Hey everyone. Wow sorry about the long delay on a chapter I said would be out 3 weeks ago. Honestly, I wasn't happy with a lot of it and after reading earlier chapters I felt like I went a little overboard with a lot of what I spoke about before and after last chapter.

So REMEMBER that when reading this a lot of the points I addressed then are actually more so a part of this chapter. I had just originally planned on posting it right away then got sick and and just didn't have time.

This chapter is about 60K which is basically 2 chapters, and a lot like the second chapter of this arc and I'll split it into 2 chapters after a few days....Honestly, I'd post them separately but I'm tired of looking at old dialogue, jokes and things I've been working on for over a month now. (Which can be very boring to a writer.)

I've loved all yalls feedback and thank you so much to my donators and editors for all your support.

I've now decided to not take all the Reviews and comments I take to heart since there was a lot of people voiceing their opinions which was nice. Just know that while I may read all comments and reviews, the moment you say something like 'Oh how could Vali kill Malthiel which is something i think Frenzy85 brought up somewhere in his complaints, I'll usually just stop reading your review at that point because you obviously don't read the chapters and just skim them if you couldn't even comprehend that in the chapter.

Or reviews like Riley656 who seem to think if Vali and co were able to kill Balor (With the help of a divine no less), it immediately means they are now just as strong. By that logic a kid who sneaks into a famous sword masters bedroom and cuts his throat while he sleeps means everyone can now say that kid is just as strong as that sword master. And no I won't change the romance tag, because the story just started. Just because the story hasn't gotten there means the genre changes.

Sorry I didn't mean to call you out personally, I just remember your review last and wanted to point out usually the moment I read a strange comment like that I usually stop reading cause like I said I've already elaborated on it enough.

NOTICE BEFORE READING:

I realize these past four chapters have been much different than the earlier chapters and while I rewrote a large bit in this chapter, I feel I need to go back and restructure. I'm constantly reminded less is more and I honestly still need to go through and trim the fat as it were, especially in this chapter. But like I said I don't want to look at it anymore.

I wen't overboard trying to convey Vali's situation and also his emotions for a lot of the reasons I mentioned last chapter. I originally didn't plan on even showing the audience the Dark Masters until later but I wanted to get some readers to get just how big this world is and there are multiple groups all active vying for power.

**Changes!:

I didn't make much changes to the earlier chapters other than some stats of a few characters. Like Alderon.

Some might think this is me making someone stronger or weaker than I originally showed, but that is NOT exactly correct. I'm just showing what characters stats should look to how strong they should be.

Soon we'll see Vali's base strength compared to others around his level, to the dungeon dwellers and see kind of were everyone stands not only in battle power but damage and stats too. You get a hint of that at the end of this chapter and some people might be surprised when they see Vali's actual Attack Power for the first time. But with his low masteries just remember that and I haven't really shown a lot of characters Attack Power in stat form yet. Just know I will be obviously be going back and forth trying to balance out the stats like a beta designer so bare with me.

So ladies and gents...Without further a due the next two chapters I felt needed to be delivered together.

(My goal is 20-30K a chapter from now on until I try to transition this story into book form, which is the way it should be read.

Book 2; Chapter 4: A Darkness Awakening.....(Part 2)

Vali's POV:

'Already needing to take another shower hmph... For some reason I just felt like I needed it somehow.'

I stood alone in one of the large bathing quarters where warm rain water continued to trickle down from overhead.

"Finally a little quiet..."

While rubbing the water over my dirty face and hair I took a deep breath and exhaled, enjoying the momentary peace I don't really get to have much in this world. I remember a time where I was practically tormented by loneliness, seems pretty far and away from now though.

I wound up having Noah and Sasha both help some of the slaves here since they could both speak the Human language and could probably help some of them to adapt well. I told them both that they will each be in charge so as to hopefully make some of the younger, new members feel more comfortable and hopefully not try to flee at the first opportunity.

Just some of the looks some of them gave the Arachnee after entering the dungeon, I heard many whispering they were definitely going to get eaten. Hopefully after they shower and see how the Arachnee are providing new clothes for them, it may reveal a different side to the Arachnee for them.

While the new members came with me, that doesn't necessarily mean they probably all did voluntarily when I asked them. I saw the way some looked at me. I can't blame them either.... For now it's probably best I just give them some space to get acclimated to things better. All I told them is that we will be moving to our new home soon and they would each get to work and live alongside us in our new home. None, however, spoke back.

Not even that Granny cook and her granddaughter, but I feel that is mostly due to them still being shaken up.

'Well, whatever...There are plenty more pressing matters to attend to as it is.'

"Hah......"

I exhaled and closed my eyes and saw image after bloody image reappear within my mind.

Seeing the look in the eyes of some of those terrified kids, hearing screams of torment from within the brothel...I can't seem to be able to get any of it out from my mind. Everytime I close my eyes in fact. So I just continued letting the warm water wash over me and cleanse all the last traces of blood from my snow white hair. Unable to cleanse away what I truly wanted.

‘Hjökk was right, I mean...Loki, he was right.... ‘

With Hjökk's warnings she gave from Loki's own words about some of the dangers in this foreign world, also came a word of caution over what is currently happening to me.

It's not like I never lost control back in my old world, but when I'm not in control of my own actions whenever taking a person's life is something that terrifies me. One moment of weakness and giving in could have led to a completely different outcome today that maybe I couldn't have stopped....

Murder is just....You don't really get used to it. Some can grow numb to it sure but... I'm plagued by them for some reason. In my hallucinations, my nightmares.

Eventually I'm sure I'll grow used to it. It's not like I have regrets for the things I've done, but that doesn't simply erase each of the images out of from my head either....'

I'm changing, and as much as I'm aware of it, it still makes no difference. My fears of becoming a monster seem to becoming more and more vivid. While I seem unable to stop it, and even at times almost unwilling.

Hjökk said this new Dark Lord class would help with my control over the darkness inside me while also aiding in things like comprehension or training speed. But she also highly insinuated the dark element is by no means similar to any of the others and didn't differ much with what Balor had said either.

The darkness wraps around your fears as well as your desires and embraces them. Inhibiting all reason, doubt and understanding.

Until you give in, and all that is left within the person is nothing but a shell. It is why Dark Magic is considered so dangerous for a person to study.

For me, who had lost all I had ever cared for in my last life, the darkness awoke an emotion in me I had never once noticed about myself. A wanting, a carnal craving that feels like an itch that won't cease even after being scratched. A dominating will, born within me....To exert out all those pains and frustrations from my own failures and onto the wicked. For their sins, and equally for my own.

'Is this what it feels like to be a Dark Lord? Or was this insatiable lust always within me?'

Dark Lords were never really the heroes of the story. My entire class is one that’s based on 'Fear'. Overcoming those fears and introducing them onto others. Something I'm no stranger to. It's helped me a lot in my life in fact. It stops future fights from every occurring. Whenever gangs would come down on me sometimes there would be well over a dozen at a time...I didn't always win, in fact I remember getting my ass kicked a few times but I always made them regret ever starting it. In a fight it's not about who is the bloodiest in the end, its who's still standing that’s the real winner.

'And if they ever threatened or messed with my family then the gloves came off, it was always different for me. I'd wait until I could find their leader when he was alone...punish him until he understood the consequences. I didn't beat them until they asked forgiveness or for mercy....I beat them until they didn't dare utter another word in fear of what I might do next. Until I could see the fear in their eyes was enough that they no longer wanted anything to do with me from then on because they weren't sure just what could entail provoking me again....As a Dark Lord, fear is now just a part of the job.....'

While I won't take a life unless absolutely necessary from here on out, for the possible dangers it could implement, I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty either.

'Heh...They already are anyways....Honestly I'm just tired thinking about it all. I'm mindful of it, that's what's important. But if I sit here and continue to dwell on every life I take, decision I make...I feel I'll truly begin to lose it. Best I just shove it all down like I have been, only thing I can do really. Sadly there's no resets in this game world....'

Looking towards my open palms that had been washed away of all the blood, my mind continued going over all the things that had been plaguing my conscience. I was simply unable to do anything other than worry, so like Kaylan and my mother use to always say 'why worry at all? '.

The warm rain water cascaded down the bright yellow stoned cave walls and fell down towards me.

Not far away from me, there was a metallic plate-object showing an obscure reflection that I could faintly see myself staring back.

Even looking into the reflection sometimes, I can hardly recognize who’s looking back. I just hope the changes I make aren't too many and that she can even recognize her older brother when that day comes...

‘It's hard to find words with how I feel over all the things happening to me. I'm just so used to pushing it all down, but even then the lingering fear in the back of my head won't fade away. I came to this world for a purpose and in hopes to one day return, but now....I feel those dreams are dead. For me at least. I hardly even have thoughts of returning to my world these days. Seem almost baseless hopes at this point. Sigh*….. I guess I only feel the need to evaluate my actions now so I don't wind up losing side of myself again.

I'll undoubtedly have to kill many more in the coming days even if I didn't set out to. I'm not even sure if you can live in such a world without getting blood on your hands.... I sometimes wonder how many lives I'll end up taking before I reunite with Kaylan again, what kind of person I'll be when that day comes...Even if Loki spoke like her magical ability is strong and can probably take care of herself...She however does not have the same origins as I do, and as her older brother how can I not worry for her in such a broken world?... I won't lose her again, I can't. I have to become stronger...’

"Teeheehehe"

Splash

Splash

“Cyanin catch!”

Booom!

Splash!!!

“No snowballs Jade! Hehehe! Come here!”

Splash!

Teeheehehe

Tehe

Beyond the yellow, glowing cave walls I could hear the Pixies in the other corridor probably playing games like normal, causing me to crack a small smile.

With my cerebral capacity starting to change from what it originally had been, I feel information and memories come to me much differently than they once had. I can almost recall a memory as if it were a movie I could withdraw and watch from memory, but usually only happens whenever something sparked such a memory from my past to be recalled in the first place.

And for some reason the Pixies’ distant laughter made me somehow recall something Loki had quoted from a book not too long ago.

A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. Don't make no difference who the guy is really.....I tell ya, a guy gets too lonely and he starts to get sick.

'Tst…that goofy ass-hat can get annoying sometimes but I feel I owe that clown a lot. Picking a guy like me I honestly don't know why. Giving me this second chance in this life….when at times I felt I never even deserved the first.

As much as this world has started to change me I'm still fortunate in this life. I can make something of myself here. For those I cherish as well. To where I won't ever have to go through what I had in my last life ever again...‘

After getting the water out of my eyes I noticed how my dark metallic grey nails make me look like some Hot Topic wannabe.

I took my finger and made a slit in my palm opening up a wound. Warm red blood appeared and within a second the cut began to glow a pale white and green just before sealing up entirely. The water then washed the blood away making the cut appear to never existed at all.

"Being a monster though definitely has its perks.....Heh."

I'm surely a more rounded class and build that should compete with those a hundred levels above my own due to the rare/unique skills I gained within this dungeon. Even if my skills are each at the beginning of their masteries, with my higher stats, and some of my defensive abilities that could outshine other techniques/skills that have been trained in or studied for decades.

However, in a Level based world, all one needed was time, effort and a bit of luck and eventually they could become uniquely strong existences themselves.

Hjökk had already hinted about there being plenty of other Champions like myself, but what I didn't know is that even in the Divine Realms, there are rules and regulations to abilities, items or gifts that can be given from the Gods to their Champions during their lifetime. So naturally they can only provide their Champions with blessings based on their own levels of power and ability.

That means there are undoubtedly other Champions out there with probably an even higher Growth Correction than me, with just as much potential ability as my spatial magic. Even if my stats allow me to fight against some of the experts within this dungeon, this world is surely a big one, and by no means should I think myself infallible because of this unique body.

It was hard to disagree with her, even without Abgrund I probably would have trouble fighting even one Fomorian with all my current skills. The only reason Hjökk and Loki were even able to help me as much as they have so far is due to this Dungeon being warded so heavily, and now it feels as if the training wheels are off. This world is just full of too many mysteries and even harmless elements from my world can be dangerous and corrupt the minds of those here.

Now Hjoökk wanted to make it a point, that Loki's influence and my own lineage haven't put me at the peak of my race. More or less, I've just had rockets attached to my shoes up until this point and now they've finally ran out of fuel.

"Loki honestly wanted me to figure out mostly everything by myself too, with limited knowledge from either of them. They have however found ways to help greatly while still bending the rules....He'd probably just stand behind the notion that telling me too much could violate that stupid treaty or some bull crap like that. Or, maybe Hjökk was just saying some of this to scare me now that she won't be nagging in my ear for a while?....Heh, yeah... Honestly, both seem equally as convincing a theory at this point...Damn I can never understand that bird.... "

She is loosening up though since I first met her, I could tell she also worried greatly for me knowing she would be gone for some time. She definitely tried to nail in that whole 'Don’t get into too much trouble while I'm gone' gag over and over....

"I wonder where that bossy Valkyrie went to anyways…."

All I can do now is to heed her advice and not trust anyone lightly. She seemed troubled by all of this which is why she seemed so adamant before. Not only enemies from this world but possibly those from beyond it as well. With a weapon like mine, it's even likely to assume Hades or any of his Reapers might come looking for Abgrund if they were ever to find out about it.

Such a horrifying weapon on Middle Earth and in the hands of a mortal is plenty of reason to act. While I doubt there's much on this Continent that can push me to use Abgrund, I should also listen to that purple bird's threats and not begin to take lives lightly until I've properly learned to tame this darkness within me.

But if I need to kill, I'll kill. But I should learn control over this darkness and strengthen my mind first.... If I can't do that it doesn't matter how strong I'll get, I'll only be a danger to those around me. 'Oh! Speaking of, I need to question our new prisoners soon after they wake up. I healed the one with a broken spine only because I thought he would kill over if I didn't. The rest still had broken limbs and were tied up from head to toe and left in separate cells. I'll have to have a little conversation with them soon.'

