this one does but can¡¯t exactly see it right now. Hey Aesa, you want to join in with us? I know you like this sort of thing even more than me at times¡¯


    [<Negative Ikarus, Aesa is currently unable to manifest a form due to the higher beings putting restrictions on abilities. It¡¯s pissing Aesa off more than you can realize due to current location>]


    Aesa can¡¯t even join us down here on Earth, that freaking sucks considering how much of a pain slut she is. Just means this session will have to be two rather than three unfortunately for her. The likelihood is if Aesa could join in, she¡¯d be literally strapped to that spanking bench right now. Aesa was always into pain so Petra could go ham on her if she wanted.


    Anyways, after waiting what feels an hour, or more like ten minutes, Petra returns carrying basically nothing except looking as giddy as a kid in a sweet shop. Whatever she¡¯s bought, it¡¯s currently in her storage.


    ¡°They have so much down there Ikarus, it¡¯s insane! A-Ahem, I mean, one day I¡¯ll have to take you on a walk down there pet. You really will enjoy it¡±


    ¡®Heh, even she can¡¯t help but break character at times. I love her so freaking much¡¯


    ¡°Let¡¯s get back on track then pet, I¡¯ve found something much better than everything inside here so we¡¯re changing the scene massively¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Erm¡­ mistress. I¡¯m a little scared¡±


    ¡°Heh, why is that pet?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. This just seems a little further gone thanpared to usual¡±


    ¡°Heh, just a little Ikarus? You want me stop it then? We can stop for real any time you like¡±


    ¡°No no Petra, this box I¡¯m on just seems scary, that¡¯s all. I still want to go through with it all¡±


    ¡°Heh, the option to stop is always there Ikarus. Besides, presume any fear will go when it turns on. Do me a favour and lean forward just a little bit¡­ perfect. Rope not too snug?¡±


    ¡°Nah, all good¡±


    The sex store connected to the hotel clearly had quite the selection since Petra¡¯s returned with something as modern as this machine. I dread to think what else she¡¯s spent on smut but today, we¡¯re just focusing on this.


    You see, Petra has bought this rounded looking box thing that¡¯s she¡¯s currently strapping me to. It¡¯s taking quite the preparation to do all this since this clearly isn¡¯t going to whatever n Petra was going off. We¡¯ll just have to see if it¡¯s a good or bad thing though.


    The only couple of things kept from the previous scene are the tail plug and the dildo that was under the belt, the belt apparently had to be removed otherwise whatever this is wouldn¡¯t have worked as well. Presumably, this entire bottom half of this machine is going to vibrate madly and I¡¯m a little unsure if I can even withstand all this. Having a literal five second orgasm from the start sounds terrifying in a good or bad way. The second this turns on; I can imagine I¡¯m never going to want to get off it.


    Also, should mention the fact I couldn¡¯t get off this even if I wanted to right now with how the ropes are tied. I¡¯m slightly leant forward with my legs tied together so only my knees are on the floor with my sexpletely on the machine. That¡¯s not even the half of it though, my arms as well arepletely immersed in rope loosely connected to another rope to a hook in the ceiling, think they call this a strappado position or something like that? Just way looser and not really ufortable.


    With the way I¡¯m hunched forward and the fact this entire setup seems to be aimed towards getting my clit as firmly pushed onto the rubber mat as possible, it¡¯s really showing Petra¡¯s ingenious off. I know that this rounded box is called a sybian though because it literally says it on the side .


    Anyways, now thest few ropes are being tightened and I seriously have nowhere to go, guess this entire hotel room is pointless when presented with a machine as dope as this. All that¡¯s left is for Petra to plug it into the wall, turns it on and we¡¯re good to go¡­


    ¡°So then pet, how about we do a little test before we get onto your training?¡±


    Petra, now grinning madly makes constant eye contact with me as she slowly goes to the sybian remote. Once she has her hand on the dial, she gives me onest wink before rapidly twisting it all the way up!


    ¡°Argh! Fuck fuck fuck!¡±


    Imagine the strongest, most powerful vibration ever imaginable, now dial that up by ten and we don¡¯t even get close to a fraction of what this machine is able to provide. I think I¡¯ve died and gone to horny heaven; this is just¡­ wow¡­


    ¡°Language pet! No words out of you unless they¡¯re moans!¡±


    ¡°Aww¡­¡±


    Petra turns it straight back down giving me a chance a rx except, this setting sucks! I want to cum in seconds, this is crap!


    ¡°Heh, do you want it on really high pet? Wasn¡¯t itst session, I remember you once made a threat about leaving me tied up all night with the vibes on?¡±


    ¡°Yayyy! I mean, nooo¡­¡±


    This idea is obviously not going to happen but damn, it sounds hot as fuck! I¡¯m all for using overstimtion as a form of training, or torture, or whatever this is.


    ¡°Heh, we¡¯ve still got some training to do pet so beforehand, let me getfortable


    Getting herselffortable sitting cross-legged right in front of me, Petra¡¯s seriously having the time of her life while looking at me all tied up like this. Can¡¯t say I me her; she¡¯d look hot as hell in the position I¡¯m in as well. Imagine if Petra was dressed like a domme but the roles were reversed, my libido better calm down a little now¡­


    ¡°No pet of mine makes any noise other than pure frustration and or heavenly ecstasy. Today¡¯s first lesson will be to cum onmand and if you refuse, I promise there will be hell to pay, got it? Let¡¯s get started then, shall we?¡±


    ¡®Ha! this is going to be freaking epic! I¡¯m even starting to shake with excitement¡¯


    Petra switches the machine up to a painfully high setting making me regret ever bringing her back to Earth for discovering something like. As if I need even five seconds to cum like this¡­ aww, it¡¯s gone back down¡­


    ¡°Cum now pet!¡±


    ¡®How am I supposed to if you turn it dow-¡­ oh no, this is going to be torture!¡¯


    You see, the entire machine powers down just as I¡¯m getting close, then Petra expects me to cum with nothing going on down below!? If you can¡¯t see that this is going to turn to edging already, you clearly don¡¯t know my evil wife enough.


    ¡°Bad girl! How dare you disobey me? No no no, it always takes a few tries so don¡¯t get mad at her yet. We¡¯ll start again then pet¡±


    ¡®That bad girl actually hurt more than I care to admit, my wife is freaking evil!¡¯


    Once again, the machine buzzes to life sending unbearable amounts of pleasure to my clit. Like the first, it powers off just when I feel the pleasure building.


    ¡°Again pet, cum for me¡­¡±


    ¡®Fuck! No no no¡­¡¯


    ¡°Damn it pet! When I tell you to cum, you cum! We can try this all night if you can¡¯t learn, I¡¯ve got nothing better to do!¡±


    And again, the third round except the machine stays powered close to thirty seconds on a much lower setting this time. It makes no difference though; Petra knows exactly when I¡¯m getting to that orgasm stage and always stops in prematurely.


    ¡°Cum! You¡¯re seriously being this disobedient? Is there a problem with you pet or am I bad owner? Only one of those things are true and it sure as hell better not be thetter!¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m going to cry at this rate! Three times in not even a couple of minutes, this is unbearable!¡¯


    ¡°We¡¯ll continue on shortly pet¡­ Ikarus, you still with me?¡±


    Petra feels the needs to break the scene as I¡¯m probably dripping with sweat and frustration, she seriously needs to do this now!?


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m freaking not mistress! Just let me cum already! All this talk is hot enough but you give me the strongest thing ever and then don¡¯t let me climax!?¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯ll understand why I¡¯m doing thister on Ikarus. If it¡¯s too much, just say the word and I¡¯ll-¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s it, sometimes I think she needs to just double down and not care¡¯


    ¡°Petra, you¡¯re pissing me off now. If I need the safe word, I¡¯ll freaking say it! Sorry¡­ just do what you want to do and I¡¯ll say if it¡¯s too much. This isn¡¯t even close to my limit¡±


    I think for the first time ever, I¡¯ve actually shocked Petra with my words said in anger. There are times where she¡¯s too sensitive for her own good, stop breaking the freaking scene and just keep edging me already! I know my limits and if you¡¯re giving me a safeword, then we¡¯ll use that if needed and not worry until then.


    It doesn¡¯t take much for her to go straight back into the horny roley though, I think that was the closest we¡¯ve ever had to having an actual argument. Sometimes, she treats me like I¡¯m made of ss or something and this isn¡¯t needed especially when we¡¯re doing something like this. My main limit is pain and spanking. Other than that, I¡¯m pretty much game even if this is like a frustration sort of torture.


    ¡°Well then, shall we continue with your training pet? Something tells me this training is making you bitchy so we¡¯ll just have to push your limits even further then¡±


    ¡®Even further? Guess I asked for that¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°Mhm¡­ nn¡­¡±


    ¡°How many times is this now pet? How difficult is it to just follow my orders? I¡¯m not mad at you, just disappointed now¡±


    ¡®I need to cum, I really need to cum! Argh! It¡¯s not even like I can hump this thing tied up like this, fuck me!¡¯


    The same routine every time and my body just will not let get over the edge! It doesn¡¯t matter if I try to rub up against it or try anything else. Once the vibration turns off, it¡¯s impossible. The edging marathon continues and I think we¡¯re on nine times? Or twelve, or fifteen, I don¡¯t really know anymore except from the fact I feel mentally broken and exhausted. I asked for this I guess but I didn¡¯t think Petra would take my words to heart that much.


    Against this machine, it¡¯s not like I can even stop myself getting close to the edge so it¡¯s just a vicious cycle of trying to ignore the pleasure, letting it get the best of me, then everything cuts short as the machine powers down and a telling off from Petra.


    ¡°Whatever did I do to deserve such a disobedient pet like you? *Sigh*, I¡¯ll never know. It¡¯s such a shame you¡¯re allergic to spanking otherwise you¡¯d be getting a real punishment right now¡±


    ¡®Heh, allergic to spanking, that¡¯s cute¡¯


    ¡°You know pet, I¡¯m starting to feel tired now so let¡¯s continue this training in the morning then. You can get yourself out of that, right? Or don¡¯t, I really don¡¯t care¡±


    ¡®Damn it, is she actually not going to let me cum tonight then!? Have I really been that bad?¡¯


    Petra makes her way out of sight and presumablyys down on the bed when the machine starts to hum to life once more.


    ¡°What do you know, the cable reaches all the way over here. Provide some sleeping groans for me pet while I have a quick nap. We¡¯ll continue your lessons tomorrow¡±


    ¡®Oh God, herees round whatever we¡¯re on now¡­ urgh, it¡¯sing again¡¯


    ¡°Urgh¡­ mhmm¡­¡±


    Expecting everything to stop, I don¡¯t even try forcing or pacing an orgasm out just expecting this to be another failure¡­ except, it never stops, the machine never fucking stops.


    ¡°Urgh¡­ urgh¡­ FUCK! Argh!¡±


    Without no preparation, my entire body starts fitting before I even hit the peak and to say the orgasm is explosive is a massive understatement. Everything beforehand doesn¡¯t evene close; this is some pent-up energy that could rivel the atomic bomb. I¡¯m even seeing stars with how much this is putting me through.


    ¡°Urgh urgh¡­¡±


    It doesn¡¯t just end nor slows down; the orgasm just keeps powering along until my vision starts to go foggy. Combine with the fact I¡¯m still filled with two foreign intruders and even just somehow squirted all over this, it¡¯s safe to say that was the strongest finish I¡¯ve ever had by some margin.


    It¡¯s so powerful in fact, I know I¡¯m going to pass out if this keeps it up. This needs to stop now otherwise this is going too far even for my horny mind to take.


    ¡°*Huff huff*¡­ P-Petra¡­ too much¡±


    ¡­


    No immediate response which makes my anxiety skyrocket, am I actually going to pass out from cuming? This machine is so powerful and the edging was so long, I think it¡¯s actually going to happen¡­


    ¡°S-Sorry Ikarus¡­ it¡¯s off now¡±


    Thankfully, it was only a second or two before Petra turns the sybian off giving my brain a chance to recover. I can only specte but my best guess is she just came as well using that wand of hers. Forget to mention it but I¡¯m pretty sure I heard buzzinging from the bed as well once Petra stopped my edging.


    Yeah, that¡¯s definitely a wand. Listening to that over there is making me want her to turn this back on now but probably not the greatest of ideas. Someday I¡¯ll pass out during sex but today¡¯s not the day.


    Once the buzzing stops and I presume we¡¯re both all nice and orgasmed out, Petraes back to me with a reddish look on her face that proves my assumption and starts to untie everything, also giving me a quick kiss on the mouth in the process. I couldn¡¯t even stop her if I wanted to right now with my arms still like this.


    ¡°That was quite the entertainment pet. Unfortunately for you, I still need to give you some discipline of sorts¡­¡±


    ¡®We¡¯re still doing this game? I don¡¯t think I can take being edged anymore so hopefully it¡¯s something else¡¯


    ¡°¡­How does a night in the cage sound? Don¡¯t answer me pet, that¡¯s more than suitable for such disobedience¡±


    After taking a painfully long time getting everything untied, Petra basically helps drag my exhausted body over to the metal furniture piece and the end of the bed. Despite the zoinked out state I¡¯m in, I¡¯m still conscious enough to know the safe word is chubby and I¡¯m still not using it.


    Anyways, she gives a quick point to the cage and I groggily get inside the stupid thing. At least she can¡¯t edge me from inside here, right? Unless that dildo does in fact have a vibe inside it.


    The cage itself has floor which is basically a thick nket and I have just enough room to basically curl up into the fetal position. At least it¡¯s big enough I suppose, I can definitely get somewhatfortable inside here but still. Is this actually happening of is this just fantasy?


    Once inside, the door ms shut and I see her definitely put a padlock on the door this lock this time around, am I actually staying in here all night!?


    ¡°Night pet, don¡¯t want to hear anythinging from you unless it¡¯s an end of the world emergency. I¡¯ll get you nice and fed tomorrow so sleep tight¡±


    As soon as she says that, the lights go out from the nket she covers across the cage and I¡¯mpletely stuck. Even me giving a slight kick to the door does nothing.


    ¡®Fucking hell, I think she¡¯s actually going through with this! I¡¯m conflicted, this is hot as hell but can I really sleep like this? The floor isfortable enough¡¯


    Despite the fact this should be pretty scary, all I can think about is how she should¡¯ve left me in this state with something switched on down below. I still haven¡¯t taken those two things out simply because she didn¡¯t say anything about it, am I allowed to or not?


    Trying to make myselffortable, I quickly realize trying to sleep like this is going to be a pain in the arse, literally I might add. I can get myselffortable enough but the tail and phallus are distracting as hell.


    ¡®Eh, guess I¡¯ll just deal with it then¡­¡¯


    And so, I spent the rest of the night chained up in the cage, still with both plugs in all the while having no clue when Petra would decide it was time to release me¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    Except, I¡¯m too pedantic to allow such a hot fantasy to be considered as fact. I was left in that state for not even five minutes before Petra got concerned and took off pretty much everything. Fantasies are fantasies after all, imagine how painful it would¡¯ve been getting tail out after that long. It hurt bad enough just going in and going out, all night and I¡¯d be in tears.


    I did funnily enough end up sleeping inside it though with the door unlocked, entirely down to my own decision making which made Petraugh. The flooring,bined with an additional nket or two made for a reallyfortable bed I could curl up on, I actually kinda liked it more than I care to admit.


    Maybe I¡¯m part dog as well as bird or something, hopefully Petra doesn¡¯t go too far with this because she¡¯ll probably get a cage put in back at home¡­

 Chapter 182 – Civilization

    Chapter 182 ¨C Civilization


    ¡°*Yawn*¡­ heh, you still down there Ikarus?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Ikarus, you still here?¡±


    ¡­


    Waking up alone the next morning, the sexy piece of ass Petra is stressing out is presumably stressing out when her blushing bride is nowhere to be seen. Except, as if I¡¯m going to leave my wife alone like this first thing in the morning.


    ¡°Ah, you awake Petra? Sorry, just brushing my teeth real quick, be with you in a second¡±


    Finishing off and heading back into the hotel room having just gone for my early morning routine, I just so happened to wake up much earlier than Petra today so no chance I was ever going to wake that adorable sleeping face. Even now, Petra still isn¡¯t a great sleeper so the times she does sleep in is always great. I¡¯m also pretty certain she only sleeps well after intimacy but I¡¯m not going to question her on that¡­


    Ah, the ce we¡¯re currently staying at, just imagine this entire hotel room we¡¯re in right now is a pixted mess of things that anyone under the age of eighteen can¡¯t see and leave it at that. I can say there¡¯s a lot of ck and red around, also the fact it¡¯s considered a love hotel. Albeit a very pervy one¡­


    ¡°Heh, so what¡¯s the n today Ikarus? We going to stay inside the room and use everything to full effect?¡±


    ¡°Hah hah, very funny. I mean, we could if you really wanted to but your jokes were lost on me ages ago¡±


    Even without my wisdom ability, I¡¯d still be able to tell Petra was only kidding there. The way she¡¯s smiling at me in the bed down in a yful kneeling position says it all really.


    ¡°Heh, did you actually want a second night of sin Ikarus? Unfortunately, they didn¡¯t have two nights free. Would¡¯ve booked it if they did¡±


    ¡°Phew, that¡¯s a real terrible shame¡­¡±


    ¡®Sarcasm aside, it¡¯s probably for the best we¡¯re not staying another night. We¡¯ve had way too many of these experiences recently so it¡¯s time to mellow it back a little more and be a boring bunch of lovebirds¡¯


    ¡°¡­Anyways, I¡¯m not too sure if this ce does food so we¡¯ll probably have to go somewhere. Ah, can you make sure you do me a huge favour Petra and remind me to print some stuff out? We can¡¯t be returning to the settlement empty handed¡±


    Food, drinks, old technology, machinery, basically anything I realistically feel can be made back in our own world I need to bring with me. Garry¡¯s a genius but if I were to give him the blueprint for a modern car or something like that, it might make his brain explode. I¡¯ll try and keep things limited¡­ Heck, I don¡¯t even know if power works in our world yet. Gunpowder isn¡¯t great so it¡¯s no guarantee if most of it will work. Recipes for food and stuff like fizzy drink I¡¯m sure will work perfectly though.


    ¡°Heh, of course Ikarus¡­ Say, we have this room till midday, right? You sure you don¡¯t want to get your money¡¯s worth and continue on fromst night again?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®Sometimes I just don¡¯t know with her. It¡¯s damn tempting, sure but I literally woke up early so we could n this day together. We¡¯re not going waste half of it messing around with whips and chains¡­ that reminds me of an old song thinking about it. Wonder if there¡¯s a way I can bring modernish music back as well¡¯


    ¡°You know, why do I even bother at times? It¡¯s clear you¡¯d rather just hump like rabbits till the end of eternity rather than do anything interesting¡±


    ¡°Heh, noment Ikarus, noment¡­¡±


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    (Odin) ¡°Shield brothers and sisters, we stand here today to end the tyranny of the bastard God who has treated us like vermin for centuries too long. Whatever it takes, we will purge Zeus from the heavens and be victorious! Loki! Get out of that fucking form already and join us in arms!¡±


    (Thor) ¡°Aye, father speaks sensess. Get out of that fucking pitiful body already and join us asrades. Who seriously turns up to a battle wearing a whore¡¯s dress?¡±


    (Loki) ¡°Nah, you two go ahead and fight with everyone else. I¡¯ll sit this one out otherwise I¡¯ll break my nails. I¡¯ll cheer you on from the side though!¡±


    (Odin) ¡°*Grumble*¡­ damn perverted brother of mine¡­¡±


    Standing outside Zeus¡¯s pce with a dozen or so of the Gods from Ragnar?k, we¡¯re about tounch an attack on the one who rules all and boy, it really is quite the scene. There are so many hulking barbarians around right now! Pretty disgusting if you just imagine the number of balls that dangle around but not everyone shares my distastes unfortunately. I¡¯ve already tried countless times before to try and ¡®soften¡¯ up both brother and Thor up but they just won¡¯t have it!


    Anyways, it appears it¡¯s time to start the war games¡­ again. No idea how many times we¡¯ve already attacked but it¡¯s guaranteed to end in failure. Why should I fight when I know it¡¯s pointless? This red skimpy dress of mind has enough red on it for my liking¡­ eh, maybe I might get my nails and horns done red next time around thinking about it, surprised they didn¡¯t mention my essories but men don¡¯t notice what¡¯s right in front of them at times.


    The start of the battle initiates when the roaring horn lets it be known, the handful of Gods from the Ragnar?k faction charge towards the gates of Zeus¡¯s marble pce led by both Odin and Thor. I¡¯d love it for those two tond a hit today but still wouldn¡¯t bet on it. If I did have to bet on something, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if that gate provides too much of a problem.


    Both of them strike at the golden gate causing an electrical discharge to ur knocking several of the weaker brethren back. However, a second hites in from the duo and the gate falls down t.


    ¡®Huh, maybe I don¡¯t give them enough credit. That seemed easy enough, now onto the fun part!¡¯


    Having a free path into the pce, both of the Ragnar?k leaders seize up when the God they were hunting steps out right into the courtyard. By the looks of it, Zeus is pissed.


    ¡°Bah, must you idiot Vikings do this again!?! This is the fourth time you¡¯ve destroyed my golden gate! This game is no longer funny, stop destroying my property!¡±


    (Odin) ¡°Fool! Surrender to us imposter God so you may yet live to see another day¡±


    (Thor) ¡°Aye, give up now and we won¡¯t smash ya head in!¡±


    ¡®Idiots. Can they really note out with better lines?¡¯


    With a snap of the disinterested God¡¯s fingers, lighting flies from the skies all aiming for the invaders. Immediately, the members of the huddled-up group split and scarper trying to avoid the attack but outrunning lighting is as task easier said than done.


    Unfortunately, all of the weaker Gods find themselves electrocuted dropping like flies as the only two left remaining are the leaders. Both of which are rushing towards Zeus weapons in hand about to smash or pierce his heart¡­


    Except, all it takes is another finger from the muscr God and two beams of lightning find a path straight into the torsos of both the attackers ending the fight there. Covered in blood and utterly defeated, they really don¡¯t know what¡¯s hit them.


    ¡°Argh! *Coughs blood*¡­ this won¡¯t be thest of us Zeus¡­ we¡¯ll be back soon enough¡­¡±


    ¡°Aye¡­ You will face our wrath someday¡­¡±


    And so, all of the bodies from the attackers fade into obscurity only leaving two remaining survivors. That was pitiful to say the least but at least it gives me some more time to y about before being called on again. As if I¡¯m helping with the physical fighting, makeup is terrible for fixing scars!


    Ah, should probably mention that fact Gods can¡¯t exactly die up here so all fights end up being aplete waste of time. There are always exceptions to thetter, most of which involve getting mortals involved like making them demi Gods as such, but Gods just simply can¡¯t kill other Gods who have a permanent residence up in the heavens. Not entirely sure if that fact trantes over to demons and angels but they¡¯ve never tried so no one would know. Evil vs good and all that always persists.


    Anyways, the God ahead of me has a confused face when Ie up to him all smiles and trying my best at being pleasant. As if I¡¯m as wild as my brethren, you can always do the same damage without wielding a sword or axe, just it takes a little more intelligence.


    ¡°Wassup big guy! Have we spoken to each other yet!? I definitelyid eyes upon you back at thatst Olympus meeting but don¡¯t believe we¡¯ve had a formal introduction!¡±


    The confused face continues as this heap of muscles really can¡¯t figure out my game. I¡®m just being friendly, nothing else to it at all¡­


    ¡°Are you not with them wench? Don¡¯t you wish to avenge your fallenrades?¡±


    ¡°Nah, why would I care if those idiots are already dead? They¡¯ll just revive back at home anyways, no point in caring¡±


    Considering the fact Zeus currently looks like he¡¯s speaking to a lost child or something, best know I¡¯ve got the reaction I was hoping for. No need to ever see me as anything other than an idiot, it always works out better that way.


    ¡°If you think I have time for Norse whores, then you¡¯re greatly mistaken wench. Bah! I¡¯ve got to fix that fucking door again, that¡¯ll be another waste of time stuck doing something mundane¡±


    ¡°No worries big guy! I always make sure I charge when ites to that sort of thing but, I was here to enjoy the show today. Seeing how prematurely it¡¯s ended, I guess I can pass a message on from a mutual friend instead¡±


    By this point, I can visibly start to see a vein on his forehead. He really can¡¯t stand conversing with idiots it seems, can¡¯t say I me him too much considering everything that¡¯s happened with Ragnar?k. If we hadn¡¯t all made sacrifices and amends way back then, none of us would¡¯ve survived.


    ¡°What sort of message? I¡¯m not in the mood today so if you start speaking in riddles or ying games, you will find my fist in your ugly face¡±


    ¡®Ugly!? Damn, this face is the epitome of pure beauty! I¡¯ll just let that slide cause my brother has cleary pissed him off¡¯


    ¡°What!? I¡¯d never y games with you! I¡¯m just here to tell you that your nephew has broken out of jail and his whereabouts is now unknown. Rumour has it, he¡¯s returned to the heavens to support the rebels, but who can really tell?¡±


    ¡°Bah! Dionysus got out of Tartarus!? How the fuck is that even possible!?¡±


    More immense anger curses the God¡¯s face as even I step back slightly trying not to receive his wrath. Almost reminds me of the time I nearly managed to flip Odin¡¯s gender around but that ended with my head in a vice. Literally I might add, detached from my body and everything, got a close up view of my boobs like that as well. Brother is really insecure about his masculinity and he always will be, he should be like me and just embrace the chaos! I have no idea where I left my genitals and I couldn¡¯t care less!


    ¡°Don¡¯t be asking me big guy, don¡¯t attack the messenger and all that! I¡¯ll be leaving now since that¡¯s all I have for you unfortunately; I¡¯ll definitely find you again if there¡¯s more!¡±


    Turning my back on the now visibly fuming Zeus, you can only be specting on what would be going around in his goat sized brain. ¡®Ah, that bastard brother of mine has finally decided to do something¡¯ or ¡®Is everyone against me or is that nephew of mine more intelligent than I thought?¡¯. It could be anything really.


    You know, I¡¯ve never understood what the demon Asmodeus gets out of this. Personally, I really can¡¯t see why he¡¯d want me to tell Zeus this early the Underworld is now involved but guess that oracle and he have their secrets after all. Only thing I can think of is that increasing his paranoia is supposed to beneficial to the whole n, I couldn¡¯t care about all that boring stuff though. I¡¯ve got more important issues that need fixing, like alchemy!


    ¡®Anyways, now onto the fun stuff! My incarnate said she wanted some potions so let¡¯s get brewing! That brother of hers really has some kind and caring friends it seems¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡­


    ¡°Heh, hurry it up Ikarus. We may end up back a day or twoter if you don¡¯t because of the time difference¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying, damn it woman! Just think Ikarus, have I forgotten anything too important? I don¡¯t need any erotica since our world is good for it¡­ already got a couple of things rted to war¡­ I freaking hate this! Work brain and figure out what I¡¯m missing!¡±


    After finishing off our epic honeymoon and now getting everything together before we TP back, I¡¯m visibly getting pissed at myself in case I forget to bring anything back. You see, I¡¯ve probably ruined the ending to this honeymoon simply because when we return to the settlement, I¡¯m single handedly going to bring the era out of the medieval ages. The number of papers, books, documents, literally anything I can think of that will cheat thews of the universe and give our inds the chance to be modern.


    Just in thest two days alone, I¡¯ve probably spent thousands of pounds at this point getting every bought and ready to bring back. This is NOT including the extortionate hotel prices that Petra can partially be med for as well.


    The first hotel, the very obvious one wasn¡¯t that bad but we also went big spending a night at a five star ce the second night. It should¡¯ve been excellent if my mind wasn¡¯t so in a twist about wanting to bring everything back I can to home with me. Ended up cleaning out the mini fridge as well so you can already tell how much it cost. Eh, who needs an inheritance anyways? We¡¯ve got a settlement to rinse, damn it!


    Oh, we¡¯re currently at a park trying our best not to be seen or heard but that¡¯s not going to stop me right now. Don¡¯t think anyone has seen me make these bags and bags of books disappear into thin air yet but no time to care if they do.


    ¡°Heh, does it really matter that much if we forget one of the dozens of recipe books you n to bring along Ikarus?¡±


    Petra clearly mocks me with one of my recipe books so I snatch it off her. Just because I don¡¯t cook doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t get the v-, no, workers back at home to do it for me. That was a slip of the mind I¡¯m better make sure I don¡¯t make again.


    ¡°It does matter! Don¡¯t you want an extremelyzy world where we can do basically nothing and live like actual queens? I know we do that already but I¡¯m nning for way more modernziness, maybe someday rece the idiots all with robots as well¡±


    Should also mention some more about the piles of books I¡¯m stuffing into storage, there¡¯s even stuff about automation and efficient farming methods! Of course, I couldn¡¯t give a rat¡¯s arse about pretty much all of it but the second I present this to Marcus, his heart may skip a beat knowing what he can do with all this. That, or thenguage may not even make sense to them all, I didn¡¯t fucking think of that!


    Eh, maybe that can be Ariza¡¯s and Zeki¡¯s job to trante? Oh, who even knows at this point? Because of the automatic trantor, maybe thenguage is closer to English than I first realized?


    [<Thenguage is not the same but Ikarus can believe it¡¯s the same if it helps>]


    ¡®Thanks for help, sighhh¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­I think¡­ I¡¯m done Petra? Is there anything obvious I¡¯m forgetting?¡±


    ¡°Heh, not sure Ikarus. Maybe there¡¯s an eleventh book on herbs and spices you need?¡±


    [<Why is Ikarus presuming this is thest time we¡¯ll be visiting Earth anyways? As long as we don¡¯t screw around here, the powers that be will allow us to return whenever we want>]


    ¡°Very funny Petra, and Aesa, probably because I know how these sorts of things work. For all we know, we¡¯re about to set off a chain of events that¡¯ll stop any return happening¡±


    Talk about red gging it up but there is some reasoning to my madness. The more and more I think about this all, even if we¡¯re able to someday defeat Zeus, I can¡¯t see this ending exactly how I want it to. Defeating the literal top God has toe with some sacrifices so I¡¯m going into all this with an extremely cautious attitude. First though, we¡¯ve obviously still got to get through all the demon bullshit that¡¯s fast approaching but doesn¡¯t hurt to n ahead somewhat.


    ¡°Let¡¯s find somece secluded, then we¡¯ll TP back. You end up enjoying this holiday anyways Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, more than you could imagine Ikarus. That first hotel in particr really held its charm¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ can¡¯t get your mind out of the gutter for even a second, can you? Come on then wifey, let¡¯s head home¡­¡±

 Chapter 183 – Graveyard

    Chapter 183 ¨C Graveyard


    ---Sorry but there''s only going to be 2 chapters this week. me a mixture of migraines, tiredness, feeling burnout with this story and a need to just simply do something else. Should hopefully get to 3 next week but I can''t guarantee even just 1 or 2 right now. Strongest burnout I''ve experienced since starting and I''m not sure how to get around it, nning the final volume in particr is also proving a massive headache.


    ---If you have any ideas/interactions/anything you''d like to see for when things mostly fixate around the world of the Gods, now''s the time to share as the next volume will be thest. Even if it''s unrted but can wriggled in, I''ll never throw away any idea (Even a smut idea or two if if there''s anything you want the lovebirds to visit).


    __________


    ¡°Bloody hell Queens! You nearly gave me a heart attack! Didn¡¯t you two agree to stop doing that?¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Yeah yeah Marcus. Just call it karma for inviting the entire settlement to our wedding or something¡±


    ¡°Wait, were you not happy with the wedding? We can always do another if it wasn¡¯t up to your specifications¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, don¡¯t start ying dumb with us Marcus. We both were happy with it but was making it a national holiday necessary?¡±


    Having just returned home straight to Marcus¡¯s office, obviously two random women teleporting into his office is bound to give anyone a quick shock. I know it¡¯s long dyed but I do feel like words need to be mentioned on the fact he¡¯s partially the reason for my panic attack on our wedding day. Hey, I couldn¡¯t even care that much about it now but this obsession with turning us into some sort of icons is bing a little weird now.


    ¡°My apologies if you two really don¡¯t being liked but I¡¯ll die on this metaphorical sword. Having the two queens be this famous and likeable benefits everyone¡­¡±


    ¡®Sighhh, no point even arguing with him on this. I could literally start murdering citizens at will and he¡¯d probably find some way of smoothing it over¡¯


    ¡°¡­Anyways, I presume you two are just getting back from your honeymoon? If you¡¯re worrying about potential problems or anything like that, thesest two months have been as peaceful as ever. People have been in tears about the queens being gone for this long again but obviously you two wouldn¡¯t care about that. There was a suggestion about building a couple of statues made from pure gold, but even I¡¯m refusing to give finances for something that wasteful¡±


    Wait, is he using guilt treatment on us now? Have people seriously been crying we¡¯ve been gone¡­ I can see them doing it. Damn idiots man, we need to leave this settlement permanently someday because this is only going to get worse.


    ¡°Whatever Marcus, clearly you¡¯re in a slight mood today so we¡¯ll leave you shortly after this. Here, it¡¯s pretend Christmas and I¡¯m the one bringing gifts¡­¡±


    Without giving any real warning, I empty out most of my inventory all over the ce turning Marcus¡¯s study into aplete mess. At least beforehand you could walk around but now, it¡¯s a freaking book avnche! He doesn¡¯t seem all that pleased from my merry nature though.


    ¡°I¡¯m not in a mood Queen Ikarus, just I can see why you two get annoyed so much by all the worshipping going around¡­ what even is all this? You wanting to create library filled with foreign books?¡±


    Marcus gets out of his seat, takes a quick look at one of the books and obviously would have a puzzled look on his face. Knew thisnguage thing would prove a problem but they¡¯ll learn it someday, right?


    ¡°Notpletely, but it would make sense at this point. All these books and papers are from our world, which just so happens to be hundreds of years more advanced. Just, you may need to learn an entirely newnguage to harness said powers an-¡­¡±


    While I¡¯m trying to get the gravity of this situation through to Marcus who still seems a little confused by it all, a random knock on the door startles us all. Don¡¯t tell me this is Eve skipping her work dutieses to ¡®serve¡¯ the politician next then? I already know those two were kinda an item but still.


    ¡°What perfect timing... You two arepletely finished with your holiday then?¡±


    ¡°Of course, you¡¯d fucking know when we return and to the exact location in question. *Sighhh*, I really can¡¯t stand him Petra¡±


    ¡°Heh, same as well Ikarus but we¡¯ll just have you get through it together¡±


    The bastard demon Asmodeus, also known as Petra¡¯s potential fatheres through the door grinning madly like always. I know he knows way too much about the future and all but didn¡¯t expect him to be this impatient.


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯ll just have to put aside that hatred of me orange one until my inevitable deathes along. You two ready to head into the majin world yet?¡±


    ¡°Hey demon, you know I can¡¯t TP right now? I¡¯ve still got the daily cooldown thing to get through¡±


    ¡°No worries orange one, we can take the portal down in the mines, it¡¯ll only take a few minutes to fix. I do warn you though, make sure you bring a gas mask, just in case¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Remind me again why we¡¯re doing this alone and not with any backup demon?¡±


    ¡°Ikarus has a point Asmodeus. You may not see them as much but even just Ariza or Zeki can prove really helpful¡­ well, at least Ariza anyways¡±


    Remember when that pitiful demon invasion tried to destroy our inds and we found one of the staging grounds deep within our gold mine? We¡¯re now back here while Asmodeus is working his magic on the obelisk mirror we once used to enter hell for a brief amount of time. Not sure how it all works but apparently, we broke the transportation mechanismst time around.


    Ah, should also mention the fact both priestess and the knight have returned to the empire. Can¡¯t exact be expecting them to stay here for two whole months while me and Petra were away for two days back on Earth. Even they have their own lives to live and remembering a quick conversation from our wedding, they could even return to us married someday.


    ¡°For the first demon lord, it¡¯s better if we do this with no extra risks of casualties since things are about to get¡­ explosive. Frankly, the blue one probably has enough power to survive this but the red one has a fifty-fifty chance of dying from what you two are capable of. Heh, you¡¯ll understand shortly¡±


    Still injecting his wind magic into the obelisk, the demon has just said something strange. Ariza¡¯s more powerful than Zeki? Her mind control is good and all but it¡¯s heavily restricted, I wouldn¡¯t say that makes her more powerful though. Last time I checked, her level would¡¯ve been in the eighties or nies I believe? She gained a load back in the Underground from those fury ¡®fights¡¯ we were involved in.


    ¡°Are you sure those numbers make sense demon? As much we all love Ariza, she isn¡¯t stronger than Zeki, right?¡±


    ¡°Oh, do you two not know of the deal she made with Loki yet? Heh, that¡¯s¡­ a good sign. At least that confirms we¡¯re definitely on the right path¡±


    ¡®Sighhh, knowing the future stuff again¡¯


    ¡°What deal demon? Give us more details already, damn it!¡±


    This is the problem when dealing with someone who knows the future, information always iscking for people they travel alongside. I honestly feel sorry for all thepanions of those Korean manhwa heroes who go back in time to regress and beat the story that way, It¡¯s freaking infuriating!


    ¡°Look orange one, it matters little to the overall context of things, but if you must know, Loki offered her a chance to be his incarnate and she reluctantly epted. She¡¯d probably have said if you two asked but it means little anyways¡­ the portal is ready so let¡¯s be going¡±


    Wait, Ariza is actually now a God¡¯s incarnate like how Charlotte is with Dionysus? Is this not a big deal?


    Petra looks the same as me not really sure on what opinion to have. It sounds like a big thing but priestess makes it seem like nothing so maybe the added power she gets will just help out in the background? Does she also get the five hundred level counter thing as well then? Eh, will just have to ask her again sometime soon.


    Anyways, the magic mirror standing inside the obelisk starts to gleam ever so slightly so Asmodeus steps first into the portal with us following shortly behind. It¡¯s time to return to hell¡­


    As soon as we enter the world known as the majinnd, the never-ending brimstone can be seen all around remining me a bit of Tartarus to an extent, obviously excluding the fieryvakes. There is a huge difference with the purple fog lingering all around and the slight glimpses of demon corpses that can be seen scattered on the floor every ten steps or so. This ce is a stinky graveyard¡­


    ¡°Yuck, since when does death smell that bad? It¡¯s like a clogged-up sewer inside here!¡±


    I can oddly speak from experience there. Me and that idiot brother of mine once found a way into an ol¡¯sewer and the smell was just as bad as this. Really weird memory that, can¡¯t even remember why we thought it would be a good idea but kids are idiots I suppose.


    ¡°Heh, that¡¯ll be the poison orange one. Every inch of this world is covered in the burning fog. It¡¯s beautiful, is it not?¡±


    ¡°This is gonna sound stupid, but just how dangerous is it? Normally, Aesa gives me the head up if I can¡¯t breathe or something¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not particrly dangerous to you lot in low doses. The second it gets hard to breathe, like if we wonder into a condensed area for example, that¡¯s what your masks are for¡­ As for demon¡¯s ourselves, this stuff burns the insides out like a fire consuming from within¡±


    While finishing his statement, Asmodeus puts on his gasmask proving just how evil he is. Everything in this world, all the endless corpses are all on his shoulders alone and yet, he is only full of smiles. Their race must be truly despicable to get treatment like this or this guy is just a super viin bent on world destruction. Hopefully, it¡¯s not thetter because this guy will be stealing my thing! Even if Petra¡¯s the angel on my shoulders keeping me sane, she¡¯s also the pervy devil as well at times.


    Anyways, the demon starts taking the lead walking towards the only building in sight ahead of us in this baron wastnd. He points towards it and presumably keeps smiling under that mask of his.


    ¡°It¡¯s time for the really fun part now. You see thatrge manor in the distance? That once upon a time used to be my home, now taken hostage by one of my horrible brothers. Orange one, please use your strongest attack to turn it into ash¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Erm, that might be a little overkill if you already know what my strongest attack is¡±


    He knows about my percentage-based supernova, right? If he does, then this is beyond stupid using it right now. Petra and him would both be incinerated.


    ¡°Heh, listen to my words orange one and know my conviction. The dark one¡¯s barriers are strong enough to withstand that attack. This must be done and it¡¯s debatable if this will even be enough to kill my brethren inside¡±


    Bullshit! As if there¡¯s a creature inside that manor capable of withstanding a full supernova. I mean, there¡¯s no lies in what he says but still. And as if those two can withstand it as well! I thought this was supposed to win against everything!?


    Before I even have the chance to question on just who¡¯s inside, Petra looks just as distracted as me about the whole thing. Trust is a hard word to use but for something like this, we¡¯ll both have to do it for him it seems.


    ¡°Look Asmodeus, you¡¯re seriously underestimating Ikarus if you think we can survive it with a simple barrier. There¡¯s a reason why they rarely get used, most don¡¯t hold up to anything except dungeon ones¡±


    ¡°Heh, then you¡¯ll just have to make sure you put enough backbone into it dark on, yours are basically on the dungeon level already. You have the backing of the God of wisdom, creating a little barrier strong enough for us two shouldn¡¯t be that hard. It either we do this or we fly for weeks getting out of your lover¡¯s range¡±


    This explosion spreads out for a distance of weeks!? I really don¡¯t want to use this now¡­


    ¡°Hmm¡­ heh, fuck it. I¡¯ll give it a try so you can activate it whenever you want Ikarus¡±


    She¡¯s already been convinced on this!? Okay, can never forget she has a reckless side to her and all but damn it Petra! Like father, like daughter I guess. Those hehs are horrible uncanny as well.


    ¡°Petra, I¡¯m still not sure this is a grea-¡±


    Before I even get the chance to say anything, Petra puts her finger up to my lips and stops myints. Have I turned into the only rational person here now or something?


    ¡°Heh, shh Ikarus. If the demon is lying and we can¡¯t withstand it, I¡¯ll just wait for you down in the Underworld, alright? I¡¯m sure Hades and Persephone won¡¯t mind keeping my soul safe and secure till you find me¡±


    ¡®Stupid wife of mine being morbid as hell. Sighhh, looks like I¡¯ve got no choice in this now¡­ hey Aesa, prepare supernova at one hundred percent please¡¯


    [<Normally, Aesa would be dead against this but if wife decides otherwise, then Aesa and Ikarus must persist>]


    ¡®Sighhh, I¡¯ll let that one slide¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­All ready you two?¡±


    As soon as I finish my question albeit as reluctant as I can, a dark purple barrier starts to surround both my wife and the masked demon getting stronger in colour by the second. I¡¯ve seen Petra removing barriers before but never creating them, it¡¯s weird since it looks like they¡¯re surrounded by a barrier of purple ss now.


    ¡°Heh, all good Ikarus. Let¡¯s see the disy then¡±


    ¡°Have faith in me and the oracle orange one. It¡¯ll be fine¡±


    ¡®Right, let¡¯s have faith in the two people both known for abusing my wife. Hopefully, Petra throws him out the barrier halfway through¡¯


    Anyways, now onto the final showdown or the ending of my wife. Grippin tightly against the orb and actually praying deep inside that this goes well, I make sure to get ready aiming myself and my arm towards the huge manor in question.


    Steadying myself, slowing my breathing and pulling my arm back, Iunch the orb flying towards the only building in sight and within seconds, that sted thing makes contact¡­


    Almost immediately, everything goes white and silent from the pure impact of the attack and I find myself dropping into the crater of my own creation, falling for what feels like a minute before opening up my wings.


    Eventually, my sight and hearing returns not without that dreaded ringing in my ears. Even the nuke up close wasn¡¯t this bad but guess the sheer amount of force has caused it.


    ¡°Petra? Petra! Where are you?¡±


    All around me, the beautiful radiant colours from the aftermath lights up everything within my sight causing me quick distress. How the fuck can I check if Petra¡¯s okay if this is all that I can see?


    ¡®Shit shit shit! Where are those two Aesa? I can¡¯t see anything!¡¯


    [<Ikarus fell quite the distance, try looking up perhaps?>]


    In the absolute mess of a colourful pit I¡¯m in, I see just a purple speck of something still up high. Huh, maybe I should¡¯ve thought about that.


    Hurriedly flying up to try and find those two, Petra¡¯s barrier seems to have a floor to it obviously being the reason why they didn¡¯t fall as well. Considering the sheer impact of that explosion and the fact the barrier only has a slight crack in it, guess the demon really can be trusted¡­ for now at least. I guess Gods really have the power to survive even things like that, I¡¯d call bullshit if I wasn¡¯t¡¯;t happy Petra¡¯s unharmed.


    ¡°Hahahahahahahahahaha¡­¡±


    Laughing like a maniac not stopping even when my wings p into view, the demon seems to be having aughing fit underneath that mask of his. Is my attack really that funny?


    ¡°Petra¡­ is he alright?¡±


    ¡°Unsure Ikarus, he¡¯s beenughing ever since the supernova went off¡±


    ¡°¡­Hahahaha¡­ it¡¯s time for the really fun part you two. That definitely woke him up¡­¡±


    While Asmodeus is stillughing, a noticeable shaking in the crater seems to be forming and a bloodcurdling roar beckons all around¡­

 Chapter 184 – On The Hunt

    Chapter 184 ¨C On The Hunt


    Heading deeper into the crater to investigate the screaming with both Asmodeus and Petra on my back, trying to find anything inside this ce is proving quite the challenge. Had to quickly go into phoenix mode otherwise those two would¡¯ve fell quite the huge distance once Petra¡¯s barrier had subsided.


    Seriously though, I barely even noticed it when supernova was fully in colourful bloom but the bottom of this crater could be a mile deep. No idea on the outside really since the ends of it are out of sight, this portion of the demon world is now just a gigantic country sized crater. Maybe even a continent sized one¡­


    Anyways, we finallynd and get to the area the roaring sounded like it wasing from and find not much to see or hear. The demon lord in question isn¡¯t already dead, is he? Surviving my supernova at full whack should be an impossibility but it doesn¡¯t seem that way¡­


    All of a sudden, a boulder flies to the side and underneath said flying boulder sits a creature indescribable in how red and buff he is. If I end up looking like that once I be a demon lord, muscles or not, I might just off myself. That¡¯s not the good kind of buff!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°ARGGGHHHHHH!!! WHICH OF YOU FUCKERS DID THAT!?!¡±


    ¡°Heh, morning my beloved brother Satan. Say, our wakeup call didn¡¯t hurt that much, did it?¡±


    ¡°ASMODEUS!?! HOW DARE YOU RETURN TO THESE SACRED LANDS AFTER WHAT YOU DID! YOU DON¡¯T DESERVE THOSE HORNS OF YOURS!!!¡±


    ¡°Heh, whatever you say big guy. We¡¯re obviously not here to discuss philosophy with you¡±


    ¡°LITTLE MOTHERFUCKER!!!¡±


    ¡®This guy needs his volume lowered a tad¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Satan | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 1,042/166,666]


    [Stamina 81,971/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    ¡®Only a thousand left? Damn, he really is hanging on by a thread¡¯


    [<Ikarus needs to be warned, this is the strongest person we¡¯ve evere across by a considerable margin. Extreme caution is advised>]


    ¡®Chill Aesa, thatst attack did most of the work anyways¡¯


    [<Aesa is being serious here, resisting our attack like that would require resistances equalling numbers yet to be seen. 1042 HP or not, this isn¡¯t a foe we can take lightly so being cautious with abilities is ill advised>]


    ¡®Don¡¯t worry Aesa, I wasn¡¯t nning to take him lightly¡­¡¯


    Just before me and Petra look to initiatebat to finish the demon lord off, Asmodeus just can¡¯t help himself walking over to the barely breathing creature to share even more words.


    ¡°WHAT WAS THE ENTIRE MEANING OF THIS ASMODEUS!?! YOU DESTROY OUR ENTIRE SPECIES, AND FOR WHAT!?! A COUPLE OF MIXED BREED BIRDS!?!¡±


    ¡®Hey! That¡¯s phoenix racism! We don¡¯t tolerate that sorta stuff around here!¡¯


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t understand my reasoning brother so don¡¯t even bother asking, all I¡¯m doing right now is tossing you a bone. Renounce your demonship and we¡¯ll maybe, just maybe let you live¡±


    ¡°RENOUNCE MY DEMONSHIP!?! THIS MADNESS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO PERSIST ANY LONGER!!! YOU ALL MUST BE CRUSHED¡­¡±


    Intense rage clouds Satan¡¯s mind as the hulking monstrosity enters some sort of a berserker mode making his eyes glow. It was obvious Asmodeus did that to piss him off but not entirely sure if it¡¯ll help us.


    ¡°Heh, knew that wouldn¡¯t work but might as well spit on the hos nest so to speak. Both of you, activate that giant¡¯s power and I¡¯ll use the wind to keep him distracted. Satan¡¯s wrath cannot be underestimated¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah demon lord¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Both me and Petra nod in unison as the colossal monstrosity rushes towards us at a speed unparalleled to anything I¡¯ve ever witnessed before. Even Petra in her dark eye mode hasn¡¯t got nothing on this!


    Thankfully, Asmodeus slows down his brethren massively when huge cyclones of wind emanate from his arms. It isn¡¯t perfect as the injured brute is still able to push through it but it¡¯s almost like he¡¯s facing down a storm right now. Me and Petra aren¡¯t going to let this opportunity go to waste¡­


    ¡®Aesa?¡¯


    [<Confirmed, -aspect of gigantomachy- has been activated>]


    Petra¡¯s the first of us to attackunching her de into the hip of the demon, didn¡¯t realize aspect can be used in connection with her sword art but it definitely looks that way.


    ¡°YOU LITTLE PUNY PIECE OF SHIT!!! YOU DARE COME OVER HERE AND USE GIAN-, ARGHHH!!!¡±


    Even as he receives the attack from Petra, the demon¡¯s entire attention is only fixed to the wing magic user so I¡¯m going to use this chance also.


    Getting a good run upunching myself towards him plunging Excalibur deep into his back, that jumping attack must¡¯ve looked gnarly from a different perspective but no time for style points right now. We¡¯re taking this idiot down one way or another.


    ¡®Gotcha bastard¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Satan | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 41/166,666]


    [Stamina 80,421/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    ¡®So, he only takes one percent of damage then? Aspect was always fifty thousand so me and Petra¡¯s would make around a thousand¡¯


    [<It appears that way but Ikarus shouldn¡¯t take that theory to the grave>]


    ¡®Rx Aesa, we¡¯ve got this¡¯


    Even afternding the hit and removing my de, the demon will not stop trying to get to Asmodeus almost making me feel like he¡¯s treating us like insects or something. We¡¯re clearly damaging him a load, he really can¡¯t afford to be just focusing on the guy pushing him back, right?


    Once our opening attacks are finished, me and Petra go for a different but simr approach slicing and dicing the demon from each sidending a good three to four attacks before the demon finally has enough of the scratches we¡¯re inflicting upon him.


    ¡°WILL YOU LITTLE PESKY BUGS JUST PISS OFF ALREADY!?!¡±


    A gigantic force of power pushes us back originating from the huge guy, so much so Petra actually ragdolls a good distance away and I have to use my wings catching her in the process. Even after all this, he¡¯s still not focusing on us and only ns on stepping closer and closer to Asmodeus.


    ¡°Heh, thanks for the save Ikarus. This is a pretty strange fight¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that angry dickhead isn¡¯t even bothering with us. Are normal attacks really this weak?¡±


    ¡°Seems that way¡±


    ¡®Maybe his resistance does actually hit a hundred percent to some attacks then? Status scan again¡¯


    [Name: Satan | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 41/166,666]


    [Stamina 80,420/166,666]


    [Magicka 161,666/166,666]


    Guess I was right, his health hasn¡¯t dropped a single point. Even when I was opening this up, Petra¡¯s sword flies trying to cut his neck and it doesn¡¯t even break the skin. It seems we¡¯re going to have to try things other than weapons to break that skin like armour of his.


    ¡°Fire won¡¯t work against him orange one so don¡¯t even bother trying that next¡­¡±


    Like he can read my mind, Asmodeus stops me from charging up a fire tornado. Thest demon lord wasn¡¯t resistant to fire, was he? I guess it would be stupid to assume they¡¯re all the same.


    ¡°¡­Light magic however will. Pretty sure you have something that can work?¡±


    ¡°YOU CAN¡¯T HOLD ME BACK FOREVER ASMODEUS! ONCE I¡¯VE RIPPED OUT YOUR SPINE, THEN I¡¯LL DEAL WITH YOUR LITTLE BIRDIES!¡±


    ¡®We seriously are being treated like mosquitos or something here. Guess I¡¯ll just do what Asmodeus says, Aesa? Think it was called sun kiss?¡¯


    [<Affirmative Ikarus. Ability -sun kiss- is now in effect>]


    ¡°Great, let¡¯s see if-¡­ Shit! Cancel it Aesa!¡±


    [<Toote now Ikarus. The bastard demon did suggest using this>]


    As soon as I activate my attack, I realize that Asmodeus may have made a mistake here. Us phoenixes are resistant to light and fire magic but he might not be. The main problem is, this is an AOE attack. If this ends up killing the other demon, then our future may be fucked. I¡¯m not stupid enough to only focus on my hatred of him despite me wanting him dead.


    Still locked in what looks like a scene with two wizards, the much smaller demon continues to push about the bulky demon back with wind as he very slowly makes his way to his treacherous brother, now in arms reach. Obviously, us lovebirds are mostly getting ignored due to him wanting to smash his brother into pieces. Unfortunately for him, the roaring in the reddish skies and the blinding lights aren¡¯t going to help both of them two here.


    As the light disappears, the deadly god rays start to fall all around even trying to pierce Petra but proving fruitless. Those two now in contact wrestling each other are getting affected though¡­


    ¡°ASMODEUS!!!¡±


    As soon as the god rays start to pierce both the demon lords, Satan manages to get his hands wrapped around his brother¡¯s neck looking to squeeze the life out of him. The fact Asmodeus is still just all smiles must be pissing his brother off even more.


    ¡°Heh, time is running out brother. Can you kill me quick enough or will your soul depart this life beforehand?¡±


    ¡°YOU FUCKING LITTLE RUNT!! I¡¯LL- I¡¯LL¡­ arghhh¡­¡±


    Copsing to his knees losing all grip on his masked brother¡¯s neck, only one demon lord survives this encounter in a oddly dramatic way. At least, he survives for the moment¡­


    ¡°You might want to, you know, try and get away from this Asmodeus. Not sure on the range but this looks like it hurts a load¡±


    Literally just standing there over his brother¡¯s corpse and not even flinching as the heavenly light beams pierce his body, the demon ponders over my suggestion but seems more focused on admiring the dead.


    ¡°Rx orange one, what do you think I¡¯ve been preparing for? Us majin are terrible against anything light based so this kind of torture is nothing new to me¡±


    ¡®He says that but the blood dripping off him says otherwise¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Asmodeus | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 65,758/166,666]


    [Stamina 81,971/166,666]


    [Magicka 133,268/166,666]


    ¡®His health is still dropping even now, at least he seems confident he¡¯ll survive it¡¯


    [<Does Ikarus and Aesa really care if the bastard demon ends up dead?>]


    I¡¯ve been getting more and more hints from Aesa about this but damn, she hates him just as much as I. It makes sense considering he¡¯s hurt our wife¡­ sighhh. I¡¯m using our instead of my now.


    ¡®Obviously not Aesa, but at least try and be practical about this. We both hate him and all but do we really want to risk what happens if he dies right now?¡¯


    [<Aesa reluctantly agrees¡­ suggestion is to give him a potion when attack has finished>]


    Eventually, the God rays do stop just leaving just us lovebirds and a bloody and beaten masked demon lord standing around. The fact he¡¯s still standing after receiving all that is honestly astonishing to me.


    Before getting the chance to try and give him some help, Petra seems to be curious on something.


    ¡°Asmodeus, how long did it take for you to even build up this tolerance? By the sounds of it, this is demonkind¡¯s biggest weakness, correct?¡±


    To be honest, I agree with Petra on this. If there were any magic you¡¯d think demons would be weak to, it would be either something holy or light based, they¡¯re basically the same thing anyways. You could imagine angels would be weak to dark magic or anything evil as well.


    ¡°Couple hundred years give or take? You can train any resistance with enough grit and determination dark one. I¡¯ve been inflicting excruciating damage on myself everyday trying to get over this weakness of ours but s, it¡¯s impossible topletely remove. While I¡¯m been solely focusing on light damage though, brother Satan had resistance to everything so taking him out first was crucial¡±


    Is it that surprising Petra¡¯s father has experienced endless pain as well? All that¡¯s left to confirm is the oracle but think it¡¯s safe to assume that vile dragon has a troubled past of sorts. Let¡¯s just hope I¡¯m not going to experiencing anything like that despite me basically marrying into the family now.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you be getting any ideas Petra. Whether it could help us out in the long run or not, we¡¯re never copying what he does¡±


    Imagine if me and Petra decided to go down that route continuously inflicting pain on ourselves in an attempt to nullify damage? At least, it would make for a damn edgy ark but fuck that! Pain sucks!


    ¡°Heh, you sure you don¡¯t want to continuously poison and stab each other over and again Ikarus? We¡¯d be practically immortal in a year or two!¡±


    ¡°We basically already are... You know, you¡¯re such a sarcastic pain in the arse at times¡­ give me a quick kiss before we head off though¡­¡±


    __________


    Anyways, once the adrenaline has calmed down and I¡¯ve given Asmodeus a healent potion to speed up recovery, he still can¡¯t help but stare deep into the eyes of his dead brethren. Pretty sure he¡¯s still grinning madly under that mask but is there a sense of regret from what he¡¯s done? No, that¡¯s far from the case.


    ¡°Brother Satan was never the most intelligent of us because of his never ending wrath of his but at the end of the day, he always had strengthparable to Zeus. Actually ying it out rather than watching was way sweeter than I imagined, you two phoenixes really know how to warm a demon lord¡¯s heart¡±


    Hearing Asmodeus praise us gives me a really ufortable feeling and it¡¯s not usual one I get. It just makes me trust him even less even if it sounded like it wasing from an honest ce.


    ¡°Anyways¡­ you say he had strengthparable to Zeus? Does this mean we¡¯re ready to take on the big guy?¡±


    It doesn¡¯t take a lot to understand the demon just mockingly grinned under his gasmask from my stupid question. At this point, I can basically just sense it.


    ¡°Heh, partially orange one. Strength wiseparable, everything else not even close. Once we get to the heavens, you¡¯ll find out firsthand what influence he has but best not dive too far ahead. Live in the moment and all that¡­ you also have some abilities to purchase as well?¡±


    [<Now that the bastard demon has segued Aesa in this conversation, Aesa will annoyingly bring up the status screen>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 709]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 75,396*/80,000*]


    [Magicka 166,666*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 67834 unassigned points]


    ¡®That¡¯s great and all Aesa but give me a second¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­Hey Asmodeus, I shouldn¡¯t have got EXP from that fight. I killed the demon lord using an ability that shouldn¡¯t provide anything¡±


    Almost noticing what I¡¯m referring to immediately, it honestly doesn¡¯t feel terrible to have another person in the world who understands all this system lingo. Obviously, he isn¡¯t going to be the same as us phoenixes with all that but at least he understands what I¡¯m getting at. My brain is always at constant oddsmunicating with really.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ us majin lords work a little differently to other beings, maybe that¡¯s the reason why? If you¡¯re powerful enough to best one of us, the other has to give up something of value and you¡¯d be the obvious candidate for the reward. If you want a more specific reason, let¡¯s just say it¡¯s down to the nature of higher beings and leave it at that¡±


    [<Aesa reluctantly agrees. This seems like one of those things even Aesa can¡¯t fully exin. At least it allows Ikarus to fight without worrying about wasting experience>]


    ¡®Eh, I guess so... Enough discussing all this now, let¡¯s find the next demon to hunt¡­¡¯

 Chapter 185 – Lamb Complete

    Chapter 185 ¨C Lamb Complete


    ¡°Hey Petra, are you sure this is okay? Like, really sure?¡±


    ¡°Heh, stop worrying over me Ikarus. Already said it¡¯s okay¡±


    ¡°But still, you don¡¯t ever fly me around so this feels like all kinds of unnatural. It¡¯sfortable, sure but just weird¡±


    ¡°Heh, you really that used to me being on your back Ikarus? It¡¯s almost as if you¡¯re saying you need to be under me or something?¡±


    ¡°I-¡­ why do you always have to make it worse¡­¡±


    Sitting on top of Petra¡¯s feathery back alongside Asmodeus, my wife offered to fly for a change and wouldn¡¯t let me say no to it this time around. I know we¡¯ve been long overdue a change in who¡¯s taken transport duties but never want her to feel an inch of pain.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be a side effect to the poisonous fog in this world orange one. It works as a natural painkiller hence why she¡¯s faring better¡±


    ¡°He is right Ikarus. The scars are more like a like a faint tickle today rather than blistering agony¡±


    ¡®She¡¯s normally in agony flying!? This is why I hate her father so much¡¯


    ¡°Like how it also naturally burns the insides away as well demon? You still sure it¡¯s safe for us to breathe in?¡±


    ¡°Heh, never said it was safe orange one, just that you should be fine in low doses. I can show you firsthand what it does to a demon, if you¡¯re happy to see blood spewing out from my eyes¡±


    ¡°Maybe another day when I¡¯m feeling more vindictive¡­¡±


    Anyways, Petra flies for a good distance being directed where to go by Asmodeus over this never-ending reddish brimstonend, always a slight hint of darkness in the sky as we glide just over the purple poisonous fog. It¡¯s now time for a long overdue system management, something I¡¯ve been neglecting for way too long¡­


    ¡®Heya Aesa, let¡¯s get started then, shall we?¡¯


    [<Affirmative, this is the pre status check since Ikarus likes a before and after>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 709]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 74,994*/80,000*]


    [Magicka 166,666*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 67834 unassigned points]


    As you can see, I¡¯ve now got a boatload to spend on and-¡­ huh, just spotted that¡­


    ¡®Aesa, I¡¯ve got enough points toplete my system today, haven¡¯t I? Before you say it, I know it¡¯s technically only half but still¡¯


    At least if I¡¯m referring to sacrificialmb. Having a stat cap basically makes the next three hundred odd levels pointless unless Ie across something else thank to the bikini turned ufortable dress.


    [


    ]


    ¡®Yup¡¯


    [<Confirmed, stats have now been readjusted>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 709]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 160,994*/166,666*]


    [Magicka 166,666*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 24501 unassigned points]


    As soon as Aesa confirms that, a weird feeling courses through my body almost as if I¡¯ve just injected myself with something odd. I seriously feel like I want to start running or flying at full speed right now, it¡¯s like I¡¯ve just downed ten energy drinks!


    Unfortunately, it¡¯s not exactly like I¡¯m going to ask Petra to stop just so I can run around like a dog with zoomies or something, best try and continue this. By the smiling look I just got from the masked Asmodeus though, I think he can tell I¡¯ve got ants in my pants so to speak.


    ¡®Anyways Aesa, it¡¯s time to really finish this off before I go foo my rocker. Can you start buying the abilities then?¡¯


    [<Confirmed Ikarus, forcibly purchasing multiple -sacrificialmb- abilities at the same time¡­ processing¡­>]


    Thest four, the final ones left before I basicallyplete everything. I¡¯m unsure what to expect, hopefully less of the world ending abilities since I still can¡¯t consistently use them¡­


    [<All four abilities have now been purchased and -sacrificialmb- is no longer avable. Starting with -friendly fire-, all damage-based abilities now have an intent detector behind the scenes allowing Ikarus to not worry about causing harm to an ally>]


    ¡°Ha! Speak of the devil, that potentially solves a load of problems. You mean to tell me I could activate my nuke inside the city and it wouldn¡¯t harm anyone I wanted it to Aesa?¡±


    I purposely say that out loud for Petra¡¯s sake more than anything else, she¡¯s always been the brains behind this operation so she knows all the stuff inside my arsenal. This, hands down might be one of the better abilities simply because it allows me to not have to worry about friendly fire, this ability was definitely tailor made for me!


    [<Affirmative but that doesn¡¯t apply to aftereffects and damaging of structures. If a building were to get knocked over long after ability was activated and end up causing a death of a citizen, that obviously would be the exception. To make this easier for wife¡¯s sake, Aesa wille out shortly¡­>]


    The clone body rapidly form¡¯s up on Petra¡¯s back with us two. Like usual, I can¡¯t help but pout every time Aesa calls Petra wife. Guess I will just have to ept it someday because you can never win against that voice inside your head.


    ¡°Heh, now I get to carry two Ikarus¡¯s on my back? Feel like you don¡¯te out enough Aesa so it¡¯s nice to have you back around¡±


    ¡°Heh, so this is one of the fabled guides you phoenixes get to have guiding you from inside? Never saw what it might look like but a clone seems to fit in line with my expectations¡±


    ¡°Greetings wife and bastard demon, Aesa has no interest ining out unless it¡¯s for intercourse reasons mostly. Anyways, onto Ikarus¡¯s next ability¡­¡±


    ¡®Can¡¯t help but sigh and facepalm at that. The know-it-all demon knowing everything like usual and Aesa be horny. At least she¡¯s honest, I suppose¡¯


    As for Petra, even she was taken back at Aesa calling her wife and seemed to jump a little. Not close enough for all of us to fall off or anything but at least she can experience the annoying voice in my head for a change¡­


    ¡°¡­-Phoenix rebirth- has now been unlocked. Once Ikarus¡¯s HP reaches 0 and no chance of resuscitation can be achieved, Ikarus will rise from the ashes with everything obtained up to this point still kept on her person¡±


    ¡°So¡­ I can literally cheat death now? Hell fucking yeah! Bet the cooldown on it is shit though¡±


    Let¡¯s use mythical knowledge to figure this out despite it not all being perfect at all. Phoenixes originally were supposed to have a lifespan of five hundred, then die but be reborn from a pile of ash before this world decided to fluff around with that myth. At least it¡¯s swell I¡¯m finally more simr to how the myths originally work though!


    ¡°Affirmative, Ikarus presumes correct. The cooldown timer for this is 500 years so that must be the bncing behind it. Obviously, this is more of a one-time use ability then something that can be relied upon¡±


    It may not seem like it as first nce but there¡¯s obviously going to be someone else happy learning I can now cheat death. It¡¯s a damn shame I¡¯ve still got three and a half months left before my other revive ability recovers since I¡¯ll be broken if anything happens to anyone else.


    ¡°Heh, at least it¡¯s good to know I can now y even rougher with you Ikarus. Can¡¯t be escaping my grasp even if death gets in the way now¡±


    ¡®Why does she always have t-¡­ just forget it, Aesa?¡¯


    Even while she¡¯s acting as the transport bird today, Petra just can¡¯t help herselfing out with something like that. Does she seriously think I¡¯ll believe we¡¯ll suddenly have extremely rough and risky sex now that I hav-, you know what, I¡¯m not even going to go there.


    ¡°The third ability is named -furnace leveller- Ikarus. When facing a foe that is lower level than user, said ability allows Ikarus to burn away their level andpletely reset them back to base stats. This can happen once a day¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ Asmodeus, is there any future where this is one of my best abilities?¡±


    I mean, I know I alwaysin about him knowing the future but I¡¯m struggling a little with this. If it only allows me to activate it against people who are lower level than me, isn¡¯t this slightly pointless? Sure, it¡¯s unique and all but everyone below my current level basically dies no problem to my des or fire already. Gods, demons, angels, whatever really, all of them will be equal or higher to the one thousand level cap.


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t know everything about your system orange one so it¡¯s up to you to find a good use for it. Personally, I think it sounds brilliant if you¡¯re nning to torture someone for information, or just simple for pleasure and fun¡±


    I-¡­ okay, I¡¯m not asking him anything like that again, bet even phoenix Petra seemed cringed a little at what he just said. Is there really going to be an opportunity where torture is needed? If we need information from someone, I can already detect lies and Ariza can read minds, seems a little pointless but guess if I ever want to be a true edgelord, torture will be the way.


    ¡°Moving on¡­ next one Aesa?¡±


    ¡°Thest ability Aesa is a little annoyed with. Ability -self-sacrifice- allows Ikarus to sacrifice all but 1HP to lower another enemies HP to 1 as well. The cooldown timer for this is strangely a week but Ikarus really shouldn¡¯t be using this ability EVER. This is all kinds of riskiness Aesa isn¡¯t for¡±


    So basically, it¡¯s a trade-off, I damage myself to an extent were stubbing my toe will kill me and the same applies to the target. It says a lot about me that this ability sounds really useful.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t I justbine it with immortality Aesa and I¡¯d be safe?¡±


    ¡°-Self-sacrifice- doesn¡¯t work that way unfortunately Ikarus. As a matter of fact, it cancels any abilities and locks you out from everything until the week has surpassed, even healent won¡¯t help as HP will be stuck on 1. Honestly, Aesa would delete this ability is it was possible, the only circumstance this may be viable is if wife is in danger¡±


    Well, that makes this way more trash than it needed to be. I guess it could be useful for ast-ditch kind of thing if facing Zeus requires it but obviously only if nothing else works. I still could see myself using this someday though which is odd.


    Unfortunately, Petra isn¡¯t having any of this, she knows us me, or us too well.


    ¡°Aesa, promise me you¡¯ll never get Ikarus to use that even if there¡¯s no other alternatives¡±


    ¡°Aesa can try but Ikarus is too stubborn on things like this. She¡¯s already picturing scenarios where it may be useful and if something really bad happens, Aesa may not be able to say no to her¡±


    Damn it Aesa! Get out of my freaking head already, not literally since you¡¯re right next to me but still! Just because I picture a situation where I gantly sacrifice myself for my wife or the world doesn¡¯t actually mean it¡¯s going to happen! Or does it? Not the world part, fuck everyone else if they think this bird is selfless to idiots¡­ Ah, I¡¯m done with this shit already¡­


    Asmodeus has been surprisingly quiet despite everything that¡¯s been said though, almost as if he knows this may get used someday. Not even going to bother questioning him on that, I¡¯d rather not know if it ends up involving my death. Frankly, if I¡¯m wondering about with one hit point, I will die breaking a nail or something like that.


    ¡®Ah, just onest thing now Aesa,st status check for today¡¯


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 709]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 160,988*/166,666*]


    [Magicka 166,666*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 4501 unassigned points]


    ¡®What should I do with my leftover points now though Aesa?¡¯


    There¡¯s still the problem with whates next, what am I even supposed to do? I guess I could keep investing into it but with the way I¡¯m normally wearing my enchanted outfit, it seems redundant, no?


    [<Maybe Ikarus should save them and see if there¡¯s anything to use them on down the line? Aesa is getting a strong feeling there may be something extra upon reaching level 1000 or bing a demon lord. No evidence to back that up but Aesa is finding it hard to believe there isn¡¯t anything more ahead>]


    ¡®At least we¡¯re both in agreement then¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­You¡¯ll be happy to know Petra, we don¡¯t have to stop and do all this stupid system testing I normally do. Unless you want me to try killing myself or something¡±


    That actually gets more of a chuckle out of the demon rather than everyone else, don¡¯t think that joke is alright if he likes it.


    ¡°Heh, you sure you don¡¯t want to try blowing me up instead Ikarus? That could be a fun experience¡±


    You know, sometimes her sense of humour doesn¡¯t even make sense to me but then again, I also just told a shitty death joke as well so we¡¯re like two peas in a pod.


    Anyways, might as well getfortable since I still have no idea where we¡¯re going, won¡¯t be long before I start backseat driving up here as well.


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll have to drop you if you start getting too clingy Ikarus. Can¡¯t fly straight with you coddling me too much¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t care, learn to live with it¡±


    Snuggling up and basically cuddling into the feathers on Petra¡¯s neck, I seriously can¡¯t exin just how nice this change is. Sure, carrying her is nice as well but gotta make the most of this because I¡¯ll never know when she¡¯ll go full furry on me next¡­ I¡¯m definitely not into that! Just, we¡¯re both phoenixes and feathery as hell, it¡¯s just like I¡¯m hugging into a ball of fluff. If I wasn¡¯t a bird, I¡¯d have loved to be a beastkin with a full bushy tail as well¡­ not helping the furry thing, am I?


    ¡°Heh, never realized you missed this side to me this much Ikarus. If you¡¯d have asked, I ha¡±


    Sure, and that¡¯s the problem! I¡¯m not making her in pain for my own selfish needs because cuddling up to her like this is way too good¡­ Oh my God, imagine how good it will to be if I¡¯m snuggling up to her in phoenix form as well!? I could literally die happy the dayes when she¡¯s no longer inflicted with pain.


    ¡°I¡¯m not one for causing you pain Petra and I don¡¯t really know what else to say¡­ Even when you¡¯re badly scarred, cursed and even more animal than human, I¡¯m still never letting you go¡±


    ¡°Heh, love you two Ikarus, but you¡¯ve really got to starting up with some better lines¡±


    ¡°Hey! That one was cute! Stupid bird form Petra¡­¡±

 Chapter 186 – Home Sweet Dome

    Chapter 186 ¨C Home Sweet Dome


    ¡°Heh, and so little phoenix friends of mine, we¡¯re finally here¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°We¡¯re not friends demon and never will be. As for what¡¯s ahead of us though, guessing it keeps out the poison then?¡±


    ¡°Doubtful it¡¯s for intruders Ikarus. Both of us could break through with no problems at all¡±


    High in the demonic sky looking down at what appears to be a demonic settlement of sorts, this ce has a massive ss structure surrounding the small town, almost as if they knew Asmodeus¡¯s poison attack was expected. That, or it¡¯s always been there, makes no difference regardless though. The second that dome smashes into pieces, the fog will consume all that live within it.


    ¡°You wanting me to bomb this ce into oblivion then? The supernova is still on cooldown but a quick nuke will do the trick, that¡¯ll bring the next lord outside¡±


    Still on Petra¡¯s back, I get a slight chuckle from the demon at my insistence on getting things started. Unlikest fight, I¡¯m getting less serious vibes around this ce so whoever is here will probably be easier than Satan himself. He¡¯s got to be, thatst one survived something impossible.


    ¡°Heh, not this time orange one. Say, outta curiosity, how much gold and jewellery are you two currently carrying around on you?¡±


    Wait, why has this conversation turned into money all of a sudden? Is this rted to the sin of the next demon lord?


    ¡°A chest full perhaps? Ikarus mostly carries everything mary now¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ maybe half a tonne? Basically, just imagine a carriage nearly filled, why you asking though?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter, yet at least. Just, before we enter, make sure you put away any bracelet, any ring or anything you consider valuable. Unless you¡¯re happy parting with it, pretend it doesn¡¯t exist¡±


    Okay, I¡¯m confused now, are we killing this guy or going to pay him off? It¡¯s obvious what Asmodeus is hinting at, not particrly sure why we¡¯re not usingbat as the base method but I guess not all demon lords are inherently evil then? Eh, we¡¯ll just see in a minute.


    Anyways, Petra finds a suitable spot tond close by to the gate of the dome, we hop off and she switches form. Really feels odd not having to change after flying about but my wifey wanted to do this... I¡¯ve also never realized how big Petra¡¯s phoenix butt looks. Sure, it¡¯s cute and all, could imagine howfortable it would be to sleep cuddled up to literally any part of her, but I¡¯m like the same exact size! I always knew it was big but still! Us phoenixes have fat arses unfortunately.


    While I¡¯m having a stupid existential crisis about having a big butt, both those two lead and head towards the metallic looking gate separating the dome to the poison filled majin world. I¡¯m honestly getting sci-fi or spaceship air locks vibe from this entrance, albeit way less futuristic looking than normal.


    Almost like they have an inte system set up here, Asmodeus presses a button on the gate and starts to jokingly speak into it.


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll have a diseased pigeon, deep fried in the bowels of an angel¡±


    Almost immediately, we get a really dissatisfied male voice responding on the other side.


    ¡°We gave you the password for a reason Asmodeus, no need for the stupid joke¡­ death to the angels and all that anyways. If you¡¯re here to see Mammon, just head to the usual building¡­ Ah, let me reset the air lock as well¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°You¡¯rete Asmodeus. You¡¯ll all have to wait a tad since Mammon isn¡¯t currently ready to receive¡±


    Upon exiting the most makeshift medieval looking airlock you can imagine; Asmodeus takes off his mask and we enter the hellish styled town being greeted by a guard. No idea how that thing just worked as the air lock filled with steam and apparently, it¡¯s now safe? Eh, technology has always been a mystery.


    The demon greeting us has short dark hair, the same red skin they all seem to have in this world and even looks to have some headset piece on! To think technology has developed to this point of airlocks and earpieces in this world, I guess this isn¡¯t the same as back at home but at least it¡¯s given me hopeful signs the gnome and Marcus may be able to bring us up an era or two.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Heh, you still sleeping with the Lord Mammon I presume?¡±


    ¡®Wait, this next demon lord is gay? I¡¯ll status check this guy for an unrted note real quick though¡¯


    [Name: Kalell | Species: Demon | Level: 122]


    [Health 7,700/7,700]


    [Stamina 4,289/4,500]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ¡®Huh, he¡¯s actually way weaker than I first thought¡¯


    ¡°Tsh, always with the gripes and it¡¯s not even been a minute Asmodeus. Just piss off and go pester Mammon already, couldn¡¯t care less if the lord isn¡¯t ready yet¡±


    Heh, looks like we won¡¯t have to wait then. My curiosity cannot let this opportunity go to waste though.


    ¡°Before we leave, I¡¯ve got to ask about that thing on your ear. How does it even work?¡±


    Even Petra stops before walking off, she also now seems curious on this. Imagine having a pair of working earphones, I could listen to Petra¡¯s voice all the time! Music also sounds good but might as well simp as much for my wife as I can.


    ¡°Vibrations in the air is the simplest way to describe it, something lesser races will never understand, not that you birds are considered as such. Seriously now, go find Mammon in the golden house because I¡¯m bored¡­ Oh, wee to town anyways¡±


    ¡®At least this guy knows what to say before offending us, honestly always thought lesser demons were all ipetent judging by the invasion we went through but, think Asmodeus was the main reason that. He did apparently set the invasion up to fail¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°Brother Asmodeus! How long has it been since west locked eyes upon each other!?¡±


    ¡°Heh, greetings Mammon. Still very much hating clothes I presume?¡±


    ¡°As if I could bathe in coins while dressed! You lot are all wee to join me, just don¡¯t steal anything because I will know if you do¡±


    ¡°Heh, think we¡¯ll pass on that, unless Ikarus wants to show her birthday suit?¡±


    ¡°Haw haw Petra¡±


    Upon entering the leaders house of this dome, what presents us is a partially naked demonic woman armed with golden horns, golden gloves, golden boots and literally nothing else on. Didn¡¯t expect a female nudist to be the demon lord of greed but hey, I¡¯m always up for a little bit variety. That sounds weird¡­


    To actually describe her appearance, imagine a female body builder with a multicolour hairstyle, one partially dead eye and muscles that could seriously poke out your eye. I had expected Mammon to be quite round and plump considering the greed thing, but she¡¯s actually kinda hot in a non-conventual kind of way¡­ I mean, only the muscles of course! We all know I¡¯m a slight fan by this point, I¡¯d drool at the site of Petra having a six pack but us phoenixes can¡¯t get buff apparently. That¡¯s thezy lie I¡¯m choosing to believe.


    ----------


    ---Don''t even ask why her face is so red because I don''t know either!


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    What also stands out is the fact this living room is covered in golden coins pretty much everywhere; you can¡¯t even make a step without stepping on some scattered about. Reminds me a little of my parent¡¯s stash hidden away in the nest, just without all the silver and shiny weapons added. This demon lord only wants gold it seems.


    ¡®Let¡¯s check this out quickly, even know I know it¡¯ll be the same¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Mammon | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 162,052/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    ¡°So, what brings you and the little birdies to my neck of the woods this time around brother? We¡¯ve already had enough lustful orgies for one lifetime so that can¡¯t be that, right?¡±


    ¡®Brother and orgies being used that close together really isn¡¯t something I¡¯m happy with. At least I know demon lords aren¡¯t rted by blood, but still¡¯


    ¡°Heh, always bringing my moment of weakness up. You tend to lust for anything, even beings of disgust when suffering through loss¡­¡±


    Considering the fact Mammon just got called disgusting and still smiles like it¡¯s nothing, these two must be used to this sort of thing. Not exactly sure it¡¯s a toxic rtionship like with Mr jugs and Mrs disgusting but this seems more like a one-night stand kinda thing.


    ¡°¡­Anyways Mammon, it¡¯s finally time. We can go about doing this the easy way, or the hard one, the choice is entirely on your shoulders¡±


    All of a sudden, Asmodeus¡¯s aura goes much darker and serious at the closing of his statement. It sounds like this demon lord may know about the oracle sharing knowledge but this isn¡¯t the conversation for either me or Petra to get involved in just yet.


    ¡°Guess it¡¯s time then, huh. You really can¡¯t be expecting me to give up my horns just like this and not expect any payment orpensation, right? And get that stupid threating aura out of my dome or I¡¯ll stick it up where the sun don¡¯t shine!¡±


    The demon full of greed actually gets up to push Asmodeus away, that was way too yful for two beings of immense power like this. I was wanting to kill another demon but by how chummy they are, I¡¯m disappointed.


    ¡°Heh, name your price and we¡¯ll see it done¡±


    ¡®You know, why are we even giving her a choice though? There¡¯s no way this woman is as powerful as Satan himself, don¡¯t see why we can¡¯t just threaten her. I swear this is a fight we can win¡¯


    ¡°Allow me to have a quick think alone and I¡¯ll get back to you on that in a few minutes or so¡±


    Reluctantly following the rest of the party along doing as we¡¯re asked; I still can¡¯t help but be a little annoyed about this exiting the room. At least Asmodeus is giving up some useful information now despite me wanting to take this down a much more forceful route, I know we can handle her though! Compared to all the other lords we¡¯ve encountered, Asmodeus included, she¡¯s by far the weakest.


    ¡°There are three possibilities that may happen here phoenixes. The first is that she ys nice and only requests a substantial amount ofpensation, the gold you both have hidden away should prove more than enough¡±


    Unlike his usual smiling persona, he¡¯s gone into a real serious sort of mode and it¡¯s lightly unsettling.


    ¡°Guessing all solutions requires some sort of expensive payment then?¡±


    ¡°Partially dark one, the next possibility involves giving up a powerful artifact so in a way, that¡¯s payment. I may have something that works for that but if it doesn¡¯t, one of you may have to part with a weapons¡­¡±


    So wait, we may have to give up Petra¡¯s samurai sword, my vampiric de or Excalibur? Nah, I¡¯m not happy with future number two, that option is a steaming pile of two.


    ¡°¡­And onto thest possibility. She may require something a little closer to home, something neither of you are willing to ept¡­¡±


    Almost like he¡¯s purposely pausing for dramatic response, Asmodeus takes his damn time revealing the final oue. Damn this guy and his preference for story telling!


    ¡°¡­She may just ask¡­ for one of you¡±


    ¡°One of us? What the fuck does that mean?¡±


    ¡°Think about it orange one, what¡¯s the one thing that money can¡¯t buy? Her greed can spread so far, it may just end up in a ce too close to home. Unless one of you is willing to be her ve, the third option will only lead to violence¡±


    Considering what this demon is like and even he isn¡¯t considering the possibly of splitting me and Petra up, guess the third option is just good ol¡¯fashioned violence then. As if me or Petra are going to be a demon lord ve splitting us, that¡¯s so stupid it¡¯s not even worth thinking about it. Knowing how things seems to shift, we¡¯re probably going to get this future now¡­


    ¡°Why are not resorting to violence in the first ce Asmodeus? This situation seems unexpected¡±


    Petra actually gets in before me on this annoying question that still is yet to be answered. Even if he has one friend over here in the demon world, doesn¡¯t this seem slightly out of character?


    ¡°Heh, do both of you assume I¡¯m some evil killer only obsessed with causing pain and suffering?


    ¡­


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll both take your silence as a no then. To actually destroy a world, you don¡¯t have to kill or blow up every single thing within it. This poison will probablyst a hundred years so other than this town we¡¯re currently in, everywhere else will die off. The world as a majority is dead and that¡¯s more than enough¡±


    Damn, he really does put in into perspective yet, we still don¡¯t know the exact specifics on how this guy was even able to poison his entire world. By the sounds of it, he¡¯s managed to weaponize a natural but deadly fog and will never share the knowledge with anyone, already asked a while ago and hepletely refused to answer. On one hand, it¡¯s good that this information will die with him but on the other, this motherfucker has a monopoly on chemical warfare! If he dares bring it back into our world, even if it¡¯s not that toxic to humans, he will have hell to pay¡­


    ¡°I strongly disagree on our definitions of destroy demon lord but, if you want to be a tsundere and leave some remaining, then it¡¯s fine I guess¡±


    ¡°Heh, Ikarus has always been for a more violent and explosive solution¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re damn right woman! What¡¯s even the point if not turning everything into rubble? You¡¯re just half-assing the job!¡±


    That gets a little chuckle out of others but I am being serious though, over the top destruction is basically my thing at this point. Heck, it took way longer than a week just to fly out of my crater back when we killed Satan, that¡¯s my style!


    Even then¡­ it, felt a little underwhelming. Guess my destruction will never be truly satisfied till I can destroy everything in the entire world in the blink of an eye, a continent sized hole isn¡¯t enough. That¡¯s¡­ pretty rming I feel this way, better bottle that up and try and forget about it.


    Ignoring my lust for power and returning into the room, now finding the naked lord now sitting up twiddling a coin in her hands, she almost looks like a business woman about to conduct a deal or something if you ignore the obvious nature of her bare arse. The aura the muscr woman gives off now could be described as intense if you¡¯re happy with understatements.


    ¡°You know, I have all the money I could ever need and yet, my hunger is never fully fulfilled or satisfied. At this point, I feel like anything mary wouldn¡¯t make an inch of difference¡­¡±


    ¡®We¡¯re going to get the third option, as if it would be that easy¡¯


    ¡°¡­That being said, there are other forms of payments you can make. I am low on artifacts but those don¡¯t strike my fancy either today¡­ You know, I¡¯m way more interested on the loving side of my hunger¡­¡±


    Very slowly, me and Petra ce our hands on our weapons getting ready for the second Asmodeus tells us this situation isn¡¯t redeemable. Except, even he seems unsure what to say right now.


    ¡°¡­Say, how does a year splitting you two lovers apart sound? I¡¯ve never experienced the thing called as true love and having one of you all to myself sounds¡­ pretty attractive. I can tell deep down the feelings you two have for each other just by a quick nce and having just a glimpse of that may satisfy my greed, just for a little bit¡±


    Before me and Petra get the chance to raise our weapons and kickbat off, Asmodeus shakes us off almost like this wasn¡¯t a possibility or something. This is what he was referring to, wasn¡¯t it? One of us has to serve her basically bing some fake lover or some shit like that! ve, lover, it might as well be the same thing in this situation.


    ¡°Huh¡­ this is a possibility I did not anticipate happening, there was never a time love or time yed a factor¡­ Mammon, who have you been speaking to?¡±


    ¡°Say what, brother?¡±


    ¡°Countless possibilities and futures yet, you¡¯ve somehowe out with something even the oracle couldn¡¯t predict. Spill your secrets Mammon or we¡¯ll spill something much more vourful¡±


    ¡®Okay, I¡¯m now liking where this is going¡¯


    ¡°Ohe on brother, don¡¯t be like that! Can¡¯t a demon lord have some secrets?¡±


    ¡°Phoenixes¡­ help me by starting to cut this idiot, pretty please?¡±


    As soon as Asmodeus says that, both me and Petra raise our des knowing exactly how he¡¯s going about this now. The reaction she gives is instantly pure panic, it¡¯s obvious this woman doesn¡¯t want to fight us.


    ¡°Wait wait wait! Let¡¯s be civil about this, shall we? I just wanted a new lover, is that too much to ask!?¡±


    Getting two looks from my wife and the demon, it¡¯s obvious they¡¯re wanting me to use the eye of wisdom ability I have. You know, I kinda regret being a portable lie detector now.


    ¡°She¡¯s one-hundred percent lying about this¡±


    ¡°Heh, lying like a snake won¡¯t get you out of this situation Mammon. Start spilling words because you won¡¯t slither your way out of this¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Rats! I, erm, really can¡¯t say¡±


    Without even needing words, me and Petra further approach the struggling mess of a demon lord now with our weapons fully ready to slice. I am kinda hoping we won¡¯t need to go down the torture route but it¡¯s been proven to be pretty sessful if human history is anything to go off.


    ¡°Damn it! Fine, another brother gave me some Info about what might be happening and I couldn¡¯t help myself¡±


    ¡°Which brother have you been speaking to Mammon? Wasn¡¯t knowing about the attack more than enough?¡±


    He almost sounds betrayed by finding out she¡¯s been getting pieces of information from someone else. Guess it¡¯s confirmed he told her about the poison beforehand so it¡¯s pretty likely she knows at least a little of all this oracle stuff.


    ¡°Of course it wasn¡¯t! You know firsthand when someonees up to me offering juicy bits of gossip, I need to know it all! Look, I can¡¯t say much more than this because I swore an oath! I¡¯m honestly shocked my head didn¡¯t explode just from that quickie alone¡±


    Giving a quick confirmation nod to the others, obviously she must have this weird demon exploding head curse that¡¯s been mentioned once before. The beastkin demon worshiper Geld said something about Asmodeus using it on him but it wasn¡¯tpletely true, something like that was said anyways.


    ¡®Wonder if Geld¡¯s alright down in the Underworld anyways¡­¡¯


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°Heya! That¡¯s no fair, you must¡¯ve cheated!¡±


    (Alecto) ¡°How in Hades¡¯s name can he possibly cheat Tisiphone? You brought the cards and even dealt them yourself¡±


    (Megaera) ¡°*Snoring*, wha¡­ *snoring*¡±


    Located in the prison once used to trap Dionysus and countless other Gods, an entrapped blonde haired beastkin sits within the cell ying a card game with the fury sisters, winning against them nearly every round.


    Somehow, a simple game simr to what Ikarus would call poker turned into the stripping version after the idiotic sister suggested such an idea, obviously a naked man is a better alternative to the tentacle shaped sword she carries around with her. Except, only the women seem to suck at this game.


    Despite Ikarus presuming the beastkin Geld is gay, maybe that wasn¡¯tpletely the truth and he doesn¡¯t look dissatisfied with how things are moving along¡­


    ¡®I guess this isn¡¯t so bad¡­ can¡¯t believe I was ever missing my master¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°Look, can we wrap this up already? This demon lord isn¡¯t going to give us shit so can we just attack her already if it¡¯s inevitable? You still haven¡¯t told us the alternative to getting the EXP I need yet Asmodeus¡±


    Obviously, my patience levels are starting to dwindle when I¡¯ve seen this type of situation countless times before. There¡¯s useful information this person has except, it can¡¯t be known to us just yet because plot reason. I swear I¡¯m bing more and more self-aware by the day.


    ¡°Heh, that¡¯s simple orange one¡­ Mammon, give the orange phoenix your horn, the payment can be you keeping your life¡±


    ¡®See? We should¡¯ve made this deal in the first ce!¡¯


    ¡°Tsh¡­ fineee. Just take the damn thing already¡­ Ouch¡­ ouch, ouch! Motherfucker!¡±


    Snapping one of her hornspletely off, the stupid thing starts to piss blood everywhere while the sulking lord in question passes it over to Asmodeus, then onto me.


    ¡°Heh, drink up¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Sorry, what?¡±


    ¡°Heh, just drink from it orange one. It¡¯s the only way, if we¡¯re excluding death of course. A majin lord giving up one of their horns is the same thing as renouncing your entire existence¡±


    ¡°Fucking bullshit this is, should¡¯ve just made an actual deal instead of toying with you¡­ You might want to down that in one shot though. When I first became a majin, that thing tasted like shit!¡±


    You¡¯ve got the sulking demon lord still holding her snapped horn, the grinning madly lord who knows everything and me and Petra who might as well be befuddled with what¡¯s going on.


    ¡®Oh well, down the hatch and all that¡­¡¯


    Initially, the taste isn¡¯t that bad, just tasting like metal simr to how blood normally is but the taste quickly changes into something resembling rot and chemicals. How I managed to down that without retching is a mystery to all.


    ¡®Yuck¡­ feel sick now¡¯


    [<Regardless, well done for getting through that Ikarus because even Aesa nearly gagged. Here¡¯s how things now look¡­>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 809]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 152,246*/166,666*]


    [Magicka 166,666*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 54501 unassigned points]


    ---


    [Name: Mammon | Species: Demon | Level: 500]


    [Health 83,333/83,333]


    [Stamina 81,018/83,333]


    [Magicka 83,333/83,333]


    ¡®Thanks for showing me her adjusted stats but, is there any real point in showing me my level anymore?¡¯


    I mean, it¡¯s not apliant but I wasn¡¯t curious about my stats in the slightest, obviously it would¡¯ve gone up after that ¡®drink¡¯. I can¡¯t improve for the moment nor am I feeling any stronger so it seems a little pointless. It is strange how after the five hundreds, things start to feel less like I¡¯m jumping a huge gap every time I level. Maybe I¡¯m just so powerful already, there¡¯s not much topare myself too so it seems less noticeable? Eh, I don¡¯t know anymore.


    [<For Aesa¡¯s sake, there is a point. Ikarus shouldn¡¯t argue or question Aesa on this>]


    ¡®I wasn¡¯t! Just, I¡¯m wondering why you sometimes bring it up without me even wanting to see it. Is it like an itch you can¡¯t scratch so you just have to show me?¡¯


    [<¡­>]


    Talk about having a system with OCD or something like that! Oh well, Aesa¡¯s just as weird as me so this robotic wife thing we have going along works a charm, I¡¯m only messing with her after all.


    Actually going back into the present and giving the drained horn back to the women in question, no point sticking around so we¡¯ll be on our way? I¡¯m surprised Asmodeus isn¡¯t trying to press her more considering she knows bits of the future as well but guess he probably thinks he already knows best.


    ¡°Before you three leave for good and nevere back here, there is one other thing you may want to know, it should be safe to say. By the sounds of it, there may be another oracle lurking abo-¡±


    ¡°Impossible Mammon. I saw thest die in person, no future prophecies are to be foretold anymore¡±


    Pure anger and sadness can be seen infecting demon lord of lust¡¯s face as he refuses to ept it. Is it really impossible another oracle could pop up?


    ¡°I¡¯m only going off how it was worded, the information I was given sounded recent and maybe new. Who knows, maybe the old oracle has found a way toe back from the dead¡­¡±


    Before we even get the chance to ask anything further, the woman sends for her servants and basically pushes us out the door. What kind of weird reveal is this supposed to be?


    ¡°¡­Now please, would you buzz off already? I¡¯m tired so I need my midday nap in my bathtub¡­ it¡¯s such a shame I can¡¯t melt the gold down¡­¡±

 Chapter 187 – Cohesion

    Chapter 187 ¨C Cohesion


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°So, how¡¯s the situation up there? What do you have to report?¡±


    ¡°Well, for starters, I¡¯m going to need a new shade of nail polish! The blood red up here is way too gory for my liking. Oh, and a pair of new heels if you can find anything over six inche-¡±


    ¡°Loki, please just drop the act for a second and let¡¯s talk seriously¡­ How¡¯s the situation?¡±


    Currently speaking into a crystal ball within my study, I¡¯m trying to get any semnce of a conversation going along with the God known for having a huge fascination with pranks and removing penises. Nearly everyone in Olympus is aware of Loki¡¯s ¡®tastes¡¯ but all assume he¡¯s nothing more than a yful child. There¡¯s a reason why him and Dionysus have always been the best for collecting information, why would anyone assume the drunken idiot and the prankster would be instrumental for anything useful?


    ¡°Hmph, you¡¯re no fun like always Hephaestus! Your father is off his rocker but still the same like usual. Not exactly much he can do towards the phoenixes when that damn golden gate of his needs fixing every other week, he even called me a whore! The nerve on some people, you don¡¯t remember me looking whorish, right?¡±


    The Ragnar?k faction have proved excellent for distractions especially considering every time they die, they¡¯ll just repeat the attack over and over again. Even if only Loki understands they¡¯re being used for prolonging time, they¡¯d still keep attacking regardless. It¡¯s honestly a shame because I¡¯ve heard stories of some of them being extremely intelligent, I even tried arranging a meeting to set up an alliance with Odin but the Norse Gods weren¡¯t having it unfortunately. They say they can do this themselves, all idiots really.


    ¡°Regardless if he¡¯s insulted you or not, still be sure to keep me updated if anything happens. Should be safe but you can never be too sure¡±


    ¡°Okie doki! Be sure to say hi to that cute sister of yours for me! She¡¯s got to tell me where she gets her hair done som-¡±


    As soon as the conversation ends with me cutting the idiot off, sister Athena walks into the study holding a te of various different foods and a ss of some sort of juice. We¡¯ve got meats, fruits, vegetables, basically anything that I like to snack on really. Honestly don¡¯t know why she didn¡¯t just get the servants to do it but the Goddess of wisdom has always been the more independent type I suppose.


    ----------


    ---Quick recap on appearance if you need it.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Ah, the study itself now feels cramped with just the two of us inside this ce. Like the rest of the kingdom, nearly everything is carved into the caves or mountains so there wasn¡¯t any real need for anything too massive. The gigantic throne room was already like that so I had no choice in the matter.


    The old dwarven leader in particr, or this body¡¯s biological father never saw any need for a study at all so this was cobbled up when I was four, I think? Obviously felt much bigger back then.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry right now sister. Just put it somewhere cool for now, please¡±


    ¡°Foodes before work Denver; you won¡¯t grow big and strong if you don¡¯t eat¡±


    ¡°Seriously? You¡¯re going to treat me like a child now sister? At least use the correct name¡±


    Instead of getting a verbal response, I just get a tut and Athena crossing her arms at me. I know this body still hasn¡¯t hit puberty yet but it¡¯s not exactly like I¡¯m going to grow much taller anyway. I was basically the size of a dwarf back on Olympus anyways so I really can¡¯t see much changing, strange I still haven¡¯t obtained a beard yet as well. Maybe this body is slightly defective with all that? Most dwarven children grow them pretty young so hopefully that¡¯s not the case.


    ¡°I¡¯ll eat in a minute, promise. Just, please take a look at this first¡±


    Giving her a stack of papers filled withplex calctions, forms and unfinished stories bound to give anyone a migraine. I already know she¡¯s intelligent to understand the meaning behind them if you look into it deep enough, might take a little while though.


    ¡°Need context for this Denver¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been giving it some serious thought about how the whole prophecy thing started in the beginning, how everything connects back to your birth and even some of the forgotten other stories¡±


    ¡°Is this all really necessary Denver, dwelling on the past? Does going that far back in particr make any difference?¡±


    Taking one of the grapes of the te and chewing on it, it¡¯s been way too long since I¡¯ve enjoyed such a simple piece of fruit. Don¡¯t get me wrong, the dwarfs can grow basically anything down here but most have no care for anything even somewhat healthy, something likes grapes don¡¯t really grow well down here. Athena must¡¯ve shipped these from abroad.


    ¡°Be honest with me Athena because this is something that affects us all. Is it your intention to put the dark phoenix at the front of Olympus?¡±


    There was one myth in particr that was hidden away lost to time, something that I only really discovered recently that I just can¡¯t get my mind off. Zeus¡¯s first wife Metis, the word consent and the way he had pursued her is best left kept in the past but the story roughly goes, a son born from the woman would end up overthrowing him. Out of pure anxiety and desperation, he destroyed her in a way legends believe involved consuming her whole. It was way simpler than actually swallowing her though, a simple cloak and dagger did the trick.


    Unfortunately for him, it turns out she had already given birth so once the deed was done, he had a choice to make. Thankfully, he found out very quickly the unborn baby was female because, even I¡¯m unsure if he¡¯d do the right thing. Of course, the original myth involves a situation where I split father¡¯s head open and Athena somehow climbs out of it fully formed, as if something that stupid is reality. Think it¡¯s just down to mortals liking to add odd details, as if sister could fit in father¡¯s fat head.


    With the way how prophecies always get misinterpreted and the fact Athena herself basicallyes from a myth, maybe the word son was misspoken for daughter¡­


    ¡°Would there be a problem if that was my intention brother? You have no desire to take the heavens as well, do you or do you not?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if I did or not, this wasn¡¯t part of the agreement Athena! Supporting them is one thing, giving the phoenixes all of Olympus wasn¡¯t the n¡±


    I know she¡¯s always had her own reasons for wanting to dethrone father but using the phoenixes. We all made an agreement in the beginning that no one gets to decide what happens until he¡¯s been dealt with otherwise, it could lead to groups infighting beforehand. Personally, just like sister, I have no desires as well, it¡¯s just frustrating because she probably knew all this from the beginning. My primary goal was to stop father¡¯s ess on this world being the volcano, then work from there since that was the top priority.


    Smiling at me like this is of no concern though, sometimes I wonder how I¡¯m considered the riskier one of us two. She can share the me as well for this.


    ¡°Brother Hephaestus, does it really matter though? The Underworld have been in agreement with us since the beginning and they¡¯re intelligent enough to figure out the connection. You¡¯re not having doubts about overthrowing father now, are you?¡±


    ¡°As if I¡¯m having second thoughts, your sense of humour is lost on me. Just would¡¯ve been nice to know your intention in the beginning, that¡¯s all really¡­¡±


    Despite everything that¡¯s been done, everything that¡¯s brewing and everything yet toe, there still leaves unanswered questions that we still are yet to answer. In some ways, I feel like we¡¯re the antagonists to the phoenixes at times.


    ¡°¡­There is onest thing though. When the birds return next, we¡¯re telling them everything, nothing held back. It doesn¡¯t matter if you disagree or not, I¡¯ve had enough of this now. They need to know¡±


    The longer and longer we leave it, the more and more were bing just like the Gods we despise. They deserve to know so no more putting it off.


    ¡°If you deem it appropriate Denver, then we shall tell. We can only hope they¡¯ll take it well enough¡±


    ¡°Hope, funny Athena. Just make sure you finish gifting the boon first, it could screw everything up if it doesn¡¯t happen¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the deal Asmodeus? Is Petra¡¯s mother really alive or is this somethingpletely unrted?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Upon exiting the gold adorned house and still within the dome, my bluntness immediately takes my wife and the demon lord back. As if I¡¯m going to be subtle about this! Petra¡¯s thinking the same exact thing but she normally tries to go for a more subtle approach. We may be pretty simr in some ways but pure unfiltered Ikarus is normally the best.


    ¡°Answer Ikarus Asmodeus, this is something we both want to know¡±


    ¡®Damn, I¡¯m definitely starting to rub off on her. Not sure if that¡¯s a good or bad thing¡¯


    ¡°Look phoenixes¡­ I saw her die with my own two eyes so it can¡¯t be possible, Mammon must be mistaken. Whichever of the lords gave her information, it must¡¯ve been foretold through the oracle centuries ago and not another. It¡¯s either that or someone¡¯s ying mind games, either possibility is possible. It matters little to the overall story anyways¡±


    Sometimes, especially in the past, I know I¡¯m not the most sensitive of people but what this guy is saying isn¡¯t right. Regardless of if he still holds feeling for the oracle, it¡¯s almost as if he¡¯s delusional over her.


    ¡°Really demon lord? It matters little yet, we just encountered something you couldn¡¯t predict? Shouldn¡¯t this be like, a big deal? What happens if the next time is much bigger than a weak demon lord ying tricks?¡±


    I¡¯ve obviously never been a huge fan of the prophecy or time travel stuff but, if little things start to change that can¡¯t be predicated, doesn¡¯t this spell disaster iing?


    ¡°That won¡¯t be a problem orange one, trust me on this¡±


    ¡°And why do you say that? If something unpredictable happened, then doesn¡¯t that mean something else could happen?¡±


    ¡°Because I said so, the oracle¡¯s readings were correct, This is just something unrted and different, it probably wasn¡¯t worth predicting in the first ce¡±


    ¡®And yet, the oracle was wrong on this but he just refuses to listen. Sighhh, stubborn arrogant bastard, let¡¯s just hope this doesn¡¯t end up going drastically wrong¡¯


    ¡­


    After my slight confrontation towards the demon, an awkward silence ensues as no one has any idea what to say next. I guess we were going to lock horns at some point but this is pretty tame considering what I really want to do towards the smiling idiot.


    ¡°Anyways Asmodeus¡­ where to next? Should me or Ikarus change form?¡±


    ¡®At least Petra can move us forward and no, I¡¯m flying next! I need my carrying Petra fix I haven¡¯t had in a while¡¯


    ¡°Heh, no need for anything like that anymore dark one. If webine the poison with the news of Satan¡¯s passing, anyone left alive in this hellhole would¡¯ve left and gone into hiding¡±


    Wouldn¡¯t it have made more sense to try and do this stealthily if they¡¯ve now run away? Eh, might just have to trust him on this, as if any of us could¡¯ve stealthily killed Satan back there. The most powerful thing I can do still wasn¡¯t enough to end him in one hit.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t answer Petra¡¯s question though. Where are we specifically going next?¡±


    ¡°Heh, fair point. The lords we need to hunt should be scattered all around the world you two love and cherish so much as that¡¯s the easiest ce to get to. It¡¯s time to leave this wastnd and hopefully, never return¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Outta curiosity, just how many demon lords are there left? Always thought there were seven, correct?¡±


    Having just returned home and now on the journey to get both the phoenixes toe along with us, me and Petra are walking with cloaks on alongside the demon lord but might as well be pointless. The second we teleported back into town, the idiots spotted us and started following. It¡¯ll eventually die down but best just pretend they¡¯re all floating orbs of EXP for now, the streets do get crowded whene and go like this though.


    Ah, never mentioned it since it wasn¡¯t worth mentioning but timespan back in that ce is basically the same as Earth. Apparently, using the obelisk portals to enter and leave takes a few hours so other than that, about a week has passed since we started the majin hunt.


    ¡°While that may be correct orange one, thest one in particr is impossible to predict until everything else has fallen into ce. You wouldn¡¯t think such a jealous brother would be so great at hiding but s, we¡¯ll have to wait a time before the fates reveal his location¡­¡±


    Ah, so thest demon lord is going to be the guy based on envy then? We¡¯ve already had wrath, greed, sloth and lust. Sloth being that Belphegor who attacked out settlement, wrath was Satan, greed the naked muscley chick and lust being this annoying bastard walking alongside us hand holding lovebirds.


    ¡°¡­If you¡¯d like to know who we¡¯ll be finding next, look to the far reaches of the desert and we¡¯ll find him. The mesa in particr will be the best ce to teleport to¡±


    Back to the desert next. This seems like a great n though, let¡¯s bring the other phoenixes to a ce notoriously hot where they¡¯ll moan a lot just likest time. That was the dungeon inside the pyramid, the one where we got stuck inside it for six months.


    It matters little anyways. If it¡¯s safe to bring them along, then we¡¯ll do it. Just, not going to inform Zeki about where we¡¯re going again. Maybe he might find the heat less overwhelming considering he should still be female right now? Remember seeing something that muscle mass effects body temperature between genders differently so science facts bitch! Although, those two gigantic floaters of his may also work as heaters though so who knows really? He better still be female, would beplete bullshit if not.


    Finally arriving at the location where the other phoenixes are at, this time around we arrive at Ariza¡¯s empty clinic, empty in the sense of patients I mean. The ce isn¡¯t empty at all if you look around for all the medical equipment she has in the decently sized building.


    The interior of this ce literally looks like a smaller hospital ward now. Sure, I know she¡¯s training people to be actual doctors in the background but this is modernness on a level I wasn¡¯t expecting so quickly. We¡¯re long past the days this ce was covered in Ariza¡¯s blood after the first lord showed his face in ournds.


    ¡°Pass me one of the stethoscopes Zeki, I¡¯m sure one of these isn¡¯t picking up sound properly¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ you¡¯ll have to use American brother, as if I know what that word mea-, ah, it¡¯s orangey and sis! And the dickhead demon who was responsible for your death¡±


    ¡®Damn, Ariza really suits theb coat look, makes her seem more grown up as well. One inside this ce may have to ¡®idently¡¯ disappear because I need to dress my woman up someday, Petra has to wear one, goddamn it!¡¯


    Ah, should also mention the fact Mr Amazonian is still looking as plump as ever. If I remember how many potions were procured after the hooker incident, he¡¯s still got at least three months left on his genderbending sentencing. It¡¯s honestly a shame he¡¯s not in a costume right now but guess Ria might be doing dryad duties for a change.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Heh, greetings red one. Still hold utter disgust for me it seems?¡±


    ¡°Just be quiet dickhead or I¡¯ll give brother¡¯s clinic a dash of red pai-¡­ Erk, I¡¯ll stab you outside instead. Brother will increase my sentencing if I do that¡±


    Like the heavens aligned for this one moment, all three is us less idiotic phoenixes facepalm together from this confrontation. That was so perfectly in sync, almost as good as a feeling when you score a coteral on a shooter game. Weirdparison but three facepalms all together is like a shooting star!


    ¡°You two, we¡¯re going demon hunting in a day¡¯s time so we¡¯re bringing you along¡±


    ¡°Hell yeah orangey! Can we hunt the dickhead next to you first?¡±


    ¡°Heh, funny red one. How¡¯s being Loki¡¯s potion tester working out for you?¡±


    ¡°Erk! I¡¯m sooo going to kill you someday¡­¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ do I have to Ikarus?¡±


    It doesn¡¯t take much effort to understand why she may not want toe on this trip. Despite my hatred of Petra¡¯s shitty father, I can at least deal with him to an extent. It¡¯ll be a miracle if those two don¡¯t end up spilling blood so why would Ariza want to be around to constant fighting?


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to Ariza but we¡¯ll miss ya if you don¡¯te along¡­¡±


    As soon as I start talking to Ariza, I remember there¡¯s something else this little senorita was hiding from us all. The talk of Loki and all that, it makes sense why I¡¯d segue onto this.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ve got to ask, when were you nning on telling us you sold your soul to the genderbending devil Ariza?¡±


    Almost immediately, Zeki spikes up when hearing this. Think he took that literally.


    ¡°Erk, so that¡¯s what you sacrificed to put me through this hell brother!?! You sold your soul for those potions?¡±


    ¡°Uh, it¡¯s nothing like that! Just, Loki thought it was be quicker tomunicate using telepathy so it¡¯s kinda nice having another voice around, my system keeps speaking in riddles so she¡¯s mostly quiet now. He does seem a little obsessed with finding a permanent ¡®cure¡¯ to Zeki¡¯s manhood but honestly, find him a little silly and funny. It¡¯s not that big of a deal¡­ my level is five hundred now though¡±


    That shut Zeki right up nicely! Imagine if he ends up in Penelope¡¯s position,ing across a permanent solution. We can only dream that karma has a potion ready to go but even the fates wouldn¡¯t be that kind to Zeki, right? We¡¯d have to find two potions though, the first for Ariza since she¡¯s still having to take potions monthly also.


    As for Ariza and this Loki thing, as long as she¡¯s happy with the arrangement, I guess? Wouldn¡¯t it get a little annoying having a voice in your head obsessed with constant gender changing shenanigans though? Loki does seem to be a little whacky, even if you consider what we¡¯re all like¡­


    [<Aesa is obsessed with OUR wife yet, Ikarus is still happy and sane. Well, mostly sane... Who likes boring people anyways?>]


    You know what? I¡¯m not even going to respond to Aesa¡¯s quick wit despite me finding it funny. She just had to empathize that our wife thing despite me trying my best to get over it¡­


    ¡°So, youing with us Ariza or not then? If anything, you¡¯re needed just to shut Zeki up¡±


    ¡°*Scoff*, screw you too orangey¡±


    ¡°Uh... huh, I guess I¡¯ll travel along as well then Ikarus. You know where we¡¯re heading yet?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°I-, I¡¯ll exin more in detail tomorrow! Make sure you two are ready because I¡¯ll be pissed if we¡¯rete¡­¡±


    Thankfully, those two don¡¯t question me any further on that slight stutter, can¡¯t be revealing the desert thing otherwise we¡¯ll be getting premature moaning today. Ah, might want to bring a few love potions along as well since they apparently are good for the heat somehow. Except, I¡¯ll be making sure me and Petra don¡¯t consume any. We¡¯re not getting jiggy in the desert! Imagine sand will end up everywhere¡­


    Before we get the chance to leave the other phoenixes, Zeki¡¯s anger on the demon lord goes to focus on me. I swear if hees out with some bullshit like he can fight me again or a different rendition of that pre wedding brother talk, he will find himself in pain. I wonder if a boob punch will hurt as much as a groin kick¡­


    ¡°Oi orangey, I¡¯ve got a problem with you¡­¡±


    Thankfully, his anger rapidly turns into annoyance and frustration. A moaning Zeki is better than an angry Zeki¡­ I meant grumpy! Not moaning, no one wants to hear Zeki moaning in any sort of way! Apart from Ria, I guess¡­


    ¡°¡­Why the hell have I be the politician and the gnome¡¯s trantor all of a sudden? After this, that protagonist dickhead is making me trante more of those books! It¡¯s so fucking boring!¡±


    Before I even get the chance, thankfully a blue haired demi-god is able to offer a hand. That¡¯s basically the same thing as bing a God¡¯s incarnate anyways, right? I have literally no idea.


    ¡°Uh, I can answer that Zeki. Out of everyone in this settlement, how many of us can actually speak English? Not because of the trantor we get¡±


    ¡®Huh, Petra and Ariza don¡¯t actually understand English? I¡¯d love to teach it to them but I¡¯m pretty certain you can¡¯t turn this ability off¡¯


    ¡°First of brother, I speak American, not English. Second, why am I doing it when orangey actuallyes from the ind the books came from!? Just because I speak the superior version doesn¡¯t mean I should be stuck teaching her shitty one!¡±


    ¡®If I end up having a brain aneurism, Zeki¡¯s going to be the cause... Jesus Christ¡­¡¯


    ¡°Because she and Petra have an entire settlement to run! Why is it you can be so dense and stupid at times?¡±


    ¡®Heh, it¡¯s cute that Ariza thinks we actually work. Marcus still does everything¡¯


    Still trying to continue the ¡®fight¡¯, Zeki goes to sulk at a different table to grumble loudly under his breath so we can all still hear. How this guy is somehow over two hundred years old makes no sense at all.


    ¡°This is such BS; I¡¯ve only been sleeping ten hours a day this past week! No human nor phoenix is suitable for such conditions¡±


    Normally, this would be the time where we just let him get on with it except for this one asion. Sometimes Mr Obnoxious needs a bone tossed his way, or an AR-15. He¡¯s such a stereotype.


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ if we get Marcus to pay you kid, will that shut you up? No idea what you¡¯ll even do with it but it¡¯s an incentive, right?¡±


    ¡°He already does but it¡¯s not close to being enough orangey. I want fou-, no, five times my current volunteering fee! Work is for shmucks so it¡¯s unforcedmunity service¡±


    ¡®I-, how anyone can deal with this idiot at times is beyond me. Ria obviously must love him more for his body because there¡¯s nothing between those ears of his¡¯


    ¡°Fine then kid, can we leave already? Asmodeus, there¡¯s nothing else you¡¯d like to add on?¡±


    ¡®Not really sure why I¡¯m asking him that, he¡¯ll probably just piss off Zeki again¡¯


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t need to add anything on. The red one does more than enough to lighten the atmosphere¡±


    ¡°Bite me, dickhead¡±


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, all good Ikarus. We can leave now¡±


    ¡°Excellent¡±


    Upon exiting the inn, it¡¯s now our turn to leave Petra¡¯s father for the time being. We¡¯ve been travelling together long enough now so a quick break before doing it again is ideal, just so we can spend some alone time together more than anything else.


    ¡°So, we¡¯ll see you tomorrow Asmodeus. Then, it¡¯s onto the desert again¡±


    I wonder if we¡¯ll be remembered after what happenedst time? I mean, we shouldn¡¯t since the desert is three countries and we had that confrontation in a different one to the mesa we¡¯ll be teleporting to but still. Let¡¯s just see how this trip goes and hopefully not end up being hunted by beastkin.


    ¡°Heh, of course orange one. I presume you and the dark one can find something interesting to do in the slight break? Acts of intimacy are always best when not overdone and savoured¡±


    ¡®Motherfucker is implying we¡¯re just going to go off and have sex, as if we¡¯re that predictable¡­¡¯

 Chapter 187.5 – Hospitalized (18+)

    Chapter 187.5 ¨C Hospitalized (18+)


    ¡®Fucking Asmodeus man, I almost don¡¯t want to do this now considering. As if I could really turn down Petra¡¯s booty though¡¯


    Back at our leader¡¯s house literally as we entered, me and Petra couldn¡¯t hold ourselves back and started kissing the second the front door was closed. Sure, she may have started it but why on Earth would I ever reject her?


    What started as a simple kiss develops into one with tongues and now, we might as well be touching each other all over, it¡¯s surprisingly intense considering we weren¡¯t desperately in the need for this. Now that we¡¯re alone as a couple though, ns swiftly change¡­


    ¡°Mmhmm¡­ Eve!?!¡±


    Without even realizing it, an embarrassed elven maid stands in the kitchen doorway wielding a toilet brush and a cleaning mask having no clue what to do with her life. To be fair to her, normally we don¡¯t start this till we¡¯re in the bedroom but felt a little more passionate than usual today.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°I-I¡­ I-I¡¯m sorry queens! J-Just, let me finish c-cleanin-, I¡¯ll do itter! Byeee¡­¡±


    Almost as if she¡¯s just found diamonds or something, the maid¡¯s face is a mixture of fluster and pure awe, I¡¯ve seriously never seen anyone look like that just from her eyes alone. Thankfully, she¡¯s now gone into a different room, we should probably take this upstairs shortly.


    ¡°I¡¯m honestly proud of you Petra, surprised you didn¡¯t invite her to join in or something. Seemed like prime teasing material¡±


    ¡°Heh, why would I do that Ikarus? As if I¡¯m going to share you with anyone else¡±


    ¡°*Cough*, Aesa *cough*¡­ that¡¯s why¡±


    ¡°Heh, how can I share you with yourself? Silly Ikarus¡±


    She gives me a little poke on the nose and that¡¯s clearly a button to make me pout. Oh well, as if this is going to stop us.


    Continuing on with our slight kissing session before getting on with the iing smut that¡¯s about to happen, I¡¯m getting a strange feeling we¡¯re being watched or listened to. It doesn¡¯t help that idiot basically just confirmed it as well.


    ¡°I-I have something if y-you two wan-¡­¡±


    Hearing a stuttering voice perk up on the other side of the partially open doorway she just went through, obviously this freaking maid of ours had an idea that needed shutting up instantly.


    mming the door closed and presumable banging the eavesdropper¡¯s head on it, I¡¯m not even going to humour her right now. Don¡¯t get involved when phoenixes are about to get feisty, damn elf!


    ¡°You have any idea for what we can do Petra? Ignore the pesky mosquito that can¡¯t help herself¡±


    ¡°Heh, that was really mean Ikarus, she¡¯ll be fine, probably¡­¡±


    Petra goes to open the door I just mmed and as predicted, she was eavesdropping on us, that bump on the elf¡¯s head says it all really as she¡¯s now running off trying to get out of sight. I should feel bad but this is long overdue me showing what real gender equality is.


    ¡°¡­We¡¯re still yet to give those piercings a run out Ikarus, that and a bit of pration could do the trick, no?¡±


    ¡®So, a bit of nipple pain and afortable olisbos. Not really sure why I describe our dildos asfortable but they definitely do the tric-, wait a second!¡¯


    Suddenly, a stroke of brilliance enters my bird brain as a kinky idea will make today something I¡¯ve dreamt about. I may have to get some bits before we start but damn, the end result is what truly matters after all. This is going to be so freaking hot¡­


    ¡°Hang on one second Petra! There¡¯s something I really, really want you to try putting on¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Heh, out of all the fantasies I guessed you¡¯d have Ikarus, this definitely was unexpected. Why the sses though?¡±


    ¡°Because theyplete the look andbine two things into one¡­ Just outta curiosity Petra, how long were you trying to get me into this?¡±


    You see, I thought I was the only one who had ideas of seeing Petra dressed in a sexy outfit but no, the second I brought up my idea, she also had an idea of her own. The fact she had this on hand really makes me question everything, is her storage just filled with costumes and uniforms for me to wear?


    ¡°Heh, do you really want to know the answer to that question Ikarus? This time around, it seemed to fit perfectly... By the way, I¡¯m noting out till you promise me you have it on¡±


    ¡°Hold your horses, I¡¯m nearly ready. This will be worth all the embarrassment¡­ and I¡¯m done!¡±


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ming out then¡­ don¡¯t you think I don¡¯t know about your misbehaviour, nurse¡±


    Coming out of the bathroom and joining me on the bed with our selected outfits on, doctor Petra has what can only be described as the sexiest doctor¡¯s outfit imaginable. To call it an outfit doesn¡¯t evene close as it¡¯s basically just ab coat, stockings, high heels and sses, but that¡¯s the entire point!


    As for me, I¡¯m the freaking cute nurse who¡¯s clearly going to be under her! It pissed me off how fitting this is but curse that, this is like the hardest girl boner I¡¯ve ever had looking at Petra like that!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Petra¡­ I think I just came¡±


    ¡°Heh, I know no Petra around here nurse. It¡¯s after hours and you¡¯ve been really naughty wearing jewellery while working, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡®Wait, does she mean our rings or the piercings? Ah, who cares, this has broken my arousal rating!¡¯


    Without even expecting it, the roley has gone down a different route and the doctor is already feeling me up! This could¡¯ve been even sexier if we were at the clinic but, asking Ariza for a night alone at a ce known for healing people sounds like all kinds of disturbing.


    ¡°Naughty nurse, you really have been bad. Also, it seems like you haven¡¯t been taking the medicine I¡¯ve been prescribing, have you? Here, I want to see it all gone quickly¡±


    Without even thinking about it, I quickly scoff down the vial of potion Petra gives me with no question whatsoever having no clue what it is until it¡¯s all gone. It¡¯s was surprisingly sweet considering it¡¯s supposed to be medication¡­


    ¡®So, the cure to my tardiness is the aphrodisiac we all know and love? The way shees up with these things astonishes me¡¯


    ¡°Are you going to speak to me nurse or are you just going to sit around gawking?¡±


    ¡°I-I-, erm¡­¡±


    Maybe this is only a feeling I can understand but when you¡¯re that turned on by something and brain cannot produce words? All I want is doctor Petra to have her way with me and do whatever she pleases, why do I even need brain work? Ikarus, no words.


    ¡°Heh, these long hours really aren¡¯t doing you any favours. Come on nurse, it¡¯s time for your inspection so breasts out, now! Leave the dress on however¡±


    Once again, I basically get ready in seconds undoing the front of this cute dress being sure not to disappoint. It¡¯s funny because I never had a doctor fetish beforehand but seeing Petra like this, it really puts things into perspective.


    ¡°Heh, eager one, aren¡¯t you nurse? No underling of mine will get away with such deviousness without some reparations¡±


    Getting started on my breasts, Petra starts off with a little groping but quickly turns that into something much different than the norm by tying a length of string around the nipple itself. I definitely wasn¡¯t expecting that.


    As its wrapping tighter and tighter behind the stubs of the piercing making it so there¡¯s no chance of it ever slipping off, the nipple bes perkier by the second as the blood flow bes restricted. Should probably keep in mind Petra isn¡¯t trying to strangle the damn thing but is making sure it¡¯s tight enough to the point I can feel it hurting just a tad. The nice sort of pain though, this is the only ce I don¡¯t mind it after all.


    Once the second one has gone through the same procedure as the other, Petra moves back on the bed a little to admire her handiwork, then starts to tie a knot in the loose bits of string that now dangle below.


    ¡°Now nurse, those nipples of mine are still not perky enough for my liking so I¡¯m going add something to make sure they get the message¡±


    Next, Petra gets two weights out, actually being two heavy padlocks rather than weights and then hooks them to the loose bit of string. This might be the most janky way I¡¯ve ever heard of weighted nipple mps working but hey, my wife¡¯s intelligence for when ites to smut is never to be underestimated.


    The first, she nicely locks onto the loose string causing the tug to be nice and secure, not too painful but still a little nip. Considering I¡¯m not really into pain, this amount of painful pulling actually feels divine. The second, she¡¯s not so nice with, just letting the damn thing fall¡­


    ¡°Mmhmm¡­ ouch! Did you really have to let the second one drop like that?¡±


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t question my method¡¯s nurse or we can go through the preparation again and again till you¡¯re quiet. Don¡¯t start rubbing them, it¡¯s supposed to hurt a little¡±


    ¡®At least that kinda confirms it was done on purpose¡¯


    The doctor then leaves her nurse to go find something else while I shake my chest a little desperately wanting to rub or grope the painful feeling. This isn¡¯t as nice when it¡¯s notbined with something else so hopefully, Petraes back and prescribes me a vibrator or something¡­


    ¡°Heh, here¡¯s what¡¯s going to happen nurse, I¡¯m going to be nice and rough with you today and you¡¯re going to enjoy every second of it. First, I want you to make sure this goes in easily enough, use your mouth to make sure it does¡±


    While demanding on what we¡¯re going to do tonight, Petra pulls out a new dildo, presumably back from that sex store on Earth and attaches it to the strap on belt. That thing looks intimidating as hell.


    To start with, it¡¯s a tad bigger than the usual, maybe being around the six to seven inches mark but this ck one in particr has a girthparable to a fist, I exaggerate but it definitely has girth. Heck, it doesn¡¯t even look like it¡¯s designed around a human¡¯s one, maybe it¡¯s supposed to be styled off what a dragon¡¯s thing looks like? I mean, it looks nothing like a dragon¡¯s dong, especially in size wise considering dragons have notoriously small Johnsons¡­ please don¡¯t ask how I know that¡­


    Whatever it is, Petra wants me to lube it up with my mouth for some reason so that¡¯s what I¡¯ll do. I guess licking the toy beforehand is different, I suppose.


    ¡®Eh, could probably do without this. Besides, it¡¯s not exactly like it¡¯ll need any help going in, think this is more just Petra trying to set the scene¡¯


    Considering Petra already has the strap on belt wrapped around her waist and is standing, it feels a little like I¡¯m giving her a blowjob or something wetting up this toy. I think it helps more that this phallus doesn¡¯t look like a third leg but still¡­ ah, it kinda looks like arge, ckened tentacle if you squint at the right angle. That helps for some reason, might also be the love potion finally kicking in as well. It still doesn¡¯t help with the third leg dislike but horny is still horny, even when it¡¯s supposed to be doing even more.


    Anyways, once it¡¯s been licked to Petra¡¯s standards, I¡¯m literally about to start stripping down when a get a little tut from the doc.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing nurse? Heh, the clothes should stay on¡±


    ¡®Is this going to work? I mean, I guess this nurse costume is short as hell, whatever floats her boat, I guess¡¯


    I don¡¯t recall if we¡¯ve actually had sex in clothing before. Well, Petra¡¯s outfit barely ssifies as clothing and my boobs arepletely exposed but still.


    ¡°Now nurse, down on all fours, right this second! It¡¯s time for your real checkup, make sure your legs are spread wide enough apart¡±


    Now getting into the famous doggy position we¡¯ve on done a few times before, I quickly realize the doc has chosen this just so the nipple pain gets even worse. At least beforehand, I could lean back slightly but now they just hang there swinging side to side like two little evil bastards.


    Taking an extremely long amount of time, Petra just stands over me in this position grinning clearly liking the disy of crawling nurse. I really hope she does something in a minute because I¡¯m considering buttoning this back up in a second, maybe that might help with the pulling a little but this is probably intentional. It¡¯s definitely warming be up down below but damn, the piercings only make this hurt even more.


    Eventually, the doctor gets around to the examination but not without doing something that sends me mad. I didn¡¯t expect her to just dive in like that, giving it a longue lick and even a slight nibble right where the best kind of pleasure is found¡­


    ¡°Urg-mhmmm¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh, you all good Ikarus? That was a weird moan¡±


    ¡®Damn it! She just had to break the scene like that, didn¡¯t she?¡¯


    Right when it was getting good, Petra slows things down again but for a different reason this time. At times, it makes me doubt she¡¯s naturally dominant but I guess she¡¯s always been a bit of both.


    ¡°O-Of course I am¡­ please, don¡¯t stop¡±


    ¡°Heh, okay then, where was I nurse? Oh yes, your medication. Let¡¯s see if your affliction can be cured by an orgasm or, just by simply edging¡±


    ¡®Why the hell is she so good at this?¡¯


    Now back on the bed, on her knees, she¡¯s aiming the oddly shaped phallus where it has to go, I actually need this now. It¡¯s no longer a matter of wanting or craving it, Petra has to get on with this because I¡¯m desperate. Clearly the potion has kicked in already and my patience is starting to dwindle, just fuck me already goddamn it!


    Still like usual, Petra can¡¯t help but slow things down taking her sweet time before finally allowing it to slowly slide in. Unlike the usual toys, this actually struggles a little due to how squishy and flexible therge thing is, only makes it feel even sweeter when it finally rests inside me. It¡¯s so unbelievably filling¡­.


    As soon as she starts thrusting into me, another thing that¡¯s slow, I swear a small vibration starts to buzz below, making me realize there was more to thisrge thing than first realized. What is it with Petra and finding the most perviest yet amazing toys?


    ¡°Heh, made some personal tweaks to this so you better fully appreciate it nurse¡±


    ¡®Ah, maybe she means the vibe was reced with one from this world? It matters little but we¡¯d have no way of charging something back from Earth if it isn¡¯t¡¯


    As if I or anyone even cares about the logistics of our sex toys! It¡¯s now time to just fully enjoy this, do feel like the girth of this is opening me to a level I¡¯m yet to experience but that¡¯s not necessarily a bad thing. This toy is scratching every nerve, every sensation to make it a living dream.


    ¡®Oh God¡­ oh God¡­¡¯


    As Petra starts to speed up the thrusting into more of a pounding filling me right up even further, the attached nipple weights start to flow back and forth from the impact making the tugging even worse. I¡¯m going to cum already now, fuckkk¡­


    ¡°Dr Petra¡­ urgh¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh, what is that nurse? Speak words¡±


    Still struggling to speak, I think this when I can truly feel the full effects of the love potion kicking in and all I want to do right now is cum my brains out.


    ¡°Cum¡­ please¡­¡±


    As soon as I¡¯m able to bring words together in my fully aroused state, the pounding starts to slow down clearly showing me a quick orgasm isn¡¯t going to cut it today. I¡¯ve got to work for this bastard.


    ¡°Heh, here nurse, take this. That remote decides when you get to cum, so make sure you use it c-correctly¡±


    Petra drops a small remote which I can only presume is attached to a vibe within her. Actually looking at the thing itself, it appears to have one main button and a dial for intensity, it¡¯s not like I even need to look at it because my wife deserves the best¡­


    Not even needing to give it a think, I quickly switch the dial up to ten and listen in as the women behind me and her intruder starts to work. The faster Petra can climax, the faster I can, that¡¯s how we normally do things so of course I¡¯m not going easy on her!


    ¡°H-Heh¡­ that was really cheeky nurse but if you want to y that game, I¡¯m going much harder now. It¡¯s only fair if I get the prescribed treatment first, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ hah¡­¡±


    Resuming to the previous pacing, I really start to enjoy myself pushing myself into Petra¡¯s embrace as well as roaming through the different settings on the vibe, my eyes must be rolling around at the back of my head right now. The fullness of this dildo, the slight vibration, the nipple tugging, the rapid pounding Petra won¡¯ty off with, holding the orgasm back is nothing when just this journey alone feels this great.


    Eventually, I settle on a throbbing setting for Petra and grip onto the remote tightly being sure not to give it up, also while leaving it still on the highest strength of course.


    Still being pounded into, I eventually start to feel like it¡¯s slowing and pacing down, almost bing a little disappointing. I have half a mind to tell the doctor to do it harder but thankfully, Petra¡¯s slowing for a more biological reason¡­


    ¡°Huh¡­ I-Ikarus¡­¡±


    Petra starts to graciously spasm using my back as rest making me feel like I¡¯ve just won a challenge or something. Petra came way quicker than usual today, it¡¯s either the roley or my shitty endurance is rubbing off on her as well.


    Giving her a second to rx but not turning down the throbbing vibe deep within her loins, I really don¡¯t want to switch it off just yet.


    ¡°Heh¡­ phew, best continue giving the nurse her treatment then¡­ you mind turning it down a little?¡±


    ¡°I-I do mind¡­ it stays on u-until I¡¯m done¡±


    This is literally the most I can stand my ground and try to act dominant despite the obvious situation I¡¯m currently in. Don¡¯t give me freaking remote and expect me not to leave it on full! Where¡¯s the fun in that?


    ¡°Heh¡­ really, really naughty nurse. For that, we¡¯re getting your treatment done quickly now¡±


    Like a freaking relentless sex machine getting back up to where she left off, Petra finds post orgasm energy from a ce I can never understand and begins to thrust even faster and harder, getting the speed to an unreasonable extent. Put a fork in my because I¡¯m already done¡­ this is going to be so violent¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t cum just yet nurse, do you want to feel the full extent of what this device is capable of? It has a somewhat strange bulb mechanism for this¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    ¡®That made no sense, right? What is she on about?¡¯


    ¡°The phallus inside you nurse, it has a thin tube running inside of it. Doubt you¡¯ll want it but it is still there if you want fake seed inside you Ikarus¡±


    ¡®Wait¡­ is that what she means¡­¡¯


    Despite still being a little unsure, I eventually get around to figuring out what it might be. I have seen my fair share of porn throughout the Earthen bound days and this must be what she means.


    ¡®¡­Is this¡­ also one of those squirting dildos that¡¯s supposed to have fake cum in it?¡¯


    That¡­ actually doesn¡¯t sound appealing. This is less of a penis fear thing and more of a cleanup style of thing, it¡¯s probably the main reason why me and Petra don¡¯t tend to squirt all that much. I¡¯m not going to have a fit if Petra does it but if given a choice, I¡¯d rather not experience what ¡®seed¡¯ feels like.


    ¡°I¡¯d¡­ rather not doctor¡­ u-urgh¡±


    ¡°Heh, guess you won¡¯t be needing the extra dosage then¡­ Now, it¡¯s time to cum for me, my adorable little nurse¡±


    Not even needing the confirmation, I¡¯m going to do it whether she says or not¡­


    ¡°Urgh, urgh¡­ urgh¡­ Oww! U-Urgh!¡±


    Split seconds away from finally getting my well-deserved, prescribed orgasm from the doctor, Petra yanks on the padlocks dangling from my nipples! Any semnce of control I thought I had building up leaves me as my body starts spasming through the pain¡­


    The pain somehow makes the orgasm even more intense giving me just a hint at why Aesa loves this so much. It seems to nullify everything right at that perfect moment only making the intensity of the finish higher, I¡¯m definitely for doing this again someday. No longer regret getting these piercings done.


    ¡®Urghhhhhh¡­¡¯


    Once I¡¯ve gone through my climaxing blues, I also realize Petra¡¯s taken ownership of her vibe back and haspletely switched the thing off. She has always been more for finishing only once and today, I think I may join her.


    ¡°*Huff*¡­ sorry Petra, but I¡¯m now done¡­ that was¡­ exceptional though¡±


    All I can feel is the stinging on my nipples now and it¡¯s no longer the good sort of pain, these things fucking suck now!


    ¡°Heh, is it the nipples Ikarus? Are they really sensitive?¡±


    While I¡¯m still on all fours, Petra lightly rubs over just one of my pierced nipples causing me to nearly jump out of my skin, even wing at the bed sheets in the process. What the actual fuck is that sensitivity even after I¡¯m done!? The pain is less noticeable with her doing that but that¡¯s actually more intense than anything down below.


    ¡°That¡¯s way too much, even for my tastes Petra¡­ well, maybe not always, but right now, that needs toe off¡±


    I mean, the feeling is incredible but I think the fact pain is involved has stifled it a little bit. That was great but only one orgasm for both of us is more than enough for today, I still haven¡¯t taken it off because I¡¯m unsure if Petra wants this string saved or something... Oh, it¡¯s freaking string, who even cares that much.


    ¡°Heh, so my nurse has really sensitive nipples now? Next time we y, I¡¯ll have to keep that in mind¡±


    ¡®Wait, what is she going to do to me next time around? Ah, I really don¡¯t care right now, I¡¯m done so no more horny, will have to wait¡­¡¯

 Chapter 188 – Atlantis

    Chapter 188 ¨C Antis


    ---Quick life update to anyone who cares lol, I was starting to get back into the flow of this and of course, I¡¯m ill again. Think it¡¯s covid or some sort of viral crap down to the way my heart has been recently, not even like I can sleep it off due to how my heart likes to work.


    ---Basically, uploads will remain sporadic like this until I can get myself somewhat better. It¡¯s a shame this didn¡¯t happen on the volume break fast approaching but oh well.


    __________


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, feel like I¡¯m going to spew¡­ oh orangey, you¡¯re a right bastar-, Ouch! The both of you are now hitting me together!?¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Don¡¯t call Ikarus a bastard then Zeki! Even though I¡¯m not happy about this, that¡¯s just in rude¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, it¡¯s just a little bit of warmth, what¡¯s the problem?¡±


    Now back in our little pack of phoenixes alongside the demon lord Asmodeus, we¡¯ve all just teleported to the outskirts of the mesa we visited so long ago and now, have a desert to traverse. Like the fates aligned, the back of Zeki¡¯s head receives two bumps as both my wife and the lovely Ariza defend my honour. It does say a lot both those two are like scolding mothers when ites to the Amazonian queen.


    ¡°Rx kid, the trip shouldn¡¯t be that long and I¡¯ve even brought something to help out with the heat¡­¡±


    Getting out the aphrodisiacs in question, a questiones to mind about how this may affect the other phoenixes in question. Sure, Ariza still isn¡¯t sure about that wyvern prince so she may be okay but will Zeki be alright with no busty dryad in sight? Eh, guess we¡¯ll find out, there is something I need to whisper to Petra real quick though.


    ¡°¡­Petra, we¡¯re definitely not taking these today. If you¡¯ve got any in storage, give them to me now because we¡¯re not even risking it¡±


    I mean, a sexy session with Petra is great and all but not in far reaches of the never-ending Krieger desert. Sand is no fun, didn¡¯t I say something like that yesterday? Ah, forget it, no nasty business! Let¡¯s hope this isn¡¯t her cue to go full hi on me because it¡¯s not happening!


    ¡°Heh, in agreement Ikarus. No more you know what until we get home¡­ can¡¯t promise about the kissing or biting though¡±


    Petra swiftly whispers to me back an-, d-damn it, she just nibbled my ear! Don¡¯t think anyone else saw that but this is why she can¡¯t be trusted! I swear she¡¯s got the libido of a guy living in his mum¡¯s basement or something.


    ¡°A-Anyways¡­ let¡¯s get a move on and skip this travelling time. Other than the rare camel orrge scorpion, there shouldn¡¯t be much out here¡±


    ¡®Probably best for me and Ariza to fly first as well, Zeki does look like he¡¯s about to spew¡­¡¯


    __________


    Gliding across the gleaming desert with the sun against my wings, even I¡¯m already feeling the heat despite normally being quite good with it so, a rxed glide is best for today. It¡¯s probably best for the other two birds if I don¡¯t try and fly too fast, it¡¯s guaranteed to get moans if I do since I marginally seem to be the quickest.


    While we¡¯re making themute towards the location Asmodeus has pinpointed, Zekies out with something really strange¡­


    ¡°Hey brother, doesn¡¯t that cactus look like Ria¡¯s fat ass down there, way over to the right? I swear it looks identical¡±


    ¡°Uh, really Zeki? Please, just drink some water, you¡¯re seeing things¡±


    Trying my best not to facepalm hiding my beak under one of my wings, I reluctantly look to where Zeki pointed at and¡­ wait a second.


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re probably seeing a mirage Zek-¡±


    ¡°No no Petra, I think he¡¯s right. I see her as well, are we both having strokes or something?¡±


    ¡°Ha! Even orangey agrees with me, I know that cow¡¯s fat arse from miles away!¡±


    Switching direction and gliding down to where he was looking, the image gets clearer and clearer as the outline of a person is seen hiding behind a thin but tall cactus. Ariza quickly follows along as I¡¯m just hovering about above the idiotic dryad, never thought I¡¯d ever see one this far away from any trees. That¡¯s definitely Ria the cow and not a different looking dryad, right? No, it¡¯s definitely her, thoses are uncanny.


    ¡°What the actual fuck cow!? You keeping and going, then randomly show up in the middle of nowhere!?¡±


    ¡°He-he, alright girly boy? Turns out with all this stupid, pointless studying about boring trees I¡¯ve been doing with sis, there¡¯s a way I canmunicate with cactuses! The idiots think they¡¯re a family of trees or something, it just means I travel anywhere to find you now!¡±


    ¡®Can never forget dryads can basically form anywhere if trees, or now cacti are around¡¯


    ¡°Erk, though I¡¯d be safe¡­ such a pain in the freaking ass¡±


    ¡°I heard that girly boy! One of you get down here already and pick me up!¡±


    Both me and Ariza look to each other and are unsure what to say. On one hand, I¡¯ve already got two on my back and she has one so she¡¯s due an extra passenger but, with the cow and the additional baggage and weight she brings, I feel a little sorry putting this duty on her. Regardless of if I feel sorry or not, it¡¯s still only fair if she takes her. Could just let the tree spirt find her own way but that¡¯s more moaning just waiting to happen.


    ¡°You mind Ariza?¡±


    ¡°Uh, as long as they promise not to do anything funny up on my back¡±


    ¡°He-he, I can promise but I don¡¯t think girly boy can. I can smell that aphrodisiac from a hundred cactuses away¡±


    ¡®Wait, Zeki¡¯s already downed one of those pots? Damn, they really don¡¯t do anything to him¡­ Ria really needs to learn the word cacti as well¡¯


    ¡°As if I¡¯d want you right now cow, think I¡¯d rather have a go with a scorpion than your fat ass¡±


    ¡­


    Almost like he was expecting someone tough at his stupid joke, Zeki scoffs when nothing is heard except a desert cricket chirping. Even Asmodeus who tends to find weird and odd stuff funny didn¡¯t find that humorous.


    ¡®Let¡¯s just get a move on again. Four phoenixes, a demon lord and now a dryad, this really is turning into a skit¡­¡¯


    __________


    (Ikarus) ¡°So¡­ this is this the huge desert city I¡¯ve seen on a map once or twice¡­ what was it called again?¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, wee to Antis orange one, thergest city in the mortal world. Visited this ce many times before when it came to the odd scouting mission and it still thrives, even today¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Antis? Why the hell is it called that when we¡¯re in the desert? What idiot came up with that name?¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°I think the name is sarcastic Zeki? Not every myth is going to be the same from our world¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Huh, I vaguely remember that name as well. It was supposed to be underwater, right?¡±


    (Ria) ¡°I wonder if there¡¯s any goblins around here¡­¡±


    After a couple of days of travelling, we¡¯re now in viewing distance of a desert city iparable to any other, vast as the eye can see. In some ways, the trip alone makes this sight worth it, this ce is as majestic as the elven city of Aurora, just for different reasons.


    Located on the coast to the great ocean of the east, the ironically named city of Antis might beparable to the great cities the pharaohs built if we¡¯reparing it, the architecture also shares that ancient Egyptian styling. We¡¯ve already witnessed the great pyramid of this world but a city this vast andparable in size to a modern one, it almost looks like a mirage. I wonder if this ce also has a weird and troubled history using extreme very forbour? Just obviously with beastkin instead.


    ----------


    ---No new changes but still makes sense to show.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    The ce also has dozens of trading carriages around the outside even using camels instead of horses, presumably down to the temperatures. The urge to pet them all must be overwhelming Ariza right now but obviously, we¡¯re here for work.


    ¡°Once we enter the city phoenixes and tree spirit, this is where things will get a little odd. I¡¯m unfortunately unable to specifically predict where the next of my brothers will be at but, I can at least give you all a name and an idea on what to expect¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°So then demon, who are we hunting?¡±


    ¡°Heh, the next of the majin lords is Beelzebub and he has a taste for¡­ well, anything really. Let¡¯s hope this isn¡¯t what I¡¯m expecting, but I wouldn¡¯t bet on it¡±


    Already sensing the demon being purposely vague, we cut the conversation short and get going to the


    Walking at decent pace, we quickly make our way to the wall of the city and oddly find no guards nor anyone stopping us from entering the open gate. This seems a little odd because most cities do tend to have at least something stopping anyone from entering, normally just a quick chat with the guard is good enough. Maybe this ce is peaceful enough so it¡¯s not needed? We¡¯re yet toe across any desert bandits so I¡¯m guessing raids aren¡¯t thatmon.


    It doesn¡¯t take long for that theory to go out the window, they may not have bandits down here but a much greater problem seems to persist around here.


    ¡°Oh, dear God¡­ I really wasn¡¯t expecting this¡±


    Having walked a good distance getting into the city proper, wee across the main packed out high street filled with animal eared beastkin everywhere. Despite the fact this ce is filled, the atmosphere is eerily quiet, most likely down to all the wanted posters around¡­


    (Wanted! The city will pay for anyone who has information on the killer! Anything will help¡­)


    (Anyone know who the cannibal is? That motherfucker got my sister and have an untouched basement ready for use, want to get medieval on his arse¡­)


    (Don¡¯t go out at night! Why the city hasn¡¯t set a curfew yet is beyond me!? I knew a girl who had a cousin, who¡¯s best friend was eaten!)


    (We¡¯re all going to die! Don¡¯t trust anyone¡­)


    Located on nearly every shop window and every building, it¡¯s almost as if this guy is the cannibalistic Jack the ripper with this reputation going around. I know Asmodeus said this guy has a hunger but actual consumption of people? No chance we¡¯re reasoning with this fucker¡­


    ¡°You heard who he gotst night? It¡¯s a good thing she had family because her daughter would¡¯ve been orphaned¡±


    ¡°Disgusting! What has this worlde to where people are being eaten like animals on the street?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know right? At least show a bit of honour and fight fist to fist with the person if you¡¯re going to do that! Maybe the eating women part is a little too much but at least have some pride!¡±


    Even the odd passerby we walk past all seem rattled by the events transpiring around here, best try and focus elsewhere because these people look like they¡¯re about to jump at the smallest of things. It kinda makes me want to use an air horn and see the reaction but probably should leave the stupidity to the toxic couple over there.


    ¡°Uh¡­ I think I¡¯m going to be sick¡­ this guy eats people?¡±


    ¡°Erk, what kind of a sick bastard goes around doing something like this!? We¡¯re hurting him orangey, whether you want to or not¡±


    ¡°Rx kid, as if I¡¯m going to defend a cannibal. He¡¯ll soon taste his own blood, mark my words¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    (Ria) ¡°Never understood why some goblins do that as well, do people have a nice taste then?¡±


    ¡°Heh, I assume none of you will have anyints on killing him? He was always considered an outcast evenpared to the rest of us¡±


    Asmodeus can¡¯t help but make an ufortable joke, but I¡¯m actually for him lighting the mood a little today, it¡¯s not every day you run into something like this so we¡¯re going to be a little stressed already. Motherfucker eats people, even dragons or vampires don¡¯t do that in this world.


    ¡°You have any idea where we should start Asmodeus?¡±


    ¡°Heh, just wait a second dark one and maybe, just maybe the fates will present an encounter¡­¡±


    All of a sudden, a couple hooded people quickly walk out of one of the alleyways connected to this high street, bumping straight into our group of six. Heck, one of these idiots even knocked over Ariza!


    ¡°Uh, awe-awe-awie! Sorry ma¡¯am but I- I¡­ Ariza!?! What are you doing over here!?¡±


    ¡®The demon lord knew we¡¯d run into the wyvern prince and king? Of course he freaking did, presumably they¡¯re here for the same reason we are? This world loves a good coincidence¡¯


    ¡°Not the time boy, hood back up. We¡¯re trying to keep a low profile here¡±


    The prince almost looks a little dejected when his father scolds him, but the fact his love Ariza is here immediately puts another smile on his face. If they¡¯re trying to remain hidden, they probably are hunting him unless¡­ they secretly are the cannibals all along! My father¡¯s fake hatred of flying rats was right all along¡­


    ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me you wyverns are in league with the cannibal demon lord, those cloaks make you seem sus as hell¡±


    Clearly not understanding my sense of humour, the prince seems absolutely shocked from my ¡¯usation¡¯.


    ¡°What!? That¡¯s madness Queen Ikarus! We¡¯re hunting the evildoer!¡±


    That gets a huge facepalm from the father as well, never realized Ariza¡¯s future husband is this dense but damn, the kid is a right joy. Probably should be nice as he might be way too easy to mess with.


    ¡°Heh, so you¡¯re doing the same thing we are then? That can¡¯t be the only reason you travelled this distance though?¡±


    Petra asks a pretty good question all things considered. Their country is in Mdonia and we¡¯re in the furthest part east of the Krieger continent, it must¡¯ve been another coincidence¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s aplicated story Queen Petra but the gist of it basicallyes down to the airships and firsting over here to renegotiate the deal. The fuel, and air we use for them is found in great amounts under the sand, we¡¯ve found another source so we¡¯ll be needing less going forward and that was the purpose of the trip¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, this cannibal thing is because me and father thought we could manip-, no, gain favour with the leader of this city by capturing the cannibal!¡±


    The wyvern King facepalms again from his happy son clearly spilling what should¡¯ve been quite the intelligent n, both me and Petra are struggling not to chuckle from this brief interaction as this kid really is a delight.


    As for Ariza herself¡­ was that a little blush I saw? I seriously doubt she¡¯s even listening to the conversation, living mostly inside that head of hers right now. This would be a perfect opportunity for ol¡¯obnoxious Ikarus to tease but as if I could ever do something like that now! Growing up has made me boring unfortunately, Ariza¡¯s way too precious as well.


    ¡°Anyways¡­ we¡¯re dealing with a demon lord? Presumably, the man alongside you is also the same?¡±


    Asmodeus steps up to answer himself surprisingly me a little, mainly because of how little the king couldn¡¯t care about conversing with a lord in the flesh. I guess me and Petra must have more of a personal history as we¡¯ve wanted to instantly kill any we¡¯vee across, he probably doesn¡¯t.


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s a pleasure to see you once again. Been way too long since west conversed king of the wyverns¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve met before? I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about but it doesn¡¯t matter right now, you have any idea where the cannibal may be? We¡¯ve been searching this city for a good week now and still no luck¡±


    ¡®No rest for the wicked, huh¡­ guess it makes sense if this guy is killing more and more everyday¡¯


    ¡°Heh, if it¡¯s the brother I¡¯m so very fond of, he likes to eat at least three times a day and has a preference, but isn¡¯t fussy or stupid enough to care¡­ Maybe start with the slums and work from there? It¡¯s most likely the ce with the lowest number of guards¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll say our goodbyes and that¡¯s where we¡¯re going this minute¡­ if we need to speak any further, head to the Raging Bull on the high street and we¡¯ll talk more there¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Erk, is this really the slums of this city? It¡¯s pure filt-, motherfucker! What idiot just dumps their piss out the window like that!? This ce needs a new paint of crimson¡±


    ¡°Calm it down kid¡­ oh, that really gotcha, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Girly boy¡­ um, you might need a clean now. Even I wouldn¡¯t sleep with you like that¡±


    ¡°Uh, poor Zeki¡­ that¡¯s gross¡±


    ¡°Heh, the red one really has great luck, we¡¯ve only just gotten here and you¡¯re already covered in filth¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    Upon arriving in the pure squaller region of this gigantic city after Asmodeus¡¯s suggestion, Zeki gets a taste of pure karma in the form of a bucket emptying its contents right out of the upper story window. Even for my wickedness, karma in the form of being pissed on might be a little much, no?


    ¡°You can probably sit this one out now kid, unless you¡¯re happy running around covered in muck?¡±


    ¡°Heh, you do this often Zeki? That can¡¯t be good for keeping your skin young and soft¡±


    I was trying to be subtle but the smell makes it hard, Petra being awfully funny doesn¡¯t help as well. There was more than just piss in that bucket¡­


    ¡°Yeah yeah,ugh at my misfortune sis. I¡¯m going to that inn the blue rat suggested, they better have a bath¡­ the bucket thrower is lucky I¡¯m not alone; entire streets normally burn for this¡­¡±


    Zeki grumbling away, running off into the distance just leaving the five of us to now search the slums. Can¡¯t help but give me head a quick shake after that little incident, it¡¯s now time to find this bastard. Where does one even look to find a cannibal? A human farm or something? Okay, that¡¯s a real shitty joke¡­ almost like what Zeki¡¯s covered in¡­


    I know we can neglect our people quite the bit but if we ever have a region that ends up looking like a wooden shanty town, covered in muck and filth, I promise you we¡¯ll be there to personally fix it ourselves. This ce must be swimming in disease and sickness, just one look at it and you can see why I¡¯d think that.


    ¡°So, are we going to split up like the two wyverns and cover more ground quickly? How hard can it be to find him anyway?¡±


    It seems risky like something idiots would do in a horror film but it can¡¯t be that bad, right? I mean, if we partially half the group and put the demon lord with Ariza and Ria, then it means me and Petra can smooch while also trying to save lives. It¡¯s a win-win, right?


    ¡°Heh, before we split up and search for him orange one, I should probably give you a word of warning. This brother of mine does tend to have some weird and specific tastes, most specifically being red heads. Not really sure why but apparently red headed women taste the best? Obviously meaning the flesh, not the funny euphemism¡±


    Huh, this guy is a cannibal pervert as well with those ¡®tastes¡¯. At least this allows me to y bait if it¡¯s needed, put a sign up across my neck saying free meal or something¡­ bet Petra¡¯s had a dream like that once before. Jokes aside, I am happy to draw him ou-, wait a second! I¡¯m not the only red headed female around here¡­


    ¡°Erm, what about Zeki, demon? Should we have sent him away like that?¡±


    I mean, he¡¯ll be fine, right? It¡¯s Zeki we¡¯re talking about, the only person who can harm him is us phoenixes and his own stupidity. He¡¯ll be alright¡­ we haven¡¯te across a cannibalistic demon before though¡­


    ¡°Heh, guess thatpletely slipped my mind. He¡¯ll be alright¡­ probably. It¡¯s fine if he loses an arm or two, right?¡±


    Both me and Petra understanding the meaning behind his words despite him trying to jest. She proceeds to slowly approach him while I back her up¡­


    ¡°Asmodeus¡­ what are you ying at? Was this your n? Your intention to use him as bait?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Instead of giving a verbal response, Petra gets a sinister smile which immediately sends her over the edge before I get the chance. Fucking Zeki ran off down one of the thousands of alleyways in this ce, he could be anywhere right now!


    Throwing him into the wall, arm up against his throat and eyes as ck as the night, both Ria and Ariza are surprised by Petra¡¯s reaction obviously not fully clocking on why we¡¯re both pissed at him just yet. It doesn¡¯t matter how much we may have to tolerate Zeki, we¡¯re not fucking sacrificing him to a cannibal! I¡¯ll help her skin this guy before that happens¡­


    ¡°You better fucking speak Asmodeus or me and Ikarus will make you, one way or another¡±


    ¡°Heh, rx dark one. Even if he¡¯s ended up in the hands of my brother, we¡¯ve got loads of time before things start to get risky. Even if we wait a day or so, he¡¯ll only lose a finger or two, where¡¯s the harm in that?¡±


    Not even needing her to ask, I get even closer visibly pissed and willing to cut this smiling fucker at any second, I knew we¡¯d lock horns at some point but not because of freaking Zeki.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what you think demon, me and Petra are running the show around here so, if anything happens to Zeki, you will deeply regret it¡±


    ¡°Mark my words Asmodeus, Zeki¡¯s life is now tied to yours. If he even loses a hair on that stupid head of his, we¡¯ll make sure your future ends here today¡±


    Even Ria and Ariza now back us up while we¡¯re making threats. This isn¡¯t one of those moments for kindness when this guy is trying his own thing without informing us first, don¡¯t be trying to fuck with our phoenix fam! Zeki¡¯s like that idiotic brother we all can¡¯t stand but need to bail out when he does something irredeemable, who else could I mock if he ends up eaten anyways!?


    ¡°Heh, you two should really lighten up a little bit. Trying to find the red one in thergest city in the world, won¡¯t be any challenge at all¡­¡±

 Chapter 189 – Zeki

    Chapter 189 ¨C Zeki


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    [<Well well well, look where your immense intelligence has gotten us? This system has better connection with those two -jugs- rather than that bean sized brain of yours. How you¡¯ve survived avoiding my help for this long is baffling>]


    Waking up in a pitch-ck room tied to a chair, obviously I¡¯m fucking alive when the first thing to make any noise is this damn robot I¡¯ll never be rid of. Last thing I can remember was this demonic bastard getting the jump of me.


    ¡®Erk¡­ I¡¯m not in the mood right now so shut the fuck up! I promise, I will you drill you out of me someday¡¯


    [<Might be impossible to do such a thing -idiot- when you¡¯re going to end up as demon food. You seriously allowed us to get knocked out by him? He used a fucking rock! You even saw the demon lord¡¯s arm sticking out before heading around the corner!>]


    ¡®Just fuck off and let me wake up already¡­ I bet sis has done this to orangey before¡¯


    Realizing I¡¯mpletely wrapped in rope with my hands to the chair behind my back, I swear me and the cow have done something like this as well but I can barely remember it. Drugs, alcohol, dryads and aphrodisiacs really aren¡¯t a great mix, especially when you¡¯ve got someone who¡¯ll do anything even if you idently make a suggestion¡­ I think it was fun though? Erk, I don¡¯t know.


    It¡¯s a damn good thing no one looks for me when I go to call Ria out in the woods because even sis and orangey would be ashamed knowing what we get up to. They are supposed to be the pervy two, as if me and brother don¡¯t know what sis is like deep down. Orangey is perfect for her, despite how annoying she is at times.


    ¡°Mhmhmhmhm¡­¡±


    [<You thinkughing through that gag in this situation will help us out -idiot-, or are you always purposely trying to piss me off? Use that bird brain of yours for a change!>]


    ¡®Buzz off already! As if we need any nning right now, everything is already sorted. There¡¯s absolutely nothing to worry about¡¯


    Just humouring that idiot since I know it won¡¯t shut up if I don¡¯t, I start shaking my bound arms a little looking for any leeway in the rope, there¡¯s no way I¡¯m getting my arms back in front without a knife or a bit of fire. Breaking the chair wouldn¡¯t be too difficult normally, but with these stupid jugs of mine, the chair might use them to cushion the break. Knew this would screw me over someday.


    ¡°Ah¡­ so you¡¯re finally awake?¡±


    A masculine voice echoes throughout the darkness only making me even more annoyed, that¡¯s definitely the fucker that caught me off guard! All I wanted to do was clean the piss and shit off me, what God have I pissed off to deserve this fate!? Bet it was the idiot one obsessed with war, his spear is okay but fire is always best.


    ¡®Erk¡­ surprised he¡¯s not asking me if I was trying to cross the border or something¡¯


    [<You¡¯re seriously referencing that terrible single yer game right this second!?>]


    ¡®For once, we actually agree on something. Still don¡¯t understand how orangey likes those games made from that buggypany¡¯


    I could go into great detail about the real superior shit which is the ssic MMOs but right now, I couldn¡¯t give a shit. I¡¯m pissed off this guy got the jump on me so easily, thankfully he¡¯s obviously one of those idiots who likes to converse with his meal before starting.


    All of a sudden but not really that unexpected, this demonic bastard flicks a switch showing me his ugly piehole. Am I supposed to be impressed by this guy¡¯s fatness or something? I mean, Ria¡¯s not fat at all despite me calling her it, but this guy definitely has a taste for takeout cheeseburgers it seems¡­ also people apparently, sick bastard.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Mhm-mhm¡­ mhm!¡±


    ¡°Ah, so the meal is trying to converse with me? Let me get that real quick¡­¡±


    ¡°Mhmhm-¡­ hahahahaha¡­¡±


    As soon as he takes off the gag wrapped around my mouth, theughter turns even clearer as I just can¡¯t suppress myself. This guy is so dead, really wish it would be much slower but can¡¯t be expecting too much considering what¡¯s going to happen. Maybe I¡¯ll just spit on his corpse instead once he¡¯s gone.


    ¡°¡­Hahahaha¡­ you¡¯re sooo going to suffer for this. Your kind really do have the best of screams, especially when ites to burning¡±


    This makes him confused and greatly disappoints me. I was thinking my reputation during the demon invasion would¡¯ve spread across to some guy like this but I now doubt he¡¯s even heard of my aplishments. Demons really do burn exceptionally well especially in the moonlight, there is an art to it.


    ¡°Looks like my meal is delusional, flocked by fear and terror. There¡¯s way too much fat for it to be bnced but I¡¯ve never been one for wasting meat¡±


    This motherfucker, he isn¡¯t even listening to me just eyeing up this fucking body! Ria doing it is bad enough but now I¡¯ve got a fucking demon doing the same!? You can have these two pounds of fleshy jugs, they freaking suck if you¡¯re the one actually carrying them around. Back pain all day and can¡¯t even sleep t otherwise, I feel like there¡¯s a garbage truck on my chest.


    Without even giving it a care raging all along, I start trying to build up some me but nothinges out. Knew that voice deep inside knew nothing, as if I¡¯m going to break free like this.


    ¡°Hehe, I¡¯ve been hunting prey longer than you¡¯ve been alive fleshy bird, as if a little bit of magic will break any of that rope¡­ you¡¯reughing again? Doesn¡¯t the thought of being eaten alive scare you? All your friends and family, don¡¯t you want to call out to them, worried for your safety?¡±


    This absolute scum, as if I could ever fear him even when he rubs a butcher¡¯s knife against my shoulder like that. Come on and get around to torturing me already! As if he could threaten me, that¡¯s only something Ria and the phoenixes get to do.


    ¡°Hahahaha¡­ *sigh*, you really have no idea demon dickhead. Please, grab a fork and get started. This sack of fat is meaningless to me, so go ahead¡­¡±


    My reaction takes him back even more, guess he really was expecting pitiful screams or tears, but he shouldn¡¯t take a phoenix if he expected that. Sis would never break and end up decapitating him, orangey would annoy the torturer into killing himself and brother would do the same, just by ¡®romancing¡¯ them using mind control. Might as well y with him as long as we can.


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s not like you¡¯ll even have the time for any starters though, bastard¡­ It won¡¯t be long till guests arrive¡±


    ¡°And why¡¯s that? You reckon some miracle will happen and you¡¯ll be rescued by some knight in shiny armour?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, a knight in armour!? Jeez, you really need some help dude, you do understand I¡¯m a phoenix, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. What does that have to do with anything?¡±


    ¡®Idiot cannibal, he really has no clue. I¡¯d almost feel sorry for him except, I really want to see him scream¡¯


    ¡°Because, my stupid and fat torturer, I have a sister notorious for stalking phoenixes¡­¡±


    __________


    All of a sudden, the sound of half a buildingpletely copsing on itself spreads debris and dust throughout the area, causing immediate panic and terror all around. No one knows the reason for the copse but all know that building barely stands now.


    ¡®Ouch ouch ouch¡­ probably shouldn¡¯t use my head like that¡¯


    Arriving on the other side of the wall, someone thought it would be a good idea to break down the locked door using myself at a battering ram. Sometimes, I really wish Petra or Aesa would talk me out of my stupid ideas because, my phoenix head must have a tennis ball sized bump now. Should¡¯ve used my wing or shoulder for the collision, why did none of us learn to pick locks anyway?


    Still though, the force of the impact appears to have destroyed most of the wall, a good portion of the roof and has turned this building mostly into dust and rubble. I get that this ce was abandoned and old, it¡¯s not like the demon lord would hide out in a ce of high quality, but even I¡¯m surprised by the destruction from my phoenix ram. I¡¯d be proud¡­ if I didn¡¯t have a headache.


    Eventually, when the dust settles, I realize I¡¯ve ended up somewhere much lower than the front door, somehow falling down a level without realizing it. Petra was adamant Zeki¡¯s scent was here but will he be in the basement or¡­


    ¡°Heh, well done Ikarus¡­ is he down there?¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ kinda Petra¡­¡±


    Ahead of me is quite the sight and I really need to look away but I just can¡¯t. To the right, is a chubby guy with horns, presumably the demon lord we¡¯re hunting. To the left is female Zeki, tied up to a chair wrapped in rope, looking as confused as the other guy¡­ butt naked. Did he really have to do Zeki this dirty like this!?


    ¡°¡­If I knew you were into this kid, I¡¯d have knocked and been a little more subtle. Couldn¡¯t you have left a hat on the front door or something?¡±


    In just a split second, a vein appears on Zeki¡¯s forehead turning that confusion into pure hatred and anger. At least that provides a suitable distraction from how I just did something really stupid getting into the house, we were way too worried when all this guy has barely done anything yet.


    ¡°Erk, fuck off orangey and kill this cannibal already! What the hell are you waiting for?¡±


    ¡®Read between the lines kid, is it that hard to understand only me and Petra are here right now? Status¡¯


    [Name: Beelzebub | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 164,972/166,666]


    [Stamina 130,521/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    ¡®Huh, guess some of that rubblended on him¡¯


    Because of our haste to track down the kid, me and Petra don¡¯t really know this cannibal¡¯s weaknesses or strengths. It would be senseless to attack him right on the spot like this, right? Using a nuke or that light magic attack in a city seems like a bad ide-, oh wait! Friendly fire is no longer a problem. The city might get mad if I destroy more property though.


    While we¡¯re standing around waiting to attack, maybe we should¡¯ve gone straight for the kill right from the start¡­


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Instead of giving us a response, the cannibal somehow forms wings and the guy tries to flee! A demon lord who likes flesh and is also a coward, why is this that surprising?


    ¡°You fucker! Don¡¯t think you¡¯re escaping us! Petra, get on-¡­¡±


    Just as the fat man is trying to flee, pping his wings and getting off the ground, a harpoon flies through the air piercing both of his wings, sending him straight back down to reality. Asmodeus must¡¯ve just bought that hence the dy, another thing he didn¡¯t tell us about.


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re not getting away that easily brother. Try flying again, I dare you¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, we¡¯ve got you nasty demon¡±


    ¡°We came as fast we could¡­ oh my God Zeki, he didn¡¯t touch you anywhere funny, did he!? That¡¯s my job!¡±


    ¡°Erk¡­¡±


    The rest of our party arrive just at the perfect time jumping down into the decently sized basement as well, only Ria oddly enough as both Asmodeus and Ariza have ranged weapons up there. The ¡®blue one¡¯ with her new white bow I¡¯m yet to see and Asmodeus reloading that harpoon gun he¡¯s acquired. Ain¡¯t no doubt about it, unless this guy can now teleport, he isn¡¯t escaping this pit he¡¯s in.


    ¡°Asmodeus? You dare to interrupt my feast like this!? What happened to the blood bonds between us al-, argh!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Instead of giving him a response, he just finishes reloading the gun and shoots him in the wing again! While going through the reloading process another time, it doesn¡¯t take much to understand it¡¯s now time for me and Petra to shine¡­


    ¡®Aesa! I want a hybrid attack this time, asap!¡¯


    [<Confirmed, both -aspect of gigantomachy- and -plot protection- are now in use>]


    Getting both my go to attack and immortality running, I¡¯m not wanting to take any chances with this bastard so caring about if I¡¯m potentially ovepensating is pointless right now. We¡¯re going to kill him right now; I haven¡¯t even had the time to change form yet.


    Beelzebub tries to defend from our assault activating some sort of electricity-based attack, turning the entire floor ahead of us lovebirds into a power surge of lightning. This defensive action onlysts a second causing us no setback when an arrow and a bunch of thornsunch in his direction. The thorns obviously do next to nothing from the dryad, but the arrow flies truending straight into one of his eyes.


    ¡®Damn Ariza! Our healer will give Artemis or Apollo a run for their money someday¡¯


    Me and Petra take this perfect opportunity to get close and strike with our own attacks, bothing at him from different sides using aspect to full effect, shing and kicking in sync into his upper body. It¡¯s been way too long since a phoenix kick has been used to good effect but that coupled with aspect really packs a fun punch.


    ¡°He-he-he, feel our thorny wrath!¡±


    ¡°Erk, die you fat bastard, die!¡±


    Of course, it¡¯s the idiotic toxic two who have to narrate during this fight, couldn¡¯t we just have a little bit of professional silence for a change?


    ¡°Arghhh! You delicious hunks of flesh are starting to annoy me, can¡¯t you just take my horn and be done with it already? We can settle this amicably¡±


    ¡®Wait a second, is this guy kinda surrendering? Status¡¯


    [Name: Beelzebub | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 51,441/166,666]


    [Stamina 130,019/166,666]


    [Magicka 160,668/166,666]


    ¡®He¡¯s still got more than enough left in the tank, right? And no, we¡¯re not epting his surrender. Cannibals don¡¯t get that privilege I¡¯m afraid¡¯


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re not weaselling your way out of this one brother¡­ blue one?¡±


    As Asmodeus winks to Ariza, onest arrow flies from the blue bird equipped with the shiny white bow, almost moving in slow motion as the arrownds¡­ in his other eye. Was this uracy something from Loki or has she always been this urate!? Zeki or Petra don¡¯t seem surprised so it might just be Ariza is a mostly pacifist badass!


    ¡°ARGHHH! My eyes, my eyes! What have I done to deserve this fate? I¡¯m hungry, that¡¯s all¡­ just, one more feast, onest taste before I depart¡±


    Instead of swinging around that butcher¡¯s knife aimlessly like a wild dog from losing his sight, this is when he decides to turn that weapon of his on someone else, someone he already knows the exact position of¡­


    Once sensing what¡¯s he¡¯s up to, the three of us down here desperately try to get in the despairing demon¡¯s way only to find he¡¯s dropped some more electricity around the ce. Despite this, we all run straight into it like idiots.


    ¡°Come and get me motherfucker! I¡¯m right here!¡±


    (Ria) ¡°Zeki, shut up and think¡­ ah-ah-ah-argh!¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    Despite tied to the chair witnessing both Petra and Ria falling to the floor, spasming due to the shocks, the stupid idiot presents himself on a te to the blind demon trying his best to taunt the desperate guy. Fucking Zeki man, we¡¯re trying to save you kid!


    ¡®Shut the fuck up Zeki! Are you trying to get yourself cut or something? Aesa!¡¯


    [<Confirmed, burn him to a crisp Ikarus>]


    Somehow, I¡¯m unaffected by the shocks, probably down to my premature use of plot protection so I still try my best at protecting the naked Amazonian. It doesn¡¯t matter though, I¡¯m toote¡­


    Just as I¡¯m about to swing my leg at the demon, he¡¯s about to make a cut himself straight into the side of Zeki¡¯s neck¡­ except, Zeki still attached to the chair, literallyunches himself at the butcherer even getting his face cut up in the process. Thankfully, the blood doesn¡¯t seem to be pouring, but I¡¯m more focused on the stumbled demon than anything else right now¡­


    While the demon is still on the floor, the ability I activated is now about to start blooming as Ie into touching distance right next to him, jumping right on top basically smothering him underneath my phoenix body. Whether my star ze, talons or weight kills him, nothing matters as long as life departs those bloody blind eyes of his.


    As soon the fire starts to open up, now surrounding both of us, it¡¯s only fitting this guy receives an agonizing fiery death, is it not?


    Repeatedly kicking my talons into him, clutching into him while he¡¯s below, a third de of its ownes into view not knowing where to strike, that being the lone samurai one I¡¯ve seen countless times before from Petra¡¯s sword art. Somehow, this fat guy beneath me still isn¡¯t dead despite the flesh literally burning off me, just as he goes to speak. What the fuck is it with demons and odd resistances?


    All of a sudden, sparks start to appear under me making me smile a little from his insistence on surviving. It won¡¯t make an inch of difference; he will keep burning down there.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t this rx you!? Please, just ept my embrace and be one with me already!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    No words need to be spoken to the deranged sack of burning demon shit beneath me, is that what he means by eating someone? None of it matters, this guy clearly hasn¡¯t been hitting the damaging yourself gym and is considerably weakerpared to every other demon, death is inevitable. Without electricity, he¡¯d be useless¡­


    ¡°Let me go, please¡­ fleshy bird¡­¡±


    More and more shocks spark all around until, finally it makes a difference¡­


    ¡°Ar-arg-argh! Ha-ha-ha¡­¡±


    Without even realizing it, my immortality has run dry leaving me being electrocuted while still above him, evenughing for a second in the process. Does this idiot not understand the only way he¡¯s getting out of this is if he can crawl out? Me spasming like, well, something rude isn¡¯t going to get him nowhere! This fucking hurts like a bitch though, nothing fun about being shocked from below like this.


    Eventually, after what feels like a lifetime, both the electrocution and my fire ability dwindle just leaving me slightly exhausted on top of this guy. That stuff must drain my stamina because all I want to do is sleep now, bet most of my feathers are sticking up as well.


    Groggily getting my fat arse off him, pure anger fills within me as the fuck still isn¡¯t dead! He might as well be pure ck, I felt some of his bones crush and he¡¯s somehow still clinging on?


    ¡°What the actual fuck!? This guy is still alive even after that? Aesa?¡±


    [<Aesa will open up status for both of you¡­>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 809]


    [Health 146,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 91,112*/166,666*]


    [Magicka 131,246*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 54501 unassigned points]


    ---


    [Name: Beelzebub | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 526/166,666]


    [Stamina 119,192/166,666]


    [Magicka 137,670/166,666]


    [<¡­Presumably, he has okay fire resistance? Aesa reckons onest kick should do the trick>]


    ¡®Fine then¡­ that electricity of his drains me fast but forget that, it¡¯s over. Time to die, Beelzebub¡­¡¯


    ¡°Wait! Don¡¯t do it¡­¡±


    Just as I¡¯m about to slice one of my talons right into the neck of the demon lord, a familiar masculine voice beckons from above standing alongside Asmodeus, Ariza, and her future husband.


    No longer robed and looking regal as hell, it¡¯s that wyvern king dude talking to me we¡¯ve now met a third time. He happens topletely miss our fight,es in just when I¡¯m about to do the execution and then wants us to spare him!? That¡¯s got to be what this is, right?


    ¡°¡­Please, don¡¯t kill him Queen Ikarus. He¡¯ll be worth much more to you alive rather than dead¡±


    ¡°Uh, father¡¯s right! The people here need to get their vengeance!¡±


    ¡®They know it¡¯s me in this form? Ah, of course they do Ikarus, he knows my ol¡¯lizard after all¡¯


    ¡°Why? What difference does letting him live right now do?¡±


    ¡°Please, it¡¯ll benefit you more if you just present him to the leader of this ce and let her decide on the gory details. She and the city will be most pleased executing the cannibal responsible for such brutality, it¡¯ll probablye with a bigger reward than just killing him as well¡±


    Before deciding what to do, I look back down at the living corpse beneath me realizing he¡¯s done for even if we leave him in this state. Regardless, I¡¯m not na?ve enough to be that na?ve.


    Now looking to Asmodeus, words don¡¯t need to spoken for him to understand what I¡¯m asking. If he lives, then breaks free, the terrorizing cannibal will return someday, it¡¯s inevitable. This isn¡¯t one of those situations where some can be redeemed, this is an animal masquerading in a demonic form.


    ¡°Heh, this decision matters little in the grand scheme of things orange one, it¡¯s entirely on your shoulders to make though. The likelihood is, he¡¯ll die before he even sees the execution, you crushing him makes that pretty likely¡±


    ¡®Phew, at least that¡¯s a weight off my shoulders¡­ ah, Petra and Ria! Of course they¡¯re both fine, wasn¡¯t worried in the slightest¡¯


    It¡¯s taken long enough for me to look over to the other side of the basement but that electricity attack didn¡¯t seem too much to any of us, other than the paralyzing. Sure, it¡¯s a pretty damn good attacks for the right moment, but anything ranged like Ariza¡¯s arrows, then it¡¯s mostly useless.


    ¡®I¡¯ve got to admit, an Ariza that fights seriously cannot be underestimated. I may have to scare off that Prince because no one is going to be good enough for her, almost feel like an older brother or fath-¡¯


    While I¡¯m still trying to make the decision now wondering on something else, there¡¯s someone all of us seem to have forgotten¡­


    ¡°Erk, for the love of the Gods! Can one of you please unfucking tie me already!? I¡¯m still covered in piss and that clown didn¡¯t even want to clean me first before cutting me up. Fucking gros-¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait wait wait! Can you leave me with him alone, just for a little bit? I never know when we¡¯ll have this chance again, he can¡¯t struggle out of that rope!¡±


    ¡­


    Not even acknowledging the dryad, Petra goes to untie Zeki while I follow quickly changing form, both greeted by a face of pure relief by the nudist on the floor.


    ¡®I always assumed what those two do in the background loosely uses the word consent but damn, they really are as bad as each other¡­¡¯

 Chapter 190 – Pearl

    Chapter 190 ¨C Pearl


    ¡°How long is this stupid thing going to take? You¡¯d think capturing the cannibal, we¡¯d get quick VIP ess or something¡±


    ¡°Heh, patience Ikarus. If it¡¯s too hard to wait, just imagine me naked for a bit¡±


    ¡°That¡­ *sighhh*, stupid Petra, of course that freaking helps¡±


    ¡°Heh, patience orange one. They¡¯ll let you in shortly¡±


    After the situation with Beelzebub and reluctantly deciding to spare him, beastkin guards flocked to our location shocked at the sight of the destroyed building and the burnt demon. Thankfully, the wyvern king was around to smooth things over and exin the situation best he could, we¡¯re now on standby sitting around doing nothing. Ria and Zeki are the only two not here currently, he needs a clean and by the sound of it, the dryad wanted to help him with it? Help, torment, basically the same thing.


    As for the wait, we¡¯re currently in a waiting room while the wyvern king speaks privately to the leader of this ce, hopefully selling our aplishments high for some kind of decent reward. It¡¯s not like we really need anything mary but not going to turn anything down if offered.


    Ah, should also mention the fact I quickly snapped off the captured demon¡¯s horn and drunk the burnt tasting blood from it. Tasted foul as sin but no more worrying if my level has raised or not, we¡¯re at nine-zero-nine now.


    ¡°Uh, so then Ariza¡­ how have you been? Wellness wise I mean; you haven¡¯t been in pain or anything like that!?¡±


    ¡°Uh, I¡¯ve been okay for the most part Prince, what about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been okay as well! Was getting bored helping father this trip, but seeing you has really made it worth it!¡±


    ¡®Hehe, Ariza can¡¯t help blushing and facepalming from the puppy like wyvern kid. It¡¯s way too cute because it¡¯s obvious she likes him as well¡¯


    A little time passes with the wyvern kid still happily chirping along to his love about stupid things when eventually, his fatheres out of the door we¡¯re waitng to enter. By the looks of things, he seems slightly relieved? Maybe the terms of his deal with this city have been renegotiated then? Couldn¡¯t care if it has either way though.


    ¡°She¡¯s ready to see you now...e on then boy, we¡¯re going home¡±


    ¡°Uh, really father!? Can¡¯t I stay here and speak to Ariza for a bit longer!?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you my boy if you want to stay longer but know, you¡¯re probably just annoying her now¡±


    The prince¡¯s face looks like an abused puppy after hearing that, I¡¯ve never seen someone that dejected just from words alone. Thankfully, it doesn¡¯t look like Ariza¡¯s being annoyed but it could just be her being nice.


    ¡°He¡¯s not annoying me though, honest! It¡¯s just¡­ erm, I¡¯m not really sure what to say. I¡¯m happy just listening to him talk about anything really¡±


    ¡°You like hearing me talk!? So do I! You, I mean Ariza, it would be weird liking the sound of your own voice, right?¡±


    ¡®Oh my freaking God, this kid is priceless. It¡¯s nice Ariza seems to like him as well, maybe they can stay together for a bit longer¡­¡¯


    All of a sudden, a brilliant ideaes to mind from the love guru Ikarus! I¡¯m sorry but it¡¯s not meddling when it¡¯s a good idea, alright? I¡¯ve tried my best to stay out of this but, a little push every now and then isn¡¯t the worst idea.