The water overhead came down and warmed my skin as I continued thinking over all of the things we need to accomplish over the coming months. There definitely was a lot to handle and I'm probably in all honesty not the best person for the job that is orchestrating the integration of thousands of races into a Human population. Something I never thought I'd be doing and I have no idea what problems may show up.

Now that we have made an Alliance with the Kingdom of Asher though, we have bought ourselves time to properly stabilize and build the foundations of our new home until we can stand on our own towards any potential threat.

'It's not like the Kingdom of Asher holds as much power as we do with all the Experts and Legendary items we've acquired. Regardless of their strongly founded history or large numbers they will still all become meaningless in the face of Abgrund... But with this Alliance we aren't some tribe of demi-humans like the Elves but a force allied with a Human Colony. That is why I originally wished to make this alliance between us... '

"Hmm, what I need to do is get some of the other races to start training each other in some of the abilities they share....That's a must...Wait, who's there? "

During my thought process I heard the sounds of steps slowly growing closer to where I was. As I turned around I saw a lone figure appear from the edge of the small corridor walking towards me.

"...Grayfia?"

The silver eyes beamed back at me and what emerged was the image of Grayfia who was now wearing a towel around her curvy figure.

"Hello Alpha, might I join you?" - Grayfia

Grayfia's mature voice flowed out with a smile and she continued walking towards me, casually arriving next to the waterfall currently pouring on top of my head.

'Seriously! This one again? What does she want?’

Grayfia approached me until we were both almost eye to eye and only a small space was separating her from me.

I tried to cover myself not out of embarrassment but common decency. Last time she practically gave me a full rub down in front of two kids and I have an idea what this one's probably up to. I’m just not used to a woman coming onto me in such a way.

"What's this about?....."

To my words Grayfia rolled her eyes and dropped her towel while taking a step towards me revealing what laid beneath. I for whatever reason backed away letting her bathe under the water overhead that started falling onto her bare naked body.

With her back arched and head raised she fully accepted the rainwater coming down and shut her eyes as if not caring if I were to admire her incredible figure or not. She starting massaging her body with the rain only revealed her large breasts even higher and in full view.

The water dripped down her face and soft but narrow chin. The rain water continued down her slender neckline and softly toned shoulders before reaching what may be the two most perky breasts I had ever seen. Not as large as some of those I've met in this world, but that didn't matter at this point. While larger than what any woman could obtain naturally in my world, they were still both shockingly round and perky.

The water continued to slide down her round and supple chest until falling off her small caramel colored nipples to the stone floor below.

It was impossible to look away from this breathtakingly alluring figure in front of me that no man would be willing to possibly ignore. While I tried to be polite before, not looking would just be crazy.

Her slender hands continued rubbing water up and down her breasts, tight stomach and large legs that almost appeared like an erotic dance underneath the rain.

Grayfia was in incredible shape and had a thick waist but powerful legs that in no way looked unattractive. With a puffy tail and two small dimples above her large ample ass that would practically cause my breathing to stall each time she twisted her bare naked body. As if each of the curves of her body were almost inviting me to explore over ever crevice and inch of her angelic skin. 'I knew exactly what she was doing but....At the moment I honestly didn't care to stop her.

It's been so long for me how can I not enjoy the feast sitting in front of me. Even the smell coming off of her is causing my lust to rise. If she remains here any longer, alone with me, I honestly can't say I'd be able to contain myself from reliving all of the things my mind's currently imagining.

"You know what I was thinking Alpha?" - Grayfia

Her eyes opened up suddenly and peered towards mine causing my whole body to jolt for some reason.

"...What's that?"

"My mother use to always say that in such a world we live, we can't possibly take it on all alone. Someone to comfort our hearts, our bodies. To soothe the stresses this world that brings death at every turn, we require such companionship to relieve ourselves from such a dreary and lonely fate.....Would you agree to this Alpha?" - Grayfia

Bringing her arms to her sides she slowly approached past the waterfall and towards me without breaking eye contact. 'If my heart could beat anymore, I'm sure it would be racing at this point with each of this Annunake's words. While it isn't the first time a girl has shown me this much attention or taking off her clothes in front of me, this easily beats any fantasy I could come up.... '

"….Sure."

I no longer backed away and stood my ground until Grayfia was now just a breath away from me.

"….I've kept my eye on the young Alpha. Never willing to take a break from his 'duty' and constantly placing others ahead of himself....I also see how you look at this body and I'll be direct with you. If Alpha wishes to take it and relieve some of his pains and sorrows....This one is willing to receive the Alpha's touch and his lust if he so desires for it." - Grayfia

'She's so forward! Is she serious?....'

"….Hmph ugh. Not that I'm not turned on by the thought of it....”

With that Grayfia slid her eyes down and up my body then peering back up towards me with a devilish smirk.

'Ugh, that was hott...'

"Mmm...I've always been more into the slow seduction thing, so this...I'm not usually into. "

"….Is that so." - Grayfia

Grayfia however didn't seem to show a look like she believed it.

"Listen, I know you Annunakes are looking for mates now with wanting to repopulate but, sigh*......I'm not your guy. Ugh, heh...Not really relationship material if that makes better sense...."

I tried to smile, wanting to kick myself for saying such things. Passing up such an opportunity my dick will never forgive me. I'll probably be cursed by the heavens to never have such a golden opportunity again.

It's not like I'm not interesting but getting involved with someone right now is just... Something like me. I'm not even sure about myself currently let alone starting some relationship with some girl. There are just more important things I should rather be doing....

'Something like this isn't rare in times of war though and is used often as a means of relief from the stresses of the outside world. I myself am someone who tried this too in my last life a few times. However regardless of how I feel, is getting to the point I can no longer think straight with this naked angel with a tail and furry ears seducing me full throttle right now.'

I tried to keep eye contact with the enchanting beauty in front of me while containing my lust down so I could at most face her without my body showing what I'm really thinking.

"Hmphmph....Oh you misunderstand this one Alpha. It is not that I'm trying to mate with you. Mmm, the young Alpha changes others' destinies without a second thought. Takes on responsibility after another as if it were his sworn duty and asks for nothing in return. Never does he stop working for others, even willing to cook for the worn and tired without the slightest selfishness in his heart.... It however is what makes me worry for the Alpha...Eventually you’re going to crack under all that responsibility you've placed so readily on your shoulders. It's part of what makes me admire the young Alpha some. And it is our job to serve the Alpha and take that weight and responsibility as our own as well...." - Grayfia

I kept trying to contain myself but it wasn't easy. I tried to not let my eyes wonder yet again but Grayfia's large curves and still dripping wet body were close enough to where I could feel the heat from her skin transferring to my own. 'It's not like I can continue saying no to such a feast being handed to me. I'm not Ghandi or some crazy person, but I'm one who likes to at least think about such decisions before making them. With my past how could I not...'

And should I even trust such words ?

"I see....So because I'm the Alpha huh? You yourself seem to be taking on quite a bit of responsibility....Wishing to ease my pains. So if I were to take you on your offer."

I warped behind her while gently placing my hand around her thin waist causing her tail to twitch and whip around rapidly. Her slippery skin almost slipped right past my grip around her and she was now facing me.

Her eyes showed a hint of surprise and before she could speak, I placed my other hand on her on hip and lifted her off the ground. Forcibly pressing her bare naked body against the cave wall.

Thud!!!

I lightly slammed her back against the wall and looked into her silver eyes while she lightly panted staring back at me.

While still holding her weight against the wall I whispered in her ears causing her slippery thighs to rub against mine.

"..You wouldn't have a problem with that? I mean, it'd be hard for me to keep refusing when you ask so nicely."

'If she wants to play this game so can I. Let's see how you handle turning up the heat.'

Looking back at me, I grew closer to her face and her legs started to tremble while she began panting rather heavily.

"Whatever the Alpha wishes....ha...ha..." - Grayfia

"Well, only cause ya asked me to..."

I could almost hear her heart beating through her chest.

Grayfia's panting caused her large perky breasts to bounce up and down and it was impossible to not get excited even if I was only playing the same game she were just doing to me.

Her body continued breathing heavily but her legs continued to tremble making me think she were not prepared for this.

My body also continued to grow closer to hers and would rub against her thighs and chest causing her whole body to grow even hotter. She turned her head while biting her lip and closed her eyes as if giving up entirely. She looked too nervous, frightened maybe.

I leaned into her ear and spoke as if I had won.

"Hmph...That's what I thought. Listen I don't know why you came here and offered yourself to me, whether it's for me or the Alpha or however you want to call it, but you’re clearly not into this. So even if this is something you and the pack do for the Alpha or to ease each other’s problems, I'm not the kinda guy to take a girl just because it's her duty to me..."

With that I let go of her and she lightly fell on the ground just before catching herself.

Splash....

"Feel free to pass that along for me..."

I smirked at her and while taking a deep breath she stood up facing me and smiled for some reason.

"Mmm...you have more experience than I would have thought for such a young one, but I think the Alpha may be wrong. You probably think me a whore do you? Well, I've only lay with one person before...Don't believe me? It's the truth, I'm not really one for games....And no it wasn't Diaga, hmph though he wishes...And it's not that I wasn't into that just now, it's just... To us Annunake maidens submitting to one weaker than us is not within us. Thought of as a curse by some of the young cubs, though not like I'm complaining or anything... For me I I just, haven't allowed someone to touch me like that for such long time so I was just, unfamiliar is all..." - Grayfia

While shaking her head and smiling she started walking past me and closer to the waterfall and glancing back. Her mature and soft voice was gentle but also very direct.

"Ever think you might be doing this just to numb yourself before your race does start repopulating? Just maybe... "

With a full view of her bare ass facing me she glanced back at me after my comment, allowing the water to fall over her head and smiled. A soft laugh came from her mouth and her eyes peeked towards my direction before going back to enjoying the water.

"Hmphaha...I think the Alpha may be the one trying to come up with his own reasons to not get close to others haha! That's what I think..." - Grayfia

I couldn't come up with a response and Grayfia continued speaking nonchalantly and continuing opening up to me without reserve.

"...What Alpha hmph? It's just sex, that's all....I gave up on the idea of mating with anyone long ago...Kind of wish I did back when Rholhorne was still alive, but we wanted to wait to have a litter of our own for some reason that I can't even remember now....You would have liked him, in some ways nothing like you but he too had a gentle side I can't help but find in you....Mphaha! I would also catch him staring at me with the same drooling look while still trying to cover himself ahaha....It does bring back some pleasant memories." - Grayfia

She started giggling to herself while walking in my direction while fixing her wet hair unashamed to hide even a square inch from me. She had a hint of sadness in her voice but I could tell this mature wolf had a rather positive outlook on everything.

"Now with the idea of repopulation of our species we all have to think about such things to continue our bloodlines. So... I honestly don't know what to feel really these days so maybe the Alpha could be right mph...But I'm not looking to have your child Alpha. You don't have to treat me as you would your mate and worry it might hurt me.....While I am unsure just how much I can help the Alpha, I do truly wish to ease some of the pains in his heart as well as his body if I am capable... And as I can see now...." - Grayfia

She continued taking light steps towards me after each word until her luscious breasts began to press firmly against my chest until I could hear her quickening heart rate.

Even if my words spoke a different tune, I'm sure my now almost throbbing member being sandwiched between her soft wet stomach and my own tells a different story.

The sensation of warmth and how soft and slippery her breasts felt pressed against my chest felt heavenly. It was impossible for her to not notice my body reacting to hers and giving her the wanting to continue what she was doing. I only thought about taking ahold of her right then and showing her things she's probably never seen before.

She slid her body up until her lips were close to my own and I could feel the moisture from her breath entering into my open mouth. 'Fuck she's hot....This is too sexy. Ugh, I can't take this anymore, is this seriously about to happen? She definitely brought out the big guns....'

"Alpha looks like he could use a little....skin ship...." - Grayfia

She leaned her lips past mine and whispered in my ear just before giving it a lick and light nibble with her teeth. Just the feel of her hands and body grazing against mine felt like a glass of ice cold water in a desolate desert.

"...You do so much for us, why not let this one do something for you?" - Grayfia

I could feel her fingers going from my chest down my abs making my whole stomach begin to churn.

I glided my hands slowly over her perfect waistline of this mature maiden since I could hardly suppress my lust any longer.

I could see her smiling out of the corner of my eye and watched as she reached her hands over mine, lacing each of her fingers with my own and wrapped them around her curvy waist. Taking each of my hands with hers and firmly placing them onto her ample, and very round ass. Each hand could hardly take up even a third of what they were holding onto and my hands felt like they had just entered into the pearly gates of heaven.

'Her ass feels amazing!'

Her hands tightened her grip around mine causing me to fully enjoy the sensations almost flowing out between my fingers which caused my whole lower body to twitch into hers. I could feel her body shudder with mine, and rubbing against each other’s skin to where her breathing started to grow moist in my ear.

My breathing started rapidly increasing keeping up with Grayfia with drenched hair covering her face which gently rubbed against my cheek until we were eye to eye once more. Her breath was now hot and I could almost taste her exotic scent touching my tongue.

We continued to breathe into each other’s mouths and leaning towards the other slowly teasing the other's lips not ready for them to touch just yet. They were thick, smooth and inviting in every way. Just as they were about to press down however Grayfia's ears perked up suddenly.

She then pulled away from me slightly and her eyes darted to the side just before turning around to face behind her.

Then I heard the sounds of feet splashing against the wet floor.

"HEY! So you were here trying to seduce Vali! Get away from him!!!" - Cyanin

'No...! You have got to be kidding me!'

She too was wearing a towel around her waist as she was one of the Pixies who were helping some of the girls who couldn't bathe themselves.

Grayfia smiled while covering herself and her tail started to wag. While Grayfia's body was covering mine from Cyanin's view, her tail wagging had continued to lightly pass over my crotch causing it to twitch and throb even more.

'Seriously, bad time...'

With Grayfia's body backed up closer to mine, my dick started to accidentally tap against her large supple butt even if I was trying to cover up.

The thing is...She's slightly taller than me like many of the Annunakes so even with her large round ass, my groin had slid right up her large thighs and teasing her against my will.

"What's the matter little...ugh one? We were just mnn, bathing as the pack normally does with one another....Are you crazy?” - Grayfia

She then looked back at me with an astonished look and whispered while with my eyes I tried to tell her it wasn't my fault. But at the moment the now throbbing head of my shaft had actually moved right below her two large cheeks before lightly pressing up against her warm, wet behind.

Her tail jerked and her whole body shook while trying to hide it from the Pixie in front of us.

Grayfia took a moment just before walking away to retrieve her towel knowing this was no longer the time.

I quickly covered myself up and could see Cyanin across the corridor look furious at Grayfia slowly moving figure.

"Psh...Whatever! You were making him grope you just now! And don't try to say you were bathing cause I know that's a lie you hairy wolf! Right Uri!" - Cyanin

'Wait...What?'

Cyanin who looked off to the side with her hands on her hips oddly before a blur appeared out from the cave wall. Once the blur dissipated I could see the image of a sullen Uri looking too embarrassed to even look at me.

'This whole time? ....Dude....'

I started shaking my head and Uri looked back at me dejectedly and feeling rather apologetic over spying.

"I'm...I'm sorry Vali I was instructed to watch over you and I ugh...well....May have mentioned over Daisy's sound crystal that you um...weren't alone......I'm so sorry she made me tell her!" - Uri

'…..Oh fuck that's perfect just what I wanted to hear... Cock-blocking little bastards.’

BooooooOOOM!

A ball of fire flew out towards Grayfia who was walking slowly to retrieve her towel, when a large gust of fire magic shot out towards her.

Grayfia took two quick steps forward that almost looked like a 'skip' and narrowly dodged the ball of flames. After the fire ball missed her, she started to casually walk over and pick up her towel off the ground to cover herself. The ball of flames flew right past her and crashed into the stone wall causing the cave walls to all shake.

With this I grabbed my towel nearby as well and covered myself up now that Grayfia was no longer shielding my nudity with hers.

"What did we tell all of you?! If you want to try and kiss our big brother Vali, you have to ask permission!!!" - Cyanin

"Oh is that all? Well not like I was planning on kissing the Alpha or anyone anytime soon but if that's all it takes. Then I might as well ask now in the event Alpha ever wishes to partake in a little skinship with this one....." - Grayfia

Hearing Grayfia's frequent use of words I can tell she's trying to play this no differently than she had spoken before. She didn't want to advertise anything and doesn't seem like as promiscuous as I might have previously thought.

Cyanin, however, was now showing bright fire within her eyes and started gnashing her teeth.

"...MMmm you filthy wolf! You're just trying to lure Vali away from us! Take this!...And this! Hah! And don't forget...This!! " - Cyanin

"Miss, miss......miss...." - Grayfia

The long haired Annunake continued narrowly dodging each attack with small very small steps and spins, not unlike an exotic dance.

Each missed attack however started making the small Pixie, who almost seems to have forgotten I was even here, much angrier.

"Grrr!! Like Vali would even want some big breasted bimbo with those things slapping his face all the time. Why don't you go howl at the moon somewhere?!" - Cyanin

"Oh this one seems to be getting agitated? What's the matter tiny, scared the Alpha might find this body of mine too seductive to resist tasting?” - Grayfia

"MMmm! Quit calling him that! His name is Vali and he's our brother first! Don't think we'll ever let you steal him!" - Cyanin

Cyanin continued lobbing fire at Grayfia, but Grayfia’s movements were too fast to be tied down by only one attacker.

Uri continued shaking his head in embarrassment and the two half naked girls continued fighting in more dangerous ways than ever thought possible in my world.

'Hmph Cyanin making fun of Grayfia for having large breasts seems strange considering hers are rather big for a Pixie anyways. For her size they're probably D's...easily C's...Ugh look at me...These are honestly the kinds of things I'd take notice of after being blue-balled like that. I gross myself out sometimes.....'

"Geez, maybe Grayfia was right. I do need to get me some."

I whispered to myself such words while large balls of green light flew throughout the corridor and pummeled the stone walls.

Boom.....BOOOOM!!!....BOOOOM!

"Hmphmph...Too slow. Almost that time...Are those wings just for show?" - Grayfia

"Rrrrrr! Sit still will ya!" - Cyanin

Boom!

The small corridor lit up in a bright turquoise light and loud explosions shaking the walls.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Ohohoho!" - ?

"Ah.....awwww!! So close?" - ?

"Come on, come on....Ahhhhh again?!" - ?

BOOOM!

BOOOOOOOM!

"Seems like someone might be losing her steam. Is someone running out of her mana?" - Grayfia

"Just you wait! I'm gonna burn your tail off you loose wolf!" - Cyanin

BOoooOOOOM!

"Haha! Hey, I take offense to that title, tiny tits." - Grayfia

Just then two bright turquoise flames appeared in Cyanin's palms over her head, that she starting push the two of them together to make a large ball of raging flames above her head.

"Die!" - Cyanin

BOOOoOOOM!

Each of the two half-naked beauties continued firing off attacks and evading while trying to keep their towels firmly around their bodies. Not taking the time to get dressed and giving the now large group of onlookers a live show.

No one paid attention to the bright turquoise flames that blew over our heads but instead were focused on the towels of each of the two demi-humans that would flutter up just enough to seduce the audience before dousing their hopes like a cold bucket of water.

"Ahhhh!...." - Everyone

The group of men consisted of Annunakes, Pixies, slaves and even some of the other races like Ollie and their group coming to see the large group they had heard I brought back with us.

Each of them, however, now couldn't take their eyes off both Cyanin and Grayfia whose every acrobatic movement and twist of their bodies would flash just a bit more skin, was then only met with disappointment. It was almost as if their towels were magically infused to not reveal anything too lewd while they danced around the Arachnee den.

Even I was perplexed by how the two of them had kept those towels on that practically seemed to have magical properties themselves. However it was not the threads that were the cause but the series of precise movements from Grayfia and Cyanin trying their best to keeping themselves modest while still trying to best the other.

Part of the wall was now broken and just about all the slaves have gathered outside due to the loud noises coming from this fight. Each of them now however were wearing long sleeved shirts and pants that were placed on large racks provided from several members of the Arachnee.

Now everyone was just watching the battle in front of them not being able to take their eyes away. No one for whatever reason is trying to stop it and Cyanin and Grayfia pretty much ignored everything I said so why even bother..... Not like I bet any of those here are going to stop them.

"AH!!! Damn that cursed towel!" - Reiki

"Such rotten luck! How has that towel still not been blown off yet?!" - Neko

I just shook my head and looked over to Ollie and Malfius who stood next to me and told them some of what happened on our excursion outside the dungeon. At first Malfius seemed astonished over some of what was said but shook it off and seemed like it wasn't a big deal. He even agreed adding to our current numbers is by no means a bad thing as there are plenty of things we'll have to do in the coming months.

"Hey Vali...." - Ollie

"Yeah...."

"Why are they fighting in their towels right now anyways?" - Ollie

Ollie looked over at me and without taking my eyes away from the two charmingly half naked females thinking on how to answer him.

"Mmmmmmmmm....... Who knows? You know how girls can be Ollie...."

"Mph...Can't argue with that. So that's how it wha......" - Ollie

BOOOOOOOM!!!!!

A large torrent of flames flew by and crashed into Ollie's chest and pushed him back a couple steps.

I turned and looked at him and the damage done to him from the brilliantly hot flame hadn't even taken enough Health to even be noticeable.

His body was smoking and his uniform looked partially burnt where the flames had struck him.

"Ah. Seriously?" - Ollie

"You clearly have been forgetting to train in your basics Ollierion. That attack was practically moving at a snail pace. " - Malfius

Ollie had no words to his father and just shook his looking at his partially destroyed uniform. The Pixie's Fire Magic they had just learned still had low Attack Power just like all of my new skills I've learned that are in the beginning stages. But even now watching just how much the Pixies have changed with just Cyanin's use of hurling Fireballs the size of a basketball is still impressive.

Just then the image of Adimar started walking towards the two annoyed with what was happening around him.

As he grew closer to the two Grayfia started to grow alert of him but continued to evade from Cyanin's onslaught with relative ease.

Adimar's towering figure appeared over each of them and cleared his throat while ushering each of them to stop immediately.

"That's enough you two...Honestly now is not the time for this...." - Adimar

However just then the Annunakes beside me started making strange faces.

"Wait...what?" - Akino

"How is...Oh, I see now...Grayfia better watch out hehe..." - Alderon

Akino and Alderon both stepped forward looking shocked causing even Grayfia to look in our direction while also tilting her head. As she tried to turn back around, Adimar's large hand held within it a massive hammer of a light resembling a mallet. Within a second it had been swung towards the now unsuspecting Grayfia's bouncing chest with extreme force.

BOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!

Within an instant before the hammer arrived, Grayfia took on defensive positions and used her arms to block while dodging backwards to decrease the force of the blow. The hammer however came down too fast and crashed straight into her causing a loud 'bang' to shake through everyone's ears.

The force from the light hammer knocked Grayfia several meters back, sliding across the tips of her feet. As she slowly started to stabilize herself she looked back over to the image of Adimar and Cyanin with an evil glare.

"Whoooo!!!" - Reiki, Neko, Pixies

"It blew of....ahhh...seriously still! What shitty luck is that?" - Reiki

"Not fair. Seriously...Not fair..." - Neko

Many of the spectators got excited then the chatter died down after looking towards the half naked Annunake only a few meters away.

Grayfia's health had barely even dropped by 3% with that last attack but had practically obliterated the sides of her towel only leaving a long strip left covering her front. She used her large puffy white tail to cover her ass and what was left of the cloth to cover her front. Grayfia however just stood there glaring towards Adimar who seemed to have been smiling oddly.

The image of Cyanin disappeared and what remained was Adimar with his long arms on his waist.

"Mph! I win! Take that right in your big boobs and score another one for the Pixie race!" - Cyanin

The cheery and excited voice of Cyanin came out from Adimar's body revealing it all to be one of her illusions. Adimar and the rest of the Alpha group looked over to the image of the other Adimar with his arms on his waist in a weirdly feminine way.

The image of Adimar started to distort and blur until a turquoise Pixie started to appear underneath with Cyanin raising her fist in the air towards her siblings. Cyanin glanced at me for only a brief moment and smiled before looking back towards Cyanin.

'She clearly doesn't regret giving me blue balls at all... '

All the Pixies surrounding the area started to cheer and dance, all but Uri who held a rather troubled look while glancing back and forth between the fight and me.

"Oh, yeah! Pixies win!" - Auroa

"Haha. Pixies vs Annunakes – 2 : 0 ! Pixies Rule! Annunakes eat stool!" - Tanin

".....?" - Annunakes, everyone else.

I could feel everyone was probably making the same face as me by lowering our eyes and shaking our heads...

'She thinks with one hit that she wins the skirmish? Maybe this is just a pride issue or something.'

"Win? Were it so easy to achieve tiny." - Grayfia

" 2 : 0? What is he talking about? " - Alderon

"MMm, I think I know..." - Dogun

"You caught it too huh Dogun?" - Adimar

"Yeah it all just now clicked....." - Dogun

"Hmph...I just wanted to show you I meant what I said you hairy wolf!" - Cyanin

"Is that right... You Pixies have grown quite a bit I'll give you that. Enough to even use a trick to land a blow on me. And how did you get 2:0 from that, don't tell me you guys haven't learned to count yet? ” - Grayfia

"Psh.. You think you're so funny! You don't even know just how much you're all being toyed with by us...Mph! Learn to count, 1 is from me just hitting you. And 2 is from....Oh wait, that's right. Hey Freyki! Jade! Take off your illusion spells I forgot about that part." - Cyanin

To Cyanin's words, two of the Alpha Group who had also came alongside the 20 other members of their race stepped forward. Each of them hadn't talked much even while standing in the large group but after walking forward the images of each of them turned into two small glowing Pixies.

This reveal however caused the looks of several of the members of the Alpha Group to widen their eyes thinking how they couldn't have perceived this before. The Pixies had even tricked me too.

'Damn, that's impressive even the Annunakes weren't aware of it. I don't know when they took the forms of the Annunakes and where but even if this is a joke the Pixies like to play, it's still an incredible skill they use for almost everything...mostly pranks though.'

"Horand huh...Well that explains much..." - Akino

"Unbelievable..." - Alderon

"Mm, what I was expecting to be the case. Depressing we missed that for so long. Hmph, we must be getting old...." - Dogun

"Hmph! I find it thrilling!...They're getting much better at this which is only beneficial to everyone hehe." - Adimar

All of the Alpha Group started clamoring sorely except for Adimar who started to laugh at the sudden development even their noses weren't able to pick up.

Malfius, Ollie and I each stated nodding our heads to Adimar's comment because it was impossible not to notice how remarkable a change their race as a whole has made. They aren't shy, weak or pensive in any way anymore. In fact, after that little show they made in Aldain, I can almost see how Queen Nhaili's information on ancient Pixies being by far the most violent amongst the other species may have even been true.

Grayfia's eyes twitched but she just started chuckling at the new and improved Pixie race that are no longer burdens hiding behind them, but fellow warriors to fight alongside.

"Hmphahaha! Fine then you win. I'll give you this one squirt." - Grayfia

Grayfia then turned around and slyly walked away to go change. Her white tail hung down covering her bare ass as she walked away leaving many of the onlookers glued towards the heavenly goddess walking away.

Just as she passed the wall, however, Grayfia sent a quick glance in my direction and gave what looked like a slight smirk before disappearing.

'Hah, while I do think there are more pressing matters to attend with than just getting my dick wet in another world. If that sly wolf comes at me like that again I honestly don't know what'll happen. I seriously doubt I could push her off for very long either. Especially, if she isn't wanting anything to come out of it. Works out real well for me actually now that I think about it... Guess I'll just put a pin in that too for now....'

"Mph! Squirt! Rrrr! Just you wait you promiscuous wolf, this isn't over!..." - Cyanin

Some of the Pixies on the sidelines started clapping and cheering for their sister and some of the other races just shook their heads almost disappointingly now that the fun had ended.