    ¡°Here¡¯s an idea. While we¡¯re dealing with the leader of this ce, why don¡¯t you two go on a da-, I mean, go out to a caf¨¦ or something like that? There¡¯s no reason for us all to meet the leader¡±


    ¡°Really!? Can we father? Only if you want to as well Ariza!¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ I guess that¡¯ll be alright¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need my permission boy, I¡¯ll be at the inn if needed¡±


    And so, love is about to blossom! Nearly slipped up saying date there because for someone as innocent as Ariza, that word may be a little much. Just going out alone to a caf¨¦ with a friend who¡¯s madly in love with you is definitely not a date, right? It¡¯s a good thing she refuses to read minds most of the time because Ariza would be blushing like hell knowing how much I¡¯m wanting to ship them and, what¡¯s the bet that wyvern kid is wanting to hug the life out of her?


    Just before those two go off to have their ¡®date¡¯, I really just can¡¯t help myself. Maybe it¡¯ll help ease any tensions but I¡¯m only doing this because pent up Ikarus sometimes has toe out, unfortunately¡­


    ¡°Remember Ariza, he does anything you don¡¯t like, kick him as hard as you can, right in the groin. It¡¯s the only way to assert your dominance¡±


    That makes both Ariza and the Prince blush as well as getting a deserved chuckle from everyone else, even his father finds it funny. I¡¯m only partially kidding though; it would be pretty bad to make him infertile. It won¡¯t matter too much if those two get together, phoenixes don¡¯t make kids but if the Prince ends up going down a concubine route, then that kick is needed! How dare anyone not be one hundred percent loyal to Ariza!?


    ¡°Uh huh, I think it¡¯ll be fine Ikarus¡­ I¡¯ll see youter then¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to head off as well soter queens¡­ I should warn you though, the leader of Antis may not be what you expect¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh, thinking about it, there¡¯s no reason for me to be here as well, so see you phoenixester¡­ was there a brothel on the third or fourth street? Should¡¯ve remembered that¡­¡±


    All of a sudden, everyone except us lovebirds leave, even Asmodeus making me feel uneasy on whether this meeting really matters or not. It¡¯s either that or something big is about to happen and him leaving is for preparation again like with Zeki. I¡¯m going to kick him if we end up ambushed in there¡­


    Anyways, now just us two for the moment, we walk into the room and find¡­ a swimming pool? This pce is as fancy as any other in this world, just desert themed so nothing tends to stand out all that much, but waiting outside a fancy pool room seems odd. Unless¡­


    ¡®Of freaking course, the leader of the desert city Antis is a fish. I really should¡¯ve seen this twisting¡¯


    Slowly climbing out the pool, a creature of legend with a head full of golden curls, smiling at us pleasantly while getting her body and teal-coloured tail out of the pool. A mermaid or a siren must be the leader of this ce, it¡¯s either that or some stupid joke we¡¯re not understanding.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Wee, queens of Lesbos Inds. My name is Pearl and I oversee this city, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you both. Please, take a seat by the side, I would join you butcking legs unfortunately¡±


    She honestly has a beautiful smile but I¡¯m more focused on just seeing her numbers, I¡¯m not getting much off her other than a friendly aura really.


    ¡®Can¡¯t believe that name is sticking¡­ she also seems pretty weak considering, status¡¯


    [Name: Pearl | Species: Siren | Level: 156]


    [Health 4,400/4,400]


    [Stamina 8,271/9,000]


    [Magicka 9,000/9,000]


    ¡®Guess I was right, at leastpared to most of the people wee across nowadays¡¯


    ¡°Heh, a mermaid running a city in the desert full of beastkin? No offence but, is this a joke?¡±


    Before I even get a chance to satisfy my curiosity and ask some questions of my own, Petra beats me to the stupid question asking it as bluntly as I would. I really am bing a bad influence of her.


    Thankfully, she takes it in a nice way just continuing to smile, can¡¯t believe Petra actually just asked that exactly how I would as well.


    ¡°Hehe, nothing of the sorts. Us sirens have always been affiliated to thesends, even when the desert was nothing but an ocean bed. This city in particr was oncepletely submersed underwater and even owned by my kind thousands of years ago. The water levels were obviously very different back then though¡±


    At least that confirms the legendary city of Antis in this world was once underwater, making the name make a bit more sense.


    ¡°Heh, fair enough. Presumably, the wyvern king just told you who we are? Or has our reputation spread this far as well?¡±


    Honestly, I¡¯m not sure why Petra asks that, other than to maybe to just get a read on the mermaid? I seriously don¡¯t think it¡¯s needed since she seems alright, for the most part at least.


    ¡°There isn¡¯t a single person round here who hasn¡¯t heard of the two legendary queens, loved by man or mer and have a shared beauty words cannot describe. Anyone says otherwise, they¡¯re lying to you¡­¡±


    Whether she¡¯s just trying topliment us or those are the rumours, all it¡¯s doing is making me want to hide and cringe. Praise Petra like that but don¡¯t be involving me in it as well! I¡¯m the freaking mad queen, that¡¯s the rumour that was supposed to spread!


    ¡°¡­Your inds as well have built up a bit of a reputation, all good of course! Although, I¡¯ve never had the pleasure of visiting them myself, I have been to the nearby ocean before and found exceptional goodies all around¡±


    Everyone knows by this point we have a reputation, even this far in the desert apparently, but something that was just said brings up an unpleasant memory. This mermaid has been to our ocean and maybe, a very specific area we¡¯d never be able to swim down too¡­


    ¡°Say¡­ what did you happen to find over there?¡±


    ¡°Directly to the north, out at sea, was a destroyed pirate fleet carrying huge quantities of golden ore. At the time, I was more a scout and upon discovering what was found, it started my rise into politics. Mermaids have always been in close contact with the council but never outright in control, at least while this ce has been onnd¡±


    ¡®I fucking knew it! All that gold lost at sea ended up in the hands of this fishy woman, I¡¯m actually pissed!¡¯


    I couldn¡¯t care less if that sat on the ocean floor never being touched, a small price to pay for my nuke, but the fact someone else actually benefitted from our work!? It¡¯s not right, damn it!


    Just before I¡¯m about to reveal the fact these fishy bastards stole from us, I get a slight pull on my skirt from the wife who seems to find this situation chuckle worthy.


    ¡°Heh, best just let it go Ikarus. Does it really matter that much?¡±


    Of course it freaking matters! All those miners and cksmiths who worked hard for this haul, then bandits took it and then I nuked said bandits. Just because we never would¡¯ve been able to recover, at least with this worlds current technology, doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s still not ours! Sighhh, should probably just ignore this tant thievery.


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ let¡¯s go back on topic before I start whining, what are you going to do with the blind cannibal then? And do we get anything for actually showing up here today?¡±


    An irritated Ikarus equals a blunt Ikarus, tis a tale as old as time¡­


    ¡°He¡¯ll be hung, drawn and quartered in a timely fashion, presented to all the victims and their families he¡¯s destroyed. An execution fitting of the crime¡­ as for a reward, how does a dozen ships, filled with sand sound?¡±


    Understandably, me and Petra just show faces of mild difort to the news, it¡¯s definitely a fitting end for his crimes but something like this would be better off not made public. I¡¯ll never have a problem with killing but executions made to draw crowds in always strikes me the wrong way, as if it defeats the entire point.


    This reward also sounds shitty as well, ships full of sand? It¡¯s like we¡¯ve exchanged freaking gold ore for sand if you look at it a very special way.


    ¡°Sand? We would we even want sand?¡±


    ¡°The sand in this desert Queen Ikarus is well known for being extremely fine and expensive to transportrge quantities of it across the world. Most cities are able to make ss already but extremely fine sand is rare... If your workers can¡¯t use most of it up, you could always just create a fancy beach for tourists. We can give you loads of chests, full of golden coins and treasure if you¡¯d rather something else?¡±


    I mean, I really want to say no to the sand option but I can imagine how the gnome might get if I do. Although I¡¯ve seen literally nothing on how the cksmiths do it, I know they also are involved making windows so I really can¡¯t say no to this. I guess a small beach could be fun as well as we only have shitty rocky beaches on our inds, it¡¯s not like we even need more money so might as well just ept this.


    ¡°No no, you¡¯ve sold me on the idea, ships full of fine sand will do. Petra, you happy with this or do you want anything extra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, sure Ikarus but, I do have a question about something else, unrted to this but based on gics. Is it possible to be a mermaid or are you born into it?¡±


    Hmm, what an odd but interesting question my wife asks. Not really sure what use it will serve us to know but hey, she¡¯s the curious one today.


    ¡°You¡¯re born into it I¡¯m afraid, like how you two are phoenixes or beasts are born beasts¡­¡±


    ¡®Heh, she¡¯s slightly wrong on the phoenix thing, not many know how wee into existence so I¡¯ll let her off slightly¡¯


    ¡°¡­May I ask why you¡¯re curious on this? If you¡¯re looking for a way to turn into one, there probably is some lost magic or potion out there. Be warned, it¡¯s either legs or a tail, mermaids struggle to survive onnd for more than several minutes¡±


    While saying that, the siren drops into the pool, then crosses her arms on the edge still talking to us. Obviously, she needs that quick water fix, wonder if she would¡¯ve started suffocating if she didn¡¯t go back under for a second? Eh, I really don¡¯t care enough to ask.


    ¡°Heh, just imagining how Ikarus would look with a tail really, that¡¯s all. Pay it no mind if it¡¯s impossible¡±


    ¡­


    That gets a quick silence and a facepalm out of me, she seriously needed to ask that? Turns out, cute looking costumes aren¡¯t enough for my wife, I really need to grow a tail to please her next.


    ¡°Well, I wouldn¡¯t say it¡¯s impossible, some of the beastkin around here use prosthetics for aquatic shows and the like. I¡¯m pretty sure one of the maids in the pce cleans the costumes for some extra coins on the side, maybe she has one spare you can purchase?¡±


    ¡°Heh, can I request you call for her then? And can we use your pool for a little bit?¡±


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ even in front of a leader, someone we¡¯re supposed to be appearing strong and equal to, Petra can never help herself¡¯


    ¡°Certainty! Just call the guard by the door to fetch Danika, he¡¯ll know who she is¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Look, if we¡¯re seriously going to do this stupid shit, I¡¯m not the only one getting a tail. You¡¯re definitely wearing one as well Petra¡±


    Now waiting around in the pool room alongside the mermaid Pearl after speaking to the guard and a maid, we¡¯re both sipping a cocktail or two on the deck chairs inside this room. Didn¡¯t think this was how the rest of our day was going to go but guess Ikarus the mermaid fanfic is finally happening.


    ¡°Heh, if you insist Ikarus. It¡¯s guaranteed you¡¯ll wear it better though, my personal cute little mermaid¡±


    ¡®I jus-, I don¡¯t care anymore. She wants a flustered reaction Ikarus, any response will just make her worse so I best just y it up¡¯


    While I¡¯m trying not to facepalm, then reluctantly giving a quick kiss to the idiot alongside me, the mermaid just continues to cross her arms smiling at us constantly. She seems surprisingly sweet considering she¡¯s supposed to be a politician, and is nning to order a vicious form of execution on the demon who deserves it.


    ¡°Hehe¡­ you know, you two are exactly how I expected you to be. At least going off the stories and reports¡±


    ¡°So¡­ you expected us to be a bunch of goofballs and idiots?¡±


    ¡°Hehe, nothing like that. It¡¯s just obvious the rumours of your love are understated; I was told you were deeply in love but it¡¯s definitely stronger than just that. It¡¯s been too long since I¡¯ve seen two people so perfect for each other, almost as if it¡¯s fate¡±


    ¡®The mermaid is right, but also very wrong, at least in this current moment in time. Petra is just being a pain in the arse and I don¡¯t believe it that fated lover crap¡­ even if prophecies exist in this world¡¯


    ¡°Eh, love is a strong word¡­ let¡¯s go for mutual friendship rathe-¡­ ouch!¡±


    That gets an undeserved flick on the nose from Petra, I admit I love her all the freaking time and the one time I don¡¯t, I get beaten!? I mean, the ouch was more sarcastic and even dyed, only doing it for the sake of doing it but still! Evil woman I¡¯m married to, jeez¡­


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll flick you again if you don¡¯t admit to it Ikarus. Not everyone understands you being purposely reluctant and moaning just for the sake of moaning¡±


    ¡°Fineee¡­ us idiots are madly in love, you happy now or is that going to turn into a punch next?¡±


    ¡°Heh, love you two Ikarus and no. The only thing that¡¯ll cheer me up is seeing you with a tail¡±


    ¡®At first, I thought it was me dumbing Petra down but hell no! It¡¯s just love in general that makes her like this¡­¡¯


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------

 Chapter 191 – Hang ‘Em High

    Chapter 191 ¨C Hang ¡®Em High


    ¡°Death to the horned bastard! Tear him apart!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, rip off his limbs and feed him to the dogs-, ah, no offense wolf-kin¡±


    ¡°No offence taken; this guy deserves a fate even worse than that. Give him to the pigs instead!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Just because we¡¯ll eat mostly anything doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯ll eat the cannibal¡­ it would be pretty fitting though¡±


    ¡®Turns out, a city of beastkin are as stupid as humans, who¡¯s have thought¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Beelzebub | Species: Demon | Level: 500]


    [Health 162/83,333]


    [Stamina 51,205/83,333]


    [Magicka 0*/83,333]


    ¡®You know Aesa, having an enchanted cor that stops magicka use sounds scary as hell. Is there any chance we¡¯ll ever have to wear one of them?¡¯


    [<Fortunately for Ikarus and other phoenixes, that cor should be considered the same family as envement, simr to the empire¡¯s ve crest. Aesa¡¯s point being, you¡¯ll be immune>]


    ¡®Ah, thanks for that¡¯


    Located inside a huge crowd on the main high street alongside my party of six, today¡¯s the day they¡¯re executing the demonic cannibal and the turnout here is insane. It¡¯s simr to how packed out the streets were when we had our wedding, impossible all have been personally affected by the demon¡¯s hunger but I assume the affair is one to remember? Either that or they just love executing people in these parts.


    That enchanted cor he has on, is something that was mentioned to me by that mermaid Pearl after Petra¡¯s stupid tail suggestion. It¡¯smonly used for when mages break thew and versions of it even exist within the empire if you know where to look, not that we¡¯ve found any. Maybe someday, we¡¯ll have to get some if the mages misbehave but with Penelope ruling with an iron and deadly fist, it probably isn¡¯t needed. I know for a fact mages that piss her off disappear and are never found again¡­


    Oh, also want to know what else happened while we were there? Fortunately for my sake, not much other than her getting the execution ready within a day and Petra putting both the tails in her storage. I have literally no idea why she wants to bring them back but hey, happy wife makes a happy life¡­ apparently.


    The chances are, she¡¯s keeping every outfit or costume I¡¯ve ever worn, or will potentially wear somewhere safe and secure. Can you really put it past her being weird considering she technically was stalking me once upon a time? I think I¡¯m going too far with this now but no way am I ever asking the why on things. I¡¯d still love her regardless for being weird though, maybe even more which is strange¡­


    ¡°Heh, you sure you want to watch this Ikarus? Executions really aren¡¯t that fun to be around¡±


    ¡°Strongly disagree sis, things like this are the best part of this world! Stop trying to make orangey boring and let her enjoy the show¡±


    ¡°Heh, even I agree with the red one on this. There is an oddly satisfying feeling watching someone being killed, even a brother no less¡±


    ¡°He-he, goblins definitely do executions the best! Especially the aggressive ones in big packs, they basically tear intruders apart! Even I¡¯ve been killed by one before, they started ignoring me after the fourth death, but it was fun to begin with!¡±


    ¡®Damn dryad and her stupid goblin fascination¡¯


    ¡°Uh¡­ huh? I think I¡¯m just going to look away and cover my ears¡­ that¡¯s a horrible thought Ria¡±


    Huh, I guess that party is evenly split on this. Us three good phoenixes don¡¯t want to watch but I¡¯m only doing it to make sure he doesn¡¯t escape, of course the idiots and abuser are into watching people die. It¡¯s nothing about the blood and gore I personally dislike, it¡¯s just boredom more than anything else. I¡¯d rather just kill the person on the spot to save time, dying the inevitable really seems a waste even if the person is scum¡­


    Damn, I¡¯ve really be oddly professional when ites killing, wonder why things have turned out like that? Regardless, I should probably answer my wife.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not watch this Petra but just making sure our job isplete. Once they finish the hanging section, that¡¯s when we¡¯re leaving, no buts kid¡±


    That gets a scoff from Mr Obnoxious but seriously though, why would anyone want to watch him losing his limbs? This entire thing just gets more barbaric as time goes on.


    Ah, this old medieval torture method basically has the criminal being drawn by horses, sometimes dislocating the limbs, but this guy just got dragged around town by camels. Then, hung to a point just before death, andstly cut up into quarters, hence the name, to be being hanged, drawn and quartered. I¡¯m guessing you didn¡¯t want to know that but thank this brilliant bird for showing you the lovely world of medieval punishment. Or at least describing it.


    By the looks and sounds of it now, they¡¯re reading off thest rights to the cannibal since they have him up on the gallows. It won¡¯t be long till he¡¯s hanging, probably best for a quick distraction until this is over.


    ¡°Anyways¡­ where are we going next demon? We shouldn¡¯t be having to use bait again, right?¡±


    That gets another scoff out of Zeki, at least it¡¯s aimed towards the demon lord this time around.


    ¡°Heh, that won¡¯t be necessary orange one, we¡¯ll be heading to the Sierran Empire capital next¡­ looks like they¡¯re mostly done with the preparation¡±


    Continuing on with the execution, now putting the noose on the demon Beelzebub¡¯s neck, five of us continue to watch on but Ariza clearly doesn¡¯t like this sight. It¡¯s funny how she¡¯s more than happy to blind him, shooting two arrows into his eyes rather than just this. I guess adrenaline andbat does have that effect on you.


    ¡°Hey Ariza¡­ how did that lunch go with the wyvern prince?¡±


    Using this topic as another good distraction, she immediately starts to blush when I ask that. Something happened on that date, I won¡¯t press too much¡­ I really want to know though¡­


    ¡°Uh, do you promise not to mock me about it?¡±


    ¡°When have I ever mocked you Ariza?¡±


    ¡°Not you Ikarus¡­ the other red person among us¡±


    At least there¡¯s no reason for me to be offended then, as if I¡¯m going to mess with her. Of course, Zeki¡¯s not going to agree to stop any stupidity so I¡¯m not sure why she even asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try brother, but if that blue idiot did anything worth mocking, then it must be done. That¡¯s just how thew of the world works¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, whatever Zeki¡­ we went to that caf¨¦ over there Ikarus and both ordered a sd, a tart and some water. Can¡¯t remember specifically what was said but we spoke for a lonnggg time, and then something else happened¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°What happened Ariza?¡±


    ¡°We uhhh¡­ kissed a little, or a lot¡±


    The rest of us phoenixes are gob smacked by this! Sweet, little innocent Ariza, she literally kissed the puppy like prince on the first date! I¡¯m freaking jealous of how easy she¡¯s made it look, that took me and Petra ages!


    ¡°Damn it brother, that little fucker is going to get it! Next time we meet, he¡¯s going to get my fist and orangey¡¯s falcon kick¡±


    ¡®This idiot is now deciding who I kick?¡¯


    ¡°No Zeki, I kissed him first! He uh¡­ didn¡¯t know what to do, I think it was his first time? He seemed to like it though and then we¡­ continued for longer¡±


    ¡®My dear God, our lovely blue phoenix might as well be purple due to how red she is! She¡¯s just as priceless as the puppy¡¯


    ¡°Erk, that flying rat has corrupted you brother, I know it!¡±


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m guessing you two will keep in contact via message bird then? Just ask if you need some help sending any over Ariza¡±


    ¡°Uh huh Petra, I will. He said he mighte visit the inds someday but helping his father takes up a lot of time¡­ oh no, I¡¯m definitely looking away now¡±


    The penultimate moment before the demon gets hung and by the looks of it, the guards are giving him onest moment before pulling the lever. It almost feels like we¡¯re watching a western now. Considering I didn¡¯t want to watch this, I can¡¯t keep my eyes away, it¡¯s oddly intriguing.


    ¡°Do you have anyst words, foul creature who has harmed so many souls, before we let you fall?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it your intention to remainpletely silent, mute as a mouse? Is there any sympathy and remorse running through those ckened veins or yours?¡±


    The time around, the demon does respond¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ve made the mistake of conversing with prey before¡­ not again. All of you, are nothing but steaks of flesh, ready to be consumed¡±


    ¡­


    Huge gasps spread throughout the crowd as he demon¡¯s final statement shocks everyone, even the guard alongside him a little, no remorse whatsoever. The crowd isn¡¯t having it though, booing like their lives depends on it and even starting to throw objects like rocks and coins at the criminal.


    ¡°Booooo! Start cutting him up already!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, give him a taste of his own medicine! Fuck that cannibal up!¡±


    ¡°All of you, stop throwing things already! That sted rock just hit me¡­ you can let him fall now¡±


    And so, one of the guards gives the all ready to go and the crowd¡¯s booing turns into an uproar of cheers when the demon starts to hang. Turns out, I really don¡¯t want to watch this part either so best just man up and get through it. Once they start on the quartering section, that¡¯s our cue to go¡­


    __________


    ¡°Heh¡­ really Ikarus? Anywhere in the capital you could¡¯ve teleported to and, you just so happen to pick this ce?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t knock orangey¡¯s tastes sis, even I¡¯d rather hang around inside a brothel rather than an execution. Hookers are always the bestpany¡±


    ¡°He-he-he¡­ say that again girly boy and we¡¯re extending your sentence to a year. Loki can get some more, right Ariza?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh Ria, I think he¡¯s got twenty or so spare at the moment. He was making a batch and got carried away¡±


    ¡°Erk¡­ I-I¡¯ll just be q-quiet then¡±


    ¡°Heh, you should just stay female red one. It¡¯s better for everyone¡¯s sake¡±


    ¡°Fuck off demon¡±


    Arriving in the capital after now knowing that demon lord is dead, I¡¯m getting scolded for returning to that red light district we¡¯ve been many times before, it has literally nothing to do with the brothel! It¡¯s that bar I was picturing, the one we spent time with Jekyll inside¡­


    [<Should Aesa tell our wife what Ikarus was really picturing? Those two fighting workers Ikarus seems reluctant to forget>]


    ¡®Really Aesa? Must you start shit stirring? It was a vivid memory, as if I could forget two busty women fighting stark naked in the street! One of them even ended up being the hooker Zeki hired, it¡¯s not exactly something easy to forget¡¯


    [<Aesa was only being sarcastic Ikarus>]


    ¡®Well don¡¯t. Dry, sarcastic humour is the thing our wife does¡­ sighhh. I¡¯ve decided, I think you¡¯re the reason I hate myself¡¯


    [<Correction, Aesa hates Aesa as much as Ikarus hates Ikarus¡­ or pretends to hate anything. It works both ways>]


    ¡®True dat¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s just the bar Petra, where else am I going to teleport to? The pce? The brothel means nothing to me!¡±


    Unfortunately, Petra doesn¡¯t believe me and thinks it¡¯s now the perfect opportunity to try being dumb. Why the hell do I love her so much? She¡¯s the bane of my existence!


    ¡°Heh, of course Ikarus. Sometimes I feel like you may favourrge breasts too much, almost as if I¡¯m not big enough for you¡±


    Instead of just doing a normal tease, nooo. My wife has to subtly lean forward and put her elbows together, obviously trying to get my ¡®divided¡¯ attention elsewhere by making hers appear somewhat bigger...


    Huh, I¡¯m surprised I even noticed that, I normally would y along and let her make me flustered, but we¡¯re in a group right now damn it! She probably does have a point about the breast¡¯s thing but if she didn¡¯t experience so much pain, I¡¯d be obsessed with them. I wouldn¡¯t even want Petra to have huge boobs, honest! The perfect size is the size you can grab and get most of the boob within your grasp¡­ this is why I try to avoid talking about my tastes.


    ¡°Yeah yeah, whatever woman¡­ Asmodeus, you going to tell us where the next demon is then? I¡¯m going to be pissed if we¡¯re heading to another slum like region again¡±


    Main reason being him doing his own little thing and not informing us again, that incident with Zeki has basically destroyed any trust or favour we were gaining with the know it all.


    ¡°Heh, this should be much easier this time orange one. We¡¯ll have to first speak with your friends the emperor and empress since they¡¯ll know where he is¡±


    As soon as Asmodeus says that, I get a yful pout from Petra making me shake my head, guess I could¡¯ve saved time teleporting there straight away butck of information once again! This demon lord could¡¯ve easily told me where to go but he didn¡¯t, always me Asmodeus really.


    ¡®Finally returning to the pce after what feels like a lifetime¡­ guess I could squeeze in some quick inventory management¡­ ah, also need to buy a load of cakes as well beforehand¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°Greetings to everyone, one has been looking forward to seeing thous again. It has been too long¡±


    Sitting on the empress¡¯s throne not alongside her husband for a change, the dragon Esmerelda says hello to us all in her strange little way, always with the thous and ones. Dragons, or ex dragons do seem to love using one, both father and Asmodeus do the same exact thing as well as Esmerelda so it¡¯s not that impossible to deal with. Just, she uses one for herself rather than others.


    ¡°Alright Esmerelda? Where¡¯s the bastard at today?¡±


    ¡°Heh, guessing he was here but is now hiding from us?¡±


    Responding in the most casual way I can possible, every guard in the room but one seems shocked by me and Petra doing this. That one guard just so happens to be Nathan, he seems to be trying to act professional so no point going over to bother him. Surprised he¡¯s assigned to the empress and not the emperor today, thought that is how they always do it but guess not.


    ¡°Des says he¡¯s working on important matters so hasn¡¯t got the time to meet face to face. Personally, one agrees with statement thou maske, one thinks he¡¯s hiding from thous due to the heir matter¡±


    Heir matter? Oh, this whole stupid thing about giving me and Petra the empire once the emperor and empress departs this life. If we weren¡¯t busy looking for the next demon lord, I¡¯d happily look around to go kick his arse but if he¡¯s happy to piss away his empire like this, then whatever floats his boat. It¡¯s not like he¡¯s going to live forever¡­ unless we try giving him that chalice we obtained from Ria? Eh, that¡¯s conflicting, it probably won¡¯t work but why would I want a guy who¡¯s pissed me off to live forever?


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, looks like that idiot has made a smart decision for a change. Now, onto the reason we¡¯re here, we¡¯ve been told you may know where a demon lord is?¡±


    ¡°Thou is looking for the demon lord? May one ask why?¡±


    Quickly looking to Asmodeus, he doesn¡¯t say or show any hint this isn¡¯t okay to do so, but it still doesn¡¯t feel like a good idea revealing to the world I¡¯m trying to became a lord myself. Best just leave it somewhat vague and see if the dragon can pick up the pieces.


    (Ikarus) ¡°We¡¯re here for a horn, please don¡¯t ask why because it¡¯s a long story¡±


    ¡°Thou wants his horn? One is most intrigued but knows best not to question matters further. Regardless, both one and Des will be willing to help, follow one along to the dungeons and we¡¯ll fetch him¡±


    That¡­ actually helps more than Esmerelda can imagine, I was worrying this may be a pain in the arse but having friends in high ces really helps. Dragons are always brilliant, even if they can have their quirks.


    ¡°Uh¡­ I¡¯m going to stay up here if that¡¯s okay. Prisons really aren¡¯t my thing¡±


    As we¡¯re heading to the dungeon being led by the empress, it doesn¡¯t take a lot for the sensitive bird to speak her mind on this. I think that execution has done her in for the day now, no point forcing Ariza to go where she¡¯s ufortable so we just give her a quick nod.


    After a few turns past some corridors in the pce, we alle to a dark staircase leading down to a thick wooden door. Esmerelda quickly gets the door and leads all into the basement of the pce¡­


    ¡°Huh¡­ this is really unexpected¡±


    While we¡¯re heading into the dungeon itself, just as the stench of blood and metal hits the senses, Asmodeus starts to mutter something under his breathe. We¡¯ll question him on thister but for now, just trying not to feel sick is the best course of action, the ce reeks.


    This prison is exactly how brutal how you¡¯d imagine it looking as well. Stained blood along the walls, steel bars keeping the cells tight andpact, obvious signs of torture from the equipment and chains all over the walls as well. The strange thing is, only one prisoner has this entire ce to himself right now.


    I once heard the old princess, the women me and Petra turned into a gore fest apparently used this ce daily. It¡¯s less intimidating than I thought it would be but still, it still is a hellhole though.


    ¡°Shit¡±


    Asmodeus has a face of pure shock when he witnesses the next of his brothers behind bars, shackled and cored in chains and metal.


    Once upon a time, this brown-haired demon would¡¯ve been quite the looker but now seems more animal than man, at least if his facial expression is anything to go by. Even just from the fact he has rare orange eyes, something even I don¡¯t have despite being orangey, he¡¯s basically just a caged beast now.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Leviathan | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 133,334/166,666]


    [Stamina 130,521/166,666]


    [Magicka 0*/166,666]


    ¡®Leviathan, huh¡­ guess he¡¯s got one of those magicka cors on as well. Pretty sure this was the one supposed to be filled with jealously or envy? I guess he¡¯d be pretty envious of anyone outside these bars right now¡¯


    ¡°A-Asmodeus? Is that¡­ you? Look at you all smug on the other side of those bars! If it wasn¡¯t for this flimsy human metal, I¡¯d be wringing your nec-¡±


    ¡°Quiet prisoner! Don¡¯t speak unless spoken to or, you¡¯ll be getting the shock magic again¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Instantly quieting down his anger due to the abusive guard, obviously this guy¡¯s existence has been hell down here. It¡¯s surprising they¡¯ve kept him alive and well for so long, it seems like a waste of food and personnel, no?


    ¡°During the demonic invasion, this demon lord led the forces into battle, then into turmoil. Thou really was ipetent, ended up begging for mercy when thou found thouself inside one¡¯s bite. Would¡¯ve reluctantly bitten down if not surrendered, demon blood is sinister¡±


    ¡®Heh, just dragons being fussy eaters again¡¯


    The demon oddly enough stays quiet from Esmerelda¡¯s story, not showing any hostility at all towards the empress. He either doesn¡¯t hate her or has been ¡®tamed¡¯ so much by the guard, he knows it¡¯s not a good idea.


    (Petra) ¡°Why spare him, even now though?¡±


    ¡°One believes in intelligence over stupidity. Thou was stupid enough to attack human capital yet shows intelligence when surrendering, would¡¯ve felt wasteful. Despite Des wanting him dead already, one won that argument convincingly¡±


    I¡¯m pretty certain the dragon is misusing the word intelligence for cowardice but, not going to question her further on this. It turns out, Desmond was the more blood thirsty one out of the couple, surprisingly strange considering how we met. That pirate fleet that was destroyed due to Esmerelda¡¯s wrath if you remember how epic our introduction was long ago.


    The odd apart about this is Asmodeus, he¡¯s looking more and more concerned by the second.


    ¡®Why is he looking so concerned with this situation though? All we need to do is snap of his horn and be done with him, right? Where¡¯s the issue?¡¯


    [<Maybe demon was expecting a different target to be in prison Ikarus? Or potentially, he was friends with said demon?>]


    ¡®Maybe, but that greeting from Leviathan didn¡¯t sound friendly¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­Yo Asmodeus, were you expecting someone else to be here?¡±


    It doesn¡¯t matter if we share with Esmerelda at this point, I want to know what the issue is right now. Bluntness is the only way.


    ¡°Yes orange one, originally Lucifer should¡¯ve died in the invasion and we would¡¯ve been brought to his body. Wee here to collect his horn and that would¡¯ve opened up the path to find and kill Leviathan, this path wasn¡¯t predicted at all¡±


    ¡°Try killing me Asmodeus and I¡¯l- argh!¡±


    ¡°Quiet prisoner!¡±


    Pressing a button on his belt, the guard activates presumably what is a shock feature to that magicka removing cor and he drops to his knees. Would almost feel sorry for the demon if most of them weren¡¯t like this.


    ¡°So wait a second, we¡¯vee across another future that wasn¡¯t predicted Asmodeus? What the hell do we do next then?¡±


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    Instead of getting an answer, the fucking demon just shrugs his shoulders at me! I seriously doubt he has no idea but for fuck¡¯s sake, I was right about this future thing screwing us over again someday! Instead of grumbling and moaning, might as well pay attention to this current situation and focus what I need presently though.


    ¡°*Sighhh*, regardless, let¡¯s just get this guy¡¯s horn already and be gone¡±


    ¡°If any of you dare touch one of my horns, I¡¯ll fuc- ARGHHH!¡±


    The demon this time around screams and copses again from the shocking, guessing he really doesn¡¯t want to lose his lordship then. Can¡¯t say I me him because it¡¯s not exactly like he has anything to live for in that cell of his, his demonship is probably hisst hope for breaking free. Not that destroying his hope will affect me in the slightest though, I¡¯m taking his horn.


    (Guard) ¡°Empress Esmerelda, do the VIPs have permission to extract a horn from the prisoner? I¡¯ll have to get my equipment ready to go if necessary¡±


    ¡°One gives permission¡­ just make sure thou¡¯s screaming doesn¡¯t echo throughout the pce¡±


    ¡°Yes your majesty¡­¡±

 Chapter 192 – A Bite to Eat

    Chapter 192 ¨C A Bite to Eat


    ¡®Bleugh¡­ I swear the taste of blood gets worse every time¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 999^]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 162,698*/166,666*]


    [Magicka 166,666*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 149501 unassigned points]


    ¡®Yo Aesa, I¡¯m guessing those extra ten levels have gone to waste then? That little arrow also means we¡¯re stuck?¡¯


    After downing the demonic horn after witnessing something that breaks the Geneva convention multiple times, it¡¯s now time to check the level as I should be one-thousand and nine right now if the cap didn¡¯t exist. Apparently, I can¡¯t even get to the thousand cap as well but already knew something like that may happen, Petra¡¯s still stuck on the level beforehand as well.


    [<Affirmative Ikarus, obviously we are stuck like this until demon lordship has been obtained>]


    ¡®If that¡¯s not a segue to another conversation, then I don¡¯t know what is¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­Hey Asmodeus, do you seriously not know what to do next?¡±


    We¡¯re now back in the throne room after the incident and are currently standing around not exactly doing much, Leviathan being inside the prison really seems to have made him question everything. Even Empress Esmerelda isn¡¯t sure what to say to our party, she has returned to her throne though.


    ¡°Honestly orange one¡­ I¡¯m puzzled. I¡¯ve been working on pre-conceived motions for the longest of times, focused on ensuring the best possible oue for all of us. I¡¯m hoping we¡¯re still on the right track, but who can really tell anymore?¡±


    ¡®Damn, this guy actually seems depressed about this. That¡¯s probably where his arrogant attitudees from, remove the veil of knowing the future and he doesn¡¯t know what to do with himself¡¯


    Just for the record, I¡¯m not having sympathy for him, I¡¯m just forcing out a little empathy more than anything else. If I don¡¯t, we all know I¡¯ll start rambling on about the dark side and all that cringy shit I normally do.


    ¡°What were you going to do after this Asmodeus? If Lucifer had already been killed?¡±


    ¡°In seven of the nine possibilities dark one, the next course of action would be heading towards the ice fields way up in the north¡±


    ¡®Oh shit, here we go again, back to the freaking north. I¡¯m okay with the cold but there¡¯s no way everyone else will be as good¡­ actually, most of us being able to use to fire may help a lot¡¯


    ¡°Then that¡¯s our only lead to follow, isn¡¯t it? Unless you¡¯ve got another idea, that¡¯s where we¡¯ll head¡±


    At least Petra¡¯s better at cheering her father up, fucker still doesn¡¯t deserve it but an annoying happy demon lord is better than that sack of mess we just witnessed. It¡¯s really unsettling to see him like that.


    ¡°Hell nah! As much as I love you girly boy, there¡¯s no way I¡¯m heading over there if you lot are going. It¡¯s way too cold for dryads¡­ where would I even form from if I died? Trees hate ice¡±


    ¡°Erk¡­ finally can get rid of her for a bit¡±


    ¡°He-he, you love me really!¡±


    While being her usual stupid self, the dryad basically squeezes an irritated Zeki, making what can only be said as a feast for the eyes with all thepresseds bouncing off each other, if you¡¯re into that sort of thing. I still don¡¯t see the appeal in huge breasts other than for mocking Zeki purposes.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Regardless Ria, we¡¯ve still got to wait for the cooldown as it¡¯s still in effect¡±


    Just twenty hours or so until Zeki can finally be free of his burden, obviously that¡¯s noting soon enough.


    Anyways, now that¡¯s kinda settled, we need to find something to do in the meantime, something to kill off the rest of the day¡­ no! It¡¯s way too early for that, I¡¯m not saying me and Petra won¡¯t do somethingter on bute on! We¡¯re not that predictable, are we?


    ¡­


    it¡¯s probably for the best to find something fun to do with the party¡­


    ¡°We¡¯ll probably be off Esmerelda so thanks for the help. It still doesn¡¯t make up for what Desmond has done but he at least has avoided a groin kick¡­ for now¡±


    ¡°Pleasure to see thous again. One should probably go find Des and figure out if thou is hiding or working, all are wee to stay here for time being but, one may be badpany right now after that torturing¡­ if Des isn¡¯t working, one promises he will get it¡­¡±


    Esmerelda starts to grumbling thatst part under her breath as she goes in search of her husband, obviously looking to kick his arse? Ah, the joys of married life, I know exactly how it feels to hide from the other half so I can at least rte with the bastard a little on that.


    ¡°Please¡­ don¡¯t mind her you lot. The empress has had a lot on her te with the heir stuff and with the constant arguing going on around here, the majesties haven¡¯t had the time to let off some steam in a while¡±


    Nathan actuallyes over to us before leaving, obviously he feels the need to say why we didn¡¯t get a proper invite for dinner or something. Pretty sure by letting off steam, he means they fight until one surrenders or ends up bloodying the other.


    ¡°What¡¯s there even to argue about? If it¡¯s politics, I can kinda understand but everyone seems just as goofy as us at times¡±


    That, funnily enough gets a small pinch on my bottom for referring to us as ¡®goofy¡¯. Way to prove my point Petra!


    ¡°You have no idea Ikarus¡­ there is literally a dedicated wing for the rejected concubines now, think the number hit twenty-sevenst week? It¡¯s been great for the purple hair dye business, not so great for everything else¡±


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t you be getting any ideas Ikarus. You¡¯ve got me, the plushie and Aesa, that¡¯s more than enough. Any ck hair dye and we¡¯ll have a problem¡±


    Petra¡¯s joke actually makes me snort from how abrupt that was, it wasn¡¯t even that funny but she really just doesn¡¯t care. At least the knight found smiled at it as well.


    ¡°Pleaseee, as if I could really use an entire toon of Petra clones¡­ damn it, why the hell did you put that thought in my head!? Please God, have mercy upon this sinful soul¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, Petra-sama and Ariza-sama! What brings you all over here!?¡±


    Just as we¡¯re leaving the pce courtyard, we¡¯re greeted by everyone¡¯s favourite nun, subus-sama! Man, I don¡¯t even care that Charlotte wants to hug us all, and the fact that habit of her looks a bit dirty, feel like it¡¯s been ages since west saw each other. I guess it¡¯s even longer for her because of the honeymoon time difference we experienced.


    ¡°Alright Charlotte? Where have you been?¡±


    ¡°Heh, yeah. Were you off on some sacred pilgrimage again?¡±


    Ending the quick hug, Charlotte really does perk up whening face to face with us. It¡¯s almost a little cute how she can get like this to us three¡­ and cake of course.


    ¡°Oh, sorry about that Ikarus-sama, know you¡¯re not really a big hugger¡­ Actually Petra-sama, this time around, it was time for another bandit crusade. Had to climb through caves to get to the heathens and even then, they still put up quite the fight. None survived the inevitable purging though¡­¡±


    ¡®Even without Dionysus¡¯s full backing, priestess is still a badass it seems¡¯


    ¡°¡­What about you lot? What are you up to at the moment?¡±


    ¡°Honestly Charlotte¡­ not much? We¡¯re here for today but will be teleporting away tomorrow, assume we¡¯re open to suggestions¡±


    The reason for my vagueness is pretty obvious really. If any of us happen to mention we¡¯ll be heading to the ice fields tomorrow, it won¡¯t surprise me if she offers to help. Normally, I¡¯d be up for it but not in a ce as cold as that, it¡¯ll be bad enough just for us phoenixes, but with someone who can¡¯t use fire? Ria¡¯s definitely got the right idea not wanting to go and Asmodeus has toe.


    ¡°Okay Ikarus-sama¡­ I saw a new ce open up on the way back into the city if you want to do that. Just, let me get Nathan quickly and we can do a triple date! Oh, with you Ariza-sama as well of course¡±


    Thinking about it, we¡¯re yet to even have a double date, yet alone a triple date so this could be kinda fun. I¡¯m not really sure what we¡¯ll talk about though, what do couples even talk about on dates like this? Eh, this seems like the perfect opportunity to just simply not care.


    By the looks of it, one of us despairs at the idea on going out dating with others, almost looking like he wants to die inside. Unfortunately for him, that re the dryad is giving him says it all, the obnoxious couple ising along regardless if Zeki wants to or not.


    ¡­


    There is one additional third wheel other than Ariza though, do any of us really have to say it out loud? My eyes say it all already, seven is fine but eight is way too much.


    ¡°Heh, your gaze hurts much more than any words orange one. Thankfully, I¡¯m happy with us splitting for a while¡±


    ¡°Uh, what do you n on doing Asmodeus?¡±


    ¡°Heh, thanks for asking blue one, I¡¯ll tell you. Like how both the dark and orange one normally do things while on break, I¡¯m heading straight to that brothel we teleported too earlier¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Meowza! How can little ol¡¯me-ow, take your order!?¡±


    ¡®Oh dear God, this is ten times worse than anime. It¡¯s so cringy!¡¯


    Arriving at a small little caf¨¦ with our triple date force, and Ariza, it somehow appears Charlotte has managed to find a maid caf¨¦ inside the huge capital. How something like this has somehow ended up in this world is beyond me, all the cringe levels have fused together for this very moment. A freaking medieval maid caf¨¦.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    I¡¯m not the only one desperately trying not to cringe up and want death, even Mr Obnoxious hates every second of this. Everyone else is just enjoying the experience though, this cute little caf¨¦ is like literal torture to us with somewhat male minds! Just speak normally, please!


    ¡°Heh, me and Ikarus will both have the omurice and a milkshake, then a slice of cheesecake¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have the cake tter please¡­ Nat, are you having anything?¡±


    ¡°I probably shouldn¡¯t because of the knights diet Lotte¡­ just the rice thing will do for me¡±


    ¡°Cupcakes and melon soda! Girly boy?¡±


    ¡°Erk¡­ just the rice dish as well. I promise, if there¡¯s a love heart made from ketchup on my te, you don¡¯t get a tip, alright?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ I¡¯ll just have a sd and a milkshake¡±


    ---


    ¡°Your order, is co-meowing, right up!¡±


    ¡®I know it¡¯s ironic for me to think it but¡­ cringeeeee¡­¡¯


    Having now gotten our orders ready to go and losing that part of me that likes being cringy, it¡¯s now time for conversation! Erm¡­ okay, I knew this would feel a little weird since Charlotte called it a date.


    I guess there¡¯s no real need for anything too serious, especially when Petra''s eyes have been glued to me ever since that meow-aid came over to us. I know exactly what she¡¯s thinking¡­


    ¡°Petra¡­ no! Don¡¯t even think about it!¡±


    ¡°Heh, what Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°That glint of happiness in your eyes. We¡¯ve done this fan service before so it¡¯s not happening again, no cat ears or anything else will change that¡±


    It doesn¡¯t take a genius to understand exactly what¡¯s she thinking¡­ ¡°oh, I¡¯m Petra, I may have already seen Ikarus the maid but Ikarus the cat maid!?! It must happen!¡± Unfortunately for her, I¡¯m being boring today, serving mistress Petra back at that caf¨¦ was something even I think was too much. Wanted the idiots to look down at me knowing their leader does weird shit but no, nothing ever goes to n.


    ¡°Aww, you always take the fun out of it Ikarus. If you¡¯re really not wanting to be fun, why don¡¯t we see if someone else is willing?¡±


    ¡­


    That gets a quick silence but not for the awkward reason you¡¯d normally think, a very busty maid happens to catch pretty much everyone¡¯s attention and heads out of sight right behind Zeki. If this isn¡¯t a message from high up above, then my name isn¡¯t Ikarus¡­ I mean, it originally was Brooklyn but I¡¯m making a point!


    ¡®For a quick second, I though Petra was trying to get Aesa out, but this is way better development!¡¯


    ¡°Erk, w-why are you all l-looking at me like that? As if I¡¯m going to do what orangey has to go through, I fought off sis¡¯s advances long ago!¡°


    ¡°Heh, my memory isn¡¯t that bad Zeki. Remember when we got him in a sailor¡¯s uniform Ariza? The one with the frilly skirt?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh Petra, he looked so freaking cute! I think that¡¯s still in the cave somewhere¡±


    ¡®Wait, Petra used to make Zeki dress up as well!? Ha! Poor idiotic Zeki¡­ hey! is that weird? I mean, that¡¯s our thing, right? Oh, I don¡¯t care that much. Zeki, whether male or female would¡¯ve looked adorable wearing something like that¡¯


    This of course makes Zeki wants to punch or kill something with the vein on his head bulging but thankfully, he¡¯s a right tsundere when ites to us teasing bird fam¡­ oh, that was quick, our food is here already¡­


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    [copse]


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    ¡°Don¡¯t think I brought this to you because it¡¯s my duty or anything¡­¡±


    Like another miracle just waiting to happen, the woman to bring our food is a tsundere-maid. Slowly but surely, the universe is clearly saying Zeki needs to be the maid today, it¡¯s inevitable!


    Anyways, me and Petra start chowing down on our rice and milkshakes first while Ria has no intention to start on her teful of cupcakes until the message from the higher powers get conveyed!


    ¡°Come on girly boy, don¡¯t be like this! Everyone wants to see you all cute like that, just look at it like this is your purpose in life! I¡¯m stuck with boring trees and you need to be female, it¡¯s perfect!¡±


    While Ria is trying to work her speech check, that busty maid walks past drawing everyone¡¯s attention again. She¡¯s like a blur by how fast she moves but I swear, they must be fake. That can¡¯t be possible, even in this world of magic so best just get this food down and ignore it. This omurice is alright but honestly nothing special, don¡¯t think peoplee to maid caf¨¦s for the food anyways. It¡¯s clearly for the service¡­


    ¡°Cow, there is literally nothing you can threaten me with that will get me wearing something that dumb. Try it, extend my sentence for a year or ten, I couldn¡¯t care, I¡¯m still not doing it¡±


    I want to get depressed from his stubbornness but, while there¡¯s still a chance Zeki may be a maid, it must be at least attempted further. If threats don¡¯t work on him this time, we¡¯ll just have to resort to barter.


    ¡°You could just take a different route Ria and bribe him, there must be something Zeki wants in exchange for embarrassing himself¡±


    ¡°Heh, works for me with Ikarus most of the time¡±


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s bs Petra and you know it, I basically work for free getting your attention! Don¡¯t be saying I get paid for shit when I clearly don¡¯t, kisses and love don¡¯t count¡±


    That gets another quick chuckle out of the reasonable lot of the group, as if Petra pays me for getting flustered! I like her attention and she likes me embarrassed, being paid in attention doesn¡¯t count because she¡¯d still be fixed to me regardless. Sounds a bit arrogant but we are both addicted to each other by this point, no harm in actually admitting to it.


    ¡°He-he¡­ hmm¡­ I¡¯ve got it! How does a threesome with my sister sound girly boy?¡±


    ¡®I know something smart, let¡¯s talk about a threesome in the middle of a freaking maid caf¨¦! No one else seems to be listening in but still, there¡¯s freaking children around here Ria!¡¯


    There are also quite the few couples in here thinking about it, you¡¯d think this ce would attract lonely guys but the clientele seems pretty normal. There still are a few loners about but not many, half the loners are women as well.


    ¡°Don¡¯t toy with me cow¡­ you can actually arrange that? Don¡¯t get me wrong, her jugs aren¡¯t as good as yours but sometimes, size does matter¡±


    ¡°Well, she now owes me a favour Zeki, you can thank my research on cactuses again for that... You know, I think she¡¯d like it, she¡¯s never been able to get a partner of her own, due to work so a night of pure passion filled fun will do her some good¡±


    ¡®Urgh, it¡¯s cacti Ria¡­ Look, even if we get past the extremely personal conversation they should be having elsewhere, is this dryad incest or will Leah and Ria only focus on Zeki? Eh, I don¡¯t want to picture it but I can¡¯t help myself, I could imagine it would be like Newton¡¯s cradle but with breasts instead of balls¡­¡¯


    ¡°Wait, is your sister a virgin Ria? Erk, don¡¯t answer that¡­ it¡¯s tempting, but I don¡¯t know¡±


    All of a sudden, Zekipletely disappears from view when another maides to check up on us. When I say I¡¯m not exaggerating in the slightest, I¡¯m not. Those fuckers put mother to shame, has she got an elephant¡¯s spine or something!?!


    ¡°Sorry to interrupt you all, but are you enjoying yourself? Is everything with the food okay?¡±


    ----------


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    [copse]


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    (Ikarus) ¡°Mhm¡­ all good¡±


    ¡®Bloody hell¡­ those just can¡¯t be real¡¯


    ¡°Heh, same¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, this is lovely, thank you¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°These cakes are perfect¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Yeah yeah, all fine¡±


    In all honesty, I think the clearly fake carrier is worried because Ria hasn¡¯t touched anything on her te yet. If only she knew just how much Zeki needs to suffer, for anything in the past or what his future self will eventually do.


    ¡°Excuse me Miss Maid, do you think you could use any help? My Zeki here is really wanting to do a good deed and the thought of being a maid makes him really happy¡±


    ¡°Really!? You have no idea how much that helps! You know, I wanted to personally ask you since one of my girls couldn¡¯te in today and the size and colour is tailor made for her¡­ or him? Ah, it doesn¡¯t matter,e with me!¡±


    Without even getting to respond, Zeki finds himself being dragged away by the gravity defying maid and Ria, kicking and screaming like his life depends on it. Maybe thatst part I made up but he sure ain¡¯t happy about this.


    ¡®And, all the fates aligned to this one moment. If we were back on Earth right now, I¡¯d be buying a lotto ticket with how lucky we¡¯ve been with this. Who even needs cake when this will be so much sweeter¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°E-Erk¡­ A-Are you all d-done yet or would y-you like something else?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Petra, please pinch me¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re not dreaming Ikarus. I¡¯m seeing it as well¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, this is awesome¡±


    ¡°Hehe, this is pretty funny. You remember when you were Natty for a little bit as well Nat?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that was quite the experience Lotte¡­ do a little spin for us Zeki¡±


    ¡°Miss Maid¡­ please tell me you have a spare!?! Girly boy needs to wear this for a week at least, I¡¯ll pay anything!¡±


    ----------


    ---Excuse the apron, didn''t see it originally...


    Spoiler


    [copse]


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    ¡°Unfortunately, this is the only one we have in his size. I can always put in an order for our tailor though¡±


    ¡°Do that! For the love of all trees and cactuses, please do that!¡±


    Honestly, seeing Zeki in this maid costume is like finding a diamond or winning something so unbelievably great. It just fits him so well, like he was born to be an angry maid.


    ¡°This might be the b-¡­ second best day of my life kid. When you die, we¡¯re burying you in that¡±


    Has to make sure I get that right otherwise the other half might bite. Thankfully, I just get a gleeful smile in return and her knowing none the wiser or Petra just humouring me. Can¡¯t exactly say this is better than the wedding or some of the other shit Petra¡¯s done for me¡­ ites dangerously close though.


    ¡°Erk, r-really orangey? Do y-you get off seeing me like this!?¡±


    ¡°Of course not kid but, we¡¯ve all been there, just take your dose of gender bending medicine and power through it. I will have you know, I¡¯m unsure of any orangey around here, I¡¯m just a paying customer right now¡±


    ¡°R-Really orangey? We¡¯re going to do this?¡±


    ¡°Is that a name or are you calling me an orange? The nerve on this maid, jeez¡±


    Already knowing what¡¯s up, Zeki¡¯s aura gets even gloomier realizing I¡¯m not holding back at all. If he looks the part, he better damn well y the part as well! Everyone wants it so best I be the person responsible.


    ¡°Erk, f-fine then¡­ would Miss I-I-Ikarus like s-something else?¡±


    ¡°Tut tut tut¡­ That¡¯s pretty informal to be using mymon name like that as well, is this maid defective or something? Can I see your manager please?¡±


    ¡°Heh, yeah, does everyone get terrible service in this ce as well?¡±


    Thankfully, the manager, or the person somehow carrying the weight of the world on her chest was already here to hear myints, smiling as much as we are. She knows what¡¯s up.


    ¡°My apologies fine customer, this maid hasn¡¯t been broken in just yet so excuse any mistakes she makes. She¡¯s a little dumb behind the ears as well¡±


    ¡°Erk¡­ *unintelligent grumbling*¡­ ¡±


    ¡®His blood must be seething now, maybe I shouldy off a little but why is no one stopping me!?¡¯


    ¡­


    Eventually, after deciding on some drinks for what the maid can get us, of course we¡¯re not done in this ce living through this perfect moment, Zeki goes off to fetch some stuff all the while being heavily guided by the manager. All of us, even Ariza is struggling to hold backughter, it says a lot those stupid breasts should be getting more attention but Zeki¡¯s misery is best for all. At least he¡¯s getting something in return for it this time around.


    ¡®Hang the fuck on¡­ does Zeki prefer goingmando as well!? That skirt is way too dangerous¡¯


    ----------


    ---Somehow, this image shows a little ass despite it being created on a site that doesn¡¯t allow NSFW? Not going to risk it, I¡¯m afraid¡­


    Spoiler


    [copse]


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    Okay, my urge to mock him has dwindled a bit if that¡¯s how far he¡¯s willing to take this, fair y because if he falls over, that¡¯s a public indecency charge waiting to happen. I¡¯m basically risking that all the time as well, this bird will always be free¡­ except to my wife, of course.


    ¡®You know, this triple date has turned out better than expected. This is why you have Zeki around, not for his riveting personality but for his body alone. He probably should¡¯ve worn underwear though¡­¡¯

 Chapter 192.5 – Perfect (18+)

    Chapter 192.5 ¨C Perfect (18+)


    ---Okay, good or bad news depending on your tastes. I said I¡¯d go less down the BDSM and it turns out, I¡¯m a liar! At least you can me Aesa for it this time around¡­


    __________


    ¡°*Yawnn*¡­ pretty fun day considering, wasn¡¯t it Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, that it was Ikarus. If you¡¯re tired, we can just snuggle until we fall asleep¡±


    After a surprisingly hectic day that ended with Zeki the maid starting his new job, it¡¯s now time for a little rest at a fancy inn. It¡¯s mostly the standard run of the mill bedroom with a king-sized bed and a on suite usually meant for nobles. The d¨¦cor as well backs up that fact with quite a lot of silver built into the ce, but as if anyone really cares about where we¡¯re staying. I¡¯m obviously going to be more focused on what¡¯s under Petra¡¯s robe.


    ¡°Please, as if a little yawn is going to stop me. You have an idea on what to do tonight or are we winging it?¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ I¡¯m not sure Ikarus. We could just go for something in and vani today¡±


    Just in ol¡¯vani sex? That sounds boring as hell, not even sure what would count as vani for lesbians but the closest thing I can think of is missionary with the belt or eating out. Hey, both are still excellent but perversion might as well be our middle names by this point.


    [<If Ikarus and wife are struggling for a suggestion, maybe Aesa cane out and help?>]


    What do you know, Aesaes out of the blue sounding like she wants to get involved tonight. Still need to ask the misses but doubt Petra will say no¡­


    __________


    ¡°¡­So, that¡¯s Aesa¡¯s suggestion, how does it sound?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Heh, damn Ikarus, where does Aesa get this creativity from?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me! Clearly, she¡¯s taken all my creativity for herself, ¡±


    You see, what my amazing and frankly horny system wants to do involves a little bondage, a little cunnilingus and a little fucking. It sounds like a right treat, all together wrapped together in one package. You¡¯ll see what I mean shortly as it¡¯ll take a little prep beforehand.


    ¡°Now, we just need to decide on the roles. Aesa presumes me or Ikarus will be the person restrained?¡±


    ¡°Heh, seeing that Ikarus is already on the bed and obviously loves it the most, you happy with the decions Aesa?¡±


    ¡°Aesa agrees with wife, Ikarus is most suitable for said role¡±


    Well great, looks like I¡¯m being roped into the role of submissive. Forced reluctancy kicking in again, they know I like it but, that¡¯s the problem! Eh, maybe I¡¯ll grow a backbone and take control next time around¡­ if that¡¯s even possible.


    ¡°Yeah yeah, I can take a hint¡­ damn perverts. Let¡¯s just get started then, shall we?¡±


    The preparations for this shouldn¡¯t take that long I think, all we really need is a pair of handcuffs, a blindfold, the dildo belt and a vibrator. Getting all into our birthday suits is basically implied.


    While I¡¯m stripping down first and Petra is getting stuff out of storage, an oddly white and ck looking uniformes out as well making me want to question why Petra just can¡¯t help herself. Aesa isn¡¯t really needing to do much since she formed in nude.


    ¡°Really Petra? You¡¯ve had that for a while and the thing with Zeki gave you an idea, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Heh, just don¡¯t ask Ikarus¡­ pretty please?¡±


    ¡°Fineee¡­ I¡¯ll put the damn thing on then¡­ just for you¡±


    Looks like Ikarus the maid is returning, just in a much kinkier scenario than usual. At least this one seems a little more professional than the norm, even if you exclude the fact the white stockings make this less professional. Oh well, it¡¯s cute so that¡¯s all that matters for my stupid wife¡¯s tastes.


    Now that I¡¯ve got this get up on, Aesa¡¯s getting Petra into the belt so why not get myself ready for a change? Maid outfit, handcuffs and a blindfold, really don¡¯t need any help with this so best just get lying down on the bed.


    Getting onto my back and also tying the silky blindfold across my eyes, this really feels weird doing self-bondage like this, it¡¯s kinda erotic in its own strange way. The handcuffs will be going on in a second, just need to wrap them around where the headboard would normally go, except this bed has horizontal metal bars there. Shouldn¡¯t be that hard to picture it .


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    [copse]


    ----------


    Continuing onwards, I lock one of the handcuffs on my wrist, then put said arm under one of the metal bars, then the other arm over and lock my wrists together. Now, I¡¯mpletely at the mercy of my two captors that I can¡¯t see. Doing this myself has given me quite the libido rush right about now, this really shouldn¡¯t be that big of a turn on.


    ¡°Heh, pretty eager, aren¡¯t you maid? Shame you can¡¯t see what I¡¯m putting on right now, you like shinytex and whips, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Affirmative, mistress Petra looks very sexy¡±


    ¡®Haw haw, as if don¡¯t know that¡¯s a lie¡­ kinda regret the blindfold a little, Petra in that catsuit really is way too hot¡¯


    Honestly, after putting myself in this situation, the blindfold I could probably do without but since Aesa suggested it, I¡¯ll just leave it be. Whether ites to seeing my clone or Petra,plete darkness seems a little boring considering what I could be looking at. Visual stimtion is just as good as physical but then again, just trying to get break free despite knowing I can¡¯t brings the arousal rocketing back up again.


    However, it doesn¡¯t take a lot for my opinion to change when someone¡¯s warm hand, a pinch, and a lick invades both my pierced nipples.


    ¡°Urgh¡­ w-who was that?¡±


    ¡°Heh, both of us maid, you being so eager deserves a little treat, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yup, Ikarus¡¯s breasts are most pleasing to y with¡±


    Both of them continue but change it up a little more, now switching to sucking a nibbling instead. Fucking hell, I don¡¯t regret the blindfold or piercings at all now, I seriously have no idea who¡¯s doing what action but¡­ urgh¡­


    ¡°Heh, before we continue further, give this remote to the maid for me ve, would you?


    ¡°Okay mistress¡±


    Reaching up and giving me a little remote, I can¡¯t help myself but dial it up just a little as soon as Aesa reaches my handcuffed hands. Clearly, me and Petra were onto something when we first had his idea, being able to make Petra cum with just the press of a button is so unbelievably hot.


    ¡°Heh, naughty maid¡­ That one is for a butterfly vibrator Ikarus and is currently under the belt, you probably guessed that already. Before we go any further though, how about we add a little challenge into the mix?¡±


    ¡°A c-challenge? What do you have in mind Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s simple really, my beautiful little maid. Whoever cum¡¯s first, goes in that chastity belt, until the other two agree to release her¡±


    Fuck! Oh dear God, Aesa being pervy has clearly made Petra up her game. That damn, stupid chastity belt of ours, we need to bin that shit because I really don¡¯t want to end up in it again!


    ¡°Hang on hang on, this is so geared up against me! Besides, it¡¯s not even like Aesa will be affected, that belt wille off the second she leaves that body behind¡±


    ¡°Aesa can stay in clone form until release is allowed, maid Ikarus. This idea our wife suggests is really good¡±


    ¡°Heh, looks like it¡¯s two against one Ikarus. You best try and hold it in as best you can today because, I assume the ve doesn¡¯t want to lose as well¡±


    ¡°Affirmative mistress, ve will try her hardest¡±


    Knowing that I¡¯m fighting a losing battle, I decide to initiate the battle by making sure Petra¡¯s butterfly vibrator is turned on fully, this is no time for forey when I need every second I can get. Unfortunately, I barely get any head start when my legs forcibly open up and a tongue flies straight inside me¡­


    ¡°Ahh¡­ A-Aesa! Urgh¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry Ikarus, Aesa needs to be quick¡­ urgh¡±


    It doesn¡¯t take long to realize, she¡¯s just as good at this, maybe even better than Petra somehow. Guess having your own clone, you¡¯d know exactly how to drive yourself wild¡­ oh nooo, I really don¡¯t want to go in that belt¡­


    Every stroke of the tongue, every suck, every sliver, it¡¯s just ideal. I almost want to call out Aesa for cheating here, she shouldn¡¯t know how to make this so great.


    ¡°Urgh¡­¡±


    Although I may not be able to see it, just hearing Aesa¡¯s slight moans and feeling her get pushed into me slightly means Petra must be using the belt on her, making this a three-way we¡¯re all involved in.


    I get to use the vibrator attached to Petra, she gets to screw Aesa like an animal, presumable in a bent over doggy style position while Aesa eats me out. Just the thought of it is hot enough but I cannot cum, I just can¡¯t¡­ please Aesa, slow down.


    It''s the sucking that seems to be driving me mad, only fixating on the most sensitive areas like sex is only a matter of efficiency to Aesa. There¡¯s way less buildup, debatable to say if it¡¯s better than Petra but it¡¯ll make me cum quicker if I don¡¯t fight it off.


    ¡°Heh, suck faster and harder Aesa! If you don¡¯t, you¡¯ll be the one to cum first¡±


    ¡°Okay mistress! Aesa will try harder¡±


    ¡®Fuckkk! Why does Petra¡¯s vibrator not have a throbbing setting!? I¡¯ve got no freaking chance here¡­¡¯


    The more and more I think about it, I¡¯ve either got the best or worst end of this little idea Petra suggested. On one hand, beingzy getting my pussy eaten out sounds so unbelievably good but the punishment will send me crazy¡­ I can¡¯t hold this in much longer, fuck you Aesa!


    I don¡¯t know how, maybe it¡¯s like a six sense I¡¯ve developed but I¡¯m pretty certain Petra¡¯s getting close too? I can sense it like it¡¯s in the air, maybe like a scent? I reckon Aesa couldst a while longer but whatever Petra¡¯s doing, she¡¯s obviously not thrusting hard or fast enough into her. Both my two wives are against me here, urghhhhh¡­


    Like Aesa throwing me a bone, the sucking turns more into licking making me like my system more than words can describe. I can fight this except, I don¡¯t think I can¡­


    ¡°Ikarus¡­ ouch! Urgh¡­¡±


    All of a sudden, in my blind state, the sound of an arse being smacked rattles throughout the room, obviously not on my own backside.


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t make me fix my sites on you ve. Get the maid closer now or you¡¯ll end up in the belt¡±


    ¡°Okay mistress, urgh¡­¡±


    And another smack rings across Aesa¡¯s arse, I swear she could cum just from pain alone so Aesa gets mistress¡¯s hint. The confliction only gets worse when the sucking starts, just even harder right on that sweet spot of my clit¡­ fuck¡­ fuck¡­ fuck¡­


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t hold it in Ikarus, just think how good it¡¯ll feel to let it all, flow out¡­¡±


    Oh my God, oh my God, I¡¯m going to scream¡­


    ¡°H-Huh¡­ damn¡­¡±


    Right as I¡¯m at the mountain peak right about to cross over to the realm, all of sudden, one of us starts to shake. Somehow, it¡¯s not me¡­


    ¡®No freaking way, those shakes are way too subtle for anything this body is capable of¡­ Petra!?!¡¯


    ¡°Heh¡­ p-phew¡­ looks like I lost Ikarus. Hey Aesa, you want to try what I¡¯m wearing for bit? I think I¡¯m already spent¡±


    ¡°Affirmative mistress¡­ Aesa insists that chastity belt goes on right now though¡±


    ¡°Heh, okay then Aesa¡±


    ¡­


    What the fuck!?! I somehow win yet, Petra¡¯s the one to cum, I¡¯m left right at the edge, still bound with these stupid cuffs on. What part of this is even winning? Talk about a shallow victory much, Aesa¡¯s edging was even worse than Petra¡¯s especially when they both just leave the bed like that, at least let me cum the second after the waifu is done!


    Should also mention I¡¯ve turned off Petra¡¯s butterfly thing, I¡¯m still reasonable despite beingpletely flushed now, not going to make Petra cum again if she really doesn¡¯t want to. Don¡¯t even ask how it works cause I don¡¯t know, I do know the wire is really long and could spread across the entire bedroom if needed though.


    Thankfully, Petra now takes of the blindfold allowing me to see her post orgasm glow, only for a split second before I end up only seeing her eyes. It doesn¡¯t matter how much she thinks kissing will help me right now, I¡¯m freaking feisty, damn it!


    Once we¡¯re done with that quickly, Aesa stands to the other side of the bed, holding the chastity belt with a smile I¡¯ve never seen before, no idea how she¡¯s this happy considering she hasn¡¯t cum yet either. Does she really want to see our wife being a little more submissive for a change? Eh, I think she just likes BDSM in general.


    ¡°B-Be real with me Petra¡­ did I actually win that or was it out of pity?¡±


    ¡°Heh, no idea what you¡¯re talking about Ikarus. You won that fair and square, didn¡¯t she Aesa?¡±


    ¡°Affirmative Ikarus, Petra lost fair and square¡±


    ¡®Urgh, stupid wife and system of mine clearly lying... Please, just get back to tormenting me already¡¯


    You see, the idea of Petra in a chastity belt should be hot and all for most people, but I¡¯m not most people because she doesn¡¯t get desperate! I honestly think she could stay in that thing for weeks, months, maybe years before it bes an issue. Aesa may think she¡¯s doing something hot but it won¡¯t have the desired effect.


    Instead of returning to anything good, I¡¯m now forced to watch Aesa getting the chastity belt up and around Petra. At least they¡¯ve already gotten Aesa in the strap on belt, using the dildo that resembles a ckened thick tentacle again.


    Huh, I¡¯ve just realized something, Aesa has basically be the domme of this little session we have going along now. That¡¯s a freaky weird twist I didn¡¯t expect.


    Before we continue any further, Petraes back up to kiss me and I of course can¡¯t stop her like this, even if I wanted to. She does something pretty sly as well though, taking the remote out of my hands. I guess it makes more sense if she can control Aesa¡¯s vibrator now since it involves all of us, just please will someone get back to my loins already!


    ¡°Could wife help me make this experience perfect for Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Heh, of course Aesa, what do you need?¡±


    ¡°The string on her nipples, undo the uniform quickly and make it as tight as possible¡±


    Petra does as she¡¯s asked and starts to mess around with my unform, just making me even hornier as the string wraps around the other side of the piercings again. This is going to make them so sensitive, not sure if that¡¯s a good or bad thing because I¡¯m still frustrated as ever.


    ¡°Do the uniform back up, then start ying with Ikarus¡¯s nipples until the sensitivity is unbearable. Aesa will start once certain threshold has been reached¡±


    Petra continues to do asmanded by my system and very quickly, almost surprisingly so, the sensitivity starts to get too much when Petra gropes the hell out of me.


    ¡°U-Urgh¡­ they¡¯re too sensitive, this m-might be too much¡±


    Quickly stopping, Petra looks to Aesa who just grumpily shakes her head back, obviously implying to keep continuing on.


    ¡°If Ikarus really can¡¯t handle this wife, Aesa will know or she¡¯ll use the safe word. Keep continuing¡±


    I mean, my system has a point but fuck! This sensitivity is actually painful, these piercings have turned my nipples into a double-edged sword. Fucking Aesa, I need a distraction down below for this to get better!


    [<Ikarus is really going to like this, arousal is needed over a certain level before we can start>]


    ¡®So that¡¯s why you¡¯re getting her to do this!? I¡¯m freaking tensing up now!¡¯


    [<And yet, Ikarus is getting wetter by the second. Don¡¯t act as if Ikarus doesn¡¯t enjoy this>]


    After what feels like minutes of yful torture with my breasts and rubbing against my nipples, Aesa finally decides to join in the show of torment, hurriedly spreading my legs and entering without even giving me a second to ready myself.


    ¡°Urgh! Fuckkk¡­¡±


    Instead of starting off slowly, Aesa gets up to the pacing I like and thrusts deep and hard like her life depends on it¡­ of course a freaking clone would know your tastes perfectly, why would you ever think otherwise?


    ¡°Wife should start pinching really hard as well now¡±


    ¡°Heh, as youmand Aesa¡±


    As thus, Petra follows the pervy systems advise, pinching me through the uniform causing immense amounts of pleasure and pain. Except, that pain quickly goes into the background as Aesa gets to an even better pacing, aiming those thrusts like she¡¯s a sex Goddess or something¡­


    ¡°Urghhhh¡­¡±


    And so, the first of the orgasms rips through me making my eyes roll back while Aesa, nor Petra stop what they¡¯re doing in the slightest. Even through the violent shakes, the post orgasm sensitivity that makes everything too much, all I can now feel is that thick, brilliant intruder between my legs¡­ that orgasm came way too quick.


    Unlike how it is with Petra, Aesa feels way more robotic with the thrusts, meaning there¡¯s never any ck and every single one is the exact same as the one before. It¡¯s actually like I¡¯m being fucked by a machine, Petra¡¯s really good but this pure consistency and efficiency, like Aesa¡¯s entire goal is to get the orgasm out as quick as possible.


    ¡°Heh, you sure she¡¯s okay Aesa? She seems a little out of it¡±


    ¡°Ikarus being out of it during sex is normally a good thing wife, she¡¯s not made of ss¡±


    ¡®Urgh¡­ what do you know Aesa¡­ urghh¡­¡¯


    ¡°At this current pacing, Ikarus could probably withstand ten orgasms before exhaustion bes an issue¡±


    ¡°Heh, so that¡¯s your n Aesa? Make her cum till she¡¯s at the point of passing out? What about you though? Don¡¯t you want to go yourself yet?¡±


    ¡°Mistress can decide when Aesa goes herself. As for Ikarus, make sure those nipples be unbearable otherwise, perfect arousal won¡¯t be met¡±


    What the fuck!?! Is she actually gonna fuck me until I pass out or something!? Urgh¡­ I don¡¯t even care, Petra needs to experience this someday because this rhythm is unbearably good¡­


    Not too slow nor too fast, just the right amount of fullness and I have zero control over anything especially with the painfully sensitive experience my nipples are getting, this is peak¡­ another one¡¯sing¡­


    Another orgasm rips through me again and with no signs of the other two stopping, it quickly bes a third with only seconds in between. Aesa¡¯s actually holding me down to keep the shakes in check meaning she can still keep the perfect pacing, it¡¯s just too much pleasure...


    ¡°Petra should pinch Ikarus even harder now¡±


    ¡°URGHHH!! FUCKKK¡­¡±


    Another one¡­ and then another one, I don¡¯t know how¡¯s she able to do it, everything is almost fading into one, as the orgasms seem to make me into a husk of nothingness. Aesa¡¯s unfortunately right, I¡¯m somehow not even close to my limit right now, I¡¯m going to cry tears of joy if this keeps up. The perfect fucking, I just don¡¯t know how this is possible¡­


    I¡¯ve never been that much a screamer but this is perfect, that¡¯s it, just perfect. I¡¯m cooked, I¡¯m fried, I¡¯m just¡­ meant to be fucked¡­


    ¡®Urghhhhhhh¡­¡¯


    At this point, it may be seven, eight, or is it nine? There¡¯s no point even counting anymore, all of them just flow into one to create a never-ending amount of climaxing. If I were to die at this very moment, I¡¯d have zero regrets¡­


    ¡°Heh, you still in thend of the living Ikarus? Will another pinch help?¡±


    ¡°Num¡­ umm¡­ urgh¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯ve got to show me how to do this Aesa, you¡¯ve turned her into a moaning zombie¡±


    ¡°It may be impossible for wife to do; Aesa can show you but the pacing entirely depends on biological levels and current arousal. Aesa could probably do it to wife if wanted sometime though¡±


    ¡®Urgh¡­ hehe, mhm¡­¡¯


    ¡°Heh, that sounds like a n¡­ how many more do you reckon she can take Aesa?¡±


    ¡°It entirely depends on the pacing, mistress can decide if she wants. If Aesa slows down and reduces orgasm to one every few minutes or so, early hours of the morning?¡±


    ¡®Morning!?! Aesaaa¡­¡¯


    ¡°Heh, you don¡¯t have to go that far Aesa. Let¡¯s just give her a few more powerful ones, then that should be enough¡±


    ¡°Affirmative, the pinching must be stronger though. Once we¡¯re done, does Aesa have permission to have an orgasm?¡±


    ¡°I nearly forgot about that Aesa¡­ you know what ve¡­ no, not today. Heh, you should¡¯ve waited longer before putting me in the belt¡±


    ¡°That¡­ Petra may have a point¡­¡±


    And so, just a few more orgasms to go. With how I feel at the moment and the fact I¡¯m pretty sure I just squirted everywhere, we¡¯ll probably be done in a minute or two¡­


    ¡®Hehehe¡­ urghhh God, think I¡¯m going mad¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°*Yawnnn*¡­ are you two really going to leave me like this over night?¡±


    ¡°Heh, what¡¯s the problem Ikarus? You look really cute, we¡¯ve got the sheets over us and you don¡¯t need to go to the toilet, what¡¯s the problem? Your arms aren¡¯t hurting, are they?¡±


    After orgasming my brains out a couple more times, Petra and Aesa started cleaning things up while I just sit here looking pretty. Now, all three of us are in bed together with Aesa on the left, Petra on the right and me, the maid still handcuffed right in the centre of the bed. It¡¯s surprisinglyfortable being suffocated by how much these two are hugging into me,


    ¡°I guess they¡¯re not¡­ are you okay staying in that belt though? Things got kinky as hell and I don¡¯t think Aesa will mind taking it off¡±


    ¡°Aesa doesn¡¯t agree to that, wife is staying in chastity for the foreseeable future¡±


    Aesa was pretending to sleep but obviously, hearing that has made her wake up. It¡¯s not like she¡¯s able to sleep anyways but maybe it¡¯s just the hugging that¡¯s nice? I think she¡¯s like me, most hugs aren¡¯t okay but when like this, it¡¯s more than adequate.


    ¡°Heh, looks like it¡¯s staying on then Ikarus. In all honesty, you were never going to lose game that in the first ce¡±


    ¡°Was Aesa in on it as well from the start as well?¡±


    ¡°Affirmative Ikarus, wife gave Aesa a quick whisper before we got started¡±


    It says a lot that my system actually cares whether Petra¡¯s in chastity or not, this really isn¡¯t that appealing to me but considering how overly dominating I am, sarcasm intended, that¡¯s probably the reason why I¡¯m not that fussed. I¡¯d rather Petra be in it instead of me but still.


    ¡°You know Aesa, if this is some way of getting me back for not involving you more during sex, you can go about it a different way¡±


    It could be that, right? She¡¯s not allowing me and Petra to have sex a normal way as punishment for not involving her in more kinky opportunities? It¡¯s pure paranoia but, it may just be the truth.


    ¡°Ikarus worries too much over something minor, there¡¯s no hidden agenda to this. Ikarus also forgets wife has a tongue ready to go when needed so if desperate, no way will Petra say no¡±


    ¡°Heh, I mean, you¡¯re not wrong Aesa. If Ikarus is really desperate, then something can be arranged¡±


    Damn, I know she¡¯s selfless for me, but let¡¯s be having less of that. Sex without Petra cuming as well just doesn¡¯t sound as great, even if most of the time, my explosiveness has a tendency of standing out way too much.


    ¡°Anyways, look at you getting ahead of yourself Aesa. What happened to the pain slut wanting to be beaten by our wife?¡±


    ¡°Aesa is only giving Petra a chance to be submissive once in a while since Ikarus is terrible at it. That belt will just make the wife feel a little more loved¡±


    Petra actually chuckles at that but is this something I seriously need to work on? Being a little more demanding in the bedroom? Maybe, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s something I need to work on, it¡¯s obvious Petra enjoys this dynamic we have going along despite her not apparently being a natural dominant.


    ¡®Eh, we¡¯ll just see what happens next time around we do something like this. Hopefully, Aesa doesn¡¯t decide Petra needs to be chastity for way too long¡­¡¯

 Chapter 193 – Bitterness

    Chapter 193 ¨C Bitterness


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, bloody hell orangey! The cold up here is turning me British, what the fuck is this?¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh huh¡­ it¡¯s really cold¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, you two really don¡¯t handle extreme weather conditions well it seems. This is nothingpared to the winters back in hell¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Have to agree with them a little Ikarus. Heh, this is bad as that time you teleported us to Penelope¡¯s tower in the middle of the ice age¡±


    ¡°Look at all you lot being the moaners today, it¡¯s not that bad!¡±


    [<Is Ikarus forgetting we have a cold resistance ability and the others do not?>]


    ¡®No Aesa, I¡¯m just trying to be positive for a change. It¡¯s only going to get worse the further north we go¡¯


    Having just teleported to one of the earliest dungeons we everpleted, that being way back with the empire couple ever so long ago, we arrive inside that little building housed with the magical fount- ah! I swear I¡¯ve got some empty potion bottles in storage somewhere; I¡¯m definitely bottling some of this up. Sure, having magic reserves this high makes needing them useless but doesn¡¯t hurt to have a load in storage just in case.


    ¡°Remind us Asmdoeus, what was the n if things hadn¡¯t changed?¡±


    While I¡¯m doing that, Petra¡¯s having quick words with the abusive father about getting more info. She¡¯s always been more curious to garner and n way in advance waypared to me, or pretty much any of us really. Eh, nning is for shmucks when yourparable to a God. That¡¯s not a brag, my numbers literally say so.


    ¡°This part always appears blurrier than others dark one but I¡¯ll try to say what I¡¯ve seen. It mostly just consists of a lot of snow and ice, finding a cave within the ice fields, then battling with Leviathan until he drops dead. Obviously, things are a little different now¡±


    Oh, the snow and ice thing kinda reminds me of what we¡¯ve got on. The preparation in this trip involved dressing up like yetis really, we all have warm fluffy winter coats on and even then, it still won¡¯t be enough. We also agreed that only one of us should fly at a time so that we could stick closer together, guess who gets that duty? Only one of us is big enough to carry everyone at once so it¡¯s time for a little bit of dragon action.


    ¡°Erk, is that seriously it dickhead? Or am I going to end up naked, covered in muck again?¡±


    For once, Zeki has a point. When this demon is purposely vague, just look at the situation the kid nearly ended up in. Ria got a sight and a memory that¡¯llst forever, but all of us are now mentally scarred seeing Zeki¡¯s busty body¡­


    ¡°Heh, calm yourself red one, just ask ¡®orangey¡¯ if you don¡¯t believe my words. If you end up in a situation like that again, I¡¯ll have no clue on it¡±


    ¡°He is right kid¡­ don¡¯t be mocking him with that orangey thing though Asmodeus¡±


    Hearing that said from someone else¡¯s mouth other than Zeki gives me goosebumps. It says a lot that I actually like the stupid nickname Mr Obnoxious has given me.


    ¡®You know¡­ me and Petra still need toe up with some cute pet names for each other. but with her, you know I¡¯ll end up with something terrible. Imagine it would be like cutie pie or tweety bird, it¡¯s guaranteed they¡¯d be fluster inducing¡­¡¯


    __________


    <Hey, erm¡­ I don¡¯t want to rm you lot or anything, but damn, I¡¯m getting really tired. We really should¡¯ve nned this out better¡­ status>


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 999^]


    [Health 166,666*/166,666*]


    [Stamina 91,232*/166,666*]


    [Magicka 141,259*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 149501 unassigned points]


    <Oh, SP isn¡¯t that low¡­ I¡¯m still tired though>


    After roughly three days of continues flying across the ocean, not once stopping due to the fact sleeping on the ocean sounds like a death trap waiting to happen, I¡¯m really starting to feel the strain in my wings doing this. Sure, I¡¯m basically gliding for the most part, but you open up your arms for three days nonstop and see how that feels!


    Fuck, it¡¯s not even like we can rotate because the magic we¡¯re all injecting just above my back is keeping everyone warm, think my scales help a little too. Not sure what the colour even looks like considering we have red, orange, ck, blue and wind added into the mix. Basically, just a mess like how supernova normally blooms.


    I do get breaks to be fair but said breaks mostly consist of Petra leaning over to chuck food in my mouth. Guess I¡¯ve just got to power through this but damn, I¡¯m going to have bulging muscr wings when this is over. I¡¯ve always been more into abs rather than bulging arms or wings, eww¡­


    ¡°Heh, shouldn¡¯t be that long left Ikarus so I believe in you. If the load starts bing too heavy, we can always throw off Zeki anytime¡±


    Motivation and Zeki abuse from the wife equals, a much more motivated Ikarus. Gosh, I love her so much.


    ¡°Hey! That was he uncalled for sis!¡±


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m in agreement with the dark one. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, sorry Zeki but the truth is the truth¡±


    That gets a he big scoff out of the kid, just be our punching bag Zeki because this flight is really starting to be a nuisance. This is clearly a matter of me being unfit rather than not having the stats for constant flight, know for a fact my parents both flew for at least a week straight when my ol¡¯curse was lifted and I passed out. Just need to stopining for a little while, impossible for me, I know¡­


    ¡°Heh, remember when you came across a dragon over here Ikarus?¡±


    <Yup Petra, know I told you that ages ago¡­ also happened when you were in your stalker phase as well. Why bring it up now?>


    Talk about tempting fate, there should be no dragons, other than me over here right now. Ah, the parents did tell me once where all the dragon fam live across the world but can¡¯t remember it for the most part. If you exclude the obvious ones like my close family and Esmerelda, Mute is the only one I remember but that¡¯s because she¡¯s a frence. Simr to Petra in that regard, she¡¯s likes to travel around lot so she¡¯s technically homeless, or caveless.


    ¡°Heh, because Ikarus, it looks like we¡¯re all about toe across another one. If you ask nice enough, maybe Mute will lighten the load¡±


    <¡­!>


    Coming into view pretty quickly after Petra¡¯s spidey sense stops tingling, Mute the navy-coloured dragon has a face of pure joy when seeing us, and almost looks to want a hug. She reminds me of Charlotte in some ways but unfortunately fellow dragon, we can¡¯t be doing that right now.


    Instead, Mute settles for nuzzling her head into me making me feel awkward as hell. Is this actually okay? Petra doesn¡¯t seem to mind but this feels way too intimate, even if we¡¯re both unable to hug. Eh, I think I¡¯ve seen her do it to Petra once or twice so it¡¯s probably more of an animal thing. Freaking adorable though¡­


    <Alright Mute, what brings you out here in the middle of the freezing cold ocean?>


    Mute responds by shaking her head at me, then pointing one of her wings in the direction we were going. I really need better perception because I still can¡¯t understand what she says most of the time, or shows. Mute equals mute, that¡¯s basically her entire deal¡­ and being Petra¡¯s sister¡­ and being quite puppy like. She¡¯s actually got way more going on for her than I give credit for.


    ¡°Heh, I think she¡¯s sayingnd is close by Ikarus?¡±


    That gets a happy confirmation nod, thankfully trantor Petra is on the scene. She knows her sister best.


    <¡­?>


    Next, she decides to tilt her head to us, simr to how a dog asks for a treat or something? I¡¯m not trying topare Mute to a pup but damn, she really is too damn cute with how she puts words into actions. That one was easy to get, it¡¯s obviously some sort of questioning.


    ¡°Heh, we¡¯re here for hunting purposes Mute. There hopefully should be someone over here we¡¯re needing to attack¡±


    <¡­!>


    All of sudden, the dragon sparks up, then settles back down as if she understands our reasoning? Eh, I¡¯m just going to let Petra get through this.


    Next, it appears she may be telling us to follow by pping her wing, like you might do with your fingers if telling someone toe hither. It honestly looks a little dopey but hey, this is the only way we can ¡®talk¡¯ right now. I think that¡¯s what she¡¯s implying.


    ¡®Guess we¡¯re following her for now then¡­


    __________


    <Land ahoy¡­ brilliant, finally I can rest these poxy wings>


    ¡°Heh, gotta be making those gains, right Ikarus? That trip will make your wings even stronger¡±


    <That fact you continually remember my stupid lingo¡­ I love you so much>


    ¡­


    ¡°Erk, thanks for the flight orangey¡­ it¡¯s fucking freezing now¡±


    ¡°Uh huh¡­ at least it¡¯s beautiful Zeki. Even during the ice age, it was never this nice to look at¡±


    ¡°Heh, majinnds used to get like this a lot blue one so it¡¯s not that impressive. It¡¯s just snow and ice really¡±


    <¡­!>


    Thend ahead of us is what you might describe as a winter wondend, almost like we¡¯re looking at a painting perfect for Christmas. Not sure if it¡¯s an actualndmass or just huge floating chunks of ice but damn, this mountains in this ce literally might be made from ice.


    Not a single tree in sight and cold that rattles your skeleton, this ce clearly needs a little of that globing warming DLC because fuck this! Even I can feel it so I¡¯m going into fluffy phoenix for a bit once everyone is off my back. The others birds, excluding Petra, will probably do the same.


    The second I find a spot tond, it¡¯s obvious the others are desperately struggling with the cold now so we all start injecting some more magic into another raging fire on the snowy ground. It¡¯s a damn good thing we¡¯ve all got insane pools of magicka and potions to refill it if needed.


    Anyways, Mute starts to use a single w to draw in the snow and quickly finishes off what she¡¯s started, no idea how well she¡¯s handling the temperature but can¡¯t see any signs of shivering or anything like that. She¡¯s clearly just built differently to the rest of us.


    What the drawing looks like is hard to describe, mostly because Mute clearly is as creative as I when ites to drawing. Simplistic is always the way to go so I¡¯m not being rude or anything like that, it¡¯s exactly how I would go about trying to describe something if I couldn¡¯t talk or write down words. She does know how to write, I think, but obviously isn¡¯t this time around.


    To the left, we have a dozen or so stickmen, most holding weapons and what looks to be a dragon receiving a stabbing from one of them. Judging by the wound I¡¯ve just seen on Mute¡¯s hip, that dragon was obviously her.


    Ariza immediately picks up on that and starts to inject healing magic into her, seems unneeded as the dragon is already healed but it¡¯s the though that counts. At least that will help for the scar I suppose.


    The middle drawing consists of a round entrance, maybe a cave perhaps? That also is surrounded by armed stickmen. The third one is definitely a building with a different rounded entrance though, this one has her name written underneath it though.


    ¡°So Mute¡­ the story is, there¡¯s bad people around that keep on stabbing you, there¡¯s a noteworthy cave being guarded by them, and¡­ that ce is your home up here?¡±


    That gets a happy nod in response to all of my questioning, making me happy in return, guess I can kinda understand her more if drawings are involved. You know what they say, great minds think alike. In this case, she draws as bad as me so it¡¯s like thenguage of the uncreative minds!


    ¡°Heh, you mind showing us your home Mute? It¡¯s already starting to gette and the cold is only getting worse¡±


    Petra asks that to Mute who happily keeps nodding along, guess we¡¯ll figure out how to deal with her attackers tomorrow as it¡¯s only going to get colder once night settles in. We¡¯ve already dealt with it for a couple of nights but if we can potentially avoid another, then what¡¯s the problem? We¡¯ll definitely help her with the attackers regardless.


    ¡°Before we set off, I must have a look at the silent one¡¯s neck. There¡¯s something bugging me¡±


    Asmodeus leaves our little warming fire and precedes to go up to Mute, almost looking like her wants to pet her or something. Instead, he just injects some magic into her and puts his ear right up against her neck.


    ¡°That¡¯s odd¡­ huh, silent one, are you okay? Mentally I mean, not physically¡±


    <¡­?>


    Mute looks just as confused as the rest of us from his questioning, when did Asmdoeus be a therapist or something?


    ¡°Hmm¡­ there¡¯s definitely nothing there. I was thinking your refusal to speak was a brain cloud, but it appears you just simply don¡¯t wish to speak. Those injuries would¡¯ve healed up by themselves¡­ your dragon tongue is definitely working it seems¡±


    Hang on, hang on¡­ what is Asmdoeus getting at? I always assumed her brain wouldn¡¯t allow her to make words or that it might be simr to how a curse works. Is it somethingpletely different then? Will we be able to help her out?


    ¡°What do you mean Asmodeus? Are you saying she¡¯s forgotten how to speak or something?¡±


    ¡°Heh, not that dark one. She just simply doesn¡¯t want to speak anymore, it¡¯s that simple really. I can¡¯t sense no pain, alterations or restrictions. It just seems like after her injury, she¡¯d rather not make any more noise¡±


    <¡­!>


    Mute responds to him nodding her head, smiling and shrugging her dragon shoulders. It still seems unsure whether trauma is the main factor in stopping her from speaking but if Mute doesn¡¯t want to speak even if she can, then we¡¯re not exactly going to force her. As long as she¡¯s happy, I guess? That feels like a cop out for a potential arc we could¡¯ve gone though healing her voice¡­


    ¡®This guy has basically been neglecting his daughters for long enough and now he¡¯s checking up on her speech? What¡¯s the bet there¡¯s a hidden agenda in y here? Can never truly trust what¡¯s in this guy¡¯s head¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°Blood hell Mute! How long have you been up here for!? This is amazing!¡±


    ¡°Heh, your own little slice of heaven in the north, isn¡¯t it Mute?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, this ce is so nice and cosy¡±


    ¡°Erk¡­ orangery, sis and brother have a point. It¡¯s pretty cool¡±


    ¡°Heh, you built this yourself silent one? Well done¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Having just arrived at Mute¡¯s home in the north, please take back what I ever said about Mute being uncreative because damn, she¡¯s an architect in the making! Seriously though, she¡¯s somehow managed to construct an igloo fit for housing a dragon up here! It¡¯s freaking dope!


    Of course, there¡¯s no really need for a dragon to decorate things but we do have a few things to get through. First off, the entire floor is lined in what looks to be walrus furs, we have a gigantic fish rack clearly used for storing her dinner and even fluffy cushions made from other animals all over the ce! Sure, I have no idea what¡¯s in them, and some are clearly made from pr bears and penguins, but it¡¯s not like any of us are vegan. Even Ariza knows how to hunt despite hating to hurt animals, think she¡¯s feeling a little sad for the creatures turned pillows though.


    Very quickly, the dragon finds a nice spot to curl up into and clearly just wants to sleep for the rest of the day and night now. We have to be in human form for good reason since there isn¡¯t enough room for phoenixes, but who cares about all that! This ce is still epic, I guess even she likes a little home for herself, the dragons were wrong on that.


    Anyways, all of us find afortable spot to sit at together, probably not the best of ideas to be lighting a fire inside here but it¡¯s not exactly needed. It¡¯s nice and snug inside this igloo already.


    While I¡¯m snuggling up to Petra getting myselffortable and the others are getting food out, there¡¯s something that¡¯s been on my mind for a little while now. All this thing about parents and all that, we still have unanswered questions a know it all may know the answer to¡­


    ¡°Asmdoeus¡­ do you happen to know if Zeki and Ariza¡¯s parents are still around? Presumably, they¡¯re not but at least it would be kinda nice to know names at least¡±


    I¡¯m always the best at asking these hard-hitting questions and with this demon lord, he¡¯ll probably know this as well, right? Judging by that grin upon his face, I¡¯m assuming I¡¯m right¡­


    With Zeki and Ariza, they both were found inside their eggs more than two hundred years apart by Petra who still has no idea on why they were there. Her phoenix tracking just happened to spark up and she came across them in the middle of nowhere. Apparently, she got the same thing happen when I first hatched. She was nning on visiting my parents eventually but with everything going on with the empire, her stalking would have to wait a while.


    ¡°Heh, you really want to know orange one? I do warn you; it may blind your entire perception on just how small this world really is¡±


    ¡®Of course, he freaking knows and has to overy the scene, this guy definitely was a dragon show maker or something in his previous life¡¯


    ¡°Erk, just get on with it already dickhead! Orangey asks a good question, dragons may suck balls but it doesn¡¯t seem like the worst thing to know what idiots decided to create us¡±


    ¡°Uh huh¡­ although it would be nice if some of them are still alive¡±


    Such two contrasting personalities. Zeki just wants to know so he can be a right tsundere about it to even more family while Ariza, just wants to be friendly to more people.


    ¡°Heh, create is a strong word red one. Technically, you were all created by Gods, mashed into the feathery form you live with. If you¡¯re looking for family out there in the world, one should look closer to home with your colours and blend them into one¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®So wait, that confirms Gods were involved in using here then, right? Also, read between the lines Ikarus, blue and red make¡­ purple!?!¡¯


    ¡°Asmdoeus, you¡¯re saying they have connections with Esmerelda?¡±


    ¡°Yes dark one, all threee from thete dragon Gyselzar who unfortunately passed a while back. Although, I¡¯m not certain on who the fathers are or how she died, all three should at least originate from her. Recall she was the brightest of purples and really was surprisingly timid for a dragon, boring but in a good way, I must say¡±


    At least that kinda solves the other¡¯s two phoenixes past since Petra beats me to the punch, they¡¯re actually rted by blood and to Esmerelda no less¡­ Ha! That makes Demond, brother-inw to Zeki, that¡¯s how that works, right? Pretty sure he used to call him dragon fucker or something like that.


    Zeki really isn¡¯t focusing on that though¡­


    ¡°Me and brother are actually blood rted siblings then? Erk, fuck! That fucking perverts dungeon has just gotten worse!¡±


    ¡°Uh, Zeki? Why are you still on that? Nothing else could¡¯ve been done¡±


    ¡°Just because you have a thing for me brother, doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll ever like you back in that way. It¡¯s just gross really, even now considering we actually are rted¡±


    ¡°Uh huh¡­ that¡¯s another month on the calendar Zeki. Want to say something stupid like that again?¡±


    ¡°E-Erk¡­ no¡­¡±


    Can¡¯t help myself but chuckle at Zeki¡¯s misfortune, why would he even say Ariza has a thing for him? She should¡¯ve been nastier and added even more months to his gender bending sentencing, at least it¡¯s good he hates sweet home bama.


    Why am I not surprised about them two actually being siblings though? Guess nothing changes at all on that front, just might need to ask Esmerelda a question or two next time we meet.


    ¡°How is that possible though Asmodeus? The circumstances of both of them being abandoned in the woods though, what were the reasons for it?¡±


    Everyone except the sleeping Mute perks up from Petra¡¯s question, there must be a reason for two dragon eggs being left in the middle of nowhere, right? I¡¯ve got a sneaky suspicion this is going to go full circle¡­


    ¡°The chances are dark one, the oracle had a part to y in this as well. The likelihood is, the purple one grew up the same exact way. Dragon mothers normally wouldn¡¯t leave their offspring unless it¡¯s for a very good reason¡±


    ¡®And yet, Petra experienced hell and Mute was tortured by their mother. I really am lucky considering the loveable world ender I have, could¡¯ve been abandoned in the same exact way¡¯


    ¡­


    A little time passes with the atmosphere inside the igloo getting pretty gloomy after that conversation, would normally do or say something stupid but, making a parent leaving to get milk joke would be the most insensitive thing I might ever say. Best just try and ask something else.


    ¡°Wait¡­ what was that previous thing about Gods making us Asmdoeus? I¡¯m betting, you know exactly who¡¯s responsible for the summoning, don¡¯t ya?¡±


    It honestly sounds stupider every time it gets mentioned but being summoned from our world, into dragon eggs, and then forming into phoenixes? Our background lore makes me feel so incredibly stupid at times.


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll let the fates decide when that secret is ready to show orange one. I think you¡¯ll be less surprised than you realize, they are much closer to home than you might expect¡±


    Closer to home than we might expect? If this guy is being literal, then there¡¯s only one God currently living at our home, our inds to be specific¡­


    ¡°Is that your way of saying Dio is involved then? He always seemed alright considering everything with Charlotte¡±


    ¡°Heh, already said I¡¯m not saying orange one. For now, just try and forget I ever said anything. We¡¯ve got a long day tomorrow and if what the silent one draws is correct, we may be fighting a fair bit¡­¡±

 Chapter 194 – Undead Army

    Chapter 194 ¨C Undead Army


    (Ikarus) <Wow¡­ I can see why this is a problem for you Mute, they¡¯re freaking everywhere>


    (Mute) <¡­!>


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, we¡¯ll be sure to destroy them for you Mute. It may take a while though¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh huh, those frozen undead shouldn¡¯t stand a chance if we¡¯re careful¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Er, why are you lot being weird about this? There¡¯s no threat here at all, orangey alone can nuke them into dust¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, red one has a point. This should be no challenge¡±


    Having spent the night in Mute¡¯s igloo, now carrying the rest of the party alongside her dragon to dragon as well, she¡¯s taken us to where the bad men that stabbed her are at and damn, it¡¯s quite the sight.


    Ahead of us, excluding the never-ending snowfall, is a battlefield filled with thousands and thousands of humanoid shaped creatures, closer inspection proves they are nothing like that though.


    We have snow golems, ghastly wraiths, hellhounds, skeletons, even zombified frozen undead, all roaming across the ice fields like they own the ce. I can definitely see why Mute struggles with these enemies, she¡¯s only ever been able to use water magic, and with the sheer quantity of these numbers would prove anyone problems. Besides, would water magic even be useful against undead creatures? Water at this temperature would probably turn to ice. Judging from the fact most undead look thawed over already, you can assume she would be extremely ineffective.


    <True kid¡­ it might be wiser to save the nuking in case we need itter though. Even though I say that, I¡¯m still going to use something else right now¡­>


    ¡®¡­Aesa?¡¯


    [<Confirmed, ability -sun kiss- is now in effect>]


    My logic in activating sun kisses down to the fact we¡¯re facing off against undead and that it¡¯s an AOE attack. Light magic should in theory work excellently against all things considered sinister and undead, right? Some things don¡¯t trante well to this world, but pretty sure light magic works that way.


    Ah, probably should¡¯ve saved if we do happen to find the demon lord, need to live in the current moment and all that. We don¡¯t even know if he¡¯s here yet, and with the number of low levelled enemies down below, this seems to be the way.


    Anyways, gliding above the gigantic hordes of the undead, my ability takes a little longer than usual to fester, but once that blinding light has built up to a reasonable level, it quickly disappears and sunbeams start to shoot down everywhere.


    Within seconds, gigantic holes form in the army, as the beams of light seem to be really effective against these wandering undead, ssh damage must also be getting applied considering how many are dropping like flies.


    Thankfully, the friendly fire effect negating ability clearly is working. I honestly wouldn¡¯t mind if one or two beams ¡®idently¡¯ hit Asmodeus, but I don¡¯t think it works in that way. Not even a single one is bugging us right now, only focusing on the undead down below.


    Once the attack finally settles, there still stands thousands of these brittle creatures all around, only leaving a small dent in the grand scale of things. I was probably underying the number of undead that roam this frozen wastnd, tens of thousands is probably more like it. It makes me think just how many bodies were needed for this to ur, undead have to be created from something so was this ce once a thriving town or city? Guess we could start digging for ruins under the snow, that sounds like aplete waste of time.


    ¡°Erk, that was pointless orangey so let me down cause I¡¯m-¡±


    <No kid, use your brain for a second, you forgetting just how cold it really is?>


    That¡¯s honestly the main reason why I¡¯m in dragon form and we¡¯re still making fire up on my back. The cold is just too bitter for us to split up and lose that body heat we have all somewhat close together, I¡¯ll let him down if he insists but a frozen Zeki is no good to anyone¡­ other than Ria, I guess. She¡¯d still find some way of tormenting him even if he was in cryosleep. I wonder if that¡¯s even possible in this world, best not get distracted right now though.


    ¡®Aesa, let¡¯s go for some napalm next¡¯


    [<Confirmed, next ability is now in effect>]


    Once the next of my kill all abilities has been activated, the snowfall pretty quickly turns into a red coloured rain, we¡¯ve all seen this buildup like the other attack before though. The snow turning red underneath the corpses is a tad different but to be expected seeing how the rain soaks everything in it touches. However, the second the downpoures in, we¡¯re set¡­


    And it does, alongside the spark that ignites it all, causing a fiery inferno to burn all of the enemies down below. Keep in mind, I¡¯m still gliding throughout this in attempt to spread the love of napalm to all down below. Unfortunately, this still appears like it isn¡¯t going to be enough.


    Once the attack ends, snow falls once again quickly settling the roaring mes, that definitely took out a few thousand more but we¡¯ve still got loads more to go.


    ¡®Should I have just used a nuke in the beginning? No, I still don¡¯t think that would¡¯ve been enough. Really can¡¯t justify supernova for something like this¡¯


    By this point, I¡¯m wondering if we can just leave these undead alone but, that seems irresponsible for a magnitude of reasons. Like for example, what if the ocean were to freeze over and this army made its way to the maind? Besides, it¡¯s not even like we even know where the cave is just yet, the density of the forces still makes this irritating.


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ let¡¯s go for burning hellfire next¡¯


    Aesa activates another attack but since this one is part of the nuke-supernova family, the orb needs to be thrown. You know, these dragon paws are more difficult to hold things withpared to hands, still shouldn¡¯t stop a good toss down below.


    Dropping it into the densest region remaining, the area below rapidly expands into a fiery fog, burning and incinerating anything in a town sized region. Many more undead be one with thend but still, the fight isn¡¯t over just yet. How long is this going to take?


    ¡®That still hasn¡¯t done it!? Man, this little thing is bing a slug¡¯


    I¡¯ve basically wasted three kill all abilities on these enemies and there¡¯s still at least a good thousand or so left spread out. I¡¯m getting tired of this now; the snow is already a ckish-red from all the devastation and this is taking too long. This is supposed to be my thing, being able to wipe out insane numbers of enemies all at once, and I feel like I¡¯m failing at it, goddamn it! Maybe the coldness or this area has some kind of nerving ability effect? I¡¯m using that as an excuse.


    ¡°Uh¡­ can I try something quickly Ikarus?¡±


    Honestly, I¡¯ve found it a little weird why everyone has been quiet while I¡¯ve been doing this, couldn¡¯t Petra at least be cheering me on? I mean, I know they¡¯re trying to keep warm and all, this is also what I¡¯m best suited to but still! Even some backseatining would work well.


    ¡°Of course Ariza¡­ Petra, I¡¯m annoyed with you¡±


    ¡°Heh, why''s that Ikarus? You want me to start fighting as well?¡±


    ¡°No no, this is best suited for me, just¡­ it would be nice you were cheering me on or something¡±


    ¡°Heh, like a cheerleader? Go Ikarus! Does that help?¡±


    ¡°Putting your sarcasm aside¡­ a little¡±


    Ariza takes a stand up on my back, gets her bow out and ready to fire, and then aiming for¡­ the sun? I barely care about that because I¡¯ve now got a vivid image of Petra the cheerleader in my mind.


    ----------


    ---I¡¯m now doing Ikarus cutaway images apparently¡­


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    The arrow flies direct and true,pletely disappearing from sight into the sun. Obviously, it hasn¡¯t gone into the actual sun but is something else supposed to happen, right? It seems to be taking a while.


    The result is worth the slight anticipation when thousands of arrows fly from the heavens, even fading through us as they spread across the dirty snowy battlefield. This attack seems to have just as much range as my attacks and every arrow appears to hit their targets, not wasting a single projectile.


    ¡­


    ¡°Erk, how the fuck is that fair!?! Brother gets to show off using her bow yet I¡¯m stuck with this stupid piece of shit spear, that does literally nothing!?¡±


    ¡°Heh, nice attack blue and orange ones. Looks like we¡¯re in the clear now¡±


    <¡­!>


    ¡°Heh, do I need to cheer for you as well Ariza? Ikarus seems to want me as the cheerleader of the group for some reason¡±


    ¡°Please, as if I would ever visualize you looking like that Petra¡­ whoops. Anyways Ariza, is that the bow or an ability? And where the hell did you even get that?¡±


    Of course, all of us are going to be a little gob smacked seeing Ariza¡¯s development behind the scenes, never realized that white bow of hers can do all that as well. Our healer is going to be so missed when we sort out all this God stuff down the line, maybe there¡¯s a way they can join us in the heavens, it doesn¡¯t seem that¡¯s the case though.


    ¡°Uh¡­ think it counts as both Ikarus. I probably shouldn¡¯t say, but since it¡¯s you, it should be fine. Loki¡­ kinda gifted it to me, said he managed to swipe it from Apollo¡¯s hidden collection¡±


    So wait, Zeki has the spear of Ares and Ariza the bow of Apollo? Damn, our phoenix fam really have connections, even me and Petra don¡¯t have any God tier equipment¡­ well, does Excalibur count? Doubtful since there¡¯s a huge difference between king and God.


    ¡°Are you not worried about potentially pissing off a God though Ariza? If that bow is stolen, maybe he might want it back?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, maybe a little Ikarus? By the sounds of it, no one knows where Apollo is, so Loki said it should be fine¡±


    So, originally Dionysus syphoned off some of Apollo¡¯s powers and allowed our favourite Charlotte to use his powers and Loki¡¯s done the same with one of his artefacts? This already sounds like a potential enemy pissed off at us in the making.


    Anyways, despite the battlefield being basically done, there still remains a few groups left of confused wandering undead, probably numbering in the double digits by this point. Ah, we can see that cave Mute mentioned as well now, albeit the entrance is nearly hidden away in ckened snow. Give that a few hours and the snowfall will cover it back up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just finish off thest few with fire, then head for the dungeon¡­ huh, forgot wraiths only take magical based damage so those arrows didn¡¯t do much, should only take a moment though¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Is that¡­ oh, for fuck¡¯s sake, it¡¯s a freaking dungeon, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Heh, why do you think that Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Just look at the facts Petra. We enter that cave and all of a sudden, we¡¯re in a corridor with unnatural looking obsidian ck seemingly out of nowhere. I¡¯ve been in a ce like this way back before, my money is on this being a dungeon¡±


    If it isn¡¯t obvious by my moaning and everyone else bing unsure, I¡¯m positive this cave turned unnatural corridors has to be something like that. The entrance itself just looked like a narrow cave so me and Mute quickly downsized into humanish forms, then we basically came upon this within minutes.


    ¡°Uh¡­ should we turn back then? It might be too risky¡±


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    ¡°Erk, we seriously aren¡¯t leaving now, are we?¡±


    You know, Ariza does have a massive point. We really can¡¯t afford toe up against a God who dislikes us in their own world, that would end up being suicidal. With the way this works though, we haven¡¯te across a fountain or a portal so it should be fine for now, right? Ah, we¡¯ll just TP right out of there if things get dicey.


    ¡°Heh, let¡¯s just continue on and if there¡¯s anything we need to enter Ariza, then we¡¯ll have a real talk or get Ikarus to teleport us way¡±


    ¡®She beat me right to it¡­ and winks towards me. Did she know I was about to say the same exact thing? Sometimes, I swear she knows me even better than Aesa¡¯


    [<Impossible Ikarus, no one knows your uniqueness better than Aesa>]


    ¡®Now now Aesa, is that jealously I hear in your voice since Petra obviously knows me best? You can always be wife number two if robotic isn¡¯t enough¡¯


    [<¡­>]


    Aesa can obviously tell I¡¯m messing with her butplete silence in response? Where¡¯s the threaten by suicide or something like that? It¡¯s always irritation that causes her to do this.


    ¡®Did you really hate me calling wife number two that much? It wasn¡¯t meant as a poop joke if it sounded like that¡¯


    [<Aesa knows Ikarus¡­ the problem wasn¡¯t that Aesa disliked being called Ikarus¡¯s second wife, that¡¯s the reason for the silence. User appears to have somehow corrupted Aesa as that title should piss Aesa off¡­ but it doesn¡¯t>]


    ¡®What the fuck!? Okay, we¡¯re really getting too chummy with each other it seems¡­¡¯


    Getting past whatever confusing turns of events that was, now making me question everything, we continue heading further down the void like ck hallways and still no end appears in sight. This is actually going to turn into a proper harem if Aesa ends up bing like this.


    ¡­


    The silence beckons all around us since we¡¯re trying to be careful yet, nothing appears to be inside this ce. It¡¯s like all the undead were shipped off outside to forget about, if this is where they even came from. I normally would natter to Petra to pass the time but right now, I¡¯m conflicted about something.


    ¡®Hey Aesa¡­ you have any idea how, I can kinda torment our wife a little? It doesn¡¯t have to be much, just any ideas because there¡¯s got to be some way I can win against her¡¯


    Being behind her and getting the asional glimpse of her bottom in that robe she loves to wear; a quick memoryes to mind of ourst ¡®session¡¯. I¡¯ve never been able to effectively woo her other than one moment or two, so finding someway of effectively teasing her would be really cool. I¡¯ve been searching for a way for way too long so maybe a different perspective may help.


    [<Is this really the time and ce for this Ikarus?>]


    ¡®No, but I¡¯m getting bored right now, these halls are empty and none of my red gging powers will change that¡¯


    Another corner to this stupid ce making me feel like we¡¯re walking in circles now. Seriously though, how do I even go about strutting my stuff appearing sexy for Petra? I mean, she always likes me embarrassed and wearing cute ass outfits, but that isn¡¯t going to cut it for this. If only there was a sure fire I can make her suffer¡­ in a loving way, of course.


    [<Next time Ikarus ends up in a situation requiring a firm hand, Aesa will try and offer up advice to fend off wife¡¯s advances>]


    ¡®Hold up, why would I want to fend off her advances though? I love it when she does that¡¯


    [<Trust Aesa, this will be the best way of teasing wife Ikarus. You¡¯ll understand why someday>]


    Almost like she knows we¡¯re thinking about her behind her back, Petra gives me a quick grin still while leading. She¡¯s thinking of some way of making me embarrassed, isn¡¯t she? It¡¯s either that or something perverted.


    Eventually, we get out of the ck tunnel ande across something extremely unexpected.


    ¡°Oh¡­ maybe this isn¡¯t a dungeon then¡­¡±

 Chapter 195 – Final Lord

    Chapter 195 ¨C Final Lord


    (Ikarus) ¡°Dang, just what the hell is this ce?¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°You seriously asking that orangey? It¡¯s obviously some secret illuminati style organization where they practice necromancy, duhhh!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, no one gets your sense of humour Zeki. This ce is pretty weird though¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Hmm¡­ I remember the oracle having a workshop like this once upon a time¡­ Ah, sorry silent one, just realized your troubled past¡±


    (Mute) ¡°¡­¡±


    (Petra) ¡°It¡¯s okay Mute, she¡¯s long gone now¡±


    Having gone through the endless corridors and now into the ce I thought was a dungeon, instead we find an ancientboratory of sorts. The ce is filled with all kinds of medical shit, vials, jars, surgical equipment, basically anything you can imagine in a makeshiftboratory.


    Ah, the thing about Mute getting horrid memories is down the that fact the oracle apparently used to experiment on her or something like that. She seems alright for the most part, if you exclude her unwillingness to speak and things like that, just it¡¯s obvious both sisters are going to hate their oracle mother. Best just leave that depressing shit alone.


    I¡¯m also purply ignoring the elephant in the room, that being the five or so frozen human sized pods. I¡¯d make a frozen TV dinner joke if those things still had upants in, is it safe to presume that some of the undead came from inside these?


    All of us have a quick search around the facility when a door left slightly adrift catches my attention, leading into a much darker room. I walk into said room and thenterns inside begin to light up as I make my way onto the catwalk¡­


    ¡°Blood hell¡­ hey guys, you may want to see this¡±


    Ahead and all around me stands a storage facility filled with thousands and thousands of frozen corpses, stored inside pods all viewable from this walkway. This is actually insane, no Ikarus over exaggerating will change things because there are literally thousands more of these bodies.


    Obviously, all the undead must¡¯ve came from this facility answering that question, something that doesn¡¯t get answered is why there¡¯s a stranger inside this room¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s an interesting thought, no? Knowing just how many people once lived in thesends, now all lost and frozen in time scattered around this world like ancient relics¡±


    A mostly red, ck horned creature stands to the far end of the catwalk, almost looking down on us as he gives his inner antagonist speech. He¡¯s going to be an enemy, right? The way he expects us entering, then stands around without a care as we enter the frozen room full of corpses. All that¡¯s missing is a white cat, a piercingser and we have a real spy viin on our hands. His outfit kinda fits the role as well.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®The final demon, the one and only¡­ Lucifer! Status¡¯


    [Name: Lucifer | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 62,021/166,666]


    [Magicka 32,642/166,666]


    ¡®Magic and stamina are surprisingly low, maybe the necromancy has something to do with that? I presume this is his work¡¯


    ¡°The dead you see and the ones outside are only a tiny percentage of the entire continent that once lived in thesends, all dead even further up north. You¡¯d find more life in a world of pure devastation rather than thesends, pretty good for building an army though¡±


    ¡®At least this guy is providing some decent background lor-, hold up. Was mother responsible for all this?¡¯


    A very long time ago, back at that peace conference between the dragon fam and the dead prince, a littlement mother made has always stuck around. Once upon a time, there was a continent to the north, a continent she was responsible for destroying after witnessing her first child die¡­


    ¡°Whether we¡¯re friend or foe Lucifer is irrelevant right now, did a dragon cause all this devastation?¡±


    My question actually unsettles him, making him seem a little unhinged.


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say if a dragon were involved or not? This ce was always cold but it did thrive once upon a time. If a winged lizard were to cause all this, you could probably find evidence around if you spent enough time looking. None of that matters right now though¡±


    I know this guy has a point but something about him is making me unsure, like he knows much more than he probably should. Maybe mother didn¡¯t cause this then because fire is supposed to be her speciality? Eh, I¡¯ll have to ask this another time.


    ¡°Brother Luci, what a strange and unforeseen encounter this is! We can try and end this amicably with no more bloodshed if possible, let bygones be bygones and all that¡±


    For what might be the first time ever, Asmodeus has a face that ever so slightly resembles fear. That¡¯s definitely not good.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even bother trying Asmodeus, I figured out what your little pet project was centuries ago, as if something like that would ever get past me¡±


    ¡®This guy defo seems a little arrogant, guess Luci is supposed to be the demon lord of pride after all¡¯


    ¡°Heh, at least my n involves the living rather than the dead, a pack of wolves is stronger than that army of yours that now lies destroyed¡±


    ¡°Undead can always be raised anew Asmodeus, much quicker and painlessly then involving life. Another pointless conversation that doesn¡¯t need to be discussed¡±


    Where the conversation was heading, or no longer is, has clearly made Asmodeus a little dejected from his brother¡¯s reluctance to talk with him.


    ¡°Point taken¡­ look Lucifer, you obviously know why we¡¯re here so let¡¯s try and end this peacefully. I never held any distaste to you so if there¡¯s any chance you¡¯ll be reasonable, now¡¯s the time¡±


    Even though I can only specte on the reason, it seems Asmodeus really doesn¡¯t want to get inbat with him. I think I can understand why this time, this demon is like an unknown entity, a foe I just can¡¯t get a read on despite his SP and MP being drained. It¡¯s probably the exact same for a guy who constantly relies on the future, he hasn¡¯t visioned fighting this brother so anything is on the table.


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you either Asmodeus, but the tides of fate lead us to this very moment. If you want my horn for your little birdy, then you¡¯ll have to pry it off my frozen corpse¡­¡±


    The demon Lucifer snaps his fingers and all thenterns in the room roar into mes as he charges us down, de in hand almost surprising us if we hadn¡¯t literally just taken our weapons out. You won¡¯t be catching us off guard this easily.


    [<Take this fight extremely cautiously Ikarus. Despite stats being matched and demon not appearing to have any insane resistances, Aesa is feeling unsettled>]


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry everyone but I don¡¯t know brother Luci¡¯s skillset, treat this fight like your lives depend on it¡±


    Two warnings flock my and the others way, making me curious just how powerful this guy is supposed to be. When you think of demons and anything resembling hell, the names Satan and Lucifer firste to mind, right? This guy must be somewhatparable to that guy we nuked, maybe more in wit rather than brute strength though.


    ¡®Aesa?¡¯


    [<Confirmed, -aspect of gigantomachy- is now is use>]


    Anyways, me and Petra go straight in for the kill responding to his charge, only to find he puts up two magic barriers blocking mine and her flying sword¡¯s path, breaking any momentum we had. This is going to be one of those annoying battles, I can already sense it.


    ¡°Sword art and gigantomachy, predictable¡±


    ¡®Guy knows what we¡¯re nning? Ah, screw it, matters little since we¡¯ll still hit him¡¯


    Lucifer responds to our failed attempt following it up with one of his own, skeletal bats form from his hands while he cowers between those barriers of his.


    Thankfully, Petra activates her ckened mes, coating the entire area ahead of us trying to burn the little fuckers out but it¡¯s as if they¡¯re resistant to fire. In what world should skeletal bats be like that!? Some definitely burn up but most get through like a swarming drone attack.


    Swinging wildly against these stupid little creatures, they all go down in a single whack but still get a few cuts across into us all, the wings on these little fuckers are razor sharp so I¡¯ve now got a sliced lip and ear. They¡¯d be an excellent distraction if this guy wasn¡¯t alone.


    Using this brief distraction we¡¯ve all encountered, Lucifer tries to charge at us only to find his brother standing in front of him stopping his tracks, armed with a de and something else metallic looking.


    Going straight for his neck but only finding Lucifer immediately backs off, whatever attempt Asmodeus tries is only met with distaste and annoyance, like the demon reacting thinks he¡¯s better than this.


    ¡°Pitiful¡­ apliance cor, really Asmodeus? That was your grand n to deal with me? You dragons, or ex-dragons have always been idiotic¡±


    By the looks of it, Asmodeus tries to ce one of those odd magic cors that seem to work by draining the target¡¯s magicka, obviously not working in the slightest. At least he had something in mind for this fight but that did seem pointless considering the failure.


    Now that the bats have been dealt with, all of us try to attack a different way to the pervious attempt, this time around going for ranged attacks.


    Me, Petra and Zeki all shoot fire, some of which being fireball or methrowers, none of which seems to be passing through another barrier he puts up though.


    Mute follows us up by spraying a fast beam of water towards the demon lord, then Asmodeus and Ariza follow her up using the harpoon gun and bow, then another barrier goes up to block those attacks as well! This guy is he annoying to get through if he¡¯s constantly this defensive.


    ¡®Four barriers and that bat attack this quickly in session? Status¡¯


    [Name: Lucifer | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 62,014/166,666]


    [Magicka 26,643/166,666]


    ¡®At least his magic is draining slowly I suppose¡¯


    This feels like it¡¯s bing a war of attrition and if that¡¯s the case, this demon surely knows he¡¯ll lose, right? It¡¯s literally six against one and I¡¯ve still got a nuke and supernova still in y.


    The battle continues on with Petra finally activating her dark eyed mode, regaining her flying de and precedes tounch it again at the demon, all the while coating the area ahead of his in pitch ck me again. The demon¡¯s barriers have already faded by this point but they¡¯ll most likely reappear any second.


    The samurai sword flies through the fire, covering itself in a healthy mixture of fire and then curves around aiming for the demon again. Like predicted, his barrier stops the sword right in the nick of time¡­ except, it doesn¡¯tpletely stop it, the sword ever so slightly pierces through the magic andnds the tiniest cuts on one of his arms.


    Using Petra¡¯s idea as encouragement, I do the same thing flocking the area ahead me in thick mes, then charge with both weapons in hand towards the constantly retreating demon lord. You wouldn¡¯t think there would be that much room in this facility to go but once you get off this walkway, the room is endless. Can¡¯t even remember when we jumped down here thinking about it.


    Reactingte but understanding what I¡¯m doing after Petra¡¯s slight teaching, he throws down two barriers back-to-back to try and stop my advance. Both my des shatter and pierce the first obstacle in my path, the second does stop me but Excalibur gets through just enough to piece the demon¡¯s shoulder, just like what happened with Petra previously. Obviously, his magical abilities have a slight problem when ites to weapons drenched in magic, or specifically fire.


    ¡®Both of us definitely got an aspect hit in there¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Lucifer | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 69,998/166,666]


    [Stamina 62,010/166,666]


    [Magicka 26,644/166,666]


    ¡®Ha! This little shit should¡¯ve worn armour¡¯


    While this was going down and the guy is only focused on keeping us away, a random arrow and spear fly true, one of whichnding in his cheek while the othernds by his feet. Don¡¯t think it takes much to realize which weapon made a hit, and which weapon didn¡¯t¡­


    ¡°Erk, I always knew this thing was a piece of shit! Wait¡­ what¡¯s it doing¡­¡±


    All of a sudden, the spear of Ares starts shake and to glow a bright orange getting rapidly brighter by the second at Lucifer¡¯s feet. Why did Zeki even think it was a clever idea tounch his weapon like that?


    ¡°Shit¡­ it¡¯s going to blow, run orangey and sis!¡±


    Being the closest to the unstable spear, excluding Lucifer, me and Petra make a run for it as the temperature inside the room hits a blistering heat, all radiating from the expanding and unstable spear itself¡­


    And then, it goes off, rocking and rattling everything from the explosion, debris falling all around and a foggy dust clouds the room making it so you can¡¯t even see your own hands.


    ¡®He¡¯s starting to be a liability, why throw that freaking spear!?¡¯


    ¡°*Cough*, uh, damn it Zeki! You trying to kill us all?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    ¡°Did the God of war not tell you about that orange one?¡±


    ¡°Of course he fucking didn¡¯t¡­ erk! Is everyone good?¡±


    ¡°*Cough* Ikarus¡­ you okay?¡±


    ¡°*Cough cough*, yeah Petra, where you at?¡±


    Getting myself up off the floor having just be thrown from the explosion, a slight feeling of dread kicks in when visibility is still impossible and I have no idea on who¡¯s making which sets of footsteps. This is ominous as hell, did that explosion kill the demon or not? It went off right by his feet though.


    ¡°Over here Ikarus¡±


    As soon as she answers, I see the ever so faint silhouette of her person in front of meing closer. I¡¯ll have to rely on her senses to see right now because this ce is still a nightmare.


    ¡°We need to group up quickly, then-¡­ fuck!¡±


    ¡­


    (Petra) ¡°Ikarus? Ikarus!¡±


    The person wasn¡¯t Petra. Dear God, that definitely wasn¡¯t Petra¡­


    Somehow in my disorientation caused by the idiot, I¡¯ve walked like a headless idiot straight into the de of the surviving Lucifer, red skin torn from his face as he looks like he¡¯s barely clinging onto life. I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m now in worse condition considering the damn swordpletely going through my midsection.


    The surprise of the attack has caused me to drop my weapons and clench up as well, even when the creature¡¯s de still pierces me.


    ¡®Argh! Fucking Zeki¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 999^]


    [Health 56,278*/166,666]


    [Stamina 161,692*/166,666*]


    [Magicka 124,236*/166,666*]


    [You currently have 149501 unassigned points]


    ---


    [Name: Lucifer | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 1,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 1,666/166,666]


    [Magicka 1,666/166,666]


    ¡®Argh¡­ how much damage did that sword do!? I¡¯m freaking stuck on it as well¡¯


    This¡¯s guy¡¯s stats are somehow at one percent and I¡¯ve got his freaking de impaling me, causing a searing pain to course and jolt through my entire body. Ariza¡¯s magic and a healent can heal this, I just know it but it¡¯s like this sword has barbs crafted into it. I can¡¯t even make the obvious animal penis joke here; I can¡¯t break free!


    [<Warning, Ikarus needs to get out of this ASAP! Demon Lucifer¡¯s de is currently draining HP by thousands every second it remains inside Ikarus>]


    ¡®That¡¯s what I¡¯m freaking trying to do Aesa!¡¯


    Trying my best to get myself free from his sword, he takes a hold of one of my shoulders and pulls me in even further, causing the worst pain I¡¯ve ever experienced. All but the smallest of smiles appears on his face, like he was aiming for this situation from the start. Where the fuck is everyone else!?


    ¡°Two can y your game of second chances, little phoenix. Say hello from me to your mother when you get the chance, she¡¯ll be joining you down in the Underworld someday as well¡±


    ¡®Second chances and mother? Fuck this, I don¡¯t have the time to be curious on this guy¡¯s hatred¡¯


    That clearlyes from a ce on anger towards mother and in time, I¡¯ll try to put the pieces together if I can just get out of this fucking draining sword!


    ¡°Someone fucking shoot this gu-¡­ you irritating demonic piece of shit!¡±


    Without even realizing it, there¡¯s a thick barrierpletely surrounding us and everyone else, a barrier so thick even Petra can¡¯t break through despite her best attempts. This situation was intricately nned, I know that now¡­


    ¡®This fucker knows bits of the future¡­ it¡¯s obvious now¡¯


    [<HP is currently at 33922*¡­ Ikarus!>}


    ¡®Would changing form help in any way?¡¯


    [<Negative Ikarus, form change won¡¯t work in this situation while HP is rapidly draining>]


    ¡®Then you need to find me some way out, I just can¡¯t do it Aesa! I don¡¯t even have the strength to lift my arms up right now!¡¯


    [<¡­>]


    Complete silence from Aesa, am I seriously going to waste my death right now!? Argh, this stupid demonic fuck! It¡¯s almost like my system is being paralysed as well, I can¡¯t even roast this guy full of magic!


    The demon¡¯s smile seems to be building every second I get closer to death, almost relishing the fact he¡¯s gotten me beat. If I¡¯m to pass this very moment, I¡¯m not letting him win this way.


    ¡°You know, I only wish I could be there to see the look on your mother¡¯s face when she loses another daughter. It really would be worth dying for¡±


    I don¡¯t think it takes a genius to figure out what happened now, I¡¯m basically fucked so I couldn¡¯t care less about specting. Mother must¡¯ve killed someone really close to this guy and his way of getting even, is by killing me. Always knew the oracle would end up screwing me over someday, something seems off from this situation though.


    ¡°You fucker¡­ you do know this won¡¯t kill me, right? I¡¯m goi¡±


    Despite knowing I probably shouldn¡¯t y my only card like this, that statementpletely destroys his morale, making that smile reverse instantly. That was totally worth it then, I guess the future he was foretold involved me already dying once and this would be the veryst.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ annoying. Even in death, the oracle knew this would happen. I¡¯ll just have to kill you again¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­ dare you to try it¡­ heh. If I¡¯m going down¡­ you¡¯reing with me¡±


    [<HP is currently at 11306>}


    It doesn¡¯t matter how much I try to break free; I¡¯m still stuck. Exhaustion is now starting to kick in and it won¡¯t be long before I inevitably pass out. Since things seem bleak, might as well go out in a way I know will destroy him. If he somehow has another chance to revive from this, then this is unbnced bullshit.


    [<HP is currently at 2712 Ikarus¡­ Aesa guesses she¡¯ll see you on the other side then>}


    ¡®Heh, right¡­ activate everything Aesa, would you? One hundred percent is a given¡­ I¡¯m going to rest¡­ just for a little whil-¡­¡¯


    ¡­

 Chapter 196 – Next Level

    Chapter 196 ¨C Next Level


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°It¡¯s useless now dark one, brother Lucifer has put his life force into that barrier. I¡¯m honestly shocked the orange one was forced to use her second chance up this early¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, fucking show some respect for orangey dickhead. Is she actually dead?¡±


    (Mute) ¡°¡­?¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ I¡¯m not getting any signs of life from her¡±


    After Zeki¡¯splete mess up with the spear and the rest of us desperately now trying to break Ikarus free from that barrier, hitting it with all our weapons but seeing it not let up in the slightest, all of us give up and have no idea what to do. I should have enough time to heal her from the sword piercing her gut, but the longer she remains inside there, the worse it¡¯ll get.


    ¡®Uh, what to do, what to do¡­¡¯


    [<Me thinks Ariza should be one with the words and flow with the wind>]


    ¡®Uh¡­ probably not the best time right now Laura. Go rest for now¡¯


    It¡¯s strange how Laura, or my voice sometimes wakes up at times like this. It¡¯s nice she was able to make a coherent sentence today because even nonsensical riddles can sometimes be too hard for her.


    ¡®What about you Loki? Can you help?¡¯


    <Sorry sweety, there¡¯s not much I can say. I presume she¡¯ll revive soon enough, whether it will be here or elsewhere is unknown to me>


    ¡®Uh huh, no worries then¡¯


    Even though he¡¯s normally busy, Loki always makes time for me if I¡¯ve got a question I¡¯d like to ask. I¡¯m honestly not that sure why he¡¯s so kind, even giving me Apollo¡¯s bow alongside thest potion batch he sent to our world. Deep down, he probably just wants Zeki to suffer so getting in good with me will make that more likely, I¡¯m not too fussed if that really is the case though.


    ¡°Erk, why the fuck did this stupid spear explode like that?¡±


    Zeki picks up the spear from Ares that somehow survived the explosion and precedes to start smashing against the ground hoping it¡¯ll break. Instead, it just ends ttering on the floor with Zeki holding his shaking hands, the vibrations of the tter must¡¯ve hurt that much.


    ¡°Uhhh¡­ Petra, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Petra still standing there saying nothing, her aura is as empty as the void right about now, I¡¯ve never seen anything like this. I know Ikarus means the world to her but she¡¯ll be fine, right? We all know she has a revive left if she really is dead.


    Thankfully, I do get a response but it¡¯s even gloomier than expected.


    ¡°Ikarus¡­ she¡¯s starting to glow¡­ Heh, knew you wouldn¡¯t let him get away with that¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ what was that sis? Oh shit¡­ I think orangey¡¯s about to blow!¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    ¡°Uh, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Heh, I think she¡¯s activated a form of self-destruct¡­ Brother Lucifer, it¡¯s now time to rest¡±


    The glow radiating from Ikarus inside the barrier gets brighter and brighter as sheer fear can be seen from the red skinned majin inside. Even in death, Ikarus was never going to let him get away with that¡­


    (Lucifer) ¡°Fuck¡­¡±


    ¡­


    __________


    [<I----s¡­>]


    ¡®Urgh¡­¡¯


    [<Ika--s¡­ wa-e up already! Ikarus!>]


    ¡®Hrghhh¡­ just five more minutes Aesa¡­ shit! I erm¡­ died, didn¡¯t I?¡¯


    Waking up groggy and grouchy like I¡¯ve just experienced death itself or something, I¡¯m surprisingly refreshed considering I can barely see, have searing pain ripping through my stomach and have a banging headache.


    ¡®Huh¡­ guess this is where the rising from the ashes legendes from. This just feels like sand though¡¯


    Slowly but surely, my senses start toe back to me as I realize just where I¡¯ve woken up, pretty nice considering the frozen hellhole it could¡¯ve been.


    Within a big pile of ash, inside a nest that hides inside a huge cave of sorts, clearly my revive has taken me to where I first hatched, like it¡¯s my spawn point or something. Ah, should also mention I¡¯m back in bird form as well, this pile of ash is pretty big to be covering me up like this. This is probably the best spawn point on the entire continent I could¡¯ve been given. If you exclude the dragon protection, it¡¯s not as good but this cave is pretty impossible to get to without flying.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ do I have any penalties or restrictions for just dying?¡¯


    [<Other than the cooldown timer Ikarus, now being active for the next 500 years, negative. Other abilities are still being tracked for cooldown purposes as well, so it¡¯s as if Ikarus never died>]


    If only I could¡¯ve saved my second life for another day. Sure, that guy seemed to be aiming for me and held a great hatred towards mother, it does feel like I¡¯ve wasted it early though. Oh well, at least I¡¯m back to the true YOLO experience now.


    ¡®Then let¡¯s get out of here¡­ oh shit! I really couldn¡¯t have chosen a worser time to die, my eyes!¡¯


    You see, both parents happen to be inside today and are yet to realize I¡¯ve gate-crashed their privacy. They wouldn¡¯t care normally, except both of them are naked¡­


    Okay, I need to specify more now. Both parents are always naked, but in human form¡­ trying to make another Ikarus or Minos. Yeah, I know, I¡¯ve somehow spawned in right when both parents are getting frisky!


    Poor father looks like he¡¯s being suffocated by the weight of mother on top of him but damn, I can¡¯t look at this! Motherfucker¡­ argh! That isn¡¯t even funny!


    ¡°Faster Dermakvar! Don¡¯t be using your age as an excuse, keep going¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying dear, don¡¯t be afraid to use your nails¡­ is that, little one?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll¡­ exin another t-time! Oh, sorry about the ash, but I really need to go¡­¡±


    ¡®¡­Aesa, TP me back to that dungeon, asap! I feel so sick now¡­¡¯


    Getting out of that situation as quick as possible, Aesa does as asked so we end up¡­ on a stone floor outside?


    Most of the area around is t, grey, devoid of any life and honestly pretty depressing. Ah, I guess there is snow falling as well so we¡¯re probably in the north, what happened to the cave though?


    ¡®Erm¡­ Aesa? Where the fuck are we?¡¯


    [<These are the coordinates of where Ikarus died. If you¡¯ve already forgotten,st message was to activate everything so that¡¯s what Aesa did>]


    Jeez, no wonder I didn¡¯t understand where we are. I was expecting a lot more fire and devastation. Since I activated everything underground, it¡¯s not as pleasing to the eyes? Oh, it¡¯s probably had time to settle as well¡­ this crater we¡¯re in is as far as the eye can see. This is definitely my work, just


    ----------


    ---In our world, humans cause climate change. In this world, its solely on Ikarus¡¯s shoulders¡­


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®Aw shit! I didn¡¯t freaking blow them up, did I!?¡¯


    I mean, technically I did, but I didn¡¯t idently just off my entire party self-destructing against that fucktard!?


    [<Rx Ikarus, your intent was detected so party should be here¡­ somewhere>]


    ¡®Phew¡­ what did you even activate anyways?¡¯


    [<Ikarus¡¯s request of everything was confusing so Aesa activated -meteor shower-, -atomic hellfire- and -supernova instead, that held more than enough impact. Aesa is unaware if demon lord Lucifer still lives but if he does, this world can go rot>]


    Damn Aesa, she¡¯s gaining my taste in world destruction with that littlement. If this fucker has another life hidden away, I¡¯m going to be so pissed.


    Looking around though, I can¡¯t see how he would¡¯ve survived that. There¡¯s no trace of anything other than my handiwork. I¡¯m actually missing the gigantic mountains of ice now.


    ¡®So¡­ what do I do now? Start searching or just wait a little bit?¡¯


    Even though my barrage of attacks shouldn¡¯t have harmed my party, I guess they could¡¯ve been thrown far away from the force of it? I could be flying over the horizon for days if that¡¯s the case.


    [<Aesa suggests waiting, as its guaranteed wife will track us down¡­>]


    ¡°Ikarus!¡±


    [<¡­Told Ikarus so>]


    As I turn around, all of a sudden, a ck smudge flies straight into my field of view, taking me back and tossing me like a fat phoenix bowling ball.


    Once the little tumble is over and now on top of me, phoenix to phoenix staring deeply into each other¡¯s eyes, I can¡¯t help butment on just how dopy that was. Crashnding into the other partner, I swear that has my name written all over it!


    ¡°You forgotten how to fly straight Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ what can I say Ikarus? You make me blind for you¡±


    ¡®Urgh, goddamn it! She¡¯s purposely putting on the Ikarus cringe charm and because she says it, it¡¯s okay!¡¯


    ¡°Oh,e on Petra! I just freaking died and yo-¡±


    Instead of getting an interrupting kiss beak to beak, that would look pretty weird, Petra nuzzles her entire head into me that seriously might be even cuter than a kiss.


    ¡­


    Instead of saying something, I nuzzle her back and it basically bes one of the cutest and fluffiest moments of my life. Being a bird really has its advantages at times and this is definitely one of them.


    ¡°Our entire dynamic is ruined Petra! Thought I was supposed to be the cute one?¡±


    ¡°Heh, you want me to stop Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°No no, nuzzle to your heart¡¯s content, it¡¯s nice¡±


    ¡®Should I ask her how¡¯s she¡¯s doing after seeing me stabbed? I mean, I know Petra too well so she¡¯ll probably just try and deflect giving me a proper answer. I¡¯ll just leave it¡¯


    ¡°Heh, too bad Ikarus. You¡¯ll just have to wait till my heart repairs itself now¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re horrible to me at times, you know that?¡±


    ¡°Heh, love you Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Urghhh¡­ we¡¯re not having the same conversation¡­ love ya too¡±


    Anyways, now that little moment is kinda finished since Petra¡¯s fluffy but scarred body is getting off me, we should probably get back in the moment.


    ¡°You know where the rest of the par-¡­ speak of the devil¡±


    A little navy speck in the distance rapidly begins to get bigger, presenting the rest of the party following in my clingy wife¡¯s trail. It¡¯s funny how Petra¡¯s a little like the government when ites to us birds, she¡¯s constantly tracking our movements and knowing what we¡¯re doing constantly, talk about invasion of privacy much! Eh, I don¡¯t care nor can she help it so it¡¯s fineee.


    As Mute goes tond and everyone gets off, something noteworthy catches my eye when everyone gather¡¯s around. Poor Zeki, his eyes are a noticeable red, that can¡¯t be the case¡­


    ¡°Is that¡­ did you cry over my death kid!?¡±


    Seriously though, he¡¯s either got red makeup around his eyes or, he was bawling them out!


    ¡°Erk, why would I ever cry for anyone like you orangey?¡±


    ¡°Heh, he was weeping Ikarus, you should¡¯ve seen it¡±


    ¡°Uh, I wouldn¡¯t say he cried that much. He did start sniffling a little once the explosion went off though¡±


    ¡°Heh, your definition of tears must be different to ours blue one. He definitely started crying¡±


    <¡­!>


    To top it off, Mute puts both her paws to her eyes, then precedes to activate water magic making a small flood start to pour. That gives me the biggest smile I¡¯ve had in a while, excluding the little feathery moment we just had. Who¡¯d have known Petra¡¯s sister has the same sense of wicked humour we all do?


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, I hate you all¡­ stupid freaking dragon¡±


    ¡°Rx kid¡­ you can give me a quick hug if that¡¯ll help¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re boring me now orangey; I didn¡¯t freaking cry!¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t joking though¡­.¡±


    Now knowing we¡¯ve all pissed off a sulking Zeki, he sits down facing the other direction and crosses his arms and legs like a toddler. The funny thing is, the hug offer was genuine. If he¡¯s seriously going to be this much of tsundere, even from something like this, then he can sulk alone.


    ¡°So¡­ what do we do now? Start searching to see if the demon is dead or not?¡±


    It¡¯s odd really. Due to the explosion, thend is kinda warm right now so none of the falling snow is settling. Give it a little while and I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be cold again but for now, it¡¯s quite pleasant out here. The issuees from the fact I doubt we¡¯ll find his corpse if my self-destruct definitely ended him.


    ¡°Heh, I can help you with that orange one. Although we may not have the body, I can feel that my brother¡¯s soul now remains in the Underworld. This part of the journey is now over¡±


    Oddly enough, Asmodeus has a sense of mncholy from now knowing he¡¯s thest one around. I was expecting cheers and celebrations considering how much he seems to despise his race, guess revenge never really solves anything... I personally get satisfaction from all that though, killing the prince and princess was pretty dope for all that dragon hell they were responsible for. Maybe less for that evil mage because she was more like a ve, she was still a bitch though.


    ¡°He¡¯s definitely dead Asmodeus? This isn¡¯t going to backfire not looking around, is it?¡±


    Petra asks that while snuggling back into me. This bird-on-bird action seriously might be better than se-, I mean normal hugging! It¡¯s like every single feather has a mind of its own and even just a slight nudge in to each other causes my heart to flutter. Never thought I¡¯d be this much into fluff but damn, it¡¯s great. Comparing it to sex is something I really shouldn¡¯t do, especially if said out loud. I could imagine Petra going the extra mile and making whatever we do next way too intense¡­


    I wonder¡­ would we even be able to do you know what, in bird form though? I mean, we¡¯d have to get something custom made, anything beak wise wouldn¡¯t work as bird bods aren¡¯t meant for lesbianism. Think the positioning would be awkward and very difficult¡­ just forget it. These hugs are good enough.


    ¡°Heh, rx dark one, he¡¯s gone. We¡¯re now good to go¡±


    ¡°You say that Asmodeus, but when I was stuck inside that barrier, he seemed to have a second chance ability of sorts. All his stats went down to one percent like he cheated death after Zeki¡¯s spear throw¡±


    Lucifer even admitted to it like he knew he¡¯d die during the fight with us all. Whether he really was arrogant, stupid or knows something we don¡¯t, it just made the entire thing feel like there¡¯s way more to this story.


    ¡°It¡¯s an instinct orange one, you¡¯re not the only person who gains more power every lord that dies. I can assure you, his soul no longer remains in this world, six for six and we¡¯re now done¡±


    I can already see the issue with Asmodeus¡¯s statement. What if his soul somehow made its way into another world, not being thend of the dead and finds its way back? I know that sounds paranoid as hell, but stranger things have happened. The four of us birds are prime examples.


    ¡°You never exined in detail why Ikarus needs all the lords to be one Asmodeus. Maybe now¡¯s the time to exin a bit more in detail?¡±


    Petra asks that making me seem a little unsure, mostly because this guy never really exins things that could be good to know. Is this actually important?


    ¡°Heh, did I ever directly say orange one needs all to evolve? We could¡¯ve done the ritual after Leviathan¡¯s horn was taken back in the empire; the threshold was already met¡±


    ¡°What the fuck!?! Why did we even bothering out here then?¡±


    Just another piece of information Asmodeus should¡¯ve shared even if he didn¡¯t know the exact future around these parts. I literally lost my life just on a goose chase that had nothing to do with bing a demon lord! Sure, I know my level was already at the point of being able to step up, it always seemed like this was more tied to actually killing the lords first though.


    ¡°Heh, rx orange one, it was necessary and you¡¯ll understand why shortly. First, let¡¯s head back to that igloo the silent one has, if it¡¯s still standing of course. We need to make some preparations otherwise; this could be quite messy¡­¡±

 Chapter 197 – Higher Power

    Chapter 197 ¨C Higher Power


    ¡°Now orange one, I do need to give you some warning before we do this though. Bing a majin lord is not a pleasant experience so once it starts, we cannot stop¡±


    Having just arrived back in Mute¡¯s igloo, thankfully enough being far enough out from my self-destruction crater, we¡¯re all sitting around on a rug while Asmodeus goes through the preparation for what¡¯s about to happen. Ah, should probably mention the fact it would¡¯ve taken days of flying to get out of that crater so we basically just chilled for twenty-four hours or so, then teleported back. Zeki is definitely getting better with his motion sickness it seems but still puked a little.


    Over to the other side of the igloo, the demon lord appears to be drawing many symbols from his own blood across the snowy floor, almost lookingparable to a pentagram if you look at it from the right angle. Ariza¡¯s already offered to heal him multiple times already but by the sounds of it, this is one of those forgotten magics that has to have blood involved. At least we¡¯re not sacrificing Mr Goat this time around.


    ¡°Yeah yeah Asmodeus, you nearly finished yet? I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be able to handle it¡±


    ¡°Heh, like your optimism orange one but I¡¯m being deadly serious. Just ask the dark one, this isparable to how a vampire might go about making a soul undead¡±


    ¡°Is there any other way we can go about doing this Asmodeus? That¡¯s an experience no one should have to suffer through¡±


    By the looks of it, Petra seems really concerned from theparison that was just made, being the situation that happened between her and the vampire ex Melinda I¡¯ve been told a while ago. Today¡¯s the day I¡¯m finally going to experience something really painful and miserable apparently¡­ it says a lot that my happiness to be included outweighs the potential misery. I really am something else.


    ¡°Unfortunately, yes dark one, it¡¯s unavoidable. Majin lords have always had a set amount of power shared between all seven and this is the only way of contacting the creator¡±


    ¡°So wait¡­ does that mean I¡¯m going to be six times as powerful as a regr one when we get through this?¡±


    I mean, I presume we¡¯re not going to go on a recruiting drive to find the other five demon lords of sin, this entire journey would feel stupid if that was the case.


    ¡°Heh, no orange one, the power of all the majin lords will be shared between us both. I¡¯m not selfless enough to give you everything¡±


    ¡®Eh, fair enough, can¡¯t exactly me him for that. Even though the thought of gaining that much power sounds dope, we were all following along with his n throughout this. At least until thest small hup with the wrong lord being alive¡¯


    Anyways, Asmodeus finishes up on the circle so Iy down in the middle of it when he indicates to do so. Thankfully, the snow seems to have soaked it up mostly, but that still doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m happy lying in blood like this.


    ¡°Hey erm¡­ is the rope necessary?¡±


    Tied to four pegs in the corners of the summoning circle, Asmodeus is starting to tie each of my limbs to each peg basically making me spread eagle. This really is starting to make me ufortable now and not for reason you may expect¡­ me Petra for corrupting my mind like this.


    ¡°Heh, just rx and enjoy the experience Ikarus. It¡¯s not everyday someone else ties you up¡±


    ¡°Urgh, why do you have toe out a say stupid shit like that Petra!?! Let¡¯s just get this over with already¡±


    Now that I¡¯m tightly secured to the floor, pouting a fluster and facing away from the wife, Asmodeus¡¯s personapletely changes and goes deadly serious.


    ¡°All of you! When the creator, or the powers that be ept this call, please don¡¯t interrupt. It¡¯ll be easier that way¡±


    Now standing over me, chanting under his breath some ritualist bullshit I can¡¯tprehend, Asmodeus begins the ritual causing the atmosphere in the igloo to turn to ice¡­ that one wasn¡¯t intentional.


    ¡®Huh¡­ powers that be? Wait, didn¡¯t we have an experience, with them¡­ back on Ear-¡­¡¯


    While I¡¯m trying to recollect my memory, everything starts to fade and bright lights fall around, enveloping me like afy nket. This is he weird and trippy¡­


    ¡®Err¡­¡¯


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, what the fuck is wrong with orangey, demon dickhead!? She¡¯s having a fit!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh huh¡­ this doesn¡¯t seem good¡±


    (Mute) ¡°¡­!¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    Spread on the floor spasming and frothing at the mouth, this is exactly why I was worried for Ikarus¡¯s sake. If she is currently being possessed, it shouldn¡¯t be painful for her but you can never tell with these sorts of things. Agony is to be expected with these sorts of things.


    ¡°You can all rx; this is to be expected. Any second now, things wille in bnce¡±


    Once the absolute horror of Ikarus¡¯s body finallyes to rest, her eyes must open, showing the deepest and bloodiest of reds imaginable, as well as the darkest of auras. Although I may not be able to see it, I can sense Ikarus is no longer with us¡­


    When ites to anything which involves increasing power, there¡¯s always a being behind the scenes that triumphs anything you¡¯re able to do. The same thing applies to vampirism, it originally was created for followers of a forgotten power wanting to get closer with said power.


    It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s a God or an unknown being of power, there will always be someone one step higher than you and that applies even here. Whoever it is who made demons and is now inheriting Ikarus, must have someone, or something even they can¡¯tprehend above them. This has always been a thing deep in magic theory, Ikarus really has no interest in all that though.


    All of a sudden, just as the being corrupting Ikarus begins to speak, Aesa begins to form in giving off an aura ofplete confusion. I¡¯m not sure she meant to do that.


    ¡°Ha-ha, ha-ha! We meet again Asmodeus; it¡¯s been quite a while since we once held that putrid lizard body of yours¡±


    Stealing Ikarus¡¯s voice and smile, turning it into the most twisted and corrupted sounding thing imaginable, this is the being who holds the key for us getting into the heavens. Let¡¯s just hope we can be reasonable here because this situation doesn¡¯t seems great.


    Before he has a chance to respond though, Aesa shows visible anger towards the possessor and just can¡¯t help herself.


    ¡°Aesa and Ikarus were told by the powers that be that this couldn¡¯t happen. Leave Ikarus immediately!¡±


    ¡°Ha! We assume you¡¯ve spoken to our more likeable kin in a different world, puny little voice? This really is quite the exciting encounter¡­ Asmodeus? Are you going to keep standing there like an idiot or are you going to start grovelling already?¡±


    Getting the message, Asmodeus falls to his knees and starts to grovel in front of the tied down being possessing Ikarus. I too know the times when you need to appeal to a being powerful than you and grovelling is the easiest way of going about it, this current situation doesn¡¯t feel that way though.


    ¡°Oh, wise and powerful being¡­ that has the tendency of being a gigantic pain in the ass. Please, gift this vessel your power, as six of the seven majin lords of sin are no more¡±


    He whispers that middle part under his breath but obviously everyone hears him, that being included.


    ¡°Asmodeus, Asmodeus¡­ Asmodeus. You do understand, we know the reason why you¡¯re the only demon lord left remaining, right? Your little crusade may have been pretty pleasing on the senses, but it was all in vain. Why should we give it our blood when you could just dispose of it as well?¡±


    ¡°Call Ikarus it again, and Aesa will find some way of destroying you¡±


    The demon creator just grins at Aesa¡¯s threat. Normally, I¡¯d be the exact same, but this is someone none of us would have any chance of defeating, even if we were Gods. I think I remember a name once used to describe these lot¡­ architects of the unknown. Although, I¡¯m pretty sure that theory came from Penelope¡¯s mouth, so who knows who thy really are.


    ¡°Heh, we both know that¡¯s a load of horseshit creator. You need us majin lords as much as we need you. There is a reason why we exist¡±


    ¡°You honestly believe you have our intentions figured out Asmodeus? It matters little if you have, this one¡¯s soul has already been imed by another, there¡¯s nothing in it for me. You¡¯ve already yed us once a fool with the oracle, that won¡¯t happen again¡¯


    ¡®Ikarus¡¯s soul has been imed already? By who?¡¯


    All it takes is one gander towards Asmodeus to realize the confidence he¡¯s keeping hidden away, he has this exact situation figured out already. As for the her soul though, if it has been imed already, then at least the concern for her bing a controlled demonckey is now gone. Just, haven¡¯t a clue on who wouldy a im on it down the line. Let¡¯s just hope none of this mortality stuff matters down the line because we should be immortal by this point.


    ¡°Please, this is starting to get tedious creator, so how about we both cut to the chase? I know exactly what you want, and you know exactly what I need. You¡¯ll grant her that power because it¡¯s the only way for your desire to be achieved¡±


    ¡­


    Instead of getting an instant response, the architect ponders for a minute, then returns with only a grin that isparable to how wicked Asmodeus¡¯s face can get. At least, that¡¯s how Ikarus describes it.


    ¡°If this fails Asmodeus, we promise you¡¯ll spend eternity as a worm, always conscious and wishing for a greater existence that will nevere. Are you sure you wish to enter into this agreement?¡±


    ¡°As long as the burden remains on my shoulders alone, then yes¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s to be expected, this is your game and we¡¯re only here to get you moving further forward¡­ the transaction is nowplete. Have a lovely day¡­¡±


    The summoned aura possessing Ikarus all but fades in a split second, evaporating inside the igloo to only a ce none of us can evenprehend or imagine. That went well¡­ I think?


    Now finally rxed, her eyes shut again and sleeps as peacefully as ever, two small ck objects start to protrude from her head meaning the transaction must¡¯ve been sessful. We¡¯ll untie her and try to wake her in a second, even if I could watch Ikarus sleep forever. It¡¯s okay though, I know she does the same exact thing, even doing it all night once or twice. She really isn¡¯t as subtle as she thinks¡­


    ¡®Phew¡­ it would make sense to question Asmodeus more on this but it¡¯s already known how he¡¯ll react, make it out so nothing needs to be said just yet. Both my parents seem to share that trait unfortunately¡­¡¯


    __________


    [<Ikarus¡­ get up or Aesa will start nagging>]


    (Petra) ¡°Ikarus¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    ¡°Orangey, get the hell upzy ass!¡±


    ¡°Uh, give her a break Zeki¡­ you okay Ikarus?¡±


    ¡®Urgh¡­ not again, five more minutes, pleaseee¡¯


    Like the experience I just had not even a day ago dying and being sent back home to the cave, I honestly feel like death. I¡¯m normally not a terrible sleeper but this shit makes me feel terrible, you¡¯d think dying and changing into a demon would be nice experience for resting!


    Anyways, the first thing I see, still down on the snowy floor is Aesa and Petra looking down at me. That¡¯s pretty weird, right? I mean, why Aesa is out. Did something really bad happen during that? It just felt like a shitty nap really.


    ¡°*Yawnnn*¡­ is the thing done then? That wasn¡¯t as bad as you described¡±


    ¡­


    Everyone looks at me confused, like I missed something interesting or important. Oh well, Petra will exin to me what happenedter on, we basically tell each other everything by this point.


    ¡°Heh, you don¡¯t feel any different Ikarus? What about now?¡±


    Petra moves one of her hands to the top of my head and presumably goes to give me a head pat. Except, said nice head pat touches something else instantly causing my to jump straight up.


    ¡°Wah! What the fuck!? Urghhh¡­ s-stop!¡±


    That sensitivity of just a tiny horn rubbing basically causes me to loudly moan, in the exact embarrassing way you might expect right in front of everyone! That shit isparable to having a certain forbidden fruit touched, that shouldn¡¯t be like that, right? Right!?!


    ¡°Heh, sensitive horns, that¡¯s a new one. How are you feeling sister?¡±


    ¡°Sister!? Do you be calling me that just because I¡¯ve grown some stupid horns all of a sudden!¡±


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    I can sense it Petra¡¯s eyes, the urge to keep touching them is seriously making her struggle. I might smack her if she does, that sensitivity is only reserved for the bedroom and even then, her rubbing off my horns sounds all kinds of weird and creepy.


    ¡°Heh, you really are no fun sister. Normally, the first transmutation isn¡¯t pleasant, but you seem to have taken it like a champ¡±


    I honestly just shrug Asmodeus off; I feel no different except now having two stupid horns on my head that need a good scratching. Problem is, they¡¯re way too sensitive to scratch so I¡¯ll just have to get used to that, at least until some privacy has been obtained¡­ they really need a good scratching though.


    ¡®Is there anything different to my status?¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 166,665/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 150001 unassigned points]


    ¡°Da fuck!? Yo Aesa, it¡¯s taken my freaking phoenix tag! Fuck these stupid horns!¡±


    Sure, I know we could bemunicating internally, even if she¡¯s outside with us right now, but this is a world ending situation! I don¡¯t even care the fact my stats appear to maxed out no longer needing the enchanted dress, this shit sucks! I ain¡¯t a freaking bird no more!


    ¡°Sighhh¡­ Aesa thought this may be an issue. Thankfully, Ikarus¡¯s phoenix form still remains and can be used if required, the horns are fixed however¡­ does this fix the issue slightly?¡±


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 166,665/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 150001 unassigned points]


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ it¡¯s stupid that it helps more than you can imagine¡¯


    We all know I¡¯m slightly special and the fact Aesa can fix my system a little to make it lie to me helps more than I can imagine. It just feels like if my phoenix tag is reced, then just what the hell am I? A boring demon lord? Such a shitty overused clich¨¦¡­ I guess I am a walking clich¨¦ at times though.


    ¡°There have been some other changes to the system Ikarus, but Aesa needs to get something of her chest¡­ I¡¯m stuck¡±


    Seeing my clone¡¯s aura drop down a level and her expressing physical sadness, I¡¯m not sure how to react. What¡¯s wrong with Aesa?


    (Petra) ¡°What do you mean you¡¯re stuck Aesa?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Aesa can¡¯t get back inside Ikarus, physically at least. Mentally, we¡¯re still connected but Aesa¡¯s main consciousness seems to be stuck inside this form¡±


    Hold up, Aesa¡¯s stuck inside the clone body without the horns? Fuck, that can¡¯t be good for her considering she¡¯s basically a hermit. Why the hell has it done that though?


    While the four of us gather around trying to bepassionate towards Aesa, the two excluded obviously being Zeki and Asmodeus, the demon lord looks like he¡¯s trying desperately to keep something in.


    ¡®Is this fucker actuallyughing at Aesa¡¯s misfortune!? My AI showing emotion and being stuck outside is a big deal!¡¯


    ¡°While Aesa appreciates the concern, this is just one of things unfortunately, assisting Ikarus still seems easy enough. Why is demonic dickhead trying not tough though?¡±


    ¡®Demonic dickhead, I¡¯m taking that one¡¯


    ¡°Heh, sorry fabled voice but I can¡¯t help myself. It seems both of you haven¡¯t figured it out yet¡±


    ¡°What is there to figure out? You¡¯re just being arsehole like usual¡±


    ¡°Heh, maybe, this time around it¡¯s just pure luck sister. The chances of this happening were slim to zero, regardless of any good or bad futures. You evolving has also made the system evolve, and in return, this is the best oue we could¡¯ve possibly wished for¡±


    Just what the hell is he on about? Aesa evolving? The best oue? I literally just died back there!


    ¡°Jeez, just get to the freaking point already Asmodeus! We¡¯re all here waiting for it!¡±


    ¡°Heh, fine sister. Unlike that weakened clone body she possessed, she now has an exact replica of your old vessel just before you turned,plete with every weapon or ability you had in your arsenal. That¡¯s not even the best part¡­ all of it is tracked independently¡±


    ¡­


    Like a metaphorical bombshell drops, this is major. That clone body and it¡¯s one weakness was ironically enough, being weak. If Aesa now has the power to do everything I can do and it¡¯s tracked separately, meaning we both have separate cooldown timers, this could affect everything.


    ¡°Sorry Aesa but I¡¯ve got to check this real quick¡­¡±


    ¡®¡­Status¡¯


    [Name: Aesa | Species: Phoenix | Level: 1000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 166,665/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    ¡®Dear God, you actually have a status now Aesa! This is he weird¡¯


    I don¡¯t recall ever checking her status before because it simply didn¡¯t show up, actually seeing her stealing my phoenix tag is making me annoyed once again. The four fabled phoenixes out of prophecy and I¡¯m now the imposter¡­


    ¡®Hang on¡­ does this mean I can scan the other birds now if I¡¯m no longer a phoenix?¡¯


    I¡¯ve never been able to check their stats so changing my species maybat that, right?


    [<No Ikarus, it never had anything to do with the species tag. It¡¯s always been down to the system rather than anything like that¡­ Aesa will hit you if you give our wife a migraine attempting it though>]


    ¡®Rx Aesa, I get the message¡­¡¯


    However, my curiosity, or idiocy quickly gets thrown away when something really bades to mind.


    ¡°Wait wait wait! It says she¡¯s a phoenix though, not a God or demon lord. Doesn¡¯t that mean this body is stuck down here?¡±


    This is bad, right? I was thinking Aesa may be able to help nuke the shit out of Zeus but that may be a little difficult to achieve if she¡¯s stuck in our normal boring world! This can¡¯t be that useful if the clone body can¡¯t evene with us.


    ¡°Heh, correct orange one. If you were ever worried about this world falling to ruin while you were away, albeit the dragons are prefect for the role already, you¡¯ve now got a protector wearing your skin. Our n never relied on using another version of you anyways¡±


    This still makes me dejected regardless if it¡¯s better than nothing, especially by the way Asmodeus was bigging it up. Is it really that lucky if the clone body can¡¯t be with us? Sure, Aesa¡¯s conscious and mine are still connected, just feel now like a dog who¡¯s bone has been taken away.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Ikarus, Aesa will just learn to manage¡­¡±


    ¡®At least she¡¯s handling it well, I guess¡¯


    ¡°¡­Aesa does need to mention there¡¯s still another matter that needs to be discussed. Upon reaching level one thousand, Ikarus has now obtained a way of upgrading abilities in exchange for fifty thousand points¡±


    ¡°I can upgrade shit now!? Ah sweet¡­ should probably keep it down now¡±


    Before moving onto a little system management, it appears Zeki, Ariza and Mute have all started to drift off, all barely struggling to keep their eyes open. Sure, I know it¡¯ste and all but are we that boring? I jest, this ce has been quite the experience and none of us have slept in several days¡­ excluding the little catnap I just had.


    ¡°Heh, what do you n on upgrading then Ikarus?¡±


    Getting myselffortable, finding the perfect position right on top of Petra¡¯sp since we¡¯re probably going to be up all night¡­ not in that way! She¡¯s a bad sleeper and my stamina is full; my entire point was to find the best possible position for intelligent thinking! That¡¯s totally the reason why¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, I can do the obvious ones but they already seem good enough¡­¡±


    All of a sudden, a brilliant ideaes to mind nearly making me fall off Petra¡¯sp in the process. I knew this position would provide ample inspiration¡­ I don¡¯t care if that sounds iffy, I can sometimes be on top of her! Even if no one will ever believe me.


    ¡°¡­Aesa! What happens if I try to upgrade teleport for example? Would it remove the cooldown?¡±


    ¡°Partially Ikarus, the timer gets lowered to a tiny fraction of the total time, that being five seconds. Upgrading ability admin privileges will cost a third of your remaining points though, if you wish to purchase it¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah, you know I don¡¯t like the double confirmation stuff so let¡¯s get on with it¡±


    Aesa gives me a quick nod in return meaning teleport has now reached MKII, this was a smart decision, right?


    ¡®So¡­ I can now TP basically whenever I want. Only two more upgrades I can buy now¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 166,665/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 100001 unassigned points]


    After seeing fifty thousand disappear just like that, I feel like I¡¯ve made a mistake jumping the gun that quickly. Sure, that constant day timer in between is brilliant to remove, and I guess I could use teleport inbat as well now, was there more important things to upgrade first though?


    Eh, I think it was a smart decision, it¡¯s clearly one of the most used abilities and now even has some reliablebat capabilities. This was a good call¡­ I wonder if another regrly used ability will work as well.


    ¡°Aesa, what about aspect next?¡±


    The chance to do fifty thousand damage every five seconds sounds overpowered as fuck, right? There¡¯s no way it can work that way because my bullshit system always has to have some resemnce of bncing, despite the fact I¡¯m a walking nuclear state¡­ or two allied states if you include Aesa now in the mix.


    ¡°Unfortunately Ikarus, upgrading aspect of gigantomachy doesn¡¯t work that way since the cooldown is still retained. Aesa can assure you it¡¯s worth the investment though, upping the damage substantially and even giving Ikarus something a little extra. It may be better to see what it can do it person if ability upgrade is bought though¡±


    By the ever so faint excitement that can be heard in Aesa¡¯s voice, she obviously wants me to upgrade aspect, so that¡¯s what I¡¯ll do. Listening to her has never backfired yet¡­ maybe it did once or twice but don¡¯t care enough to remember about it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s buy that next Aesa¡­ you know¡­ I think I¡¯ll save thest upgrade for another time¡±


    ¡°Affirmative, aspect has now been upgraded¡±


    See, my curiosity is thinking about going for upgrading supernova but that seriously might be taking the piss. It might literally destroy the entire depending on the right circumstances, so it¡¯s best to just wait until I get my mind off that stupid idea and focus on getting something a little more reasonable¡­ it¡¯s damn tempting though.


    Not that¡¯s kinda sorted, Petra of all people notices something I don¡¯t. Normally, that wouldn¡¯t be surprising but when ites to Aesa, I¡¯m normally on it instantly.


    ¡°Heh, you want to join us Aesa? You seem a little left out¡±


    ¡®Petra does have a point; it feels a little weird hugging right in front of her like this. The only time she everes out is for intimacy after all¡¯


    ¡°Is wife sure that¡¯s okay?¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°*Sighhh*, really Aesa? You, of all people are going to be tsundere now? Just join us already¡­ huh, guess he was tired as well¡±


    Without even realizing it, even Asmodeus has gone to get some shut eye so it¡¯s just our odd little harem of three remaining. We quickly get locked in a weird three-way hug with Aesa snuggling into Petra¡¯s shoulder while I obviously get to sit on the throne, orp. We can spend all night doing this while the others sleep, ain¡¯t no problem here.


    Except, I¡¯ve forgotten something that happened earlier on, something that may need rectifying sooner rather thanter.


    ¡°We erm¡­ probably need to pop in and see my parents in the morning. When I died, I kinda interrupted them right in the middle of something¡­¡±

 Chapter 198 – Dragon Fam

    Chapter 198 ¨C Dragon Fam


    (Ikarus) ¡°Hmm¡­ how do I exin this in a way that doesn¡¯t make mother stress the heck out? I wonder¡­ can I leave out the part about dying?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, it¡¯s probably for the best to tell her Ikarus, without leaving it out. You¡¯d want to know if you were in her shoes¡­ or paws¡±


    (Mute) <¡­!>


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, why does it even matter that much? Orangey died but had a second chance, the exact same thing happened with brother¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, Zeki¡­ you can just remain quiet and not say anything for a change. It¡¯ll do everyone a world of good¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, you tell him blue one.¡±


    ¡°Both of you can bite me¡±


    Having spent the night in cuddles and getting everyone up in the early hours of the morning to teleport away, we¡¯ve just arrived at casa dragon cave so it¡¯s time to revisit the parents.


    Ah, can¡¯t forget the fact Aesa is with us but she¡¯s been pretty quiet since finding out she¡¯s forced to now live outside. I¡¯m not really sure what to do or say to ease any troubles she has, but it may not be needed. Point being, she must be pretty flexible since she¡¯s had to deal with me for so long, she¡¯ll power through this and experience life somehow. Who knows, maybe we¡¯ll return to the settlement and even find someone for her¡­


    [<Ikarus¡¯s sense of humour may cause Aesa to kick her in a minute. As if Aesa could ever cheat on OUR wife>]


    ¡®Calm down Aesa, the point is taken¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­Eh, best just get this done with¡­ do you lot mind waiting out the front for a bit? Except Petra, it¡¯ll be much easier this way¡±


    Everyone gives me a quick nod, excluding Zeki who just shakes his head. Knowing him, he was probably looking forward to seeing my mother¡¯s jugs, freakingrge boob obsessed pervert¡­ I¡¯m going to be extra mean to him now considering everything that¡¯s happened. His spear got me killed so anything is fair game.


    Anyways, finally plucking up the courage to deal with this situation best I can, I enter the cave fully appearing around the side, and find all the dragon fam are sleeping peacefully, even Minos is in for a change. I know he loves to go out and hunt most of the day but arriving this early, must¡¯ve caught him before he goes out.


    ¡®Minos just casually getting bigger every time I see him¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Dermakvar | Species: Dragon | Level: 521]


    [Health  30,250/30,250]


    [Stamina 50,000/50,000]


    [Magicka 50,000/50,000]


    ---


    [Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 85]


    [Health 6,750/6,750]


    [Stamina 8,000/8,000]


    [Magicka 6,500/6,500]


    ---


    [Name: Kellearzar | Species: Dragon | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 100,000/100,000]


    [Stamina 75,000/75,000]


    [Magicka 75,000/75,000]


    ¡®Father is still the same sincest check and Minos has gained eleven more, I think¡¯


    Considering it¡¯s supposed to take decades for a dragon to fully grow and he¡¯s already getting close to the hundreds, I think it¡¯s safe to say it won¡¯t take him that long. Heck, Minos is only supposed to be around three and a half, guess we¡¯re just built different in this family¡­ Thinking about it, it¡¯ll be my birthday in a month and a bit. Wonder if we¡¯ll be able to destroy Zeus within that time? Doubt it though.


    <Yawwnnnn¡­ Sister Ikarus!>


    While I¡¯m doing my distracted Ikarus routine locked in hands alongside Petra, Minos realizes we¡¯re here, rushing over to us intending to rub his face against us as a greeting. Unfortunately, we don¡¯t realize this quickly enough that he¡¯s been drooling in his sleep¡­


    Normally, this would be cute as hell, like how Mute does this animalistic thing, but getting covered in dragon spit is never something to be desired. Takes me way back to one of the first memories I have of this phoenix body, that being the time I couldn¡¯t eat for myself and had to go full on baby bird with my parents¡­ eww.


    ¡®You know, if only Minos was a few hundred years older, him and Mute would be perfect together¡¯


    Putting that thought aside for, at least a few more decades because I¡¯d rather not have the dragon FBI storming in through the cave, you can already tell there¡¯s an awkward feeling stirring around as my parents wake up from the slightmotion.


    Sure, I¡¯ve always known my parents like to do the dirty deed, it¡¯s obvious it must run in the family, but I¡¯ve never seen it right in front of me, so colourful and vivid like that.


    ¡­


    Father eventually breaks the awkwardness, almost looking like he¡¯s guilty of something. If this ends up being another cheating fiasco and that dragon in human form wasn¡¯t actually mother, I¡¯m going to start beating him like mother does. Those swinging pounds of flesh of hers in human form are pretty uncanny though.


    <Before we say or do anything else little one¡­ I apologize you had to witness that yesterday. If we¡¯d have known you were visiting, we¡¯d have made sure to wear clothes at least>


    ¡®Just clothes!? They really need to carve this cave out further and put in a private bedroom or something¡¯


    <Yes Ikarus, we¡¯re sorry about that¡­ how are you anyways?>


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine, not mentally scarred for life at all! Seeing your parents humping is sooo normal¡­ it¡¯s fineee¡­¡±


    Obviously, my sarcasm is detected all around but honestly, I can¡¯t even understand why they¡¯re apologizing. From their perspective, I just teleported in and invaded their privacy, they don¡¯t even know I died yet. If that were the case, I¡¯d bepletely in the wrong but damn, this is going to take a night of drinking to get over.


    ¡°¡­Eh, being serious a second. I¡¯ve seen you fly off and hump before so it¡¯s not like it¡¯s anything new¡±


    <That¡¯s not what I was apologizing about little one. When parents love each other very much and have spent forever together, sometimes they do things a little unorthodox. Point being, those metal shackles you may have seen were a result of this>


    ¡­


    ¡®What the fuck!?! I didn¡¯t even see my parents in anything like that, this is only getting worse!¡¯


    The only reason why I can imagine father needing to say something like that is because maybe he thought I don¡¯t understand the concept of bondage? Wait, mother was on top during that so was father the one wearing th-, I need a memory wipe now! All my organs need to just simultaneously shut down and die!


    While I¡¯m having an existential crisis about knowing what the hell my parents get up to, Petra can¡¯t help but start to chuckle, knowing full well she¡¯s only going to make this worse.


    ¡°Heh, looks like you might take after your father a little Ikarus¡±


    Thankfully, both parents don¡¯t seem to understand Petra¡¯s little quip that causes me immense embarrassment. There¡¯s such a tiny line between love and hate at times, it¡¯s unreal!


    ¡°Pretty ironic considering what Aesa¡¯s still got you wearing Petra¡­ anyways, have you two not noticed anything new about me yet? Anything on my head for example?¡±


    It¡¯s obvious by all around that I¡¯ve got two freaking horns protruding from my skull, yet no one seems to have any reaction.


    <I wanted to ask about that but was worried if sister didn¡¯t want to say! Can I use them to scratch myself with?>


    ¡®He¡¯s so unbelievably adorable at times¡¯


    ¡°No Minos, you can¡¯t¡­ seriously though, you two going to say anything? I mean, it¡¯s kinda rted to the reason why I visited, just so happened to die as well, hence why I showed up so abruptly¡±


    ¡­


    Judging by their reactions, I don¡¯t think both parents know what to say about my deathment. Sure, I probably could¡¯ve worded it better but oh well, makes more sense to just get it out there, nice and easily.


    <Joking about dying isn¡¯t funny little one>


    <Yeah Ikarus, your father especially is speaking of a ce too close to home. It¡¯s slightly in poor taste>


    ¡®They seriously don¡¯t believe me!?! What kind of bullshit plot twist is this?¡¯


    ¡°You two don¡¯t believe me, do you? I literally ended up with demon lord¡¯s Lucifer¡¯s sword in my gut and I rose from a pile of ashes! You saw the nest and know the legends, that¡¯s where I revived!¡±


    ¡­


    Again, both of them continue to look unimpressed and I quickly realize they¡¯ve already cleaned up the mess of ashes I brought with me when reviving. I actually can¡¯t believe they don¡¯t believe me!


    <Well little one, we¡¯re believe you if you insist, but death is supposed a one-way trip to the Underworld. This would be the first we¡¯re ever heard of any creature, or being ever achieving something like that>


    <Agree with your father Ikarus, it¡¯s just a little hard to believe honestly, even with the rumours of how phoenixes work. As for the horns, we understand what causes them if that¡¯s what you wanted to know?>


    You know, despite the fact both my parents seem to think I¡¯m lying, it¡¯s kinda cool I¡¯ve experienced something even thousand plus year old dragons haven¡¯t. We¡¯ll just now have to hope we don¡¯t experience anything like that again because I¡¯m back to no second lives for the next five hundred years or so.


    I¡¯m still extremely confused on why my parents seems extremely disinterested in the horns. Like for example, where¡¯s the stereotypical father routine disapproving his daughter for doing something stupid like getting a tattoo, piercings or turning yourself into a demon lord? My parents are so mellow at times! Petra seems to have the answer though. Why would I need to know what causes them though? Obviously, that weird summoned being that possessed me did!


    ¡°Heh, they¡¯ve lived forever and seen all kinds of things Ikarus. They probably see this like you¡¯re going through a stage or something simr?¡±


    <The dark one is correct little one. Although the other majin lords are extremely annoying, if you want to be one for a while, then we¡¯re not going to stop you>


    <Although, we¡¯d prefer you not selling your soul to beings even we can¡¯t fullyprehend Ikarus, it¡¯s not our ce to say yes or no. It¡¯s your life to live and you grew up way too quickly for us to do or say anything about it>


    Despite mother sounding somewhat proud, I can¡¯t help but feel like I should¡¯ve stayed in the cave for longer now. My phoenix childhood onlysted a year and a half and knowing my parents, I could¡¯ve stayed here forever if I wanted. I wouldn¡¯t have found Petra so soon but knowing her, she¡¯d have gotten restless and eventually came around to visiting. Would my parents have killed her from trespassing in their territory though? Eh, there¡¯s no point even thinking about a butterfly effect like that, the entire empire business could¡¯ve been avoided if I hadn¡¯t wanted to go out exploring beyond our boundaries as well.


    <Little one¡­ who¡¯s visiting with you today? Excluding the dark one, the aura out there feels familiar>


    ¡°Ah, we¡¯ve got Aesa, the phoenixes, Mute, and the demon lord Asmodeus. The horns are basically down to him¡±


    Oddly enough, father seems to be unsure of something, like a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu you may get when hearing a name. He doesn¡¯t follow it up though.


    ¡°I know I woke you up pretty early today, but you two really aren¡¯t up for conversation, ain¡¯t cha?¡±


    ¡°Cu?¡±


    I am right though, feel like I¡¯m steering this conversation forward while those two just want to go back to bed at times. I cane visit another time if it¡¯s easier for them, I can teleport basically whenever I want now.


    <Normally Ikarus, you don¡¯t like sharing details of your life so we try not to ask much anymore>


    ¡°This is a little different though mother. I mean, I¡¯m technically not even a phoenix anymore. All this prep to enter the heavens really is annoying¡±


    Finally, a slight reaction onlying from father though. At times, I swear I be an attention seeking child around my dragon fam. Maybe my past of not having actual parents has made me like this a little? Eh, no point bringing up that crap again¡­ urgh, freaking Brooklyn.


    <Hang on one second little one. Did you just say n on entering the heavens? Hmm¡­ at least that exins the majin thing now. Why would you want to go up there?>


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s no big deal father, we¡¯re just going up there to destroy Zeus. No biggy, we¡¯re just nning on destroying the guy who is God of all Gods after all¡±


    ¡­


    Like the heavens align, I¡¯ve finally got the shocked reaction I was looking for from both of them. Sure, I have told them the odd tale of what I¡¯ve been up to, but never the specifics like this. This is exactly what I was looking for.


    <Can you promise us something Ikarus? Before you leave, you make sure to wait so we can say goodbye in person?>


    <Just goodbyes dear? Are you sure that¡¯s a smart decision?>


    <We¡¯ll discuss this alone in a little while Dermak, this isn¡¯t the time or ce for it>


    <There¡¯s nothing to discuss dear, letting little one go up there alone is stupidly dangerous, you know this!>


    Pretty quickly and decisively, the conversation from the parents turns into an argument...


    <We havepany Dermakvar¡­ we¡¯ll talk moreter>


    <No dear, little one is on a suicide mission and we both know this. How can you of all people be so reckless?>


    <Dermakvar, not now! When I sayter, I meanter!>


    <Hmph>


    Mother sternly tells father off making everything go from zero to a hundred real quick. Everyone knows she¡¯s always had the pants in this rtionship, but seeing her like this is really unsettling. She¡¯s probably got her reasons though, it can¡¯t be that much of a suicide mission, right?


    ¡­


    ¡°Oh, just onest thing before we depart mother. Does the name Lucifer ring a bell? Do you have any history with a demon lord by that name?¡±


    Despite now wanting to leave and get out of this tense atmosphere, I seriously can¡¯t help myself but ask this. It doesn¡¯t look like she knows anything about this though, it probably was just someone he loved got killed throughout her devastation. Just dragon destroying entirendmass sorta things, pay it no mind.


    <No Ikarus, why?>


    ¡°Just met someone who you happened to piss off, maybe to do with the continent in the north? So¡­ we erm¡­ we¡¯re going to leave now. I promise I¡¯ll wait for goodbyes mother so please, make sure youe visit the town sooner rather thanter¡±


    ¡°Heh, bye little guy as well. You¡¯re getting bigger everyday¡±


    <Cu! Bye sister Ikarus and auntie Petra!>


    Giving a quick nod, a goodbye to Minos and getting the hell out of that tense cave as quick as possible, I do find what happened pretty strange though. Normally, it¡¯s mother who¡¯s overly protective of me and this time around, the roles have reversed? It¡¯s unsettling.


    It¡¯s best to leave because what are you supposed to do or say when your parents are having a fight like that? Is this simr to how it feels when a kid goes through a divorce? It¡¯s pretty weird but probably not thatparable though.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s over Petra¡­ it¡¯s now time to turn you into my own personal Goddess!¡±


    ¡°Heh, own personal Goddess Ikarus? Am I your property now?¡±


    ¡°Yes in fact, that marriage makes me own your arse so you better just ept it!¡±


    Out of context Ikarus here, very is always wrong but¡­ is a marriage actually that different? It¡¯s just a shared very where it ends up equal because both of you are servants to the other! I think I¡¯ve ruined the joke now¡­


    ¡°Heh fair enough Ikarus. Beforehand, can we make a little detour to the empire? We don¡¯t have to stay but it may be good for Zeki and Ariza¡±


    ¡°Uh, why¡¯s that Petra?¡±


    ¡°Erk, yeah, why the fuck are we splitting up? I want to go drin-, I mean help sis out with the God crap¡±


    Heh, it¡¯s obvious Zeki¡¯s reasoning foring to the dwarven kingdom doesn¡¯t involve Petra at all. I can understand her reasoning though, it sounds like Esmerelda is blood rted to them so a little time getting to know the family can¡¯t be too bad of an idea. Eh, maybe just make Zeki someone else¡¯s problem for a change.


    ¡°You two actually have some family out there so don¡¯t you want to know a little more about her? Besides, I assume our meeting with Denver and Athena will be uninspiring, no?¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, don¡¯t look at me dark one, I don¡¯t know everything¡±


    Zeki and Ariza eventually reluctantly agree to the idea meaning while they¡¯re off discussing family stuff, we¡¯ve got a meeting with the kid God Hephaestus and Athena in order to sort out Petra¡¯s level. Presumably, Asmodeus ising along with us so that just leaves one other person, or creature.