"Hmm, these Pixies have changed quite a lot due to your influence new Alpha. Hard to consider them even the same people." - Malfius

I nodded back to Malfius agreeing with him as the Pixie's change was almost a complete 180 to what they used to be. Each baptized by the fires of war they even knowingly provoke those stronger than them unafraid. Now because of their power we were able to even kill Balor. They can no longer be called weak from now on and even if they don't know it yet, their race will become something that all of us will eventually rely on in the coming years. I have no doubt about that.

Looking around I noticed the now clean and clothed members we had collected from Aldain where each standing in a small group curiously looking around.

"Ah, Vali. The reason we came here was to gather you all as the Grand Funeral is about to begin. I know you have a mentality that doesn't stop working until the job is done, but we would prefer if you were there...You are our savior after all and it would mean a lot of you there." - Malfius

"Hmph, I don't know if I'd go that far. We each survived for everyone coming together. It definitely wasn't a one man show."

"That may be true. But like the late Commander Locke said in his final letter Vali. You awakened a fire in all of us for coming here and standing with us. You didn't have to but you chose to. Watching from edge of Floor One's city walls while you stood unmoving in front of Balor made my fur stand on end.... My dad's right even if we all fought today, it was you who brought us together and made us believe we actually had a chance to live till this day...." - Ollie

Ollie came over and placed his hand on my shoulder and many of the Alpha Group were staring at me warmly while the Pixies started to fly over to where we were.

Looking towards each of them and back at Ollie, I couldn't find much to say in response only causing each of them to start laughing for some reason and shaking their heads.

Deciding it was now time to leave I instructed the large group of the newly added members of our alliance to follow us to where the rest of our group was holding a feast and funeral for all who were lost fighting in this place.

None of them looked to have any complaints and I guess decided not to speak up unless I had directly addressed them it seems. Each of them had seen such horrific times it may take time for some of them to properly merge into our society and I'm sure there are bound to be plenty of unforeseen problems. I, however, am not someone who is able to cast them all aside just because the time isn't convenient for me.

With Noah, Sasha and my mother, the younger one's will probably be alright but it's some of the older slaves I'm worried about. 'Not all of them can be as carefree and uplifted as Ari. I guess only time will tell how each of them will be able to get over their pasts. '

We each then left the Arachnee den and walked over the fallen debris and destroyed ground to outside the dungeon walls. I noticed as we were each walking outside the dungeon appeared to be very slowly repairing itself.

The large mountain supporting this dungeon had a large hole in it but after several hours I've noticed slight changes in some places. 'Hjökk was right, there must be a power source somewhere within that Black Palace...We're definitely going to send search parties up there again to explore everything but it must be done carefully. Without Hjökk on my shoulder even with all those here around me, for the first time since coming here I've honestly felt vulnerable.'

Starting to miss that purple bird I stepped outside the large hole in the mountain and we were each met with loud music and cheering coming from not too far away.

We could hear laughter and songs being sung in a massive celebration. Each of the new members gave odd looks to each other and tried to keep up so to not get too far away from me.

They weren't able to trust with just words and only something they could be shown to be real was something they could properly wrap their heads around.

HOOOWWWWWWWW!!!!

HOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!

Loud howls came from the Annunake pack and there were large numbers of different races dancing around the bonfire and holding their mugs in the air, each celebrating the night away.

The bright moon was massive and after the rain clouds had started to disperse it brightly shown down onto everyone present and gave every Annunake a slight glow around themselves that made them appear like Deities.

Our small group began to near the celebratory feast and each of us could see a large bonfire with thousands of different race members dancing and drinking having a good time. I could see several of the Arachnee dancing with other races and not one of the races present wasn't mingling with another.

I could see those from Asher enjoying their drinks next to some of the Reiki and Nekos while everyone from the dungeon was out here now

There were Adlers dancing in the sky, the Pixies looked to be flying around and playing tag, annd members of the Reiki, Annunake and Neko races joining in what looked like drinking games. There were even targets set up away from the crowd with knives embedded into them from several of the drunk patrons attempts at throwing them into the targets while intoxicated....'Seems like a horribly dangerous drinking game idea but whatever.'

Not far behind where the celebration and bonfire was happening, a massive hole in the ground with fresh corpses wrapped in spider silk. They spanned for almost a hundred yards and were no telling how deep. All the races helped dig a shallow hole big enough but mostly the Jiji and Pixies did most of the work, with their ability to dig and move the earth which is incredible.

The bodies of all those who fell today and were able to be collected were placed alongside one another. No separation between the species in any way and were buried alongside one another.

The number of dead almost came close to the total population and it was obvious our losses were extraneous.

Even with the alluring smell of the cooked meat, the stench of death was ever so present.

It was almost hard to look away from the grim sight. Even with the music and loud cheers the number of wrapped corpses all lined beside each other brings a very bitter taste in my mouth that makes it increasingly difficult to pull my eyes away.

I shook my head to awaken myself, remembering I had a responsibility I had to fulfill first.

I and a few of the Annunakes and Pixies each then helped some of the new members come over to where they could each eat some food. Each of them looked eager but still showed the same look of confusion each time I would address each of them, like the words they could understand but the reasoning for going to such efforts was something simply too foreign to them.

Many of those who were currently celebrating around us noticed the now small number of new faces and peculiar races appearing around me but seemed too drunk to even care.

'Hmm, that's new... Most of the Annunakes in the Pack always give me strange looks when I'm cooking and have even several times tried to take my place claiming this position isn't fit for an Alpha...Regardless if they were coming back for seconds or not. Whether it was a child or an Elder almost after every time I plated something for a member of the Pack, I'd be met with that same response... They probably just feel uncomfortable celebrating while their leader 'works'. But maybe they're starting to see I find my own sense of enjoyment and tranquility when cooking...Even if they don't understand it, they do seem to be trying to overlook it as much as it shows to be troubling them.'

Now that most of them are drunk, this should hopefully stop each them from bugging me every 5 minutes.

I walked over to one of the grills and started grabbing some of the already seasoned meat that was laid out on the table. The amount of dead Fomorians alone in this dungeon is probably enough to feed an entire country for several months, if not years.

Several of the Pixies had started to collect some extra plates and utensils that were lying around and come hand them to one of our newest members. They each happily did it with big smiles on their faces when I asked them and they flew away giggling. It was probably their weird behavior that caused all the new members to feel more comfortable and relaxed but mostly they just stared in awe at the magically infused race whose very skin sweats magic through its pores.

There was still a lot of cooked but uneaten meat as we honestly had prepared too much. The meat from Balor was far too filling and even after it was finished only a few wished to eat some Fomorian steaks afterwards. No one was able to consume an entire kilo so we are still unsure just how many benefits will come from eating such meat but Ari's Strength and Stamina increased by over a 150 each already while not even eating that much, which is a God send.

I started to fix a plate of soft Fomorian meat with greens and veggies for the first slave who was standing in the front of the small cluster and reached it out to him.

Each of the slaves and victims of Aldain shuddered as they looked towards me and no longer looked around to everything happening around them. The green-skinned demi-human with two fangs on his lower jaw pointed at himself and a very deep voice for someone his size came out.

"Me...Meat?" – Green-Skinned Slave

"Really? It's for real?" - Slave

"Gulp....." - Puffy tailed Slave

"…..Me?...S..sir?" - Green-skinned Slave

I nodded and continued to usher him to take it and the slave slowly walked towards me but now with a skip in his step. His face was now clean with black hair and I could see this slave is probably older than Sasha and Noah.

His level was 1 like all of the other slaves present who must have had their levels reset before ever arriving in this Kingdom. 'According to Asher, Aldain wouldn't have the means or ability to use such a spell as their Kingdom is one of only 4 places in the Eastern Continent even capable of doing it and is used on all slaves or prisoners from war.

The green-skinned demi-human cautiously reached out for the plate and took it from my hands as if he thought I were going to retract it. The moment it went into his arms however he grabbed a piece of the meat and jammed it straight into his mouth and tore into it like an animal.

I was taken back at first but after seeing his expression, a warm meal and meat is something I'm sure many of these slaves haven't had in a long time....If they're like Ari, they probably have never had one.

'Aldain seems to be one of the lowest and smallest Kingdoms in the East and is one where slave traffickers visit rarely or on their last stops. There really weren't many compared to the number of citizens, as it is probably only something the wealthier people are able to afford. The slaves and kidnapped girls are probably from the raids those Sneering Ogres conducted throughout the region. Why no one dispatched anyone to take care of them long ago is astonishing. The King of Asher only stated that it was once a small boundary town from a fallen Kingdom that fell in a war. The previous King of Aldain allied himself with a large guild and gathered roughly 30,000 members of bandits and thieves throughout the region until they were too difficult to control. They took a small stretch of land for themselves and no one cared in the least to stop them, at least not enough to send a large enough force to eradicate them. The Continent is just too large to be able to control everything so injustices like this go on for a long time before eventually stopped...Now this Guild has founded a small Fortress City deep within the south western jungle and have a few members even over Level 100 living there, which impedes the idea of many from this general area doing anything about it.

A large group of bandits like this is just out of control. Those bastards are responsible for almost killing Ari....They also happen to be on the land that is between our new territory and the dungeon so acquiring it is a must at this point. Those soon to be Squealing Ogres just happen to be unlucky for both reasons....'

"Ah!...Ah...so....so good....it's so good...sob...sob....mphmph...MMMM!!!!" - Slave

The green-skinned slave started watering at his eyes and several of the slaves behind him all started to gawk with their mouths wide and licking their lips. Several of them started to look back towards me eagerly and I smiled and started helping each of them to a plate as well letting them know there was enough for everyone.

This why I thought nothing of bringing those from Aldain and adding them to our numbers. Food is not a problem for us right now, and neither is money or resources at the moment. Creating a house would probably cost us close to nothing with what this dungeon can provide but the extensive labors will still be present. This dungeon could be a fountain of wealth that could support an entire Kingdom with untold benefits that cannot be leaked to the outside world.

'While I still allowed outsiders to come here, I believe giving them this one chance is something I'm able to offer. If they wish to leave still, I guess we'll handle that road when it comes to us. It's not so black and white always and, to me at least, these are extenuating circumstances. '

"Mmm! MM...MM....UGh....Gibli...Here. Eat. Good. Very good! " - Green Skinned Slave

Now a green skinned female demi-human stepped forward quickly to the one handed slave who was having difficulty eating and grabbed the small strip of meat on his plate and ripped it up. Placing a thin strip into her watering mouth.

They were both of equal height and each had two small fangs coming out the bottom of their mouths. Now that they were dressed in clothes however, they each give off a less primal feeling than before.

Without a second thought, she shoved the piece of meat into her mouth and chewed the food with her mouth open in complete ecstasy.

"MMMmM!!!! Mah!...Mmm....Meat...Meat! So good...So good...so good. " - Green Skinned Female Slave

Each of them chewed on the meat like animals only with tears in their eyes. They each had deep voices and spoke in broken sentences but it was impossible for any of the slaves here to misinterpret the feelings the two were now feeling.

With all the loud noise many of them didn't try to speak but after the arrival of food most of them couldn't think of anything else which is why I first offered it to them in the first place. When you're hungry, this is pretty much all you think of.

Several of the Annunakes and Pixies present also went to prepare a few plates for each of them and hand them out as a way of helping out. Each of the slaves were shaking under the flavors of the meat currently entering into their empty stomachs. Every one of them were practically shoveling in all the food in as fast as possible, some had even forgotten to chew.

"Good, so good. Mm...Ugh...ha...ha...ha..." - Female Slave

"Ah, ahaha....It's warm!...." - Puffy Tailed Slave

"MMm mish..sho....yoummy! Hehah!" - Human Slave

Some of them had started to make looks of insanity even like they couldn't fully perceive what was happening nor cared how either of them appeared.

Within seconds of handing a plate to one and preparing one for another, the first would come back holding an empty plate towards me with a grippingly eager expression on their now slightly brightened eyes. The slaves who were currently eating even looked towards this just to see if I would grant any of them seconds. These are seasoned slaves and look to be trying to eat as much and as fast as possible afraid this might be the last time in a long while.

"Hey, don't worry there's plenty to go around...Don't eat too fast or you'll choke. Hehe...I'm serious slow down it's not like the food's going anywhere....."

To my words I could see some of them looking back at me with such a strange expression of curiosity before looking back at their plates without anything to say back just yet. The younger ones however could hardly take their eyes away from the warm meal in front of them and continued swallowing half eaten food excitedly.

Each of the three younger ones held such a happy expression that it brought warmth to my heart while some of the older ones even had tears streaming from out their eyes. It was almost like they were trying to eat as much as possible now, expecting that this could be the last opportunity to eat a meal for who knows how long.

I tried to reassure some of the one's who surrounded the grill but it honestly didn't seem to work on them. They would only nervously look towards their plates for just a breath until they went back to shoveling the food in without even trying to chew it.

Both Noah and Sasha were still standing close by trying to teach some of the younger ones how to eat properly without even being asked to.

As for some of the weaker members we had carried out of Aldain, it was decided they should rest on the Annunake's home floor and possibly even need help being fed for the most extreme cases.

RUF!

"Va...liiiii....." - Ari

Ruf!...Ruf!!

Hearing familiar sounds reaching my ears, I turned over and saw the images of Ari wrapping her small fingers around Fenrir who was running over with my mother trailing behind them.

They each arrived through the large dancing crowds of people and must have been able to smell me even with everyone here. While I'm sitting down and sort of hidden from the proximity of the bonfire with all those around me, they were still able to find me. 'I wonder if my smell is really that distinct? Well, Elyria and Ari seem to like it so I guess that's what matters....'

My mother came walking up with a concerned look on her face when peering towards me and some of our new members that had come back with us.

"There you are...I was told from Sting you went away for a bit. Is everything alright? Where, where did all these demi-humans come from?" - Elyria

I showed a grim look and revealed some of the things we came across while searching for other members of this dungeon. I didn't need to go in too heavy of detail as someone who is also from Aldain knows full well the evils that transpire in such a wicked place. Her eyes showed such sadness looking towards each of them currently filling their stomachs with such expressions it was hard to look away.

After a short while my mother showed a warm smile and looked back to me and placed her hand over my cheek.

"You've done well son...."

Elyria then told me each of the younger ones like Tierra and Lilly are happily playing games with the Pixies who even took them flying.

Even from here I could see Tierra, Lilly and Princess Lucy with her companions with a Pixie holding onto them and trying to play a game of 'Tag' with each other.

Each of them had bright smiles on their face and would fill the skies with laughter each time a Pixie would throw a snowball or cast an illusion just before being tagged.

"They each wanted to come see you but I told them you were busy taking care of everyone like you normally do. Hm, Ari and I however just couldn't help ourselves when we found out you had returned... We haven't gotten much time with you so obviously the two of us feel a bit neglected some mphmph..." - Elyria

Elyria's tails continued swirling back and forth which I've come to find is a determinant of when my mother is happy. Actually Elyria's, Fenrir's and Ari's tails are each wagging quite a lot these days.

"Uh...Um...." - ?

After I heard a high pitched voice that came from the small slave with the puffy tail and saw her standing out in front of us. Even now she's cleaned up it's hard to tell how old many of them are due to malnutrition but this one's so short even asking her to do hard labor or live life as a slave? Some of them are so young if we had left them in such a place, it would have been no different than if I had left Ari in that cage.

Me being the protective older brother that I am, it's hard not to take notice of some of the younger ones that I know aren't able to fend for themselves. It's an almost instinctual feeling but I couldn't stomach the idea of leaving any of them behind.

The poofy tailed girl looking up at both of us now had a clean pale face but was wearing clothes that almost looked 3 sizes too big for her. The Arachnee even provided the slaves shoes for each of them but the ones around her feet look far too big for her as well.

With a half empty plate in her hands she shyly walked over but found it hard to look me in the eye as she spoke.

"You want some more?...."

To my words she shyly nodded back to me with eager eyes and making an awkward face. I, however, noticed she hadn't really touched as much of the greens on her plate which brings up so many memories with my own siblings.

'Now, she's too scared to speak up? Heh, kids are all the same I guess when they're younger. Doesn't matter where you’re from....'

"Well if you make a deal with me to eat those greens first then I'll give you some more meat. What do ya say, do we have a deal?"

The small puffy tailed girl didn't say anything back for a few moments and seemed to have been going over my words over and over in her head.

She then lowered her head and nodded while trying to walk away. Before she could step away however my mother frowned and walked towards her causing the young slave to stall in her tracks.

"Did they not have anything to fit you dear? I'm sure we can find something else that will, how's about we go get you changed first and then you can come back and finish eating. How does that sound?" - Elyria

My mother came and knelt down next to the shaking girl who was looking up at my beautiful mother with not knowing what to say.

Many of the other slaves too I can see have been listening in on our conversation including the waitress and her grandmother.

"Oh..um...well I...I picked these for whenever I grow up...I just... wanted to have some clothes for, for then..." - ?

The small girl made a troubled face and lowered her head nervously.

My mother smiled down at her and grabbed one of her small hands with her own.

"Well let's get you something to wear for how you are right now, is that alright?...Then when you start to grow big and tall we can always make you something else...How's that?" - Elyria

'Hmph. Got to hand it to my mother. She's really good at this and is something she shows to even enjoy doing since her responsibilities of being a parent were once taken away from her so abruptly. She's amazing with kids and has so much love to give...'

Now she's making up for it. I need to make everything up to her. She truly is someone who deserves a happy ending in such a fairy tale world. Even though I know she isn't my real mother, she has obviously stepped in as a motherly figure that I feel I can no longer live without.

'Elyria is in all honesty the single greatest reason I have chosen to make my alliance with the Asher Kingdom...With this Alliance I can give back to this incredible woman in my life. I want to make it up to her for all she has had to suffer for and all she has done for me without even being aware of it. It's almost hard to remember how I felt before meeting Elyria. It's hard to describe my feelings for her but this woman does have a heavy impact on me and my wish is to be able to grant her everything she desires in this life....Now with this alliance I've made with this Human King, I will bring her daughter back to her and with their connections and spy networks, they're capable of providing much quicker than I'd be able to.'

Every passing second is another moment that Elyria is separated from her daughter, and with every thought of this entering into my mind reminded me of the fears of her ending up like Ari or any of the victims here.

I couldn't help but recall all of the reasons I've chosen to ally myself with King Asher and this being the most important. We didn't have to make an alliance with them, this Continent is still a vast and unsettled territory....But while looking towards Elyria who was kneeling down at eye level with the small puffy tailed slave girl who was biting her lip, I know I made the right decision.

The puffy tail girl looked cautiously back towards my mother, not knowing how to react with the way my mom talks with her. Elyria even asked her by saying if it's ok, but still implying she's going to inevitably get her way....

'Come to think of it she does that with me too. Hmph, this little girl should just agree because my mother pretty much always gets her way....'

"O...ok.” - ?

My mother and the same demi-human slave started to walk away followed by several Annunakes to grab the young girl some more clothes. My mother's tails swayed back and forth behind her and the small girl waddled slowly beside her.

She walked kind of funny with those large shoes around her feet. All she could do though is stare awkwardly towards my mother just before shyly glancing back in my direction before leaving.

Now I was left with both Fenrir and Ari both looking back up me while making the same odd face.

When I picked Ari up off Fenrir's back each of them looked back up at me while wagging their tails and implying they wanted me to show them each attention.

They both to like it when I scratch their furry ears and after all they've done I don't mind spoiling them.

Ruf!...Rrrrr.....Rrruf!

Congratulations! Petting Mastery: Beginner Level 1 has just advanced to Beginner Level 2!

Petting is all about showing love and devotion to those by integrating it through your heart and out through your fingers.

Every brush of your hand will now start to add a slight calming effect to those being touched by your skilled hands.

*5% Increase in Stamina Recovery to those under the effects of Petting!

Wisdom + 10 Intellect + 15 Health + 50

"Hmm?"

'Oh nice, can't forget the pedophilia and beastiality warnings while trying to have a moment.... Thanks World System.'

Each of the two however didn't seem to notice any change and continued wagging each of their tails almost in unison.

With this sight however I started to notice many of the surrounding Annunakes and Pixies helping others eat strangely smiling towards each of us, while the new members could only stare with strongly fixed gazes.

Some of the faces each of the slaves started to give were one's who had maybe finally started to realize the inevitable truth...That they were all now, truly saved. I'm sure not all of them have come around to it but in many of their eyes I can start to see at least a glimmer of hope.

The two with their eyes currently closed however couldn't care less. Ari's fluffy ears were much softer than Fenrir's and the face she was making made it impossible not to crack a smile.

'Seriously...I don't know what it is about fuzzy ears and a tail but it definitely raises the cuteness factor of anything. How there can be so many who wish to cause them all harm is beyond me… Hmph, I'm honestly just thankful Noah's a guy or I would start to look weird to some people scratching behind all of these people's ears, who aren't even animals... Pft, well whatever...'

Ari's tail continued wagging in my arms and she seemed excited with all the music and celebrations going on around us.

"And..it was so much fun! Fly...ing was the most fun I've ever had in my whole life! We umm..we even got to play this fun game up in the clouds." - Ari

"Really were the clouds soft?"

"Hehe, they tickled my face. It was so amai..zing...You have to come with us next time." - Ari

"Haha next time for sure, I'm in. Sounds like you all had a blast."

"Hehe it was...a buh...last..hmph.." - Ari

I continued plating more food for the slaves while listening to Ari talk about playing an interesting game of 'tag' with the Pixies. Her speech is only getting better by the day and she hardly has trouble with a word after learning it. She really has been putting forth a lot of effort in learning with Elyria and I. Anytime I would say a phrase or something she didn't quite understand, she would then just try to repeat it back to me in agreement with a big smile on her face.

"You sure you don't want to go play with everyone else? Tierra and Lilly look like they're having a lot of fun..."

"Mm? No...I'm fine....." - Ari

Ari refused my offer and instead decided she would rather stay and chat with me.

At this moment I started to hear the music had then started to die down and I could see not far away, on top of a small makeshift wooden stage that was prepared, now stood several Adlers and many of the race leaders.

I could see Viktor standing next to Kyrah holding a large glass, Cosmia, Pek, Malfius, Ollie and an increasingly inebriated Queen Nhaili who looked to be swaying back and forth.

"Everyone if I could have a moment of your time. If I can have your attention!....." - Viktor

The voice that came out from the short Neko was rather deep and slightly horse. It however still resonated throughout the thousands present causing all the surrounding chatter to die down.

"I know all of you wish to continue celebrating such a glorious day...But that does not mean we cannot forget those who bravely risked their lives and died so we could be able to stand united here today....It would all not be possible if not for our ancestors who continued the fight, pushing and crawling for every step to get to this very day! We cannot forget all the brave sacrifices that were made in this place. We can never forget the pains and torment our people have suffered and had to endure for thousands of years until this very day. To a time where their great, great, great, great, great.....You get the picture, great great grandchildren....Would have a day like today....” - Viktor

"Whooo!!!!" - Queen Nhaili

Many of those standing around the bonfire started to raise of their mugs in unison but Viktor rose his arms to quiet them all down. He just looked over at Queen Nhaili and then to the Arachnee Guards to help their tipsy race leader.

"My Queen, careful!" - Arachnee

"Care..careful! You'll spill my wineeee......Gup! I'm fineeeee reallyyy gulp!" - Queen Nhaili

Queen Nhaili's two guards caught their swaying Queen and helped her stabilize herself while she just continued taking a drink from her glass.

"Hey Vali....I got the numbers of each of the surviving races you asked for..." - Kai

I heard a whisper coming from behind me and Kai appeared alongside Uri and Vale.

The leaders however continued to address the crowds while I proceeded to listen to Kai's intel he had gathered from each of the races.

"No longer will we have to tell our children to accept the fate that was forced upon them. No longer will we ever bow our heads in shame. We will each go forth into this new world together and make a home for ourselves. Underneath such a full and beautiful Moon tonight, I know that our Ancestors and loved ones are looking down upon us and celebrating such a joyous day, just as we are.....” - Adimar

"To the grateful dead! May they find peace in the next life..." - Kyrah

"We brought the Dawn! But we can never forget the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice so we would be able to stand together now. Our brothers and sisters who came into this world alongside us will return back into the world...together!" - Ollie

"Let us tread into the unknown together as our fallen brothers and sisters have each done this fateful day. Though alone we are strong, together even the gods should fear what we're capable of! Every step we take henceforth shall be beside each other, never to broken till we all take our final breaths!" - Malfius

"Whoooo!" - Queen Nhaili

As each of the leaders came forward and spoke I started to hear about the losses each of the races had incurred from our bloody fight with Balor and his Fomorians from myth. Kai had collected the exact population count of most of the races and spoke over each of them to me while reading them off a piece of thin animal leather.

While the majority of our forces were killed on Floor One in our final stand against Balor and the hundreds of thousands of Undead warriors old, Balor's monster horde who had done more damage than we could have ever predicted.....

The Annunakes who were already close to extinction still had the majority of their race all fight on the front lines without fear. Now the 'Pack' has a population which has dwindled down to 779 remaining members.

The Adler's had the highest number of losses of their species from when Balor initally touched down as well as keeping those winged Manticores, that were each larger than a house, from interrupting our battle. Their current race now have barely over 2800 remaining members from different species of Adlers. Vale said they had even lost one of the members from the same race as Ikaros and there is now only two members of their species left that was said to once come from something similar to a Divine Beast.

The Reiki lost the least number of their race but even in Balor's final moments he was capable of slaying many. Their race now has 2947 remaining members.

The Arachnee are now down to 877 members.

The Jiji race are now down to 1103 members.

The Nekos who took on a role as the military force for all of the races present have now dropped to 3,012 members.

The Dark Elves are still at a population count of 1 and hasn't changed.

The Pixies are the only race who haven't lost any members today and currently have 377 members remaining.

After listening over the collected data, hundreds of thoughts began to flash through my mind thinking over what this all currently means. While at the same time knowing that we survived trying to get a better understanding on what we are capable of with our now diminished numbers.

With the addition of the new slaves and members of Aldain our total numbers are roughly close to 12,000 but they aren't all combatants and can't be consider added to our war potential. While each survivor here is far stronger than just regular civilians, even the surviving Elders of some of their races cannot be ignored, our battle power has still been heavily reduced. We currently need to rely on one another and with each of our races numbers, individually no one is confident to risk treading this new world alone and potentially becoming extinct.

What were once 10 strong races who thrived thousands of years ago and gathered together have dwindled to such an extent. While everyone is celebrating their victory it is a bittersweet moment for all realizing many of their races are close to extinction to have obtained their freedoms.

While I'm not confident to jump into a head on collision with another nation right now, including the some odd 30,000 members of the Sneering Ogre guild, but that's not because I fear them...

In fact compared to the warriors of this continent I doubt many could hold a candle to us in open combat unless magic or uniquely strong equipment was used. Each survivor here is a bonafide 'God Slayer' regardless if they share the title or not.

Every single one of their lives are worth much more than theirs, and I would be pained by the loss of a single member of each of these incredible races just to fight a battle we could win easily in an upfront collision.

The Annunakes who can practically move at Mach 2 at night or the Reiki with their bodies that allow them to train their resistances much simpler than any others are probably going to become a force that hasn't ever been seen on this Continent before. Many of them are even high level experts proving they have several sub skills already close to the Master stages like Alysteir and their each of their potentials are still unseen.

I wouldn't want to risk a single one of their lives since each are more precious than thousands of idiot thieves and bandits hiding in the woods or some self-righteous King's in a dick measuring competition.