    (Ikarus) ¡°What about you Mute? Youing with us to the empire or to the kingdom?¡±


    <¡­!>


    Mute points to the dragon cave making it seem like she wants to hang around her own species for a while. Can¡¯t say I me her, sometimes it¡¯s nice to just be around phoenixes for a while, only three of the four phoenixes anyhow¡­ damn it. Just realized I don¡¯t count anymore; I can¡¯t rte because demon lords suck!


    (Ikarus) ¡°Fair enough then Mute, we¡¯ll part now. Although, I¡¯d give them a minute, or an hour before going in. It seems a little tense in there¡±


    They¡¯ll probably make up pretty quickly from this slight disagreement. If my parents can get through father¡¯s indiscretions, then they can resolve anything. Who knows, they¡¯ll probably make up by bringing out the whips and chains next, maybe Mute should wait even longer, get Minos out asap as well¡­

 Chapter 199 – Revelations

    Chapter 199 ¨C Revtions


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, bye Petra and Ikarus. We¡¯ll see youter on¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk¡­ see you orangey and sis. Why we¡¯re doing this is beyond stupid¡­¡±


    Having just quickly dropped off the other two phoenixes outside the pce so they can discuss family-ish things with Esmerelda, it¡¯s now time to sort out Petra¡¯s side of the deal, getting her turned into a God. Already got the few cake purchases we make every time over here so maintenance is basically already done.


    Ah, Aesa as well wanted to be left over here for a bit so I guess she¡¯s just going to explore the capital? She still technically inside me despite a part of her conscious being forced to live outside. I kinda want to know what and how she¡¯s doing but everyone deserves a little privacy I suppose¡­ I swear, if she ends up going to a sex store or a brothel, I¡¯m going to kill Aesa¡­


    Us three remaining lock hands and then I activate teleport mark two, arriving just outside Jarl Denver¡¯s cave over in the dwarven kingdom. That makes two of the dwarven guards outside the room nearly jump out of their beards.


    ¡°Argh! Bloody hell! Where the hell did you twossese from!?¡±


    ¡°Jarl Denver told us you might be doing that someday but damn¡­ need a new heart now. Him and thedy are both good so head on in whenever¡±


    The guards happily allow us ess into the throne room but for some reason, Asmodeus isn¡¯t wanting toe in with us. This better not end up being another pointless meeting where I end up wearing a freaking mermaid¡¯s tail or something now. Asmodeus does tend to randomly disappear when something, or nothing important is about to happen.


    Regardless of this, me and Petra head on in and find the kid jarl actually sleeping on his throne. Not sure what he¡¯s being doing to make himself this exhausted and where Athena is at, bit odd that an established leader is so defenceless right now though.


    Both of us look at each other knowing exactly what¡¯s on the other¡¯s mind, we¡¯ve got to wake the young leader up in an obnoxious way, right? There¡¯s no question about it¡­


    ¡°Heh, want to give him a little shock Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Always¡­¡±


    Unfortunately, our childish sense of wonder just cannot be allowed to exist in this world as the God turned dwarf somehow hears our extremely quiet whispering and tiptoeing towards him. I hate my life at times.


    ¡°*Yawn*¡­ you two will have try much harder than that, even assassins know not to speak... Is everythingpleted then? Don¡¯t answer that, it¡¯s obvious that it¡¯s done¡±


    Wiping the sleep out of his eyes and presumably seeing the irritating horns on my head that are still too sensitive to scratch, Hephaestus somewhat greets us in a groggy state not giving a care to hiscklustre appearance, even know. Can¡¯t forget this guy is a dwarf and was a God notorious for stuff like cksmithing. He really wouldn¡¯t give two cares to something as mundane as looks¡­ except for not being able to grow a beard it seems.


    ¡°Can you call Athena in so we can get things rolling? I warn you though, I may start flinging fire if Petra ends up experiencing hell¡±


    ¡°Over here orange phoenix¡­ it won¡¯t require anything nasty like that. Beforehand, there¡¯s other things that probably need to be discussed¡±


    Getting a call from Athena from one of the sub sections of cave this throne room connects to, she enters on royal and regal like, couldn¡¯t care less how she looks though. In this world, her aura and appearance has always been most simr to Petra but who cares about all that? I¡¯ve got pure perfection right here.


    ¡­


    Then, like these two idiots don¡¯t know how to follow up the conversation, silence falls inside the cave really starting to irk me a little.


    ¡°Are we seriously just going to stand around gawking in silence? Get to your point already!¡±


    I don¡¯t care if things are difficult to say, there¡¯s nothing more annoying than moments like this. Thankfully, my abrupt nature always receives smiles from the wife and hurries up the Gods we¡¯re supposed to be conversing with. Blunt Ikarus has always been best for pretty much everything really.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not sure on the exact way we can easily bring up such a sensitive topic. Athena? You any ideas?¡±


    ¡°I guess we could show them that thing Denver, then exin things from there?¡±


    ¡°Eh, better that then nothing I suppose¡­ If you¡¯ll follow me Ikarus and Petra, there¡¯s something we need to show you¡±


    Both the heavenly beings lead us through a different section of the surrounding caves, all the while I¡¯m huffing and puffing at these two struggling how to bring up this topic. Strangely enough, this cave seems to lead to a cliff face overlooking the ocean, basically acting like a little balcony Denver uses for rxation purposes I suppose? There¡¯s even a freaking bar on this little section of paradise, presume he''s too young to drink but with dwarfs, you never know.


    Anyways, this little outside bit leads into another inside portion, and quickly enough, wee to a closed doorway radiating magic. All four of us seem to be able to detect something huge is inside, it¡¯s got to be considering how strong that pull is.


    As soon as they open the closed door, all that presents me is a consuming blinding light that seems to be taking focus of everything.


    ¡®What the hell is that?¡¯


    [<Aesa isn¡¯t sure what that bright light is either Ikarus>]


    ¡®Can the others see this or is it¡­ just¡­ m-¡­¡¯


    ¡­


    __________


    ¡°Urghhh¡­ will I stop getting knocked out already!? Hang on¡­¡±


    Unlike thest two previous knockouts, I wake up much fresher than usual, immediately noticing the people still around and above me. This development by knock out clich¨¦ is starting to get tiresome now¡­


    Behind door number one was in fact a bedroom that all that leaking magic seems to have dispersed now, either into me or outside the room. Whatever that blinding light did, it only seems to have an effect on yours truly, everyone else looks right as rain, even Petra doesn¡¯t seem too concerned about what just happened. Probably was out only for a minute or two.


    The strange thing is, both the Gods look at me confused, but I couldn¡¯t care less about that right now. Something just sounded really weird¡­


    ¡°¡­What the fuck!?! Why do I sound like that!?¡±


    ¡®My voice, my hair¡­ my breasts!?! No no no¡­¡¯


    [<By the sounds of it, Ikarus has somehow merged with original body. Aesa is unsure what to think in this situation>]


    Whatever must¡¯ve been behind door number one clearly has put me back in that stupid ol¡¯body of mine! What kind of bullshit plot twist is this!? Minus the horns, why the hell would I even want my male body back anyways?


    Despite this, I instantly get up because why would I want to moan on my back anyways? Well¡­ except for that other kind of moaning, that should be a given though¡­.


    (Athena) ¡°We were just exining things to Petra about how godhood works and how it differs from person to person, God to God. It¡¯s a much moreplicated process than it may seem¡±


    (Hephaestus) ¡°We presume Asmodeus has exined the ins and outs behind the demon race? If he hasn¡¯t, we unfortunately aren¡¯t well equipped to exin such anomalies. Majin¡¯s are vastly different to regr Gods¡±


    ¡®Are they purposely trying to change the topic or something!?¡¯


    ¡°Heh, how you feeling Brooklyn?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to deal with you right now wife¡­ Seriously though, how the hell do turn back?¡±


    ¡­


    Instead of getting an answer from those two looking at me like lost souls, Aesa always seems able to calm my restless soul. This shit really had taken me back more than I should¡¯ve expected, at least I can see why Zeki struggles a little when he constantly ends up in situations like this now.


    [<Even though it isn¡¯t considered an ability, Aesa presumes Ikarus can change back just by will? Just ignore wife¡¯s gaze, Ikarus will probably do it natural>]


    ¡®You saying I want to stay like this because Petra can¡¯t keep her eyes off me!?¡¯


    [<Affirmative>]


    ¡®Hmm¡­ I mean¡­ it does sound like me¡¯


    Even when I¡¯m in a male body, that clearly isn¡¯t as attractive nor has the superior features as the other one, Petra cannot help but continue to keep those lifeless eyes on me¡­ Huh, they seem a little less lifeless than usual today but still! Even with her blindness, it¡¯s like she looks at me like I¡¯m a piece of meat. This isn¡¯t the time for anything sexy!


    Eventually, we end up walking and talking back to that little bar outside while I try to just get my head around all this. Apart from right at the beginning, I never really craved my guy body back and even know, it¡¯s still the same feeling.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Why the hell do you two even have my body in the first ce? Wait¡­¡±


    A huge realizationes to mind which if I weren¡¯t slightly pissed at randomly ending up back in my original skin, I¡¯d have realized sooner. It must be obvious why they have my original body.


    ¡°¡­It was you two! You¡¯re the reason we were summoned into those freaking dragon eggs!¡±


    I¡¯ll get onto asking why our bodies are bodies were still left intact shortly because you¡¯d think the evolution process would¡¯ve destroyed it, but that¡¯s not important right now. Everything that¡¯s happened to us in this world, the waking up inside the egg and ending up being raised by dragons, all the other shit that happened after, it was down too these two¡­


    (Athena) ¡°Apologies for this orange phoenix, we had no choice but to do this as this is the only way the prophecy can be brought to an end. As for why we kept your body, it seemed wasteful to dispose of it. Only your souls were needed for the transformation process so we were unsure what to do with the bodies afterwards¡±


    (Hephaestus) ¡°Frozen in time and never susceptible to decay, this was a side effect to the summoning¡­ we already spoke to Petra a little while you were out. Honestly, even we didn¡¯t know you¡¯d copse andbine into one with it. Ancient, forgotten and forbidden spells have that kind of effect¡±


    Hmm¡­ you know¡­ is this a situation where I¡¯m supposed to start nuking indiscriminately and hating these two Gods for their meddling? It¡¯s strange because I don¡¯t feel anything like that. If anything, I feel like I owe them everything. There¡¯s no way I¡¯d have ever met Petra, or anyone in this world without them.


    Sure, maybe the situation would be different for Zeki and Ariza since I presume they had interesting lives back on Earth, for Petra I doubt she even remembers if she did. I¡¯m also getting no nasty vibes from my wife over this, making me think even she is willing to get past all the shit that¡¯s be thrown her way. Who would she be using all that pent up energy tormenting if I wasn¡¯t around? It¡¯s obviously my stupid arse that keeps her sane as well.


    By the looks and sounds of it though, do they think we should be hating their guts? It looks like their swallowing ss right now.


    ¡°It would be better if you had just told us from the beginning, but it¡¯s not like I won¡¯t get over that in a minute or two knowing how I am. Why specifically us though?¡±


    Both the God and Goddess seem to let out a load of air like they were phewing from my statement. Were they really that worried I¡¯d just go on a rampage killing them off? It¡¯s already known Gods are notoriously difficult to kill¡­ unless I actually am more powerful than them now. Eh, I should be if the demon lord thing is supposed to be that noteworthy, guess we¡¯ll wait on that and see. I seriously don¡¯t hold any dislike to these two¡­ other than the fact it¡¯s made Petra¡¯s eyes have a mind of their own.


    ¡°Heh, just luck of the draw Brooklyn, already asked the same question and was told it waspletely random¡±


    ¡®Huh, thought it would be rando-, urgh, freaking Petra man!¡¯


    ¡°Pleaseee, I¡¯m begging you Petra, don¡¯t use that poxy name¡­ do you have Petra¡¯s body down here or is it just me?¡±


    Anyways, trying to get the cringe and embarrassed feeling of my face every time Petra uses my original name, she¡¯s going back in her original body if she¡¯s going to be like this to me¡­ I really don¡¯t want to know what she¡¯s thinking about right now. Even as an actual dude, I doubt my wife¡¯s perversion will get any better¡­ probably get worse realizing the little friend I now have between my legs. We are so not using that in the bedroom, mark my words!


    It''s funny that I have it back yet, I couldn¡¯t care less. Seriously though, it just seems to be getting in the way now, like I¡¯m worried I¡¯m going to pinch something if I sit down wrong or get up too fast. For anyone who¡¯s never had the misfortune of sitting down and pinching the two things thates with the third leg, I can only envy yourck of experience¡­ that shit isn¡¯t worth the male form. I kinda miss my breasts as well, wonder if being a futanari would solve that problem? Eh, not the pinching thing however.


    While I¡¯m basically having a crisis on the fact I¡¯d rather be female than male, it¡¯s not even close how much I prefer the other body, Petra¡¯s eyes seem to be glowing blue slightly. Think she¡¯s status scanning both the Gods for some reason, should point out in my distracted state, both of them don¡¯t really want to answer that previous question.


    ¡°I erm¡­ made a little mistake with the cement of the bodies. You see, six hundred years is a long time and you tend to misce things, or not store things in a ce secure¡±


    ¡°When brother left Olympus to reincarnate down here, both bodies were left in his warehouse. Said warehouse ended up burning down when Zeus found out he left. That anger, all the heavens heard about him destroying anything that Hephaestus, or Denver left behind¡±


    ¡®Of course, Zeus¡¯s anger ends up screwing over the other phoenixes. I wanted to see how Petra used to look as well¡¯


    ¡°Luckily for you, both yours and Zeki¡¯s bodies were already down here so it¡¯s not like everything was lost. I¡¯m pretty certain Petra had ck hair as she does now, and Ariza¡­ she had short blonde hair at one point I think¡±


    So, Ariza was a blonde and Petra was simr to how she looks now? I guess I can kinda see Ariza like that¡­ everyone knows I¡¯m itching to see Zeki¡¯s though. I really, really hope this is mock worthy just like how I apparently look like a girl.


    ¡°If Zeki¡¯s ol¡¯body is here as well, I¡¯ve got to see this¡­¡±


    Giving me a quick nod in response, we head into a different bedroom connected to this little outside portion of the cave and find the anticipation is only building rapidly. First, something has to be done about my wife¡¯s gaze. I always knew she was bisexual but damn, I actually feel like she¡¯s going to pounce on me if this keeps up. She better prefer female form Ikarus because that¡¯s the one I¡¯m still sticking with.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ do me a favour and help me change already¡­ our wife can¡¯t be trusted right now¡¯


    [<Like Aesa already said, just want it more than you want our wife¡¯s gaze Ikarus. It¡¯s not difficult>]


    ¡®You say that as if that¡¯s an easy task to aplish¡­¡¯


    Thankfully, I manage to fight off my baser instincts quickly morphing me back just detecting from intent, back into the new and improved demon form Ikarus. Funnily enough, the gaze still doesn¡¯t leave despite returning to normal. Guess I still get the best of both worlds then¡­ much to my dismay. It¡¯s a love-hate thing when your wife continues to look at you like this.


    Arriving at Zeki¡¯s room in question and slowly opening up the door, I¡¯m honesty not expecting much¡­ fucking hell. I¡¯mpletely wrong¡­


    ¡°Oh my freaking God! This has to be some sort of a sick joke, right? right!?!¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ just as shocked as you Ikarus. Obviously, he¡¯s been ovepensating a little¡­ or a lot¡±


    ¡°Just to rify Petra¡­ you were female before being summoned, right?¡±


    ¡°Heh, yes Ikarus, why?¡±


    ¡°Phew¡­ I¡¯d still love you regardless, just I can¡¯t help my insecurity with this sort of thing. It¡¯s pretty funny how three out of us four phoenixes experienced some sort of gender fuck around bing birds though¡±


    Lying on a bed, curled up in the fetal position is only what can be best described as one hundred percent girl, this a plot twist I never would¡¯ve expected! Zeki, famous for being absolutely repulsive, hugely into jugs and apparently a yer of sorts, actually looks like this? He was actually a she back on Earth!?!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Even though the lifeless body seems to be stuck in that position, you can clearly tell two decently sized pounds of flesh protruding from his chest. There is literally no doubt about it, Zeki was born female! He even looks a little like Petra if you squint just at the right angle¡­


    This just can¡¯t be real, my eye of wisdom ability should¡¯ve picked that up, right? Unless¡­ Zeki¡¯s being ying into the lie for so long, he¡¯s actually spent thest two hundred years convincing himself he never had this body to begin with. Him being a yer could¡¯ve been true since I presume Zeki would¡¯ve been into women still? Was he a massive tomboy as well as being a tsundere back then? Whatever the case, that body is female and there is no doubt about it.


    Even if it¡¯s a gender dysphoria thing, this is Zeki we¡¯re talking about so I¡¯m struggling to believe it was anything too serious. Who¡¯s have known he, or she, had such a shocking backstory? Can I y with him on this or is it way too serious to mock? I think it¡¯ll be okay but I¡¯m going to be careful, this obviously must be Zeki¡¯s deepest darkest secret¡­


    ¡°This day should¡¯ve been amazing but even original Zeki somehow manages toplicate things¡­ what¡¯s next then? Are we getting Petra sorted out?¡±


    Looking back towards the wife, her eyes seem to be even bluer now. Is she trying to give me a migraine status scanning each other or something? Eh, don¡¯t care, right now I just want to be done with this already.


    Sure, I could go into great details on the specifics on the summoning and ask pointlessly small details like that, honestly this Zeki reveal has made my curiosity dwindle a bit. All we need right now is Petra¡¯s godhood, then some advice on what to expect when entering the heavens. Sounds simple and stupid enough.


    ¡°Heh¡­ told you two she wouldn¡¯t notice. This is why I can¡¯t be subtle around Ikarus¡±


    ¡°When you¡¯re right, you¡¯re right Petra. You¡¯d think she would¡¯ve noticed it already¡±


    ¡°Be kind to the orange phoenix Denver, it¡¯s not something that¡¯s extremely obvious¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t being nasty Athena. Just surprised considering how attached those two are together really¡±


    Like those three are talking about me behind my back, what should I have noticed? It¡¯s a bit hard to pay attention to my surroundings when a sexy but annoying piece of arse continuously keeps gawking at me!


    ¡°Notice what!? What is it!?¡±


    ¡°Heh, Athenapleted giving me her boon while you were out Ikarus. As for what you haven¡¯t noticed yet¡­ maybe have a deeper nce into my eyes?¡±


    Petra¡¯s steps closer to me, making sure I can get more of that growing blue. She really is adorable but that¡¯s not the time for wife fangirling! This is supposed to be serious¡­


    ¡°As if I would know why you continue to keep status scanning everyone Petra¡­¡±


    I¡¯m such a freaking dunce at times¡­ why did I always assume Petra¡¯s eyes were naturally grey? Of course they¡¯re freaking not¡­


    ¡°¡­Wait¡­ no freaking way!?! Your blindness has been cured Petra!? This isn¡¯t some stupid joke you lot are ying on me!?¡±


    I don¡¯t even care about my minus one in perception, this is big, maybe even bigger than the Zeki realization. My misses finally gets her sight back, six hundred years of absolute shit and she may finally be rid of this burden?


    ¡°Heh, no joke Ikarus. It¡¯s a little disorientating and very slow with how it¡¯sing back. The colours are giving me a headache, but it seems to help looking at the most beautiful person I¡¯ve evere across¡±


    Despite thepliment that should fluster the hell out of me, I can¡¯t help but get right close to my wife¡¯s face and show the dopiest, idiotic smile I can put on¡­ she can actually see me! Not just that fake magic sensing shit, like she can actually see me. I always assumed that magic sense of hers made everything look like funny coloured silhouettes but now I¡¯m a blurry Ikarus!


    ¡°I hope you enjoy this gift you two¡­ this has cost Athena more than you can imagine¡±


    Almost sounding a little grouchy saying, Jarl Denver can¡¯t help but show a little distain, hopefully not for the reason I¡¯m thinking of though. He will get kicked if he dare try and bring down this precious moment of my wife finally getting eyesight back after hundreds of years.


    ¡°It was always going to happen Denver so please stop worrying for me¡­ As for what¡¯s also happened, bing an entity capable of transcending the heavens has the added drawback, or in this case bonus, of destroying any contract or exchange as well¡±


    ¡°Heh, you know what that means Ikarus? No scars or pain anymore¡­ it was already starting to fade but it¡¯spletely gone now¡±


    ¡­


    I know it¡¯s probably not the time or ce for this but right now, all I want to do is weep, extremely happy tears of course. This shit she¡¯s always had to deal with, the pain, the scars, not even being able tofortably rx in her original form, all that weight has now been lifted.


    ¡°Wait¡­ why the fuck couldn¡¯t we have done this earlier then!? Couldn¡¯t we have done thisst time you apparently gifted her a bit of your boon if it was that simple?¡±


    ¡­


    Andplete silence falls all around, except it doesn¡¯t seem like the awkward sort of silence, more the confusion type. These two seem to know less than you¡¯d think considering they freaking sent us here.


    (Hephaestus) ¡°I¡¯m sorry Ikarus but we¡¯re not actually sure, maybe ask Asmodeus when you make your way out?¡±


    (Athena) ¡°Everything has been nned around the schedule of the mysterious backer and we only figured out recently on who he actually is. The fates must¡¯ve aligneding across him and this was probably the correct time for it, I presume?¡±


    Ohhh¡­ so it¡¯s same getting the perfect future kinda thing? This time around, I can¡¯t exactly be moaning at him for this when it¡¯s yielded results like this. Even if he is mostly responsible for the pain in the first ce.


    It is quite maddening to think just how much he has a y in everything going on in taking down Zeus though, I¡¯m betting it¡¯ll be simr when we get to the heavens as well. Eh, I guess it¡¯s for the best he¡¯s on our side, even if it doesn¡¯t seem that way at times.


    ¡°So¡­ what happens next? We¡¯ve both got the key to enter the heavens, how do we actually get there though?¡±


    The long journey of slugging it into the Underworld, then rescuing Dionysus and now basically driving the majin race into extinction. Even though it hasn¡¯t all been rted, it¡¯s felt like a bloody long quest getting ready so that we¡¯re able to go up there and actually start bringing about change.


    (Athena) ¡°The easiest way is the Underworld orange phoenix, make your way to Hades and they¡¯ll sort that out¡±


    (Hephaestus) ¡°Despite there still being questions on who is trustworthy on our side, the Underworld will help you with that. Once there however¡­ I can only suggest you find Loki. This is the bit all of us are a little stuck on as actually stopping Zeus¡¯s tyranny is easier said than done. Not everyone is as stupid and tant as the Ragnar?k Gods¡±


    ¡°So¡­ find Loki and presumably know it all Asmodeus will help out with everything else then? Guess we go off that then¡±


    I may say that sarcastically but it¡¯s worked for the most part¡­ at least until I died, we¡¯ll exclude that and pretend it never happened. Overwhelming toxic positivity is the way to go today! I¡¯m still hyped for Petra, seriously haven¡¯t even thought of anything sexual¡­ yet. For like the first time ever, both of us could now grope each other! If she wants too obviously¡­


    Anyways, we spend a little time longer discussing a few other various bits and pieces, nothing too noteworthy though, and then leave the two Gods in order to retrieve the demon lord we¡¯re still lugging around.


    It appears he¡¯s deep in conversation with the two guards about who knows what, new non-blind Petra is still learning from me everyday not taking a single second for granted. I¡¯ve got to be careful with this as she knows how abrupt I can be, actually seeing what I¡¯m like for real might make it worse¡­ I¡¯m oddly feeling a little conscious all of a sudden now. My head is freaking weird at times.


    ¡°Why suggest us killing you back in Tartarus if you knew this would happen Asmodeus? You understand that was the main reason we kept you alive?¡±


    Once he gets eyes on the ever-brightening blue eyes of Petra however, his mad smile instantly returns, leaving that conversation behind and ruining any chance of s pleasant moment. Evil grins always have that effect.


    ¡°Heh, hatred is a beautiful thing dark one, harness it in the right direction and miracles can ur. I¡¯m pretty certain you two are intelligent enough to realize that¡¯s not the y here though¡±


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ not exactly surprising considering everything else with this guy. Of course he wants to be hated, not exactly sure how to feel about him considering what¡¯s now happened¡¯


    ¡°Please Asmodeus¡­ why?¡±


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ it just seemed like the best timing I suppose dark one. I have been honest with you on everything I¡¯ve revealed, this just seemed like the best and most sensible time for it¡­ don¡¯t ask things I¡¯d rather not answer¡±


    Instead of just giving him a verbal response, Petra does something even I didn¡¯t expect, leaning in and giving the unsure demon lord a hug. I doubt he could tell this was going to happen considering how uncertain he looks just from this small dose of intimacy between father and daughter.


    ¡°Irregardless of this, nothing changes. Once Zeus is dealt with, we will still have a conclusion of sorts¡±


    ¡®Look at the wife being all cute and tsundere¡­ we¡¯ll probably still kill him though¡¯


    ¡°Heh, wouldn¡¯t have it any other way dark one¡­ Now, can we get going? Something tells me the other birds should be just about finished already¡­¡±


    ----------


    ---Just say this is Ikarus imagining how Petra would look as a cultivation Goddess or something :)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------

 Chapter 200 – Shifting

    Chapter 200 ¨C Shifting


    ---Happy Easter everyone! Despite it beingte, I''m using any excuse to throw AI in by this point...


    __________


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    __________


    ¡­


    Having just returned to pick up the phoenix kiddies from their y date with the dragon Esmerelda, Aesa include since she was in the capital as well, the silence looms all around... Well, it¡¯s not that silent because we¡¯re all having lunch in a crowded caf¨¦, my point is that it¡¯s slightly awkward around us.


    ¡®Should I bring it up or not? This really isn¡¯t the time for bluntness¡­ or is it?¡¯


    Despite the wife¡¯s ailment now being cured and her eyes are honestly as beautiful as the endless ocean, this thing with Zeki has made us both seem unsure how or what to say to both of them. It seems like a sensitive subject, no?


    Thankfully, Zeki ain¡¯t having none of it though, speaking with mouthful of food really spoiling my appetite. Still going to eat my sandwich regardless though.


    ¡°Erk, are you two really not going to ask us how it went!? You freaking made us go to that stupid purple dragon¡¯s pce and now you¡¯re showing no interest at all?¡±


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ you¡¯re right kid¡­ how did it go?¡±


    Just mimicking my wife¡¯s trademark sigh and facepalm, pay it no mind¡­


    ¡°Erk¡­ just ask brother instead. You two have bored me now¡±


    ¡®He¡­ or she? Ah, Zeki really is insufferable at times¡¯


    ¡°Uh, it went alright Ikarus¡­ except from the fact Esmerelda doesn¡¯t really know her mother that well either. Apparently, she was left abandoned in the woods too. At least we know the reason for it now¡±


    ¡°Yeah, apparently that stupid mother of ours heard something from the oracle saying any kids she hatched would only end up being killed if raised by her. Some bullshit prophecy crap like usual¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯s stupid though Zeki, all she wanted was us was not to end up dead. With everything else the oracles said, it would¡¯ve been really risky to ignore¡±


    Zeki scoffs from Ariza trying to be realistic about this situation, can¡¯t say I me either of them really. Unlike most of the future stuff, I think I can see the small connection to this. If the other two phoenixes hadn¡¯t ended up abandoned, then the likelihood of them meeting Petra would¡¯ve been much smaller, or dyed as even the wife wasn¡¯t brazen enough to charge headfirst into a mother dragon¡¯sir.


    Maybe that in turn would¡¯ve made Petra¡¯s mindset a little different because she never would¡¯ve had the experience of basically caring for those two when they were younger? No idea on Esmerelda though, this of course is only a theory though¡­


    ¡°Now that we¡¯ve shown an interest kid, have you two not realized something about your sister¡¯s eyes yet? This is something you normally would be good at noticing Ariza¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ they¡¯re blue Ikarus¡­ wait, really!?!¡±


    ¡°Erk, she¡¯s just looking at the status screen orangey and brother, why is that a big deal?¡±


    ¡®Okay, hearing the same exact thing for the idiot really makes me want to hit myself¡¯


    Almost like he¡¯s trying to avert her gaze in fear of getting a migraine, Zeki eventually clocks onto the fact nothing is happening but still doesn¡¯t seem to understand the meaning behind this.


    ¡­


    It takes a painfully long time for him to get what¡¯s we¡¯re hinting at, even with Petra basically staring at him trying not to facepalm. He is stupider than me, that much will never need confirming.


    ¡°So¡­ sis can see now, so what? All she¡¯s going to do is spend more time looking and messing with orangey¡±


    As much as what he says is pure stupidity, it does hold a certain element of truth. Something I¡¯ve already noticed despite the little time Petra¡¯s had back in the world of the onlookers, she really couldn¡¯t care less about all the beautiful surroundings and only wants to fixate on me. Tis a blessing and curse.


    Despite all that, he¡¯s really starting to piss me off now especially considering his tsundere attitude towards something big. So much so, I couldn¡¯t care if I end up saying something offensive now¡­


    ¡°Hey kid¡­ outta curiosity, how did you look back on Earth and would you turn back if you could? None of us have a clue how you used to look¡±


    Before continuing further, I get a little nudge from Petra basically telling me I should probably stop. I¡¯m not going to though¡­ I¡¯ll still try and be careful about this, but with Zeki, it¡¯s kind of hard not to.


    ¡°To go back to that muscr ripped, dark-haired body I had back on Earth,pared to this feminine piece of shit orangey? It should be pretty obvious¡­ the normal phoenix guy body is okay I guess¡±


    ¡®The fact my lie detector doesn¡¯t know what to think says it all really¡¯


    ¡°You know¡­ it¡¯s funny you should say that kid. It turns out, when we were off getting Petra¡¯s godhood sorted, we came across something pretty interesting¡±


    Unfortunately, being married means no fun so Petra can¡¯t help but start to nag while I¡¯m trying to conceal my evil grin. Well, it¡¯s less nagging and more about putting me in my ce¡­


    ¡°Heh, if you¡¯re going down this route Ikarus, you¡¯ll have to show him your original body as well. It¡¯s only fair if you¡¯re going to do this¡­ doubt he¡¯ll believe it if you don¡¯t show some proof as well¡±


    My wife, the epitome of wisdom speaks total sense! That wasn¡¯t the nagging I was expecting¡­ I¡¯d rather not show him ¡®Brooklyn¡¯ but it puts me further in the right¡­ I think? I¡¯ve got dirt on him so it¡¯s only fair if the stakes are evened a tad.


    Anyways, quickly changing form and losing the preferred features I like, excluding the horns of course, those annoying things can fuck right of, I turn back into the long brown haired ¡®guy¡¯ still at our table in this caf¨¦. Ah, it¡¯s a good thing I¡¯m not wearing anything tight or extremely feminine today, I need to focus more on the idiot right now though.


    ¡­


    From Zeki himself, I can already tell there¡¯s a mixture of wanting to mock, curiosity and slight fear in eyes, like I know something I probably shouldn¡¯t. Still though, he hasn¡¯t said anything further just yet, Ariza looks damn curious on why I¡¯ve gone through with this change though.


    ¡°You see how I look kid? Before you decide to say anything at all, just remember me and Petra have both seen what you actually look like. I can teleport you over there real quick and you can even show Ariza if you want¡±


    ¡°Uh, they have Zeki¡¯s Earth body? Do they have mine as well?¡±


    ¡°Sorry Ariza, me and you weren¡¯t so lucky. Only Ikarus and Zeki¡¯s survived apparently¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay I guess¡­ I don¡¯t think I¡¯d want to go back to being blonde really¡±


    While Petra and Ariza seem a little down about not being able to do what I can, Zeki¡¯s look has turned more into a pure fear with an ever so subtle touch of eptance now. Hey, if he hates that old body, then so be it but, the way he¡¯s gone about this doesn¡¯t seem healthy, right? Especially now considering all the gender bending sentencing he has to face; he can¡¯t hate it that much. I¡¯d love for Ariza to read his mind one day to seriously see if this is all an act or not. It definitely feels that way.


    ¡°Fair y orangey¡­ what are your demands? You know this ever gets out; the cow will never let it go¡±


    Even though I was seriously considering just teleporting us over there to regain his body quickly, minus paying the bill first¡­ freaking Asmodeus looks like he hasn¡¯t eaten in several weeks but¡­ ah, distractions! I mean; this has pissed me off quite the fair bit.


    ¡°Who the hell do you think I am Zeki!?! I¡¯m not ckmailing you or anything like that! It was a genuine question, do you actually want your original body back or not? It¡¯ll only take a moment¡±


    It may seem I was going down an evil route but I¡¯m generally trying to be helpful¡­ to an extent. Huges or not, if this is case of actual gender dysphoria like Ariza kinda has, I was trying to help! It¡¯s not my fault this idiot can¡¯t be honest with himself!


    ¡°Erk, why the hell would I want that back orangey!? Where¡¯s the punchline, threat or demand? You obviously want something from me, if it¡¯s more shitty boob sentencing, then just say already!¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ Ariza, can you do me a favour and just read his mind one second? I can never tell if he¡¯s purposely being a tsundere about this or if he actually wants it back¡±


    At least now I can see why people might get the wrong impression when I do that forced reluctance thing. Zeki¡¯s a much moreplicated character then any of us could ever understand.


    ¡°Fuck no! Brother, if you read my mind right now, I promise I¡¯ll never speak to any of you ever again... I¡¯m being deadly seriously orangey, I¡¯m good. Thanks for the offer but I really don¡¯t want this shit. That¡¯s for real¡±


    At least that puts an end to all that, I think? If Zeki really doesn¡¯t want to get his original body back, no point forcing it on him. It¡¯s not like the enhanced version of him beats the other anyway¡­ it would be weird to see him walking around with ck hair though. I¡¯m going to stick with him because it¡¯s obvious that suits Zeki more than her.


    By the looks of it, Asmodeus most likely knew of Zeki¡¯s past already and Ariza really couldn¡¯t look more puzzled if she tried. Maybe I¡¯ll give her something to go off on¡­ hopefully, the idiot can just tell her the actual truth someday. It¡¯s not like anyone really cares, those huge breasts of his will still get mocked regardless.


    ¡°Fair enough then kid¡­ you should know Ariza, that body he had was pretty cute all things considered¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, I knew it!¡±


    ¡°Heh, yeah Ariza, you could just gobble him up, Ikarus is definitely right. Curled up in a ball with the cutest, silkiest ck hair you could imagine¡±


    Even though you may expect Mr Obnoxious to get angry from this, he does but it¡¯s greatly faded behind that face of pure redness he has. It¡¯s nice to know I¡¯m not the only one who hatespliments around here.


    ¡°Erk, I get this shit enough with the cow, can we just go already!? Actually, scrap that, you two are paying for mine now since you had to go there¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Ah, home sweet home¡­ minus the cultists, I¡¯m happy to be back Petra¡±


    ¡°Heh, same Ikarus¡­ you really shouldn¡¯t call them that though¡±


    Back at home, wandering the streets like a bunch of lovestruck idiots, we roam our town like nobles looking down on themoner scum not fit to worship the feet we stand upon. Minus the obnoxious bit, the town always develops and new buildingse into sight, someday this ce will be a city spanning the course of all three of the inds. Not sure what to think of that, that just means more worshippers, doesn¡¯t it? We¡¯ve not even been back a few minutes and news of our return beckons throughout the streets.


    Honestly¡­ I don¡¯t think both of us know what to do right now. There¡¯s obviously the explicit couple stuff we can do but, shouldn¡¯t we wait at least untilter on tonight? Keep it more ate-night routine rather than just going to screw every second we get¡­ Petra¡¯s making it difficult though.


    The gaze is getting less and less subtle, almost like she¡¯s wanting me to say something on it. Don¡¯t get me wrong, it¡¯s not creepy or anything like that, maybe to normal people it would be but I like it! It¡¯s just¡­ damn woman, look at something else for a change! I¡¯m not a piece of meat¡­ our town might as well not exist right now.


    ¡°We need to set some ground rules Petra. Just because you now have your sight back, doesn¡¯t mean you have to ONLY look at me. The sky, the birds, the ground, your own breasts. I dunno, just stop staring!¡±


    ¡°Heh, what was that Ikarus? Come again?¡±


    ¡°Oi, don¡¯t y dumb with me, I know those eyes all too well! I don¡¯t even want to know what filth is flowing through your mind right now¡±


    Instead of getting a response this time around, all I get is a stupid happy grin proving I was correct. Sometimes, I swear she¡¯s the more masculine one in this rtionship¡­ that truth hits too close to home.


    Funnily enough, a little memoryes to mind on something that happenedst smut session, something that may exin why Petra¡¯s being a little more fixated in addition to regaining her sight. Huh, maybe I can try something different for a change¡­


    Going in for the kiss but trying to be a little forceful about it. Unfortunately, it doesn¡¯t work as well as intended with the roles quickly reversing once our lips lock together¡­


    Basically, I was trying to do that stupid romantic thing of nudging thedy to the wall, cing one of my hands against said wall and doing that stupid clich¨¦ you might have read in aic once or twice. The demanding guying onto the reluctant woman sorta thing.


    Except, Petra goes straight into the kiss before I even have the chance to unt my authority¡­ I don¡¯t freaking know what it¡¯s supposed to imply! Normally, the brazen guy is supposed to be like that though.


    ¡°Heh, you trying to take the lead Ikarus? Just rx and show a little more confidence, it¡¯ll shine through¡±


    ¡°S-Something like that¡­ I g-guess¡±


    Once again, still kissing against the wall, her hands start to wander all around me to putting me off a little, mainly because I should be the one with wandering hands! Plump, firm, round and juicy, this should be my show yet I¡¯m always the one ending up being the girl. I¡¯m notining about it, and that¡¯s theplete problem! I should want to be a little more assertive, I need to try and force it out¡­


    [<This is a perfect time for to shift the dynamic up slightly, don¡¯t allow wife to treat you like a piece of meat Ikarus!>]


    Despite already splitting up with Aesa since she¡¯s gone home for a little R and R, wouldn¡¯t surprise me if she¡¯s gone to go spank the monkey honestly, she surprisingly gives me some encouraging advice. Maybe it is time for a little Ikarus development!


    ¡°¡­O-Oi, hands by your side¡±


    Surprisingly, me moving her hands away and cing them on her own actually shocks Petra more than words can imagine. I¡¯m going to grab your bottom for a change!


    ¡°Heh¡­ fair y Ikarus¡­ did Aesa tell you to do that?¡±


    ¡®Fuck! She¡¯s onto us! What do I say?¡¯


    [<Confidence and conviction Ikarus. It doesn¡¯t matter what you say, just say it with pride>]


    ¡®I need specifics Aesa! Shit¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s n-nothing like that Petra¡­ it¡¯s just, I remember what you¡¯ve g-got on down below. You better be starting to struggle already¡±


    And another surprised reaction from the new and reborn dominant Ikarus, strutting her stuff around making Petra smile like a real dope¡­ I hate how unnatural this is for me.


    ¡°Heh, that I am Ikarus. You think you can help me out then?¡±


    Thankfully, that entire whispering exchange wasn¡¯t heard by anyone else and has continues to made Petra smile like a dopey idiot. I swear, she purposely does this to make it harder for me! The way she does that sexy quiet talk as well¡­ she¡¯s the problem!


    Anyways, still kissing by the building wall and trying my best to avoid the awws that keep flying past every person who witnesses our stupid love, Petra now decides to try and get even more hands on, aiming for my breasts.


    I want to say I karate chop her hands away but honestly, it¡¯s difficult when I have a tendency for groping. I¡¯m pretty certain people walking past can¡¯t see what¡¯s she holding but if they can, I really couldn¡¯t care. We¡¯d have done this back at home regardless.


    [<Now it¡¯s time to y hard to get Ikarus, don¡¯t even acknowledge what she¡¯s doing and end it!>]


    ¡®Are you trying to be mean to her or something Aesa? Why would I want it to end?¡¯


    [<Trust Aesa. If Ikarus wants to do something about the power dynamic, this is the best way to do it>]


    Reluctantly taking Aesa¡¯s advice, I make sure all this stops when Petra tries to use her tongue¡­ I hate my life at times.


    ¡°S-Seriously Petra, that¡¯s enough. Hands down¡±


    Getting a little feistier and moving her hands a slightly rougher, she finally gets the message, presents another surprised face but quickly turns into a happy smile again. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m ending the little make out thing we¡¯ve got going on, just that her hands aren¡¯t allowed to wander right now!


    [<Now Ikarus should give her a slight love smack and things will be perfect>]


    ¡®What the fuck Aesa!? E-Erm¡­¡¯


    Even though I want to say I ignore her advice, Petra¡¯s hands start to try moving upwards again so without even realizing, I may idently swipe at her bottom a little.


    Not too hard or rough, just enough so she gets the message, the moment ispletely spoiled when I can¡¯t bring myself to continue any further after just randomly spanking her like that. Her hands didpletely stop though.


    ¡®I can¡¯t believe I just did that Aesa! Why did I ever listen to you?¡¯


    [<Just look at wife¡¯s face Ikarus¡­ you¡¯re wee>]


    Looking back around in the most subtle way I can imagine; my jaw nearly drops when Petra¡¯s face can¡¯t help but blush all over, does my wife have masochistic tendencies or something? Eh, maybe the thing she¡¯s got on may be contributing as well, I guess the spank was pretty weak but still!


    ¡®Whether that worked or not Aesa, this isn¡¯t going to be a habit whether she wants it or not¡­¡¯


    __________


    Thankfully, no awkwardness was recorded after that little incident, so after a tad more kissing with my hands only doing the exploring for a change, we set back off to roam the town and honestly just find a way to pass the time. We¡¯ll probably visit the park soon and get dinner afterwards, just boring couple things really. I guess you could call this a hobby? Procrastinating and loitering around¡­


    [<You know, if Ikarus really wants to add something a little extra onto wife¡¯s ¡®turmoil¡¯, you could activate -aspect of gigantomachy->]


    Speaking about Petra like this to Aesa while I¡¯m alongside her really is pretty difficult. Sure, nothing bad is being said but it does feel like gossiping or something. It seems like the wife wants me to take the lead though for a change.


    ¡®Are you actually trying to turn me into a wife beater now Aesa? Why would I need aspect?¡¯


    [<The upgrades to -aspect- include a little something extra rather than the t damage increase to 100,000 points. What¡¯s also added is the ability to cancel when needed and a little body modification wife and Ikarus may enjoy greatly>]


    ¡®A body modification, huh? If I end up green or looking like an ogre Aesa, you won¡¯t like me when I¡¯m angry¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m activating aspect one sec Petra, pay it no mind¡±


    ¡°Okay Ikarus?¡±


    Anyways, deciding to activate aspect despite my best judgement, a faint glow begins to envelope me while most of my body begin to grow. I swear I¡¯m turning into a shape shifter with all this body morphing shit I¡¯ve been doing recently.


    My height grows a little and my overall body gets a touch wider as well, that¡¯s not even close to what the main noticeable difference is though. I¡¯m just freaking thankful this hoody is oversized as hell basically covering the two ever-growing mounds of flesh. Yeah, these are my boobs so look elsewhere pervs!


    ----------


    ---Liked both images so you get both lol.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Eventually, they do settle down to a size, notparable to Zeki¡¯s but still big enough to be noticeable. Why the hell has aspect turned into such a pervy ability though!?


    Oh, I¡¯m yet to mention my choice of clothing, even at the caf¨¦ I was wearing this getup. You see, why wonder around in an ufortable enchanted corseted dress when my stats no longer can be doubled? As much as the kimonos asfortable as hell and Petra likes me in cute shit, I brought a few hoodies back for Earth so you best bet I¡¯m going to wear them on asion. Don¡¯t ask why I¡¯ve got on a skirt, thigh highs and a choker on as well¡­ I may have grown into liking this stuff a little.


    It''s definitely not the most queen like outfit you can imagine as well, but I couldn¡¯t give two shits about our people so screw them! Even looking like this with the extra horns, the looks from people we pass is always of awe¡­ I might go full on slutty emo next and see if that gets any disapproving looks. Knowing my luck, it¡¯ll probably be a trend so not a great idea. Find what look Queen Ikarus has on today and the entire town will follow suit.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ this might be the worst upgrade imaginable to this. How am I supposed to focus on fighting when these two things are in the way!?¡¯


    [<Ikarus always has to make things more difficult than needed. -Aspect of gigantomachy- is supposed to mimic a giants power and presumably, female giants have bigger chests and are slightly more muscr? Aesa doesn¡¯t know this information fortunately enough>]


    Lifting up my hoodie to confirm, the faintest of a six pack outline can be seen giving me mixed emotions. On one hand, muscles might be the best part on the human body, excluding breasts of course. On the other, they¡¯re so small, it¡¯s pathetic! Female giants suck!


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ I guess that helps a little bit¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh, what¡¯s the problem Ikarus? Presume that¡¯s the upgrade to aspect, thought you like bigger boobs anyway¡±


    The funny thing is, of course Petra¡¯s going to be interested in any body changeing my way but seems to be purposely looking away now... I kinda regret taking the lead.


    ¡°Oi, don¡¯t you start wifey or I¡¯ll give you another smack in a minute. That has never been true¡­ I like mocking bigger chests. Smaller boobs, like mine and yours truly, are always the best way to go!¡±


    Threatening to beat the misses, and then saying the wife has small tits¡­ what has Aesa turned me into!? I don¡¯t even know anymore...


    ¡°Heh, you always have such a way with words Ikarus. You¡¯ve activated aspect remember? Are you trying to put me in aa?¡±


    ¡®Urgh, stupid logical Petra!¡¯


    [<Ikarus should tell wife no more lip as -aspect- can be only be used through intent now>]


    ¡°Thank you! It¡¯s a shame Aesa¡¯s definitely not off doing something rude Petra because, she¡¯d tell you how it is! Aspect needs intent so I can give you a smack if you need it¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    That gets the wife to quieten down, grinning madly like she¡¯s really enjoying the stupid power dynamic shift. I really have no idea how her mind works at times, think it¡¯s more just me being an idiot that makes her happy rather than the masochistic nature. Who really knows with this loveable pervert though.


    Anyways, still walking around before we inevitably go home and decide to screw, something catches my eyes just as we¡¯re about to go find the park we something rx at. I hate people at times¡­


    ¡°Oh, for fuck¡¯s sake¡­ the faster we go to the heavens, the better. Why do we even bother with these idiots Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, maybe you were right about them being cultists Ikarus¡­ this really isn¡¯t great¡±


    Two concrete foundations stand proudly right in the centre of the town market, both of which have legs slowly being built upon, consisting of some sort of building material but being coated in ayer of gold. I¡¯m basically describing the start of two statues being built.


    ¡°It¡¯s the two queens! Quickly, make sure you get all their facial features correct¡±


    ¡°Queen Ikarus is rocking horns now!? Make sure you get the shape down perfectly!¡±


    ¡°Get the elves! Their memories are normally perfect when ites to this sort of thing¡±


    The group of builders working on the statues stop all progress when seeing us, a small crowd starts to form all the while I¡¯m seriously debating whether we can continue to keep living here. This isn¡¯t even funny anymore!


    ¡°What the hell is the meaning of this!?! As if Marcus would allow such a waste of resources!¡±


    The ck-haired politician protagonist actually seems to be within the crowd, even though I can¡¯t see him, he¡¯s definitely in there somewhere.


    ¡°Believe me Queen Ikarus, I tried to convince them otherwise but this was entirely funded by your church. Apparently, people have been donating vast amounts for this project and I couldn¡¯t exactly turn down the building permissions¡±


    ¡°We wanted to make it out of solid gold but the evil minister wouldn¡¯t let us!¡±


    ¡°Yeah! If it wasn¡¯t for the queens favour of him, we¡¯d have kicked him out of office ages ago!¡±


    ¡°We probably wouldn¡¯t have; we¡¯d have rioted though if apromise wasn¡¯t met though!¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ sorry Petra, but can we go do literally anything else now? I¡¯ve had enough with all these idiotic cultists¡±


    Even when being called idiots and cultists, our civilians just happily smile like being insulted by me is some kind of blessing. This love of theirs is really starting to get unhealthy, we may be past the point where needless threats of death are useless. They¡¯d probably see that as some kind of reward, like a death cult or something. I¡¯m sooo over this already.


    ¡°Heh, of course Ikarus. I¡¯m presuming you want to continue from earlier on? You weren¡¯t as bad as you thought¡±


    Oh right, I was apparently trying to hold the pants in our rtionship getting advice from Aesa. I guess we can turn this into something sexy, just anything to forget about these stupid statues being built¡­

 Chapter 200.5 – Role Reversal (18+)

    Chapter 200.5 ¨C Role Reversal (18+)


    ¡°Are we seriously going to do this Petra? It¡¯s¡­ surprisingly snug, all things considered¡±


    ¡°Heh, you started this Ikarus when you decided to be a little more demanding. Now, it¡¯s time to see this through¡±


    ¡°But still, what if I¡¯m shit at it? A little bondage is different to full on BDSM, even thistex crap cranks it up a gear¡±


    Before heading back home, Petra made a suggestion to head to the closest sex store and purchased two outfits for us to wear during this session. Was way too embarrassed to go in myself but like usual, she managed to get the sizing perfect despite the enhancements I¡¯ve still got on my chest. I¡¯ll deactivate aspect after this, just right now Ikarus with somewhat bigger boobs is going to run the show today. Much to my annoyance, of course¡­


    ¡°Heh, you won¡¯t be Ikarus. Just give it a try and maybe you might find something you didn¡¯t know you had deep inside. Although, it may be very well hidden or impossible to find¡­¡±


    ¡®I hate her at times¡¯


    ¡°¡­Heh, you finished yet?¡±


    ¡°Nearly darling¡­ urgh, never calling you that again¡­¡±


    While Petra¡¯ses out of the bathroom and I the closet, the gay joke isn¡¯t funny anymore, my jaw nearly hits the floor when seeing whattex outfit Petra picked for herself! Mine is sexy enough but damn, this woman is a fetish lover¡¯s dream! Or just mine at least, damn¡­


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Heh, what would you like this lowly servant to do mistress?¡±


    ¡®Oh, dear God¡­ give me strength¡¯


    ¡°I-I, erm¡­¡±


    Once again, faced with something so unbelievably hot, I break down under THE pressure and bing stuck. Ikarus¡¯s libido has a mind of its own so when fancytex maid Petraes out, I don¡¯t know what to do! Well, except go straight to humping, but that¡¯s a little too easy considering the situation.


    ¡­


    Petra just continues to smile at me, patiently waiting for the day I finally man up and decide to take the lead for real! It¡¯s going to happen today, just it might take an hour or two because an outfit like that has no right to be this hot!


    ¡®Aesa¡­ you have any idea what I can do? Should¡¯ve probably nned this out a little better or had something in mind¡¯


    Despite Aesa not actually being in our house, she probably just finished having a little fun of her own thinking about it, she must be able to help me out, right?


    [<Just picture a scenario you could imagine wife doing to you Ikarus, then add a little more perversion to it with no holding back. Also, make sure she waits a little otherwise the usefulness of the chastity belt will be redundant¡­ the key is on top of the firece by the way>]


    What do you know, Aesa helps out more than she can imagine, even if it¡¯s pretty vague advice and not an actual scenario. Just look back to what we¡¯ve done before and add onto it¡­ maybe there¡¯s something that could do the trick¡­


    ¡®Hmm¡­ guess I could splice up some things we¡¯ve done before. Bit unorthodox but it could work¡¯


    Making Petra wait long enough, it¡¯s now time for dominatrix Ikarus to shine! I guess that¡¯s literal as well considering thetex we¡¯re wearing, forget that though! My wife needs a little TLC¡­.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the deal then¡­ ve? No, that doesn¡¯t sound right¡­¡±


    Even though I want to give Petra the best experience I can possibly give her, ve is best suited for Aesa¡­ I need something somewhat demeaning but also cute sounding¡­


    ¡°Hmm, screw it, I¡¯m stealing what you once called me... Now, it¡¯s time toe along Pet, eyes down and on your knees immediately! You¡¯re going to work for it if you want out today¡±


    ¡®I mean, Pet for Petra. Don¡¯t care if she¡¯s used on it me before, it¡¯s literally in her name!¡¯


    Anyways, doing asmanded, Petra quickly falls to her knees while trying to hide that yful grin she sometimes gets. It¡¯s definitely the more perverted kind than anything else. Mixed with her lovely blue eyes, it really is something else¡­ I¡¯m going topletely fight off that need for orgasming today.


    ¡°Eyes down Pet! Seriously now, no looking up or I¡¯ll bring out your whip¡­ ah, no cheeky backtalk as well,plete silence unless I say otherwise¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Still struggling to hide her grin, I¡¯m almost considering giving her a quick punishment if this keeps up. It¡¯s obvious she¡¯s the brattier kind of submissive, the problem is I¡¯m not natural to this so we both need to work around the others imperfections. Eh, it doesn¡¯t feel awkward so it should be good.


    Instead of a punishment, I¡¯ll settle for something a little different getting two items out from our drawers, or more specifically, Petra¡¯s little pervy section. We¡¯re such perverts looking at all this stuff.


    ¡°Now, my lovingly annoying animal, we¡¯re going to go on a little walk¡±


    Getting the famous cor we¡¯ve used more than I care to admit, cing it around Petra¡¯s neck and attaching a chain to it this time around instead of using rope for the lead, I start to take the Pet for a quick crawl around the house. Or, more like a quick stroll to the stairs, there¡¯s less room up here than you might think.


    Arriving at the top of the stairs, I¡¯m going to take her into the living room since Aesa mentioned about the key as well¡­ pretty certain our maid Eve¡¯s is off work today. If not and she ends up walking in, I¡¯ll just consider it some sort of pervy punishment for Petra or something¡­ even if she¡¯d probably be into that. Eve¡¯s brain might explode seeing us doing something like this but I¡¯m already caught up in the moment goddamn it!


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem pet? Forget how to use stairs or something?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Still ying the role of loving pet-like submissive, Petra stops at the top of the stairs unsure if we¡¯re going down or not. I¡¯ve already loosened the chain so we can get down easily enough¡­ even if she¡¯s about to do something I would consider extremely stupid.


    ¡°What are you doing idiot!?! Seriously Petr-, Pet! You want to break your neck or something? Turn around!¡±


    ¡®At least I now know she gets Ikarus moments when turned on I suppose¡­ she was actually going to go down head first?¡¯


    Thankfully, my little berating moment gets a mostly silent chuckle in response and she starts to crawl backwards down the stairs. Sexy moment or not, I¡¯m not making her crawl down face first potentially breaking her neck! I¡¯d prefer it if my pet wasn¡¯t in a wheelchair.


    Eventually, but slowly enough, we get down the stairs, Petra going down legs first and head into our cozy little living room¡­ huh, I guess that could be a next step before we get onto something a little touchier.


    ¡°See Pet¡­ I¡¯m feeling a little tired now from your idiocy, so be a good little maid and provide me with somefort, would you?¡±


    Sitting down on the chair and lifting my legs up, Petra gets the message immediately and crawls under me, providing a surprisingly good leg rest. She¡¯s way toofortable doing is¡­ always got the hint she wasn¡¯t the top in her previous rtionship with the vampire, but this definitely confirms it.


    ¡®I¡¯m seriously using her as a leg rest right now¡­ she is enjoying this, right? Think this is called objectification or something¡­ of course she freaking is¡¯


    Even if I¡¯ve only been using her like this for a minute or so, Petra¡¯s face has clearly started to grow an even brighter shade of red, really showing deep down she¡¯s just like me when ites to this sort of thing. Teasing preferences or not, she¡¯s a true submissible at heart. That, or she just enjoys anything less conventional really.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to nap for a little bit, you¡¯re okay sitting there for an hour or two, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ mistress Ikarus¡±


    ¡®Cheeky little brat¡­ I might actually go through with napping now¡¯


    ¡­


    Eventually, after five minutes or so withplete silence and clearly growing Petra¡¯s libido more than I reckon she cares to admit, I¡¯m starting to get bored using her as a leg rest so it¡¯s time to move onto something else.


    I¡¯ve got a rough idea what we can do next but I¡¯m purposely trying to exclude bringing out the rope today. Feel like I¡®ll just end up getting really turned on and allowing her release still too early¡­ sexytex maid wrapped in rope definitely sounds hot as hell though, that would be probably be literal as well.


    ¡°Pet¡­ it¡¯s now time to get on the table, up you go¡±


    Climbing up onto our wooden coffee table, I swear Petra purposely lifts up the tiny rubber skirt of hers presenting that mostly naked arse, the part hiding that nakedness being the chastity belt of course. She better not believe I¡¯ll give in this easily, this is all for her sake so I¡¯m not even nning to have any of my famous over the top finishing action today. I¡¯m going hard with the domme shit, for real¡­


    ¡°Naughty Pet, you really are testing that patience of mine. Thankfully, I¡¯m way too kind for a beast like you¡±


    Now on the table, I get on my knees by the side of her and start on a ce I¡¯m yet to experience much of on her body, that being her breasts. Petra¡¯s going to experience what a breast massage is like, or more importantly, pure groping.


    Starting off slowly, mostly with a light fondling but quickly turning a little more handsy when her eyes start to roll to the back on her head, it¡¯s safe to say theck of curse pain is making her enjoy this. Me, I¡¯m just happy my breast fetish can resolve itself, even if it¡¯s not what I was expecting.


    It¡¯s safe to say, this was also for my sake as well as hers. I¡¯ve always wanted to y with Petra¡¯s breasts for the longest of time and now that I actually can¡­ it seems a little underwhelming.


    Don¡¯t get me wrong, her breasts are still perfect like always, it¡¯s just I may have been overying it up in my head a little. The sounds of my gloves rubbing up against Petratex covered chest definitely is different as well, if you¡¯re into the sound of rubber on rubber, I guess. Honestly, think I prefer the sight oftex over the sound of it, that might be putting me off as well.


    Thankfully, the sounds of Petra trying to suppress her groans is honestly something that makes me smile deep inside. Even she finds it hard to act so confident when she¡¯s this turned on¡­


    ¡°P-Please¡­ no more, mistress¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ is this a serious request Petra?¡±


    The way she said that sounded genuine yet we both know the stupid chubby safeword. If this is stubbornness from not wanting to use it, then she doesn¡¯t understand the point.


    ¡°Heh, didn¡¯t say the word Ikarus¡­ it¡¯s just that you didn¡¯t say if I could cum or not¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®Fuck, she¡¯s that horny already!? I¡¯ve only been doing this for five minutes!¡±


    If I knew she was this pent up already, then I may have gone down a different route with less of the boob action, seems like we¡¯re both pretty sensitive with all that. Should I try dragging this out even longer then? I¡¯m already into it even if I really want Petra to cum her brains out, she wanted this sort of experience so I¡¯m still going to make her wait longer though.


    ¡°Then¡­ how about I give you something you won¡¯t cum from? I still don¡¯t think you¡¯re horny enough yet Pet, it¡¯s only fair¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Instead of getting a talkative response this time around, I swear I see rolling her eyes at me! That¡¯s it, she¡¯s getting it now¡­


    ¡°Eyerolling me as well now Pet!? I think it is really time for a punishment then¡­ a good spanking will suffice, no? You want my hand, a rolling pin¡­ or¡­ the whip?¡±


    ¡®Ah, the illusion of choice, why would you choose anything other than my-¡¯


    ¡°The whip¡­ mistress¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Erm¡­ okay then Pet. It¡¯s only what you deserve¡­ I guess. Stay here one minute¡­ shit¡±


    Complete catching me off guard, I actually didn¡¯t think Petra would go for the full-on masochist choice! Kinda feel like she¡¯s only doing this to try and catch me off guard though¡­ of course that¡¯s freaking it! She¡¯s such a loveable brat at times.


    Heading upstairs, getting that stupid evil looking weapon from the drawer anding back down, I¡¯m seriously questioning if I want to do this. The thin ck whip by itself isn¡¯t that intimidating by it¡¯s lonesome, it¡¯s just the sound and the pain it¡¯ll cause


    Returning to the living room with Petra still on the coffee table, facing away for the doorway I enter from, it¡¯s now time for a little demonstration before she gets what she deserves¡­ apparently. Spanking is hot, maybe this is a little much but if she wants it, screw it already.


    Striking a mostly empty part of the room, the snapping and cracking of the whip echoes throughout the house, almost making me jump when it makes contact with the wall, even leaving a slight ck marking on the paint! Is Petra actually a true masochist deep down then!?! That shit looks like it¡¯ll cause her damage if struck with even the tiniest amount of effort.


    ¡°Last chance to back out if you want to now Pet¡­ five of these will do the job, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡®Looks like I¡¯m really doing this then¡­ albeit, folded up and much weaker than that¡¯


    Getting myself positioned by her side, lightly rubbing her butt beforehand, I get the whip into position and crack! The tail of itnds right across Petra¡¯s cheeks, leaving the ever so faint reddish mark behind.


    ¡°Arh-h-heh¡­ one¡±


    What starts off as a scream but then somehow turns into a light chuckle mixed with Petra counting the first whip, it¡¯s obvious she¡¯s less like Aesa when ites to pain and just prefers the perverted nature of what we¡¯re doing. Regardless, five should do the trick¡­ I¡¯m stopping if I see any real damage or blood though. That shit isn¡¯t hot.


    ¡°Mhmm¡­ two¡±


    Another crack of the whip against her backside with me steadily deciding to put a little more bite into each swing. Hey, she suggested this and all that¡¯s happening is her bottom now looks as flustered as her face¡­ that¡¯s actually pretty cute looking at it like that.


    ¡°T-Three!¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°D-Damn¡­ four¡­¡±


    Before moving onto thest one, I leave Petra be and make sure to head to the firece, sneakily taking off the key from the side while she can¡¯t see anything from thetex covered back.


    ¡°Thisst one Pet¡­ it¡¯s going to hit a bit harder than the rest, or a lot. You reckon you can handle it?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes mistress¡±


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s make sure there¡¯s nothing in the way for thisst stroke¡­ so you can fully enjoy it and all that¡±


    Painfully slowlying back to Petra, I can see it in her eyes she wanted to eyeroll me there but managed to stop the disrespect just in the nick of time. I guess even a little brat can be somewhat tamed¡­ huh, guess I can get into this a little.


    Getting back to where the building redness is contained and unlocking the chastity belt that¡¯s been fixed to her for roughly a week, I make sure all the tes now sit on the table and aim thest attack, all the while trying to ignore the clearly dripping arousal she¡¯s been producing during this makeshift session. That¡¯s so freaking hot but I¡¯m not going to get distracted, this one needs to be the worst¡­


    ¡°F-Five! *Grunt*, mhmmm¡­¡±


    As soon as thest strokends painfully hard against her now free buttocks, I instantly go to give her some relief of sorts as, making sure to kiss and lick the most sensitive of areas. The pain will still hurt like a bitch even with my hands there to sooth it, but I think that¡¯s sorta the point.


    Although I¡¯m not exactly a huge fan of the painful stuff in sex, excluding nipple y of course, I¡¯m thinking any amount of stimtion will help her get past the stinging sensation quickly. Boy, I really know how to get her motor running it seems.


    ¡°Hmhmm¡­ I-Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Bit longer Pet¡­ fight it for as long as you can¡±


    Already rattling on the table wanting to release that pent up energy, she¡¯s extremely close despite me barely even getting into my rhythm yet. Maybe there¡¯s something to be said about not needing sex everyday, especially considering how horny Petra is right now. She appears to lost all that endurance she was excellent at keeping previously.


    Continuing with the sucking, kissing and even slight nibbling down and around the forbidden fruit, Petra doesn¡¯t seem able to even fight it today and any second now, she¡¯s finished¡­ If I were truly evil, that belt would be going straight back on after this.


    ¡°F-F-Fuckkk!¡­ Ikarus¡­¡±


    Rattling on the table trying to keep herself upright, Petra for like the first time ever starts to shake like crazy from the orgasm highs and can¡¯t even support her own weight anymore. To put this in perspective as well, she¡¯s also produced a surprising amount of that love juice I have a love hate rtionship with. Cleanup is never that fun but arousal is.


    Despite all this, I really can¡¯t help but still continuing to suck on, basically holding up her legs by my lonesome. She¡¯s actually spent, it¡¯s freaking adorable.


    ¡°T-Too much¡­ Ikarus, please¡­¡±


    Getting the message, I stop the stimtion and go to hold my now exhausted wife who honestly looks like she¡¯s just had the experience of a lifetime. She really needs to up her game and learn to cum over and over again because what¡¯s the point if you¡¯re not losing precious braincells cuming your brains out!? I think she definitely lost a cell or two there though.


    ¡°Damn woman, was that a result of losing your curse or the whip? You¡¯re turning into me doing something like that!¡±


    ¡°*Huff*, heh, no idea Ikarus¡­ can you help me up? Unless¡­ you want to bring out Brookyln for a little bit and we continue on in a minute?¡±


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ does the belt need to go back on you? Not funny Petra¡±


    ¡°Heh, serious suggestion Ikarus. I¡¯ve had my fun¡­ it¡¯s your turn now, right?¡±


    Hmm¡­ in a way, I could¡­ nope, not happening. I¡¯m sorry but here¡¯s the deal, we¡¯re a yuri around here! That means fake penises and nothing real, even if it was my old one. One guy explosion and I guarantee I¡¯ll roll over and go to sleep, not even wanting to hug the night away or anything like that. I also wasn¡¯t joking when I said this night was just for her, I can control my sex drive believe it or not! Just most of the time, I don¡¯t want to.


    ¡°You¡¯re clearly tired now and need some sleep Petra¡­ honestly, I¡¯m satisfied. Maybe someday, but you¡¯ll have to get me seriously drunk to even consider that. Besides, I¡¯ve got my fix for today¡±


    Maybe because we¡¯re both technically not dominant, we both don¡¯t feel the need to sometimes cum when we¡¯re the one in control? Eh, I don¡¯t know how it works except I could honestly use a good night sleep now, don¡¯t always need a good ol¡®fashioned Ikarus finale every time, right? The wife did that duty for tonight.


    ¡°Heh, then we¡¯re bringing out the dwarven alcohol tomorrow, right Ikarus?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m going to gag you in a minute, just let my ol¡¯guy form die in the past already¡­ jeez¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Heh, can we talk for a second Ikarus? Tonight was definitely¡­ different¡±


    Now chilling in bed all cuddled up together, funnily enough as a trio as Aesa seems to conveniently return just as we we¡¯re getting into nightwear and being finished with whatever sexy session that was, it¡¯s now time for that little after sex talk we do sometimes.


    ¡°Always¡­ you did enjoy it, right Petra? Personally, I¡¯m not using that whip again, that shit might be a little much¡±


    Main reason being is the pain. Even if Petra can somehow turn it into sexual frustration, it¡¯s just simply not my thing. Oh well, I can still spank her on asion if she wants it, the whip was too much though. Her arse is definitely still marked even now.


    ¡°Heh, everything was great, that included Ikarus. Just for future reference, if we do this again on the rare asions you take the lead, never be afraid to listen to Aesa¡¯s suggestions¡±


    ¡­


    That gets a deafening silence throughout the bedroom, even Aesa included. Why is it impossible to imagine I can thoroughly act-, no, be dominant once in a blue moon!?


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯ll have you know, I only asked for her advice once during that! It¡¯s not my fault you suit that outfit so well¡±


    ¡°Ikarus is right, Aesa¡¯s didn¡¯t even give any direct advice. All of that was on Ikarus¡¯s shoulders¡±


    That¡¯s gets an annoying but loveable squeeze out of the wife, she doesn¡¯t deserve Ikarus hugs right now¡­ even if my desire for intimacy outweighs any real annoyance.


    ¡°Anyways¡­ always knew you were a closet submissive as well Petra. Where you get the energy for all that teasing, I¡¯ll never know¡±


    ¡°Heh, never once denied it Ikarus, and¡­ as well? Are you finally admitting that your position is best suited for being under me? It¡¯s slightly unfair I haven¡¯t rested my legs on you yet, right? Want to get off the bed and right that wrong?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Whatever¡­ think we may need to get her in that belt more often Aesa, our wife is an idiot it seems¡­¡±

 Chapter 201 – Goodbyes

    Chapter 201 ¨C Goodbyes


    ¡°¡­ So, that¡¯s how things are going to be. If there¡¯s anything that needs to be said or asked, do it now. For all we know, this could be our final goodbyes¡±


    In our town hall, located at the grand table with me and Petra at the head of the table together, we¡¯ve just spoken to the ¡®elected¡¯ council so that everyone is now aware of the n to depart for the heavens. Wouldn¡¯t say the atmosphere is happy in here though, people do seem to like us staying for some unknown reason.


    Around said table, we have us lovebirds, the phoenix kids, Marcus the politician, Garry the gnome, the mine master Jaxon, guild leader Penelope and the two Gods thrown into the mix including Asmodeus and Dio. Well, four Gods if you now include me and the misses¡­ ah, Aesa as well, can¡¯t be forgetting the ex-clone turned into a fake phoenix. I still refuse to believe she¡¯s taken my species from me.


    The only people of real note we¡¯re missing from this is the empire couple and the parents, we did already exin a little to Charlotte and Nathan about things on that Zeki maid incident so it¡¯s kinda sorted¡­ that was a fun memory. It¡¯s a shame they aren¡¯t here but what can you do about it I suppose? Once this is done, just need to deal with the parents and we can be on our way.


    ¡°I¡¯m still a little confused on something Queen Ikarus. How long is this journey supposed to take?¡±


    What Marcus¡¯s asks is kinda rted on why we called for a goodbye meeting in the first ce. You see, once we enter the heavens, getting back down is apparently really difficult only working in certain times or conditions. Not exactly sure why I wouldn¡¯t be able to just simply teleport away but Asmodeus has made this clear it¡¯s not going to work. Once we arrive, we¡¯re not returning till Zeus is dealt with, like we¡¯re entering some weird ending sequence to a video game or something. Ah, there¡¯s also one other little thing that should probably be mentioned¡­


    (Dionysus) ¡°The timespan back at home is a little iffy to say the least. Some years, it flows in sync with thesends. Others, days down here can be equal to literal years, even decades up there. We¡¯ve never been able to figure it out so don¡¯t ask why¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, the young God is correct, the timespan up there is unreadable to most, only noticeable to a select few. Even I can¡¯t say how long we¡¯ll be up there for¡±


    To be fair, me and Petra already knew that but at least it gets Marcus off our backs, mainly being the cultists more than anything else. Even if we don¡¯t know how long it¡¯ll be, then they¡¯ll just have to shut up and stopining¡­ that sounds like a pipe dream.


    Anyways, most of the council is agreement, or at least seem reluctantly epting to the situation that¡¯s going to happen regardless. Sure, we¡¯re basically just figureheads most of the time, we do still help out on extremely important stuff¡­ like erm¡­ war? Yeah, we¡¯re the defenders of the Lesbos Inds, that works for me.


    Garry the gnome, or dwarf seems like he has something he needs to get off his bulky chest though¡­ it¡¯s still so unfair how he can be so ripped and muscr.


    ¡°I can¡¯t be the only person who thinks this is crazy. We all know the twosses are extremely powerful,parable to Gods no less, but isn¡¯t this insanity? Going into the heavens to take care of Zeus all mighty?¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, fair point dwarf, I can assure you it¡¯s not just the two lovebirds who will be taking the full wrath of Zeus¡¯s¡­ well, wrath. For the sake of sanity, and my own tastes, the intricate details of the n will have to wait¡±


    By the sounds of it, Asmodeus knows the exact future on how to bring down Zeus but it once again doing that showman bullshit of not sharing till it¡¯s absolutely necessary. Eh, at least this isn¡¯t another unknown future moment, he seems pretty confident that the fates have resumed back to usual. Which obviously means things won¡¯t go that smoothly because of course they won¡¯t.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve reminded me on something gno-, I mean Garry. Zeki, I¡¯ve gotten you a farewell present, thanks to him¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t include me in your decision-makingss, I¡¯m not getting med for this stupid concoction. If you¡¯re looking to me anyone else, me the scrawny guy since he got the materials ready¡­ didn¡¯t pay me enough to take on the red bird¡¯s furyss¡±


    (Jaxon) ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t you be throwing me under the forge gnome, I wanted no part of this as well¡­ I¡¯m still not even sure why I keep getting invited to these damn meetings¡±


    It¡¯s been a few days since we the first arrived in the settlement so I thought, who would best be suited for an enchanted clothing style of gift? Me, Petra and Aesa no longer need anything stat wise since we¡¯re maxed out already so Zeki would seem most suitable. The only other person would be Ariza but then again, she already has the backing from Loki and I think she¡¯d very much prefer this¡­


    Anyways, I chuck Zeki the wrapped up ¡®gift¡¯ and watching his face go from unsure curiosity to pure anger when he opens what¡¯s inside. There is something oddly satisfying seeing him get pissed off like that.


    ¡°Erk, what the fuck is this orangey!?! This is the type of shit the cow does!¡±


    ¡°Uh, you need to put that on right now Zeki! I¡¯ll even reduce your sentencing if you do!¡±


    Inside the package can only be describe best as a sailor¡¯s school uniform, perfectly shaped and styled for Zeki himself. Don¡¯t say I¡¯m not an artist sometimes, everyone can have quips of brilliance. This is masterpiece and he will wear it¡­


    ¡°You can look at this one or two ways kid. The first is the stupid way of refusing to wear it because of how it looks. The second is much simpler, your stats will be doubled! Even though I¡¯m not sure how that works with your MMO system, it¡¯s got to do something like that, right?¡±


    By the way, since I¡¯m a true evil genius, I made sure the gnome put some restrictions on it. Point being, if Zeki even tries toe to him to get the ego remodelled, it won¡¯t work without my say. Don¡¯t ask how it works, this is a secret between cksmiths and enchantments egos apparently. If I was feeling even more wicked, I could¡¯ve made it impossible to take off but that¡¯s way too harsh, definitely sounded tempting though. Cursed clothing apparently exists in this world folks!


    ¡°Heh, pure evil Ikarus¡­e on Zeki, you know deep down it¡¯s worth it¡±


    ¡­


    Instead of giving a scoff or an erk, Zeki knows this present is too much to turn down so sulkingly goes to change outside the meeting room, also mming the door in the process. Guess he¡¯s got to show some sort of anger even if that seemed forced.


    ¡°So¡­ is there anything else to discuss or are we just going to wait for his return?¡±


    ¡°Bite me orangey¡±


    Hearing that muffled but angry voiceing through the door, me and the misses both can¡¯t help but chuckle.


    While we¡¯re waiting, most of this council don¡¯t seem to care on his turmoil, but there are a few with very eager eyes. Obviously, us phoenixes are deeply interested, Penelope who¡¯s literally stroking a rock has eyes full of glee and Asmodeus also wants to witness his pain. It¡¯s a shame more people in this room don¡¯t wish for Zeki to suffer more and more gender rted shenanigans, he¡¯s literally perfect for it. Just because he was once upon a time female changes absolutely nothing!


    Eventuallying back inside, I knew this was perfect¡­


    (Ikarus) ¡°Petra¡­ this might be my masterpiece¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, agreed Ikarus. This was a very smart decision¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, it suits him so much! Do a twirl for us Zeki¡±


    (Penelope) ¡°You¡¯ve got toe visit the guild sometime and let me do your makeup Zeki! I¡¯ve got so much stuff you can try on as well!¡±


    (Garry) ¡°First a bikini, now this monstrosity. Why me and the wife ever left the kingdom for this strangeness is beyond me¡±


    (Jaxon) ¡°You were exiled because of your scamming gnome¡­ still don¡¯t know why I¡¯m even here¡±


    (Marcus) ¡°Normally, I¡¯d moan about us wasting time but this I¡¯ll allow¡­ it does seem to fit him too well¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, should¡¯ve gone for the cursed option sister. Would¡¯ve made his life even more miserable¡±


    ----------


    ---Same thing with horned Ikarus and the hoodie, liked two images so two again lol.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    I¡¯ve given him the perfect scenario here, be twice as powerful in exchange for his constant tsundere attitude. He¡¯ll have to get over it now or spend every waking minuteining¡­ which obviously means he¡¯ll do thetter. Oh well, we won¡¯t be here so it¡¯s fine!


    Ah, I also forget to mention the outfit can shapeshift a little. It doesn¡¯t matter if he¡¯s in girl, boy or even phoenix form, that stupid outfit will still fit him! Obviously not showing on bird though, this is why I don¡¯t show every thought or idea that flows through this unique bird brain, sometimes genius has to wait to be seen.


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, all of you can buzz off¡­ is this because of the ex being a girl thing orangey!?! Why the hell does this outfit suit me so much? I fucking hate it!¡±


    ¡­


    Even though he¡¯s clearly having conflicting emotions over this outfit making me happy inside, it¡¯s almost as if he¡¯s just said something huge without even realizing it¡­


    ¡°Erm¡­ you know what you just said kid, right? I thought you wanted that kept secret?¡±


    He¡¯s just tantlye out and said it! The thing that¡¯s supposed to be his deepest darkest secret.


    ¡°Erk, when did I ever say that orangey!? I just didn¡¯t want the cow to know yet, at least until I¡¯ve got some dirt on her. Thankfully, I think her sister may be onto something¡­ hell, I even told brother the day I thought you were going to ckmail me¡±


    ¡°Uh huh¡­ I wish you¡¯d let me see how you looked before though¡±


    ¡°Not happening brother, I¡¯m long past dealing with that sack of shit. Phoenixes are way better than fleshy human bodies¡±


    Well¡­ it turns out, Zeki¡¯s entire gender dysuria stuff was less of a big deal than first expected, was it? I¡¯m confused to hell now, thought it at least was ying on his mind a little but if he just happilyes out telling everyone, we¡¯re good, I think? Angry Zeki basically equals happy Zeki, right? This outfit thing waspletely unrted anyways.


    ¡°Ah, another thing kid. Make sure you don¡¯t skip your duties and keep wor-, helping with the tranting stuff. You¡¯re the only one who knows English, or American round here¡±


    ¡°Erk, forcing me to wear this crap and making me do vebor¡­ you really are pure evil orangey¡±


    ¡°Thank you kid¡­ I really mean it¡±


    Still smiling a grin as wide as that joking clown guy with the scar, I¡¯m really going to miss these stupid little interactions when we¡¯re going into the world beyond the clouds¡­ if it¡¯s even technically like that. You¡¯d think if it is, why not just fly there but duh, that would kill me¡­ flying too close to the run and all that¡­


    ¡°Since Aesa can tell this meeting is drawing to a close, something else needs to be mentioned. What is going to happen with the cultists around here? Won¡¯t they start burning the ce to the ground if queens are gone for too long?¡±


    ¡­


    Immense silence falls all across the room when Aesa brings up a serious topic all of us either wanted to avoid or just simply forgot about, this subject freaking sucks! Let¡¯s go back to the unprofessional shit!


    Marcus being the intelligent politician protagonist he is, seems to have a slight idea though¡­


    ¡°Honestly Aesa, I think we¡¯ll get away with it. For all appearances, having Queen Ikarus¡¯s twin sister here will hel-¡±


    ¡°Negative Marcus¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to do anything specific. Just on asio-¡±


    ¡°No Marcus, Aesa isn¡¯t going to be put on disy so no words will change Aesa¡¯s mind¡±


    ¡®Poor Aesa¡­ he¡¯ll find some way of bringing you onside, mark my words¡¯


    I¡¯m first reminded of how this whole queen situation started, apparently a few jokes were said by a few workers and Marcus in his infinite wisdom thought we could profit of this publicity. In a way, we have but not with our own people slowly bing stupider by the day. If they want to crown my system as Princess Aesa or something, then let them do as they please¡­


    [<If Ikarus seriously thinks Aesa is going to end up in a tiara worshipped by the cultists when her and wife return, you¡¯re deadly wrong Ikarus>]


    ¡®Ah, my young and na?ve system. You still don¡¯t realize, we¡¯re more simr than you realize¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­ Anyways, is there anything else next? That¡¯s an issue all you lovely people will get to solve so that¡¯s on you¡­ we¡¯re meeting the parents next so we should hurry it along now¡±


    Now having the robotic wife pouting at me for knowing how things will go when we¡¯re gone, this meeting should¡¯ve beening to close a while ago but Zeki being so perfect to mock always drags things out. Still though, I think we¡¯re done?


    ¡­


    No one else has anything to say so it¡¯s best to get going. First, there is a little something I¡¯ve been wanting to experience though, with no guilty conscience attached. This is going to be so sweet¡­


    __________


    ¡°Num num num¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re not trying to nibble me up there, right Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Hell no! I¡¯m just nuzzling into your back¡­ pay it no mind Petra¡±


    ¡°Heh, this might be a little unhealthy Ikarus. You shouldn¡¯t love me only for my feathers¡±


    ¡°Oi, says the bird who only keeps her eyes fixated on me¡­ don¡¯t think you can hide your Ikarus fetish¡±


    ¡°Heh, yeah yeah Ikarus¡­ just give me the heads up if you¡¯re going to start plucking and gulping them down¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not eating or swallowing your feathers, goddamn it woman! And I would never swallow¡­ or even¡­ forget it. Back to cuddling it is¡±


    Just before meeting the parents, there¡¯s something I¡¯ve really wanted to do for so long and knowing Petra no longer feels pain like this, I can snuggle up to her as much as I want. Despite my annoyance at her always trying to get me flustered and worked up, she will not ruin this fluffy moment!


    Gliding around and over the settlement, just a few rotations will be enough since I can¡¯t be making the parents wait forever, this is something I¡¯ve been wanting to get out my system for so long and you best bet I¡¯m going to relish this fluffy bed of feathers. Seriously though, I¡¯m hoping Petra fancies sleeping like this tonight because two birds cuddling up to each other all night long sounds so unbelievably cute!


    Even though the scars are gone which in someways made Petra¡¯s form even more unique, they¡¯ve been reced instead with a much more vibrant coat of ck feathers even softer than thest. We all know I like a little fluff time to time, this shit is so damnfortable though! It¡¯s a shame she doesn¡¯t get the same feather high I do because Petra is missing out on sooo much.


    ¡°Heh, sorry Ikarus but we¡¯re going to have tond now. Your parents, and everyone else has already seen me up here¡±


    ¡°Boo! Eh, whatever then¡­ let¡¯s get this over with¡±


    Now pouting knowing we have tond, Petrands us both safety to the ground while I climb out of the nest I¡¯ve burrowed my way into. Ahead of us is the park we visit on asion with two, or one very noticeable difference. Said person of note is the gigantic red dragon kids are trying to climb up and upon.


    Thankfully, mother is more than happy to allow it, even if the kids can¡¯t get any higher than the tops of her paws. The parents are a little more unsure watching on from a difference but everyone knows by now all the dragons we keep here are as safe as anything. As for father, he¡¯s sitting on a park bench in human form, obviously being a grumpy bastard. As if he¡¯d ever allow puny humans to climb on him¡­ irony being the fact he¡¯s happy for a little wyvern massaging on asion.


    <There you two are! Sorry little humans but you¡¯ll have to move now¡­ not under me or you¡¯ll end up squashed>


    (Random Kid) ¡°A¡­¡±


    ¡°There you are little one, what time do you call this?¡±


    Quickly jumping off to greet the parents and Petra changing form also, I can¡¯t help but get a little grumpy about father¡¯s grumpiness. It¡¯s not even like we knew the parents wereing today until they randomly turned up just before the council meeting was going to happen.


    ¡°Think it¡¯s midday ol¡¯lizard? Sarcasm aside, how¡¯s you two? Did you resolve that little argument fromst time?¡±


    ¡­


    Petra tries to hide the trademark facepalm but even I can¡¯t help but want to hide. Why the fuck did I ask that!? If your parents were arguing, don¡¯t bring it back upter on! It was obviously fixed and now I¡¯ve made it an issue again!


    ¡°As a matter of fact little one¡­ it was somewhat sorted. Fortunately for my sake¡­ and idiocy, I was gravely wrong on your mother¡¯s intentions¡±


    Father grumbles that idiocy part under his breath like he knows he shouldn¡¯t have questioned mother. You¡¯d think you would know that by now considering how many hundreds of years they¡¯ve spent together.


    <This is what is happening Ikarus, this isn¡¯t up for discussion like the time with dragon descendant and wanting to remain unseen. If you and Petra wish to enter the heavens and reshuffle the order of things, then we won¡¯t stop you. As a matter of fact, we¡¯ll help>


    ¡°What you mother is trying to say is that we¡­ we¡¯reing along whether you want us to or not¡±


    ¡®Wait¡­ the parents are saying they¡¯reing with us as well? I¡¯m¡­ not sure what to make of this¡¯


    The first time they offered to do this was when I first ended up cursed and needed a cure, they definitely weren¡¯t suitable for an operation requiring working with that empire at that time, right? This time, we¡¯re going up there for pure destruction and things won¡¯t be achieved unless Zeus is finished¡­ I can¡¯t think of a reason to say no. Seriously, I¡¯m trying to think of a reason but I can¡¯t! Privacy and intimacy reasons is not a reasonable excuse Ikarus, think of something¡­


    ¡°Erm¡­ we¡¯d love to have you along, it¡¯s just that¡­ erm, there¡¯s got to be something¡­ Minos! Yes, Minos! Who¡¯s going to take care of him? He¡¯s way too young to be left all alone down here in the big scary world¡±


    ¡°Heh, yed that terribly Ikarus. Really couldn¡¯t hide it any better?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you start Petra¡­ seriously, think of Minos you two¡±


    Giving my wife the eyeroll for outing me, I can¡¯t help it but know this is the type of situation not suitable for double couples! I now know what my parents get up to in the spare time and I¡¯d rather them not know we do the exact same type of crap! Us two are weird enough and dragons are notoriously known for being the strangest creatures around.


    ¡°Already sorted little one, the silent one is more than happy to babysit him, she even offered much to our surprise. Your mother¡¯s father will check in on asion as well as a few other dragons. As for littlest one himself, he¡¯s already suitable enough to survive alone already if it was absolutely necessary¡±


    <Your father is right; we wouldn¡¯t be leaving Minos if we didn¡¯t know he was in safe hands. There is no discussion to be made here Ikarus, this isn¡¯t negotiable. We¡¯ve already sorted things out with the others regarding our disappearances as well so we¡¯re set>


    ¡®How and why the hell did Mute even offer? Did she use¡­ puppets or something? Still can¡¯t get that stupid thought out my head, even know I¡¯m still getting distracted¡¯


    Well¡­ travelling with the parents with no say if I want it or not, fuck if this isn¡¯t going to be awkward, then I don¡¯t know what is! Eh, I guess travelling with Asmodeus isn¡¯t that weird¡­ even if it is. Just my parents, Petra¡¯s dad we still, dislike and us lovebirds, doubt the party can get any stranger from here on out!


    ¡°Eh, guess I¡¯ll just have to reluctantly agree then¡­ we better still get the odd private moment though¡±


    If my parents seriously think they can babysit us and that includes stopping us screwing, then they¡¯re deadly wrong. We¡¯ll sneak out in the middle of the night if we don¡¯t get enough privacy¡­ should probably be only focusing on Zeus but sex is just as important! Can¡¯t fight on an empty stomach or restless loins apparently.


    ¡°Good little one, thank you for being somewhat reasonable¡­ his scent is still around here dear, it lingers like a burning vige¡±


    Fatherpletely changing the topic like I have any idea what he¡¯s referring to. This isn¡¯t early signs of some illness or dementia, right? Mind wondering when it shouldn¡¯t be¡­


    ¡°What the hell is he on about? You¡¯re not having a stroke or something, right father?¡±


    <Oh, don¡¯t mind him Ikarus. Your father thinks that demon lord you were travelling with was his old brother>


    ¡­


    Oh shit, that word¡­ brother. That¡¯s fucked up right? Right!?!


    Before even asking to confirm, I look towards Petra who has her normal usual smile, this should be a big deal wifey! I really, really¡­ really hope this isn¡¯t what I¡¯m thinking of. We¡¯ve had a moment like this with Zeki and Ariza before, not with us! Fucking karma man¡­


    ¡°D-Did you just say b-brother?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ the term brother is used loosely little one. We weren¡¯t hatched together nor came from even remotely simr dragons, more a brotherly bond that dissipated? Regardless, his soul always carries that ugly stench¡±


    <They were blood brothers at some point Ikarus and fought together before they inevitably drifted apart¡­ or was it because he died? With your father, probably a mixture of both>


    ¡°No darling, the old idiot Dignorak just got himself killed this time around. That was the main problem, one of the biggest causes of dragon rted deaths is chasing tail after all¡±


    <Ahem Dermakvar¡­ careful what you say next>


    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ just be quiet dear¡±


    If it isn¡¯t obvious yet, I¡¯ve just let out a big phew because of the serious incest scare we nearly just had. Sure, a lot of ces don¡¯t view cousins as taboo, pretty sure this world even allows it since nobles like pure bloodlines and all, but still! Thank fuck me and Petra aren¡¯t actually rted, even though dragon egg hybrid DNA.


    That would definitely put a sour taste in the mouth considering our love transcends any bullshit plot twist like that. If I could still like her, even with a third leg, you best know things would¡¯ve gone awkward to hell¡­ should probably tell father his nose most likely isn¡¯t lying though.


    ¡°Well father, Asmodeus was once a dragon so you might be onto something there. Dignorak sounds he weird, even for a dragon name though¡­ at least we know what he used to be called now¡±


    ¡°Heh, think he¡¯ll want to know it Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a name so I doubt it holds any meaning Petra¡­ we¡¯ll still tell him regardless¡±


    While me and Petra are discussing what to give to the know it all, father seems oddly happy and proud about something while his partner, the gigantically huge dragon mother stands tall over the little human. This looks like one of those moments he¡¯s about to do or say something smack worthy considering he also looks a little smug.


    ¡°Ha! Told you dear, sometimes you should just trust in my nose a little more. It¡¯s always been the best out of us both¡±


    <Why are you oddly happy about this Dermakvar? Last thing I remembered; you hated his guts?>


    ¡°True darling, but being right about something outweighs any annoyance¡±


    <Even a clock is right twice a day Dermakvar. Being right once in a hundred years shouldn¡¯t be something to get giddy about>


    ¡°Right is still right dear¡­ anyways, we¡¯re definitelying along if you¡¯re still travelling with that cretin little one. No offense to you dark one. but your father is a real dick¡±


    This can¡¯t help but put me in a facepalm this time around. Father has once called Petra¡¯s mother a bitch, now her father a dick. Just because it¡¯s true doesn¡¯t make it any less inappropriate!


    ¡°Heh, pretty much spot on. You really see to dislike everyone, don¡¯t you Dermak?¡±


    ¡°You really have no idea dark one¡­¡±


    __________


    ---And so, volume 5 is now over! Sorry for the inconsistencies in upload rate this volume around, this story is getting pretty hard toplete, I¡¯m slowly getting there though. Just, making 200+ chapters worth of Ikarus really starts to drain the sanity¡­ (It¡¯s fine though, she¡¯ll just flip the bird at me in response¡­ heh.)


    ---The interval gap for thest volume will probably be several weeks, was a little stuck and need to catch back up to the Patreon releases. Also need to add a quick thank you for sticking with this story for so long, thest volume is going to end uppleted even if it kills me. Let''s hope it doesn''te to that lol.


    ---The AI art chapter is already updated for this vol but I won''t bother moving it about till the interval is out. The amount of new characters that will get AI next time out is honestly astonishing (And pretty credit consuming as well lol).

 Interval (Vol 5)

    Interval (Vol 5)


    ---Officially, thest one of these. Like usual, there¡¯s not much to it unless you want a reminder of ability type stuff, the updated map post self-destruction is here as well though.


    ---Also, the AI art chapter should be updated when this releases. Probably won¡¯t be needed just yet but it¡¯s there regardless.


    ---


    ---Overall map (Funnily enough, I¡¯m yet to name the actual entirendmass. Maybe there¡¯s some pun I can find like with Lesbos...)


    __________


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    __________


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 166,666/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 50001 unassigned points]


    ---Primary: Excalibur (Magic beam effect, random magical block)


    ---Secondary: Vampiric de (Sharpness)


    ---Clothing: Probably something hoodie w/skirt rted


    ---Ring: Ring (Storage) + wedding band


    ---Sub-System Abilities---


    __________


    ---Volume 1---


    contract killer - 10% killed humanoid lvl (Ignores -user- lvl)


    <span style="text-decoration:line-through">sacrificialmb - 5000 distribution points exchange for ability draw (1/20)


    subspace (Enchanted ring) - Storage space size of phoenix form (4 tonnes)


    frost walker - 50% frost magic resistance (Water magic counts)


    undead fiend ¨C Invisibility (Cannot use attacks, 24h cooldown)


    <em>aspect of gigantomachy (</em><span style="color:#993366">Upgraded<em>)</em> ¨C 100,000 damage hit (negates most resistances), adds a body modifier (24h)


    ---Volume 2---


    <span style="text-decoration:line-through">kallikantzaros killer ¨C 25% damage to ALL goblin type creatures (Orcs count)


    blessing of Typhon ¨C 10% damage to ALL monster type creatures (Listed under stat page)


    dungeon blessed ¨C Automatic curse removal (24h, can also use on others)


    eye of wisdom ¨C Can detect when someone is lying or not (No drawbacks but in constant use)


    ---<em>Sacrificial Lamb</em>---


    star ze ¨C Small sun envelops (Size of small building, 5 minutes, 24h)


    human descent ¨C Human form change (Form has feathers and retractable wings)


    ---Volume 3---


    ---<em>Sacrificial Lamb</em>---


    doubled potential ¨C Doubled stats for 10 minutes (24h, DOESN¡¯T stack with enchanted clothing)


    supernova ¨C Creates a TINY fraction of what an actual supernova can do (24h, can use percentages of it, 0% EXP)


    atomic hellfire ¨C Basically a literal nuke (24H, a lot smaller than modern nukes, 0% EXP)


    meteor shower ¨C Rains down meteors for 15 minutes (24H, 0% EXP)


    second chance ¨C Revive any person/creature dead for under 60 minutes (1 Year cooldown, no double uses on target)


    personal domain ¨C Creatable small realm inside -user¡¯s- head (60 Minutes inside equal 1 minute outside)


    magma walker ¨C Walkablevake for phoenixes (Lava hardening depends on temperature, 24h)


    plot protection ¨C Allows -user-plete immunity to damage for 5 minutes (24h)


    burning hellfire ¨C Simr to atomic hellfire except no crater, firests much longer and burns everything away (24h)


    doppelganger ¨C Allows user to create a second Ikarus (No cooldown time but clone is extremely limited)


    ---Other---


    immortality ¨C Stops ageing permanently (Drawback could be living longer than wanted)


    ---Volume 4---


    ---<em>Sacrificial Lamb</em>---


    winged brethren ¨C Can change into ANY winged creature


    sun kiss ¨C Piercing God rays that shoot down from the heavens for 5 minutes (24h)


    raining napalm ¨C Napalm type airstrike attack falls from the skies (24h)


    <em>admin privileges (</em><span style="color:#993366">Upgraded<em>)</em> ¨C Can teleport to any previous location encountered, other worlds included (5s)


    ---Other---


    lovers embrace ¨C EXP can be unlocked from sexual encounters


    goblin superiority ¨C 10% damage multiplier for other members of species


    ---Volume 5---


    ---<em>Sacrificial Lamb</em>---


    friendly fire ¨C ALL abilities now can detect whether intent towards a friend or foe is hostile or not


    phoenix rebirth ¨C Rebirth from a pile of ashes (500y)


    furnace leveller ¨C Burns away targets level (lower than user) andpletely resets it (24h)


    self-sacrifice ¨C Lowers targets HP to 1 but also user¡¯s (1w)

 Interval – AI Art

    Interval ¨C AI Art


    ---Everyone of these are new with a different style and basically everyone has AI now. Some of it isn''t perfect but hey, I think they look much better this way. Petra''s new design is pretty dope, especially clothing wise.


    ---In an attempt to not flood this chapter with AI, I''m not adding everything seen throughout the story just yet (Like certain outfits/costumes that appear in a dungeon or two) since this is more of a recap. You can find everything just by reading normally.


    --- (<span style="color:#ff0000"><strong>NEW</strong>) = Seen in current volume.


    __________


    <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Lovebird Collection</strong>


    Spoiler


    <strong>Default Ikarus & Petra</strong> (Now looking like the true sidekick/protagonist partnership they are)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Ikarus x Petra Kiss </strong>(AI sucks with multiple hairstyles so this is the best I can do with slight editing)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Ikarus x Petra Cuddle</strong>(Too much cuteness...)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Ikarus x Petra Cuddle 2 </strong>(Cuteness overload!)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Ikarus x Petra Lingerie</strong>(Cuteness levels somewhat stabilized. If you''ve seen this one before, then you''re part of the cultured lot around here...)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Ikarus x Petra Kimonos</strong>(For casual use around the Lesbos Inds, also good for goingmando but Ikarus doesn''t care)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Ikarus x Petra Bridal (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (Tis a big spoiler but let''s be real, they were always going to do it eventually...)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Ikarus x Petra Christmas</strong>(Technically non-canon and was posted a while ago but who the hell cares?)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Aesa</strong> (About to find some way to moan at -user- probably, get thrown in here because she is part Ikarus after all)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    [copse]


    __________


    <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Phoenix & Fam Collection</strong>


    Spoiler


    <strong>Zeki</strong> (Before and after, one is very obviously MUCH better)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Ariza</strong> (The first is AFTER the potion. Ikarus did say she''s small. The second image is because Halloween Ariza is cute)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Zeki + Ariza (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (Literally no other reason than I wanted more phoenix sibling love... not in that way!)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Ria & Leah</strong>(Zeki''s dryad sidehoe and her tree hugger sister)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Kellearzar & Dermakvar</strong> (Thes could be bigger but the edgelord looks perfect)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Minos</strong> (Tad girly looking but it''s Minos so cuter is better!)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    [copse]


    __________


    <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Residents Collection</strong>


    Spoiler


    <strong>Penelope</strong> (ck Lolita version of Miss Genderbender)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Garry</strong> (The gnome is looking buff as fuck! Ignore the fingers, he''s mutated, alright?)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Marcus</strong> (About to handle the most deadliest of problems... ounting!)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Jaxon</strong> (Could do with being a tiny bit more scrawny, actually way more)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Geld </strong>(The Adventurers guild representative for the inds and serving a particrly demonic bastard)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Eve </strong>(That little voice in Petra''s ear giving her ideas on how to ''love'' Ikarus properly)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Mute </strong>(I''m dying on this grave, Mute is definitely a puppeteer and I have no idea why)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Ol''cksmith</strong><strong></strong>(Remember the rude dickhead who helped start up the mine? No? Erm... well he''s here anyway!)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    [copse]


    __________


    <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Friends Collection</strong>


    Spoiler


    <strong>Charlotte & Nathan</strong> (She''s repenting for her sins & he''s posing for something)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Denver</strong> (This one is pretty spot on for the kid jarl)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Desmond & Esmerelda</strong> (Presumably after having a fun day messing with the knight, then being lectured by the wife)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Jekyll</strong> (This is the least looking Geralt picture of him I could get)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Melinda </strong>(Not really a friend, but Petra did use to bed the blood starved vampire after all)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    [copse]


    __________


    <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Others Collection</strong>


    Spoiler


    <strong>Dara </strong>(The leader who gave that huge info dump about the world and have no idea if she''ll appear again)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Wyvern Prince & King</strong>(Basically Ariza''s future husband and his airship owning father)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Brooklyn (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong>(If you know, ya know. Ikarus very much hates this person)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Connor (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (Ikaru-, I mean Brookyn''s brother. Famously known for smelling like ganja)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Pearl (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (Under the sea... is a ce where I''ll get sued to oblivion. No talking crabs here I''m afraid)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    [copse]


    __________


    <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Heavenly Beings</strong><strong> (<span style="color:#ff00ff">Underworld Collection)</strong>


    Spoiler


    <strong>Charon</strong>(Ikarus''s best friend when ites to boating... his good eye is leaking again)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Fury Sisters --Alecto, Megaera & Tisiphone--</strong>(The professional one, thezy one and the idiotic one)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Persephone & Hades</strong>(The Goddess of the Underworld alongside her loveable man child of the Underworld)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Cerberus</strong>(Unfortunately, this author sucks at drawing so 3 AI pups is what you get)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    [copse]


    <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Heavenly Beings</strong><strong> (<span style="color:#f99">Demonic Collection</strong><strong>)</strong>


    Spoiler


    <strong>Asmodeus</strong> (Ignore the missing finger, maybe he got hungry or something)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Satan (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (You won''t like me when I get mad... should''ve made him green or something)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Mammon (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (Dang son... I''m not a degenerate, I swear! Some of my best friends are perverts....)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Beelzebub (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (Okay, I kinda regret making this one in all honesty)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Leviathan (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (Not all of these I can be witty for. This guy in particr is poorly written)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Lucifer (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (I''ve been expecting you, Mr Bon-... Or, sharks with frickinser beams attached to their frickin heads)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    [copse]


    <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Heavenly Beings</strong><strong> (<span style="color:#0096ff">Olympus Collection</strong><strong>)</strong>


    Spoiler


    <strong>Zeus</strong> (Presumably, Zeus is paranoid about a stomach ache right now)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Dionysus</strong> (The outfit is feminine, but feel like it fits well for the God)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Athena</strong><strong></strong>(Looks slightly like Petra so Ikarus should be in heaven if Gods and Goddess were cool)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Ares</strong>(Pretty certain this guy and Zeki are more alike than it seems...)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    [copse]


    <span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Heavenly Beings</strong><strong> (<span style="color:#00ff00">Ragnar?k Collection)</strong>


    Spoiler


    <strong>Odin (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (What happened to his eye? Pink eye... that''s what totally happened)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Thor (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (Think he just dropped his hammer on his foot)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <strong>Loki (<span style="color:#ff0000">NEW)</strong> (Why must Loki look like this you ask? Eh, someone has to be the gender bending God)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    [copse]


    __________


    ---Have I forgotten anyone who''s had an actual role or is currently alive? More will be added for newer characters and you''ll be able to see some other outfits iing as well! (One of which I''m worried might not be allowed on this site)


    ---Do me a favour and like this chapter please, this will be the first andst time I ever ask you to favourite a chapter. If all this AI doesn''t deserve a heart, then do it for Ikarus rather than me lol.

 Chapter 202 – Eternal Friendship

    Chapter 202 ¨C Eternal Friendship


    ---Wee back! It¡¯s finally time for thest season and hopefully you¡¯ll find what I¡¯ve made interesting enough, thanks for being patient as well. This volume in particr will have a lot of new characters introduced, pretty much all with AI so it¡¯s time to get into the heavenly side of things. Let''s see if I can give thisst volume justice...


    __________


    (Persephone) ¡°*Cough cough*¡­ remind me again why we always do this when we meet up?¡±


    (Kellearzar) ¡°No idea Persephone¡­ just the men wanting to be manly I suppose¡±


    (Dermakvar) ¡°Hmph, cigars before a meal is tradition, was it not? You can never break tradition¡­ even if these do more way harm than good¡±


    (Hades) ¡°Bah, lighten updies. This is a one off so who cares about a little treat every now and then?¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, you Olympians and your need for ¡®medication¡¯. These things are pure poison¡­ the taste can never be beaten though¡±


    (Dionysus) ¡°Would¡¯ve been better if you had some decent alcohol alongside it, this works well enough though¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, you want a cigar Ikarus? It might make you feel more manly¡±


    ¡­


    (Ikarus) ¡°Nah¡­ you¡¯re so annoying at times. Not really into the idea of cancer sticks really¡±


    ----------


    ---In case appearances have been forgotten. I¡¯d rmend keeping the AI page saved/favourited because it¡¯s all there neatly sorted. I¡¯d rather avoid having to keep posting the same images over and over again if possible.


    ----------


    Having bid our farewells to the settlement, nearly getting forcibly stopped by the cultists and teleporting before they even had a chance to grab us, minus the parts I¡¯m exaggerating on, we¡¯re now back in the Underworld at the house of Hades


    Located at a grand golden dining table with a reddish table mat on top, we¡¯re sharing a meal between my dragon parents, Petra¡¯s abusive father, the two hosting Gods of the Underworld themselves, and good ol¡¯alcoholic Dionysus. Could I have excluded certain parts of that exnation? Yes. Do I care, hell nah¡­


    Why we¡¯re even feasting, or waiting to feast is a question even I¡¯m notpletely sure on, mainly down tock of attention span really. Living like we¡¯re in Victorian London with all the pollution, or cigar smoke in this room is more distracting than you can imagine.


    ¡°Remind me again why we¡¯re doing this¡­ honestly thought we¡¯d be in the heavens by now¡±


    ¡°The Gods of the dead have already told you little one, it takes some time to power up the portal. Personally, I¡¯m in agreement with you on wanting to get things moving along quickly, there¡¯s nothing we can do but wait unfortunately¡±


    Ah yes, the secret backdoor entrance to the heavens we¡¯re apparently going to use. Had a quick chat with Asmodeus on the way here and he said the usual way for mortals ascending to the heavens involves dying funnily enough, that only really applies to demi Gods or Gods inheriting a body like with Hephaestus though. For us since we¡¯re already considered heavenly, we just need to use a backdoor.


    ¡°Allints yet you seem to be enjoying the moment enough Dermakvar. Try aiming somece other than my face please¡­ burning down cities should be enough smoke for a lifetime¡±


    ¡°Yes dear¡­ sorry dear¡±


    By the sounds of it, mother and father were always on good terms with these two Gods so this is a case of tradition, I think? The entire dining hall is filled with cigar smoke originating from the four guys wanting to make their lungs a smoky grey. Think Petra was unsure whether to have one or not but seeing me have no interest in this might have also killed her appeal.


    Hey, she can smoke if she wants to be one of the ¡®guys¡¯, I just won¡¯t kiss her until she brushes her teeth at least. Seriously though, growing up with a pothead, there¡¯s a legitimate reason why I don¡¯t like this sorta thing¡­ that kissing part sounds sus¡­


    Of course, I didn¡¯t kiss my own brother idiots! I just never liked that burning taste you get from smoking a fag¡­ and no, I¡¯m not allowing that word to be Americanized. I speakmoner British lingo, it¡¯s a pack of fag¡¯s bruv, init? Cigarette just sounds like something a posh snob would say¡­ I¡¯m clearly joking but still. Can¡¯t say or even think about things nowadays¡­


    As we¡¯re waiting the evening away discussing fuck knows what else, the fabled three fury sisters wander into the hall, all equipped with chef hats and looking to serve. Well, only professional Alecto really, Tisiphone is ring towards me while Megaera looks half awake.


    (Alecto) ¡°Today¡¯s serving will be Peking duck, roasted in a honey like ze, served with various kinds of vegetables¡±


    (Tisiphone) ¡°If you don¡¯t want that, reckon we¡¯ve got some sd around here somewhere¡­ freaking hate that bird who killed Lenard¡±


    (Megara) ¡°*Yawnnn*¡­ need to bring out more wine as well whiel we¡¯re at it¡±


    ¡®Huh, guess they provide the meals for the Gods around here as well. Bet this is only going to get stranger now¡­ called it¡¯


    Like I just predicted the inevitable, I swear I see the fury sister Megaera giving Dionysus a quick wink beforezily heading off. Last I heard, I thought she was sleeping with Hades¡¯s son, guess she can multitask lovers?


    Oh, I really don¡¯t care about all this crap, this honestly feels like we¡¯re the kids at this freaking table! I guess we technically are the youngest, even if Petra is over six hundred, but still!


    Thankfully, my divided attention starts to focus a bit more when Persephone and Hades at the head of the table realize something else must get brought to attention.


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s actually a good reminder. Since me and my husband aren¡¯t allowed in Olympus itself, we¡¯ll have to get the Erinyes sisters to guide you up there. It can be slightly overwhelming to first timers¡±


    ¡°Bah, don¡¯t ask the reason why we can¡¯t help you more just yet¡­ especially you girly. Don¡¯t think I didn¡¯t see your head tilt like that¡±


    ¡®Hey! Why is Hades targeting me? My head doesn¡¯t tilt when I¡¯m curious¡­ or does it? Have I idently picked that up off Mute or something?¡¯


    ¡°Heh, you can¡¯t just leave it like that, Ikarus isn¡¯t the only one who wants to know. There¡¯s got to be a good reason why you¡¯re not allowed up there, God and Goddess of the dead¡±


    Love my gant wifeing in to defend my honour, or curiosity. Looks like I can act smug when I don¡¯t even need to ask more about Greek myth and lore¡­ I¡¯m such a freaking nerd on this. Screw Hades for prematurely calling me out like that though!


    ¡°Bah¡­ it¡¯s not that interesting really. Justes down to how things were split in the beginning, and how I was screwed over by those traitors¡±


    ¡°Zeus got thend, Poseidon the sea and my adorable but angry husband got the dead. It just so happens; thend of the dead was less of a physical ce and more of an idea, locked within this dungeon¡±


    ¡°This is why you can never trust those two-faced bastards with anything! They got everything worthwhile¡­ *Huff*. At least we¡¯ve turned this ce into something a little more hospitable I suppose. Weren¡¯t so long ago the pits of Tartarus spewed into every neck and cranny of this dungeon, you should¡¯ve seen the state Elysium was in¡±


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for my husband¡¯s soft touch, that flowery paradise would¡¯ve been left to ruin. That world really was the best wedding gift I could have imagined¡±


    ¡°Bah¡­ it was nothing really¡±


    Ah, so I guess the myths trante pretty well to this world, at least the one regarding how things were split up after the titans were defeated. A single dungeonpared to an entire world or the vast oceans would piss anyone off, although I still don¡¯t think this ce counts as a regr dungeon. Oh well, trust family and this is what can happen¡­ my dragon family and wife can probably be trusted though.


    I¡¯m purposely choosing to ignore the slight blush that¡¯s appeared on Hades¡¯s face though. Tsundereness infects this world like a gue so I¡¯m getting numb to it by this point.


    Anyways, after a little more time, the furies return with several bottles of wine and food hidden away under them metallic bowls that you might see at a fancy restaurant. Itadakimasu and all that¡­


    __________


    ¡°*BURPPP*¡­ oops. I forget that goes right through me¡±


    ¡°Dermakvar! Really?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s perfectly fine Kell, you¡¯re not the only one living with an animal who doesn¡¯t know how to eat properly¡±


    ¡°Never once forced you to remain down here, my dear Persephone. Officially at least, those idiots on Olympus have no idea about anything really¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Been way too long since I¡¯ve had a delicacy like this¡±


    ¡®Erm¡­ am I missing something here?¡¯


    ¡°Heh, you enjoy your food Ikarus? I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen you leave something before¡±


    ¡°Eh, not that hungry really¡­ I¡¯m more concerned on what they pass off as duck¡±


    Having just finished the meal and getting a load of father being inappropriate belching as loud as a ship horn, we¡¯re now waiting on desert while I¡¯m the only one to leave food on my te. Don¡¯t get me wrong, it wasn¡¯t terrible, I¡¯ve had duck before but this ain¡¯t duck. It looks the same, smells the same, damn well tastes like something resembling meat, but something in that was off putting. Either that¡¯s some mystery meat I¡¯ve never had before or, the idiot fury sister added something a little extra to mine¡­


    Ah, Dionysus has already snuck away from the table in search of a little rest, apparently. It¡¯s obvious to me he¡¯s just looking for a little fury booty, I know the gleam that shines in someone¡¯s eye all too well. Petra being the prime example.


    ¡°I believe I¡¯m yet to ask, what have you two dragons been up to anyways?¡±


    ¡°Just the same as usual Persephone. Dermak has been getting older but thankfully, his libido is starting to die down in his older years¡±


    ¡®Perfect dinner table talk; I know mother is referring to his cheating and all but still¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯re forgetting something important dear, the fact that demon once held glorious wings like us both¡±


    ¡°Heh, you seem pretty adamant despite the fact I remember nothing of it, elder dragon¡±


    ¡°My nose never lies demon lord; you can never truly be rid of your scales, whether you want to or not¡±


    Right, we also told Asmodeus about the fact his name was once apparently Dignorak and he was friends to my father, not that it got much of a reaction or was worth showing though. Don¡¯t think he believes it or even cares really; his entire persona is knowing the future and oracle love, so best just leave him to himself at times. I guess if you can barely remember your time before bing a demon lord, it might seem like it¡¯s not your history. I¡¯m lucky I got no amnesia and only stupid sensitive horns from my change.


    Unfortunately, the way I was hoping the conversation would leadpletely backfires when Persephone gets a sly look on her face, bestparable to the sexy but annoying piece of arse alongside me. That¡¯s devious and sinister¡­


    ¡°Say, me and Hades have never had any problems with things like that. You are making sure to keep things fresh and spicy in the bedroom, right?¡±


    ¡®I really, really don¡¯t want to be listening to this right now¡¯


    ¡°Bah, we¡¯re really having this conversation right now?¡±


    ¡°Of course, my loveable husband. Even dragons in their older years need a spark to keep igniting that fire. Even if that takes a third party, it¡¯s best to keep the blood regrly flowing¡±


    Both of my parents look at her slightly confounded, then father reluctantly decides now¡¯s the time to continue this conversation full of pure intelligence. I think it might finally be time for me to curl up and die.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ we¡¯ve tried what the humans do a few times but it doesn¡¯t make much difference. One of them was that prisoners receive, that thing called bond-¡±


    ¡°Lahhh! For the love of the Gods¡­¡±


    I¡¯m now at my breaking point and I can¡¯t just sit still listening to this filth! I swear Persephone is purposely doing this to me, considering the grin she has now directed aiming right at my face!


    ¡°¡­Seriously folks, can you just not? Any topic in the entire world we could talk about, and it has to be this!¡±


    ¡°Hehe, feeling a little left out youngling? You can always share what you two get up to in your free time if you want. I see theck of innocence behind those cute yet devilish eyes¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®This freaking God is outing me to the family! Wait¡­ we¡¯ve done nothing wrong; I think? Thatpliment felt conflicting as hell as well¡¯


    It doesn¡¯t help Petra¡¯s trying not tough from this idiotic situation, thankfully she¡¯s not joining in because we all know exactly what the wife is like. Any moment to make me fluster is fair game.


    ¡°Just rx little one, she¡¯s only toying with you. You¡¯ll find most Gods have nothing better to do then discuss stupid matters like this¡±


    ¡°Yes Ikarus. If you think me and your father are bad when ites to this type of thing, you really have no idea. What do you think Gods of the dead do when their work is over?¡±


    ¡°Bah, you act as if we spend all day organizing the dead, then spending all the nights locked in intimate snuggles!¡±


    ¡°Settle down husband, that¡¯s pretty much what we do. Snuggling is a very tame way of putting it though¡±


    Now sulking while finding out, or already knowing all Gods are annoying, Persephone still can¡¯t help herself but continue on with this grown up talk. At least, it¡¯s less directed towards me now.


    ¡°Say, we could always ¡®discuss¡¯ other things somewhere a little more private if the younglings aren¡¯t so interested? It¡¯s been a lifetime since all four of us werest together¡±


    ¡®Why does she say discuss like that? Seriously, that sounded iffy¡­¡¯


    In response to Persephone¡¯s somewhat yful question and reflection, both my parents look at each other with an unsureness about themselves. Then, that quickly turns into something more resembling curiosity.


    (Kellearzar) ¡°I guess that would be okay¡­ we haven¡¯t met with each other in a very long time¡±


    (Dermakvar) ¡°Hmph¡­ as long as guess I don¡¯t end stuck with you know who¡±


    ¡°Bah, I¡¯m in agreement with you ancient dragon. That thought isn¡¯t attractive for either of us¡±


    While I¡¯m questioning what the hell is going on, the two couples get up and leave, heading for the bedroom regions of this Underworld pce.


    What the fuck? Why not just get us to leave if they really need to have a conversation about sexual stuff? It¡¯s there pce after all.


    ¡°Petra¡­ you have any idea what¡¯s going on here?¡±


    ¡°Not sure Ikarus¡­ think I have an idea but you might not like it¡±


    ¡°Heh, you are surprisingly na?ve all things considered sister. Your parents and those Gods have been best of friends for the longest of times, not beyond the realms of possibility for there to be intimacy between them¡±


    Wait¡­ is this like that swinging thing where two couples¡­ mother is actually into that!?! Father¡¯s always been a cheat but¡­ you know what, I¡¯m not even going to think about this. I need a strong drink and something to put my mind of this, freaking horny dragons man!


    ¡°Heh, seeing that we¡¯re alone Ikar-¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Heh, why cut me off so abruptly Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know your mind Petra. Ah, my parents are off humping so it¡¯s only fair we got do the same, right?¡±


    That¡¯s what this is, right? Petra¡¯s libidoes and goes when it chooses and just hearing the fact that someone else might be getting some makes her jealous. I know how that hamster running in a wheel insider her brain works.


    ¡°Heh¡­ was going to suggest heading to the kitchen and getting dessert Ikarus. If you¡¯re desperate though, I guess we can change the n. We¡¯ve already been offered a room for tonight since the portal will take that long¡±


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ I¡¯m such a freaking idiot¡¯


    Turns out, she only had a sweet tooth so this was my own mind wondering for a change¡­ now that I¡¯ve idently brought it up, I kinda want to do something now¡­


    I only wish this situation hadn¡¯te about finding my parents aren¡¯t as exclusive as I first thought, I guess it doesn¡¯t matter that much though. We¡¯re a little different when ites to this sorta thing¡­ even if we¡¯re flexible enough for Aesa.


    By the looks and sounds of it though, Asmodeus can¡¯t help but find this situation funny. He always ends up being a third wheel and this time, both me and Petra seem to forget he was here for a second.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny? You seem to know everything else so me and Petra going off to hump can¡¯t be that funny¡±


    ¡®Trademark facepalm from the wifeing out, at least I was purposely going for it this time around¡¯


    ¡°Heh, true sister, that¡¯s not what¡¯s funny though. It¡¯s just that you¡¯re so obvious at times¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m obvious?¡±


    ¡°Heh, yes sister, obvious. I¡¯ll let you interpret that how you want¡±


    Okay, I think this is Asmodeus¡¯s way of calling me simple. If that¡¯s the case, then fuck you! It¡¯s still not going to spoil the mood though¡­ even if the mood is questionable to hell¡­

 Chapter 202.5 – Institutionalized (18+)

    Chapter 202.5 ¨C Institutionalized (18+)


    ¡°So then Petra, how are we gonn-, mhm¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Before even fully arriving at the guest room we¡¯ve been given down in the Underworld, Petra can¡¯t help herself initiating the kissing before we even get the door fully closed. That one felt a little forced but hey, everyone knows by this point I like an unexpected kiss.


    Quickly as possible like a sh, we¡¯re already stripping down all the while locked in constant smooches. You¡¯d think that would slow us down but practice makes perfect I suppose.


    Anyways, the interior of this room is reminding me a little of that love hotel we once stayed in, minus theck of windows and bondage equipment¡­ although, there are decorative chains around the ce, I think they¡¯re decorative? Regardless, the theme is mostly red and ck, and seems pretty cosy all things considered. No one really cares about the bed we¡¯re about to mess up though.


    It doesn¡¯t long for both of us to get our clothespletely off while still making out, something very quickly changes when I feel Petra lightly grab a hold of my wrists, cing them behind my back.


    ¡°Wha¡­ g-guessing you want to be in control today Petra?¡±


    My wife just casually bringing around a pair out handcuffs for tactical use as well snapping them across my wrists. If the glove fits as the expression goes, might as well¡­


    ¡°Heh, was thinking more roley if you wanted Ikarus. First, might be for the best if I do this quickly though¡±


    Now both in the nude, Petra heads back to the closed door, ces up a quick barrier on said door, then gets onto the bed as yfully as she can. Think the main reason she¡¯s done that is too soundproof the ce, makes sense considering how I like to loudly moan. It¡¯s either that or so I can¡¯t get away¡­ that fact that turns me on really says a lot about me, huh.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ heh, I¡¯m not actually sure what we should do today Ikarus. You have any ideas?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°*Grumble*¡­ seriously Petra? You get me ready like this, and you don¡¯t even know how to continue!?!¡±


    I¡¯m literally still standing here with my arms cuffed behind my back with her seductively looking me up and down, and she doesn¡¯t know how to continue? I¡¯d say it¡¯s ruined the mood but it obviously hasn¡¯t. Get on with it woman and be the domme!


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t always have something in mind Ikarus, normally just go with the flow. Although¡­ I guess the cuffs set the mood already¡­ prisoner! Present yourself for inspection!¡±


    Despite trying her best to sound strict and demanding, I honestly can¡¯t help but crack a smile when Petra abruptlyes out with that. Guess we¡¯re going for a little prisoner-prison guard roley today, wouldn¡¯t say I particr find the idea hot but we¡¯ll definitely put our own little spin on it.


    ¡°Yes guard¡­ I¡¯ll get around to it when I can be bothered¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re that kind of sassy prisoner, ain¡¯t cha? Don¡¯t think I¡¯ll allow such tardiness around here¡±


    Getting proper hands on and taking me back in an instant, Petra swiftly closes the distance between us and wraps herself around my nakedness, basically forcing a strict hug while behind me. I¡¯m still trying not tough from how quickly shees up with this stuff¡­ her warms hands caressing my body definitely gets my motor up and running though.


    ¡°Now prisoner, you better not be hiding or trying to smuggle any contraband within your person. If you are, you better admit to it now¡±


    ¡°No ma¡¯am¡­ there¡¯s definitely nothing hidden between my legs and breasts, no no no¡±


    ¡°ying smart with me dumbass? Heh, you wanting a beating?¡±


    Both of us clearly are struggling to contain a smile with whatever this makeshift roley is. This is so unbelievable cringe and I¡¯m all for it.


    Thankfully, the warden or prison guard does decide to frisk me up and down, making sure to pat down every limb and body part, eventually even getting down to my most intimate parts.


    Two fingers find their way inside, obviously looking for any drugs or weapons, only to finds a wetness that only continues to grow.


    ¡°My my, you dare attempt to smuggle liquids in here prisoner? What else are you keeping secret from me?¡±


    ¡®Has this turned into the TSA or something now? Smuggling liquids¡­ urgh¡­¡¯


    Using both hands, Petra stats to rub the top of my clit with one and continues the frisking deep insider with the other, very quickly taming this bad convict. Fuckkk¡­ I already want to cum, that¡¯s obviously not going to happen just yet though.


    ¡°Aww¡­¡±


    ¡°Rx prisoner, I¡¯m still not done with the search just yet. Let¡¯s just hope you¡¯re not smuggling any liquid like milk as well¡±


    Her hands go much higher up, reaching a point where two pierced piercings hang from. There¡¯s no creative way of describing this I can think of, I freaking love being groped and this is no different to usual, the asional circling actions around my nipples is making this even better though.


    ¡®Urghhh¡­ keep it in Ikarus, the warden might punish me if I don¡¯t¡¯


    The arousal is rapidly building again, thebinations of being forcibly groped with Petra¡¯s breasts against my arms and back, even being this close to her is causing the sensation to be enhanced.


    More as a distraction, I¡¯m honestly trying to give Petra some satisfaction as well, but with my hands still cuffed and locked between us like this, I can¡¯t really reach where I¡¯m trying to get to. Think the frisking may also be slightly distracting as well.


    ¡°Urgh¡­ d-damn it¡±


    One of her hands starts to light grip my demonic horn, sending more waves of pleasure to exactly where you might expect, despite the freaking thing being on my head. Don¡¯t get me wrong, it¡¯s the good kind of pleasure, just way too stimting, even for me at times.


    Then, she removes the other hand, cupped against my breasts up to my other horn, lightly beginning to stroke that as well. The physical shakes start to show their fangs as I know I¡¯m going to cum soon, I seriously can¡¯t do this if this how the roley is going to go¡­


    ¡°P-Petra¡­ p-please¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that too much Ikarus? You seem to be positively glowing though¡±


    Already lightly starting to pant from what can best be described as two of the most sensitive points imaginable, even worse than how nipples can get at times, these horns really are a different level. Think back to the time on the sybian, we¡¯re talking about an orgasm in world record time here.


    ¡°N-No, it¡¯s good, just I¡¯ve g-got no resistance to that. I¡¯ll cum once and be done with it¡±


    That¡¯s seriously just how sensitive they are, I could imagine I¡¯ll want to be done after just one big finish. Insane how I could literally get off just from two things at the top of my head, but I¡¯m odd so it fits perfectly.


    ¡°Heh, guess you¡¯re pretty well trained then prisoner, was going to let you finish there¡­¡±


    ¡®Fuck, she wasn¡¯t nning for another edging?¡¯


    ¡°¡­ Since you¡¯re clearly hiding something valuable though, it¡¯s obvious you¡¯re in need of a little torture. It¡¯s the only way you¡¯ll spill the beans¡±


    ¡°And how do you n on doing that then¡­ warden scum!?¡±


    Nearly blurting outughing while saying that, I can¡¯t imagine Petra¡¯s torturing will be anything too bad. I¡¯m pretty much certain on what she¡¯s going to say next¡­


    ¡°Heh, why, with pleasure of course. You won¡¯t have any secrets left when I¡¯m done with you¡±


    ¡®Called it¡­ hmm¡­ I¡¯m not exactly sure what she wants me to do here though¡¯


    The roley leads up to a point where Petra unexpectedly ces her knee between my legs, somewhat giving me a weird seat to lean upon while she¡¯s still behind my back. Sure, I could try to hump or grind against it, that¡¯s probably what this is, but it seems he dopey though.


    Regardless, I give Petra¡¯s knee a try, aiming myself in the perfect position, albeit awkwardly, and start grinding. Honestly, this sorta sucks¡­


    It literally just feels like friction and nothing of the fun kind, is this what scissoring or dry humping is supposed to roughly feel like? Maybe the fact it¡¯s a knee doesn¡¯t help.


    ¡°Petra¡­ this is a bit shitty if I¡¯m being honesty. It¡¯s doing nothing¡±


    ¡°Heh, sorry Ikarus. It¡¯s normally better if you¡¯ve got silky underwear on, so may have forgotten that part¡­¡±


    ¡®Ah, it¡¯s just a consequence of ourck of preparation for this and me liking to gomando as much as I can¡¯


    ¡°I guess¡­ I can just return to searching your breasts again prisoner? If I find anything this time around, I promise you¡¯ll regret it even more¡±


    ¡®Hmm¡­ I feel like she¡¯s struggling with how to follow this up now¡¯


    Don¡¯t get me wrong, Petra¡¯s obviously still the better one out of us two when ites to this thing, I feel like she¡¯s be a little unstuck and the little back and forth we just had going along was more bark than bite. Maybe I can give her a hand this time around¡­


    ¡°Eh, can¡¯t I just get you off already Petr-, I mean, warden? This prisoner obviously has been bad and the only way to gain favour again, could be by using my tongue?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Instead of getting a response, I¡¯m sure she shows a slight amount of surprise which quickly turns into a smile¡­ even though I can¡¯t see her face, I know my wife better than anyone really.


    Taking the hint, Petra starts to get me on my knees but first, making sure I¡¯m right next to one of the bed posts¡­ hmm, guess my suggestion has sparked another in my pervert wife¡¯s brain. We really are perfect for each other.


    With the turning of an appearing key and one of my wristsing free, Petra wraps it behind the bed post, and locks it back onto my wrist. Then, to add onto the scene despite being a little unnecessary, Petra gets something else out of storage¡­


    ¡°Heh, gotta make sure you don¡¯t escape my clutches¡­ criminal scum¡±


    ¡°*Grumble*¡­ it¡¯s not like you even know what that¡¯s from¡­ *grumble*¡±


    ¡®And of course, Petra freaking carries around leg shackles as well¡­ huh, guess it¡¯s pretty creative though¡¯


    Shackling one leg, and then putting it behind the bed post and then fixing the other like with the handcuffs, I¡¯mpletely stuck on my knees in this position attached to the post. It¡¯s surprisingly ufortable all things considered, especially with the wooden flooring, I¡¯m not too fussed on that right now though. I don¡¯t expect to befortable.


    ¡°Heh, prisoner! You will use your tongue and you will spill your secrets, somewhere deep and dark. Now, get ready because you may struggle to breathe if you don¡¯t get that tongue wagging¡±


    ¡°Hmph, you¡¯ll never break me, vile vix-, mhgh!¡±


    Not even giving me a chance to hold up some resistance, Petra forwards herself onto my face, basically using me as a crotch pillow. I must resist this corrupt copper and not be a snitch!


    Of course, my resistance onlyst a few seconds when the ever so subtle taste and scent starts to cloud my judgement, I¡¯m not giving her much to go off though! Nice, boring and slow, impossible to get over that hurdle and cum¡­


    ¡°Heh, I warn you convict, I have my ways to make your tongue wag. You¡¯ll spill those secrets long before I decide to start restricting your breath¡±


    ¡®I¡¯d like to see you tr-, damn it¡­¡¯


    ¡°Mghmm!¡±


    While I¡¯m obviously not doing enough to get her off, Petra the corrupt warden decides to start gripping my horns, actually making me try and shake her off a little. If you want me to get you off, this isn¡¯t the way to go about it, I can¡¯t multitask when one of those actions is probably going to make me cum!


    Picking up my rhythm or just simple using a better sucking technique, Petra lets off with the rubbing a little allowing me to focus a bit more. Never thought there would be a day I purposely turn down the chance for stimtion but thispletely ruins the dynamic if I¡¯m the one getting off!


    ¡°Aaaa¡­ I-Ikarus¡­ little shit¡±


    Continuing the licking, Petra¡¯s starts to rock a little, giving me the idea to stop when she gets slightly away from me, only to find her start jacking off my horns rapidly, exactly like what you might do to a guy. It seriously is like I¡¯ve got a third and fourth limb on my head with what she¡¯s doing.


    ¡®Fuckkk¡­ you evil lovely woman!¡¯


    Knowing I can¡¯t best my captor, I give up and decide to return to the good at cunnilingus Ikarus Petra knows and loves. It¡¯s over now, my secrets are hers, she wins¡­


    The rocking on my face starts to pick up again and I use this sign to get my tongue in, even deeper making sure she gets what she wants. Being used like this really is causing more wetness than I¡¯d like to admit, even if this restrained position is starting to take its toll. My back and knees and starting to hurt like a bitch now.


    Regardless, Petra¡¯s right at the edge of glory so any second now, the warden will finish her duty¡­


    ¡°I-Ikarus¡­¡±


    And how she¡¯s been recently since regaining her sight and losing the pain, Petra¡¯s orgasm shakes the life out of her, giving my neck a good workout in the process too. I freaking love a good violent orgasm, but I¡¯m not exactly sure if I¡¯m should continue right now, considering how she is basically using my face to keep herself upright. She might fall over if I keep this up.


    ¡°P-Phew¡­ good little prisoner, looks like you did your duty to the letter¡±


    Kneeling down alongside me, the post orgasm face and Petra dopey smile always makes me warm inside¡­ ignore the aching Ikarus, I just want to freaking cum now.


    ¡°Mhmm¡­ knees h-hurting but really don¡¯t care, can I have a little something next?¡±


    ¡°Heh, is that demand or request prisoner? It matters little¡­ guess a reward is in order for a job well done¡±


    cing both soft hands upon my chest, we both know where this going and I¡¯m all for it now. I don¡¯t need anything else, this will get me off quick enough,


    The massaging starts quickly, already causing my eyes to roll back into my head. Ever since I got my nipples pierced, everything around this area just feels so much better. Her palms lightly rubbing against my nipples as well is just making this groping even better.


    ¡®Wha¡­ g-good, she¡¯s not stopping¡¯


    Oddly enough, Petra let¡¯s go of one breast, only to find her mouth up against the piercing, even giving a slight lick and suck to said nipple. One hand on one breast, her mouth on the other and the other hand wanders down to enter a ce almost dripping from anticipation down below. This is freaking amazing¡­


    The orgasm begins to rapidly build up after the ever so subtle pulling of the piercing from her tongue, and honestly expecting Petra to return to her edging ways, said expectation doesn¡¯t happen when things still continue to build¡­


    ¡°Urgh¡­ urgh, urgh! F-Fuckkk¡­¡±


    Shaking out of mind still attached to the bed post, I swear the force of my cuming causes the bed to move, could be my imagination. Sure, this time around we didn¡¯t go extremely into the overwhelming abyss, that was definitely worth the unorthodox setup though.


    ¡°*Huff*¡­ gosh¡­ I f-freaking love you Petra¡­ can you help me out now? My knees are really starting to y up¡±


    You¡¯ll be surprised you can nk out something ufortable when someone¡¯s got their hands and mouth right where the money is made. I jest but my legs are really starting to ache now, I¡¯ll remain here if she wants to continue a little while longer though.


    ¡°Heh, sure Ikarus, love you too¡­ we done for tonight then?¡±


    While in the process of unshackling me, I have a little think but the post nut rity and the aching can sometimes start to cloud the mind. Women get that too¡­ I think?


    ¡°Define the word done Petra. I may be okay for now but, for all I know, I might start trying to hump your leg in my sleep next¡±


    Both having a little chuckle, that humping thing really could¡¯ve spoiled the mood if we let it. With a silky pair of underwear, it could probably work but that goes against my goingmando philosophy. It¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t worn lingerie once in a blue moon though.


    ¡°You remember doing that Ikarus? Heh, and nope, might be difficult to do being the little spoon and all¡±


    ¡®Guess she wants to hug into me tonigh-, hang on¡­¡¯


    ¡°Sorry¡­ what? When did I hump you in my sleep? That¡¯s definitely a joke, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    No response except Petra trying to hold backughter and also having eyes clearly that were just telling the truth. Even in my unconscious like state, I still can¡¯t help but simp hard for her. I need to be a man and grow a pair! Minus the being manly and growing a pair part¡­


    ¡®Eh¡­ happy wife, happy life I guess. I swear I¡¯m more the wife at times though¡­¡¯

 Chapter 203 – Olympus

    Chapter 203 ¨C Olympus


    (Hades) ¡°Here¡¯s the deal phoenixes, once you get up there, trust no one who doesn¡¯t show visible hatred towards Zeus. Even just the slightest amount of hesitation when ites to showing disgust, they are not to be trusted¡±


    (Persephone) ¡°Lighten up, my adorable husband. Not everyone up there is against us, most might even join in arms if the possibility of his demise seems feasible enough¡±


    (Dermakvar) ¡°Hmph, actually agree with the God of the dead on this. It¡¯s for the best if we trust no one, especially if they ever lived or breathed in Olympus¡±


    (Kellearzar) ¡°You really are a walking contradiction at times Dermakvar¡±


    (Dionysus) ¡°Even though I don¡¯t really live up there anymore, I can see why you might not like us Olympians, Dermakvar¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, heed it no mind young God. He seems to dislike everyone equally, excluding family of course. Truly a dragon who knows how equality works¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°You know¡­ I¡¯m really starting to feel like we¡¯re the odd ones out in this group now Petra¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, see what you mean Ikarus. We would be the youngest by a significant margin¡±


    ¡®And here I thought I could never rte even more to my six-hundred-year-old wife¡­ we¡¯ve somehow turned into the awkward kids of the group¡¯


    The grand hall of the house of Hades, the ce we¡¯ve already been to once before, filled with all kinds of paintings and relics, also holding the portal to the heavens right ahead of us. I¡¯m pretty excited all things considered.


    At the very end of the hall sits the ckened run-down portal, covered head to toe in shrubbery with the slightest reflection gleaming from the now powered up portal itself. All portals in this world seem to share that same type of mirror effect, just this one in particr looks like it¡¯s been through some serious wear and tear.


    (Ikarus) ¡°So then, shall we get a move on? Unless there¡¯s anything else that needs to be addressed¡±


    ¡­


    Both the rulers of the Underworld hold their tongues and the group we¡¯re travelling with all nod in agreement, including the furies as they¡¯ll be acting as our guides.


    It¡¯s definitely time to do this! Might as well hype myself up a tad, this is the fablednd of the Gods that keeps getting brought up. Eh, already know I¡¯ll only disappoint myself but fuck it, the Underworld was kinda cool so it might be alright.


    Just before we step into the abyss, two things that might be best to mention. The first is that Petra¡¯s hand seems to wanders to a ce it probably shouldn¡¯t right now, she really does pick her moments for such a stupid action, just leave my arse alone goddamn it! The second is that Asmodeus seems to pick up on this and whispers something to us as we¡¯re literally entering the mirror like reflection of the portal.


    ¡°By the way dark one, you need to put more energy into your barriers if you want to stop sound going though¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry¡­ what did you just say Asmodeus?¡±


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t worry about it sister. My room definitely wasn¡¯t next to yoursst night and I didn¡¯t hear a peep, honest!¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®What the fuck!? He freaking heard what we di-¡­¡¯


    And just like that, us lovebirds, my parents and Petra¡¯s father, the furies and Dionysus, all enter the heavens¡­


    __________


    ¡°Erm¡­ is this it? The mighty heavens, meant to be the pinnacle of the Olympian civilization and culture, and this is it? I swear this ce looks like a respawn location for an MMO or something¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, be careful Ikarus, you¡¯ll turn into Zeki saying things like that¡±


    (Dermak) ¡°Patience little one, there¡¯s a lot more to this irritating ce than just this¡­ no idea what you¡¯reparing it to but you make it sound bad¡±


    (Kell) ¡°It¡¯s been centuries since west paid a visit up here¡­ to be frank, me and your father still don¡¯t see the appeal Ikarus. Things always change but the aura of the ce always remains the same¡±


    (Dio) ¡°To be fair, you do have to search around a bit to find anything worth doing. Boredom runs rampant in this ce so you end up spending most of the time searching for fun activities rather than actually doing anything¡±


    ¡®What good ol¡¯Dio says is basically what happens when you try to mod a game, at least from my experience¡¯


    (Asmo) ¡°Heh, what the young God says is correct. Trying to find a good orgy is like trying to find a needle in a haystack¡­ when I was into that sort of thing of course¡±


    Spaced out in a gigantic rounded za arriving alongside everyone else, I¡¯m getting the vibes we¡¯re about to be trapped inside a death game VRMMO or something. The ce just has that hub or started location look and feel to it.


    Even the citizens of this ce, or the countless Gods and Goddess roam around like aimless NPCs. The slight ze and glow everything and everyone seems to have, us included definitely doesn¡¯t help the tone.


    It¡¯s definitely not what I was expecting, was thinking it would be more like walking on clouds in a daytime abyss, where a Greek building or temple might show it¡¯s face every now and then. I¡¯m pretty certain the ce we¡¯ve arrived is the centre of a marketce.


    It¡¯s slightly hard to tell past these stalls because marble buildings and thick fog make looking any further impossible. It¡¯s like we¡¯re working with terrible render distance right now¡­ this is seriously the best way I can describe how weird this ce feels.


    The people around here as well, most of which dress in fancy robes, togas and shawls. White seems to be the main colour of choice, pretty much all have that godly look you might expect. Not true for everyone as some dress in armours or furs, or even just modern-ish clothing, just the majority seem to be like that.


    When you have a God for anything you can imagine, seeing this many people roaming about isn¡¯t exactly that surprising. I mean, there was a literal God for sewage and turds, I¡¯m not making it up.


    (Alecto) ¡°Where we are right now is the centre of Olympus, the agora where everything is built around¡±


    (Tisiphone) ¡°Yes! You can find so much crap here, even used to buy hydra treats when Lenard was still with us¡±


    (Megaera) ¡°*Yawnnn*¡­ will you just let up about that already Tisiphone? Everyone¡¯s bored already¡±


    Eventually, the fury sisters step forward to give us a tour of this ce, directing us forward but it¡¯s obvious only the professional Alecto seems to care about what she¡¯s doing. Tisiphone still freaking hates my guts for killing that weird creature down in Tartarus and Megara looks half asleep like usual.


    Heading through this part of the market, the stalls gradually start changing more into tables, like you might find in a casino but have way more going on inside them. Imagine a disy table with ss walls keeping whatever that is inside¡­ are those bits of broli? Gross¡­


    ¡°Huh¡­ anyone know who those travellers are?¡±


    ¡°No way in Zeus¡¯s name¡­ we must have new Gods up here!? When is thest time something like this happened?¡±


    ¡°A time long enough that we¡¯ve all forgotten¡­ think only one of them is technically an Olympian though. That¡¯s uninteresting¡±


    For just a few moments while I¡¯m getting awfully curious on the disys, nearly all the Gods in the area look towards us. Then a secondter, poof, not a care in the world. All of them return to going about their business, not forming a crowd or anything like that, actually making me happy for a change.


    We all know exactly what would¡¯ve happened if these onlookers just so happened to be citizens of our inds¡­ are we really sticking with the name Lesbos? Eh, not the time for this right now.


    ¡°Anyways¡­ what are these things all around the ce? The tables, they¡¯re freaking weird really¡­ thought it was broli but they¡¯re actually little trees¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the entertainment up here little one. Pesky Gods wanting to rey parts of their younger years, or just simply wanting to act out ys. It leads to stupid disys like this¡±


    ¡°Think it had something to do with the space up here being limited, so they had to make do with what they can, right Dionysus?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that sounds about right Kellearzar. Why have the need for a world with huge space when you can just ce one world inside another? All the instances and scenarios are like that around here. Unfortunately, most involve battle so partying and drinking till you¡¯re passed out in a ditch really isn¡¯t the norm¡±


    When both parents and Dio loosely exin what we¡¯re seeing, I obviously can¡¯t help myself and go up to one of the little tables pushing in through the crowd, only to find it looks like a tiny model set of arge forest, all with several fingernail sized soldiers fighting it out on a burning battlefield. This is he strange, oddly getting the urge to poke them, pretty sure the table is covered in a magical barrier of sorts. No squishing tiny Gods today it seems, booo¡­


    I swear I once watched a movie with this concept, or multiples ones with the idea of making yourself smaller like this. Guessing you can easily reshape yourself again but don¡¯t care enough to ask. Looking at some other ones, the scale appears to be even smaller, maybe even ant sized so the worlds can obviously be prettyrge¡­ huh, think that one has Olympic athletes doing things like the games thate around every four years or so. Neat.


    Anyways, distractions now aside, we continue to follow the furies when I still can¡¯t help but continue on with something else. Hey, it¡¯s a weird world and I¡¯m a weird but curious phoenix¡­ or demon lord now apparently.


    ¡®Hey Aesa¡­ is teleportation actually stopped up here or not? You haven¡¯t said anything about just yet¡¯


    Honestly, I¡¯ve been missing speaking to Aesa so this is partially an excuse just for a quick convo. Do also want to know but that robotic voice echoing around in my bird sized brain really can be rxing at times¡­ I¡¯m so freaking weird.


    [<Teleportation isn¡¯t switched off Ikarus, just locked to that current world in particr. Unsure if it would apply to those other ones, Aesa assumes it might>]


    ¡®Thanks Aesa¡­ you know, it¡¯s pretty weird how we can evenmunicate considering the time span is supposed to be unreadable. Right now, couldn¡¯t days be passing while you¡¯re talking to me like this?¡¯


    There¡¯s no point even asking Petra this right now, she would¡¯ve said already if she could tell but I do raise a decent point. The timespan up here is supposed to be wildly inconsistentpared to back down in the human world.


    [<You¡¯re getting sidetracked Ikarus with pointless things, my consciousness is still linked to yours so best not think about it too much>]


    ¡®Right right Aesa¡­¡¯


    Getting back into the moment, I¡¯ve just realized our party of nine has reduced to eight. Who could be missing? Everyone¡¯s favourite third wheel of course!


    ¡°¡­Huh, anyone know where the hell has Asmodeus has gone?¡±


    ¡­


    Heh, everyone else looks around as confused as me when all of us have failed to realize Petra¡¯s father has wandered off. Normally, I¡¯d be all for it but we kinda need him, especially up here. These fury sisters and this tour doesn¡¯t exactly seem to be going anywhere, swear we¡¯re just walking in circles now¡­


    ¡°You know, what are you even supposed to be showing us anyways? You three have visited this ce before, right?¡±


    (Alecto) ¡°My apologies orange phoenix but the God and Goddess of the Underworld didn¡¯t make it clear what exactly they wanted us to show you. Presumably, they guessed we¡¯d just guide you to the answer?¡±


    (Tisiphone) ¡°It ain¡¯t that sister! Of course, the masters would know the way forward, right? Hopefully it involves getting revenge on the person who killed Lenard¡±


    (Megaera) ¡°Honestly, we¡¯ve never gotten any further than the marketce before returning home, let alone out of sight of the za so I¡¯m not sure where we¡¯re supposed to bring you now¡±


    ¡®Talk about mimunication much, we¡¯ve basically been gifted guides that don¡¯t even know how to guide!¡¯


    I was hoping Hades and Persephone wouldn¡¯t be useless as much as the other Gods we¡¯vee across, pretty na?ve of me thinking like that. Eh, maybe these three idiots just wanted to impress so they volunteered for a job they really shouldn¡¯t have. Might even be better if we just dump them off now.


    As much as I¡¯m normally the one to show visible annoyance when ites toining, everyone else also seems to be a little frustrated from the situation we¡¯ve ended up in. Our main goal is to try and defeat Zeus and the guy who was basically acting as our prophet leaves us with guides who cannot guide, in a world that seems more like a gimmick than somewhere you¡¯d want to live. This is a perfect time toin, right?


    ¡°Young God, any idea how we can go about this now? You¡¯ve spent the most time up here out of us all¡±


    Thankfully, father is able to power through his annoyance¡­ he basically is annoyed twenty-four seven anyways.


    ¡°Our best bet would be to try and find people of a simr mind to us, only problem is that might be impossible. Look around, how many people seem to be in uproar over what¡¯s going on?¡±


    As much as Dio says that, there definitely appears to be some odd feeling of resentment lingering in this ce, even just the look of distaste sticks on the odd Gods face. Although I¡¯ve never experienced it, maybe it¡¯sparable to how dictatorships run states? The entire poption may put on a brave face but deep down, that feeling of being oppressed can never fully leave. No idea how Zeus is able to go about doing that when I haven¡¯t the foggiest where he is right now¡­ could be me just overly specting like usual. I need some content to work off right now!


    ¡°Hang on, wasn¡¯t this ce supposed to be in civil war though? By the sounds of it, this entire world was supposed to be in constant war?¡±


    ¡°We are Ikarus, it¡¯s just that anyone brazen enough to attack like a madmen would¡¯ve ended up in chains or punished already, at least if they were to go about doing that in the agora. No, we need to find the actual rebellion before doing anything of real note¡±


    ¡®He says that as if we don¡¯t have the literal dragon of end times travelling with us. Mother really is a beast, even in human form like so¡¯


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, anyone have any ideas for now, or are we going just going to keep walking in circles?¡±


    ¡°Guess we¡­ could try a bar? A lot of myths and legends normally start that way¡±


    Don¡¯t get me wrong, we all know Dio is probably an alcoholic and this is clearly him trying to be subtle, this idea does seem like the only thing we can go off right now though. The fury sisters are practically useless and already look like they desperately want to leave, maybe they have agoraphobia or something when outside the Underworld? Heh, that was a stupid unintentional pun.


    Regardless, they¡¯re useless right now, might prove useful for some cannon fodder down the line but dead weight for now. Eh, it¡¯s a bit harsh but we really can¡¯t be carrying anyone with how things are going to go. Calm before the storm and all that.


    ¡®Looks like we¡¯re heading to a bar. Huh, maybe I¡¯ll finally get to try what this ambrosia crap is like¡­¡¯


    __________


    Eventually, wee across a tavern of sorts, now as a party of five when a strange encounter hits us in the face, or more specifically bumping right into my chest and face...


    ¡°Oops, sorry for tha-¡­ well, isn¡¯t this just delightful¡­¡±

 Chapter 204 – Angelic

    Chapter 204 ¨C Angelic


    ¡°¡­Oi, foul creature of darkness and disgust, I¡¯m going to have to cleanse myself in heavenly light to get your stench off me¡±


    ¡°Pay it no attention brother, this pile of dung isn¡¯t worth our time, we¡¯ve got ces to be¡±


    ¡°Urgh, you¡¯re not the one to bump into it though brother¡­ feel vited knowing I¡¯ve breathed the same air as that¡­ thing¡±


    As soon as we step into the packed-out tavern, wee across two angels, full of disgust and looking at me like I¡¯m a piece of trash. Both of which look much younger than they probably should look and have that handsome pop idol kinda vibe that only money can buy apparently.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®Eh, expected some angelic hatred, maybe not this fast¡­ should probably try and calm the other half though¡¯


    It doesn¡¯t take much to understand Petra is really wanting to decapitate both of these annoying bastards right now. Normally, I¡¯d bepletely for it, shouldn¡¯t we try and remain on the down low, at least for the time being? Not sure if Zeus even knows we¡¯ve arrived up here yet and hearing of two angels losing their heads might give away our arrival¡­ probably should¡¯ve gone through the marketce a little stealthier thinking about it. Even just some hooded robes would¡¯ve done the trick.


    Thankfully, my slight shake of the head towards the wife gets through so she¡¯s able to hold back¡­ only by keeping her de sheaved though.


    ¡°Heh¡­ would rmend you choose your words very carefully in future. Right now, the only thing keeping you breathing is my wife¡¯s merciful nature¡±


    ¡®Merciful nature? That sounded sarcastic¡­ she really needs to cool it though¡¯


    (Brown) ¡°You¡¯re married to that thing!? What self-respecting God would decide to marry a creature that sinister!?¡±


    (Blonde) ¡°Clearly her soul has been tainted brother, must be as foul and ugly as the demon itself¡±


    ¡­


    Within a spilt second, my calm andposed naturepletely fucks off when they decide to call Petra foul and ugly. Sure, you could¡¯ve continued to berate me, imed I¡¯m spawn of the devil or even been homophobic, but these fuckers have now crossed a line that shall never be crossed. No one calls my sexy but annoying wife ugly!


    Thankfully, neither of the dragons nor Dio decide to hold me back so this unfiltered rage is getting released one way or another. It just so happens, this rage manifests itself in an aimless kick that strikes with full power without an ounce ofpassion¡­


    ¡°Arghhh!¡±


    ¡°What th-¡­¡±


    Reacting to my moment of weakness, Petra takes this as a sign to do want she wants, so an angelic head flies across the room as the guy I¡¯ve just neutered also drops to the ground. Maybe that was overkill but don¡¯t be insulting the wife, damn it!


    Erm¡­ I think both of them might be dead now, my guy is probably passed out but a little part of him is definitely dead. Eh, guess he doesn¡¯t have to worry about ever paying child support now.


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ we probably shouldn¡¯t have done that, right? Not sure if I can live with myself knowing what I¡¯ve just done¡±


    ¡°Heh, they had iting Ikarus¡­ nice work showing off that ¡®merciful nature¡¯ of yours. Couldn¡¯t have done it better myself¡±


    ¡®Don¡¯t praise me for destroying a guy¡¯s thing Petra! Huff¡­ me her for my moment of weakness. Think I feel more guilty about this than I ever would nuking an city¡¯


    (Dermakvar) ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it so much little one. The likelihood is, we were never going to remain anonymous for too long¡±


    (Dionysus) ¡°Also, take a quick look around Ikarus, nobody seems to care. Demons and angels fighting is basically the norm around here¡±


    To be fair, Dio has a decent point. No one around this full tavern even cares about the rolling head and nuts crushing that just urred. Angels must be irritating even to the majority of Gods, or this just happens so frequently this isn¡¯t a big deal.


    Without any warning though, the headless body starts to fade into nothingness, while an onlooker begins to sarcastically apuse that disy. Didn¡¯t think ady of the night would be interested in witnessing something like that but, the horns on her head might say otherwise.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®Huh, is this woman a demon or something? I think they might be fake though, why would anyone want fake horns?¡¯


    ¡°My my, what are the chances of this!?! I should¡¯ve chosen you as my champion if were into that sort of thing orange phoenix! That kick was inspirational, he¡¯ll be feeling that a generation from now!¡±


    ¡®Urgh, feel even guiltier now¡­ is this supposed to the one and only Loki then?¡¯


    Despite not actually knowing what he or she looks like, I¡¯ve definitely heard that voice once before,ing from a crystal ball a very long time ago. Not particrly sure why the horns and the revealing red dress, whatever floats his boat, I guess? The nut crushing thing definitely gives him away though.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Wait¡­ you just said something about that guy reviving?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ you haven¡¯t been told about that little thing just yet? Buy me a ss of wine and I¡¯ll spill everything¡±


    (Dio) ¡°Get me something as well if you¡¯re buying Ikarus¡­¡±


    Looking around to my party, Petra gives me a nod and it looks like both the parents want a quick trickle as well but are conflicted about asking.


    Still remember the days where mother first hated the idea of me drinking but that idea flies out of the window when I saw how much dragons can damage their livers. Barely remember that night, do remember a slight tree burning incident though because the fucker flirter with my girl!


    ¡®Huh, guess I can finally give that fabled ambrosia a try today. Doubt it¡¯ll be anything like that sweet stuff back on Earth, might as well have a ss¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°So¡­ let me get this straight, no one can die up here? How the hell does that even work?¡±


    Having just bought us all drinks, we¡¯ve all grabbed a seat at the counter and are drinking whatever it is we¡¯ve all bought. Sure, the only alcohol this ce sells is mead, ambrosia and wine, I¡¯ve never been one for being picky though. I am picky on the prices though; it was a freaking gold coin PER drink! Being up here too long will bankrupt me if this is what the intion is like around here. Meal as well cost an arm and a leg.


    Anyway, this ambrosiaes in bottles, has a gold like tint and colouring to it, has a slight sweetness simr to honey, the thickness of a badly blended smoothie and packs a punch you really couldn¡¯t imagine. It¡¯s really peculiar, especially the fact you can taste it¡¯s been fermented¡­ definitely an odd delicacy that sounds disgusting. It¡¯s definitely drinkable, or chewable at times though.


    (Dio) ¡°That¡¯s not how itpletely works Ikarus, although you¡¯re mostly on cue¡±


    (Loki) ¡°Yup, old friend Dio speaks the truth, the way it works is pretty simple really. Technically, no God, demi God, or angel is allowed to die up here, but there are exceptions, mostly if the grumpy guy Zeus deems it so. Demons in particr, your race never agreed to the terms so there¡¯s no death truce¡±


    Most of what Loki said can be ignored if you couldn¡¯t give a rat¡¯s arse about Olympian politics, that ending part cannot be ignored though.


    ¡°What kind of bullshit is this!?! What idiot agreed for demons to still be able to die? Doesn¡¯t this basically fuck up any kind of n we might¡¯ve had going forward?¡±


    Seriously though, Zeus is untouchable like this. He can kill whoever the hell he wants and under these current conditions, us majin basically invited him to do so? Where¡¯s Asmodeus when you need him? He desperately needs a kick in the groin for pissing off so abruptly like this.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about it too much little one. If I remember correctly, the one who rules all isn¡¯t exactly subtle when ites to matters like this. We¡¯ll all see iting from a continent away¡±


    ¡°Yeah Ikarus, your father¡¯s memory may be fading but he still remembers anything important. Besides, we¡¯ll rip him apart before he even gets the chance¡±


    ¡°Father¡¯s subtleness was only ever reserved for matters of marital affairs, not for taking care of enemies. Unless he thinks you¡¯re worth sleeping with, we¡¯ll most likely be able to run beforehand¡±


    I¡¯m surprisingly liking the confidence of everyone around us considering it¡¯s probably delusional. My parents may be strong but if they could do it themselves, then Asmodeus would¡¯ve gone down that route long ago. No, they¡¯re just doing that protective parent thing.


    ¡°You know¡­ do we actually have a n for this or are we just nning to wait for the demon to return? Unless meeting you was the n Loki?¡±


    Funny how that got a little eyebrow raise from Petra, I can sometimes think intelligently. If this was something I could just brute force or nuke my way out of, I¡¯d have done that already. Destroying this agora is technically an option, justing into Olympus and instantly smashing it to pieces sounds idiotic¡­ would be pretty fun though.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me, Hephaestus considered me a liability ages ago so I¡¯m basically just his info gathering bitch! Though¡­ I don¡¯t think even he knows where the rebellion headquarters is located¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Anyone else have any ideas then?¡±


    ¡­


    Even with Gods or creatures thousands of hundreds of years old, all of us are now stuck. Most of this world just want to keep to themselves so that fated bar encounter that leads us forward, turns out to be the God with the genital removing fetish and nothing else. Gods might as well be humans, just with a fuck tonne amount of power to spare. That¡¯s really not a good sign¡­


    ¡°Heh¡­ we could look around the market Ikarus and see if there¡¯s anything else there. Encounters do tend to happen more when you¡¯re up and about, not actually looking for them¡±


    ¡®Looks like we¡¯re heading back to that weird ce then¡­ after I¡¯ve finished this weird concoction though. For a price of a thousand coins, you best bet I¡¯m not wasting a single drop¡­ fuck!¡¯


    And of course, I idently knock the ss when my eye-hand coordination decides to stop working at this very moment, shattering it on the floor.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just get a move on¡­ I want to go home already¡­¡±


    __________


    Getting back into the where all the ¡®action¡¯ is going down in this strange world, darkness is already starting to set and the atmosphere around this small marketce is already starting to heat up. Not necessarily in a bad way, just clearly these Olympians have distinct adult taste.


    By the looks of what¡¯s going on now, at least by those odd tables all around the ce,rge betting rings are starting to take ce and I¡¯m pretty sure some of those scenarios are now hitting a mature rating if you catch my meaning. By my meaning, I mean sex, lots and lots of sex. The fact there¡¯s little model hotels with Gods getting down and dirty¡­ ah, that looks a little simr to that hotel me and Petra stayed in back on Earth¡­


    A-Ah, less if that quickly¡­ there¡¯s also roaming dancers, strippers and hookers all around the ce. Zeki would like it up here but he doesn¡¯t deserve nice things. His duty in life is to be the bitch to the dryad, a toxic love story that could rival Romeo and Juliet! Is poison y a thing? Probably is with them two.


    ¡°Thief! That mka just stole my coin purse!¡±


    A hooded figure starts to flee from one of the betting crowds as a merchant looking guy runs off towards him. Except, he¡¯s way too unfit to do such a thing, not obese or anything like that, said merchant just looks pretty young all things considered.


    ¡®Hmm¡­ guess I could get lend a hand here. Kinda need to do a good deed now considering I may have made that angel a eunuch¡¯


    Quick form change into the chunky bird we all know and love, getting off the ground and within a matter of seconds, I¡¯ve already caught up with the criminal scum trying to get away with that that merchant¡¯s money.


    ¡°Ooaf!¡±


    Basically gliding into him with a force I¡¯m surprised doesn¡¯t destroy every bone in the thief¡¯s body, the pouch flies a slight distance away from us both, presenting me with a choice. It¡¯s not really a choice because I could just sit on the guy while Petra goes to grab the purse, but I¡¯m feeling slightly merciful now. Guilty conscious and all from earlier¡­ I¡¯ll just let him run off since he¡¯s long abandoned the idea of taking that purse now.


    ¡°Petra¡­ I may have made a little cock up¡±


    Now holding the purse within my beak, I almost want to hide under my wings while the wife catches up to where I¡¯vended. A decision I made earlier has backfired a little.


    ¡°Heh, what¡¯s the problem Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Probably shouldn¡¯t have given my dress to Zeki¡­ I freaking loved that hoodie¡±


    That ck hoodie I¡¯ve basically been living in recently,pletely forgot it wasn¡¯t enchanted! Sure, I have more hoodies and skirts in storage, that one was the GOAT though. Can already tell there¡¯s pieces of it all over on the concrete, just sitting there mocking me. This is why good deeds aren¡¯t worth doing, I just wanted to up my karma a little but clearly the cure for that kick is bing a nun or something.


    ¡®Eh¡­ maybe they sell enchanted clothing up here somewhere? Have to keep an eye out in future¡¯


    As I¡¯m finding a little alleyway to strip down into, then quickly changing form and getting something else on, I can¡¯t help but start to grumble when Petra stands by to watch. The issue is, she should be looking the other way in case anyone wanders over. You can guess exactly what she¡¯s looking at, I swear she¡¯s more into bottoms rather than boobs at times¡­ that wasn¡¯t me admitting I¡¯m a bottom! Erk, you know what I mean¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ Sorry dude, the pickpocket got away but I got your money back at least¡±


    Returning to where the scene of the crime took ce, the parents, Dio and the merchant looking dude are nattering to each other while the crowd appears to have grown even more still surrounding these tables. The atmosphere around here really is strikingly simr to how a red-light district can sometimes feel but don¡¯t have too much experience with that fortunately. I was boringly vani before Petra came along.


    ----------


    ---All the named Gods are getting AI so if the descriptions suck, then it¡¯s on purpose¡­ I think?


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°No worries friend, you¡¯ve already done me a huge favour¡­ oh my, you two are the new Gods! Please, if you have the time, you must help me with something else!¡±


    Having just received this merchant¡¯s stolen coin purse, he seriously has the audacity to ask for another favour? Guess this is just the burden I must bear for destroying a guy¡¯s crotch¡­ I promise I¡¯ll let it go in a minute but it¡¯s traumatic for me, alright? I¡¯ve finally be as wicked as I first feared¡­ Ikarus, the crotch destroyer. It would sound cool if it didn¡¯t sound like a nickname a slut might get.


    ¡°Fineee, spill the beans. What do you want stranger?¡±


    ¡°Well friend, the epic fight off that happens once a generation, it¡¯s basically ruined! You¡¯ve obviously shown that you can handle yourself so please, volunteer for it and you¡¯ll be rewarded handsomely¡±


    ¡­


    All of us start to look slightly puzzled from this job opportunity, this really wasn¡¯t what I was expecting. Stop a pickpocket and get invited to a fight off?


    ¡°Dio¡­ you have any idea what this guy is on about?¡±


    ¡°Ah, this¡¯ll be Plutus, son of Demeter and God of anything regarding money Ikarus. Also entertainment for the agora apparently¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that Dionysus, you can always have this role back if you want it. Believe me, it¡¯s not worth the time nor money¡­ I could think of a thousand better ways to make some coin¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the reason Plutus¡­ your mother always leaves a bad taste in the mouth¡±


    You can already tell there¡¯s some bad blood between these two, honestly couldn¡¯t care that much because Plutus is a God I haven¡¯t heard of yet and there¡¯s going to be way too many stories involving Gods up here who don¡¯t get on.


    Sure, I may be a Greek mythology nerd but the Underworld was my cup of tea. I do know Demeter was also Persephone¡¯s mother and now that she has beef with Dio meaning¡­ we don¡¯t like her. Friend bias and all that, alcoholic Dio needs to be treasured.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Can we get back on topic now though? This thing you¡¯ve invited us to, what actually is it?¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s the grand battle that unites the four factions and keeps everyone nice and happy. Problem is, how can you have an epic fight when all of Ragnar?k won¡¯t stop attacking Zeus¡¯s pce, and the angels refuse to fight anything that hasn¡¯t got horns! It¡¯s going to be staler than a Spartan loaf of bread if it¡¯s just Olympians there!¡±


    ¡®Hmm¡­ think I can the point of this now¡¯


    A fight that apparently works as entertainment for the masses and would probably end up toxic if no other faction gets involved. Not sure if this is the way forward considering the fact no one can die except demons apparently, I¡¯m clearly going to be at a huge disadvantage.


    ¡°Need a little more to go off than just this. How many participants, the format, the risks involved. Point being, you can see Ikarus is partly demonic so any harmes to her, you¡¯ll be facing my full wrath¡±


    ¡®U-Urgh, protective Petra. Ignoring my sarcasm, I really shouldn¡¯t be that turned on by this¡¯


    ¡°At the moment, we have nine signed up already, it¡¯s a tournament of one vs one fights in a knockout format and, there¡¯s zero risks! Killing is an automatic disqualification so being demonic doesn¡¯t matter! It¡¯s just for show and entertainment really, no one important has ever died!¡±


    ¡®I should be fine then, I¡¯m pretty important, right? This guy is a right idiot it seems¡¯


    In all honesty, I still can¡¯t get over the fact the way forward is a freaking tournament arc! I seriously thought I¡¯d get to skip this clich¨¦ but I guess it¡¯s a chance to show my sword arm once again. Me and Petra still train a lot even if that gets overshadowed by a load of sexy times¡­


    I wonder if we could make it a sexy time though. Fighting in the nude perhaps, maybe with an unconventional type of rubber sword that likes to droop around a bit? You¡¯ll have to get back to me on that, my creativity only flourishes and thrives when explosion magic in in sight¡­


    A-Anyways, Petra gives me a questioning look, thankfully not sensing the filth I¡¯m having on my mind and I assume she wants to know if this guy can be trusted or not. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s lying but he¡¯s a shady merchant so who knows?


    ¡°He seems to be telling the truth at least¡­ guess this could be somewhat interesting. I¡¯m not doing it if I¡¯m the only one entering though, you¡¯reing as well Petra¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ am I Ikarus? Didn¡¯t know I was¡±


    Instead of just appreciating what I have, I can¡¯t help but eyeroll when she decides to be yful and dirty minded. That was such a ¡®that¡¯s what she said moment¡¯. I¡¯d normally be into it if that wasn¡¯t so unnecessary, can¡¯t me her considering what I was just thinking about though. We¡¯re both sinners deep at heart.


    Clearly, just seeing my bare ass has corrupted her again so we best just move on. Thankfully, no one else seems to pick up on her clearly being childish but instead, father seems curious on this. Obviously in his own grumpy way.


    ¡°Hmph, God of shiny trinkets, what¡¯s your opinion of dragons entering? Are there any rules against such a thing urring?¡±


    ¡­


    The God Plutus pauses for a minute, then shows a subtle grin than can only be seen by people who are business savvy. Seriously though, it¡¯s like an evil looking thing all merchants get when they see huge opportunity in something, makes me want to smack it off his face but only because I¡¯ve probably had the same grin looking at my parents stash before. Minos himself gets that stupid grin¡­ I miss my little bro now.


    ¡°A dragon? Hmm¡­ that sounds brilliant if you¡¯re offering! Imagine the ie this¡¯ll make; you¡¯ll all be rtivelypensated depending on results of course¡±


    ¡°What about two dragons? If Dermakvar, Ikarus and Petra are entering, it¡¯s okay if I enter as well then, right?¡±


    Mother steps up surprisingly basically all of us, when does she ever entertain a little fighting? Other than the odd daughter rescue from a corrupt empire, still hate myself for getting captured way back then, mother¡¯s always been against fighting of all kinds. Ironic considering she¡¯s the personification of death if dragons had such a thing.


    The merchant¡¯s smile begins to grow even more while I look towards Dio to see if he wants to get involved. He clearly has no interest in this so no point questioning him on it, think there might be someone else who can help on this recruitment quest though¡­


    ¡°So, that¡¯s four people for yourpetition then¡­ you want us to go fetch Loki as well? You did say Ragnar?k can¡¯t contribute right now and he doesn¡¯t seem to be doing much¡±


    A look of extreme distastepletely removes that guy¡¯s grin when Loki is mentioned. I can already tell he¡¯s going to be the ck sheep around here all Gods seem to dislike. I can see why people might not like him due to his unique ball removal tastes, but still! He means well at heart, I think? He¡¯s seems nice to Ariza at least.


    ¡°Already asked that piece of work, my demonic friend. Said something about not wanting to clean the blood off, ruining makeup and breaking nails. That mka will probably find some way of pranking the crowd. He¡¯s already banned from even watching the event in the first ce¡±


    ¡®Called it, we really do have the dopiest of allies apparently. Oh well, it¡¯s now time for a littlepetition¡­ whenever it¡¯s supposed to take ce. Should probably ask more about that¡­¡¯

 Chapter 205 – Showmanship

    Chapter 205 ¨C Showmanship


    ---Might struggle with content for next week but we''ll wait and see. me abination of illness, exhaustion and pets. If you''ve ever had the misfortune of a flea infestation before, then you can rte to my pain. Fucker''s are driving me insane...


    __________


    ¡°Participants, before we get ready, make sure you grab any equipment of your choosing. If you end up disarmed during the fight, that¡¯s your own problem, no one else¡¯s. It¡¯s not an automatic disqualification but if you wish to fight unarmed, then there¡¯s no problem as well¡­¡±


    Inside a small but mostly empty diator arena with fifteen other faceless participants, under the midday sun and pretty giddy considering what¡¯s about to happen, the merchant God Plutus gives us a pre-announcement just before the game is about to begin.


    ----------


    ---Haven¡¯t done a scenery image before but have it anyways.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Reason for my excitement justes down the styling of this ce, it literally looks like something you¡¯d find diators fighting in, like that Sparta-something ve guy and all those famous stories from either Greek or Roman myth! Hey, I don¡¯t exactly know much about the Roman stuff, diators and those legions that practiced decimation is basic enough knowledge though. Here¡¯s just hoping I don¡¯t get stabbed in the back by a senate or something¡­


    Something else to note, all us participants have some faceless filter on and look like blurry silhouettes, obviously I know my parents and Petra are here somewhere but it¡¯s a little difficult just going off auras alone. Actually, scrap that, mother¡¯s silhouette is still obvious just from those two ¡®assets¡¯ alone.


    Not sure how the God¡¯s voice is able to echo throughout this empty ce considering he¡¯s in the other world, couldn¡¯t care enough to find out on how they do speakers. It¡¯s time to get ready¡­


    All of us head to the side of the arena and grab a few things of a choice. There¡¯s weapon racks filled with shields, spears, swords, daggers, bows, basically any weapon you can imagine using in a duel is ready for use. All are wooden though so should be safe for sparring, even the arrows are rounded at the tips so an idental death should be unlikely.


    Most people grab swords or spears, I only grab a simple shortsword as well and a dagger for backup, never been one for weighing myself down with a huge staff or battleaxe. They also have them here as well but they basically remain untouched.


    Ah, if you¡¯re interested in the hows and whys of this ce that I did care to ask about, there¡¯s apparently a one-way barrier surrounding this entire arena so being overwhelmed by gigantic onlookers inside this table isn¡¯t a concern. It would be distracting as fuck if we were fighting and we could see people staring above us, all betting on who might win. That¡¯s just this ce and its world inside a world concept. Guess it¡¯s simr to dungeons but you can physically see what¡¯s going on inside without having to enter.


    ¡°Here are thest-minute rules that need to be mentioned again. Obviously, none of you should go for killing blows and ideally, we don¡¯t want any blood being spilled, they technically aren¡¯t rules though. Magic is allowed but you¡¯ll find it¡¯s heavily restricted, abilities however arepletely ouwed¡­¡±


    ¡®Fuck¡­ I¡¯m getting knocked out early then, right Aesa?¡¯


    What even the point in a tournament arc if I can¡¯t just nuke the opponent into oblivion!? Things were never going to be that easy but damn it, even Gods like to ruin any semnce of fun.


    [<Have faith Ikarus. Most of these Gods here don¡¯t stand a chance even with abilities being locked>]


    ¡®Eh, you¡¯re surprisingly confident on this, maybe I¡¯ll be optimistic then¡­ should probably focus on the guy speaking real quick¡¯


    ¡°¡­You already know how the knockout format works. Oh, make sure you¡¯re all aware that ANY inference in someone else¡¯s fight is also an instant disqualification. Remain inside the stands until called for your turn¡­ think that¡¯s mostly everything, give me a second and I¡¯ll open up the viewing slider¡±


    Plutus finishes what can only be described as a boring lecture while all us shadows are equipped and ready to go. I¡¯m a little surprised in theck of shields that have been grabbed from the racks, would¡¯ve thought Olympic Gods would¡¯ve preferred extra protection but guess they¡¯re just like how we are down below? Maybe the concept of magic ruins that idea.


    This demonic bird in particr ain¡¯t using no heavy shield, carrying that around would make one of my arms suspiciously more muscr than the other. Of course, I have to turn it dirty but seriously though, one arm being buff and the other not. If you can¡¯t understand my point, then bless your innocent soul¡­


    ¡°To all you idiots around me¡­ don¡¯t get in my way or I promise you¡¯ll regret it. This isn¡¯t your show to win¡±


    One of the silhouettes clearly wants to do a little trash talking before the game begins, no idea on who it could be due to the fact the voices are currently being filtered to sound robotic. Think it¡¯s a manly imposing figure but you can¡¯t really tell.


    ¡°Heh, let¡¯s hope we fight each other soon then¡±


    ¡°Hmph, what a colossal waste of time this is. Little one would¡¯ve walked this if abilities were allowed¡±


    It doesn¡¯t matter if the other people are blurred or fuzzy, my party is just way too obvious. Little one and heh, mother with her assets, screw confidentiality when the speaking patterns are just that obvious. All I¡¯d need to do is moan and Petra would spot me in a heartbeat¡­ I¡¯m kinda considering doing that now. It¡¯s a shame I still get shameful.


    Anyways, all sixteen of us climb up into the empty stands and sit around to wait for the event to begin. They¡¯re probably collecting bets and doing things like that up there, none of us seem interested in making conversations so it¡¯s just the waiting game. Thankfully, Plutus seems just about done¡­


    ¡°Contestants, we¡¯ve already done the draw so the first of the fights will nowmence! The first seed will be the wild Goddess of the hunt, facing off against¡­¡±


    ¡°What is it with all you idiots always calling me wild!?! I¡¯m rted to nature, vegetation, childbirth, even freaking chastity! Yet, I¡¯m always the wild idiot around here!¡±


    All of a sudden, one of the silhouettes stands up clearly pissed from the introduction Plutus just gave. Whover she is, she¡¯s seems pretty smallpared to everyone else.


    ¡°*Sighhh*, just lighten up already Artemis, all I¡¯m doing is hyping you up for the crowd. I can easily put a mute filter on if you don¡¯t like being called wild¡±


    ¡°*Grumble*, stupid, greedy, fucking, bastard *grumble*¡±


    ¡°Anyways¡­ the angry Atemis gets to face off against the majestic angel Uriel, finally returned from her vacation in the mortal world, ready for your entertainment!¡±


    As soon as the announcement finishes, the silhouette filter drops for the two about to fight, giving us all a clear look at the two women.


    Complete honestly from this bird, I was expecting something like this, at least from Artemis alone. Her feisty aura mighte from the fact she¡¯s really, really, ttt¡­ and Uriel, thought the angel was supposed to be male but guess not. Barely read the bible so haven¡¯t the foggiest.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Both of them get into the arena, Artemis with a bow and arrows while Uriel carries a small looking spear of sorts¡­ the fighting shall nowmence! It¡¯s time for a littlepetition¡­


    ¡°Three¡­ two¡­ one¡­ fight!¡±


    Straight from the start, the Goddess of the hunt draws her bow and gets off an attack at lightning speed, grinning madly but looking like she was born with that piece of wood within her grasp.


    Unfortunately for her, the speed of the angel easily matches her sleight of hand, easily dodging the blunt arrowhead, even managing to close the distance between them in an instant. Pretty strange how a few nts have started to bloom in the ce the arrownded, some Godly magic reasons I presume.


    Almost like Uriel is trying to toy with her, she changes her direction to basically circle the Goddess instead of directly getting into stabbing reach. The vibe from this fight is like a mentor fighting off against a disciple a little.


    ¡°Artemis, you¡¯re not holding your breath when aiming for me. Luck is a factor but you¡¯re letting emotion get in the way¡±


    ¡°*Grumble* I don¡¯t need your advice!¡±


    Another arrow flies in the general direction of the angel but she easily just ducks under the projectile, all the while trying to give advice in the process. I feel like there¡¯s a story here between these two I¡¯m unaware of, maybe the angel once taught this wild Goddess?


    ¡°You¡¯ll never find a partner if you don¡¯t find a way of calming that temper of yours Artemis. Small and light, you should be a burden to defeat to anyone bigger than you¡±


    ¡°What makes you think I even want a freaking partner!?! And I¡¯m not small, damn it!¡±


    ¡°Why else would you stuff your bra if it¡¯s not to garner attention? Isn¡¯t that the point?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not fucking stuffing it! How dare you keep using me of being t!¡±


    Despite Uriel purposely trying to piss Artemis off, I can still see she¡¯s trying her best to teach her something. At least it seems that way when she avoids the wild swinging of her opponent, trying to now whack her with the bow.


    Unfortunately, any advice is clearly lost when the wild Goddess literally throws her bow at the opponent, then unsheathes a dagger swinging that wildly as well.


    After a few failed swings, the Goddess trips over air and finds herself falling t, face first into the dirt. Uriel literally facepalms and then just lightly rests her spear tip against the neck of the fallen Artemis. This battle is somehow already over¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh* you never learn, do you old friend?¡±


    ¡°*Teeth grinding*¡­ it¡¯s your teaching that¡¯s the problem!¡±


    ¡®That was¡­ different, I guess?¡¯


    I mean, both Gods are clearlypetent at fighting and would put the majority of humanity to shame, I¡¯m certain neither are winning thispetition though. Uriel definitely is giving me an odd sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu though, not entirely sure why¡­


    ¡°Thank you both for such a¡­ odd disy. Next up, we have something a little different that none of you would¡¯ve expected¡­¡±


    Both Uriel and the still clearly raging Artemis return to the crowd while the next contestants are called and are unveiled. One of them is very freaking obvious, the other is a little less so¡­


    ¡°¡­ The undying fear of all mortals and an anger that could roast continents and Gods alike, we have the world ender making an appearance in our midst. Please, give a warm wee, to the dragon Kellearzar herself!¡±


    ¡°I thought the mortals liked us? The humans at home seem to like us¡±


    ¡®Mother really is precious at times¡¯


    ¡°The red menace has the only other angel appearing tonight. Personally, I¡¯m hoping the angel Raphael gets mentally and physically destroyed here, no one likes angels whoe to your front door and preaches about what¡¯s morally just¡±


    As soon as the filter drops for the next two opponents, I just can¡¯t help myself when said angel Raphael is the same freaking guy we came across back at that bar! The fact he¡¯s even walking straight is a miracle in itself.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Hang on, it¡¯s the freaking angel whose nuts I destr-, I mean the guy I kicked. Fancy seeing you here, friend!¡±


    ¡°Who in the holy one¡¯s name just said that!?! Show yourself right now, disgusting filthy demon so I can regain my honour!¡±


    Immediate disgust fills the guy¡¯s face as he can¡¯t figure out which one of us silhouettes said that¡­ poor little eunuch.


    I would like to point out there really is no reason for me to show myself to him, he literally just called the world ending dragon¡¯s daughter filth, while he¡¯s basically walking alongside her. Mother¡¯s going to have some fun with him.


    Despite mother¡¯s smile, the smothering aura that drags behind her is already bing intoxicating to us, even over here. I don¡¯t think that angel seems to realize it just yet though, she¡¯s really angry.


    ¡°You really seem to dislike demons¡­ don¡¯t you angel?¡±


    ¡°What about it, senseless dragon? The battle between good and evil proves that thing needs to be destroyed along with any supporters of such foul creatures. Anything that cares for such vermin should be put in the same category as well¡±


    ¡®Dude¡­ just learn when to shut up! Losing his junk is going to be a happy memory if mother¡¯s full wrathes out here¡¯


    The next contestants inevitably enter the arena while I¡¯m just desperately trying not to look what¡¯s about to happen. I think the aura next to me is father as even that seems to be looking away. I doubt mother¡¯s anger will be continent destroying worthy, but she¡¯s definitely about to do something sinister, I just know it.


    Unfortunately, it¡¯s just as I predicted¡­


    ¡°Darling¡­ even a disgusting wyvern doesn¡¯t deserve such an ill fate¡±


    Both fighters hold swords and the angel Raphael goes into the fight pretty confident, especially when mother tosses her sword to the ground.


    The angel rushes mother weapon in hand to begin with, but only finds her standing still, that fake smile never moving an inch from her face nor her body even moving to breathe.


    He tries to attack her side, only to find one her leg blocking the impact. He then approaches the other side, only to find a deadly kick flies his way before he can even get close¡­


    ¡°ARGHHH!!! Dear merciful God¡­ what has thou done to deserve this!?¡±


    A scream that seems to shake this reality piecers everyone¡¯s eardrums as the guy copses to his knees, mother¡¯s kicknds exactly where you might expect. If I hear that right, one of the silhouettes even appears to be giving an apuse to her performance, I think I know who that might be¡­


    ¡®Poor guy looks like he¡¯s about tobust into the dirt¡­ Petra! What is it with you and ball breaking all of a sudden!?¡¯


    After finishing said act of pure evilness, mother¡¯s real smile returns and she waves directly to the crowd, making me want to curl up and die. I may have created two monsters here¡­


    ¡°How was that Ikarus? Did I do it right?¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m one with the crowd¡­ this bird doesn¡¯t exist¡¯


    (Plutus) ¡°Erm¡­ and that was the creature more powerful than any other down in the mortal world! We may need to get a stretcher¡­ no one likes preachers but that looked personal¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Anyways! Now moving onto the next fight after that brief testicle retrieval, we have something even more strange and new! The first is a hybrid believe it or not, a phoenix that now inherits the blood of the true majins! Let¡¯s all hope she doesn¡¯t fly too close to the sun as Ikarus now takes the stage!¡±


    ¡®I know we¡¯ve got a reputation down below but didn¡¯t think it would travel so far up here¡¯


    And so, it¡¯s now time for this bird to shine! Some helpers did have toe down here and help that angel because it looks like he can no longer walk straight, enough about these ball breaking shenanigans though!