'I'm not even sure if the beings in this world are familiar with guerrilla tactics but with the forces here there is no question in a short time there won't be a single human power on this continent that we wouldn't be able to smash underneath our thumbs...I'll see to that.... Ugh, I say human just because lately the idea of these Vampires and Elves who live to be so old, there is simply no way there aren't high level beings living deep within their lands. Hjökk's explicit warning even hinted at that very possibility. There are even many Deities who live in this world who even live within the Kingdoms of some races and rarely ever get involved with mortal affairs unless it is deemed truly necessary.

With my Wisdom over 20,000 I feel I crossed over an imaginary barrier within my mind. Somehow I can just feel that my brain processes information differently and my mental capacity has not only grown but changed in the way I process information. It almost feels like I have more control over my own body and movements even... And now ever since, I've been having doubts about this 'Elf War' situation every time the thought appears in my mind....In a world with time and experience making a person practically godlike compared to my old world...

'No way the Elves wouldn't have some ridiculously powerful beings not revealing themselves or getting involved for some reason...If Human Saints can become pillars of an entire race, than Elves who naturally live to be much longer should be able to fuck some shit up. Even if they don't hunt monsters often, or any other reason I can logically come up with...It just doesn't add up in my head from what I've heard about this Elven war with the Humans and what I've come to learn about this world's laws and logic since coming here.

Well...I say that though I'm starting to grow more aware of how frightening our power is compared to those in this part of the world. I may have been too cautious for nothing but with what happened earlier tonight, my eyes have been opened a little more as to just what those here are truly capable of. Even while holding back.'

Regardless if Aldain only had less than a couple hundred or so people guarding the city, I was able to see just how a fight between our two sides would compare if our sides were ever to collided... Possibly some insight into facing Myro's warrior classes as well since they couldn't even fight back.

'My bet, their forces would undoubtedly flee for their lives before the battle even reached its climax after watching a few of their leaders being torn to shreds... Even those so called 'hot shots' from Myro eventually acted no differently when being faced with the same fate as Aldains. To me, they’re just cowards in armor. Those of this dungeon have lived in fear and have been forged by the fires of constant battles of life and death every single day of their lives. Alongside all of the benefits and weapons we've discovered now in this dungeon, I find it highly likely the only forces who would be even comparable to us warrior for warrior would be those in the Central colonies with some of these figures who can supposedly take on a 1000 man themselves. Sting the Scholar wasn't a very good comparison I feel with the Human powers in the Central Colonies, but he does have a good understanding of what goes on there which is still beneficial....While there are Masters in the Human Kingdom I stand firm in believing the forces here can compete with anyone given the right conditions. Killing a Fallen God gives life to this belief....'

Even if everyone here doesn't hold the title, they each fought tooth and nail together to get to this moment so everyone has developed a bond with one another that can't be explained by mere words. We have fought life and death struggles against near unshakable odds and came out on the other side victorious. Such an accomplishment has made the bonds between each of us grow deeper and while we don't know each other fully yet, our will to live for a better future is strong. We're all survivors....

The race leaders of the Alliance continued to acknowledge and speak of the courageous members who had all died in this twisted game invented a long time ago. Driven into a world darkness, that was hardwired to kill and drive you to the brink of death with every step through an unknown corridor. Only able to tell yourself to push on if ever a chance for you or your offspring is ever possible to leave such a damning place.

After generations of suffering their souls are finally free...

"Let us not forget the words a wise Commander once spoke to me....Blessed are our dead, for those who so willingly journey and leap into their inevitable end, it is for our sake...If we only focus on making the best moves, we'll never be able to gain an advantage over our foes. At times, we must be willing to risk everything we hold on to, everything we are to achieve victory. So that we may obtain true freedom...I must be honest I never really paid much attention to the late Commander's words until now but they make much sense to me this day....We've risked a lot, and we've all also lost much to stand joined together today. But in the end....We actually brought the Dawn together that many of us had lost hope of ever seeing in this lifetime. So let this day not become a day of mourning but a day to rejoice!.... We've been on the losing end of a long game our entire lives but now it is our time to start anew. As we say our final goodbyes to our loved ones and fallen brothers in arms, we will not mourn our dead....We will celebrate their sacrifice.... We place our brother's and sister's bodies outside of the walls that have imprisoned us all for so long.....As the late Commander would say, let's step into this unknown world just like each of our fallen have finally left it.....Together!" - Viktor

The short Neko's words like his predecessor had ignited a passion in the hearts of all those who were celebrating their victory, while still mourning the loss of those they cherished now leaving the world for good.

Everyone heard him and many started to raise their fists, weapons and mugs high in the air with pride making it hard to see those standing on the small stage.

Each of the races then started forming a long line and bent down to grab a pile of dirt with their hands. When each of them began to walk past the massive grave, they would each throw a piece of the Earth onto the dead honoring their sacrifice and assisting in burying those who had fought alongside them.

The massive hole held the silk wrapped and slight blood stained corpses of all those who didn't make it to freedom.

It was difficult to watch. Even when I walked over and too had joined the ritual of burying the dead, looking at all those I was unable to save from this place started to tug heavily on my heart.

If Ari wasn't in my arms right now I'm sure I'd be feeling a lot more grief than I am right now. All she was doing however was sitting quietly with her small hands on my arm sadly peeking out towards the all the dead.

I tossed the dirt onto the large gravesite while looking from start to end. The massive grave extended the length of a football field and was stacked neatly with bodies of many love ones from all those around me...I stared solemnly at all those who lost their lives today thinking about some of those I had met since coming here.

Corpses that amounted to barely less than all who are currently left. It was hard to stomach such results and still claim it all as a victory.

Not to far out in front of me, however, I saw several races throwing flowers but what caught my attention was the image of Alysteir driving one of her swords into the grass out in front of her.

Even with all the surrounding sobs and crying all around me I felt I could hear her whisper something to herself. My hearing isn't as great as some of those here, but my senses are much sharper than a normal human after absorbing all of those monsters alongside the World Tree essence.

"...I never forget those who were able to land a blow on me. You were a good warrior. Have a nice nap....." - Alysteir

With that I started to watch her slowly walk away and disappeared into the crowd around her.

"Hmmm...."

'Who could she have been talking about? Boro? His body however couldn't have been recovered though...Would she even care about such things? I honestly don't even care enough to think about it at this point, I won't begin to try and know why she does the things she does.'

"Valiii...sob....there you are.....sob..." - Cosmia

I could hear the sounds of whimpering Pixies and a small cluster of them had started to fly in my direction. In the middle of them was Queen Cosmia who had tears streaming down her face and she came over and wrapped her thin arms around my neck.

Each time she got close to me I could feel the constant icy chill surrounding her almost disappear.

Some of the other Pixies came over and couldn't handle such an emotional time for everyone and like their Queen were also in tears. Cari had Bifrost and Jana next to her and she too had flown over in tears bringing a massive warmth that touched over my whole body. Sometimes I guess pranks aren't enough for these little guys.

I decided to let them do what they wanted after such a day whenever I saw something odd...There across the massive grave site were other pixies who were crying and dropping flowers and dirt over the corpses of what looked like....Pixies? Wrapped in cloth were a small amount of tightly wrapped bodies with wings coming out the back.

"Wait a minute....."

I tried to change my vision to see if there was an illusion in play but couldn't tell as the bodies were no longer alive.

As I whispered this to Cosmia she abruptly shook up and looked towards me while wiping away her tears. As did several of the other Pixies.

She then leaned into my ear and whispered something odd.

"We just...We wanted to be able to join everyone here in mourning to so..." - Cosmia

"We wanted the other races to think we had members die as well....Everyone's lost so much and because of you Vali!... We just, didn't have to today...." - Aurora

"...We thought now if we did this, maybe everyone will be able to grow a little closer somehow...You're not, mad are you ?" - Cari

The Pixies revealed that they casted an illusion to make it seem they too had lost some of their own in the battle today and seemed to have convinced everyone around of this.

"No I'm not mad...I understand where your hearts are at...."

Each of the Pixies surrounding Ari and I warmly smiled but this whole feeling from Cari felt to be one that was a little different than when I'd first met her.

Cari too had then slowly wrapped her arms around me like Cosmia had. Whispering in a mature but soft voice in my ear that felt to be from someone much older than herself. Almost from that of an older sibling that is completely different than the atmosphere her and the rest of her siblings normally give off.

Their race naturally show their emotions much more than the other races, but there are no illusions about this. These Pixies actually see me as their family. They love me no more, and no less than each of their siblings which sometimes even surprises me.

"Vali, thank you for being our family. We each just love you so much...And, we're never going to leave you, because snif...snif...you're ours snif..snif....." - Cari

Both Bifrost and Jana were each floating not far behind their sisters but each warmly looked back towards the scene in front of them. It however had quickly been interrupted by a slowly approaching thin framed Annunake.

"While I personally think the idea of the unkillable Pixies would be much more beneficial to the morale than something so small...I won't say a thing...mphmph..." - Akino

Walking up towards us was the slim figure of Akino who had appeared through the crowd surrounding the large grave and at our sides.

While the Pixies didn't argue with what Akino had whispered to each of us, they also didn't show to want to reveal such things just yet either.

Cari and each of the Pixies let go of me and looked towards Akino and their Queen, who now dawned a more mature and aged look than she once held since I first arrived here.

"...It's not that we don't agree it seems silly of us. But this is the first time everyone is treating us so nicely now and no longer look down to us as they once did....We just weren't ready for that all to end just yet. It's not like we haven't lost any of our family in the last few weeks....Sob...and while we miss them more than anything....I know they're happy wherever they are now. Playing games with all of our parents, and their parents. One big family...Just like all of us here....Sure we might disagree and fight sometimes Akino, but we're still a family at the end of the day..." - Cosmia

"Snif...Cosmia's right..." - Jana

"Oh Vali thank you for everything. We're truly...very thankful for you!....Snif..Sniff!" - Cari

Some of the Pixies started to tear up and call out the names of some of those they had lost recently and turned around and gripped onto me yet again.

'What is this? I've heard of a shoulder to cry on but these Pixie's take any space that’s available...'

Akino smiled back towards the Queen's words while nodding quietly and not willing to break up the emotional moment for some of them, as she too understood sometimes feelings need to be let out.

Akino started walking away from us and threw a piece of dirt into the still open grave with only a lingering glance. She like many others decided not to look at the large grave for too long less she would have been unable to walk away.

The funeral lasted for almost an hour and many got to say their last goodbyes before Daisy and dozens of the Pixies began to appear to move the large mound of dirt off the ground and started to cover over the long strip of land. While it didn't cover everything many of the other races started helping to fill the grave as well, unwilling to walk away from their comrade’s final resting place just yet.

Not many words were spoken.

Many of the races were hugging one another and comforting those who had even lost their whole families today so none would feel alone on such a tremendous day. Since each of those here have all felt a tremendous amount of loss, there is comfort in knowing those around you share the same grief and are willing to lend a shoulder to the other.

I was no exception to this either.

"Thank you Vali...Now...now my parents are finally free to leave this weary place. You have avenged them!!!...Sob...Sob..sob....Ahhhhhh! Ah....ugh...For helping avenge them, I thank you Vali. I owe you my life. And whatever fate may bring this one, I will never erase what you've done in my heart." - Holland

A wide shouldered Reiki man, who was the same one I remember was screaming about his cabbages being burned, shook and balled manly tears while holding me in what felt like a death grip with his massive arms.

I was almost taken away by how such a man could cry so loudly, but he's clearly an emotional person and wanted nothing more than for me to understand how thankful he was.

He eventually placed me back on the ground and tried to 'slyly' wipe the tears from his face as if they had never even existed.

"You owe me nothing....Let's just work together from now on and make a safe home for those we cherish. That's plenty...."

"Humph.....Right, right. That I can do....Live free, die unshackled....." - Holland

The large Reiki then bowed to me while cupping his hands in his stomach and said a familiar phrase I had heard many of them addressing whenever they part with someone.

I started making my way back to where Elyria stayed with everyone and continued walking down the length of the large gravesite.

I then started to notice a purple glow slowly encroach from behind me and started quickly nearing my left.

"...We have to become stronger." - Kai

The small purple pixie flew out beside me and started to hover while glancing over the newly settled dirt over such a massive grave. Tanin was next to him and they each held serious looks when peering back towards me.

"I agree...."

"We need to start testing our abilities....Find any weaknesses we may have and cover them completely...." - Kai

“Yeah, until we are as strong as Balor individually...then maybe I can feel comfortable with my sibling’s safety... How about you bro?" - Tanin

I agreed thinking I too had been thinking over the same things while looking at so much loss. Kai started telling me how he himself doesn't only wish to come up with new formations and improve their strengths but mostly to find whatever weaknesses they may have and improve on that first to increase their chances of survival.

As I started to walk back to where I had originally left my mother and everyone else Kai started to explain to me some of the things he already thinks their race needs to be wary of when going to battle.

Kai believes the weaknesses he is currently aware of are enemies with strong poisons like the Arachnee and those who can drain magic like the Annunake. While after fully regenerating their Health with their abilities from the Hydra, Regeneration has showed to have some light poison detoxification characteristics. But not enough to remove a Status Effect if one were to be acquired according to Kai's data.

He also says races or individual builds like the Reiki would also be a bad matchup for them unless they were to use their Divine abilities which each of them individually can only use for at max 5 seconds.

'Even with my massively higher MP pool I'm probably unable to go over 5 seconds using that skill either. With their cost reductions to skills and cooldown times they are even able to use the skill again after only a few days while I have to wait a week to use such a Divine ability again. Their affinities are just high enough to be able to sustain such a skill without using as much energy and magic to pull it off and the heat we both were able to produce is like the difference between this bonfire and the unstoppable power of the sun. And that's only with 50% Fire and Light Affinity. Considering from what I've come to understand from Hjökk, even having 100% is just a basis for this particular world's logic. There are plenty of other realms and worlds where something like 100% Fire Resistance/Affinity could just be the basis for all life that lives there.'

Regardless the Pixies abilities using Promethean March are enough that the heat from their skill was enough to roast anything that stood far enough away to where the flames could even touch them. Yet still able to control their flames heat whenever they used it on Floor One.

Kai also believes that if they ever faced an opponent like me who can cancel out magic it would also be a problem for them to face. But he has already actually come up with a particular method of attack against something like that which I was astounded upon hearing....and maybe a little grossed out...

"...Seriously?"

"Hah! That's what I said when I first heard the idea hehe..." - Tanin

"Why not? It only hurts for a split second until the wounded flesh and muscles are already regenerated? I'm just saying if ever facing against such an opponent where we are unaware of their strengths this could be an option. I'm even thinking this is something we are going to implement into each of our formations from now on. I just need to convince a few of them first...." - Kai

"Cari will surely be against it...." - Tanin

"Ugh, yeah I know. I'm thinking of asking her last. Hmm...." - Kai

Kai started nodded his head while he was thinking out loud. The idea he came up with was kind of morbid, but he just recently came up with such a crazy idea while thinking of new ways to protect his family from here on out. Even if he didn't lose any of his brothers and sisters today he's fully aware that they were only incredibly lucky Balor wasn't able to use his full power or even his magic against us.

From now on Kai wants every Pixie who is going to enter into battle or fight on the front lines to leave a limb alongside one of their healers who they can hide in an untold number of ways.

Kai's already experimented with this some and has found that his five sisters who can regenerate close to my speed, or even faster, are able to choose where to send their life force. He believes if the Pixie's body were ever destroyed they could just regenerate their lost sibling within a short amount of time through the limb that was left behind.

The limb itself stops giving off any feedback to receiving any life force after a short window of time, since they believe the limb no longer contains traces of the former's life force any longer. However, now they are possibly able to implement a new and interesting way into their fighting style that is unique only to them.

'Kai's right though, it doesn't hurt really long enough to matter....Even when that guy stabbed me in the heart it felt excruciating but only for a brief second before the damaged cells started to repair themselves around the blade that was lodged deep in my chest...Heh, interesting idea though.'

"I got to say that's an interesting idea Kai....Creepy and maybe a little morbid? Definitely.... But, hey if it works then who's to say it's a bad idea. Have either of you tested how long it takes for a limb to no longer receive any feedback from your life share skill?"

Kai just shook his head and said it varied and he can't be sure yet based on how many times he's apparently done this to himself. 'He's definitely not like his other 'child-like' siblings. Hacks away at his own body and calls it an experiment....Heh, honestly though compared to every Pixie, I feel he is probably the most valued sibling amongst his family even if they don't vocalize it.'

We continued talking for a bit while we arrived back through the crowd of people talking and the music starting back up.

I could hear a few of the Adlers had again jumped on top of the small stage and started singing once more to liven up the crowd.

We arrived back to where Elyria and Fenrir were sitting with the newly freed slaves who were quietly seated in the same place I left them. Tierra, Noah, Lilly and some of those with Princess Lucy are now over here as well laughing loudly alongside some of the Pixies. Some of them were trying to play and communicate with the Pixies who are playing an interesting game of tag with their illusions.

Each of the slaves just stayed put watching the mysterious races walking around each of them while huddled not to far away from where I last saw them.

I told Malfius about everything. He and the Alpha group should have spread around what I'm planning with these newly freed slaves. Since no one is against the idea I guess I don't need to explain myself to anyone.

With that the night continued on for several more hours and once some of the races started bringing out more liquor the celebration had now started to truly begin. We stared off into the full moon and free sky over our heads. Each of us got wrapped around the moment, forgetting about everything else in the world other than the simple fact we were all alive.

The King and Queen got drunk and even started dancing while the trio also didn't shy away from drinking too and asking a few of the other races for a dance.

As I was looking around and observing all those around me enjoying themselves a small white haired girl very quickly ran up and wrapped her arms around my leg.

There were several white haired Annunakes from the younger generation not too far behind her and were each curiously looking up at me.

"I just wanted to come and say thank you Alpha!" - Annunake girl

I recognized the short haired Annunake as the same one who was in the bathing area next to Kato. He however seems to be trying to communicate with Noah and Lily who are also standing around a few Annunakes who are also in their generation.

Not knowing what this was for I just gently patted her head which caused the short haired Annunake to giggle and wag her tail slightly.

"Hehe look, Alpha's really nice...." - Annunake Child

"Jirha was right, Alpha seems real friendly!" - Annunake Child

Several of the young Annunakes as well as the adults are sometimes rather awkward with me in how they view me as their patriarch. Usually, they won't speak to me unless I have initiated conversations with them. But after hearing some of these little one's maybe after knowing how I killed the previous Alpha, I must come off as rather intimidating to many of them.

Several people I also knew came up to me throughout the night and thanked me in their drunken moments like Reinma and Karma. Not only them but members of each of the races had come up to do the same and even Henley came up and hugged me with tears coming out of his furry eyes.

"Tha...Thank you Vali...I thank you for this day. For all the lives you've saved...sob.You never lied that day we first met. My daughter can now do whatever she may wish in this life. As a father I just...Thank you...Sob... All I can do is thank thee." - Henley

"Valiiii!!! Come dance with me!" - Karma

"Vali! Come on one more drink!!" - Ollie

"Valiii! Come play with us!" - Cosmia

"Alpha! Over here!" - Alderon

"Valliiiiii!!!!" - Pixies

The alcohol wasn't enough to get me drunk but with the night slowly going on I began to get drunk on the moments. These were my new allies in this world and I wouldn't trade them for any other. We continued dancing and enjoying each other’s company until the sun came up and many had started to pass out where they dropped.

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"Well from what I've seen, your talent in healing magic is possibly on par with Cardinal Hope or even the Pope of all the Freya Churches on the continent..." - King Asher

"Is that so.....?"

"Naturally. The ability you received is more of a battle appropriated spell the Freya Church uses to heal a small range of allies in their party and can even help cleanse the body of impurities I'm told... They however have plenty of other spells in their arsenal to do the same things in the ways in which you've described them. Hrumph! You don't even need to chant the magical incantation the Freya Priests and Priestesses use, making the length of your healing magic end whenever you wish it....Simply remarkable Sir Vali. Even if it was by that incredible ability alone, no country in the entire Human Kingdom wouldn't wish to pull you over to their side ahaha!" - King Asher

"Yes, it is true our new relations with Sir Vali is surely a gift from the heavens.” - Queen Asher

"A gift? Hrumph, a gift is nothing my Dear. This is truly a life changing experience for this old King aha! With this added vitality I feel almost decades younger hahaha! Truly remarkable!!!" - King Asher

The King had stood up and started doing strange stretches in front of his wife bending his knees claiming he felt a lot younger after eating some of Balor's enchanted meat.

The poses he was doing however were ones someone would use in the bedroom so the Queen and the Royal Knights each made humorous faces towards the King's odd behavior.

In Loki's game, raising your level would essentially do the same thing as the Vitality stat, in by making chopping off limbs or causing critical hits to occur. Making battles in the Higher Levels naturally last much longer for just these reasons.

Vitality, if I remember, was just a stat to help a user survive through harsh conditions or battle much longer. Which in this world isn't much different than what naturally happens to a person's natural defenses when raising their Levels. However, each of these two things are both also believed to be partially linked with moderately increasing a person's longevity as well. Which is incredible from just taking a few bites of meat, to say the least.

While the King and Queen haven't tried to raise their levels steadily for a long time, acquiring skills that any Guardian classed individual would even kill for is something they can't stop laughing about for some reason.

These two did dance a lot last night just before the King got drunk and passed out in his wife's lap.

Many others too had passed out near the bonfire during the end of the celebration. Fomorian blankets that had been cleaned and smoked by the Jiji had been passed out. There weren't enough for everyone but due to the fire and growing bonds, no one cared in the slightest.

There were many just like me who too had not fallen asleep and many of the races here awoke early for training and preparing for our departure to our new territory tomorrow that may take a while to prepare everything we need before we make the trip.

Those from Asher awoke rather early as well and we had the opportunity to chat some more about the inner workings of the Kingdom we have now formed an Alliance with. I learned quite a bit about the Freya Skill from them and learned I don't use it in the same fundamental way that their Church does. When they need to cast high level spells for healing something like shattered bone or life threatening wounds, they wouldn't use such a spell like Freya's Soul Recovery which is considered one of the more common spells in their church.

If they used the Freya Spell in the same way I did, they'd have to cast it dozens of times with instant repetition to be able to do the same thing I was doing. With the Annunake Crown of Fei, my Healing Magic is even in the Advanced stages which is probably comparable to some of their high officials in their Kingdom's churches.

I also learned from the King's knowledge that for Healers in this Continent, being able to repair shattered bones is also a difficult process. Sometimes medical experts or even doctors are needed to reset the bones in preparation for the healing process for lower ranking members of the Freya Church.

Even then, in some cases it would take several weeks for some of the better Healers on the Continent to do what I can do in a few moments with much added mana infused into the spell.

While the leaders of the Freya Church have the highest Healing abilities in all of the Asher Kingdom, they are also famed as one of the most famous churches in the East. Being able to do what I can do are very few even with using different spells and expensive resources than me.

However, with this information I've also learned a bit more about how the Human Kingdom operates within itself. The Freya Church is not only famed in the East but also has a high amount prestige that extends to the Great West and their churches extend to every Empire. For the Goddess of beauty, love and fertility according to the King and Queen's logic, in this world Freya seems to be highly popular and worshiped by farmers.

"Really?...That's interesting....Well she is supposed to be the Goddess of Fertility so I guess that can also extend to things like nature and of the Earth."

"Hmphmph, quite correct Sir Vali. That is why the Great Goddess of Beauty and Love's Church is so predominant and holds so much influence even within the Rose Empire. For that reason Freya is one of the more highly worshiped of the Asgardian Gods and has one of the more famous churches within the Human colonies who also hold their base of operations within the Holy Alliance...Have you ever been to the Holy Lands Sir Vali? It is a place where Champions of the Gods are looked at much differently than they are in most places and even treated as religious icons to some.....In fact the majority of the Blessed Beings within the Human Kingdom live within the Holy Alliance." - Queen

"You don't say....And oh uh no. Never had the chance to yet sadly...."

"Well you should most definitely travel there some time while you're still so young. Truly many of the most beautiful sights one can see within the Human Kingdoms lie within the Holy Lands. I myself have only visited such a place once as a child and even I wasn't permitted from entering into some of their more sacred cities. My whole life I've always wished to travel into one of their Sacred Grounds and possibly even have the chance at seeing a glimpse of a real-life Deity.... However, such an exceptionally sacred place, even many Blessed Beings and High Ranking members of most Churches aren't even permitted to enter into such a holy place. But as a Champion yourself I'm sure you would be allowed to visit much more than I was ever allowed. I'm told if one were ever allowed to witness such gloriously beautiful places, they would have considered to have lived a rich and fulfilled life. " - Queen Asher

"...Sacred Grounds? Wait do Deities actually live there?"

"Ah, Sir Vali has not heard of such a majestic and spiritual place before then hmm?... The Holy Alliance is believed to may even have a Sacred Ground within the Eastern Continent as well but would most likely inhabit deep within some of their territory here on the Continent. And, my wife were just speculating before Sir Vali, just hopeful dreams that's all. No one truly knows if Deities live within the Sacred Grounds but it is known that the land there is undoubtedly a blessed place. Tis just a rumor Sir Vali that is all.... I'm told a few Blessed Beings on the Continent reside there though....I can see Sir Vali might be curious so I'll continue....The Sacred Grounds on this Continent aren't really considered a Kingdom and more is just territory that is owned and occupied by the Holy Alliance. Usually, if a Blessed Being ever appears on the Continent, it isn't rare for a few members of the Holy Alliance on Continent to come and rate that Champion's talent or heavenly gifted ability. They could even be invited to visit and train there under the Holy Alliance's tutelage which has happened only a handful of times over the last few decades.....To the other Human nations a Champion might be considered a weapon but to the Holy Alliance they are considered Sacred treasures that are living blessings from the Gods they worship. " - King Asher

"I see, hmm maybe I can check it out sometime. But for now I'd rather no one knows I'm a Blessed Being just yet."

"Ah, of course. Of course, not to worry of that as our lips are sealed Sir Vali." - King

The King waved his arm reassuring me and we continued talking about random things that came up and intrigued my interest enough to inquire further upon.

The Ashers have seen many incredible things since their travels to the Great West. Due to their Royal bloodline that holds power even within the Rose Empire, they have seen what no one else present has and hold a great deal of knowledge.

While originally all I sought for was an Alliance with them, but with the proposal or, more accurately put, the demand I made to change their laws, I was obviously asking for more than just that.

I had told the Queen and King that releasing every member of my mother's race is an absolute at this point. I explained to them that Elyria's race has never been in any wars and don't live freely within the Human Kingdom, so they couldn't have been prisoners of war nor held a massive debt. Just to this understanding then they shouldn't have any moral convictions and agree that this treatment is truly inhuman and they've allowed it to occur for so long in their Kingdom.

I looked them each in the eye and let them know this was something I was unwavering on, as even if I didn't say it aloud...This was the biggest reason I had allied together with this King, or well the reason that tipped the scales over. So I demanded my mother's people be set free and if Iris is within Asher, we'll find her and a lot faster than if I hadn't made this alliance....

Someone from an alliance of two nations couldn't effect things like foreign policy, but I wanted authority within Asher. If we were going to join this Kingdom and ally with them, I couldn't stomach the same things that happened in Aldain happening within the Kingdom we were becoming a part of.

We wouldn't join them if we did. So with the authority I asked for and my demands, obviously there are certain responsibilities that come with that.

Now because of that the King has started to go into detail over my new responsibilities to the Kingdom as well as himself for obtaining this new position and authority. His role for me was intriguing as it seemed more like an enforcer than anything else.

Now there are other noble factions that have been growing more powerful from increasing their manpower and level. Making many of the Noble factions growing more arrogant within the Royal Court and questioning the King's ability. Which from this King's perspective is essentially a form of trying to degrade his Highness and make him seem unable, or even weak to the masses.