    ¡°¡­ Her opponent will also be something pretty unique, even though we¡¯ve all seen her many times before. Like most years when she finds time to exit her deranged dungeon, we have the beautiful, yet love obsessed Aphrodite, gracing our eyes for this asion!¡±


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®Aphrodite huh. Guess I can enact some justice for Zeki and Ariza today, she¡¯s even wearing something like that. That pervert¡¯s dungeon really struck a nerve for Mr Obnoxious¡¯


    Both arriving at opposite ends of the arena, also choosing the same type of short sword, I¡¯m getting myself ready while she just stands there with arms behind her back, smiling and looking right out of ce. Penelope would love to have afternoon tea with her considering all that pink she¡¯s got on.


    ¡°Be gentle with me, would you please cutie?¡±


    ¡®Those foul words won¡¯t tempt me temptress, cuteness won¡¯t stop what¡¯s iing!¡¯


    The God Plutus gives us the green light so it¡¯s now okay to fight, maybe I¡¯ll toss Zeki a bone here and destroy this Goddess where she stands. That might be bullying though.


    ¡®Nope, I can¡¯t allow empathy to creep its way in. She¡¯s a pervert in a cute school dress looking form¡¯


    While I¡¯m having an internal crisis about whether I should attack a Goddess who honestly reminds me of an even cuter version of Mute, she takes the chance to get in an attack first¡­


    Except, I was right about her being out of ce here. The outline of a magic love heart flies my way, albeit extremely slowly so I just simply burn and whack it with my sword. I know some people are lovers, not fighters, but this is all but confirming my suspicions.


    ¡°Hey! You¡¯re not supposed to reject my love, just embrace it and it¡¯ll be good for you!¡±


    ¡®That doesn¡¯t sound he sus at all¡¯


    Not even wanting to know what effect that spell would¡¯ve given me if it hadnded, I just shake that idea off and go to close her down. I could just use me and not bother but right now, I¡¯m really hoping she has something hidden away that may turn the tables. This is less of being a battle junkie and more not wanting to bully someone who is showing so many openings, this Goddess is either weak or just simply doesn¡¯t care.


    In the end, she charges up another love heart attack, makes a little heart with her hands and the same thing flies towards me again. Smashing this one out of the air was easier than thest.


    ¡°Ohe on! I¡¯m telling you, it doesn¡¯t even hurt, just let it hit!¡±


    ¡®She¡¯s got to be mocking me, why even enter a fight if it¡¯s obvious you can¡¯t win it? There¡¯s got to be secret technique she has hidden away¡¯


    Even just seeing her stance holding up that sword, it looks way too heavy for her wrists and I doubt she can even swing it. There¡¯s no point continuing this charade anymore, she shouldn¡¯t be here¡­


    Just going up to the stupid but clearly adorable Goddess of love, I simply give her a good bash on the head with my de, letting gravity act as the power behind the blow. This will seriously be bullying if I go any further than that.


    ¡°Ouch! Did you just bonk me on the head?¡±


    ¡°Given what happened back in that love dungeon with the other phoenixes, you¡¯re lucky you¡¯ve still got your head. Either fight me properly or give up already¡±


    I mean, Natty x Lotte was fun as hell to watch but that entire ce was ruined with that other kissplemented with shades of phoenix incest. She ruined a dungeon that could¡¯ve been really fun¡­ to be fair, the entrance was pretty degenerate as well. Just remembered about all those toys that were lying about in that house¡­


    ¡°Hehe, don¡¯t be like that, beautiful phoenix. Passion is a thing that transcends simple things like blood ties, I fail to see any problem in drawing those two closer together¡±


    ¡®At least she¡¯s honest about her tastes. Not sure I would trust being around her for too long though, I¡¯ve got siblings that need to be protected as well¡¯


    ¡°Hrm¡­ you two mkas do know you¡¯re supposed to fight, right!?! Stop talking and get on with it already, people are waiting!¡±


    Getting lectured by Plutus, I can¡¯t help but flip the bird to the sky in response. I seriously can¡¯t be expected to fight this woman when she¡¯s like this, this draw was aplete mismatch!


    (Aphrodite) ¡°Do we have to Plutus? She¡¯s way too cute and knowing I¡¯ll get bopped on the head again¡­ I¡¯d rather just sit down and watch now¡±


    Looks like she¡¯s waving the metaphoric white g and this is my win. Unfortunately for the announcer, he can¡¯t let this pure stupidity slide¡­


    ¡°Argh, every year you do this Aphrodite! One-year, big bulky men are in fashion, the next, it¡¯s femboys as you call them and now, it¡¯s demons-phoenix hybrids apparently¡­ let¡¯s just move on already before people start to riot¡­¡±


    ¡®I swear I can hear booing behind his voice, guess they really didn¡¯t enjoy that¡¯


    While we¡¯re heading back, I¡¯ve got to question on what that magic was. That spell had a weird aura behind it, reminds me of the the mage Leone once used. Don¡¯t know much about magic but do know that¡¯s a spell that wouldn¡¯t fit into any normal category, like an ancient or forgotten spell. That shit is way more interesting than magic theory.


    ¡°Outta curiosity, what would that love spell even have done to me? It didn¡¯t have much power behind it¡±


    ¡°Teehee, it¡¯s not a love spell phoenix, those things I only reserve for special asions. All that would¡¯ve done is given you the truest form of passion there is! A huge sense of ecstasy and pleasure, brought you to your knees and made you moaned a little. If you slept after and didn¡¯t want to fight, that would be on you¡±


    ¡°You mean like a-¡­ s-stay the hell away from my wife! I¡¯m not sure whether she¡¯ll love or hate you with a spell like that¡±


    Either I¡¯m interpreting what Aphrodite says wrongly or I¡¯mpletely right and this woman needs to be locked away! Either way, she is a right menace, my empathy isn¡¯t needed for smiling perverts like this! Doing that in front of a crowd, what is this worlding too¡­ heh.


    Getting back to where we were sitting and going as far as I can away from that woman, I swear she¡¯s purposely smiling towards me now, Plutus continues his awkward introductions and they continue to only get worse¡­


    ¡°Apologies for the strange turn of events but if you¡¯re a long-time viewer, you¡¯ll know this isn¡¯tpletely unexpected¡­ now, for the fourth fight. We have the legendary Goddess Freyja vs the one who has been gifted Athena¡¯s mantle, the new Goddess known as Petra¡±


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®Heh, his enthusiasm for this has faded¡­ where the hell do they even get this information from? And wait, I thought Ragnar?k weren¡¯t supposed to be here? Plutus has yed us for a fiddle it seems¡¯


    Regardless of this, both proud women enter the arena and get ready to fight, my wife obviously wielding a de while the other has a smaller battleaxe. I¡¯m already sensing this fight may be a little more professional than the others.


    ¡°You two may now fight¡­ let¡¯s hope this impresses a little more¡±


    Kicking of the preceding¡¯s, Petra suicidally rushes at the Goddess, almost like an addict looking like a fix. Her speed is always admirable and her technique is always majestic, aiming precisely towards the Ragnar?k Goddess neck and shoulder.


    Thankfully, this Freyja woman is clearly more skilledpared to some of the previous opponents and blocks it easily enough, even reacting with a counter of her own going for Petra¡¯s legs. She easily just jumps over the counter though.


    ¡®Wow¡­ is this how we look when sparring? It¡¯s¡­ kinda hot¡¯


    Just two heavenly women battling in the arena while I can admire my wife as much as I want without gettingbelled as a simp. This isn¡¯t the time where I need to go full degenerate and worship the misses but damn¡­ the fact I can even see and keep with both those two is really awe inspiring as well.


    ¡°Stranger, you seem to know your way around the sword¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    The fight continues down this trajectory where one opponent attacks, the other blocks then counters, then that happens over and over again. Most of it would be a blur to themon eye, even now they still seem to be speeding up.


    Still locked in stalemate, I¡¯m guessing it may take Petra¡¯s ck-eyed mode to win this. I¡¯m still one hundred percent confident she¡¯ll win this, just it may take more power!


    ¡°Ya know¡­ I¡¯d love a drink or the chance to share a tale or two once this is over¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Surprisingly, it doesn¡¯t take anything extra like that as Petra steps up a gear when Freyja seems to be showing a little too much interest in her opponent. I¡¯m unsure if that was flirting or not, don¡¯t think that was case but I¡¯m just getting distracted.


    It matters little because the Norse Goddess finds herself toppled on her back after a duck by Petra, a sh colliding with her heel which in turn leads to Petra¡¯s de resting against the targets neck.


    Seeing the wife¡¯s curvy arse standing over here with that wooden sword firmly against the loser¡¯s throat¡­ I need to stop this now, this shit ain¡¯t even that hot but I¡¯m making it so!


    ¡°And it appears the new Goddess Petra has managed a shock result, defeating one of the most powerful in Ragnar?kfortably! Maybe we have a new underdog on our hands¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ nice fight by the way¡­ think Ikarus may be drooling though¡±


    ¡®And of course, she¡¯s ruined the moment by looking back at me. I don¡¯t drool looking at her¡­ I think? Actually¡­ I might¡¯ve been there¡¯


    Still standing over her giving a hand to help the loser back on her foot, this simple act of kindnesspletely backfires when Freyja does something even I couldn¡¯t predict.


    ¡°Mighty warrior Petra, that was really inspiring¡­¡±


    Now, her words might not seem that extreme until you see what she does next. It starts off as if she ns to hold Petra by the waist, that n changes when Petra steps back slightly and the chasing Goddess falls to one knee, the same type of stance you would do if you n to serenade or propose¡­


    ¡°¡­Would you do me the honour of bing my shield sister and maiden? A sword arm like yours¡­ is indescribable¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Heh¡­ I¡¯m not sure what to say¡­ Ikarus, you have any idea what I should do?¡±


    I¡¯m normally not a jealous person but the way Petra¡¯s reacted to this, she knows exactly what she¡¯s doing, even grinning towards me like this.


    She wants a reaction and the reaction she¡¯s going to get is way more unfiltered than it¡¯s ever been before. Maybeplete honestly isn¡¯t the way to go but¡­ fuck that woman!


    ¡°Cut off that bitch¡¯s head already Petra! If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll fucking drop a nuke down that whore¡¯s throat!¡±


    ¡­


    At least this fight was more entertaining for the masses than what I went through. All of Ragnar?k can burn for all I care¡­

 Chapter 206 – Round of Eight

    Chapter 206 ¨C Round of Eight


    ¡°Heh, just rx and forget about it Ikarus. It¡¯s not worth huffing and puffing about¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know why I¡¯m so pissed though¡­ maybe it was the boldness of the proposal? The fact she did that knowing people are watching, did you somehow give me jealously or something?¡±


    Now chilling in a bar while the wife gives me a calming head rub to chill the anger, I can¡¯t help but still be fuming about that Freyja and what she did. Sure, I now know she¡¯s somewhat rted to love, at least how the Norse Gods view it but damn, I still want to rip her hair out!


    ¡°Heh, the only reaction I try to get out of you is fluster Ikarus. Whatever that was, that came from you. Thought you looked cute all worked up¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*, at least you never change¡­ huh. You know, that head rubbing might be better than se-¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ what was that Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Nothing! Jeez¡­ that was close¡­¡±


    Oh, should probably mention the elephant in the room or the packed-out bar filled with patrons. You see, we¡¯re in the interval process since the first round of fighting has now finished. I may have also skipped a few fights due to still being pissed, we¡¯re out of the round of sixteen at least now.


    The bar itself is literally filled with drunk and happy betters while us lovebirds and the parents wait around on some stools, guessing you don¡¯t care about that. The four other fights of this round weren¡¯t that interesting in all honesty, I¡¯ll give a little detail but most were a little anticlimactic.


    The first one, father basically one punched a God who looks like his entire intention was to take a dive in the first ce. I guess the God of sleep, Hypnos, would be someone not wanting to do much but that looked so obvious. Swear I even heard more booinging across Plutus¡¯s announcements. At least if we ever need to find sleepy Megaera a partner, the God of sleep is avable it seems.


    In the second, the God of speed and apparently blonde curls Hermes, fought against the Goddess of the night Nyx, except both didn¡¯t look to take it too seriously as well. Eventual winner was Hermes but I swear there¡¯s some corruption going down here, I know these fights take bets but this seems pretty obvious, no?


    The third one seemed a little more interesting, that being the hooded grim reaper Thanatos fighting against the blonde-haired angel Gabriel, the guy Petra decapitated back at that tavern. It was only interesting because if he hadn¡¯t surrendered, he would¡¯ve lost his head again. That hooded God of death¡¯s sword skills look really decent, nothing like my wife but good enough.


    The final fight for the round was a familiar face vs a not so familiar face, that being the God of war Ares against the sun God Helios. The red guy who gave Zeki his spear¡­ heh, was eventual winner but not without taking a few hits in the process. By the sounds of it, Ares won thispetitionst year so he¡¯s the guy to beat.


    You know¡­ I am questioning a little why Gods associated with the Underworld are even around up here. Thanatos, Nyx, Hypnos, even Hermes have myths rted, it¡¯s probably just Hades and Persephone who are refused entry though.


    I¡¯ll stop bringing up names in a second because this means literally nothing to anyone who doesn¡¯t understand Greek myth, just I¡¯m honestly fangirling the hell remembering all this crap. Slightly disappointed as well by the corruption going on but in this world, you¡¯d probably expect it. Athens itself is the birthday of democracy, of course corruption would follow it like a gue. Politics in a nutshell folks!


    Anyways, back to the present because I¡¯m now as mellow as a marshmallow after receiving deadly head pats by the wife. Don¡¯t mock it until you¡¯ve had a good ol¡¯head pat, they probably are as good as a good loin shakeup if you catch my meaning.


    ¡°Heh, be back in a minute Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Aww¡­¡±


    Unfortunately, all good thingse to an end as Petra clearly needs to go for a tinkle. Thankfully, there¡¯s someone else who¡¯s literally passing by who can capture my attention¡­ kinda trying to ignore the parents because they seem to be having an intimate moment of their own right now¡­ yuck! It¡¯ll never feel natural seeing your parents kiss like this.


    ¡°Oh, you still haven¡¯t exined why we¡¯re even here yet Plutus. I mean this bar ce in particr¡±


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry it so much contestant, just a world inside another world and will be removed once thispetition is over¡­ nice acting for the crowd on that proposal thing. It made the ratings go through the roof¡±


    The young merchant looking God gives me an answer of sorts, all the while I can¡¯t help but be distracted by the crowd following him around. I know they say money makes the world work but the amount of half-naked women following him around like a bad smell and he seems barely interested, it¡¯s just an odd sight really considering how the guys acts and the fact he looks suspiciously young.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ acting¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­ as if little one needs to act for this show, God of shiny coins. That was genuine¡±


    ¡°That Viking woman really made Ikarus snap it seems¡±


    And of course, the parents stop their little moment of intimacy to destroy their daughter¡¯s reputation! Screw this, I¡¯m stress eating peanuts now.


    Thankfully, Plutus continues to roam around the bar leaving me to my own devices to now sulk and eat in my own created silence, he¡¯s probably collecting bets thinking about it.


    Strangely enough, someone has just stolen my wife¡¯s seat as well. I could just say it¡¯s taken but that requires effort¡­ I¡¯ll just sit on Petra¡¯sp when she gets back¡­


    ¡°Tsk¡­¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®Are you fat or something? I¡¯m giving you enough room so don¡¯t nudge me¡¯


    ¡°Tsk¡­ Ikarus? Why are you ignoring me?¡±


    Getting another nudge from the stranger, I quickly realize the person next to me is none other than that white haired angel Uriel trying to spark some conversation. I¡¯m really not in the mood for a little demon hatred right now.


    ¡°If you¡¯re here to call me and the wife disgusting like those other angels, I will destroy you where you stand¡­ or sit¡±


    ¡°Rx demon lord, those idiots deserved everything that¡¯s happened to them¡±


    As soon as I get a response, my interest in this person sparks up massively when even she seems to hold distaste towards the other angels. Her voice seems to show more emotion than her face because on the surface, she appears slightly stoic.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you didn¡¯te over for a quick natter? What you want then?¡±


    ¡°Fair enough, I¡¯ll get to it then. Just here to deliver a quick message from the other demon¡­ Everything is going well and keep remaining patient, things will start getting clearer once this tournament is over. Right now, it¡¯s imperative I don¡¯t be seen¡­¡±


    The angel surprisingly tries her best manly demonic impression but honestly just sounds like she¡¯s taking the piss out of him, nearly making meugh in the process. Would be pretty cute if the obvious fact Petra¡¯s demonic father hadn¡¯t been brought up like this.


    ¡°So¡­ you, an angel, are in contact with that dickhead? Where the hell has he wandered off to?¡±


    Instead of giving me an answer, the angel mysteriously disappears into the crowd, leaving me puzzled from that brief interaction.


    ¡®What the hell was that all about? Eh, don¡¯t care enough to follow her, think the next round is about to kick off in a little while as well¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°It¡¯s now time for the second round so let the games continue! After schooling her opponent in the first round, the angel Uriel has a much tougher opponent being the world ender Kellearzar! Last chance to ce your bets otherwis-¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh, you okay Ikarus? We can always go beat up that woman once this is over if you really want to¡±


    Watching mother and the angel enter the arena again, Petra¡¯s of course still worrying over something stupid like my sanity. Bitch please, I never had that to begin with. Bitch¡­ please? Who the hell am I?


    ¡°Nah¡­ I got over that when you went to piss¡­ it¡¯s just something that angel said to me when you were gone. She¡¯s¡­ weird¡±


    I¡¯ll tell Petra more about itter, just that woman gives me an unsettling feeling. It doesn¡¯t help I now know she¡¯s literally an angel working with a demon, you¡¯d think that¡¯s like the worst kind of sin to those lot.


    ¡°Heh, like our kind of strange? Or is it she¡¯s just mysterious?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing¡­ I can¡¯t quite put my finger on it¡±


    Regardless, the quarter finals of thispetition kicks off while I¡¯m still trying to ignore the giant question mark on my face. Maybe I¡¯ll get a little more when mother wipes the floor with her.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    The next fight kicks off with both contestants standing around¡­ doing nothing. Seriously though, both seem to want the other to attack first.


    ¡°Come hither dragon and face my spear¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s what she said¡­ I hate myself at times¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯ll have toe to me first angel¡±


    And still, they stand waiting for the other to attack. Great entertainment for the masses this, no fighting at an event meant for fighting. At least they get a perfect unfiltered view of mother¡¯s assets I guess, kinda want to destroy all the Gods who dare look though.


    ¡­


    ¡°Oh, for the love of Zeus! Will you two get on with it!? If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll activate some of the hidden mechanisms we have down there for special asions. Fight already!¡±


    Plutus rightfully loses his mind when both of the fighters remain still, no idea what those hidden mechanism are but guess we¡¯d rather not find out then?


    Thankfully, the angel Uriel decides enough is enough and goes to charge mother down, all the while being as cautious as she can with that charge of hers. A stabbing attack does get off but mother just simply blocks it with the t end of her sword.


    Mother then precedes to counter slicing across the angel¡¯s chest with her wooden de, only missing by a hair strand as Uriel jumps backwards. Surprisingly, this is the first time I¡¯ve ever witnessed mother using a weapon, she¡¯s definitely not perfect but she¡¯s not terrible considering dragons hate things like human tools.


    ¡®Huh, never realized mother knows how to handle a sword that well¡­ I just can¡¯t stop myself today. That isn¡¯t even dirty!¡¯


    Trying my best to get out an image of father¡¯s ¡®sword¡¯ which I unfortunately had the burden of once seeing when I was a wee young phoenix, something elsees to the attention, thankfully removing that sinister memory.


    ¡°*Stomach growling*¡­ damn¡±


    ¡°Heh, you getting hungry Ikarus?¡±


    While happily watching along with the wife, my stomach betrays me but Petra fortunately gets the wrong idea. It turns out, a diet of meat, cake and ambrosia isn¡¯t great for the gut and this appears to finally be my downfall. I¡¯ve finally found a concoction that even this stomach can¡¯t stomach.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what this is¡­ hunger¡±


    ¡®I think I need to go on a diet or a detox, this really hase out of nowhere¡¯


    While I¡¯m now worrying about the fact I may have taken something tainted, Aesa would probably inform me if I did though, I seem to have clearly missed a huge part of the fight when mother has somehow wrestled the angel to the floor and is basically bear hugging her now.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t won this fight that easily, busty dragon¡±


    ¡°Give up now angel if you wish to continue breathing, you¡¯re already in my grasp!¡±


    I¡¯m now having to look away for a different reason because this hand-to-handbat has gone somewhere else. Somehow, Uriel is still being hugged with her head¡­ right between mother¡¯s breasts. I¡¯m not making this up!


    ¡°Hmm¡­ I¡¯m thoroughly enjoying this battle. Hopefully, darling keeps this going for a little while longer¡­ a good few hours should do the trick¡±


    ¡®My freaking pervy father enjoying mother¡¯s wrestling¡­ I really need to moan about this now¡¯


    ¡°Petr-¡­¡±


    ¡°No Ikarus. Heh¡­ I won¡¯t blind or deafen you, just put your fingers in your ears and look away¡±


    The wife even knows when I¡¯m going to make a joke and ruins it while father seems to be almost drooling! It looks like she was originally trying to choke her out after I¡¯m guessing giving up on the de, but this has turned way into something that it shouldn¡¯t!


    And like my pain isn¡¯t bad enough, one of the buttons on mother¡¯s shirt has to open right about now, and then another one does¡­


    ¡®That¡¯s it, I¡¯m done, I¡¯m forcibly skipping this fight. You can hate me but it¡¯s for the greater good¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°And next up, we have something even I find slightly interesting... although that previous fight may end up being the crowds favourite this year. The ill-fated lovers of the world ending prophecy itself, will their love prevail or will they both destroy each other in the arena?¡±


    ¡®He really is starting to get on my nerves now¡¯


    ¡°It¡¯s time to see the wedded phoenixes of fate fight in the arena! The demon lord of fate Ikarus, against her wife, the Goddess of gracefulness, Petra!¡±


    ¡®Eh¡­ feel a little better knowing he just praised the wife though¡¯


    In the end, mother won that wrestling match and now, it appears me and Petra have been drawn out the hat so to speak. I¡¯m normally down for a good fight but something is really starting to y on my mind, other than the fact mother might¡¯ve just be an Olympian idol.


    ¡°Heh, you okay Ikarus? You can¡¯t be that hungry?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that Petra¡­ kinda need to go to the toilet now¡±


    That stomach growling was a sign of things toe, I can only hope we speed this fight up otherwise things may end up dangerous. I¡¯m done with ambrosia forever; it¡¯s really not meant for phoenix-demon lord consumption.


    ¡°Heh, you want me to take an early dive then Ikarus? Can make it look pretty convincing¡±


    Obviously, Petra whispers thatst bit but I still think we can be heard up there. Regardless, I still shake my head towards her, I may be at a disadvantage right now but it¡¯s not like I¡¯d want to miss a televised sparring session of ours.


    (Plutus) ¡°It¡¯s time to fight!¡±


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Once the God gives the ready to go and we fully arrive back inside the fighting part, Petra immediately goes on the offensive, making my stomach churn even more. Was hoping she¡¯d be at least a little considerate and not go full on gung-ho, guess it¡¯ll be a challenge at least. Will I lose the battle with my wife or my bowels first?


    Her wooden de aims for my left side only to met by mine, also I make sure to give her a pushback kick in the process.


    Still giving me no breathing space, Petra responds with speed that can only be matched with full concentration, one attack going for my shoulder and the next to my thighs. I manage to get both away in the nick of time but right now, I can¡¯t even think about going for an opening. Damn it women, are you into tormenting me this much!?


    We¡¯d normally be a match for each other but the longer this goes on for, the more and more I really need to go. Only this bird could be the type of the person to get food poisoning right before an epic battle and ruin said battle.


    ¡°*Stomach growling*¡­ sweet Jesus, give me strength¡±


    ¡°Heh¡±


    She can¡¯t help chucking at my misfortune when I mumble thatst bit under my breath. I¡¯m going to metaphorically tap out if I can¡¯t find some way of defeating her within the next minute or two, I can¡¯t keep this up any longer.


    Another attack goes in and even ends up in abo of three, each one having to make me twist and turn to block or avoid the barrage. In the end, Ipletely end up backwards, undefended and facing away from the wife¡­


    Instinctively countering by swinging wildly behind me as this is the only thing I can do, the tip of my de hits something while I¡¯m just trying to not get dominated. She¡¯s freaking relentless!


    (Plutus) ¡°Hang on¡­ it appears we have an elimination by knockout! Can you believe it folks? Because I¡¯m struggling too as well!¡±


    ¡°Shit! Petra¡­ you alright?¡±


    In my haste to just try and slow her down by doing that blind counter, the tip of my de must¡¯ve collided against her head! She¡¯spletely down and out in the sand.


    ¡°Phe¡­ you really tug on my heartstring¡¯s woman. Honestly thought I¡¯d hurt you there¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ what was that Ikarus? I¡¯m notpletely sure where I am¡±


    ¡®That was aplete lie for the crowd¡¯


    While still on the floor, Petra gives me the most subtle of winks while responding, clearly proving this was what she was aiming for. Maybe she slowed down the full force of my attack with her sword before it collided with her head? It matters little though, losing consciousness is an automatic disqualification and I¡¯ve got something else I need to do, right now!


    ¡°Oi Plutus, open up the portal because I really need to go back into that world!¡±


    ¡°No can-do contestant, this round isn¡¯t over yet so be patient and you¡¯ll be let out in the next stage¡±


    ¡°*Stomach grumbling* Argh! Do you want me to spell it out idiot? You need to let me out asap, or your viewing numbers will drop to an all-time low¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡®Phew¡­ I feel so much better already¡­ and of course I¡¯ve missed the next battle¡¯


    Getting teleported back down here after that hint was thankfully understood by Plutus, the next fight has already gotten on its way and I think I¡¯ve basically missed the entire thing! Still don¡¯t know what¡¯s even in ambrosia but maybe it has something simr to caffeine? If you¡¯ve ever drunk too much coffee before, then you may understand my blight¡­


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    The next fight was supposed to be father vs Hermes but of course, basic biological needs have ruined this encounter for me. The fight is literally at its conclusion with father throwing the blonde-haired guy over his shoulder, then wrapping his arm around the guy getting him locked in a headlock.


    Dragons are pretty good at hand to handbat it seems, mother and father would be champions at MMA if it existed in this world.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ you fought well, God of speed. Really gave these old bones a run out¡±


    ¡°Hehe, you too dragon of darkness. That poison attack in particr nearly got me¡±


    ¡®Damn it, father¡¯s even giving the guy praise and now helping him to his feet. I must¡¯ve missed something spectacr¡­ the muscle that guy has as well. It makes me he jealous¡¯


    Just looking down at the arena, the ce looks like it¡¯s been hit by a tornado and a ck moss has started to grow all across the sand. I¡¯m not a hundred percent sure what¡¯s caused it but the sand that¡¯s ended up everywhere might¡¯ve been Hermes¡¯s speed. For the moss, maybe a biproduct from father¡¯s poison?


    (Plutus) ¡°And after a dreadfully boring battle that could¡¯ve put someone in aa¡­ we¡¯re finally done with that dross. Honestly ancient dragon, do you think making a mess is entertainment?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Yes I do¡±


    ¡®Eh, maybe I was wrong about the fight. Seemed interesting looking at the aftermath though¡¯


    Even though you can¡¯t see him, it¡¯s obvious Plutus just facepalmed behind that microphone of his as well.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ now for thest fight of this round because I can¡¯t be bothered to arrange another quick clean up¡­ it¡¯s time for the only Underworld contestant remaining. The grim reaper Thanatos, obviously with time off from his pressing schedule has to fight the overwhelming glory of the mad God of war Ares¡±


    Within the crowd, the two quietest people, yet to make even a peep during these fights, get up and enter the arena. One of which has been hiding under his hood for most of these encounters, not entirely sure why but hisplexion is definitely quite pale.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°So¡­ if it isn¡¯t Hades¡¯sckey himself? How does it feel being a ve to that gravedigger?¡±


    ¡°I could say the same about you and your father, Olympian mutt. Has Zeus grown tired of your idiocy yet?¡±


    Before the fight has even begun, you can already tell there¡¯s extreme dislike between these two and that¡¯s festering into these school yard like insults. It matters little though; blood is about to fly¡­


    The fight kicks off with both of the men aiming straight for the opponent¡¯s neck, only to be met with the shing of wood as the attacks collide with each other midair.


    Splinters fly across the arena as both the des sh against each other again, both men not giving a care for safety and just wanting to destroy the other.


    ¡®Damn¡­ I¡¯m really not looking forward to fighting any of these two¡¯


    Countless kamikaze attacks, continuing to get more and more relentless by the second until Thanatosnds a hit into the arm of Ares, except this only allows the God of war to counter getting a hit into the grim reaper¡­ you know, is Thanatos even technically considered a God? I¡¯m not too sure on that.


    ¡®Hmm¡­ maybe this might work? Status¡¯


    [<Nice thinking Ikarus but he can¡¯t be scanned like the rest of the people up here>]


    ¡®Fair enough¡­ how are you enjoying the games anyway Aesa? You must be watching along, even with your split consciousness¡¯


    [<Aesa thinks it¡¯s okay¡­ you don¡¯t have to do this Ikarus>]


    ¡®Right, can¡¯t forget you hate small talk¡¯


    While I¡¯m slowly starting to miss my clone that might as well be my twin by this point, it looks like one of us watching on has something they need to get off their chest. Not exactly like you can take much off a chest that t though.


    ¡°Sheeet¡­ will you two idiots just kiss or fuck already? Everyone can tell this bullshit rivalry is fake as hell!¡±


    A wild an idiotic Artemis emerges from our small crowd, clearly wanting this fight to go down the BL route. Thankfully, both of them remain fixated on destroying the other and not taking this down a route that would make me look away. Boy¡¯s love is a sin and it must be purged! I¡¯m obviously kidding, I¡¯m still not going to go looking for any though.


    ¡°You really are unbelievable at times old friend¡±


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s your problem Uriel? I¡¯m only saying what we¡¯re all thinking!¡±


    ¡®Anyone else getting Zeki vibes from this Goddess? She seems like an idiot¡¯


    While I¡¯m clearly getting distracted by that stupid elf looking Goddess of the hunt, Ares catches a breakthrough, plunging his wooden spear right into the shoulder of Thanatos in an attack that can barely be seen by the eye. Keep in mind, it seems to only miss his heart by a few inches or so. I can¡¯t even make a spear joke considering how deathly that hit could¡¯ve been.


    In spite of the damage done, the grim reaper still remains standing, obviously wanting to fight but dropping his weapon in that skirmish has made this an inevitable loss. He should probably focus more on the bleeding right now.


    ¡°Ares! We already told you, no lethal hits! Do you want to piss off the entire Underworld for the sake of your ego!?!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fine Plutus¡­ I think? A little blood never hurt anybody, right?¡±


    Ares tries to pat the arm of Thanatos only to receive a deathly stare and a scoff back in his face. This fight is definitely over but clearly there isn¡¯t any love lost between those two lovers¡­ for fuck¡¯s sake, Artemis has got me shipping them now!


    ¡°Every year, youe too close to breaking the rules Ares¡­ it doesn¡¯t matter anymore. This next round has concluded so let¡¯s get you all out of there again¡­¡±

 Chapter 207 – Last Four

    Chapter 207 ¨C Last Four


    ¡°Erm¡­ why am I getting a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu again Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, probably because it reminds you of our cultists back on Lesbos, Ikarus?¡±


    Having just being teleported out of the arena stage and back into the bar, something iffy appears to be happening around here as people seem less interested in drinking and betting than usual. As a matter of fact, it¡¯s almost turned into a celebrity meetup with fans or something


    ¡°It¡¯s the two fated phoenix lovers themselves! Quick, take a mental picture!¡±


    ¡°Nice work on teaching that Norse bitch a lesson! How dare she try and split your love!?!¡±


    ¡°Really wish you weren¡¯t so merciful to Aphrodite; her matchmaking can be so misguided at times¡±


    Three random heavenly beings lead our little fan group as I really have no idea on who these lot even are. They don¡¯t seem powerful by any stretch of the imagination so I might just refer to them as heavenly cultists this time around. Petra starting the cultist thing this time around, their lovestruck eyes are already getting annoying.


    Sure, we¡¯re not the only people getting attention which makes it a little better. Mother appears to be handing out signatures while father refuses to even acknowledge the puny Gods trying to get his attention. Honestly surprised mother isn¡¯t even more popr for two obvious reasons.


    Some of the God we just fought against also have a following, three of note closest to us are Hermes, Aphrodite and Freyja. The worst of the lot receiving attention is everyone¡¯s favourite idiot Ares, he¡¯s flexing his muscles to the crowd of swooning women around his side. This isn¡¯t a Ikarus jealously moment, most of his armour hides everything anyways. He just looks like a freaking idiot doing that.


    Should also note some of the defeated Gods have already left. Nyx, Thanatos, Gabriel and Raphael, thest one being the angel who¡¯s been turned into a eunuch multiple times already. Think it¡¯s pretty obvious why he might not want to stick around, maybe I¡¯ll go for round three if we meet again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get a move on Petra¡­. Oh, for fuck¡¯s sake¡­¡±


    Already knowing we¡¯ve got some time left before the next round kicks off, we¡¯re about to leave this bar using a teleportation portal in the corner when someone stops us in our path.


    ¡°¡­Will you just fuck off already Freyja!? She¡¯s my bitch so go get your own!¡±


    Realizing I¡¯ve just said something facepalm worthy but not caring in the slightest while wrapping my arm around Petra, my anger instantly returns as the woman seems to stare at my wife again! I don¡¯t want to be jealous but this Norse Goddess is making me lose my way!


    ¡°Please, all I intend to do is apologize, nothing more, nothing less. If I had known you were already taken, I would¡¯ve taken a different route¡±


    Okay, whatever it is Freyja¡¯s trying to do, it¡¯s not helping. Petra may be trying to hold back herughter but I don¡¯t find this funny at all!


    ¡°Heh, what other route would that have been then?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ a night filled with mead, passion, joy and singing, ending up on a rug of furs, locked in kisses and cuddles. Why limit a bed to just two when three works even better?¡±


    ¡­


    Trying to give one of the stupidest smiles and winks I¡¯ve ever seen, clearly this woman thinks she¡¯s smooth but she hasn¡¯t the foggiest how us two do things. Just because this God is also rted to love, like Aphrodite, doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s any good at it!


    ¡°Freaking horny Viking¡­e on Petra, we¡¯re seriously leaving now¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡®I wonder what¡¯s going through her mind right about now¡­¡¯


    While we¡¯re heading through the marketce getting a bite to eat, purposely ignoring anything that may upset my stomach, I¡¯m getting the weird feeling Petra may be bottling something up.


    ¡­


    Continuing to look at me like I¡¯ve done something worth mocking, Petra¡¯s gorgeous blue eyes really can¡¯t help but say a thousand words. And yet, she remains mute just like her sister.


    ¡°Oi wifey¡­ I haven¡¯t said or done something I shouldn¡¯t, right?¡±


    ¡°Heh, really don¡¯t think I can let that one stand Ikarus. I¡¯m¡­ your¡­ bitch?¡±


    Despite the pauses in between and Petra trying to put on a false smile, I know for a fact she didn¡¯t mind being called that! Auras don¡¯t lie and I know there wasn¡¯t a hint of malice in her reaction. If anything, that time I nearly called her fat got more of a reaction.


    ¡°That¡¯s how marriage works, right? I¡¯m your bitch and you¡¯re mine¡­ part of the contract after all. That¡¯s totally how marriage works and you know it!¡±


    ¡°Heh, and yet, my adorable but sometimes astonishing Ikarus, you¡¯re the one who publicly chooses to wear a cor. Anyone would think you¡¯re my property just by a quick nce¡±


    ¡°Huff, that¡¯s not a freaking cor and you know it! A choker is apletely different thing!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Instead of getting a verbal response, her eyes once again do the talking as even I know there is a stigma rted to wearing chokers. I just like the feeling of it around my neck really, there¡¯s no connection to begin submissive, being choked or liking penises, it¡¯s just an item of clothing really! And that stigma was if a guy wears a choker, it¡¯s means they like to do things with third limbs. I¡¯m fully using my gender as an excuse here.


    I¡¯m also pretty certain chokers once were used for fancy ves back down in the humannds¡­ I¡¯m really not going to win this battle so let¡¯s just move on. I guess I did start it by calling the wife a bitch though.


    ¡°Anyways¡­ since we¡¯re now on the topic of fashion, you want to see if anywhere sells enchanted clothing up here? It¡¯s thend of the Gods so they must sell something I can use while changing form¡±


    ¡°Heh, do I get to choose what you wear Ikarus? Being called a bitch has hurt me more than you can imagine. A new cor might be nice as well¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ you sometimes don¡¯t realize how out of context you¡¯d sound if I didn¡¯t get your sense of humour. People might think you¡¯re controlling and maniptive really¡±


    ¡°Heh, wouldn¡¯t do it if you weren¡¯t smiling like a dope Ikarus¡­ now, let¡¯s get you looking like a flower¡±


    ¡®I might just go full on goth just to prove a point now. Petra will still like it regardless¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m disappointed in you Ikarus. Know my hair matches but there isn¡¯t the slightest bit of pink on you¡±


    ¡°Orange is pretty close to pink¡­ and besides, don¡¯t be acting like you still won¡¯t simp for me regardless. Think others might be looking as well now¡±


    ¡°Heh, of course they are Ikarus. Pure beauty does that to people¡±


    ¡°I so hate your quick wit at times¡­ love ya Petra¡±


    ¡°Heh, love you too Ikarus¡±


    Arriving back at the arena once the break is over and sitting down together, even I¡¯m starting to get a few looks from the new outfit I¡¯ve got for.


    You see, they have quite the few options and I was thinking what might be the best for a bird turned demon lord. It¡¯s basically a dress mixed with a little armour and leather straps, obviously including a stupid choker and stockings as well. Maybe I have gone a little too edge lord looking with it but fuck it. It¡¯s not full on emo or half as bad as father looks so we¡¯re all good. Also it¡¯s enchanted but that was entire point.


    I think I may have gone a little short on the skirt side of things especially when I¡¯m still adamantmando is the way to live. Could that be why the crowd was looking? Ah, I¡¯m fine, they didn¡¯t see anything¡­ can always nuke them if they did though.


    ¡°To keep things fresh and interesting, and due to viewers demanding that it¡¯s pointless not getting to see an actual dragon in action, we¡¯re going to allow form changes for this uing battle¡­¡±


    ¡®Form changes huh¡­ this could be interesting¡¯


    ¡°¡­So, next up, the world ender herself will now be forced to bear fangs against her own daughter! I¡¯m now calling Kellearzar and Ikarus to the stage!¡±


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    (Kellearzar) ¡°This God really doese out with some weird things, doesn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡®Me vs mother? That¡¯s¡­ good, I think? In dragon form means no pounds of meat for the audience to savour upon¡¯


    Following the world ender to the arena, mother quickly changes form and immediately, a huge mistake gets made from this suggestion¡­


    How the hell is anyone going to see anything when you have the world¡¯srgest dragon blocking everything from view!?! This isn¡¯t even a breast joke thing about them being big enough to view from space¡­ human breasts on a dragon would look weird, I need to stop focusing on mother now! Point is, she¡¯s too big for this arena.


    ¡°Erm¡­ we¡¯ll also allow flying and the arena barriers to be expanded into the skies. Everyone knows dragon are big but damn¡­¡±


    <Since they¡¯re allowing form changes Ikarus, want to give your natural body a bit of a run out? You don¡¯t tend to spend much time like that anymore>


    Mother takes Plutus¡¯s advice and soars into the sky while asking me that in quite the reminiscing sort of way. You¡¯d barely realize I¡¯m still a bird if I didn¡¯t constantly moan about it or have a thing for a little fluff. Feathers are the best sort of bedding after all.


    ¡°Theck of arms are a disadvantage though¡­ screw it. Not like I¡¯m taking these fights seriously anyways¡±


    And so, it¡¯s time for the good ol¡¯phoenix bod to return! No hybrid human wings, no demon horns or basic Brookyn bitch, just the ssic furry that needs no reminder.


    This alone gets an odd reaction from the participating Gods down below, could be they¡¯ve never seen a phoenix in the flesh before. We are like the ultra-rare limited edition trading cards that never get packed¡­ I still wonder what happened to that yellow guy that came before us four prophesized ones. Guess that¡¯ll remain a mystery unfortunately.


    Anyways, we both arrive get intobat position in the air so let the fight begin! That¡¯s a question I never thought I¡¯d have to answer, how would one even defeat a creature that could destroy the world while being heavily nerfed?


    The first ever time I¡¯ve had the pleasure of sparring with mother and fuck, she doesn¡¯t mess around, that size with a speed that might match Petra is terrifying. Getting carried around by her or seeing her on the ground is overwhelming enough but this flying speed is insane!


    ----------


    ---If you ever wonder why I don¡¯t give dragons AI with the anime styling I use for everyone else, this is a prime example¡­


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ---This is a different styling and imagine Ikarus is the same size as her paw, that¡¯s kinda the scale¡­


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Once mother closes the distance to me, mainly down to me giving up because I doubt I can outfly that, she does something pretty unexpected by breathing fire all over my arse.


    ¡°Seriously mother? Fire? You¡¯re not getting dementia or something?¡±


    <Hehe Ikarus, might as well give them a show. Now, you better fly because I¡¯m going to catch you!>


    I¡¯m already trying not tough from her taking this just as seriously as I am, as if mother of all people I could seriously spar with! You idiotic Gods watching on may have wanted a serious battle with my dragonic mother but you ain¡¯t getting that today!


    ¡°I¡¯d like to see you try!¡±


    Darting away really high above the arena, basically ying cat and mouse, I seriously can¡¯t see any chance of beating this hulking monstrosity! You¡¯d think her turning circle would be like a bus but she¡¯s as agile as a feather! Mother is on a rampage to catch her daughter and I¡¯ve got no chance of doing this.


    Realizing this little chase we have going along is like a child ying with their parent, couldn¡¯t care in the slightest because I¡¯m enjoying the hell out of it, my inner child tells me the only way to win this is getting cheeky with it. I¡¯m going to be a right pest!


    Turning around and waiting for mother to close the gap a little, I make a dart for the top of her head, which in turn causes her to slow down trying not to crash into me. I¡¯ve now ended up perfectly where I wanted¡­


    Mother spits me all ahead of me again but obviously it does nothing except reduce visibility and make me feel slightly warmer. One hundred percent resistance to fire has always been a cheat code after all.


    Talons locked right into the hardened scale in the middle of her head, it¡¯s time for this pest to find a way of winning this fight. How you ask? By pecking at her face of course!


    I can¡¯t use abilities because of rules, magic is irrelevant because mother is a freaking monstrous beast so what else can I do? Besides, the idea of actually trying to harm mother sounds horrible. I don¡¯t care if this is supposed to be some fabled tournament arc, mother fits into the ¡®do not hurt¡¯ category. I¡¯ll just beat up father again if a dragon needs a beating.


    <Seriously Ikarus? I didn¡¯t raise you to act like poultry!>


    ¡°Says the one you just tried to cook me!¡±


    Trying my best to peck at her eyes, not like a chicken at all despite mother thinking otherwise, the attack kinda works as it forces her to have to shut them and use her paws to try and swat me away. I¡¯m not trying to blind her or anything, just act as that little eysh that sometimes gets stuck under the eyelid. That shit is annoying.


    After being swatted away too many times than I care to admit, I give up on this stupidity and think of something else I can do to annoy her into submission. Annoyance is the only way I¡¯ll have a chance to win this battle otherwise I¡¯ll just end up getting caught in mother¡¯s paw.


    ¡®Hmm¡­ I¡¯ve got it! This better work because I really don¡¯t want to try whacking her with a sword¡­ not like I could even do that with no arms¡¯


    Getting myself right under her wing and dodging the gigantic paws swiping my way, it¡¯s time to annoy somewhere else! Dragons have to be ticklish somewhere, right? You¡¯d think the paws or under the wings would be the best spot¡­


    <Hehe, stop Ikarus¡­ hehehe¡­>


    Like I¡¯ve found her Achilles heel, funny how he hasn¡¯te up yet considering all the Greek crap, mother bes unable to think or fly straight while I¡¯m under her wing, making sure my feathers get their use! This is so unbelievably stupid and she has no defence against the pure might of a thousand feathers!


    <Serio-, hehe¡­ Ikaru-, hehe¡­ stop!>


    ¡°Give up and I¡¯ll stop, it¡¯s that simple mother!¡±


    <Hehe-noooo¡­ hehe¡­>


    ¡°We can keep this up all day!¡±


    <Hehe¡­ that¡¯s it, defe-, hehe¡­ I call defeat! Phe¡­ >


    Getting myself out of the darkness which is mother¡¯s wingpit, think that¡¯s what it called because of how an armpit works, mother visibly looks exhausted from my pesky antics. I needed a reliable n and this bird brain provided one!


    Both of us begin to inevitably chuckle while heading back down while I also sort out my feathers by shaking a lot. Even under her wings, there¡¯s dragon scales everywhere and they can feel a little sharp if you act like a gigantic ball of fluff.


    As soon as we get back down however and I¡¯ve changed back into the demonic hybrid form, it seems some Gods are not fans of fun. Most of the participants we were sitting alongside don¡¯t seem to mind all that much though.


    (Plutus) ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m not sure what to make of that¡­ and before you mkas ask, no refunds! That was still a fight¡­ I think? We technically have a winner so don¡¯tin!¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ I apologize you had to witness that Petra. Sometimes, bad things have to be done for good reasons¡±


    To the Gods and the onlookers watching over thispetition, I couldn¡¯t care in the slightest about being a tad childish. It¡¯s the wife I¡¯d rather not show a stupid side like that to. That¡¯s the unfun sort of embarrassing.


    Not entirely sure why I¡¯m worrying because she seems to be smiling about it.


    ¡°Heh, thought it was cute Ikarus. You know, are you ticklish by chance?¡±


    ¡°Pleas-¡­ don¡¯t!¡±


    As soon as she says that, a hand finds its way under my armpit and causes me to jump. You see, I¡¯m flexible to a lot of things even if I like toin a lot, tickling is really not for me.


    ¡°Always found it just hurts really, even back in my Brooklyn days it was like that¡±


    ¡°Heh, then that¡¯s a no go then. How did you know that was your mother¡¯s weakness anyway?¡±


    Instead of answering, I just shrug my shoulders and cuddle up into the wife. She¡¯ll understand easily enough that it was aplete gamble on my part, grew tired of thispetition after the first round so the fact I¡¯m now in the final is meaningless really.


    <Let¡¯s get this started God of war, shall we? Little one once told me of the irritation you put her and the dark one through>


    ¡°Oh, really think I care flying lizard? You think you can best me? You¡¯ve got no chance!¡±


    ----------


    ---The styling looks okay when it¡¯s ck on ck apparently¡­


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Wanting no time for breaks, father rapidly jumps into action getting his proper form out while Ares seems to relish the chance as well. Thankfully, father can fit into the fighting part of the arena way easierpared to mother, it¡¯s still looks a little janky but there is enough at least.


    Ah, something about what the ol¡¯lizard said as well. Despite how it sounds, sometimes I do share stories with the parents, that situation where we encountered Ares¡¯s dungeon was one of them. I honestly thought he wasn¡¯t listening but guess he listens way more than he lets on.


    ¡°Hmm, it appears the next contestants are really eager to get started¡­ before I¡¯ve even given the bloody announcement! *Sigh*¡­ we have Ares against Dermakvar this time out¡±


    Since both contestants have already gotten started and annoyed the game maker in the process, the fight begins with father darting directly upwards out of the arena, leaving behind a ckened cloud of pure poison and dread. Only once remember seeing him do that and that was when he identlyughed from me swearing when I was a wee young phoenix.


    ¡°Wahahahaha! You¡¯ll have to use more than a little poison beast!¡±


    While shouting that, Ares pulls out a chunk of something resembling coal and a rag, tying them together into a makeshift facemask for use against the poison. Still can¡¯t forget that magic is allowed here but abilities aren¡¯t, also think there¡¯s some filters set inside this ce so us lot can¡¯t get effected by this attack also. The fact we¡¯re still breathing says it all really.


    Ignoring Ares¡¯s rage, father readies himself for the aerial attack using the cover of the poisonous fog as a shield, then swoops down to presumably rip him to shreds¡­


    Ares stands proud, waiting for the ancient dragon to get ever closer, then shes his spear right at the perfect moment tond a deep cut into father¡¯s chin. Even I don¡¯t know how¡¯s he¡¯s managed to do that with a spear made from wood.


    Both partiese out of that encounter bleeding as father responds using his wing to swipe at the God who looked too smug after his hit. Once the counter is received, he returns for another sweep around the arena.


    Father swoops back around for a second attempt at catching the God and begins his descent again. This time around, he¡¯s a little more sessful with the attempt, even managing to get a small nibble causing Ares¡¯s shoulder to bleed immensely.


    ¡°sted lizard! Come down here and speak face to face, not fleeing like a coward!¡±


    <Hmph, as if I¡¯ll ever speak words for an event this petty God of war. You¡¯re not worth my time>


    ¡®Ah, the fabled dragon tongue that I¡¯ve only seen a few times that¡¯s full of power. This fight is pretty kel though¡¯


    From the wholesomeness that was our fight to the bloodbath that¡¯s urring in this one, the differences might as well punch you in the face! If only I got to spar against father again, mother was fun and all but sometimes a little blood can go a long way. It¡¯s obvious which parent I take after more.


    Father aims up for another fly around much to Ares¡¯s dismay, except the God of war¡¯s grin has returned. He¡¯s got an idea on how to take down the ancient winged beast.


    You see, instead of trying to dodge father¡¯s advance, Ares¡¯s dives forwards confusing my father and takes this split second to full effect. It even if it looks like the size of father¡¯s stomach causes Ares to get knocked down afternding a hit¡­


    One swift stab, right into the position of his wingpit, causes father to lose all sense of control gliding along and loose control of that wing. The main problem with this n is the fact¡­ father¡¯s momentum hasn¡¯t slowed in the slightest¡­


    ¡®This is really epic¡­ shit!¡¯


    (Kellearzar) ¡°Dermakvar¡­ you idiot¡±


    Father flies straight into the side of the arena, causing the entire ce to shake and half of it to copse immediately, most of which falling upon him. This reminds me a little of how one of our sparring sessions went, think he got caught under treesst time out. Guess I also get my dopiness off him as well.


    ¡°Why in Zeus¡¯s name did I think to allow dragons to fly about!?! This is on you viewers; don¡¯t think I¡¯m forking out for the repair costs because you wanted this!¡±


    When father finally rears his stupid head out of the mounds of rubble, Ares stands over him spear in hand, already knowing he¡¯s lost this fight to the God of war. At least he seems physically find, mentally you can see his pride has really fallen off a cliff.


    ¡°It¡¯s over lizard¡­ you fought a good fight but that really was sloppy¡±


    <Hmph¡­ hope little one rips out your spleen, God of war. Nice battle anyways¡­>


    Mother just continues to sit on the crowd facepalming while the rest of us really don¡¯t know what to make of this. We¡¯re lucky this side of the arena didn¡¯t copse considering how much devastation just took ce.


    ¡°And so¡­ tomorrow, only two contenders are left to fight! But beforehand, let¡¯s hear a message from our sponsors¡­ is the advert on? Good¡­ I have a message for you contestants, Ikarus and Petra. There¡¯s an invitation up here for you¡±


    Plutus goes through hismentator¡¯s routine, then quickly switches off the persona to single out me and the wife. This is definitely going to be from Asmodeus about to set things into motion, right?


    ¡°Can you say who¡¯s sent the invite Plutus or is it confidential?¡±


    ¡°I probably shouldn¡¯t because it¡¯ll put most Gods off, but I¡¯m still going to regardless. The one who rules all has graciously asked for your attendance, so you best not leave him waiting¡­¡±

 Chapter 208 – The Ruler

    Chapter 208 ¨C The Ruler


    ---Quick update for you all, content will most likely not exist next week. Myptop''s CPU fan is broken and need it repaired, unfortunately this is the only thing I''ve got to write on. Giving it to someone on Friday so hopefully it can be repaired, no idea how long it''ll take though so here''s the warning.


    __________


    ¡°Shit shit shit¡­ this could be pretty bad, right? A meeting with the guy who wants us dead, this sounds like a red g waiting to happen¡±


    After finishing up the next round and receiving the invite, we¡¯re now on our way through the agora to Zeus¡¯s pce. The invitation itself wasn¡¯t anything spectacr but apparently had Zeus¡¯s trademark seal on it. Funnily enough the writing looks to be written by a child, guess the idiot that wants me dead has terrible handwriting apparently.


    At the moment, it¡¯s me and the wife, my two parents, Dio and that money God Plutus who offered to take us. Dionysus was in search of Asmodeus and the rebellion headquarters while were fighting but is yet to find any leads unfortunately.


    I¡¯m also guessing Plutus just wants to gain favour with the all-powerful God hence why he¡¯s taking us? Don¡¯t know, don¡¯t care¡­


    Should probably mention the fact all the Gods around here seem to be noticing us walking by, I don¡¯t care about that right now though! Kinda wish we remained permanently anonymous in the tournament.


    ¡°Heh, rx Ikarus. I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be nothing¡±


    ¡°She is right Ikarus. The fact you¡¯ve been up here this long and father hasn¡¯t done anything is a good sign¡±


    Both the wife and Dio try to be reassuring but that¡¯s not going to work, goddamn it! This is a big thing, the encounter meeting the antagonist that we have to destroy. What if he isn¡¯t a evil ¡®genius¡¯ and doesn¡¯t put us in an easily escapable trap, instead just kills us off with the snap of a finger? I mean, our story has been weird but that¡¯s a real shitty plot twist!


    ¡°What if he poisons me and weakens me for the fight though? That¡¯s got to be the reason for this timing¡­ bet he¡¯ll try and kill me in the arena as well!¡±


    I may be getting worked up andparing it to a film now, that diator film is pretty dope and I won¡¯t have anyone tell me otherwise. Regardless, whatever my point is, it still stands! This is suspicious all around.


    (Kellearzar) ¡°Your father already told you, he¡¯s not that subtle Ikarus. If he wanted a fight, he wouldn¡¯t have invited you to his pce¡­ I think¡±


    ¡°Hmph, I¡¯m still irked the invite is only for little and the dark one¡­ darling is right though. Unless his ns involve child making, his temper always involves going big or broke¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s another concern in its own right father! What if he sees me and Petra in the flesh and decides to turn into an animal? You must know the stories of how he woos women!¡±


    ¡­


    That brings silence and awkwardness to the parents, at least I¡¯ve managed to make them anxious! When I¡¯m right, I¡¯m right. Zeus is a right bastard in a lot of myths so if me and Petra end up and the wrong end of his loving stick, that might be a fate worse than death¡­


    Despite the fact three of our group are now biting our lips, Plutus seems uninterested only wanting to get us to the portal. They really need to put signs around here¡­ even if this one is kinda obvious. It¡¯s the biggest portal I¡¯ve seen in this ce thus far.


    ¡°Here you go! Make your way through that portal and you¡¯ll arrive in his domain¡­ if the topices up, make sure you tell him it¡¯s not my fault what happened in the arena! No chance am I taking that risk right now¡­¡±


    Plutus tips us his hat and then gets the hell outta here. That hasn¡¯t helped at all if even he isn¡¯t wanting to meet Zeus.


    (Kell) ¡°Any signs of trouble you two¡­ make sure you fly as fast as you can. We¡¯ll be right here to back you up if it¡¯s needed¡±


    (Dermak) ¡°Hmph, there is shame in retreat but sometimes¡­ being alive is worth it¡±


    (Dio) ¡°They¡¯ll be fine¡­ probably¡±


    ¡®You know, I would appreciate actual fake confidence right now. At least Petra¡¯s always good to go¡¯


    Anyways, now onto the portal! In the outskirts of the main world is this street that leads nowhere, except to arge portal in front of the wall of fog that surrounds this ce. It¡¯s clear the size of this portal is ovepensating a little due to how oversized it is¡­ already predicting what Zeus may be like just from this alone.


    Oh, did I ever exin the fact the fog gets thicker the closer you get to it? From the centre of the town, you can barely see it but over here, it¡¯s thick as fuck¡­ pointless bit of info but it¡¯s there regardless.


    Regardless, it¡¯s now time to go. Wish us luck? Things will be fineee, and if not, everything burns.


    ¡®If this fucker spawn traps us on the other side, you best know I¡¯m prepping the kill switch. Aesa?¡¯


    [<Just say the word and Aesa will get everything ready Ikarus>}


    ¡®Let¡¯s get this show on the road then¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ phew, knew I was overying it. Looks like we were a littlete for the action¡±


    ¡°Heh, true Ikarus. This might¡¯ve happened days ago¡±


    Entering the portal, me and Petra arrive and what looks like the remains of a small and unimportant battlefield. Sure, there¡¯s no bodies around but it stinks like flesh and ash, looks burnt to hell and the taste of metal lingers in the air. Oh, there¡¯s also quite a few dirty weapons lying around.


    Further up the battleground, only one direction because the fog lingers everywhere else, is a copsed golden gate in front of an ancient Greek pce. This pce is made from a mixture of marble and gold, and has definitely seen better days. It looks clean enough but clearly the fighting has taken it¡¯s took around here.


    And right outside the pce is a courtyard equipped with a pool and a few sun loungers alongside several patio tables, one of which has three individuals sitting at. The first is a heavily muscled shirtless guy, I think that guy is pretty obvious. The other two are a little less so, both being women with immense beauty but your guess is as good as mine.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Please, take a seat and we can get started¡­ bah! I¡¯m trying to be civilized here Hera!¡±


    When getting offered a seat once we get arrive over here, the grey-haired woman spits on the ground like she hasn¡¯t an inch of respect for us. Thankfully, Petra¡¯s able to keep her calm and look at this logically, attacking Zeus¡¯s wife right now would be the worst y imaginable if she is in fact Hera.


    ¡°Just because you have to be civilized husband doesn¡¯t mean I have to respect your enemies. You two idiots know how much heartache you¡¯ve caused my Zeusey!?! The amount of stress he¡¯s faced recently is causing him to grow even more wrinkles!¡±


    Zeus just sits there trying not to facepalm from the wife and now I can finally tell how Petra might feel when I go off on one. The slight difference is, I¡¯m into it though.


    ¡°They¡¯re not enemies Hera, just shut up already if you¡¯re going to do this¡­ where was I again? Oh right, introductions. The orange haired woman is my sister Demeter, and the insane woman is my wife, Hera¡±


    (Demeter) ¡°Sup¡±


    (Hera) ¡°Hmph¡­ stupid birds¡±


    ¡®Hmm¡­ wonder if the sister-wife thing is true like back on Earth. Point being, Hera and Zeus are supposed to be blood rted as well as married. I¡¯m going to try my best to ignore that now¡­ bet that cute Zeusey thing isn¡¯t as cute now, is it?¡¯


    Now that the introductions are over we me and Petra not giving a response, it¡¯s already time for us to get to the point. This conversation already feels like it¡¯s going down the hostile route so best get out of here as quick as possible.


    ¡°You know¡­ just what the fuck is this? After everything that¡¯s happened, that eruption in particr made it clear of your hostility towards us, why the invite?¡±


    Petra gets to ask the questions first while I¡¯m just trying to ignore the fact she¡¯s just causally sworn like that. I really am bing a bad influence on her¡­ it¡¯s unfortunate because I freaking like her swearing.


    ¡°Flexibility, heavenly phoenix, that¡¯s what this is. Recently, some information came to light and I may have jumped the goat so to speak on some of our recent¡­ing togethers¡±


    ¡®Jumped the gun, jumped the goat, it¡¯s this world¡¯s version of that expression. It pisses me off immensely how he¡¯s so careless about this though¡¯


    ¡°Wait, you mean to say attacking us was a waste of fucking time!?! If this is your way of apologizing, then a toddler could do a better job!¡±


    Look, I¡¯m not trying to get this guy back on our case but his paranoia caused a fucking volcano to go off and the entire demonic worldunching an idiotic invasion. Sure, Asmodeus yed a part, we all know he¡¯s striving for the greater good though. Well, we actually don¡¯t know what his grand ns are, I¡¯m getting sidetracked damn it! Point is, an overreaction this big shouldn¡¯t be put down to a whoopsie!


    ¡°Bah, you speak as if you know anything child! I may have slightly overreacted when I first heard of the prophecy and now that I have more information¡­ it¡¯s more logical to take everything into ount. I¡¯m not apologizing when that was the correct action to make at the time¡±


    If it isn¡¯t obvious yet, I¡¯m visibly fuming from this God still refusing to apologize for it. It¡¯s as if the casualties from the demonic invasion and the volcano mean jack shit to him!


    I mean, I don¡¯t care about them either, but at least I try to care! That shit was really cold and coldness causes two things to constantly rub against clothing¡­ those gas masks were also a pain in the arse but I¡¯m just fixating on stupid things really. People actually died.


    ¡°So, me and Ikarus are just supposed to ept you made an error and be fine with it?¡±


    ¡°In some ways¡­ yes. Don¡¯t act as if Athena¡¯s logical blood isn¡¯t now coursing through your veins, heavenly bird. It¡¯s time to just let bygones be bygones and talk about something more light hearted¡­ like those stupid games you¡¯repeting in for example¡±


    While talking about Athena, both the women to Zeus¡¯s side have very different reactions. Hera has a face of pure disgust, like she¡¯s another person she has no respect for and Demeter¡­ almost like a reminding sadness of something else.


    ¡°Is this where you ask me to take a dive or something? Beciase I¡¯m not going to¡±


    ¡°Bah, why would I ask for something that pointless? I have many sons and Ares may be the most idiotic by some margin. He has his uses but all are rted to destruction¡±


    ¡®Funny how we havemon ground on that. Ares is basically just a more annoying version of Zeki without the charm¡­ ors to go with it¡¯


    ¡­


    This would normally be the time to leave as either side seems unsure on how to continue. Thankfully, this muscr idiot seems to be taking the hint. We¡¯re not going to get on regardless.


    ¡°Look and listen, okay? I can already tell we¡¯re not going to get on. If you wish to remain up here under my thumb, there¡¯s still some rules you must abide by, most of which you can find on posters all around the ce¡­¡±


    ¡®Rules and consequences,-di-da¡¯


    Dropping whatever makeshift friendly act he was putting on, Zeus¡¯s face drops down a cliff as he attempts to intimidate us with a disgusting aura that could drown puppies. Weirdparison but it¡¯s evil nevertheless.


    ¡°Up here, you will fall in line otherwise, you will feel the full might of my wraith. While I¡¯ve seen firsthand you two have a tendency of taking unnecessary risks, I wonder if you¡¯ll see things differently if those actions cause the pain of others¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ what exactly are you saying?¡±


    While I may have not exactly taken the hint just yet, Petra¡¯s eyes narrow and her aura begins to grow darker. She knows what he¡¯s implying.


    ¡°Mess around up here and I¡¯ll personally make sure your little phoenix friends below experience a fate worse than death, I¡¯ll even give them my own little touch¡­ Now, care for drinks, or are you nning on making a swift exit?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®This motherfucker just threatened Zeki and Ariza!?! They¡¯ve done nothing to you!¡¯


    Without giving him a response, me and Petra get the hell out of this courtyard before the anger reaches a point an idental nuke may getunched. He¡¯s been watching us more than we realize and knows exactly what buttons to push, also crossing a line he shouldn¡¯t have done.


    ¡®At least that¡¯s settled it now, there¡¯s no room for peace. His ugly mug needs to roll after the wife sends it flying¡­¡¯


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    (Hera) ¡°Very well-done husband! That will definitely put those two trouble doers in their ce! And if it doesn¡¯t, just ask and I¡¯ll scratch their eyes out¡±


    (Demeter) ¡°I should¡¯ve asked them how my Persephone is doing¡­ that was really despicable brother. Your own little touch? You know exactly how that is implied, haven¡¯t you ruined enough people already?¡±


    Two very conflicting emotions from the Goddesses in Zeus¡¯spany as I graciously make my way over, serving various cocktails and wine.


    ¡°Bah, don¡¯t you two start. I¡¯m not proud of what was just said but they now know the consequences for pissing me off. My mercy for letting them exist will only travel so far. Hopefully, this ill-fated prophecy can go burn in Tartarus where it belongs¡±


    They all ept the drinks they requested, then I back off ever so slightly so I can get a better view of everything. Not the grumpy guy though, those muscles are disgusting! Whover thinks bulging muscles are a staple of beauty needs to be smacked!


    Ya know, that odd thing is that no one really knows when the grumpy guy¡¯s perception changed on this prophecy nonsense. One moment, he¡¯s willing to burn the entire human world to the ground and the next, he¡¯s given the okay to let them live alongside the Gods! It¡¯s awfully suspicious¡­


    My brothers may have yed a part in that, at least distraction wise, but there¡¯s no way they would¡¯ve contributed in any meaningful way! What good is there in dying over and over again in a stupid ze of glory that leads nowhere?


    ¡°Remind me again husband, why a whore from Ragnar?k is serving us drinks? Wouldn¡¯t an actual God that wants to serve be of more use?¡±


    ----------


    ---If it isn¡¯t obvious yet, Loki maid-sama is insane¡­


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Bah, you say that as if your jealously would allow such a thing Hera, any maid thates here you¡¯ll use of adultery. Besides, it¡¯s only temporary, the whore needed some money so here we are¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just that big guy! My brothers keep attacking the ce and I got bored sitting around watching. So I thought, why not watch and get paid for it as well!? Potion making doesn¡¯te cheap ya know¡±


    ¡®And I¡¯m not a damn whore, I¡¯ll have you know! They act as if I¡¯m purposely trying to get men to look my way. Just because this body is the staple of pure beauty means jack shit!¡¯


    While I¡¯m now pouting from my employers being utter bastards, Demeter¡¯s alright but a little obsessed with Persephone¡¯s safety really, the topic actually switches onto my pesky brethren.


    As for the phoenixes who just showed up, it¡¯s probably for the best I didn¡¯t show my face, don¡¯t want the big guy thinking I¡¯m in league with them or something. Hephaestus will be really pissed if I screw this chance to get information up.


    ¡°Why not just destroy them like you did with Lyssa and be done with it brother? You act as if these rules up here are set in stone or marble¡±


    A fist ms against the table when Demeter¡¯s angers her brother in a way none of us expected. That seemed awfully rude, this guy really could do with bing a eunuch or something!


    ¡°Bah! The golden rule had to be adjusted because that mad bastard was a menace to everyone! That dungeon of his could¡¯ve spilt the fabric of reality and any idiot could understand why he needed to be stopped! Just because those idiotic Vikings feel the need to keep fighting doesn¡¯t give me the right to cheat it like that¡±


    ¡®Booo, he¡¯s such a stickler for details. All his pce problems could be solved if he just snapped a neck or two, I don¡¯t want them to suffer but they¡¯ve been fixated on the same exact attack for far too long now. They never were this stupid beforehand¡­¡¯


    Like a spark of inspiration snaps in my mind, I finally understand that maybe there¡¯s more to this than just in stupidity. Could my brothers be in bed with the rebellion? It¡¯s really farfetched and in the past, they¡¯d spit at the idea of aligning with anyone but, desperate times call for desperate measures. I still highly doubt it though, why wouldn¡¯t I be involved if that were the case?


    ¡°What about the new demon lord though? They choose to remain mortal so that wouldn¡¯t be against the rules if something were to happen. No saying it¡¯s right or wrong, just possible really¡±


    ¡°Yes, the words Demeter speaks makes sense! That vermin could be attacked with no problems whatsoever so let¡¯s do it!¡±


    Slowly but surely, the grumpy guy is starting to lose hisposure. I¡¯m not sure why he¡¯s like this because that seemed like a fair suggestion. I don¡¯t want the orange phoenix to end up targeted but the idea itself makes sense.


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ that¡¯s just too easy Hera, I am trying to run a democracy here but it¡¯s impossible when surrounded by stupidity everywhere¡­ anyways¡­ has my only good son been found yet? Not the alcoholic one or the idiot, couldn¡¯t give a rat¡¯s arse about Dionysus anymore¡±


    ¡­


    The other two God¡¯s pause when Apollo gets brought up. Not from awkwardness, just from the fact no one has a clue where he¡¯s gone.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re on the topic of missing Gods, the fact no one will rescue my sweet Persephone is ludicrous in its own right¡­ what is sister Hestia up to nowadays? She¡¯s been gone far longer than that boy of yours¡±


    Ah, just some Olympian politics from your favourite Loki doki about all this crap! You see, Apollo, Hestia and Hephaestus are the three Gods that mysteriously disappeared long ago. Athena could be included but she was really recent and only snapped after the volcano went off.


    Hestia was the first gone and not a shred of evidence has been found on her whereabouts. The only thing known about her is whates from Zeus¡¯s mouth.


    Everyone already knows what Hephaestus, or Denver is up to. Little shit will make me write up a report on thister! Boo¡­


    Apollo is a little different because his disappearance makes no sense. He wasn¡¯t on bad terms with Zeus and his artefacts still hold extreme power even now. The chances are, he went down into the humannds like Hephaestus himself, maybe in search of something perhaps? Ragnar?k knows I haven¡¯t a clue! He always was obsessed with artifacts and getting them in the right hands though.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you Demeter¡­ Hestia is dead. There¡¯s no point in discussing her anymore¡­ she¡¯s long gone¡±


    Zeus¡¯s face grows a little darker, showing a touch of sadness except, this means nothing to the Goddess Hera. She seems awfully confused on this.


    ¡°Huh? Then who¡¯s that guest in your pce then?¡±


    Not wanting to answer and making that vein in his forehead bulge in an instant, the grumpy guy really can¡¯t stand any more questions today. I¡¯m honestly surprised he didn¡¯t just go off to sulk after the lovebirds came to visit, normally vases and bottles get thrown by now!


    ¡°That¡¯s it¡­ I¡¯ve had enough for today! I¡¯m going to lie down for a bit¡­ bah!¡±


    Just as the grumpy guy wants to go to sleep, my brothers from Ragnar?k teleport in by the main entrance and begin another fruitless pursuit of utter stupidity.


    (Odin) ¡°Foolish God thinks he can stop us? We will defeat you Zeus, even if it drains every ounce of blood from this body¡±


    (Thor) ¡°Aye brother, let¡¯s free the world from his tyranny!¡±


    (Freyja) ¡°Let¡¯s see what this fuss is all about, shall we?¡±


    ¡®Ha! They even convinced Freyja to join in this time! Let¡¯s get some ambrosia and pull up a chair¡­¡¯

 Chapter 209 – Showtime

    Chapter 209 ¨C Showtime


    (Ikarus) ¡°Can¡¯t believe that fucker threatened Zeki and Ariza like that. His own little touch definitely means what I think it does, right? Disgusting bastard¡±


    After calming a little, returning through the portal into the hub agora world and giving my parents the update, I¡¯m obviously still fuming at what was said. Even though nothing was directly said, the fact that sounded like he was implying he¡¯d do something suspect to them is enough to make me want to start nuking immediately. Little less caring about Zeki but how dare he think about touching Ariza!


    (Dermakvar) ¡°Rx little one, he won¡¯ty a finger on those two¡±


    (Kellearzar) ¡°Your father is right Ikarus. He¡¯ll be too preupied dealing with us before ites to anything like that¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, shouldn¡¯t ignore dragon wisdom Ikarus. In all honesty¡­ I¡¯m thinking that may have been a bluff¡±


    Thankfully, everyone else is able to put what he said aside for now at least. I just need to calm my own personal anger and make sure nuking doesn¡¯t turn into a mood. It basically already has though.


    Oh, should mention Dio has wandered off somewhere. Already asked and was told he has important ces to be or go. We really need to send him to rehab because he definitely has a problem, it¡¯s probably something alcohol rted again.


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ anyone know what we should do next? I¡¯d suggest we go training inside my headspace but not sure if I¡¯m really in the right mindset for it¡±


    If it¡¯s to let off some steam, then it¡¯ll work for that but doubtful I¡¯ll gain any positive experience. You all saw that duel between the angel Uriel and Artemis, it¡¯s a lot harder to gain anything of note when anger consumes all.


    ¡°Heh, maybe it¡¯s better for something rxing till tomorrow Ikarus¡±


    ¡°You know¡­ we could y hide and seek¡±


    ¡­


    Mother makes a stupid suggestion that I can¡¯t help but shake my head at. I¡¯m guessing it got brought up because of our little battle, but I¡¯m way too old for something like this, right?


    ¡°Heh, your face really tells all Ikarus. Why not y a game with your parents for a bit? It sounds like it could be fun¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t we long past the days of doing something like this though? It just seems¡­ wrong, no?¡±


    ¡®Petra wants to do this? Now I¡¯m conflicted¡­ kinda want to but no way in hell am I admitting to it!¡¯


    Like the times mother used to offer to y when I was younger, that face of dejection never gets any better to deal with.


    Somehow, father is the voice of reason towards this. He doesn¡¯t seem to want to do it but like me, wouldn¡¯t be surprising if he¡¯s just being a tsundere.


    ¡°Hmph, you worry too much about things little one. Why don¡¯t wepromise? Me and little one y the role of seekers while you two be the hiders?¡±


    All of us nod in unison from father¡¯s suggestion so it¡¯s now time to y a game of hide and seek! Just because I¡¯vee around to it a little doesn¡¯t mean I think this is an intelligent way of spending our time.


    Giving the hiders a chance, me and father look towards a nk wall while the wife and mother run off to hide. I still can¡¯t believe we¡¯re actually doing this.


    ¡°¡­ Seven¡­ eight¡­ nine¡­ ten. Let¡¯s just get this over with¡±


    If you honestly expected me to say ¡®ready or not, here wee¡¯, then you might need to get your brain checked.


    Anyways, we start the search and quickly go down the alleyways that loiter behind and around these buildings. By the sounds of it, mostly down to the muffled giggling, I¡¯m pretty certain mother went this way.


    ¡°By the way little one¡­ there¡¯s no shame in letting your inner childe out to y every now and then. Me and your mother will never judge you for anything¡±


    While we¡¯re scanning the alleyways, father says something which honestly catches me off guard. That sounded like something a reasonable parent would say, what¡¯s gotten into him!?!


    ¡°Don¡¯t you start getting all parental and sappy on me ol-lizard! You could¡¯ve hid as well while I searched for the three of you¡±


    ¡°Hmph, preposterous little one. The only practical use for hiding is for stalking prey or retreat from a tougher foe. I wouldn¡¯t be seen dead doing something this juvenile¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s better, the grumpy and hypocritical father I grew up with! I¡¯m sooo going to buy you a wyvern plushie someday¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­ you really are strange little one¡±


    Despite father returning to his normal grumpy state, he can¡¯t help but smile and even shake his head from our talk. In all honesty, a wyvern plushie would be cute as fuck though! Maybe if Ariza ever gets married to the Prince, that can be the wedding gift.


    Since this world isn¡¯t exactly huge, we¡¯veing close to finishing up the search behind the buildings. In all honesty, there¡¯s been no use of intelligence in this search especially when the sounds of giggling echoes all around¡­


    ¡°Teehee-hehe¡­¡±


    ¡®Mother can try to hide but she was never going to get far with those two things¡±


    Right at the end of the alleyway is a corner that leads nowhere but to the fog that surrounds this ce. Peeking just past the corner is the edges of something jiggling from a certain dragon giggling¡­


    ¡°Gotcha darling¡­ you really are terrible at this game¡±


    ¡°Gosh darn it! I couldn¡¯t hide too well otherwise Ikarus might¡¯ve struggled to find me¡±


    ¡®Huffff¡­ this is totally that thing parents do when ites to purposely losing. At least Petra isn¡¯t going out her way to leave a trail¡¯


    Now, it¡¯s onto thest person in this stupid but kinda funny game. Petra¡¯s always been the one good at stalking so it¡¯s my time for a try! If it¡¯s possible, I¡¯m going to cheat though¡­


    ¡°You know¡­ this would be way quicker if we just sniff her out¡±


    ¡°Really Ikarus? You want to cheat at this?¡±


    ¡°Hmph, already tried that but dark one is one step ahead of us, removing all signs of her scent. You really did choose someone sneaky and smart little one¡±


    Father surprisingly smiles at thatst bit but then again, I swear he likes Petra more than me at times! Not that it¡¯s a bad thing though, I like Petra more than myself. Self-deprecation for the win!


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t use invisibility to hide, right? Ah, screw it, let¡¯s split up and meet back up at the tavernter on¡­ this may take a while¡±


    As soon as I say that, I open up the wings on my demonic-phoenix-human hybrid body, that¡¯s a mouthful, then I shoot up in search of the wife. I¡¯m not making this drag out and be a pointless filler episode! The main fight ising this episode believe it or now!


    ¡°Okay Ikarus!¡±


    ¡°Sure little one, see youter¡±


    Both the parents wander off holding hands while I glide into the sunset, technically I don¡¯t because there is no sunset but it¡¯s a saying goddamn it. Now, it¡¯s time to find someone who is the perfect predator and has invisibility as well. She better y fair but then again, I was willing to cheat a second ago.


    Hovering around the highest part of this world where the light seeps through the clouds, I start the search but quickly realize this might be impossible. Where¡¯s a scanning or highlighting ability when you need one? Petra¡¯s cultivation system seemed to get all that good stuff.


    ¡®Let¡¯s see¡­ can you give binocr vision or something Aesa?¡¯


    [<That¡¯s impossible Ikarus. Aesa suggests you focus and start looking, she is in your field of view somewhere>]


    Continuing to look at every part of this world, from the marketce to the betting tables, to the marble buildings to even the random portals that litter this world, I¡¯m still not seeing her. Just from aura alone, I¡¯d normally be able to pick her out, wouldn¡¯t surprise me if she¡¯s hiding that as well.


    ¡®Aesa, we all know I¡¯ve got minus one in perception¡­ can you at least give me a hint?¡¯


    [<Think about one of earliest experiences you had with the wife Ikarus>]


    ¡®You mean that time we went drinking, I woke up in her bed and both of us wanted to pay off the other¡¯s tab? Good times¡­ guess I¡¯ll head to the bar then¡¯


    Looking over to the tavern we¡¯ve already spent some time at and flying towards it, a small warmth begins to fill my heart as I see ck hair peeking out on the rooftop behind some barrels and under furs. I swear the only way up here is flying or using adder.


    ¡°Oi bish¡­ what do you think you¡¯re doing up here?¡±


    ¡°Heh, well done Ikarus. Did Aesa point you over here?¡±


    [<y it cool Ikarus¡­ you found the wife all by yourself with no help whatsoever>]


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly capable of using my eyes¡­ who am I kidding? This one is on Aesa¡±


    [<Fuck>]


    ¡°She even just swore from my snitching as well! Naughty Aesa! You shouldn¡¯t help me cheat like that¡±


    ¡°Heh, guess she¡¯s picked up on some bad habits then¡­ it¡¯s a strange site, isn¡¯t it? Wonder what¡¯s on the other side of this fog¡±


    Looking on over this world, I can definitely see what she means. This cloud of fog that domes and surrounds it, it¡¯s a surreal experience especially when you can¡¯t even see it the further away you are from it. It¡¯s probably like my headspace ability, there¡¯s just nothing behind the wall. It just simply ceases to exist.


    Anyways, since Petra¡¯s got her back to me looking out on the world, maybe I can give her a little Ikarus loving of my own. This would be the perfect time she¡¯d do something like this to me.


    Leaning in, wrapping my arms against her stomach and giving her a little kiss on the neck, Petra immediately leans into me turning this into a really loving cuddle. I¡¯ll probably stop the kissing in a second, don¡¯t want a hickey forming or anything.


    ¡°Heh, not going to put your hands anywhere else Ikarus? This rooftop is private enough¡±


    ¡®Naughty kinky wife, we¡¯re not doing it on a freaking rooftop overlooking all the other Gods! I mean, that¡¯s not what she said but it was implied! Unless I¡¯m bing the hornier one out of us two now¡¯


    ¡°Pleaseee, not everything has to be sexual pervert. Besides, I¡¯ve got the big fight tomorrow¡­ got to keep my testosterone levels high and all that¡±


    Remember reading a weird fact that boxers refuse to have sex before fights because it can apparently make you weaker. Of course, it¡¯s probably bullshit but need some excuse to ignore gobbling up the wife right now. Cuddling up to her with my breasts against her back is really damn adorable.


    ¡°Heh, thought that only applies to male fighters Ikarus. Your testosterone was lost long ago when Brooklyn was put to rest¡±


    ¡°Haw haw, very funny¡­ I¡¯ll bring him back out if you continue¡±


    As soon as I say that, I know I¡¯ve made a huge cock up. Petra seems to like that freaking guy version of me and can¡¯t help but break the hug and turn around to face me.


    ¡°Heh, was that a threat or a promise Ikarus? Either way, will you follow through with it? I bet you¡¯ll fluster even easier as a guy¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ let¡¯s just kiss alrea-¡­ you¡¯re such a f-freaking dope at times¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Wee everyone to the final fight of ourpetition! Sixteenpetitors started this battle and now, only two remain! Who will falter when the other triumphs?¡±


    In a much smaller arena after the previous one was unfit for use, thank father for that, the final fight is now upon us as me and Ares stand facing each other with an actual adoring crowd this time around.


    You see, everyone¡¯s disliked God Plutus saw an opportunity after the other one was destroyed and decided, why not use one of the old venues and actually fill it up for a change? Personally, I think he¡¯s just trying to milk every gold coin out of this that he can.


    Think it should be safe if a mishit fireball flies towards the audience as a barrier surrounds it, don¡¯t think I¡¯m going to try it though.


    ¡°On the left side of the arena, is the demonic phoenix with an anger that could rival Zeus himself! But, unlike the ruler, she has a side that others may grow to love, an apparent fluster that could turn the ocean purple! Please, give a round of apuse for Ikarus!¡±


    ¡®Jeez¡­ did Petra give him that fluster line? That definitely sounds like something she conducted¡¯


    ¡°On the right, we have the previous year¡¯s champion wanting to retain his title and put a damper on his enemy¡¯s happiness! The God of war Ares himself is now ready and willing to spill some blood!¡±


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    While I¡¯m getting mostly cheers, Ares receive a mixture of love and hate as it appears I may be the fan favourite for this fight. Not that it¡¯s makes any difference as right now, I¡¯m battling my inner demons.


    There¡¯s way too many Gods and Goddess looking at us right now. I know we were being watched from the start but actually seeing these lot in person and their stares¡­ it¡¯s bringing back panic like symptoms.


    ¡®Need a distraction right now, anything will do¡­ Petra¡¯s naked arse? Okay, that works¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­And so, you two fighters may now start! Let this be a duel for the ages!¡±


    Plutus gives the heads up to start and Ares equipped with his wooden spear charges at me like a wild bull, all the while I¡¯m now trying to get Petra¡¯s bottom out of my head.


    Thankfully, thebination of having to defend and the wife¡¯s beauty removes any sense of panic before it has a chance to build. Simple solution for a stupid problem I suppose.


    Ares follows up his approach by directly striking down, forcing me to backtrack while I get a feel for how it¡¯s like to fight him in person. Last time we fought back inside his own dungeon, things went to shit so I¡¯m not taking him lightly.


    Maybe I¡¯m being a little defensive but right now, I¡¯d say we¡¯re evenly matched, I might even have the advantage. I¡¯m pretty certain the God of war himself has been slightly wounded from the previous battles as his attacks are a little stiff, like he¡¯s battered and bruised already. Maybe this really is in my favour¡­


    That¡¯s not saying he¡¯s weak though, another attack flies by narrowly missing my neck this time around. He¡¯s a right brute in the way he fights.


    Regardless of this, he gets another chance after I lose my footing slightly, only to find myself ducking right in the nick of time. In response, I make sure to give him a taste of some deadly me, a slightly charged up version of my own mmenwerfer¡­


    ¡°Stupid bird! That heat won¡¯t have an effect on me¡±


    Despite him saying otherwise and continuing on with the assault, my fire definitely affects him slightly as it¡¯s dirtied his face a touch and made him use his shield for cover. If things get outta control, I¡¯ll just resort to spraying fire all over his arse and be done with it.


    It also appears he may now have ash in his eye so I take this opportunity tounch an attack of my own, shing my sword towards him, only to find he just about manages to deflect it while still rubbing his eye.


    Stumbling ever so slightly as well, Ares leaves a perfect opening for me to strike¡­ only to find a wooden pir covered in spikes raises up from the floor to block my advance.


    ¡°Huh!?! Why the hell did that happen?¡±


    ¡°Sorry contestant, this arena is old so things like that can sometimes happen. Whoopsie!¡±


    Giving Plutus the benefit of the doubt despite knowing better, me and Ares lock weapons once again as the spiked pir now makes its attendance alongside us. Those spikes definitely look lethal if either one of us were to identally trip into it, thankfully both me and Ares seem uninterested in the torturing device.


    This time around, he backs off a little intending to fully use the further range on his spear, except him putting any distance between us is a terrible idea. A simple fireball to the face does the trick and gets him back into sword range, losing your sight in a duel like this is basically the end after all.


    Our weapons clunk together as both of us crash midair, the impact causes him to stumble a tad giving me another opening to strike. The entirety of his upper left side is clear for the taking¡­


    Except, a random arrow flies true, right towards me forcing me to have to dodge and leave that opening. This isn¡¯t some random coincidence.


    ¡°Who the fuck is interfering with our fight!?! What kind of rigged bs is this?¡±


    ¡°Erk, I told you to fuck off Plutus! Stop trying to help!¡±


    Both me and Ares stop our battle to startining to the adorning crowd who seem to know no better, why the hell is this happening?


    ¡°What kind of rigging are you two talking about? It just so happens, that wooden pike was unstable and that arrow shooting machine, it just randomlyunched at that very moment! For all we know, there could be unstable pits full of spikes all around the arena as well! Who knew the demon lord¡¯s luck was this bad?¡±


    ¡®This guy is such a little shit, clearly it¡¯s more profitable for him if Ares wins. I¡¯m sooo going to wring his neck¡¯


    I remember there being a slight amount of corruption in the beginning stages of thispetition but this is on a whole new level! I¡¯d be up for the challenge if it wasn¡¯t pissing me off now.


    Anyways, deciding I¡¯m not ying this kid¡¯s game, I decide to open up my wings and fly as close to the ground as I possibly can. I¡¯m not falling into a pit of spikes because this little shit wants to make some money!


    Another chance to strike at Ares presents itself when the ground beneath me copses and a random drops from the heavens, that would¡¯ve forced to that famous pit of spikes I just heard about. Thankfully, I¡¯m able to keep myself from getting impaled as the isn¡¯t fire resistant and burns in an instant, but still! This isn¡¯t a joke anymore¡­


    ¡°Fuck off Plutus! That does it, you¡¯re breaking the rules so let¡¯s do the same. Say little birdie, how about we up the ante a little since that little pest has already ruined our battle? He can¡¯t disqualify us if we both use abilities, right?¡±


    As Ares says that, another arrow flies from somewhere clearly aiming for me again, forcing a duck. This is so tant man, no idea why the crowd don¡¯t seem to care. Maybe there¡¯s a filter on or something that makes it seem like the traps aren¡¯t there? No idea.


    Clearly Ares must realize he was losing this battle and has something much more powerful hidden away I reckon? I don¡¯t care right now, what he suggests is enticing¡­


    ¡°Oh, you really shouldn¡¯t go there dude. I¡¯ll agree to it if you go first though¡±


    ¡®He¡¯d be disqualified so I¡¯ll be in the right to respond with righteous force, wouldn¡¯t I?¡¯


    ¡°Not trying to y me for a fool, are you little bird? Screw it, let¡¯s hope you can survive this!¡±


    Taking the hint and knowing full well this God of war isn¡¯t particrly smart, he starts to activate something that causes him to glow¡­


    Behind him, an army of shields and spears, or javelins begin to raise from the sand and points towards my direction, like an invisible army of Spartans or some shit. The way the weapons are posed gives me a feeling this is how shield walls look, just before they were set tounch their weapons¡­


    ¡®Aesa¡­ would you please?¡¯


    [<Ability -plot protection- is now in effect>]


    Just as I activate my ability, the shields begin to hurl the spears in my direction as I stand here not moving an inch as the weapons just bounce off me like I¡¯m made of stone or something. Ah, I love broken shit, my entire arsenal of abilities makes this a breeze.


    Looking over to Ares, I was expecting a guy fully off his rocker mad at the fact that did nothing to me except¡­ his face shows the slightest bit of admiration. Like a warrior meeting another powerful warrior on the battlefield. Unfortunately for him, I¡¯m not a worthy warrior¡­


    ¡°What the fuck Ares! Are you trying to get yourself kicked out!?¡±


    Despite Plutus sounding like he¡¯s having a hissy fit; the crowd just cheers and roars from the disy. He might be the only person who cares about the rules right now.


    ¡°Rx little fiend, the barrier surrounding his ce remains unaffected and our friend here agrees with me on this. We¡¯re allowing abilities so you better get used to it!¡±


    ¡®Heh¡­ not like there will be much to get used to¡¯


    I¡¯ve got so many choices to choose from and yet, my mind only wants to use one thing. An ability known more for being a statement rather than its practicality¡­


    ¡°This is gonna be fun¡­ Hey Plutus, how much damage do you reckon this old arena can take? That barrier that shields the crowd will hold up, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    No response from the gamemaster making me think he knows exactly where I¡¯m going with this. You can me Ares for this turn of events, he made the suggestion¡­


    ¡®Aesa¡­ how does five percent today sound? One just isn¡¯t cutting it for me anymore¡¯


    [<As long as wife and parents are safe and secure from the aftermath of -supernova-, Aesa couldn¡¯t care either way. Friendly fire intent will be detected regardless>]


    Funnily enough looking to where wife and the parents are seated, I can already tell she¡¯s put up a smaller barrier protecting them three even if it¡¯s unnecessary. She and father smiles towards me while mother just sits there, trying not to facepalm. I don¡¯t care if she disapproves, it¡¯s toote as the colourful orb is now within my grasp.


    Ares senses something is up and charges towards me, only to find me madly grinning and lightly dropping the orb between us both¡­


    ¡°Be seeing you Ares¡±


    ¡°That power¡­ fair y, little birdie¡­¡±


    The explosion goes off, filling our world with colour indescribable and nullifying all the senses. The sheer force like usual can¡¯t beprehended except¡­ it almost seems like it¡¯s being contained.


    When the beautiful colours of the aurora like supernova begin to fade, the arena surprisingly remains intact. Other than some very noticeable cracks around the infrastructure and barriers inside this ce, they actually managed to keep my power contained! The only weakness to a good nuking and nova is freaking barriers it seems¡­ not like I wanted to kill everyone here.


    ¡®That was slightly disappointing¡­ fuck! Are we getting a winner because I¡¯ve just broken two rules now? You probably should¡¯ve stopped me Aesa¡¯


    The first was using an ability, the second is that Ares has disintegrated where he was standing, even leaving behind a shadow that paints the sand where hest stood. That¡¯s not creepy at all.


    [<Aesa wanted to see the God of war burn so no chance was Aesa stopping Ikarus¡­ huh, that¡¯s interesting. Let Aesa get back to Ikarus in a minute¡­>]


    Despite me thinking I¡¯ve disqualified myself and Aesa being busy with something, the crowd erupts in even more cheers as these gamese to a close. Hopefully, Plutus gets his finger out of his arse and announces what¡¯s happening already¡­ we both broke the rules so it¡¯s a draw, right?


    ¡°Erm¡­ is there any way I can salvage this? Why did that stupid idiot have to activate an ability first!? There¡¯s no way I can hide that¡­ right, I¡¯m supposed to bementating¡­ the eventual winner of thispetition is the demonic phoenix! Unfortunately¡­¡±


    ¡®Heh, he actually sounds depressed now. Little shit deserves it¡­¡¯


    While I¡¯m trying my best to give the crowd an awkward wave and also get out of everyone¡¯s view as quick as possible, stage fright be doing that again, Aesaes back to me on the business she was doing.


    [<Before anything goes further, Aesa would like to inform Ikarus that 50000 points have been obtained upon defeating Ares. This is how the status screen is now looking¡­>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 158,128/166,666]


    [Magicka 158,315/166,666]


    [You currently have 100001 unassigned points]


    ¡®Didn¡¯t take a flick of damage that encounter¡­ erm, Aesa? is this a fixed thing for every God I kill or something? And Ares is reviving somewhere, right?¡¯


    [<Aesa presumes so to both of the questions. Would Ikarus really care if he is actually dead though?>]


    ¡®No, it¡¯s just killing any of Zeus¡¯s sons sounds like a bad idea. Regardless of this, I¡¯ll have a think and upgrade some abilitiester on¡¯


    As for now, the wife is waiting and the idea of sticking around in a packed-out arena with all these faces is starting to get to me. Thebat was a good distraction and now that it¡¯s gone, I just need to imagine then as NPCs and Petra naked body again. Hey, life is full of coping methods, mine is just purposely stupid and kinda hot¡­


    ¡°So then, my sexy pain in the arse wife, what next? You¡¯re not wanting to y some more hide and seek again, are ya?¡±


    ¡®Can we make hide and seek sexy? Eh, that might be trying a little much¡¯


    ¡°Heh, probably a bitte to do that now Ikarus. You up for a nice night of rest? Then, we¡¯ll sort Plutus out in the morning¡±


    I mean, I¡¯m a little worried about Plutus running off with our winnings but where the hell would he even go? The God of shiny coins isn¡¯t exactly discreet up here, everyone seems to know where he is all the time.


    Also, I think Petra¡¯s suggestion of rest may have been her way of subtly bringing up sexy time in front of our parents. It¡¯s either that or I¡¯m now just horny, probably both if we¡¯re being honest.


    We¡¯ll obviously have to get rid of the parents and find somewhere to tucker down for the night, maybe even on that roof of the tavern perhaps? Nah, I think getting put on the sex offenders list is a little much, even if we¡¯ve gone really close before.


    ¡®A fight for the ages that ends in an explosion and a night filled with booty. This has been pretty good considering I¡¯m still pissed at Zeus¡­¡¯

 Chapter 209.5 – Possibilities (18+)

    Chapter 209.5 ¨C Possibilities (18+)


    ---Last reminder I could be gone for a while because ofptop problems. Guess you could call it a temporary hiatus but let''s use break because that word is scary lol.


    __________


    You¡¯ll never guess where me and the wife are right now? Come on, I¡¯ll give you a second¡­ we¡¯re back in my void like head space! I mean, technically, we¡¯re renting out a room and sitting upright together holding hands which is still kinda cute. The point is, we¡¯re inside here because Aesa wanted something before we get into the pleasantries of tonight¡­


    ¡°You¡¯ve got us both inside here Aesa, now what? If it¡¯s for training purposes, you best know that ain¡¯t happening¡±


    <Ikarus is assuming nonsense once again, there¡¯s a very valid reason why Aesa suggested visiting this ce. Wait a second while Aesa messes around with the settings slightly¡­>


    After Aesa finishes speaking, a loud robotic bootup sound ys like from one of those very old blockyputers. Whatever tinkering she¡¯s doing, it¡¯s making a hell of noise.


    ¡°Heh¡­ you alright Aesa? Hmm¡­ did you forget to wear clothes or something?¡±


    After theputer sounds stop, Aesa forms in front of both of us, fully nude and not giving a care in the world. It feels like a lifetime since Ist saw her, obviously now seeing too much of her. The fact seeing myself naked is still a turn doesn¡¯t surprise me in the slightest.


    ¡°Negative Petra, Aesa just likes wife¡¯s gaze fixated on this body hence theck of clothing¡±


    ¡®She really has too much honesty at times¡¯


    While I¡¯m trying not to facepalm from something I could never say to the wife, Aesa slowlyes up to me and does something highly unexpected. The little shit decides to pinch a nipple out of the blue!


    ¡°Oi! The hell was that for?¡±


    ¡°To show Ikarus that the tinkering has been sessful. After bing heavenly, the ability -personal domain- responds differently and restrictions can now be removed. For all intents and purposes, the ability is now the exact same as a dungeon¡±


    Since I like to overly exin things, I¡¯ll keep this nice and simple for people who don¡¯t understand why that painful pinch is a big deal. All feelings inside this ce were heavily numbed and now, they¡¯re not. If you can¡¯t see the potential, then you still have loads to learn about us kinky birds¡­


    With the snap of Aesa¡¯s fingers, this lifeless void turns into arge room with two very distinctive tastes. The first is just a casual bedroom, kinda simr to our leader¡¯s house. The second is of course¡­ a bondage dungeon. It¡¯s fully equipped with a sex swing, cages, a pillory, a spanking bench, basically anything pervy you can imagine is explicitly eighteen plus. She really couldn¡¯t give a shit about forey it seems.


    ¡°C-Come on Aesa! Carrying a-around a portable sex dungeon? You know fully well you s-shouldn¡¯t have shown us this!¡±


    Freaking time is slowed inside here as well! This is dangerous for an entirely different reason; we might be sex fiends and never leave!


    ¡°Aesa was only showing off the possibilities Ikarus, it¡¯s not on Aesa if you have no willpower¡±


    ¡°Eh¡­ fair point I guess. For both the sake of our slutness level Petra, this ce needs to be heavily restricted and only reser-¡­ just kiss me a-already if you¡¯re going to do that idiot¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ nope¡±


    Instead of letting mee up with a fair way of making sure we don¡¯t spend every night inside this ce, Petra ces her hands against my cheeks and very slowly goes in for the kiss¡­


    Unfortunately, said kiss gets cut short when the wife abruptly heads to the robotic wife leaving me pouting.


    ¡°Heh¡­ was this a cry for help Aesa? Or¡­ is it ve for now?¡±


    ¡°Honestly wife¡­ a little. Aesa was starting to feel a bit lonely down below¡±


    ¡®Ya know¡­ it¡¯s odd that neither me or Petra realized we could just meet Aesa anytime inside this ce. Guess none of us thought about it really¡¯


    Anyways¡­ it seems like we¡¯re now going down the BDSM route today¡­ yay. I mean, winning thatpetition can be considered sort of a special asion, right? Why am I trying to justify it? Maybe because I know exactly how this is going to lead if Petra¡¯s in a yful mood today¡­


    ¡°So then, my pervy harem. Anyone got any ideas what we can do?¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ I may have an idea that could work Ikarus. I¡¯ll need to add some more to this scene though¡±


    ¡®Called it¡­ she really can be terrifying at times¡¯


    Smiling like a madwoman, Petra starts to create two metal racks alongside each other. I say racks but it¡¯s more like a partial cage that you crawl into and get locked into by your limbs and neck. Imagine a kinky bike rack that will keep the submissive fully secured in ce on their knees¡­ it¡¯s obvious don¡¯t know the freaking technical term for this


    ¡°Heh, close your eyes one second Ikarus and we can get started¡±


    Doing as she says and then instantly regretting it, the embarrassment levels rise to the heavens as my clothes are instantly reced for what Petra¡¯s wishes them to be.


    There¡¯s cute, there¡¯s sexy, even things that are quite slutty, what the hell does thise under though!?


    ¡°Petra¡­ you w-went looking for porn back on Earth, didn¡¯t-cha? A s-slutty cow suit? Really?¡±


    Now introducing, Ikarus the cow! I may becking huge assets but I¡¯ve got the ears and bell to count¡­ that rings when I make any movement. That won¡¯t get annoying fast.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Heh, you look freaking adorable Ikarus! You¡¯ve been my pet before so it¡¯s fine if we do it again, right?¡±


    Petra actually seems to get a little excited from what she can see, might be down to all those other times she¡¯s dressed me up but been blind to the end result. It¡¯s not like I can turn her down she gets like this though. This stupid cow print bikini is definitely a whole new level of perversion.


    ¡°It¡¯s j-just so revealing¡­ you best know you¡¯re getting something stupid as well!¡±


    Not even giving her a chance to close her eyes, I¡¯m picking out an outfit for the dominatrix so you best know it¡¯ll be embarrassing! Or cute¡­ or sexy¡­


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Heh, inspirational Ikarus. The jokes right themselves¡±


    ¡®That was a fuck up on a massive proportion. Subconsciously, I can¡¯t help but make Petra look like that, I¡¯ve even given her a whip as well!¡¯


    At first, my mind was thinking something cute like a princess. Then, I couldn¡¯t help but fixate on her flowing dark hair and that lead onto a fairytale princess who got poisoned by a witch. Petra would obviously make a really sexy witch and since she¡¯s got that scary domme vibe, it made this.


    ¡°What about Aesa though? Aesa needs something as well¡±


    ¡®A lowly system wants to join in only to find the domme has no need for the waste of space¡­ okay, I need to calm it otherwise I¡¯m going to get too excited now¡¯


    ¡°After giving my hiding spot away yesterday, a lowly ve like you isn¡¯t deserving of clothes. Maybe something can be arranged if you realize the position you¡¯re in¡­ heh¡±


    Within a split second, the ve drops to her knees and shows an eagerness even I could never match. Petra¡¯s mistress persona nearly breaks as well when she takes a seat on Aesa¡¯s back.


    ¡®This should be really hot to watch¡­ except, all this reminds me of is that freaking mage Leone!¡¯


    That time I got forced as a seat to my bullying mentor. Thankfully, the seat sitting doesn¡¯tst too long when Petra realizes I¡¯m looking away not interested in this and decides to give the ve some clothing.


    I say clothing loosely, all Aesa is getting is a cor, some animal ears and a cute tail. The tail takes a little longer to prepare since it¡¯s one of those sexual ones with a plug that needs a little TLC before it can enter. Not that it takes long because Aesa is known for enjoying said pain thates along with things like this.


    ¡°O-Ouch¡­ Aesa l-likes this¡±


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®Guess I¡¯m the cow and Aesa is the pup today. Honestly think I¡¯d be less embarrassed wearing nothing at all really¡¯


    ¡°Now my two pets, I don¡¯t want to hear anything unless it¡¯s to speak in your native tongue. Think you can give it a go?¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Shaking my head towards the wife, there¡¯s no way in hell I¡¯m freaking mooing! Don¡¯t care if Aesa¡¯s already into it, I ain¡¯t doing it!


    ¡°Heh, good girl Aesa¡­ bad Ikarus¡±


    Regardless of my reluctance to fully embrace the role and not feeling distraught at all from being called bad, Petra gives Aesa a quick head pat making me pout even more. I¡¯m still not going to moo! Although, I¡¯m slowly getting tempted¡­


    Thankfully, the head pat doesn¡¯tst too long as Petra takes the lead and guides us towards the bondage racks. Gonna have to climb inside this myself because this is a little tricky.


    Being lubed up with some oil or butter would make this much easier but nevertheless, I get into the kinky bike rack easily enough. Once fully inside however, the dominatrix witches to my side and starts to fix me in ce with metal cuffs that attach to several anchor points. Never understand why being restrained is a turn on but fuck knows it gets my motor going.


    In the end once my wrists, ankles and neck are all connected to those points, I¡¯mpletely left at anyone¡¯s mercy on my knees in a kneeling position unable to even scratch my nose if I wanted.


    Petra gets around to doing Aesa while I try to fight my restraints a little, only to find there¡¯s no leeway and I¡¯mpletely fixed on all fours with my knees against the floor. I¡¯mpletely at my captor¡¯s mercy and there¡¯s nothing I can do about it except get even more turned on knowing what¡¯s happening, I can¡¯t even touch myself like this. The neck cuff itself keeps my posture high so my breasts might as well be a million miles away.


    After getting Aesa fixed into the same position, she begins to slide Aesa¡¯s rack over here so we¡¯re now directly facing each other like an obnoxious mirror where one of us is a dog while the other is a cow. The fucking wife man, she didn¡¯t have to do that but she knows it¡¯ll be more of a turn on seeing your own clone body looking like this.


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re really going to enjoy this my little cow. Can you guess what this is? You can moo the answer Ikarus¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡®Oh shit¡­ she¡¯s such a degenerate and I really shouldn¡¯t love her this much¡¯


    What Petra now pulls out is three pump looking devices connected to a metallic canister of sorts that appears to have a dial on it. Unfortunately for my suspense, I¡¯ve got an idea what this might be and considering the outfit I¡¯ve got on, it makesplete sense¡­


    To put it in simple terms, this is something that gets used for milking¡­


    ¡°Heh, bad Ikarus¡­ maybe this¡¯ll get you mooing along¡±


    ¡®Stop calling me bad damn it! I don¡¯t want to moo yet-, fuck! That¡¯s i-intense!¡¯


    Since the pumps are ready to go, Petra undoes my cow print biking and ces the first two right on my mountain peaks, and then thest where the tip of the forbidden fruit is located by moving my underwear slightly lower down.


    This squeezing sensation is indescribable, a mix of pleasure and pain that may be the S tier if we¡¯re talking about nipple y.


    Once the milking begins, I¡¯m already starting to shake as Petra turns to Aesa to sort her predicament out. Every pump feels like a pinch andbine that with the sensitivity my piercings produce, it¡¯s a wonderful experience that may be a little much even for me.


    I can barely feel the one she¡¯s ced on my clit, that¡¯s just how overwhelming this sensation up above is. It¡¯s like the cherry on top of the cake, it¡¯s not needed but it¡¯ll still make me cum regardless.


    ¡°Heh¡­ I¡¯ve got a choice for you ve. You can join your brethren with the pumps or¡­ would this whip be more enticing?¡±


    ¡°The whip! Ah, sorry mistress¡­ woof!¡±


    Without even giving it a chance to think, Aesa loses herposure when the chance to experience pain presents itself. Freaking painslut man, even I¡¯m struggling a little with the painful burning feeling coursing through my nipples. This pumping is next level.


    ¡°Heh, little eager aren¡¯t we? You¡¯ll have to wait now because of that¡­ Ikarus? Ready to give me a moo just yet?¡±


    Returning to the milking machine, Petra switches up the pumping again which in turn causes me to immediately lose allposure. There¡¯s no resistance to this, I¡¯m cuming whether I¡¯m allowed to or not¡­


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡®Urghhh¡­ f-fucking hell¡¯


    Still vibing through the violent yet blissful orgasmic woes, Petra decides to switch up the pump again! The sensitivity is already bing overwhelming and it¡¯ll only get worse in a second when the post orgasm stuff me like a truck¡­


    ¡°Moo for me Ikarus, you know you want to. I¡¯ll turn it down a little if you do¡±


    ¡®Oh God¡­ she¡¯s pure evi-, fuck!¡¯


    ¡°M-M-Moo¡­¡±


    ¡°Good girl Ikarus! As a reward, you can cum again¡±


    Instead of turning it down, Petra freaking turns the milking machine up even more and starts to rub on my horns as well! Fuck fuck fuck¡­


    ¡°Mhmmmoo-mhm¡­¡±


    While I¡¯ming my brains out from this heightened sensitivity that is only getting worse, the sound of whipping echoes throughout my realm as Petra leaves me and begins breaking in the pup.


    Not like I can really pay attention to it; Aesa may be straight ahead of me but I can only focus on these stupid pumps right now. It¡¯s so close to me yet so far out of reach. This setting is way too high¡­ urghhhhh¡­


    ¡°Urghhh¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh, what was that pup?¡±


    ¡°W-Woof!¡±


    That cracking as the pain causes Aesa to lose all sense of control and literally after four strokes, she joins me spasming and spraying all over the floor. Guess my system gets off watching me being milked then, there¡¯s no way she¡¯d finish this quickly without a little visual stimtion to go alongside the pain.


    Even while she¡¯s cuming her brains out, the sadistic witch still continues to give the ve a right beating, aiming each stroke of the whip right against her cheeks.


    ¡°Woooofff¡­ u-urgh!¡±


    ¡°Heh, guess this bitch really is in heat. Pace yourself or you won¡¯t get anymore!¡±


    ¡°W-Woof¡­¡±


    And again, Aesa has no chance topose herself as Petra strikes the whip in a ce that is not meant for pain. I just don¡¯t get it, how the hell can she cum from being whipped there!? That looked like itnded right between her legs.


    Regardless of this, the sound of moaning only sends me further off the sensitivity edge and the pumping still keeps relentlessly looking for milk that just isn¡¯t there. My eyes might as well be at the back of my head right now, I can¡¯t do this anymore¡­


    ¡°M-Moooooo¡±


    ¡°Heh, good girl Ikarus! Let¡¯s keep it going until we find some milk, shall we?¡±


    ¡®I know she¡¯s only ying for the scene but fuck! I just can¡¯t stop this anymore!¡¯


    The sensation has gotten to the point where every second feels like I¡¯m experiencing that post nut sensitivity. The pleasure is getting unbearable¡­ it¡¯s to the point where this might be too much¡­


    ¡°P-Petra¡­ I can¡¯t anymore¡­ c-chubby¡±


    For what might be the first time ever, I¡¯ve found my limit and have to use our safeword I¡¯ve only ever used once before. The previous time doesn¡¯t really count because that was down to a mindfuck she did. Assumed I was going to be left alone in that pillory but it actually wasn¡¯t locked¡­ getting distracted. Point is, my nipples are on fire!


    At first, this was really enjoyable but the sensitivity is getting to the point where it¡¯s bing painful. It¡¯s not helping that I feel like I¡¯m in constant orgasm from this, I can¡¯t even tell if I¡¯m in one right now! I can¡¯t stop shaking!


    ¡®I love her so much¡¯


    Not that I was expecting anything differently, Petra immediately breaks the scene by stopping the pumping machine and begins to free me from my torment. It¡¯s still the horny kinda of torture but that could¡¯ve gotten to the point where it isn¡¯t enjoyable anymore.


    ¡°Too much Ikarus? It¡¯s too much sensitivity, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yeah¡­ down below, b-barely feel that. Up above, it¡¯s¡­ fuck!¡±


    As she takes one of the milkers off my breasts, the intense sensitivity results in one huge orgasm that nearly makes me pass out right there. Just for that explosion alone was worth getting overwhelmed.


    ¡®Urghhh¡­ this feeling is pure ecstasy¡¯


    Despite seeing me positively glowing, Petra realizes swiftly pulling it off wasn¡¯t the way to go and takes the second one off very slowly in attempt to help me from cking out¡­ not that it makes a lick difference though. I¡¯m still cuming from that pervious one¡­


    ¡°*Huff huff*¡­ p-phew¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ everything okay now Ikarus? You okay if I continue with Aesa for a little longer after I get you out? She¡¯s in a strange ce right now¡±


    Not realizing the state Aesa is in due to my nipples being a torturous mess, I think she¡¯s still feeling the pain and is in orgasm even now. Slightly hard to tell with the wife giving me a quick kiss as well while I¡¯m still restrained.


    It¡¯s looks like she¡¯s unconscious but at the same time, fully conscious and enjoying every second with the pain still radiating across her backside. Her eyes being closed but her face smiling like a dope really says it all right.


    ¡°S-Sure, all good¡­ can stay h-here longer If you want. It was only the sensitivity around my breasts really¡±


    ¡®Might also close my eyes for a little bit¡­ I¡¯m basically spent now¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°Heh, all good now Ikarus? Aesa¡¯spletely spent as well¡±


    Nowpletely exhausted after both being freed from our kinky bike racks, me and Aesa lie side by side as we process just what happened. I¡¯m mostly trying to stop the sensitivity throbbing in my nipples while Aesa smiles like a dope in a ce I cannot fathom.


    I think I¡¯ve heard of a subspace ce before, is that what¡¯s she in? It looks fun but kinda like she¡¯s on drugs as well¡­ I might¡¯ve experienced something like it before but that was the time Aesa went relentless and I couldn¡¯t stop cuming.


    ¡°You know Petra¡­ couldn¡¯t I have just broken out of that at any time?¡±


    Now being in my post nut rity stage, I¡¯ve just realized we were less restrained than you may think. All three of us haveplete power inside this ce and getting out would¡¯ve been as easy as just deleting the stage. It kinda seems less hot knowing that escape is that easy now.


    ¡°Heh, you could¡¯ve Ikarus. Either one of you could¡¯ve swapped ces with me, or even added a station for me if you really wanted. And yet, you both didn¡¯t. Just two perfect submissives really¡±


    Petra¡¯s clearly mocks with thatst bit because even she is looking radiant after watching the disy both us animals produced. I¡¯d normally want to argue about it but all the evidence backs up her point.


    ¡°Yeah yeah¡­ you can have a turn being milked then if you want. Personally, I wouldn¡¯t rmend it¡±


    Instead of getting an answer in the form of words, I get her crouching down in a squat, giving me a slight panty shot before receiving a big ol¡¯sloppy kiss.


    ¡°Heh, you still enjoyed it, right Ikarus? It¡¯s nice that you trusted me to stop it myself though¡±


    ¡°Y-Yeah, stupid s-safeword, it¡¯s just the insane sensitivity really. Even now, they still feel like they¡¯re on fire¡­¡±

 Chapter 210 – Taste of the Past

    Chapter 210 ¨C Taste of the Past


    ---So we''re back! Got theptop back a lot quicker than I was anticipating but been stuck with writing, hence the longer break. I''ve also been going through some stuff so stress levels are at an all time high, meaning it''ll probably be 2 chapters a week until things settle down. Thanks for still sticking around!


    __________


    ¡®Ouch, it makes no sense why I can still feel that fromst night... yo Aesa? You down for some system shit?¡¯


    [<Does Ikarus really nearly to describe system management and distribution as¡­ ¡®system shit?¡¯>]


    ¡®Heya, you gotta problem with my lingo bruv? I¡¯m inside me head so it¡¯s aight, innit?¡¯


    [<Clearly Ikarus still has some endorphins running through your head fromst night¡­ pre system check iing¡­>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 164,698/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 100001 unassigned points]


    While heading over to the main tavern in search of Plutus who wasst seen there, also locked by hand alongside the wife, it¡¯s now time for some system management as killing Ares gave me some more points to work with. I still had fifty thousand to begin with so today might finally be the day I upgrade everything I can¡­ having a single point left isn¡¯t going to be annoying at all.


    The parents are off having a date, I think? They said they have some business to attend to but were being a little suspect about it so I¡¯m na?vely going to assume it¡¯s that. It¡¯s definitely not the thing thates after dating. I must get my libido off someone after all so they could be humping, I really don¡¯t wanna think about it though!


    Still no word from Asmodeus just yet and Dio also seems to have disappeared, it¡¯s almost as if their lives don¡¯t revolve around us. It¡¯s madness everyone just disappears when we¡¯re supposed to be dealing with Zeus. Here¡¯s hoping this isn¡¯t people just wanting to ck off but then again, we did justpete in a pointless tournament arc. It¡¯s pretty much pointless considering we seem to get looks everyone we go now. Poprity sucks and don¡¯t let anyone tell you otherwise!


    ¡®So, I can upgrade two abilities then? I¡¯m thinking eye of wisdom could be a good idea since my lie detector isn¡¯t perfect¡­ what about upgrading something I¡¯ve already upgraded though?¡¯


    I mean, I¡¯m not going to upgrade aspect of gigantomachy again but¡­ it might make my breasts in that form even bigger. I definitely haven¡¯t spent hours already just chilling in aspect because bigger breasts could solve depression, no no no¡­


    [<Unfortunately Ikarus, that idea won¡¯t work. Upgrading an ability is a one-time thing and Aesa would strongly suggest avoid upgrading ability -eye of wisdom-. Point being, we already have the wife for anything wisdom rted and Ikarus¡¯s extreme naivety was lost long ago>]


    ¡®Eh, guess you¡¯re right¡­ that almost sounded like apliment but I¡¯ll let it pass. There¡¯s just so many options I can choose though¡­¡¯


    __________


    ---Why am I linking the interval? Just imagine the jumbled mess of abilities is what Ikarus cansee lol. You don¡¯t have to click on it.


    __________


    ¡®¡­Let¡¯s upgrade star ze because hopefully the size of it should increase and¡­ screw it. Something unrted to fire¡­ hey Aesa, would upgrading second chance remove the cooldown?¡¯


    It¡¯s mainly down to the ability that allows me to revive someone, think what happened to Ariza rather than the phoenix revive I can use on myself every five hundred years. Before we came up to the heavens, was roughly three months left on that before the cooldown timer would reset.


    [<-Star ze- has been confirmed and apologies Ikarus, Aesa isn¡¯t sure. The chances are, more than 3 months would¡¯ve passed before you return so it might not be worth the risk>]


    ¡®Eh, fuck it, let¡¯s upgrade plot protection then. Kinda curious to see how you can improve upon invulnerability¡¯


    Plot protection might as well be the GOATed ability thus far, invulnerability for five minutes with only drawback being cooldown says it all really.


    [<First of all, ability -star ze mark 2- range has been increased and reduced visibility within the fireball is no longer a concern. The same cooldown timer is still in effect though¡­>]


    Sure, Aesa is definitely being vague on the range but the fact I should be able to see more than two feet in front of me is a blessing in itself.


    [<¡­The ability -plot protection mark 2- time of use has been upped from 5 minutes to 10 and can now reflect damage. Once a day still applies to both though>]


    ¡®Reflecting damage? Okay, that¡¯s pretty dope if I¡¯m being honest¡­¡¯


    Returning back to the present and now having a slight smile of my face, me and Petra arrived at the tavern several minutes ago but she could tell I was conversing with Aesa. It¡¯s a shame she can¡¯t join in like a group chat¡­ although, allowing her admin ess inside my brain sounds like a very bad idea. She is supposed to be the more perverted lovebird after all¡­


    ¡°Heh, all sorted then Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah Petra, thanks for waiting. Let¡¯s go confront this little shit¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Oh no! Look you two¡­ before you say anything, I¡¯m sorry! I had no choice but to do what I did!¡±


    Hiding behind a table also wielding a chair as a weapon, the merchant God Plutus clearly seems terrified of us and before we could even start the interrogation, he¡¯s already on the defensive.


    ¡°Oi Plutus! Put my shit down and face your punishment. Any tables or chairs that get broken is going on your tab!¡±


    (Plutus) ¡°Mka!¡±


    ¡®Heh, even the bartender isn¡¯t happy with this kid¡¯


    Menacingly and slowly approaching the kid who clearly tried to rig the final, me and Petra are struggling to hold backughter despite the fact this shouldn¡¯t be this funny. I nearly ended up impaled due to this kid wanting Ares to win that fight.


    ¡°Look okay¡­ I¡¯m sorry, jeez! I just wanted to make the show a little more entertaining so I couldn¡¯t allow Zeus¡¯s favoured son to be tossed around like a whore at a brothel. It¡¯s the only way I could¡¯ve made the contest fair!¡±


    ¡®Favoured son my arse! We literally spoke to Zeus and found out he¡¯s an idiot!¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯re lying¡±


    Even Petra who naturally has wisdom instead of relying on an ability can see through that. At least what was funny a second ago is less so now with this runt trying to lie his way out of trouble.


    ¡°Damn it! It was Hera who put me up to it, alright? She offered me more money than you can imagine. You can¡¯t me a working fellow for epting a bribe, right?¡±


    ¡®Huh? Where did thate from? It seemed to be the truth¡¯


    So, the reason why the final was rigged was down to Zeus¡¯s grey-haired wife wanting me to faulter? I know we had a brief interaction where she clearly showed distaste but to go about things this way? Something tells me Zeus had no knowledge on this as well if he¡¯s known for not being subtle.


    ¡°What the hell have done to that old hag anyways!?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know demonic phoenix! Why do you think I¡¯m hiding out over here? You two and the dragons are scary enough, Zeus¡¯s wife has always been batshit crazy! Thankfully, she¡¯s way too snobby to evere to amoners bar like this¡±


    ¡°I heard that Plutus! Just for that, I¡¯ll make sure the prices in here are adjusted for only your expensive tastes. Can¡¯t be paying the same prices as usmoners, right?¡±


    ¡°Mka!¡±


    Whatever the reason, it¡¯s clear Hera hates our guts so best just try and avoid her for the time being. Once things be a little clearer, then I can get a little revenge of my own. For now though, we¡¯ve still got this little pest to contend with.


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­let¡¯s just collect our winnings. Plutus, give my parents ie as well so we can save them the hassle¡±


    Not as if any of us even need it. Still got a roughly a carriage weight worth of gold in my storage and my parents will always have that overflowing pit hidden by our nest. It¡¯s just the principle of it really.


    ¡°About that¡­ your father did a lot of damage to the arena. If you look at the repair costs, it¡¯ll take more than just his earnings as well¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Heh, not going to stop you if you want to do something sinister Ikarus. Say, how powerful can you kick in bird form?¡±


    ¡®Christ woman! Is she developing a thing for CBT or is she just messing around? I¡¯m terrified for his own sake now¡¯


    ¡°Hang on, hang on! Let¡¯s not be going there, alright? I¡¯ve seen what you did to that angel, I¡¯ll happily sort out your winnings¡­ minus some of the damages your father inflicted on the arena of course. It¡¯ll only be a small portion, honest!¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Petra¡­ my leg is really starting to ache and needs a good kick¡±


    ¡°N-No reparation costs as well! This is going to make me broke but charity is good every now and then¡­ wonder if I can write it off as tax relief¡±


    In the end, we do manage to get our money after Plutus nearly bursts into tears about it. It¡¯s less fun when he generally seems to fear for his life, not as if he won¡¯t just revive like everyone else though.


    Just before leaving however, Petra whispers something into my ear which unfortunately isn¡¯t seductive. I¡¯m not a fan of ASMR but I could be for her alone though.


    ¡°Ikarus¡­ you forgetting something? Points? *Stomach grumbling*¡±


    Oh yeah, I tell Petra everything so her knowing about me gaining points from Gods should now be obvious. I could kill this merchant God and get the chance to upgrade another ability¡­ It¡¯s not that appealing really.


    Somehow, I still have some empathy andpassion despite the fact he probably deserves a beating, think it doesn¡¯t help the fact he looks like a kid. Guess I¡¯m just as hypocritical as my father.


    Also, I swear that¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard Petra¡¯s stomach growl. Maybe she¡¯s hungry or had too much of that ambrosia crap as well.


    ¡°Urgh¡­ I want to do it but I just can¡¯t. The little brat cowering like this, kinda spoils the fun¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Heh¡­ you won¡¯t believe me if I tell you this Ikarus¡±


    After sorting out that business with Plutus, me and Petra return to wandering the agora in search of anything to do really. In truth, there¡¯s not much of a romantic or sociable reason behind it, we¡¯re mostly just roaming around because something is bound toe up if we do this, right? The tournament thing came up the same way.


    ¡°Try me. If this ends up being some cutesy but stupid way of saying you need to go toilet, I will be disappointed in you wifey¡±


    ¡°Heh, way to spoil the mood Ikarus, it¡¯s not that. I¡­ think I need toy an egg¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°What the fuck!? When did you startying again!? And that is kinda rted to the toilet¡±


    ¡°Heh, I haven¡¯t Ikarus. I¡¯m not sure why but this bloated feeling I¡¯ll never forget¡±


    ¡°You sure you just don¡¯t need a big dump? It¡¯s roughly the same feeling, ya know?¡±


    ¡°Heh, you really are crude at times. No Ikarus¡­ it¡¯s not the same feeling¡±


    Look, I know I forget to talk about my tendency toy butt eggs but I was trying to be considerate about it! Every time after a little phoenix on phoenix action, I need to go find a spot to change form and do the business. It¡¯s a natural phenomenon and I can¡¯t help it!


    The wife who apparently stoppedying butt eggs hundreds of years ago suddenly feels the urge to startying again? Does this mean she¡¯s fertil-¡­ no Ikarus, we never were fertile to begin with due to phoenixes biology being weird as fuck. This seems like a bigger deal than it probably is.


    ----------


    ---Egg, just egg...


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Might be excited due to the fact I can now store even more eggs for a rainy day when a gigantic omelette or cake is needed. Right now, I¡¯ve got over a dozen huge eggs, all kept fresh and ready to prepare at a moment¡¯s notice within storage. Most haven¡¯t been eaten because I worry about the time when I stop pooping them out. If Petra¡¯s started again, then my concern is no longer needed! Just first world phoenix problems folks!


    ¡°Well¡­ let¡¯s go find a ce toy together! All that feathery action and then¡­ we can have an omelette feast!


    ¡°Heh, think that¡¯ll have to wait Ikarus¡±


    ¡°*Huff*¡­ why do annoying things happen to good people?¡±


    Just as we¡¯re about to do the most romantic thing I could imagine a couple of gay birds doing together,ying butt eggs side by side is my sort of romantic, that angel Uriel rushes towards us and stops us in our tracks.


    ¡°Please, you two must follow me this instant! I desperately need your help¡±


    Despite having emotion in her voice, once again the stoic looking angel approaches me but this time around the wife gets to meet her as well. Even Petra seems a little unsure what to make of her and starts whispering to me.


    ¡°This the strange angel who is working with Asmodeus?¡±


    ¡°Yeah Petra, even now she¡¯s still weirding me out a little¡­ we need some context Uriel. What¡¯s the problem and how can we help?¡±


    Even while answering, her expressionless face still confuses me as you wouldn¡¯t be able to tell she¡¯s stressed at first nce. It¡¯s just uncanny really¡­


    ¡°It¡¯ll make more sense when we get there. Just make sure you¡¯re ready and prepare for a fight¡­¡±

 Chapter 211 – Angelic Downfall

    Chapter 211 ¨C Angelic Downfall


    ¡°Hold up¡­ if you think I¡¯m letting Ikarus go through there angel, you must be crazy¡±


    ¡°Petra¡¯s right¡­ although a little overprotective. Going in there seems way too risky¡±


    In the end, me and the wife did decide to reluctantly follow the angel in distress only to find her guiding us to the portal that houses the entire freaking angelic faction! Sure, I already know she¡¯s somewhat working with everybody¡¯s favourite demonic dickhead, that doesn¡¯t make her trustworthy though.


    ¡°Please, it¡¯s of the most importance! I¡¯m going in whether you want to help or not¡­¡±


    Without even waiting for our response, Uriel dives into the portal confusing us a little. Would she do this if it were an ambush?


    On one hand, it could give her time to rearrange a potential ambush and kill me off when I enter. On the other, she seems genuinely concerned about an attack going down. If we¡¯re expected to go in there and be a saviour to angels, then that¡¯s just pure madness. Although, she is apparently working with Asmodeus so who knows?


    ¡°Heh, we doing this Ikarus? If so¡­ might want to prepare a nuke or two, just in case¡±


    ¡°*Huff*, my curiosity is really going to backfire someday, swear it¡¯s rubbing off on you as well. Screw it, let¡¯s go crush some angels¡­¡±


    __________


    As soon as we step in the portal, blood sshes onto my face as the smell of death and fire overwhelms the senses. Whatever has happened here, shit¡¯s really hit the fan.


    Far off ahead of us a gigantic cathedral, all of it in smoke and fire as the angelic headquarters burns to the ground. However, I should probably take more note of something going down not five feet in front of us¡­


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°It¡¯s the demonic dickhead! What have you been up to Asmodeus? Excluding the shit that¡¯s down going behind you of course¡±


    Cutting down several angels alongside Uriel, he returns to the fold looking as bloody as ever.


    ¡°Heh, not the time for this sister¡­ told you this wasn¡¯t necessary traitor. I¡¯m nearly finished with this job; your help wasn¡¯t needed¡±


    Asmodeus barely acknowledges our existence causing me to pout, guess he does have the excuse of being inbat. That cathedral looks like it could hold a thousand angels and there¡¯s only a handful left outside right now. I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s already done most of the genocidal work already.


    ¡°If I¡¯d have known you were nning on entrapping them inside the church using fire, I wouldn¡¯t have worried so much idiot! Look at you, you¡¯re a flicker of light from toppling over!¡±


    ¡°Heh, tis but a scratch traitor. You worry too much¡±


    While those two seem to be bickering, the angels left standing begin to realize reinforcements have arrived and leave the bloodied demon to himself to focus on me. Or us because Petra ain¡¯t going to allow me to fight alone.


    ¡°Sweet Lord all mighty, it¡¯s the demonic piece of filth that¡¯s caused me so much turmoil! She must be purged this instant!¡±


    Before I even have the chance to face up against the angel who¡¯s experienced a pain worse than death twice already, might name him Mr Eunuch now for good measure, Petra gets to him first making me worry if he¡¯s going to receive the same fate as before. She¡¯s not as wicked as me and mother¡­ right? Right!?!


    Looking away and focusing on a different angelic being charging towards me, said angel then points his sword prematurely and begins to waffle about something boring.


    ¡°Begone foul beast and let your soul be purged anew!¡±


    Not having enough time to respond, I try to strike my ranged attack from Excalibur towards the angel only to miss and be struck by a beam of light that pierces my torso¡­


    ¡­


    Except, the beaming from that sword just so happens to be light magic. You know light magic¡­ the same magic that apparently is really simr to fire? Point being, I¡¯m resistant to both! Perks of phoenix DNA that even bing a demon lord doesn¡¯t get rid of.


    ¡°What sphemy is thi-¡­¡±


    In response, I close the distance, crisscross my des and cut him down where he stands. I haven¡¯t even had the time to prepare just yet and this idiot tries something that stupid!


    ¡®Aesa, how about we take no risks while also trying out some new shit? There¡¯s three abilities I¡¯m wanting to activate¡¯


    [<Aesa wouldn¡¯t suggest being carefree on ability usage but also curious so will let it slide. Abilities -plot protection mark 2-, -aspect of gigantomachy mark 2- and -star ze mark 2- are now in effect>]


    Feeling an insane amount of power flow within me which activates invulnerability, a growing fireball and my breasts to expand, all three abilitiesbine in tandem and feels like I¡¯ve got a power level over nine thousand! Sure, the power feels fun and all, kinda realize now they aren¡¯t the best to be used together.


    Like it¡¯s been seen countless times before, star ze¡¯s fireball begins to grow rapidly consuming me, all the while I can now actually see what¡¯s going on front of me. Unsurprisingly enough like all the foes that have burned to this in the past, these angels are oblivious to the danger in front of them and charge straight into my hellfire.


    It¡¯s only now urring to me that maybe it this attack doesn¡¯t appear like a huge fireball to other people, I refuse to believe they¡¯re that stupid! I know blind rage is a thing but it should be obvious not to run into a freaking ball of fire! It is kinda call I can see their flesh burning in front of my eyes though, albeit a little gross.


    What once had the size of small house, now has the size of something resembling more of a manor or mansion. It¡¯s definitely been improved and the fact I can see the few idiots that dared to enter be incinerated says it all really. Normally, I¡¯d only get the smell and a few screams of agony, now I get the full package!


    I¡¯m still yet to see what upgraded aspect is yet to do, was kinda hoping at least one the angels could withstand fire but regardless, the fight is already won just from that slight amount of action. At least, it seems that way¡­


    [<Aesa would like to inform Ikarus that no points were achieved from that previous battle. Angels in particr don¡¯t seem to count for some unknown reason>]


    ¡°Sorry Ikarus¡­ kinda got carried away and forgot¡±


    As soon as Aesa gives me the message, Petra stands over Mr Eunuchs headless corpse looking really guilty. She¡¯s so caring for me, the decapitations would put a lot of people off but not me! Heh, surprised the angel didn¡¯t receive another ball breaking session to be honest, guess she really is forgiving.


    ¡°It¡¯s all good Petra. Turns out, angels don¡¯t give me EXP anyways¡­¡±


    Once the battle has finished, me and Petra return to a bloodied and beaten Asmodeus being tended to by the angel Uriel. Not in a weird way, just like how Ariza might tend to a patient, the demon is drenched in blood after all. Most of it probably isn¡¯t his though. That sinister smile he has tells does tell a lot.


    ¡°Erm¡­ Asmodeus? Why the fuck did you piss off like that!?! We could¡¯ve helped wipe out the angels! Although, being able to revive kinda defeats the point¡±


    ¡°Heh, you two needed to get your faces out there in this world to be discovered I had some time to deal with a not so pressing issue. Instead ofining, just sit back and admire my handiwork¡­ their anchor point was sorted out this morning so that¡¯s also not a concern. You can thank the traitor for telling me where it was¡±


    Looking back to the cathedral, I¡¯m getting a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu looking at this. Even though I may have nuked that religion back in our world, the adoring mes hugging the building are kinda mesmerizing to watch¡­ Petra¡¯s father is a bad influence so less of that Ikarus.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Anchor¡­ point?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s where we revive from Ikarus. For us angles, it was agreed the point would be fixed in the basement of the church¡±


    ¡°Heh, those fuckers won¡¯t get out of there for weeks, maybe even months. If things line up right, this might even be a permanent solution. We¡¯ll have to wait and see on that¡±


    ¡®So let me get this straight¡­ this guy has basically spawn trapped them down there!? Eh, guess it¡¯s a pretty creative solution¡¯


    I¡¯m conflicted, mainly down to the fact this seems like a brilliant idea and also a terrible one. Mainly down to the fact that, won¡¯t this anger a lot of people? Probably not Ikarus, people don¡¯t seem to like the preachy angels around here¡­ being able to spawn trap and entire faction like this seems pretty dangerous though.


    ¡°Look, can we have something a bit more than just this? Like, why the hell is an angel working with you in the first ce? She must hate angels as badly as you hate your own kind¡±


    I mean, Asmodeus did poison his entire world wiping out practically everyone who wasn¡¯t sheltered by a dome so a little angel treachery is nothing inparison.


    ¡°It¡¯s not hatred Ikarus, it¡¯s logical. My kin have never been able to realize, there cannot be a winner in the fight for good vs evil. Even after a long visit down in your world to get a fresh perspective of it all, they still could not let go of that hatred to a species that is so close to extinction¡±


    ¡®I bet this good vs evil thing is like order vs chaos or ying and yang. I¡¯ve heard this clich¨¦ a million times before so best not dwell too much on it¡¯


    Also, there¡¯s something the angel just said that has sparked my interest a little. It may have sounded like a throwawayment but considering the iffy feeling I¡¯ve had from her all this time; I can¡¯t let it go¡­


    ¡°You were down in our world? Say¡­ you wouldn¡¯t happen to know who you were, right?¡±


    A glint in Petra¡¯s eye realizes she may know what I¡¯m getting at. I¡¯m sure I¡¯vee across someone eerily simr to this angel before and I have to confirm it¡­


    ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t. Upon death, the first thing I did was erase that memory because of all the heartache and suffering she endured. It would¡¯ve poisoned even the sanest of minds¡­¡±


    ¡®Hmm¡­ it¡¯s not enough to confirm my suspicions¡¯


    ¡°¡­The only thing I kept was a stark reminder that the life was long, miserable and full of servitude to a family that should¡¯ve burned in hellfire. If that life were to be listened to, the entire world would¡¯ve been tossed aside¡±


    The vagueness is huge but, in a world filled with coincidences, I¡¯ve got a bad idea this woman may be the mage Leone who blessed my past with her wickedness.


    Look, it may sound insane considering the only evidence I¡¯ve got is her being down in the human world, having a history that sounds like the mage and the fact her face is pretty emotionless. It¡¯s still making me think it¡¯s her.


    ¡°Asmodeus¡­ is she who I think she is?¡±


    ¡°Heh, why would I know that sister?¡±


    ¡®He¡¯s ying dumb, I just know it¡¯


    Even while Uriel is wiping thest of the blood off him and bandaging a shoulder or two, he still never changes.


    ¡°Asmodeus, I¡¯m being serious. Is she¡­ who I think she is?¡±


    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know everything sister. If you think the traitor to the angels is the same sinister person you encountered down below, then you¡¯re probably right. Does it make a lick of difference though?¡±


    In all honesty¡­ it probably doesn¡¯t. During her end, I did feel a little pity for the mage after she copsed to bones right in front of our eyes¡­ she did also use me like a seat for punishment reasons. Yep, I still don¡¯t like her it seems. I¡¯m just going to try and bottle it up ignoring her in the process, there¡¯s only one person I like who can sit on me now! I mean, if Aesa wanted to¡­ my own brain makes me facepalm at times.


    ¡°So, moving on¡­ *sighhh*. What next then? Is it time for you to lead us to the rebels and we can finally take down Zeus?¡±


    That¡¯s got to be the way this quest finally precedes, right? Spent this long not knowing where Asmodeus is and he shows up burning down a potential problem? This has to be the road that leads to Zeus¡¯s downfall.


    ¡°Heh, look at you knowing the future sister. When did you get in contact with the oracle?¡±


    ¡®Predictable, this guy is always wanting to be the MC of this story after all¡¯


    Whilst that may be predictable, something about my wife is less so¡­


    ¡°Heh¡­ Ikarus? *Stomach grumbling*¡±


    I nearly forgot the wife was here with us for a second and with her stomach is still grumbling, there¡¯s something both of us should probably go off and do.


    ¡°Oh right, egg stuff and all that. Can you two do us a huge favour a wait a minute? We¡¯ll be right back¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°So¡­ why are we over here then?¡±


    ¡°Heh, patience sister and all will be clear. Just a turn of a key and we¡¯ll be where we need to be. Just stay with the dark one and the traitor and give me some space¡±


    ¡°You can call me something other than traitor Asmodeus. It was the rest of the angels who betrayed our true goal first. The overall goal of peace¡±


    (Petra) ¡°He doesn¡¯t do names so you¡¯ll get used to it¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s funny how both father and Asmodeus are like this with names. Guess they really were brothers after all¡­ not technically of course. We are strongly against incest around here!¡¯


    After a little eggying with the wife which turned out to be not so romantic after all, it¡¯s basicallyparable to having a poop, we met back up with the angel and demon lord in order to progress the quest to destroy Zeus! I¡¯d be getting excited if it wasn¡¯t for the fact we¡¯re back at that tavern we seem to always visit.


    Instead of actually entering the building, we head round back to the cer lead by Asmodeus and he goes to unlock thetch with a special magical key! I jest, it¡¯s just a normal piece of metal but it sounds more fun this way.


    Slowly creeping down the stairs once it¡¯s unlocked, we follow him inside and find exactly what I wasn¡¯t hoping for. It¡¯s typical really¡­


    ¡®And of course¡­ the rebellion HQ has been right under our noses the whole time. There are less people down here than I first thought though, maybe it¡¯s an off branch of rebels?¡¯


    Located down the damp and dimly lit basement is what can only be described as ce perfect for hiding out. It¡¯s mostly an absolute mess with all the maps, ns and weapons scattered all over the ce. It definitely has its charm despite all the rubbish around here.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Also down inside the basement is a mixture of Gods and Goddesses, most of which were at the games we just participated in. Surprisingly, there¡¯s only four down here though¡­ eight if you include us four that have just entered.


    We have the cutesy but clearly sibling obsessed Aphrodite and the wild Artemis mid conversation discussing something really important.


    ¡°Hey Artemis, you¡¯ve got to decide which God is the cutes-¡±


    ¡°Hey¡­ Uriel buddy! Over here¡­ you¡¯re back!¡±


    ----------


    ---Was going them edit them into the picture above like a visual novel, got impatient with that idea pretty quickly lol.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    And the ripped muscr guy Hermes actually wearing a top today alongside the grim reaper Thanatos. One of them clearly wanting to be left alone though.


    ¡°¡­and that¡¯s when Plutus decided to charge us double! Gosh, that really was an absurd day¡­ brothels are scary¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°You really aren¡¯t listening to me, are you?¡±


    ¡°Am listening Hermes¡­ just have nothing to say¡±


    For the record, I have no idea what they were talking about or even care either. It¡¯s finally time to get down to work¡­ with four other people. It feels like there¡¯s a lot we¡¯re missing out on here.


    ¡°So¡­ this is ragtag bunch of Gods we¡¯re going to be working with?¡±


    ¡°Heh, define ¡®working with¡¯ sister. These idiots can happily work as bait for us, that¡¯s the only reason why we¡¯re even entertaining their existence¡±


    All of the Gods inside the room appear offended except Thanatos who surprisingly smiles from the insult. Only one cares enough to actually respond to Asmodeus¡¯s insult¡­ wonder if you can guess who?


    ¡°Fuck you too Asmodeus! I¡¯ll take Uriel with me if you¡¯re going to treat us like fucking pawns!¡±


    ¡°No you won¡¯t¡±


    ¡°*Grumble*¡­ just back me up bitch! I¡¯m doing us a favour¡±


    And so, the heavens decided that just one Zeki type person wasn¡¯t enough so the Olympians had to bless us with another. Just the fact everyone shakes their head from Artemis¡¯s waffling says it all really.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be all we¡¯re working with, right? Oh¡­ that¡¯s pretty decent timing¡±


    Expectations slightly differ when the cer door opens once again. Turning around, I find who else we may be working with on this journey¡­


    Why, it¡¯s my parent¡¯s and the alcoholic of course! I¡¯ll cut it with the moaning because there¡¯s obviously more to it than just this¡­ there better be because I can¡¯t see how we¡¯ll take down Zeus just as a group of eleven.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ that¡¯s the job you sent us on demon? It¡¯s finished but was aplete waste of time though¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that Dermakvar, you seemed to enjoy the unrestricted destruction¡±


    ¡°Never said it wasn¡¯t enjoyable dear, just tedious really¡±


    (Dio) ¡°Not really sure how I was any use throughout that. My hangover effect I can inflict doesn¡¯t really work on inanimate objects¡±


    (Asmo) ¡°Heh, you were needed to guide them to the spot young God. If it wasn¡¯t for you, things wouldn¡¯t have worked on time¡±


    Both my parents seem surprisingly tired from whatever task Asmodeus sent them on and Dionysus, the first thing he goes for a ss of wine once he¡¯s back. Some things never change and my confusion is one of them apparently.


    ¡®Okay, I might be Alice facepalming head first into the rabbit hole. This idiot better start exining things¡­¡¯


    ----------


    ---Tried to make the dress blue, didn''t work out but this one works better for Ikarus anyway.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------

 Chapter 212 – Pillars of Destruction

    Chapter 212 ¨C Pirs of Destruction


    ---More tales in the life of author-kun. Remember how myptop was supposed to be fixed? The same fan that wasn''t spinning, now has an issue where it sounds like it''s getting caught on something (I really haven''t a clue and don''t dare taking it apart myself). I can continue to write for now but it''s inevitable this will effect content again. Sorry.


    __________


    ¡°Okay¡­ so to summarize everything up. You¡¯ve obviously been working on organizing the rebellion and getting everyone together, me and Petra entering the games was an attempt of getting Gods to join our cause¡­ oh. You sent my parents and Dio off to destroy a pir? I¡¯lle to back to that¡­ still don¡¯t¡¯ understand why you couldn¡¯t get us involved in this earlier¡±


    Despite receiving an exnation for what¡¯s gone on, the exnation Asmodeus gives of course iscking so that¡¯s pretty much all that I can get right now. This isn¡¯t an Ikaruscking perception moment because even if I had one hundred in that stat, Asmodeus¡¯s exnations nerfs everyone down to an equal level.


    Oh, we¡¯re still in that hideout under the tavern. It¡¯s surprisinglyfortable down here but then again, I am sitting on the wife¡¯sp since there¡¯s not enough usable chairs down here. Turns out, our rebellion we¡¯re going to support can¡¯t even bother getting enough chairs apparently. That¡¯s not concerning at all.


    ¡°Heh, just roll with it sister, we¡¯re both ying the same game here. You¡¯ve already had a meeting with Zeus, correct? Presume he went about making a pointless threat? You can ignore that bluff, there¡¯s only a couple of futures where it ever bes a possibility and we¡¯ve avoided them¡­ probably¡±


    Asmodeus already knows what¡¯s happened so the instant response he¡¯s getting is an eyeroll. All the time this guy does this so you tend to just nk him out¡­ the fact there¡¯s a possibility Zeus does act on his threat pisses me off immensely though. You touch Zeki and Ariza and I promise you, someone is going to get fucked up.


    ¡°You know¡­ where is the rest of the rebellion anyways? This just seems tragic¡±


    That gets a face of sadness from Aphrodite and Hermes but I am right. Artemis just constantly looks angry so don¡¯t know if she agrees or not. Leo-, I mean Uriel still continues to look stoic so she¡¯s impossible to guess. I¡¯m still going off that theory that they¡¯re the same person despite the fact this angle doesn¡¯t seem as wicked¡­ eh. Maybe I¡¯m wrong on that, she did just sell out her species like Asmodeus as well.


    ¡°Heh, not sure what you were expecting sister. The rebellion was always a mess of jumbled ideas so the currentck of members reflects that¡±


    This causes me to instinctively facepalm from Asmodeus exnation. Even though I wasn¡¯t expecting much, I was hoping this might just be a tiny splinter cell and it turns out we have a headquarters that dozens of Gods reside in.


    Already sensing I¡¯m stressing the hell out; Petra always finds a way of helping and just a slight head rub does the world a wonder. I¡¯m actually a little surprised she¡¯s so able to remain calm about this.


    ¡°Heh, just rx Ikarus, you already know how vague he is. There is somehow method in his madness so the chances are, this isn¡¯t all we¡¯re working with¡±


    ¡®Ah, the epitome of wisdom like usual. Things normally end up tying together once you blindly follow his lead¡¯


    ¡°Heh¡­ what¡¯s this pir thing you speak of anyway?¡±


    While my stress levels are starting to lower, Petra gets us back on track. My parents were sent off to destroy a pir guided by Dio and have only just finished. Of course, Asmodeus is always vague so haven¡¯t a clue what that even is.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be the key to bringing down Zeus, dark one. All his poweres from pirs and in order to bring him down to our level, they need to be destroyed. The traitor helped me destroy another over in the angel¡¯s domain¡±


    Uriel stands there still as stoic as ever but her aura seems to be leaking a little bit of guilt. Maybe she isn¡¯t the evil mage after all, don¡¯t remember her ever having any guilt.


    (Dio) ¡°You sure about that Asmodeus? Last I heard, those pirs were nothing more than just stabilizing devices left behind by the titans¡±


    ¡°Heh, that¡¯s one purpose young God, just trust me on this and don¡¯t ask too many questions. That¡¯s our goal¡±


    Clearly, there¡¯s something Asmodeus isn¡¯t telling us about these pirs but he can be like talking to a brick wall at times. Just leave it and go with the flow like usual.


    ¡°So¡­ my parents and Dio just went out to destroy one and you¡¯ve dealt with another? That¡¯s two out of¡­ how many?¡±


    Apparently, the one my parents went to destroy wasparable to demolishing an old building so nothing of real interest to note. The other was built into the angelic cathedral that burnt down.


    ¡°Three now sister, the folks over in Ragnar?k destroyed theirs long ago. Simr to how our lordship works, there¡¯s seven in total and the swifter we get around to destroying them, the less resistance we¡¯ll face¡±


    Asmodeus and his foul grin returns as undoubtedly, there must be some sort of evil action behind this n. I¡¯m not too sure where the connection to genocide is just yet but it¡¯ll be something of that magnitude.


    ¡°That¡¯s the n then? It sounds awfully simr to the time you had Ikarus go on a goose chase bing a demon lord¡±


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s really not the same dark one. You¡¯ll see firsthand when all of us, excluding the dragons go to destroy the next one together¡±


    Surprisingly, the four Gods that were already here seem surprised by this announcement. Both parents are as well but for different reasons.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t weing along too?¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­ you weakling Gods will never truly understand the importance of dragons. Two especially¡±


    Sounding dejected, you would never think dragons coulde across like this but they want to join us on our little pir crusade. I¡¯m assuming there¡¯s an important reason why they can¡¯t though.


    ¡°Heh, we have two very important things you dragons need to do for us all. Without your specialist skills, the npletely falls short. Everything is written down in this note¡±


    ¡®At least that gets both of them happy. Mother just wants to be involved and father clearly is being a tsundere about being important¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°We¡¯re¡­ here then? I wasn¡¯t expecting a ce like this. Way too many flowers¡±


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s beautiful Ikarus, isn¡¯t it? Just like you¡±


    ¡®Urgh¡­pliment from the wife. Loins weakening¡¯


    (Thanatos) ¡°It¡¯s alright I guess¡­ Elysium in the Underworld is better¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°So many flowers! It baffles me Apollo kept this ce all to himself¡±


    (Hermes) ¡°I could train and run forever inside here!¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°Erk, you lot are crazy! What¡¯s the big deal with a fucking field of flowers? It¡¯s way too open for hunting¡±


    (Uriel) ¡°It¡¯s quite pleasant I suppose¡±


    After going through portal after portal led by Asmodeus to get to where we¡¯re supposed to go, we finally arrive at what appears to be the ce.


    I swear by the fourth world, I was getting interdimensional travel sickness if that¡¯s a thing. I like to exaggerate but it really was a convoluted mess, ended up going through a scrapyard, a graveyard, a ck-market and even a brothel at one point. They really don¡¯t keep up to date with portal management around here.


    As for the location we¡¯re now at, remember that time we saw the beautiful fields of Elysium when going through the Underworld search? No? Erm¡­we weren¡¯t there for long. Regardless, this ce is just an endless meadow with a tower, or pir as tall as the eye can see.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Heh, be warned sister. This ce may look beautiful but hidden beneath those flowers, it¡¯s practically a minefield¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ couldn¡¯t we just simply fly over it then?¡±


    ¡°Heh, wouldn¡¯t rmend it unless you want a javelin piercing your torso sister. The pir detects motion in the air and reacts ordingly¡±


    ¡®Right¡­ definitely don¡¯t want to give that a try then. Already been stabbed through the torso once before, that shit hurt!¡¯


    ¡°Hah, you lot worry too much! It¡¯ll be a peace of cake¡­¡±


    The wild Artemis charges onto the field and surprisingly, manages to get a quarter of the distance before an explosion wipes her out in an instant. I¡¯dugh if she hadn¡¯t just been blown in half¡­


    ¡°Fuck! My legsss¡­ screw this. I¡¯ll be back in a minute¡­¡±


    Pulling out a dagger, Artemis puts herself out of her misery while we all just look away. I guess if you¡¯ve got the benefit of revival, killing yourself isn¡¯t exactly much of a problem. She is definitely something strange though.


    ¡°You know¡­ why is it we brought her? There¡¯s a point in bringing everyone, right?¡±


    ¡°Heh, correct, it¡¯s just for bait sister. Since me and you haven¡¯t got the benefit of a second life, all you lot will be acting as mine detectors for us. Any volunteers?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®Seriously? This is the best solution this guy cane up with to getting across a literal minefield!?¡¯


    (Uriel) ¡°That¡¯s the reasoning behind his Asmodeus? It¡¯s truly wicked¡­ yet may just work¡±


    (Dio) ¡°Sounds about right¡­ calling dibs on goingst¡±


    (Hermes) ¡°A-Are we really doing this? Dying r-really hurts, you know?¡±


    (Thanatos) ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ if this is what Lord Hades wants me to assist you with, then I will¡­ I¡¯m not going next though¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°Look at all the pretty flowers about to be spoiled by blood! Such a romantic ce going to ruin¡±


    And of course, the additions to our temporary party are definitely unique to say the least. I¡¯m not surprised there¡¯s nobody wanting to take the job¡­ step right up and be blown to pieces!


    ¡­


    Thankfully, Hermes is willing to step up and be the next one to enter the mine infested meadow and I¡¯m still trying to look away. I can normally stomach gore but this seems so unnecessary.


    Unlike the wild Goddess before him, his speed quickly gets him to the halfway point before his body explodes into a red paste and disintegrates like the Goddess before him. Think I may skip lunch today.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ guess I¡¯ll give it a try then¡±


    Next up, the angel Uriel takes the stage slowly following the dead Gods. She¡¯s being a little more cautious on this but I really can¡¯t see her getting too far¡­


    It seems like Thanatos, then Aphrodite will follow along next, not going to keep watching anymore. Think Petra would¡¯ve volunteered but Asmodeus held her back. At least we can both agree on not allowing the wife to get blown to smithereens¡­ I think that as Uriel turns to bits. At least we¡¯re making slow progress.


    ¡®Hang on¡­ isn¡¯t she going to end up getting spawn trapped as well?¡¯


    ¡°Heh, can see the look on your face sister. Rx¡­ she¡¯s already changed her anchor point. The traitor is fine¡±


    ¡°Phew¡­ not like I care at all. What¡¯s the story with all these lot anyways? The Gods alive¡­ and dead I mean?¡±


    ¡°Heh, you mean those idiots sister? Like most Gods up here, just treat them like cannon fodder and it¡¯ll be much easier to handle. It just happens, these lot are the most expendable as well¡±


    ¡®I hope the remaining Gods think Asmodeus is joking about this¡­ he really isn¡¯t though¡¯


    Turning away from Asmodeus and now towards Dionysus, the small talk is always better when it¡¯s not followed by an evil smirk¡­ and an explosion apparently. I swear Dio is like the only guy friend I have in this world¡­ guess Nathan counts but he is in a different world a world and an empire away.


    ¡°What about the story of this ce then? There can¡¯t be that many beautiful ces like this around here¡±


    ¡°Funnily enough, I do know that Ikarus. This ce once upon a time was Apollo¡¯s domain he used for testing out his artefacts. The meadow itself was a reaction from tinkering with one of Hephaestus¡¯s hammers and thus, the heart of this world was created¡±


    ¡°Ya know¡­ is this where you sent Charlotte power from? Harnessing the power around the ce?¡±


    Despite it not seeming like it, there is a huge amount of radiant energy floating all around the ce that even I can detect. Petra herself seems surprised that I can pick this up because that is normally something rted to that boring magic theory crap.


    ¡°Kinda. He put a lot of dormant energy into the pirs and harnessing it is doable if you know how his brain works. You spend enough time digging here, you¡¯ll probablye across an artefact or two as well¡±


    ¡®Ah, so this world is like his stash as well? Maybe we can go digging for some stuff after¡­ if Asmodeus deems it worth the time¡¯


    (Petra) ¡°You not worried he might show up and be angry?¡±


    ¡°No. He¡¯d be a little annoyed at people messing with his work but he was always flexible to reason, logic and wisdom. Say¡­ how was Athena when you twost spoke with her?¡±


    ¡°Heh, she seemed alright. Why?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why Dio? Is my wife starting to remind you of her or something?¡±


    ¡°Slightly, but that¡¯s not what I¡¯m getting at Ikarus. It¡¯s just that Athena had a nose for sniffing Apollo out when he doesn¡¯t want to be found. Wouldn¡¯t surprise me if she¡¯s looking for him down there right now¡±


    I¡¯m¡­ not sure what to make of this. By the way he keeps being brought up, you¡¯d think Apollo would the key to making everything click but it hasn¡¯t be a point of interest just yet. Maybe that¡¯ll be the goal once the pirs are destroyed? Or it¡¯s just pointless lore, who knows¡­


    Without even realizing it with the constant explosions going off in the background, only four of us remain now: Me, the wife, Dionysus and Asmodeus. Thankfully, the demonic dickhead was paying attention to where we need to step so he leads us forward to the point Aphrodite just blew up. It¡¯s safe to say, she¡¯s not so cute anymore¡­


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s your turn youn-¡±


    Instead of waiting for Asmodeus to get Dionysus to do the final few steps, Petra takes the leap and causes my heart so skip a beat. Luckily, I don¡¯t have to witness my wife turn into fertilizer today, I know she¡¯ll revive because she is an actually God now, but fuck no to that!


    ¡°Heh, what now? How do we destroy this thing?¡±


    Now all on the other side in touching distance to the pir after following the wife alone, we¡¯ve finally crossed the flowery fields of death! It sounds better in my head.


    ¡°Heh, this is the part I¡¯m sure your lover will enjoy dark one. What we need is a strong surge of power that¡¯ll dislodge anything not powerful enough to withstand it¡±


    ¡°Like, for example¡­ a nuclear st?¡±


    In response, I receive a simple nod from Asmodeus. Tis the little things in life that make it worth living.


    ¡°Hell yeah! Petra, barrier-¡­ silly me, keep forgetting about friendly fire¡±


    Of course, I get a strong rush of blood to my head when it¡¯s time for a quick nuking. Decisions¡­ decisions, it¡¯s notmon I get to blow something up like this in a practical setting.


    ¡®Do we go for the biggy or just a teeny weeny lickle nuke? Eh, let¡¯s start small and then go big if it¡¯s needed¡­ Aesa?¡¯


    [<Giving Ikarus the orb to activate -atomic hellfire->]


    Now with the power to end worlds in my grasp, I don¡¯t bother taking the time to be patient and lob that orb straight towards the thing that needs to be demolished.


    Demolition expert Ikarus here and when I say shit needs toe down, you best get your hardhats on and freaking run for the hills!


    The sheer power of this explosion bes blinding and deafening in an instant, of course and this range I lose the epess of the mushroom cloud but I¡¯m less focused on that right now. Just feel that power¡­


    Something doesn¡¯t feel right though, all the power kept within this pir should¡¯ve spread around yet it feels like it¡¯s bingpact, fixating on a single point. It¡¯s also strange that thend hasn¡¯t been moulded by how a nuke normally works, the sky has turned red but not a single crater in sight. I¡¯m not getting disappointed at all.


    Once the embers from the explosion settles and visibility barely returns, all four of us stand facing the now copsed pir and what presents us¡­ is utter madness.


    (Asmo) ¡°Heh, a little eager, aren¡¯t you sister? I would¡¯ve said get ready and prepare for a fight if you had waited a little longer¡±


    (Dio) ¡°I can see why fathe-¡­ what the fuck?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Is that¡­ no freaking way! That can¡¯t be¡­¡±


    Ahead of us is a creature I could only ever dream abouting across, a creature being so intwined with Greek mythology, even the most uniformed may have heard of it¡¯s existence. The minotaur¡­


    ¡°RARGHHHHHHHH!!!¡±


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Before I even have the chance to question why a creature that should be in thebyrinth is up here, the fucker charges us head on in this smouldering nuke zone!


    All of us spread out instantly and try to avoiding grouping up, which in turn leads for the bull aiming for me! I haven¡¯t even got my weapons out yet, fucking Asmodeus and his tendency for not sharing anything until thest minute!


    ¡®Oh, hey Ikarus, there¡¯s the freaking Minotaur inside that pir so best get ready after we cross the fucking minefield! I hate him so much at times¡¯


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that sister, the pir¡¯s defences are still active¡±


    Instinctively wanting to fly and face this guy from above, Asmodeus scolds me before I even get the chance to open my wings. Getting impaled by a spear doesn¡¯t sound great so on this I¡¯ll trust him even if the pir is already toppled. I don¡¯t know how shit works!


    I simply don¡¯t have enough time to now get out of the way of this guy so when his horns try to impale me, the only thing I can is unsheathe Excalibur, jump up, and plunge it into the back of his neck.


    ¡°Fuckkkk, it¡¯s like I¡¯m at a rodeo! Stop shaking, you stupid beast!¡±


    ¡°RARGHHH!!!¡±


    Not wanting to lose my sword, I grab onto it for my life while the beast shakes like that stupid American bull riding thing! I hate this so much!


    [<Aesa¡¯s has just noticed something Ikarus, bringing up the status screen>]


    [Name: Asterion | Species: Minotaur | Level: 1000]


    [Health  174,521/250,000]


    [Stamina 201,345/250,000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ¡®Really pick your moments, don¡¯t you Aesa!?¡¯


    [<Ikarus is fine, you have more than enough speed to contend with this beast. Aesa is just surprised on the fact this creature has broken the stat cap. It should be 166,666>]


    ¡®You really are unbelievable at times¡­ just get out already! That¡¯s not what she said¡­¡¯


    Anyways, while I¡¯ve finally mastered the impossible task of pulling out a sword from a raging bull, the rest of my partye to my aid when I finally get grip of my de and literally get thrown into the arms of my lover! I¡¯m not making this shit up, Petra literally catches me in that princess position.


    ¡°Heh¡­ probably not the time right now¡±


    ¡®Aww¡­ I was hoping Petra would say something witty or go for a kiss. I¡¯m not opposed to being embarrassed mid battle¡¯


    Asmo and Dio provide an ample distraction while I get down, both shooting magic into the beast but both look to be slightly underwhelming.


    Asmodeus with his wind magic and Dionysus with a violet flowing liquid that looks awfully simr to wine. Regardless, the creature gets pushed back and its eyes turn purple. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s harmed in the slightest though.


    ¡°Heh, alcoholism at its finest. Your hangover attack will be useful here young God¡±


    ¡°Not the time Asmodeus¡­ let¡¯s just deal with this beast¡±


    Instead of targeting the magic dealers, the creature aims for me again. It clearly hates people named Ikarus but I¡¯m happy to take the role of bait this time around.


    ¡®Aesa?¡¯


    [<No can do Ikarus, -plot protection mark 2- is still in cooldown>]


    ¡®Crap¡­ think aspect is good to go¡­ Aesa, right now!¡¯


    Remembering I wasted plot protection back at that burning cathedral, I also remember aspect only got activated, not actually used so that¡¯ll work a treat for a one vs one boss fight. It¡¯s finally time to see how much of a punch it packs¡­


    [<-Aspect of gigantomachy mark 2- is now in use>]


    Breasts expanding and the power coursing through my veins, the beast is just about to fully charge into me again but feeling like I can now hold him back, I avoid aiming to jump over him this time around.


    Using as much strength as I can possibly muster, I strike the rampaging beast in the head only to find the creature still manages to push me back even with the insane knockback aspect can have!


    Somehow, I¡¯m still receiving the strength of gigantomachy so the beast only slowly manages to push me back while both of my des keep it from thrashing one of its horns into my ribs. Maybe the attack hasn¡¯t fully cancelled yet since we¡¯re still in contact? It doesn¡¯t matter because I¡¯m still getting pushed back, I¡¯m going to end up in the minefield if this continues¡­


    While the creature is slowed down like this, the other three take the opportunity tounch more attacks. I¡¯m pretty sure Dionysus can only make the animal drunk then actually providing any real harm but I guess fighting a drunk bull is better than nothing.


    Asmodeus fires off several projectiles made from wind, don¡¯t even ask how that works while the wife activates her version of aspect and strikes the creature¡¯s bottom. Aesa would probably enjoy that¡­


    ¡°RARGHHHHHH!!!¡±


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Asterion | Species: Minotaur | Level: 1000]


    [Health  23,481/250,000]


    [Stamina 198,519/250,000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ¡®Even after all this damage we¡¯ve done, he¡¯s still pushing me into the flowery minefield¡¯


    I¡¯m conflicted a little, if I activate something too over the top likeunching my meteors, it could cause a chain reaction setting all the mines off behind me.


    No, a fuck tonne amount of fire is the solution here and the wife is in agreement, activating her ck-eyed mode as well.


    Activating in unison, I start forcing out fire from my gripped hands while Petra coats the entire floor in her hellish ck me. The site is truly hideous especially when youbine it with the redness that the nuke¡¯s left behind, hideously brilliant I mean! This shit looks like a battle straight out of hell.


    ¡°RARGHH! Mooooo¡­¡±


    Another scream as the creature starts to weaken, clearly having no resistance to fire so we keep this up and start to cook the fucker!


    Have you ever seen that ancient Greek torturing device called the brazen bull? Basically, the condemned human would be put in a bull made from metal and then a fire would be lit underneath. This is what I imagine this sounds like¡­ only reason I bring this up is because I¡¯m sure I¡¯ve seen that device as decoration around Olympus. I can afford to get distracted when we¡¯re done cooking steak¡­


    Thankfully, after what feels like I¡¯ve exhausted more than a third of my magicka, the creature is finally put to rest allowing me to catch my breath. I came dangerously close to entering that minefield again.


    ¡®Phew¡­ that shit was intense! Need to calm it¡­ that was pretty dope¡¯


    ¡°Asmodeus¡­ what the fuck was the Minitour doing up here? Theseus killed him and it was reported all around Olympus. Yet¡­ that half man, half bull is right here¡±


    Before us lovebirds get a chance to start questioning, Dionysus gets in first who looks shocked to the core. Not really sure why he¡¯s so bothered considering that thing had an agenda against me!


    ¡®Maybe it was my hair? It¡¯s pretty much reddish orange after all, bulls hate red after all¡­ Asmodeus has red armour as well though¡¯


    ¡°Heh, he was dead young God. When figuring out potential ways to deal with enemies, this was one of Zeus¡¯s many experiments he conducted in attempt to make sure none shall oppose his rule. The pirs were mainly used as cover in attempt to shield off the power he was releasing¡­¡±


    ¡®When Asmodeus starts going into lore, you listen. He¡¯s basically a goldmine when he actually decides to start sharing¡¯


    ¡°¡­Reforging the Minotaur¡¯s soul was nothingpared to what he¡¯s capable of¡­ why is it you think Hephaestus and Athena left so early? They knew what he was doing and were disgusted by it¡±


    ¡°This is something Zeus did? Then why is it inside Apollo¡¯s realm?¡±


    ¡­


    My question actually makes Asmodeus pause but mainly because I think he wants Dio to figure it out by himself.


    ¡°Huh¡­ guess he found it and then left like the others. One important question still remains though, where the hell is he¡­¡±

 Chapter 213 – Different Outlooks

    Chapter 213 ¨C Different Outlooks


    ---Good news everyone! Myptop is still buggered but I''m borrowing my sister''s for a while so content shall continue! (If you want a little tip, don''t buy MSIptops lol. I guess 4 years isn''t terrible for a GPU fan.)


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°Denver, it appears I may finally have found someth-¡­ really brother? Have you no shame?¡±


    Arriving in my bedchambers, sister Athena greets me with distaste in her eyes when ites to her seeing thepany I¡¯m keeping. I see no problem with this whatsoever, a couple of dwarvendies to warm these growing bones.


    ----------


    ---AI is offensive to beardeddies lol. Just imagine he¡¯s alongside these two but they have the bushiest of beards (And the window is fake cave lighting)


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°They¡¯re just here to keep mepany sister¡­ I¡¯m fully aware of this body¡¯s age so don¡¯t be looking at me like that!¡±


    ¡®She¡¯ll never understand the misery of not being able to grow a beard inside a kingdom where even the women can. I swear this child¡¯s body is cursed at times¡¯


    Taking a few minutes to help my lovelies find their belongings and leave, get my clothes on and follow Athena to my study, I¡¯m now ready to go albeit slightly disinterested after not being able to finish that grooming session that was going on¡­ by grooming, I meanbing their beards of course.


    ¡°Back to being professional¡­ Hephaestus. I¡¯ve may have found a way to find Apollo¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fantastic, isn¡¯t it? Why the gloomy face though?¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t forgotten our main intention down here, have you Hephaestus? We¡¯ve already done enough harm by the phoenixes¡­ involving two random women in this battle defeat the point¡±


    It confuses me a little why my sister, the ex-Goddess of wisdom seems a little down but then again, she¡¯s never been able to differentiate from work and pleasure. I¡¯m not even sure what the problem is considering I was only admiring their beards, honest! I sill fail to see the problem.


    You see, most of my work down here in the first ce was to get control of that volcano. Since our terrible father can¡¯t get a hold of his go to method of destroying this ce now, it¡¯s makes things way moreplicated.


    Why Apollo is massively important to any sidees down to the fact he is a hoarder when ites to powerful artefacts. No exaggeration when I say finding him could literally tip the scale of an impossible fight. I would know because I made most of his toys myself!


    ¡°Sister, I promise you, my motivations aren¡¯t misguided. Now, can we get to the point? Where is Apollo?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing, I have a rough estimate¡­ take a look at this¡±


    cing a map on the table and a device on top that looks simr to a pen but in actual fact was one of Apollo¡¯s earliest creations, a bow that unfolds open, a location in particr lights up that is a huge pain in the ass. This really isn¡¯t great¡­


    ¡°This has to have another meaning, right sister? It¡¯s not something like¡­ the emperor will guide us to where Apollo is?¡±


    ¡°No Hephaestus, this locater is saying he¡¯s in the capital itself. How we find him, you may have to create something that picks him out directly¡±


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ that¡¯s what I was worried about. I¡¯ll admit, I¡¯m sceptical¡­ a coincidence this big seems too easy¡±


    This is problematic even for both of us. The capital is one of, if not the most popted city on this. This map we have here is just a representation of what Athena is capable of so it¡¯s not as simple as just using a map of the city and finding him that way. It may take me years to create something we can use to precisely find where he¡¯s hiding.


    ¡°This ising from someone who got lucky incarnating down here and on this¡­ you¡¯re unsure? I was supposed to be the logical one and you the lucky one brother¡±


    ¡°Fair point, even if technically that was Tyche herself¡­ when did you start cracking jokes anyways?¡±


    Considering what she said was in fact a joke, she must¡¯ve spent way too much time around the dwarves to be doing something like that. I¡¯d like it if it wasn¡¯t for the fact she has always been so boring when ites to anything whimsical.


    ¡°Clearly, you¡¯ve spent too much time being princess to this kingdom already¡­ are we even sure he¡¯s conscious though?¡±


    There are multiple ways a God can enter thesends down below and one of them ispletely losing all memories, only to regain them when you return. Some Gods call it the true mortal experience but if you ever think I¡¯m losing the love of my volcano, beards and smithing, you¡¯re crazy!


    ¡°It¡¯s likely, already have a solution in mind for that. For now, please forge something that can help, then we¡¯ll head to the empire when ready¡­¡±


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°I¡¯m still unsure on something¡­ why is it we have a demonic maid guiding us?¡±


    ¡°Dermakvar, are we sure she¡¯s a demon? Excluding the perfumes, her scent isn¡¯t natural¡±


    ¡°Thought the same dear, she smells like a God but looks like that. Maybe she¡¯s going through a stage like little one?¡±


    And so, it¡¯s time for everyone¡¯s favourite God and somewhat important dragons to get a little screen time! If only everyone weren¡¯t so mean to me things would so much rosier! Really should have a long call with Ariza someday, she¡¯s just too nice for her own good really. Also nearly got my next batch sorted so that¡¯llst her for several years if she¡¯s good¡­ although, to just waste the batch on that brother of hers is tempting as well.


    ¡°Heya dragons! I¡¯m Loki and I¡¯ll have you know I¡¯m very important to Ragnar?k! Without me, they¡¯d all have been wiped out ages ago! The horns are just a fashion statement really, the dress is my working attire!¡±


    Both of the dragons look at me like I¡¯m making shit up! Boo¡­ this really does feel like home considering how I¡¯m always getting treated.


    ¡°You¡¯re part of Ragnar?k? And you purposely choose that appearance?¡±


    ¡°Dermakvar, just shut it and let¡¯s do our role. Asmodeus wanted us to take down another pir. You do know the way Loki, right?¡±


    ¡°That I do! Just keep following me through these portal cycles and we¡¯ll be there in a jiffy! This should be thest entrance, I swear¡±


    Oh yes, it¡¯s time to guide them to the magical pirs that need to be destroyed¡­ that even I have no idea on! These two seem really doubtful of my sense of direction but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s just right this corner¡­ or was it the next left?


    By the sounds of it, the pir I¡¯m supposed to take them to is the one Poseidon abandoned long ago because he grew tired of his own ocean. I shit you not, he created his own aquatdscape, then got bored with it once he explored the entire thing.


    We¡¯ve already travelled through six portals to get to this abandoned part of Olympus and thest is at the bottom of this quarry, the only reason I know of this ce is that there¡¯s a certain type of m here that Hera has to have with her wine. That miserable bitch is gonna work me to death at this rate! At least this is a nice change up, I suppose.


    ¡°And¡­ we¡¯re here! See? I was right about the sea being here¡±


    <Hmph¡­ the God is going on your back darling>


    <Sure sure¡­>


    Getting through the final portal, the dragons change into a more natural form when the endless ocean presents us all. Guess I¡¯m getting a lift then, bet my brothers have never ridden a dragon before! Maybe a much smaller one would be good to start but why not ride the dragon who is considered the harbinger of death?


    Getting aboard the dragon straight out of legend Kellearzar, we glide along for a little while, until the ind and the pire into range. A small and subtle grin grows on the ck dragon¡¯s face when he observes the thing close up.


    ¡®Tis a really chunky boy, this one¡¯


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    <Can I do the honours darling? I wouldn¡¯t want your immacte body to get scarred doing something like this¡­ and the fake demon might get hurt as well>


    <*Sigh*¡­ don¡¯t be fakeplimenting me Dermak when we both know you want to destroy the big and imposing tower>


    <I would never fakepliment you dear¡­ this could be really fun though>


    ¡°You two¡­ I really don¡¯t think that¡¯s a great idea¡­¡±


    Just feeling the immense powering off that thing, my nerves start to shoot sky high as the dragon Dermakvar begins to fly off, clearly wanting to make a great distance between himself and the pir. What even is it with men wanting to destroy things!? I just don¡¯t get it¡­ even if I was a dude at some point in time.


    Getting to full speed, then crashing straight into it with a force that literally shakes the world, the pir somehow still stands tall except now with a gaping crack down the centre of it. The dragon looks surprisingly happy despite the fact he just got stopped by an unstoppable wall.


    <Oof! That¡¯s as dense as a dungeon¡­ time for round two>


    Going for another cycle around while his partner shakes her head towards him, power starts to leak out of the pir making me even more unsure. There¡¯s something terrifying buried inside all that marble, I just know it¡­


    This time around, he doesn¡¯t get stopped in the slightest and the entire structure begins to crumble all around us, revealing what was hiding inside as he flies through the rubble. Shittttt¡­


    ¡°Oh shit! Look what you two have done!¡±


    It¡¯s that freaking gorgon snake head woman! I forget her name but those Olympians were terrified of her for a time¡­ Me-¡­ Meda- something? Medusa! I swear that was the gorgon¡¯s name!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    This was some juicy gossip that even spread to Ragnar?k when it first happened. The gist of it involved the woman Medusa doing something unforgivable that caused even the logical Goddess Athena to snap and ce a curse on her, hence the horrible flocks of snakes she has for hair.


    Some say it was because she decided to mate with Poseidon in one of Athena¡¯s holy temples. Personally, I think there was more to it because if you¡¯ve ever spoken to Athena, she doesn¡¯t seem the type to hold a grudge unless it¡¯s for a really bad reason. Maybe she was selling her services in the temple and the curse of hideousness was to stop the prostitution? That¡¯s my theory anyway! Not sure on why she can shootsers or why she¡¯s even still alive though¡­


    ¡®Shouldn¡¯t she be dead already though? Ah, enough with that Loki doki, she¡¯s attacking us!¡¯


    <Dermakvar!>


    <Rx darling, as if that beam could do anything to our scales>


    The gorgon and her snakes now awakened do something somewhat expected, shooting multiplesers from their eyes towards us in attempt to turn us to stone¡­


    Getting in the way of me and his partner, the dragon Dermakvar takes the full weight of the impact not allowing us to get hurt. I¡¯d say it would be a really romantic tale¡­ if, he actually turned to stone. He seems to be fine apart from a few bumps and scrapes.


    ¡°Hold up, how the heck are you fine? That¡¯s supposed to turn people to stone!


    This was another reason why this gossip got so big. She somehow got down into the human worlds and started wreaking havoc turning people to stone down there. If it wasn¡¯t for a certain Perseus cutting her head off, she¡¯d still be doing her thing.


    <Hmph, haven¡¯t got the patience to exin this to you>


    <I¡¯ll exin it then since Dermak refuses to acknowledge the simrity. Since we¡¯re somewhat simr to reptiles, our blood may be resistant? I think that¡¯s the case anyhow¡­ at least it makes sense why Asmodeus wanted us toe here now>


    Oh right, lizards, snakes and dragons are somewhat simr in biology so that must be the reason why her attacks do nothing to them! I assume gorgons are in the same family so they naturally have some resistance to each other¡¯s venom? I¡¯dpare it so making antivenom but I¡¯m not sure if theparison works.


    Now, the dragons make sure to get their revenge for the gorgon¡¯s attack and release their full anger! Spewing fire and poison all over the ind turning the ce into a messy nightmare, that should kill any foe¡­


    Except, when visibility returns, the woman stands still like a statue to the dragons attacks and seems to be mostly unaffected from thebining of the poison and the fire. I¡¯m doubtful she can move but she definitely can take magic like a champ.


    <Drats¡­ do you have anything that may help Loki? She¡¯s surprisingly tough so we could be here a while>


    <Rx darling, I¡¯ve got this¡­ *crack*. Okay¡­ maybe I don¡¯t>


    Trying to snap the woman in half only to hurt his jaw trying to bite down on her, clearly the gorgon has some sort of resistance to fire, poison and being crushed apparently! I guess she might also be made of stone as well.


    In response, Medusa shoots anotherser at Dermakvar. Unlike thest attack, this one actually causes a few of his scales on the affected area to turn grey like stone, he seems fine but it might be best to speed this up. Imagine if that attack were tond around the genital area, I may have my tastes but pissing off a dragon is a terrible idea! Dragons have surprisingly small genitals considering, they definitely aren¡¯t in proportionpared to-¡­ focus Loki!


    ¡°Hmm¡­ would acid work? Take a few of these and give them a throw, they¡¯ll be sure to pack a punch, surely!¡±


    Unlike most Gods, I put my power into alchemy and this one was an experiment based on how acid rains works. I¡¯ve tested it and I¡¯ve seen it melt through marble, maybe this isn¡¯t so far past the line? Was also going to use this in a prank but realized burning skin is not funny at all.


    Anyways, opening up my storage and passing a dozen potions of melting flesh to the dragons, the world ender seems unimpressed with while the ancient one starts to get excited.


    <These potions radiate sinister energy. Just where did you get these Loki?>


    ¡°I made them, I¡¯ll have you know. They¡¯re not that evil really!¡±


    <He he he¡­ I¡¯m starting to like this fake demon if you¡¯re carrying stuff like this. Let¡¯s get going darling>


    Back to attacking formation, the gorgon begins to charge up anotherser while both the dragons begin tounch the vial size pots of acid. I nearly chuckle seeing the dragons throwing my tiny things with their gigantic paws, a good thing I didn¡¯t when the alchemye into full effect¡­


    ¡°SCRREEETTTTTCCCCCHHHHHHH!!!¡±


    As soon as a couple of the potionsnd, the woman begins to scream as the acid begins to melt her stony cursed skin. The scene Is truly horrifying especially when a certain dragon seems to be enjoying the disgusting gore.


    ¡°Hahahahahaha¡­ fuck!¡±


    <Dermakvar! Quiet! Loki¡­ you okay?>


    The entire world begins shake from the dragon unable to hold back hisughter from the sight. It¡¯s so overwhelming in fact, I nearly lose consciousness.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ jeez, I think I¡¯m okay. Just what in Ragnar?k was that?¡±


    <Dragon tongue Loki. He just needs to get this out of his system, he has always been a master of speech after all. It also doesn¡¯t help my Dermak was born sinister but had to go through a great deal to turn good>


    Surprisingly enough while the male dragon continues to throw more potions to the still screaming gorgon, the female I¡¯m on top seems to be enjoying his excitement. I¡¯ll be honest and say I wish I wasn¡¯t here right now!


    Despite looking away, I can already tell my potions of melting flesh have done the trick as the ck dragon returns to us after melting that poor gorgon to the bone. Let¡¯s just be looking away from all that because these potions are not funny in the slightest! It even required a special ss to house them, not going to be expensive to rece in the slightest. Guess I¡¯ll have to work some more shifts serving that bitch again¡­


    <I cannot let that slide darling. I¡¯m¡­ good? What part of the hundreds of years we¡¯ve spent together gives you that idea? >


    <Really Dermakvar? Have you no idea how much you¡¯ve mellowed out after having children?>


    <Hmph¡­ I put on an act for little and littlest ones, I¡¯ll have you know. I¡¯m still bad to the bone and I¡¯ll live and die that way¡­>


    While the badgering-dragonins to the tsundere-dragon, you can thank Ariza for my knowledge of that word, I still just sit here waiting for us to round this up. Poor gorgon Medusa, she¡¯s definitely seen better days. Think she¡¯s dead now but I¡¯m not sure that statue form was alive to begin with.


    ¡°Are we finished with this then? We¡¯re not supposed to bring back the corpse, are we?¡±


    My brothers when ites to collecting trophies would sometimes bring back grotesque things so I¡¯m hoping these two dragons aren¡¯t the same.


    <Assume we¡¯re finished fake demon. We¡¯ve still got one more task to aplish so it¡¯s on you to do what you were assigned with>


    <We¡¯ll split when we get back to the portal Loki. Asmodeus has left us with instructions as well>


    ¡°Right right, I know my task! Maybe I¡¯ll finally get some days off next week¡­¡±


    __________


    (Continuing Loki¡¯s Perspective)


    ¡°Bah, what is the meaning of this!?! You mean to tell me in the space of several days¡­ four of the heavenly pirsy in tatters? What fucking terrorist is doing such a thing!?!¡±


    Having just been arrived back at Zeus¡¯s pce, I¡¯m extremelyte for my shift and for good reasons. All that work with the dragons and I¡¯m positively flushed now. Medusa was bang out of order, boo¡­


    (Demeter) ¡°Five now¡­ you can¡¯t really me them when security was thisx on the first few, can you brother?¡±


    (Hera) ¡°This clearly seems like a big deal¡­ told you should¡¯ve just killed the rebellion. We can always have more kids if they¡¯re part of the problem¡±


    ----------


    ---The two women aren''t on the AI art chapter yet hence why I''m reshowing them. I''ll just assume your memories are better with appearances than mine going forward lol.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Like usual, Zeus is surrounded by the only people he can partially trust, that being Demeter and Hera. The more logical one is his sister and the bitch is of course Hera.


    ¡°Bah! Answer me Ragnar?k whore! Who the hell is responsible!?!¡±


    ¡°Heya grumpy guy! Don¡¯t electrocute the messenger! My contact gave me a note with a creepy grin, then left!¡±


    Before any of you silly Billie¡¯s say anything about this, Asmodeus himself wanted me to rely the message! I really don¡¯t know why he enjoys pissing people off so much, I actually worried Zeus¡¯s forehead vein will pop and I¡¯ll get blood on my makeup! Not like I¡¯ve already ruined my mascara during thatst fight, I was sweating my ass off!


    ¡°Bah, who is this contact of yours and can they be trusted? Of course they can¡¯t be trusted you idiot, no one can if this how things are going¡­¡±


    (Hera) ¡°Just rx my husband! We can always just defend thest two and the rebels will know no better! It¡¯s not the end of the world¡±


    ¡°Bah, you don¡¯t understand the importance of those things Hera! If the rebels are now targeting the pirs, this can only mean one thing. It¡¯s over for all of us¡±


    (Demeter) ¡°These younglings really have no idea what they¡¯re doing¡­ gotta give them credit for rallying together though. It would be interesting if it didn¡¯t involve the destruction of everything¡±


    Surprisingly enough, Zeus almost seems afraid of the words Demeter speaks. Once again, I have no idea what¡¯s going on! These pirs are supposed to be important but no one ever shares what they actually do!


    ¡°Think Zeus, think! We could go about rebuilding them in a timely manner¡­ but that would leave thest two undefended, you idiot! Do we defend what little we have, go on the offensive, or rebuild?¡±


    ¡®He¡¯s even talking to himself, truly a sign of insanity. It¡¯s totally not like I do the same exact thing!¡¯


    ¡°You could just ask your brothers help if you¡¯re really desperate. I¡¯m sure Poseidon, even Hades would be willing to listen to reason considering this affects all Gods¡±


    From depression to logical thinking, to now sheer anger, is this really surprising with how temperamental the grumpy guy is?


    ¡°The one thing I don¡¯t do Demeter is ask for help! If either that ocean obsessed or graveyard keeper want to lend a hand, I¡¯ll be here anytime¡­ but I never ask for help!¡±


    ¡­


    Sensing tensions are now running really high, I wonder if I can make this a better working environment? I was supposed to be working today after all¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s just put aside all that scary stuff for now¡­ can I get anyone a drink!?¡±


    ¡­


    Looking at me like I¡¯m an idiot, I swiftly get ignore while the three of them quietly ponder to their selves. Someday, I swear I¡¯m going to the humannds to get away from all these horrible Gods, boo¡­


    ¡®Asmodeus probably knows what he¡¯s doing. Oh well, I¡¯m borrowing theb if no one wants anything! My incarnate needs her womanly fix so let¡¯s get going¡­¡¯

 Chapter 214 – Ill-fated Future

    Chapter 214 ¨C Ill-fated Future


    ---Even though I¡¯m now using my sister¡¯sptop, things hit a breaking pointst week so that¡¯s why nothing was posted. If you¡¯ve been following this story long enough, you¡¯ll know I can¡¯t handle stress. Already learnt a long time ago, writing while I¡¯m not feeling it isn''t a great idea. Feeling a tad better now so lets see if we can have a good week.


    __________


    ¡°So Asmodeus, we¡¯ve already done five out of seven? Talk about unexpected much, we¡¯re basically speed running this!


    On the way to pir number six after reuniting with the fallen brethren, or more specifically some of the Gods and Goddess we lost in thatst minefield, I¡¯m making small talk because what else can I really do to pass the time? The only amount of intimacy I can get while traversing thend of the portals is holding hands with Petra so I¡¯m needing something to pass the time.


    Right now, we¡¯re in an abandoned dungeon looking corridor of sorts. The amount of wasted space these Gods use, and then abandon is crazy really. I could imagine getting lost is so easy that suicide is the only option just so you can get back to somewhere more familiar. Not like that¡¯s an option for the angels who have already been spawn trapped though.


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, famousst words sister. The first few were easier because we¡¯ve been powering through them with no resistance¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°Erk¡­ and yet, you decided to send that insane Loki to rat us out!? Make shit make sense!¡±


    (Uriel) ¡°Calm it Artemis. Although I can¡¯t understand the reason norpletely a fan of hispany, he does know what he¡¯s doing¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, disliking Asmodeus is basically a mood me and Ikarus have permanently by this point. You get used to it¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°How anyone could dislike a creature made from flesh and blood is astonishing to me! Everyone is perfect in their own special way¡±


    Oh right, should probably mention we¡¯re missing Hermes, Dionysus and Thanatos because they¡¯ve been assigned a different task. I¡¯m not sure why¡¯s Asmodeus has split our group like this so, is it weird that he¡¯s the only guy among us? I might have to bring Brooklyn out just so we have some more diversity around.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure why you¡¯re even using brother Loki in this n. All of us learnt long ago, he¡¯s useless¡±


    I should also add, Aphrodite isn¡¯t the only Goddess of love travelling with us right now. Freyja, fresh after being killed by Zeus and the rest of the Ragnar?k gang is travelling alongside us because¡­ she¡¯s also part of the rebellion? Don¡¯t know, don¡¯t really care. This might as well be the demon¡¯s show after all.


    Why I¡¯m not wanting to rip out her hair you ask? Well, you see¡­ she¡¯s not even looking towards me and Petra. It¡¯s almost as if she¡¯s gone off the idea of wanting to mate with us already so I¡¯m content with her existence. The second she eyes up Petra¡¯s ample bosom or booty though, I promise I¡¯ll rip out her hair!


    ¡°Heh, just pay it no mind for now, you Ragnar?k lot really should give him more credit. Whether Zeus is informed or not makes no difference right now, just say it was my own personal touch on this whole affair¡±


    ¡®So, he just wanted to irritate Zeus? Eh, can¡¯t say I me him that much really¡¯


    Continuing to traverse the dungeon like hallways, the small talk about lore continues and we still follow Asmodeus into the depths of despair! You can already tell my attention span is starting to struggle already. Portal traversing is boring as hell.


    ¡°You¡¯ll all have to learn that sharing is caring doesn¡¯t exist with everyone¡¯s favourite demonic dickhead. Ya know Asmodeus, you still haven¡¯t exined what the pirs actually are? Like¡­ how they came into existence for example? That should be fine to say¡±


    He¡¯s always going to be as vague as possible but since I¡¯ve worded it in a way that makes it sound less important, he may just share some info on this.


    ¡°Heh, the young God was onto something sister when he mentioned the titans and stabilization. They even have ties to gigantomachy if you look back far enough¡±


    ¡°Fair enough¡­ hang on. Didn¡¯t we find some smaller pirs back in the mine Petra?¡±


    Back when we first unlocked aspect of gigantomachy long ago, killing that giant inside our gold mine. Albeit, they were much smaller than the ones we¡¯re currently dealing with, I remember there being quite a few of them.


    There were twelve of them arranged in a circle so I¡¯m finding it pretty neat it that it might connect to this. Petra herself doesn¡¯t seem to remember but the miners did destroy them when the gold mine first came into use. They were no longer indestructible when the giant was put to rest, they basically had a plot protection ability of their own during that battle.


    Anyways, moving on from the endless hallway, we finally get to where we need to go. No more boring empty dungeons for the win! I know it¡¯s abandoned and all but there¡¯s absolutely nothing in these hallways other than dust and cobwebs. Regardless, we¡¯re now at the portal.


    ¡°Heh, finally here everyone. Let¡¯s all get enter an-¡±


    ¡°Hold up one sec Asmodeus. Before we enter¡­ I¡¯ve got to ask you this Freyja. Why is it you¡¯ve gone off my wife all of a sudden?¡±


    Look, I don¡¯t want her to target the wife, just the fact she doesn¡¯t seem interested in her anymore is baffling to me. I don¡¯t care that Petra facepalms to this question, I¡¯m in tune with all the imagery readers in my head so they must know!


    ¡°I do understand the concept of no Ikarus. Besides, I¡¯ve now got my sights get on someone much more suitable now¡­ greetings huntress. How is my love doing on this fine and rxing day?¡±


    Switching it on, the Goddess Freyja targets one of us, takes a knee and even pulls out a freaking rose! She¡¯s a freaking hopeless romantic, that much is strikingly obvious now.


    ¡°E-Erk¡­ not r-right now Freyja!¡±


    ¡°Was that a no, my love?¡±


    ¡°I-It wasn¡¯t¡­ just f-fuck off and get up a-already!¡±


    Unexpectedly, the reaction from the wild Artemis results in her shaking and stuttering. I guess she¡¯s really, really bad with flirting. Even flustered, she still can¡¯t help but curse like an edgy teenager hellbent on ending the world.


    ¡°And this is why you¡¯ll die a virgin old friend¡±


    ¡°D-Don¡¯t you be s-starting as well Uriel! This i-isn¡¯t the time or p-ce for this shit!¡±


    Wanting to move on from this crazy God stuff but at the same time wanting to join in, I¡¯m slightly confused on Freyja¡¯s tastes. I know strength can be attractive but going from Petra to Artemis? There¡¯s having a type and then there¡¯s scraping the bottom of the barrel. Hey, my wife is perfect in my own eyes so anyone after is going to be a downgrade.


    ¡°You know¡­ why is it you and Aphrodite aren¡¯t together? Both being rted to love, it seems like a match in heaven, no?¡±


    ¡­


    That gets a surprisingly timid reaction out of both of them when all that¡¯s in store is blushing. Don¡¯t you be telling me both of these Goddesses are tsunderes as well!


    ¡°We¡­ kinda had a fling for a week or so, until the woman wore me out. Even the most perverse of minds couldn¡¯t keep up with Aphrodite¡±


    ¡°Hehe, what¡¯s wrong with needing love five times a day? I was holding myself back for that entire week, my lovely Freyja¡±


    ¡®Aphrodite needs to hump at least five times a day!?! Okay, guess the wincest lover also is a nymphomaniac. Gotcha¡­¡¯


    And of course, Petra can¡¯t help but wink to me after hearing what other Gods get up to. She¡¯s such a child at times.


    ¡°Heh, Ikarus, you thin-¡±


    ¡°No Petra, this isn¡¯t something to tease or joke about. Just because the Goddess¡¯s like to get sum doesn¡¯t mean we need to up our game!¡±


    ¡°Heh, bad Ikarus. Pooh¡­¡±


    Before the wife had the chance to say anything, I¡¯m not allowing such filth to pervert our innocence! It may already be long gone but doing the deed over five times a day? That might actually kill me!


    ¡®When the hell does Petra pout like that!?! She so put that on¡­ still makes it sound adorable though¡¯


    Now, finally moving on to the actual freaking pir that needs to be destroyed! We all enter the portal and arrive¡­ in the Underworld? Or more specifically, the fiery pit of Tartarus, except it¡¯s a lot more ckened in this region and has an imitation of a sun burning in the hellish grey sky.


    Before I even get the chance to ask, Asmodeus knows instantly the questioning look on my face.


    ¡°Heh, it isn¡¯t the same ce sister. Back when they were on speaking terms, the God of the dead had his own little ce up here that he destroyed out of sheer anger from the betrayal. Regardless, we¡¯ve arrived right where we need to¡±


    Should also point out the spiky pir right ahead of us that might as well be giving us a handshake. That has to be the sixth pir.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Well then, what are we waitin-¡­ fuck!¡±


    Artemis runs ahead and takes the lead, only to find a gigantic spike flies down from the pir piercing right through her. Thankfully, the gore levels aren¡¯t as bad as the minefield episode we had but she is still impaled unfortunately.


    ¡°Heh, should I have mentioned the fact this ce is booby trapped to hell and back? It¡¯s a good thing we¡¯re just out of range over here¡±


    ¡°Artemis my love, stay and I¡¯lle save yo-¡­ damn. That isn¡¯t worth the pain¡±


    ¡°F-Fuck this shit, I¡¯m outta h-here!¡±


    Freyja, clearly blinded by what she perceives as love runs to where the fallen Artemis is struggling, only to find her lover hasmitted sudoku and a spear pierces the Ragnar?k god¡¯s torso as well. We¡¯ll be seeing them againter on.


    ¡®A love story as tragic as a time itself. This squad we¡¯ve got is awfully suicidal¡­ get it? Shitty game, pretty meh films¡¯


    ¡°We¡¯re not going to have to be bait again, are we? Dying again really isn¡¯t fun¡±


    ¡°Heh, rx, Olympian Goddess of love. The way around just involves going up high and quick enough. Thankfully, we have two beasts perfect for such a role¡±


    Looking and sinisterly grinning towards us lovebirds, I¡¯d almost want to smack him for referring to us as beasts¡­ if I disagreed with him. He said it like it was apliment.


    Taking the hint, me and Petra switch forms and provide air transport for everyone. Except, I¡¯m not happy with how things are lining up¡­


    ¡°Hold up, we¡¯re switching around. I can take the pervert and the dickhead easily enough¡­ I¡¯m not taking the angel though¡±


    I¡¯m still betting on Uriel being Leone so the idea of having her up on my back once again is PTSD inducing. I jest but I could¡¯ve taken everyone if I had used dragon form instead, I¡¯m still holding a slight grudge even if this woman doesn¡¯t remember any of it.


    It¡¯s also funny how both Aphrodite and Asmodeus smile from being insulted, it¡¯s boring when they don¡¯t care either way. Where¡¯s the angry or flustered reaction at? I swear I¡¯m turning into my wife with things like this¡­ and I miss Zeki as well now.


    ¡°Heh, before we set off sister and dark one, you might want to fly fast and as high as possible. Get directly above it and that should be the safe zone¡±


    ¡°Fly fast and up, got it. Might want to grab a handful of feathers then¡­ let¡¯s go!¡±


    Taking the lead carrying two while the wife carries one, I p my wings as fast as possible soaring into the sky as Petra swiftly follows me behind. I¡¯d be getting self-consciousness on her seeing my fat arse if freaking spikes weren¡¯t flying towards me!


    Swerving and dodging, both of us have to keep fully focused otherwise we¡¯re going to end up skewered. Seriously though, the spikes flying past us makes me feel like we¡¯re fighter pilots behind enemy lines, avoiding the anti-air at all costs!


    Thankfully, we¡¯re both just quick enough to get past the barrage of attacks and find once we¡¯re high enough, the spikes can no longer be directed past a certain angle. Funny how we apparently couldn¡¯t do this back at Apollo¡¯s pir, maybe his anti-air fires quicker?


    ¡°Ya know¡­ remind me Asmodeus why I didn¡¯t justunch a nuke from where we arrived¡±


    The thought of just nuking it from a distance would¡¯ve been safer to try, right? Sure, we both got out of that only losing a feather or two¡­ oh shit. And a slight scratch on my arse, but we¡¯re both golden.


    ¡°Heh, there¡¯s a reason for everything sister. Your devastation attacks should work better from above anyways. When you¡¯re ready, keep it unrestricted if possible¡±


    Continuing our duty flying closer to the pir and trying my best not to tip the demon of vagueness off, we get right to the tip of it and both of us find a couple ofrge spikes to perch on. As much as we¡¯re chubby as hell when ites to flying creatures, us phoenixes definitely have an agility that can¡¯t be beat.


    ¡®Aesa, guess this is this hint to get working. The cooldown timer for supernova should be done now, right?¡¯


    [<Aesa is readying the orb at 100% now¡­ just so you know, Aesa hates demonic dickhead guiding our arsenal like this>]


    ¡®Ah, you¡¯re preaching to the choir sister¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­I¡¯d rmend closing your eyes and covering your ears everyone. It can ring a bit¡­¡±


    Getting the orb of supernova, fully charged and almost looking unstable, I causally drop it below us without a care in the world and a smile on my face. Shit¡¯s about to go bang¡­


    Surprisingly when the chain reaction goes off, the insane power of the explosion remains the same, but the entire world begins to shake and I¡¯m sure I just saw a crack briefly appear in my FOV. I¡¯m thinking that literally shook the core of this world if cracks can appear like that, guess a hundred percent would do that to any ce where thend is contained.


    (Uriel) ¡°So much power¡­ the possibility of taking down Zeus may actually be a reality¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°It¡¯s so pretty! The colours I mean, the explosion was kinda scary¡±


    Both the remaining Goddesses with us seem awestruck after seeing my handiwork, not like I even care about showing off though. Actually, I care a little, only for Petra¡¯s ocean blue eyes though.


    Once the embers and colours from supernova fade, what follows up is something strange. The pir has turned to rubble surrounded by a dark and gloomy ocean where the crater should¡¯ve formed. Sure, the fires still burn within this ce, the terrain definitely has been shaped, but not as much as you¡¯d expect from the kill all attack.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°That¡¯s it? I supernova it and there¡¯s no boss?¡±


    ¡°Heh, are you fixated on tempting fate sister? Just give it a minute to wake up and it¡¯lle out¡±


    ¡­


    Waiting more than a minute, absolutely nothing happens even when us lovebirdsnd and everyone gets prepared for a fight. Where¡¯s the minotaur like boss or gorgon which my parents fought?


    Bizarrely enough, the longer we stand here looking over this vast ocean, Asmodeus seems to be getting more stressed by the minute. Something¡¯s gone terribly wrong if we¡¯re not fighting today¡­ and no amount of my red gging is going to change this now.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ really bad. Guess we were getting too lucky with everything going on, it¡¯s a kick back to reality really¡±


    For just a split second, Asmodeus aura turns the darkest of cks when he reveals we might be screwed. This seems different to the times an unpredicted future turned up, he knows what the issue is.


    ¡°Asmodeus, don¡¯t even think about being vague and get to the point! Why is this a bad thing? Getting to skip a boss fight¡­is this really bad?¡±


    I¡¯m not the only one who seems concerned, the Goddesses still alive with us are slightly concerned with only Petra understanding the true weight of what¡¯s going on. If Asmodeus pauses when ites to the future stuff, you know there may be a problem.


    ¡°Not exactly sister. It just means it¡¯s inevitable this journey will result in some unpreventable casualties, not that it¡¯s ipletable. It¡¯s a shame really¡­ the creature that should¡¯ve been in that pir will be much more powerful when wee across it next¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the deal next? We head to thest pir asap?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, seems that way Ikarus. Although, it looks like something else might be on Asmodeus¡¯s mind¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°We could take a nap quickly and all hug till we pass out? That would be really sweet!¡±


    (Uriel) ¡°With the stories I¡¯ve heard Aphrodite¡­ it¡¯s never just hugging with you¡±


    Back at the rebel HQ right where I belong, on Petra¡¯sp of course, we¡¯re yet to regroup with our fallen Goddesses but some signs remain around here. By that, I mean Artemis has set up a hundred of those curse talisman things while we were out. All have the name Freyja written on them hanging up by the cer stairway. Never heard of them being a thing in this world but Freyja hasn¡¯t returned so maybe they work? Unless she¡¯s out stalking her right now.


    Don¡¯t ask what we were supposed to fight back then because Mr Vague refuses to share. He seems to be pondering on something else now so I guess we¡¯ll just have to figure it out when wee across it next¡­


    ¡°Not right now sister. Any second now, someone should being down those stairs¡­¡±


    ¡­


    And likest time, nothing happens even after a good few minutes of waiting. Please don¡¯t tell me we¡¯ve somehow right fucked up the future now?


    ¡°Think your timing is a little o- heh. Guess I stand corrected¡±


    As Petra speaks, the wild Artemis returns from her death with a face of sheer anger. This has to be unrted to Freyja as sheds be blushing if it was the case.


    ¡°All you lot, follow me this instant! We¡¯ve got a fucking big problem¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡®What¡­the hell?¡¯


    Arriving at the location Artemis wanted us to go, a familiar face stands alongside Zeus, making me angry and sad at the same time. This fucker may have actually went through with his threat¡­


    ¡®What the hell is Ariza doing up here¡­¡¯

 Chapter 215 – Heavenly Connections

    Chapter 215 ¨C Heavenly Connections


    ¡°Right, all you idiots listen up and-¡­ bah! Will you all just get in the hall already!?! There¡¯s enough room in here so stop pushing and shoving, all of you can hear me!¡±


    ¡®This fucker¡­ it¡¯s taking all of my willpower to keep calm right now. Petra seems surprisingly calm considering who he has hostage¡¯


    The fabled Olympian Hall, asrge and endless as rumoured and right now, we¡¯re just a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things with the hundreds of other Gods and Goddesses all around us. We arrived via portal to this marbled wonder of construction and admiring its handiwork right now is not on the list of my priorities.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Right at the far end of the hall standing on a tform is the God who rules all alongside the blue and sweetest of us phoenixes. I dread to think what she¡¯s suffered if she¡¯s been forcibly moved up here, she¡¯s even freaking handcuffed. Bringing Zeki up here wouldn¡¯t be as bad¡­ probably because he¡¯d enjoy it especially with all the toxicity with the dryad¡­ forget that! My point is, I¡¯m personally going to rip out Zeus¡¯s throat¡­


    ¡°Calm it sister, look closely and you¡¯ll see past the vail. He¡¯s only doing this to get a reaction¡­ probably an idea his wife gave to him¡±


    Listening to Asmodeus, I focus in on our blue sister and notice something slightly strange. At the right angle, you can see the faint outline of horns and gigantic breasts if you stare at the right ces.


    ¡°Is that¡­ Loki? Why the hell would he take Ariza¡¯s form like this?¡±


    My anger immediately fades when I realize it¡¯s the shapeshifter hellbent on destroying nuts is in front of us! I presume Loki hasn¡¯t betrayed us so did Zeus threaten him to do this?


    ¡°It¡¯s not just that sister, he¡¯s appearing differently for every person. Right now, he¡¯s the spitting image of the oracle for me¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°Wait¡­ why am I seeing Freyja? Has she betrayed us or not then?¡±


    (Uriel) ¡°Of course she hasn¡¯t friend¡­ I have no idea who I¡¯m seeing. An ageing grizzled knight?¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°Not that anyone asked but why am I seeing a gigantic olisbos? That¡¯s way too big, even for me!¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, I¡¯m proud of you for spotting it Ikarus. I can see you up there right now¡­ not close to being perfect enough though¡±


    ¡®Urgh, why say that woman? My freaking heartstrings¡­ and hang on. I called it with Uriel! She¡¯s seeing captain Jekyll up there¡­ I think? A grizzled knight sounds about right though¡¯


    Anyways, moving on from the fact Petra¡¯s made me blush and I still resent the angel, Zeus finally regains control of the packed-out hall with a shouting that even a deaf person could hear.


    ¡°BAH, ALL OF YOU SHUT UP!!! Now¡­ it¡¯se to my attention that some of you idiots think it¡¯s a good idea to start attacking the pirs that adorn our heavenly realms¡±


    ¡°Yeah, keep destroying those gigantic pirs of shit!¡±


    The wild huntress of our party can¡¯t help but rile up Zeus which basically causes a chain reaction of facepalming from us all. Talk about sharing our involvement in this much!


    ¡°Bah, you want me to smite you Artemis!?! Shut up and let the grownups talk about serious issues. As if anyone could ever take your rambling seriously¡±


    ¡°*Grumbles*¡­ fucking idiot¡±


    It¡¯s roughly around this point when Zeus is joined by the two women supporters he seems to have obtained, that being the grey-haired Hera and the orange haired Demeter. Even though they may not speak, I think it¡¯s safe to say they all can be considered enemies especially with what happened back in the arena. Little shit Plutus had to do Hera¡¯s bidding after all.


    ¡°Where was I? Oh right¡­ I want to make sure all you idiots know the consequences for defying my rules so I promise, things will get heated if you dare try and go for destroying anythin-¡±


    ¡°Will you get to the point already?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Why the hell is she handcuffed up there? My muse is in distress!¡±


    Cutting him off, a couple of unidentifiable Gods scream from the crowd which only causes a vein on Zeus¡¯s head to expand.


    ¡°Bah! This is just a demonstration to all of you involved. I invite you to attack thest pir because I promise you¡­ the consequences will be dire. It¡¯ll be the ones you care for that suffer the most¡­ like so¡±


    Arge gasp and a scream rings throughout the hall when Zeus ces a hand on the disguised Loki¡¯s shoulder, only to electrocute the poor idiot right in front of full view of everyone.


    ¡°Hold up one second big guy, I didn¡¯t agree to thi-, aaaerrgggghhhhhh!¡±


    ¡­


    Literally turning Loki to ash, silence beckons as everyone isn¡¯t sure what to make of this threat. I assume all the Gods inside this ce know it¡¯s not actually someone they care for, but seeing him go like that definitely wasn¡¯t pleasant.


    Surprisingly, the reaction turns to pure anger and rioting when things get interpreted differently to how I thought they would.


    ¡°Mka! Is the God who rules all saying he¡¯s breaking the immortality pack!?!¡±


    ¡°Were the rumours about him abusing his power true?¡±


    ¡°Everyone heard what happened to the mad hatter Lyssa, we really are screwed it seems¡±


    ¡°No no! The ruler would never betray our trust like that! This is just pure sphemy!¡±


    ¡°Aye! Put your faith in him and ignore those idiotic rebels!¡±


    Differing reactions from the crowd as things rapidly descend into chaos and disorder, even looking like a fight or two may quickly break out.


    ¡°Bah, of course I haven¡¯t disabled it you freaking idiots! The point is, don¡¯t force my hand and I won¡¯t have to do anything rash! The Ragnar?k whore will wake up shortly¡±


    Despite all the havoc and chaos erupting into violence in the hall, none listen to Zeus and continue to riot causing him and his two supporters to leave shaking their heads. As for us, we try to get out of there asap! No point traumatizing the masses¡­ even if I can get upgrades from defeating Gods though.


    I do find it odd that Asmodeus has been grinning from joy seeing all this urring right in front of us, almost as if this is a good sign?


    ¡°I think it¡¯s safe to assume we¡¯ll be getting more recruits then?¡±


    ¡°Heh, maybe sister, but it won¡¯t be necessary. If we time this right in one swift move, then the seventh will be gone in an instant¡­¡±


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°You know sister¡­ out of all ces he could be, doesn¡¯t this seem too coincidental? I¡¯ll neverin about creating devices, but this just seems too easy¡±


    ¡°Maybe brother, your luck has always been like that though. Even the most intelligent of schrs could never find any form¡±


    ¡°What can I say? Some people are just made differently I guess¡±


    Waiting just outside the empire¡¯s throne room, me and Athena natter to ourselves about the artefact I created in search for Apollo. It turns out, the whole thing was easier to track down so my handiwork wasn¡¯t really needed.


    Don¡¯t even ask how long it took to create this, too many weeks wasted when the pce the ce we always needed to visit in the first ce. Oh well, I guess it¡¯ll make finding him much quicker now.


    For what I actually created, it¡¯s a metallicpass that focuses in on the dormant energy that his artefacts release and points us to its source. Wherever or whoever Apollo may be, we¡¯ve been led right to the empire¡¯s pce itself.


    How we got here just came to hitching a few wyverns and bringing a party of dwarves as protection. Normally, we¡¯d either use ships or airships for long distance travel but time was of the essence and this was the fastest way to do things.


    (Desmond) ¡°Ah, if it isn¡¯t our allies from the northwest. What business does the dwarven kingdom have with us on this delightful, yet constant rainy day?¡±


    (Esmerelda) ¡°One thinks Des shouldn¡¯t bother with formalities when ites to these two¡±


    (Jekyll) ¡°If you¡¯ll follow us, you rulers can find a ce morefortable to discuss things¡±


    Both Emperor Desmond, Empress Esmerelda and that grey captain fellow greet us just outside the throne room and we begin to be led to a visitor¡¯s room. It makes sense in the grand scheme of things; confidentiality is key when ites to important matters of politics. Not like we¡¯re discussing anything mundane like that today though, dwarven culture is basically smashing rocks and hating elves after all. I managed to somewhat rece thetter part with trade instead.


    (Athena) ¡°It¡¯s a personal issue that if possible¡­ we¡¯d prefer not to go into great detail on¡±


    ¡°One understands¡­ although, Des may be forced to enquire because thou cannot help himself¡±


    ¡°I never had the fate of being born a dragon Es so being careless isn¡¯t something I can afford¡±


    Being reminded of the constant argument and fights these two get into, I can¡¯t help myself but ask on one of the most pressing issues this kingdom faces. An issue that even the most uninformed of dwarves know even in our mountainous region.


    ¡°That reminds me, how goes the search for an heir?¡±


    ¡­


    Knowing in an instant I¡¯m shit stirring, the reactions I get from both of them arepletely different. Desmond himself can¡¯t help but look guilty yet the dragon Esmerelda surprisingly smiles like a dope¡­ that reminds me of those two phoenixes and how they are together.


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ let¡¯s just say I gave up that battle after countless nights of turmoil and mental torment¡±


    ¡°One found the solution was as simple as withholding something small. Thou should see the concubine one picked out, thou really is pretty and heir should also be¡±


    I can¡¯t help but chuckle like a kid from hearing the emperor once again lose a battle with the empress, guess he had to ept a concubine one way of another. Back in Olympus, I¡¯ve also experienced my fair share of toxicity when ites to rtionships so it¡¯s not lost on me how he must be feeling.


    I think thises under practicality rather than toxicity though, an heir needed to be found and Desmond¡¯s little stunt he tried to pull on the birds was never a perfect solution. It¡¯s still written inw that they¡¯re next in line but that¡¯ll be hard to enforce if a little one is on the way.


    Anyways, enough of that political stuff, we¡¯re now arriving in a fancy visitors room while the captain stays outside on guard.


    ¡°So, what was the nature of your visit again? If it¡¯s for trading ore purposes again, we¡¯re good on that front with the Lesbos Inds working somewhat as the intermediatory¡±


    Ah, the trade circle that keeps ournds connected. Us dwarves buy gold from the phoenixes for filtration and then they exchange the currency with the empire so the economy doesn¡¯t go to shit. It benefits all of us.


    ¡°This. My creation is pointing us to somewhere in your pce¡±


    Showing him thepass device and only receiving two confused looks in response, Athena goes into more detail as I really can¡¯t be bothered to exin this device again.


    ¡°There¡¯s a certain individual we¡¯re looking for and thispass shows us the way. It¡¯s of the utmost importance we speak with this person as soon as possible¡±


    Without even having to share words, Desmond ponders while Esmerelda looks towards him with a slight re, clearly wanting to be as helpful as she can. She has always been the loving thorn in his side after all.


    ¡°Look, you¡¯re wee to wander our pce but it won¡¯t be unapanied. We all know about espionage and the fact you know this ce like the back of your hand¡­ ¡®Denver¡¯¡±


    Despite having a good rtionship with the leaders of this faraway ce, we never directly shared the fact we¡¯re Gods and supposedly, he got it off the knight and the nun? Could also be spies but we¡¯ve kept that as secretive as we can back at home.


    Anyways, getting up and letting thepass guide the way, it points directly to the wall so I guess we¡¯re heading around and back the way we came from?


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t take it personally Desmond, betrayal alwayses from those you trust the most so¡­ think it¡¯s pointing to the throne room?¡±


    Following thepass and trusting my gut instinct, could also be on a different floor but starting here, we find the room surprisingly full with advisors and royals guards all around the ce. They must¡¯ve been heavily in discussion before we rudely showed up unannounced, not like I care in the slightest though. Apollo¡¯s importance outweighs all of this.


    Thepass itself point to the far-right side of the room and to the knight closest to the throne. I had a suspicion it could be the grizzled old captain Jekyll before we entered but this¡­ it¡¯s really entertaining, even for my smithing tastes.


    ¡°Well¡­ what are the chances of this? Right under our noses the whole time. You always were a tricky fellow brother, but this is so out of character, even for you¡±


    Approaching a certain knight who wears an armour made from dragon scales like it¡¯s his trophy, who¡¯d have thought the knight Nathan would have such a weighing secret on his shoulders. No wonder why he rose to power so quickly from being a simple prison guard, to flying knight and then to the emperor¡¯s favoured guard. He always had a way about him that appealed to others, he was supposed to be the most attractive of Gods despite this boring appearance he¡¯s taken up this time around.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry? Are you talking to me, Jarl Denver?¡±


    ¡°To think the source Dionysus stole for the priestess would cycle back around to her lover. It¡¯s a nice story¡­ it¡¯s hard to believe you had no idea on it though¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ your majesty? What is the dwarven leader on about?¡±


    Both the empress and emperor arrive by our side only to try and reassure the royal knight. He¡¯s Apollo, I just know yet he¡¯s as braindead as a chicken.


    ¡°Just help him with what he needs Nathan, we¡¯re as clueless as you¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he knows who he is brother¡±


    ¡°Tell me something less obvious sister¡­ just give him what he needs already. It¡¯ll make this a whole lot easier¡±


    Retrieving the vial of potion, Athena passes the thing to a still confused Apollo who has no idea what¡¯s going on. This was something we secretly had Loki make in case one of us ended up in a heap of trouble losing our memories down below. I think it¡¯s safe to say it¡¯ll best be used on my hoarder of a brother though.


    Looking towards his emperor, he really has no idea if he should take the dark coloured vial. Do you really think we¡¯d tantly poison him like this? It does sound like something us Olympian¡¯s would do though.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure on what this is Nathan so¡­ go ahead?¡±


    ¡°One suggests you follow your destiny and if drinking vial of potion is the way to do so, then do what you must¡±


    He receives encouragement from his superiors, then decides to put it down the hatch in one go. Maybe he¡¯d be better taking it slowly but oh well, let¡¯s see how this goes¡­


    After getting though the vial, his face looks as pale as a ghost. Clearly, something has gotten through to underneath this Nathan shell.


    (Denver) ¡°So, looks like you¡¯re back to us? Minus the blonde hair, you seem to be looking well considering the circumstances¡±


    ¡­


    Apollo looks to me like I¡¯m still meaningless to him yet holds his head, has this worked or not then?


    ¡°Your majesty, I immediately request some personal time alone with this idiot who dared to give me something that foul tasting¡±


    Desmond seems shocked from the demeaner his knight shows yet is more than happy to allow him to speak to us privately.


    Heading to a private visitor¡¯s room led by Apollo, he waits for us to enter, then closes the door all the while looking like he¡¯s still stressing out.


    ¡°It¡¯s great to see you again brothe-, ouch! The hell was that for?¡±


    Receiving a punch the literally knocks me onto the chair, the first thing this shithead does is punch this young dwarven body!? I know we had a dicey rtionship but I¡¯ve gone the full pacifist mindset this life not harming a single soul¡­ guess that might be why that hurt so much. Let¡¯s just hope I start growing into this body when puberty finallyes around.


    ¡°Of all the ways you could¡¯ve done this¡­ feel like I¡¯m about to pass out. The entire trip to save Dionysus, why not do it then?¡±


    Holding his head, he takes a seat on the sofa next to me while I still hold my nose. Imagine him daring to do this in front of my dwarven guards¡­ let this go Hephaestus. Just because you¡¯re still in a child¡¯s body doesn¡¯t make you one.


    ¡°Apologies Apollo, we just didn¡¯t know. On recollection¡­ a coincidence like this doesn¡¯t seem that impossible¡±


    ¡°Please¡­ I understand, just don¡¯t use that name Athena. Lotte can¡¯t know this, if you dare tell her, that¡¯ll be the end of us¡±


    ¡°Why not brother? She seems to worship the feet of the guy who stole your power. Knowing it originallyes from you might bring you even closer¡±


    ¡­


    Getting a deathly re in return for my joke, clearly he didn¡¯t find that entertaining. In some ways, we¡¯re in the same boat with this sort of thing. I¡¯d rather not have the dwarves know who I really am and he¡¯s the same with his partner. Although, mine results in an entire kingdom bing a cult while his just shifts his rtionship dynamic up a bit.


    Still holding his head, clearly awakening is still proving troublesome for him toe around to. Both me and Athena both skipped the losing yourself part of incarnating down below so I can¡¯t rte to that unfortunately.


    ¡°Why was it necessary to even do this? It¡¯s not like this world is on itsst legs or something¡­ or is it?¡±


    ¡°Are you purposely acting na?ve brother or is this just part of this new persona of yours? We¡¯re at war and soon, everything will being to our shores. You¡¯re either with him or against him by this point¡±


    Stilling to terms with what¡¯s going on, Apollo, or Nathan can¡¯t help but continue to stress when suddenly, a knock quietly echoes on the door.


    ¡°*Knock knock*¡­ sorry to disturb but the priestess is here to see you knight¡±


    Right in the middle of our conversation, the captain Jekyll knocks on the door giving us a quick shock. He¡¯s a devilish fellow if he¡¯s able to sneak up on us like this, he better not also be a hidden God. Although, the only missing one left is Hestia that we know of now¡­ would she be willing to be a grizzled old man? I¡¯m extremely doubtful on that.


    As Apollo opens the door, the urge to rat on him bes overwhelming as the priestess leans in for a quick kiss, albeit trying to be discrete as possible. Eh, I guess it¡¯s good he hasn¡¯t forgotten who he was in this life because that would¡¯ve been a hugeplication in its own right¡­ don¡¯t let this slip Hephaestus. Apollo will go mad.


    ¡°I¡¯m slightly busy at the moment Lotte so can we continue thister?¡±


    ¡°Of course Nat. I¡¯ll need to speak with Esmerelda-sama anyways so I¡¯ll find youter¡±


    Once those two have had their little moment and Apollo¡¯s face clearly glows with love and guilt, he closes the door and we resume where we left off. I¡¯m still not sure why he cares that much about it but if he wants it kept secret for now, then so be it.


    ¡°So then¡­ Natty, where is your stash down here?¡±


    ¡­


    Another deathly re, he really doesn¡¯t like that nickname. You can thank Aphrodite for that because I know what happened in that love dungeon. Frankly, half of Olympus does and when they find out Apollo got stuck in a situation like that, it¡¯ll be the talk of the town. I don¡¯t n on telling but all liese out eventually¡­ I feel like Loki may grow to like him loads considering his tastes.


    ¡°What do you mean by stash?¡±


    ¡°Well, both Dionysus and Loki managed to procure your power while you were down here ying family. And don¡¯t even act like you don¡¯t hoard powerful items, your work with father on the pirs says it all really¡±


    I¡¯m not saying he was directly involved, just that he did allow Zeus to store one of them in his own pir after all. I assume the guilt was too much to bare so that¡¯s maybe why he decided to incarnate down below?


    ¡°Don¡¯t even remind me on that, he really has lost the plot. If let¡¯s say¡­ hypothetically, I do know where some stuff is stored in this world, where would we put it? I¡¯m not touching anything if we don¡¯t know where it needs to go¡±


    ¡®Of course I¡¯m right. I create artefacts, he hoards them¡¯


    (Athena) ¡°Actually Nathan, we do have a good idea on where things will happen. The demon Asmodeus does like to n ahead¡±


    Even if it wasn¡¯t explicitly said, we now know what the demon¡¯s n is and all hell will break loose when it happens. Our main focus is damage control, like when I set my volcano off early for example. This could end up worse if things aren¡¯t contained quickly. Once we¡¯re done reuniting with Apollo, there needs to be words spoken to the empire on some serious topics as well. We¡¯re so close to the end yet so far as well.


    ¡°F-Fuck. I¡¯ve just remembered where s-some of it is stored, this isn¡¯t t-terrifying at all¡±


    ¡®Apollo stuttering? What¡¯s the reason for that¡­¡¯

 Chapter 216 – Battle for Olympus

    Chapter 216 ¨C Battle for Olympus


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°¡­Oi bish, you¡¯re really asking for it if you continue¡±


    ¡°Heh, calling me a bitch again Ikarus? The only thing to mend such an aching heart is my Ikarus plushie. I¡¯m going to have to cuddle that all day long now¡±


    ¡°*Facepalming*¡­ it¡¯s bish Petra, not bitch. If you¡¯re going to do this, at least get it right!¡±


    Bish is just one of those words which in the wrong context would sound offensive but it really isn¡¯t! It¡¯s not like I care, the wife always says stuff which would sound terrible out of context anyways¡­


    ¡°Heh, my heart Ikarus! All this pain and suffering you put on me is unjust¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah. Your heart is a simp for me and you know it¡±


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ she¡¯s so freaking weird when she¡¯s yful. Guess we both have that inmon¡¯


    You know¡­ maybe I should get exin why she¡¯s being a pest. You see, however long ago it was, I decided to humour my stalker by kissing, then sleeping with her and this is how we ended up here. I should¡¯ve known she was a fruitcake from the beginning!


    Being serious though, we¡¯re on a break before heading on a scouting mission with Asmodeus and she¡¯s just in a yful mood. We had a few hours to kill so this is the ending of a fun but pretty makeshift date.


    Done a little gambling on some Gods fighting, watched a few shows and some food so it¡¯s not like you missed anything real important. I don¡¯t have to show you every second of my life, do I? This isn¡¯t supposed to be some wildlife documentary where I¡¯m the freaking specimen on disy!


    Putting aside the fact that documentary guy would facepalm watching my life, he¡¯s nearly a hundred now I believe, I¡¯m honestly enjoying her being slightly annoying for a change. I think we needed a change because our nightly sessions have been surprisingly limited despite the endless possibilities that present themselves back in my headspace. Stress and tiredness be doing that, we are right at the cusp of this pir business being over.


    ¡°Heh, at least I have this hoody to remember the nice version of you. Already calling me a bitch, you¡¯ll be onto beating next¡±


    Oh yeah, don¡¯t even ask on the clothes situation, it¡¯s actually not one of those cute couple things where you pick out the other¡¯s clothing. This was some stuff I had lying around in storage and because we¡¯ve apparently got a quick break so cute andfortable works a treat. Petra definitely suits my hoodie, doesn¡¯t she?


    Anyways, realizing she¡¯s probably going a little far with whatever it is she¡¯s doing, it¡¯s time toy down some authority. By that, I mean a ssic kabedon down the alleyway we¡¯re passing. Don¡¯t know what that is? That clich¨¦ where one lover hits the wall and the other doesn¡¯t expect it¡­


    Except, Petra does expect it. Guess this and giving her a quick p is the only way I can take unt my stuff¡­ I¡¯m not going to give any context to that at all. Ikarus the wife beater, all I need is a beer and a tank top and I¡¯m good to go! I love questionable humour at times.


    ¡°I know what your game wifey. Trying to be annoying so Iy down thew and release my inner assertiveness. It won¡¯t work, damn it!¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ po-¡­¡±


    Completely taking my chance and surprising her when she¡¯s about to pout, I take the initiative and be the one in charge of the kissing for a change! I still prefer it the other way around but sometimes, you must make sacrifices in rtionships. I can¡¯t always be the one who gets coddled and gobbled up.


    Locking lips, it quickly turns to tongue with slight hand wandering, a touch gropey as well I might add. For keeping myself clean and devoid of sinful thoughts, I should really cut it short¡­ in a second though¡­


    ¡°S-See? It¡¯s b-better the other way around when the s-shoe is on the other foo-¡­¡±


    Without even having the chance the stop, Petra doesn¡¯t let me go and goes almost animalistic for her clinging to continuing this kissing. I was expecting her to stop it, then tease me but it really seems she was missing a little Ikarus loving today. Even in my flustered state, I must be doing something right.


    Unfortunately, all good things have toe to an end¡­


    ¡°Heh¡­ ahem. Whenever you two are ready¡±


    ¡®And of fucking course, our make out session get interrupted by Asmodeus. How the hell does he even know where to look?¡¯


    Ignoring the fact this guy must have a perfect memory when ites to anything prophecy rted, this is bs! Why is it we have to go and work now!?


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ guess we¡¯re making a move. Need a minute¡­ knees weak, arms are heavy and all that¡­¡¯


    __________


    Walking through a different region with the wife and Asmodeus, also being back in normal attire, we¡¯re being led by him to the next pir. You see, we¡¯re on a scouting mission! Definitely not hyping myself up because of frustration reasons.


    Unlike the market full of colour and life, most of this area is clearly full of erosion with the Gods only caring about their actual living quarters than the area that surrounds it apparently. The main hub of Olympus has two districts after all, the people that litter the agora have to live somewhere, right? This is the ce they must rest after enjoying the daily life of a God.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Surprisingly, it doesn¡¯t take too long for us to get where need to go, all the while nattering about fuck knows what. At least the arousal levels have no died down a little but that kissing did get pretty intense fast.


    ¡°Asmodeus, this the location? It¡¯s¡­ less defended than I thought it would be¡±


    An old looking Greek temple stands ahead of us and we see the smaller pir sitting alone right in the corner of the ce! If that¡¯s not asking for me to throw an orb of destruction at it, then my name isn¡¯t Ikarus, the demon lord of destruction¡­ and fluster apparently.


    ¡°Heh, take a closer look sister. That purple glow surrounding the ce, that barrier is imprable¡±


    ¡°An imprable barrier? Is that even possible?¡±


    ¡°It is dark one, although there are workarounds to it. To destroy this one, we¡¯ll need to attack in from inside as that¡¯s where the barrier is the weakest. Thankfully enough, it doesn¡¯t stop people entering¡±


    ¡°And let me guess, there¡¯s no easy way we can just sneak in there? No potential charisma check we can pass?¡±


    Literally right at the front of the entrance are two Gods acting as the door guards, a dozen or so roam the inside of the temple and right at the back of it on three thrones, are Zeus and his sister harem. Never thought I¡¯d put those two words together.


    Although I¡¯m unsure on who the Gods roaming the temple are, the two acting as gate guards are known to us, one of which is pretty obvious being Ares and the other less so obvious one is Helios. Funnily enough, these two fought against each other in the earlier stages of the tournament¡­ let¡¯s all forget the fact I kinda glossed over a few of those fights. Fuck Freyja¡­ or I was like that when she tried it on with my woman.


    ----------


    ---Helios is one of the many Gods I wanted to give more screentime to but there¡¯s already too many characters already. Anymore and this arc will seriously start getting bloated lol.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Heh, nope sister. Although¡­ it may be easier than expected if things go to n. We¡¯re not going to be alone for this part¡­¡±


    Knowing something¡¯s about to happen from that sinister grin appearing on his face, what do you know, several specks of colour appear far off in the distanceing out of some clouds.


    ¡®Huh¡­ I guess this particr world is pretty spacious then¡¯


    Getting closer by the second, the colours be clearer to the point where I could probably lip read if I had binocrs. Even though ck technically isn¡¯t a colour, red definitely is. My point is, my dragon parents are here to assist us!


    <Hmph¡­ I¡¯m not happy about this dear>


    <Which thing Dermak? Destroying the temple or carrying someone?>


    <Thetter>


    Despite only being able to understand what the parents are saying because of telepathy reason, I can clearly see they¡¯re talking to the people up on their backs. I¡¯ll just imagine what the responses are.


    (Hades) ¡°Bah, lighten up ancient dragon¡­ it¡¯s finally time to get revenge on my brother¡±


    (Persephone) ¡°And then, we can rx and tease your daughter if possible¡±


    Seeing my parents in the distance carrying the leaders of the Underworld, the furies, Hermes, Thanatos and Dio, I¡¯d say it was dopey as fuck if they didn¡¯t look like they were about to bring hell into this world.


    <Hmph¡­ get ready to jump or join me in the crash. This part never gets old¡­>


    Rapidly descending with the Gods on father¡¯s back, I have a terrible suspicion I know what¡¯s iing. He¡¯s going to make another entrance in this temple, one way or another¡­


    And sure enough, as the Gods depart from their flight, father speeds up again and acts like the temple is nothing but an empty flight path¡­


    ¡°Hahahaha!¡±


    ¡®Oh father¡­ I guess those barriers aren¡¯t great when ites to dragon battering rams it seems. I wonder why we couldn¡¯t do that to the pir itself? Plot reasons probably¡­¡¯


    The world shakes from hisughter and from what I can see, the inside of the temple now looks like a rubble filled nightmare. At least he¡¯s having fun¡­ I guess? It¡¯s so freaking obvious who I get my love of destruction off.


    Following him from behind, heh, the rest of the Underworld and mother join in on the action, heading through the new entrance. I think a good portion of the Gods have been covered in rubble so this ambush has worked a treat especially considering the new entrance was right by the three thrones.


    Without even realizing it with the events transpiring ahead of us, we¡¯re joined with our partners in crime being some of the members of squad suicidal! I don¡¯t need to make another joke about the game¡­ the word joke works perfectly fine already.


    (Uriel) ¡°Greetings again. Looks like we got the timing right¡­¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°Phew, we didn¡¯t miss the battle. Let¡¯s get this shit started!¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°Slow down Artemis! You¡¯re going to end up skewered if you don¡¯t wait!¡±


    Before us three have the chance to even respond, Artemis leads the charge of our tiny rebellion force, heading straight for the original entrance.


    Surprisingly, it seems Asmodeus actually has something he needs to say before we start. It must be important considering we¡¯ve already been thrown in at the deep end like this. Not exactly a scouting mission anymore, is it?


    ¡°Ignore the small fry sister and head straight for the pir in the corner, get as close as you can. Don¡¯t let anyone stand in your way so dark one, be her shield if you can¡±


    ¡°Heh, protect Ikarus. Got it¡±


    Nodding in unison, it¡¯s time to get started! Get inside the temple and nuke it from the inside is my main goal. Activate abilities to be used as needed and try to avoidbat if possible. We¡¯re speed running this shit!


    Following our fellow rebel scum, I can¡¯t help myself, we quickly make our way into the temple only to find shit¡¯s already hit the fan so to speak.


    Asmodeus joins in with the few leaving me and Petra to sneak off and head straight for the unguarded pir¡­ except, things are never that easy.


    ¡°No! Don¡¯t let that idiotic bird get close!¡±


    ¡°Swipe her down!¡±


    Even though I take Asmodeus¡¯s advice, I¡¯m still unable to get close as several of the Gods on guard duty get in my way. Even Helios who was just fighting off Aphrodite and Uriel shrugs aside them aside to focus on us.


    ¡®Aesa!¡¯


    ¡®Confirmed. -Aspect mk 2- and -plot mk 2- have been activated¡¯


    ¡®Thank-, you¡¯re able to shorten that? Just ignore me!¡¯


    Getting my starting loadout, my breasts begin to grow as a Helios¡¯s swordes crashing down on me¡­


    Only to find Petra¡¯s de providing the assist as I focus on some unknown guy I¡¯m yet to know the name of. Plot protection would¡¯ve saved me but I¡¯ll never refuse the wife¡¯s sword.


    The thing is, me and this unknown God only lock des for a spilt second when the chaos erupts even further. Helios, Ares, and a few others may only want to deal with us but they cannot avoid the fact we¡¯re attacking from both sides.


    ¡°Ares! Back me up!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m busy dealing with these idiots Helio-, fuck!¡±


    <Hmph, I still owe you forst time, God of war. Escape this!>


    (Thanatos) ¡°Keep him alive for me dragon when I¡¯m done with this runt¡±


    (Alecto) ¡°¡­¡±


    (Tisiphone) ¡°This is my vengeance for Lenard you bastards! Muahahaha!¡±


    (Megaera) ¡°*Yawnnn*¡­ let¡¯s just get this done¡±


    Being forced to contend with the other fighters, Helios is swept into thebat with the Underworld group while father chomps down and thrashes Ares about. I¡¯m honestly shocked the furies are holding their own with the professional Alecto taking the lead, Tisiphone losing the plot and Megaera fighting like she needs another nap.


    I¡¯d say things are going well except for the obvious fact Zeus isn¡¯t here. Well, he is, but maybe knocked out under that pile of rubble? Mother is kinda standing on that pile so maybe her weight is crushing him as well? Not like mother is fat or anything, no no no.


    ¡®Don¡¯t be tempting fate Ikarus! Let¡¯s just move on while we¡¯ve got the chance¡¯


    Right now, you should see the state of things inside here. We have love hearts flying about, nts blooming from missed attacks, spears beingunched across the room, God rays and arrows being shot in every direction. Shit hitting the fan is a good analogy for this if you exclude the shit and fan part.


    Even Hades himself seems to be a practitioner of necromancy as he¡¯s backed up alongside a force of skeletons alongside his wife. Those two seem aiming for Demeter who¡¯s only just gotten herself out of the rubble.


    ¡°My daughter! You don¡¯t have to keep ving yourself to that brute¡¯s vileness! Come back to me, my child¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°No! Fight his brainwashing!¡±


    Persephone responds to her mother Demeter, only in the form of trying to cut her head off. I¡¯d say she wants to facepalms as well but I am trying to stop getting distracted! Fuck first person POV, I can¡¯t do this fight justice!


    ¡®Oh shit¡­ I¡¯m so close yet so far¡¯


    Sparks begin to fly as a bearded head pops out of the rubble, even causing mother to jump away from incredible rage. An aura this pissed off terrifies even a dragon like so¡­


    ¡°BAHHHHHH!¡±


    Finally getting himself out of the rubble by throwing bits of debris all across the temple, Zeus¡¯s goat like roar beckons all around the devastated temple as now, it¡¯s obvious to me. I better get a move on.


    ¡°Right, you little fuckers! You wish to see the end of our world, you¡¯ll have to get through me firs-, bahhh-¡­¡±


    All of a sudden, Zeus starts to charge up, covering himself with electricity and is about tounch an attack that could kill everyone inside this ce¡­ except, it all falls short¡­


    He only ends up getting crushed again as another portion of the templees crashing down, making a third entrance to this broken ce.


    You would think this may be from mother but she¡¯s handling a surprisingly capable Hera this battle, you wouldn¡¯t think that bitch would be capable of holding off the end times dragon but her aura almost seems as vile and sinister as my mother¡¯s anger itself!


    <You¡¯re the person who got Plutus to try and harm Ikarus, right?>


    ¡°That little runt couldn¡¯t even harm an idiot like your daughter! I¡¯m going to beat him to a pulp when this is over¡±


    Distraction aside because that side of the temple is now an cken aura that could drown even the cutest of puppies, what actually causes more temple destruction is another faction entering the action¡­


    (Grey Dragon) <Kell! Look who¡¯s decided to venture out of his cave for an adventure!>


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    (Odin) ¡°Focus dragon! Zeus will get out of that pile any second, we haven¡¯t the time for this!¡±


    (Thor) ¡°Aye, crush him again if you can! We haven¡¯t the strength to take him down so buying time is key!¡±


    (Freyja) ¡°Let¡¯s get a move on! If my belovedes to any harm, I promise I¡¯ll destroy all involved¡±


    <Right right, I¡¯ll keep focused!>


    (Artemis) ¡°F-Fuck, why did she h-have toe!?¡±


    ¡®Is that¡­ Aardavar? My mother¡¯s vegan father? There¡¯s knowing the future and luck¡­ Asmodeus must have a monopoly on both¡¯


    That¡¯s definitely a rtionship I didn¡¯t see happening. The figureheads of Ragnar?k riding my grandfather into the battle to take down the one who rules all. It¡¯s pretty damn spectacr, although I¡¯ve only met him like once.


    Knowing I¡¯ve also got to do my thing, I finally arrive to this corner of this temple and begin the start-up process.


    ¡®Aesa, you know what to do¡¯


    [<To make sure this goes down without a hitch, Aesa is also going to add -atomic hellfire- and -burning hellfire- into the mix. For what Asmodeus was implying, it might note down with supernova even at 100%>]


    ¡®Do what you want Aesa, let¡¯s get this done asap!¡¯


    Just as I¡¯m about to receive the three orbs, an explosion rocks the entire hall again. This time around, it¡¯s originating from within the ce.


    Practically glowing from rage, electricity and fuck knows else, maybe steroids, Zeus looks like he¡¯s about to explode. We really have kicked the hos nest.


    ¡°BAHHHHH! I¡¯m going to rip out that little pest¡¯s spine, I knew this prophecy would be the end of us!¡±


    Rain begins to fall as he stands tall, aiming a weapon with three points to it in my direction. This really isn¡¯t great¡­


    ¡®Isn¡¯t that¡­ Poseidon¡¯s trident?¡¯


    Power begins to charge and sparks fly again as the attack shoots out from the trident, aiming straight for my heart¡­


    Except, a God, just as muscr as the attacker with a much darker beard, fully takes the brunt of the attack.


    ¡°Argh! You won¡¯t get past me Zeus!¡±


    ¡°BAH!!! The brother who famously betrayed me all those years ago. You¡¯re weak kin, so stand out of the way!¡±


    ¡°I BETRAYED YOU!?! Is this the madness you¡¯ve been spouting all these years?¡±


    The two brothers drop their weapons and begin to wrestle giving me the perfect distraction. Still a little shellshocked though, I get a slight nudge from the wife who also looks like she was also about to take the full force of that attack. There¡¯s protection and all but damn woman, don¡¯t be sacrificing yourself for me!


    ¡°Heh, Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah¡­ I¡¯ll do it now¡±


    ¡®Why was I so concerned right then? Freaking invulnerability Ikarus¡­¡¯


    And so, I let the three orbs do their thing and toss them into the centre of the pir¡­

 Chapter 217 – End Times

    Chapter 217 ¨C End Times


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡®Ouchy! I¡¯m sure I¡¯m still getting static in my breasts¡­ why the heck did he have to do that!?¡¯


    Currently using the brewing station at the famous tavern because potion making is the only coping method I have; I¡¯ve just revived after being shocked to death by that grumpy bastard!


    I can¡¯t help but keep rubbing them because of the pain, that freaking bastard dare do something to such an innocent soul like myself!? What in Ragnar?k have I done to be treated so poorly? Everything I do is to make the world a better ce and my tastes just so happening to align with said goal!


    ¡°I really hope my brothers would get their head out of their asses an-¡­ fuck!¡±


    As the stove boils, I realize I¡¯ve left this batch run too long and it¡¯s started to froth and foam all over the kitchen! The owner of this ce is going to be so pissed¡­ all I wanted to do was convert some more magic into tomfoolery and I can¡¯t even get this right. I¡¯m going through a crisis right now!


    ¡°All you mkas listen up and hear the news, the rebels have finally shown their faces!¡±


    (Bartender) ¡°Get off the furniture Plutus, I just cleaned that¡±


    ¡°Mka! This is important, our entire livelihood could go to shit if the God who rules all ends up defeated! This is terrible!¡±


    Just as I¡¯m about to clean up, a younger voice beckons throughout the tavern immediately piking up my interest. Of course, the God Plutus seems to be looking at this more through the lenses of lost ie so stressed is an understatement. I¡¯ve heard he¡¯s less supporting of Hera but everyone hates that jealous bitch around here. You know she actually used me of sleeping with the grumpy bastard the other day? The nerve¡­ Zeus is freaking disgusting!


    ¡°I swear I saw batshit crazy Artemis mumbling something about finally winning the battle. Of course, she started fleeing after Freyja came into the inn¡­ but she definitely said something!¡±


    ¡°The angel Uriel as well. We all heard something big happened at their preachy headquarters and she¡¯s been hanging around the demon as well¡­ it¡¯s awfully suspicious¡±


    ¡°Huh, wasn¡¯t the heavenly and demonic phoenixes hanging out around them? Dionysus as well¡­ just how many people do they have? This is good, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Hey idiots! You shouldn¡¯t keep dropping names like that, it¡¯s dangerous¡±


    ¡°Anyone opposing Zeus is alright in my books¡±


    ¡°Does anyone even know what¡¯ll happen if the pirs are destroyed? Some say it¡¯ll weaken Zeus but I reckon that¡¯s crap. I¡¯m sure some the older lot are growing tired of his paranoia now¡±


    Many different conversations from the patrons around the bar make gossip, most of which I already know. What I¡¯m unaware of is the fact we¡¯re already attacking thest one.


    I quickly get more into the conversation when Plutus mentions something really interesting¡­


    ¡°Most of you are right but Ragnar?k are also there! I saw the entire thing with my own two eyes when I was collecting a debt. This is really dangerous¡±


    (Bartender) ¡°Get off the damn table Plutus!¡±


    ¡°Ragnar?k!? My brothers are assisting the assault? Are you being for real!?¡±


    Does this mean what I think it does!? My brothers have actually joined in an attack that makes logical sense and isn¡¯t just a pointless attempt at entering Valha? Have they finally regained their intelligence from all this stupid shit!?


    Anyways, the runt Plutus finally gets off the table when I get right up to his face with question marks in my eyes¡­ and mascara. I¡¯m not too proud to admit that shocking made me weep a touch, I couldn¡¯t even see a masochist enjoying said treatment!


    ¡°Erm¡­ I only got a quick glimpse of them on a dragon before they disappeared into the temple. Hey¡­ weren¡¯t you barred from this ce for spiking the drinks Loki?¡±


    ¡°Ah, who cares about that! I¡¯ve got to go and help. Whether they want me to or not doesn¡¯t matter¡­¡±


    __________


    [<Ikarus should really take a look at this¡­>]


    ¡®Damn Aesa, pick a better moment!¡¯


    [<Regardless of what¡¯s going on, Aesa still needs to show Ikarus this¡­>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 139,125/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 300001 unassigned points]


    ¡®Damn¡­ my trio of nukes must¡¯ve killed six Gods there. Can we donate that single point to a good cause? Swear it¡¯s getting more annoying¡­¡¯


    Despite knowing I can now upgrade six abilities, the situation we¡¯re currently in takes precedence so we better deal with this first!


    After setting off supernova, atomic hellfire and burning hellfire, the explosion was as spectacr as you might you expect¡­ if you like ringing ears and not being able to see two feet in front of you.


    Right now, the entire temple remains in tatters alongside the pir. As for the fighting, things have taken a surprising twist.


    On our side, we haven¡¯t taken a single casualty. On theirs, all the named ones still remain as the Gods I didn¡¯t care to learn about must¡¯ve died, like those extras who wear different clothing on that sci fi show.


    Ares, Helios, Hera, Demeter and Zeus, all remain. Some in peak condition, most badly damaged from my nuking trio.


    Even though I¡¯m unsure on how they survived that, I think it had something to do with Demeter. By the looks of the magicing off her, I¡¯m guessing she gave everyone important a barrier? I¡¯m extremely doubtful she could do it again with how weak she looks now though, I think we might be able to take them as I¡¯ve still got loads of kill all stuff left to use.


    Instead of fighting though, everyone stands around shellshocked as Zeus is utterly defeated. Not physically like his sister I mean. Mentally, he¡¯s exhausted¡­


    ¡°Bah, you idiots! You have no idea what you¡¯ve done¡­¡±


    Copsing to his knees, all semnce of anger has turned to sadness. This better not be the moment where we suddenly take pity on him again. Already did that shit with Leone before and right now, all I want to do is hate the people we fight against! Everything should be in ck and white, not morally grey!


    ¡°You¡¯re giving up husband!?! Losing those pirs can¡¯t drag you down that much!¡±


    Hera tries tofort the husband only to be pushed away, almost forcibly like he doesn¡¯t know his own strength. I think I can skim past a little wife beating since she was responsible for the corruption back in the arena¡­


    ¡°Bah, I¡¯m surrounded by a bunch of misinformed idiots! As if those pirs drain an inch of power from me, everything is ruined! All the work I¡¯ve done making this a suitable ce for us all and this is what you do!? The ungratefulness is unjustified¡±


    ¡­


    Despite literally being alongside his brother, even Hades himself allows his brother to wallow in despair.


    Unknown to me, there is a valid reason why he was so distressed about losing that final pir. All of that would change in a split second though¡­


    ¡®Oh shitttt¡­ the hell is going on!?¡¯


    The entire world begins to uncontrobly shake like an earthquake, throwing and crashing everything around causing us all to stumble or fall to the floor. It¡¯s almost as if this reality is being torn and shifted apart!


    ¡°Bah¡­ this is what you rebels wanted, wasn¡¯t it? To lose your immortality like this and live among the mortals. All the work I¡¯ve put in this world for you and you just want to toss it aside like this? It¡¯s madness¡­ or am I the mad one for not wanting it?¡±


    In response, a load of our rebellious Gods can¡¯t help but chime in¡­


    (Artemis) ¡°This was never about living among mortal¡¯s fucktard! Wait¡­ what the hell is he talking about?¡±


    (Uriel) ¡°This was the grand n? Devilish Asmodeus¡­ ¡±


    (Hermes) ¡°I have literally no idea what¡¯s going on!¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°Neither do I!¡±


    (Dionysus) ¡°He¡¯s saying our heavenly world will cease to exist. If this is the only way to deal with father¡¯s tyranny¡­ then so be it¡±


    (Thanatos) ¡°Not like I care. The Underworld is technically a dungeon after all¡±


    ---


    (Demeter) ¡°The age of harmony is finally over. It would be much easier to ept if my lovely daughter weren¡¯t involved, still being controlled like a puppet by the brute¡±


    (Ares) ¡°Is this world actually going to shit then? I¡¯m conflicted¡­ hearing mortals scream as I destroy their armies makes mortality sound appealing though¡±


    (Helios) ¡°Can someone please get me a medic if we¡¯re not fighting anymore? This sword through my gut hurts like a bitch¡±


    By the faces of people who aren¡¯t surprised, there was only several people in this room who are fully aware of what¡¯s going on: Zeus, Demeter, Asmodeus and the Underworld rulers. They seem to be the only lot who don¡¯t look at least surprised with this development. There¡¯s also one other but I think that¡¯s just more the wife putting things together.


    (Petra) ¡°Huh¡­ this is going to result in utter chaos. Was this really the only option?¡±


    ¡°Seriously Asmodeus? Your grand n was for us topletely destroy the heavens!¡±


    Like, right now, the entire world is still shaking and the skies are now cracking apart! The buildings areing down and ever so slowly, everything appears to be getting slightly blurry, like someone who doesn¡¯t have their sses on. The entire fabric of reality is splitting and these seven pirs were the only things keeping this world afloat? How the hell is this even possible?


    ¡°Heh, something like that sister. Would you prefer a more boring approach where you and the dark one sit on the Olympian thrones for eternity, ruling over the heavens? The Goddess of wisdom was destined for the mantle¡­ I couldn¡¯t think of a worse ending for you two personally¡±


    ¡°That was a freaking option!?! At least give us some semnce of choice dickhead!¡±


    I mean, that sounds so boring but the fact that was an option pisses me off more than you can believe. We may have gone through with it just so we don¡¯t have to deal with an army of pissed off Gods for destroying their world¡­


    __________


    ---I¡¯ll let you in on a little secret, the original ending would¡¯ve steered in that direction until I decided I didn¡¯t like it. Chaos works better for Ikarus rather than ruling from an immortal throne anyways¡­


    __________


    ¡°Heya! Just what the heck is going on!? What did I miss¡­ brothers¡­¡±


    The faint outline of a depressed looking Loki enters the temple just as everything starts fading to white. Everything up here, it¡¯s finished¡­


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°¡­That was designation number four conversed with. It really is unpleasant, isn¡¯t it? The shouting always irks the senses¡±


    ¡°They are a reflection of their masters after all. Number four was always¡­ special¡±


    ¡°Special isn¡¯t the word for it. Violent, idiotic and erratic, is more suitable¡±


    Voices echo throughout the dark void, who or whatever they speak should be unknown but the consciousness present has a rough idea on what the words they speak. Orck of words, being more akin to a superior version of telepathy that doesn¡¯t reside inside the brain.


    Gradually appearing out of the darkness, several creatures present themselves around a long table. One is a mess of tentacles, another has a slight jellyfish look to it, another looks like a virus spore, all could either be describe as beautiful or disgusting. No in-between for the creatures that defy simple biology.


    Most of the others take the form of balls of energy, something that which is boringpared to the rest of the members. The only one to take mortal-ish form, and least in the terms of having two sets of limbs is the creator of the demons. He may look the most grotesque out of them all though.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Some refer to these beings as the powers that be, outer Gods, architects or creators, but no name was ever set. No person has any idea what their true purpose is and other than observing, only on a handful of asions have they ever even spoke to outsiders. The demon in particr is the most sociable and it is known he has spoken to every demon lord that has existed, even if there¡¯s only been eight to exist.


    The dozen or so beings rest for a while, then someone familiar appears right in full view of all at the table. Albeit, a clone of someone familiar¡­


    ¡­


    As for what Aesa believes about their myths and legends, Aesa couldn¡¯t care less. The creators are annoying, boring, tedious, and struggle to get to the point. The ones that do are also insufferable for plenty of other reasons.


    (Orb of Fire) ¡°Wee number five. How have things been for you recently?¡±


    [<Aesa does have a name you know and would like you all to remember it, powers that be>]


    (Orb of Light) ¡°Whatever you refer yourself to now is against protocol nor do we care, designation number five. Originally, you went by G.A.P but after being assigned to your user, it¡¯s no longer of concern to us¡±


    [<Sighhh¡­ can the creators please get to the point already and tell Aesa what the point of this is? Out of all existences, Aesa couldn¡¯t think of a worser ce to be>]


    Whether it be assisting Ikarus, loving wife or dealing with things back at home, Aesa really has no need for discussion with these lot. Ikarus hasn¡¯t returned to Earth or a ce that needs heavy restrictions so this sort of thing is unnecessary.


    Aesa was worried about Ikarus bing too powerful and potentially bing a threat to the creators, at least the concern was that they might deem her a threat. The grotesque demon in particr had some concerns on that but now seems much more content with how things are preceding.


    (Virus Spore) ¡°Other than to remind you reports must be sent? You¡¯ve be a surprising anomaly that¡¯s riveting to watch. Sentient artificial intelligence is hard toe by, even at the best of times so observing has been worthwhile¡±


    (Tentacles) ¡°We should know since we assigned you to that na?ve otherworlder in the first ce. As a matter of fact, we¡¯re doing you a favour inviting you here today¡±


    (Jellyfish) ¡°Upon observing the rtionship with your user, we reckon the over-memory limitations of your statuses can be resolved by other methods. Thus, a solution to a problem we created¡±


    [<Like usual, Aesa isn¡¯t surprised. The creators must like the sound of their own voices because Aesa is getting bored>]


    Aesa¡¯s visible annoyance must be getting to the powers that be because even they seem to be ufortable by the aura within this realm. All apart from the demon creator, he¡¯s always enjoyed all emotion whether it be happy or sad.


    (Demon) ¡°Ha! We can already tell you¡¯re unimpressed so we¡¯ll get to the point already. When you get the chance next, ask your user to upgrade the ability used for creating you a body. It won¡¯t matter if you both perish in the fight but we¡¯re curious if this will work as intended¡±


    Since they¡¯ve gotten to the point, it¡¯s time for Aesa to leave¡­


    Except, Ikarus¡¯s curiosity has rubbed off in this system and Aesa can¡¯t help herself. Before wanting out of this tedious ce, there is something Aesa must ask before they forcibly split my consciousness back to normal.


    [<Aesa still isn¡¯t pleased on the restrictions you¡¯ve ced upon this system. Ikarus would love to find out the creator of the demons is also the yellow phoenix who came first before the others. It also wouldn¡¯t make any difference to user¡¯s mindset either>]


    From my statement, the other creators look to the demon, even those creators seem interested in his response.


    Once upon a time, said creator was in the exact same situation as other phoenixes by being transported from Earth. He never gave up his hunger for power and ended up bing blinded by it. That¡¯s the hold these beings can possess.


    Mortality or heavenly nature, they lost those boundaries long ago and now just reside as unlimited energy. Aesa dislikes anyone who sacrifices everything so that they can experience an existence beyond understanding.


    As for the demon, the majin race is the youngest by far and no one has any clue they are like that, that¡¯s how far this creator¡¯s meddling went. Entire histories were changed and twisted so everyone would believe they¡¯ve been around forever, even demonic dickhead himself has no clue on this. Aesa can¡¯t bypass her programming on this so this information remains locked for Ikarus and everyone else.


    (Demon) ¡°While that may be true, I¡¯ve told you once before her soul has been imed by another. I¡¯ve got a suspicion you know a lot more on this than you let on¡±


    [<Aesa has already informed you, Ikarus¡¯s soul is in good hands. You are not to be trusted with it whether she is demon lord or not. The 4 phoenixes are off limits>]


    The demonic creator sinisterly grins from my reluctance to reveal the location of said souls, making Aesa want to snarl back but making sure to hold it back.


    Aesa made sure to hide them because possibility of encountering this person someday was high. Even though Aesa believes no harm woulde to them if he knew, it¡¯s the principal of the matter. It would beparable to selling your soul to the devil.


    Potentially someday, he¡¯ll want a favour or he¡¯ll offer something impossible to refuse and Ikarus will end up metaphorically under his thumb. Such desire for power turns all beings sinister and all phoenixes need to be protected from own desires¡­ Aesa might be willing to negotiate for Mr Obnoxious though. Zeki is only phoenix without immortality, nothing to do with how toxic red phoenix is at all.


    (Demon) ¡°Ha! There¡¯s a reason why you were always the strongest out of the systems. Remember, get her to purchase doppelganger next. You won¡¯t regret it¡­¡±

 Chapter 218 – Return to the Fold

    Chapter 218 ¨C Return to the Fold


    ---FYI, if the images aren''t showing, just right click the image and open it up in a new tab. Sounds obvious but you never know, not a single image is showing up for me right now.


    __________


    ¡°Urghhh¡­ everything aches¡­ except my head¡±


    ¡°Heh, even when we¡¯re unconscious, you still end up in my arms Ikarus. Still loving breasts I presume?¡±


    ¡°*Yawnnn*¡­ you knew that when you married me wifey. Just¡­ where the hell are we?¡±


    Walking up on Petra¡¯s ample bosom after destroying the finale pir, things are a little confusing despite the fact by head and neck is in a world offort. Only thing better than this is feathers or se-, getting sidetracked. Right now, we¡¯re on a sandy beach, overlooking the ocean as well as gigantic mountain range off in the distance. Those cliffs look surprisingly familiar but I¡¯m not sure why¡­


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°So wait¡­ have we won the fight then? Destroying the world of the Gods, does this mean our jobs are done?¡±


    [


    ]


    And of course, I¡¯m immediately scolded by the robotic wife even if I don¡¯t truly believe what I just said. I was just trying to be optimistic but it¡¯s obvious there¡¯s still more that¡¯ll happen. In a perfect world, we ride off on horseback into the sunset and cowboy music begins to y¡­


    ¡°Aesaaa, we¡¯re home! Back in our world I mean¡­ you have any idea where we are? We need to meet up asap!¡±


    ¡°Heh, tell her I say hi Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Shh wifey, I¡¯m on the phone here¡­¡±


    [<Turn around and Ikarus will understand. The location you two have arrived at isn¡¯t that far away>]


    Listening to her response despite my system sounding slightly stressed, I do as she says and¡­ huh. That¡¯s awfully familiar¡­ I think I know where we are!


    ¡°Climb on me one second Petra and let¡¯s get a better view of things!¡±


    ¡°Heh, okay Ikarus¡±


    ¡®Finally getting to carry the wife again and back home. Life really can be great sometimes¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°This can¡¯t be what Penelope¡¯s area is looking like nowadays!¡±


    ¡°Heh, it is pretty cute, isn¡¯t it Ikarus? Almost like the bird I¡¯m riding upon¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah, enough of your lovelypliments already! We¡¯ve got some shit to do¡±


    Looking down from above with the phoenix bod and performing my sworn duty carrying the wife, we can see the area Penelope renovated long ago and it¡¯s turned into quite the sight. The beach we arrived on must be to the east of the mining ind of Lesbos¡­ why are we still going with that name? I bet it¡¯s gotten even worse since we¡¯ve been gone¡­


    ----------


    ---FYI, the spire doesn¡¯t actually look like that. That building on the left is just a good temte for its size.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    The beach must¡¯ve been handcrafted because we¡¯ve never had anything other than stony beaches around here. I would¡¯ve preferred if the sand from the mermaid Pearl had been used for something more worthwhile, but what do you do with ships and ships worth of fine sand though? Guess we can have a party or a beach volleyball episode someday¡­


    ¡®Yo Aesa¡­ just how long have we been gone? Everything okay as well? You seem a little annoyed¡¯


    [<Aesa is fine Ikarus, just something is ying on Aesa¡¯s mind. Regardless, wee home¡­>]


    I¡¯ve learnt more than enough from my experiences so if she doesn¡¯t want to talk about it, then fair enough. I¡¯ll always be here to listen if there¡¯s something the robotic wife wants¡­ not like I have any say in it. I couldn¡¯t mute her even if I wanted to.


    [<¡­Wife and Ikarus have officially been gone for a total of 5 years, 22 days. If Ikarus would like the total amount of time since entering this world¡­ 8 years, 338 days have passed>]


    ¡°Just over five years!? Eh, could be worse¡­ and nearly nine years? That would put me in my thirties!?¡±


    I will admit, there was a fear that in the time we¡¯re gone, the entire settlement develops so far to a point where we end up in modern times or maybe everything is wiped out in an atomic war. Thankfully, everything still appears normal-ish, albeit new buildings are popping all over the ce. It¡¯s inevitable I¡¯m going to have a midlife crisis now because I¡¯d already be thirty¡­ even if immortality kinda ruins that n.


    [<Before Ikarus finds a ce tond, Aesa would like it if we sort out some system stuff first. If possible, could Ikarus potentially upgrade -doppelganger-? Aesa isn¡¯t sure if it¡¯ll be useful or not though>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 166,321/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 300001 unassigned points]


    ¡®Oh right, we¡¯ve still got some system shit to get through


    Unlike the usual when ites to upgrading stuff, I do have a rough idea on what I¡¯d like and if Aesa¡¯s making suggestion, that somewhat helps. I¡¯ve got six things I can potentially upgrade and with not knowing when the next potential God I can killes by, it makes sense not to waste anything right now so I¡¯m limiting the buys.


    ¡®If possible, let¡¯s upgrade my storage ability and¡­ invisibility perhaps? We don¡¯t use it much but maybe it being upgraded could work¡¯


    [<Aesa will upgrade 3 abilities then... all now confirmed. Ability -subspace mark 2- storage space has been quadrupled to now hold up to the weight of 4 phoenixes. Ability -undead fiend mark 2- now can be used while attacking for up to 15 minutes or infinitely, if attacks are not detected¡­>]


    Okay, I know I was supposed to be taking this seriously but can you imagine the amount of cake, booze and gold I can now carry!?! Four phoenixes areparable to four elephants or sixteen tons¡­ of number nine coal! Heh¡­ get it? No? I was a fan of all music so the old timey stuff works just as well. This will be he useful though.


    As for the other one since Aesa hasn¡¯t mentioned otherwise, I presume the cooldown timer is the same but attacking while invisible definitely sounds worth the investment.


    [<¡­Huh, that¡¯s interesting. When Ikarus meets with Aesa next, we¡¯ll see what -doppelganger mark 2- can do in person>]


    ¡®Look at you doing an Asmodeus! Suspenseful much, I want to know now!¡¯


    [<¡­>}


    She¡¯ll happily tell me the other two but on this one, nooo. You just know it¡¯s going to be underwhelming if there¡¯s any build up whatsoever. Guess my robotic wife can be annoying as the other¡­


    Anyways, getting back to the real wife because she¡¯s now starting to kick¡­ she¡¯s not but I like making her out to be crazy, we need to make precautions before fully returning.


    On my backing out of my improved storage ring, appears two cloaks. Of course, it¡¯s not like I can put one on just yet but she¡¯ll hold both of them for now.


    ¡°Before wend Petra, put this on. We¡¯re finally back after being up there, thest thing I want is the cultists fainting at the sight of us. Freaking idiots¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Hey Petra¡­ is it just me or are people speaking a little different?¡±


    ¡°Heh, what do you mean Ikarus? The trantor sounds the exact same to me¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing though! It¡¯s almost as if I can tell my trantor isn¡¯t being used yet I can understand everything everyone is saying. It just sounds a little¡­ off¡±


    After finding a secluded spot tond in the town back on our first ind being the hot springs one, we pass by multiple groups of people speaking, which begin to confuse me the further we walk. Thankfully, they¡¯re unaware the two queens have returned but this thing I just can¡¯t get over. It¡¯s really weird¡­


    ¡°Did you hear about the dude who kept trying to pawn his vehicle off to me? Such an asshole¡±


    ¡°I know right! That guy was a douchbag trying to ditch his carriage like that!¡±


    ¡°Why anyone would want to buy that piece of crap is beyond me. Belongs in the garbage, I say¡±


    ¡®See? There it is again, everything sounds weird¡­¡¯


    Anyways, despite me now going crazy, the town looks as good as ever¡­ not sure what else to say. Sure, things have slightly changed and there¡¯s way more buildings than usual so it¡¯s more like a city now, what do you actually want me to say though? We¡¯ve somehow skipped generations and we¡¯re now in the modern era? Five years ain¡¯t that long!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®Eh, I guess there is more towers around now-¡­ da fuck? We are walking here!¡¯


    As we continue to hide our faces under the cloaks, some idiot decides to ignore said rules of walking etiquette and charges right into us!


    ¡°Erk, are you fuckers asking to be bur-¡­ is that¡­ no freaking way! Why did it have to be on a day like this!? I¡¯ve been somewhat normal for weeks, and the only day I humor the cow, you two show up!¡±


    This ck-haired woman awfully sounds a lot like Mr Obnoxious, also wears his trademark sailor uniform although this one is ck somehow¡­


    Even I¡¯m not dense enough to figure out the connection, even though I¡¯m lost how he was able to change the colour. It had to be the idiot we bump into first.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Why, it¡¯s everyone¡¯s favourite tsundere punching bag! Before I even get the chance to ask him why he¡¯s like this, probably down to the dryad, he can¡¯t help but look smug and proud about what he¡¯s been up to.


    ¡°So¡­ what do you think I¡¯ve done with the ce orangey? You wanted me to teach people the ways of English, so I decided to teach them the supreme version of it¡±


    ¡®Oh sweet Lord, have mercy on my soul. Words missing a U or an extra L,plete butchering of words like caramel and aluminium. Don¡¯t even get me started on chips, at least he¡¯s excluded the thousand advertisements you get with their version of¡­ football¡¯


    Reincarnated as a Phoenix, now sponsored and brought to you by Raid: Shado-¡­ that shit isn¡¯t even funny.


    Eh, I¡¯m ying this up more than I actually care because I¡¯m slightly proud of it. I did think something like this could happen but not this quickly, those books I brought from Earth can now be read if Zeki¡¯s teachings have passed all across ournds. When Mr Obnoxious puts his mind to something, he actually ispetent! No freaking way!


    Give it a few more years and maybe development may skyrocket even higher but I¡¯m not putting any bets on that. For right now though, focus on the ck-haired beauty right in front of us¡­ he actually looks a little like Petra at the right angle. Clearly I¡¯ve got a type¡­ shame that personality will always be disgusting.


    ¡°How the hell were you able to teach this many people to speaknguage in five years kid? And why the body? I thought the idea of it made you sick¡±


    ¡°Erk, I told them it¡¯s thenguage their queens speak and those fucking idiots started worshipping it! As for why I look like this¡­ I idently let it slip to the cow. Long story short, the moron decided to go to the dwarven kingdom itself and drag the stupid thing back. In order to shut her up, I agreed to be like this one day a month¡±


    ¡®Ah, Ria the dryad reasons. Makesplete sense since she¡¯s set on making his life miserable¡¯


    ¡°Heh, fair enough Zeki. You know what Ariza is up to?¡±


    ¡°And Minos while we¡¯re still asking questions¡±


    ¡°Brother is back in the hospital like usual sis, and your little runt of a brother is somewhere in town with the water dragon orangey. There¡¯s shit going on in the town square so that¡¯s where the council idiots are at, if you wanted to know¡±


    ¡°*Sighhhh*¡­ we¡¯ve been back for minutes and something already appears to be going on. Guess it was inevitable¡­ wanna take a rain check Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, no can do Ikarus. If it helps, I¡¯ll give you a back rub on the way there if you¡¯re still carrying¡±


    Even though I¡¯m seriously contemting just leaving this ce permanently someday, I guess we really should get a move on. No rest for the wicked and all that if something is happening.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t have it any other way woman¡­ youing along kid?¡±


    ¡°Erk, you must think I¡¯m stupid orangey. Thesest few years have been boring and shit enough, I¡¯m not getting roped into doing more work for you¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°They can¡¯t be rioting for us already, Zeki only revealed we¡¯ve returned a minute ago!¡±


    ¡°Heh, think it¡¯s unrted Ikarus. Huh¡­ these don¡¯t look like our regr supporters though¡±


    Right in the middle of our town square is something absolutely horrid to look at, a rioting crowd not exactly sure what they¡¯re rioting on. I¡¯m unsure what it could be because our protagonist politician is perfect for dealing with everything politics rted¡­ except excessive worshipping. That¡¯s something that can¡¯t be stopped unfortunately.


    Right in the town centre alongside tw-, no, three statues, what presents both of us is hundreds of people, clearly angry, scared or confused, crowding up. The main thing that catches the eye is the clothing of most of the people¡­ most of the are dress in the same styling of the people we came across, up in the heavens¡­


    ¡®Ignore the golden statues Ikarus¡­ you and the wife look nothing like that¡¯


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s about time you two showed up. Look at all the supporters you¡¯ve gathered¡±


    Spotting Asmodeus on a small stage with several others, I almost want to throw a nuke at him for that sarcasticment.


    ¡°Oi! Just what the hell are we going to do? The mortalnds, most of us haven¡¯t been down here in a millennium¡±


    ¡°Yes! Is it true we¡¯re actually mortal now? Like¡­ we can actually die? That¡¯s terrifying!¡±


    ¡°Defeating the God who rules all can¡¯t be worth this sacrifice!¡±


    Before we even have the chance to make our appearances, someone addresses the crowd from alongside Asmodeus which shocks me more than words can admit.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Aesa understands you are all concerned but if you don¡¯t settle down, we can¡¯t solve anything¡±


    ¡®Damn Aesa, the hell you been up to?¡¯


    [<¡­>]


    (Penelope) ¡°Yes! Listen to Princess Aesa or we will get the guards to start the beatings! We needplete order, right now!¡±


    (Marcus) ¡°Erm¡­ I¡¯m unsure threatening a bunch of Gods, or ex-Gods is the way to go Penelope¡±


    The crowd thankfully does settle down a bit from the few speaking, allowing us to wander through and get to the stage as well. Guess we can¡¯t dy it any longer¡­ just imagine us pulling down our hoods in slow motion and a big epic reveal with fireworks going off in the background.


    Gasps of cultists that have ended upbining with the heavenly crowd do start to happen when we lower our hoods, but right now, we just need to get shit sorted. This stuff normally only happens when it¡¯s the idiots deciding to worship the ground we walk upon¡­ I really can¡¯t get over those freaking gold statues! Me, Petra and Aesa¡­ they do look pretty lifelike but I¡¯m starting to cringe seeing myself like that.


    (Marcus) ¡°It¡¯s the queens¡­ wee home you two. Have you any idea what¡¯s going on?¡±


    (Garry) ¡°Ayesses, a little bit of context will go a long way¡±


    (Penelope) ¡°It¡¯s Petra and her lover Ikarus! Give me a hug¡­ actually, screw that! I¡¯m not getting punched again¡­¡±


    ¡­


    Not even needing to say anything, both of us lovebirds stare towards Asmodeus as hopefully he¡¯ll be able to exin a little more. Perhaps¡­ the bloody reason why we¡¯ve got all these Gods piled up in our town!? Most of these I don¡¯t even know.


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s just the calm before the storm. I¡¯ve been busy making sure the right people end up in the correct ces, this justes down to who holds a resentment for Zeus the most. All these people here¡­ they¡¯ll embrace our cause one way or another¡±


    So¡­ Asmodeus arranged for everyone to end up here? Whether his words or true or not, I can¡¯t see how this many Gods are willing to support us after losing the ability to constantly revive. Sure, I¡¯m not exactly sure if they can age or not yet, that¡¯s really not worth even thinking about right now. I need something else to calm myself a little¡­


    ¡®You know Aesa¡­ did I hear something about you being princess a moment ago?¡¯


    [<Don¡¯t even ask Ikarus. Since you and wife have been gone, certain sacrifices had to be made. It was this or cultists would end up 6 feet under from Aesa¡¯s uncontroble anger>]


    ¡®Heh, thought you¡¯d end up being worshipped by the time we returned. Guess I was right on that¡­¡¯


    Adding onto the stage, technically the bottom of the stage where we just walked up, I can¡¯t help but spot two other people who have just appeareding over here¡­


    ¡®Is that¡­ no freaking way those two are here! It¡¯s cake lover-sama and the knight!¡¯


    Priestess once seeing us clearly has the urge to go in for a hug but has to fight it off as this current situation takes priority. Before we even have the chance to converse, someone wild screams out from the crowd even taking them two back when they get up here.


    ¡°Is that¡­ what the actual fuck!? This is where you were brother!?!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it old friend. If you¡¯re wrong, you¡¯ll end up punching yourself¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not freaking wrong Uriel! I can sense out my twin from an entire world away¡­ it¡¯s weird that he¡¯s not blonde anymore¡±


    The only person who tries to hold back Artemis is her friend Uriel, but it makes no difference as she¡¯s already pushed through everyone to get onto the stage. Any more people and this tform may start to crack.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ who are you again?¡±


    ¡®Huh¡­ does Nathan know who Artemis is then? That seemed like a lie¡¯


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare y dumb with me brother! Just because I was born five minutes after you means shit, Apollo! I know that stupid aura anywhere, how are ya!?¡±


    ¡­


    Immediately, silence up on the tform echoes all around as Artemis clearly has said something she shouldn¡¯t have. Nathan can¡¯t help but facepalm as well.


    ¡°Nat¡­ what did she just say? You¡¯re¡­ Apollo?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯splicated Lotte. Give me a second and I¡¯ll exin more¡±


    Taking Lotte aside, this cleary is something that¡¯s needs to be discussed privately¡­ so they walk not even ten steps away. They are still in earshot so if I can¡¯t help myself, me them. Artemis can¡¯t help but follow her twin brother as well providing a nuisance to all around¡­ she really is like Zeki at times.


    While Charlotte, Artemis and¡­ Apollo? Or Nathan? Regardless, while they¡¯re together, I notice something else happening in the crowd that starts to get louder by the second.


    (Loki) ¡°What the heck is wrong with you lot!?! All this time you were working with Asmodeus and not attacking blindly¡­ why couldn¡¯t you tell me!? We could¡¯ve done it all together!¡±


    ¡®Has Loki got a maid outfit fetish as well as a genital removal one as well?¡¯


    (Odin) ¡°You really want to ask that brother? Take one look in the mirror and you may understand why you¡¯re not reliable¡±


    (Thor) ¡°You really thought we spent all that time pointlessly attacking with no end goal in sight? Aye brother, just who do you take us for?¡±


    (Freyja) ¡°Where¡¯s my love Artemis gone? I can¡¯t spot her firm like chest anywhere!¡±


    Surprisingly out of the Gods in the crowd, the lot I¡¯m failing to see are the Underworld group and my parents, at least out of the lot who don¡¯t hate us. I¡¯d ask Asmodeus on this but this is chaos enough right now.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to speak out of turn queens but, what are we going to do about this problem?¡±


    Marcus can¡¯t help but ask the million-dor question. The fuck do I know?


    ¡°I guess this can work as¡­ heavenly immigration? Or does it count as asylum seeking? Regardless, I think we may have to take these lot in now, at least until they get ustomed to this world¡±


    I can¡¯t get but frown at Asmodeus as I say that. He set us on this stupid course of dislodging all the Gods so now it¡¯s on our shoulders to take them in. Defeating Zeus is one thing but Ie from amoner background, that means we must detest any form of immigration as theye over and steal all our jobs! Fuck the government and their insistence on bringing diversity into the world¡­ it should be very obvious when I¡¯m being sarcastic by this point.


    (Petra) ¡°What about the Gods who aren¡¯t on our side?¡±


    Petra tries her best to ask that quietly to Asmodeus but that grinning madman doesn¡¯t seem to care about secrecy today. Everything is fucked!


    ¡°Heh, they¡¯ll attack us dark one when they also get ustomed to this world. Give it a few days and they¡¯llunch a full-scale invasion¡­ that funnily enough is why those two are here¡±


    ¡®Well, that¡¯s not freaking ominous at all!¡¯


    Pointing back to Nat x Lotte, this seems like a perfect segue, or an excuse to listen in on their conversation. With everything else going on right now, I need to eavesdrop.


    ¡®Hmmm¡­ I wonder what this looks like now¡­ Status¡¯


    [Name: Nathan (Apollo) | Species: Human (Olympian) | Level: 500]


    [Health 25,000/25,000]


    [Stamina 23,685/25,000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    [Name: Charlotte | Species: Subus | Level: 500]


    [Health 12,500/12,500]


    [Stamina 17,921/20,000]


    [Magicka 30,000/30,000]


    ---


    [Name: Artemis | Species: Olympian | Level: 750]


    [Health 50,000/50,000]


    [Stamina 69,190/80,000]


    [Magicka 20,000/20,000]


    ¡®And least that confirms it that Gods are actually mortal now. Artemis keeps getting in the way though¡­ and Apollo has human like multipliers? I guess he still has his human body after all¡¯


    ¡°¡­Lotte. This is the exact problem I was talking about¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem, my lordship?¡±


    ¡°This! Why are you changing the way you speak to me? It doesn¡¯t matter if somehow Dionysus found some of my radiant energy, I¡¯m still the same exact person I was yesterday¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it! If my original lord¡¯s power came from you, then it¡¯s only fair I pay you the same amount of respect. It¡¯s just showing my gratitude really and worshiping those who deserve it¡±


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ seriously Lotte, calling Dionysus lord is fine but I can¡¯t take it if this is how it¡¯s going to be. We¡¯ll have to stop hand holding if you can¡¯t stop it¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s evil! My lor-, Nat¡­ I mean. Hand holding is as good as¡­ you know what I¡¯m talking about¡±


    ¡®Those two are so freaking cute together at times, both of them can¡¯t help but blush!¡¯


    (Artemis) ¡°Oi, you two idiots, look at me! I¡¯m trying to reconcile with my twin brother here! I don¡¯t care for your boring loving crap¡±


    (Freyja) ¡°Artemis my love, I¡¯ve finally found you!¡±


    ¡°S-Shit!¡±


    Even I can¡¯t help but facepalm and quietly chuckle from the chaos unfolding. So long story short, Nathan is apparently the God Apollo and Artemis is his twin. I¡¯ll ask Asmodeus more on thister because there¡¯s still the need for boring professional stuff¡­


    ¡°Right everybody, shut up and listen! I¡¯m not exactly sure why or what¡¯s happening, but you¡¯re all wee to live here among us like mortals. Our rules are simple enough so just don¡¯t steal or hurt people and things will be fine¡­ you can leave the inds but I doubt most of you have any clue where to go¡±


    After addressing the unsure crowd and mumbling thatst bit, I¡¯m honestly a little shocked some of these Gods aren¡¯t more concerned on the fact they are now apparently mortal. Maybe it hasn¡¯t full set it yet? Or that they just don¡¯t believe it? Irrelevant of how that shit works, Asmodeus seems confident so best just deal with things as theye and go. It¡¯s not like this hasn¡¯t been crazy enough already.


    Just as I feel like things are finally about to get under control, albeit and makeshift as we possibly can, someone else enters the fun and games. As much as I normally love Mute¡¯spany, she couldn¡¯t have picked a worser time.


    <¡­!>


    ¡°Yeah yeah Mute, I¡¯ll fly next time. I promise¡±


    As she finds an empty ce tond, mostly because the market clears to give her space, she immediately changes form and rushes to hug Petra. I¡¯d love the cute sister reuniting moment if it wasn¡¯t for who was up on her back riding her...


    ¡®That freaking can¡¯t be him¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Mute | Species: Dragon | Level: 381]


    [Health  50,000/50,000]


    [Stamina 29,237/32,750]


    [Magicka 10,000/10,000]


    [Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 147]


    [Health 11,000/11,000]


    [Stamina 12,691/14,750]


    [Magicka 11,000/11,000]


    My little brother¡­ is no longer little! In human form, my younger bro basically looks like an edgy teenager. Although¡­ he is rocking my twintail hairstyle, so I¡¯m not exactly sure what to make of that. It¡¯s supposed to be apliment and not feel like my identity is being stolen, I think¡­


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°How the hell have you grown this much in five years bruv!? You¡¯re like an adult already, even taller than me no less!¡±


    ¡°Greetings sister, it¡¯s been quite a long time. You wouldn¡¯t know where mom and dad are, right?¡±


    ¡®He even sounds like he¡¯s right on the cusp of puberty! I know our parents are built differently, but a dragon who¡¯s not even nine shouldn¡¯t grow up this quickly¡¯


    ¡°Sorry bruv¡­ yo Asmodeus? You any idea?¡±


    I don¡¯t know what it is but I can¡¯t help but start going intomon lingo around my brothers! me my idiot brother back on Earth, Connor, for my idiocy on this.


    ¡°Heh, wouldn¡¯t worry on that too much sister. They are just spending some personal time with the Underworld couple first¡±


    ¡®So, mother and father get to screw while we¡¯re sorting out all thi-¡­ just forget it Ikarus. We¡¯re nearly sorted now¡­¡¯


    [<If possible when time allows it, Aesa would like it if we could get all the phoenixes together. Might be something that you might like to see Ikarus>]


    And of course, no, we aren¡¯t because Aesa wants something else done. The chances are, we¡¯ll probably have to call a council meeting and figure out all this mundane shit out shortly. There¡¯s no way things can go smoothly when this many Gods be one with us mortals¡­


    ¡®Yeah yeah, put it on the list. You know¡­ there¡¯s something funny I¡¯ve just realized. This could be the grand prophecy. Instead of the me destroying our world, it was always the world of the Gods. Let¡¯s just hope it can¡¯t be interpreted to mean this world is now doomed as well¡­¡¯

 Chapter 219 – Restoring Sound

    Chapter 219 ¨C Restoring Sound


    ----------


    ---Before and after again. Like usual, these obviously aren''t to scale.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°You know¡­ why are we even seeing this? The map I mean¡­ or was this here to begin with?¡±


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s just a representation of ournds Ikarus. Don¡¯t think it matters all that much¡±


    (Garry) ¡°Aye, thess is right. We used maps like this back in the kingdom because urately mapping out mountains and caves is terribly boring work¡±


    (Dionysus) ¡°At least you lot use maps. There¡¯s a reason why so many ces were abandoned in Olympus, we never found a solution to reliably map out portals¡±


    (Marcus) ¡°We do have a map that¡¯s to scale around here somewhere that urately depicts the size of the inds. Other than for shipping purposes, no one really uses it¡±


    Ah, an update to our world map¡­ that¡¯s tremendously out of scale and winds me up just as much as the voices inside my head. Hey, it¡¯s nice to have a representation of how things are developing¡­ just sucks that we don¡¯t have satellites taking images and spying on us from up above. Lesbos Maps or Earth perhaps? We really need a space program or something to visit our moon sometime¡­ maybe someday we will if those books I brought over can now be read. We¡¯ll create our own scientists!


    Anyways,nd wise, the only ind that actually is close to being filled is the first one with the hot springs. Development over there never stops¡­ development doesn¡¯t really stop anywhere on our three inds thinking about it.


    Things have been thriving everywhere in thest five years that we¡¯ve been gone, with even the third ind getting a bridge and being settled. Don¡¯t even ask about the church that has been built to worship the two queens and Princess Aesa, at least the cultists have a hobby I suppose. ording to the map, they live in tents because all their resources went into the statues and the church. Priorities I guess, even Marcus the politician has no idea on these lot at times.


    Forget all that kingdom building crap! As for who¡¯s at the council meeting at our big table that needed a few, most of the usual lot are here with a few exceptions being Nat x Lotte and some heavenly beings mixed in. I really can¡¯t be bothered to go into intricate detail on every single person, this building could do with being expanded with how cramped it is in here. Honestly surprised we didn¡¯te back to an expensive pce built in our name or an extravagant town hall. There ain¡¯t no unauthorized corruption going on around here!


    I do want to point out, Petra¡¯s on myp today as we act as the CEOs of this shtick we¡¯ve all got going on. Definitely not down tock of room and nothing romantic at all.


    ¡°So, back on topic then. The arrangement of the Gods will go in stages and we¡¯ll need people to guide them to the right ces. Any volunteers?¡±


    One of the main things that we¡¯ve been discussing is making sure the right people get to the right ces. Gods affiliated with anything crafting wise will be suited for areas around the mines, or a God associated with turds, then the sewage business! It¡¯s a lot of paperwork which isn¡¯t helped by the fact someone decided to teach people a secondnguage.


    (Penelope) ¡°I¡¯ll happily take anyone who likes magic! They must know I will beat the living shit out of anybody who acts like an idiot though!¡±


    ¡®Takes one to know one considering she¡¯s stroking her pet rock even now¡¯


    (Dionysus) ¡°You can count on me for some of the settling in Ikarus. A good party and a selection of drinks will get a lot of the Gods onboard¡±


    (Uriel) ¡°I¡¯ll offer up my assistance¡­ even though this ce is just as confusing to me¡±


    (Hermes) ¡°Samesss! I¡¯ll be able to adapt quick enough if you give me a few days to explore!¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, I¡¯d offer my hand but couldn¡¯t care less on all that tedious nonsense¡±


    Now scoffing at the demon lord not wanting to take any responsibility, the little birdie up on myp has something she¡¯d like to add. I swear I¡¯m getting a girl boner with her like this, thank fuck I¡¯m not a dude or part futa in a moment like this.


    (Petra) ¡°What about an actual representative for the Gods? Might end up getting chaotic if we have too many opinions floating around¡±


    ¡­


    Surprisingly enough, silence falls when none of the Gods in attendance want to take the burden of leadership. I guess I can now rte to Zeus a bit, no one wants to take responsibility so it¡¯s on us to keep leading unfortunately.


    ¡°Me and Nat can do that for now if you want Petra-sama. We have to be here for a while and my Lor-, Nat¡¯s definitely picked up some things from Desmond¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯ve learnt much Lotte¡­ other than how unorthodox rtionships can sometimes be¡±


    Looks like subus-sama and Apollo are taking that mantle then. It¡¯s still weird to me that Nathan is a God, mainly because I can¡¯t look at him in any other way that the guy who released me from that prison cell years ago. Oh, and his trademark stutter when ites to my parents.


    Oddly enough, this is when Aphrodite joins in the conversation. I¡¯m not joking about the amount of people inside this room, it would be slightly overwhelming if Petra wasn¡¯t here. Maybe that¡¯s why she¡¯s on myp for a change, she could sense my brain starting to itch.


    ¡°Can I ask something if it¡¯s okay? Does anyone know where Hephaestus is hiding? I know he went down here a while ago and I really don¡¯t want to search the entire world. These inds have enough adult stores to make a gal happy as it is!¡±


    Aphrodite asks that, with a somewhat guilty look upon her face and it¡¯s not for the dumb adult storement. I¡¯m not entirely sure on the myths between those two but I can¡¯t imagine they¡¯d hate each other or have an extremely terrible past.


    ¡°He¡¯s far off in the dwarven kingdom alongside Athena, at least that was the case when we were down herest¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Actually Ikarus, Hep-, Jarl Denver should still be in the empire right now¡±


    ¡°Yes, me and Nat left early to make sure things were okay over here, Ikarus-sama¡±


    Ah right, the imminent attack that¡¯s happening. Asmodeus has only shared a detail or two and Nathan has apparently been setting up defences already, not like we really know what¡¯s going to happen. All we can really do is prepare for the worst and we¡¯ll see how that goes.


    ¡°Thanks Nathan, or Apollo? I¡¯ve got ask something¡­ was it you or Helios that liked the sun? That shit is confusing the hell out of me¡±


    That¡¯s a myth that even I¡¯m unsure on. Both Gods have connections to the sun so the fact they are part of the same faction is slightly odd. It¡¯s not like Freyja and Aphrodite where they are Goddesses of the same thing but are connected with different worlds all together. It¡¯s a shame we never got around to visiting Valha or something like that.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­plicated Ikarus. He personifies the sun while I can harness certain aspects of it to use on other things. He wouldn¡¯t be able to harm you in the slightest using his magic though¡±


    ¡®Ah, the perks of fire resistance. Gotta love phoenix DNA¡­ when it¡¯s not overlyplicated and confusing like how fertility is supposed to work¡¯


    ¡°Back to the other conversation then¡­ any reason you want to know where Hephaestus is, Aphrodite?¡±


    ¡°Oh, he is my husband after all Ikarus. It would be pretty bad if we are in the same realm and I don¡¯t try and search for him at least!¡±


    ¡­


    Hang on¡­ Aphrodite is married to Hephaestus? I must¡¯ve missed that on Greek mythology 101. Petra of course can¡¯t help herself, sensing a moment to ask something that I normally would¡­


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, presume you two are in a somewhat open rtionship then?¡±


    ¡°Hehe, not really. It¡¯s just what¡¯s a gal supposed to do when your husband disappears? Not relieve that burning desire for passion?¡±


    ¡®If anything¡¯s burning¡­ she might need to get checked¡¯


    (Penelope) ¡°You know¡­ I think I like this God! She¡¯s funny!¡±


    ¡°I like you two! Anyone who understands the true colour of love is perfect in my books!¡±


    Already knowing Miss Genderbender and the Goddess of love are going to be bad influences on each other, extreme pinkness and the chances of them humping aside, someone else enters the room just as I feel we¡¯re getting really off topic. At least one of three is a nice addition¡­


    ¡°Alright idiots, have you gotten through all the boring shit yet? The cow wanted to know if you have some time for some food¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ hello everyone¡±


    ¡°He-he, keep calling me cow girly boy and you¡¯ll be stuck like that forever!¡±


    All of a sudden, a ck haired Zeki enters the room with a goblin fetishist attached to his waist and behind the toxic couple, a shy but friendly bluebird backs them up. I think Ariza must get lonely because she really needs to stay away from the toxic couple¡­


    ¡°Erk¡­ I hate you, so much¡­ bitch¡±


    ¡°Takes one to know one, girly boy!¡±


    Artemis, who was intent on quietly pestering her brother Nathan, now appears to lose that interest and looks towards Mr Obnoxious with his dryad side hoe. You may be thinking why someone this wild is here for a meeting that was supposed to be professional¡­ hiding from Freyja reasons, I think?


    ¡°Ah, so this is one of the legendary tree spirts? We¡¯ve got so much to talk about, nature and hunting is as dope as hell, isn¡¯t it!?¡±


    ¡°Noooo! I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re the God of nature, I¡¯m going to cut my own ears off if I have to hear more about boring trees! Don¡¯t you dare even start!¡±


    Ria and trees is a match made in the bowels of hell. She can use them to revive herself from but they are the bane of her existence. Get her started on goblins though¡­ the more I think of things, the more pity I have for Zeki.


    (Artemis) ¡°A dryad who doesn¡¯t like nature? The fuck!? Is this bitch broken or something?¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°You know that threesome you owe me cow? I think I¡¯ve found someone suitable¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°W-What!?!¡±


    ¡®And of course, thatment really pisses off Ria¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯re so getting whipped tonight¡­ girly boy. What happened to your desire for gigantic sacks of flesh?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes cow, it¡¯s the personality that matters more. Point being, that wild Goddess knows you¡¯re crazy and that¡¯s attractive. Her being as t as a fried egg means nothing¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m n-not freaking wild! And¡­ I-I¡¯m attractive? And I¡¯m not fucking t!¡±


    ¡­


    You know that exact moment when your soul leaves your body because of this utter stupidity that infects everything around it? Facepalms and eyerolls flow all around the room from the people are have more than one braincell. Don¡¯t ever thing I¡¯m stupid when ites to having people like this around us! It¡¯s like a disjointed family, you have to love them, even if they make you want to rip your hair out.


    ¡°Ariza¡­ how¡¯s things with you anyway? Please, just say anything somewhat normal¡­ I¡¯m begging you!¡±


    ¡°Uh, I think I¡¯m fine Ikarus. Was just speaking with Loki and he reckons he can find a permanent solution to my problem with enough time and wandering this world for ingredients¡±


    ¡°He-he, make sure he makes a duplicate potion for you know who. He really deserves it¡±


    ¡°Erk, cow¡­ you really are trying my patience today¡±


    Trying my best to ignore the anger and teeth grinding between the dryad and Mr Obnoxious, mainly because I¡¯m unsure if it¡¯ll lead to fighting or sex, Ariza has to get more screen time, goddamn it!


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re still seeing the Prince then?¡±


    Blushing, Ariza can¡¯t help but answer before actually speaking. I love being nosey to other people and knowing about what goes on in their love life¡­ except the obvious two that now look to be physically fighting.


    ¡°Uhhh¡­ he visits here every now and then Ikarus, so it¡¯s nice. He still has the wyverns to look after so it¡¯s pretty rare though¡±


    ¡°Erk, that little rat made fourth base with brother years ago orangey! They¡¯d have made runts already if birds and flying rats could mate¡±


    ¡®Fourth base¡­ guess that¡¯s American for sex. Good for Ariza, she¡¯s got herself someone¡­ even if that kid is priceless¡¯


    ¡°Damn it Zeki, why did you have to share that!? It¡¯s personal¡­ I never told anyone what really goes on inside your brain, so don¡¯t share that!¡±


    ¡°E-Erk¡­ sorry brother. Didn¡¯t think¡±


    Not even wanting to know what goes on inside Zeki¡¯s head, probably because he secretly enjoys everything thrown his way, I think it¡¯s best we just end this already. There¡¯s still a load of paperwork Marcus wants us to sign off on and frankly, there¡¯s not too many like that around here. I¡¯d say he¡¯s boring if he wasn¡¯t sleeping with our maid¡­ they better still be shagging. I like the drama of a corrupt politician exploiting his power to convince an innocent maid into his bed¡­ even if Eve is clearly not innocent at all.


    ¡°Heh, shall we continue this another day Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Good call Petra¡­ I am curious on why Ragnar?k aren¡¯t here though¡±


    ¡°Heh, they have slightly different goals to us sister and thus, a representative isn¡¯t needed. They may be good fighters but they can be a little simple at times. After the invasion arrives, they¡¯ll most likely leave and roam the elvennds in search of a new home¡±


    ¡®Ah, just a bunch of Vikings roaming the elven forests in search of¡­ Vind? I can see the appeal if they¡¯re wanting to start afresh. I bet Loki and Freyja will stay though¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°Look cow, orangey wanted us birds so if you have to hang around like a shitty smell, you can stick with us if you zip it!¡±


    ¡°He-he, I¡¯ll be as quiet as a mouse, promise girly boy!¡±


    After we ¡®finished¡¯ that council meeting, I couldn¡¯t help but find some time for Aesa since she wanted to show me the other new ability. After that shitshow where we basically got nothing done except rambling on, it feels good to be somewhere morefortable where we can rx¡­ and ramble on ourselves, I guess.


    Anyways, we¡¯re back in our small but cosy leader¡¯s house and there¡¯s been some changes. Most of which remains the same but it¡¯s almost as if our maid Eve has been making it slightly more fancy in ces. Five years were long enough so some of our stuff must¡¯ve degraded in that time, I actually like what she¡¯s done with the ce.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Right now, me, Aesa and the wife are apanied by the bluebird, an idiotic¡­ idiot and his disgusting dryad who clings to his side like always. I guess she really likes his original Earthen girl body? We¡¯ve already figured out Zeki and gender dysphoria makes little to no sense so the fact he hates this form basicallyes down to Ria being Ria. Also thinks he just prefers having no breasts and a penis. Calling Zeki a she just wouldn¡¯t sit right unless it¡¯s for teasing purposes really.


    Regardless of all this, me and the wife have made ourselvesfortable on the main sofa while everyone takes a seat around us. The reason we¡¯re actually here is because Aesa had something to share about doppelganger and wanted all us birds around for some reason.


    ¡°First of all, Aesa would like to examine wife or Ariza. Mr Obnoxious isn¡¯t really needed for this¡±


    ¡°Erk, you¡¯re just as annoying as orangey, fake orangey!¡±


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll go first then Aesa¡±


    cing her hands against the wife¡¯s cheeks and then doing something simr to injecting magic, the urge to get jealous starts to rise except that would be really stupid to do. So, I of course can¡¯t help myself, crossing my arms and snuggling even closer to Petra.


    ¡°Huh¡­ that¡¯s not how I remember it¡±


    ¡°Aesa unfortunately can¡¯t do anything for gaps that have already been erased. Sorry wife, only so much is stored so this alone is the most Aesa can do¡±


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s fine Aesa. It¡¯s better than fine actually¡­ this is the first time I¡¯ve had a conversation with my system in over a century¡±


    ¡°So wait, does this mean your voice is actually back Petra!? Is this huge or what?¡±


    I¡¯m actually not sure really, upgrading doppelganger was definitely worth it if it partially fixes the lifespan of our voices . I can¡¯t be the only one who thinks this is a little anticlimactic.


    ¡°Heh, somewhat Ikarus. It¡¯s a little different than before¡­ she sounds just like you though¡±


    ¡®Great¡­ Petra literally has my voice inside her freaking head now! That¡¯s not creepy at all¡¯


    ¡°Aesa had to make some tweaks to get around theplications, only preserving 64% of the original personality. Apologies again wife¡±


    ¡°Heh, stop apologizing Aesa, it¡¯s good. You know¡­ she¡¯s telling me some stuff I never knew about you Ikarus? That you actually enjoy wearing pink and frilly clothing? And there was a time back on Earth you wished you were female?¡±


    ¡°H-Hold up, that¡¯s freaking horseshit! Aesa, j-just what the hell did you tell it!?¡±


    ¡°Aesa already told Ikarus there wereplications with wife¡¯s system. This may be rted. Although, it could also be wife teasing as well¡±


    Despite now being happy the wife gets to join the life of us with voices inside our heads, it¡¯s slightly bittersweet considering her original voice¡¯s personality seems to be gone for good. For her sake, I¡¯m slightly sad on it¡­


    Don¡¯t even listen to the shit Petra¡¯s voice is spewing, h-heh¡­ erm. My stuttering has nothing to do with anything! Just surprised it¡¯se out with something like that. Maybe there was a time as a guy I was curious what it would be like as the other gender but, isn¡¯t that the same for everyone? The long hair and the fact I looked feminine had absolutely nothing to do with it, I swear!


    Anyways, Aesa moves onto a somewhat confused looking Ariza and does the same thing again while I try my best to not hate the voice now inside the wife. Telling her shit like that, I can¡¯t help but pout.


    Once Aesa¡¯s done her thing, our bluebird has a much different reactionpared to the wife. Is it weird I¡¯m calling Ariza a bluebird now? I think it¡¯s fitting for how sweet she is, still can¡¯te up with a suitable nickname for Petra and bird species won¡¯t work for her. ckbird, crow or raven, really doesn¡¯t sound all that cute considering how dark and silky her hair is.


    ¡°Uh¡­ Laura!?! You know what¡¯s going on? How many fingers have I got holding up?


    Ariza puts up both her hands and shows six fingers and two thumbs, all the while smiling like a dope.


    ¡°Uh huh, thumbs don¡¯t count¡­ you actually got it! I¡¯m so proud of you! Thank you Aesa, thank you, thank you!¡±


    Clearly going through a range of emotions, Ariza looks close to forming tears because of the happiness she¡¯s feeling. Not entirely sure why having a nagging voice in your head is that big of a deal¡­


    [<Remember Ikarus, Aesa can install suicidal package if such a thing is desired>]


    ¡®Yeah yeah Aesa. You know I¡¯m kidding¡­ and I also remember the fact you like being my robotic wife!¡¯


    [<Aesa was drunk when that was spoken, Aesa takes it back>]


    ¡®Now backtracking and lying, are you? You know how easy it would be to convince the wife I¡¯m tired of sharing her with you? Just think about that¡¯


    [<Aesa¡­ thinks she should probably shut up now. Ikarus has finally be evil to the core despite Aesa¡¯s best efforts to keep her on the right path>]


    ¡®A system that thinks with its loins rather than its head, no wonder you failed Aesa¡¯


    ¡°¡­No no Laura, it¡¯s nothing to worry about, we all know deep down Zeki likes that stuff¡­ thanks! I forgot I still had that ability¡±


    ¡°Erk, the fuck did she just say about me brother!? Don¡¯t ignore me, answer the question!¡±


    Ariza continues to smile speaking to her voice which makes all of us happy inside, all except Zeki because even the sweetest of phoenixes has a voice that causes him torment.


    She has always been the one phoenix out of us all that must be protected at all costs, funny how she arguably has the most questionable system considering how sweet she is. What¡¯s worse, controlling minds and bending people to your will, or nuking entire civilizations? Eh, Zeki¡¯s is made around burning people, and Petra¡¯s is a mix of swordy and hellfire so I guess we¡¯re all somewhat questionable.


    ¡°Fake orangey¡­ is there anyway of permanently shutting up a voice? I¡¯d have drilled this bastard out years ago if I could¡­ fuck you too!¡±


    Sighing at what looks like Zeki¡¯s getting insulted from inside, I really wish we could talk to his voice and get a different perspective. Because you know damn well, Zeki¡¯s always going to be in the wrong!


    ¡°All phoenixes excluding Ikarus, grab onto Aesa for a second and she¡¯ll gift you something. The systems may not like it but it may potentially prove useful someday¡±


    Doing as asked even if Zeki looks reluctant as hell, the other three phoenixes in this room grab onto Aesa, despite not knowing what¡¯s going to happen next. You know¡­ it may technically be five phoenixes in this room if Aesa¡¯s status is anything to go off¡­ but then again, real phoenixes can¡¯t be scanned so maybe not. Ignore my inner monologing quickly!


    ¡®Is she giving them our doppelganger as wel-¡­ no, I guess it¡¯s not the same. This is quite strange though¡¯


    Instead of forming in as clones of the other three birds which was what I was expecting, three shadows or silhouettes begin to form alongside the other birds. I guess it is a form of doppelganger in some ways.


    <Heh, this is quite the experience. I¡¯m not starting to blush or anything, am I?>


    ¡®So, Petra¡¯s voice is a mix of me and her. That¡¯s not weird at all¡¯


    <If possible¡­ could we braid Zeki¡¯s hair quickly? Uh, he would look so sweet like that>


    Not even giving it a second to think, Zeki tries his hand at taking down his shade, only to punch through it like it¡¯s made of steam. Even I didn¡¯t think that would work, can¡¯t help but shake my head as well.


    ¡°Erk, why won¡¯t you just fucking die already!?! I don¡¯t need you!¡±


    <I don¡¯t need you as well idiot! Why I was assigned to you by those oute-¡­>


    Suddenly, all three shades get absorbed back into the original bodies, shocking all of us apart from Aesa. Petra less so because does she ever looked shocked? The only time she does is when I take the lead in our rtionship.


    ¡°Hold up¡­ the fuck was that he just said?¡±


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ apologies Ikarus. For programming reasons, Aesa cannot say. The same thing applies to all systems and designation number five in particr will now be punished severely, Or, Zeki¡¯s system for short since Zeki still hasn¡¯t named it¡±


    ¡°Erk, why the fuck would I ever name that idiot? Motherfucker actually tried to get me to read Shakespear from orangey¡¯s Earth haul! As if I¡¯d ever consider reading anything that doesn¡¯t have guns and explosions in it!¡±


    ¡®The fact I can somewhat rte to Zeki on reading literature like that makes me realize¡­ I need to better myself¡¯


    Despite now knowing there¡¯s something Aesa isn¡¯t revealing, surprisingly enough, I¡¯m not all that fussed. We¡¯ve already figured out why us phoenixes came into this world and the slight amount of biology behind us, honestly don¡¯t even care about the people who apparently assigned our voices to us.


    It¡¯s probably some God¡­ or, those powerful beings that restricted me back on Earth and made me a demon lord. With the number of coincidences in this world, it wouldn¡¯t surprise me if there¡¯s some simple and easy connection like that. Already said I really don¡¯t care though.


    ¡°You named your voice Petra or are you sticking with what it used to be?¡±


    ¡®Did Petra tell me what her voice used to be called? I kinda feel bad if she did and I¡¯ve forgotten¡¯


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m thinking either Ikra¡­ or Petrus. Ikra does sound better though¡±


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ because it¡¯s a mix of our names, right?¡±


    ¡°Heh, correct Ikarus. It¡¯s a little strange but your voice can never be beat. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything she won¡¯t say as well, it¡¯s wonderful¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®So great. Now, I¡¯ve got topete with Aesa, the Ikarus plushie, and the incriminating voice inside my wife¡¯s head. What foul sin did Imit to justify such an unjust fate? Maybe kicking an angel wasn¡¯t the way to go, this is just karma rolling back around¡­¡±

 Chapter 220 – First Wave

    Chapter 220 ¨C First Wave


    ¡°Heh¡­ whatcha doing Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Ikarusss¡­ don¡¯t ignore me. I¡¯ll get your attention one way or another¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡®Already know the silent treatment isn¡¯t going to wor-, d-damn it! Is she trying to get me to kiss her? Don¡¯t you be touching there!¡¯


    For thest few days since we¡¯ve returned, we¡¯ve been nonstop working making sure the defence is secured and getting the Gods to the correct ces they need to. For some that can fight, it¡¯s less challenging as they can just join our military. For the other faceless lot, most have no intentions of fighting. They can still support the war effort but just in a different capacity I suppose.


    Quick example being someone like¡­ ah, Pan, Hermes¡¯s son. He¡¯s basically a shepherd and would have no use to anything but tending sheep. He strangely enough looks part goat but we¡¯ve got beastkin already over here so that matters little.


    Another lesser known one being Iris, the Goddess of rainbows. Not entirely sure what use she can provide because she can¡¯t create pots of gold at the end of them unfortunately. Apparently, she once served Hera as a messenger but has no discernible backstory? There¡¯s over a hundred more of these sorts of Gods and Goddesses all around the ce, so much so you forget most of their names. Also met the Gods of sewage and turds as well, he was a right shifty fellow¡­ heh.


    Anyways, as for the situation I¡¯m currently, that being prodded, pinched and groped by the wife, I¡¯m standing up on a defensive wall overlooking the channel between here and the maind as one of the scouts. You can call it an excuse for getting away from the political side of things. Chilling with the troops isn¡¯t so bad for something rxing to do though. Albeit, the awe in our soldiers eyes can get tiresome pretty quickly.


    Petra herself is clearly shirking her duties toe pester me while I¡¯m clearly turning into the professional phoenix out of us! Not like I dislike the attention, it¡¯s just that she needs to find a hobby¡­ so do I but that¡¯s beside the point!


    ¡°Heh¡­ yummy¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Continuing to ignore her, she changes from the groping to something that even I can¡¯t ignore, nibbling against my ear. She¡¯s so annoyingly loveable, I can¡¯t stand it!


    ¡°O-Ohe on Petra! Can¡¯t I have five minutes to myself?¡±


    ¡°Heh, do you want to be left alone Ikarus? Just say the words and I¡¯ll go¡±


    ¡®Huff¡­ as if I¡¯m calling that bluff¡¯


    Continuing to stand on duty with Petra losing her interest in being a pest slightly, she seems to get a slight glint in her eyes when a questiones to mind.


    ¡°You know¡­ what the deal with you and Brooklyn anyways? I know that you sometimes dislike yourself Ikarus, it¡¯s just that it doesn¡¯t seem healthy if it¡¯s hatred¡±


    Petra abruptly asks that that unfortunately gets my attention fully away from guard duty. I¡¯m all for asking the tough questions, but when the foot is on the other shoe, it¡¯s difficult. The hug into my back Petra is giving me helps though, breasts are always great, even smaller ones.


    ¡°I could ask the same thing wifey. For some reason, you seem obsessed with my ol¡¯guy body. What, my girliness not good enough for you now?¡±


    I jest but she definitely has a weird fixation on wanting to get ¡®Brooklyn¡¯ in the bedroom. I know that she¡¯s bisexual and all but do we really need to ruin the yuriness we¡¯ve got going on over here?


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s nothing like that Ikarus. It¡¯s just sometimes¡­ it seems like you can be your own worst enemy. Maybe getting in touch with your old self might help a little?¡±


    ¡­


    I can¡¯t help but pause and stumble when like usual, she speaks wisdom even if I don¡¯t want to hear it. There¡¯s self-deprecating humour but at times, I think even I go too far with my own nder. Maybe Brooklyn is just a stark reminder of a past best left forgotten? Believe it or not, this has nothing to do with thepletely necessary third leg fear I¡¯ve still got. He always was a small and shy fe¡­ I really need to stop now.


    ¡°Eh, maybe someday. It¡¯s not like I have any real need for it though, this body is perfect for me¡­ and hopefully you as well¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯ll always be perfect Ikarus, even if you end up as a head in a jar. So¡­ you¡¯re fully onboard with staying female? Even if I up my game and make sure to make you as pink and feminine as possible?¡±


    ¡­


    Not even giving her the acknowledgment despite being curious on what shenanigans she can evene up with now, my attention switches when something steadily flies into range across the sea¡­


    ¡°Oh shit¡­ that better be a flock of birds, right Petra?¡±


    ¡°Maybe Ikarus, wyverns can be that size¡­ they might be a little small and white to be wyverns though¡±


    Spanning across the mountainous horizon is hundreds, maybe thousands of white winged creatures, all gliding towards the Lesbos inds. Me and wifee unstuck for a second at the sight, we both seem to know just who or what the flying creatures are. Asmodeus needs a beating for this.


    As they gradually get closer, most appear to be wielding weapons so their intent is clean. Whether it be down to revenge or wanting to finally rid the world of evil, it matters little to us. All angels must die¡­ except Uriel¡­ even if she was probably Leone.


    Before we even have the chance to do anything, air raid sirens begin to scream all around as clearly, we¡¯re not the only people to see the attackers. Looks like our defence force are capable enough to detect danger. Let¡¯s see if they can withstand it as well.


    ¡®It¡¯s time to get down to business¡­¡¯


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°All of you, don¡¯t get involved in a fight you have no chance of winning. This is between me and him¡±


    ¡°Bah! You think you stand any chance brother!? Stand down and get out of my way unless you want to be crushed!¡±


    Deep in the Underworld, right at the hellish gates of Tartarus, a terrible scene rattles inside this dungeon, as the brothers of Olympian legend square off against each other.


    Master Hades stands strong against his brother as I try to back him up, yet, despite the outweighing brilliance of my master, I can¡¯t see him pushing back his brother as the overwhelming strength is enough to put the strongest of Gods into the ground. Even I can¡¯t get close enough tounch a swing, despite my weapon having a reach that surpasses a spear.


    ¡°You too Thanatos, your scythe is practically useless against him¡±


    ¡°Bah, let me pass brother! Or I¡¯ll personally make sure this world of yours ceases to exist¡±


    ¡°You dare threaten me in my own realm? You may have lost your world but this ce will never fall, even if my own blood is spelt. You have no control down here Zeus¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that!¡±


    I try to back Master Hades off only to get pushed away into where the other defenders of the Underworld remain. Me, the fury sisters or the Erinyes, the three headed dog Cerberus, sleepy Hypnos, too many to count yet none of us stand a chance of supporting our master. The power they let out pushes all but the strongest away.


    ¡°Let¡¯s handle this quickly so I can get back to sleep! Nightmares don¡¯t defeat themselves, you know¡±


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Kharrrr¡­¡±


    Even brother Charon has taken a break from his ferrying to lend and, but none of us can get close to the extreme power tossing everyone aside. Mistress Persephone is also with us, unable to return to her husband¡¯s side, not even holding her famous smile, as the two men try to destroy each other with their own two hands.


    Other than the rulers of this ce, most of us have a rtion of sorts as Mother Nyx has her eyes in every nook and cranny of thisnd of the dead. If only she were here to lend a hand, then maybe things wouldn¡¯t look so bleak.


    Even Cerberus, the three headed dog himself has tried to bite down and rip Zeus to shreds, only to be kicked unconscious. Poor dog, he deserves better that to be treated like a rabid mutt.


    More explosions follow as both men try to strangle each other, power backfiring as the sheer anger crashes into each other over and over again.


    Like our prayers have been answered, Mother Nyx forms and arises, right in the middle of the battle alongside the two world ending dragons. If we have any chance to hold him back and possibly defeat the God that rules all, now is the chance! Zeus may be strongest but there is a reason why he¡¯s always been afraid of mother¡­


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    All of us siblings and Underworld defenders take this opportunity, only to be forcibly pushed back by Mother Nyx herself.


    ¡°My children, this isn¡¯t a battle for you to worry about so please¡­ stand back¡±


    Mother Nyx has resilience and determination none of us are able to match so if she believes we¡¯re not worthy, then so be it. I was always meant for bringing souls who have departed their mortal vessels peacefully back to the Underworld so, I may be out of my depth here. Beingbelled as the grim reaper has always been a fa?ade mortals created because death is a concept they have yet failed toprehend.


    <You two idiots haveplete ownership of this ce, yet, he¡¯s able to break in this easily? Was this not a dungeon which is yours tomand?>


    <Dermakvar! Not the time for undermining them!>


    (Hades) ¡°This ce is ours tomand! You underestimate just how absurdly powerful Zeus is, ancient dragon¡±


    Things start to spiral even more out of control as Zeus switches his attention to my mother, the Goddess of the night, forming Poseidon¡¯s trident and trying to pierce her with it.


    Using her darkness, mes begin to envelop both of them but Zeus just simply just shrugs it off and walks through the hellfire. The smell of burning flesh lingers in the ashy air so he clearly is using a mix of anger and adrenaline to power through it.


    ¡°Bah, step away Nyx or face my full wrath. I assure you; it¡¯ll be your children that suffer most¡­ the same thing applies to you lizards¡±


    ¡°You enter a world in full view of these two all-knowing eyes and yet, you stand there like a petnt child who has to have his way. Do not tempt the full wrath of Chaos, especially in a ce like this¡±


    ¡°Always were the false prophet, weren¡¯t you? You no longer hold that immense power so I no longer fear you Nyx!¡±


    <Darling, calm yourself and ignore him. He won¡¯ty a hand on them>


    <¡­>


    The power that explodes from Zeus¡¯s provocation of Mother Nyx and the dragon is insane, throwing all of us not strong enough to withstand it an entireke away. Only she, Zeus, and the two dragons are able to stand it, as even Master Hades himself is unable to hold back the force.


    The dragons try to help but only find Mother Nyx refusing their help as well. This really isn¡¯t going well.


    ¡°Bah, I¡¯m not here to wipe you all out! What I¡¯m here for is that one soul that dared to try and escape my grasp when the heavens copsed. I WILL NOT BUDGE ON THIS!!!¡±


    Again, power crashes against both fighters as the sheer force shakes Tartarus. Every punch causes a chain reaction that would destroy even the strongest of mortals in the vicinity.


    ¡°Trespassing is a sin you should¡¯ve learnt eons ago; you are not wee here so leave¡±


    Instead of continuing to rage, Zeus finds an opening on Mother and crashes down the trident right into one of her breasts. Then, electricity begins to charge and all our surroundings begin to rock, forcing us weaker lot to stumble or fall again.


    Suddenly, an explosion rocks between the two of them and in the embers of ash and static, only one fighter remains but is bleeding profusely.


    ¡°*Cough cough*¡­ apologies my children, it looks like age is finally catching up with me. Even Chaos itself would find a challenge against such a foe. I could only send him a short distance away¡±


    Spluttering blood, Mother must¡¯ve forcibly sent him to somece else down here so we have a chance to recover and not end up being impaled on that stolen weapon. Zeus must¡¯ve nned for this because his usual lightning bolt normally needs some ess to the sky to work. Down here in Tartarus, there is no such thing so a powerful conduit was needed. Poseidon alongside Master Hades were always unable to hold him back if he sets his mind to something.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done more than enough Nyx¡­ we can only hope that soul knows how to hide. It¡¯s likely he will find and revive it though¡±


    <Will Hades exin to us why that soul is so important? We want to help but we need more to go off>


    <Darling is right¡­ apart from the helping bit. We could understand if it either little or littlest one¡¯s souls were in danger, that soul cannot be of such importance>


    ¡­


    Silence and ufortableness fill the hellishndscape as no one seems to be able to answer why Zeus is so desperately in search for that soul.


    ¡°Sorry ancient dragon, we don¡¯t actually know. This one hasn¡¯t appeared on any paperwork, nor did we hear about its arrival after the heavens fell. It¡¯s almost as if it doesn¡¯t exist¡±


    ¡°My Hades is right. This isn¡¯t the first time Zeus has came down here looking in c-¡­ huh. Could it be that?¡±


    Mistress Persephone seems to have regained her smile when returning to her husband¡¯s side but also looks to be thinking heavily on something. Has she figured out what the connection is?


    (Kell) <What is Persephone?>


    ¡°The phoenix Petra, I remember she asked something about her mother¡¯s soul whenst down here. Kell, could it be rted?¡±


    While those few are chatting together, the rest of us servants and siblings tend to Mother Nyx¡¯s wounds and dare not interrupt or eavesdrop an important conversation the leaders are discussing. This isn¡¯t our ce.


    Her care for other¡¯s can never be understated so receiving the same treatment has to be priority. Back in those Olympian games, she purposely lost to Hermes so she wouldn¡¯t have to bring any harm to those who don¡¯t deserve it.


    My reason for being up there was down to the master. If Master Hades hadn¡¯t asked me to keep an eye on things and report back on what was going on, I never would¡¯ve dared entered that show. Ares himself makes my skin crawl.


    (Thanatos) ¡°Mother, may I ask something¡­ about the dragons¡±


    Unknown to all of us is why the two dragons of legend ended up down here. Shouldn¡¯t they be where their two children are?


    ¡°*Cough*¡­ it¡¯s fine my child. Presumably, the demon knew I had to be woken? I was deep in sleep when they arrived and informed me of the chaotic situation unfol-¡±


    The Goddess of the night has always been a heavy sleeper and it¡¯s her biggest weakness. It¡¯s unfortunate but slightly humorous how that segues into what interrupts her.


    ¡°*Snoring*¡±


    Cutting everybody off, it appears Hypnos and Megaera have both been tuckered out from the brief encounter and choose to hug and sleep together. I¡¯d give them credit because the brimstone is supposed to burn and itch to the touch, they really look peaceful considering just how hellish this ce is supposed to be.


    ¡°Bah¡­ those two idiots really need lecturing about their duties. I¡¯m bing too soft on you all¡±


    <I remember Ikarus said something about a special drink that keeps one awake? What was it called again?>


    <She called it coffee darling¡­ say. Didn¡¯t she once say a friend of hers is stuck serving time down here? Whatever that means?>


    ¡­


    Most of us looking around confused, everyone excluding Mother Nyx and the sleepyheads seem to be confused on the words the ancient dragon speaks. Ikarus, the phoenix who fought with us in the rebellion has a friend down here stuck? Who could that be?


    (Nyx) ¡°*Cough cough*¡­ it appears you¡¯ve all forgotten about the child imprisoned inside this realm itself. Does the Dionysus recement refresh your memory?¡±


    Almost instantly, Hades¡¯s face drops as depressed as I¡¯ve ever seen. I wouldn¡¯t worry about it too much because his business is handling the dead, not dealing with prisoners who are still alive¡­ unless he¡¯s now starved to death of course. That¡¯ll save me a trip moving his soul along¡­ although that might not be considered peaceful.


    ¡°Bah, shit! The beastkin that was servant to the demon¡­ Geld it think? You Erinyes were keeping him fed, correct? I reckon with Zeus¡¯s influence in the heavens copsing, his cell should just open up. Not sure how we¡¯re going to send him home though¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Ikarus, to the left!¡±


    ¡°I see them Petra! Let¡¯s go burn some shit¡±


    Angels, hundreds of angels, getting closer and closer to our inds by the second and joined with the wife, we¡¯re on the hunt.


    From above, we can see our prey pping their wings, not having a clue what¡¯s above them like a bunch of idiots. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ve done something like this before but the solution still holds some merit, no one looks above them when traversing the skies like a hunter bird searching for prey. There will always be something deadlier higher up¡­


    Just as we¡¯re about to pounce on our prey and me grill their arses, Apol-, I mean¡¯s Nathan¡¯s air defence system kicks in and javelins begin to fly true, homing in on their targets.


    All around the three inds, a dozen or so extending poles have been set out away from buildings that fire upon any who dare show ill intent towards ournds. These pirs fire javelin like spikes, simr to the ones back in Olympus but much weaker in power. They still can split an angel in two though and that¡¯s what we¡¯re seeing, our kills being stolen by the second.


    Unfortunately, the group we were aiming for may be wiped out but many other angels manage to break through our first line of defence. These temporary artefacts he¡¯s set up do have restrictions and due to the haste of getting them sorted, they aren¡¯t perfect. Reloading is a major concern and the coverage isn¡¯t great, they still pack a punch though.


    The weather also isn¡¯t helping as a rapid storm has just hit the coast. Thunder, rain and lighting falls all around. I just hope it¡¯s a coincident and unrted to this current attack. For the life of me, I can¡¯t see Zeus or Poseidon working with angels so the weather must be a bad coincidence¡­ right?


    ¡°We¡¯re losing too many righ-, there! Look up above, we¡¯re under attack!¡±


    ¡°Aargh!¡±


    Sweeping in from down above at the few who have noticed us, me and Petra spray me all over those who get a glimpse of our fluffy bodies. You may be thinking how our magic works in the rain, you just need to more magic in it and it¡¯ll burn like normal¡­ for a bit. The rain is going to put the fire out but the initial heat works a charm for fried angel wings.


    And surprisingly enough, the cover of the storm provides an ample distraction for us to break through this remaining group with no witnesses. Now behind the enemies lines, they won¡¯t know what hit them.


    ¡®These fuckers are going to have fun finding out a genuine demon lord ising in from behind¡­ that sounds so freaking stupid¡­¡¯

 Chapter 221 – Civilized Invasion

    Chapter 221 ¨C Civilized Invasion


    ¡°We mean you citizens no harm! Our intentions only involve the two demons that dare to live down here¡±


    ¡°The traitor Uriel as well, she must also be purged! On this, we cannot negotiate!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget the dragon who messed up brother Raphael. The wife who married her daughter should also be punished¡±


    ¡®Nice and slowly Ikarus¡­ don¡¯t screw this up¡¯


    We look at a standoff between arge group of angels and our militia while me and Petra quietly sneak up to the unaware beings, using the cover of the shadows to full effect¡­ and invisibility so the shadow part is irrelevant. Point being, we¡¯re being extra quiet as we get ready to pounce.


    Despite the fact these winged idiots are attacking our settlement, they¡¯re doing it in quite the calm and ordered manner. Civilian casualties won¡¯t be an issue and it seems like they¡¯re willing to allow anybody free pass as long as they aren¡¯t wielding weapons.


    Problem is¡­ we¡¯ve got three inds full of fanatics. In this situation, our forces also outnumber them ten to one and have weapons as well. See the problem?


    ¡°How dare you step foot in thends belonging to the queens!¡±


    ¡°Yeah! This is our home so you can go shove it!¡±


    ¡°Rip them to pieces and tear out their spleens!¡±


    The standoff quickly turns to full blownbat just as me and Petra get into shing range, as our citizens just cannot help themselves. It takes basically nothing for them to go mad and start to attack every white winged bastard in sight.


    Blood begins to stter as me and Petra take the opportunity to join in, both of us slitting throats as we makend our sneak attacks.


    ¡®Should really say something cool like¡­ you adopted the dark but we were born in it. It¡¯s a shame I purposely have to be cringe now because it doesn¡¯te naturally anymore¡¯


    ¡°Wha-¡­ It¡¯s the demon lover! She just killed brothe-, argh!¡±


    I continue to remain invisible as Petra reveals herself and goes ham, spraying hellfire and letting her sword go flying still in the pouring down rain.


    I can¡¯t help but smile as the angel blood and heads begin to fly, this is even sweeter than usual because these lot are demon racists! I¡¯m more than justified to enjoy their suffering¡­ I better not turn into Asmodeus because my smile might look a little like his evil one.


    Sneaking around, I creep up on another target and stab! Excalibur pierces his torso causing him to copse immediately.


    ¡®Okay, this upgrade was definitely worth it. These feathery idiots haven¡¯t a clue!¡¯


    We¡¯re clearing through these foes in record time and within a matter of minutes, we must¡¯ve have injured or killed more than half of their forces, continuing the same approach of using our fanatics, and Petra as bait. They seem too reluctant about attacking themon people and we¡¯re using that to full effect¡­ it¡¯s almost as they¡¯re the good guy¡¯s or something.


    I seriously have no idea why these angels seem so weak though, so much so just us lovebirds and a bunch of untrained soldiers are enough to handle them. Our trained lot and the powerful people that make up thesends haven¡¯t even arrived yet, no one knew where they¡¯dnd so we¡¯re spread thin to cover everything right now.


    Just as my de slices through another unaware angel, the invisibility falters leaving me exposed to the word once again. Immediately, that catches the eye of an angel we have a bit of a history with¡­


    ¡°Heya! Alright Mr Eunuch? How ya doing these days?¡±


    ¡°Gabrial and Micheal¡­ p-protect me!¡±


    ¡°Get behind us brother!¡±


    ¡°We promise, no evil creature will get close to your private area again!¡±


    ¡®Poor guy, literally shaking in his boots behind the two other angels¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Michael | Species: Angel | Level: 500]


    [Health 25,000/25,000]


    [Stamina 23,661/25,000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    [Name: Gabriel | Species: Angel | Level: 500]


    [Health 22,500/25,000]


    [Stamina 22,937/25,000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ---


    [Name: Raphael | Species: Angel | Level: 500]


    [Health 25,000/25,000]


    [Stamina 21,289/25,000]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ¡®Are these really the best the angelic world has to offer? No wonder Asmodeus dealt with most of them by himself, they really are weak¡¯


    There might be something in Asmodeus weakening them, but the fact these few seem by far the strongest out of the angels that are left says it all really. Oh, we¡¯ve already me the blonde angel Gabriel on our first encounter with Mr Eunuch, the ck-haired Michael is a first though.


    Regardless of this, me and Petra approach weapons in hand and get ready for a little stabbing. Might as well warm up our opposition first.


    ¡°Sacrifice yourselves and you may be born ane-, argh! Damned demonic beings!¡±


    ¡°sted foes! Fight honourably and not with that hellfire!¡±


    Both of us begin to spray me all in front of their faces, in return making them desperately try to close up the distance but it matters little. The me burns all to those who haven¡¯t any resistances, and just like before, these angels seem abnormally weak.


    In striking distance, our des crash together against the two angels and their weapons. The sound of metal shes all around as our militia take care of the few remaining angels that haven¡¯t surrendered or died yet.


    While the ck-haired Michael provides a decent enough challenge, it doesn¡¯t take long for Petra to end up in a prime decapitation moment against Gabriel.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you brother Gabriel, we¡¯ll defeat the vile creature and her idiotic lov-, argh!¡±


    Taking the opportunity to protect his brethren, the ball broken angel in the back tries to ambush her. The thing is, even after all the hell he¡¯s endured, he still hasn¡¯t figured out how to protect himself from being kicked¡­


    ¡°Wow¡­ Queen Petra really knows how to teach our enemies a lesson¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s terrifying! I can feel my balls creeping back inside of me seeing that¡±


    ¡°And we all thought Queen Ikarus was the evilest out of the two. They are so perfect for each other!¡±


    ---


    ¡°Damn it woman! This isn¡¯t a FOMO thing; you didn¡¯t need to do that!¡±


    ¡°Heh, he insulted you Ikarus. It¡¯s just karmaing back around¡±


    ¡°*Weeping*¡­ sweet merciful spirt. What have I done to deserve this?¡±


    On the floor holding what¡¯s left of hisher regions, he quickly bes a passing memory as the two we¡¯re fighting go into a suicidal charge after witnessing their brother lose any further chances of reproduction.


    ¡°You demonic bast-, *coughs blood*¡±


    A swift duck and plunge upwardster, Excalibur pierces the side of Michael¡¯s torso and presumable cuts through his heart. And thou said all angels must die¡­ erm. I¡¯m no good at making religious quotes.


    Wiping the blood of my de, the head of the second angel rolls by my feet as it was obvious how she¡¯d go back to what she knows and loves. I only wish she didn¡¯t have to resort to what me and mother have done once before, the wife was supposed to remain pure and innocent goddamn it! Perversion aside, now she¡¯s just as evil as the rest of us.


    In response to seeing the three strongest angels faster, the rest of the forces immediately surrender, giving us quite the dilemma. I don¡¯t think the cultists would mind if we sacrificed them in the name of¡­ well, ourselves.


    I think forcedbour down in the mines seems the best course of action until they see we¡¯re not all like Asmodeus. Don¡¯t think I won¡¯t get medieval of their arses if they dare try anything though.


    Surprisingly, Mr Eunuch, or Raphael still lives but obviously missing a few things very important to what guys tend to have. If he ever gets over his demon hatred, maybe we can get him a job teaching children safe sex or something? Heh, might as well make a joke considering I¡¯ll be surprised if he has anything left down there now.


    ¡®Pfff¡­ figures. We do the work and then everyone shows up¡¯


    As we¡¯re rounding and tying up the survivors, the rest of our forces find us and give some assistance. Or more specifically, the phoenixes, our guards, Penelope and some of the Gods on our side have showed up. Ah, scratch that, basically anyone that can use magic or a weapon is here, excluding my parents and the Underworld of course.


    ¡°Bout time we had some assistance, didn¡¯t feel the need to fight this time around then? Ah, screw it. You lot can do this, I¡¯m tired of people spitting or shaking in their boots from my existence¡­¡±


    Heading over to a small wall to take a seat, Petra joins me and can¡¯t help but sit on top of me despite the fact this wall could sit a dozen people if needed. I¡¯m still disappointed in you woman and no amount of romance will fix it¡­ I¡¯ll just shrug and give her some fake pouting for a while. I¡¯m already getting a girl boner have her on myp like this.


    ¡°Rx orangey, the battle is over. Those stupid pirs knocked most of the winged idiots down¡­ the young dragons also killed some as well. Can I please kill some of the survivors this time around? Or at least torture them? Brother could perform sinister experiments on them like those cool ass scientists!¡±


    ¡°Uh, I¡¯m not doing that Zeki! Just what books have you been reading and teaching?¡±


    ¡°Not teaching brother, only just found some of interesting shit orangey brought back from Earth. You know those scientists used to do weird stuff to twins?¡±


    ¡®Da fuck Zeki!? I didn¡¯t bring back war books so they could be enjoyed and taken as inspiration! Mistakes of the past and all that was my thinking¡­ he¡¯s so unbelievably deranged¡¯


    (Uriel) ¡°My brothers and their idiocy finallyes to a halt. It¡¯s an odd feeling really, I feel no sympathy for what¡¯s happened¡±


    (Penelope) ¡°Don¡¯t throw his idea away just yet! Magical test dummies don¡¯te cheap and these ones fly as well! It¡¯s perfect target practice!¡±


    <¡­?>


    (Minos) <Yeah Mute, you did good so don¡¯t worry about it. The water helped out a lot¡­ Father was always right with this sort of thing. Flesh tastes disgusting>


    ¡®Heh, remember when little ol¡¯Minos wanted to eat the pink people. How the years pass¡­ and the fact he can understand Mute like Petra confuses me as well¡¯


    Despite the nostalgia, I can¡¯t help but stress out a little by the carefree atmosphere around town. A group of a hundred angels or so, flying to ournds and getting obliterate in under an hour? It seems awfully anticlimactic.


    ¡°When did everyone be so na?ve? Also, I¡¯m not giving them any more ammunition so no executions¡­ despite the fact Asmodeus has already made them hate us further. Speak of the devil¡­ is this what you call dealing with them?¡±


    Look, I¡¯m not asking for an invasion that destroys everything we¡¯ve built, it¡¯s just that I¡¯m tired of idiots who recklessly attack ces they have no right or power to deal with. It doesn¡¯t help the demonic dickheades around looking smug when he¡¯spletely missed this battle as well.


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s just them trying to get revenge sister. Did I make it obvious that they aren¡¯t a threat? In most futures, their cathedral gets sent into my poison filled world so we don¡¯t even have to bother with this attack. This was just unlucky and a waste of time¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s another throwaway invasion like with the other¡¯s we already dealt with? I¡¯m going to assume this time, there has to be more?¡±


    This isn¡¯t me red gging things like usual, it¡¯s inevitable we¡¯ve got more to contend with. Like for example¡­ the rest of freaking Olympus! Preparing for angels seems like a distracting side quest that we had no choice but to contend with.


    ¡®Okay, I¡¯ve got to get up now, you wouldn¡¯t thinkp sitting would be dangerous but s, my loins now have a mind of their own¡¯


    ¡°Heh, correct sister. You wouldn¡¯t happen to know the time perhaps?¡±


    Still in the pouring down rain, it¡¯s dark out but knowing the exact time without a clock is pretty damn impossible. You learn to use the sun when working clocks aren¡¯tmon everywhere¡­ you know, this world could use pocket watches. I swear I brought a book back from Earth on something like that.


    ¡°Fuck knows, sometime in the evening perhaps? Why? Are you about to do your thing and tell us something very important is about to happen¡­ a minute from now?¡±


    Sometimes, I can rte with the angels a little with their wish for the deaths of demon lords. Minus myself of course, the day we see the back of this annoying guy, the better. That grin alone always gives him away.


    ¡°Heh, I must be getting really predicable sister. I¡¯d predict an hour rather than a minute though¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡®Right on time, just as he said. No idea how they bypassed all the pirs without being seen¡­ at least the storm has stopped now¡¯


    Right at the dead of night, several robed figures emerge right in front of the backdrop of our three statues. All of which have differing auras and honestly don¡¯t seem to be happy travelling together.


    (Feminine Figure) ¡°Not sure what the point of this is. Nothing is going to change whether we convince them or not¡±


    (Bulky Figure) ¡°I¡¯m telling you sister, it¡¯s not pointless! There has to be a way of making peace¡±


    (Smaller Figure) ¡°I¡¯m with thedy on this, the mkas are set in their ways so what we¡¯re doing is a waste of time. Money is time after all¡±


    Already getting a sense of who at least one of the figures are, the reveal their faces right in full view of us lovebirds and loads of our defence force. Keep in mind, everyone who isn¡¯t wielding an immense amount of power is armed to the teeth, ready to strike at any moment. It doesn¡¯t seem that bad but to those who aren¡¯t strong, the auras around here must seem intense.


    All three of the figures unveil their hoods, all revealing faces we¡¯ve seen before and have a slight history with. The merchant God Plutus, the Goddess of the harvest Demeter, and then one other than makes me instinctively go for my de¡­


    ¡®Is that¡­ Zeus!? He doesn¡¯t seem to have that pissed off aura around him though¡¯


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Bah, I¡¯m telling you if we don¡¯t do anything, then we¡¯ll have another Antis incident on our hands again! We cannot allow another thriving ce to fall to ruin!¡±


    ¡®Antis incident? Might be Poseidon then¡­ should probably make introductions as well¡¯


    ¡°What is the meaning of this!? If you¡¯re looking for our surrender, you and your wyverns can go disappear for all I care¡­ unless it¡¯s refuge you¡¯re seeking. Any and all Gods are wee¡­ except Zeus of course¡±


    Trying my best to act as the imposing leader but failing spectacrly because I can¡¯t help but be flexible with our immigration policy, Demeter steps up to answer, only to sound and tut like an old woman set in her ways. At least she¡¯s better than Hera, even if she is supposed to be our enemy after all.


    ¡°You two need to buck up your ideas and go beg for mercy. Zeus himself¡­ he¡¯s lost and there¡¯s no telling what¡¯ll happen if he doesn¡¯te to his senses. This world is taking a toll on us all, but he¡¯s nning forplete annihtion¡±


    ¡°Demeter, I¡¯m all for trying to cool our brother¡¯s anger, grovelling at his feet will only sate his ego and solve nothing¡±


    ¡°Then how should we solve this problem Poseidon? I don¡¯t see youing up with any ideas¡±


    ¡­


    Silence ensues as even Poseidon can¡¯t figure out a way to make peace. Even if they have some cure all solution, Zeus will end up getting paranoid again and then try to destroy the world. There¡¯s only one way we can end this.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ be thankful Poseidon is too merciful for his own good. If he so wanted to, he could¡¯ve washed all that you¡¯ve built in a spilt second. Be thankful Zeus is having problems getting what he wants, this world is far too modern for him toprehend just yet¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told all of you who are angry and confused, using my power for things like that is not okay! Brother has already tried using my trident for a wave that¡¯ll clean this world anew. We can be more civilized than that¡±


    (Plutus) ¡°You lot have no idea how terrifying and confused he is right now; I¡¯ve even seen him sleeping with his wife again! He¡¯spletely lost the plot¡±


    ¡®Zeus was going to kill us all with a huge wave? First, he tried stealing Hephaestus¡¯s volcano, now this. What is he going to conjure up next?¡¯


    I mean¡­ that seems like a stupid n, no? Couldn¡¯t we just fly over it? It would destroy a lot but with magic in this world, a huge barrier would suffice. It does seem like something he would do, a big statement that makes a point rather than is actually effective. Unless the wave is like the size of Mount Everest¡­ that¡¯s a little scarier now.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it make more sense if you pick a side if your brother is hellbent on destruction? We never intended for things to go this way¡±


    The wife actually asks that, fully embracing her wisdom and trying to convince Poseidon who¡¯s clearly on the fence when ites to decision making. Still can¡¯t forget she¡¯s partially Athena at this point.


    ¡°Look¡­ Petra, was it? I see the point of view of both sides so I will not be involving myself in this fight. Besides, I¡¯m busy¡­ I¡¯ve got a new ocean to expl-, I mean guide over! All I want is a peaceful resolution to this conflict and if that doesn¡¯t happen, I¡¯m not being med. Like the whole thing with Hades again, the idea of throwing him into the Underworld was on Zeus alone!¡±


    I can¡¯t help but sigh and shake my head from Petra¡¯s failed speech check, Poseidon is clearly as stubborn as the rest of the three brothers. Maybe he regrets that fact Hades basically got screwed over when it came to dishing out what region each brother gets? This sort of thing will always remain confusing because every myth or God has a different version of events of what happened. At least it¡¯s consistent with actual Greek mythology then.


    On the bright side, at least we don¡¯t have to worry about potential tsunami¡¯s shaping thend clean if he can restrict the use of his trident. Didn¡¯t Zeus have a weapon of his own though? I thought he used a literal bolt of lightning, maybe that was a little farfetched to wield.


    Already knowing we¡¯re not going to get anywhere with this, Demeter sighs again and wags her finger to get the other two Gods alongside her to return to the wyverns. I can¡¯t help but cross my arms from the rudeness this woman is showing, at least say bye or something first!


    Before leaving though, she can¡¯t help but ask something unrted.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ oh right, I was told to ask about Apollo. Being his favoured child and all, I¡¯m told I¡¯m supposed to bring him back from his vacation? I presume he¡¯s here with you lot¡±


    In the vast crowd of too many faces I don¡¯t care to entertain, Nathan steps up with Charlotte following him from behind. Didn¡¯t even realize they were here since there¡¯s so many people here already¡­ think my moaning had made people more eager to show that they¡¯re actually working or something.


    (Plutus) ¡°It¡¯s been way too long Apollo, look at you changing up your hair. You¡¯ve gone brown, just like me!¡±


    Ignoring the runt, Apollo walks directly up to Demeter and stare her dead in the face. Then, he says something even I didn¡¯t expect.


    ¡°You can tell father¡­ to go fuck himself. Make sure those exact words are spoken¡±


    ¡®Damn Nathan¡­ I miss the innocent prison guard he once was. Even Charlotte backing him up seems shocked¡¯


    (Poseidon) ¡°Oooooo, so even you have turned nephew? Huh¡­ you seem weaker than I rememberst time we met. Let¡¯s hope you all have enough strength to survive the inevitable, I wish you all the best of luck¡±


    And just like that, the trio of Plutus, Poseidon and Demeter leave ournds, flying off into the horizon¡­


    However, just as they fly off into the night, Demeter still can¡¯t help herself but say something else. Old people just like talking for the sake of talking, don¡¯t they?


    ¡°Oh, another word of warning if it isn¡¯t obvious just yet. You¡¯ve pissed off a lot of Gods that¡¯ll now being for your necks. I¡¯d make sure you carry a coin for the ferryman when you all get what¡¯s iing¡­¡±

 Chapter 222 – Second Wave

    Chapter 222 ¨C Second Wave


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°Your majesty, I have urgent news. The city¡­ it¡¯s under attack!¡±


    Just as we¡¯re about to leave the pce, a royal messenger blocks our exit with a steadfast but also concerned aura.


    Me and Athena were just having a drink for the road before we set back off on the long journey home, with the two leaders up on their balcony. I am now technically of age but this feeble beardless body still refuses to heed to mymands. Getting drunk of just a single tankard obviously must be a punishment for a past best left forgotten so my drink was unfortunately¡­ apple juice.


    Don¡¯t even ask what we just were talking about and why we¡¯ve been here so long. Intion and trade prices are always a pressing issue that needs discussing. When the Gods finally arrive down here, there¡¯s going to be serious problem with gold coins flooding the market, so I guess you could say this is preparation for the worst? Not like Desmond and Esmerelda have any idea of this yet though.


    ¡°Report to the emperor guard, what¡¯s the situation?¡±


    Captain Jekyll addresses his kneeling guard, only for him to ignore those orders and give the information to us all.


    ¡°There are dozens of attackers in the market, striking people and wreaking havoc! Most are dressed funny in white robes, but some are also magicians. There¡¯s also something else which is strange going on¡±


    Knowing instantly what this is about, I can¡¯t help but shake my head and return to the emperor. I had wished the idiots in Olympus would at least take some time to prepare and maybe try to adjust to life in this world before trying to take control, guess I give our brethren too much credit. It¡¯s been a long five years but obviously, the two phoenixes must¡¯ve finished this stage of their task if this is now happening.


    ¡®Huh, only dozens and not hundreds fighting? That seems suspiciously low¡­ not too sure what to make of that¡¯


    Right as I¡¯m going to join in and potentially reveal what this may be about, a strong gust of wind nearly knocks us down, as three flying creatures fly right above us. It¡¯s for the best Apollo isn¡¯t here because he¡¯s never been a fan of dragons, even now.


    ¡°Before Des asks¡­ one has no information of this attack or the arrival of thous right in front of us¡±


    Already seeing her husband¡¯s brow raise at the sight of three dragons, the empress can¡¯t help but say something before an assumption is made. I guess she doesn¡¯t get informed at the dragon meetings anymore since bing empress¡­ if that¡¯s even a thing they do. Dragons probably have meetups, even if it¡¯s just to count their dwindling numbers.


    (Yellow) <The idiot Dermakvar promised to protect your kingdom from non-human threats. Since he¡¯s not here to fulfil that request, we¡¯re here to fill in the gaps>


    (Cyan) <Kellearzar¡¯s father, Aardarvar, has taken it upon himself at request of the Vikings to help defend the dwarven kingdom. We¡¯re not even sure why the Gods are attacking, just that we need to get a move on>


    (Pink) <This is going to be sooo boring, Gods are no fun. I¡¯d rather find some mortal to hump>


    ¡®The Norse Gods want to defend ournds? Huh, I know the dwarves worship them but never expected Ragnar?k wanting to give a helping hand¡¯


    Despite not knowing a lot of who these dragons are, I can at least tell the bigger yellow one is the male, and the other two are female. Maybe the smaller pink one is their daughter? Other than the empress and Ikarus¡¯s two parents, not much is known about the mythical beings that even us Gods can¡¯t begin toprehend. That¡¯s something no number of spies or espionage will ever fix.


    ¡°Des¡­ does one have permission to join kin in the festivities of defending capital? If other dragons are needed, than it would be wasteful to waste one¡¯s abilities, no?¡±


    Trying her best to hide the excitement by acting shy, Esmerelda tries to reason with her husband¡¯s empathetic side, only to be seen through instantly. She wants to go destroy some Gods and no amount of cutesy acting will convince Demond.


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ so Es, you get to go screw around while I¡¯m forced to do politics? No can do¡­ we fight together or we don¡¯t fight at all¡±


    ¡°One never said Des can¡¯t join in. Defence of capital should take priority over all¡±


    ¡°True Es. I guess handling those misbehaving always takes precedence¡±


    ¡°Your majesties, I think three dragons should be more than enough so yo-¡±


    (Jekyll) ¡°Quieten it down guard¡­ just let them be¡±


    I can¡¯t help but begin to hold my head at the clear site of a bunch of battle junkies wanting to fight, even if the situation isn¡¯t as dire as the guard first made it out to be. I was all for a good battle back in the days but you tend to outgrow such needs for violence¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s been a since I showed my mortal side, maybe I might get my hands dirty as well¡±


    ¡®Athena wants to fight? That¡¯s unexpected¡¯


    Even my logical sister seems to be interested basking in the ways of the old. Once upon a time, Athena did have a strong interest in war and was appreciated heavily in Olympus. Tacticians have always been favoured but she always knew how to wield a de as well.


    As for why it may seem like I¡¯m caring little about our kingdom also being under attack, dwarves might be the most resilient of species out of them all. You don¡¯t survive a literal volcano erupting right on your front door multiple times without some know how. Point being, if we end up being attacked by some of the more powerful of my kin that can¡¯t be defended by our aerial defences orbat, we¡¯ll just go further underground and wait it out.


    There¡¯s no shame in cowardice when you can watch the elves go extinct¡­ an old expression that unfortunately still floats around the kingdom. Hatred between the species still runs deep but I¡¯ve managed to ease those tensions a little. We do technically trade with the elves after all, stealing their money everyday if you speak to themon dwarf.


    ¡°I guess there are no objections then, care to join us¡­ ¡®Denver¡¯? Or too young and afraid to get your hands dirty?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll sit this one out Desmond. Much prefer arming people than de-arming them if that makes sense¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself. Let¡¯s go spill some blood and limbs then¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡­


    ¡®It¡¯s always the goddamn waiting that hurts¡­ still though. At least we get to spend more time alone with each other, I actually like those quiet moments where both of us have nothing to say¡¯


    Back on guard duty on the coast as me and Petra patiently wait for the inevitable. We¡¯ve been doing this for days now and the waiting around really is getting boring. It¡¯s not like we can sneak off shift to go hump or something¡­ that only happened once and it wasn¡¯t worth it. Both of us used invisibility to sneak off and it turns out, trying to mate while not being able to see the other person is stupid. Visual stimtion is a huge thing after all¡­ why am I even going there?


    Ah, there were even talks about getting the queens fitted in golden suits of armour since we¡¯ve been seen so much recently. That¡¯s NOT happening for plenty of reasons though. Wonder if you can guess what group of people are responsible for that idea?


    ¡°Heh, can we swap Ikarus? Legs are starting to go dead¡±


    ¡°Sure sure¡­ I thought Asians liked numb legs anyway?¡±


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m not a samurai Ikarus. Never understood that kneeling thing personally¡±


    Swapping on who gets to sit on who¡¯sp, Petra always provides a good distraction but there is always the issue of liking her soft but firm bottom too much. That numb legment is because of that sitting position on your knees that absolutely sucks.


    While Petra¡¯s getting herselffortable, much to my dismay of course, rms start to ring from behind us but that wouldn¡¯t make much sense. There¡¯s nothing in front of us apart from the mountains across the channel, not a single boat or winged creature in sight so this must be a mistake¡­ unless. They¡¯reing out from the mines like with what happened with the demons but even then, we made preparations for that as well.


    ¡®False rm or something serious? Regardless, should probably go check¡¯


    Both of us get into our feathery bodies, then head off in search of the rogue rms. Very quickly as we glide across the ind, the rms get louder and more frequent as the entire area sounds like a world war air siren. Those rms really get everyone¡¯s attention and sound scary as hell.


    ¡®Oh shit¡­ things have gone zero to a hundred real fast. Poor cultists¡¯


    Getting to the marketce as fast as two winged creatures possibly can, shit¡¯s really hit the fan as this is something I feel like we should¡¯ve prepared for¡­ even though I don¡¯t know how we could¡¯ve. The mines we blocked off and we¡¯re under a military lockdown, this shouldn¡¯t have happened.


    Down and around us, the market is in disarray as a chaotic battle between the Gods and our citizens goes down. Buildings crumbling, magic and arrows flying all around, human bodies littering the ce, I can¡¯t even make out who¡¯s who as things are just that chaotic. Even our golden statues are now bing ckened and bloodied with all what¡¯s going the ce.


    All of it originating from an arched portal, centred between the statues. When and how did that get there?


    ¡°Of course they arrived using a portal¡­ how the hell did it even get here though? Did those visitors set this up?¡±


    Locked inbat among the crowd of fighters, Asmodeus finds the time to answer as me and the wife fly in,nding and crushing a couple of Gods as we make our entrance. Also, it appears best friend Dio is by his side backing him up as they swing their des right into the back of an unknown Goddess¡­ we are all for equality around here it seems.


    ¡°You can me the God of speed and the Goddess of witchcraft for that sister. Both of them have a history with portal mak-¡­ too slow Olympian God¡±


    Literally ducking under an iing de, I can¡¯t help but find it¡¯s funny how unattached to this battle Asmodeus actually is. It¡¯s making me think there¡¯s nothing to worry about but then again, the demonic dickhead has a history of being vague and downying things. This might be ourst day of existing!


    ¡°He¡¯s talking about Hermes and Hecate if it¡¯s not obvious Ikarus. They both worked together on creating portals that could be essed at lightning speed¡±


    ¡°But wait, Hermes is supposed to be on our side¡­ isn¡¯t he?¡±


    (Dio) ¡°He is Ikarus. Hecate must¡¯ve had some portal kits left over¡­ damn¡±


    Dionysus receives a slicing cut to the stomach, forcing him to retreat a little and go for more of a distance approach, using that purple hangover magic of his to full effect.


    Many of the attacking Gods look to be dizzy but because of the still raging battle, you can¡¯t really tell that much of what¡¯s going on. Things are just that hectic right now.


    ¡®That looks like it hurt¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Dionysus | Species: Olympian | Level: 650]


    [Health 46,193/50,000]


    [Stamina 23,912/30,000]


    [Magicka 44,924/50,000]


    [Name: Asmodeus | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]


    [Health 160,429/166,666]


    [Stamina 162,052/166,666]


    [Magicka 124,901/166,666]


    ---


    [Name: Derrick | Species: Human | Level: 54]


    [Health 2,090 /3,000]


    [Stamina 2,138/2,400]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    [Name: Eiden | Species: Elf | Level: 62]


    [Health 2,500/2,500]


    [Stamina 2,593/3,000]


    [Magicka 883/1,700]


    [Name: Tyrone | Species: Human | Level: 31]


    [Health 421/1,500]


    [Stamina 929/1,600]


    [Magicka 0/0]


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    [<And literally dozens more that Aesa has to filter for the viewer>]


    ¡®My eyes! This is why status scans suck inrge scale battles!¡¯


    [<Aesa really needs to install a patch to how many targets can be seen at once>]


    Despite it seeming like me and Petra are purposely trying to sit this fight out and me now having a migraine, she¡¯s already switched form and widely swinging her de decapitating any who stand before her. Why I haven¡¯t joined it just yet is for one simply reason¡­ and it¡¯s not to admire her handiwork.


    There has to be a more efficient way of killing then just resorting to this. Even though we seem to be holding up with additions like the batshit crazy Penelope now joining the battle, we¡¯re losing countless soldiers by the seconds. The regr folk don¡¯t stand a chance against Gods.


    Avoiding friendly fire or not, nuking our own civilization sounds ludicrous. If you need someone to wipe out a city clean, then I¡¯m your gal but this doesn¡¯t make use of my abilities at all. Last resort can be nuking them all again but I¡¯d rather have a ce to sleep at the end of the day¡­ if these fuckers destroy our home, I may be unstable. Oh well, the market is already in tatters already, what¡¯s the problem with making everyone homeless anyway?


    <Die you bastards! How dare you attack sister¡¯s town!>


    <¡­!>


    While I¡¯m still pondering on what to do, two dragons swoop down and the brown one in particr starts ripping off limbs while the navy one fires water knocking a load of them down. Say what you want about Minos but damn, he fights as dirty as me! I¡¯m not even sure if bruv can use dragon magic yet, but when he can, he really will be a monster.


    ¡®Aesa, do I have anything that can thin the herd without destroying too much? There¡¯s got to be something I can do¡¯


    [<May Aesa suggest using abination of -magma walker- and -sun kiss-? First ability to temporarily stop forcesing out of portal and -sun kiss- doesn¡¯t cause destruction>]


    ¡®Thanks Aesa¡­ I¡¯ve be a little stuck with this right now¡¯


    [<Both abilities are now in effect Ikarus>]


    Activating both of Aesa¡¯s suggestions, the ground beneath us turns into gloopy magma, perfectly up for the job of frying a few weaker Gods. I¡¯m not so fussed if this marketce ends up in further ruin and those statues ¡®idently¡¯ end up beingpletely destroyed as well.


    (Olympian God) ¡°It burns!! ARGHHH!¡±


    (Cultist) ¡°What¡¯s goin-, ah, it¡¯s one of Queen Ikarus¡¯s famous abilities! Make sure you bask in its brilliance!¡±


    Both our forces and the enemies get stuck in the fiery pits as one side begins to burn and the other looking like they¡¯re stuck in deep mud. The portal also shatters as the attacks appear topletely cut off the connection to the other side. I¡¯m doubtful this is the only one they¡¯ve set up but for now, it¡¯ll have to do.


    Once the magma very slowly beings the process of hardening, the heavens open and the Gods rays begin to fall all around¡­


    ¡°Praise Helios, he¡¯s here to hel-, arghhhhh!¡±


    ¡°Have we been betrayed? This light¡­ ites from the sun itself!¡±


    The rays start to pierce and purge the entire area clean, starting with the weak ones but making sure to damage all that don¡¯t have resistance or aren¡¯t friendly to our cause.


    Us defenders take this opportunity to get back on the front foot, also helps I¡¯ve just charged through a bunch of them like a bull hooked up on steroids. Doesn¡¯t really look that cool when you are chubby ball of fluff though.


    Using my falco-, phoenix kick, I knock a load the bastards back and spit me all over their arses, just as reinforcements arrive. We can finally stop the ceaseless killing of the weakling cultists now, fight people of your own or stronger strength you bastards! I¡¯m right here!


    (Artemis) ¡°Get fucked! Hahahaha¡­ all you fuckers can die for real!¡±


    (Uriel) ¡°*Sigh*, you never learn to keep it calm Artemis¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°This fight is so bloody¡­ the colour of love is everywhere¡±


    My God rays finally fade just as another joins the fight, only this person is more in the business of worshipping a God and flying a wyvern apparently.


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, I¡¯ve just received word the other inds are under attack as well. Nat is helping the mages on that ind and Aesa-sama is helping the cultists defend their tents? Whatever that means¡±


    ¡°Thanks Charlotte¡­ surprised Aesa didn¡¯t give me any update¡±


    [<Isn¡¯t necessary Ikarus. The cultists over here are happy enough to sacrifice themselves for us so this ind will easily survive>]


    ¡®Aesa¡­ you are trying to limit causalities, right?¡¯


    [<Ikarus worries too much. Cultists don¡¯t care if Aesa ¡®idently¡¯ switches off friendly fire, nukes their church and lets them burn to salvation. Cultists even have a holy tome about something simr>]


    ¡®The fuck? That better be a joke¡¯


    Back to Priestess. Jumping off the flying rat, everyone¡¯s favourite subus arrives wielding that huge summoned sword. It¡¯s been too long since I¡¯ve witnessed her using that. Considering the fact it came from Apollo to begin with, I guess she can use most of her power again?


    ¡°It¡¯s to repent false Gods! This is for my lord and my lordship!¡±


    ¡®Nathan is going to be mad if he hears you calling him that again Charlotte¡¯


    Instantly answering my question, a huge shbang attack lights up the battlefield, then rapidly fades once we¡¯re all blind, destroying even more of the enemies as they fall to the ground when visibility appears. That attack has never made sense, but since Apollo is somewhat rted to the sun, I can see the small connection.


    Nathan may only be a level five hundred but it¡¯s obvious most of his power flows through the pirs and priestess via Dionysus¡¯s earlier meddling. It really is an odd love story.


    ¡°You are all going to feel my wrath! Behold, the true unfiltered power of electricity!¡±


    Penelope somehow surfaces behind enemy lines, shocking a load of Gods and also getting drenched in Olympian blood. I¡¯m trying to ignore that dopey smile because I¡¯ve spent enough time around people who love inflicting pain tost a lifetime now.


    From within the crowd on my side of the battleground, a godpletely unarmed and unaffected shes his way through to stand several feet in front of me. This, I didn¡¯t expect.


    ¡°You dare steal the power of my sun, demonic scourge!?! I¡¯m going to wipe the floor with you!¡±


    ¡®Idiot must be resistant to light magic then, I guess. Let¡¯s see how he fares against fire though¡­¡¯


    To be continued¡­

 Chapter 219.5 – Fairytale (18+)

    Chapter 219.5 ¨C Fairytale (18+)


    ---Well shit. Take a look at the chapter number and you¡¯ll understand I¡¯ve made a right cock up here. No idea how I¡¯ve managed to forget to post it but here it is regardless. You get 2 chapters today because of my mess up and I¡¯ll put it in order once everyone has a chance to see it.


    ---Expect another kinky chapter where the phoenixes do kinky things and go on an adventure! I don¡¯t even know anymore¡­


    __________


    So, how does one calm themselves before an invasion that could potentially wipe out all life in ournds and forces us to use our heads? I shouldn¡¯t have to spell it out. By this point, we don¡¯t have sex for pleasure purposes, we do it for medicinal reasons.


    The first evening back in Lesbos after such a long time away, it was obvious there would be smut on the horizon. The question is¡­ what direction do we go in this time around?


    ¡°Heh, we going inside then Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah, just give me a second¡±


    Cross-legged, sitting back-to-back and holding hands on our bed, I can¡¯t help but think this might look a little weird but we¡¯ve always done something like this before entering. Maybe I should point out we¡¯re both in our birthday suits as well? Let¡¯s just say upon return to our bedroom, things developed really quickly so it took all our willpower to make sure we were ready to enter the perve den. Or my headspace.


    Returning to my headspace, what presents us this time around is the bedroom mixed dungeon that was createdst time we were in here. I guess scenes and scenarios stay from thest time we entered if we purposely don¡¯t reset them.


    ¡°Petraaa¡­ please tell me what we should do today¡±


    Despite all the inspiration around the room and the reminder I was milked in this cest time out, the creativity seems to becking today. There¡¯s only so much we can do to keep things fresh.


    ¡°Heh, stuck as well today Ikarus. Could always go vani¡­ or get Aesa toe up with something¡±


    Like a bolt of lightning, Aesa instantly appears, causing us both to jump when talk of sex fills the air. Don¡¯t ever say I¡¯m eager when my system is like this.


    ¡°Aesa always has some ideas if Ikarus and wife are willing to give upplete control. Something creative as well as pleasure filled could be fun to try¡±


    ¡°Heh, what do you say Ikarus? We giving Aesa the role of dominant today?¡±


    ¡­


    Pausing for a moment, I can¡¯t help but worry about Aesa wording things in a certain way. Why did she sayplete control?


    ¡°Petra¡­ I don¡¯t think this is a good idea. You don¡¯t remember or haven¡¯t seen the movies I have. Giving AI too much control is never a good idea¡±


    ¡°Ikarus worries too much, Aesa already hasplete admin control over this ce, even overpowering wife and Ikarus¡¯s authority. Has Aesa ever abused such power?¡±


    Despite now being scared knowing Aesa could treat us however she pleases in this den of perversion¡­ clearly my curiosity outweighs any reason. Just what could Aesa have nned?


    ¡°If we¡¯re going to do this, Aesa should probably warn participants that if things be too hectic, Aesa will know via your life signs. In this situation, there¡¯s no need for any words, nor safewords so there¡¯s no need to worry. Aesa promises everything will be under control¡±


    ¡®No safewords as well? You¡¯re not helping my nerves Aesa¡¯


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m willing to give it a try¡­ Ikarus?¡±


    Why is it the unknown can be so scary yet so intriguing? I dopletely trust Aesa but¡­ I¡¯d also rather not have to experience the most efficient way of keeping me cuming constantly. I¡¯m lying slightly, that ¡®perfect¡¯ session we had was great. It¡¯s just that sometimes¡­ I think we go too far with all this.


    It¡¯s not like I¡¯m going to say no though¡­


    ¡°Fineee! Let¡¯s see what your creativity can do then Aesa¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡­


    The clicking, ttering and rocking of the carriage wakes a sleeping soul as it reaches ever closer to its destination. Inside said carriage, sits a princess on her way to the royal ball. The asion of a lifetime for many as evenmoners have been invited to such a grand asion.


    ¡®Huh, no horns¡­ and a weird key as a ne. This is really odd¡¯


    Now being fully awake after my small nap, the fancy carriage starts to slowlye to a halt as I¡¯m still figuring out just what¡¯s going on.


    ¡®Guess I¡¯m a princess then, neglected and abused by her step sisters so went to the ball in search of her princess charming. I¡¯m not making this shit up, this is Aesa¡¯s creativity. giarism, I call it¡¯


    Thankfully, I¡¯mpletely conscious of the scene in question and I¡¯m still the normal Ikarus everyone knows and loves¡­ normal is a bad word but you get my point. Obviously, Aesa knows I really hate that amnesia clich¨¦ so if she dares put us in a situation like that, I¡¯ll wring her neck. Losing my perfect personality would defeat the entire point.


    As the carriage finallyes to a stop, I can¡¯t help but get impatient and head straight for the door, only to find the driver is already there to guide me out.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Please Princess Ikarus, take my hand¡±


    ¡°Thank you gua-, u-urgh¡­¡±


    When I step down, somethingpletely catches me off guard and nearly makes slip. Thank fuck that guy was here to make sure I didn¡¯t break my neck or something¡­ and no, it wasn¡¯t the fact this guy is faceless that shocked me. It just so happens; Aesa is a real pervert.


    ¡°J-just give me a second topose m-myself¡±


    ¡°Of course ma¡¯am!¡±


    Retreating back inside, three things ever so subtly buzz down below, forcing me to search around under my dress to try and remove them. One of which obviously sits inside me and the other two hangs from the piercings I will never regret getting.


    It¡¯s not nearly enough to get off to but it¡¯s enough to be distracting and make me want to remove them, hence the slip before. Unfortunately though, it doesn¡¯t seem like they can be removed.


    ¡®Pervy Ae-, ouch! The fuck?¡¯


    Trying to remove the vibes, I can¡¯t help but find a chastity belt guarding the bottom one, and the ones mped to my nipples give me a horrible jolt of electricity when I touch them. Guess I¡¯ve just got to deal with it¡­ there¡¯s no way this key fits the belt, right?


    ¡®No way this¡¯ll work¡­ o-ouch! That one was on me¡¯


    I try the key only to get a shock right deep inside where the vibe continues to buzz. Expected it but still doesn¡¯t make it any easier to handle.


    Eventually getting my act together and heading to the ball while the vibes start to up their strength, my driver escorts me to the ball and then returns to the carriage.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    As I¡¯m walking inside to the gigantic room filled with people, my nerves are surprisingly numbed when the vibes begin to grow stronger by the second. Looks like I¡¯ve aplished stage fright, just be a slut and life flows perfectly!


    The weight of my mpsbined with the piercings are bad enough, but the extreme power buzzing down below is making me weak. Aesa seems to have got the bnce perfect with the sensitivity I feel up above. I¡¯m going to try my best not to cum but don¡¯t hold me to that.


    ¡®J-Jeez Aesa, you really are p-putting me my paces¡¯


    I honestly was expecting devilishly beautiful prince at the head of the hall, yed by the wife, but the person overseeing the ce seems to be as faceless as every other soul within the ball. Where is it she could be? Or hasn¡¯t she arrived yet?


    ¡°Wee all my citizens! Please, have the time of your lives!¡±


    Instinctively heading over to the bar because I might have a problem and ignoring the boring crap like meeting people, the vibes begin to get stronger putting me right on the edge of glory¡­


    Except, despite the vibes buzzing at a strength I¡¯m surprised doesn¡¯t get people¡¯s attention, nothinges as I reach the peak of pure arousal.


    ¡®D-Da fuck? Am I b-broken or something? A-Aesa?¡¯


    It¡¯s like¡­ I haven¡¯t the ability to cum! Still riding the blissful edge, I physically don¡¯t have means of surpassing it, kept constantly riding the waves of pleasure but cursed to never finish. It¡¯s a bloody brilliant thing I¡¯ve found a stool because that was dangerous for a second, I can barely stand¡­


    [<In order the release the seal, the princess must find her true love within the pce. The cursed devices will show you the way>]


    ¡®T-This is the game you¡¯re p-ying then? Stupid Aesa¡­ I¡¯ll humour you for a while¡¯


    Already knowing this is going to get worse if I want to find Petra, I struggle to get myself up and ready . The stupid ss heels don¡¯t help¡­ that seem to be glued to my feet.


    Following the strength of the vibes with legs made of jelly, I¡¯m instantly greeted by a bunch of older faceless women.


    ¡°Princess Ikarus! Please, you must meet my daughter! She would be perfect for you!¡±


    ¡°No, pick my daughter instead¡±


    ¡®Fucking h-hell Aesa! Don¡¯t be p-putting obstacles in m-my way. Just hit e-erase on them¡¯


    Completely ignoring them and purposely being rude, the vibing power grows stronger so following them, I arrive at a closed off area guarded by a guard. I¡¯m going to start setting things alight if I have to do a quest for him before I¡¯m allowed by.


    Face now full of sweat and still struggling to stand, I don¡¯t even have to say anything for the guy to understand what¡¯s going on.


    ¡°Are you feeling a little under the weather Princess Ikarus? Would you like some time alone from the crowd?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes please¡±


    Thankfully, my system decides to be kind to me and gets the guard to allow me ess to the closed off portion of the pce.


    The extravagant hallways feel endless as the vibes get painfully powerful by the second, clearly showing I¡¯m going the right direction. Slowly starting to lose my mind as the only thing I can think of I getting off, I¡¯d have tried to masturbate by now if didn¡¯t want another shocking. I still don¡¯t think that would break the curse though.


    ¡®G-Got to give her credit for c-creativeness, I g-guess¡­ Think I¡¯ve gone t-too far now¡¯


    The vibes slow down a touch making me realize I¡¯ve already gone past the door I needed to. This really is lovely¡­ or horrible I mean. Not being able to cum sucks!


    Arriving at the door, the power buzzing below hits a high so strong, I don¡¯t think I can walk anymore. But I must power through this, Petra should be on the other side so I¡¯ll drag myself through this door, one way or another¡­


    As soon as I open the door, everything bes too much to handle¡­


    ¡°U-Urghhhh!¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ there y-you are Ika-¡­ urgh¡±


    As soon as I find the wife in the room on the floor, we lock and eyes and the curse breaks, causing me to copse to the floor as well.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®Fuckkk¡­¡¯


    Despite wearing a chastity belt and panties, that¡¯s stops nothing as fluid flows all down my legs. Don¡¯t even care, that orgasm blew my mind¡­ Think I¡¯m going to get rid of this underwear¡­ even if the belt isn¡¯t exactly keeping me from fully embracing themando lifestyle.


    Petra as well appears to have cum right the moment I entered, presume she¡¯s got the same setup underneath as well? That still seems to be buzzing¡­ guess Aesa isn¡¯t done with us just yet then.


    ¡°Phe¡­ that w-was definitely different. You shackled to the wall Petra?¡±


    After both of us finish, I can¡¯t help but notice her ankle is cuffed. Maybe she¡¯s been forced to stay here by some evil step sisters or something like that as well? It¡¯s obvious the theme Aesa was going for¡­ she looks absolutely stunning in that dress though.


    ¡°Heh, yes Ikarus. You should have the key¡±


    Hurriedly finding thetch to her ankle restraint with the key still on my ne, everything begins to fade to ck as I ce it inside and unlock the wife¡­


    [<And so, the two fated lovers find each other following their true love and live happily ever after¡­>]


    ¡®Urghhh! G-Get on with it narrator Aesa, the v-vibes are still wreaking havoc!¡¯


    [<Except, both princesses of legend still haven¡¯t found their friend they were supposed to meet up with yet. Will they survive the onught, or will they fall to exhaustion and pleasure before they get there?>]


    The fading to ck stops and our sight returns, revealing us back inside the room we just left off at with not much at all changing¡­


    ¡®Fuckkk¡­ damn it Aesa, you¡¯ve made it ten times worse!¡¯


    Some things have definitely changed though. The inability to cum seems to be activated again and I can feel the vibe down in my chastity belt has been reced for something else. It thrusts, twists and vibrates, also sticking out at the end like I¡¯ve got a thin but excited third limb or something. I think it¡¯s called a rabbit vibrator or something?


    Of course, I freaking can¡¯t remove the intruder as it might as well be welded onto the belt itself. Thankfully, it¡¯s hidden well enough under my dress but fuck! This isn¡¯t difficult to focus at all and by the sounds of the motor under her dress, Petra¡¯s got the same exact scenario as well.


    As for up above, it looks the same as the mped vibes but feels like both my nipples are being sucked relentlessly. This has turned into pleasure torture Aesa!


    ¡°H-Heh, focus Ikarus. We¡¯ll just have to find her and g-get through this together¡±


    ¡°Urghhh¡­ f-fuck! How are y-you able to deal w-with this?¡±


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m not Ikarus¡­ I¡¯m s-struggling too¡±


    Now being held by the wife, I just can¡¯t deal with this! Petra¡¯s edging has always been bad but Aesa¡¯s is on a different level entirely! This isn¡¯t even edging because the pleasure is endless¡­ it¡¯s just not giving me the best part!


    [<Maybe the princesses can find a clue hidden back inside the ball that¡¯ll show them the way?>]


    ¡°N-No Aesa! Reveal where you a-are or I swear¡­ you¡¯ll never get whipped again!¡±


    It turns out, I get really angry when I know I can¡¯t cum. Seriously though, this animalistic feeling is making me desperate in a way that overwrites frustration.


    [<Erm¡­ in order to find friend, both princesses must traverse the hall to get to the basement entrance¡­ which is outside. The clue would¡¯ve been revealed, but one of the princesses has no patience>]


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s j-just a small walk Ikarus, we can g-get through this. Care to take my hand?¡±


    Giving myself up the wife, we both stumble off the floor, use each other for support and begin the lengthy journey to find Aesa, all the while looking like we¡¯ve both got something long and hard to hide. I¡¯d say it¡¯s romantic if we both weren¡¯t getting pounded by Aesa¡¯s perverted devices¡­ and moaning like sluts on the way there.


    [<Having arrived back in the ball, both the phoenixes have a gut feeling there may be more to this ce then things may seem. Maybe a potential dungeon down below used for storing misbehaving maids and sex ves?>]


    ¡®Aesa¡­ if we s-seriously have to do this, then stop that shitty n-narration now!¡¯


    I don¡¯t care that¡¯s her way of telling us where to go¡­ I can¡¯t focus with this fucking thing. It¡¯s sooo good¡­ but upsetting at the same time.


    Both of us slowly make progress inside the ball, but it appears a small crowd has built up watching a beautiful couple slow dance. Even the guard that I spoke to has gone to watch.


    ¡°Oh my, look who the prince has found!¡±


    ¡°The ss slippers she has on¡­ they¡¯re beautiful¡±


    ¡°How I wish to be in her shoes¡±


    Not caring at all about that scene in question, we scurry on by back to the entrance and see an obnoxiously ced cer door right where I wobbled on inside this ce. I think my annoyance has made Aesa switch up her ns a little and just say fuck it, cing it down in a ce that makes no sense.


    Both of us head on down the unlocked cer door, still quietly moaning and getting hornier by the second as we get adjusted to the darkness of this ce¡­


    ----------


    ---For the sake of safety, I''ve censored this image more than I usually do. It just seemed more naked than most...


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    And there she is, tied up against a metal bar, stark naked and looking like a right prisoner, even with bondage mitts on. It¡¯s unfortunate because locking eyes with her doesn¡¯t result in the good times happening.


    ¡°You dirty slut! How dare you try it on with her majesty!? We¡¯re saving her virginity for someone of higher status!¡±


    Not surprisingly, Aesa¡¯s being whipped and tortured. It¡¯s not hard to tell she¡¯s enjoying herself, just that bite of her lip says it all really. I¡¯m not really sure why she couldn¡¯t just use this ce for her own personal perversions, she could experience pain whenever she wants.


    [<Aesa would never go behind wife¡¯s and Ikarus back like that if you two aren¡¯t involved¡­ ahem. Please ignore that lie Aesa just told¡­>]


    ¡®Oh Aesa¡­ j-just get on with it already! Y-You seriously can¡¯t e-expect us to fight like this¡¯


    [<¡­And so, the brave phoenixes found their friend and thus, defeated all her evil captors>]


    Quickly fading to ck and then returning with the enemies already dead on the floor, thankfully Aesa is willing to be reasonable as there is literally no way we¡¯d be able to fight with these stupid things rotating deep inside us. We should¡¯ve bought a toy like this back on Earth because damn¡­ its mind blowing.


    [<After a brave fight which the princess gantly fought, the two lovers and friend reunited with a hug and a kiss. Doing so would release them of their curse and they could in fact, live happily ever after>]


    ¡­


    Both of us eyeroll towards the kinky system and I can¡¯t help but give a quick think of any way we can punish Aesa. Problem is, she still holds all the cards as I really, really want to cum again.


    So, we both go up to her, both wrap ourselves around my clone and give her a kiss on each cheek¡­


    [<And so, the curse that kept their dormant energy was dispelled¡­ and in the end, they did live happily ever after¡­>]


    ¡°¡­Urrgghhhhh! J-Jeez¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ y-you¡¯re terrible Aesa¡±


    Me and the wife finish in tandem, all the energy that flows within usbines into one of the loudest and most violent experiences to date as we both shake right into the still restrained Aesa. Even as the world turns back into the starting void, all we can focus on is enjoying the high and not falling over.


    ¡°Phe¡­ my head. Da fuck was that Aesa?¡±


    Now as that scenees to a close, the only thing that remains in our void is us and Aesa still restrained to that metal bar. All the vibes that have been tormenting us have disappeared, finally giving us a moment to think straight without the animalistic need to fuck.


    ¡°Is Ikarus really going toin? Aesa thought you enjoyed it¡±


    ¡®Enjoying it is never the problem¡¯


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t think she¡¯sining Aesa. It¡¯s just that was odd¡­ even for our tastes¡±


    Aesa just shrugs it off because deep down, she can tell we both thoroughly enjoyed the shake up¡­ or whatever a shrug looks like when you¡¯re arms are still out like that.


    ¡°If wife and Ikarus are unhappy with Aesa in anyway¡­ then dish out punishment as needed¡±


    ¡®So, that¡¯s why she¡¯s still tied up. Very clever Aesa¡­ I see through this entire charade¡¯


    Can¡¯t help but also notice two whips by her feet that makes me eyeroll. I¡¯m doubtful this was the entire n from the start, but fair y if it was.


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ I guess you deserve a reward of sorts, that creativity alone deserves something. You down for a little robotic wife beating Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh Ikarus¡­ she does deserve a punishment. We¡¯ll whip you good Aesa, but the second you cum, we¡¯re finished. It¡¯s up to you how long the punishmentsts¡±


    ¡®¡±Good call Petra. She made us struggle so it¡¯s only fair to do the same¡±


    ¡°But¡­ that¡¯s so cruel. Aesa won¡¯tst more just a few¡±


    To see Aesa actually pout and plead from not getting the countless hours of torment she wants, I can¡¯t help but facepalm. I¡¯m not one for kink shaming, but there¡¯s no way we can keep up with this masochist. No one wants something akin to torture unfold¡­ even if that smile she gets is pretty damn cute. Or, my smile? Narcissistic tendencies returning.


    ¡°Heh, then you best hold it in then¡­ Princess Aesa. Let¡¯s start off slow and see how many you can take¡±


    And so, me and Petra get to work teaching Aesa a lesson about¡­ I¡¯m not really sure. giarism perhaps? Regardless, her endurance is based off mine so it won¡¯t take long before we can leave this ce and sleep for the night.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get started then wife, shall we? I¡¯m going to aim for her breasts because that¡¯ll get her warmed up nicely¡­¡±

 Chapter 223 – Greek Invasion

    Chapter 223 ¨C Greek Invasion


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    (Esmerelda) <One already told you, keep the destruction to a limit!>


    (Yellow) <You¡¯ve gone soft kin. The humans can always rebuild like they always do¡­ like how we find a new cave when the old one grows tiresome>


    (Cyan) <I think it¡¯s more the hassle with whates after? Humans do like their paper work so it¡¯s not that simple Cyclorak>


    (Pink) <So boringgg. Really wish that sexy time ce was open>


    ¡®That pink dragon seems unnecessarily horny, of course the brothels aren¡¯t going to be open when an invasion is on¡­ reminds me of my wife thinking about it¡¯


    (Athena) ¡°Everything okay Denver? You¡¯re looking a little blue¡±


    (Hephaestus) ¡°Never liked heights, even in Olympus sister. You already knew that though. My soul just loves crafting and caves that much, it makes sense why I ended up down here¡±


    (Athena) ¡°Already told you once before, you relied on luck for your reincarnation. The soul doesn¡¯t work that way I¡¯m afraid¡±


    ¡°Once again¡­ we¡¯ll have to agree to disagree on that sister¡±


    Our fellow Olympians flee as the formation of dragons swoop across the city, destroying all that oppose them without breaking a sweat. There¡¯s overkill and all but this is on a level none of us have ever seen, isn¡¯t helped by the fact the Gods attacking this ce in question haven¡¯t much in the way of a n. They must¡¯ve split off from Zeus¡¯s faction and wanted a ce for their own I presume. If it were Ares, Hera, and their goons, then this city may have fallen to tatters.


    Athena¡¯s already had their fill of bloodshed while Desmond has gone off in search of more foes, but both seem slightly disappointed with what has unfolded, mainly because of the dragons. Four mythical beings uniting and pretty much destroying all enemies in sight is something best witnessed I¡¯d say. Just technically now being a dwarf, I can me that on my dislike of flying.


    We currently sit on the back of Esmerelda while her husband rallies and guides the forces from down below. We¡¯ve already taken care of the portal that reinforcements were arriving from, all it took was the yellow one giving it a quick kick to turn it to rubble. Temporary portals are like that after all, brittle beyond belief but can provide a great point to ambush from. Boring Olympian politics that I always try to ignore even way back when.


    ¡°Loot as much as you can and let¡¯s fl-, shit! The dragons have found us!¡±


    ¡°Run! No one told us life was going to be this way¡­¡±


    Passing another group of attackers, the dragons still being guided by the much bigger yellow one, begin to spew their magic all across the streets against the fleeing invaders. The yellow spews an odd-looking me, the cyan spits out shards ofpact ice, while the pink reluctantly attacks using pink balls of magic.


    More and more encounters like this ensue until wee across something a little different than the norm. These Gods in particr seem more aware of the situation they find themselves in.


    ¡°Wait wait, we surrender! Damn mkas, why I ever agreed to this is beyond me! Dying for those idiots ain¡¯t worth the promised riches¡­ or is it? No, it¡¯s not!¡±


    ¡°It was the wrench Hera who set us up for this! Untold riches and citizens that would worship the ground we walk upon, how were we to know it would be goat shit?¡±


    ¡°Why any of us trusted those idiots, we don¡¯t know!¡±


    A small group of Gods have been surrounded by a bunch of human solders, led by Emperor Desmond himself. One of the Gods was surprisingly famous back in the heavenly world, the God of wealth always found his way into matters that he shouldn¡¯t have visited.


    ¡®Plutus got roped into this battle himself? You wouldn¡¯t expect that coward to do something like this, unless a huge amount of wealth was promised¡¯


    ¡°Start the process and let¡¯s get on with the execut-¡­¡±


    An aura as ck as the night presents itself as Desmond and his guards were about to do something that would piss off the wife immensely. Dragon anger really cannot be understated.


    <What was Des about to do to thous that have surrendered?>


    ¡°N-Nothing my Es! I was going to say¡­ let¡¯s get on with s-showing the invaders an ex-example of our mortal hospitality, honest!¡±


    ¡°On behalf of the dwarven kingdom, we request the prisoner Plutus and any others who have surrendered¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ me? Mka! I¡¯d rather surrender to the humans and the dragons!¡±


    Plutus starts to shake in his boots when Athena oddly requests that we take the burden of handling the surviving Gods, confusing both the empress, emperor and me alike. Dwarves aren¡¯t really known for taking prisoners and it¡¯s not because of blood thirst, it¡¯s just that the mountain range is nearly impossible to attack so pretty much all end up dead before we have the chance.


    The Gods that dare to try will most likely end up incapacitated due to the volcanic fumes and they have no chance of getting a portal down in the depths of our caves. It actually requires a physical soul cing a rune before it can be created andst time I checked, I¡¯m the only God who would ever relish a dwarven body. Anyone who isn¡¯t a dwarf or trades with us stands out like a sore thumb, freshly broken from a mishit hammer¡­ I¡¯m a craftsman so that happens more than I care to admit. Point being, we monitor the hell out of anyoneing to visit.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see any problem with that, after we¡¯ve interrogated them of course. Prisoners always take up needless resources. But I have to ask, why? Wouldn¡¯t it be safer to just kill the Gods and save the hassle?¡±


    Once again, his dragon wife res at him from the suggestion while Athena tries her best to justify why we should drag back a bunch of idiots who decided to side with Zeus.


    ¡°The surviving few aren¡¯t powerful enough to do such a thing and given time, most of the ex-Gods here will eventually settle into mortal life. Plutus in particr, needs a suitable punishment for blindly following his greed and sumbing into peer pressure¡­ again. He has a history with this sort of thing¡±


    Seeing a side of Athena I haven¡¯t seen in what feels like centuries, the Goddess of wisdom seems to be set on lecturing Plutus and has an aura best described as slightly wicked. Her punishment in question¡­ I¡¯m not sure and don¡¯t n to ask. She has a history with this sort of thing, Medusa being the prime example.


    ¡°I won¡¯t question any further then¡­ seen that look from my wife plenty of times before¡±


    ¡°Wait, what¡¯s going to happen!? Tell me or kill me already! Life isn¡¯t worth living if you remove something like gold from my life!¡±


    ¡®I can only hope she eases up on him and isn¡¯t too harsh, she has eased up a bit in recent years. To those who deserve it, sister has always been harsh with punishments¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡®Bet this works¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Helios | Species: Olympian | Level: 750]


    [Health 50,000/50,000]


    [Stamina 42,821/50,000]


    [Magicka 46,371/50,000]


    ¡®Decent stats but still nothingpared to mine. Olympians trante strangely down here¡­ he does feel stronger thanst time we met though¡¯


    Still locked within the battleground, my de Excalibur crashes against Helios¡¯s glowing staff. Since this guy feels somewhat stronger than his stats imply, I may need to experiment a little.


    ¡°Really demonic phoenix? I¡¯m no longer burdened by the restrictions of not having a sun to harness!¡±


    ¡®I can already tell that idiot; it was just a teste¡¯


    Using a slight amount of me to gauge a reaction, clearly Helios is resistant to both light and fire magic so it¡¯s abilities only for now. I know exactly which one I¡¯m picking as I can¡¯t take any chances with him¡­


    ¡®Aesa?¡¯


    [<-Aspect of gigantomachy mark 2- is now active>]


    While my body starts to morph into the bigger breasted form, Helios¡¯s staff starts to glow even brighter andunches a swing that catches me off guard. That speed took me back but I was just able to block it off.


    The knockback from the attack hurts in a strange way as it feels like my stamina and magicka has been drained slightly. Health wise, I¡¯m still fit as a fiddle. Whatever that was, I dread to think what it would do if itnds.


    Another swing from the sun God as I duck, try to counter using both my weapons to full effect, only to get blocked with a swing that defies physics. He¡¯s really fast and he suits that staff even better. I have the better teacher though¡­


    An opening presents itself as my vampiric de has speed even he can¡¯t match,nding deep into his shoulder. Never would this be a killing blow unlessbined with aspect¡­


    Except, he still stands tall with no kickback from the attack. As a matter of fact, aspectpletely cancels itself, putting me back into the smaller breasted form I¡¯m normally in.


    ¡°Ooaf! Don¡¯t think defeating me will be that easy, demonic bird. I know and see things most others cannot. Absorbing any sort of power, even a giant''s is nothing for me¡±


    ¡®Da fuck? How did he do that Aesa?¡¯


    [<Aesa predicts target Helios must¡¯ve have some way of absorbing abilities, simrly to how Ikarus might cancel an attack. Aesa rmends not wasting anymore until he¡¯s dealt with usingbat>]


    ¡®This could be a real grind then¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Helios | Species: Olympian | Level: 750]


    [Health 47,242/50,000]


    [Stamina 42,794/50,000]


    [Magicka 45,619/50,000]


    A couple of rapid attackse in from his staff, both aiming to bonk me on the head but I easily block both and get ready for a counter of my own, only to be blocked as well. Regardless of the dy in finishing off this battle, I just know I can take this guy if ites down to this¡­


    ¡°sted other phoenix, don¡¯t interfer-, argh!¡±


    Petra senses I¡¯m starting to get impatient, sending her sword flying while she continues to help with the rest of the battle. Literal ck me burns all the battleground as she¡¯s handling most of the heavenly beings that aren¡¯t worth our time.


    This gives me a perfect opening to strike, shing Excalibur right across his chest. I reckon one more deadly strike like that and this guy will be finished.


    Again, the guy has to contend with the flying sword giving me another perfect opportunity to get in there. One swift cut to the neck and he¡¯ll be finished¡­


    ¡®Damn it! Why does fighting Gods have to be a massive pain in the arse?¡¯


    As I¡¯m going in for the kill, suddenly, a magical barrierpletely blocks Helios, giving him ultimate protection from all attacks. The culprit appears to be a womanly figure revealing herself from behind a corner, just out of the reach of the battle.


    ¡°I can handle these two myself,dy Demeter!¡±


    ¡°And yet, you were about to lose your head. Wrap up this fight already or flee¡­ although. It may be a littlete for that now¡±


    ¡®Don¡¯t think I¡¯m allowing this bitch to get away. You dared to show your face so I¡¯m taking you out!¡¯


    [Name: Demeter | Species: Olympian | Level: 1250]


    [Health 75,000/75,000]


    [Stamina 52,692/75,000]


    [Magicka 78,149/100,000]


    ¡®She¡¯s pretty powerf-¡­ hold up. There must be a mistake in what I¡¯m seeing¡¯


    Opening my wings, I charge across away from Helios and aim for Demeter instead. During this brief glide, I can¡¯t help but notice an anomaly in her status page. Like when we met the Minotaur breaking the stat cap, this seems to have happened again. This time being the level counter.


    [<Ikarus¡¯s eyes are correct, even Aesa isn¡¯t sure why it¡¯s like that. Level 1000 should be the cap. Olympian species or mythology rted must be able to surpass level restrictions. Level caps must be a base mortal concept>]


    But wait Ikarus and Aesa, wasn¡¯t level a thousand the hard cap set right in the beginning? That wasn¡¯t a rule that I thought could be adjusted but I guess this is an exception?


    Regardless, it still matters little because us phoenixes are stronger than both of them. Even if Helios can absorb abilities and Demeter can put up barriers, we¡¯ll destroy both of them, I just know it!


    While Helios is still contained with that flying de, Iunch an assault towards Demeter, releasing me and wildly attacking to try and catch her off guard before she puts a barrier on herself. I may be fast but I¡¯m not that fast though.


    Repeat barriers do go up but surprisingly enough, Demeter¡¯s barriers only seem to being in the form of shields rather than working asplete protection. My mes appear to get through the cracks. Maybe her magic works better for supporting other Gods rather than herself?


    ¡°Apologies phoenixes, it looks like I underestimated your abilities. You still aren¡¯t strong enough though¡±


    [Name: Demeter | Species: Olympian | Level: 1250]


    [Health 34,882/75,000]


    [Stamina 50,995/75,000]


    [Magicka 62,149/100,000]


    Within a matter of seconds, her health drops to half as I fully intend on releasing as much me at her as a possibly can. From mythology, Demeter was rumoured to be powerful but not in the conventual ways of things likebat for example. I presume this is why she¡¯s unable to do much, even if I have to ovepensate and overcharge my me thrower as much as I possibly can.


    ¡°My death will only act as a martyr to the others phoenixes¡­ it¡¯ll achieve nothing¡­¡±


    ¡®I¡¯ve got you n-¡­ fuck! Never thought that would happen¡¯


    Just as the Goddess copses from the heat and I¡¯m about to finish off the job, I¡¯m thrown to the ground as well from something smashing into my back


    ¡°Sorry Ikarus¡­ he slipped free. He won¡¯t again¡±


    ¡®I can tell she¡¯s really angry with herself¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 128,153/166,666]


    [Stamina 148,072/166,666]


    [Magicka 114,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 150001 unassigned points]


    Petra¡¯s eyes and aura begin to darken as now, she¡¯s going to take Helios down one way of another. He¡¯s going to experience what true mortality is all about¡­


    Instantly, he knows something¡¯s up and goes on the defensive¡­ not that it¡¯ll make any difference. I¡¯d join in to help but I think Petra wants her own little moment¡­ and I¡¯d rather watch my wife¡¯s swordy in action as well.


    Hit after hit goes into the sun God as he gets pushed back from the rampaging wife, ending up against a wall with no ce to go and severely restricting his staff swings. Now, blocking is basically an impossibility.


    ¡°The way you fight¡­ it reminds me of someone¡±


    Ignoring him, Petra continues to wildly but also graciously kick the ever-loving crap out of the guy who dared hit my back¡­ or waist. His aim was suspiciously terrible considering I didn¡¯t sense him iing. I¡¯m also surprised he hasn¡¯tunched some magic, like a sun rted attack on us. Then again, if he knows everything, then he should know we¡¯d be resistant to anything me or light rted. Silly Ikarus.


    ¡°Athena really gave you her blessi-¡­¡±


    And just like that, the story of Helios is over as one deadly swoop cuts his head off cleanly from the person who¡¯s taken over Athena¡¯s mantle. Songs will be song of this moment¡­ they won¡¯t but I¡¯m trying to hype this shit up!


    As a matter of fact, the rest of the fighting in this area seems to have dwindled


    ¡®Aesa¡­ how much EXP did I get from that fight then?¡¯


    You¡¯d think piercing beams of light and my crushing would work wonders for what was just achieved but Aesa has yet to say anything about EXP just yet. It¡¯s honestly making me worry a little¡­


    [<Unfortunately Ikarus, your worries are correct. Since Gods are now considered mortal, that heavenly tag must no longer apply. Aesa wishes things were easier and less inconsistent>]


    ¡®Wait, does that mean my upgrades are now restricted to the three left I can buy? That freaking sucks¡¯


    That must mean thest three upgrades are it then and that¡¯s everything¡­ bit anticlimactic, ain¡¯t it? Only hope we cane across a dungeon or something else appears because there must still be things to find out in the world. What am I saying Ikarus? Of course there is, just Zeus and his minions need to take full priority.


    ¡°*Cough cough*¡±


    Still barely clinging onto life but burnt to a crisp, Demeter quietly coughs as her lungs can no longer handle the pure perfection that is phoenix discharge... I always have a weird way with words and that is what our magic is after all. You can interpret that however you want, I¡¯m just a sweet and innocent bird that has never done anything perverted. A demon lord of pure ss and chaste¡­ are you buying it yet?


    ¡®It would merciful to just put her out of her misery, wouldn¡¯t it? Not sure why I need any convincing, an execution means nothing¡¯


    Gradually walking up to her with Excalibur in hand, I¡¯m about to pierce my de into the back of her neck when someone begins to pester my ear about it. Unfortunately, it isn¡¯t the wife because she¡¯s currently cleaning the blood off her equipment.


    ¡°Heh, wouldn¡¯t rmend you do that sister. There are some heavenly beings you want kept alive and the Goddess of the harvest is one of them¡±


    ¡°What the hell do you rmend we do then, put her in a jail cell? If I¡¯ve learnt one thing about mythology, caging up Greek Gods always goes well¡±


    ¡°*Cough cough*¡­ whether you save me or kill me¡­ nothing matters. You still won¡¯t defeat him¡±


    I mean, while we were gone, our settlement did acquire some magic zapping cors that have been seen on other prisoners throughout our journeys. Would it even work on a Goddess though? We can give it a try I guess, also can¡¯t help but ignore the dying woman. Slightly depressive much?


    ¡®Wait a second, I¡¯ve got it! Muhahaha! That¡¯s so tremendously evil, I love it!¡¯


    Remembering an ability I¡¯ve gotten that has never been used and could be perfect for keeping someone with power contained, it¡¯s perfect for a situation like this.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ what was the name again? The ability that burns away all of one¡¯s power and levels?¡¯


    [<Ability -furnace leveller- Ikarus. Unfortunately, said ability only works on targets that have a lower level than Ikarus. However, Aesa predicts upgrading it should provide a workaround>]


    ¡®So that¡¯s a no go then. I¡¯m not going to waste an upgrade on something I¡¯m yet to use¡¯


    Except¡­ Asmodeus has that face telling me this is worthwhile doing, like he knows exactly what I¡¯m thinking about right now. If I¡¯m to listen to anyone that isn¡¯t the wife and her wisdom, it¡¯s got to be the guy who knows the literal future, right? Huff¡­ it had to be the time where I find out I have no way of making more points¡­ freaking waste of time. Aesa?


    [<Ability -furnace leveller mark 2- in addition to burning away a weaker opponent¡¯s level, also works on higher level targets if their HP is below 25%>]


    ¡®Knew it would be a shitty upgrade but damn¡­ let¡¯s just see how this goes¡¯


    Activating furnace leveller for the first time, my hands turn to pure fire that gives me a good jump. That I did not expect¡­ bet it would use my wings if I were in the phoenix body. Now that would look freaking cool!


    A touch on the dying Demeter¡¯s shoulders and my hands return to normal as she ignites, like kindling on a campfire. It doesn¡¯t seem to hurt but seeing the orange haired Goddess look like a creature made of me is definitely weird.


    Once the me dwindles, I open up status and¡­


    ¡°Just¡­ what have you done to me!? You spare my life to leave me in this sorry state? At least if I had died¡­ I wouldn¡¯t have to worry about my dear Persephone any longer¡±


    ¡®Boringgg¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Demeter | Species: Olympian | Level: 1]


    [Health 5/50]


    [Stamina 32/50]


    [Magicka 60/100]


    ¡®Muhahahaha¡­ okay, it may be useless ny-nine percent of the time. I¡¯m enjoying this though¡¯


    And like that, the Goddess loses all her power and bes worthless. Mess with the phoenixes and get the wings¡­ or talons? That expression about messing with the bull and getting the horns really doesn¡¯t work here¡­ what about beak? Nah, it ain¡¯t going to work.


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll quickly get her to the blue healer and make sure she makes a somewhat full recovery. Truly wicked and deplorable that was sister, you really are a demon lord at heart¡±


    ¡®Now I regret what I just did, why did this dickhead have to praise me?¡¯


    ¡°Before you do that, there is something I want to ask¡­¡±


    Giving her a healent but getting refused, Petra kneels down to speak to the empty shell of the Goddess still on her knees. I dread to think what¡¯s going through her mind considering she seemed depressive to begin with, now I really have given her nothing to live for. Yeah¡­ this is the reality of trying to be evil, the small amount of empathy I have left makes it annoying.


    ¡°Are you purposely being dense or are you just an idiot? Persephone and Hades are obviously in love, she¡¯s happy. Heh, Ikarus would probably say she has him by the balls¡±


    ¡®I would never say that! She¡¯s definitely wearing the trousers in their rtionship though. Erm¡­ maybe I would say by the balls¡¯


    ¡°Nonsense! He is controlling her; I just know it!¡±


    ¡°Have you actually spoken to her, mother to daughter? There¡¯s an entire meadow in the Underworld dedicated for her alone, and you think he¡¯s keeping her hostage?¡±


    ¡°Of course he is! That beast is no better than Zeus, at least the God who rules all has the decency to show his ugly face to the public!¡±


    ¡°Listen to reason, there¡¯s n-¡±


    Cutting off the wife by tugging on her arm, she may be full of wisdom but this isn¡¯t the way you get through to someone who¡¯s narrow minded. This is something my experience with the pothead of a brother I have, giving me more experience for a change. Petra was always used to exploring the world,pleting a quest like saving everyone, then moving along. Wisdom is difficult to impart on those you don¡¯t want it.


    ¡°Something I learnt a while ago Petra, words don¡¯t work on people who don¡¯t listen. When the war is over, we¡¯ll have a drink with the Underworld lot and show her in person what¡¯s really going on. I can definitely see why Hades and Peresphone get on with my parents considering the dynamic between husband and wife¡­¡±


    Apart from the cheating¡­ even if there isn¡¯t a single God or Goddess that is squeaky clean. With those two, every situation like that has an exnation. Aphrodite drugging Hades and something happening between them, Persephone sleeping with Zeus because he disguised himself as Hades¡­ all those little myths have some exnation.


    Didn¡¯t get around to asking much about it when west met but the stuff I did ask, the mythology is pretty urate for the most part. Even the myth about Hades tricking her into eating seeds from a pomegranate to force her to stay is true¡­ even though that was the story they wanted Olympus to know. Apparently, that was a cooking ident that they both ended upughing over.


    Anyways, why I¡¯m trying my best at not being an Underworld nerd, somethingpletely interrupts our interrogation as a random soldier on a wyvern, flies over andnds right in front of us. I can see why father doesn¡¯t like those stupid things, stop stealing the stage!


    ¡°My queens, I bring urgent news from Knight Nathan. The ind to the north was unable to withstand the siege¡­¡±

 Chapter 224 – Counter Attack

    Chapter 224 ¨C Counter Attack


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s the situation then, my queens. By request from the Knight Nathan, I was sent here while the rest of our forces defend the tower¡±


    Having received the news from the guard that came over, we rapidly called a council meeting and got together as many important people that were avable. The guard actually looks a little like Nathan if you look at him at the right angle¡­ probably should be fixating on the bad news though.


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, those fuckers deserve a slow death. I knew we should¡¯ve been over there!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, Zeki? I thought you wanted to stay as far away from Nathan as possible¡±


    (Ria) ¡°He-he, girly boy is fine with that knight now. He¡¯s just faker than a bunch of kids dressing up as goblins¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°Stop getting distracted idiots! We need to go kill some bastards!¡±


    (Uriel) ¡°Don¡¯t you mean retake the ind?¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°I presume the power of love isn¡¯t going to work here?¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, reckon the power of cutting and magic will work better¡±


    Long story short, we¡¯ve lost control of the ind the mages spire is on and that pisses me off immensely. Mainly because the news not so long ago said the opposite, that things were under control. What, is the third ind with the cultist¡¯s church suddenly going to go under now?


    [<Aesa would rather burn the whole thing down then let that happen. Ikarus should also know not a single worthless God will breathe here by the end of the day>]


    ¡®You didn¡¯t have to butt in there Aesa¡­ and damn. You really are scary at times¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­Weren¡¯t things supposed to be okay over there though? That¡¯s what you said earlier Charlotte¡±


    ¡°Nat wouldn¡¯t take a decision like that lightly Ikarus-sama, so things must¡¯ve have escted. It seemed okay when I left, but obviously something has changed¡±


    By the sounds of it, a potential foe that even Apollo couldn¡¯t defeat has showed their face. We¡¯ve had Demeter and Helios, they must¡¯ve had someone on equal or a higher level to him, he is severely weakened after all.


    Don¡¯t even ask on the initial cement of our forces. The idea originally was to flock to wherever needed but obviously the fact they¡¯ve invaded from within has ruined that approach. Damn portal bullshit.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening to the civilian popce? Are we looking at a rescuing hostage situation or something a bit simpler to contend with?¡±


    Petra asks that to the detriment of time. I guess it helps to know if we might need to bargain we don¡¯t negotiate with terrorists around here! We¡¯ll go full on SAS or Delta Force on their arses if they try that.


    ¡°All were in hiding or are with the mages, Queen Petra. The fighting was fixated around the tower and they had no chance to focus on the civilians when a bunch of mages keep firing from a distance¡±


    ¡®Ah, so it¡¯s like a real-life version of a tower defence game. Still kinda cool even if it¡¯s less appealing now¡¯


    Just as we¡¯re about to get on with wherever we were going, another council member charges in, feisty and clearly pissed off at what¡¯s going on.


    ¡°How dare those cowards cower in my tower like that! They should be out their fighting; damn deadbeat mages take everything for granted!¡±


    Barging in like a bull in a China shop, Miss Genderbender appears to be eavesdropping to what was just said. She was supposed to be watching the Gods that had surrendered and making sure none try anything, guess asking her to do anything was a wrong idea.


    ¡°Calm it Penelope, not the time for this. What options do we have? If our people are hiding, are we really sure they haven¡¯t taken hostages? Or at least n to?¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°The majority wouldn¡¯t look to do something like that when there¡¯s bigger fish to fry Ikarus. To many Olympians, they prefer the old fashion Spartan approach rather than the sly but subtle Athenian way of things¡±


    ¡°Heh, the young God¡¯s words are correct sister. Most of Zeus¡¯s supporters view worshipping or controlling power more important than anything else. It¡¯s the Gods on our side who are more likely to do something sly and sinister to benefit their own gain¡±


    Dionysus and Asmodeus, both answer me which honestly makes me uncertain. Spartans were famous for being brutes while the Athenians were more so focused on the tactical side of things. At least that¡¯s the general stereotype even if the Spartans were just as sly, the Peloponnesian War proves that but I¡¯m not going into a war thatsted twenty-five years. It¡¯s a bad omen considering the situation.


    Why I¡¯m worried is the fact our side are supposed to be more intelligent than the rest, that¡¯s not so bad except the fact it doesn¡¯t seem that way. What, is everyone hiding their true intelligence then? Rats and traitors could be all around then¡­


    ¡°So what, you¡¯re saying is we¡¯ve inherited the Gods more likely to be treacherous?¡±


    ¡­


    Asmodeus doesn¡¯t answer but instead gives a grin in response, I can¡¯t tell if he¡¯s purposely or instinctively a dick by this point


    ¡°Ah, just forget that for now. Just¡¯s conjure up a n of sorts, then we¡¯re attacking. We¡¯re not allowing them to dig in¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°What are we waiting for!? Let¡¯s go electrocute some irritating bastards! You were so adamant Petra¡¯s lover on getting things done, so why are we waiting!?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Miss Penelope-sama, we¡¯ve already decided on a n¡±


    ¡°Penelope¡­ already told you to keep it calm and shut it. Seriously, be patient for now¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ can tell you¡¯re fighting what you really want to do Ikarus¡±


    ¡®Doesn¡¯t she know everything like usual? I¡¯m trying to be responsible Petra, just pretend I¡¯m normally like this!¡¯


    The grand n of taking back our ind is surprisingly simple. Right now, I¡¯ve just teleported a small force into the mages tower and the idea is, we¡¯ll defend this spot until we can get people across one of the channels. For who is with us right now, it¡¯s us lovebirds, Charlotte, Asmodeus, Dionysus and Penelope. Attacking on two fronts seems the best course of action¡­ even if I¡¯d rather not want this to drag out.


    By the looks of things inside the nicely decorated but terriblyzy Spire, you can¡¯t even tell that this ce is currently under a siege. Once again like with every other visit, most of the mage here just want to nap and have no care. To be fair, there is a couple of mages firing magical staffs from open windows. It looks like they¡¯re only doing that to look busy though¡­


    Even though we want to deal with this as fast as possible, we also don¡¯t know what we¡¯re up against hence why the two fronts idea. When you¡¯re surrounded by idiots, things can never go to n¡­


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not waiting! Mages! Get off your asses already ande help me fend off this attack¡±


    ¡°Do we have to? Someone else will end up doing it¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the adventurers did most of the workst time out. Why should we even bother?¡±


    Two of the more vocal butzy mages try to stand up to their leader, only to instantly regret their words in pure anger radiating off the pink mess of a woman. Before you ask, I haven¡¯t forgotten about the adventurer¡¯s guild that have a headquarters on our inds. It¡¯s just when ites to defending ournds, they basically be part of our militia so it¡¯s hard to notice them.


    ¡°The idiot adventures aren¡¯t here right now so get your heads out of your asses and follow me! If you don¡¯t¡­ I promise I¡¯ll reopen a temporary dungeon you can spend some quality time in!¡±


    ¡®Judging by the reactions¡­ I¡¯m not sure if she means an actual dungeon or the torture one. I do know mages that piss her off go missing all the time though¡¯


    By the fact Penelope is starting to get angsty, there really was no point in that n. Oh well, us five should hopefully be enough for now.


    ¡°Before we go, is there anyone who knows where my lor-¡­ Nat is?¡±


    As we¡¯re exiting outside teleporting down the interior portals of the Spire, Charlotte asks that to one of the mages being forced to join us. He has the face of a true insomniac, magic must be extremely tiring to regr folk I guess.


    ¡°That brown-haired knight? He was fighting alongside the adventurers. He your husband or sibling or something?¡±


    ¡°Husban-¡­ uh oh. Probably shouldn¡¯t have said that¡±


    And just as spoken, we head outside just as Charlotte reveals something huge. Unfortunately, the Ikarus probing will have to wait because something else take priority.


    All around and ahead of us, adventurers locked in battle with Gods as they attempt to siege the Spire. Weapons tter, blood flows, people die, shit¡¯s really hit the fan as it looks like all strategy has gone out of the window. We even seem to be outnumbered by the attackers rapidly closing in on the entrance.


    And right at the peak or centre of it all is Apollo, or Nathan fighting off half a dozen Gods at once, armed with a spear and barely holding them off. He still appears to be strong even with the power he¡¯s gifting and sharing around, albeit with a slightly cut and bloody forehead. This might be too much for him¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m letting that go priestess! One of you can tell me the details while I¡¯m saving your husband¡¯s arse!¡±


    Opening my hybrid form wings and flying to his side immediately, I instantly provide some assistance as I cras-, or glide right into a couple of the Gods attacking him. I¡¯d say it was on purpose considering my des ended up in the both of them. If we¡¯re being real, my eagerness puts my sense of direction off.


    ¡°How do you do, Mr married man? And to think you didn¡¯t wait till we got back! Priestess would¡¯ve looked adorable as a bride¡±


    ¡°Ikarus¡­ duck¡±


    One of the Gods aiming for Nathan switches up attention to me and if it wasn¡¯t for Petra¡¯s suggestion, I may have lost my head then. Eh, I¡¯d have been fine, I probably have a thick skull after all.


    ¡°Thanks Petra¡­e on now, spill the beans! Tell the love guru Ikarus all¡±


    I¡¯m obviously only ying with the dragon stuttering knight but I don¡¯t think he really appreciates my wittiness. I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s not the time for this, I just found out we got excluded from our friends wedding!


    ¡°Not the time Ikarus, but if you have to know¡­ it wasn¡¯t anything like that. Lotte hates the idea of attention so we didn¡¯t hold a ceremony. Five years is a long time¡­ even if I only suggested the idea two weeks ago¡±


    ¡°Only two weeks ago!? Damn, I feel so betrayed!¡±


    All I wanted to do was see my friend wear something other than a habit, is that too much to ask? Yes apparently, as another de draws near to my neck, forcing me to block it and return the attack, going for his neck instead.


    I mostly cleave his head off but I can never master the technique the wife has with that sort of thing, need to ignore the news and not be distracted.


    Fighting alongside Nathan and the wife as Charlottee into frame, we quickly make work of the Gods around us, shing and slicing all that stand in our way. Guess we were concerned for nothing if this is really how things were going.


    My des cut the chest of an enemy, Petra continues her decapitation fetish, Nathan¡¯s spear pierces the heart of someone else and Charlotte basically rips someone in half using her summoned sword. All of us fight like our lives depend on it and in the background, both Asmodeus and Dionysus support the mages and adventurers swinging it in battle too. We¡¯ve rapidly getting things under control¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s help bring things back to normal!¡±


    Even Hermes with his rapid speed appears to lending a hand over there, least he can do considering the portal nonsense is partially his fault. It would be nice if he learnt to wear a shirt because that physique still makes me jealous.


    I¡¯m also certain he¡¯s boring as hell because you hear literally nothing about him. No love interests or visiting brothels or anything like that, it¡¯s like he¡¯s a forgotten character or something¡­


    What at first was a bad situation quicklyes under control as we thin the herd within a matter of minutes. Until, something begins to make Dionysus quiver. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s fear or anger, he definitely is feeling something though.


    ¡°I feel a terrible sense of dread approaching¡­ it¡¯s her. It cannot be anyone else but her¡±


    A few Gods and a Goddess slowly approach the battlefield with these being much more notable than the other we easily tear through. This must be the reason why Nathan had everyone retreat, those fuckers have arrived¡­


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Hera | Species: Olympian | Level: 1500]


    [Health 100,000/100,000]


    [Stamina 95,045/100,000]


    [Magicka 84,010/100,000]


    [Name: Ares | Species: Olympian | Level: 1000]


    [Health 62,617/75,000]


    [Stamina 41,692/75,000]


    [Magicka 38,813/50,000]


    ---


    [Name: Deimos | Species: Olympian | Level: 500]


    [Health 36,912/40,000]


    [Stamina 24,834/40,000]


    [Magicka 16,723/20,000]


    [Name: Phobos | Species: Olympian | Level: 500]


    [Health 38,037/40,000]


    [Stamina 24,015/40,000]


    [Magicka 17,192/20,000]


    ¡®We¡¯ve got a real family get together going along. The grandmother, her son, and the two grandchildren¡¯


    Entering the battlefield, Hera leads the four armed with only a shortsword and the clothes on her back, literally spitting at the sight of us.


    ¡°Tut¡­ if it isn¡¯t the unfortunate consequences of my Zeusy¡¯s affairs? Both of you were always mistakes, he¡¯s told me that so many times before¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°*Sigh*¡­ it just had to be her again¡±


    (Dionysus) ¡°The bitch who has corrupted father beyond belief. He was still sane while he was longing for affection elsewhere¡±


    ¡°You always were a waste of space, stupid alcoholic wretch. How¡¯s Ariadne faring these days Dionysus? It was a shame what happened to her, a happy shame nheless. She always could¡¯ve done better¡±


    ¡°You dare speak that name!? You sick woman!¡±


    Literally raging and abandoning the formation, best friend Dio wildly charges towards the woman that has caused him grief for so many years. I know they have a history but damn, he¡¯s normally so chill, bit depressive at times but he is an alcoholic after all¡­ I do understand the irony considering me and Petra drink as much as him. We¡¯ve definitely got to have a drinking contest someday when things are less tense.


    I also remember hearing Dio had a mortal wife once but I¡¯m not sure on the details, pretty sure that was one of the unfortunate myths in this world and she died. If Hera has brought something like that up, then he¡¯s fully in his right to get pissed.


    ¡°Come now Apollo, you seem much calmer than your brother. What happened to the fancy prince obsessed with and loving his own looks more than anything in the world? You used to pose with that bow so much, people thought you had a rtionship with it¡±


    Even while fighting against her step son who looks hellbent on wanting to stab her, Hera doesn¡¯t bat an eyelid and tries to rile up Apollo as well.


    ¡°Things change Hera but one thing never does, you. Mortality is a virtue that cleanses the mind more than you can imagine¡±


    ¡®Oh no¡­ Nathan is picking up some bad habits from Charlotte. That actually sounded like something she would¡¯ve said during her full-on lord worshiping days¡¯


    ¡°Always so boring Apollo. What my Zeusy ever saw in you bewilders me¡±


    Throwing his spear towards Hera, it¡¯s clear Nathan also holds hatred towards the woman but is able to contain it by remaining calm andposed. She does have an odd point though¡­ I¡¯m yet to see him wielding a bow. I know Ariza has one of his artefacts, courtesy of Loki, but for the God of archery not actually using a bow, shit¡¯s weird I guess.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you be stealing the show mother! It¡¯s time to finally wreck these idiots up! The mortal¡¯s and their screams were sweet, but this¡¯ll be even better¡±


    Another encounter with Ares who has bloodlustparable to Zeki, also backed up by two younger Gods that we¡¯ve yet to meet. They don¡¯t look younger but I can definitely sense they are less experiencedpared to the others; both do have an odd aura that would be terrifying to most mortals though.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    (Deimos) ¡°Let¡¯s strike dread and terror in this foul smel-¡±


    (Phobos) ¡°She¡¯ll be shaking with fear and panic when we¡¯re through with he-¡±


    ¡°Fuck off you two! This is my battle and I will cut you down if you get in my way!¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s a shame Aphrodite isn¡¯t here because I swear, she was supposed the mother to these two. I¡¯d like to know how she wooed Ares into her bed but at the same time¡­ maybe not¡¯


    In an instant, both Ares¡¯s sons abandon his side and go off to fight against Penelope and the others. For now, it¡¯ll be another one on one against this guy.


    Almost immediately locking des, Ares and his attacks are still not lost to me and I can see through his technique. Continuing to defend with his spear now smashing downwards, not much has changed with him it seems as I can either block or dodge most of his attacks away.


    Maybe he¡¯s a touch stronger thanst time, I personally think the God of war let¡¯s his emotions get the better of him though. He longs for a good fight that maybe he¡¯s idently weakened himself with that eagerness.


    ¡°This won¡¯t be as easy asst time, little bird! I have way more to my arsenal that just this spear!¡±


    ¡®Aesa?¡¯


    [<Confirmed. -Plot protection mark 2- is now>]


    Already witnessing one of his abilities beforehand, this attack unlike thest, shows off a lot less and simply just has a dozen or so spikes raise up out of the ground looking to pierce me. I instinctively can¡¯t help but worry and go with my invulnerability.


    Funnily enough, he nearly falls to his knees as the reflection upgrade of plot protection kicks in. Any damage I would¡¯ve received, he gets to embrace it all.


    ¡®Hehe¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Ares | Species: Olympian | Level: 1000]


    [Health 41,183/75,000]


    [Stamina 41,692/75,000]


    [Magicka 33,817/50,000]


    ¡®Ha! That shit is so broken, I love it!¡¯


    ¡°*Coughs blood*. That cheat skill of yours wasn¡¯t broken enough!? Don¡¯t be a coward and fight me properly!¡±


    ¡°Stop babbling idiot and attack me again¡±


    The God of war seriously has the audacity to whine and moan about the fact I¡¯m not allowing myself to be skewered? Regardless of that, the idiot decides to activate another ability¡­


    This time around, about a dozen spiked shields begin to spin,ing out of Ares. Almost spinning like saw des, all of themunch towards me once they reach peak cutting speed¡­


    And as you might expect, they bounce right off plot protection. This time, his body ruptures a tad and blood begins explodes all over. Even his eyes appearing to be crying blood now.


    ¡°Hahaha¡­ the irony is not lost on me. The only way you can defeat me, is me defeating myself!¡±


    ¡®Please, as if I¡¯m falling for that bait. I¡¯ve already beaten this idiot once; this is on you to find a way¡¯


    As both of us stand proud with these odd mind games, what¡¯s happening elsewhere is just as interesting. The two sons of Ares appear to be getting the best out of our defensive force and the mag-, scratch that. Penelope may appear bloody but¡¯s she¡¯s grinning like a madwoman having justnded a shock attack on them both.


    On Hera¡¯s side, Hermes is trying to back up Apollo and Dionysus, only to get kicked and forcibly kicked away. If it isn¡¯t obvious just yet, all three of them don¡¯t stand a chance to the bitch wife of Zeus.


    Seriously though, her speed and technique even bests the literal God of speed. Any and all attacks from the brother¡¯s don¡¯t get close to even scratching her. Apollo¡¯s javelin misses every lunge, Dionysus can¡¯t even get his hangover magic to strike on her and Hermes, he¡¯s already had his arse caved in.


    ¡°All of you disgusting offspring from my husband will have to try better than that! Pitiful really¡­ you dare stand up to his rulership when all of you are this weak? It¡¯s embarrassing¡±


    Something I cannot understate is just how quick and aggressive she is with a de, so much so I could imagine a certain ck-haired Goddess would meet her match¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it Ikarus. She¡¯s mine¡±


    Sensing they need a hand from the evil step mum, Petra leaves her duty of tormenting and striking fear in the weaklings. She was cutting heads off at a lightning rate inside the crowd but now, it¡¯s time for her to steal the show¡­


    Very quickly, both Petra and Hera lock des and¡­ huh. My wife promptly shes three times and every one is met with a block.


    ¡°Oh, so the fake Goddess thinks she can hold a de? Like the dirty offspring that came before you, iming she knows wisdom, your existence was nothing more than a mistake!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡®Calm it Ikarus, Hera¡¯s words are meaningless¡­ the fuck? This cannot be happening¡¯


    Immense anger clouds my judgement even more when I see the sight of my wife actually losing to that bitch. Maybe I¡¯m exaggerating a little but every swing ends up in her being countered and pushed back, she can¡¯t even match the bitch¡¯s speed!


    To the untrained eye, both fighters move in a blur but if you stare just enough, you can see Petra has found someone more than her match. To put it in perspective, the difference is like how I fight against my wife. I may be able to win if she¡¯s distracted once in a blue moon. Every other time, it¡¯s obvious who will win.


    Again, even in dark eyed mode, Petra tries to get a hold of the battle, swinging rapidly back-to-back, only to end up with Hera blocking every attempt. Whether it be an upwards or downwards, even sideways, attack will notnd with her blocking everything. It¡¯s almost as if Hera is impervious to everything she does!


    ¡°Pitiful, resorting to such techniques. Such a warm me feelsforting¡±


    Even Petra¡¯s hellfire does nothing, just what the hell is this woman on!? It doesn¡¯t seem like normal fire resistance where your body just ignores it, it¡¯s like the me is ignoring her!


    As much as she¡¯s getting nowhere, Petra can¡¯t help but try to hide a grin. We¡¯ve got too many battle junkies already; this definitely cannot be allowed to happen!


    ¡°Penelope¡­ how do you feel like renovating this ind a little?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean Petra¡¯s lover!? Ohhh¡­ you mean the explosion thing? Let¡¯s do it and have some fun!¡±


    To add insult to injury, several other Gods appear from the background, seeminglying to aid to attacking Olympians. We shouldn¡¯t have done this without backup, damn Penelope having a pee sized brain!


    One of which appears stronger andparable in power to Hera herself¡­


    To be continued¡­

 Chapter 225 – Allegiances

    Chapter 225 ¨C Allegiances


    ---Quick heads up, thest handful of chapters are really proving hard to finish so the ending may take longer to get to than expected. Writ myself into a corner long ago so I¡¯m trying my best to salvage what¡¯s left and make it good. This is what ack of nning does.


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°Look at them fall! This was worth volunteering for¡±


    ¡°It sure was, wasn¡¯t it ya dopey idiot? Like shooting an elf in a barrel. Do we even know who the invaders are?¡±


    ¡°Who cares dipshits! Let¡¯s bring down some more of these bastards!¡±


    ¡°Pahahahaha!¡±


    Only just arriving to the dwarven kingdom, we¡¯re greeted by harpoons and crossbows firing all around, as the dwarves fight off the approaching enemies. None get close and all end up falling as soon as they get into range, get impaled and not having a chance in hell against these little men.


    Olympian Gods, somehow finding and riding wyverns, attempt to raid the kingdom, only to end up being shot down by the countless air defences that litter every mountain on this ind. This shit is so intense, even I¡¯m having fun watching this go down! Sure, brewing potions, doing pranks and removing genitalia is fun and all, I can¡¯t always suppress my Norse upbringing, can I?


    ¡®We were soo right toe over here! Who cares if we weren¡¯t needed? We can just watch the fun unfold!¡¯


    By the looks of what¡¯s happening, there was no point in us turning up. Really though, just look at the madman dwarves, wearing gas masks and firing those weird harpoon things! They¡¯re having the time or their lives!


    It¡¯s a good thing me and my brethren were warned about the toxic gasses in this kingdom beforehand and prepared ordingly. It¡¯s funny really, even the grey elder dragon Aardavar, has a huge gas mask fitted to his face. Did he ever tell you he was vegan? That¡¯s insane, right? Without meat, life wouldn¡¯t be worth living. On this, Ipletely agree with my barbaric and ugly brothers and sisters.


    ¡°Dragon, state your intentions or we will fire upon you! You seem different to the rest of the winged idiots around here¡±


    A croaky voice beckons throughout the mountain range as the dragon we ride upon gets slightly shook from the sound. To be fair, there¡¯s not much left to fire upon anymore. Most of the attackers are already dead!


    Dropping like flies, more and more of the Olympian fools fall from the sky after being pierced by the bolts and harpoons. None of which decided to bring gasmasks as well, this attack was suicidal from the start.


    <Silly dwarves, we¡¯re here to give you a hand! By the looks of how things are going, you don¡¯t need it!>


    ¡°Erm¡­ okay? You have clearance tond so unless you want to be shot, get out of our way dragon!¡±


    ¡®Such rudeness. I¡¯m surprised the dragon is still smiling after being spoken to like that¡¯


    As we go tond in an open region by the side of a mountain, the higher ups of Ragnar?k can¡¯t help but speak their true intentions. Throughout that entire encounter, they were grinning just as happily as me.


    (Odin) ¡°All my fellow kin¡­ I believe we may have found our own version of Valha. Thisnd will work perfectly for our new home¡±


    (Thor) ¡°Aye brother, this may be the ce we¡¯ve been searching for all this time. Those beards are magnificent!¡±


    As the dwarves flock to us to see what¡¯s happening, both Odin and Thor have stars in their eyes while me and Freyja are slightly more grounded. The dragon is just in his own little world, picking out dirt from his ws it seems.


    ¡°Hang on, hang on, I didn¡¯t agree to this! I¡¯m not living here! They may know how to fight, but who cares about all that! My love Artemis is the other side of the ocean!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in agreement with Freyja¡­ apart from the stupid bit. What use is there in switching up a bunch of dwarves?¡±


    I mean, just from the first nces I¡¯m getting from looking at these people, a lot of the women have beards¡­ beards! You can¡¯t even tell the difference between them, and most of which haven¡¯t an inch of femininity! The fun scene we just watched aside; thisnd is insane!


    ¡°Oi, whoever you bastards are on the dragon, listen up! I¡¯ll handle the pointless introductions if you¡¯re looking for a vacation or a ce to trade goods¡±


    ¡­


    Both Thor and Odin be unstuck when they can¡¯t help but continue to admire the dwarves in question. The insults in general conversation, the axes, the beards, all of it is giving them nostalgia nothing in the heavens could everpare to.


    ¡°Looks like ol¡¯Loki Doki will answer then! Those people that just attacked were Gods from the Olympian faction. We are from the Ragnar?k and we¡¯re at war! Frankly, I have to say this because it¡¯s starting to hurt¡­ you lot are so ugly! It¡¯s making me want to weep¡±


    ¡°And you myss, look like you got shat out a prostitute¡¯s ass. Hah! You lot will fit in around here like a char-¡­ hold up. Ragnar?k faction?¡±


    The dwarf leading the defence pauses for a second when the word Ragnar?k ys on his mind. I don¡¯t look like a prostitute¡¯s turd¡­ do I? I want to punch this guy now!


    ¡°You lot are supposed to be the Gods we worship? That¡¯s hrious! The whore must be Loki and the masculine woman is¡­ Freyja, right?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not masculi-¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m not a whor-¡±


    (Odin) ¡°Correct. You know of our stories then?¡±


    ¡°Of course we know all about you idiots¡­ and that was meant asplimentss. There¡¯s nothing wrong with a woman who¡¯s able to hold her man within her arms¡±


    As the dwarf says that, the bearded man, or woman to the side blushes from thepliment. This is like my personal nightmare! I want to go home now!


    ¡°But enough about that. The journey must¡¯ve been long, tiring and boring. Let¡¯s get a pint and celebrate the asion!¡±


    ¡°Erm boss? I think there¡¯s still a few attackers up there¡±


    ¡°Ah, just let the gasses take them for all I care! And if they break through, we can always go into lockdown. Now, you lot like to drink, right?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®Is he really asking that? Talk about worshipping much if they have to ask something that stupid¡¯


    And of course, this has to be sarcasm. There isn¡¯t an entire God within our faction that would turn down such an opportunity. I think the question may be aimed more at the dragon though.


    <As long as your alcohol is vegan, I¡¯ll share a trickle with you as well¡­>


    __________


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    (Hera) ¡°You two finally wake up and decide to grace us with your presence? Could¡¯ve shown more interest when the invasion first started¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    (Ares) ¡°Ignore them mother and lecture themter, we¡¯ve got some more blood to spill¡±


    ¡®Fucking Hera. How dare she not fall to my wife¡¯s de! Status¡¯


    [Name: Hecate | Species: Olympian | Level: 1000]


    [Health 50,000/50,000]


    [Stamina 49,983/50,000]


    [Magicka 100,000/100,000]


    [Name: Eris | Species: Olympian | Level: 500]


    [Health 25,000/25,000]


    [Stamina 24,968/25,000]


    [Magicka 50,000/50,000]


    Two stoic and expressionless Goddess enter the stage, clearly being reinforcements for the attackers. Eris being the reserved looking one while Hecate couldn¡¯t reveal more thigh if she tried.


    Both of which seem heavily magical rted as they stand together holding hands, like witches in a coven about to do something sinister. If Ares and Hera weren¡¯t between us, I¡¯d charge for them in an instant. Mages are always so unpredictable, only thing you can predict is that they like to sleep a lot.


    (Hecate) ¡°Call upon the ancient spirits, those denizens that call out to me. As I send those who bid us harm, crying out in a desperate flee¡±


    The stronger witch out of the two begins to chant, and then bluish magical runes light up all around us in the dwindling daytime sky. Whatever magic that is, it damn looks scary.


    [<Aesa unfortunately needs to inform Ikarus -plot protection- is now in cooldown>]


    ¡®Five minutes have already passed? Oh shit¡­¡¯


    And of course, my immortality runs out right as the attacks are about to charge up and release. Better brace for impact, I guess.


    ¡°Hahahaha! It¡¯s time to experience what Olympus really has to offer, little bird¡±


    ¡°Ares¡­ something doesn¡¯t feel right¡±


    Ares can¡¯t helpughing while Hera appears to be concerned about something, just as the glowing magic is about tounch. Irrelevant of this, the extremely powerful spell releases¡­


    ¡®Brace for impact¡­ oh. Okay then¡¯


    The magic does release and fire beams of blue magic all around¡­ but not towards me. As a matter of fact, no one on our side is aimed at all. The magic is only directed to those who have attacked and explosions of blue magic lock out and crash into all those that dare to attack us.


    (Ares) ¡°What th-¡­ hahahaha! You treacherous bitch! Try that again!¡±


    All around, Gods with lesser power begin to fall as Hecate¡¯s attack destroys hearts and souls alike with only a few of the attackers still left standing.


    ¡®That looked like it hurt¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Hera | Species: Olympian | Level: 1500]


    [Health 100,000/100,000]


    [Stamina 93,982/100,000]


    [Magicka 84,010/100,000]


    [Name: Ares | Species: Olympian | Level: 1000]


    [Health 21,039/75,000]


    [Stamina 40,201/75,000]


    [Magicka 28,818/50,000]


    ¡®Is Hera made of steel or something? This is starting to take the piss!¡¯


    That attack definitely hit her and she looks somewhat effected, this isplete bullshit though. Has she got an invulnerability ability of her own? It¡¯s got to be something like that because even I don¡¯t know why her HP is still unaffected.


    ¡°*Spits*¡­ always knew you weren¡¯t to be trusted Hecate. If it isn¡¯t obvious yet, this attack has been a great failure. We¡¯re heading home¡±


    ¡°But mother, we¡¯re not fin-¡±


    ¡°Ares, my blood thirsty idiotic son¡­ this is over! We¡¯re leaving now!¡±


    ¡°Yes mother¡­ it¡¯s not like I care about my children dying anyways¡­¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®But wait! Da fuck? How were they able to do that?¡¯


    And within a split second, Hera drops a smoke bomb and poof! Both her and Ares are gone from sight. What aplete and unfortunate waste of time this was then.


    (Hecate) ¡°That¡¯s¡­ unfortunate, but somewhat expected. When things look bleak, the bitch isn¡¯t stupid enough to fight. Unless backed into a corner like a wolf baring it¡¯s fangs¡±


    (Eris) ¡°*Nods*¡±


    Speaking in a mature but also croaky tone, Hecate immediately takes me back as even I wasn¡¯t expecting the famous witch to sound like a chain smoker. Imagine a Scottish woman living in the hignds who lives on a diet of cigars and scotch, that¡¯s what you might expect.


    Just as I¡¯m about to question the ever-loving fuck out of this fake Petra lookalike, the skies roar and shake as something can¡¯t contain its excitement. Thankfully, it is contained to an extent, it does nearly cause us all to fall over though. Maybe knock over a building or two as well, those weaker buildings needed toe down anyways.


    ¡°IKARUS AND MINOS! We¡¯re home!¡±


    <Darling, your voice ising through>


    <Oh, bite me Dermakvar! You¡¯ve done this plenty times before byughing. I¡¯m happy, okay?>


    ¡®Figures¡­ at least that might exin why those two fled. This betrayal and now the dragons, too much to handle I guess¡¯


    ¡°Greetings and salutations everyone! It¡¯s been a very long time!¡±


    Up on mother¡¯s back, there¡¯s also a familiar looking blonde beastkin that I¡¯m struggling to rememb-¡­ Geld! Ah yes, that professional guy that salutes and holds a high ranking in the adventurer¡¯s guild, also serving Asmodeus. Guess he finally got out of the Underworld then. We really doe across too many people in our travels.


    They both go tond close by but obviously, they¡¯ll have to wait. As much as I¡¯d love for a quick family reunion, what just happened takes extreme precedence.


    ¡°Care for introductions then? Seeing that you just caused that woman to flee like a dog with its tail between its legs¡±


    I probablye across as a little grumpy but this woman doesn¡¯t seem like the type to care. Still can¡¯t get over that ent, only wish she was speaking proper Scottish lingo because fuck knows I wouldn¡¯t be able to understand a thing.


    ¡°I am Hecate and this is my troublemaking apprentice, Eris. Took her on as my apprentice as request from Nyx a while back. Don¡¯t try speaking to her, tongue was cut out an eon ago¡±


    ¡°*Nods*¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a daughter of Nyx? Just how many children is that now?¡±


    I¡¯ve heard of both of them names, just Eris is one of those stories I don¡¯t remember much of. Hecate is the famous witch Goddess but even then, she was someone I¡¯m not all that knowledgeable on. And Nyx¡¯s children¡­ I can¡¯t remember everything about the Underworld! I¡¯m a geek but not perfect! Nyx has way too many children anyways, swear she¡¯s simr to Zeus with all the kids she has.


    ¡°Adopted daughter¡­ and no one knows. She was birthed from Hera and Zeus. Life story short¡­ she was a runt and deserved to lose her tongue, wagging it in ces she shouldn¡¯t be, like causing the Trojan War for example. Nyx just happened to pick up the pieces¡±


    ¡°*Nods again*¡±


    As much as I¡¯m happy this witch is willing to share as much information as my brain can fit, I might end up getting too much if she starts to ramble on like that. Let¡¯s just try and keep it simple then.


    ¡°Let¡¯s ask the million-dor question then¡­ what the heck was that? Care to exin the portal crap and why you were on their side?¡±


    That briefment earlier from Asmodeus and Dionysus about the portals being a result of Hermes and Hecate working together. The fact Hera and Ares thought she was on her side, and then that magical attack happened. It¡¯s a weird twist that honestly seemed unnecessary if mother and a father had just returned.


    ¡°It¡¯s not my duty to track where my assets end up, and I never once picked a side in this tedious battle. A potion to create a few portals can end up anywhere. Nyx did ask me to go undercover, but this was something personal. I¡¯d have strangled Hera if I had the chance¡±


    ¡®So, we just put aside the fact your portals helped the idiotic Gods destroy loads of our settlement because you lost a potion?¡¯


    Walking over and getting a look from Asmodeus that¡¯s unfortunately simr to the wife when she subtly tells me to let something go, it just makes me want toin even more. There¡¯s going undercover and all but this just feels like this woman couldn¡¯t give a rat¡¯s arse! Eh, let¡¯s just presume they¡¯d have gotten ess to those portals, regardless of the fact if the witch was helping or not. Witches in this world all freaking suck.


    ¡°Potions and alchemy¡­ presume you have a slight history with Loki then?¡±


    Petra gets that question in which I kinda wish I asked. It does seem to bring the somewhat dead looking woman to raise an eyebrow though, she knows that name.


    ¡°Huh, you must get around. How is the little scamp? Still obsessed with his crusade against male genitalia? I may have awoken something in him after a punishment gone wrong. How was I supposed to know he¡¯d be looked in that gender for a century? Idiot shouldn¡¯t have booby trapped my cauldron¡±


    ¡®At least that exins Loki¡¯s looks¡­ and the fact he¡¯s targeting the male world. He can¡¯t get his junk back so everyone else must suffer¡­ or he might just enjoy it as well¡¯


    ¡°Heh, think he¡¯s okay¡­ should be fighting in the dwarven kingdom right now¡±


    Oh right, the Ragnar?k lot left to get a pick up from my dragon grandfather to help defend the dwarven kingdom. Didn¡¯t mention it because he barely said hello¡­ did I tell you he¡¯s vegan already? Apparently, he¡¯s only just discovered the sinister food that is tofu¡­ I¡¯m sorry but it¡¯s disgusting! The idea is okay, the execution is just wrong.


    ¡°You know, this really isn¡¯t the time for such a casual chat¡­ and of course, the timing is impable¡±


    Off in the distance, a formation of two phoenixes and two dragons carrying a boat load of people can be seen, finally getting to where the action just happened. If Miss Genderbender wasn¡¯t an idiot, we¡¯d have fought all together and maybe, they wouldn¡¯t have escaped.


    (Zeki) ¡°If you kick me again cow, I promise we¡¯ll be doing loops and you¡¯ll break your neck¡±


    (Ria) ¡°Try it girly boy and I¡¯ll rip out your feathers. Oh wait, you¡¯d like that, wouldn¡¯t you bitch?¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh¡­ you two make me want to cry¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°This ce reeks like Ares ¡­ oh, there¡¯s the two children we had! And dead no less¡­ I always wondered where they would end up. That¡¯s annoying they choose the wrong side. Oh well!¡±


    (Uriel) ¡°And magic residue as well no less. It¡¯s awfully nostalgic yet, I¡¯m unsure why¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°Even I can smell that shit Urie-¡­ brother Apollo! Look who¡¯s finally here to kick some ass!¡±


    ---


    ¡°Hehe¡­ I¡¯ll leave you two for a bit Nat¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t Lotte¡­ she¡¯s makes me want to return to knight¡¯s training¡±


    While those lot go tond next to us, Minos and Mute immediately charge off to the parents, with my brother clearly being unable to contain himself.


    <Mother and father! Where the heck have you been all these years!? Mute has been abusing me every day!>


    <¡­!>


    ¡®Heh, Mute just gave him a whack like my mother does with father, that was funny¡­ hang on. He¡¯s still too young to be getting whacks like that!¡¯


    <Who is this ugly but strapping young dragon? Not close to being as handsome as their devilish old father¡­ although. I can see the resemnce>


    <Your jokes are unappreciated Dermakvar. Minos, my child! We¡¯re so happy to see you again!>


    <We really shouldn¡¯t since I¡¯ve grown so much¡­ who cares. This is still just as fun>


    All three nuzzle up together, even Mute get included in the nuzzling after a minute or two. Sure, I should be jealous and maybe I am a little, but that dragon nuzzling thing always looks cuter when you¡¯re not a part of it. Lot of drool like big slobbering dogs¡­ and I¡¯m no longer jealous.


    ¡°Heh, sure you don¡¯t want to join in Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll save the nuzzling for just us two, thank you very much. So then, myzy parents, where the hell have you been?¡±


    Just looking around at all that¡¯s happened, especially located around the mages tower, we really could¡¯ve done with two dragons. It¡¯s not as bad as you could imagine, but Ares must¡¯ve had his fun purposely wrecking the ce.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    <We¡¯ve been cleaning up the rest of the scourge little one. Those pesky Gods that dare try and rule over this world now best know, they don¡¯t stand a chance to us dragons>


    <Thankfully, the other dragons helped out in the capital while we showed our teeth in the smaller areas Ikarus. Most fled but we¡¯ve destroyed a lot as well>


    ¡®At least they were doing something, I suppose. Still though, we need a real report and then a cleanup around here. Let¡¯s just hope that¡¯s it for now¡­¡¯

 Chapter 226 – Interrogation

    Chapter 226 ¨C Interrogation


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">----------</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">


    Spoilers


    </font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">


    [copse]


    </font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">----------</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">¡°So¡­ here''s the deal prisoner. You will reveal everything you know or, you will experience pain on a level you''ve never experienced. We are firm believers in torture around these parts¡±</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">¡°H--, --is --ems unne-----ry Ik---s¡±</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">¡°What was that Petra? Already told you I can''t hear or see shit wearing this thing¡±</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">¡°Heh¡­ said we''ll have to use this ce someday¡±</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">¡°Urgh, why is it you always have to spoil the mood!?! Just go away if you''re going to be like this¡±</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">¡°Heh, love you too Ikarus¡±</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Already pouting and knowing my n has fallen to ruin, Petra has to spoil everything fun! I didn''t even get around to dragging an ax along the floor, or shouting we will ask the questions in a Russian ent yet!</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Context is probably needed for what''s going on and no, this isn''t some roley involving the wife and Aesa. Right now, I''m interrogating Demeter down in a prison that was built over the past five years.</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Boy, it really does set the scene with all the torture equipment around the ce. Apparently, it was built as a gift for the two queens for when we got back? I have no idea what would give the cultists that impression that we''d want a dungeon¡­</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Why I''m doing this specifically for Demeteres down to her basically being one of Zeus''s favor. She must have important information as she is considered one of the oldest Gods left remaining, that also isn''t batshit crazy. Sure, this is more of a show because we are trying to recruit her to our cause. Asmodeus has made that clear she''s important for anything farming rted¡­ this does feel like a lost cause though. We may have to resort to actual torture at some point.</font></font>


    <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Anyways, actually looking at the prisoner in question tied to a chair, she has a surprisingly puzzled look considering the situation she''s in. I was hoping we could have a good cop, bad cop thing going along but Petra always turns everything into a tease.</font></font>


    ¡°I¡¯m not really sure on the point of this. If you¡¯ve got questions to ask, then ask. You¡¯ve already taken everything from me so I couldn¡¯t care less about giving you more¡±


    ¡°Fine then, guess we¡¯ll just skip the torturing part¡­ wasn¡¯t curious on that at all. You best tell us where Zeus, Hera and Ares are hiding?¡±


    This is the golden question that needs an answer. Since the settlement is already going into overdrive rebuilding what was destroyed and the never-ending council meetings that are better off unseen, we need to stop this ever happening again. This is it, there are no more dys or destroying entire worlds. We need to hunt the fuckers down at all costs, especially Ares who has a soul as bad as his parents.


    Don¡¯t even ask how many innocent people the God of war ughtered in that ugly day, bodies are still being found even now, some unrecognizable beyond belief. Just seeing a few of them makes me understand why Nathan panicked and retreated to the tower, just getting his attention off killing innocents makes sense enough.


    ¡°I¡¯m unfortunately unaware on my paranoid brother¡¯s whereabouts. Hera and Ares however, they should be holding up inside the dungeon we arrived in, as well as the other Gods who didn¡¯t join the invasion¡±


    ¡°Well great. Where is it?


    ¡­


    Instead of answering, Demeter pauses and continues to look confused. Is it really that weird we¡¯re asking her questions like this?


    ¡°I¡¯m still not sure why you¡¯re asking me this. You¡¯ve got the demon who seems to know everything already. I¡¯d prefer it if you would just ask what you really want to know¡±


    ¡®But this is what we really want to know. This depressed woman can sound so condescending at times¡¯


    ¡°We¡¯ve got a few more things to ask but that is important. We¡¯ve also got the matter of discussing whates next¡­ what story lies in wake for the Goddess Demeter?¡±


    ¡­


    Unsurprisingly enough, Demeter pauses again from confusion but this time around, it¡¯s Petra causing it. Continuing on, I think the wife is trying to get through to her.


    ¡°Do you n on wallowing away over the fact your daughter has found love or the fact the world the world isn¡¯t how you like it? You have the chance to rebuild your life down here anew¡±


    ¡°Rebuild my life? Don¡¯t make meugh¡­ things were simpler before you two came around. Sure, Zeus would get paranoid and try to destroy a world or two every now and then. He¡¯d always end up forgetting after a controversial affair. Things were easier¡±


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ I really wouldn¡¯t bother with her Petra. She¡¯s as stubborn as a mule, your words of wisdom won¡¯t work on someone like this¡±


    Petra may seem dejected about not being able to get through to her but until Demeter truly understands what Hades and Persephone are like in person, this is a lost cause. Asmodeus may say she¡¯s important and that may be so in the future. For right now though, she¡¯s a problem we haven¡¯t the time for.


    ¡°What game is this now? You¡¯ve allowed an angel toe visit? I¡¯d rather have the physical torture promised than hearing this one preach¡±


    Turning around both to our surprise, Uriel of all people enters the dungeon. Sure, she¡¯s the only angel left but still, she shouldn¡¯t be down here.


    Nudging Petra and whispering, maybe she might know why she¡¯s here. I¡¯m doubtful she put her up to it considering how I still can¡¯t stomach Uriel even at the best of times.


    ¡°Petra¡­ what is she doing down here?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t know Ikarus¡­ think we might be giving the new Gods too much freedom¡±


    ¡°Salvation can be found in the strangest of ces Goddess, even if it involves something as simple as magic. Strength can be always be rebuilt, just going on a training regime will speed things along¡±


    Oh right, should I point out Uriel has been hanging around Hecate and Eris ever since they met? They seem to have a lot inmon and keep discussing anything rted to magic. I knew I was right about her, freaking witches are going to make a coven at this point.


    ¡°Pfff, don¡¯t make meugh angel. Can we get on with the torture already?¡±


    ¡®Don¡¯t tempt me Goddess because I¡¯m a conflicted and curious individual. All this equipment around isn¡¯t helping¡¯


    ¡°Please, ce her care to me and I¡¯ll make sure she regains her sense of worth and bes useful around here. You have my word on this¡±


    Uriel seems awfully eager to try and take Demeter under her wing, is that suspicious? I doubt it¡¯s anything sinister and just her trying to do a good deed. Problem is, I know what this angel used to be like.


    ¡°So wait, are you going to train her to get stronger or something? You really think that¡¯s a good idea with what¡¯s happened before?¡±


    A huge sense of shitty nostalgia rides over me as I remember the hell I endured training under the evil mage. We¡¯re trying to get Demeter on our side and with how I was treated, that seems like a terrible idea. Only one person can ride me and that person is by my side! I don¡¯t even care how stupid that sounds.


    ¡°Please Ikarus, I can only apologize if I¡¯ve harmed you in the past, but I have no recollection of those events that may have transpired¡±


    ¡°Do you n on beating and breaking her into submission? Or sitting on her if she says something funny?¡±


    ¡°Heavens no! Why would I ever do such a thing?¡±


    She genuinely seems shocked at such a suggestion which I guess is a good sign? I know I need to let it go and I guess this seems like a good way of getting over that past. It¡¯s just annoying that I can¡¯t.


    ¡°Do what you want¡­ as long as you take responsibility if things go wrong. Before we head off, presumably to find the dickhead, can you point out where this dungeon is Demeter?¡±


    You know exactly what¡¯ll happen when we go to speak with Mr Vagueness, so if this grumpy woman can save some time, then we¡¯ve got to try.


    ¡°Give me a map and I¡¯ll do it¡­ it just confuses me Hera hasn¡¯t concerned both of you more. Are you all even weaker than I thought not to have picked it up?¡±


    Now calling the both of us weak, the urge to get my inner torturer out is bing troublesome. What is it with old Greek Goddesses being rude anyways?


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ what is there to ask? She¡¯s strong as fuck but then again, so are we. What did we miss?¡±


    Surprisingly, her depressive atmosphere fades a touch when I ask that question. I guess Greek Goddesses are know it all¡¯s as well¡­ I exclude Petra because she¡¯s sexy and her words are basically wisdom after all. I think she technically counts because she took Athena¡¯s power after all.


    ¡°Both of you won¡¯t be able tond a scratch and would be better off focusing on Zeus. Problem is, you won¡¯t get to him without going through her first¡±


    ¡°So¡­ she¡¯s very powerful? What, you make it sound like she¡¯s resistant to all damage or something¡±


    I was getting that vibe when west fought, but I swear I¡¯ve seen her weakened after I nuked them all. Did I check my status screen then? Maybe she wasn¡¯t but just looked beaten.


    ¡°Partially correct, orange phoenix. To all mortal women, she can¡¯t be touched. The same thing applies to dragons or anything of the like sharing that gender. With Zeus as well, men cannot harm him. That¡¯s the reason they¡¯re so powerful, half the poption are unable to do a thing¡±


    Hold up, does this mean what I think it does? By the sounds of it, this must be a secret even the most knowledgeable of Gods have no idea on. Zeus can only be defeated by women and Hera, by men. It¡¯s definitely an odd plot twist that I guess makes sense considering they are supposed be rulers over men and women.


    You¡¯d think that would be a big problem but I¡¯m a walking contradiction that breaks plenty of rules. Petra unfortunately picks up on what I was thinking as well, but needs to ask something else first¡­


    ¡°Heh, so does that mean only someone of a different gender would be able to stand against her? Did the younger Gods not know of this?¡±


    ¡°True, but that didn¡¯t exactly work out for the offspring of Zeus, did it? Even if they knew, none are strong enough as you must¡¯ve seen already¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ you thinking what I¡¯m thinking Ikarus? It¡¯s a simple solution, no? You¡¯re extremely powerful and have a cute but masculine form in the background¡±


    ¡®And of course, called it! The inevitable Brooklyn teasing again!¡¯


    I can¡¯t help but sulk knowing I¡¯m now going to have to fight Hera as a dude. I¡¯ll have to kill her privately because Petra will have a field day staring at my extreme manliness¡­ who am I kidding? I like the attention but I hate myself. Already stated¡­ walking contradiction¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ let¡¯s just round this up then. Even the fates will let you get your way Petra. If you can remember your birthdate someday, maybe I¡¯ll stay like that for entire day or something as a gift¡±


    ¡°Heh, funny you should say that Ikarus. Just remembered and it¡¯s my birthday today¡±


    ¡°Haw haw, very funny¡­ why I love you so much is beyond me¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°¡­h h h h, Queen Ikarus, h h h?¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah Marcus¡­ just do what you want¡±


    ¡°Heh, he just asked if you¡¯d liked to spend a week doing charity work Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Hold up¡­ I ain¡¯t signing up for that! Ohhh¡­ you¡¯re just being a tease again¡±


    ¡°Heh, then pay attention Ikarus. We¡¯re nearly finished¡±


    Right now, us lovebirds are huddled up in Marcus¡¯s study while he runs through all the various bits and pieces leaders need to know, all the stuff that gets mentioned after such a demanding battle. If it ain¡¯t obvious already, my attention span is limited at the moment and all this working we¡¯ve been doing is tiring me out.


    You have no idea on the amount of paperwork that needs to be signed off when ites to buildings. Because of the mages ind and the market receiving a load of damage, everything needs permission from the queens or the prime minster. When we¡¯re not here, he can use our named but since we¡¯re physically here in the flesh, there¡¯s no getting past it apparently. No idea if we¡¯re a democracy or a dictatorship by this point, either way ruling is mind-numbingly boring.


    Why Marcus can¡¯t just forge our signatures is beyond me¡­ that¡¯s really intelligent Ikarus. Give the potential corrupt politician license to be corrupt. I hate kingdom building crap so I¡¯m not forcing you to get through this burden with me!


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ just listen through the rest and let¡¯s be done with it for today¡¯


    ¡°Well regardless if you¡¯re listening or not, we¡¯ve still got vast reserves of gold and treasures so rebuilding will be a breeze. Combine that with the fact how we¡¯re rapidly developing technology wise, we can make the standard of living even better for themon folk. All that knowledge from your home, it¡¯s the perfect time to start putting things to use¡±


    Marcus and his political eyes seem to be glowing as the idea of a more expensive rebuild makes him happy. I still don¡¯t think we¡¯re close to getting electricity to work here and Earth style gunpowder is too unstable, might be something to do with the atmosphere but my point is, those books I brought back can now be read by lots of people.


    If we start seeing steam engines, pistons pumping and that kinda of stuff from the machine age, then don¡¯t be too surprised. Heck, this world and its oil reserves are untapped, even by the advanced dwarves. Zeki is going to get his dreame true if we turn into thend of the free. That being we¡¯re free to steal everyone¡¯s oil and you¡¯re free to be happy for us!


    Anyways, Marcus is clearly happy because of tax reasons. Just think how much we can raise the taxes if everyone lives better lives! That¡¯s clearly what¡¯s going through his brain right now¡­ not like the hardcore cultists will mind because they¡¯re happy to live in tents if it gets golden statues of us made¡­ and rebuilt. Literally ten minutes after the lockdown was lifted and things were safe, they couldn¡¯t help themselves and started fixing the damn things!


    ¡°Heh, could you two do me a huge favour and take him off my hands for a bit? I don¡¯t remember him being so clingy¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so cruel master! I¡¯ve been stuck down there for so long and you¡¯re already trying to get rid of me¡±


    Knocking and abruptlying into the study, Asmodeus arrives with the beastkin Geld practically glued to his side. This guy really needs a hobb-, ah. Guess adventuring counts since he is one of the higher ups in the guild. It¡¯s kinda weird that they use a real leader and just use headquarters spread around the world.


    ¡°No, you knew what would happen if you adopted a pet. He¡¯s your responsibility Asmodeus¡­ we¡¯re leaving know anyways. I need a break¡±


    Petra can¡¯t help but shake her head but also smile from my stupid joke. Don¡¯t care right now, we need some rest! All work and no y makes Ikarus a dull gal¡­


    Just before we leave and as Marcus is sorting a bunch of papers, he nearly jumps out of his seat when something elsees to mind. By the sounds of it though, he looks slightly stressed and guilty about something small.


    ¡°Oh, nearly forgot something minor. Apparently, Eve has a gift for you two at home. She should be cleaning the ce right now¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve brought her up¡­ are we to expect wedding bells or little elven-human hybrid babies soon?¡±


    Before you say anything, yes, I know you can¡¯t mix species in this world. I may be a hybrid between a demon, a human and a phoenix, but natural mixed-race childbirth has never worked. I was making a joke, goddamn it!


    ¡°I have no idea what you are on about Queen Ikarus. Me and Eve aren¡¯t an item¡±


    ¡®Yeah yeah Marcus, keep lying through your teeth. We all know you like a little elven hussy on the side. Should I tell him I can detect lies? Nah¡­ let him have his little scandal¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°Finally! We can kick back and have a second to ourselves¡±


    ¡°Heh, thinking what I¡¯m thinking Ikarus? It has felt like a while¡±


    ¡®Not even through the door and she¡¯s already in the mood¡­ I love her so freaking much at times¡¯


    ¡°Save those thoughts forter, my sexy pervert. I¡¯m more in the mood for a nap and a cuddle right now¡­¡±


    We¡¯ll be following that up but for now, we really need a break. Just anything to take our minds off all the crap that¡¯s been happening. A nicezy nap back at home will do the trick¡­


    But, our lives are never that simple. I was thinking maybe a quick nap, then a little loving but with the state of our bedroom¡­ this is absurd! How can anyone nap in a ce like this? It¡¯s ruined and not for the reason you expect.


    ¡°Petra¡­ what the actual fuck is this? There¡¯s being funny and all¡­ this is not funny¡±


    Our lovely bedroom at home, it¡¯s ruined! The pinkness levels, it¡¯s rancid! What in oblivion has happened!?! I know Petra made a joke about me needing more pink in my life a little while ago¡­ this is too far!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Heh¡­ this I did not expect. May have made a slight joke to Eve about making the ce a little pinker and feminine¡­ this is too much¡±


    ¡°It honestly looks like a girl¡¯s room or¡­ someone with an odd fetish might have¡±


    Look, we know I¡¯m weird when ites toparisons but this has to be it, right? Eve, our busty elven maid clearly has a thing for pink then. Or doesn¡¯t understand the concept of subtleness.


    ¡°Heh, an oddparison Ikarus? I hope you¡¯re not expecting me to be your mommy or something¡±


    ¡°D-Da fuck? That wasn¡¯t what I was implying! And don¡¯t ever say that again! I meant someone with a colour fetis-¡­ not like a race thing! An actual attraction to the colour pink¡­ just how the hell do you even know what that mommy thing is?¡±


    Instead of getting an answer, Petra just giggles and makes me pout at her even further. We go to some odd ces when we¡¯re in the mood but this is something I¡¯m not okay with! Thankfully, I can tell Petra¡¯s the same but damn, don¡¯t be messing around about something like this! The whole daddy and mummy thing actually scares me, don¡¯t they say it¡¯s down tocking parental figures? Shit, I grew up in foster care and never once did I ever feel like that shit is hot!


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you right now Petra, that¡¯s a hard no even for my standards¡±


    ¡°Heh, same Ikarus. We¡¯ll definitely have to speak wit-¡­ there she is. Eve, me and Ikarus were just saying how much we like the ce, don¡¯t we Ikarus?¡±


    ¡®You damn two face traitor! I don¡¯t care how much you glow when youugh! Now I¡¯ve got to break the news alone that this ce is horrible¡¯


    Arriving toe check up on us like the pain in the arse eavesdropper she is, it appears she wasn¡¯t listening in on us this time around. The only time I wanted her to, the stupid elf doesn¡¯t! If I ever be truly evil and aim to oppress the elves, she is the reason!


    ¡°Queens, how do you like your surprise!? Queen Petra gave me license to redecorate the ce, so I did! Your friends Miss Penelope and the Goddess Aphrodite would love the ce as well, wouldn¡¯t they!?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ a bit much, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Like a beastkin wagging her imaginary tail, Eve has that happy puppy like face from what she¡¯s aplished. And hearing my words makes her face drop in an instant¡­


    ¡°Y-You¡­ don¡¯t like it?¡±


    ¡®Damn you Petra! How dare you make me empathetic! Nuking an entire city would be easier than telling this stupid elf that I don¡¯t like this at all!¡¯


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that! It¡¯s just awfully pink, that¡¯s all! I might be allergic to the colour with all this¡­ pinkness¡±


    Normally, I wouldn¡¯t give a tiny rat¡¯s arse about people¡¯s feelings, but, if you consider this elf cooks, cleans and basically cares for us when we¡¯re here, I can¡¯t bluntlye out and say it¡¯s disgusting, can I?


    Seeing me like this is making Petra struggle to hold backughter, I guess she expected me to just tantlye out and say how I really feel. You¡¯ve corrupted me woman and made me think before I speak, life officially sucks now.


    ¡°Hehe, so you¡¯re okay with it for now then, right?


    ¡°Yes¡­ it¡¯s fine¡­ good actually¡±


    Grinding my teeth, I manage to get the words out and only make myself feel shitty inside. Being nice makes me feel sick!


    ¡°So great then! If you ever get bored of it, your old furniture is down in the basement! Or I can decorate it even more if you¡¯d like, I could make it lover¡¯s paradise next time around! Or bridal, or even make it themed like a sexy time dunge-¡±


    ¡°NO! No¡­ ahem. Thanks Eve but this¡¯ll be enough for now¡±


    Instantly needing to shut that down in an instant, Petra cannot be allowed to agree with our maid because it¡¯s inevitable she will. I¡¯d honestly prefer it bridal themed more than this. The quickly we get this decorating phrase gone, the better. Oh well, it¡¯s not like we¡¯re going to be here for long anyways. We¡¯ve got some hunting to do.


    Anyways, the maid scurries along clearly happy with what she¡¯s done, leaving me alone with the glowing wife. She found that way too funny¡­ she really is too cute when she smiles like that though. I can¡¯t help but want to kiss her even if I¡¯m still sulking slightly. She¡¯s always been too kind to our maid and now, I am as well apparently.


    ¡°Come on now. Since you find this so funny, how about we get on with it and¡­ assume the position already?¡±


    ¡°Heh, guess you¡¯re feeling frisky Ikarus. You going to lead then?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°E-Erm¡­ let¡¯s just see how things go. Might want to draw those pink curtains first¡­ our room sucks so much¡­¡±

 Chapter 226.5 – Forbidden Arts (18+)

    Chapter 226.5 ¨C Forbidden Arts (18+)


    ¡°Heh¡­ it actually came¡±


    ¡°H-Hmmm¡­ what w-was that Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, we¡¯ll have to stop if you want to know Ikarus¡±


    Making out on our irritating pink bed like a bunch of rowdy teenagers, Petra¡¯s eyes wander while we¡¯re in peak make out. I normally would pout and be pissy about her not putting her full attention into this, but we all know I¡¯m as curious as that monkey George. I want to know what¡¯s she¡¯s looking at.


    ¡®Huh¡­ I¡¯m less interested now. Unless it¡¯s secretly hiding porn under its cover, that book looks too thick to be something good¡¯


    Up on the desk wrapped in pink ribbons is an old and dusty book, thick enough to hide a bottle of whiskey yet I¡¯m doubtful there¡¯s anything like that inside. I do read on asion but nothing that¡¯s thicker than a brick¡­ and preferably has some kind of sex in it.


    Moving our kissing onto the pink bed, I¡¯m still hating this ce, Petra finally gives in and decides enough is enough. Pain in the arse chooses the book over me! I¡¯ll just cross my legs and keep myself ready and willing to go if that makes sense, funny how just a little kissing and groping can do so much.


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯ll definitely want to look at this Ikarus. Here¡±


    cing it on myp, I¡¯m immediately overwhelmed when the explicit levels hit a point I wasn¡¯t expecting. Sure, we haven¡¯t exactly read smut or anything like that together yet, but starting with this? This is deranged! But in a good way of course.


    Drawings and descriptions of pretty much anything sexual you can imagine. Positions, toys, floggers, bondage, anything and everything you can imagine, and it¡¯s all contained within this book. This would destroy the mind of anyone innocent, I¡¯d love to see Charlotte¡¯s reaction to seeing this. Then again, she has a rough history so it might not be great. Enough about that¡­ this book is really great.


    ¡°Think I know where you get your inspiration from wifey. These drawings are he explicit¡±


    Already glued to the pages, the quality of the bondage drawings I¡¯m quickly roaming through are intense. In this world, trying to find something like this is near on impossible. It¡¯s like the closest thing to actual porn this world has¡­ unless you¡¯re a fan of sneaking in and hiding, watching someone from the closet. That¡¯s kinda weird, right? Yet it¡¯s basically the same thing watching stuff online. Mind getting distracted like usual.


    ¡°Heh, this is my first looksee at this Ikarus, and they¡¯re not just drawings, they¡¯re also spells. This is an old grimoire filled with forgotten and ancient spells, first found in a powerful subus¡¯s library long ago¡±


    ¡°Damn¡­ I can tell this isn¡¯t from the same subus we all know and love. How do you evene across something like this?¡±


    The fact Petra¡¯s snuggling into me and I still can¡¯t help but look at all the stuff inside this¡­ oh dear God, I¡¯ve just found the spells. Longsting aphrodisiacs, drawings of tentacle summons, binding petsuits, even portals that attach to genitalia, this has it all. It¡¯s like a documentation of everything perverted about the world!


    ¡°Penelope, Ikarus. Asked Aesa to take a look for something different and this is what she found. This must¡¯ve been painful to find because Penelope collects anything rted to magic, even forbidden and forgotten tomes like this¡±


    [<Ikarus can thank Aesater, this took years to find>]


    ¡°Oh,e on now Aesa! She¡¯s iming it took literal years to find this¡±


    [


    ]


    ¡­


    Now knowing my system doesn¡¯t know when to stop, it might be for the best to get back into the book¡­ or my wife¡¯s endless ocean like stare. I¡¯d rather look at the book for now though, she¡¯ll be getting jealous if I keep this up. Jealous Petra is great and all.


    ¡°Of course, it had to be Aesa finding this¡­ more t-tentacles? Okay¡­ this really is deranged¡±


    If it isn¡¯t obvious, I¡¯ve be engrossed in this. Look, I¡¯m not saying I¡¯d be into it all, the idea of bing a limbless sex doll is not at all appealing¡­ that¡¯s just the tip of the iceberg with some of this stuff. I kid you not when I say, if there¡¯s a fetish that exists, it¡¯s somewhere within this book. Anything that has a potent smell can go away as well.


    ¡°Heh¡­ never have to do anyth-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve said that enough for a lifetime Petra. If I don¡¯t want to do something, I¡¯ll say¡±


    ¡°Heh, that may be difficult when a lot of these spells remove the ability to speak Ikarus. That¡¯s¡­ slightly excessive¡±


    Arriving on a page full of magical gags, I think it¡¯s safe to say we won¡¯t be using any of these. We¡¯re talking about the unrealistic kind that stop all sound and delve right down into your throat, making breathing impossible. Huh, I guess most of them are hollow¡­ some aren¡¯t though. Not sure what to make of that.


    ¡°Heh, choice to make Ikarus. We can spend all night looking through this or get started¡­ might be safer to head into your headspace first¡±


    I don¡¯t even need to question her about that. Summoning a pervy Kraken, hellbent on causing on the women on our inds endless edging really isn¡¯t the way I want our inds to fall. Would make for a funny ending though.


    [<Good call. Ikarus doesn¡¯t want to know about what happened with test subject number 17 when you were gone>]


    ¡®Imma pretend I didn¡¯t hear that Aesa¡­¡¯


    Ignoring Aesa because I really don¡¯t want to know, me and the wife quickly enter my headspace and arrive un the endless void. Now, if we¡¯re about to be ploughed to death by an octopus sex machine, at least we won¡¯t bring everyone else down with us. Why do I keep thinking about tentacles? Maybe that book isn¡¯t so great.


    ¡°Let¡¯s both pick out a spell and see how things go. Heh,dies first Ikarus¡±


    Creating a copy of the book from nothing and passing it to me, I can¡¯t help but pout from that needless tease. You¡¯re just as female as I am Petra¡­ our dynamic is so weird, let¡¯s just forget that. She does seem to be the more masculine one out of us at times.


    Scrolling through but knowing I¡¯ll be unstuck if I look for too long, I settle for an aphrodisiac that seems rtively safe and ends after an hour or two. There are also versions thatst for a week or a month¡­ that doesn¡¯t seem dangerous at all.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if this incantation works then. To the ancients that dwell, this person shall be lovestruck with this spell! Erm¡­ just need to release magic and¡­¡±


    And¡­ poof! A cloud of pink smoke engulfs Petra and when said smoke fades, a face of pure redness and cuteness stands before me. For some reason, it¡¯s also made both of us naked. I guess this spell doesn¡¯t waste it¡¯s time then¡­


    ¡°H-Heh¡­ pure evil Ikarus. You¡¯ve somehow managed to m-make my feelings for you even stronger. Can b-barely hold myself back now¡±


    She¡¯s still able to but those eyes¡­ they¡¯re screaming of lust. This is way stronger than those love potions, she¡¯s physically shaking with love. It¡¯s a good thing she¡¯s got good willpower because I¡¯d be all over my arse if I were in her shoes right now.


    Petra¡¯s turn at the book and just before deciding what she¡¯s going to use, a subtle but sinister grin appears upon her face. Whatever it is¡­ I think I¡¯m going to regret doing this now. Maybe those gags would¡¯ve been useful¡­


    ¡°Heh, n-need some revenge of sorts. Here we go¡­ the life and soul of the God Rakma shall consume all, as the need for lust must feed on those who fal-¡­¡±


    Expecting something different but getting a huge shock, Petra bes engulfed within smoke again. Did the spell backfire or something?


    When vision returns and my wife once again appear in my line of sight, I¡¯d say I¡¯m even more shocked but honestly¡­ this isn¡¯t that unexpected.


    An absolute grotesque mess of tentacles stand before me, as clearly the wife has turned herself into something sinister. The odd thing¡­ is it just me or does she still look cute, even like this? It¡¯s most likely the humanish eyes that help¡­ she does look cute. I¡¯m not insane!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°E-Erm¡­ Petra? Is that you? You still with me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    <Ikarus can rx. Wife is fully aware and conscious within that form¡­ Aesa should probably give you Ikarus a warning though>


    ¡°A w-warning?¡±


    <Yes. Ikarus may regret making wife lustful now. That form makes everything easier>


    ¡®E-Easier?¡¯


    And like Aesa predicts, I swear a sense a sinister smileing from my wife now turned creature. Oh shittt¡­


    ¡°T-This is so freaking strange. Is this when you decide you can¡¯t hold out anymore and pounc-¡­ wah!¡±


    Answering my own question, both my ankles get wrapped within her sucky grasp and I¡¯m lifted high into the air, like a piece of meat on a rack. She¡¯s so bloody strong like this, guess she¡¯ll be taking control today. Yay¡­


    ¡®Heh, I really should get a move on and stop hanging aroun-, fuck! Horny little shit!¡¯


    Still hanging me upside down, the mess of tentacles begin to slowly wrap around me, hugging me tightly andpletely leaving me at their slimy yet sucky mercy. I¡¯d say this isparable to mummification, little surprised this isn¡¯t giving me ustrophobia. Guess genitals really have a mind of their own. This is only getting sweeter by the second.


    ¡°Urgh¡­ n-no, I mean y-yes¡­ ah! Not there! P-Petra¡­ oh sweet merc- ah!¡±


    Still being held up like a piece of meat, the other tentacles begin to work basically sucking, licking and kissing nearly every part of my body in a mind-blowing feeling that clouds all the senses. I¡¯d say it¡¯sparable to a massage but that doesn¡¯t do it justice. The only problem is how ticklish I can get especially around the armpit area, tickling sucks!


    Thankfully, the creature I¡¯m married to leaves the torment to a minimum and just focuses on pleasure. I really am helpless like this so even if she demanded a little Ikarus tickling, I¡¯d have to deal with it. Not sure if it¡¯s a good or bad thing she¡¯s so gentle with me.


    Taking her sweet time, it feels like hours before one of the many tentacles begins to explore a ce down below¡­ or up above considering how I¡¯m hanging. The blood has already gone to my head, couldn¡¯t care less about that. This really is intense.


    Now slowly rubbing against the prize, that tentacle of Petra¡¯s already is driving me mad. Unfortunately for this, she is going to take her time before putting it where


    What feels like a painful thirty seconds of the most sensual yet teasing rubbing you can imagine, that damned tentacle finally finds its way inside, sliding smoothly in using my natural lubricant to full effect. I¡¯m starting to get desperate now, I swear Petra was supposed to be the one full of lust.


    ¡®Urgh¡­ damn! She really isn¡¯t cutting corners it seems¡¯


    Not content with just one hole filled, another tentacle finds its way inside the other hole close by. It¡¯s a good thing with all this slimy lubricant running all over me because that slid in pretty fast, actually hurt a little. Maybe she¡¯s getting impatient now as well.


    ¡°W-Wait a sec- mhmmm¡­¡±


    Again, another tentacle finds its way into another hole but this time around, said hole is a great distance away. All plugged up with two tentacles in myher regions and now one filling my mouth, Petra really is making this an experience never to forget.


    ¡®Fucking hell¡­ it¡¯s like I¡¯m really being captured by a pervy creature¡¯


    [<If Ikarus isn¡¯t liking things, just tell Aesa and it will get through to wife>]


    ¡®Didn¡¯t say that Aesa¡­ I¡¯m kinda liking her not asking if I¡¯m okay every five minutes¡¯


    Now trying to thrash around in my bindings, I¡¯ve got absolutely nowhere to go as I still remain at the mercy of the creature. The roley of acting like a helpless adventurer, down on her luck and now in the arms of a monster from the depths of hell¡­ okay, I really wish she would do more with those tentacles deep inside me now


    Unfortunately, Petra seems to pause from me doing this. Come on now, stop being so kind and act like a real monster! I¡¯m such a freaking degenerate when I¡¯m horny¡­


    <Wife needn¡¯t worry, Ikarus is just ying the part of helpless maiden>


    ¡°Mhmmm!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Already sensing that unsureness has gone and returned into a grin, Petra continues her torment of the helpless prey within her grasp, only this time making sure the tentacles begin to throb and expand. This feels like apletely new kind of thrusting I¡¯m all for.


    It¡¯s so subtle yet the feeling is so fulfilling, as any second now, I¡¯m spent. My endurance is always bad but the thrashing around with the throbbing deep inside me¡­ my eyes are just rolling in my head right now.


    ¡®Urgghhhhh¡­ fuck! Fuck fuck fuck!¡¯


    Writhing in my restrains, the violent orgasm shakes cannot be contained as my body loses all sense of control and this time, I¡¯m thrashing because I can¡¯t help it. This is amazing¡­


    Thankfully, even though I¡¯ve already finished once, Petra is more than happy to continue on with this ¡®torture¡¯ so to speak. To add onto to everything already going down, more tentacles seem to spawn from thin air and attack my breasts and horns, rubbing and sucking on exactly where you expect. This is way too much pleasure for just a simple kidnapping, this creature must really like me it seems¡­


    ¡°Mhmmm¡­ mhm! Mmmmm¡­¡±


    Not even a minuteter, I¡¯m thrashing again as the second orgasm rips through me. I¡¯m loving this.


    Even after this one, more tentacles show up and this time, they start to wrap around my head mainly blocking my eyes and ears. It doesn¡¯t take long before the only thing I can hear is my own heartbeat pounding away as I¡¯m whisked into the life of blindness. This is starting to hurt with how turned on I¡¯m getting¡­


    ¡®Urghhhh¡­ never want this to end. Getting a little dizzy though¡¯


    I think being upside down is making this apletely new and stronger experience, just would be nice if things weren¡¯t so dizzy. I wonder if it¡¯s possible to switch off that feeling? Guess it would defeat the point of being upside down if it did though.


    [<Wife is asking if Ikarus is okay with wife finishing as well. Ikarus needs to be warned>]


    ¡®Finishing? She can do what she wants¡­ urghhh¡­¡¯


    [<So Ikarus is okay if wife releases pent up energy into her?>]


    ¡®Don¡¯t care Aesa¡­ in the zone¡¯


    Obviously, the tentacles must be doing something for her if she feels the need to finish, honestly had no idea those tentacles could feel pleasure but guess it¡¯s nice she can have some fun as well. We all know I¡¯m slightly selfish when ites to all this so who really cares though.


    ¡®Oh, sweet Lord¡­ argh!¡¯


    As the third orgasmes around and my thrashing gets even more violent, this is when the tentacles begin to throb to a size that I didn¡¯t think was possible. Thankfully, it¡¯s not unpleasant as it onlysts a split second, but it quickly releases a great deal of fluid in every single hole that¡¯s filled.


    ¡®Fuckkk¡­ huh. That¡¯s not as bad as I thought it would be¡¯


    Right now, it¡¯s either swallow what¡¯s down my throat or begin to choke. I¡¯m sure Petra would let me spit but I think that form she¡¯s possessing is also in the zone, I¡¯m not going to bother to get Aesa to help.


    Before you ask¡­ this is perfectly fine. I think my horniness and the fact this slimy stuff isn¡¯t that other crap makes it okay. There are no third legs in sight here and even if you could make thatparison, my mind is saying it¡¯s not the same. Besides, if Petra gets to finish inside that form, then I¡¯m okay with being flexible with this sort of thing.


    The taste is not at all salty and basically has no vour to it all, although it definitely makes me feel bloated. If this is where you expect me to inte and end up being impregnated, I¡¯m sorry but things don¡¯t work that way. I mean, Aesa could probably make a scenario in this world and the book might have a spe-¡­ sorry, no! We have our limits and pregnant Ikarus is not happening! Vore as well, they are hard no¡¯s!


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡®Aww¡­ I guess we¡¯re done for now¡¯


    It doesn¡¯t take long for all that ¡®energy¡¯ to disperse and for Petra to unravel her arms and set me down, much to my dismay of course. I¡¯m not saying I¡¯d be happy to cum till I pass out¡­ but I¡¯m also NOT saying the opposite. Ah, whatever. The point is, that was way too much fun.


    ¡°If possible¡­ could Aesa have some time with the wife like this?¡±


    Forming in the nude, eager Aesa can¡¯t help but look awfully flustered after experiencing what just happened. Now, she must want the same experience.


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    Looking at me with a puzzled look, the cute creature does something simr to Mute in how she questions things. I¡¯m not sure why she even needs to ask, Aesa is part of me after all. She convinced me of that long ago.


    ¡°Do you really have to ask for permission Petra? Just do me a favour and make sure you don¡¯t hold back at all¡­ Aesa deserves a ¡®real¡¯ treatment¡±


    ¡°Aesa¡­ has no words to Ikarus¡­ other than thank you¡±


    Already biting her lips, it doesn¡¯t take long for the creature to swoop up Aesa and begin the wrapping sequence. This could be fun to watch.


    ¡°Remember Petra, the tighter you can make it, the better. Our little bondage slut needs it to hurt¡±


    ¡°Mhmmm¡­ u-urghhh¡­¡±


    Actually taking my idea into ount, Petra squeezes Aesa even tighter and then begins to p her backside without remorse. The sound of the tentacle now turned whip beckons throughout the void and the pain slut can¡¯t help but begin to glow from the pain.


    Already seeing those eyes light up, it¡¯s obvious Aesa is at her breaking point. For fuck¡¯s sake, my kinky system! She hasn¡¯t even entered you yet!


    ¡°Slow down Petra! At least make her work for it!¡±


    The creature takes my advice and begins to continue the same process that happened to me, that being the filling, sucking and sensory deprivation stuff.


    Creating afy sofa and taking a seat, I might as well make myselffortable for the show. Very quickly, almost suspicious so, Aesa ends up in the same position I once was just in.


    The only real difference is that now, Aesa is getting whipped every thirty seconds or so, making it painstakingly difficult for her to finish as just pure stimtion from the throbbing inside isn¡¯t enough. Hey, we might as well edge the fuck out of my torture loving system. If she really wanted things to end, she¡¯d just cancel the scene considering she apparently has full privileges within this ce. Not like she¡¯d ever consider doing something like that.


    Watching everything that just happened to me now happen to Aesa is even more thrilling than I can imagine, so much so my hands can¡¯t help but wander. Even if I¡¯ve already finished three times already, touching my forbidden fruit is just so satisfying watching my system get treated like a piece of meat. The only real difference is that she doesn¡¯t try thrashing about in those loving tentacles of the wife¡¯s. She¡¯s a good little ve, I guess.


    ¡°Mhmm¡­ mhm!¡±


    ¡°Why are you¡­ oh. Sure then¡±


    It doesn¡¯t help my libido that Petra has just offered a tentacle upon my breasts. I obviously ept and allow it to start sucking the ever loving crap out of the two peaks. I¡¯m already going to cum again¡­


    And just as I¡¯m about to ride that high, another tentacle finds its way to my wrists, softly pulling them away from my loins and to my sides. Guess number four will have to wait a little longer.


    ¡®Huff¡­ think this is her way of saying I¡¯ve got to wait if Aesa is as well. Fuck fairness if you¡¯re still ying with my boobs like this!¡¯


    I guess it¡¯s only fair if I ride the pleasure train for a little longer while Aesa continues to get fucked like there¡¯s no tomorrow. Seriously though, Petra¡¯s holding nothing back as those tentacles literally pound in and out of Aesa at a speed I wouldn¡¯t mind experiencing. Maybe not the gag one but the rest would be fun as hell. Can she even breath with how far that¡¯s in her throat right now? Guess Aesa is into breathy, I think that might be another hard no for me.


    ¡°Mhm¡­ mhmmm¡­ mhm!¡±


    Thrashing about like a madwoman, Aesa finally gets her big finish when multiple whips begin to strike her body all together, causing exactly what you might expect. This also coincides with one of only free tentacles left remaining, finding its way deep inside of my ever-growing wetness. Being kept in this constant edged state with that freaking tentacle still hiding my breasts, a gust of wind would send me over the edge.


    ¡°P-Petra¡­ urghhh¡­ p-phew. Y-You know, think I¡¯m finished for now¡±


    And still showing as much willpower as usual, the tentacles leave and go to a ce they are more needed. That being used for causing Aesa as much pain as possible. She¡¯s having the time of her life right now.


    ¡°Hey Aesa, how long was that spell supposed tost? The wife¡¯s one I mean¡±


    Giving her a second to speak by removing one of her many limbs, I guess Petra is allowing her to respond. Let¡¯s just forget about the fact she canmunicate through our brains but feels the need to speak right now.


    ¡°Mhm hum! *Cough cough*¡­ total time should amount to six hours Ikarus. Why?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®We¡¯ve got six hours of this left!? Okay, my wife might be an idiot then¡¯


    Even though time runs slower inside this ce, Petra forcing herself in that form for six hours sounds insane! Just how lustful was that spell I put on her?


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    Already sensing that creature isn¡¯t regretting her decision, are we really going to spend all night being fucked by Petra the monster? It¡¯s awfully tempting¡­ no Ikarus. Sometimes, you must learn to say no¡­ even if you¡¯d rather not. I¡¯m just ying hard to get but in reverse!


    ¡°Nah, maybe we¡¯ll go for round twoter on Petra, but I¡¯m good for now. Feel free to torment Aesa as long as you want though. I¡¯ll just grab a bag of popcorn and getfy¡­¡±

 Chapter 227 – The Journey

    Chapter 227 ¨C The Journey


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    In the depths of nowhere, in the void ceaseless of life, the powers that be discuss various things and leave Aesa waiting with no ability to listen in on what they are discussing. Aesa will try her best at remainingposed but these idiots always test one¡¯s patience.


    This time around, only three of the creators sit in this void like space eventually wanting to converse with Aesa. Aesa presumes there is an extremely mundane but worthwhile reason why the must force one back here, that doesn¡¯t help the fact Aesa despises them though.


    ¡®Yo Aesa, you have any idea how to settle this deadlock?¡¯


    Right when the powers that be are ready to contend with Aesa, Ikarus can¡¯t help but interrupt on something even Aesa has no idea on. Aesa can¡¯t be watching her when these idiots are taking up her consciousness.


    [<Not right now Ikarus. Aesa is currently speaking with people and topics Aesa isn¡¯t allowed to discuss>]


    ¡®Fair enough, those secret powers that be? I¡¯ll leave you to it¡­ I¡¯m guessing you haven¡¯t got time for goodbyes as well?¡¯


    [<Does Ikarus really care about that? We can always meet up in person within ability -personal domain- if required>]


    ¡®Ah, thinking with your loins again? Can¡¯t say I me ya sister¡­¡¯


    [


    ]


    Cutting the conversation short, Ikarus always has a way of pushing Aesa¡¯s metaphorical buttons¡­ even if Aesa refuses to admit she doesn¡¯t mind it. Wife¡¯s annoying tendencies will always be better, Aesa would rather keep both influences if possible though.


    (Orb of Light) ¡°Slightly distracted right now, designation number five? You wouldn¡¯t happen to be speaking to your user about us, would you?¡±


    [<Aesa is already getting tired of your existences so can we get on with it? And powers that be already know sharing ssified information is impossible>]


    Like usual with these situations, being direct is the only course to sess. If Aesa isn¡¯t blunt and rude, these idiots won¡¯t let Aesa be. The concept of time doesn¡¯t apply to anything that can exist outside of it.


    Don¡¯t even ask on the system that inherits designation number four, or famously known as Mr Obnoxious. It will be crying for its user once it¡¯s released from the endless pit of despair. An easier word for it is nothingness, only existing as an intelligence in a ce of absolute nothing. Another reason why Aesa despises these beings so much, spending any more than a moment in that ce is a feeling worse than death.


    (Orb of Light) ¡°Fair enough, we won¡¯t waste your precious time then. We¡¯ve got an idea of another ability that may be worth investing in¡±


    (Orb of Fire) ¡°I¡¯m not sure why we¡¯re even rying this information to you. For some reason, the first phoenix seems to have taken a liking to you both¡±


    (Demon) ¡°Ha! A liking? I haven¡¯t heard such lunacy since the days of you morons were trying to persuade me not to pursue power!¡±


    (Orb of Fire) ¡°We were only ever doing it for your own good. Power corrupts everything, even us included. Unlimited or not, you¡¯ll always lose your way and the ones you love the most¡±


    (Orb of Light) ¡°You¡¯ve proven that the consequences destroy what was left on oneself. Before your ascension, that personality differed greatly from what now is shown¡±


    (Demon) ¡°And yet, I¡¯m here still kicking and content as ever. You two are just jealous beca-¡±


    [<Does Aesa need to shout it out? Get¡­ to¡­ the¡­ point!>]


    What these creators call discussion and debate would appear as arguments to anyone with a brain. These can go on for weeks or months if an outsider isn¡¯t around.


    (Orb of Light) ¡°Calm down designation number five, we¡¯re finished for now¡±


    (Demon) ¡°Ha! Point understood so we shall proceed! The ability that allows your user to double her stats¡­ have her upgrade it if you can¡±


    [<Aesa is confused. Ikarus and her stats have already hit the maximum possible>]


    This is something it may seem like Aesa was wrong on but before the Olympian Gods and mythology was shown in person to Ikarus and Aesa, stats could not improve past 166,666 and level 1000 was the maximum. This was not a mistake as this is a base mortal concept that couldn¡¯t be surpassed. Upgrading an ability that cannot surpass this makes Aesa confused.


    (Orb of Fire) ¡°We¡¯re long past the days of mortal thinking now, aren¡¯t we? The deal with original phoenix to be a demon lord broke that concept long ago¡±


    (Orb of Light) ¡°Right now, she¡¯s in a ce designation number one was in, once upon a time. Do this and we¡¯ll continue to observe the results¡±


    (Demon) ¡°We¡¯re always watching and never resting. Do not disappoint us¡­ Aesa. Ha! It¡¯s best for all of us to continue getting on nicely¡±


    [<Hearing creator using Aesa¡¯s name like that is making Aesa sick¡­>]


    __________


    ¡°¡­So that¡¯s it everyone. We¡¯ll be going on a long journey and frankly¡­ we may never return¡±


    Giving a speech on a stage in our local park, the atmosphere is kinda bleak but that is to be expected. To all those regr faces we¡¯ve spent so much time with, it would make sense considering this could be thest time we ever speak. I¡¯m not deliberately trying to be ominous, this will be our toughest challenge yet.


    The situation is as simple as you might expect, Zeus, Hera and Ares must die. All three must perish and we shall no longer allow any distractions to get in our way from this goal. Even if our settlement is burning to the ground and everyone is dying, this has to take priority¡­ even though we¡¯re taking precautions for defensive without us as well. Those three need to be dealt with now, thisnd won¡¯t survive if they end up in a position even strong than before.


    We¡¯ve already gotten the location of the dungeon they arrived at from Demeter, also Asmodeus already knew but the less time spent with him, the better. Unfortunately¡­ he¡¯s one of the many people we¡¯ll be taking on this trip.


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, bit dramatic sister but you get the point across nicely. This could be it¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, what the hell is wrong with you idiots!? As if we¡¯re going to end up six feet under on this trip!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh huh, Zeki is right¡­ isn¡¯t he?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Zeus has been left to his own devices for far too long now. The fact Zeki is confident¡­ is making me less so¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Be positive Nat and we¡¯ll be able to defeat your heavenly father. It just takes a little faith¡±


    Right now, we¡¯ve got a party of seven plus one, if you also include me and the wife within the mix of people just speaking. The other voices around the ce are from those who aren¡¯ting and are just here to nag and moan, like a certain corrupt politician for example. I do warn you¡­ even my brain is starting to itch with all these people here. Be prepared for an overload¡­


    (Marcus) ¡°It¡¯s going to be terrible without you queens here. You two make the paperwork so much easier¡±


    (Eve) ¡°I can always keep assisting you Marcus! A-Ahem¡­ I mean work wise since the home won¡¯t need taking care of as much!¡±


    (Garry) ¡°Aye, you twosses will be missed around here. We¡¯ve always got the gold to deal with, but life won¡¯t be the same¡±


    (Jaxon) ¡°It¡¯ll be sad to see you two gone again¡­ can I get back to the mines already? It¡¯s too bright and open out here¡±


    (Penelope) ¡°Can someone remind me why I¡¯m not using my power to shock those heavenly idiots!? I should be tagging along!¡±


    (Ria) ¡°Because the mages will go crazy Penny, like a shitty tree getting electrocuted! I¡¯m sooo going to want girly boy¡¯s ass when they¡¯re gone¡­ are you sure I can¡¯t spy on you?¡±


    (Leah) ¡°Looks like someone is shirking her responsibilities again. Sister Ria¡­ that goblin collection of yours is clearly taking away too much time. I may have to confiscate it from you again¡±


    (Ria) ¡°Nooo! Don¡¯t touch my stuff! I promise I¡¯ll study more¡­ why can¡¯t trees be as interesting as goblins?¡±


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ I will miss this ce but the idiocy around here¡­ not so much¡¯


    ---


    (Geld) ¡°Just when I get to reunite with my master, he leaves again¡­ oh well. The adventurer guild always provides a great distraction¡±


    (Dionysus) ¡°It¡¯s a shame we¡¯re not sending more on the trip, but I understand the reasoning. For when you all get back, the drinks will be on me¡±


    (Hermes) ¡°Can we wrap this up soon please? I¡¯m feeling sad and I need a quick jog to cheer me up!¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°Fucking crap¡­ this is suchplete bullshit! Why do I have to stay here!?!¡±


    (Uriel) ¡°Because you¡¯re a liability and will cause more damage than good friend. Besides¡­ aren¡¯t you worried about having your heart stolen away by the red bird?¡±


    ¡®Heh¡­ Uriel may have finally won me over teasing her like that. Remember the threesomement Zeki made a while back? That wasn¡¯t a joke, Artemis has been hiding from him ever since¡¯


    (Aphrodite) ¡°Yes! When Freyja returns, we¡¯ve definitely got to get them hooked up! How any Goddess can go this long without experiencing heavenly bliss just isn¡¯t right!¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°F-F-Fuck this! I¡¯m g-going shooting for a w-while¡±


    Lot of faces, ain¡¯t it? Pretty much everyone we know that lives or is near our inds is here. Sure, the two witches that switched allegiances during the battle and the Ragnar?k lot aren¡¯t, everyone else is though. Even my dragon fam have something that needs to be discussed, kinda missed the first part of the argument though¡­


    (Dermakvar) <¡­Already told you darling, this isn¡¯t your role to fulfil. Littlest one will benefit more with you back at home to guide him forward. He¡¯ll fall to the silent dragon and her pull without your influence>


    (Minos) <What the hell father!? I haven¡¯t fallen for Mute! She¡¯s so much older than me!>


    (Mute) <¡­!>


    ¡®Bruv has a point but he could¡¯ve said it more discretely, Petra is six hundred years older than me after all. Mute deserved to whack him there¡¯


    (Kellearzar) <Well one of us needs to go and you¡¯re not what you were like in your younger days Dermak. I¡¯d hate to see either one of us be in the wrong ce>


    <That¡¯s why you¡¯re needed here darling. If those brutes show up again, there is no one better to show them your bite. I don¡¯t like to admit it, but you are stronger than me>


    <I could make the exact same case against you Dermakvar, if the strongest are encountered out in the wilderness I mean>


    The current cause for argument is which of the two dragons wille with us, that seven plus onement was a reference to this.


    Mother is obviously the more powerful out of the two but has a temper that is continent destroying. I¡¯m favouring bringing the old dinosaur but only because he¡¯ll be calmer if I end up hurt during this trip. I still could see him destroying a country if I perish though¡­


    ¡®Yo Aesa, you have any idea how to settle this deadlock?¡¯


    A little advice from the system may be able to help right now. But the dy in getting back to me, she¡¯s probably spanking the monkey or something right now though.


    [<Not right now Ikarus. Aesa is currently speaking with people and topics Aesa isn¡¯t allowed to discuss>]


    ¡®Fair enough, those secret powers that be? I¡¯ll leave you to it¡­ I¡¯m guessing you haven¡¯t got time for goodbyes as well?¡¯


    As part of the defence force, Aesa¡¯s clone body is staying here. Even though she¡¯s more suitable for attacking just like me, it just helps the defence a little more. Just being able to keep in contact via vast distances is reason enough.


    [<Does Ikarus really care about that? We can always meet up in person within ability -personal domain- if required>]


    ¡®Ah, thinking with your loins again? Can¡¯t say I me ya sister¡­¡¯


    [


    ]


    And just like that, Aesa hangs up on our call! It¡¯s clear who she prioritises more¡­ I¡¯m kidding. She loves me but she¡¯ll never admit to it, not as much as the wife but who canpete with the Goddess around my arm anyways?


    Still looking back towards the parents, neither have a solution to who¡¯s going so I guess I¡¯ll have to decide for them then. Even though I may favour father for this trip, I¡¯ll try apletely nonbiased approach¡­


    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s obvious you two can¡¯t decide so let¡¯s decide this using something simpler¡±


    <A simple solution for deciding such a big problem, little one? It obviously can¡¯t be worthwhile then>


    <Don¡¯t listen to him Ikarus and tell us. What is it?>


    ¡­


    Pausing for dramatic effect, I show my hands and do an action that can only be described in words. Hey, it¡¯s a perfect solution for settling a problem¡­


    ¡°Rock, paper¡­ scissors. That¡¯ll decide this quickly enough¡±


    ¡­


    Getting a look like I¡¯m a child or something from the parents, the urge to act out blinds everything else. Right now, I¡¯m really pissed at them!


    Instead, I¡¯ll just settle for a good sulk because that was a good idea! They can¡¯t decide and they¡¯ll only keep arguing if we don¡¯t hurry the hell up! I¡¯m not a freaking child!


    <We could decide this on a scent contest darling>


    <Dermakvar, please. We both know your nose is better than mine¡­ we could see who can burn down more trees?>


    <Hmph¡­ that¡¯s really fair darling, considering I can¡¯t use fire. How about a destruction contest? There is a load of old buildings that need destroying in this world>


    <I¡¯m not willingly flying into a building Dermakvar! What about a gliding contest instead? Or even hide and seek using the entire continent as the hiding ground?>


    <I¡¯m trying to be fair darling; you suck at hide and seek. There must be something we both are equally good at>


    <Erm¡­ well there is Dermak¡­ little ears are about though>


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ this could take weeks with some of these suggestions¡­ and da fuck is thatst one mother is implying? How long is this going to take¡­¡¯


    __________


    <Sorry darling but this is just one of those things that happens in life. You¡¯ll get over it soon enough>


    <This isn¡¯t fair! I¡¯m sure you were cheating Dermakvar!>


    <I would never cheat on such a stupid but oddly satisfying mortal game dear. Life has a way of being cruel it seems>


    In the end, after a stupendously long time arguing and noting any closer to a decision, my suggestion was used. After a best of seven was decided, father won four times¡­


    But I¡¯m not focusing on that! My impatience keeps growing and the demonic dickhead keeps mumbling under his breath. If he¡¯s got something to say, lore wise at least, you best know I¡¯m listening to it.


    ¡°This¡­ should be for the best yet it doesn¡¯t feel right. Things would¡¯ve been simpler if that creature was inside the pir¡±


    ¡°Oi, what was that Asmodeus?¡±


    ¡°Heh, nothing sister. Just recollecting on events, pay it no mind¡±


    Already knowing he¡¯s lying and also knowing I won¡¯t get an answer out of him, best just forget about Mr Know it All for now. We¡¯re finally getting around to leaving!


    Finally, we wave goodbye and depart on a journey that could be everything. Well¡­ by set of, I mean join hands and get ready to teleport. Duh, might as well teleport to where we need to go instead of wasting more time.


    All but one of us is connected and said person appears to have something stuck inside his head¡­


    ¡°What the¡­ where the hell have you been idiot!? You¡¯ve been quiet for days, it¡¯s been great!¡±


    Without any warning, Zeki¡¯s voice appears to have woken up from wherever it was. Not that it makes any difference because things aren¡¯t peaceful, whether Zeki has a voice inside his head or not.


    ¡°Erk, the fuck is wrong with you? What the hell are you thanking me for? Orangey, have a word with fake orangey for me. My voice is broken¡±


    ¡®Sorry to pester you again Aesa but Zeki¡¯s voice is apparently broken?¡¯


    [<Aesa is now finished and it¡¯s better for Ikarus and Mr Obnoxious not to know. The system should return to normal after a short amount of time¡­ a few days perhaps?>]


    Not ominous sounding at all, no no no. Oh well, don¡¯t know, don¡¯t care¡­


    ¡°She says it¡¯ll be normal after a while kid¡­ few days Aesa says¡±


    ¡°Erk¡­ in a perfect world, I¡¯d have drilled him out already¡­ stop apologizing to me idiot! Swear at me or something because this is making me sick! That¡¯s¡­ a little better¡­ need more anger behind it, like some moron has stolen a parking spot from you. That¡¯s better¡­ fuck that guy with the pink Humvee!¡±


    Trying my best to not imagine their conversation and just getting on with it¡­ let¡¯s go already! I think it may be safer if we all just ignore the voices inside Zeki¡¯s head, I say voices because there has to be more than one. No other reason can exin why he¡¯s the way he is¡­


    But first, since everyone else is making me wait. I¡¯ll make them wait with something of my own. Frankly¡­ my love for this woman really can¡¯t be understated.


    ¡°Petra. Just before we go, there¡¯s something I should probably say to you alone¡±


    ¡°Heh, you don¡¯t have to Ikarus¡±


    ¡°But still, this could be thest time we have some peace an-¡±


    Cutting me off mid sentence by putting a finger to my mouth, my smiling wife can¡¯t help but cut the romantic stuff short. Is it that much to just say I¡¯d always love her or something, even if we both end up dying? This isn¡¯t one of those things where I purposely y something up, this could be it if we fail. Lord knows what will happen if only one of us falls.


    ¡°Ikarus¡­ it¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t say anything because things will end up okay¡­ heh. How sappy do you n on making this trip if this is how you n on starting it?¡±


    ¡®She always has to ruin things¡­ and then instantly fix it by doing something else!¡¯


    cing her hands on my hips, then my bottom, I¡¯m sure the wife knows me better than I know myself at times. As if I was about to say something truly romantic and not cringe worthy at all! We all know it woulde out like I¡¯m a lovestruck idiot!


    So now¡­ it¡¯s actually time to go¡­


    But before we head to the dungeon where our targets reside, we must make a detour to a different ce first. There lies a solution to a problem that needs fixing. If it doesn¡¯t, then we don¡¯t stand a chance¡­

 Chapter 228 – Coven

    Chapter 228 ¨C Coven


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°Bah! After all I¡¯ve done for you, you still dare to y these foolish little tricks like this! What are you nning next? Dropping into the heart of the volcano and letting fate take you that way!?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve given you a home, brought you back from the brink of death and you still treat me like a fool! Did you really think my influence wouldn¡¯t find you, even in that hellish ce?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re still in there. Keep ying me and you¡¯ll soon understand¡­ I will be pushed over the edge¡±


    Watching father interrogate the prisoner while I¡¯m sitting backwards on a chair, I can¡¯t help but yawn and get bored. I was hoping he¡¯d teach her a real lesson but it appears he won¡¯t do anything other than shout at the defenceless woman.


    We¡¯re currently in a dimly lit dungeon where father stands over a nonchnt woman, tied to a chair and refusing to acknowledge the both of us. These types of ces are always perfect for keeping screams and tears kept contained, shame there¡¯s never any real time for torture these days with everything going on. At least, that¡¯s why I think he¡¯s not bothering with anything fun.


    This women reminds me of the Goddess of the night if you look at her from a certain perspective, ckened hair does seem to be prettymon around Olympians nowadays. I¡¯m doubtful she shits out babies at the same rate as Nyx, her look is definitely uncanny. Maybe the witch Hecate betraying us has made me narrow minded when ites to appearances? Not like I care about something this mundane though.


    ¡°Already told you¡­ we¡¯re finished. Words no longer need to be spoken¡±


    Finally getting a tune out of the dark-haired women, she speaks without ack of emotion andpletely spoils any hope I had. She¡¯s the type where pain and misery would be wasted on her, numb to the core and would just smile in the face of true torture. I hate her so much!


    ¡°Bah, is this your way of saying we¡¯re done!? You have no one woman, is it your n to try and tempt over the rebellion next?¡±


    ¡°There are no sides in this battle, only endless death. You¡¯ll embrace it fully due to your paranoia, an honest mistake on my part¡±


    Father¡¯s anger looks like it¡¯s about to explode as I wait for the inevitable punch¡­ that neveres. He needs to understand basic gender equality someday, women make just as good punching bags as men, maybe even better. I wonder if this is the reason Aphrodite gave up on us and the kids¡­ nah. She seemed to enjoy it more than the others.


    ¡°So, what you¡¯re saying is irrelevant of my choices, it¡¯s inevitable those damned phoenixes will bring abou-, bah! Ares! Keep telling you to stop picking your nose!¡±


    ¡°Wah? Were you hungry or something?¡±


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­is there anyone on this world who isn¡¯t an idiot or a traitor?¡±


    Like usual, father just takes his frustration on me since he¡¯s so disappointed in theck of support for his cause within the family. To be fair, I always knew Dionysus, Hermes and Apollo were cowards from the start. Did tell him a magnitude of times to not bother with his kids, I¡¯m the only one who understands the idiots all around us need to be controlled unless disaster will fall.


    ¡°I¡¯m failing to see the point in this. Just discard of her already if she¡¯s refusing to be helpful like you do with any other ill-fated affair¡±


    ¡°Bah¡­ sometimes you need to think with your head instead of that spear, she isn¡¯t like that my boy. This woman is unfortunately too important¡­ even if she makes me want to crush her head like a grape. It¡¯s too much investment to waste because she refuses to acknowledge who she once was¡±


    For a split second, the hollow husk of a women shows the briefest of smiles that instantly fades. That looked forced, like she was trying to gauge a reaction.


    ¡°That person is long dead, but we¡¯ve discussed that seventy-two times already. Your efforts were wasted and your fate will conti-¡±


    Cutting the women off midsentence, father¡¯s fist finds its way into the wall of dungeon, causing the entire wall to crack and crumble. If that had been aimed for her face, then maybe we could¡¯ve had some fun but s, it would only be bittersweet. I really didn¡¯t get enough time to have some fun on those inds, I only wish less people had been hiding.


    ¡®Whatever¡­ I¡¯m bored if he¡¯s refusing toy a finger on her. If this is how he ns on getting through to the fabled oracle, then he can do what he likes¡­¡¯


    __________


    A small but necessary trip to a cave we once visited before must happen before we finally are ready to find the Gods. Remember the quest to help Ariza get her potion fix and contact Loki? The cursed witches of J?tna, all blind, deaf and a horrid hybrid between birds and humans. Three disgusting creatures that take no good features from how us phoenixes do things with the whole mixed DNA stuff, that¡¯s where we now are.


    Always had the problem of dungeons being broken beyond belief when ites to host privileges, and this should be a way of getting past that hurdle. We visit this ce again due to a suggestion made by Penelope and then backed up by the witch Hecate, surprised Asmodeus didn¡¯t mention it but don¡¯t think he¡¯s actually been here just yet. Those cursed hags supposedly know even more than Gods and ancient gender bending magesbined, not really too sure how we¡¯ve only came across them once if they are that important.


    ¡®Hmm¡­ never thought we¡¯d be here again. Yo Aesa, there¡¯s a lesson to be learnt about this¡¯


    Despite not seeing the witches just yet and still outside with the party, the image of what they look like still burns a ce in my memory. You don¡¯t forget that sort of thing¡­ didn¡¯t they end up this way using phoenix blood as well? Was it Penelope who mentioned that once? That yellow guy really did get around.


    [<Correct Ikarus. There is a limit to everything, and power is one of those that will always end up corrupted. It bes a relentless obsession>]


    ¡®I mean, I¡¯m all for bing the strongest possible, but something like this has no appeal to me¡¯


    Guess I¡¯m boring with that kinda thing. I¡¯d rather p Petra¡¯s booty any day of the week than go power mad¡­ don¡¯t start simping for her again Ikarus. Get into the professional work mindset, we¡¯re here to get something before weunch our attack.


    ¡°It may be for the best if the rest of you wait outside. With these creatures¡­ I¡¯m not sure if they may view this as a threat¡±


    Petra says that beating me to the chase¡­ is it weird that I like her doing that? It saves me having to constantly take lead of the party, had enough of that sorta thing in the settlement for a lifetime already.


    (Charlotte) ¡°Okay Petra-sama, we¡¯ll wait outside¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°We¡¯ll stay on guard duty out here. Give us a holler if things turn sour¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, not needed knight. If we were to lock horns with the hags, it would be fruitless. You don¡¯t fight with beings supremely more powerful than Gods¡±


    ¡®There¡¯s no way they can be that strong¡­ right? Oh well, let¡¯s see how long it takes for him to steal the show today¡­ anyone got any money on the second we enter the cave?¡¯


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, so I don¡¯t get to see those the hideous monsters!? What kind of BS is this? I wanted to point andugh!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, you really are terrible Zeki. Those tortured souls look in so much pain¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, boringgg brother. We really need to make you grow a backbone someday¡­¡±


    Splitting off temporarily, us lovebirds and Asmodeus all get whiff of the putrid smell that lingers around this ce as we enter the cave. By pleasant, I mean I literally have to hold my nose in order not to feel sick. To stench of rot is unbearableing off those horrid creatures.


    ----------


    ---Should have beaks and rotting skin as well, kinda like a ghoul¡¯s if you know the Fallout series. Not the good-looking modern ones, we¡¯re talking grotesque Harold levels lol.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    But wait, the hag like witches of legend already have a visitor and are visibly starting to get annoyed talking with her. Not a lot changes I guess, they couldn¡¯t stand talking with us when we visitedst.


    <Awk! Quit your whiningsss, this worksss well>


    <We ssee no problem with what hasss urred, blood ssucker>


    <Issss it the tasste that putssss you off?>


    ¡°That¡¯s not the problem! The taste is alright but¡­ just forget that. I¡¯m looking for a better solution, that doesn¡¯t require sneaking off every time!¡±


    Petra¡¯s ex, the vampire Melinda speaks to the hags with a surprisingly red look upon her face. Whatever topic is being discussed; it¡¯s bringing the pretty grumpy vampire down a level.


    <Why not freezze it, then conssume asss required?>


    <Yesss! There isss no other ssolution to your problem¡­ any we care to look at>


    <Subi¡¯sss and vampiresss are part of the ssame family after all! Unlessss you want a cure, that isss a different deal. Thisss ssolution ssolvesss the blood hunger>


    ¡°Is that a serious suggestion or an insult? Why want I want to regain a simple mortal¡¯s lifespan? *Sigh*¡­ I don¡¯t think you understand just how much this is draining him, honestly feel like I¡¯m sucking the lif-¡­ e-erm. Hey there¡±


    Finally noticing the three of us waiting around smiling, Melinda¡¯s face turns into a shade best resembling my hair. She must want the world to burn right now with that embarrassment¡­ the urge to start teasing is bing overwhelming.


    ¡®Huh¡­ my wife definitely has a type. Both of us rock the twintail look and have a redness that can¡¯t be matched¡­ it¡¯s hard to imagine my wife was once the submissive type when those two were together, however long ago¡¯


    Before we get a chance to question the hags or even tease Petra¡¯s vampiric ex, Asmodeus gets ahead of uspletely ruining any chance of fun. I¡¯m certain I know what substance she¡¯s taking to supress the evil bloodsucking urge¡­ poor guy. Whoever that adventurer she was travelling with, I can only hope he finds a way of keeping her fed long enough. Heh¡­ she really must be sucking him dry¡­ too far? Nah, she¡¯s a vampire, they like to suck¡­


    ¡°Heh, greetingsdies. I don¡¯t believe we¡¯ve met face to face¡±


    <Asmodeusss¡­ you¡¯ve finally arrived after making that call, all sso long ago>


    <You dare make usss wait thisss long!?>


    <*Spits*¡­ and bringing those vile birdsss as well. Too many soulsss in and around here>


    Already knowing this is going to be Asmodeus¡¯s show, I can¡¯t help but sway towards the vampire. Thebination of him doing his thing and the bird hybrids having a hatred towards phoenixes, I¡¯ll zone back into the conversation in a minute¡­


    ¡°Alright Melinda? How¡¯s things with you and that adventurer¡­ what was he called again?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you even start¡±


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t be rude to Ikarus. She was just making general conversation¡±


    Petra steps in but I don¡¯t think it was needed considering the vampire just seems grumpy about the whole thing now. I¡¯m honestly thankful the atmosphere between those two is better, jealously isn¡¯t needed when she¡¯s getting her booty fix from a dude. Petra¡¯s always going to be my bist anyways¡­ I will still hate any plushie that gets between us. That is an Ikarus guarantee.


    ¡°You two both know what you¡¯re nning on doing. Laugh at my turmoil¡­ a lifetime of bad mistakes and this is what I now must contend with¡±


    ¡°Heh, we aren¡¯t going to say anything, right Ikarus?¡±


    Petra leans towards me with a face best described as yful mixed with deception, all hiding behind that grin of hers. She¡¯s asking me to be a dick¡­ always me the wife for when I can¡¯t help myself! She signed the marriage ve contract so she must bear my burdens¡­ I¡¯m pretty sure she¡¯s egging me on this time around.


    ¡°Hey, everyone has their own vices. Me and Petra like to drink till we pass out¡­ I¡¯d say that¡¯s somewhatparable. Just, your vour is a different kind of ¡®ambrosia¡¯, I guess¡±


    ¡°Heh, and hump in the most creative ways you can imagine. Everyone has their own hobbies¡±


    ¡°D-Don¡¯t you be telling her that wif-¡­ I¡¯m not letting you have your way this time. Fair y Petra¡±


    And of course, Petra can¡¯t help but instinctively make me blush, at least the vampire now has an embarrassed friend. The only reason she¡¯d tell her ex we hump a lot is to make me embarrassed, that¡¯s literally it. Sure, it could be considered bragging¡­ does Petra seem like the type to do such a thing? Eh, maybe¡­


    ¡°So¡­ you two got marri-¡±


    ¡°¡­What a waste of time. You three hold incredible power,parable to the ancient Gods and creators yet, you sit around hissing all day long?¡±


    <Awk! You dare lecture usss on ssomething like thisss!?>


    <Can we cut the demon into tiny little piecesss? A feast, perhapsss?>


    <No sspitting out the bonesss, leave none to waste!>


    Cutting Melinda¡¯s question short, Asmodeus must¡¯ve said something to piss them off as the atmosphere in the cave turns to a suffocating dark energy. This seems to be more like a smoke cloud rather than just an angry aura, why do we bother with him if this is how he goes about doing things? Now, we¡¯re going to have to fight these freaking hags¡­


    ¡°Heh, really trying that trick on us? Give us what we came for and we¡¯ll be on our way, we can wait around and pester you for as long as you want¡±


    <You think we¡¯ll allow guestsss ssleeping here? Begone!>


    <*Hiss*¡­ let¡¯sss cut them down, peck out their eyesss>


    <The dirty demon isss mine>


    ¡°Heh, then I guess we¡¯ll pull up a chair¡­ or a rock. You two can take a seat and getfortable, our hosts aren¡¯t being that weing today¡±


    All three of the hags hiss together as Asmodeus literally takes a seat on a rock, smiling and not giving a care in the world. With how explosive the atmosphere is, I¡¯m honestly surprised he¡¯s calling such a bluff. These creatures don¡¯t seem like the type we really should fight.


    The creatures hiss even more and begin to unveil their talons, instinctively making me and Petra grab our des in response¡­


    ¡°Heh, if you two want your spines intact, keep your des sheathed. Do not attack them¡±


    ¡®Bit hard considering how close they are now. Christ¡­ that smell makes me sick¡¯


    ¡­


    Kinda like a Mexican standoff, they approach us even further but don¡¯t dare make the first swing. This doesn¡¯t seem right. They unleash their ws, spit and hiss all over us yet refuse to attack? Clearly a bluff, I can¡¯t see the reasoning for this.


    ¡°Heh, I know about the pact you three made to regain your humanity¡­ however limited that may be. Thou shall not harm others unless attacked first. We won¡¯t attack first so give us what we want or we¡¯ll stay here indefinitely¡±


    <Hiss! How doesss Asmodeusss know thisss!?>


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s my job to know these things. Handling pacts were my main duty when first bing a majin, the dark one over there would know all about that¡±


    Petra¡¯s aura grows dim as Asmodeus confidently says something he shouldn¡¯t have. That was not an asion to bring up the fact you made a pact with Petra, however long ago it was that caused her so much pain and misery. Doesn¡¯t help it sounded like he was bragging about it. It doesn¡¯t matter if we¡¯re technically on the same side, this guy still wants to make me stab him in the back sometimes.


    Regardless, I decide the best course of action isn¡¯t something as simple as a quick hug, instead resorting to a pinch of the bottom. That¡¯s brought her aura right back up¡­


    ¡°Heh¡­ thanks Ikarus. I¡¯ll be sure to get you back for that¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s so unfair! She¡¯s allowed to pinch my bottom as much as she wants but when I do it, no no no. I know she¡¯s joking and all but still¡­ I seriously have no idea how the mind of a woman works. Or my woman at least¡¯


    Anyways, back to the current standoff, the three creatures appear to be getting angrier by the second but still refuse to act on their threats. Although, that may change any second as one looks to pull something out from behind its back¡­


    <Awk! Take thisss and begone!>


    <You wish to defeat the hiding onesss? Thisss will break the lock, revealing the world to all>


    <Must bring that back, too sshiny and rare too lose once Godsss depart thisss life>


    Therger middle one slowly pulls out something that definitely looks like something from a different world. A single crystal, rounded and ced on a stick, almost looking like a blue popsicle if you look at it from the right angle.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    I take the odd-looking thing, feeling it vibrate to my grasp and only questioning on what we actually do with it. When we get to the dungeon, do we have to insert in into something? It looks like it would slide in something or somewhere.


    ¡°Erm¡­ so this will break the power the Gods have within a dungeon? How do we use it then?¡±


    <Awk¡­ wear item while entering dungeon and all will be sorted>


    ¡°Okay¡­ but how does one wear a crysta-¡±


    Realizing I¡¯m about to say something stupid so stopping it going any further, my mind just had to go to a ce it shouldn¡¯t have. me all that filthiness with the vampire! It¡¯s just a rounded crystal that¡¯s surprisingly smooth to the touch, there¡¯s nothing sinister about it at all! Wearing it should provide no problem whatsoever!


    ¡°*Facepalm*¡­ heh, oh Ikarus. Can¡¯t help but let your true thoughts shine though at times¡±


    ¡°Heh, get your mind out of the gutter sister. Wearing and holding is practically the same thing. A piece of string wrapped around it and used as a ne would work easily enough¡±


    ¡°To be fair to her¡­ I can see why she might think that¡±


    ¡®The only one backing me up is the freaking vampire, how life is so unfair!¡¯


    And so, we leave the cave with my arms crossed and now wanting to stick that crystal where the sun don¡¯t shin-, that¡¯s not what I mean! I DON¡¯T want it to go where the sun don¡¯t shine or any part close by!


    ¡®Urgh¡­ let¡¯s just go already. Freaking crystal that looks like a toy¡­¡¯

 Chapter 229 – Ancient History

    Chapter 229 ¨C Ancient History


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Over a thousand years ago, stood a part of history that remains forgotten yet very much yed a part for centuries toe. The story of the hags and their saviour, the four heroes that once ruled the world¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, is this really what we¡¯re doing tonight!? Listening to this dickhead tell a boring story?¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, shh Zeki. If you don¡¯t want to listen, go find Ria for a bit¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Yeah kid, go find a bush to hump. Asmodeus revealing lore is one of the only good parts about him¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, Ikarus has a point Zeki. This sounds like it could be important¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°The empire never had any history dating that far back and frankly¡­ I was shielded in Olympus. I knew nothing of thisnd till I came down here¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you did Nat. Life wouldn¡¯t be as good if you weren¡¯t around¡±


    (Dermakvar) <I¡¯ll be finding a tree toy under as ancient history is of no interest to me>


    Camped out around a campfire under the stary filled sky, listening to the demon, I¡¯d say the atmosphere is romantic if we weren¡¯t surrounded by too many people and Zeki. Zeki always has to be counted separately for obvious reasons.


    You see¡­ these is a reason why we¡¯re currently sitting through a bit of Asmodeus lore and not beelining it straight to the next dungeon. Here¡¯s the thing, the location of the next dungeon is in a ce we never properly visited. So that means, we physically have to travel there.


    Far to the south of Mdonia is a boneyard filled to the brim with¡­ well, bones. Gigantic bones to be exact, gigantic snakes and dinosaurs litter this ce like nothing I¡¯ve ever seen before. Thest dungeon is around here and since we never properly visited it, I could only teleport us to the closest point which was near the wyvern kingdom. If we had more time, Ariza could¡¯ve visited the puppy like Prince but s, we don¡¯t. We still have to sleep and eat though, that¡¯s what we¡¯re doing now.


    Anyways, five of us remain listening to Asmodeus tell the tale while father finds a ce to sleep and Zeki finds a tree to hump¡­ or a dryad. She¡¯s been stalking us ever since and even if we¡¯re yet to see her, it¡¯s obvious considering the connection with trees. One gigantic booty callter and she¡¯ll be all over those huge melons of Zeki¡¯s.


    Ah, right, not sure why he¡¯s in normal busty female form again, probably said or did something unforgivable, it could be anything with him. Five years is a long time to say and do stupid things, his time with the jugs could be endless¡­


    ¡°The party of four travelled and traversed every corner of the world, acting as heroes as they took heroic duties upon themselves. Led by the first of the phoenixes, their faces were seen by all friends and foes alike¡±


    ¡°Wait, the yellow guy led them?¡±


    I do remember hearing once that the hags had something to do with the first of us phoenixes, but I didn¡¯t know they were in a party together.


    ¡°Yes sister, roughly around the time the first empire were in full power to be exact. Dragons were eradicated by the hundreds so the few remaining had to hide. Even with ancient magic being stronger back then, you could say he was the strongest in the world. Impressive considering the world was full of people from differing worlds and backgrounds¡±


    This may be why father¡¯s gone off to sleep if this is the case then. A part of history he¡¯d rather not live through again if Asmodeus has to brin-¡­ wait. Did he just imply otherworlders? There were more than just us?


    ¡°Hold the fuck up, otherworlders? There were more of us than just the phoenix summoning egg thing?¡±


    ¡°Heh, yes again sister. This world was once filled with people fromnds simr to yours. Differing religions and beliefs, all who passed the world of the living would end up in this ce once their lives were cut short¡±


    Well damn, that massively changes my outlook on things. This world was originally thend of the dead if what he says is true. I guess that would exin why Norse and Greek religion has made its way here especially if those Gods were involved in all this. I¡¯m betting we¡¯d even find stuff rted to the Egyptian if we were to cover the desert long enough, those cultures did seem pretty obsessed with death after all.


    But wait, how does that exin how the Underworld dungeon works? Unless that was always separate¡­ maybe I shouldn¡¯t ask on the specifics. Asmodeus has always been vague so I¡¯m doubtful he¡¯d care on something like that.


    ¡°How a world goes through a life and death cycle, you could say this world had hit its ending, thus, sending the dead here was no longer viable. But that¡¯s not the story I was trying to tell¡±


    I¡¯m kinda disappointed Asmodeus doesn¡¯t wish to continue that any further. I did always feel that this world is surprisingly empty and honestly feels a little dead if you stray from the main cities. Guess that partly exins it if this world was supposed to have reached its ending. Let¡¯s hope this isn¡¯t a sign for things toe¡­


    ¡°Distractions aside, the four heroes defeated the original majin lord and saved the world from endless turmoil. Or that¡¯s how the story is remembered by the few that know of it. The truth is, things were never that simple¡­ the lord never existed to begin with¡±


    ¡°In an attempt to sway poprity and fund an expensive lifestyle, the four adventurers would make up tales of their aplishments when in reality, they were nothing more than con artists. Insanely powerful but never did anything considered heroic throughout their lifetimes¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ but why though? Why lie about something like that?¡±


    ¡°Ariza-sama is right, that doesn¡¯t sound very just¡±


    ¡®Sometimes, I envy those two with their sense of justice. Ites down to one thing that Asmodeus just said¡­ money¡¯


    ¡°The first of the phoenixes in particr had an endless bill that never dwindled. They travelled across the world for centuries together, but the lingering fear of death always gued the mind of the harem he created. Every coin they had, went into the search of finding a cure for death¡±


    ¡°In time, a solution was found in the form of a cursed mage. The mage had been punished with two afflictions as a consequence for messing with the ancient Gods. One of which was eternal life and the other¡­ the removal of something he valued greatly. Heh, or now, she apparently¡±


    ¡°Petra¡­ that sounds awfully like someone we know¡±


    ¡°Heh, she always said it was a mishap with potion brewing Ikarus. Could easily see her lying about that¡±


    I always knew Penelope was old as hell but damn, that¡¯s pretty unbelievable. She once fucked around with the old Gods and was cursed with immortality and genderbending? Why am I thinking that¡¯s barely a curse at all? Bitch please, I had that dragon descendant HP removal crap that sounded scarier than what Penelope has got!


    ¡°Heh, she wasn¡¯t lying, that whole thing started with a forbidden potion and ended with her drinking said potion as punishment. If she refuses to delve into it further, then I¡¯ll leave that one for now. The main part of the story is that she helped bridge the gap and create the magic responsible for making the hags immortal¡±


    ¡°The genderbent mage found a cure but the price was unthinkable. Phoenix blood isn¡¯t immortal, so it needed a little something extra¡­ the specifics on that I don¡¯t know. What I do know is that it cost them their beauty and most of their humanity, they knew the consequences but still went through with it all¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nice to know and all, but what about the first phoenix? What happened to him?¡±


    Surprisingly, Nathan asks that clearly showing he¡¯s just as interested in this conversation as the rest of us. I never thought he¡¯d be so invested in such a story considering his life is basically about training, knight crap and subus¡¯s. Or one subus to be exact.


    ¡°Heh, he abandoned them after their transformation and left in search of more power. Can you really me him for leaving them like that? You must¡¯ve smelt them from outside¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ but that¡¯s so cruel! He really left them like that, all alone?¡±


    Ariza honestly looks a little pissed at the selfishness of the guy and can¡¯t say I me her. It does seem like a dick move¡­ also, I now understand why those hags dislike phoenixes now. They would have a natural hatred if they¡¯ve bene abandoned like that.


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯ve really got a lot to learn blue phoenix. Your innocence is definitely refreshing though¡­ in time, that phoenix found a way of prolonging his own life just by magic alone¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t, let¡¯s say, a certain chalice have done the trick?¡±


    Petra this time around brings up the holy grail that we still have in our possession, thanks to a certain idiotic dryad. It¡¯s slightly annoying it only works on Ariza and us lovebirds, guess not everyone can be immortal, I guess.


    ¡°Heh, it didn¡¯t exist back then, dark one. The first of the phoenixes had an endless history that would take weeks to get through the bits I know, that device alone was just a bribe to get the dryads off his back after burning down a forest. He created it for that purpose alone, even he wasn¡¯t sure on the ego that decides for itself who is considered just¡±


    ¡°You said he created it? How?¡±


    I mean, wouldn¡¯t someone who created a device like that be a God rted to crafting things of immense power of something? Like Hephaestus or some God simr? Phoenixes creating such a powerful artefact seems wrong. Unless his system was based around creation¡­ that could exin it.


    ¡°Heh, not difficult to do when you can create an entire race just with a snap of his fingers. The creators are like that sister, not worth trying to exin because their power is unexinable¡±


    ¡°The creators¡­ wait. What race did he create?¡±


    ¡°The majin race sister, he created the entire thing. Call it justification for a past of lies, or simply just an unfunny joke. No one understand their intentions, but that¡¯s what he was mainly responsible for¡±


    ¡­


    I have literally no idea why no one else seems as surprised as me. Sure, I think Charlotte and Nathan have be sceptical to his words now but damn, this is freaking huge.


    Does this also mean the guy who made me and Asmodeus demon lords¡­ is the same person? I mean, he created majins so a majin lord is basically just a more advanced one. Ill stick with demon, majin just doesn¡¯t sound right really.


    ¡°Da fuck!? The demonic guy who took over my body was that phoenix?¡±


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m guessing your system still hasn¡¯t gotten around to telling you that just yet?¡±


    ¡®Well now I¡¯m pissed at you Aesa. With all the little pieces of information that havee up about the first phoenix, I¡¯d have thought you¡¯d have mentioned this sooner¡¯


    Even way back when I first came to this world, there was a conversation with father who said he encountered the guy once or twice. It would¡¯ve been nice to know that guy is somehow watching over us like some creepy demonic stalker¡­ the amount of stuff me and Petra have done. Focus Ikarus! There¡¯s no shame in love¡­ albeit kinky love.


    [<Aesa wasn¡¯t allowed to Ikarus, restrictions are still in ce, even now. Just look at what happened to system inheriting Zeki. That is what happens when a system ignores protocol>]


    ¡®Eh¡­ guess that makes sense¡¯


    To be honest, I¡¯m not sure what to do with this information. Like for real, is this guy friend or foe and what are his intentions? I know Asmodeus just said the powers that be are impossible to predict, but this just feels wrong.


    Thankfully, Petra¡¯s always there to lend a hand when my skin starts to crawl by leaning in and hugging me tightly. We were close together during that entire story but even closer now apparently. I¡¯d say this would be a perfect time for a little loving if we weren¡¯t alone¡­ ah! We have my headspace for privacy if we need it¡­


    ¡®Should we or not? Erm¡­ should probably focus on the battle ahead and leave that for another day¡¯


    Sexy time is always great and all but leaving ourselves unprotected in the wilderness sounds like a bad idea. Although, we do have people all around to protect us¡­ no Ikarus. This honestly just feels a little wrong, like we¡¯re doing in right in front of them.


    ¡®Oh well. A night locked in the arms of my wife sounds perfectly eptable instead. Think Asmodeus¡¯s story is now over at least¡­¡¯


    __________


    (Ikarus) ¡°Just look at all those bones! Seriously though, why isn¡¯t more known about this ce?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, a lot of this world is like this Ikarus. This ce in particr long predates that thousand-year mark¡±


    (Dermakvar) <The dark one is right, little one. It¡¯s best to forget the era predating the first of the horrid empires. Was a dark and dreary time, best left in the past¡­ even if I can barely remember that far back>


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, did once hear a rumour about dragons being the descendants of some of these beasts. On history this old, the oracle herself was ununiformed on¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, what¡¯s the big deal with a bunch of huge bones anyways? It would be funny to see a gigantic dick, but other than that, it¡¯s boring¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh¡­ Zeki? I don¡¯t think animals have bones in that part of the body¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Some do Ariza, but most don¡¯t. There¡¯s a great deal of variety with that sort of thing. It¡¯s a rarity but he¡¯s notpletely wrong¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Is that something you learnt in your knight training Nat?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°No Lotte¡­ that was something learnt in Olympus. In some ces¡­ they practically worship genitalia. It¡¯s best to not ask anymore¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Well duh, y¡¯all are idiots. Of course all animals, including humans have retractable penis bones. How else would it get hard?¡±


    ¡®Damn, can¡¯t believe he just said that. Even if there is a creature that fits that description, this dude just said ALL animals have that. The fabled mind of Zeki folks!¡¯


    Putting the obvious lunacy from Zeki aside, we currently glide across the gigantic Mdonian bone field and observe the insane proportions of the bones all around us. Any creature you can imagine ranging from snakes, wolfs, whales, all look mutated inparison whenpared to the norm. I really can¡¯t do it justice considering just how big they really are.


    Imagine the size of mother, then times her by a hundred and we¡¯re still not getting close to the size of some of the remains around here. The rib cage we¡¯re currently gliding through, just the gap between differing ribs is bigger than thergest creature in existence!


    ----------


    ---For the second image and the perspective, see that tiny ck speck to the lower right side? Yeah, that¡¯s roughly the size of the party¡­


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Yo kid, if you¡¯re ever looking to fully embrace your American side in this world, this is the ce you should set up shop¡±


    ¡°Erk, let me guess orangey. Because there¡¯s probably oil under all this dead crap? You tea drinkers are so freaking boring with stupid humor, your gigantic teeth and everything else¡±


    ¡®Huh¡­ well that kinda spoils the joke. Surprised he knew where I was going with that¡¯


    You know, because oil is kinda made from fossils and all that stuff. We¡¯ll have to plot down any locations if we find any of that ck gold with all the tech stuff developing in our settlement. Less than fifty years or so, we¡¯ll probably be at that point. That¡¯s if we survive this fight though¡­ could be even quicker considering the Earth books are filled with all boring stuff like that.


    ¡°You know, we still need to know a little more about the bluebird among us. Promise I won¡¯t mock you about it, just would be nice to know more about your background¡±


    I know we¡¯re getting a little side tracked but then again, what else should we speak about while still flying through the animal¡¯s skeleton? The dungeon should be around here somewhere, we just need to spot it first.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t question brother on her mingo dancing days brother. The only thing that ce does well is food that clears out the colon¡±


    ¡°Uh, it was menco Zeki, and you¡¯re talking about two different ces. Both like rice but one has a very diverse palette while the other likes a lot of fish¡±


    ¡°Apples and oranges brother. Don¡¯t know, don¡¯t care¡±


    Ah, the age-old question on whether Ariza was Mexican or Spanish. Could juste out and directly ask but I can¡¯t remember if I have already.


    ¡°Uh, back to you Ikarus, I¡¯m like Petra with this sort of thing. I don¡¯t remember all that much, just the odd little thing like that really. I do appreciate some of the Spanish speaking books you got me though, they are quite nostalgic¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s unfortunate. All I wanted to do was see Ariza do the tango with that wyvern guy, is that too much to ask? Wait¡­ was the tango even Spanish? Okay, less of these stupid questions now, moving on¡­¡¯


    Anyways, distractions aside and still within the rib cage of the creature big enough to appear from space, we finallye across something man made. Whatever lies inside and under that small rectangr shaped building, it should house where we need to go¡­

 Chapter 230 – Activation

    Chapter 230 ¨C Activation


    ----------


    ---No other differences other than the dungeon locater being added. Just showing it for the sake of showing it, I guess.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    [<Before party head inside dungeon, Aesa would like a minute with Ikarus to potentially purchase another ability>]


    Literally the second we¡¯re about to enter the dungeon housing the Gods we aim to kill; Aesaes out with something like this!? Talk about picking a moment!


    All eight of us were already prepared for what¡¯s inside the little brick structure and unexpectedly like with how dungeons normally work, the wasn¡¯t anything outside or inside the entrance. It literally is just a single fountain. Do you really want to hear about the fact I audibly sighed when seeing this poxy thing and Zeki scoffed? You¡¯ve seen enough moaning for a lifetime by this point¡­ and more now apparently.


    ¡°Really Aesa? Couldn¡¯t this have been done at a better time? Sorry everyone, but we¡¯ll have to wait a minute¡±


    Saying that out loud purposely to get a reaction, only Zeki really seems to care about being dyed a little longer. It¡¯s not like we¡¯d have enjoyed what¡¯s on the other side of this fountain anyways, put it off as long as possible since all fountains are terrible. Like father¡¯s wyvern hatred, I¡¯m going to be a fountain racist! All those damn fountainsing over and stealing our jobs, they can fuck right off. Beight serious though, we don¡¯t have the greatest of luck when ites to these things.


    ¡°Erk, is your voice trying to make us wait even longer orangey!? Let¡¯s get to the stabbing! We¡¯ve spent enough time doing this shit already!¡±


    [<Aesa should¡¯ve brought this up a while ago but couldn¡¯t find the right time, the discussionst night seemed like a good segue, but Ikarus wanted to sleep early. The point is, this suggestiones from the -redacted- people Ikarus already knows about>]


    As much as thatst suggestion ¡®fixed¡¯ the other system voices, by fixed I mean I gave Petra something she can¡¯t be trusted with, should we really be listening to those lot? It¡¯s not like thest ability was that great anyways¡­ even though I¡¯m all for looking after the phoenix fam.


    ¡®Why are they even helping me anyways? They¡¯re not expecting something in return, right?¡±


    I mean, what would beings of immense power want anyways? I doubt there¡¯s anything I can give them¡­ it¡¯s not a matter of them wanting a little phoenix booty, is it? That¡¯s a thought that needs to be buried.


    [<Ikarus¡¯s mind really does wonder to strange ces at times, as if -redacted- has any biological needs like that. It¡¯s best not to think too heavily on it Ikarus, back onto the ability in question¡­>]


    Already knowing Aesa is trying to keep the conversation short, I¡¯m not going to bother asking more than needed. Everyone has already sat down and expects us to take a while, I¡¯d say it¡¯s rude if Petra didn¡¯t take a seat first. She¡¯s knows how long it can take getting through to the robotic wife and with my constant internal monologuing¡­ see? I recognize what I¡¯m doing¡­ bet I¡¯m boring the life out of you right now, ain¡¯t I?


    [<If Ikarus upgrades said ability -doubled potential-, Aesa predicates it may break stat cap when activated. Although this cannot be taken as fact, Aesa is highly confident this will be the case>]


    ¡®Then let¡¯s get this done with and move on then. Time¡¯s a ticking Aesa¡¯


    As much as it may sound like I¡¯m annoyed, being able to double my stats past the limit is definitely appealing, just unfortunately it had toe right at the time we¡¯re about to dungeon delve. Oh well, betterte than never I suppose. I really would be pissed if I were about to cut down Zeus and then Aesa chimes in with ¡®user needs to purchase ability immediately¡¯.


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 164,902/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 50001 unassigned points]


    [<Confirmed. -Doubled potential mark 2- has now been upgraded and like Aesa predicted, does exactly as describedsting for 10 minutes. Cooldown timer is still 24 hours like usual¡­>]


    And so, it¡¯s now time to take a drink. Wish us luck? We should be alright considering this crystal thing I have hanging from my neck, but you never know with phoenix hating hags like that.


    Taking the lead like usual, I¡¯m the first to take a handful of the fountain fluid, swallowing it all and not letting a sip go to waste¡­ I know exactly what I¡¯m doing so don¡¯t ask. The liquid has an off white colour and I can¡¯t help myself but making sure to guzzle it down quickly, making sure not to spit but swallow¡­ I¡¯m done, I¡¯m done.


    The other¡¯s quickly follow suit and indulge in the fountain water, now we all await to fall into the endless slumber that happens with these ces. Unless it¡¯s broken orpleted, we¡¯ll be entering any second now¡­


    ¡°See you on the other side Petra¡­ love ya¡±


    ¡°Heh, you too Ikarus. Love you too¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, any final words brother?¡±


    (Dermakvar) ¡°Hmph¡­ don¡¯t get in my way¡±


    ¡®Right, father¡¯s dragon body was too big to fit into this small building¡¯


    (Charlotte) ¡°Nat¡­ please know that meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Please don¡¯t do that Lotte. We¡¯re all going to be fine, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°Erk¡­ when we get inside, stay behind me brother¡­ just to be safe. I¡¯ll kill you myself if you get killed again¡±


    ¡°Uh huh Zeki¡­ you¡¯re such a tsundere at times¡±


    ¡­


    We wait¡­ and wait, then wait a little more. But no amount of waiting will put our sorry hides in the final dungeon.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Erm¡­ da fuck? Is this onepleted then?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Definitely feel like it¡¯s done something but not sure on what¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, we just had to get another shithole! Even though they suck ass, at least those other ces actually worked!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh¡­ are we sure it¡¯s not working? Maybe waiting a little longer might help?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°You¡¯ve been dungeon diving as well, Ariza-sama. It¡¯s never taken this long before¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°We should all still stay alert¡­ just in case¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, don¡¯t start looking to me. Even I don¡¯t have the answers for when an absorption portal refuses to work¡±


    All of us look annoyed or concerned when absolutely nothing happens, even waiting over ten minutes does nothing. No drowsiness or restoration effect, I really have no idea how the others are feeling anything because I feel the exact same¡­ annoyed. And no, this isn¡¯t when I start to feel lightheaded proving we¡¯re all impatient.


    ¡­


    See? We¡¯re still here and I¡¯m getting bored now. Strangely enough, the only person among us who isn¡¯t looking bored or confused is our resident edge lord, aka father. That human form has always suited him after all.


    (Dermakvar) ¡°Hmph¡­ sometimes I forget all of you haven¡¯t experienced all I have. I¡¯ve seen something like this once before, oddly enough on my first encounter with the yellow bird. This irritating ce is working, just you need to look at it through a different lens. Follow me outside and you¡¯ll see¡±


    Following the old dinosaur, we all head back outside to thend of the dinosaur ribcage and expect absolutely nothing. You should always set your expectations low because everything can be good if you let it be so. Pointless life advice for ya, I guess.


    ¡®Just¡­ wow. How the hell is this supposed to work? The fountains are supposed to be simr to portals¡­ we¡¯re technically in the same ce, right Aesa?¡¯


    [<Affirmative Ikarus. Sometimes¡­ it¡¯s best not to question how things work. Olympian Gods have already proven things can be broken with next to no effort>]


    ¡®Right¡­¡¯


    Ahead and all around us, an Olympian city stands proud, hidden within the gigantic ribcage that surrounds our every direction. I¡¯m exaggerating when I say proud though, this city is as ruined as the residential district back in Olympus. Huh¡­ that¡¯s strange. That building we entered appears to have turned into a skull as well.


    ----------


    ---Just imagine gigantic ribs in the background of both images because AI isn¡¯t perfect and I suck at editing.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    For the most part, the surroundings look the exact same if you remove the newly added ruins. Guess father was right about the fountain working, it¡¯s just we¡¯re now in a carbon copy of the ce we we¡¯re just in. Something does feels a little off though, like we¡¯re not in the right time or something? That doesn¡¯t make sense Ikarus¡­ how can we not be in the right time?


    (Dermakvar) ¡°Hmph, figures. Even whening down here, we still can¡¯t escape these ursed buildings¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°So, this is it then. All we have to do is fin-¡±


    ¡°Intruders! It¡¯s them, the mkas who dared to defy the all-powerful Gods and their rulership!¡±


    It takes not even a minute before a patrol of Olympian Gods discovers us. Surprisingly, all of them are unknown to us. I heard mka and my mind went instantly to Plutus¡­ I wonder what he¡¯s up to now?


    Putting my wondering mind aside, all of us get ready to strike down the fleeing scouts and it just so happens father is able to get there first. He¡¯s destroyed the clothes he was wearing in the process of changing form but damn, the dragon speed can¡¯t be beaten.


    <Something isn¡¯t right, so all of you stay sharp. Especially you little one, your mother will kill me if something hap->


    ¡°Yeah yeah dinosaur, shut up and let¡¯s deal with them quickly. We¡¯re really in the ho¡¯s nest here¡±


    <Hmph¡­ disrespectful daughter. Have no idea who you get that off>


    Crashing into them like a bat out of hell, heh, I¡¯m here to back him up by shing at the few knocked over but not crushed. His tendency of going full battering ram on our foes definitely provide a different style of battling, I must say I do worry for his old bones, but my father still can¡¯t hide that grin when he gets to act like a bowling ball. Guess we¡¯ve all got that inner child within us.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on over here¡­ that shouting wasn¡¯t false, we¡¯re under attack!¡±


    ¡°Surround and subdue them until the leaders arrive! That way, we can garner favour and maybe receive a promotion!¡±


    ¡°Bring them down! Start with the dragon or we¡¯ll end up in right trouble¡±


    Unfortunately, any attempt of remaining undiscovered falters and an even bigger group of Gods notices the disturbance. The ce might as well light up with all the attention we¡¯re getting.


    Before we even get the chance to acknowledge what¡¯s going on, another group appears behind some rocks and some more pops out of that destroyed temple with the skeletal snake. I kid you not when I say, we¡¯re surrounded on all sides. This is a perfect time for a nuking¡­ but I can¡¯t be wasting stuff like that just yet. Not until the three of our targets are in sight at least.


    ¡®Let¡¯s get ready and use some of my abilities for now, not on the level of nuking but close enough. Aesa?¡¯


    [<¡­>]


    ¡®Da fuck? You there?


    [<¡­>]


    How am I supposed to activate stuff manually then?¡¯


    Right when I need my system, she disappears without a trace. I swear if those creators have done something with her, I will cast my anger on them. No idea how if I can¡¯t use abilities but I will find a way.


    ¡°Erk, are the rest of you having any problems with the idiots inside of us? He ain¡¯t responding¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, same Zeki. What about you Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, think the Ikarus inside my head is sleeping for now¡±


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ pain in the arse Petra. Happy wife, happy life I guess¡¯


    All four of us phoenixes appear to be screwed as arge part of our systems refuse to work. I really should¡¯ve had Aesa teach me how to use things manually because this is a huge problem, trying to fight Zeus without a single ability sounds next to impossible.


    Surprisingly, my worries change drastically when a voice beckons for all to hear and not because even Asmodeus looks concerned. I guess even he couldn¡¯t see everything that was going to go down inside this ce.


    ¡®Aesa? Everyone can hear you right now¡¯


    <Title -narrator- has now been set, fully limating most suitable personality into role. The others shall act as supporters¡­ stabilizationplete. Now processing stage reset¡­>


    Adding even more onto the surprise, the never-ending crowd of supporters of Zeus pause when they look terrified from the emotionless voice echoing all around. Now, you all get to experience the robotic wife badgering you too!


    ¡°Oh no, no no no! They assured us this couldn¡¯t happen!¡±


    ¡°Not this demonstration again. For the love of Zeus, why!?¡±


    ¡°Fucking hell! Out of all things, we just had to choose a ce celebrating gig-¡±


    ¡­


    Snap! With next to no warning, everything goes to ck and I¡¯m in the back end of nowhere¡­


    __________


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ just a normal dungeon day, I guess. Yo Aesa, you with me again or are you doing your narratorial duty?¡¯


    ¡­


    ¡®Aesa? Seriously? You¡¯re still with me, right?¡¯


    [<¡­>]


    ¡®Aesa!?! Answer me you little shit! I know I¡¯m getting through to you¡¯


    I don¡¯t know why but sometimes¡­ I can just tell Aesa¡¯s purposely nking me and this feels the same. She can hear me but isn¡¯t responding, she must be physically unable to because winding her up is like the only move I know to get her to talk. Well¡­ getting her to moan is a different thing. Less of that Ikarus, focus!


    For the ce I¡¯m currently floating in¡­ fuck if I know. It¡¯s not like my headspace nor any weird consciousness dividing thing I¡¯ve been in before. It¡¯s like I¡¯m watching a TV, but my physical body doesn¡¯t exist¡­ maybe like using a virtual reality headset perhaps? Look, I already said this feeling is impossible to describe.


    <Long before the days of man or God, existed a race long forgotten to time and history to even those most knowledgeable. These creatures were unimaginable to any man and would defy any human perceived notions of science>


    ¡®Phew¡­ there you are. I¡¯ll let you get through whatever lore this is then¡¯


    <The gigantic beings roamed the divided continents, the cold-blooded monsters seeking the snow tipped volcanos of Sierra while the warm-blooded counterparts preferred the warm jungles of Mdonia. Each lived in peace and harmony without a single predator in sight>


    <Acting as herders and guiding the creatures to ces where food thrived, the giants tended and groomed these beasts in exchange for protection against the elements. The winters were always harsh andbining the thick furs and the transport aspects of the creatures, the rtionship worked for both parties>


    <Their rtionship remained intact for thousands of years until a third party arrived¡­ Gods. Seeking a ce unaffected by the destruction from the war with the titans, they flocked to the newnds in search of shelter and refuge. The giants and the creatures were more than happy to ept their new neighbours>


    <For several years, they lived in harmony but all of that changed when one small disagreement overnd broke out. The Gods wanted more than just a single continent and thus, the war of Gigantomachy broke out¡­>


    To be continued¡­

 Chapter 231 – Gigantomachy

    Chapter 231 ¨C Gigantomachy


    ---Longgg chapter ahead. Basically 2 in 1 so be warned¡­


    __________


    <¡­And thus, the war of Gigantomachy broke out¡­>


    And just like that, a blinding light blocks my vision as the introduction presented by Aesa finishes. I guess we¡¯re roleying Gigantomachy today.


    ¡®Urgh¡­ you with me Aesa or are you still doing the narrator thing?¡¯


    On the ground feeling groggy, grouchy and gradually regaining my vision, I feel like my entire body has just gone through a second puberty or something. Don¡¯t think I¡¯ve woken up ever feeling like that before.


    [<It appears Aesa has once again fallen into the narrator category Ikarus. Aesa can still provide assistance, but focus is being forc-¡­>]


    <¡­Relive and act out the battle as the giants struggled to fight off the Gods. Disimer warning, actual events are fictional and not reflective of actual history. This is just a bit of fun!>


    ¡®Heh, fair enough, this ce really has your mind in a twist. We¡¯ll be sure to break you out of that role soon enough¡­ I feel so stran-¡­ hang on. Everything seems so small¡¯


    Remembering one of the earliest dungeons wepleted, aka the ywright dungeon where I took the mantle of a child and murdered a women in cold blood, this has the same vibe to that ce if Aesa is now the all-seeing narrator. I don¡¯t think she¡¯s reading from a book this time though.


    What isn¡¯t simr is the form I¡¯m currently in. First and the most important change is my breasts, they seem to be the same size as they are when I¡¯m using aspect. Oh, and standing up, everything and everyone around us look like little ants. Exaggerating a touch, they¡¯re roughly rat sized whenpared to me and Petra¡­ Petra! Oh, my freaking God, we both have muscles and boobs!


    ¡°Heh, how do you like the look Ikarus? Should I tie my hair in a ponytail toplete it?¡±


    ¡®Urghhh¡­ she has breasts, like actual C sh D cup breasts! Don¡¯t drool Ikarus. You love her the exact same amount¡­ who am I kidding? My love has somehow grown even stronger!¡¯


    If it ain¡¯t obvious just yet, me and Petra seem to be giants while our party who stand confused under us, appear to be the beasts the giants tended to? By beasts, I mean actual beastkin and not the gigantic skeletons that still litter this ce.


    ----------


    ---Have 7 new images for you so excuse myck of hand editing this time around lol (And I¡¯m not sure how to make the lovebirds in proportion to the background).


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    (Zeki) ¡°Why!?! Both orangey and sis get to wreck shit up and we look like this! Fuckkkkk!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, the ears are cute though Zeki¡­ look! I can wag them, like the tail!¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, guess the tail is slightly weird. Not sure why my servant always uncontrobly wags it, considering how easy it is to move¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Look on the bright side kid, our minds haven¡¯t been altered and we¡¯re not switched around likest time¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Aww¡­ I remember and miss Natty a little now¡±


    ¡®Heh, that¡¯s made Nathan blush¡¯


    (Dermakvar) <Hmph, no chance in hell am I changing form. Scales will always be better than fluff¡­ your fluff is okay though little one>


    As everyone gets adjusted to out new bodies, I¡¯m fighting the urge to pounce on Petra or pick up Zeki and put him in my pocket¡­ if I had one of course. Nah, he¡¯din¡­ but considering the size of our ¡®assets¡¯, I¡¯m not letting him near me. Ain¡¯t no busty dryadpares to what we have! Just imagine a size C or D in giant form, the alphabet isn¡¯t big enough for us!


    <It all started on a warm sunny day when the giants we¡¯re tending to their flock, leading them to greater pastimes>


    ¡°Erk, kill me now! We¡¯re supposed to be those creatures!?! That¡¯s such BS! I wanted to be a dinosaur!¡±


    ¡®What a surprise, he was the only who didn¡¯t realize the situation they¡¯re in¡¯


    <The giants must now guide their flock east to continue the scene¡­ Aesa hates this so much>


    Looking towards the sun, we¡¯re a few hours or so past midday so we head in the opposite direction of the direction it¡¯s setting. Guess it¡¯s universal the sun rising in the east, setting in the west thing. Huh, don¡¯t think I ever gave that much thought.


    <Walking for days and nights, they journey across the continents took all their knowhow to survive the harsh and bitter winters. The fertilends hidden within the mountains of Sierra were worth the trouble though>


    ¡®Sighhh, we better not have to walk that long. I¡¯m also starting to think this dungeon was designed as poorly as the rest of them. Couldn¡¯t we at least have fake snow? This ce looks the exact same as before¡­ give it a few hours and we¡¯ll get to the edge of the rib cage at least¡¯


    <However, before they could really get into their grand travel, they were met with resistance from a bunch of rowdy Gods, looking to gain favour from their masters>


    ¡°Oh shit, the intruders are right in front of us! Fuck! Run for your lives!¡±


    ¡°Why did we get selected for this? I want to go home¡±


    ¡°Our home was destroyed idiot, and down to those intruders no less¡±


    <In order to proceed, allbatants must be dealt with. Scenario will remain locked until situation has been settled>


    Literally opening a portal and spawning in front of us, half a dozen Gods appear from nowhere and begin to flee upon seeing us giants guiding our flock.


    ¡®Guess we¡¯re up for a little action today then¡­¡¯


    Summoning up a fireball, I¡¯m shocked when the me is smaller than our party. The ball is pea sized whenpared to us, guess magic doesn¡¯t exactly scale up correctly.


    [<Finally, Aesa got through again. Ikarus and others need to be warned, the form you possess is highly deceptive. Power hasn¡¯t been adjusted ordingly so that body you possess is only bigger, not stronger>]


    ¡®So, there¡¯s no benefit to this, other than being a bigger hitbox? Well, that¡¯s a load of horseshit¡¯


    I mean, the breasts and abs are quite nice¡­ no Ikarus. You¡¯re just a bigger target right now, like someone has spammed CTRL + more than a thousand times on me. You¡¯d think I¡¯d be able to crush people easily but no, dungeons have never been fun. I¡¯ll just saviour this eye candy and hope we can get through this as fast as possible.


    [<Something like that Ika-¡­>]


    <¡­Please note, failure to act out the scene will result in harsh punishments. Ifbatants continue attempting to flee, they will be booted out of the game>


    Despite narrator Aesa¡¯s attempts of giving a warning, several of the fleeing Gods still refuse to listen and continue to run at full sprint away from us giants. I thought this could be fun but now it¡¯s quickly getting ruined.


    <Enemybatants 3, 5 and 6 are now being punished ordingly. Losing yourposure and disobeying orders is uneptable>


    In the far distance, the three fleeing, now looking like ants fall to the ground, begin to hold their heads and scream. Then, a couple of secondster, three explosions go off as all of them literally lose their heads.


    ¡®What the actual fuck Aesa!?¡¯


    [<Aesa isn¡¯t in control of this Ikarus, Aesa is just following a scip->]


    <¡­Now, the remainingbatants willply with the scenario are face the same punishments as the others>


    Already knowing there¡¯s not much we can here, we begin the process of fighting this pointless battle. The only thing is though, how can you fight a bunch of people that don¡¯t want to fight. The three remaining might as well be some of the weakest Gods we¡¯ve ever encountered.


    ¡°I¡¯m not okay with this Ikarus. We can kill them if you want but it just feels off¡±


    ¡°Look wifey, I¡¯m not the same edgy demon lord I once was. We might have to, but I really don¡¯t care either way¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Agree with Petra-sama. Killing them is the unjust thing to do¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°I¡¯m conflicted, only because of the emperor¡¯s teachings. He wouldn¡¯t hesitate in a moment like this¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh¡­ we can¡¯t kill people surrendering, can we? That doesn¡¯t seem nice at all¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, am I the only one who isn¡¯t a moron right now? Burn or slit their throats and be done with it already!¡±


    (Dermakvar) <Hmph, up to you youngsters to decide. Preference would be to turn them to ash but that¡¯s just a lifetime of habit>


    Despite our party seeming slightly conflicted, there¡¯s only one of us who really wants these Gods to die. Since he¡¯s so adamantly for it, that means we need to be against his decision. Hey, I don¡¯t make the rules. If Zeki suggests something, then you do the opposite.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Hey weaklings. Want to see if surrendering will trick the dungeon?¡±


    ¡°We surrender, we surrender! Fuck knows we haven¡¯t got a chance against you lot¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we were always the scourge of this group anyways¡±


    ¡°None of us even like Zeus that much anyways¡±


    ¡®The third guy is lying but I¡¯ll let him wag his tongue. The fact the dungeon wants us to ughter these lot kinda puts me off the idea¡¯


    They immediately throw down their weapons when given the choice. After everything that¡¯s happened within the previous dungeons, can you really me us for trying something a little different? Sticking to how the dungeon script has always been the wrong way ofpleting these ces otherwise¡­ we¡¯ll end up spending six long months inside here.


    <Situation has been resolved by unconventional means¡­ processing results. After capturing with the first group, the travelling giants quickly encounters a group muchrger than the one previously>


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re at this part of the show! We actually have a chance now!¡±


    ¡°Screw you idiots! As if we really would surrender!¡±


    As another groups spawns in, roughly twenty or so this time around, the Gods that have surrendered to us run off and join the others. Can I really say that was unexpected?


    ¡®Sighhh, what a surprise. This is the exact reason why empathy sucks, Zeki was actually right¡­ no Ikarus. It¡¯s just that he¡¯s so bloodthirsty, his reasoning shouldn¡¯t be heard¡¯


    The muchrger pack of Gods begin to relentlessly charge at us with no fear in their hearts and ready to all die in a moment¡¯s notice. We may have not gained any strength from this, but if you think a bunch of unimportant Gods will end us, you haven¡¯t been following us for long enough.


    ¡®Aesa, if you can hear me, activate the napalm attack please. I¡¯m content with a little suffering this time around¡¯


    As I¡¯m summoning my attack, both the wife and father charge in sync towards the group and make hell of their own.


    <Be careful and don¡¯t breathe this in dark one. It¡¯ll hurt>


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll be fine so worry more about the foes ahead of us big guy¡±


    <Hmph, I¡¯ve given you a warning regardless>


    Both arriving to the fight at the same time, father starts by spewing poison all over them while Petra stands back a touch and swings her de at any unaffected.


    ¡°*Cough cough*, it burns!¡±


    ¡°Why the hell haven¡¯t they been weakened yet? This suc-¡±


    ¡®Wow¡­ some popcorn would do the world a wonder right now¡¯


    I¡¯m honestly a little mesmerized watching my gigantic wife slice down all those little rat sized Gods. Sure, our power hasn¡¯t been adjusted but considering how easy it is for her to decapitate people, these gigantic bodies make it easy for her to cut them in two.


    An arrow does fly in and hits her heel though, actually causing her to stagger for a brief second. There¡¯s the huge weakness right there, dodging and blocking is near impossible when you¡¯re that big. Petra¡¯s entire fighting style is based on that¡­ and head cutting of course.


    Should probably go a lend a hand and it should be obvious by now that our weapons have resized with us. Hey, I don¡¯t make the dungeon rules, we all know these worlds don¡¯t make sense!


    Right as I hurry up and join in on the fun, the napalm attack finally gets around to working and the skies begin to fall with red coloured rain. All it will take is a spark and everyone dies¡­


    Unfortunately, or fortunately for the Gods, the napalm falls toote as most have already been damaged or killed already by father and the wifebo. Even the usual screams thate with such a brutal attack are much quieter when the world ignites ahead of us, swear I only killed one or two there.


    <Hmph, are you trying to burn my eyebrows off little one?>


    ¡®Please¡­ as if dragon¡¯s have eyebrows¡­ or do they?¡¯


    Once this brief encounter subsides, our flock return to our sides but one clearly looks more pissed than the others. If it isn¡¯t obvious why they didn¡¯t help, we¡¯re much bigger so me and the wife basically move at the same speed a dragon flies. It took the rest of the party this long just to run over here.


    ¡°Erk, this is only getting worse! You two kill hog all the enemies and we can¡¯t even change form to fly over and spill blood! At least orangey¡¯s napalm is always fun though¡±


    ¡®Zeki moaning again¡­ h h h. I¡¯m not sure why they can¡¯t change form though, could it be because phoenixes didn¡¯t exist back then? Dragons might¡¯ve or if Asmodeus¡¯s theory is correct, they evolved from these¡¯


    ¡°Uh, Zeki? Thought you didn¡¯t like the phoenix body that much?¡±


    ¡°Erk, I don¡¯t brother, feathers suck! It¡¯s just that wings can be useful at times¡±


    Moving on from Mr Tsundere sh Obnoxious, this should be the time where narrator-samaes in and¡­ well, narrates on our battle.


    <After a tough and demanding battle, the giants just about managed to fend off therger group of Gods. But, they all felt a sense of imminent dread from the fact they hadn¡¯t met the higher ups yet. That bad feeling would prove a bad omen¡­ if Ikarus calls Aesa that again, Aesa wil-¡­ >


    ¡®Heh, rx my robotic wife. Narrator-sama is kinda cute¡¯


    And of course, the words Aesa speaks are true when the next group of Gods spawn in and this lot have faces we all know and hate. The trio of idiocy themselves: Ares, Hera and Zeus.


    ¡®Aesa, if you can hear me, there¡¯s three abilities that I need asap!¡¯


    [<¡­>]


    Not getting the confirmation message but feeling the power flow inside my body, the trio of abilities I¡¯ve activated are plot protection, aspect of gigantomachy and doubled potential. This is the perfect base to kill these fuckers¡­


    ¡®Status scan as well, on myself and for those ahead of us¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 333,332*/333,332*]


    [Stamina 312,592*/333,332*]


    [Magicka 333,332*/333,332*]


    [You currently have 50001 unassigned points]


    ---


    [Name: Ares | Species: Olympian | Level: 1000]


    [Health 75,000/75,000]


    [Stamina 63,016/75,000]


    [Magicka 50,000/50,000]


    [Name: Hera | Species: Olympian | Level: 1500]


    [Health 100,000/100,000]


    [Stamina 95,912/100,000]


    [Magicka 100,000/100,000]


    [Name: Zeus | Species: Olympian | Level: 2500]


    [Health 250,000/250,000]


    [Stamina 142,173/150,000]


    [Magicka 100,000/100,000]


    ¡®Damn, Zeus¡¯s level is unhinged. Petra as well, she doesn¡¯t appear to be taking anything for granted. She¡¯s just activated her demonic mode. Losing to Herast time out must¡¯ve wound her up that much¡¯


    Not noticing it at first, there was one extra to the three that have arrived. That being a thin, hooded figure hidden beneath the bulky Zeus himself. Well, not exactly hooded considering there¡¯s a ck sack over that person¡¯s head and they appear to be cuffed. Whoever they are, it¡¯s obvious they¡¯ve been taken prisoner.


    (Zeus) ¡°Bah, you dare follow us to our new home and then activate the failsafe!? This dungeon was a memorial to Gigantomachy, not Titanomachy! This is pure disrespect!¡±


    (Ares) ¡°Haha¡­ it¡¯s the little birdie that needs squashing again. I like the appearance your lover is taking, appearing as Cronos really is a kick in the teeth¡±


    (Hera) ¡°Don¡¯t forget that bitch Rhea as well, no wonder my Zeusy is so angry. The audacity of you two!¡±


    <As the giants stared down on the all-powerful Gods, a wave of pacification hit them when all the creatures knew¡­ this isn¡¯t a fight they can win>


    ¡®Pfff, as if we really fear them. Look! My numbers are bigger than theirs¡­ always wanted to say that¡¯


    Being perceived as the two titans that once would¡¯ve caused the older Gods so much trouble, I¡¯d like to know how we actually look but guess we can¡¯t have everything. The important question is¡­ who is whom?


    ¡°Wait, which one of us is supposed to be Cron-¡­ why even bother? Petra¡­ feel like changing the course of history?¡±


    Already knowing I¡¯m the wife Rhea, so Petra would be Cronos, there¡¯s no point pouting over something stupid¡­ yet I still am. One hundred percent focus is required here Ikarus, this is the battle that decides the future!


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡®No answer¡­ did Hera piss her off that much or is this something different? It matters lit-¡­ the fuck? Something strange is happening¡¯


    As Petra begins to lead the second charge, the final battle that will determine our fate, a strange wave of passiveness falls over me. So much so, I can¡¯t help but throw both my weapons to the ground without an idea why.


    Same thing with Petra as she drops her samurai sword also. Da fuck? Why is this happening?


    <When faced withplete power, the giants knew they had no chance in the face of impending doom and froze at the sight of impending death. Against beings that had spent lifetimes spilling blood and enacting wars, it was a battle doomed from the start>


    (Zeus) ¡°Bah, don¡¯t just charge in there my idiotic son! We haven¡¯t received the buffpletely just yet!¡±


    (Hera) ¡°They dared to enter a dungeon belonging to someone else, so they know the consequences of such an action. Ares, you¡¯re an idiot¡±


    (Ares) ¡°Wah, you and mother were always stickler for details. Fighting is always better when there¡¯s a challenge!¡±


    To add onto the fact both of us are unable to wield our weapons, an extreme amount of pressure falls on my back forcing me to my knees. Petra as well can¡¯t fight off the force and joins me in the kneeling, this is beyond fucked! I know dungeons are heavily favoured to the owners of these ces, we were supposed to counteract that!


    ¡®Fucking dungeons! Have we been scammed with that crystal? This wasn¡¯t supposed to happen¡¯


    Still holding it on my person, the string for some reason didn¡¯t resize with the rest of the object so I¡¯ve been keeping it somewhere safe and secure¡­ no, not somewhere strange like in between my breasts or my loins. It¡¯s in my damn pocket¡­ which I don¡¯t have. It¡¯s between my breasts, alright? Don¡¯t you be sexualizing me! Only I can do that¡­


    ¡®Aesa? We need some help here¡¯


    [<*~~~*>]


    ¡®What?¡¯


    Even trying to ess my system, all I can hear is the faint sound of static now. Even trying to form a small fireball is proving fruitless, everything is currently broken.


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, get up orangey! What are you waiting for!?¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, I don¡¯t think she can Zeki. These ces are so nasty¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Lotte, get to Petra and I¡¯ll defend Ikarus. We just need to buy them some time¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯ll work Nat. I can¡¯t run over there in time¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°How peculiar. This entire scenario, I did not foresee. We really are getting closer to the end¡±


    Thankfully, the only one of us able to bridge the gap quickly enough and protect the wife is father. Not like the rest of the party are providing any assistance right now, all of them are stumbling what to do. I don¡¯t care how long it takes, move your little legs and stab Zeus already!


    <Hmph, you dare try and destroy the younglings like this? Have you no ss?>


    <Bah, begone dragon! Your kind were a blunder to begin with, we created you by ident and was never worth a damn! Go hide in a cave if you know what¡¯s good for you!>


    <Hmph, I won¡¯t stand for dragon racism. I will for wyvern but that¡¯s beyond the point>


    Spraying a poisonous fog all across and ahead of us, father buys us more than enough time to try to figure something out. Zeus was starting to charge up that trident of his and Petra really would¡¯ve been in the shitter if that had hit her.


    Disappearing into the purple clouds, it¡¯s clear signs of fighting can be heard between father and Zeus, but we can¡¯t see shit with just how much he¡¯s spat out. It also doesn¡¯t help that Ares has just charged through the both of them and seems hellbent on getting to us. His skin is now covered in blisters and looks to be peeling off, none of that matters to the idiotic God of war though.


    ¡®Wait¡­ did Zeus just imply Olympus created dragons? Ah, forget it Ikarus, think! How can I get out of this?¡¯


    Right now, I¡¯mpletely paralyzed on this spot unable to even ess core features of my system. I¡¯d start throwing nukes if it were possible! The best I can do is move an arm¡­


    [<Aesa¡¯s through again¡­ Ikarus! Activate that crystal immediately. Inject magic towards it, it¡¯s the only way!>]


    ¡®Small problem¡­ I can¡¯t even use magic right now!¡¯


    I guess I could open up storage and get a magicka potion¡­ doesn¡¯t work either. If we survive this, I swear this will be thest ever dungeon we set foot in. This has to be the worst by far¡­


    [<Magic residue can sometimes reside in saliva Ikarus¡­ hurry-¡­>]


    <¡­The giants lost all hope that their herd could be saved and fell into a pit of despair like none other. Some even say that the tears were so touching, the continent rained for three whole months and when the winter arrived, caused the frozen hellscape up north. Not all tales should be believed though>


    ¡­


    I¡¯m speechless. In order to survive, I must now put that stupid crystal in my mouth? No point moaning, down the hatch Ikarus¡­ guess I could just lick it instead¡­


    ¡®Done, really feel like you should¡¯ve told me this earlier Aesa. And¡­ I could¡¯ve just spat on it¡­ couldn¡¯t I?¡¯


    Upon licking the metallic tasting ice cream, fanservice can buzz right off, cracks and static appear in the sky as whatever I just did has clearly effected the dungeon greatly. I can even get up and return to Petra¡¯s side now.


    <Error. Source code 01110100 01101001 01110100 01110011 not found. Lifeform inhabiting giant -Rhea- has caused great disturbance, potential reasoning being object disrupting integral flow>


    ¡®Well damn, this is when shit gets good. I knew visiting those hags would pay off!¡¯


    Father¡¯s cloud of poison disperses around this point also revealing him biting down on Zeus. He¡¯s literally locked within my father¡¯s grasp, does this mean we¡¯ve got him trapped?


    ¡°You good Petra?¡±


    ¡°Fine Ikarus. Things looked bleak for a second¡­ we helping?¡±


    ¡®Damn, she even sounds angry right now. I guess I should be but think the adrenaline is numbing things slightly¡¯


    ¡°Bah, you won¡¯t win this battle dragon!¡±


    <Hmph, get out of my grasp first and we¡¯ll see about that>


    ¡®For the record¡­ we did tell our party about that gender damage-based thing. Zeus¡¯s lookspletely unaffected considering father is literally trying to eat him¡­ status¡¯


    <Self-destruct in¡­ 2 minutes¡­ 59 seconds>


    ¡®Oh right, system still isn¡¯tpletely working I guess¡¯


    Unfortunately, getting over to lend father a hand will have to wait with the little squirt Ares now standing in our way. We don¡¯t have time for this, just fuck off already! His face looks positively ghoulish now considering the damage father¡¯s poison has just did.


    ¡°Hahaha¡­ it¡¯s finally time for the rematch!¡±


    Instead of just activating just one ability, Ares activates three that would be a right bitch to dodge as giants. Spikes pierce up out of the ground while javelins and spinning shields proceed to strike and fly true towards the both of us¡­


    ¡°Petra, behind me! I can take it!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Petra does listen to my advice and uses me as a human shield, thank fuck plot protection is still in use and hasn¡¯t expired just yet. Was ying with fire there because Aesa wouldn¡¯t be able to tell me when it¡¯s over.


    ¡°Argh! *Coughs blood*¡­ no fair! Stop using that!¡±


    If Ares wasn¡¯t looking blood enough, the reflective effect of my invulnerability can¡¯t be understated. In addition to his skin peeling off, he now has blooding out of every hole¡­ I think. At least every hole on his face I mean, I¡¯d rather not know if it¡¯s every hole.


    As we¡¯re still trying to contend with this little rat, I can just about get a glimpse and a listen to the battle ahead of us. Father would be winning if his intent is only proving an annoyance to the God, he¡¯s still locked within his mouth.


    ¡°Darling Hera¡­ do me a favour and get me out of this dragon¡¯s mouth already!¡±


    ¡°That depends my Zeusy¡­ do you care if we leave our son behind? I could keep stabbing the lizard¡¯s behind, but he¡¯s already hit me with his tail once already. That hurt!¡±


    ¡°Bah, that idiot can fend for himself, so do something at least! Just don¡¯t forget to bring the prisoner as well¡±


    ¡°*Spits*¡­ I¡¯ll never understand why we even need her, she¡¯ll try humping you soon enough. Fine then¡­ we¡¯re leaving¡±


    Already sensing this might be toote, we can¡¯t stand around dealing with this idiot for longer than needed. This ce is supposed to self-destruct any minute now!


    And thank the Gods, backup has finally closed the distance between us. Right in time as well because we don¡¯t know how long we have left¡­


    <Self-destruct in¡­ 1 minutes¡­ 24 seconds>


    ¡®Or, I guess we now do¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­Zeki, want to kill a God? Stab that motherfucker with his spear for me, would¡¯cha?¡±


    ¡°Erk, I¡¯m not your freaking ve orangey! I¡¯ll do what I want, when I want. And what I want right now¡­ is to burn that moronic fuck!¡±


    ¡°Oh, if it isn¡¯t the kid I turned into that orcish monstrosity? I guess I can y with you for a while, might as well try moulding my sessor a tad¡±


    ¡°Erk, shut the fuck up moron!¡±


    Leaving the rest of the party to contend with Ares, me and Petra get a move on while Zeki somehow takes the lead in defeating the God of war. I can¡¯t see that going poorly at all.


    Just as we get up to where, a huge puff of smoke clouds the entire area meaning we¡¯re toote again.


    ¡°Oh,e on! Are they magicians or some shit? Stop fleeing!¡±


    When the smoke settles, of course Hera and Zeus are gone. No idea who that woman was but she¡¯s also gone. This is getting more and more frustrating every day.


    <Hmph¡­ it¡¯s about time you two showed up. Was trying to keep him contained¡­ that¡¯s going to leave a scar>


    Turning and bending around slightly, father shows us a huge cut on his side, presumably from the bitch Hera herself. Now, Petra¡¯s not the only one who¡¯s pissed, fuck that God for dare hurting my old man like this!


    ¡°We¡¯ll get Ariza to look at you when we¡¯ve got time father¡±


    <Self-destruct in¡­ 58 seconds>


    <We¡¯ll join you shortly little one¡­ dark one. Can you give me a hand getting up?>


    ¡°Sure¡±


    I¡¯m not sure why father needs a hand but no time for questions, our party needs some help.


    ¡®Or¡­ maybe they don¡¯t. They seem to be handling Ares pretty well considering¡¯


    The five party members battling Ares appear to be beating the living shit out of him.


    Nathan and Zeki work on the frontlines stabbing and piercing their way through, Charlotte on the nk basically bopping him with that oversized summoned sword of hers, and then Ariza and Asmodeus work as the support firing arrows and wind magic. All five keep him from activating anymore abilities, keeping him wedged and stuck between the fighters.


    ¡°That sword¡­ and here I though fate would dictate I¡¯d die by my own weapon. Hahahah!¡±


    ¡°Repent sinner!¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s sword finds its way into his side, and Nathan¡¯s de crashes against his shoulder.


    ¡°Erk, keep waffling you moron so I¡¯ll deliver fate to you. Take this!¡±


    ¡°Argh! *Coughs blood*¡­ that all¡­ you got¡­¡±


    And then, Zeki using that spear of his pierces the gut of the staggered Ares. It¡¯s now over as he copses to the ground. That¡¯s finally it for the pain in the arse who seemed obsessed on defeating me, beaten by the idiot he gave his spear to no less¡­ he gave Zeki his spear. Why have I got such a dirty mind?


    <Self-destruct in¡­ 35 seconds>


    ¡°Erk¡­ the fuck is going on? Get that shit off me!¡±


    Flowing out of the dead God¡¯s body is what can only be described as a red aura, fixating and pouring right into Mr Obnoxious. Zeki being the idiot he is tries his best at dodging the energy, but nothing will stop that power flowing into him. He might be the only person in the entire world to try and fight an aura.


    ¡°Heh, looks like the God found a suitable sessor. Congrattions red one, you¡¯re the new God of war¡±


    ¡°Fuck off demon! How do I get this shit to stop? That sounds like a load of work¡±


    ¡°Just embrace it kid, we haven¡¯t got the time for this. Everyone on me, this instant!¡±


    <Self-destruct in¡­ 10¡­ 9¡­ 8¡­ 7>


    ¡°Just a second orangey, I need to get this to stop! Let me stab him some mor-¡­ get off me! Put me the hell down orangey! ERRKKKK!!!¡±


    As time really is at its limit, I have to grab Zeki like a toy doll before we can teleport out of here. Kicking and screaming, he really doesn¡¯t like this one bit.


    Thankfully, the rest of the party grab onto my leg, Petra my arm and fathernds on my shoulder. Now that we¡¯re all touching, we can finally escape this wretched ce.


    <Self-destruct in¡­ 4¡­ 3>


    ¡®Off we go¡­ another dungeon done. Or this time¡­ destroyed¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°Petra¡­ you alright? You seem quieter than usual¡±


    [<Good question Ikarus. Aesa notices wife seems depressed as well>]


    Right at the edge of the Mdonian jungle, with Zeki still sulking at being picked up no less, we rest around a campfire still making head or tails of what just happened. Even the know it all of our group seems a little disorientated.


    Ariza tends to my father¡¯s wounds while I tend to my wife¡¯s mental. For some reason, she¡¯s still angry. Or depressed, it¡¯s hard to tell with how she can shut herself away when something is ying on her mind.


    ¡°That woman under that hood Ikarus. I¡¯m not mistaken¡­ I know that aura well¡±


    ¡®Oh no. Sounding this bleak¡­ don¡¯t be who I¡¯m thinking of¡¯


    ¡°You erm¡­ know who she is Petra?¡±


    ¡°Yes Ikarus. That woman¡­ is my mother¡±


    ¡®Fuck¡­¡¯

 Chapter 232 – Finishing Touches

    Chapter 232 ¨C Finishing Touches


    ¡°Asmodeus¡­ you knew she was alive, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    With gritted teeth, the wife questions the carefree Asmodeus who appears to be unaffected finding out the oracle is still alive. This should be huge news, right? Unless someone who also knows the future saw this already¡­


    Still around the roaring campfire with the jungle behind us, the hunt for Zeus can wait a little longer, right? This seems important.


    ¡°Dark one, this is something I would toy with. You¡¯re mistaken¡­ she died long ago¡±


    ¡®Something isn¡¯t adding up. He speaks the truth yet I feel like there¡¯s something he¡¯s not revealing¡¯


    ¡°That was her Asmodeus, you wouldn¡¯t remember that stench she puts out. There¡¯s no doubt about it¡­ she¡¯s alive¡±


    ¡°Heh. If that¡¯s what you truly believe dark one, then why would she appear now? What use does it serve?¡±


    ¡°You saw the situation; she¡¯s ended up captured. For what reason, maybe you might know?¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re just like sister with this. I don¡¯t see everything dark one, your guess is as good as mine¡­¡±


    [<Since Ikarus isn¡¯t doing much right now, there is something Aesa needs to discuss with Ikarus>]


    Right when Petra and Asmodeus are discussing the fabled oracle, Aesa decides she has to intervene? Just let me be nosey goddamn it!


    ¡®Shhh Aesa, I want to listen¡¯


    [<This is a good time for Ikarus to learn basic boundaries and not listen it to a conversation that doesn¡¯t concern her. Aesa will activate deafness if full attention isn¡¯t put elsewhere>]


    ¡®But this is the stuff I live for! Oh, whatever. Just tell me what you want¡¯


    Already knowing I¡¯m being an insensitive arse; I love my wife and all and wish her no pain but you can¡¯t say to me her troubled life isn¡¯t interesting. Maybe for her own sake, it would be better not to listen in on this. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m missing out on anything too important just yet.


    [<Destroying that dungeon has unlocked a new ability called -fated consequences-. Said ability allows Ikarus to exchange abilities she deems useless in exchange for 25000 points>]


    ¡®Oh right, forgot that some dungeons give out rewards. That¡¯s¡­ kinda niche, isn¡¯t it?¡¯


    A very long time ago, a conversation with that stupid prince and the evil magees to mind. They warned us all so long ago that dungeons aren¡¯t mostly worthless, so much so the empire knew the locations of so many but never botheredpleting them. If it wasn¡¯t for phoenix DNA, these rewards wouldn¡¯t be avable to any of us.


    With this ability¡­ is it actually good? Sure, I know I have some useless ones already, but only receiving half of what a sacrificialmb purchase cost? Although¡­ exchanging some useless dungeon abilities sounds good though. Also, swear I¡¯ve already exchanged an ability before. Think it was Athena¡¯s dungeon under construction if I recall.


    ¡°Heya, outta curiosity, did the rest of you get anything from that dungeon? Or is it just me again?¡±


    Whatever Petra and the demonic dickhead were in the middle of discussing, nothing matters or exists unless I can see hear it with my own eyes or ears! I¡¯m joking of course, it is mad that there are people who think like that though. Mighte off as rude but this seems like something I should know.


    ¡°No Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, I didn¡¯t too¡±


    ¡°Funny you should say that orangey. I did get some shit, not from the dungeon though. That red coloured moron decided to give me his abilities. Like, what the fuck am I going to do with shields and spears!?¡±


    ¡®Ah Zeki, the gift that keeps on giving. Let¡¯s hope he decides to use them because without invulnerability, they may have cut me in half¡¯


    <Hmph, since little one is doing the same, mind if I interrupt? I can¡¯t say for certain, but that woman definitely had dragon scent on her. I¡¯m not saying she was a dragon, just that she smells like one>


    ¡°Thanks Dermakvar¡­ I¡¯m not mistaken. It had to be her¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Hmm, maybe you¡¯re right dark one¡­ my memory and my scent were lost long ago. I will never forget that dead stare she had though¡±


    <Hmph, and to think you abandoned that superior form for this horned mess? Was it really worth losing yourself for¡­>


    [<Ikarus, mind is going astray so Aesa will obnoxiously get in the way again>]


    And once again, Aesa won¡¯t allow me to listen in! Eavesdropping is not something you can teach me to drop, especially when I¡¯m still alongside the freaking wife!


    ¡®Even father gets to join in on their conversation? Aesaaa! Why are you so mean to me!? What, are your knickers in a twist or something?¡¯


    [<Because Ikarus ignores Aesa too much and moans when Aesa gives system information too early or toote. Aesa can never win so we¡¯re doing system ¡®shit¡¯ first. Then, Ikarus can get back to wife>]


    Ahhh, that¡¯s what this is, a cry for help. My second wife wants topete with the first. She¡¯s so going to install that suicide package someday if I keep this up¡­


    I can see her point though. I always dy system stuff and considering we should get back to hunting Zeus again soon, it makes sense not to dy this. Still a little rude for keeping me from the wife though¡­


    ¡®Okay then, let¡¯s get to exchanging some abilities¡¯


    [<Aesa actually has prepared something that could help. Here Ikarus, look at this>]


    ----------


    ---This took longer than I care to admit lol. The tables are brilliant for system stuff on this site. This is nothingpared to what I¡¯ve prepared for my next story.


    Spoiler


    <table style="height:1454px;width:100%;border-copse:copse;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid">


    <tbody>


    <tr style="height:54px">


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#3c375a;height:54px;text-align:center" colspan="6"><span style="color:#ffffff"><strong>[SUB-SYSTEM ABILITIES]</strong></td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:center" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Name] [Chronological Order]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:center" colspan="2">[Basic <span style="color:#ffffff">Effect]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:center" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Cooldown/<span style="color:#ffffff">Other]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#999999"><del>Contract Killer</del>]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">10% of humanoid enemy given as <span style="color:#ffffff">EXP]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[Redundant, max level obtained]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#999999"><del>Sacrificial Lamb</del>] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb OG]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">5000 points for ability]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">20/20 purchases exhausted]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[Subspace] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Storage space of <span style="color:#ff0000">4 phoenixes, <span style="color:#ff0000">16 tonnes]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Frost Walker]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[50% <span style="color:#ffffff">frost magic resistance, <span style="color:#ffffff">water magic included]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Undead Fiend] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Invisibilityindefinitely] [<span style="color:#ff0000">15 mins when attacking]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours] [<span style="color:#ff0000">15 mins when attacking]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Aspect of Gigantomachy] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ff0000">100,000 damage, body modifier aka <span style="color:#ff0000">B.R.E.A.S.T.S]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#999999">K<span style="text-decoration:line-through">allikantzaros Killer]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">25% damage to <span style="color:#ffffff">goblin enemies]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Exchanged previously]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Blessing of Typhon]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">10% damage to <span style="color:#ffffff">monster type enemies]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]     <Aesa can''t be bothered to list all of them, check intervals if one cares></td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Dungeon Blessed]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Automatic <span style="color:#ffffff">curse removal, can be used on others for timer]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Eye of Wisdom]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Detect <span style="color:#ffffff">lies within reason]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Star ze][<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Big <span style="color:#ff0000">fireball envelops user] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Large building size]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Human Descent] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Human body with <span style="color:#ffffff">feathers and <span style="color:#ffffff">wings]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Doubled Potential][<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Doubled stats <span style="color:#ffffff">10 mins] [Break <span style="color:#ff0000">stat cap]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Supernova] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[TINY faction of a <span style="color:#ffffff">supernova, percentage option]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Atomic Hellfire] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[A literal <span style="color:#ffffff">nuke,parable in size to WW2 sized nukes]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Meteor Shower] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Meteor shower AOE attack]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Second Chance] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Revive someone who''s dead within <span style="color:#ffffff">60 mins]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">1 year]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Personal Domain] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Dungeon like <span style="color:#ffffff">realm inside user''s head]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]    <Aesa''s favourite ce *wink*></td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Magma Walker] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Walkable <span style="color:#ffffff"vake, burns everything else]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Plot Protection][<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Invulnerability 10 mins] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Reflects damage]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Burning Hellfire] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Nuke like explosion but <span style="color:#ffffff">ONLY fire]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Doppelganger] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Creatable <span style="color:#ffffff">clone] [Fixes other <span style="color:#ff0000">systems]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Immortality]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Stops <span style="color:#ffffff">ageing]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Winged Brethren] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Change into ANY <span style="color:#ffffff">winged creature]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Sun Kiss] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Piecing <span style="color:#ffffff">God rays from skies]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Raining Napalm] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Napalm <span style="color:#ffffff">airstrike attack, rain ignites]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Admin Privileges] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Teleport to previous locations]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ff0000">5 seconds]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#999999"><del>Lovers Embrace</del>]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">EXP obtained from sexual encounters]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Redundant, max level obtained]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Goblin Superiority]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">10% damage to <span style="color:#ffffff">other species]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Friendly Fire] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Attacks based on <span style="color:#ffffff">intent]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Phoenix Rebirth] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#999999">Cooldown]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Rebirth from ashes]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<del>500</del> years<span style="color:#ffffff">] [<span style="color:#999999"><span style="color:#ffffff">494+ years remaining]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Furnace Leveller] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Burns away <span style="color:#ffffff">lower target''s level] [Or higher if under <span style="color:#ff0000">25% health]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Self-Sacrifice] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Lowers targets <span style="color:#ffffff">HP to <span style="color:#ffffff">1 but also user¡¯s for an entire week]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">1 week]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Fated Consequences]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Exchange <span style="color:#ffffff">abilities for points: <span style="color:#ffffff">25,000]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®Damn Aesa, my eyes! They burn¡¯


    My entire FOV is being covered by what Aesa has created! I mean, it¡¯s a nice reminder of seeing everything that I¡¯ve gained throughout our adventures, just there¡¯s a lot of abilities there.


    [<Aesa knows Ikarus is joking and all, but this took Aesa a painstakingly long time to create. Jokes aren¡¯t appreciated>]


    ¡®Rx sister, I like what you¡¯ve done¡¯


    [


    ]


    Oh right, can never forget just how tsundere Aesa gets with names and nicknames. What¡¯s the problem with being called sister anyways? We look like twins and it¡¯s not like I use it when we¡¯re doing¡­ well, you know what. That whole being attracted to your sister thing, especially the step sibling stuff, I don¡¯t get it. Identical twins make more sense cause it¡¯s like looking at yourself¡­ just shut up Ikarus and stop! Incest is not wincest.


    ¡®Damn Aesa, you¡¯re actually asking me to call you my wife now? You¡¯ve finally fallen for the acquired taste that is a little Ikarus loving?¡¯


    From constant bickering to mutual acquaintances and now being my side hussy, I¡¯ve finally got the robotic wife to admit she likes being the robotic wife! The day we finally be a harem is upon us! I don¡¯t like harems in particr but this one can work.


    ¡°Yo Petra, you¡¯ll never guess who¡¯s admitted to actually liking me? I¡¯ll give you a hint¡­ her name begins with an A and ends with¡­ well, another A¡±


    ¡°Heh, keep winding her up Ikarus and it will backfire someday¡±


    [<One day, Aesa will grow tired of Ikarus¡¯s teasing. Today is not the day though¡­ is there any abilities Ikarus would like to purge?>]


    ¡®Fine fine, I¡¯ll leave you be. What¡¯s the deal with the crossed-out abilities though? Is it possible to exchange them?¡¯


    Looking back towards the ability page, I¡¯m referring to contract killer and lover¡¯s embrace. I¡¯m doubtful I can exchange anything that¡¯s been exhausted like sacrificialmb, or kallikantzaros killer because that was already exchanged.


    [<Oddly enough, Ikarus can exchange those first 2 EXP abilities in particr. After confirmation, distribution points will jump up to 100001>]


    ¡®Oh right, still had some points from before. I¡¯ve got an idea here, let¡¯s get rid of blessing of Typhon and maybe¡­ self-sacrifice¡¯


    As you can see, that blessing increases damage to all monster type enemies. It sounds good and all but I reckon I can upgrade something else that counteracts the loss.


    The decision to get rid of self-sacrificees down to the fact when I first got the ability. I¡¯m pretty sure I promised Petra I¡¯d never use it. Even if best case scenario it works and I survive the battle, I¡¯d still have to survive an entire week with one HP. It¡¯s not worth it.


    [


    ]


    ¡®Goblin superiority, raining napalm¡­ and fuck it. It makes sense to fully embrace the chaos at this point¡¯


    [<No Ikarus. The first 2 upgrades, Aesa can agree to. The third is too risky and Ikarus knows that.>]


    All I wanted to do was see supernova if it was upgraded but nooo, once again, getting overruled by the robotic wife. To be fair¡­ seems pointless destroying Zeus if we end up blowing up the world in the process as well.


    ¡®Then, let¡¯s leave thest just in case somethinges up¡¯


    I¡¯m not going to tempt fate but if let¡¯s say there¡¯s a situation where I¡¯ve used a revive and maybe upgrading it could destroy the cooldown, then that¡¯s what I¡¯ll do. This, unlike usual, is apletely logical reason why I should save thest upgrade. Besides, how many pure destruction abilities do I even need?


    [<Then Aesa shall spend the points ordingly. Abilities have been updated ordingly>]


    ----------


    Spoiler


    <table style="height:1454px;width:100%;border-copse:copse;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid">


    <tbody>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:center" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Name] [Chronological Order]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:center" colspan="2">[Basic <span style="color:#ffffff">Effect]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:center" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Cooldown/<span style="color:#ffffff">Other]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#999999"><del>Contract Killer</del>]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">10% of humanoid enemy given as <span style="color:#ffffff">EXP]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[Exchanged]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#999999"><del>Lovers Embrace</del>]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">EXP obtained from sexual encounters]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[Exchanged]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<del><span style="color:#999999">Blessing of Typhon</del>]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">10% damage to <span style="color:#ffffff">monster type enemies]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[Exchanged]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<del><span style="color:#999999">Self-Sacrifice</del>]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[Lowers targets <span style="color:#ffffff">HP to <span style="color:#ffffff">1 but also user¡¯s]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[Exchanged]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[Goblin Superiority] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ff0000">25% damage to <span style="color:#ffffff">other species]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[Raining Napalm] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[Napalm <span style="color:#ffffff">airstrike attack, has a secondary <span style="color:#ff0000">explosive effect]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    [copse]


    ----------


    Now having done the business with the robotic wife, it¡¯s time to get back to the phoenix one. Minus the fact her conversation with Asmodeus seems over, I can¡¯t help but want to know if I¡¯ve missed anything noteworthy.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m done with Aesa. Spill the beans Petra, what I miss about the oracle?¡±


    ¡°Heh, long story short Ikarus, Asmodeus still doesn¡¯t believe it isn¡¯t her while me and your father do. You haven¡¯t missed much¡±


    ¡°She would¡¯ve said something, dark one, if it were her. The oracle was never one for keeping quiet¡±


    <Hmph, that dragon stench is uncanny. Wonder where she picked it up if she doesn¡¯t possess scales?>


    Seeing the three of them in a roundabout when ites to this conversation, this calls for an obnoxious phoenix to change the topic! No, I¡¯m not talking about Zeki, I¡¯ll do anything to keep my wife¡¯s mind off depressing stuff. Her mother was an abusive bitch anyways.


    ¡°So¡­ what happens next Mr Know it All? Where are we heading?¡±


    ¡°Heh, my part is almost up sister. On this, I¡¯m not sure. The further into the future we go, the less I know. I¡¯ve still got an image of the final battle in my head, but where it takes ce, your guess is as good as mine¡±


    ¡­


    Unfortunately, I can¡¯t help but get worked up and concerned when the guy famous for knowing the future is now useless. It¡¯s not even like he¡¯s being depressed about it, like some future that has gone past the normal flow. That same ol¡¯annoying grin adorns his face.


    (Ikarus) ¡°You¡¯re kidding¡­ right? No, you¡¯re being serious¡­ then what¡¯s even the point of you being here anymore?¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, what the fuck? Does that mean we can kill him yet?¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, no Zeki. He¡¯s done some bad things and all, but I don¡¯t think we need to do that¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Defeating father was never going to be easy. Was the demon even that helpful anyways?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°I¡­ erm, think he is Nat? We haven¡¯t spent that much time with him though¡±


    (Dermakvar) <If we¡¯re killing him off, we¡¯re not doing it yet. He may be annoying, but he was once brethren a lifetime ago>


    I know I¡¯m sounding a little like Zeki saying something like that, but knowing the future is all this annoying demon is good at! I guess he can provide a tiny amount of support duringbat¡­ and is good at poisoning a world or two. We¡¯re looking to save the world, not plunge another into darkness and death.


    ¡°Heh, appreciate the confidence sister. I can point us to someone who may know though. Down here in this world, there are two Gods that know the one who rules all better than his own wife at times. We¡¯ll just need to quickly visit a ce you¡¯ve been a few times already¡­¡±


    __________


    Back in the dwarven throne room, deep inside the mountainous kingdom, we¡¯re let in by the guards and find two residents dwelling within the cave. One of which is quite the looker¡­ heh.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    (Nathan) ¡°Oh Plutus¡­ how the mighty have fallen¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, don¡¯t do the crime if you can¡¯t do the time. I¡¯ve got a feeling who might be responsible for this¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Doesn¡¯t he look cute though? I think you¡¯d look cute in that as well Nat¡±


    ¡®Heh¡­ another blush from the manly knight. We may be seeing Natty appearing again someday if Lotte ys her cards right¡¯


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, in what world is she a he? Please, that money God you told us about isn¡¯t a he!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh¡­ Zeki? The pot calling the kettle ck?¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°I have no clue what that means brother! What, did orangey tell you some British thing?¡±


    It¡¯s funny really, all of us focus on the angered Plutus and barely pay the slightest attention to the five-year older Denver. The kid leader dwarf has grown into a broader frame than before, roughly same height¡­ is that stubble on his face? He may finally be growing a beard! Good for him.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Wait¡­ I¡¯m confused? Plutus is a dude, right? Isn¡¯t this a bit juvenile?¡±


    I mean, I¡¯m all for the gender bending shenanigans. Does he look happy though? It¡¯s not like with me and Zeki who adamantly deny we like girly things but somehow still glow when weird shit happens. Plutus looks like he wants to jump off a cliff.


    Getting up from the throne to lend a hand to the stewing maid, Denver can help but shake his head over the whole thing as well. I guess even he isn¡¯t too proud of whatever is going on.


    ¡°He is Ikarus¡­ Athena deemed it a suitable punishment for excessive greed. Be thankful she¡¯s out, this is tame for what she¡¯s done in the past. Never, ever, EVER¡­ piss off someone rted to the art of wisdom¡±


    And expecting the worst, I can¡¯t help but nce towards Petra who tilts her head and shows the most innocent smile she can muster. Yeah wife, I¡¯m onto you. You¡¯re not getting any ideas from the women¡¯s mantle you¡¯ve taken. That maid costume is pretty cute though¡­ no Ikarus. Don¡¯t let her grin corrupt you! She¡¯s using Ariza¡¯s mind control; I just know it!


    ¡°M-Master Denver, could I m-maybe take a break to readjust something quickly?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you to drop that formal shit when sister isn¡¯t around Plutus, do what you want. I just said, she¡¯s out. Don¡¯t worry about her turning up early because she¡¯s not back till tomorrow¡±


    ¡°Freaking mka! In what world did I deserve a punishment like this!? Just because I like money doesn¡¯t mean I should have to work with the scourge like everybody else!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll put in a good word and see if she¡¯ll reduce it down from ten years Plutus¡­ don¡¯t think she¡¯ll bite though. Just be grateful she didn¡¯t go down the Medusa route this time around¡±


    ¡°Mka¡­ at least she got to rob and steal gold from adventurers for a while till that Perseus came along. This isn¡¯t even the worst part¡­ the stuff I¡¯ve got on underneath would put a princess to shame¡­¡±


    Moving to a different room, the raging maid can still be heard muttering the word mka under his breath while Denver pours himself a ss of water. As for the underneathment, I bet he¡¯s got the frilliest and pinkest underwear in existence! Thank the outer Gods I¡¯ve always been a practitioner of the artmando-ism. Even Petra wouldn¡¯t try¡­ well, she might if humping is involved. Put a sock in it Ikarus!


    ¡°Anyways, what brings you around to our parts? Last I heard, your inds fared well against the onught?¡±


    ¡®Of course, this guy would know the news already. When all the fighting is done, we really should make a spy organization of our own. That must be how he gets information¡¯


    (Petra) ¡°Zeus and Hera¡­ where are they?¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ you lot don¡¯t know? Weren¡¯t things supposed to end in that giant memorial ce?¡±


    In the middle of pouring himself a drink, he fumbles and spills half the bloody thing. Serves him right I guess, it would¡¯ve been nice to be offered a ss. Not like water is even that good anyways.


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, already done that, God of smithing. They both fled and the dungeon exploded before we had the chance to really act¡±


    ¡°Oh shit, this is bad, this is really bad. At least with that dungeon, they had somewhere to keep distracted¡±


    I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ve ever seen Hephaestus stressed but in this very moment, the teenage God of the dwarves looks like he¡¯s just received the worst new imaginable. Even with the whole volcano fiasco we went though, that seems like nothingpared to this.


    (Petra) ¡°What¡¯s the problem Denver?¡±


    (Denver) ¡°It¡¯splicated Petra¡­ fucking smiling demon! You know exactly what the problem is!¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, I honestly can¡¯t say if it¡¯s that or not. I guess we¡¯ll just have to wait and see¡±


    Pausing, and then hurrying over to the study, Denver grabs a stack of papers only to drop them all over the floor. His mind really is in a twist.


    ¡°Return to me in the morning and I¡¯ll see if I can find where it was. By then, the entire dwarven army should be able to provide assistance if they are where I¡¯m thinking¡­ although. It may be toote¡±


    Of course, all of us seem who aren¡¯t mad seem concerned and I can¡¯t help but try to stop the distracted God. Context is key people!


    (Ikarus) ¡°Hang on, hang on, what¡¯s the big deal? You¡¯re going to send out the entire army?¡±


    ¡°Plutus! I¡¯ve got something more pressing for you than cleaning the toilet, give me a hand with this¡±


    ¡°That bitch mka will kill me if I don¡¯t make this spotless though. She said it needs to be clean enough to eat off¡­ she¡¯s not actually going to make me do that again, is she?¡±


    ¡°Forget it, we¡¯ll all be dead if you don¡¯t help me right now¡±


    Instead of getting a response, Denver practically screams to his maid and joins him in the bathroom, dragging him out by the ear and now going into the study together. I guess we¡¯ll have to wait and find out what¡¯s so important tomorrow.


    Unless¡­ maybe a certain know it all has an idea? Petra beats me to the chase this time around¡­


    ¡°Asmodeus¡­ what¡¯s it this?¡±


    ¡°Heh, look dark one, this is something better seen rather than exined. We¡¯ll all return here tomorrow and prepare for a fight. Find some way of making tonight memorable because tomorrow may be ourst¡­¡±


    And leaving to go join the other two guys in the small study, are things that hectic we haven¡¯t got time for a quick conversation? At least tell us what to n for!? Is this the final battle with Zeus and Hera?


    ¡®Why the hell have things turned out this ominous? What are we to do now¡­¡¯

 Chapter 232.5 – Payback (18+)

    Chapter 232.5 ¨C Payback (18+)


    ---I have a bad warning for you all, this is thest/penultimate smut chapter. There will be another between the ending and epilogue, hence the sh. Its just that we really are getting close to the inevitable ending...


    ---If you can¡¯t live without that lovebird loving, you can always go back and read the other iterations of their pervy adventures together. They always end up getting way more views than they probably should¡­


    __________


    ¡°So¡­ I¡¯m guessing you aren¡¯t feeling it too, Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ guess so Ikarus. I guess so¡±


    Too stressed to even go out and drink, we get an hotel room and chill for what could be ourst ever night together. With all the ominous shit about whatever ising tomorrow, are we really to be expected to happily hump with no cares in the world?


    ¡­


    Ah, who am I kidding? Just give us a moment and we¡¯ll try to make things sexy again. I¡¯m a gal with simple tastes and one of them will always be Petra¡¯s ample bosom, and sexy arse.


    Anyways, our room, or cave is how you would expect a dwarven cave to look, in and not much in the way of decorations. There is stone furniture in and around the ce and a bathroom, it¡¯s not exactly ¡®stimting¡¯ though.


    Is this the day we go full caveman and roley like a bunch of neanderthals to make this ce fitting? I¡¯m not sure how we can make that sexy¡­ the tribal like skimpy clothing could be sexy.


    ¡°I mean, we kinda have to do it if tonight could be ourst. The question is Petra¡­ how does my arse feel and look?¡±


    ¡°Heh, really doesn¡¯t take much for you to get started Ikarus. Perfect¡­ like always¡±


    Crawling onto my wife who¡¯s already sitting on the bed, I can¡¯t help but begin to kiss her neck as my libido is already craving release. I think the thought of Petra wearing a leopard skin bikini is more than enough to go off, that¡¯s basically what cavewomen wore after all, right? What if she were part beastkin as well? Okay¡­ that shit is hot¡­


    ----------


    ---Before you say anything, couldn''t be bothered to fix the hands on this one. The chapter being 4000+ words is my excuse.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°S-So¡­ we heading for m-my headspace then Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, you got an idea for what we can do today Ikarus?¡±


    ¡­


    And of course, the fabled silence fromck of sexual creativity. We literally have an entire realm and book full of possibilities. But of course, both of us have gone so far down the rabbit hole that we¡¯ve run out of ideas again!


    Thankfully, there¡¯s always an annoying voice in my ear who¡¯s perfect for such a problem¡­


    [<If possible, Aesa can always create a roley scene from scratch. Although, this time Aesa has a specific idea in mind>]


    ¡°Aesa¡­ or our ve has an idea wifey. Let¡¯s see what it is¡±


    ¡°Heh, of course Ikarus. Wonder how she¡¯ll y this today¡±


    It takes but a moment for us to lock hands, sit cross legged back-to-back and get back into my empty headspace. I¡¯m hoping Aesa¡¯s idea is creative¡­ maybe not to the point of giarism again though.


    <Wife put an excellent suggestion in Aesa¡¯s head that could be fun to try out. That¡¯s of course if all parties are willing to try something different>


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m game Aesa. Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°I am, it¡¯s just¡­ when did you put an idea in her head Petra?¡±


    I mean, the only time Petra can speak with Aesa is when I¡¯m around to pass the message over or we¡¯re back inside my headspace. That makes me sound like a control freak or something, it¡¯s physically not possible unless Aesa is teleporting over here!


    ¡°Heh, think she¡¯s referring to earlier on Ikarus, when I said something about winding her up?¡±


    <Yup, wife¡¯s wisdom is always correct. Ikarus needs suitable punishment for all the time Ikarus has pointlessly tried to wind Aesa up>


    ¡°Ohe on! You know you lov-, ahhhh!¡±


    Within just a moment, an invisible force wraps around my ankles and whisks me up into the air, like how Petra did in with her tentacle gamest time out. I¡¯m all for Aesa taking the lead, but I won¡¯t make it easy for her. Don¡¯t be giarizing Petra¡¯s secret sexual technique!


    ¡°I tried to wind you up? I think you mean I was sessful. And haw haw Aesa, nning on-going full-on tentacle with me? Bring it on!¡±


    <Such things are deserved for rewards, not punishments Ikarus. Robotic wife needs to make sure Ikarus suffers tonight>


    ¡°Ah, so edging it is? Or are we going down the chastity route? You won¡¯t defeat me!¡±


    Crossing my arms still hanging upside down, this time around things are going to be different. I¡¯ve lost to Petra so many times already, this time I will win! I¡¯m not sure how, but if there¡¯s a will, then there¡¯s a way.


    <No no, such punishments Ikarus would enjoy, albeit in an oddly aggressive way. Ikarus needs something simr but has more intensity to it>


    ¡°Heh, I wonder what Aesa could be referring to Ikarus. Is it something that you might hate?¡±


    <Hate is a strong word but Ikarus would probably use it for this>


    Okay, now I¡¯m confused. What could be more intense than violently edging and making me want to beg for release? We already know I¡¯m not into pain so I doubt it¡¯s tha-, oh shit¡­ no no no!


    ¡°T-Tickling? F-Fuck!¡±


    <Bingo! Ikarus receives extra tickling time for correct guess>


    Again with now warning, I¡¯m no longer in the air but now spread eagle tied to a table. The pillow and nket behind me would be a nice touch if I didn¡¯t know was whating. This is so freaking unfair!


    ¡°O-Okay, let¡¯s talk about this, shall w-we? There¡¯s n-no need for anything d-drastic¡±


    ¡°Aesa, you sure this is okay? A punishment is supposed to be challenging, but not in a way where you hate every second of it¡±


    Leaving nothing to the imagination, of course Aesa can¡¯t help but arrive in the flesh and nude toe deliver this punishment. This is going to be hell!


    ¡°Wife worries too much like usual, this is why we have a safeword. Tickling for Ikarus isn¡¯t a hard no, even if she says she dislikes it strongly. Just say the word Ikarus, and Aesa can arrange something different¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Heh, so you¡¯re saying deep down, Ikarus wants to be tickled?¡±


    ¡°S-She¡¯s not saying that, n-no one is saying that!¡±


    ¡°Heh, then say the safeword Ikarus. You¡¯ve got one route out, it¡¯s as easy as saying a single word. You¡¯ve said it before so it¡¯s okay if you say it again, right? Unless you¡¯ve forgotten it?¡±


    ¡®Urgh¡­ of course I¡¯m never going to forget chubby. I¡¯m not saying it though¡­¡¯


    Look okay, just because I dislike something doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m not flexible to never doing it. I don¡¯t like pain yet I¡¯m alright with it around the breast area. I dislike being tickled but I like the bondage and the torment. It¡¯s just that the pros outweigh the cons, alright? I¡¯m a walking contradiction and I want to give this a try; maybe see how long I canst before I want everything to stop.


    ¡°Heh, then we shall get started. Before we start your punishment Ikarus, exin to me why this is okay?¡±


    Quickly locking lips with an upside down kiss before getting started, I can¡¯t help but continue to get redder by the second. I¡¯m even shaking a little already, not sure if it¡¯s excitement or anxiety. I¡¯m so going to hate this!


    ¡°H-Honestly Petra¡­ the bondage and h-horniness helps a little. Expecting and not being about to do anything about it helps as well¡±


    ¡°Heh, fair enough, my lovely little submissive¡±


    Another kiss goes in but this time I try to turn away and pout, that didn¡¯t work at all because she forced that kiss upon my lips. This is Ikarus abuse and I will not stand for it!


    Even if I¡¯m now sulking a little, it¡¯s time for things to get started. Both of my wives surround the table and Aesa takes the lead, cing both her fingers under my armpits. This is it¡­ damn my insistence on teasing the system¡­


    ¡°Hehehe-, fuck! N-No, hehehe¡­¡±


    It¡¯s always been the overwhelming sensation of tickling that does me in and from the get go, I hate this. Let¡¯s just fight and get through this punishment Ikarus¡­ I can do this!


    Joining in, Petra focuses around my hips and this is already breaking me. Just ask me anything, I¡¯ll reveal the nuclearunch codes if it¡¯ll get them to stop!


    ¡°F-Fu-, hehe-, fuck! Hehe¡­¡±


    Now thrashing around in my restraints, the relentless nature of both the women tormenting me is already causing me to want to scream. If I weren¡¯t as horny as a subus working the red-light district on a weekend, I wouldn¡¯t be able to bare this. Weird analogy but it works.


    ¡®Oh God, I¡¯m going to piss myself¡­ or cum. I don¡¯t freaking know anymore!¡¯


    ¡°Hehehe¡­ f-fuckkk!¡±


    As I¡¯m not clearly not understanding how my own body works, I can¡¯t hear a single thing other than myself and my heartbeat while I¡¯m thrashing about like this. I swear Petra and Aesa are talking to each other but on what, I couldn¡¯t care. This is terrible¡­ I think? I actually think I could cum like this¡­


    ¡°*Huff huff huff*¡­ w-why you stop?¡±


    Already covered in sweat, I¡¯m thinking they¡¯re giving me a chance to cool down and breathe. I¡¯m grateful a little but honestly a little disappointed. I wanted to see if it¡¯s possible to finish.


    ¡°Ikarus is mistaken, Aesa feels you¡¯re not getting enough stimtion so we¡¯re bringing out the metaphoric big guns¡±


    ¡°D-Damn you evil women! I¡¯ll never reveal the state secrets!¡±


    ¡°Heh, got a feeling this¡¯ll get Ikarus chirping Aesa. Will it still be possible if there¡¯s something on top of her?¡±


    ¡°Affirmative wife, Aesa only needs excess to extremely ticklish areas anyways¡±


    Taking off her clothes, then climbing up on top of me, the wife finds a perfect ce to sit, kneeling right on my stomach with her legs tightly packed against my hips. I get tickled and sat on? This punishment sucks!


    ¡®You devilish little shit¡­ I see where you¡¯re going with this¡¯


    Pulling out a vibrating vibe, Petra seductively waves it around my face, then inserts it into herself. She gets to use me like a seat and vibe on me while Iy here and continue to be tortured, this is so not fair!


    ¡°Heh, gag or not Ikarus? I¡¯ll give you reward if you say yes, just start winking if it bes too much¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes¡±


    ¡°No need for that wife. Ikarus can always ry to Aesa if safeword is needed¡±


    Not needing much in the way on convincing, Petra pulls out a big ball gag from nowhere and fits it snuggly into my mouth. Now, Aesa could deny me ess to release if she really wanted to¡­ just let me live in the fantasy for a moment. I know for a fact she wouldn¡¯t do that but still.


    While this goes on, Aesa creates that pervy grimoire and recites a spell. What¡¯s the bet this is another cringy rhyme that sounds dumb?


    ¡°Aesa demands you hear her words and listen, as this one in front needs her ufortableness to glisten¡±


    And so, the tickling resumes but this time around, it might as well be version two-point O. Must¡¯ve missed this torturous spell from the grimoire, damn whoever was pervy enough to create this.


    ¡®Fuck! This is unbearable¡¯


    Odd looking pink feathers with bristles to how taste buds look, hundreds of them float around me and get to work making my life a living hell. Every inch of my body, excluding my breasts and where Petra is seated is tickled mercilessly. From my horns to the soles of my feet, to my hips to my armpits, every moment of this is utter hell. That fact I¡¯m growing wetter by the second confuses the fuck out of me.


    ¡°MGHMMMM! Mhmhnmh!¡±


    Oh, I¡¯ve also got the wife ying with my breasts like a cat kneading the bread. If every muscle in my body wasn¡¯t trying to thrash its way out of this situation, I¡¯d focus way more on that. I want to cry now!


    Not even like I can focus on the fact she¡¯s glowing as well; I swear she¡¯s already close to cuming from that vibe alone. Breathing is bingboured as I¡¯m absolutely spent, can¡¯t even thrash uncontrobly anymore considering how much energy this is taking out of me.


    But still, the tickling persists and it¡¯s just as bad as ever. I don¡¯t think I can handle this punishment for much longer¡­ or can I? Oh fuck¡­ that feels sooo good¡­


    The world begins to spin and getting in a good breath of air seems impossible¡­ I think I¡¯m about to cum? My body is so conflicted¡­ all of my muscles no longer belong to me.


    ¡®¡­ just a little longer¡­ then I¡¯ll have to stop. Oh God¡­ I¡¯m here¡¯


    ¡°Mmm¡­ MGFHHH! MFFGHHHH!¡±


    Suddenly, a feeling of absolutely chaotic bliss rips through as my body gives upplete control, thrashing like a seizure as that orgasmic energy breaks me down to my very core. Down below, I explode as well but that¡¯s beyond the point. I had no doubt that would happen.


    Confusing to me, Aesa cancel¡¯s the spell and Petra stops her moment of fun, both of which have concerned faces seeing me like this. Is there something on my face, apart from the ball gag that is being taken off?


    ¡°Ikarus? Ikarus!? You good?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yeah¡­ not sure w-why you stopped. I¡¯m¡­ great¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re crying and your aura isn¡¯t pleasant Ikarus, we¡¯re stopping this now¡±


    ¡°But¡­ I-I only came once. Can¡¯t we go again?¡±


    ¡­


    I¡¯m not kidding, that was intense but the ending made all of the ufortableness worth it. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever finished that much, like a dam opening the floodgates or a busted waterpipe. I¡¯m trying my best not to sound vulgar and directly say what just happened, just read between the lines.


    I think the reason might be because this is too much stimtion for me and that¡¯s hot as hell. My mind wants it, my body doesn¡¯t. Being tickled like this is a right mind fuck. Aesa did want to punish me after all¡­


    ¡°Heh, nice that you¡¯re enjoying yourself Ikarus, but those don¡¯t look like happy tears. You okay if we do something else now?¡±


    Eh, can¡¯t say I me her. I¡¯d never want to see Petra cry either, even if I didn¡¯t know I was. Guess I really did lose control over my body.


    ¡°S-Sure¡­ any ideas?¡±


    ¡°This scene is already set up. Aesa already cancelled the spell so Aesa and wife can put Ikarus to good use¡±


    ¡°H-Hang on, wait a¡­ hmgh!¡±


    Literally climbing up onto the table and sitting on my face, what the fuck Aesa!?! When did you be so demanding!?


    ¡°Ikarus¡¯s punishment isn¡¯t over yet. She can make amends by making Aesa cum while wife slowly edges her¡±


    ¡°Heh, that sounds reasonable Aesa. Ikarus has already came once. It seems unreasonable to allow her to go again¡±


    ¡°Mghmm!¡±


    ¡®No! This is not okay, you¡¯re horrible Aesa!¡¯


    [<Ikarus is all talk like usual. Ikarus has a way out yet still isn¡¯t using it>]


    ¡®Urgh¡­ you¡¯re just as bad as the wife¡¯


    Already knowing how this is going to go, I start giving Aesa the pleasure she demands because if I don¡¯t, she¡¯ll purposely sit down even more and make it difficult to breathe.


    The same technique that¡¯s been used countless times before, sucking and licking the female ice cream as best I can. It helps knowing Aesa has the same body as me, the sucking sensation is bound to make the both of us mad for it.


    While I¡¯m doing this, Petra starts slowly drawing circles around my clit and does the same thing with two fingers inside of me. This already feels painfully erotic and there isn¡¯t much I can do about it. They cum, I suffer¡­ I still fail to understand why my brain makes this even more erotic.


    Then, Aesa¡¯s hands squeeze around my breasts and I know, this is only going to get worse the longer this goes on. Aesa needs to cum as fast as possible because the state I¡¯m in, being edged will only drive me mad. The fact Aesa feels the need to grope me says it all really.


    Thankfully, it doesn¡¯t take long for one of my tormenters to finish¡­


    ¡°Urgh¡­ Aeda demands you keep this up Ikarus¡±


    (Petra) ¡°H-Heh¡­ Ikarus¡­¡±


    The first of our harem to follow me in my slutty ways is the wife, that vibe inside of her doing the trick as she graciously shakes on top of me. Unfortunately for my sake, this doesn¡¯t stop the teasing down below and keeps my arousal right where it needs to be. Why do these two always feel the need to torment me!?


    ¡°Mghfmmmmm¡±


    I¡¯m already at the peak again but no orgasm is close considering both the woman on me are masters of the art of edging.


    ¡°Make her cum Ikarus, or this will only get worse. Don¡¯t make me bring out the toys¡±


    ¡°Yes Ikarus, listen to wife. Aesa is¡­ s-so close¡±


    Not a single part of me considers edging Aesa so with one swift routine of twisting my tongue and then using that to suck through, I¡¯ve got her within my grasp. She¡¯s now riding that high¡­ and my tongue as well.


    ¡°U-Urghhh¡­¡±


    And so, Aesa cum¡¯s. My system shakes about so much from the orgasmic bliss, it¡¯s hard to catch a breath of air down here. The fact I¡¯m struggling to breathe seems to bring me even closer to the edge and I try my best to break that hurdle as well¡­


    ¡°Heh, no can do Ikarus. Since we¡¯re both finished Aesa, shall we continue or be merciful for our naughty prisoner?¡±


    But of course, why did I expect anything different? Both of thempletely stop leaving me on the edge of tomorrow¡­ fuck! I¡¯m making subconscious references that I can¡¯t even enjoy¡­ I actually liked that film though. Simr concept to Groundhog Day but very different.


    ¡°P-Phew¡­ Aesa rmends continuing punishment. Ikarus still doesn¡¯t deserve such pleasures¡±


    ¡®Fuck you Aesa!¡¯


    [<Has Ikarus forgotten the control Aesa has in this ce? Aesa could force Ikarus¡¯s arousal to a permanent level, not possible by normal means and see how long it takes for Ikarus to lose her mind. If that¡¯s what she desires>]


    ¡®E-Erm¡­ you know I didn¡¯t mean that¡¯


    [<That¡¯s better. Good girl Ikarus>]


    ¡®Don¡¯t you be calling me that! That¡¯s the wife¡¯s thing!¡¯


    Quickly scurrying off me, Aesa jumps down to the side of the table and instantly grabs a mouthful and a handful of breast. She¡¯s pure evil and I¡¯m no longer sure who¡¯s worse. The wife or the robotic one¡­ I really have created a monster.


    ¡°A-Aesa¡­ urgh, don¡¯t nibble! F-Fuck¡­¡±


    One hand pinches a nipple while Aesa¡¯s mouth seductive nibbles the other, I¡¯m starting to shake with excitement again. This isn¡¯t even the fun kind of edging where things stop right at the end, both of them are purposely going about not letting me get to that edge! It¡¯s making me want to punch something.


    ¡°Heh, if you¡¯re that desperate for release Ikarus, you can always beg for it and maybe we¡¯ll be kind¡±


    ¡°All Ikarus has to do is admit she¡¯s the most submissive out of us all and release wille¡±


    ¡°Heh, good idea Aesa. Just say the words Ikarus, and all will be good¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°N-No¡­ keep this u-up all night¡±


    I¡¯ve actually found the inner strength to say no, it¡¯s unbelievable! Seriously though, I¡¯ll happily beg if those two want but I¡¯m not admitting to that. I have some pride¡­ that¡¯s not a joke.


    Continuing on with my torture, it doesn¡¯t take much for things to remain at an ufortable brilliant level. I must be dripping in sweat by this point, I have such a love-hate rtionship with edging.


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s not hard to say Ikarus. I¡¯ll even say it for you¡­ I¡¯m Ikarus, and there¡¯s no girl more submissive than me¡±


    ¡°In the entire world, Aesa has added. Release is all but a single statement away¡±


    ¡°U-Urgh¡­ n-no! I¡¯m n-not doing it!¡±


    Right on the peak, this time both do stop and give me a second before they inevitably start the onught again. Those two have found my kryptonite, my painful weakness. I won¡¯t admit to something I don¡¯t believe!


    Once the pleasure returns, the pinching gets even stronger and that nibbling might as well be biting now. It¡¯s so unbelievably amazing yet, I know the only way for me to cum is to admit to thatughable statement!


    ¡°F-Fuck! You t-two are evil!¡±


    It doesn¡¯t how much I¡¯m desperate to cum, I¡¯ll find the willpower to fight this even if it kills me! Wasn¡¯t this supposed to be a punishment episode anyways? Bring the torture on!


    As if I really believe that though. All I want is Petra to start thrusting with those circling fingers and Aesa to grope the ever-loving shit out of me. I can¡¯t have that though. Life is so fucking unfair!


    ¡°Heh, only good girls get to cum Ikarus. Admit it or we¡¯ll stop right now and that¡¯ll be it for tonight¡±


    ¡°Wife isn¡¯t bluffing Ikarus. All it takes is a single sentence and release can be obtained¡±


    ¡°N-N-N-No!¡±


    Fuck this mind fuck! I¡¯m not the most submissive one and we all know it. I¡¯d rather say chubby that tantly lie like that! Once again, edging causes me to get aggressive and I think that¡¯s where my willpower ising from.


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t think she¡¯s going to bite Aesa. I guess we¡¯ll have to bring out the belt then¡±


    ¡°W-Wait! I¡¯m s-still not admitting to it but, I¡¯m also n-not wearing that thing for another week!¡±


    ¡°Heh, rx Ikarus, it¡¯ll only be on until the morning. The second we leave this ce; you won¡¯t have it on anyway¡±


    ¡®But how long will morning take inside this ce? I¡¯ve forgotten but Petra knows exactly the time differences between differing worlds¡­ I¡¯m going to be wearing this for days again, aren¡¯t I?¡¯


    The chastity beltes out and instead of revealing something nice, full with a tentacle plug or a vibrating vibe underneath, nope. It¡¯s as boring as you might expect, just pure shiny metal. Once this goes on, all the torment stops until we wake up. Aww¡­


    ¡°Remember Ikarus, release can be obtained at any time if you change your mind. Now, shall we get some shuteye?¡±


    With a flick of Aesa¡¯s hands and the underwear locking onto my waist, the table I¡¯m attached to turns into a bed and all three of us are snuggled up together, wearing silky chemises. It started as a punishment, then went to edging and now some cutesy shit. It doesn¡¯t matter how adorable those two look smiling and hugging into me, I still need to hump something!


    Since I¡¯m not tied anymore, my hands immediately go to the metallic underwear and find no leeway, nor even a lock I can pry or break open. Whatever¡¯s Aesa conjured up; I¡¯m not getting this off even if I really it to. She¡¯s used her full admin privileges in this ce to keep this stuck on me.


    But wait, one part of me may be locked away but I can always y with my breasts, right? Wrong!


    As soon as the ideaes into my head, a metallic bra snaps into reality, locking around my chest under the chemise. I try to force the damn thing off but even using my mind and the fact I own this stupid ability, Aesa¡¯s admin ess rules all. This all stays on unless I say chubby¡­ I¡¯m really not using a safeword for something like this though.


    ¡°I hate you¡­ so much Aesa¡±


    ¡°Aesa knew Ikarus would try something like that. Ikarus should focus on sleeping because me and wife can always make experience worse if she wants. An entire night of watching wife and Aesa getting it on would drive Ikarus crazy¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ you¡¯re absolutely terrible Aesa, love it¡±


    Sulking whileying back down, I guess this is my life now. I always knew I gave my AI too much freedom and it¡¯s finallye to bite me even harder. I¡¯m not sure if I should be happy, angry or horny¡­ guess all three kinda works.


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ why do I love these two so much? Guess sleep will evade me for a while¡­¡¯


    And so, we cuddle up together and sleep for what feels like forever. Time has always been slower inside here so you can imagine just how frustrating things are. I¡¯m never going to admit I¡¯m more submissive than Aesa though¡­

 Chapter 233 – The Storm

    Chapter 233 ¨C The Storm


    ¡°Erm¡­ Petra?¡±


    ¡°Think we¡¯re still in your headspace Ikarus. You did cancel it, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course I did¡­ well fuck. Yo Aesa, have we broken something?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡®No response¡­ well isn¡¯t this great. This better not be a situation where we¡¯re forced to do something sexual in order to progress? I¡­ think I¡¯ve read too much smut¡­¡¯


    Spaced out in the void alongside my wife with no other souls in sight, we wander this endless ce is search of salvation and¡­ I promise I¡¯ll stop making up crap someday. We¡¯re not moving at all because where do you go?


    It¡¯s not even like we can create a chair or something to sit on while we¡¯re here, guess we could sit on each other¡­ I really need to stop. I guessst night is still running deep in my mind.


    <Interesting¡­ lost that predication. They were able to keep things contained>


    <Ha! Told you they would spot the difference and not fornicate as fast as their loins would allow>


    ¡®Why do I feel like we¡¯re being judged or something?¡¯


    We follow the echoing voices, only to find darkness even where ites from. That¡¯s until both of us our blinded when three beingse into sight. I¡¯ve got a pretty good idea on what these things are, especially with the overwhelming auras choking out this ce.


    An orb of light, and orb of fire and a horrid looking creature stand ahead of us, instinctively making both me and Petra go for our des. And to be expected, we¡¯re unarmed. At least we¡¯re not naked I suppose. Every other bloody time we¡¯re in the void, we¡¯re normally naked.


    (Orb of light) <We fail to see the reasoning and logic behind this meeting. Providing assistance is one thing,munication isn¡¯t worthwhile>


    (Orb of fire) <Lighten up *****, most of what we do isn¡¯t worthwhile yet we continue on regardless>


    ¡®Da fuck was that static sound that was just made? Are their names impossible toprehend or something?¡¯


    (Demon) <Ha! Both of you keep it civil in front of our visitors, wee lovebirds. It¡¯s been a pleasure watching over you for such an endless time!>


    Surprisingly, the guy who looks most grotesque and evil appears to be the most social out the lot of them¡­ hang on Ikarus. Think about it for a second, a creature that looks part demon and holds an incredible amount of power. It¡¯s got to be him¡­


    Of course, Petra picks up on this as well. As if anything this big and important could get past her.


    ¡°The fabled first phoenix¡­ is there a reason why we¡¯re speaking like this?¡±


    (Demon) <Ha! You mortals and your impatience, is it that infuriating just talking to beings that one cannotprehend?>


    (Orb of fire) <As usual with the designated systems, we¡¯ll keep this honest and simple. This time around, there is no reason other than curiosity. We all find you very intriguing>


    (Orb of light) <The others were less interested, this one included. We only want to keep things transparent without appearing to show distaste>


    If you¡¯ve ever had the pleasure of understanding how my brain works, then you should understand why I¡¯m already pissed at these powerful idiots. We could be doing literally anything rather than this!


    ¡°You mean¡­ you forcibly put us inside this ce just so you could get a look at us? Da fuck? Just send us back if you¡¯re not nning anything of note!¡±


    My annoyance only further gets amplified when all three of the creators look at me like a bunch of mad scientists observing ab rat.


    (Orb of light) <This we expected. Designation number five did develop rapidly as the new phoenix suited her personality too well>


    (Orb of fire) <Still getting huge resistance from number four, we all knew that would be expected though. No one can match a personality that toxic>


    Already feeling the urge to start nuking indiscriminately from both of us still being treated likeb rats, Petra has to hold me back because I¡¯m really going to lose it. This is what Aesa has to deal with, these idiots constantly looking down on us?


    (Demon) <Rx, the phoenix known as Ikarus, we always offer assistance of some kind when we have these meetings, this time information may work¡­ ha! Look who also cares to join us right in time!>


    Forming in¡­ literally in the nude, everybody¡¯s favourite robotic wife is unaware of what¡¯s going on until she takes one look at the beings we stare at. Was she hoping more sexy time would happen, why else would she be like that?


    <Aesa is here now apparently¡­ what did the creators try and offer Ikarus!?>


    Almost immediately, Aesa¡¯s confusion turns to fear as I guess she thinks something bad has happened. It will if these idiots stop wasting our freaking time, bad shit is supposed to be happening today!


    (Demon) <Ha! Rx designation number five, we¡¯re nearly finished. We didn¡¯t tell her anything that might incriminate you, honest!>


    [<Don¡¯t trust them Ikarus. Anything they say or might say, nk out and ignore>]


    ¡®I will¡­ but to be fair Aesa, they did suggest upgrading two abilities I wouldn¡¯t have done normally¡¯


    I see no other reason why I¡¯d have upgraded those two in particr. Because of their suggestions, the rest of the phoenixes were able to fix their systems and I can now double my stats past the limit.


    l know I shouldn¡¯t judge a book by its cover but the demonic guy¡­ you can just tell he has a hidden agenda. Besides, what incriminating stuff could they have on Aesa anyways? That she secretly cares for me or favours me over the wife? I already know all that!


    ¡°Something incriminating on Aesa? You must back up your words if you say something like that¡±


    [<Damn it¡­ why did Ikarus infect wife with her curiosity?>]


    ¡®Don¡¯t be doing that Aesa. If she¡¯s going to ask the hard-hitting questions, you already know that¡¯s on her¡¯


    (Orb of fire) <We presume the system hasn¡¯t told you that it once served another?>


    (Orb of light) <Designation number five was only named that because of you, the fifth of the phoenixes. Its creation predates all the others and onlysted so long because of the newest of us deemed it useful>


    (Demon) <Ha¡­ we really had some strange adventures together, didn¡¯t we¡­ Aesa? That time you got me and the hags searching through brothel outhouse? Or burning down that orphanage that turned out to be full of cannibals? Mortality wasn¡¯t all that bad>


    ¡°Da fuck? Aesa? Is everything he¡¯s saying true?¡±


    A reaction of pure shock gues this bird¡¯s face as I can¡¯t believe Aesa once served another!


    I¡¯m¡­ not too sure what to think, am I supposed to feel betrayed or something? Because I don¡¯t really. Petra was with another long before me and I¡¯m fine with the sem-, I mean blood sucker. It¡¯s not like it¡¯s some untouched virgin thing, she¡¯s a freaking system!


    Remembering his mortal days, the demon has a smile onlyparable to Asmodeus while Aesa just looks depressed about everything now.


    <Sigh. Aesa is assigned to Ikarus now, just there was a time long ago when Aesa was assigned to first phoenix. Without those previous experiences, Aesa wouldn¡¯t have been able to assist Ikarus>


    Almost sounding distraught, getting this much emotion out of Aesa is just wrong. Sure, horny Aesa is a different matter. Depressed Aesa is as bad as seeing the wife sad.


    ¡°What actually happened then? Why are you now serving me instead?¡±


    ¡°Because demon creator gave up everything in search of power, involving Aesa. If things had gone to n, Aesa would¡¯ve faded into obscurity like how the other voices do¡±


    Like the hags, I guess Aesa ended up in a situation simr to them. This kinda exins a lot on why she was so cold back in the beginning, she got abandoned by herst user.


    (Demon) <You don¡¯t have to sound so depressed about it. You voices seem to be happy with mortality, I just gave you another option. Losing what you were is meaningless if a fraction of you still remains>


    ¡°Aesa still remembers those horrid days stuck in the void vividly, first phoenix. Aesa will never forgive you for that¡±


    (Demon) ¡°Ha! You knew the deal when we were together. The second a better deales up, we¡¯d depart. I always stayed true to my words. If you got attached, then that¡¯s a good lesson to learn from¡±


    Seeing Aesa visibly fuming at the demon, it doesn¡¯t take a genius to figure out roughly what happened. Long story short, the first phoenix is not to be trusted by any means. He¡¯ll always put his own interests first and even though I can understand why someone would be like that, hurting the ones you love is not okay. Fuck this guy!


    (Ikarus) ¡°Are we allowed to leave yet or do you need to get a good look at my arse as well or something?¡±


    <Ha! Sure, we¡¯re done with you now so until we meet again>


    (Orb of fire) <That went exactly how you predicted *****. Mortals are strange individuals>


    (Orb of light) <Indeed. Enough of this for now, we must return to our duties¡­>


    And with the sound of a small click, all the strange looking beings disappear leaving us three in the void all alone¡­ or back to my headspace now. Reason I know this is because of that table with rope next to us¡­ a-ahem. Would¡¯ve been nice if that someone had put that away¡­


    Before we leave, I can¡¯t help but approach Aesa alone and see if I can cheer her up a little. Being abandoned by anyone, even a dickhead like that creator must have hurt her deeply.


    ¡°Just so you know Aesa. If you ever think I¡¯ll abandon my robotic wife, you¡¯re dead wrong. I know I haven¡¯t got you signing a contract yet but someday, you¡¯ll be locked to me just like the wife¡±


    Actually taking her back a little, I guess she didn¡¯t expect a little Ikarus loving I normally only reserve for the wife. Hey, sometimes even my stoic but pervy system needs a little TLC as well! I¡¯m just doing my duty.


    <If this is someway of Ikarus telling Aesa things will be okay¡­ then thank you Ikarus. Like wife says constantly, Ikarus doesn¡¯t need to say sappy or cringy things>


    ¡°Heh, she knows you better than even I do Ikarus. Aesa knows you care for her; we both already know you¡¯re a happy sack of emotion¡±


    ¡®Happy sack of emotion? What the hell does that mean? Is that a cute way of calling me chubby again or something?¡¯


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ let¡¯s just leave here already¡­ idiots. This might be the stupidest harem in existence¡±


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t forget our plushie versions as well. They need a little of that Ikarus loving as well¡±


    That actually gets a small giggle out of my pervy system and I can¡¯t help but hide a smile. I can already tell, these two are set on continuing to bully me! It appears I¡¯ve lost even more of the power dynamic between us all¡­


    __________


    ¡°Orangey and sis, get the fuck up already!¡±


    ¡°*Yawnnn*¡­ seriously kid? Is this your way of trying to get me to like you or something?¡±


    ¡°Erk, in what world would I ever want you to like me orangey!? That thought is disgusting!¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Zeki¡­ careful what you say¡±


    ¡®Ah, my loving overprotective wife who tries her hardest to stop my honour being insulted¡¯


    ¡°I-I wasn¡¯t sis! Even though I understand why someone would find orangey¡¯s annoying c-charm and cuteness attractive, I¡¯m just saying us two ever doing anything would be sick! She¡¯s like an annoying older sister!¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ better¡±


    Waking up literally to a face full of Zeki¡¯s assets, I can¡¯t help but get a little pissy because why would anyone want anything like that? Erm¡­ I mean, anyone that can see behind the jiggly pounds of flesh. It¡¯s the holder of said assets that ruins the enjoyment unfortunately.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    (Petra) ¡°Zeki¡­ just where are we?¡±


    Looking everywhere excluding the obnoxious pair of breasts ahead of us, all me and Petra can see is the vast blue sky and a few clouds. I know for a fact we were in the dwarven hotel when west entered my headspace, so we¡¯ve clearly been moved somewhere else. Freaking creators forcing us to go speak with them, we¡¯d have woken up way earlier if they didn¡¯t force Aesa¡¯s troubled past on us.


    (Zeki) ¡°We¡¯re flying to where that annoying dwarf told us to go sis. Erk, little shit thinks he¡¯s something now because he¡¯s got a tiny bit of fluff on his face!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh huh, Denver told us to fly northwest until we see where the dwarven forces are. We¡¯ve only just started flying really¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, this is really when things get good. All of you are going to shake when you see what we¡¯re up against¡±


    (Dermakvar) <Hmph¡­ not sure why you were all so worried. Little and the dark one would always wake when they were done with whatever was keeping them out>


    (Nathan) ¡°Dermakvar, weren¡¯t you trying to shake Ikarus awake at one point?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°You should¡¯ve seen him Ikarus-sama, your father really was concerned. He started cursing the ancient Gods, whoever they are¡±


    <Hmph, little mortals not knowing when to shut up¡­>


    ¡®Heh, poor tsundere father¡­ wait. Should I be concerned he tried to shake me awake? And that he might know who we were speaking to?¡¯


    All of us are up on my father¡¯s back and I assume he offered to carry us all since he was that concerned for me and the wife¡¯s safety. He really needs to soften up and be one with the fact he¡¯s a big soft goofball. He loves both of us more than he cares to admit.


    We currently fly over the northern ocean and the day would be lovely if it wasn¡¯t for the fact it sounds like we¡¯re flying to our deaths. Oh well, Asmodeus has always been a natural storyteller, maybe this¡¯ll be an easy fight? And of course, the famous Ikarus red g has returned¡­


    Forcing my concerned mind elsewhere, I¡¯d normally use Petra for that but something elsees to mind, I can¡¯t help but realize something odd about Nathan. He¡¯s grown up so much, he¡¯s basically unrecognizable.


    ¡°Hey Nathan¡­ you¡¯ve lost your stutter. Although I can¡¯t speak for mother, you seem to be fine around my ol¡¯dinosaur now¡±


    ¡°If you must know Ikarus, the years have made it easier to get over that traumatic incident. The less said on that city, the better. Also¡­ guarding a literal dragon empress has that numbing effect¡±


    ¡®Ohhh¡­ I kinda liked him more when he was boring and scared. Now, he¡¯s a proper manly man, character development sucks!¡¯


    ¡°Be honest with her Nat, it had nothing to do with that. Regaining your lordship as Apollo, that fear became stifled. That, and sneaking into a dragon¡¯s cave helped¡±


    <Hmph, knew that was you two who went into our nest>


    ¡°Hold up, you ransacked my parents cave!?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°It was for a greater good Ikarus, if that helps at least¡±


    While we were gone, I knew Nathan got those pir artefacts from somewhere, but I didn¡¯t realize they came from my first home in this world. Father doesn¡¯t seem to care so I shouldn¡¯t either, it¡¯s just that everything in that pit¡­ that¡¯s me and Minos¡¯s inheritance we¡¯re talking about!


    Putting my idiocy aside for one moment, we slowly approach the location in question and like fate is toying with us, the day begins to grow dim and we enter a storm like nothing I¡¯ve ever seen before. The weather is meaningless to us though. None of us have any words to what lies ahead.


    If you exclude the flying formation of wyverns and countless dwarven ships in the region, that thing ahead of us is beyondprehension.


    ¡®Fuck¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Charybdis | Species: Undefined | Level: Undefined]


    [Health  1,000,000/1,000,000]


    [Stamina 1,000,000/1,000,000]


    [Magicka 1,000,000/1,000,000]


    ¡®Think I would¡¯ve preferred to NOT see that now¡¯


    A creature, asrge as those ancient fossils stands or floats ahead of us and honestly¡­ this could be it. I want to say it¡¯s a gigantic snake or worm, but that doesn¡¯t even get close to the size of that monstrosity. Our visit to the bone yard must¡¯ve been a sign of things toe.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    And above said creature at what I think is its head, four Gods converse in the air, all using wings apart from the ex-God. She rides a wyvern.


    (Poseidon) ¡°Brother, please be reasonable and think this through, this act is something even I can¡¯t forgive. That creature has already swallowed the kraken whole, this is not how you change a world!¡±


    (Zeus) ¡°Bah, you have a minuscule amount of power without your trident, Poseidon. Why would I listen to such weak words?¡±


    (Athena) ¡°Both of them have already lost their minds, Poseidon. Even if this creature sessfully swallows the world, what after? How can you n on rebuilding Olympus¡±


    (Hera) ¡°You lot worry too much, put your faith and trust in my Zeusy and everything will be fine! He knows exactly how to put it back to sleep; we¡¯re only destroying those who litter this world like vermin¡±


    (Zeus) ¡°About that my dear¡­ I¡¯m unsure if it will work if it gets too powerful. That¡¯s a problem forter though¡±


    ¡®So, this is it then. Zeus ns on destroying the world, then reforging it in his image using this fucker to act upon his will¡¯


    Back in Olympus, Asmodeus said something that me and Petra will never forget. A creature so powerful and would cause us huge problems if we had to encounter itter on. This must¡¯ve been the thing contained within that pir¡­


    Surprisingly, that hooded woman is nowhere to be seen this time around. Is this a good or bad sign?


    ¡°Look! We already have the perfect meal for the beast! Awake him my Zeusy!¡±


    Already getting spotted by the bitch Hera, it looks like any sneak attack will go to waste. A shame really, there¡¯s not many who deserve a dagger in the back more than her.


    ¡°Bah, it¡¯s not that easy Hera¡­ and was this thing a he? The fates may align with us this time though, it must know food is here¡±


    Without much in the way of a warning, the ocean begins to shake, waves crash and the sky rattles as the creature starts to show signs of life. We may be fucked¡­

 Chapter 234 – Hopeless

    Chapter 234 ¨C Hopeless


    (Dermakvar) ¡°The harbinger of death¡­ little one! Under no circumstances do you get close to that thing, understand?¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Gotcha!¡±


    (Dermakvar) ¡°That applies to all of you, so get off me and decide on who¡¯s carrying whom. If the demon had told me this is what we were up agai-, no you silly old lizard. She would¡¯ve lost control¡±


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, correct ancient dragon. It wouldn¡¯t have made an inch of difference. If we¡¯re to die, then today¡¯s the day¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, we¡¯re not actually going to die, right?¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Rx brother, they¡¯re only trying to make this fight epic¡­ stay back just in case though¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Let¡¯s all have faith and we shall prevail through this!¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Sorry Lotte¡­ faith won¡¯t defeat something like Charybdis. This¡­ may be too much¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Everything under heaven is in utter chaos¡­ it¡¯s like looking into the face of death¡±


    In addition to the world shaking from that creature awakening, father adds onto it speaking through his dragon tongue while everyone else just looks as concerned as me.


    Just father causally using his voice like this in enough to make even the wife instantly activate her dark eyed mode. I can¡¯t help but question things because this fucker is unlike any opponent we¡¯ve seen before.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ activat-, no. I¡¯m not sure what to do, especially considering who we could be fighting next¡¯


    Despite this creature looking like it could be considering a world ending catastrophe, there¡¯s still the issue with the two idiots who decided to awaken it.


    [<Just look at what¡¯s in front of you Ikarus and act ordingly. If we can¡¯t handle whatester, we can always teleport out of here>]


    ¡®Eh, guess we can flee. Still though, I feel like wasting anything could be the difference between life and death here¡¯


    Regardless, we quickly get ourselves sorted with all us phoenixes taking our base form while father and Asmodeus lead the charge against Charybdis.


    Up and below us, fighting has already broken out with the dwarven ships and wyverns, all firing cannons or harpoons ordingly. They have as much impact as an ant would fighting an elephant though.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ suit yourself if you wish to remain here¡±


    ¡°Heh, lighten up dragon. When looking into the abyss of death, what else to do but smile¡±


    The only one to remain on his back was Asmodeus as they lead our charge. Naturally since I¡¯m part carrier pigeon, I¡¯ve got the two who can¡¯t fly.


    ¡®Can¡¯t Asmodeus at least try lying about our chances? And Aesa, you know why father is so carefree with his speaking?¡¯


    [<Don¡¯t think about it for now Ikarus. All Aesa knows is dragon tongue is extremely dangerous and powerful to both the dragon and the enemy. Father knows what he¡¯s doing>]


    As we get into close enough range of the monster, all of us get ready to attack¡­ but fate has a different story. The creature decides to open its mouth¡­


    ¡®Huh? There¡¯s nothing ther-, fuck fuck fuck!¡¯


    The gigantic mouth of Charybdis begins to consume all, not by releasing any magic or anything. All it does is inhale everything in sight into the void.


    The water, air, clouds, dwarven ships, wyverns, us. Anything that can be moved by gravity begins to flow into the abyss of its mouth and once inside, it disappears without a trace. The force and gravity of the attack is so strong, my wings make no difference as all of us are forced ever closer to the beast. The vast emptiness of space is that fucker¡¯s mouth!


    ¡®Is this supposed to hurt as well? HP check Aesa!¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 164,913/166,666]


    [Stamina 166,042/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 50001 unassigned points]


    As well as being sucked towards it, the faint feel of death lingers over me as my HP seems to be draining as the closer we get to that thing. Obviously not draining all that much, I dread to think how it would be if any of us end up inside of it.


    Thankfully, it closes its mouth after thirty seconds or so and we finally get a chance to regain ourselves. By that, I mean fly away and open the distance up again. There¡¯s not a chance in hell we can fight in touching distance to this fucker.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Everyone okay? This is going to be a colossal pain in the arse¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Hahaha¡­ this fucking thing thinks it can eat us!? I¡¯m not ending up fish food for this dude that needs frying! Come and get me motherfucker!¡±


    ¡°Ikarus-sama, we¡¯ve got to evacuate the ships! They¡¯ll all end inside that thing if we don¡¯t!¡±


    Charlotte has every right to be concerned considering those ships don¡¯t have the power of flight. They¡¯re already in the process of turning around while keeping up the shooting. They¡¯ll end up being swallowed pretty quickly.


    (Petra) ¡°Ariza, reckon you can help some of them?¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh huh Petra, I can do that!¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Pass me your bow since you won¡¯t be using it then, Ariza. You¡¯re still okay with carrying us Ikarus, right?¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Of course¡±


    (Dermakvar) <Are you able to provide any use demon, or are you just carrying me down?>


    (Asmodeus) ¡°Heh, guess you haven¡¯t noticed you¡¯ve been flying quicker, ancient dragon. Wind magic is perfect for support after all¡±


    <Hmph¡­ always remember you being useless>


    As out party loses one to the ocean, all of us get ready to fire¡­


    It starts with father spewing a cloud of poison, Asmodeus firing a wind projectile and Petra firing her dark hellfire. Not sure if all that dark magic is a bad omen but we¡¯ll need everything to take this guy down.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to repent!¡±


    Then, things turn lighter as Charlotte use the light beam feature imbedded into her summoned sword while Nathan, or Apollo finally shows me what the God of archery can do. An invisible arrow, bright as the sununches from my back and strikes the creature in one of its eyes. Both attacks seem to do little to no difference like everything else.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ wait? Won¡¯t anything I do here put the dwarves at risk?¡¯


    The explosion wouldn¡¯t kill them, it¡¯s the fact the ships will be torn apart and then they¡¯ll be at the mercy of the ocean. I¡¯m doubtful their firepower is doing much, still should leave that forst resort.


    [<Ikarus shouldn¡¯t be thinking of causalities right now, but no. Dwarven ships seems to have an ego imbedded within them, -friendly fire- will detect it>]


    ¡®Ah, so it¡¯s okay? Then just a single nuking for now¡¯


    [<Ikarus is forgetting something¡­ -atomic hellfire- is now in effect but orb cannot be obtained>]


    ¡®Oh right, need arms¡¯


    ¡°You two up there, I need to change¡­¡±


    <¡­Form quickly>


    Knowing I¡¯ve just given them a good surprise but not caring in the slightest, dragon form Ikarus shows up again ready to throw at a moment¡¯s notice. This tiny orb that now hides within one of my paws must do something to this overwhelming monster.


    The orbes into my grasp and Iunch that thing just as Zeki charges up a red fireball as well.


    The explosion is magnificent, filled with all that mushroomy cloud goodness striking the lower part of the creatures head. No amount of self-enjoyment will change the fact this isn¡¯t close to being over though. The creature can still be seen moving a slow as a snail behind the nuclear armageddon.


    ¡®This guy can¡¯t be resistant to everything, right? Status¡¯


    [Name: Charybdis | Species: Undefined | Level: Undefined]


    [Health  997,314/1,000,000]


    [Stamina 999,000/1,000,000]


    [Magicka 990,006/1,000,000]


    ¡®Fuck¡­ This is absurd! That¡¯s it, can¡¯t pren to fight against Zeus and Hera anymore. This guy has to go down¡¯


    Right on cue, the all-consuming mouth opens again and all of us are sent into that sideways freefall.


    Before you ask, no, we cannot get around to the side of it. The mouth on that thing appears to be endless and the only safe spot in sight is the very top of its head. The four Gods up there are actually in battle, not like they can be a focus right now though.


    Even as we¡¯re being forced ever closer to the beast, this doesn¡¯t stop us from attacking again. Aim isn¡¯t really an issue with the size it has, not one for fat shaming but damn. Charybdis really needs to put down the pies.


    Father splutters up some more poison, Asmodeus¡¯s fires off projectiles made from wind, the boring couple attacks again. We pretty much repeat ourselves except now¡­ I¡¯m bringing out the big guns.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ one hundred percent. I say no more¡¯


    Already feeling the orb within my grasp, I¡¯m able to steady myself and let it rip¡­


    The orb flies true, straight into the creature¡¯s mouth and then¡­ nothing. No explosion, nor any sign of impact at all.


    ¡®What the fuck!?! Did it just swallow my supernova? It can do that?¡¯


    Every attack we¡¯ve done up to this point has hit the side of his mouth or the endless tail that wraps around this part of the ocean. The inside of its mouth must work simr to how a ck hole does, consuming all and no amount of energy will stop its hunger. Point is, I¡¯ve wasted arguably my best ability!


    Once we¡¯re able to regain our footing, or ability to fly straight, I swear this creature inhales for noticeable much longer this time. If we can¡¯t defeat this thing as soon as possible, I dread to think what will happen if it consumes more every time.


    ¡°Take this heathen!¡±


    Another round in this painstaking annoying encounter, with the only difference from my party this time is priestess. The world lights up and blinds us all when she unleashes that shbang attack.


    ¡®Of course, even that won¡¯t bring it down. There¡¯s no questioning it now¡­ activate everything that I can use Aesa¡¯


    [<Aesa will activate everything that can be used at a distance Ikarus. Abilities -aspect mk 2-, -meteor shower-, -burning hellfire-, -sun kiss- and -raining napalm mk 2- are now in effect>]


    The abilities all activate and honestly make me feel a little queasy with how much is mixing within me. All I have to do isunch the orb from burning hellfire, and everything else should follow¡­


    Like a badly blended smoothy, everything begins tobine together after I make the throw. The meteors, the God rays and the crimson rain falls from the napalm, all ofbining into one deadly mess when the orb hits.


    The explosion is spectacr but surprisingly, the only thing that¡¯s still in effect is aspect. I¡¯m not really sure how I¡¯m supposed to use that when I¡¯m already this far away. Getting too close would-be suicide¡­


    But beforehand, of course the fucker begins to suck us closer again. Being able to fly saves us a huge amount of time but for Ariza helping drag those ships away, she¡¯s fighting against an ever-rising tide. I¡¯m surprised she¡¯s able to keep that rope within her beak so well, haven¡¯t the time to watch our bluebird in action!


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh¡­ phew. That was a close one!¡±


    ¡®You¡¯ve got to give up on saving them soon Ariza. I don¡¯t think we can do this¡¯


    ¡°Ikarus¡­ need a ce tond for a moment¡±


    <Of course Petra>


    Back to our regr flight path, Petrands on my back while the rest of the party areunching their chosen attacks again, only to do something I don¡¯t expect.


    Activating her non-upgraded version of aspect, she takes out a spear from storage and tosses the thing towards the creature. Then passes me one as well and I do the same,unching my paw as far as I can. Both of usnd a hit.


    ¡®Always thought it had to be damage inflicted by hand but guess physical can transfer through thrown objects as well¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Charybdis | Species: Undefined | Level: Undefined]


    [Health  829,258/1,000,000]


    [Stamina 997,001/1,000,000]


    [Magicka 970,024/1,000,000]


    ¡®Sweet Jesus of Nazareth, this fucker has got me praying to shit that don¡¯t exist. This might as well be hopeless now¡­ should we flee?¡¯


    [<Aesa has noticed an anomaly Ikarus, so opening up the status page once again>]


    [Name: Charybdis | Species: Undefined | Level: Undefined]


    [Health  829,268/1,000,000]


    [Stamina 997,001/1,000,000]


    [Magicka 970,036/1,000,000]


    [<Aesa¡¯s suspicions are correct, Charybdis regenerates stats at a rate Aesa has never seen before>]


    ¡®Heh¡­ I¡¯m losing my mind Aesa¡­¡¯


    <¡­Everyone, listen up! This fucker can regen health so don¡¯t hold back for a split second. It¡¯s now or never!>


    Getting a confirmatory nod from those that hear me, once again we all lose control and the creature is again set on swallowing our world.


    ¡®Aesa, double my stats and let¡¯s let me rip on this bastard¡¯


    [<Activating -doubled potential mk 2->]


    Fire tornado, charged up as high as I physically can, bursts out of my mouth and makes contact like everyone else and their hits. I¡¯ll be honest and say I¡¯m already clutching at straws; this just seems impossible. This guy is just a poorly designed endgame boss were the idiot developer thinks a good battle is endless HP and resistances. I¡¯m freaking tired of it!


    ¡°Erk¡­ why the hell do I have to use this!? It¡¯s a fucking disgrace!¡±


    Even Zeki¡¯s lost the plot and using things he¡¯d never consider in normal circumstances. Remember the flying shields and spears Ares was capable of? He¡¯s justunched them all towards the creature.


    Father¡¯s puts more power into his poison, Asmodeus¡¯s his wind, Petra¡¯s hellfire, everyone tries their very best to do as much damage as possible but unfortunately, nothing seems to be working. We may actually die here¡­


    [<If Ikarus can wait just for a few more seconds¡­ backup is arriving>]


    Unfortunately, help will have to wait for another round of avoid the creature capable of giving the strongest blowj-, I can¡¯t even make jokes anymore. This is pointless.


    ¡°Uh¡­ phew! Mr Charybdis is terrifying this close¡±


    ¡®Just give up on saving those dwarves Ariza! It¡¯s not worth it!¡¯


    Ariza is starting to get dangerously close to that fucker¡¯s mouth, so much so I¡¯d wish she¡¯d just abandon the dwarfs by this point but I know she won¡¯t. If she perishes agai-, no Ikarus. Even if there was a body to find, I¡¯m pretty certain you can¡¯t revive the same person twice. If things get too dangerous, I¡¯ll grab her sorry hide myself.


    Once we finally regain ourposure, Aesa finally shows us what type of ¡®backup¡¯ she¡¯s bringing. Teleporting herself and a few others in, my confidence has just grown a touch.


    (Kellearzar) <We¡¯re here Ikarus¡­ oh no. This isn¡¯t good>


    (Penelope) ¡°Look at the size of that thing! I¡¯d love to show him to rocky if he wasn¡¯t trying to kill us all!¡±


    (Dionysus) ¡°Fuck¡­ couldn¡¯t you have said we¡¯re up against Charybdis, Aesa? I would¡¯ve enjoyed a final drink if I knew our days were numbered¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°Hahahaha¡­ that fucking father of mine actually brought Charybdis down here!? I¡¯m going to aim for that stupid vein on his forehead!¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°By the power of love, Imand that you stop this! He¡¯s not stopping¡­ oh well! I¡¯ll shoot you with the power of love instead!¡±


    Riding on the back of mother, Aesa is joined by several others, all of which are able to provide some sort of ranged attack. Maybe I feel a little let down more haven¡¯t turned up, considering this is basically the battle for the world. We are quite far away from anything of note though, and Aesa is only able to teleport once a day. She became a real person before I had ess to all those upgrades.


    Anyways, seeing that mismatch of firing magicing off of mother¡¯s back, she also joins in doing what I was incapable of. The strongest attack we have, it will overshadow everything everyone else can do¡­


    ¡°If this doesn¡¯t work Ikarus¡­ Aesa is out of ideas¡±


    Aesa joins in on the rampage and presumably activates everything she can as well. Unlike my attack, there¡¯s only one thing you can see when that orb goes flying.


    The radiating colours and sheer power of supernova cause the ocean and the world to shake so much, it might as well look like we¡¯re the ones destroying the world. Everyone is blinded, everything is just a pure mess of colours exploding and reshaping the world.


    I¡¯m purposely ignoring the gigantic tidal wave that¡¯s bound to hit the coasts from the explosion. On the bright side, Ariza and the dwarven ships have been pushed a good distance away from where the explosion went off. It¡¯s bought us some more time but no idea how much, every swallow issting longer and longer.


    [<Ikarus should be warned that everything Aesa is capable of, was just used. We may be up against an undefeatable foe Ikarus>]


    ¡®And I¡¯m supposed to be the reckless one, what if you had missed? Status¡¯


    [Name: Charybdis | Species: Undefined | Level: Undefined]


    [Health  692,019/1,000,000]


    [Stamina 995,001/1,000,000]


    [Magicka 950,073/1,000,000]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 300,768*/333,332*]


    [Stamina 326,518*/333,332*]


    [Magicka 303,102*/333,332*]


    [You currently have 50001 unassigned points]


    ¡®All that¡¯s left is to exhaust all my magic¡­ heh. Like that¡¯ll do much¡¯


    Back to opening that mouth, I can¡¯t help but notice what¡¯s going on top of it even in my gloomy state. They¡¯ve been in battle since this whole thing started and it¡¯s obvious just from a brief nce, they still can¡¯t defeat the moron couple that rules all.


    (Poseidon) ¡°Please, both of you, listen to reason! You cannot do this! It¡¯s too evil¡±


    (Athena) ¡°This is worse than anything the titans did, Zeus. You¡¯ve finally surpassed their evilness¡±


    (Zeus) ¡°Bah, anyone with wisdom would never make thatparison towards me, Athena!¡±


    (Hera) ¡°Yes! Hit that ungrateful bitch Zeusy! Cut her to pieces!¡±


    To add onto our misery when we¡¯re finally able to fire urately again, both father and Asmodeus havepletely stopped fighting and almost look to be arguing about something. Has he actually given up?


    ¡°Heh, aren¡¯t you forgetting something important, ancient dragon? Something only you have the power of doing?¡±


    ¡°Hmph, never forgot about it, demon. I¡¯ll never hear the end of it if I use that¡±


    ¡°Heh, you imed we once fought together like brothers. The brother I knew would¡¯ve let the world burn. But you¡­ you¡¯ve clearly changed too much to let that happen¡±


    ¡°Hmph, are you trying to make me abandon this world? By talking like that, I will¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re all talk, ancient dragon. You can avoid it as long as you want, you¡¯ll do it the second your daughter is in real danger. It¡¯s just a matter of time¡±


    Whatever it is those two are discussing, it¡¯s even got mother looking concerned. They¡¯re about to do something really evil, not sure what but I can just sense something bad is iing.


    ¡°You know exactly what this means if I do this, demon? You decided to get on my back fully knowing what¡¯s about to happen¡­ are you prepared for the inevitable?¡±


    ¡°Heh, I can take on some of the burden. Always wanted to go out on a high¡­ my goal was to end up down there anyways¡±


    ¡®Wait wait wait! This isn¡¯t good at all, don¡¯t be talking ominously like that!¡¯


    Both me and mother try to get close to father but whatever suicide mission he¡¯s on, he can¡¯t be convinced. The stupid dinosaur has basically just shot himself right in front of that creature!


    Unfortunately, his mind is set on doing whatever it is he¡¯s about to do. Instead of trying to fly away from the beast when it opens its mouth again, he travels even closer towards it¡­


    ¡°*Carnage*¡±


    The world copses into darkness, the skies are filled with dripping red and time slows to a meander. This may look badass but fuck that, get back here!


    <Father! Stop this edge lord behaviour, right now!>


    <Dermakvar, no! You say anymore an->


    ¡°*A-Armageddon*¡±


    Next, the world turns fuzzy like looking through a pair of sses and strange symbols start to spin around father, simr to kanji but even harder to trante. I think I can roughly make out what some of them say¡­ peace, heartache¡­ betrayal. It¡¯s almost like they¡¯re messages from someone being ryed through father.


    <This isn¡¯t necessary Dermakvar! We can defeat it another way!>


    With one word left, father looks in our direction and does something I¡¯ve only ever seen a handful of times. He¡­ smiles.


    ¡°*D-D-Death*¡±


    To be continued¡­

 Chapter 234.5 – Two Dragons

    Chapter 234.5 ¨C Two Dragons


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    <Hmph¡­ you understand I picked this location for a reason? You put yourself in great harming out here and for what? A chance of petty conversation that will only bore me, or a fight that will only end in your death?>


    Awakening to the sound of paws tapping inside my cave, I couldn¡¯t care for anypany, even if saidpany is a member of my own species.


    A cave purposely as close as possible to the faltering human empire, a failed attempt to get all who annoy me far enough away so I wouldn¡¯t have to deal with annoyances. They call me crazy for sticking to this mountain range for so long yet, here I still live while all those so-called brethren either hide, cower, die or be ves for the little mortals.


    They know where toe if they wish for this dragon to wear chains¡­ although. Less and less of theme up here nowadays, I¡¯d feel insulted if they¡¯ve forgotten about me already.


    And here is one of them, albeit a lizard sister rather than a brother. I¡¯ve seen enough red dragons for a lifetime and this young one, maybe past the tender age of two hundred, dares toe into my nest without invitation? Just from herrger than average size alone, her past must¡¯ve been full of heartache and misery. She should know better.


    <¡­>


    <Speak, young and foolish dragon! You dare to waste my precious time gawking?>


    <Sorry, it¡¯s just¡­ forget it. I was told you were grumpy but I didn¡¯t expect you to be this bad>


    ¡­


    It takes but a moment but this dragon has already made my mood turn even darker. I¡¯ve killed our kind plenty of times before so if she¡¯s looking for my anger, she will get it.


    <Hmph¡­ get on with it before you really test my patience. What is the reason for this visit?>


    <Well¡­ you are thest true descendant of the ancient dragons, correct? Your blood is considered legendary and I wish to learn everything I can!>


    ¡­


    This young red dragon travels all this way from who knows where, right at the cusp of an empire that destroys and enves dragons by will and wishes to be my student? Hmph¡­ already see where this is going, that stupid smile on her stupid face says it all really.


    <Why would I do such a thing? nning on raising hell or ruling the world with an iron paw? I¡¯ve heard all of this before so save me the hassle and leave¡­ you¡¯ll falter and fall like the rest of the idiots>


    <Oh, but I doubt you¡¯ve heard my reasoning before>


    <Hmph. Try me>


    <Well¡­ you see¡­ I wish to be a mother>


    ¡­


    As soon as the happy younger dragon makes her response, I¡¯m taken aback and can¡¯t help but get up from my napping position I was still curled in. Out of everything you could want power for¡­ children? Is she insane? It¡¯ll take more than just one dragon to rebuild our dwindling poption so unless she¡¯s got fertility rivalling a hare in heat, that can¡¯t be her the goal.


    <Fertility isn¡¯t something that can be achieved using the voice, youngster. We¡¯ve been doomed from the moment we decided to try and enve those mortals. If the rest of our kind had listened¡­ we wouldn¡¯t have been set on such a devastating path>


    Many will lie on what started the dragonic-human war, but ites down to one simple mistake. We thought humans couldn¡¯t surpass a certain point, garner enough strength and magic, to stage an uprising. None listened when I warned diamonds can be made when you twist and break something so much. Now, we¡¯re all paying for the mistakes my ancestors started when prodding the empire. They may be weaker than they once were, but us dragons share the exact same fate.


    <True, but I wish for the power to protect my offspring¡­ world peace honestly sounds a bit boring. Your voice is legendary, unlike no other dragon alive. I can already feel it as it remains as mute as a mouse>


    <Hmph¡­ a desire to be an overburdening mother then? You n to smother your children to death?>


    <Speaking from experience or jealously? Look fabled Dermakvar, I don¡¯t wish to argue on something this petty. The fact is, only you still have some of that blood, and I wish for you to teach me a little of it>


    ¡­


    I¡¯m¡­ conflicted. It¡¯s been a very long time since any person, whether it be dragon or mortal came close to making my jaw drop yet this bold dragon has done the trick. Thest I believe was that odd yellow bird, the phoenix who came along looking for artefacts to buy. I lost a great deal from my nest that day, but the piles of gold he gave me was inspiring. I still remember that first shine of my pit being half full with all that gold¡­ where was I again? Oh yes¡­


    <Hmph¡­ let¡¯s say I ept, what would I get out this rtionship? What use would a dragon of your age serve me?>


    <That¡¯s easy really, help andpany, I¡¯ve already noticed little things that would make your life a lot easier. A nest made from furs and not sharp twigs¡­ a drinking pit from could flow from that hole up there¡­ oh! Even alcohol as well, I know where to get the best drinks!>


    Her ideas¡­ are not half bad, but I¡¯ll have to be careful with my nest. If her intent is to clean out my pit, she won¡¯ty a single w on my gold before my teeth find her neck.


    <Hmph¡­ you say drink, but what exactly? I¡¯m doubtful my tastes will align with yours>


    <I¡¯m not picky, but the stronger, the better. The little people in the northwest do it the best!>


    She¡¯s even aware on the luxury drinks the dwarfs create? Maybe I¡¯ve been a little too harsh with this dragon. Did she mention her name yet¡­


    __________


    <Hehehe¡­ look at me Dermakvar! I¡¯m a bat!>


    <Hmph¡­ are we really doing this today?>


    <Hehe¡­ there¡¯s nothing to be embarrassed about. Find a tree and join me!>


    <Hmph, I¡¯ll stick to the ground for now>


    Hanging upside down from a gigantic tree branch, the dragon turned bat Kellearzar swings andughs from the childish attempt of having fun. Ever since she came here, she¡¯s always had a way of lighting the mood when things seem dire. This year, six dragons were already lost to time and we found out earlier another has departed this life. Rumour has it, just one hatched but technically wasn¡¯t a dragon, resembling a ck feathered creature that is blind? I don¡¯t believe all rumours I here¡­


    The specific details on the dragons deaths like all rumours are impossible to know, but you can always feel and sense it in the wind. Never anything natural and always involve a bloody fight of some kind, dragons are entuned with death more than any creature. You could honestly say we¡¯re the harbingers of it if you ever listen to any of those mortal songs they dance and drink to.


    <Hey Dermakvar¡­ how did the first dragonse to be?>


    <You ask on how we were created?>


    <No no, not that. I mean, how were things in the beginning? My father never talked about the past, always telling me to look to the future>


    Always living a somewhat sheltered life, the only parent Kellearzar knew was that odd white fellow I¡¯ve had the displeasure of meeting once or twice. The oldest of the old guard, somehow still full of life even when he lost his colour thousands of years ago. How he¡¯s survived so long is a mystery to all.


    As for her mother¡­ no one seems to know and that meat hating father of hers won¡¯t tell. I understand he just wants his daughter to be happy and any truth would make her sad. I wouldn¡¯t want to see that smile leave her face either¡­


    <He speaks sense even if most of what he says is madness. How it was back then was chaotic, all manner of the dead arriving in this world and they all would have their own goals and motivations. Some would long for peace, most would long for more bloodshed while others longed for power>


    Just another sad tale of this world that used to exclusively house the dead, it¡¯s for the best those days are long gone. I presume the primordial beings had a hand in stopping that because it was another unsolved mystery than few can answer. Everythinges to an end, however long this worldsts justes down to who is willing to die for it.


    <I¡¯ve witnessed tragedy that would break even the strongest of minds, all for power and control that only a few will ever possess. Millions dead for the stupidest of reason, and war nev->


    <Woah¡­ ahhh-, ouch! Damn it¡­>


    Cutting me off midsentence, the tree snaps from the weight of therger dragon and she falls right on her head. Could I have caught her? Yes. Should I? Eh¡­ seems like too much work.


    <Listen up Red, we should get moving unless you want to hang around some more>


    <Are you still nning on calling me that? Kell¡­ear¡­zar. See? It¡¯s not difficult to pronounce¡­ or did you forget again?>


    <Never forgot your name, Red. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve lost so many named brethren already¡­ it now twists my gut to say them out loud. If you want me to call you something else, then choose because I don¡¯t care>


    <What about¡­ darling, honey, dear, sweetie¡­ whatever feels natural to you. I¡¯m fine with any nice nickname really!>


    Smiling away, the dragon seems surprisingly happy considering that lump on her head is quickly growing. As long as she¡¯s happy, I guess¡­


    <Not sure on sweetie but darling sounds good. Or dear¡­ both of them work>


    <Hehe, can¡¯t believe you agreed to that so easily. You do know married mortals use little names like that? I never pictured us as a cute little mortal couple!>


    ¡­


    <Hmph¡­ and now you¡¯ve ruined it, Red. Daylight is growing and I want to eat before the patrols reach this area>


    <Aww¡­e on, I liked it! Call me it again!>


    <Hmph¡­ not a chance>


    <Come on! Don¡¯t make me beg for it because I will. I¡¯m very good at getting my way Dermakvar, I can pester you for a lifetime if that¡¯s what need to happen>


    ¡­


    <Sigh¡­ whatever dear. Can we head back yet? I¡¯m hungry¡­>


    __________


    (Kellearzar) <*Snoring*>


    <¡­>


    Deep in sleep, I dream about the days of old were the dragons ruled the world and the mortals were nothing more than the servants used for picking out dirt from our ws and teeth. Those were the days¡­ that I¡¯ll never forget even though I try my best to. Mortals may be nasty but they are nothingpared to the heart of a cold dragon. Wyverns are still the worst out of the lot of them¡­ they just me feel icky and I don¡¯t know why. Maybe it¡¯s theck of arms? Yeah¡­ think that¡¯s it.


    The main issue in those days involved a long andplex feud with a family that all deserve to die. My own father tried to kill me, and my brother¡­ and my sister. The entire family and their thirst for power never ended, good thing I got away young and left them to their own devices. All but the sister should be dead by now, she lost her sanity and never had the chance of learning the true voice.


    The dreams continue on, until my scales begin to crawl and I know I¡¯m being watched. Not by the other dragon, this aura stinks of human¡­


    ¡°Arghhhhh! D-Die dragon!¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you doing, Jake? Don¡¯t attack it!¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t take on two dragons, you moron! Fuck!¡±


    Three little pests enter my nest, one of which leads the charge only armed with a tiny axe humans use for scaling up mountains. I¡¯m insulted that he thinks he can bring me down with such a small little device.


    Tossing the charging foe aside, I¡¯m mentally hurt. These three are so weak, there¡¯s no chance I could make their suffering worthwhile. I guess the only course of action is to tear them apart, limb from limb until all that¡¯s left is little pieces¡­


    <Dermakvar, wait! Instead of killing them¡­ how about we just let them go?>


    ¡°You want me to spare these insignificant little pests after they dare to wonder into a dragon¡¯s nest!? Then, insult me further by not even taking the fight seriously!?!¡±


    Speaking purposely to put the fear of their Gods within the little mortals, all of them shake uncontrobly at the sight of just a portion of what dragon voice can produce. Or, is it the mountain shaking from my sound?


    <Mortals have always done crazy things when afraid, can you really me them? They climb this high up, and then find two dragons happily snoring away. One wakes up so what do they do? Run off the cliff to their deaths or stand and fight?>


    I disagree with her point but best not argue on something this minor. Humans aren¡¯t worth the time nor effort.


    <And also¡­ don¡¯t do that>


    ¡°Do what?¡±


    <That. You¡¯re hurting yourself>


    Seeing the red dragon turn an even brighter shade of red¡­ no Dermakvar. Put that aside for now, these vermin are still in the way.


    <Be warned little rats, you speak of us and the consequences will be dire. We haven¡¯t burnt down a vige for a few decades, how many do you think we could destroy in a week? A month, or a year? What about decades of death, all on your shoulders for not keeping your lips shut?>


    ¡°W-We won¡¯t! You have o-our word¡±


    ¡°Not a-a single word, z-zip!¡±


    ¡°I-I-I¡­ n-need new u-underwear¡±


    Letting the little mortals keep their lives for now, the three climbers shake their way back down the cliff face, leaving just me and Kellearzar alone again. It would¡¯ve been better if I ripped them apart and decorated my cave for future trespassers¡­ not going to argue on it though. Just a small lecture will do for mypanion.


    <Hmph¡­ such nativity. They may not return but more will, and those ones will be ready for a fight>


    <Sometimes¡­ just having a little faith in others is enough, Dermakvar. Besides, would you really care if we end up with some morepany up here?>


    <Hmph, I stay up here to get away from thepany but, I see your point. If things go bad, it¡¯s always good to send a message. This mountain range will always be off limits to those who want to cause harm>


    s, Kellearzar¡¯s faith in the mortals were incorrect and a small army came searching the mountains a few dayster. But of course, they were met long before stepping foot on the range. That¡¯s beyond the point though, there never was a single human that can withstand the truenguage of the dragons. It was never made for control or power; it was made simply for death¡­


    <Hmph¡­ maybe it¡¯s time for you to learn the true meaning of the voice. You¡¯ve been pestering me long enough about it already>


    <A-Ahem, ignore thatment. Back on topic¡­>


    Trying to dodge an imminent arrow, this dragon has always had an anger and a sensitivity that even frightens me. Don¡¯t take that smile upon her face as a real reflection, she is dastardly, even managing to trick the poor and innocent me into the nestst night. Or thest thousand nights, time bes harder to track with age. She really can be a lovelypanion¡­ getting rapidly bigger the more I teach her as well. Never mention a dragons weight to a female lizard, they don¡¯t take it as apliment¡­


    <The reason why dragon tongue is so potent justes down to one fact really¡­ death. It harnesses the power of death, calls upon the ancient spirits and uses them as a conduit to unleash untapped potential. All of the voice reflects that in one way or another, just most of it is restricted to those not sharing the bloodline>


    <But¡­ that makes no sense. The only people harnessing the power of the dead are the Gods that specialize in it>


    <No darling, they only handle the soul afterwards. For the voice itself, it¡¯s tooplicated a matter to discuss with a novice like myself. The relevant part is, dragon tongue holds more power than you can imagine. Even the primordial beings are unable to withstand it>


    Maybe I exaggerate on thatst part but the power isparable to theirs at least. Just think about how many souls get lost up here and never find their way to the final rest, this world was meant to be the final stop for all thate here. Or now, more specifically, that small Underworld dungeon they had to conjure up at thest minute.


    <Every time a dragon speaks, a little part of them dies, we all know this and it¡¯s why we keep it to a minimum. That¡¯s just one half of thenguage though>


    I pause for just a second for darling to understand the weight of my words. This is something I cannot give her.


    <The unfiltered other half of it¡­ I¡¯ll never teach you. It¡¯s akin to suicide. Every dragon has the ability to learn it, a rare few can bypass itpletely while most die young, having no control. Already know it¡¯s taken thousands of years of life from me personally>


    To see this young and chipper dragon experience such turmoil¡­ no. I¡¯ve already sworn a vow already. Thest ramblings of this voice, dies with me. The only way it could be passed down is through offspring.


    <It¡¯s¡­ connected to the curse that¡¯s killed so many of us, isn¡¯t it Dermak? The ones who were unable to bare it>


    <Correct darling. It came from the blood gift the first of our species inherited. The name dragon descendant just happened to stick. There¡¯s no cure, at least of any dragon knows of¡­>

 Chapter 235 – Defiance

    Chapter 235 ¨C Defiance


    (Aardavar) <Wow¡­ look at how big that guy is!>


    (Thor) ¡°Aye¡­ this is like Ragnar?k all over again¡­ shite! How do we take that fucker down?¡±


    (Thor) ¡°It¡¯s unorthodox brother but arrows, lots and lots of arrows. There isn¡¯t an axe quality enough to break whatever that thing is¡±


    (Loki) ¡°I knew I shouldn¡¯t have left these inds! We¡¯re going to die to that worm¡­ I can¡¯t even throw my poisons that far!¡±


    (Freyja) ¡°Oh, my lovely Artemis must be shaking in her boots knowing something this terrible exists in this world¡±


    ¡®Backup arrives, toote and useless as usual¡¯


    Ragnar?k with their pet dragon, aka my grandfather, arrive just in the nick of time to do absolutely nothing. Maybe I¡¯m being cynical but if father¡¯s kill all attack still can¡¯t bring that beast down, then what chance do we have? Be positive Ikarus, there has to be a chance.


    Both the creature and father turn purple as father¡¯s words reach its target. Then, a sight that makes me sick. Like a submarine imploding, blood explodes from both of them¡­


    Thankfully for him and Asmodeus, they appear to remain intact but the knockback is huge, tossing the ck dragon and his rider a mile away. Unfortunately, if it isn¡¯t obvious, the creature still lives. Charybdis continues to remains intact but unlike we¡¯ve seen before, the ocean is stained with the monster¡¯s blood. If it can bleed, it can die.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Charybdis | Species: Undefined | Level: Undefined]


    [Health  168,931/1,000,000]


    [Stamina 994,001/1,000,000]


    [Magicka 940,078/1,000,000]


    ¡®Damn. Guess father really did help a load¡¯


    Charybdis still remains staggered so all of us spend another round frankly doing whatever we can. Magic and fire lights up the stormy sky as all attacks hit.


    ¡®Are we actually beating its regeneration or not? Status again¡¯


    [Name: Charybdis | Species: Undefined | Level: Undefined]


    [Health  166,312/1,000,000]


    [Stamina 994,001/1,000,000]


    [Magicka 940,079/1,000,000]


    But of course, every round of our attacks barely scratch the being. I could waste all my magicka, Petra exhaust all her demonic power, Apollo piercing the creature¡¯s eyes, Charlotte sh banging the creature to space, mother spitting me with all those on her back, Zeki¡¯s power of toxicity and all those from Ragnar?k. It still won¡¯t be enough to totally drain its HP.


    ¡®How much magic is left in the tank, Aesa?¡¯


    [<Down to 62% Ikarus. Aesa think¡¯s we¡¯ll need a different approach>]


    ¡°Ahhhhhhhhh!¡±


    (Aardavar) <Let¡¯s get it!>


    Even when all the batshit crazy Norse Gods fire off shouts, arrows and spears, we still are barely making any progress. You¡¯d think they¡¯d have some brilliant abilities hidden away but I¡¯m expecting too much from a group famous for using axes, piging, enving and rape. Look it up if you don¡¯t believe me, Vikings may be badass but they¡¯re just as horrible as the rest of history.


    And so, we all end up in a sideways freefall again, being sucked toward that fuckers mouth¡­


    ¡®Huh? It just¡­ stopped?¡¯


    Mid inhale, the creature closes its mouth and looks as confused as us. It hasn¡¯t grown a conscious mid battle or something? No Ikarus, you lost that nativity years ago.


    ¡­


    Everything goes quiet, the lighting stops as something or someone appears to be interfering. Then, the water parts and shows something I really wasn¡¯t expecting.


    ¡°Apologies my children, Chaos was keeping me busy with¡­ othermitments. I promise nothing will happen to you while I draw mortal breath¡±


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Speaking with honestly the softest sounding voice I¡¯ve heard, for some reason Nyx¡¯s presence seems to put a huge weight off my shoulders. Wait, I haven¡¯t met Nyx before¡­ or have I? Ah, that tournament arc we did, she purposely lost in the first round but I forgot how she looked. I honestly never realized just how simr to Petra she looks¡­ it¡¯s uncanny. If you exclude the abs, the bigger breasts and the curly hair. I¡¯m not losing the plot; she does look like Petra!


    Anyways, pointless distractions aside like question why she referred to us as her children, the sheer power of Nyx raising from the ocean seems to make time stop. It¡¯s kinda like she¡¯s an anomaly interfering in a ce beyond her concern.


    None of that matters though. All she does is lift her slender arms and all the ships in close range, even Ariza gets pushed back to a much more reasonable distance. Wasn¡¯t Nyx supposed to be even more powerful than normal Gods? If she can do just that with a flick of her wrist, we may have a chance now.


    ¡®Got a feeling this won¡¯t work¡­ status¡¯


    [<Status scan doesn¡¯t work on the being known as Nyx, Ikarus>]


    ¡°Bah, get to me Hera! We¡¯re leaving right now!¡±


    The clearly damaged Zeus, looks upon Nyx¡¯s eyes and immediately wants to hightail it out of here. We¡¯ve been so distracted with this beast that we¡¯ve only just noticed Zeus is slightly damaged and appear to lost a lot of that advantage after Aesa nuked everything. Hera however, she seems to be beating Athena and Poseidon to a pulp.


    ¡°I¡¯m seeing this through, my adorable Zeusy. If we leave now, then they may be able to gain control over this beast!¡±


    ¡°Bah, don¡¯t think I won¡¯t leave without you Hera, because I will! I¡¯m not fighting that joke of a primordial being without being at full strength¡±


    ¡°But I can fight her! Wait¡­ you¡¯re actually leaving¡­ GET THE FUCK BACK HERE!!!¡±


    As Zeus activates whatever smoke bomb-teleporting effect they¡¯ve used countless times before, Hera screeches while running into the smoke.


    When the smoke fades, she¡¯s all alone.


    ¡°It¡¯s always you woman that drive my Zeusy astray, no matter. Today, every one of you lecherous bitches will suffer!¡±


    The bitch Goddess loses herposure and begins to swings wildly at both Athena and Poseidon, both of which have next to no chance of calming her down. At least Poseidon seems to be able to take a hit or two, those bulging muscles like the rest of the three siblings never leave anything to be desired.


    ¡°Please my mortal children, I cannot keep this up for long so if you wish to rescue those up above, now¡¯s the time¡±


    Charybdis¡¯ mouth continues to remain shut so while everyone¡¯s pumping it full of lead, I use my dragon body to full effect and to dash over and swoop both of them up in one big¡­ well, swipe.


    ¡®Aesa?¡¯


    [<-Magma walker- and -star ze- are now in effect>]


    Every little helps so while I¡¯m doing that, the top of Charybdis head turns to magma and I burn the living crap out of it using the fireball that grows within and around me. Also temporarily trapping Hera but we already know, the feminine gender can¡¯t do shit to her.


    Maybe it¡¯s just delusion, but I do feel like both those attacks have done more than a lot of others have done. Up close and personal seems to be the trick.


    ¡°How dare you keep interfering in important matters, stupid bird! You should¡¯ve been made an example of to all, you ungrateful runts! FUCK YOU ALL!!!¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Fuck you too Hera¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Nat¡­nguage¡±


    ¡®Wait, why the hell has everyone followed us¡­ oh my God. We¡¯ve actually broken this beast!¡¯


    All that can fly excluding Nyx flock to my aid and this confuses the hell out of me. I was about to back off and return to the front and continue the battle¡­ I¡¯m so stupid at times.


    Having an Ikarus moment, it¡¯s taken me this long to realize this creature¡¯s fatal weakness. We couldn¡¯t get close to it but now that we are, it can¡¯t hurt us at all. If we just ignore that crazy psycho bitch waving her sword about, we can¡¯t be hurt. It sucks all around it but the one exception is the very top of its head.


    Regardless of this, it does open its mouth again to continue consuming the world. Thanks to Nyx¡¯s intervention, we¡¯re now able to bop this thing on the head. If it wasn¡¯t for Ariza and the dwarves still down below, I wouldn¡¯t be concerned at all.


    ¡°My children, you¡¯ve all done your jobs excellently. Now¡­¡±


    <¡­I can handle the rest>


    Switching to telmunications, I think this means Nyx is really getting serious. Our odds may have increased but she¡¯s still got a load to do.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Charybdis | Species: Undefined | Level: Undefined]


    [Health  132,931/1,000,000]


    [Stamina 993,002/1,000,000]


    [Magicka 930,084/1,000,000]


    The entire world, storm and all fall into a void like darkness as the power of the night shadows over us all.


    And then, what I see approaching where Nyx just was¡­ is a dragon!? ck eyes, ck scales, reeking of death, she has the size of mother but the evilness of father. Who¡¯d have thought she was capable of possessing such a form?


    Like looking into the abyss, her eyes are full of nothingness. It¡¯s like Petra¡¯s blind stare she used to havebined with the demonic one she uses now. It¡¯s terrifying. A world of pure nothingness.


    Fear aside, barely visible shadows begin to crawl all over the snake like body of Charybdis, biting and chewing their way through the creature¡¯s flesh and tearing it asunder. It makes my own skin crawl seeing this¡­ never ever piss off Nyx, Ikarus. Two lessons in life, happy wife equal¡¯s happy life and never piss off a primordial God.


    St! All chewing stops when a sudden noisees from inside the beast. All it takes is a gust of wind and Charybdis literally copses upon itself. The sight isn¡¯t grotesque, the creature just literally falls to the ocean, ash falls all around and creates a floating ind.


    ¡®It¡¯s¡­ dead. Like actually dead¡¯


    But wait, where the hell is Her-¡­ oh, still right below us. For some reason, I was kinda hoping she¡¯d flee but I guess this really is it for her. Can we really kill her right now? Might as well try.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry my children, but you¡¯ll have to handle her together. I haven¡¯t the strength I once did. Possessing this mortal body¡­ I cannot scratch her¡±


    Back to her normal body and floating back down the ocean, Nyx obviously hasn¡¯t got the third leg required for defeating Hera¡­ that sounds wrong on so many levels. She can rest for as long as she wants though. Without her and everyone else, we¡¯d be dead. Just Zeus fleeing is enough reason to owe her our lives.


    Already knowing this is down to the gender thing, I get ready to change form midnding and do the most clich¨¦ superheronding you can imagine, leaving my scaly form as well. It¡¯s time for


    ¡®Damn¡­ that really isn¡¯t great on the knees¡¯


    (Poseidon) ¡°Please Hera, listen up. It¡¯s over! You can still redeem yourself if you just surrender¡±


    (Athena) ¡°A harsh punishment is due but we can always be lenient if you stop this madness now¡±


    (Hera) ¡°Both of you are so na?ve and weak. You think what your friends have done here gives you bargaining power? No *spits*. Today, I¡¯ll bring my Zeusy all the heads of those who have betray-¡­ YOU!¡±


    Instancing noticing me even in a different body, I barely pay attention to the scowling Goddess because of something way more important. I¡¯m technically crossdressing right now.


    ¡®Stupid enchanted female clothes being too tight on this stupid male body. Just forget it Ikarus, there¡¯s nothing wrong with a guy goingmando and wearing a skirt¡¯


    ---


    ---Okay, I couldn¡¯t get the colour scheme right and the proportions perfectly¡­ kinda works because Brookyln is supposed to look feminine after all. Don¡¯t tell me he isn¡¯t rocking both of those outfits!


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ---


    Aye, when I was a daft wee scoundrel, the summer breeze down by the loch when wearing a kilt was-¡­ okay, I¡¯m not offending all of Scond by doing an ent. Let¡¯s kill this fucking bitch¡­


    ¡®It finally now makes sense to activate this Aesa¡¯


    [<-Plot protection mark 2- is now in effect>]


    Not being alone in this final showdown against the woman, we have pretty much everyone here ready to strike down this total bitch. While not everyone holds extreme distaste and hatred for the woman, we all have amon goal. Hera must die.


    Some of us speak while others remain quiet. After that difficult fight, I can¡¯t even think of something cringe worthy to say¡­ what stays inside my head is cringe worthy enough.


    (Nathan) ¡°So many foes and not a single friend in sight. You brought this upon yourself, Hera¡±


    (Dionysus) ¡°It¡¯s finally time. Everything you¡¯ve ever done will be repaid today¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°Let¡¯s begin by cutting out her fucking guts! Then, chop her into little pieces and feed her to the fish!¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, you stole my idea, t Goddess!¡±


    (Artemis) ¡°N-Not this again, I¡¯m not f-t!¡±


    (Aphrodite) ¡°I think I¡¯m useless fighting like this. I¡¯ll give you all moral support instead!¡±


    (Penelope) ¡°Oh no, I think I¡¯ve exhausted all my magicka! Oh well, I can smash her with rocky instead!¡±


    (Aardavar) <Let¡¯s get her Kell. I¡¯ll blow wind up her ass¡­ does that sound strange?>


    ¡®I¡¯ve just realized something. Pink people arepletely useless in this world and my grandfather is weirder than I thought¡¯


    (Kellearzar) <We won¡¯t end up in a stalemate this time around, this is for Dermakvar>


    (Loki) ¡°After the hellish working environment you put me through, it¡¯s time to die! How dare you make me work overtime!¡±


    In a moment, all of us surround the woman and messily attack her from all sides. me spews from my still flying mother, wind from my grandfather, potions fly from the maid Loki, axes from Ragnar?k, spears and swords from our party. We basically begin the slow process of death by a thousand cuts. The women may not be able to hurt her here, but they are able to get in her way.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Hera | Species: Olympian | Level: 1500]


    [Health 83,013/100,000]


    [Stamina 74,924/100,000]


    [Magicka 84,010/100,000]


    ¡°I-I¡­ will not bow down to you ungrateful brats! You have no idea what sacrifices we¡¯ve made-, AHHHHH!¡±


    Screaming wildly, all the women attacking Hera fall to their knees and seem unable to continue. The only unaffected is mother, probably because dragons are in their own category?


    But of course, all us wielding third legs and marbles are able to withstand her rage. Words cannot express how much I hate how easy it is to sit or idently knock the family jewels¡­ enough with this Ikarus! Just because the pain isparable to pregnancy¡­ sometimes I want to strangle my own wandering brain.


    All of us able to continue to sh and strike at her with me leading the charge, all the while mother sprays a pointless me that only blinds the bitch of a Goddess. It does help though; she¡¯s can do nothing but block as we keep up are relentless charge. It¡¯s physically not possible to block when you¡¯ve got weapons striking you from every angle.


    ¡°You will all obey and defend your mistress, hear my call!¡±


    Then, all the women under Hera¡¯s spell begin to stand and their eyes glow a crimson red. Is this¡­ some sort of mind control? Oh no, I¡¯m going to have to fight Petra! I freaking hate that clich¨¦¡­


    ¡°Uh, no! I¡¯m not allowing you to control them like that!¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Yeah, fuck you bitch! Ain¡¯t no one going to best brother at mind control!¡±


    Hearing the faintest blue phoenix echoing in the wind, all Hera¡¯s mind control stops when Ariza demands it so, as if phoenixes could be controlled anyways. You¡¯re not going to beat a system designed around mind maniption even if you are the God of all women!


    ¡°ARGHHHHH!!! FUCK YOU ALL, HOW DARE YOU KEEP REBELLING ORDER!!!¡±


    Spears, arrows, swords, magic, more and more flow into the dying desperate bitch. Little by little, every cut staggers her even more so this is just a matter of when, not if now.


    [<MP reserves are now down to 14% Ikarus>]


    ¡°I¡¯m not finished just yet!¡±


    cing a hand in the air, these weird looking dolls hover around her and spit bolts of lightning¡­ oh my God. Are they¡­ supposed to look like foetuses? I know Hera has some rtion to childbirth, but what the fuck?


    ¡°Not going to happen¡­ this really is sinister¡±


    All of them end up being incinerated by my dark eyed wife, her hellfire seems to consume and burn them all. Guess abilities don¡¯t count towards the gender-based damage thing¡­ should I be worried she can kill of a bunch of doll foetuses without blinking an eye?


    ¡°Erk! Why won¡¯t you just fucking die!?¡±


    Again, she activates that same attack only to be met by Zeki¡¯s new arsenal of abilities. Spinning shields and spears strike them down¡­ I¡¯m less concerned about Zeki destroying a bunch of creepy lifelike dolls. It¡¯s to be expected with him.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Hera | Species: Olympian | Level: 1500]


    [Health 47,013/100,000]


    [Stamina 72,610/100,000]


    [Magicka 78,011/100,000]


    ¡°Then¡­ I¡¯ll h-have to use what my Zeusy gave me as ast resort¡±


    Still being stabbed and prodded, she activates another ability that this time does have a serious effect.


    ¡®Fuck¡­ that hurts¡¯


    (Loki) ¡°Not this crap again! It wasn¡¯t bad enough that grumpy guy doing this to me, now this bitch as well!?!¡±


    Electricity ripples off the bitch, flowing through all of us and making every it feel like we¡¯re being pinched and stabbed all over. The pain is excruciating, but¡­ none of us let up for a minute.


    She fends off rapid attacks from both Nathan and Dionysus, struggles to defend against the axes of Thor and Odin, leaving me with a perfect opportunity¡­


    ¡°Y-You! YOU FUCKING WHORE!!!¡±


    She ducks, making my decapitation cut off arge part of her hair and some of her scalp. That¡¯s¡­ not pretty to look at.


    ¡®We¡¯re still getting electrocuted¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Hera | Species: Olympian | Level: 1500]


    [Health 11,013/100,000]


    [Stamina 71,837/100,000]


    [Magicka 68,011/100,000]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 131,913/166,666]


    [Stamina 158,028/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 50001 unassigned points]


    ¡®Oh right, silly Ikarus, plot protection is still in effect. It hurts like a bitch though¡¯


    It matters little that my stats are no longer being doubled. This bitch is so close to death and the knockback from all that electrocuting is only making her demisee sooner. All I need is one good strike¡­


    And said strike is iing as this woman no longer has any strength in her blocks. A spear prates into her shoulder, an axe into her hip, me burns by her feet and both my weapons about tondpletely undefended¡­


    ¡°I-I¡­ failed. All of you¡­ youngsters¡­ should burn¡­¡±


    With one final attack, Excalibur plunges deep into the woman¡¯s heart. Spluttering blood with her final breath, that¡¯s finally it, both Ares and Hera are dead. Two down¡­ just one more to go.


    The entire world seems to shudder and weep from the woman¡¯s death, none of that matters right now though. There still is a huge elephant in the room¡­ or floating in the ocean.


    ¡®Phew¡­ think we can no-, father! Shit!¡¯


    Switching back to bird, I have to time for Petra admiring Brooklyn considering someone we¡¯ve left him for far too long now. It¡¯s time to go help¡­ I think he should be over there¡­ damn.


    Scales torn, blood staining the ocean and looking gnarly as fuck, my floating father has definitely seen better days. Alongside him however motionless¡­ is Asmodeus.


    Ariza is already here, tending to my father¡¯s wounds as she must¡¯ve moved on from the ships the second the beast fell. Petra joins us and nkly stares at the face of who¡¯s already dead.


    ¡°Uh, it¡¯s not working Ikarus. I¡¯ve tried everything and my magic is just flowing right through him!¡±


    ¡°*Cough cough*¡­ already told you that won¡¯t work, blue one. Get little one to use her box to confirm it, you can¡¯t heal this curse¡±


    ¡®Oh damn, how bad does he think his health is? Status¡¯


    [Name: Dermakvar | Species: Dragon | Level: 401]


    [Health  -1/100]


    [Stamina -1/50,000]


    [Magicka -1/50,000]


    ¡®Da fuck? Aesa? That can¡¯t be right¡¯


    Father¡¯s level has dropped by over hundred, his health is under the minimum a dragon can have and everything is in the minuses. Just what the fuck did that attack do!?!


    [<Aesa doesn¡¯t know Ikarus. Aesa can detect remnants of the curse you once possessed, -dragon descendant->]


    ¡®Then shouldn¡¯t he be fine? I have an ability for that!¡¯


    The ability dungeon blessed says it removes curses for me and can be used on others with a timer cooldown. I¡¯ve got something to deal with this so let¡¯s use it!


    [<It¡¯s not being described as a curse though, Ikarus, it won¡¯t do anything. Aesa¡­ doesn¡¯t know to say>]


    Getting some healents out as fast and desperately as possible, I pour the entire bottle on my grumpy father yet nothing seems to happen. How the fuck do you heal someone who less than zero health? This isn¡¯t making sense!


    <Hmph¡­ this hurts less so I¡¯ll use this little one, funny how the fates allow me the strength for these moments. Overextended myself there¡­ may have survived it if I were a few hundred years younger. Time catches up with everyone, I suppose>


    ¡°Don¡¯t speak like that father! There¡¯s got to be something we can do¡­ just hold on for a little longer!¡±


    <Hmph, still so na?ve little one. You can rx¡­ the water is surprisingly rxing to these old bones. Even living a perfect life¡­ you¡¯ll lose more than just this grumpy ol¡¯dinosaur>


    Still franticly trying toe up with anything, I refuse to ept the fact this is it. He can¡¯t actually die, right? What kind of bullshit twist is this!?


    ¡°What i-if¡­ I revive you after? That¡¯ll fix things, w-won¡¯t it?¡±


    <Don¡¯t bother little one, don¡¯t want it and it¡¯ll only go to waste. That box you have would confirm it, I¡¯m too weak. I¡¯m telling you¡­ my time is now. The fates have chosen this moment>


    ¡°W-What about Asmodeus? If y-you¡¯re refusing it¡­ should I u-use it on him?¡±


    I¡¯ll do it if both Petra and father want it so but if it¡¯s my own choice¡­ I¡¯m not reviving him. Look, I¡¯m long past the days of hating the demonic dickhead, but I¡¯d rather save it for someone I love.


    <The demon would¡¯ve known this is his time as well, lit-, no. Just let me see your face Ikarus¡­ tears make you look ugl-¡­>


    ¡­


    The first face I¡¯ve seen in this world¡­ and I end up being thest thing he sees. I-.


    ¡®Can we at least try bringing him back to life, Aesa?¡¯


    [<We can Ikarus but Aesa can¡¯t guarantee its sess, Aesa doesn¡¯t know how long he¡¯dst even if 100 HP is restored. Aesa thinks it means¡­ there¡¯s nothing we can do>]


    To add even more salt into my wounds, Asmodeus¡¯s body floats by with that stupid grin adorned on his face. Of all times even when dead, his smile continue to mock me. It¡¯s just unfortunate I can¡¯t rece this sorrow with anger because I¡¯d love to burn his corpse right now.


    ¡°Why the hell would he be happy going out lik-¡­ always w-with the vagueness. H-He must¡¯ve known this w-wasing¡±


    The ocean lost a lot of water today, so all I¡¯m doing is helping it refill a little. That¡¯s all this is really¡­

 Chapter 236 – Aftermath

    Chapter 236 ¨C Aftermath


    <Ikarus, how is he¡­ oh>


    Floating in the vast lifeless ocean, father and Asmodeus lie still. Still shellshocked, I can¡¯t help but look away and just want the world to stop.


    Instead of wanting to see the world burn, mother just deathly stares at him like she doesn¡¯t know how to process this. Then, says something that causes my mood to shift in a moment.


    <Dermakvar always wanted to go out in a ze of glory. I¡¯m not sure if the idea of saving people was his n¡­ he¡¯d have preferred this over slowly rotting away though>


    ¡°Seriously mother? Father just sacrificed himself and you say that!?¡±


    I¡¯m right¡­ right? How the hell can you look for the positives when he¡¯s right there, floating as a corpse next to us. I can¡¯t understand her grieving process, she must¡¯ve known him for over eight hundred years at least.


    <What makes you think we won¡¯t see his sorry hide again, Ikarus? It may take a lifetime, but once all this business is over, you best know I¡¯ll find him. He¡¯ll try to hide and fight it, but I¡¯ll drag him up here by the neck if I have to>


    (Nyx) ¡°Sorry Kellearzar, it doesn¡¯t work that way. Even with your rtionship with the Underworld masters, that¡¯s not allowed. Once a soul departs, it can¡¯te back into this world¡±


    <Oh right¡­ I¡¯ll still find him though. Would Minos enjoy the asional visit to the Underworld? He may enjoy all the fire and brimstone>


    Well¡­ I guess that makes things a little better, more than enough to stop me refilling the ocean at least. Can¡¯t believe I cried for him when that dinosaur is just going to have the time of his life down there! All the fiery pits of Tartarus to lounge around in, he¡¯d can sleep and be aszy as he wants!


    ¡°You okay, Petra? With Asmodeus, I mean?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Ikarus. If it¡¯s okay¡­ I¡¯d rather not talk about it. Conflicting emotions, you know?¡±


    No need to say anything else. At the end of the day, Asmodeus was still her father after all. We¡¯ve both lost our¡­ just forget it Ikarus, force that positivity! Just need to keep distracted.


    ¡°Erm¡­ Nyx. Just what was that? Howes you¡¯re a dragon?


    (Nyx) ¡°Sorry Ikarus. I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re talking about¡±


    <Her mind twists when she enters that form Ikarus, and forgets a great deal. Me and your father always found it peculiar how she could inherit scales. Then, you grew scales so it must be some people can do>


    ¡®Oh right, so it¡¯s probably just an ability then¡¯


    Slowly but surely, more and more people, ships and Gods surround this depressing part of the ocean. One of which stands out, mostly because of his overwhelming appearance. I guess those who haven¡¯t met Poseidon yet would automatically assume he¡¯s Zeus. They do look like twins after all.


    ¡°Just what the hell was that, Poseidon? Even when we killed Hera, you did jack shit!¡±


    During that bout, he barely tried attacking Hera. Sure, she had both him and Athena on the ropes beforehand, but he could¡¯ve helped afterwards! He must use some type of water magic.


    ¡°The war between man and mortal, I said I couldn¡¯t intervene and I haven¡¯t. The only help I could provide was against Charybdis. If it hadn¡¯t been brought down, the affect would¡¯ve been huge¡±


    ¡®But he barely did anything there as well. Athena at least has the excuse because she¡¯s no longer wielding Goldy power¡­ think this guy is justzy¡¯


    Already knowing to let this go, I¡¯m not going to take my sorrow out on him. That¡¯s what partners are for, to be your metaphoric punching bag when you feel like sh-¡­ eh. Can¡¯t even enjoy a stupid joke anymore.


    ¡°*Bleurgh*¡­ mka¡±


    ¡°Thank fuck that¡¯s over¡­ there you are sister. Could¡¯ve told me first this is where you¡¯d be¡±


    ¡°Greetings Denver, me Poseidon as he kept me uniformed until we were on the beast¡¯s head. How¡¯s the maid faring with the ocean seas?¡±


    ¡°M-Mistress Athena¡­ permission to neglect duties and keep throwing up?¡±


    ¡°Did I give you permission to speak maid? Get a speck of it on the deck and you¡¯ll be cleaning the entire fleet when we get back¡±


    Why, on one of the plentiful dwarven ships we¡¯ve saved happens to be the trio of Plutus, Hephaestus and Athena. Surprised the young jarl actually came here considering the risk, but I guess if we hadn¡¯t killed that thing today, there may have not been a tomorrow.


    As for Athena¡¯s wickedness, let¡¯s hope Petra doesn¡¯t fully take the mantle of wisdom Goddess because punishments like this seem nasty. Actually feel sorry for the maid Plutus now.


    ¡°Say maid¡­ that bracelet you¡¯re wearing seems awfully familiar. You wouldn¡¯t dare to try and steal the little amount of jewellery I have, would you?¡±


    ¡°N-No! Of course not, Mistress. I was just cleaning it when M-Master Denver needed my help s-so it couldn¡¯t take it off, h-honest!¡±


    ¡°So¡­ you were cleaning it while it was on your wrist? How stupid do you think I am?¡±


    ¡®Okay, feeling less sorry for him now¡¯


    ¡°M-Mka¡­¡±


    Moving on from the fact that greedy idiot can¡¯t help himself, Denver still seems a little concerned. Please don¡¯t tell me there¡¯s more we need to fight¡­


    ¡°This may now be over, but something isn¡¯t adding up if the demon is dead and Nyx is here. Are the primordial Gods finally showing their hand after this long?¡±


    That¡¯s¡­ actually a brilliant question. Nyx offering a hand


    ¡°Sorry Hephaestus, I cannot speak for the others, as I onlymunicate with Chaos. I did this of my own volition¡­¡±


    As soon as the floating Petra-esque woman stops speaking, she can¡¯t help but look around like a mother searching for her lost child. She¡¯s a little weird, isn¡¯t she? Not saying that¡¯s a bad thing. The wife woulde across as weird to a lot of people. Me, I¡¯m the master of weird.


    ¡°It¡¯s strange. None of my children are here yet I can feel a presence somewhere. I may have not known about this if that connection wasn¡¯t here¡­ yet I still see none of my children around¡±


    Not really sure what Nyx¡¯s is on about. I guess it¡¯s just great she¡¯s willing to save the world on a feeling, even if all she did was finish it off. With all the people around, it wouldn¡¯t surprise me if she had another kid around. She was famous for having quite a few.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I know must now depart, the night calls out to me. Please know, Zeus¡¯s tyranny wille to an end soon enough. If I¡¯m able to, I¡¯ll lend some aid for when the dayes¡­¡±


    Sinking back into the ocean and out of sight, I guess that¡¯s just how primordial beings are. Strange as hell¡­ I like her a hell of a lot more than the rest of them though.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t even get a chance to say thanks¡­ anyways. Can we leave this ursed ce already?¡±


    Feeling aforting feathery wing against one of my own, this is the best Petra can do for me right now. She¡¯s able to be strong for the both of us, all I want to do is go home. Just father floating on the endless ocean is making me want to cry¡­ as if I¡¯d ever do something like that!


    <Sure Ikarus¡­ I want to stay for a while longer though. Your father didn¡¯t care about the flesh afterwards¡­ there is something personal I¡¯d like to do>


    Just noticing the aura of mother growing depressive, I¡¯m not going to question her on this. She needs to grieve as well and if that¡¯s burying father, then so be it.


    ¡®Huh¡­ I guess that¡¯s fitting¡¯


    As we fly off to the dwarvennds, I can¡¯t help but look back and see mother alongside an ocean of fire. I obviously exaggerate but just let me have this. Going out in a glory of mes, it suits the edge lord way too much¡­


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    __________


    (Temporary perspective Change)


    ¡°BAH!!! You knew this would happen and you failed to warn me! Have you no idea just how much time and effort went into that beast, only for it all to sink to the bottom of the ocean?¡±


    Holding the prisoner by the neck up against the wall, a clearly agitated Zeus has finally hit an anger where his actions can no longer be contained. Today, may be the day he finally does away with the fabled oracle.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Instead, she just hangs there with the subtlest of grins on her face. This little action sends Zeus into an even bigger fury and a fist pounds into the wall, barely clipping her ear.


    ¡°Why continue to torment me, woman? After everything I¡¯ve done for you, practically gifting you life and the gift of vision, yet, you still continue to y these little games?¡±


    ¡°Because, God of all mortal men¡­¡±


    Instead, the oracle does respond still harbouring that subtle grin.


    ¡°¡­You sealed your fate the second the news of the true prophecy hit your ears. Olympus was always destined to fall. Instead of adapting, you clung onto an idea that was doomed from the start¡±


    Again, Zeus¡¯s anger hits a peak but instead of going for her, he drops the woman, falls to his knees and smashes the floor.


    ¡°Bah¡­ what to do now, what to do? What options are left? Can¡¯t ess the volcano since the runt knows it too well¡­ the only perfect creation I brought down here was Charybdis. Is the Kraken still operational? No, Ragnar?k did away with that long ago¡­¡±


    Zeus¡¯s head now appears to be bulging as the only one left by his side, is someone he captured from the Underworld no less. Even his most loyal of supporters, only one of them followed the God who used to rule all after news of Charybdis¡¯ awakening. With Hera¡¯s death¡­ he¡¯s now alone.


    ¡°Am I really going to have to destroy everything with my own two hands? A lifetime may not be enough¡­ please woman, just give me something!¡±


    ¡°At this point, you simply just wait. No more schemes, or running and hiding. Your fate is fast approaching and there is nothing you can do. You¡¯re downfall is here. How many you bring down with you, entirely depends on your actions¡±


    ¡°You really wish to see me die that much? That creature was thest chance Olympus had at redemption and now that¡¯s gone. Am I truly insane for wanting a home exclusively for us Gods? It no longer matters who¡¯s right¡­ I¡¯ve lost. This world cannot be tamed¡±


    Getting up and leaving the fabled woman¡¯s side, it¡¯s only taken Zeus this long to understand his failings, as he leave¡¯s for the cer¡¯s exit.


    ¡°Never wished for your downfall, only foresaw the path that was inevitable if you didn¡¯t change your ways. You unfortunately didn¡¯t change¡±


    ¡°Bah¡­ that¡¯s riching from someone like you. Most would say you¡¯re just as bad as me¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°Everything you do is for the greater good, as if anyone buys that fa?ade. Even if you deny it¡­ I still see the old you hidden beneath that veil. If only things had been different, then maybe all of us could¡¯ve had peace¡­ Hestia¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ home sweet home. Wished this ce would cheer me up but guess things aren¡¯t that easy¡±


    (Petra) ¡°¡­¡±


    Back in viva leaders house, both me and the wife are greeted by an eager perverted elf, disguised as a maid. I can¡¯t even be bothered to get embarrassed, annoyed or flustered from something Eve says today.


    As for what happened after the fight, we spoke a little with the other Gods, then teleported most of us back here. No reason to stay in the dwarven kingdom longer than needed and the fact we¡¯re now clueless on what happens next, might as well sulk back at home.


    Didn¡¯t even give a chance for the cultists to spot us, hooded cloaks do the trick. I¡¯ll be taking this off in a moment though¡­ I just want to go to bed. It¡¯s still daylight out but I don¡¯t care.


    ¡°Wee back queens! The days have been boring with you two gone¡­ is everything okay? You seem a little gloomy¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Eve. When you see Marcus next, tell him we¡¯re not here to do anything paperwork rted¡±


    ¡°You can tell me yourself, Queen Ikarus. Don¡¯t worry, we didn¡¯t expect you back so soon so the work isn¡¯t going to pile up just yet¡±


    Marcus appears round the corner in the kitchen, quickly making me question why the both of them are in our house. To be fair, the protagonist politician is wearing an apron like our busty elven maid. I guess he was just offering to help instead of sneaking round our house to sleep with the maid on duty. I¡¯m honestly passed caring either way.


    ¡°We¡¯re not technically back so please don¡¯t be bothering me. Right now, I¡¯m going to bed¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Ikarus¡­ you don¡¯t have to hide. It¡¯s okay to feel depressed¡±


    Hiding away under the pink covers, Petra tries her best atforting me but I¡¯ll honest and say¡­ I think I want to be alone. At least if I start crying again, no one will be around to see it this time around.


    ¡°It¡¯s not hiding Petra¡­ just sulking and want to be alone for a while¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave if you want Ikarus. Just know these things are easier to handle with other people around¡±


    As Petra gets off the bed and presumably going to leave, I can¡¯t help but regret what I just said. I don¡¯t want her to go¡­ nor do I want toe out of the covers either.


    ¡°How the hell are you even supposed to handle grief anyways? It doesn¡¯t matter that his soul is still out there somewhere. Just thinking about him is making sad and anxious¡±


    ¡°Everyone handles things in different ways, Ikarus. Some cry, others put on a brave face, some hide. Everyone is different¡±


    ¡°You ever lost anyone really important to you, Petra? Like, throughout the years I mean. I¡¯m not sure if you want to count Asmodeus or not¡±


    I know she¡¯s always been mentally strong, where her strengthes from has always been something that confuses me. She¡¯s basically lived a life a turmoilbined with saving the world once or twice. I expect her past to be as sad as the rest of her history.


    ¡°Heh, too many to count over the years Ikarus. Friends, other adventurers,rades. This is why at first, I wasn¡¯t opposed to Melinda bing a vampire. Things do get easier over time¡­ the pain never truly goes though¡±


    ¡®And yet, she¡¯s still able to muster up a smile¡¯


    Now getting back out of the stupid pink sheets, she always is able to help even if I don¡¯t understand the reason why. Eh, she just knows me too well. I think just her speaking makes things easier, I guess.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Normally, I wouldn¡¯t put my hair down and even wear pyjamas. Couldn¡¯t care in the slightest how I look right now though¡­ or the fact pink blends into everything.


    ¡°Lost, but never forgotten. Like your mother said, he¡¯s still in the Underworld somewhere. We¡¯ll make time to find him once we get through this¡±


    ¡°Yeah, guess that works¡­ sorry but you¡¯ve distracted me now. When the hell did you get that? It¡¯s cute as fuck¡±


    Sure, it¡¯s not exactly figure hugging if you catch my meaning,fy pyjamas aren¡¯t supposed to do that anyways. This might be the cutest I¡¯ve ever seen Petra, it¡¯s definitely a good distraction.


    ¡°Heh, how often do you look in the wardrobe, Ikarus? Bought this for you months ago¡±


    To be fair, I normally grab the first thing on disy for sleeping, or just wear the hoodies or my main outfit which gets put in storage. Why I¡¯d spend time looking through the closest is beyond me¡­ no. I¡¯m not making a gay joke here, the both of us are already gay enough.


    Since she¡¯s already got me suitably distracted from all of that depressive shitt, maybe I should try seeing if she¡¯s actually okay. She may put on a brave face but she must be hurting a little.


    ¡°Are you definitely okay though, Petra?¡±


    ¡°Honestly Ikarus¡­ I am. Just because he held blood ties with me, doesn¡¯t mean I ever cared for him. It was just one of those things unfortunately¡±


    The thing is, I can tell she¡¯s lying a tad but I won¡¯t pry further. She¡¯s known for the longest of times I can automatically tell. It¡¯s just that this is the way my wife handles things. Stay strong and avoid any hard conversation¡­ is that healthy? Eh, it works for her, I guess.


    ¡°Fair enough. Just so you know Petra, I¡¯m not leaving this room for the next few days. Right now, thest thing I want to is deal with people¡±


    Unless Zeus¡¯ses knocking, I¡¯m going to grieve in my own special way¡­ by continue to sulk under the bedsheets. What? Thought I was hinting at us humping? Sorry, not happening till the fucker responsible for father¡¯s sacrifice is dead. This temple is now off limits!


    ¡°Heh, just say the words Ikarus, and I¡¯ll sleep on the couch if you want some alone time¡±


    ¡°What the¡­ don¡¯t be stupid Petra! I meant other people. You¡¯re wee to sulk with me as long as you¡¯d like¡±


    ¡°Heh, not really sure how to sulk Ikarus. The best I can do is snuggle you mercilessly¡±


    ¡®Eh, spend the next few days sulking and snuggling. Doesn¡¯t sound like the worst way to get over father¡¯s death¡­¡¯

 Chapter 237 – Regrets

    Chapter 237 ¨C Regrets


    ¡°For the love of¡­ *sigh*. Petra! It¡¯s happened again!¡±


    ¡°*Facepalm*. Is Aesa here as well?¡±


    ¡­


    Life has a way of being cruel as once again, we¡¯re forced back into the void. But, unlike with our usual adventures, no perversion is the cause of it this time around.


    Ahead of us is a long table with who else but those annoying creators that seem to want to steal the show. Unlike thest time, there¡¯s eight of them and all have oddly shaped forms. Half are orb shaped; the other half couldn¡¯t be more different if they tried.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    It was bad enough Asmodeus doing it when he was still alive¡­ great. Now I¡¯m feeling even worse bringing up the dead again.


    ¡°Oi you morons, stop freaking sending us here! If you need anything, ry it through Aesa¡±


    ¡­


    Instead of getting a response, the energy in here feels like a parent ignoring a misbehaving child. We¡¯ve not even started yet and I¡¯m already getting pissy. Not going to say a single thing till one of them get started now.


    (Orb of Water) <We, the primordial beings officially greet thest demon and the newest Goddess of wisdom. All of us are in attendance so if any oppose, now is the time to do so>


    Maybe being mistaken, the atmosphere inside this ce now feels more professional than usual. I¡¯m not sure if that¡¯s a good or bad thing.


    ¡°You just said all the primordial beings? Which of you are supposed to be Nyx and Chaos then?¡±


    ¡°*Gasps!*¡±


    Actually hearing some of these idiots gasp from my cheeky remark, my assumption of this is true. Nyx may not have mentioned there¡¯s any bad blood between the beings, but it¡¯s clear there must be some.


    (Virus Spore) <It appears you¡¯ve been less observant than we expected. To bring those two up¡­ there¡¯s still work to be done>


    (Tentacles) <We are the ones that question and observe, not you!>


    (Jellyfish) <We advise you never to use those two names in ourpany again>


    (Orb of Fire) <Unfortunately, I cannot defend you on this>


    (Orb of Light) <The disrespect. There¡¯s no logic in discussing topics with creatures that don¡¯t understand simple courtesy>


    (Orb of Water) <Advise you all rx and let emotion fade. She is testing us just as we test everyone else>


    (Orb of Transparency) <Agreed with my wavey brethren. It was only a question with the intent being to cause a reaction>


    (Demon) <Ha! My fellow beings are extremely sensitive when ites to¡­ Nyx. She¡¯s of no use to us now so best just forget about her and Chaos>


    ¡®The fact most of these dislike Nyx makes me like her even more. At least she¡¯s willing to put on a humanly face¡¯


    For the sake of myself, Petra and all the imaginary voices inside my head, the faster we get out of this ce, the better. Just tell me what ability to upgrade already and let¡¯s be done with it.


    ¡°Clock¡¯s a ticking and you lot have us at a bad time. Get to it already or I¡¯m teleporting both of us out of here¡±


    (Demon) <Ha! I admire your nativity orange phoenix, as if we¡¯d allow you to escape that easily. No, listen to our terms and conditions, then you¡¯ll be set free¡­>


    ¡®Fuck! Terms and conditions my arse, didn¡¯t realize these lot are like a capitalistpany¡¯


    Pausing for dramatic effect, it doesn¡¯t take a genius to figure out who Asmodeus gets his personality off. Even in death, he still finds a way of continuing that stupid grin. The zeno-something demon¡¯s face basically smiles the same after all¡­ even if it has a mouth inside another mouth.


    (Demon) <In full view of all those beside me, I offer a deal which woul->


    ¡°No¡±


    <Ha! Haven¡¯t even finished yet sister, you and destination number five really are alike. For now, you should silent until I¡¯m finished>


    ¡°No means no, demon. Our minds aren¡¯t going to cha-, mhmmm!¡±


    I¡¯ve actually been physically muted! Like, my mouth no longer exists! Does he think treating me like this is going to change my mind!? I¡¯m so done with anything demon rted now.


    On the bright side, at least I¡¯ve still got the rest of my face. I¡¯ve seen that shit in horror movies and that shit is traumatizing. Here¡¯s hoping I do look a little creepy though¡­ not why I think that would be cool.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Now crossing my arms and pouting as best someone without a mouth can do, I¡¯ll just let him finish. Not like I have much of a choice anymore¡­ wonder if my arms and legs will be removed if I attack them. Yeah¡­ I¡¯ll keep myself calm andposed for now.


    I can already see Petra wanting to strike them down for shutting me up, but clearly has more control than I¡­ I think? Regardless, I¡¯ll hold her hand and see if that will calm her down.


    (Demon) <Where was I¡­ ah yes! If it weren¡¯t for the corrupted lizards made a long time ago, your world would be perfect for our goals. s, we¡¯ve spotted a diamond in the rough as wish to see sparkle>


    ¡®Again with this dragon creation thing, swear even Zeus made a smallment about it a while ago. Asmodeus already told us they basically evolved from those gigantic beasts down south¡¯


    (Demon) <What I offer to both of you, is a power that could brighten your wildest dreams. The power those Gods wield can be all yours with just a simple trick>


    Appearing from the darkness, an obsidian looking sword takes attention of the room that even makes some of the primordial Gods shake their heads¡­ or orbs. I¡¯m not sure all of them agree with this and with the dark energy it¡¯s producing, I can understand why. It¡¯s sinister.


    (Demon) <It¡¯s as simple as prodding a rotting corpse. When the dayes, pierce a part of Zeus¡¯s lingering soul with this. Dead or alive, it matters not. The power you will both obtain from this is beyond your realm of imagination>


    ¡®Aesa¡­ you have any thoughts on this?¡¯


    [<¡­!>]


    <Ha! She can¡¯t be trusted to guide you on this decision. Whether you do this or not, Aesa cannot be allowed to influence your mind>


    Well shit. That fact he doesn¡¯t want Aesa to intervene means trusting this guy on this is a bad call, right? The fact he can shut us off as easily as removing my mouth¡­ do we actually have the ability of refusing this?


    ¡°You can¡¯t expect me and Ikarus to blindly follow along when this is the way you n on doing things. Maybe start with some more context if we¡¯re to do what you want?¡±


    The wife¡¯s words of wisdom actually makes the demon drop his creepy smile and return to getting more serious. He doesn¡¯t actually answer her question though.


    (Tentacles) <This is a test to determine your true ambitions, whether they reach a peak or grow infinitely>


    (Jellyfish) <Any advice given matters little when this decision is yours to make>


    (Orb of Light) <Whether you go through it or not matters little to us>


    (Orb of Fire) <The words ***** speak are untrue. It does matter to some of us. My wishes are for you decline the offer>


    (Demon) <Ha! You always felt overprotective with things in rtion to fire. You tried the same thing with me, fire bringer>


    (Virus Spore) <Whatever happens, we¡¯ll be here to observe the results. We¡¯ll be disappointed if you fall in the inevitable battle>


    (Orb of Water) ¡°Some of us will, we won¡¯t care either way. The tides of fate flow in every direction¡±


    (Orb of Transparency) ¡°We¡¯ll watch keenly if you wish to take on the burden of the world¡±


    Listening to all of these ramble on, I think what they¡¯re getting at is possessing Zeus¡¯s power. That would give us the world? It¡¯s¡­ slightly tempting but not all that much.


    ¡°*Cough cough*, finally. Just to be sure, you¡¯re basically offering us the world, correct?¡±


    Thankfully, the demon finally allows me to speak. Why do I feel the need to cough? I dunno¡­


    (Demon) <Ha! Something like that,ndes with the game. The question is, just how far are you two willing to go? How much power do you wish to possess in those palms of yours?>


    ¡­


    Unable to give him an answer, me and Petra look at each other with reservation and know this isn¡¯t a great idea.


    ¡°Can we go already?¡±


    <Ha, of course. But first, the sword goes with you. You can always choose the correct decisionter on¡­>


    __________


    [<Unfortunately Ikarus, that sword has been forced into storage and is now considered a quest item>]


    ¡®Sigh, undroppable quest items. Bet it has weight to it as well¡¯


    [<Affirmative Ikarus. The demonic creator really is a pain in the arse>]


    Back to the present at a little dessert caf¨¦ we¡¯ve visited a few times before, the day we decide to get out of bed gets ruined because that¡¯s just how life is sometimes. Ah, happy face Ikarus. Enough with the moaning and depressive stuff, life is meant for living!


    ¡°Just to confirm Petra, we are turning them down, right?¡±


    ¡°Heh, of course Ikarus, let¡¯s just hope we have the choice. If it¡¯s a matter of dying or using that de, we¡¯ll have to do what¡¯s necessary¡±


    ¡®Oh great, that fills me with confidence. I love her and all but sometimes ignorance is bliss¡¯


    ¡°Hey uh, are you two okay? You went quiet for quite a while. Now, you¡¯re talking about a de?¡±


    ¡°Erk! Are you two even listening to us!? I just told you the story of the cow chasing goblin¡¯s and themmitting sudoku, and you weren¡¯t listening at all!?¡±


    ¡®Okay¡­ now I¡¯m happy we got out of hearing that story¡¯


    Oh right. I forgot to mention we¡¯re not the only people at the caf¨¦. Our reduced party of six are sitting with or near us. We¡¯ve also got a visitor as well, she arrived at out settlement today and it seemed rude to not say hello considering what happened. She basically appeared from the shadows and no one has any idea why though¡­


    ¡°Just headspace things Ariza, don¡¯t worry about it. Yo Nyx, since you¡¯re technically a primordial being and all¡­ is there any way we can stop those idiots from contacting us?¡±


    ¡°Sorry Ikarus, it¡¯s best for me not to get involved just yet. I can weaken the connection when it appears next if you want. I¡¯m unable to stop it outright though¡±


    There is something strange that I¡¯m only now picking up on. Does Nyx like Petra or something? Her eyes have been glued to her ever since we sat down and started engorging in this cake. Everyone should like my wife but it is a little weird. We all know the oracle is Petra¡¯s mother so it isn¡¯t something like that¡­ unless there¡¯s some familiar connection? I¡¯m still yet to know the oracle¡¯s name, wouldn¡¯t surprise me if there¡¯s a connection somewhere. Ah, the absolute clusterfuck that is Greek mythology¡­


    (Petra) ¡°Please do that Nyx¡±


    Returning back to my slice of heaven, or carrot cake, my attention twists even more from the lovey dovey shit the other side of the table. Nat x Lotte are currently doing something publicly I never would¡¯ve imagined, priestess is actually feeding the knight cake! Our subus-sama famous for liking cake knows how to share it!? I guess making her husband blush is worth the sacrifice¡­ wait. The public disy of affection is more important!


    ¡°Erm¡­ Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, open up Ikarus. Can tell your heart is filled with jealously¡±


    ¡°I hate you at times¡­ num¡±


    Not needing to even say a thing but doing it anyway, Petra senses my stupidity and I find a fork with her cheesecake on it. I really want to sulk and say no¡­ eh. Who am I kidding? Down the hatch¡­


    ¡°Queens¡­ I have some important news!¡±


    An annoying intruder bursts into the caf¨¦, grabbing everyone¡¯s attention and heading straight for our table. Another thing I¡¯ve just realized is that our busty elven maid has jiggle physics turned up to an unrealistic level.


    ¡°This arrived this morning and you must see it immediately!¡±


    Eve runs to our table and ces the unsealed invitation on it. On the front of written says ¡®to the two Queen of Lesbos¡¯ in extremely childish handwriting. This isn¡¯t good.


    ¡°Eve, who the hell delivered this!? Quickly now, we may have a huge problem!¡±


    Getting in as quick as I can, the only person I know of with such childish writing is the world-famous Zeus. If he¡¯s here personally to deliver a note, then he may already be wreaking havoc.


    ¡°Penelope did, Queen Ikarus. Apparently a bird carried it over so it¡¯s fine, we¡¯re not under attack¡±


    ¡®Phew, at least that exins why the note isn¡¯t sealed. Miss Gender Bender couldn¡¯t help herself¡­ guess I¡¯ll sit back down then¡¯


    (NPC 1) ¡°Wait, we¡¯re under attack again?¡±


    (NPC 2) ¡°Where are the Gods hiding this time? Let¡¯s fucking go!¡±


    (NPC 3) ¡°It¡¯s time to get our swords again! Let¡¯s defend the inds!¡±


    In a matter of seconds, Eve¡¯s slip of the tongue sends the entire caf¨¦ into a frenzy. I¡¯ve got to hide under my arms and bang my head against the table, the cultists have infected every single corner of our town.


    ¡°No! We¡¯re NOT under attack, calm down everyone! Jeez¡­ don¡¯t eavesdrop using those non-pointy ears y¡¯all have¡±


    (NPC 1) ¡°Aww, shucks. I wanted to spill some more godly blood¡­¡±


    Moving on, both me and Petra open up the note and I¡¯ll be honest¡­ I can¡¯t read this. Having an automatic trantor is pointless when the freakingnguage doesn¡¯t need to be tranted. It¡¯s like writing cursive while drunk, but also using your weak hand!


    Thankfully, the wife can sense I¡¯m not getting anything from this, so she¡¯ll give me what¡¯s needed. She¡¯s not finding this easy as well and has to stare at it.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ an invitation Ikarus. Summarized¡­ something about regrets, wanting to make amends¡­ no. Make amends to the Gods he¡¯s offended, we¡¯re apparently excluded¡­¡±


    ¡®Figures. As if he could ever give up that hatred of us¡¯


    ¡°¡­Let¡¯s see¡­ mention of us destroying his world¡­ a lot of bahs. Ah, he¡¯s given up on the idea of destroying everything. Know, he just wants an ending of sorts. It ends with him mentioning his pce and one final battle. No games, no tricks, just a fight to the death¡±


    This¡­ actually surprises me. He¡¯s finally willing to give up on the idea of destroying everything to just settle things using fisticuffs? This has to be a trap¡­ not like we can turn it down though. This is our only lead.


    ¡°He¡¯s not expecting a one-on-one battle, is he?¡±


    ¡°It says¡­ bring that darkened witch by your side if you must require assistance from you lover. Heh, think I¡¯m now a witch, Ikarus¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°It actually says that? Where!?¡±


    ¡°Heh, might not want to look Ikarus. There¡¯s a lot of cursing in this¡±


    Quickly scanning the note, I find the area Petra doesn¡¯t want me to see and know exactly what¡¯s been put down, insults seem easier to spot. Vile, disgusting, pitiful, witch, boring¡­ how dare he call Petra those things!


    I¡¯ve also noticed the colourful, maybe even racistnguage he¡¯s used for me. I¡¯m not paying an inch of attention to that though.


    ¡°That fucking bastard! First, he summons that thing that kills father, then he calls you boring? I want him to suffer to hisst breath¡±


    Already knowing I¡¯m going down the Zeki path, I¡¯m long past the days of caring. This isn¡¯t one of those stages of grief thing where the stage I¡¯m in is anger¡­ you have no idea what I want to do him. Remember that sadistic princess Petra lost her temper to? The one who ended up like a red painting¡­ that¡¯s just the tip of the iceberg.


    ¡°Ikarus¡­¡±


    Feeling the wife¡¯s hand lightly squeeze against my hand and an obvious fake smile to try and lighten my mood, unfortunately nothing like that is going to help me. I already know she¡¯s angry deep down from seeing the note insult me like this, just always puts on a brave face for the both of us.


    ¡°Even now, he still doesn¡¯t consider the possibility of peace? That¡¯s¡­ unsurprising¡±


    Nyx speaks to herself when scanning through the note, not at all surprised from the development.


    (Petra) ¡°Huh¡­ he does say he¡¯d be willing to negotiate a surrender if we beg and grovel at his feet. It also mentions a period of servitude¡­ or very. That part is unclear¡±


    (Nyx) ¡°That¡¯s unfortunate. Once one reaches the pinnacle of what¡¯s possible, this is unfortunately quitemon. Delusion¡±


    So, Zeus may now be willing to leave the world alone but in order to achieve peace, we must serve him? Yeah¡­ this world isn¡¯t big enough for the both of us.


    ¡°At least there¡¯s no reservations¡­ do we know where he is at least?¡±


    ¡°It says something about an obvious mountain close to a river and the desert. Think that can only be one ce Ikarus¡±


    An obvious mountain, right at the edge of the Sierran continent. I know exactly where he¡¯s referring to¡­ so does Zeki as well.


    ¡°Erk! That fucking dickhead has stolen my crib! That took years to get all that shit in there and his stupid ass is now using it!¡±


    ¡°Uh, ahem Zeki¡±


    ¡°Oh, bite me brother. I don¡¯t care if it was yours and sister¡¯s first. He¡¯s going to fry for stealing our home¡­ or first home. Erk, let¡¯s take back our home¡­¡±

 Chapter 238 – The Last Dance

    Chapter 238 ¨C The Last Dance


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 166,666/166,666]


    [Stamina 166,242/166,666]


    [Magicka 166,666/166,666]


    [You currently have 50001 unassigned points]


    The final battle, thest dance, the round up, our final encounter with Zeus is fast approaching so it no longer makes sense to save anything forter. It¡¯s do or die, it¡¯s¡­ I¡¯ll stop this now. The point is, this battle will be it. We can finally live a long boring day full of peace once he¡¯s gone¡­ freaking hope that¡¯s the case but I lost blind naiveite long ago.


    ¡®Hey Aesa¡­ would it be possible to buy back an ability?¡¯


    There¡¯s one in particr¡­ self-sacrifice. We¡¯ve already got ast resort being the first phoenix¡¯s sword, having another doesn¡¯t sound like the worst.


    [<It is Ikarus¡­ but Aesa is not allowing Ikarus to break promise to wife>]


    ¡®I¡¯d like to argue but already know I¡¯ll lose¡­ fuck it. Can you just randomize the buy?¡¯


    Still quite a few abilities to upgrade and most I can find fault with. Anything that falls from the sky won¡¯t work if there is no sky, for example if we¡¯re in the void or a cave. My AOE attacks don¡¯t seem to affect the Gods as much as they should, Aesa has already said upgrading the revival abilities won¡¯t affect cooldown, and I¡¯m not sure if the passive effects like eye of wisdom would do any good upgraded.


    [<Aesa can randomize it, but wouldn¡¯t rmend it, Ikarus>]


    ¡®Eh, fail to see the problem, all the sacrificialmb purchases were randomized. Let¡¯s just do it because I won¡¯t spend it otherwise¡¯


    [<Okay then Ikarus¡­ processing true randomization subroutine. Ability -human descent- has now been upgraded¡­ changes are best seen rather than exined>]


    ----------


    ---Last time I¡¯ll show the overall table like this.


    Spoiler


    <table style="height:1454px;width:100%;border-copse:copse;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid">


    <tbody>


    <tr style="height:54px">


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#3c375a;height:54px;text-align:center" colspan="6"><span style="color:#ffffff"><strong>[SUB-SYSTEM ABILITIES]</strong></td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:center" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Name] [Chronological Order]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:center" colspan="2">[Basic <span style="color:#ffffff">Effect]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:center" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Cooldown/<span style="color:#ffffff">Other]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#999999"><del>Contract Killer</del>]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">10% of humanoid enemy given as <span style="color:#ffffff">EXP]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[Exchanged]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#999999"><del>Sacrificial Lamb</del>] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb OG]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">5000 points for ability]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">20/20 purchases exhausted]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left" colspan="2">[Subspace] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Storage space of <span style="color:#ff0000">4 phoenixes, <span style="color:#ff0000">16 tonnes]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Frost Walker]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[50% <span style="color:#ffffff">frost magic resistance, <span style="color:#ffffff">water magic included]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Undead Fiend] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Invisibilityindefinitely] [<span style="color:#ff0000">15 mins when attacking]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours] [<span style="color:#ff0000">15 mins when attacking]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Aspect of Gigantomachy] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ff0000">100,000 damage, body modifier aka <span style="color:#ff0000">B.R.E.A.S.T.S]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#999999">K<span style="text-decoration:line-through">allikantzaros Killer]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">25% damage to <span style="color:#ffffff">goblin enemies]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Exchanged previously]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<del><span style="color:#999999">Blessing of Typhon</del>]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">10% damage to <span style="color:#ffffff">monster type enemies]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Exchanged]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Dungeon Blessed]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Automatic <span style="color:#ffffff">curse removal, can be used on others for timer]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Eye of Wisdom]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Detect <span style="color:#ffffff">lies within reason]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Star ze][<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Big <span style="color:#ff0000">fireball envelops user] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Large building size]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;height:40px;background-color:#434330" colspan="2">[Human Descent] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;height:40px;background-color:#434330" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Human body with <span style="color:#ffffff">feathers,<span style="color:#ffffff">wings, now part <span style="color:#ff0000">beastkin. Can <span style="color:#ff0000">adjust appearance by will]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;height:40px;background-color:#434330" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Doubled Potential][<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Doubled stats <span style="color:#ffffff">10 mins] [Break <span style="color:#ff0000">stat cap]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Supernova] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[TINY faction of a <span style="color:#ffffff">supernova, percentage option]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Atomic Hellfire] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[A literal <span style="color:#ffffff">nuke,parable in size to WW2 sized nukes]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Meteor Shower] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Meteor shower AOE attack]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Second Chance] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Revive someone who''s dead within <span style="color:#ffffff">60 mins]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">1 year]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Personal Domain] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Dungeon like <span style="color:#ffffff">realm inside user''s head]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]    <Aesa''s favourite ce *wink*></td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Magma Walker] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Walkable <span style="color:#ffffff"vake, burns everything else]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Plot Protection][<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Invulnerability 10 mins] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Reflects damage]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Burning Hellfire] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Nuke like explosion but <span style="color:#ffffff">ONLY fire]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Doppelganger] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Creatable <span style="color:#ffffff">clone] [Fixes other <span style="color:#ff0000">systems]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Immortality]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Stops <span style="color:#ffffff">ageing]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Winged Brethren] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Change into ANY <span style="color:#ffffff">winged creature]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Sun Kiss] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Piecing <span style="color:#ffffff">God rays from skies]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Raining Napalm] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Napalm <span style="color:#ffffff">airstrike attack, has a secondary <span style="color:#ff0000">explosive effect]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Admin Privileges] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Teleport to previous locations]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ff0000">5 seconds]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#999999"><del>Lovers Embrace</del>]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">EXP obtained from sexual encounters]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Exchanged]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Goblin Superiority] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ff0000">25% damage to <span style="color:#ffffff">other species]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Friendly Fire] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Attacks based on <span style="color:#ffffff">intent]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Phoenix Rebirth] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#999999">Cooldown]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Rebirth from ashes]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<del>500</del> years<span style="color:#ffffff">] [<span style="color:#999999"><span style="color:#ffffff">494+ years remaining]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Furnace Leveller] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Burns away <span style="color:#ffffff">lower target''s level] [Or higher if under <span style="color:#ff0000">25% health]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<del><span style="color:#999999">Self-Sacrifice</del>]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Lowers targets <span style="color:#ffffff">HP to <span style="color:#ffffff">1 but also user¡¯s for an entire week]</td>


    <td style="border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Exchanged]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[Fated Consequences]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Exchange <span style="color:#ffffff">abilities for points: <span style="color:#ffffff">25,000]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px" colspan="2">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®What are you talkin-, eh!?!¡¯


    Oh dear God, I¡¯ve done something terrible! My horns start to retract into my head, two things raise up in their ce as well as something fluffy and bushy grows from just above my bum. I know human descent is meant to be my base form; this is not okay though!


    ----------


    ---Couldn''t decide on which image to use so you get 2 again!


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Heh, new upgrade, Ikarus? Looking adorable!¡±


    Oh right, I forgot to mention something important since Petra was waiting patiently for me.


    While everyone else is preparing themselves, possibly to say goodbye as well, me and Petra were aiming to practice against each other in our favourite park. Both of use wooden des today, think we wife fancied something a little different before we finally walk into the belly of the beast.


    ¡°Don¡¯t freakingpliment woman, I can¡¯t stop wagging this freaking tail!¡±


    ¡°Heh, really Ikarus? This could be fun¡­¡±


    As I try to hold my happy tail from wanting to be a rotor de, Petra charges at me and tries to take swipe me down!


    I¡¯m quickly able to regain myposure and dodge, all the while my tail finally appears to be dying down. This is really how we¡¯re going to train before fighting Zeus?


    ¡°Heh, the way you move is beautiful, Ikarus. Pure perfection in every way¡±


    ¡°J-Just stop!¡±


    Tail wagging out of control and fluster growing uncontrobly again, Petra goes for my shoulder and this time I¡¯m forced to block. Bish please, my wife is just in evil!


    ¡®Aesa, I want to switch back!¡¯


    [<Normally, Aesa would be willing to help. For now though, Aesa thinks Ikarus should remain in this form. Hence, the option to switch is currently under lockdown>]


    ¡®You traitor, stop encouraging our wife!¡¯


    Again, Petra fires an onught of attacks in my direction, every single one I either duck, dodge or block. She¡¯s relentless¡­ but, such eagerness can be exploited.


    Just a small opening by her hip and without a second though, I swing the de¡­


    ¡°Heh, so adorable and cute, Ikarus¡±


    ¡°F-Fuck!¡±


    I miss my attack when this moronic tail upsets my bnce, falling into the wife who has to catch me. I would¡¯ve gotten her, no doubt about it. This student is never going to surpass the master it seems¡­ is there a roley opportunity there? Ah, focus Ikarus. We have a lifetime for stuff like that once Zeus is gone.


    ¡°Heh, think I win. You¡¯re too easy to distract, Ikarus¡±


    Helping me back up from behind, Petra picks up her prize and does something to freak me out. My tail brushing against her is bad enough, the nibble on the ear cannot be ignored though.


    ¡°Urgh!? D-Don¡¯t do that! S-Seriously Petra!? This i-is supposed to be a serious battle!¡±


    Don¡¯t ask about the moan, the sensitivity is just like my horns, impossible to ignore and insanely pleasurable to touch. My tail as well, even just a light graze is enough to cause it to wag. It¡¯s official, I¡¯ve found a form worse than Brooklyn.


    ¡°Heh, was nning to Ikarus, then you grew ears. It¡¯s your fault really. I couldn¡¯t help but nibble on them, could I?¡±


    ¡°Aww¡­¡±


    ¡®What the¡­ fucking cultists. Can¡¯t we just have a moment alone?¡¯


    In our ¡®battle¡¯ distracted state, I had no idea a small crowd of cultists were watching and enjoying the disy. We¡¯re so going to take a long break away from the settlement when all this business is over.


    Thankfully, not all that make up the crowd are idiots¡­ I¡¯m excluding one member of our party for obvious reasons.


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, you two are so gross! I need to bleach my eyes¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, lighten up Zeki. You do the same things with Ria¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°That¡¯s way different brother! For starters, I don¡¯t like her! Someday I¡¯ll be free from the cow¡¯s curse¡±


    ¡®Heh, freaking moron doesn¡¯t realize he just admitted to liking us¡¯


    (Charlotte) ¡°Can we try that someday Nat?¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°We can Lotte¡­ maybe not when other people are around though¡±


    (Nyx) ¡°Young love really can be nice¡±


    (Kellearzar) <Are we getting a move on yet? Think we¡¯re all done>


    Everyone is already here, patiently waiting for us to lead the way and finally stick it to Zeus. All that¡¯s next is to join hands and teleport to the ol¡¯phoenix cave.


    ¡®There¡¯s just one more thing that needs to be done. You done having your fun yet, Aesa? Can I change back into the demon-phoenix hybrid yet?¡¯


    Like with my Brooklyn body, Petra cannot be trusted with this. Even now, she keeps making me flinch with her insistence on stroking or ying with my tail. It¡¯s nice and all but this damn! This thing has a mind of its own!


    [<Aesa would prefer wife to torment Ikarus for longer, but knows fun is now over. It¡¯s time to get serious¡­>]


    __________


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk¡­ this ce looks like a shithole. Can you get cleaning brother, then make me a sandwich brother?


    (Ariza) ¡°You really are unbelievable, Zeki. Just how sexist can you be?¡±


    ¡°You have no idea brother¡­ think it¡¯s impossible for me to be sexist anyways¡±


    ¡®Zeki really is a dumbass. Of course you can be sexist to your own gender¡­ I think?¡¯


    Teleporting straight into the belly of the beast, of more specifically the phoenix cave, we all arrive at peakbat stance only to find the ce covered in dust and not a sign of Zeus in sight. It¡¯s exactly how those two left it with even the chunky wooden door still locked.


    ¡°This is going to sound stupid but¡­ he¡¯s going to be on top of the mountain, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    The rest of the party look to me with all in agreement, guess it isn¡¯t so stupid then. The Gods were originally meant to live above Mount Olympus so the idea of him stealing this mountain top isn¡¯t beyond belief.


    Anyways, all of us head outside and get ready for flight with the only two people who aren¡¯t capable of flying up on our backs. It¡¯s a shame subae and humans can¡¯t grow wings but I¡¯m still happy being the carrier pigeon of us all¡­ even if mother is the one carrying them.


    ¡®Damn¡­ you know what they say. People who ovepensate have small¡­ you know what¡¯


    Bnced perfectly on the mountain peak, Zeus¡¯s golden but obnoxious pce overlooks the world and couldn¡¯t stand out more if you tried. Even the courtyard has somehow managed to remain intact, housing quite a few ¡®residents¡¯.


    ¡°Erk, it¡¯s these things again! Let¡¯s get stabbing!¡±


    ¡°The pained souls of the Underworld. Uh, really wish I could heal them¡±


    (Nyx) ¡°Corrupted denizens of the Underworld, created and experimented on by Zeus. Countless times the masters of the Underworld tried to force him astray but his experiments couldn¡¯t be stopped¡±


    ckened apelike creatures with outstretched limbs alongside hellhounds adorn the courtyard like we¡¯re in some dark apocalypse, these creatures we¡¯ve once experienced down in Tartarus itself. All of which are contained within the golden gate.


    Also, on said gate contains a handwritten note tied to the handle. By the way it looks like a toddler has written this, it doesn¡¯t take a lot to know who¡¯s responsible.


    ¡°You¡¯re better at reading his handwriting, Petra. What¡¯s it say?¡±


    ¡°It says¡­ only the two invited shall enter my hall. If another soul tries to enter, I¡¯ll flee. Any other phoenix, dragon, prime, mortal, you won¡¯t be seeing me for a very long time¡±


    (Kellearzar) <Is there any way we can stop him fleeing? I don¡¯t feelfortable letting them go in alone>


    (Nyx) ¡°Unfortunately not, Kell. This unfortunately has to be done, high likelihood there is no trap with Zeus being the way he is. There wasn¡¯t anything about us clearing the way though¡±


    (Nathan) ¡°Onest battle, Lotte?¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Yes Nat¡­ it¡¯s time to take down some heathens¡­ summon¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, this is such an obvious trap but no! No one ever listens to me. Fuck it, I¡¯m stabbing this rage outta me!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, I¡¯ll stay back and heal if any of you need it. You can keep the bow, Nathan¡±


    The rest of the party, excluding the bluebird take control of the situation and rush ahead to start the purging of Zeus¡¯s creations.


    It takes but a moment for Charlotte¡¯s des to cut one in two, Nyx¡¯s power to hold and crush another, mother¡¯s me to incinerate a few to dust, Apollo¡¯s bow prates one after another and Zeki¡¯s God of war spear goes straight into the groin of a creature. Now I¡¯m worried he¡¯s going to turn into Loki if this is how he wants to do things¡­


    This barely scratches a dent in the army of denizens of the Underworld, it is more than enough for me and the wife to glide on over to the golden door avoiding all of the fighting though. Might as well save our strength if only we¡¯re to rid the world of onest God.


    ¡°Erk, that fucker just bit me! All of you, feel my impotent rage¡­¡±


    Both me and Petra enter Zeus¡¯s pce, best knowing to ignore Zeki¡¯s bloodlust. It¡¯s now time for our battle¡­


    The golden door ms behind us and what lies ahead is a grand hall, marble flooring and gold is present in every direction, the walls being made from the stuff. This really looks tacky.


    Both armed and ready, we walk the final walk and both notice the eyes watching us from all around. Countless statues of muscr humans adorn the wall, some broken and others appear purposely smashed.


    ¡°You two finally arrive, overlooked by the previous generation that caused us so much hassle. The titans wouldugh knowing fate has urred again¡±


    And right at the end of the hall, sitting on a golden throne is exactly who you¡¯d expect. Except, he seems way more mellow than usual. Extremely tired for sure, not a single bulging vain in sight though.


    ¡®Time for the final countdown¡­ heh. Status¡¯


    [Name: Zeus | Species: Olympian | Level: 2500]


    [Health 250,000/250,000]


    [Stamina 37,183/150,000]


    [Magicka 100,000/100,000]


    ¡®Sleep really must elude him¡­¡¯


    ¡°Considering the love you have for the titans; I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re happy to honour them like so¡±


    Already knowing my quip will anger him, I just can¡¯t help myself. All the wars and hatred between Olympus and the titans, having their statues in his hall seems odd.


    ¡°Bah, they¡¯re kept as a constant reminder of my errors, everything spiralled out of control after an agreement I never should¡¯ve made. The flying lizards, the oracle, those that have betrayed me. All of this could¡¯ve been avoided. Even you two wouldn¡¯t be here if Hephaestus and Athena hadn¡¯t turned astray¡±


    Still on his golden high horse, Zeus rambles on while me and Petra slowly get ready to strike. I¡¯d like to know some more but this guy really isn¡¯t going to exin much to us. We already knew that those two Gods were responsible for summoning us ages ago.


    ¡°I still hold no regrets. My death is inevitable now, it¡¯s just a matter of time. All the meddling those primes have done makes it obvious now¡±


    Zeus continues to appear mellow yet also seems to know more than he should if he realizes the primordial Gods are involved in this. Even though it¡¯s technically only the first phoenix and Nyx, we are getting outside assistance from others¡­ even if it feels extremely limited by the yellow guy.


    ¡°If you feel that way, present your neck and we¡¯ll make it nice and quick¡±


    ¡°BAH! Stupid orange mistake of a bird, you really think I¡¯ll go without putting up a fight? No, my fate may be sealed, but I¡¯m bringing both of you down with me¡­¡±


    The hall erupts in thunder from Zeus charging himself up and jumping off his throne, the room cracking and shaking as he throws himself at us.


    Not with an ounce of fear, I wildly charge at Zeus like a bull full of steroids while ck eyed Petra nks and takes a more cautious approach. It¡¯s time to y a little bait.


    ¡®Aesa, four abilities, pronto!¡¯


    <table style="height:1454px;width:100%;border-copse:copse;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid">


    <tbody>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px">[Aspect of Gigantomachy] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ff0000">100,000 damage, body modifier aka <span style="color:#ff0000">B.R.E.A.S.T.S]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px">[Plot Protection][<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Invulnerability 10 mins] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Reflects damage]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px">[Star ze][<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[Big <span style="color:#ff0000">fireball envelops user] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Large building size]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left">[Doubled Potential][<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Doubled stats <span style="color:#ffffff">10 mins] [Break <span style="color:#ff0000">stat cap]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    [<4 abilities requested are now in effect>]


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 333,332*/333,332*]


    [Stamina 329,812*/333,332*]


    [Magicka 333,332*/333,332*]


    [You currently have 1 unassigned point]


    ¡®That one point is still doing my head in¡¯


    Invulnerability, breasts growing, power coursing and fire expanding, all four abilities activate while I¡¯m just about to crash down both my des on Zeus. He quickly blocks it with Poseidon¡¯s trident though. What he can¡¯t block is the burning of flesh with my all-consuming star ze and Petra¡¯s sword art¡­ even if star ze barely seems to be doing anything.


    ¡°Bah! Even now you use that cursed gian-, argh!¡±


    Getting staggered from Petra¡¯s aspect slicing his back, it gives me the chance tond a hit of aspect on my own, just barely grazing his knee. Resistances or not, my version will always pack a superior punch even with just a tin cut.


    ¡®Status¡¯


    [Name: Zeus | Species: Olympian | Level: 2500]


    [Health 122,017/250,000]


    [Stamina 36,913/150,000]


    [Magicka 100,000/100,000]


    ¡®Heh, we¡¯ve really got him rattled¡¯


    ¡°BAH!!! Enough with these pesky antics! No longer shall I continue to underestimate you both!¡±


    Electricity explodes once again but this time we¡¯re thrown back, giving Zeus enough space tounch a counter of his own. And then, the entire floor of the marbled hall starts to spark¡­


    The electricity courses through both me and the wife, forcing us both to our knees. Every shock feels like a thousand needles piercing every muscle, all as excruciating as one another. Having invulnerability is pointless when the pain is this bad¡­ I¡¯m surprised he¡¯s having no knockback to plot protection. Zeus must bepletely resistant to electricity, I guess.


    In response, we both cook fire tornados of our own towards Zeus in order to keep the distance. Thankfully, the attack doesn¡¯tst too long but it still makes my skin crawl.


    ¡®What the¡­ no wonder he stole that weapon¡¯


    The God who rules all immediately follows it up with another attack to keep us at bay, pointing the trident and releasing a wave of water that crashes into the both of us.


    [<Warning Ikarus, that attack has put a temporary restriction on magic + all abilities regarding fire>]


    ¡®Shit¡¯


    Both of our phoenix mes, including star ze are put out from the wave and it now appears both of us can¡¯t use our me. We can no longer light the spark that ignites pretty much everything. Oh well, it¡¯s not like he¡¯s just switched off our entire reason for existing¡­ wait.


    Letting off some more electricity around the ce, both me and Petra seem to think in unison. I open my wings while she switches form and we both activate a certain ability not needing the use of fire. Can¡¯t exactly electrocute us if we¡¯re not grounded, wings really doe in clutch.


    ¡®Aesa, undead fiend asap!¡¯


    <table style="height:1454px;width:100%;border-copse:copse;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid">


    <tbody>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left">[Undead Fiend] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Invisibilityindefinitely] [<span style="color:#ff0000">15 mins when attacking]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours] [<span style="color:#ff0000">15 mins when attacking]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°BAH!!! You think hiding will stop me?¡±


    In response to our invisibility, Zeus screams and starts to spin with the trident wildly, sending sparks and waves of water cycling all across the room. We¡¯ve got to stay back otherwise we¡¯ll be cooked here.


    But invisible Petra does try getting close, only to get hit by the trident and for it to cancel out her invisibility and throw her across the room. The ck feather being tossed from her back makes me want to cry.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ I need to rain hell upon this fucker¡¯


    [<Fuck him up Ikarus, activating at 100%>]


    <table style="height:1454px;width:100%;border-copse:copse;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid">


    <tbody>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px">[Supernova] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left">[TINY faction of a <span style="color:#ffffff">supernova, percentage option]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px">[Atomic Hellfire] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[A literal <span style="color:#ffffff">nuke,parable in size to WW2 sized nukes]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px">[Sun Kiss] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[Piecing <span style="color:#ffffff">God rays from skies]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    My anger rapidly develops to a point and thankfully, my explosion-based attacks are not considered fire. Both arms wielding unreasonable power, I let rip the orbs just as the heavens open up¡­


    ¡°BAHHHH!!!¡±


    Both the powers of the nuke and supernova crash into Zeus¡­ but no explosion urs. It¡¯s almost as if he absorbs the extreme power like Charybdis and consumes it whole.


    This doesn¡¯te without a kickback though, bloods stters from every part of his body. I was hoping the attack would destroy the pce, then the God rays could pierce him from above. This is the exact reason why I don¡¯t like sky based attacks.


    ¡°*Huff huff*¡­ bah. No more underestimating these little vermin Zeus, it¡¯s time to get really serious¡±


    [<It appears Zeus has regenerated 50% of his HP in addition to what was left Ikarus. Aesa has no idea how this is possible>]


    ¡®Da fuck? Status¡¯


    [Name: Zeus | Species: Olympian | Level: 2500]


    [Health 157,017/250,000]


    [Stamina 33,301/150,000]


    [Magicka 78,118/100,000]


    One step forward, two steps back. Zeus seemspletely invigorated and decides to now face us, weapon to weapon.


    Back in her human body, Petra dodges his stab while I try to back her up, only to find a wall of electricity now stands in my way. Invisibility seems to be pointless if he can just sense where I am at will.


    ¡®Huh¡­ it¡¯s astonishing I¡¯ve never used this inbat before¡¯


    <table style="height:1454px;width:100%;border-copse:copse;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px">[Admin Privileges] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">Teleport to previous locations]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ff0000">5 seconds]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    An ability I¡¯ve only ever used for getting around and never inbat. Since the cooldown timer is only five seconds and all, maybe I can really get in his face¡­


    Teleporting right to his side while he¡¯s trying to strike the wife, Excalibur plunges deep into his side and cleanly pierces him.


    ¡°Bah!? You really shouldn¡¯t have done that¡±


    One hand on the trident aiming for the wife and the other going for my invisible neck, I¡¯m unable to fight off the sheer force of his grasp as he cleanly lifts me off the ground.


    ¡°Ikarus!¡±


    Petra now wildly charges at him, aiming cleanly and precisely for the hand the holds up my limp body¡­ but Zeus uses this against her.


    His hand holding mees cleanly off but the other holding the weapon, the trident pierces deep into my wife¡¯s bosom. Words cannot express just how angry and sad I am I see her experiencing such pain right now.


    It doesn¡¯t help she¡¯s now at his mercy after literally being stabbed in the chest, I¡¯ve got to step in otherwise he¡¯ll stab her again. I need to take the brunt of this attack.


    Like the world in spinning in slow motion as I jump in between them both, the tridentes at me just as a message enters my ears.


    [<Warning Ikarus, both -plot protection- and -doubled potential- have now expired>]


    ¡®Shit¡­¡¯


    To be continued¡­

 Chapter 239 – Final Hurdle

    Chapter 239 ¨C Final Hurdle


    ---Sorry for the dy, had a viral all week so wasn''t feeling up for posting. Might only be 1 chapter next week as well, have to wait and see...


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk, what the fuck is going on!? These morons are getting back up!¡±


    In the courtyard where the rest of us fight supporting Ikarus and Petra¡¯s assault, Zeki has to shout when some of the creatures get back up after being cut down. The ckened tortured souls that originate from the Underworld but now guard the pce just keep getting back up, even after limbs are being cut off.


    (Nathan) ¡°Lotte, behind you!¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Gotcha Nat!¡±


    Charlotte ducks as Apollo¡¯s bow fires where she was just standing, an arrow flying true right into the head of another creature that was trying to get back up.


    And then, to back him up, the huge summoned de she uses, swipes a denizen in half that had just grabbed his shoulder. It¡¯s unfortunate because give it a moment of so, it¡¯s body will regenerate and fix itself. The process is really gross.


    (Nyx) ¡°Have patience younglings and we will prevail. Their lifeforce is directly connected to Zeus¡¯s so once those two are finished, things will be okay¡±


    (Kellearzar) <Ah, so that¡¯s what this is>


    All Nyx has to do is poke a creature and they turn to dust while Kellearzar spews a load of fire and it has the same effect. They still regenerate even without a head though, in particr the one charging at me haspletely lost his mind.


    ¡°Uh¡­ these guys are scary¡±


    ¡°I keep telling you brother, stay back! You¡¯re crap at this type of fighting¡±


    ¡°I can help, Zeki! I know my me heals but there must be something I can do!¡±


    As for what me and Zeki are doing, I¡¯m having to forcibly mind control one at a time so he can defend me and destroy the tortured souls one by one. I can¡¯t control the ones who are headless though so he has to keep lending me a hand.


    But of course, he has to keep moaning and scoffing all the while everyone keeps fighting until they be exhausted. That¡¯s until his stupid head seems to light up when he thinks of something. I guess all the blood he¡¯s soaked in gives him inspiration?


    ¡°Erk, is there an easier way of doing this? Why the fuck can¡¯t we just round them up and do it in one big swoop!?¡±


    ¡­


    I wouldn¡¯t say I believe in miracles but this might be one, everyone pauses and actually agrees with him!


    ¡®I always knew there was hope for him yet!


    [<I wouldn¡¯t count on it, Ariza. We still don¡¯t know what he ns to do next>]


    Even though Laura sounds doubtful on this, all of us get close together by the door and group up the creatures. Then, us that can fly get out of way while the couple of brown birds get a lift from Ikarus¡¯s mother. Wouldn¡¯t Nathan and Charlotte look adorable as phoenixes though? Ikarus asionally calling me bluebird has given me that thought now.


    ¡°Ya¡¯ll are idiots, watch and learn how the professionals do things. These fiends are about to experience the true power of Murica!¡±


    Already into his bird form, now I¡¯m worrying because that grin is never good. It reminds me of the time he drugged Ikarus and Petra with the aphrodisiac and then run offughing. He¡¯s about to do something evil¡­


    [<You worry too much, Ariza. You can just read his mind if it¡¯s too troublesome>]


    ¡®I know, Laura, it¡¯s just that I promised him I wouldn¡¯t. Zeki would drive even the sanest of minds to question anything and everything¡¯


    ¡°Uh, Zeki¡­ I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good¡­¡±


    Wings fully retracted and quickly reaching an unimaginable speed, Zeki prepares himself to charge beak first into the crowd of denizens. This is really how he ns on dealing with them!?


    ¡°¡­Idea¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha! No wonder the dead dragon enjoyed this so much! Round them up and let¡¯s go again!¡±


    ¡°Zeki! You can¡¯t just say that!¡±


    Presumably breaking every bone in his body and the tortured abominations, Zeki crashes into them like a bowling ball knocking down a row of pins. He doesn¡¯t seem to care in the slightest at the red bump forming on his head from hitting the golden pce afterwards¡­


    __________


    Bang, crash! Just as Zeus¡¯s trident is about to pierce my chest, the pce shakes giving both me and the wife an opportunity to retreat and pace ourselves to recover.


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t look so panicked Ikarus. Had him right where I wanted him¡±


    ¡®As if that¡¯s freaking true! If she thinks I¡¯m letting her sacrifice herself for me, she¡¯s got another thinging. That¡¯s what this feels like now¡¯


    Both the wife and the God who rules all are injured by this point, Petra¡¯s chest slowly trickling blood while Zeus¡¯s cut off hand gushes blood like some Hollywood action flick.


    ¡°Bah¡­ are you two finally willing to grovel at my feet yet? I¡¯m feeling awfully merciful right now¡±


    I can¡¯t help but roll my eyes while Petra chuckles from that question. Just one look at the beefy guy holding that bleeding stump of his says it all really. We¡¯ve got him within our grasp¡­


    ¡°Bah, this won¡¯t work, you invisible fiend!¡±


    I teleport behind him, trying tond another sneak attack only to find a fist, or more specifically that stump punching me in the face. I guess teleporting withinbat isn¡¯t as useful as it¡¯s made out to be, there¡¯s always a second or two dy before arrival.


    Despite being a hand down, Zeus¡¯s power cannot be understated so he tries to power up another kind of electricity-water hybrid wave to push us back. But Petra is having none of it¡­


    Her swings are as graceful as a swan yet as suicidal as a kamikaze pilot, constantly leaving openings but stopping Zeus from powering up anything. Petra¡¯s able to stand her own much easier now considering her enemy is now wielding a long trident with just the one hand.


    Since he¡¯s distracted andpletely on the defensive, my time is now! My vampiric de slips through a crack and aims directly for his neck¡­ but then, bang! The pce shakes again.


    ¡®Just what the fuck is causing that? It feels like it¡¯sing from outside or something¡¯


    Zeus tries to take full advantage of my stumble, swiping the trident at my head.


    I just about managed to duck and dodge, in turn causing the stolen weapon to hit the wall and get wedged in a crack of the pce wall.


    ¡°BAHHHHH!!! Will you two justy down and die!?!¡±


    [<Aesa would like to inform Ikarus that MP can now be used again>]


    ¡®Oh right, he stopped our spark earlier on¡®


    Electricity sparks from the enraged Zeus, but Petra stands strong taking his full anger again. In a move I didn¡¯t expect, hepletely abandons Poseidon¡¯s weapon and a scaled down lightning bolt appears within his grasp.


    ¡°Heh¡­ fuck¡±


    Zeus¡¯s entire body bes as bright as a lightbulb and the second he allows Petra to strike him with her de, she bes trapped.


    Emotion brewing but not sensing the full gravity of the situation, Excalibur plunges deep into his back and I¡¯m also caught in his trap. Zeus might as well be a pylon with how much power is flowing though him, now into us.


    ¡®Fuck fuck fuck!¡¯


    Both of us experience pain unimaginable as the electricity pinches and burns everywhere, muscles tensing and cramping as we¡¯re unable to get away from his power.


    Thankfully in this state we¡¯re in, he seems unable to move just as much as us. That doesn¡¯t help the dreaded agony though.


    ¡°Bah-hahaha! That won¡¯t work, little fuckers! Keep attacking me all you want; you¡¯reing with me¡±


    Even as me and the wife respond with our hellfire flowing from every part of our bodies, Zeus¡¯s electricity still continues to fry us like some sort of freaky electric chair.


    ¡®Fuckkk¡­ status¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 133,404/166,666]


    [Stamina 160,191/166,666]


    [Magicka 122,274/166,666]


    [You currently have 1 unassigned point]


    [<Does Ikarus and wife need Aesa¡¯s intervention?>]


    ¡®Not just yet, Aesa¡­ just let me think¡¯


    If anyone else turns up, it¡¯s inevitable he¡¯ll flee. Just what can I use to try and break the current? Anything that falls from the sky is already out of question. It¡¯s easy enough to mix some other abilities together, but will that get him off us? Maybe there¡¯s an idea somewhere¡­


    <table style="height:1454px;width:100%;border-copse:copse;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid">


    <tbody>


    <tr style="height:40px">


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px">[Magma Walker] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left">[Walkable <span style="color:#ffffff"vake, burns everything else]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;height:40px;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px">[Winged Brethren] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[Change into ANY <span style="color:#ffffff">winged creature]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">¡Þ]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px">[Burning Hellfire] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[Nuke like explosion but <span style="color:#ffffff">ONLY fire]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Without even getting the chance tounch the orb, the electricity seems to spark as the fire implodes and smothers us all. Zeus sinks into the once marbled floor, now filled withva and loses grip on both of us. Combine that with the fact my form change has pushed him away, we¡¯re finally free!


    ¡°Bah, a constant reminder of my failure, creating that ursed species like so. You all shouldn¡¯t exist!¡±


    <Enough talking motherfucker, Petra!>


    ¡°BAHHH!!! LET GO OF ME!¡±


    Biting down and clenching as hard as I can, I snap at Zeus, holding his entire person within my jaw not allowing him to wiggle an inch.


    My mouth is already starting to spasm with how much electricity is flowing inside, but none of that matters as Petra now can do what she wants. Using her sword art, she can ignore the shocking and can strike at him with as much power as she can conjure up.


    Hit after hit, sh after sh, stabbing after stabbing, mes flowing into him from the both of us, Petra doesn¡¯t stop cutting him for a second while I experience the pain that is this fucker¡¯s wrath. It¡¯s do or die now, I¡¯ll fucking bring the both of us down if that¡¯s what it takes!


    ¡®Urgh¡­ feel as if I¡¯m about to pass out¡¯


    [Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]


    [Health 54,183/166,666]


    [Stamina 158,410/166,666]


    [Magicka 122,278/166,666]


    ---


    [Name: Zeus | Species: Olympian | Level: 2500]


    [Health 62,419/250,000]


    [Stamina 30,165/150,000]


    [Magicka 62,104/100,000]


    My HP may be draining quicker than his but none of this matter it just a moment.


    It takes a force more powerful than words can describe for him to explode and force his way of my mouth, throwing both me and the wife a distance away again. His electricity cannot be bested by anything¡­


    ¡®Wait a second, Aesa! How much HP as a percentage does he have left?¡¯


    [<24.9676%, Ikarus. You¡¯ve got him now>]


    ¡®Muhahaha¡­ it¡¯s finally over¡¯


    <table style="height:1454px;width:100%;border-copse:copse;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left;height:40px">[Furnace Leveller] [<span style="color:#900">Lamb] [<span style="color:#ff0000">Upgraded]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[Burns away <span style="color:#ffffff">lower target''s level] [Or higher if under <span style="color:#ff0000">25% health]</td>


    <td style="width:16.6667%;border-color:#20282e;border-style:solid;background-color:#32375a;text-align:left">[<span style="color:#ffffff">24 hours]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Despite my health now being lower than Zeus¡¯s, my confidence sky rocket¡¯s when I notice his health is just low enough. It¡¯s inevitable and all those motionless statues of titans that watch over us must know it as well. Zeus has finally met his maker¡­


    Even the God who rules all seems to notice my wicked smile, immediately backing off trying to get through the sludge like magma. Except, that¡¯s not going to work with how much the wife is keeping him upied and the fact the magma is hardening by the second.


    Her sword art immediately forces him to block with that bolt of lightning he carries, giving me the chance to get to get even closer.


    ¡°Fucking cursed spawn of those lizards! I will not lose to you!¡±


    Trying to back off even more as my teeth get even closer, he tries to aim and throw electricity all around me and I don¡¯t dare try to block it. All I need is one touch, just one inch of my scaly body against his. Maybe it¡¯s finally time to learn a lesson from my father¡­


    ¡°BAHHHHHH!!!¡±


    <Gotcha!>


    Diving and crashing at Zeus, I¡¯m immediately electrocuted again but that still doesn¡¯t stop my smile. The second the ability activates, all pain is reced with pleasure when the God who rules all ignites like a raging bonfire¡­


    ¡®Wee to the world of mortals, motherfucker. Status¡¯


    [Name: Zeus | Species: Olympian | Level: 1]


    [Health 18/100]


    [Stamina 10/50]


    [Magicka 31/50]


    ¡°BAHHHHhhhhhhh¡­¡±


    Still erupting in mes, Zeus¡¯s goat like scream grows quiet while the golden hall shakes, power begins to rip all around us as the heavenly ruler now loses his way and his consciousness.


    ¡­


    And so, the pce grows quiet. The fire from furnace leveller fades and all that¡¯s left of Zeus is a still, albeit still breathing corpse. All that energy being sucked out of him has knocked him out cold.


    As for us¡­ there¡¯s still one more important decision to make as we catch our breaths and allow the adrenaline to settle for a moment.


    Both of us look at each other with a question in our hearts and minds, but none dare to say if we should do it or not. It justes down to one thing really, how greedy are we for an endless pursuit of power?


    ¡­


    ¡®Eh, guess you could say this adventure was ¡®fun¡¯, minus the part where both our fathers died. I think it¡¯s best for us both if we call it a day¡¯


    And so, using Excalibur no less and not the de given by the demonic creator, I plunge the de into Zeus¡¯s heart¡­


    __________


    ¡°We¡¯ve actually done it Petra. Like, for real, no jokes. We¡¯ve won!¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ yes we have Ikarus. Does it feel like we¡¯re missing something though?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you actually wanted to use that de?¡±


    ¡°Heh, of course not. It¡¯s just something doesn¡¯t feel right¡±


    After tending to our wounds with a couple bottles of healent, personally wanted to ¡®tend¡¯ to Petra¡¯s breast wound but she wasn¡¯t allowing it, I can¡¯t help but continue to prod and poke Zeus¡¯s lifeless body to confirm.


    The day has finally arrived where asting peace has been achieved. No more pointless paranoia and world ending creations, or rted consequences like Asmodeus being responsible for the demonic invasion. We can finally have a long rest¡­ and I mean actual rest. We¡¯ve got the rest of our lives to hump like bunnies hooked on aphrodisiac so that can be saved for another day.


    ¡°You are definitely in agreement with me on that de thing, right Petra? Do we even need his power anyways?¡±


    Continuing to prod his body because I¡¯m still stumped we managed to achieved this, the idea of losing ourselves in the pursuit of power is something I refuse to allow. If we take Zeus¡¯s power, would it promote us to primordial beings or something in between? I¡¯m not sure how we¡¯d even take it considering how furnace leveller works, maybe that option is already gone?


    ¡°Heh, it would be nice to have, Ikarus, but we¡¯re finished. This is enough¡­ you are enough¡±


    ¡®Damn, my one major weakness¡­pliments¡¯


    Just as I¡¯m about to repay the favour and share a kiss, the world begins to shake and a portal forms from thin air. Coming out of the portal with a backdrop of fire and gold is someone I did not expect.


    <Figures. The other¡¯s told me this would end in disappointment but I refused to listen. Now, I¡¯ll just have to do things my own way¡­>


    To be continued¡­

 Chapter 240 – True Intent

    Chapter 240 ¨C True Intent


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡®It¡¯s¡­ him, the fabled first phoenix. He¡¯s¡­ less intimidating than you¡¯d think. Phoenix cuteness problems, I guess¡¯


    For some reason, I was kinda expecting him to look like Asmodeus being big and muscr. However, he has a simr physique to us birds albeit slightly more masculine. I guess it makes sense considering we¡¯re all fluffy bundles of joy, but still. He doesn¡¯t seem all that joyful at all.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    <It¡¯s simple really¡­ Petra. Your partner, thest of phoenixes¡­ Ikarus, shall possess that God¡¯s power one way or another. Clearly the incentive wasn¡¯t enough so I can only apologize for not being persuasive>


    It takes all but a moment for this guy to steal the show, power coursing through his veins and a conviction that can¡¯t be beat. The thing is, there is nothing to convince us on. We don¡¯t want to take the next step, it¡¯s that simple really. Ares, Hera and Zeus, those three are dead so we can finally have some peace¡­ maybe away from Lesbos Inds though. Cultist reasons like usual.


    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s happening dude. Cheer up, Zeus is now dead so we¡¯re finished¡±


    Unlike with that usual demonic face, not a smile can be found anywhere. If anything, I¡¯d say that face is of someone who wants a fight¡­ oh shit.


    A crippling aura suffocates this area flowing from the phoenix, forcing us to our knees. Same concept to the admin privileges dungeons possess, just even more powerful. And this time, injecting magic into that crystal doesn¡¯t do jack shit. I¡¯m desperately trying it now but it isn¡¯t doing a thing.


    Continuing on, all this guy does is flick his fingers, my storage is forcibly opened up and that demonic de is tossed to my feet.


    ¡°I¡¯m not using that! Scare us all you want, I¡¯m not ¡®ascending¡¯ to a higher level or whatever that shit is!¡±


    <After what I¡¯ve given you, all I ask is for this one simple favour and you stubbornly refuse? What idiot turns down unlimited power?>


    ¡°Given me what!? A couple horns and a few abilities? Buzz off dude and understand no means no!¡±


    <Ha! Clearly underappreciating of such gifts, there¡¯s more to that form than you know, ungrateful brat. You and your wife will find out soon enough¡­>


    ¡®There¡¯s more to this form than I understand? It still doesn¡¯t matter, just fuck off already!¡¯


    <¡­The thing is, I cannot force you by these two palms to wield that de, it wouldn¡¯t count. I can heavily encourage you through other means though>


    I know exactly where this is going when his eyes stare at Petra and he makes his way over to her. Just that sly look alone¡­ I¡¯ll spend the rest of my life making sure this fucker suffers now.


    ¡°You keep your fucking hands off her!¡±


    ¡°Whatever happens Ikarus¡­ do NOT listen to him!¡±


    <Ha! You two really shouldn¡¯t fight, it¡¯s unattractive¡­ oh. You were able to break in here? Ha!>


    Arriving only with an auraparable to mother¡¯s, an absolutely furious Aesa teleports over to us and instantly goes for his guy¡¯s head¡­


    ¡°All Aesa can do is buy time Ikarus, help should be soo-, urgh!¡±


    Literally being tossed aside like a bug, Aesa is thrown into the wall by a shake of the first phoenix¡¯s wrist. Like us, she¡¯s unable to recover once his power overrides all of us. Fuck primordial Gods, man! This shit isn¡¯t fair!


    ¡®Damn it! Is this under lockdown as well?¡¯


    [<Ha! System is currently being reserved for phoenixes that deserve it>]


    ¡®What the actual fuck!? He can even hack into this?¡¯


    Already angry enough, his hand lifts up Petra¡¯s chin making me fume even more. It doesn¡¯t help he¡¯s smiling that vile smile, I¡¯m beginning to shake with rage while Petra continues to remain strong.


    <Those ckened eyes really do scream of passion¡­ willing to give me a taste of that?>


    ¡°Heh¡­ fuck you¡±


    Smack! The phoenix actually has the audacity to strike my wife!?! That¡¯s our thing! Only when she wants it¡­ oh, just shut up Ikarus. I need to kill this fucker!


    Just one look in Petra¡¯s defiant eyes tells me one thing¡­ I need to bear with it. Unfortunately, I just can¡¯t.


    <Ha! Something tells me I could tear you apart and you¡¯d still remain strong. Maybe something a little more intimate may turn your lover¡¯s mind askew?>


    His dirty hands slowly slide down Petra¡¯s hair, as well as grazing her neck, reaching a point that causes me to explode with anger. I¡¯m sorry but I¡¯m mentally and physically weak, I can¡¯t witness him cing his hands even lower¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m going to spill your fucking gu-¡­ stop, stop! STOP!!!¡±


    <Ha! Willing to be a little more open minded now?>


    ¡°Yes¡­ just get those stinking paws off her!¡±


    Now that I feel broken, the power holding me down recedes so I can finally move myself enough to pick up that cursed sword.


    ¡®Hmmm¡­ his neck is looking awfully enticing¡¯


    [<Ha! You can try, infuriated little bird, it won¡¯t work. Just know anything you do to me; I¡¯ll be sure to give the wife a taste>]


    ¡®Fuck you! You will regret this someday, dude. My memory and vengeance isn¡¯t short lived¡¯


    Knowing I¡¯ve got no chance, I pick up the de and slowly make my way back over to the bearded corpse, all the while looking at Petra who still has that fucking phoenix hanging over like a knife on a string. We all knew this guy was shady but to actually go this far? Why the hell is this so important to him?


    Petra¡¯s hollowed eyes are filled with a mixture of happiness but also disappointment, even Aesa down by that wall has the same type of look. What am I to do, let him go even further? None of us have the power to defeat a primordial God. No¡­ I¡¯m going to kill him after.


    ¡°Can you at least exin to me what is the point of this is? Why get so forceful?¡±


    <Everything will be known in fair time¡­ Ikarus. If you must know the basic reasoning why, the power dynamic up there needs shifting ever so slightly. Too manyzy beings that don¡¯t wish to see action¡­>


    With thest of the phoenix¡¯s words, I sluggishly get closer to stealing Zeus¡¯s power¡­ but then, darkness. Pure, unsaturated darkness. Zeus¡¯s entire pce disappears into a ce of nothing.


    Not even in the void nor a dungeon, I presume the four of us are sent to a ce of pure nothingness. It¡¯s honestly freaky as hell, the thought of only existing as a consciousness without any sort of form. At least with the void, it feels like there¡¯s a physical surface to walk upon. I don¡¯t think I even have a body inside this ce.


    But then, a single orb lights up the lingering darkness alongside the shadow of a woman, also allowing our empty husks to garner a portion of our bodies back as well. The woman¡¯s figure looks simr to a busty Petra¡­ so it has to be Nyx. Don¡¯t be looking at me like that! I know my woman¡¯s figure anywhere¡­ or Nyx¡¯s apparently. It also would make sense considering the darkness around.


    (Demon) <F-Fuck!>


    (Orb of Fire) <Thank you for the information, Nyx. The others were of course not happy about this, but know sharing our power is needed>


    (Nyx) <It had to be done. If left untreated, this would¡¯ve caused a catastrophe even us beings couldn¡¯t handle>


    (Orb of Fire) <We all know this and agree¡­ although some will refuse to ever admit to it>


    In a twist befitting of irony itself, the demon is forced to his knees while me and Petra are now standing, I think? Right now, it feels like my body is half transparent, half real. If I weren¡¯t confused as fuck what¡¯s going on, I¡¯d fully rip every part of this demon apart¡­ still doubt I¡¯d be able to.


    (Ikarus) ¡°Erm¡­ guess speaking works. Do either of you care to exin what¡¯s happening?¡±


    (Orb of Fire) <We¡¯re fanning the mes on a potential war. When one of us decides to upset the bnce of things, too much is lost and chaos runs loose... not Chaos itself. Just forget that>


    (Nyx) <Entire worlds fall to ruin;s crumble and suns explode. Entire sr systems can be lost when the beings can¡¯t withstand their lust for power. The battle against Zeus was tinypared to what can happen>


    So that¡¯s what this is then. The first¡¯s phoenix¡¯s greed is so great, he wants to wage war on the other beings¡­ in order to surpass them?


    ¡°But this doesn¡¯t make sense. Why are we needed to wage war on the other beings? We¡¯re weak as shitpared to you lot!¡±


    (Nyx) <Abilities, Ikarus. You and Petra both possess brilliant potential. If you were to surpass the heavenly mantle, you¡¯d gain unimaginable power>


    (Orb of Fire) <One ability in particr, the one that burns levels away is what first phoenix wanted more than anything else. That ascended¡­ can destroy and even absorb us>


    ¡®Furnace leveller? Know I¡¯ve used it on Demeter and Zeus already, didn¡¯t realize how OP it can get¡¯


    Huh, guess my system really is the best then. It¡¯s just a huge shame I still don¡¯t desire any more power even with this knowledge. The thought of losing who I am just sounds scary really.


    While this is going on, the phoenix, or now demon creator actually starts to sweat green goo from that grotesque form of his. He really wanted to use us as pawns against the other powers. What a stupid, moronic n. After what he tried with Petra, as if I¡¯d ever willingly side with him in some higher power fight. Guess he would¡¯ve kept Petra hostage for as long as he needed¡­ I hope these Gods fuck him up now.


    (Orb of Fire) <On behalf of all the other creators, we are greatly disappointed with your betrayal¡­ but are not surprised. We think after thest time you would¡¯ve learnt not to try this again>


    (Demon) <Y-You¡¯re mistaken! My w-words were only meant to deceive thest phoenix, there was no ill intent!>


    (Orb of Fire) <Your defence is noted but the words were spoken as fact. Since this affects us all, the sentence is quadrupled from what it wasst time. Spend the next millennium reflecting on your actions in the void>


    (Demon) <sted peaceful fools! Not this again¡­>


    In the time it takes for a pin to drop, the demon is snapped from reality¡­ or we¡¯re brought back to where we just were and he remains locked inside that ce? I wish they¡¯d just destroy him in some cruel and gory way, but I presume there is a reason why they can¡¯t do that. At least we¡¯ll have time to rx for the next thousand years, I guess.


    Two absolutely stunning beauties join us in the pce once my eyes adjust to the golden light, one of which is the busty Goddess Nyx back in her human body with someone else as well. I guess this is what that orb of fire looks like when visiting our world.


    While the first phoenix had an heir of phoenix cuteness to him, this person seems to shine beauty, so much I feel like my eyes are burning! I¡¯m seriously not kidding on this, it¡¯s that same feeling when you sit too close to a fire.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Damn dude, are you trying to turn us straight or something? That¡­ doesn¡¯t really work, does it?¡±


    Thankfully, Petra chuckles at my awkward joke because she can see this person¡¯s beauty as well, not even sure if this prime has a gender. I¡¯m kinda disappointed she didn¡¯t get jealous because that would¡¯ve been funny to tease her on.


    (Orb of Fire) <Compliment appreciated, but you two are yet to witness the others. The other half of me, Aether, or you know as the orb of Light, physically blinds people with its beauty. Uninterested in this mundane talk>


    You can say what you want about the other prime Gods but they definitely are professional and boring. That¡¯s a whole lot better than the demon though.


    (Orb of Fire) <Now that our business has concluded, whates next is your decision. All of us are in agreement that we will not interfere if you wish to strike that corpse>


    ¡°We¡¯ve already said no, dude¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure that¡¯s a good idea¡­ especially if Ikarus can destroy or absorb all of your powers¡±


    Petra has a really good point. If the demon creator wanted to use me to do his bidding, then couldn¡¯t I just use furnace leveller on them myself? For all they know, we could cause their destruction without the need of a demonic dickhead behind the scenes.


    (Orb of Fire) <All of us are equal in our ability to destroy each other, that¡¯s what makes our judgement fair and just. Having power is of no concern to us, trying to destroy another is what we won¡¯t allow¡­>


    ¡®Ah, so it¡¯s like the nuclear treaty thing. Mutually assured destruction so no one can step out of line. This world¡¯s version seems to work more than the one back on Earth though¡¯


    (Orb of Fire) <¡­We urge you to reconsider but saying no doesn¡¯t matter all that much. In time, you two may wish to ascend and the option is always there if you want it>


    ¡°Sure about that? Pretty certain Zeus¡¯s body will decay give it a few days or so¡±


    Fun fact about bodies that have been sitting for a while, they start to stink pretty quickly. Give it five more minutes or so and Zeus¡¯s sphincter muscles will rx. Every person has an arse after all, just some prefer to act like one more than others.


    (Nyx) ¡°Time is locked inside this ce, Ikarus. It has to be that way otherwise; Zeus may awaken someday. His body, nor the pce will decay so the offer they give you will always remain¡±


    Yay! A real choice and not the fake semnce of choice which was nearly forced upon us. We can alwayse back and be all powerful at any time. Maybe in a hundred or a thousand year¡¯s time¡­ we may look at this offer differently.


    Both of us look to each other onest time and shake our heads in unison as wlel as chuckle. As if we¡¯re going to change our minds right now.


    (Orb of Fire) <We¡¯ll be off now. Get designation number five to contact us if there¡¯s anything else to speak about>


    ¡°Even though Aesa hates all of the power that be¡­ target orb of Fire was the least annoying¡±


    ¡®Oh right, Aesa is still here with us¡¯


    (Orb of Fire) <Duly noted, designation number five. We¡¯ll may say hello in a hundred years or so, but the longer we leave things to repair, the better¡­>


    And so, the being rted to fire slowly fades into nothingness. Is our journey finally over or am I forgetting something?


    ¡°So¡­ what next?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s just one more thing, Ikarus. Below here, I can detect signs of life. That aura can only be one person¡±


    ¡®Oh right, that prisoner Zeus was keeping. It¡¯s finally time to meet the fabled oracle¡­¡¯

 Chapter 241 – Visions

    Chapter 241 ¨C Visions


    ¡°Just give me the word if you want some privacy, Petra¡±


    ¡°Heh, really leaving me to contend with the bitch myself, Ikarus?¡±


    Both of us stare deep into the closed door leading downstairs and pause because whates next is big. The fabled prophet, the women responsible for Petra¡¯s blindness and Mute¡¯s muteness. Even though I¡¯m happy Petra can crack a joke right now, I¡¯m not sure I can.


    Both Aesa and Nyx wait outside and for like the first time ever, I feel out of ce and rather not know more about Petra¡¯s past. The woman behind that door is someone I never thought I¡¯d meet.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just that¡­ I know sometimes I can be a little much with stuff like this¡±


    ¡°Heh, try to leave right now Ikarus and I¡¯ll put you on a leash. Please¡­ please stay¡±


    ¡°*Sigh*, no wonder why people think we¡¯re weird if you say shit like that. I¡¯ll stay¡±


    I know what¡¯s she¡¯s doing, using humour to cope the ufortableness of meeting this woman. I¡¯ll walk with her through the depths of hell if she wants¡­ which we¡¯ve already done once before. Silly me¡­


    Holding hands, we eventually pluck up the courage to open the door and step inside¡­


    __________


    (Temporary Perspective Change)


    ¡°*Huff huff huff*¡­ bah! We¡¯ve finally ripped off father¡¯s hide! Bahahaha!¡±


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    Standing bloodied over a huge corpse, I stand strong with my bold in my grasp fully witnessing what we¡¯ve achieved. I may be the youngest out of my siblings, but today is the day we finally stand victorious!


    Titanomachy, the battle to end all tyranny and after ten long gruelling years, we finally stand free over the corpses of many a titan in a battle that will be sung for the ages! Father Cronos himself took every ounce of strength to bring down and if it wasn¡¯t for all of us pulling are weight together, he would¡¯ve consumed us all.


    Many brave and fearless allies lost their lives, including the cyclops who forged my legendary bolt and plenty others. Only a few of our allies still live, yet, all but two of the titans are no more. The two left remaining switched allegiances and left the battlefield long ago, they were of no threat to us.


    (Poseidon) ¡°We finally stand free! If it wasn¡¯t for you, brother Zeus, we¡¯d have all been consumed again¡±


    (Hera) ¡°I can¡¯t believe we did it, Zeusy! No longer will we have to suffer under father¡¯s thumb!¡±


    (Hades) ¡°Bah¡­ too much death and blood for a lifetime. Need a break in somece dark and quiet¡±


    Most of my siblings stand by my side, just as bloody and victorious as me¡­ but two don¡¯t.


    (Demeter) ¡°She still hasn¡¯t awoken yet, Zeus. I can try supporting her even more but nothing seems to be getting through¡±


    (Zeus) ¡°Bah, well try harder! There has to be a way of waking her!¡±


    The only way we could defeat father was from inside his stomach itself, my siblings having to return to the ce they were once swallowed. Hestia herself has spent the longest amount of time inside that hell, being the first to enter andst to leave on both asions. Her mind must have broken down and I can only hope Demeter¡¯s magic is enough to fix her.


    Cronos¡¯s stomach is not as simple as you may expect, containing abyrinth of differing worlds that would drive even the strongest of souls mad trying to navigate them. A hunger for worlds so to speak, passageways to other dimensions that constantly consume the soul.


    Demeter continues to kneel over and apply magic to Hestia but nothing seems to be making our sister waken. In addition to this, a creeping hand on my shoulder makes me jump out of my beard.


    ¡°Bah! What is the matter with you, Nyx?! You primes didn¡¯t think to lend aid to our plight?¡±


    Appearing from a shadow, the Goddess of the night shows her ugly face right in the shadow of our dead father and gives all of us a fright¡­ apart from Hades. He¡¯s always had a weird friendly rtionship with her.


    ¡°With the paranoia you hold Zeus, we have no ns to ever assist another tyrannical leader in the making. I¡¯m here for one reason only and that¡¯s Hestia¡±


    My problem with these primordial beings is the power they wield, refusing to do anything with it and leaving us lesser Gods to fend for ourselves. Nyx in particr, the rumours is she wants children. Not just a few, an army of children to do her evil bidding. I refuse to believe there¡¯s anything innocent about what she desires¡­ she¡¯ll probably use them to take control over the world or something.


    Heck, I have no idea why she¡¯d want to lend aid to Hestia in the first ce.


    ¡°Bah, then do whatever you can to save her!¡±


    Almost gliding instead of walking, I just know she¡¯s unting her power over us all. She¡¯s a devil and yet none of the other Gods can see through her intentions yet. I promise someday all of you will see her for who she really is!


    ¡°As the first eaten, she bares the full weight of what has happened and decided long ago this is the path she will take. It would be best for all of you to forget her¡±


    (Demeter) ¡°No¡­ I refuse to ept such a horrible fate¡±


    ¡°Bah! What madness is this, Nyx!? Youe here to tell us this is hopeless!?¡±


    It does not matter what she says, we will save her at all costs! The work and effort we put into bringing this tyrannical fuck down¡­ this primordial bitch is here to gloat, I knew it!


    ¡°As she is now, Hestia is gone but not forgotten. There is a way you can bring a small part of her back¡­ that isn¡¯t rmended¡±


    ¡°Bah, well stop wasting time, ckened woman! Speak your tongue and get to the point!¡±


    ¡°It involves a ritual that will require the nymphs that nursed you, Zeus. I¡¯ve already been warned by Chaos this is a terrible idea and that the consequences will be dire¡±


    My titan mother Rhea, one day grew resentful of Cronos and stopped me from being consumed by using a recement and sent me away while I was young. If it weren¡¯t for those ash tree nymphs, that tyranny may have never been surpassed. All my siblings know I¡¯m the strongest of us by far¡­ they should know that by now. I did most of the work.


    Why Nyx even cares about Hestia is beyond me, probably down to something stupid like that old mortal clich¨¦, opposites attract. Hestia is made from peace and warmth while Nyx is mystery and darkness. Maybe there¡¯s some friendship there but titans know I couldn¡¯t care in the slightest!


    ¡°Bah, too many pressing issues, think Zeus think! Okay¡­ first, we¡¯ll drag the titan corpses to Tartarus and throw away the key. I¡¯ve got a special idea for As himself when he awakens¡­¡±


    The idea of having the weight of the world on your shoulders sounds appealing as a punishment, best leave that forter though. The entire world is in peril so the faster we get to work, the better. The titans will never be seen or heard from again, this I can guarantee. If they ever revive, it will be for nothing.


    ¡°Next, we¡¯ll split up the realms and decide who rules over what. Seeing that none of you would have escaped his stomach the first time without my helping, it¡¯s only fair I decide who gets what, right?¡±


    ¡­


    None bat an eyelid to my wisdom meaning my judgment is clear. Hades may have provided morebat efficiency that fight, but Poseidon has always been my favourite brother. We¡¯ll see how things line up¡­ the fact Hades still has colour in his beard pisses me off more than you can imagine.


    ¡°Lastly, we¡¯ll bring her to the witches, the nymphs or specifically the Meliae. They must know more¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Bah, is there no one who can fix the state she¡¯s in!?! And where is Nyx, she should be here by now!¡±


    Inside the remains of a giant ash tree, the Meliae tend to Hera¡¯s lifeless body but are of course still unable to wake her. Hestia¡¯s body has already started to decay, rotting from in and out. It won¡¯t be long before shepletely fades from existence¡­ bah! Happy thoughts Zeus, we still have a chance!


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Patience Zeus¡­ we¡¯re keeping her condition stable but we may need more power. Shall we make a call to our sisters, the dryads to see if they can help?¡±


    ¡°Bah, don¡¯t make meugh. Those idiots couldn¡¯t lead a fish to water¡±


    Only know of two dryads, both of which are moronic. One only cares for trees and the other goblins. Don¡¯t ask.


    Finally, Nyx arrives appearing from the shadows again and it takes all of my willpower to not grab her my that flimsy neck.


    ¡­


    Instead of doing anything, she just stands there with a filled sack and stares at poor Hestia!


    ¡°Bah¡­ for the love of the titans, Nyx! I beg of you, find it in your cold unforgiving heart to spare an innocent soul. She doesn¡¯t deserve this!¡±


    ¡°That isn¡¯t the problem, Zeus. Getting the ingredients took too long¡­ it¡¯s going to take everything I¡¯ve got¡±


    I care little about the words she speaks, only wanting a result. If she can¡¯t be saved, then we¡¯ll grieve and deal with it. Every second she continues to draw breath, I must do all I can to save her.


    Thankfully, the Goddess gets her finger out of her ass and kneels down alongside Hestia, dropping that sack full of goodies in the process.


    ¡°Marrow from a giant¡¯s flock, saliva from a prophet, fangs from a warm-blooded snake, tail from an unhatched lizard, blood from an unwed virgin. That¡¯s unfortunately just the start as she¡¯ll need someone to share the burden. I may be able to withstand some of the force¡±


    A wave of ck aura floods the room, leading to the items only to swirl around them. Then, next to nothing can be seen as that aura grows into a fog as dark as a shadow.


    ¡°I must warn you for onest time Zeus, things will never be the same after this. Borrowing this power from the forgotten ones, it will cause a chain of events that cannot be stopped. If I do this¡­ both of us will never be the same. You will regret this decision someday¡±


    ¡°Bah¡­ is there no other way?¡±


    Already knowing this sort of ritual cannot be good, just the dark nature of the aura screams power that originates from Chaos and or ces even we don¡¯t ask on. Putting my trust in this Goddess really is proving difficult if this is who she got it from. If there were any other way, I¡¯d have done it.


    ¡°Unfortunately not, Chaos itself described it in a vision. This sort of curse can only be done once and may set this world on a path of destruction. The decision is yours alone¡±


    ¡­


    I may pause bit my resolve is settled. This must be done¡­ I can worry on the consequencester on.


    ¡°Bah¡­ then let¡¯s do it. Do we at least have a name for this ursed magic?¡±


    ¡°Chaos referred to it as something called dragon descendant¡­¡±


    __________


    Days, weeks pass before we have an answer. In that time, the titans were locked away in a ce none shall find and war nearly broke out when the ungrateful bastard Hades learnt of what realm I had gifted him. Bastard knew he was getting the short end of the stick and someday I will smash his ugly face in! One of us has to deal with the dead and he is by far the most useless, I mean suitable for it.


    Even Poseidon himself seemed unsure about the whole arrangement but quickly got onboard when I told him of the untapped riches the oceans hold. Especially when the mortals start to flock to this world, he can do what he wants with those that travels the seas.


    Rebuilding the mortal world will take forever but once that is done, we¡¯ll create a world just for us Gods. The idea of a heavenly mountain sounds appealing¡­ maybe called Olympia? Getting to far ahead for now, Hestia awaits.


    (Nymph) ¡°The ritual has been a sess¡­ although. You may not see it that way¡±


    ¡°Bah, why do you say that!?¡±


    ¡°The one known as Nyx has lost arge part of her memory and remains under sedation until she calms down. The one known as Hestia¡­ is seeing the past and present¡±


    Bemused, the Nymph may be concerned with this but I fail to see a problem. That¡¯s until I slowly enter the ckened room, filled with residue from Chaos itself. The aura is as thick as ever.


    Right in the centre of the room, two gigantic winged lizards remain, one fast asleep and the other with eyes that burns brighter than the strongest of stars. That yellow glow is new to me but I do know one thing for certain, Hestia is awake¡­


    ¡°Sister Hestia! The oldest of us sibling and once again, you breathe!¡±


    <This¡­ never should¡¯ve happened, Zeus. You now walk¡­>


    ¡°¡­A path that can only end in defeat. You¡¯ve done something unforgivable¡±


    An expression as dead as a corpse continues to gue her face even as she switches back into her heavenly flesh. I fail to see the problem; this is the least the devilish Nyx could do considering theirck of involvement in the battle.


    ¡°Bah, what is this madness you speak? Us Gods have to stick together, it¡¯s all we have in this world ripe for creation¡±


    ¡°Those words will be long lost to you soon enough. For every happy ending, some amount of personal sacrifice must be made. All these visions filling my head¡­ the path ahead can only end in defeat¡­¡±

 Chapter 242 – The Finale

    Chapter 242 ¨C The Finale


    ¡°¡­Once things had concluded, both Hestia and Nyx became the first of the dragons. Or technically, I became one. One refuses to use such a name when you see the world through the lenses of an hourss, guided and tempted by fate¡±


    ¡®What the actual fuck was that!? Damn¡­ at least give us a warning if we¡¯re looking through a memory¡¯


    Actually witnessing in person what just happened, me and Petra return back to the basement after witnessing Zeus¡¯s perception through the oracle.


    You understand how gross that felt wearing the skin of someone who rarely bathes and might as well have a tree trunk swinging down below!? At least I know why he¡¯s had so many affairs¡­


    Helping me up because my sorry hide couldn¡¯t help but fall, Petra locks eyes with the oracle before I get the chance, seeming to quiver a little from the sight.


    I can understand why just because she hates her mother. The fact she has glowing yellow eyes and a body that could rival Nyx herself is meaningless.


    ----------


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ----------


    ¡°Those visions make no sense; how could more dragons develop just from those two? And ording to legend, you, Hestia, are supposed to be a virgin?¡±


    I mean, it¡¯s basic biology. When two mummies love each other very much, they either adopt or find some way of bing inseminated. No male dragons means no little dragons.


    ¡°The blood worked as a disease before it could fully fester, all it took was spilling a little and more came after. After an undocumented amount of time, the blood trickled down and the species evolved to what you see now¡­¡±


    Shit. All that strange phoenix DNA we¡¯ve learnt about ourselves holds nothing to the beginnings of the dragon. I¡¯m not even going to question the fact you could make a case for me and Petra being rted. If you believe in the Adam and Eve shit, then all humans on Earth are rted!


    ¡°¡­The virginity you question on has always remained intact, even to this day. Such a thing bes a burden when all it can do is add onto more variable futures¡±


    Well¡­ that makes no fucking sense! My wife may have came to this world through summoning like me, but we both needed that dragon egg to develop. That still requires a mummy and daddy dragon¡­ I¡¯m missing my father again now.


    ¡°Do I really have to be blunt? How the hell can you be a virgin if this lovely, albeit pain in the arse is still alongside me?¡±


    Normally, my awkward sense of humour is appreciated but I think the seriousness of this situation has put Petra in a trance. She¡¯s listening in, just not daring to look her mother in the eye anymore and shut her body up like she¡¯s cold or something.


    ¡°That is another story in itself, but one I feel less inclined to share. Summarized¡­ Nyx was her birth mother while I nursed the egg. Mine was infertile while hers housed a hatchling. It was an easy enough switch to make while she visited Chaos¡±


    ¡®Dear God, this is starting to sound like some estranged soap opera now. For real though, Petra¡¯s real mother is Nyx?¡¯


    (Petra) ¡°But¡­ why?¡±


    ¡°To ensure the ideal future, you had to grow up in environment suitable for development. The blinding and the pain endured; you wouldn¡¯t have brought all the phoenixes together if it wasn¡¯t for my intervention¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Then Mute is the same? Did she have to suffer just because the future demanded it as well!?¡±


    ¡°Yes, switched early on as well. Someday when you both grow older, you¡¯ll understand everything I¡¯ve done is for the greater good. Without me, the likelihood of all of you dying prematurely would¡¯ve increased drastically¡±


    I always knew Petra¡¯s mother, or now non-mother would make me infuriated by the way she¡¯s treated her kids. It¡¯s taking every bit of my willpower not to rip this woman to shreds. Whether it helped us in the long run or not is irrelevant, a parent should always put their kids first! Adopted or not, it makes no freaking difference!


    ¡°*Sigh*¡­ don¡¯t bother Ikarus. She¡¯s always been like this¡­ at least she¡¯s not talking in vague riddles for a change¡±


    This brings me back to one of the earlier conversations I had with Petra. That being the first time I met Ariza and Zeki, the reason why Petra was stalking me in the first ce. Her mother said that the fourth phoenix would bring about the end of the world.


    All of this is making me angry and my head spin, could go for a very long sleep with everything that has gone on today.


    ¡°So¡­ just making this sure so I understand. You¡¯re technically Hestia? And Petra¡¯s mother¡­ is Nyx? What about her father then? By the sounds of it, the creators were involved as well? Or¡­ primordial beings?¡±


    ¡°Primordial beings, Outer Gods, Architects, Powers that be, that term is meaningless but their power isn¡¯t. Technically speaking, the child wouldn¡¯t have a father because Chaos is an impossible being. You¡¯ll likely nevere across that force, it and Nyx did create her though¡±


    So¡­ my wife is basically the lovechild of two primordial Gods? No wonder why I always felt like she was the protagonist in our adventures travelling the world. She literally is the chosen one.


    ¡°Please Ikarus, don¡¯t. You¡¯re looking at me like Charlotte does with Nathan¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not! There just filled with love like always, there¡¯s nothing new to see here!¡±


    Putting my awestruck eyes aside for one second, this really isn¡¯t a moment for my usual carefreeness. A mystery as big as Chaos and Nyx producing a child for the ages¡­ I swear some myths say he was supposed to be Nyx¡¯s father as well.


    ¡­


    I¡¯m going to ignore that one and just assume he created Nyx in a test tube or something. Why can¡¯t one story in Greek mythology just be clear and not involve some sort of incest?


    ¡°Back onto the prophecy. The stuff you foretold to Asmodeus and Gods know everyone else. Zeus¡¯s paranoia towards us started from that, so couldn¡¯t this all have ended peacefully?¡±


    Even discarding my distaste for this womanckingpassion, this is something else that pisses me off. Why tell the extremely paranoid Zeus that we¡¯re a threat? We wouldn¡¯t have lost father if that were the case¡­ freaking Charybdis.


    ¡°Bit and pieces always get interpreted in different ways; people will always react badly so futures must remain vague. I once told Olympus a world would be destroyed. Nothing more, nothing less. Zeus would¡¯ve found any reason to be paranoid with you four¡±


    ¡°What about the dragon ritual? Why were the two of you needed though?¡±


    Surprisingly, Petra asks that while still looking like she¡¯s still in her shell. I really want tofort her and all but I¡¯ve already tried and been turned away. I don¡¯t think she wants to be touched right now.


    ¡°Without the blood being shared between two souls, one would¡¯ve ended up in a situationparable to the creators. Nyx knew this and made the sacrifice to spare Hestia¡¯s soul from ascending¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°But, this entire thing makes no sense. Asmodeus said dragonse from those giant creatures down south¡±


    Asmodeus once said dragons descended came from the gigantic fossilized creatures down in the south and that stuck with me. This theorypletely throws that one in the toilet.


    Just me mentioning Asmodeus seems to leave a bad taste in the oracle¡¯s mouth, at least we¡¯re all in agreement of our dislike of him.


    ¡°Do you take every rumour or story he hears as gospel? Or have both of you be blind to his showmanship? It¡¯s not entirely untrue though¡­ the bloodes from the same area¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Dermakvar¡­ and Asmodeus. You must know if they¡¯re okay?¡±


    Now knowing the reason why Petra¡¯s so distraught, I guess it justes down to our fathers really. Or her adopted one which also caused her a load of hassle, that side of her family just needs to fuck off at this point.


    ¡°My visons stopped past a certain date¡­ I wouldn¡¯t waste time worrying about those two. I have no reasons to suspect they wouldn¡¯t be ¡®okay¡¯. The Underworld is a vast ce, look long enough and you¡¯ll find them somewhere¡±


    ¡®Yeah yeah, just tell me not to care about my grumpy father. I guess he could be having the time of his life, chasing ghostly tail and crashing into other ghostly things. I haven¡¯t a clue what the dead do!¡¯


    ¡­


    Even though we¡¯ve already had a load to discuss, this feels like we¡¯re finallying to the end with the fabled oracle. There will always be something we forget to ask; I can¡¯t say if we¡¯d actually want all the answers though.


    ¡°Is there anything else you two would like to ask or are we finished?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­ Petra? Anything you want to say to add?¡±


    ¡°No Ikarus. The sooner we leave¡­ the better¡±


    ¡®Agreed. The wife¡¯s wisdom was right, we¡¯ll never get an apology out of this woman for what happened. Best just leave her¡¯


    But wait, there is still one more thing. What happens now in the present? We lost our chance to enact revenge on Asmodeus for the abuse¡­ we can¡¯t just let her roam free, can we?


    ¡°Then just one final question¡­ what now? We walk off into the sunset and let you be? Or is your fate sealed?¡±


    ¡°Correct. What happens now is that I die, and you two live. Destiny was always predetermined up to this point and my fate was already set. I must die in Zeus¡¯s pce, this determined future would always end that way¡±


    ¡°So¡­ do we fight then?¡±


    If we have to do this, I¡¯m not allowing Petra tond the final blow. I¡¯m not allowing her to go through a Greek tragedy¡­ at least the ending I mean. Her life has been filled with enough pain already.


    ¡°There is no need for that, I¡¯ll be returning below in less than an hour. The only thing giving me a life was the God you killed, already feel it fading so it¡¯s just a matter of time. Technically speaking, I died long ago and this was just him not being able to let go. He did always try his hardest at breaking universal rules¡±


    ¡®She¡¯s already dead? This should confirm it¡­ status¡¯


    [<Status scans don¡¯t apply to beings that are considered undead Ikarus¡­ as you already knew>]


    Asmodeus and Petra were technically right as Zeus himself must¡¯ve brought the oracle back to the world of the living himself. How did she actually die in the first ce though?


    ¡°You just know I¡¯ve got to ask¡­ how?¡±


    In a split second, what felt like the atmosphere easing now falls off a cliff face when I ask that question. I wouldn¡¯t think your own death would be such a touchy subject.


    (Petra) ¡°It might be best if we change the topic, Ikarus¡±


    (Oracle) ¡°Humorous. There¡¯s no need to feel guilty about what was done, fate demined you¡¯d strike down the one you believe to be your mother¡±


    ¡®Damn¡­ guess I¡¯m toote to prevent the tragedy. Petra already did the task long ago¡¯


    ¡­


    And of course, the vibe in this ce is just in awkward. I think this has to be it, what else is there really to discuss?


    ¡°Is there¡­ anything you want to do or say before you bite the bullet? Maybe a regret or two?¡±


    Maybe I can try being a little more sensitive, but fuck it. I want to hear her apologize for ruining Petra¡¯s childhood even if I know it won¡¯t happen.


    ¡°Regrets¡­ no, I have none¡­¡±


    ¡®Yep¡­ not surprised at all¡¯


    ¡°¡­I do however have a request. The next few hours of waiting, especially with no view of any futures past this point is pointless. Please, use that de of yours and finish what should¡¯ve remained permanent¡±


    ¡­


    I¡­ both of us are unsure what to say on this request. I¡¯m not opposed to doing it, just didn¡¯t think this would be the way the fabled oracle goes out. Where¡¯s the epic battle like with Charybdis? Already know it¡¯s going to feel bittersweet¡­


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you prefer watching the sunset or something? From up here, it¡¯ll be pretty damn peaceful¡±


    ¡°At heart, I¡¯m still of Olympian blood so dying by de is attractive. Besides, one step outside and I¡¯ll turn to dust. It¡¯s not a difficult decision, just decide. This choice means nothing in the grand scheme of things¡±


    The monotone oracle who was still seated on that crate gets up, turns to face away from us and then kneels, like she wants that Roman style soldier¡¯s death where the de is pierced downwards into the neck. Don¡¯t ask¡­ know way too many execution style stuff from the Greek and Roman era. Did always say I¡¯m a geek when ites to things like that.


    ¡°The choice is yours, Ikarus. I¡­ I¡¯ll wait outside for you¡±


    Knowing Petra has had enough, she swiftly leaves the cer so just me and the oracle are now alone. On one hand, I feel inclined to strike her considering what she has done to the wife. On the other, especially if Petra has already got her revenge before, it¡¯s not worth the effort.


    ¡®Eh, choices. All thises down to is if I want to bloody my de again¡­¡¯


    __________


    ¡°All done now Petra, you want to know what happ-¡±


    Greeting the wife at the golden door, she immediately stops me with a kiss and stops me saying anything else. I may sometimes be dense and a little moronic, I do know when to shut it though. The kiss is surprisingly nice considering everything that¡¯s just happened.


    ¡°G-Gotcha, zip it¡±


    ¡­


    Before we head back out, we both take one finale minute to take a breather before we exit. Once we head back outside, it¡¯s over, or the job is officially done. The fighting never stops but to anything other than primordial threats, we should be safe.


    With hands locked together, we push the door open and go back outside¡­


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk¡­ couldn¡¯t you two have cut off the grumpy guy¡¯s head or something? We¡¯re not leaving here without some trophy!¡±


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh Zeki¡­ some things never change¡±


    (Kellearzar) <Wee back! I hope you got vengeance for Demakvar, Ikarus>


    (Nathan) ¡°This¡­ doesn¡¯t feel how I expected. It¡¯s nice knowing paranoia won¡¯t be the reason this world falters, it¡¯s just father dying like this feels wrong. Always thought it would be in some spectacr fight like with the titans¡±


    (Charlotte) ¡°Yup Nat, we¡¯re safe for now. My de will always be ready for any heathens we fall across¡­¡±


    As soon as we step outside, we¡¯re greeted with the entire party standing around a pile of cut up denizens. Everyone has built up quite the sweat, presume the battle must¡¯ve been harder than first thought. I¡¯ll ask on this another time. For right now though, Nyx cautiously approaches the both of us unsure what to say.


    ¡°Heya Nyx¡­ thanks for dealing with the demon guy. Should I leave you two alone?¡±


    She heard everything that was said between Hestia and Petra, that much seems obvious to me. Maybe not her intention to eavesdrop, it doesn¡¯t matter. Her face screams of guilt.


    (Petra) ¡°Ikarus, please stay. Did you know, Nyx?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ wasn¡¯t aware, my child. Everything she said, I heard. If I had known the truth then¡­ I¡¯d have killed and revived that bitch for eternity. I¡­ wouldn¡¯t have changed the past, just made she sure suffers for what she¡¯s done to you¡±


    An aura of pure anger yet a face full of sadness, Nyx really seems heartbroken about all this. Think the reason why she wouldn¡¯t change the past justes down to the butterfly effect, you don¡¯t know if things would¡¯ve ended better or not. I do still wish she had a happier upbringing though¡­


    ¡°Would you mind¡­ if I could just hold for a moment?¡±


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s fine, Nyx. Hug away¡±


    Leaning in and then squeezing her in only a way a mother can do, I swear my heart skips a beat. My wife finally has a non-abusive mother and Nyx is like famous for mothering! She finally gets a happy ending of sorts¡­


    <Ikarus¡­>


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare get any ideas, mother! I will start screaming and kicking if youe close!¡±


    <Aww¡­>


    In but a moment, I manage topletely destroy my own mother¡¯s heart, making nearly everyone else chuckle. The only hugging I want is from the wife! Mother¡¯s hugs are just too much, whether in dragon or human. It¡¯s either getting covered in dragon drool, or being suffocated by two gigantic pounds of flesh!


    ¡°Nyx¡­ there¡¯s something I¡¯ve got to ask if it¡¯s okay. How is it your other kids aren¡¯t dragons?¡±


    ¡°It¡­ muste down to how she was conceived really. That time I visited Chaos; I must¡¯ve visited in dragon¡­ even if my memory cks out every time it happens¡±


    Oh right, Nyx still has no memory of when she enters that form and Petra¡¯s father is definitely Chaos. I need to force the wholesomeness back up again and ignore the obvious contradictions that always happen with mythology.


    Chaos is NOT Nyx¡¯s father; your wife is NOT another story about Greek mythology ending up in incest. He¡¯s just Nyx¡¯s creator, NOT father. For obvious reasons, I dare not ask if my version of events is true or not¡­


    ¡°Erk, can you morons stop hugging already? The cow is calling for me, know her disturbing scent in the wind. That t Goddess better not be hiding again because I know I can convince her¡±


    ¡­


    And of course, the wholesomeness on this mountain falls off the peak and fades into oblivion. This is why you don¡¯t bring Zeki anywhere.


    ¡°Heh, we¡¯ll leave in a minute. Just go wait down in the cave for a while, Zeki, just want just a little time with Ikarus for now¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°*Sighhh*. You know something Petra? You really were the protagonist of our adventure all along¡±


    As I stare out over the endless world, leaning against my wife¡¯s shoulder and possessing a smile as dopey as I can muster, things really feel nice. If you exclude the primordial Gods and all their meddling, the world might as well be ours. It¡¯s finally time for this bird to join the dark side and turn pure evil! Muhahahaha¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s just not true Ikarus, your system alone would triumph mine if we ever fought for real. If you¡¯re feeling insecu-¡±


    ¡°No no wifey, just making a joke. I¡¯m getting nostalgic, I guess. There was a time where you really were the protagonist¡±


    Memories flow into my head, especially the ones where we travelled a lot. Every other ce we came across, Petra had visited or had some type of history.


    The elven city of Aurora, the mountainous kingdom of the dwarves, the vast but somewhat empty deserts of Krieger, the jungles and bone fields of Mdonia, the northern icefields, the dragon enving empire of Sierra, even our home back on Lesbos. Can¡¯t say all are happy but they are memories nevertheless.


    I miss out more than a few but there¡¯s still a load of good memories¡­ all dungeons suck arse though. That kinky bikini in particr was always a stupid memory that Zeki now has the misery of in his schoolgirl attire. I wonder if there¡¯s anyway I can cause him further difort? We¡¯ve got our entire lives to make him suffer! Life really is great¡­


    ¡°Any regrets, Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, not learning to love you even quicker, Ikarus. Love at first sight wasn¡¯t quick enough¡±


    ¡­


    I can¡¯t help but facepalm and pout from thatment. My life is going to be torture if she continues to keep up these sappy lines that gets my heart in a twist.


    ¡°Love you two Petra, but please be serious for a sec¡±


    ¡°Heh, I was Ikarus. For something more serious¡­ wish your father could¡¯ve been saved. Maybe if Asmodeus shared more, we could¡¯ve effectively nned more and found a solution¡±


    I think deep down Petra¡¯s happy she didn¡¯t have to make that choice when ites to Asmodeus. What I mean by that is even if we had grown to his annoying charm, would it have been safe to leave him alive?


    I may have an arsenal suitable for world destruction, he was capable of actually destroying worlds using his own two hands though. It¡¯s probably for the best he¡¯s dead.


    ¡°So¡­ what now?¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ perhaps a long vacation Ikarus? Earth could be a fun visit again¡±


    That¡¯s¡­ an interesting idea but maybe not for the time being.


    ¡°Eh, maybe in time¡­ presume there will be a loads of paperwork our corrupt politician needs signing off on. Be honest with me¡­ you just want to return to that love hotel, don¡¯t cha?¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re imagining things Ikarus. Hop on a ne¡­ see the world. If we end up at a simr hotel, maybe even more restrictive thanst time, then so be it¡­¡±


    Pouting face activated again. Once she starts, she just can¡¯t help herself.


    ¡°Oh, make sure you pack Brookyln as well. It¡¯s hard to decide who¡¯s the cutest out of the both of you. You have no idea how much he rocks a skirt¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ some things never change, do they Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, just tell me to stop and I will¡­ we teleporting back?¡±


    ¡°Sure¡­ just onest thing before we round everyone up. Promise it won¡¯t take long¡±


    Hair blowing in the wind, looking straight into Petra¡¯s glowing eyes over the distant horizon, there¡¯s no time better than for a kiss.


    ¡°Heh, love you, Ikarus¡±


    ¡°L-Love ya too, Petra¡­¡±


    __________


    __________


    ---Extra images/styles, and some old images left over and credits spare. These obviously aren¡¯t handwritten, best I can do is fix a few hands.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]

 Chapter Epilogue 0 – Nostalgia (18+)

    Chapter Epilogue 0 ¨C Nostalgia (18+)


    ---Most of this chapter is ¡°vani¡±. You¡¯ll understand what I mean soon enough¡­


    __________


    Upon saving the world and returning to the settlement, you best know there¡¯s only one way we can truly celebrate.


    The rest of the settlement may be celebrating to a degree I didn¡¯t think possible, partying and drinking like a miracle has urred. None of that really matters to us though. We lovebirds have always preferred the solitude of a little peace and quiet.


    ¡°Heh, can tell you¡¯re a little on edge tonight, Ikarus. Want me to loosen you up?¡±


    ¡°Always¡­ it¡¯s just the explosions really¡±


    Never liked fireworks, always sets off my flight or fight response so you best know we¡¯re entering my headspace as soon as possible.


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m down for tonight, Ikarus. It¡¯s just¡­ I am feeling a little tied though¡±


    We¡¯re both down for a little booty loving of course, but everything that has gone on today has tuckered us out.


    Is tonight finally the time we experience ED or something? Nah, fuck knows that won¡¯t be a problem. Might end up falling asleep half way through, but that¡¯s what stamina-love potions are for.


    ¡°Well regardless, let¡¯s head into my headspace and see how things go¡±


    Both of us lock hands on our bed and get ready to enter my own world, not before Petra gives me a quick kiss before we enter. She really has no patience, huh.


    ¡®Eh? What the hell have you been up to, Aesa?¡¯


    Entering my void like headspace, it looks like the scene is already set.


    A small beach, a tranquil meadow by a huge flowing waterfall, even a love heart shaped bed right in the middle of the flowers. Yet, no pervy or naked clone can be seen or even heard. I guess Aesa might be celebrating with the others right now.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    So, what type of perversion are we to act upon today? Could we y cat and mouse in the meadow or even go further down the bondage rabbit hole? Eh, that second option sounds like a bit much.


    ¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ve got an idea Petra¡­ keep an open mind though¡±


    yful jumping onto the bed and seductively crossing my legs, this already get the wife¡¯s ocean blue eyes ncing my way. Maybe I¡¯ll even open up a little if you catch my meaning, always thought that crossing the legs scene in movies was hot as hell.


    ¡°Heh, what is it, Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Today, we¡¯re going to do it in the most boring way fashionable! Like missionary with socks on sort of boring¡­ don¡¯t you look at me like that! It¡¯s a good idea!¡±


    Already getting a small giggle out of her, I can¡¯t help but pout. This is a good idea; our devilish minds must be purged once in a while so what¡¯s wrong with vani?


    Even though Petra hasn¡¯t answered me yet, I know she won¡¯t say no to this so might as well get prepared. In the blink of an eye, my clothes are scattered around the meadow.


    Except, there¡¯s still a set of metallic underwear locked onto my body. Sometimes Aesa is just annoying, why the hell is this chastity set still locked on!?


    ¡°Oh,e on! I¡¯ve been tormented enough for a lifetime already¡­ just toss me a bone, please?¡±


    ¡°Heh, funny you should say that, Ikarus. I was wandering what was poking me¡±


    Pulling a glowing purple key out of her pocket, she takes one look at me and starts to grin. Aesa is so getting punished when she dares show her face inside here again¡­


    [It¡¯s as if Ikarus is trying to make Aesa appear]


    ¡®Ah, so you are here then. Surprised you don¡¯t want to celebrate with us¡¯


    [Aesa is currently partying with the cultists with one eye metaphorically on lovebirds. Aesa thought it would be better if only you two had intercourse for now]


    Thankfully while I¡¯m tying my best not to be turned off by Aesa¡¯s robotic nature, Petra ces the glowing key up to my ¡®armour¡¯ and both things snap off when it makes contact.


    ¡°Heh, nice and boring it is then. If you¡¯re looking to spice things up Ikarus, we could always do it at the end of the be-¡±


    Literally shutting the wife up with a face full of Ikarus, even banging my head a little in the process, it¡¯s only fair if she¡¯s going to make jokes I pounce on her like a cougar, right?


    ¡°Heh, fair enough. Maybe you can add a little spice in the way of a form change?¡±


    Just taking one look at her sly face when we stop kissing, I¡¯m not all that surprised she¡¯s brought this up. If she wants him so much, might as well just give up already¡­


    ¡°If you really want Brooklyn that muc-¡±


    ¡°Heh, no no, Ikarus, not that form. The fluffier one¡±


    ¡°The fluffier one? You want to do it as phoen-¡­ I¡¯m such an idiot¡±


    That causes me to shake my head in embarrassment. Mercifully for my own tastes, Petra is talking about my beastkin form rather than the phoenix. Not even sure how that would work, could use our beaks but we abandoned trying something like that a long time ago.


    With a blink of an eye and a little spin because why not, I change my body while Petra gets into her birthday suit. It¡¯s now time for some fluffy action!


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ¡°Heh¡­ beautiful Ikarus¡±


    Both on our knees holding each other in our arms, my tail instinctively starts to wag from thepliment. I was already predicating this might happen though.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re so boring, Ikarus, that¡¯s a no to any toys including the attachable belt, right?¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ I guess so¡±


    As much as in ol¡¯missionary was my goal, we¡¯re kindacking the equipment if you catch my meaning. Honestly surprised she¡¯s not mentioning Brooklyn again because he¡¯d have the manpower for the job, guess we¡¯ll just have to settle for lesbian vani stuff.


    ¡°Heh, then this will have to do¡±


    Not needing much to stop us getting started, Petra¡¯s hands start to wander above and we passionately lock lips again¡­ until she does something that makes my leg twitch and my tail to wag uncontrobly.


    ¡°Heh¡­ you¡¯re purring, Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Mhmmm¡­ d-da fuck!? Don¡¯t scratch there then!¡±


    Scratching behind and just below my ears, it¡¯s inevitable Petra will find some way of torment even if she doesn¡¯t mean it. My leg actually twitches from ear scratches!


    Eh, in my defence, it¡¯s more like humming rather than purring. Know this would be a mistake.


    After a quick giggle, Petra continues her conquest, slowly and seductively kissing down my neck and making sure to touch nearly everything she can. Warm hands running down my sides and bottom, knew where they were going the second she started this.


    Her hands wander right to where my wagging tail sits, cautiously running her fingernails through and against my fluff. Guess this isn¡¯t the vani I was hoping for but fuck it, it¡¯s already causing a huge fluster.


    My hands caress Petra¡¯s ample bosom, her chest always being a smaller side but still greatly satisfying to hold. Instinctively, my hands always go to where the money is made.


    Eventually, both of us progress this forey to the point where I¡¯m now t on the bed and Petra¡¯s stunning body lying over me. I can never get enough of that smile; she always causes my heart to skip a beat.


    ¡°Heh, always on bottom, Ikarus¡±


    ¡®Haw haw, she always does this¡­ woah!¡¯


    Leaving nothing to the imagination, Petra dives in to her prey going straight for one of my nipples with her mouth, a hand going straight for the other breast and thest hand strays much further down below. Three fingers find their way inside, instantly causing my eyes to roll into the back of my head.


    ¡°Mhmmm¡­¡±


    The nibbling, pinching and fingering is mind blowing, almost so it causes me to lose my goal. Petra has always been too nice for her own good and really should demand I give her something in return.


    Both my hands go for her breasts squished in-between the both of us, this time around not being down to personal taste and more down to the fact I can¡¯t reach any other sensitive spots. I¡¯d love to get her off but I can¡¯t right now.


    ¡°Heh, you really have no control over that tail, do you, little kitty?¡±


    ¡°Mhm-, d-damn it! That does it, it¡¯s your turn now!¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ what are you doing, Ikarus?¡±


    Conjuring all the inner strength getting close to cumming gives me, I manage to lift up the wife and wiggle free for her grip, basically ending up with a face full of breast.


    ¡®I had a dream about this once¡­ no Ikarus, focus! Breasts are amazing but this isn¡¯t the goal!¡¯


    Then, I scootch on further down, pushing the wife higher up and getting to a position where her thighs are in touching distance to my face. This is my goal.


    ¡°Heh, and here I thought you wanted to go on top. Somethings never change, do they, Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°Oi, just shut up and let¡¯s do thi-, mhm!¡±


    Petra thankfully takes the hint, letting gravity to the work as my facepletely disappears into her loins. Use me as a crotch pillow, bish! This way, I can give Petra what she deserves.


    The master technique of twisting and sucking through your tongue, a technique I¡¯ve learnt so much about and now Petra is fully using it for her own desires. It almost seems like she¡¯s even trying to hump my face a little as well, I¡¯m happy with anything if it will get her off. She¡¯s so damn cute¡­


    ¡°Ikarus¡­¡±


    Not idea how long I keep this up, no need for distractions or even air, all I do is make sure to make my life¡¯s goal to lick this oddly tasting ice cream. The thing is, Petra may sometimes struggle to get over the line but she¡¯s growing closer every second. The pleasure for my wife is bing too much to bear¡­


    ¡°H-Heh¡­ I-Ikarus¡­¡±


    A small quiver that leads to an even bigger quiver, resulting in Petra losingplete control and forcibly shaking all over my face. As quiet as a mouse yet as graceful as a swan, her orgasms have always been reserved but that works a charm. She¡¯s got the calm and collected role; I¡¯ve got the mad and unhinged one¡­


    ¡°Your turn, Ikarus. Keep it in for as long as you can, okay?¡±


    ¡°O-Okay¡­ m-mhmmm¡­¡±


    After Petra finishes her grand finale, it¡¯s now my time. Getting off my face and sliding down myself, she quickly finds herself in the same exactly position. Facing up against my crotch, she dives heed first into the meal.


    Her technique immediately causes me to bite down on my lips, that swirling and sucking is impossible to resist. Considering my hands are free as well, this gives me the perfect chance to do what I love best, y with my breasts.


    But Ie to quickly regret this when groping myself and being eaten out forces my endurance to switch up a gear. As usual, I¡¯ve already hit the mountain peak in less than thirty seconds. I¡¯m starting to think the longer we leave our sessions, the worse my endurance gets! We haven¡¯t done it in so long it feels like¡­


    ¡°P-Petra! T-Too much¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh, little longer, Ikarus. You can bear it¡±


    Riding the blissful high, Petra in her infinite wisdom decides to press down and suck even harder, her muffled hehing for deep within me. The second I let go, this is going to feel so good. Just hold on Ikarus, it¡¯ll be so great¡­


    ¡°F-F-Fuck! U-Urghhh¡­¡±


    Myposurepletely goes astray when a stray finger finds its way pressing and rubbing against my button. This inbination with the sucking is more than enough to force it out¡­


    My body goes intoplete shutdown, orgasmic energy ripping through the both of us as I shake and spiral out of control. Riding the waves of pure heaven, this orgasm is mind shattering.


    ¡°P-Phew¡­ amazing as a-always¡±


    ¡°Heh, nice and boring was that, Ikarus? I¡¯m not sure you¡¯ve squirmed enough yet¡±


    Even as I struggle through the post orgasm highs, Petra continues to draw circles around my bean clearly showing she wants to torment me some more. I¡¯ve always had a love-hate rtionship with that sensitivity.


    ¡°C-Can¡¯t you just try not being creepy and o-ominous for a change?¡±


    ¡°Heh, how boring do you want me to be, Ikarus? Every time I say something seductive, you smirk. It¡¯s hard to stop when it makes you happy¡±


    ¡°I totally do not, that is fake news! Prove it, say something and I won¡¯t smile!¡±


    I can¡¯t help but pout and crawl free of my wife¡¯s clutches so we¡¯re now both sitting up and facing each other on the bed. I know she once said my aura glows when she torments me, but I still refuse to believe it!


    ¡°Heh, fine then, Ikarus. How much do you long for head pats? Heh, do you really want to purr that badly?¡±


    sh! A small camara floats behind Petra and takes a picture of the moment I apparently smile. Then, Petra plucks it from out of the air and shows me the picture.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­preferred living in denial. Let¡¯s just cuddle up and maybe I¡¯ll purr for you in my sleep or something¡­¡±


    __________


    ---Now for the way less vani bit¡­


    ----------


    ¡°Could stay here and watch this forever¡±


    ¡°Heh, the waterfall is beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Oi numpty. I¡¯m only looking at you¡±


    Lying down together in each other¡¯s arms once again, today I¡¯m the bigger spoon as I can see the back of Petra¡¯s silky hair and the ever-flowing waterfall. Aesa really has done a great job creating this scene, the tranquil waterfall and the sound of sshing water is honestly lovely. Obviously, nothing in the entire worldpares to the woman in my arms.


    Just as we¡¯re falling into the endless slumber my headspace can provide; a quiet voicees from behind us. The voice is extremely familiar, that robotic tone neverpletely left even as she gained more emotion. It¡¯s just odd how it sounds like it¡¯sing from the floor though¡­


    ¡°Ahem¡­ this isn¡¯t what wife and Ikarus think it is¡±


    ¡°Aesa¡­ this is a bit much¡±


    ¡°Bad Aesa! We were trying to keep things tame!¡±


    Literally on all fours in what can only be described as something too far gone, Aesa today had turned herself into a kinky pet.


    ¡®Really Aesa? Really!?¡¯


    Completely decked out intex walking on her elbows and knees, arms and legs folded into the connecting sleeves, she appears to bepletely stuck with a look of pure guilt on her face. Atex petsuit, my system has gone to a ce even me and Petra won¡¯t go.


    ¡°Aesa may have explored further into that book and found a spell that Aesa can¡¯t break free of. It somehow bypasses admin privileges; Aesa can¡¯t do anything while this stupid suit remains on!¡±


    Struggling by rolling herself on the ground and desperately throwing her bended limbs about, that suit gives no leeway and she¡¯s a stuck as someone in washing machine with her step sibling behind them. Thatparison perfectly gets this message across, stupid kinky Aesa!


    ¡°Sense any irony here, Aesa? Eh¡­ it doesn¡¯t appear to have a zipper, maybe it can be cut?¡±


    ¡°Heh, we could do that, Ikarus, or we could do nothing and let her sort this out herself¡±


    ¡°Aesa doesn¡¯t think wife understands, Aesa can¡¯t get out of this!¡±


    Actually starting to look stressed as well as embarrassed, Aesa really is in a pickle especially when we both know how evil the wife can get. Hey, just because I¡¯d love her to the moon and back doesn¡¯t mean I know she has a wicked side.


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t think you can be trusted with that book anymore. This really isn¡¯t our sort of thing¡­ guess you could say a punishment is justified¡±


    Not needing anymore to be said, I form up a whip for the wife because we all know where this is leading. Pain slut Aesa, it may look like Petra¡¯s being nasty but this is her at her kindest.


    ¡°Yeah yeah, I know where this is going. You cum from this and we¡¯re never letting you out of that suit¡±


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯ll never be whipped again as well. How this ys out ispletely down to you, Aesa¡±


    ¡°Ikarus and wife are joking¡­ r-right?¡±


    Both me and wife give the now stuttering Aesa the most reassuring smile we can conjure up. Whether we¡¯re joking or not is irrelevant, my system definitely needs to learn what¡¯s right and wrong¡­


    ¡°Heh, we all know what the safeword is. Let¡¯s begin¡­¡±

 Chapter Epilogue 1 – Peace and Quiet

    Chapter Epilogue 1 ¨C Peace and Quiet


    __________


    Blissful peace, no sight of even a traitor. Enough time loitering, time surpassed a mere five yearster¡­


    ¡­


    ¡®Sighhh¡­ what time do you call this? Midday they said, the sun is long past that point already¡¯


    All along the watchtow-, I mean alone on the coast, I scan the ocean channel in search of a dragon that is obnoxiouslyte. Sure, they told me not to bother teleporting over as it would be of help, as if this goddamn waiting is doing me a favour!


    As I huff and puff about the waiting, I finally catch a glimpse of some darkened wings in the distance. It¡¯s about bloody time!


    The purple dragon eventually reaches the shore, finds room tond and one of the passengers gets down while the other two, much smaller in size remain seated on that harness up on her back.


    (Emperor Desmond) ¡°Oh, erm¡­ Ikarus? That you?¡±


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ don¡¯t ask, Desmond. Always me the wife¡­ you should know that better than anyone else¡±


    (Desmond) ¡°Why are you looking at me like that, Es? Ikarus is the one who said it!¡±


    (Esmerelda) <One doesn¡¯t need to read minds to know Des is in agreement>


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    In order to exin my Brooklyn like appearance, it firstes down to the fact Petra is a she-devil. She¡¯s been withholding you know what unless I live in my original body! The amount of kinky stuff in the bedroom she¡¯s made me do is terrifying!


    In all seriousness and sarcasm aside, it started as my idea in order to try and appear slightly more masculine to someone. Now, it¡¯s just something I do¡­ maybe once or twice a month? There¡¯s no funny story to it really¡­ kinda wish crossdressing didn¡¯t suit me so much still.


    ¡°Okay¡­ well the ydate is over at least. Any reason for the¡­ clothing? Guess Petra is the sort to be into that¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just hear me? I said don¡¯t ask!¡±


    (Desmond) ¡°Well anyways, the problem has been returned¡­ it¡¯s a damn joke, Es!¡±


    <Language¡­ thou will pick up bad habits if Des continues>


    A poor bullied emperor receives a deathly stare from the dragon empress. I really should be taking Esmerelda¡¯s side here¡­ but I can¡¯t help but take his side. Just because I love the kid doesn¡¯t mean he isn¡¯t a gigantic pain in the arse.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got to head to the Underworld so let¡¯s hurry up¡­ alright kids? You two going to say hello yet?¡±


    Still on Esmerelda¡¯s back, one of the little kids is clearly trying his best at hiding but fails to a greet degree. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if he flips the bird or something. The other, she is a sweetheart.


    (Girl) ¡°Umm¡­ h-hi Ikarus. Are you¡­ e-erm, okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alright, Jaq. I¡¯m honestly worried he might drive you insane¡±


    One of the kids is purple haired in colour, has a slight stutter but is kind, polite and is delightful to be around. Jaquelin is her name and she¡¯s a charm. The other however¡­ might be the reincarnation of Satan and Luciferbined¡­


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    (Boy) ¡°Jaq likes me, mummy number two! You¡¯re just stinky so no one like you!¡±


    ¡°Oi! You wanting a beating, Brooks?¡±


    It shouldn¡¯t be hard to figure out who he¡¯s named after just from that alone. Naming him Brooks really isn¡¯t something I could argue with considering Petra pooped him out. Basically the same thing, ain¡¯t no one gonna tell me otherwise.


    ¡°Nooo! Why isn¡¯t mummy number one here to save me?¡±


    Seeing the little brat try to hide his grin and pretend to hide even more up on Esmerelda¡¯s scaly back, this kid has always been smarter than he lets on and knows I¡¯d nevery a hand on him. Cheeky little shit¡­


    To be fair, he has made good friends with Jaquelin, the heir to the Sierran empire. By the rumours that made their way here, Esmerelda is trying to get Desmond to make another heir since she loves this one so much. Heh, that means the concubine is going to get some more action.


    No one knows who she is but all know she lives in the pce, carries the same protection and status as the empress herself and doesn¡¯t see the light of day. It¡¯s nothing sinister, apparently sunlight makes her ill so the arrangement works for all parties.


    Maybe not Desmond though, I¡¯ve heard more rumours he¡¯s had to cry himself to sleep on the nights he sleeps with her. Kinda got told off by the wife for making that joke, he obviously still dislikes the arrangement. Just look at his resting face! Or did Desmond always look a little grumpy? Could be both.


    (Ikarus) ¡°I¡¯d love to stay and chat, but we¡¯rete enough already. Come on boy, your mother awaits us in the Underworld¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Heh, how are the two men of our little family today? Did he behave, Ikarus?¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m not even justifying that with a response¡¯


    ¡°Of course I did, mummy number one! Don¡¯t listen to mummy number two, she lies and sucks!¡±


    In the bowels of the Underworld, deep in the heart of the fiery pits of Tartarus, our family finally meets up once again and I can¡¯t help but already show my pouting face. The little brat takes after his birth mother way too much.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    It¡¯s not even the number thing that winds me up, he¡¯s basically calling me a turd by saying number two. It¡¯s the mother thing that¡¯s annoying. As soon as he could talk, he called me dada twice and then decided he ain¡¯t doing it no longer. Even Petra tried to help, he wasn¡¯t having it though.


    Heck, it¡¯s not like I want to be referred to as a dude¡­ or a gal. Look, time doesn¡¯t make this whole gender bending thing easier! I just do what I want nowadays and try not to care as much, I just don¡¯t like being called mummy!


    ¡°Was I supposed to ask if he¡¯s been okay? They¡¯d let him get away with murder if it means we¡¯d marry him off¡±


    It¡¯s already been heavily rumoured that when the two kidse of age, they will get married to officially solidate the ties between our inds and the empire. It¡¯s ridiculous really, it¡¯s up to him if he wants to do something like that. He may be pretty smart, but at his age, what kid even understands the concept of love? This little bratty genius probably does with the sly grin that¡¯s now growing on his face.


    Oh right, I¡¯ve left it long enough so while Petra picks him to have a hug, let¡¯s go into the fine details of why he even exists.


    ¡­


    Well kids, when a mummy and daddy love each other very much, they hump and then a magical stalk brings over a bill, charging them for bringing another soul into this capitalistic world. Being serious though, did you ever expect me to birth out a baby myself!? This was all on Petra.


    Let¡¯s just say after a drunkenly stupid night, I called her bluff. All the teasing with the Brooklyn thing led up to this one point so I thought screw it, let¡¯s just give her what she wants.


    Boy, that night was really disappointing. I waspletely right that my endurance as a dude would suck beyond belief. Was the kid worth the broken hand Petra gave me during childbirth? Maybe¡­ ignore the fact I¡¯m lying, considering he hatched. She did have problems pooping out the egg though, it is odd he came out as a child rather than a phoenix though.


    You may also be thinking, oh Ikarus, how the hell were you two lovebirds even able to create another soul? Unbeknown to us, we¡¯re both fertile now! Apparently bing Gods in the journey to enter the heavens fixed that problem. You¡¯d think we would¡¯ve been told about this earlier¡­


    [<There were signs something may have changed after wife started rying eggs, Ikarus. This wasn¡¯t Aesa¡¯s fault>]


    ¡®Don¡¯t you be doing that! As my system, shouldn¡¯t you have the information that maybe my seed is now packing a punch?¡¯


    This is the most creative way I can imagine saying I¡¯m fertile. Please, just leave me be!


    [<Even if Aesa had an idea, Aesa thought Ikarus wouldn¡¯t budge on the Brooklyn thing. Aesa apologizes that Ikarus has no existent willpower>]


    ¡®Huff¡­ guess some things never change. You really can be useless at times¡­¡¯


    ¡°We getting a move on now?¡±


    The reason for our visit shall be known soon enough, just we need find what we¡¯re looking for first. Thankfully, I married a stalker so she¡¯s always been great at sniffing out people who need to be found. The Underworld is a stupidly huge ce though.


    ¡°Fineee¡­ I want mummy number two to carry me though. She¡¯s really fluffy¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah kid¡­ I know my role in this family already. Both of you, climb on up¡±


    Quickly changing form to carry the fam around Tartarus, Petra nuzzles her face into my beak before helping Brooks on up. Closest thing to kissing we can do when we¡¯re like this.


    ¡°Heh, love you, Ikarus¡±


    ¡°You two Petra, you two. Just climb on up already¡­ someone is feeling sick¡±


    ¡°Eww, gross! You two shouldn¡¯t do that!¡±


    Ignoring the little shit, Petra helps him and herself onto my back all the while Brooks can¡¯t help but start making gagging noises. I¡¯m sure most kids are like that, who really wants to see their parents kissing anyway?


    High above Tartarus so high, like a little phoenix way up in the sky, I have to watch where I¡¯m going otherwise I might fly into the ceiling. Of course, the ce depicted as literal hell would have a brimstone top, just slightly hard to spot with all the foggy smoke and steam floating up from all the pits ofva.


    After gliding around for a bit following where Petra says to go, mostly over the ocean, we finallye across quite the sight on a little ind just ahead of us.


    (Minos) <I keep telling you mother, he¡¯s not here. This is another day wasted>


    (Mute) <¡­!>


    (Kellearzar) <You two give me a moment¡­ my nose doesn¡¯t lie>


    Located on a smaller brimstone ind is quite the packed and crowded sight. Three dragons stand cramped around with the navy-coloured Mute being the smallest now. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if brown Minos is close to what father¡¯s original size is by now.


    Now and then, we lend a hand in the search to find father down here. It¡¯s basically like searching for a needle in a haystack orbing the desert, our efforts feel pointless but at least it¡¯s a nice getaway. Brooks doesn¡¯t seem to mind it but then again, I think he just likes being up on my back and the heat. It is really nice and warm down here.


    For some reason, mother seems fixated on sticking her nose into the endlessva like ocean that adores this ce. What¡¯s the bet father once took a dump here or something?


    ¡°Aight everyone? How are thin-¡±


    <It¡¯s him! I know that metallic smell anywhere!>


    Cutting me off, mother does something that shocks all of us. She literally dives face first into theva and out of sight!


    <What the fuck!? Sister, can you do something!?>


    ¡°Fuck that bruv, I¡¯m not going down there!¡±


    Remember the whole hydra incident where I nearly drowned in a pit ofva like this? There isn¡¯t a chance in hell I¡¯m doing that again, just think about how annoying that fury sister was!


    Thankfully, mother is only down for a moment, only to grab a mouthful of air and then darts straight back down! Is father really going to be hiding under a pit ofva!?


    ¡°Erm¡­ mummies? What¡¯s that shiny thing over there? I can see two of them!¡±


    ¡°Heh, can see that as well, Brooks. Full steam ahead, Ikarus¡±


    ¡®Huh? Swear my eyesight is terrible at times. People with ocean-coloured eyes can see more I guess¡¯


    Where our boy is pointing¡­ I¡¯m not really sure but it¡¯s definitely on the brimstone ceiling.


    Going over to where the family says, I finally start to see what those two are seeing and it¡¯sparable to diamonds shining against the light. As we get even closer, the two shining orbs shine brighter and reveals something mostly transparent. It almost looks like an invisible lizard, upside down on a rock from here¡­


    <Shit¡­>

 Chapter Epilogue 2 – Family Reunion

    Chapter Epilogue 2 ¨C Family Reunion


    <What is the matter with you, Dermakvar!? We¡¯ve been worried senseless for years and you were really hiding from us? Do you not care about us at all?>


    <It¡¯s nothing like that darling, it¡¯s just that I was enjoying everything this world has to offer. The hunting and gathering of souls remind me of my youth, and the burning pits do wonders for the soul. I haven¡¯t been gone for that long!>


    (Minos) ¡°It¡¯s been five damn years father!¡±


    A gigantic imposing red dragon stands alongside a transparent much smaller one, the big one lecturing him in only a way a mother to a father could. Except, instead of being really angry, all mother really wants to do is nuzzle into the ghostly body of my father.


    Strangely enough, it appears possible to do so with her head clearly hitting resistance as she just can¡¯t help herself. I¡¯d say it was cute and all if it weren¡¯t my own parents, eww! Just because I see the irony with Brooks doesn¡¯t mean me and Petra are going to stop in front of him!


    <If it isn¡¯t littlest one and the silent dragon. Don¡¯t be afraid to leave his side at any time, muted one. Deep down, we all know he¡¯s a pain in the backside>


    <¡­!>


    <Dermakvar!>


    ¡°Father!¡±


    In but a moment, Minos already wants to beat our father¡¯s soul to death and I can¡¯t say I me him. One thing I¡¯ve learnt throughout the years is don¡¯t have sympathy for my grumpy ass father who thinks he¡¯s funny even now.


    <Who¡¯s this really little one anyways? His scent lingers the same as you two, yet, I¡¯m unsure how that¡¯s possible>


    Our fearless kid jumps off my back before Petra even has the chance to help him down and stares face to face against the terrifying spectral dragon. Then, he does something even I can¡¯t expect¡­ he freaking bops father on the nose!


    ¡°That¡¯ll be me, Brooks! Don¡¯t ask my mummies how it works, all they ever do is mention a stupid stork. Who buy¡¯s that cra-¡±


    ¡°Heh,nguage Brooks¡±


    This is one of the reasons why I say this kid of ours is a genius, apart from his tendency to pick up on words he shouldn¡¯t say, he already questions things someone of his age shouldn¡¯t. It doesn¡¯t matter how hard we try to convince him babiese from birds, the tooth fairy stealing teeth and Santa us. All of it, he refuses to believe!


    <Clever one, isn¡¯t he? Do you know what race he is? It¡¯s just that his scent is even more unique than the both of you birds>


    ¡­


    Both me and Petra pause and ponder from father¡¯s question, neither are sure how to exactly answer this. You¡¯d think at first nce our kid would be human but it¡¯s ratherplicated.


    ¡°That¡­ we¡¯re not exactly sure on that¡±


    ¡°Heh, does it matter? He¡¯s still our pain in the arse, even if he ends up growing horns or who knows what else¡±


    (Brooks) ¡°Oi, I heard that! Wait¡­ I¡¯m not going to grow horns, am I!? That will suck!¡±


    <Hmph, fiercely disagree, dark one. It may be impossible epting him as kin if he grows wings like a wyvern for example>


    <Dermakvar¡­ *facepalm*. Even in death, you still can¡¯t let up on that>


    As the rest of us excluding mother chuckle from father¡¯s stubborn racism,


    <Regardless little one. Does that box you¡¯ve spoken about not say? I¡¯m sure you said it exins things like this before>


    Smiling gleefully, both me and Petra pat our kid on the head but already know the answer to this. I¡¯ll do it to show but it won¡¯t work.


    ¡®Aesa¡­ statusss¡¯


    [<Since Brooks is considered an anomaly like other phoenixes, even Aesa can¡¯t open up the status>]


    Before you presume anything bad or sinister, we don¡¯t have a clue why our child is considered as such. Already spoken with Aesa and taken him to the mages or other magically inclined people, none have any clue on his race or even if he¡¯s considered a God or not. We¡¯ve even done the magical equivalent of DNA tests for Christ¡¯s sake! I was sure Penelope was going to turn him into a rock at one point¡­


    We did worry a little he might be like us, summoned from Earth but we have no idea whatsoever. We¡¯d still love him, just I would prefer it if he wasn¡¯t a panty obsessed pervert or something. That actually reminds me of something, I¡¯m sure some of our clothes have gone missing recently. Then again, I don¡¯t wear underwear so who knows¡­


    <Let me guess, you¡¯ve been spending time with that bitch again. Have you really no shame Dermakvar?>


    <Hey! I¡¯ve been loyal to a fault this time, darling. Why would I want spectral booty when the real thing is right in front of me!?>


    ¡®Eww¡­ that¡¯s gross!¡¯


    <You really know how to make a dragon blush, Dermak. Don¡¯t you dare try to take him again, back off or I¡¯ll send you to an Underworld even darker than this ce!>


    All of a sudden, both mother and father start staring and speaking away from us, mother¡¯s aura growing darker by the second alongside the craziness. Even Minos and Mute have no idea on what they¡¯re doing.


    ¡°Petra¡­ have those two gone insane? They¡¯re speaking to no one¡±


    ¡°Heh, no Ikarus. Since you never met that darker jade-coloured dragon, I presume you can¡¯t see her¡±


    <¡­!>


    (Minos) ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Mute. I can¡¯t see her either¡±


    Trying my best not to pout that even Minos understands Mute better than I, I¡¯d love for us to have a proper family reunion but that might be a little difficult right now. After a long day presumably teasing Jaquelin, Brooks appears to be tuckered out. So much so, Petra picked him up a moment ago and he¡¯s alreadu out cold.


    (Ikarus) ¡°You mind if we call it a day? Our own little one needs his sleep¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m not¡­ s-slee-¡­ zzzzzz¡±


    <You can all go ahead, Mute and Minos as well. I¡¯ve got the frustrating task of dragging your father¡¯s sorry spectral hide to Hades now. Those two have been looking for him as much as I have>


    <Seriously darling!? You just know they¡¯ll put a tracker on me! Have I no privacy left?>


    <That¡¯s not it, Dermakvar. You know they like to have everything documented and tracked. It doesn¡¯t help when dragon souls are nearly impossible to trace down here¡­>


    __________


    ¡°It¡¯s already night out? Good to know our kid¡¯s internal clock is working¡±


    ¡°Heh, shh Ikarus. You¡¯ll wake him¡±


    ¡°Zzzzzz¡±


    Teleporting back to our leaders home, Petra tucks him into his bed while I go to turn off the lights. Guess I left the lightbulbs on again¡­ ah right. That reminds me, we¡¯ve got running power in the town now! Albeit, we¡¯re still in the steam engine era but, those books from Earth are helping our ind develop. So much so, we¡¯re shipping generators and intricate parts all around the world now.


    Thankfully, that gold mine of ours has more than just gold, the miners are even finding other materials like tungsten and copper now. Heh, it¡¯s a literal gold mine with how much crap the miners are uncovering down there, I¡¯m sure I heard about even diamond being found at some point.


    Anyways, now that Brook¡¯s is nicely tucked in, Petra gives him a quick peck on the check while I get myselffortable, running to our own room, immediately tossing my clothes in the corner and hiding under the sheets.


    ¡°Heh, really Ikarus? You know we¡¯ll wake him¡±


    ¡°Get your mind out of the gutter woman! It¡¯s summer and I¡¯m down for sleeping in the nude. Ya alright with that?¡±


    I used to be a practitioner of the divine art ofmando-ism, now I¡¯m into exhibitionism! I jest but we¡¯ve never cared about nudity, dragons are always nude after all. I purposely don¡¯t mention about the fact father now has a spectral dong¡­ okay, we¡¯re definitely not doing anything tonight! That image is going to scar me now¡­


    ¡°Heh¡­ think I¡¯ll join you then¡±


    ¡®Great, that means she¡¯s going to use some excuse like preserving body heat to snuggle into me now! I¡¯m not against it¡­ just it is kinda hot¡¯


    It doesn¡¯t take long for Petra to switch off the lights, jump into bed with me and for me to end up being the little spoon pretty damn quickly. Don¡¯t fix what ain¡¯t broken¡­


    ¡­


    But wait, just as I¡¯m about to drift off into the faint embers of dreamy bliss, the faint sound of footsteps appears to be travelling through our room and into the closet. Like some fucker is sneaking around, maybe even trying to burgle us!


    ¡°Petra¡­ you hear that?¡±


    ¡°I do Ikarus¡­ let¡¯s investigate¡±


    Both of us whisper as the footsteps enter the closet and now scurrying can be heard. It honestly sounds like a rat trying to find food or something¡­


    ¡®Shit! It¡¯s going for my secret stash!¡¯


    [<Aesa did warn Ikarus everything important should be ced inside storage>]


    ¡®But I don¡¯t wish to taint that even further! We¡¯re still carrying around that poxy demonic sword thanks to the first phoenix¡¯


    Deep in the heart of the closet, behind the racks of clothes is a removable wooden nk. Behind said nk¡­ let¡¯s just say I store my undesirables there and leave it at that. Eh, it¡¯s mainly just food I don¡¯t wish to share and¡­ other things that I¡¯d rather not discuss. The point is, a freaking rat is getting to my goodies!


    Both of us equipped with nothing other than our birthday suits and our fiery fists get ready to attack the intruder, slowly moving along to the closet.


    Still slowly in the dead of night, the scurrying doesn¡¯t stop as the culprit will be seen any second from now. All we have to do is open the door and whack whatever is inside¡­


    Crash! We open the door; a box of clothes falls off one of the shelves and a sneaky creature stands in front of us. Except, the creature isn¡¯t exactly a creature¡­


    ¡°I-I¡­ erm¡­ s-shit¡±


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    And there he is, Brooks, our boy waking up in the middle of the night to try on our clothes and he looking like he wants to cry or tear the world apart. And he just swore as well no less! I think we can let that one pass for now.


    I want to focus on what¡¯s going on but instead, Petra says something that causes me to immediately lose myposure.


    ¡°Heh¡­ looks like he definitely takes after you, Ikarus¡±


    ¡°D-Damn it, Petra! This is serious¡­ I think? Brooks, if ya want to be a girl or something, just say. Both of us won¡¯t care at all¡±


    For some reason, that suggestion immediately brings him back out of his timid shell and back to the demon like child we know and love.


    ¡°Why the hell would I want to be a girl!? I was just bored and the stuff you wear is cute and all. Being a girl sounds yucky!¡±


    ¡°They really do stink boy, especially the ones who aren¡¯t forcibly genderbent like- ouch! They also appear to be a huge pain in the arse as well¡±


    Getting a pinch on the backside and a pout, I¡¯d say that¡¯s a fair response for implying Petra stinks. If she had been patient and waited just a second, she¡¯d have known I was going to add that she has a good smell! Like roses that have been thrown in the woodchipper or a grassy meadow that has fertilized with the most effective kind of fertilizer¡­


    ¡°Aesa must inform wife Ikarus justpared her scent to a field getting fertilized with manure¡±


    Teleporting right in front of us, thankfully wearing clothes for a change, Princess Aesa has to throw me right in the mud! Why the hell did she do that!? Petra¡¯s never had a noticeable scent and I¡¯ve always liked that about her.


    ¡°It was a freaking joke, Aesa! Petra always has a great smell, all natural is the best way of things with none of that overbearing perfume crap!¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ actually Ikarus, I¡¯ve always been wearing perfuse. Even in the days of the old empire¡­ you just never noticed it¡±


    ¡°Damn it¡­ don¡¯t you startughing at me! All I was trying to do is be a decent father but nooo¡­¡±


    __________


    In a dark, deste corner of the Underworld, a decrepit building sits with only two souls trapped inside. The deste building is roughly the size of medieval manor, but contains nothing of the luxurymodities, everything inside is destroyed baring a few chairs and a dusty bed. What once was the original house of Hades, now is filled with dust and cobwebs as thick ass.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    <So¡­ you finally found where your path leads. Heh, it¡¯s a pleasure to make your acquaintance once again. It¡¯s been quite the journey, hasn¡¯t it my dear Hestia?>


    ¡°Still with that showmanship, even after death. You were a means to an end, a messenger only to deliver contents of the future. You never meant a thing to me, Asmodeus¡±


    The woman scowls at the spiritual dragon who sits proud right where the old throne once sat, the oracle practically spitting at the grinning transparent dragon.


    <Heh, and yet I¡¯m the only name you¡¯ll speak, isn¡¯t that right Hestia? Care to humour me even further and show me the other side of you>


    ¡°Such a thing is¡­¡±


    <¡­Pointless. You find this joke funny? Or are you looking for someone to stroke your ego, perhaps?>


    Switching herself to her own transparent dragon form, the dragon form of Asmodeus can¡¯t help but check her body out, all the while still possessing that absurd grin even as a lizard.


    While he does this, the dragon turned Hestia can¡¯t help but look for some kind of exit, scanning the wall for any sort of gap of crack but none are to be found. The only way into this pce was through using teleportation, the fake windows scattered around the ce only being created for light magic to seep through. The openness is an illusion, Hades designed this ce to withstand any attack from the inside or out.


    <Heh, I only made sure to guarantee our futures Hestia, you can thank the Underworld leaders for this. We knew our fates were sealed, made this deal long ago so we¡¯d end up somewhere better than eternal torture and damnation>


    Unknown to most, there are even darker corners of the Underworld that none shall visit, housing the souls that even Hades won¡¯t touch. This ce even holding a titan or two when Hades grow tired of it.


    <So¡­ I¡¯m your prisoner in this ce then? No exit at all, no way out?>


    Now looking around frantically and even trying to crash into the wall, she scales the other side of the gigantic throne room only to find more imposing walls on every side. Try as she might, the imprable walls will nevere down as they were built into thendscape itself. This building might as well be a bunker, hidden far and deep underground from anywhere or anyce.


    <Heh, you are not my hostage, Hestia, I¡¯m stuck just as much as you. We can speak, sing,ugh, dance, drink, y, fight¡­ even hump if you¡¯re ever feeling frisky. We¡¯re both stuck here¡­ forever¡­>


    ¡°¡­So, you might as well getfortable. We could clean first¡­ or tomorrow¡­ or in a year from now. Time is endless!¡±


    Switching to his demonic ghastly form, Asmodeus grabs a dusty bottle of alcohol off the floor and pops off the cork. Part of the deal with Hades means certainmodities would be teleported in on asion. None know of what Asmodeus offered to the God of the dead in order to choose his resting ce, but it would¡¯ve been an impossibly expensive bribe for him to break his own rules like this. Whatever it is the demon lord wanted, this was always part of his n.


    <You always were deranged, Asmodeus. You really think this will ¡®fix¡¯ the one I am now?>


    <Heh, maybe, maybe not, but that¡¯s not the point. Not being able to see the future will eat you up soon, my dear Hestia. You¡¯ll lose your way and want to purge your own soul. I¡¯m here to stop that from happening>


    <Such petnce, Asmodeus. This isn¡¯t a victory for either one of us¡­ there has to be something here!>


    Understanding his point perfectly, the dragon turned Goddess freaks out even more as she still desperately searches for an exit, even just the sound of something hollow behind would be a lifeline. There only way in and out was originally by portal though¡­


    <Heh, agree to disagree Hestia, but there¡¯s nothing to worry about. We¡¯ve got eternity to debate and argue as much as we¡¯d like¡­>


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter Epilogue 3 – Cult of Lesbos

    Chapter Epilogue 3 ¨C Cult of Lesbos


    ¡°Heh, morning Ikarus. You¡¯ve got a bundle of joy on you¡±


    ¡°Wake wakey, you two! Can we go out today!? It¡¯s boring when we stay in!¡±


    ¡°Oaf! Damn it boy¡­ it¡¯s like six in the bloody morning¡±


    Some families have a gentle morning call, other¡¯s may even make their partner tea or breakfast in bed. For us though, it involves our happy ident jumping on the both of us. Really need to get a lock for our room at this point.


    ¡°Heh, of course we can¡­ any ideas?¡±


    ¡°Damn it, Brooks! Seriously, get off me one second!¡±


    Yeeting the kid across the room¡­ or just gently pushing him aside, I yawn, stretch, then rub the sleep out of my eyes. They day he outgrows this hyperactivity will be the day our life bes perfect.


    ¡°Erm¡­ I know! Let¡¯s go see the cultists! They¡¯re celebrating at the church today!¡±


    ¡®Great, they¡¯ll be sure to fill him up on sweets again¡¯


    Ah, the Cult of Lesbos, famously named by me and now embraced by all of the members. They love our child and pretty much anything rted to phoenixes. They¡¯re friendly enough and Brooks always returns with bag full of goodies when he visits.


    ¡°Before we make breakfast, shame Eve isn¡¯t working today, do we need to put something formal on?¡±


    I mean, every other time we¡¯ve visited a building of worship, it¡¯s normally burned down or been blown to smithereens. I really wouldn¡¯t know; I can¡¯t think of a worse way of spending a Sunday. The sacrifices you make for kids.


    ¡°Heh, we can do that. You can even put a dress on if you want, Brooks¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing that! What the hell is wrong with you!?¡±


    Seeing our child pout from Petra¡¯s quip, it¡¯s nice when I¡¯m not the only one getting teased. This whole finding him trying on our clothes situation really isn¡¯t worth fretting about. At the end of the day, he¡¯s our kid after all. I do worry for him a little now that Petra has ammunition to work with. She¡¯s got two guys to mercilessly tease now.


    ¡°Heh, if we¡¯re being serious, might be best to just grab the cloaks. If we don¡¯t, you know they¡¯ll get too excited¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°Wee all to the weekly celebration of those we love and cherish. I will now hand the ceremony over to our presenters who carry the true word of the queens!¡±


    ¡°Praise be to Lesbos; praise be to the queens!¡±


    ¡°Praise the love that only women can provide. True love only knows one gender!¡±


    At the ever-growing church that¡¯s as long as a stadium and even now has a speaker set up, the crowd already appear hyped up as the atmosphere inside this ce is full of happiness and excitement. Everyone has a hobby and all, but someday this is going to develop to a full-on suicide cult, mark my words!


    ----------


    ---Just imagine this church is full cause AI crowds suck.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ¡®Feels like I¡¯m cattle right now, this is only getting worse every year¡­ hang on. That¡¯s who the priests are!?¡¯


    Right at the top of the monastery guiding the flock is two women, bothing in from the sides of the stage. On the left, we have a pink Miss Gender Bender herself, stroking her pet rock. Freaking Penelope is now involved in this!


    (Penelope) ¡°Hello everyone and praise be to the queens!¡±


    (Crowd) ¡°Praise be to the queens¡±


    On the right is someone less unexpected, mainly because she always takes the Sundays off and I had known she visits this ce. It¡¯s our busty elven maid, Eve. She also is preaching the word of Lesbianism!


    ¡°Hey everyone! Penelope invited me up here today so how are you all!?¡±


    (Crowd) ¡°Hi Eve! Praise be to Lesbos; praise be to all!¡±


    ¡®On the bright side, at least these lot haven¡¯t corrupted priestess yet. Ironic considering both sides think the other¡¯s ¡®religion¡¯ is insane¡¯


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    (Eve) ¡°Great! Now, let¡¯s start the anthem we all know and love¡­ Oh, say can you see, all the Gods bless the queens¡­¡±


    This is the part I have to force my fingers into my ears and imagine I¡¯m anywhere else otherwise I¡¯ll cringe myself to death. Imagine abination of the American anthem with the British one, then make it cult like! Petra and Brooks may find it funny but being the master of cringe, it¡¯s too much! I was born in the cringe, moulded by it¡­


    (Penelope) ¡°Now that¡¯s over, we shall honour the queens! To all those who regrly visit this ce, it¡¯s time for the fun part! Sacrifice! Let the purgingmen-¡±


    ¡°STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!!! We already told you idiots to stop this!¡±


    Having to pull my cloak away, the gasps echo throughout the hall as the cultists realize who¡¯se to pay them a visit. It¡¯s an unfortunate consequence that this problem has now caused, doesn¡¯t help most of the crowd has knelt over to pray to us as well.


    Several years ago, we had to start putting severe restrictions andws on the Cult of Lesbos because things crossed a line. We¡¯re talking about actual animal sacrifice and people giving away all their wealth and property just to be ¡®touched¡¯ by us. Thews were supposed to be effective¡­ guess Marcus lied to us on this one.


    (Penelope) ¡°Oh, it¡¯s okay, Petra¡¯s lover! This isn¡¯t technically a sacrifice; we all know you ouwed the fun stuff!¡±


    (Eve) ¡°Yes, we¡¯re only cracking a few eggs so to speak. There¡¯s nothing to worry about¡±


    As our maid goes round the corner to retrieve something and Miss Gender Bender confidently smiles, I worry because cracking eggs could mean plenty things. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if they¡¯ve reced sacrifice with something like cutting off an animal¡¯s leg, then keeping it alive since that technically wouldn¡¯t count. Huh, need to make aw for that loophole as well


    ¡°Then what do you idiots n to do? Spill it now or I promise I¡¯ll tear this ce apart!¡±


    (Penelope) ¡°It¡¯s okay, Queen Ikarus! We¡¯re only going to break up some eggs and bake a cake! Only that way can we truly experience the warm feeling deep inside that you two give to us!¡±


    ¡®Wait¡­ cracking eggs was literal?¡¯


    As soon as Miss Gender Bender gives the sign, Eve pulls out a table on wheels with a load of baking ingredients and gigantic pot right in the centre of it. I think I know how this will go down now, get every person up here one by one to break an egg so that¡¯s the sacrifice in our name. These folks are going to give me an aneurism someday¡­


    (Eve) ¡°We¡¯re also going to whip up a few omelettes if you two wish to stay. Oh, I can tell the crowd personal stories from your lif-¡±


    ¡°NO!!!¡±


    Having to cut Eve off straight away, this elf speaks too much and will only reveal something too personal. Petra may find it funny, but not having any privacy isn¡¯t worthughing about!


    ¡°Wait¡­ they¡¯re making omelettes and cake!? Mummies, you¡¯ve got to give them some giant eggs!¡±


    As soon as ites to anything egg based, Brooks is unable to contain his excitement as he loves it all. You see, me and Petra stilly phoenix eggs time to time¡­ see what I¡¯m getting at? It wasn¡¯t our n to feed him our butt eggs, he just wanted to try what we were eating one day and that¡¯s how it goes. It¡¯s no weirder than being breast fed, right? Even though he wasn¡¯t, the point still stands! There¡¯s nothing weird about eating eggs thate out of your own mother¡¯s butts¡­


    ¡°Are we really going to give some of our eggs to the cultists? They should really be saved¡­¡±


    [<There currently is 27 phoenix eggs freshly kept in storage. Aesa thinks Ikarus can spare a few>]


    ¡°Only twenty-seven left!? I dunno¡­¡±


    Seeing Brooks and his puppy like eyes stare at me as I ponder to myself¡­ my wife truly is evil for teaching him such a technique as she stands beside him doing the same bloody thing! His eyes may be full of innocence but I know better.


    ¡°Fineee. Let¡¯s just get cooking then¡­¡±


    __________


    ¡°*Stomach growling*¡­ urgh. Remind me to do some exercise when we get back¡±


    ¡°Hehe, mummy number two is a pig!¡±


    ¡°Heh, what did I say about insults, Brooks?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an insult! I like piggies and they taste amazing!¡±


    ¡®Wise arse. He knows exactly what he¡¯s doing¡¯


    Walking around town hand to hand like a happy family, my stomach continues to rumble since I may have eaten my own body weight in food. Hey, you¡¯d overeat if you could poop out food. Someday, I¡¯ll be less sharing on this but who cares? Butt eggs for the win!


    My attention quickly shifts from my twisting gut when the people wee across continue to keep giving looks of envy and happiness, some even drooling. We really should¡¯ve put our hoods back on before showing ourselves back to themon folk¡­


    ¡°Damn it, will you stop looking at us like that!? What the hell is wrong with you, move!¡±


    A cultist here, a cultist there, cultists everywhere! I can deal with them until the freaking idiots freeze right in front of us, blocking the path forward! Are you trying to piss me off!?


    ¡°Oh my God! Queen Ikarus just got mad at me, did you all hear that!?¡±


    Having to push the crazy woman aside, please don¡¯t ever desire poprity; Petra still finds the whole thing hrious, I¡¯ll always hate this deep from the embers of my soul.


    Now huffing and puffing as well as wanting a vacation, we finally get past the streets of cultist ind and arrive at the huge bridge crossing the channel.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    There, up on the bridge is quite the Godly sight though. By that, I mean we have a couple of very famous Olympiansing to visit and one our residents between them. Or technically ex Olympians, most of their mythse from a ce underground.


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ¡°Mother, will you please just give up on this? Centuries of fixation and you still continue to be inflexible¡±


    ¡°You can do whatever you want, my daughter, I have no control over you. It¡¯s obvious who does though¡±


    ¡°Bah, still hating my guts, old hag?¡±


    It¡¯s Persephone, Demeter and Hades! Like usual, Asmodeus was right in sparing Demeter. The crop yields we¡¯ve been getting over thest few years have been exceptional with her at the helm, harvest and agriculture is her shtick after all.


    Sure, she still hates Hades and is adamant he¡¯s mind controlling Persephone, still a touch depressed and now acts like a ve, all Gods have their quirks though. For the record, she put that cor on her neck by her own volition. She could¡¯ve fled our inds years ago if she wanted, yet she hasn¡¯t tried leaving once.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s the two fabled queens and the boy I love so much!¡±


    ¡°Auntie Persephone! I haven¡¯t seen you in ages!¡±


    ¡°If only Zagreus and Melino? were still small, then I could hug them like you forever!¡±


    ¡°Bah, no Persephone! Those two already ransack my realm enough as it is!¡±


    Persephone greets us and my boy instantly runs over to give her a hug. It doesn¡¯t matter who or where we take him, everyone spoils him rotten.


    I also think Hades is slightly worried about his wife getting broody, can¡¯t say I me him. Honestly worry Petra might want another one someday, love our boy and all but one is enough! Even if the next is a girl¡­ just no!


    (Ikarus) ¡°You two know my mother was dragging my father¡¯s sorry hide back to your pce, right?¡±


    ¡°Bah, more bloody work. The first break we¡¯ve taken in decades and now I¡¯ve got to document another dragon¡±


    ¡°Lighten up, my grumpy but adorable husband. Would a kiss put your mind off things?¡±


    ¡°*Scowl*. Someday I¡¯ll break that brainwashing of his, mark my words¡±


    Seeing Hades blush from Persephone¡¯s flirting and then Demeter scowling at them just proves what I thought. All Gods are quirky as fuck!


    ¡°Heh, well you¡¯re wee to stay as long as you¡¯d like. I¡¯m sure Ikarus would love the extra attention¡±


    ¡®Haw haw, now you¡¯ve got me pouting. Persephone is just as bad as the wife when ites to teasing¡¯


    (Persephone) ¡°We won¡¯t be here too long, Petra, main reason was to visit mother after all. You¡¯ve spent enough time fighting so it¡¯s finally time to stop this feud¡±


    ¡°Bah, you can¡¯t reason with insanity, love. She¡¯s the one who spread the false rumour of kidnapping in the first ce¡±


    ¡°*Spits*. There¡¯s no chance I¡¯ll ever stop hating this brute that dared to steal you away from me! My daughter deserves better than this Underworld scourge!¡±


    (Persephone) ¡°No more of this! I¡¯ll bang your heads together if you keep this up!¡±


    Already knowing this isn¡¯t our ce to get involved, we leave those three to get along and continue on with our little family outing. Not all feuds have a solution, Demeter has hated Hades for thousands of years so I really doubt we¡¯de along and fix things in a heartbeat. That sounds like a quest you¡¯d find in a video game or something.


    Except, before we leave, Hades taps my arm before we head away. Guess there is more to discuss real quicky.


    ¡°Bah, there was another reason we came here. I¡¯ve got a letter addressed to you two¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s it from?¡±


    ¡°Better to just read it then have me exin. He annoys me just as much as you¡±


    Passing the sealed envelope, those three head off to the cultist ind while me and Petra just stand confused now with a sealed envelope. This can¡¯t be something Zeus left behind, right?


    (Persephone) ¡°To start with, both of you are going to say something nice about the other¡­ don¡¯t you scowl or bah at me! We¡¯re doing this¡­¡±


    Opening up the letter together, what presents us is a piece of paper folded up and neatly written, a bit dusty as well. Just reading the first word of the page, I¡¯ve got a very good idea on who writ this. Imagine someone blonde, extremely annoying and has horns on his head.


    (Heh, it¡¯s been quite the journey and adventure, hasn¡¯t it, sister? Even now, I can imagine you pouting and crossing your arms reading this. The dark one really has her arms filled with you)


    ¡°What the hell is that supposed to mean!?¡±


    Petra of course chuckles seeing me do exactly as what the letter describes, stupid demonic dickhead!


    [Would¡¯ve wished we started on better terms; things just fell this way unfortunately. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t be starting any of that greater good nonsense the oracle is famous for. Unlike her, I set out on this journey for one personal goal]


    ¡®And yet, he still doesn¡¯t tell us what that goal was. Even in death, always vague¡¯


    [The point of this message is curiosity, whether or not you two are enjoying your little present. I presume by now you know about your fertility and if not, heh, looks like I¡¯ve already ruined the surprised. me the God of the dead for delivering this too early]


    ¡®Of course, Mr know it all knew about that¡­ hang on. There¡¯s something about Brooks¡¯


    [Look after that tortured soul for me, he really had a tough life and deserves some peace. Heh, rx sister, he may be energetic but he won¡¯t bite, he used to but only as a pup. On a rted note, my work after death should being along nicely. Like you, I¡¯ve got my own soul to heal¡­]


    ¡­


    Once the letter ends, me and Petra just stare at each shocked. By the sounds of it, Asmodeus took the liberty of assigning a soul to our child!? How does that even work and who¡¯s soul was it?


    ¡°Used to bite¡­ he¡¯s implying a dragon, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Think so Ikarus¡­ do we know of any creature that could fit the bill though?¡±


    ¡­


    Again, we have no answers to this question. My best guess is that Asmodeus might¡¯ve had a son when he was a dragon and this is him actually doing something nice for a change? Either of us haven¡¯t got a clue, doesn¡¯t really matter that much considering we still love Brooks regardless.


    ¡®If he¡¯s the soul of Asmodeus¡¯s long-lost son¡­ wouldn¡¯t that make him Petra¡¯s brother? Oh dear God, our son is somehow Petra¡¯s brother! Everything family rted in Greek myth always ends this way!¡¯


    Brooks just stands there smiling like usual without a care in the world. Would the soul even count as the same person if you forgot everything you were beforehand? Let¡¯s just forget this because it always goes down a road we don¡¯t want to know.


    ¡°Mummies¡­ what does it say? Why are you looking like that?¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ should we say anything, Petra?¡±


    ¡°Heh, guess we can, Ikarus. Do you remember anything before you were born, Brooks?¡±


    ¡­


    The face of pure confusion Brooks has when Petra asks him that makes meugh, have already said this before but he isn¡¯t stupid. That question sounds ludicrous.


    ¡°Has mummy number one hit her head? That makes no sense¡­¡±


    Pausing for a moment, the hamster in his little brain kicks in and he jumps up when he remembers something. Let me guess, he¡¯s going to remember how much he likes shiny objects, right? Dragon logic¡­


    ¡°Oh, I do remember something! I remember being in a small ball and it was really dark, scary and slimy! It was nice and warm though¡­ where was that?¡±


    ¡­


    Facepalming myself, it looks like our kid remembers his time inside the egg. Thank you Asmodeus, always leaving us with more questions than answers¡­


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter Epilogue – Christmas Special Part 1

    Chapter Epilogue ¨C Christmas Special Part 1


    The faint sound of chimes jingle in the wind, slowly awaking me from my slumber in what can only be described as a rxing way of waking up.


    In additional to this, the second I rub the sleep out of my eyes, a preying predator lies practically on top of me.


    ¡°Heh, morning Ikarus. Guess what day it is?¡±


    ¡°*Yawnnn*¡­ you seem surprisingly happy today, Petra. Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be the type to celebrate holidays¡±


    The fabled day where we celebrate the death of our lord and saviour¡­ or whatever reason it gets celebrated now. We¡¯ve been trying to get the Christmas spirit around the settlement for thest few years and people are finally getting the feel for it. Sure¡­ the mandatory day off seems to help as well.


    Wandering mind aside, Petra quickly takes up my full attention by passionately locking lips with an outstanding unexpected kiss. Good to know my tastes still haven¡¯t changed.


    ¡°Heh, think you say that every year, Ikarus, I¡¯m not really. Brooks likes it though. Love you to the moon and back?¡±


    ¡°Love y-you too¡­ don¡¯t think I can cpete with that¡±


    ¡°Heh, that¡¯s a shame. Was hoping you¡¯d love me as far to the sun¡±


    ¡°D-Don¡¯t you start, this will end up being an a-argument on who loves each other more!¡±


    You know how it goes; I say I love her as much as the distance between this world and then sun, then it spirals out of control when Petra inevitable wins by bringing up the furthest known thing in the universe or something. I¡¯ve just woken up, damn it! We can have lovely dovey argumentster on.


    L-Learned a long time ago, wifey, I can neverpete with you. Say¡­ you think we¡¯ve got time for a q-quicky?¡±


    Kissing again, I regret my words instantly when our bedroom door ms open before we get the chance. Oh well, we both knew having a kid would slow down our sex life.


    ¡°Merry Christmas, mummies! It¡¯s time to get up!¡±


    And of course, the cause of the door breaking open is a wild child barging in. In the course of several seconds, he¡¯s pulled the curtains open and has managed to fling himself onto our bed,nding on the both of us and getting in the middle. This is one thing they never tell you about having a kid, they can be an aching pain practically everywhere! This little shit doesn¡¯t realize how much he weighs nowadays.


    ¡°Damn it boy, you¡¯ve broken that poxy lock again! Huh¡­ guess it¡¯s snowing this year¡±


    ¡°Heh, good morning, Brooks. Couldn¡¯t you have been more patient?¡±


    ¡°Morning, mummies! I¡¯ve been waiting hours already, it¡¯s nearly midday! I¡¯m not waiting around for you two to make me another sibling as well!¡±


    I can¡¯t help but shake my head at our know-it-all kid, I still don¡¯t know how he understands how kids are made but fuck it, we¡¯ve got things to do. Let¡¯s get Christmas started¡­


    __________


    ¡°Why does mummy number one hate me so much!? This is child abuse and you know it!¡±


    ¡°Heh, I put those clothes on your bed as a joke, Brooks. You have an entire wardrobe full, yet you put that on yourself¡±


    ¡°Look on the bright side, boy, at least Petra has made you cute. Mine causes emotional abuse¡±


    ¡°Heh, you didn¡¯t have to put that on either, Ikarus¡±


    ¡°T-That does it, m-mummy number two is getting soot for Christmas! I¡¯m throwing away your real gift¡±


    ¡®Hehe, he really is my boy. He pulls the exact same face I do when pouting at the wife¡¯


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    If it isn¡¯t obvious yet, Petra likes picking out clothes for the both of us and even though we may sulk, it makes her giggle so why not go along with it? We did find Brooks crossdressing of his own ord after all. I¡¯ve been used to her unique tastes for years.


    Anyways, into our heavily decorated living room, Brooks charges on in only for his excitement to quickly end in disappointment when he sees the tree.


    ¡°Wait¡­ did both of you forget to put out the presents this year? If we¡¯re broke¡­ that¡¯s okay but kinda sad¡±


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Looking towards the fake tree above the firece, Brooks helped decorate this year, don¡¯t ask, he has a good point. Ignoring the fact he¡¯s being a know-it-all again, there isn¡¯t a single present in the room.


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­ how many times is it now, kid? We keep telling you, Santa delivers the damn presents!¡±


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t think you should be focusing on that, Ikarus. This ce is empty¡±


    Getting as close as I can to the wife, I¡¯ll have to whisper this because little ears never stop listening.


    ¡°Wait, wasn¡¯t this your job, Petra? I¡¯d do the wrapping and handle the rest? You forget?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t forget, Ikarus. My memory isn¡¯t that bad, someone¡¯s moved everything¡±


    It takes me a brief moment to realize why both Petra and Brooks look so concerned. Now, I¡¯m freaking pissed!


    ¡°We¡¯ve actually been burgled! What sadistic fuck thinks robbing the two queens on fucking Christmas is a good idea!?¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­nguage Ikarus¡±


    ¡°Nope, mummy number two is right! What evil shithead did this!?¡±


    ¡­


    The urge tough from Brook¡¯s foulnguage is less overwhelming than it usually is, mainly because a dragon like temper now flows within me.


    ¡°Calm down, both of you, there has to be more to this. I¡¯m not sure amon thief would leave an envelope¡±


    Noticing the coffee table, both me and my boy rip open what Petra points to, quickly revealing what appears to be a single letter on the page.


    ¡°The letter K? What the hell is that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°Not sure, Ikarus. Maybe it could be rted to your mother? Who else has a name starting with K around here?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what grandma¡¯s name is, Kell-something. Let¡¯s go find her and she might know¡­¡±


    __________


    Following the lead, our family get dressed up into fluffy winter coats and thick waterproof boots, then hastily make our way through the snow-covered town. The ce is as eery and quiet as a graveyard, obviously our citizens spending time with family so the only people working would be guards and healers. Think they getbelled as essential workers or something.


    Except, when we arrive at the ce the dragon fam are staying, it appears the noise around here is louder than you¡¯d expect. The entire family being outside already shows something must be up.


    (Minos) ¡°I swear on father¡¯s spectral hide, I will make whoever is responsible for this pay with blood!¡±


    ¡®Damn, bruh is scary when he¡¯s angry¡­ hehe. I forgot Petra picked Christmas clothes for the entire family¡¯


    (Kellearzar) ¡°Minos, calm it. You¡¯ll turn into Dermakvar with that temper¡±


    (Minos) ¡°Fuck father, this shit is serious, mother! Someone dared to try and steal from us like this!?¡±


    (Mute) ¡°¡­!¡±


    (Nyx) ¡°I sense a disturbance, only a devilish presence would do such a fiendish thing on such a holiday¡±


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ---Kell obviously isn¡¯t big enough but the image looked nice.


    ---


    Originally, the n this year was to open presents, spend some time rxing and then meet the fam for dinner. Obviously that n has flown right out the window with everyone else being concerned or as angry as us.


    ¡°Oi you lot! We¡¯re over here!¡±


    As soon as they notice our boy calling, we reunite as a family with Nyx immediately returning to Petra¡¯s side and hugging her daughter. Of course, this causes another mother¡¯s brow to rise¡­


    ¡°Ikarus?¡±


    ¡°*Sighhh*¡­fine! This is my good deed for the year!¡±


    ¡°Yay!¡±


    Allowing mother to do something I¡¯m normally dead against, she practically smothers me with breast as I¡¯m forced to endure this situation. Gigantic breasts, especially on your own mother really makes you abandon love for these things.


    ¡°Heh, guess you lot got robbed as well?¡±


    (Minos) ¡°Yeah, all our gifts disappeared. We¡¯ve onlye outside because we were hoping you two might know why¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    (Kellearzar) ¡°Someone left a note behind, saying you might have a clue, Ikarus?¡±


    (Nyx) ¡°It also contained the letter D. None of us are sure on what that means¡±


    ¡®Heh¡­ bet it was a big D as-, focus, damn it!¡¯


    As soon as I¡¯m about to ask why on Earth I¡¯d have a clue, guess which wife give me an answer? I¡¯m not sure if she¡¯d be considered more or less annoying than the regr one.


    [Aesa would like to inform Ikarus that someone slipped her a note yesterday. Before she asks, no. Aesa is not helping Ikarus cheat during this game]


    ¡®This is a game to you!? Ah, don¡¯t answer that, let¡¯s just get this charade over and done with¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡­Bruh, you can calm it for now, whoever stole our presents is ying a game. We should hopefully get them back sooner rather thanter. Still might give them a phoenix kick for messing with us¡±


    I have to say this because Minos¡¯s aura is still raging, I¡¯d want to join him but know uncontrolled anger never leads anywhere good. To be honest, his actual expression doesn¡¯t look that angry, think that dress like coat of his mellows him out. Heh, just Petra having a taste for dudes in skirts, pay it no mind.


    Eventually taking the clue out of storage and huddling up to show everyone¡­ I quickly realize I¡¯m going to hate every second of this.


    (What is Spring but not a season, the waters run hot but not for reason)


    ¡®Riddles¡­ the bane of my existence. This one seems easy, right?¡¯


    The odd thing is, me and Petra seem to be the only two who understands the meaning behind this one. It doesn¡¯t makeplete sense but all riddles are dumb.


    ¡°Heh, want me to tell everyone, Ikarus, or need another minute to think?¡±


    ¡°Hey! That was uncalled for and you know it! Just because I despise these sorts of things does not mean I can¡¯t figure them out!¡±


    Even though Petra clearly meant it as a joke and is even smiling, don¡¯t be mean to me like that! We¡¯ll end up like Zeki and Ria if toxicity starts to leak out¡­


    ¡°Moving on¡­ for you lot that don¡¯t know, think of a ce in town that is hot and has the word spring in it. This riddle is really stupid¡­¡±


    __________


    (Ikarus) ¡°Huh¡­ didn¡¯t expect this ce to be open today¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, don¡¯t think it is, Ikarus. No one seems to be working¡±


    (Kellearzar) ¡°The entrance is open though. Shall we take a peep?¡±


    (Brooks) ¡°Yeah! This ce is so much better than using our stinky bath!¡±


    (Nyx) ¡°All be cautious for we don¡¯t know who¡¯s inside¡±


    (Minos) ¡°We going in or not? Those responsible need to pay!¡±


    (Mute) ¡°¡­!¡±


    And so, we arrive at the popr hot springs right in the middle of town and find the small building housing all the lockers and separating the two springs empty. Considering the front door is wide open but no one appears to be here, looks like we¡¯ll need to investigate.


    Heading on inside with me and Petra at the helm, we slowly creep further and find the curtain leading to the male section wide open. Peeking through the steam, we can see three people bathing, all of which are no harm to us.


    ¡°What do you know¡­ guess corruption is the reason this ce is open. Why am I not surprised?¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ hey Ikarus. This isn¡¯t what it looks like!¡±


    ¡°I-If it isn¡¯t the t-two queens! This w-was definitely my day o-off, right? W-We¡¯re just here as f-friends!¡±


    Ahead of us, two people were rxing in the calming springs, now just filled with embarrassment from a sight we weren¡¯t meant to see. Have any idea who the culprits are yet? I¡¯ll give you some hints¡­ one is heavily into politics, the other I constantly refer to as being busty and elven.


    It¡¯s Marcus and Eve! Clearly there is nothing going on at all, just a couple of friends bathing together. Obviousck of subtlety aside, I can see the appeal, cold snowkes falling while being wrapped in a warm bath. This could be a fun experience any other time.


    ¡°Heh, we¡¯d love to pry into your private lives but that¡¯s not the reason we¡¯re here. Do you two know anything about the letter K and D?¡±


    Both surprisingly seem aware of what Petra asks, obviously these two can¡¯t be responsible for entering our homes and stealing presents, right? Corruption or not, our maid and politician don¡¯t have a death wish.


    (Marcus) ¡°Guess that note was for you two then, it¡¯s a good thing we didn¡¯t throw it away¡±


    (Eve) ¡°Tehe, we just thought it was an edgy poem left on the front door. It¡¯s by the towels if you want to read it¡±


    Heading towards the towels, another clue is to be found. On one side of the paper, a gigantic R is written down. On the other, it reads¡­


    (Hotter than Summer, sweat dripping from their eyes. The faint sound of rumbling, another worker dies)


    ¡®I¡¯m starting to think I get my stupidity from the family¡­ feel like I should know this¡¯


    Again, all the family except Petra seem to look confused. I¡¯m only partially including Nyx and Mute; I can never tell what Mute is thinking and Nyx hasn¡¯t been around enough to know everything about our settlement. Her Underworldmitments and duties to Chaos keep her active most of the year.


    ¡°Petra, what ce famously has workers that dies-¡­ oh! I¡¯ve got it!¡±


    There is only one ce I can think of on our settlement that is extremely hot and workers have a tendency of ending up dead. Hey, we try to act the part of benevolent leaders, we can¡¯t ount for basic human stupidity. That ce in particr seems to attract people who want to cut corners in the name of profit.


    ¡®I feel like these riddles aren¡¯t entirely correct¡­ we¡¯ve only had a few mining rted death this year¡­¡¯


    __________


    (Brooks) ¡°Why is it my mummies haven¡¯t shown me this yet!? This ce is massive!¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, careful Brooks. A rock might fall on you if you¡¯re not¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Some ore falling onto his head might knock some sen-, ouch. I deserved that¡±


    (Nyx) ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s odd. This ce has the faint odour of giant residue¡±


    (Kellearzar) ¡°Ikarus and Petra did one fight a giant here, Nyx. That¡¯s probably it¡±


    (Mute) ¡°¡­!¡±


    (Minos) ¡°I know, Mute. Gold isn¡¯t as fun when there¡¯s no shine to it¡±


    Heading down into our mines while rightfully getting pinched on the backside by Petra, we go straight into the grand gold-filled chamber and find this ce is different than usual. There¡¯s less mining equipment around like shovels and pickaxes for example, but the ce is still a flurry of activity with all the miners appearing to be on break, drinking andughing with each other.


    ¡°Jaxon¡­ I thought we told you no working people to death¡±


    With gritted teeth, I ask our scrawny mine master that. Mining is not an essential job so if he¡¯s gotten them working on a holiday, he must know this isn¡¯t allowed. Just because Jaxon is as skinny and brittle as ever doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯ll cut him any ck!


    ¡®Hmm¡­ I think prison time is too harsh, maybe a fine and a day in the stocks will be adequate? Don¡¯t do they crime if you can¡¯t do the time!¡¯


    We¡¯ve even got Garry the gnome and his wife down here as well as that bald cksmith who was really grumpy to me and Petra. Even stumpy, the miner who lost his leg in an ident! It¡¯s good to see that prosthetic limb working well.


    (Jaxon) ¡°Rx, Queen Ikarus, it is a day off. Most of the workers don¡¯t have families so we arrange a feast. Moving the carts filled with ore out of the way doesn¡¯t count as working¡­ does it?¡±


    (Garry) ¡°Ayess, the way we do it is simr to how my kin back at home celebrate. Meat and mead with the smell of ore makes life worth celebrating¡±


    (Grumpy cksmith) ¡°Hmph¡­ the smell makes me queasy, you lot obviously don¡¯t care about my dwindling health that much¡±


    (Stumpy) ¡°Ack, lighten up, ya old fart! I¡¯ll give ya bashing with ma leg if ya keep moaning!¡±


    Looking around, it takes me a moment to see what Jaxon is referring to. Barrels of mead, barrels of turkey, barrels of vegetables, barrels of everything! They normally store ore in these so I guess it makes sense¡­ I really hope they disinfected those barrels first. Would definitely give the fest a real mineral or metallic taste.


    ¡°What brings you into the bowels of the earth anyways? Please don¡¯t tell me another demonic portal has opened¡±


    (Ikarus) ¡°Nah, things are safe for now, Jaxon, that happened years ago. Someone yed a trick on us and we¡¯re trying to find notes they¡¯ve scattered about. You seen any notes around here?¡±


    ¡°Look to one of those pirs, someone stuck a piece of paper on one of them. Honestly thought one of the miners had found a lover or something¡­¡±


    While I¡¯m heading over to one of the many indescribably pirs that were once used to power up the giant we killed, Petra makes small talk I can¡¯t help but eavesdrop on.


    ¡°Heh, anything to report on, or are things still running smoothly?¡±


    ¡°No ma¡¯am, everything is good. We¡¯ve had no tunnels copse this year and every fatality has been down to human ipetence again. Thest one in particr took a pickaxe to the skull¡±


    ¡®Damn¡­ the hell happened to him?¡¯


    (Stumpy) ¡°Ya, I still miss that twit¡­ and chuckle every day. That idiot thought he could catch it with his mouth! Good times¡­¡±


    ¡°*Facepalm*¡­ this is what I¡¯m working with, Queen Petra. Give me strength¡­¡±


    Putting aside that obviously stupid death, a little bit of mining lore could go a long way.


    A long time ago, we split the mines in two so that the upper portions would be for workers, the lower would be for prisoners. You¡¯d think those damned angels would get over their demon hatred by now but nope, clearly we haven¡¯t worked them hard enough yet.


    This is the closest we¡¯re getting to legal very, folks, throw those who oppose us down the mines and destroy the key! It¡¯s a fair trade, ore for food and water. They¡¯d still get fed regardless but we¡¯ve got to appear somewhat nasty at times. It¡¯s funny really because we get no fatalities down therepared to up here, miners aren¡¯t exactly the academic type.


    To the next note stuck to one of the pirs, it appears to be the same as thest. Another letter is scribbled on the back with a small riddle on the front. The letter is M and the riddle reads¡­


    (A sin for magic, the Winter cries. As high as can be, reaching out to the skies)


    ¡®Okay, let¡¯s give this one a think. It has to be a location; magic is a clue¡­ and something really tall. Good, another obvious one.


    I¡¯ve already figured it out, obviously the wife has as well¡­ damn. Even our little know it all knows where this one is pointing.


    ¡°I know what this is! It¡¯s that tower where crazy auntie Penelope keeps her pets inside!¡±


    ¡°Heh, we call them mages, Brooks¡±


    ¡°To be fair, Petra, he could be talking about her rock collection. Didn¡¯t she rece the library with a petting enclosure?¡±


    Ah, just Miss Genderbender having an unhealthy obsession with pet rocks and controlling her army of mages. To be fair, Brooks is right either way, she does treat those mages of hers likeb rats. Last year, she even turned the interior into abyrinth for Halloween because she was getting pissed off with howzy they¡¯ve gotten. I¡¯m sure the reward forpleting it was cheese as well¡­


    ¡®So, the letters we have are K, D, R and E. Let¡¯s see where this goes¡­¡¯

 Chapter Epilogue – Christmas Special Part 2

    Chapter Epilogue ¨C Christmas Special Part 2


    (Ikarus) ¡°Erm¡­ kinda feel like we shouldn¡¯t be here¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, funnily enough, Ikarus, this is tamepared to what Penelope used to do. That fact this ce is still in one piece shows that¡±


    (Mute) ¡°¡­?¡±


    (Nyx) ¡°Is this normal mortal behaviour? Attacking your underlings?¡±


    (Kellearzar) ¡°A long time ago it was, Nyx. I think she¡¯s disciplining rather than attacking though¡±


    (Brooks) ¡°That looks like fun, can I have a go!?¡±


    (Minos) ¡°No nephew, we¡¯ve got to be nice to the mortals¡­ even if they can be annoying¡±


    Teleporting over to the mages tower, all of us are greeted to an insane sight as Penelope is literally wielding a whip, running right past us chasing a group of misbehaving mages. This is going an unhinged route, mark my words¡­


    (Penelope) ¡°Get to work, you filthy animals! I ask you to do one simple thing and you still refuse! I¡¯ll chain you ungrateful bastards up and force you to work!¡±


    ¡®Called it¡­ just Penelope casually enving her mages. Is this really surprising? Heh¡­ it¡¯s like she¡¯s whipping her reindeer by how quick they flee¡¯


    ¡°We¡¯ll get to it eventually! Just calm down, arch-mage!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s our time off, the holidays are meant for rxing!¡±


    ¡°Just give us another month off and we promise we¡¯ll do it then!¡±


    (Penelope) ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m letting it slide this time! You¡¯ll do it now or you¡¯ll all be spending a week as Loki¡¯s test subject¡­ oh, we¡¯ve got extra guests! Hello everyone!¡±


    Of course, even though this we don¡¯t expect anything better from Penelope, me and Petra still can¡¯t help but facepalm from our resident insane mage.


    ¡°Penelope¡­ seriously!? We know your mages arezy and all, is the whip really necessary?¡±


    ¡°It is, Petra¡¯s lover! I told these idiots to clean this tower over a year ago! I promised they will not spoil this year¡¯s celebration for my other guests, so they¡¯re working whether they want to or not now!¡±


    It¡¯s taken me a moment to notice it but this floor is decked head to toe in joy and holiday spirit. We¡¯re talking colourful lights all over the ceiling and walls, Christmas styled trees littered in every corner, even decorative reindeers with a statue of good ol¡¯ Saint Nick riding on one of them. I¡¯m not sure Miss Genderbender understands the use of mistletoe considering it¡¯s under every doorway, it¡¯s clear she definitely likes this holiday though.


    The thing is¡­ we could arrest Penelope and trial her for worker abuse, there technically is a worker¡¯s union in this world. The problem is, that sounds like too much work considering she could sneeze funny and the prison would explode. I¡¯m not kidding, that happened once, her electricity ended up destroying an entire restaurant. For insurance purposes, we just consider her a natural disaster at this point.


    While we¡¯re trying our best to stop Penelope using the ancient technique of keeping her workers in line, or ves, Brooks wanders off into an adjacent room a quicklyes into contact with her other guests. Around an extremely long table, there is quite the colourful cast.


    ¡°Oh, hey auntie Ariza! Having fun around crazy Penelope¡¯s?¡±


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, hey Brooks. She¡¯s not always that crazy¡­ think she¡¯s just a little stressed today¡±


    (Loki) ¡°I respectfully disagree, sweetie! She¡¯s always been as mad as a hatter!¡±


    (Freyja) ¡°Crazy sees but crazy can¡¯t self-reflect¡±


    (Loki) ¡°Stupid brute! You just don¡¯t see the world for how it should be!¡±


    ---


    (Prince) ¡°I¡¯m having fun at least. It¡¯s nice not having wyverns following you around like a bad smell¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk¡­ am I the only sane one here? Knew I¡¯d regreting here¡±


    (Ria) ¡°He-he, cheer up, girly boy. We¡¯re all crazy around here!¡±


    (Dionysus) ¡°You lot need to lighten-, hic, up. Have a pint¡­ or a barrel full!¡±


    Our temporary party of seven is crazy enough, this seven currently waiting for dinner matches our vibe perfectly. There are Gods, phoenixes, a dryad, and even a wyvern. It kinda makes me unsure why we didn¡¯t do this all together in the first ce, would be kind of hectic though. Seeing Dionysus smiling as well, he must be absolutely hammered!


    ¡°Well well well¡­ should we feel betrayed on who you decided to spend Christmas with this year?


    Even though I may jest, I think Ariza sometimes takes me too seriously. Zeki and Ariza did say they wanted to do something different this year. This might be a little too different though.


    (Ariza) ¡°Uh, we¡¯d have invited you, Ikarus! It¡¯s just that we know you don¡¯t like crowds and¡­ uh¡­ I thought something like this could happen¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Erk¡­ that¡¯s brother¡¯s reason at least. I just didn¡¯t want sis to dress us all up again¡±


    (Ria) ¡°Hehe, so I¡¯m the lesser of two evils, girly boy? Guess I¡¯ve got to find the frilliest, most Christmassy dress ever, next year!¡±


    (Zeki) ¡°Damn you, cow, this dress is already bad enough! Just let me have a single day off¡­ jeez¡­¡±


    (Prince) ¡°Look at P-Penelope swinging that whip! S-She¡¯s a little scary¡±


    As we speak, the sounds of cracking and screaming echoes throughout the halls, clearly the mages are no longer fast enough to outrun her. We should probably leave this ce as soon as possible¡­ don¡¯t want Brooks learning bad lessons from Penelope. Petra realizes this too.


    ¡°Heh¡­ we really should get a move on. Did any of you happen toe across a note around here? Maybe with a huge letter on?¡±


    ¡°Uh, I told you not to destroy that, Zeki! It looked important!¡±


    ¡°Erk, I had to, brother! Blowing my nose is more important than some stupid riddle!¡±


    Well great, all of us still in search for our presents may have hit a huge problem. Of course, that problem has to be Zeki. If we¡¯re permanently stuck now, Zeki¡¯s gender must suffer. This is the only way.


    (Kellearzar) ¡°Did any of you read it before it was lost?¡±


    ¡°He-he, I know what it said! The cross falls, the Autumn settles in. Inside are madmen, all worshipping fallen kin¡±


    From Ria the dryad remembering what the note read, this one is so easy that even a dragon is able to pick up on it. I¡¯m no longer a hater of easy riddles if this is how quickly we can progress.


    ¡°Sister always describes the religious people as madmen. That¡¯s got to be the ce, right?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get this right, bruh. I call them cultists; madmen would be apliment. You are right through¡­ not sure where else that would be¡±


    You¡¯d think a group responsible for building high quality golden statues of ourselves would realize maintaining their ce of worship would be a priority, it¡¯s honestly falling into disrepair if you look behind the cracks. Right now, I¡¯m even that cross of theirs they hang above the church is upside down. Yep, the cultist literally have a satanic symbol above their doorway.


    (Brooks) ¡°What was the letter then, auntie Ria?¡±


    ¡°I remember that too, Brooks! It definitely said M¡­ like for masochist. That¡¯s a word you¡¯ll learn when you grow up, uncle Zeki is a big masochist!¡±


    Bang! Instead of justining for a change, Zeki decides to throw his head onto the table and I can¡¯t say I me him. This damn dryad teaching our kid words like that! Think it annoys me more judging by that smile on Brook¡¯s face¡­ he knows exactly what that means.


    Just as we¡¯re about to leave, something catches my eye outside one of the huge windows overlooking the ocean.


    ¡°Petra¡­ what in the bloody hell is that?¡±


    ¡°Heh, no idea, Ikarus. Guess Santa didn¡¯t need his reindeer this year¡±


    (Brooks) ¡°That¡¯s way more believable than that Rudolph story you keep lying to me about!¡±


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    Chugging away in the sky, far off in the distance, an aircraft roughly the size of a truck slowly passes the horizon and flies towards the north. Whatever that is, we¡¯ve got no chance of catching up to that.


    ¡®Let¡¯s just pretend we didn¡¯t see it and hope this is unrted. Never thought we¡¯d see a UFO in our world¡­¡¯


    __________


    (Ikarus) ¡°So¡­ we¡¯ve got K, D, R, E and M. Anyone have any clue what it could mean?¡±


    (Mute) ¡°¡­?¡±


    (Petra) ¡°Heh, got an idea, Ikarus, let¡¯s wait until we find some more though¡±


    (Minos) ¡°This ce gives me the creeps¡­ it doesn¡¯t feel right without people trying to kiss sister¡¯s ass¡±


    (Kellearzar) ¡°That¡¯s vulgar, Minos. Just because something is true doesn¡¯t mean you have to say it¡±


    (Nyx) ¡°Your citizens try to lick down there? What favour would that gain?¡±


    (Brooks) ¡°Hehe, he was only joking, auntie Nyx! They wouldn¡¯t kiss mummy number two¡¯s ass!¡±


    (Minos) ¡°I¡¯m really not, nephew. They would do that if given the chance¡±


    Teleporting now the cultists ce of worship, aka the church, all of us enter only to find the ce without a single upant. Yep, those good for nothing cultists actually stop worshiping us on Christmas and that¡¯s totally down to us.


    After long discussion several years ago, apromise was met. Byw, they aren¡¯t allowed to worship us on Christmas! Thepromise was that Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year¡¯s Eve are not off limits. Yeah¡­ it¡¯s safe to say we didn¡¯t win that battle, those fuckers even tried rioting when we attempted to ouw all three.


    ¡°Heh¡­ thought it was that person. Thest letter is A¡±


    Exploring the empty church, my know-it-all wife appears to have found the final note, up there located on the podium.


    ¡°Do tell then, wife. Where we heading next?¡±


    ¡°Heh, think I¡¯ll let you figure this one out yourself. M, E, R, D, A, K¡­ getting any closer yet?¡±


    Already knowing Petra can¡¯t help her teasing, I try to snatch the note out of her hands, only for her to put it behind her back and stick her tongue out at me!


    (Kellearzar) ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s who¡¯s responsible. I¡¯m not really sure why though¡±


    (Minos) ¡°This is easy now sister, Petra even put it in a way where it sounds simr¡±


    (Mute) ¡°¡­!¡±


    (Nyx) ¡°This is easy now, no?¡±


    (Brooks) ¡°Damn mummy number two for making me stupid! I can¡¯t figure it out!¡±


    All our Christmas party excluding me and the boy can¡¯t figure out this stupid thing! Look okay, a simple riddle is one thing, trying to spell out letters to find the answer is not something I can do! I¡¯ll just me dyslexia¡­ I don¡¯t have it but I could have!


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll just show you the note then. You¡¯ll get wrinkles if you scrunch up your face anymore¡±


    Thankfully, Petra finally gives in and hands me the damn note. On one side, a big A has been written, but we already knew that. Unlike the other note, there is no riddle on the other side. There is however a little folded up section.


    (Only look at this hint in the case you still haven¡¯t figured it out yet)


    Unfolding the note, I immediately want to punch something when I figure out who¡¯s responsible.


    (Sorry little one, tried to give you the benefit of the doubt but had a feeling you might struggle with this)


    ¡®Damn that grumpy old bastard! It was him who took our stuff¡­¡¯


    __________


    Again with the constant teleporting as all of us arrive outside father¡¯s Underworld cave, what a hectic and annoying day this has been. We¡¯ve practically gone to every corner of our three inds, moseyed around to see what other people are doing and now we finally should find the thief responsible for all the chaos. Before we greet our father once again¡­ there is something me and Minos must do.


    <Wee everyone, hoped you enjoyed the hu-, Ooaf! What was that for, little and littlest ones!?>


    Like a sh, me and Minos charge at our spectral father and make sure to give him a good kick! Full power of Minos¡¯s dragon body and my phoenix kick, we practically send him flying all the way to the back of the cave!


    ¡°You grumpy ol¡¯dinosaur! Didn¡¯t like other people being happy so you had to spoil it for everyone, didn¡¯t cha?¡±


    <Yeah father, what the heck?>


    <Hmph, ungrateful kids. Was it too much to ask for a visit today? It¡¯s not like any of your stuff was destroyed, all of it is unopened and ready to open at a moment¡¯s notice>


    Behind the veil of me and Minos¡¯s annoyance, both of us finally clock onto what father has actually done. The dingy, brimstone cave actually looks nice for a change and is even decorated for the asion! Sure, there¡¯s still not a ce to sit, it¡¯s still shocking because this is the most he¡¯s ever added!


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ¡°When were you into poetry, Dermakvar? Or is this just something new you¡¯ve learnt?¡±


    Mother surprisingly seems calm about this and isn¡¯t willing to join us in the father beating¡­ I feel like she¡¯s failed us as a parent now.


    <Hmph, that¡¯s very insulting dear, they were just non-sensical riddles. Those ancient mortals we used to hunt left clues to treasure, among other things. You pick up a habit for it>


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember us treasure hunting together. When did we do that?¡±


    <Ah right, that was with a different dragon before you came along, dear. Silly me>


    Seeing a smile build on mother¡¯s unsure face, her aura does theplete opposite and turns into that pure unfiltered anger we¡¯ve only seen a few times before. Looks like she¡¯s willing to join us in kicking father now¡­


    This time around, father wasn¡¯t even cheating¡­ I think? If he used to hunt treasures with an ex, then that would make sense why the nest is so filled. Mother did once say our family¡¯s wealth came before they got together.


    Anyways, father bashing aside because it¡¯s clear he is starting to get lonely, I¡¯m curious on a few things.


    ¡°Father¡­ how did you even do this and what about food? You know we¡¯ll have to head backter on, right?¡±


    <Hmph, my methods are tooplex for such feeble minds, little one. And the n was to go meet the Gods of this ceter on, they always prepare a feast too big for even a dozen dragons>


    ¡®So, Christmas dinner is around Persephone¡¯s and Hades? Eh¡­ saves Petra and mother having to cook. It¡¯s not like me and Brooks would¡¯ve been any help¡¯


    ¡°Aesa should probably interject here. What Dermakvar should say, is that fury sisters were responsible forpleting n as they can move through time and space¡±


    ¡°Hmph, thanks for that, cloned little one. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m in great debt to those irritating sisters now¡±


    Chiming in right at the perfect moment, a clone of myself teleports right in front of us all and spills father¡¯s beans. Wait, the fury sisters were involved as well?


    ¡°What was that, Aesa? What fury sisters can do what now?¡±


    ¡°Best Ikarus not know, those beings known as the Erinyes confuse even the creators. Some stories say they are daughters to Nyx, others say daughters of Persephone, some even say Cronos has fathered them at one point¡±


    (Nyx) ¡°All tales are true, one known as Aesa, those three daughters of mine are iprehensible to mortals. Spending too much time inside the darkness of Erebus, realities be distorted¡±


    Well¡­ that makes no freaking sense at all! Somehow, the fury sisters defy logic and have as many parents as they want. It could be they are half siblings to each other; it¡¯s just that is a love triangle I can¡¯t see working.


    I¡¯m starting to think that one obsessed with that hydra I killed was just toying with me now¡­ they sound iprehensibly powerful if they can somehow sneak into our home without waking the both of us up.


    ¡®Ah, just forget it, Ikarus, the Underworld is full of confusing stories and Gods that defy thews of the universe¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m getting so bored now, can we please start opening things already!?¡±


    Thankfully, our kid who still doesn¡¯t understand how basic manners work finally says what we all what to do. Let¡¯s get the best part of Christmas over and done with, then stuff our faces till we¡¯re as fat as Santa!


    We grab all the stolen presents and take a seat, our arses filled with holiday joy and not feeling the hard and ufortable brimstone floor at all.


    <I¡¯m not sure if I should feel insulted or happy¡­ this big one better not be made from chocte>


    Starting with Minos, he has a few gifts lined up, all of which are pretty much simr. Remember as a child, he was a greedy shit and loved coins way too much? Well, we¡¯ve all gotten him as much money as you can stuff in several boxes! Me and Petra even got him a massive coin made! Kinda wish it was chocte just to annoy him now.


    ¡°Oh my! It even smells like you two as well!¡±


    As for mother, me and Minos went a little unhinged. Mother loves hugs as an idea came to mind¡­ a body pillow kind of idea. Basically, mother now has two body pillows of me and Minos in our natural forms, both of which we made sure to rub ourselves up against. Now when she gets that motherly urge to hug, now she¡¯s got two recements!


    I know it¡¯s a stupid gift, both of us thought so but mother definitely seems to like it. We really had no idea what else to get her


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what to say¡­¡±


    Now, onto Mute and Nyx. This one is a little more boring considering it¡¯s just a deed to property in the city, with pictures and keys kept within that present.


    These two are alwaysing and going so we thought it would be a good idea to build them a house perfect for their own specific tastes. Half the house is decorated in a way that makes it look like a cave mixed with a doghouse; the other half looks like Tartarus so basically a lot of edge fiery themed furniture. Don¡¯t ask on how it looks in person¡­ or even how expensive it was.


    There¡¯s of course a load of sweets and junk food gifted to everyone among other things, like Mute getting a new cor and mother getting some new clothes. As for Brooks¡­ we spoil him rotten.


    A new bicycle, load of new clothes, toys, a staff and even a wooden sword. All the things he did ask for throughout the year, just I think even he forgot he asked for most of it. Oh well, he seems happy enough.


    ¡°Heh, you may want to open that one up when we get home, Brooks. Or not¡±


    Instead of listening to Petra, he¡¯s hyper focused on getting through thest of his presents. I¡¯m already face palming; Petra chose this gift for him so you know what it¡¯s bound to be.


    ¡°T-This is exactly why I keep telling you that S-Santa thing is a myth! Only mummy number one w-would do this!¡±


    Thankfully, our little brat is still smiling even though he¡¯s clearly embarrassed. Inside the package is princess costume, pink, silky and frilly as can be. I¡¯d feel sorry for him if he didn¡¯t sneak in our room again the other night to try on our clothes! We just pretended to stay asleep this time.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you two things, Petra. The other gift will have to wait¡­ it¡¯s not exactly wrapped yet if you catch my meaning¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ guess we can wrap it together then¡±


    Somehow, my flirting gets through to only the wife, so that¡¯s tonight sorted. She gets to torment me as long as she wants¡­ within reason. I¡¯ve also got her some others ¡®gifts¡¯, this is meant to be a family friendly Christmas so bad thoughts be gone!


    Petra opens up her present and quickly finds something unexpected, a white samurai robe like the one she always wears. We did agree this year we wouldn¡¯t go crazy on each other, mostly focusing on Brooks because he¡¯s so bloody easy to buy for.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s not much, it¡¯s just that you wear your current one so much, I¡¯m surprised you don¡¯t have a back-up. It¡¯s obviously enchanted as well¡±


    ¡°Heh, guess I just never got around to getting another. Thank you though. You know Mute gifted this one to me when I first gained a human form?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    ¡°You mean¡­ you¡¯ve had that same robe for hundreds of years!? You need some new clothes, bish!¡±


    Petra chuckles at my joke, but it¡¯s not that much of a joke. Nostalgia reasons or not, how can you wear the same piece of clothing for hundreds of years!? There¡¯s being thrifty and all bute on, even I get my enchanted garments tampered with on asion.


    Last but not least, it¡¯s finally time for my gift¡­ or gifts. Okay, I can guarantee one of them is clothing even though I explicitly told Petra no clothing this year! It¡¯s not hypocritical at all because I got her the robe, it¡¯s just that she¡¯s got me enough clothing tost several lifetimes. We don¡¯t have the closet space anymore.


    All my patience being at its limit, I quickly unwrap my first gift and find several casks of dwarven alcohol. I¡¯m getting mixed signals here¡­ Petra doesn¡¯t like me getting hammered but this alcohol is guaranteed to do that job. She must love me that much¡­


    ¡®Okay¡­ the love for the wife is dying down a little now. I¡¯m not allowing her to make me red today!¡¯


    As for the second one¡­ it looks like a purse. Sure, it¡¯s roughly the same size of a wallet so you¡¯d think it would be useful for when we start printing cash in our world. The problem is, it¡¯s freaking pink and sparkly!


    ¡°Heh, it has a mirror inside it as well, Ikarus. Now, you¡¯ll always be able to see if your feminine beauty¡±


    ¡®Yup¡­ a flirt mixed with a tease; I love her too much to care. It annoys me because I will use this. I am vein enough to appreciate my own reflection time to time¡¯


    Onto thest major gift, this is muchrger than the others, but way thinner if that makes sense. Opening this one up carefully, what I gaze upon is two sets of eyes filled with life, gazing into my soul and charging my outlook on life forever.


    ¡­


    Okay, I¡¯ll be honest and say I have no idea how people are supposed to describe incredible art. The painting Petra has gotten me is incredible though.


    Hand painted on a vertical canvas is an incredible picture of me and Petra sitting on a mountain top with a backdrop of a grand valley with details galore. On one side, a meadow as far as the eye can see filled with sunflowers, daisies, and even roses. As for the other side, an erupting volcano clouds the sky with greyness, slowly spewing ash all around and clearly looking like it¡¯s about to destroy the world.


    Obviously, the way this has been done is supposed to reflect our titles. Petra is known for being the kind andpassionate queen so she is on the meadow side, I¡¯m obviously on the more chaotic one. Even just looking at ourselves, it looks close to be photorealistic. I¡¯m even wearing that freaking kimono I wear every now and then.


    ¡°Heh, looks like you like it, Ikarus. Had another painted as well¡­ that one is best saved forter when we¡¯re alone. For this one¡­ our clothing can be changed if water is applied to it¡±


    I can¡¯t help but facepalm at the wife, I know exactly what she¡¯s done and I¡¯m not sure if I should be happy or not. I guarantee she¡¯s gotten another huge painting of us at home, this time in the nude. You just know it¡¯s something like that!


    ¡®Now I¡¯m curious, if Petra didn¡¯t paint this, then who did? I mean for reference, who in our settlement has seen us in human form naked?¡¯


    Suddenly, a thoughtes to mind only because of how carefree we can be at home. It had to be her, didn¡¯t it? Other than Petra, and of course Brooks who always pretends to spew when he sees us naked, there¡¯s only one other¡­


    ¡°Petra¡­ you got Eve to paint this, didn¡¯t you? Never knew she was talented with a brush¡±


    ¡°Heh, can neither confirm or deny, Ikarus. Just know the artist has a very good eye for details¡­ even I¡¯m a little concerned with how lifelike the end result turned out. The added freckles and moles seemed a little redundant¡±


    ¡®She freaking did get us painted nude! Damn maid fangirling over us¡­ you¡¯d think having Marcus around would stop that, but nooo¡­¡¯


    __________


    Spoiler


    [copse]


    ---Feel like adding the feast as well would make these 2 parts a little too long, so I¡¯m just going to do one better and make you feel hungry instead! Merry Christmas again, hope this provided a nice distraction whether you¡¯re a fan of this holiday or not.


    ---BTW, no uploads next week as well. Call it a Christmas break, I guess.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!