My responsibilities now will be to showcase his power with mine to protect the order of the Asher Kingdom by affirming the King's rule. As long as we continue to want the same things, I'm actually all for this little business venture of ours.

"You are not one of my Royal Guard, you are just a Vassal. This means you will undoubtedly receive a large number of dual requests in the near future from several strong adventurers and warriors from other factions looking to take you out. Or just those attempting to gain a deal of fame so you should prepare yourself for scrutiny... It's not unlikely you may even become the target for multiple assassination attempts for what you hope to achieve just as I have in the future. You are although allowed to handle each of these situations according to your own discretion." - King Asher

He spoke non-hindered over many of the problems currently going on in their Kingdom right now and what my role would be as a Vassal to his faction. He seems to think because I'm a Champion of the Gods that my input is important to him.

I however expected all of this and thought out the 'pros' and 'cons' of this Alliance long before this moment.

The King seemed to look at us as an Alliance between two groups benefiting in our own ways while also joining as one. Personally I just like that he didn't see us as just adding our troops to his but he didn't try to hide any of the fears he's been currently facing within his Kingdom with me.

I was apparently right about my earlier speculations over his control over the Kingdom being rather shaky over the last several years.

The King currently has roughly 50,000 strong and loyal soldiers at his command but he doesn't necessarily have the loyalty of all the forces of Asher. There are some strong factions even within the upper echelons of the Kingdom including noble families and powerful guilds that now appear to be trying to dethrone him. Some of them even have strong connections to the central colonies of the Human Kingdom and could possible even be working for some powerful figures within Rose.

While his relations with the Empress of Rose are good, this world is a dangerous one and deaths happen quite regularly. The Central Colonies hardly ever expend much effort towards anything other than their own affairs that they are dealing with in their own territories. The world is simply too big to delve into the conflicts of every single one of the Kingdom's within their Empire, especially an outlier Kingdom on the other side of the world.

I was surprised but it makes since after I remembered the scale map display in Balor's dungeon. The central continent was vastly larger than the East and considering how large this continent is it's not so surprising that the Empress or other rulers would meddle within the affairs of every single nation that is under their rule.

As long as the resources, trade and tax revenues aren't interrupted and no proof of the assassination or culprits ever arise, it's likely they wouldn't get involved or look too deeply into things it seems. The world is just too big to be able to control every little thing...

King Asher however said if he ever were assassinated and the Empress found out who, she would undoubtedly see to it the culprit along with their entire bloodline would be erased from the world entirely. The Empress of Rose is the current Ring Hero and has an ultimate command over nature according to the King but apparently it seems so much more than just that.

With her Phantasm classed item, she holds a supreme power that doesn't give her just the control over plants, but sounds like it gives her the absolute authority to create magical laws that practically distort reality. She can turn fields of grass into small blades capable of puncturing through steel, bring out thorny vines of death for thousands of leagues that can practically obliterate through enemy formations or even absorb the biological materials of the world to enhance herself overtime.

"So with all this power from the Central Continent. Why wouldn't Rose send any troops to aid you in the event of a crisis or station troops here for that matter? Seems a little strange to me that they don't or while we're on the subject, why this Kingdom of Kairo doesn't send troops to help with this war Myro is having with another race...."

"Ah, well Sir Vali, it is honestly quite rare for Empires to step into the affairs or conflicts over all her nation's Guilds and Kingdoms that fall under her authority.... The Central Continent essentially still has many places that have yet to be explored and are still unsettled territory...Hmph, Sir Vali seems perplexed by this? Hm, perhaps you've never left the East before then?....Well, the Great West is quite vast and there are even some strong demi-human clans and beastman nations that still reside there, though if I recall they mostly dwell within the Azure Cloud Dynasty since other races are treated quite well there. And to tell you something perhaps even King Myro does not know, the Empress had once mentioned why the Great Shield Hero would never send troops in aid in Myro's war with the Elves. She speculated there was more than just Elves that lived within the Sacred Forest and the Great Shield Hero was not willing to involve himself in such a war that started over some strange ore, or something like that....." - Queen Asher

"Ore...Wait you mean Mythril?"

"Ahaha! No it wasn't the fabled heavenly iron from Alfeím it was something else... It was ugh...Ether... something. I'm not sure to be honest but apparently it was valuable enough that the Great Shield Hero also never stopped that damned Myro from continuing his almost century long war with those Elves just to acquire such a material. " - King

'I fucking knew it.... Even the Four Great Empires are wary of going to all out war with the Elven Race and they aren't viewed as weak.... Perhaps they are just like the Four Great Empires and aren't sending in their heavyweight fighters in fear of inciting the other side to send theirs? Could that be the reason?... Well, I knew that feeling in the back of my mind every time I thought of the Elven war seemed strange to me...Hmph, honestly I thought perhaps they were losing because the Elves were just 'tree hugging' pansies that wouldn't kill monsters. But that whole image seriously doesn't come close to what I saw from my last meeting with them...more like hunters that could move the forest around them.'

The King being Royalty regardless of living so far from the Great West, he's still aware of a lot of things that isn't known to the public.

According to him, he's also aware the Empress also has a very powerful healing ability that was gifted to her from an Age of Gods dungeon that lies within the World Tree within their Imperial Capital. I wanted to press further but apparently even that skill, how it's obtained and who else has it is very highly guarded information. Apparently telling me was already probably saying too much.

'So it's true. Having something like a Dungeon in your city would only benefit the growth of the city tremendously. If we can make the dungeon respawn vegetation and even things like stone or lumber. If we could control this mechanism inside the dungeon then we could possibly even control the respawn rates of things like vegetation and even rock. We could essentially cut the costs of building to practically nothing but we don't have the ability to carve and cut lumber very efficiently which could extend our building times. Hmm....'

After thinking of such needs I told the King some of the things we might need in the coming days and he just waved his hands saying it will all be taken care of by him after their return.

"Oh, not to worry, not to worry Sir Vali. That will all be taken care of by this King. You’re now the Lord over a small territory of mine that is on the edge of the Asher Kingdom and has a small lumbering village within the eastern forest of Hyrule, which a small portion of now falls under your rule. They don't produce a whole lot of lumber for what you require but I will send for a meeting of all local guild masters, architects and stone smiths to come present themselves before me. It will all be handled swiftly I assure you..." - King Asher

The King waved his hands claiming it would all be taken care of all by him and the Queen.

When we take him back to his Kingdom he will send out a message to all architects, builders and even some guilds to visit his majesty.

Something interesting he told me is that within Asher every city is allowed certain rights and benefits for settling within Asher.

While we are just a starter city we are still allowed to have one guild who is sponsored by the Kingdom. This is something that guilds strongly thrive for as they are able to become the official guild of a particular town and the Kingdom builds them a guild house of a certain rating.

They also get a stipend of some kind and the Asher's believe this will help to promote and gain more to join our town. A town with an official guild with strong prestige would promote the town.

Wars between guilds in this world aren't even treated similarly to wars between Kingdoms and nations. Rarely will rulers even get involved with the conflicts of guilds between other Kingdoms unless it is a personal issue or there were other factors involved

'Hmm...that's really cool actually, I'll get to choose my own guild then whether it's combat oriented or even a crafting guild? And on the Kingdom's dime which is nice.... The Guild I have to choose though is one that the King approves of since according to him some of the Guild's within his Kingdom though show loyalty to his Highness, are also under some Factions he believes to be conspiring against him.'

What's interesting is that within the King's royal guards are considered the strongest warriors in the Kingdom, it isn't universally believed since some of the noble factions have some who have slowly increased their levels much higher than Shen who is their faction’s strongest warrior. The sword technique he studies, however, is enough that has gifted him with the talent to challenge foes practically 40-50 levels higher than himself making him a genius amongst his peers. Since his expertise in several sub skills within his Sword Mastery allows his Attack Speed and Attack Power to even rival the Attack Power of someone practically 60-70 levels above his own. That metal arm also doesn't make him by any means weaker either.

I'm not sure if it's rare to see a low level Expert but from what I've learned is the technique this Shen guy trains is seems to have a legend of its own right that doesn't just extend to this Continent.

'I remember it was like that in the game too but there were usually Level Requirements for some of the later mastery stages though. Sure, rising your stats and level is good and will obviously raise your Attack Power in turn, but rising one's Mastery directly raises things like Attack Power and Speed by several leaps and bounds amongst other things as well. Every increase in a stage in mastery practically makes their reflexes and perception abilities sharper and movements more fluid in their techniques by several fold. Which is almost incomparable to the small stat increases between lower leveled beings. Which makes me think that a person's mastery is usually a better determinant than someone's level that just shows a general prediction of a person's base ability.'

Many of the Annunakes even trained using a method of intense training in mastery and comprehension, then rising levels after they had reached a bottleneck in their study. Making each of their foundations incredibly solid.

Just as I was thinking this to myself I noticed King then made an odd face looking towards his wife and then nervously looked back at me.

"What is it?"

"Oh yes, uh about the gold we were going to offer you, it well... I'm unsure of how to say this Sir Vali but..." - King Asher

As the King slowly spoke out my mind had suddenly remembered something and I remembered how I had never even properly thanked this man in front of me. While he is even unaware of it at the moment, because of him I didn't lose something that is very special to me.

"Oh that, don't worry about that...In fact I should honestly thank you for your incredible gift and I'm very grateful for what you did. It's all gone but seriously don't worry about. It's not like I asked for this Alliance for money... It was well spent and I'm already very thankful."

After I spoke the King smirked and looked back at his wife.

"I see...Well, very well then." - King

The Queen and the three Royal Knights smirked but chose to remain quiet during his Highness' conversation with me.

The 2,000 gold I was supposed to receive was actually supposed to be split between me and my group they were just unaware I had so many races backing me. The gold was also something that was supposed to land a 10 year contract with them as I'm sure that is a large amount of gold even for them.

I tried to probe how much money the Asher Kingdom had but he was unable to tell me the amount in his treasury stating we all have to have some secrets to keep. But I got him to ballpark it somewhere over 100,000 in gold I think.

'Hmph...If he even knew we currently have ten times that he'd probably choke.'

Thinking of we still haven't split everything up between the races but everyone will receive something. While those who lost more of their race members would probably have more money to be split between them, things like the 5 Legendary Items that were found alongside all the items we recovered from the Black Palace and materials there is a lot to be split between everyone.

This very second Pek and Izzie are analyzing all of it while most of the Jiji and Arachnee are taking some of the materials to make more blankets and now even coats upon the increasing requests after a few of the Annunakes started wearing them.

I believe they too had chosen not to sleep last night and were already hard at work. Izzie and Pek seemed too busy messing with some of the items on his workbench including some of my own to even notice earlier so I just left them to their work. They both just continued mumbling quickly to themselves, writing down on a small piece of tanned hide in a strange filing system they've come up with.

The newly acquired members are mostly all awake though they were still remaining quiet without bothering anyone. They did perk up however when they saw there was another meal to eat for them after they awoke.

"Alpha, we have decided on taking a small party to join you. All have been wishing to stretch their legs and are prepared to follow the Alpha to the Human Capital." - Adimar

Following behind Adimar were ten large Annunakes, almost all of which were in their Beast forms. Several of the Alpha Group were also wearing their Hydra armors and holding those same Fomorian Claw's that Za Za had requested. Each of them looked prepared for battle and ready to come with us to the Asher Kingdom.

"Yes Alpha, I hope you'll allow this old one to join you today..." - Elder Annunake

I looked towards one of the large white wolves and nodded towards him. He was among one of the Elders within the Pack and ever since the Elkia's presence had left them, these were the ones in charge of preserving valuable information and techniques from the Pack. From what I know, there are seven of them and each of them are early to mid stage Experts within their styles of combat but have long since been passed up by the elite members of the Alpha Group. Each of these Elders were at one point pulled from the front lines for injuries, age or other varying reasons.

Some of them even are around 250 years old which you couldn't tell unless they came out of their beast forms...Even then their bodies are that of an ultimate warrior's, who have studied and excessively trained each and every day for their entire lives.

Each of the Annunakes seemed eager today, after hearing about stretching their legs earlier many are wishing to do the same.

I looked towards the King and his people deciding it was probably time to leave.

"Hope you don't mind me tagging along as well..." - Alec

Flying overhead was the same four winged Adler that followed us to the Black Palace and held the same emotionless face as he normally does.

With sleek black hair covering his left eye and always for some reason just looked bored.

He said Kyrah decided to sleep in with Ikaros today on some other Floor he's not allowed to disclose and asked not to be bothered.

"Oh yeah, she heard about that shower venture of yours, thanks a lot by the way I got yelled at for like 20 minutes." - Alec

"What? How is that my fault?"

"Hmph, this one...It seems the King must fancy you if she is expanding such efforts to extend such efforts in guarding you. Even provided this one a new bow to do it. I myself haven't seen her show much attention to many males before but if you can't see it then whatever.” - Alec

Alec solemnly looked away with his practically emotionless face.

"Heh, so the Alpha has taken the new Adler King's eye is that it?” - Alderon

"Some may find her charming but they don't have the luxury of working under her....She likes to spar with her subordinates quite a bit and well...you know how that goes." - Alec

"Ow! Ow! Lady killer over here. Hope ya don't mind I tag along too. Father would come but he has a little lady to take care of now. Hmphmph...You should have seen him trying to change diapers earlier... There's nothing quite like seeing a famed warrior so skilled with his hands struggle so hopelessly haha!" - Ollie

While walking up, Ollie in his full battle armor and a red headband parting his striped hair came up and spoke. I had originally smirked after remember such an embarrassing moment they had each just brought up until Ollie's last words caught me off guard.

Ollie told me that Cameron's wife had been killed in battle and Malfius was something like a godfather so he has now taken custody of their only daughter.

'I didn't even know she died... I hadn't spoken with her much but, hearing of her parting made me even feel more grim remembering Cameron's passing and now his mate had joined him after protecting their only daughter until her final breaths. While the Reiki, Annunake and Pixies do a good job at taking in the orphans of their race I'm not sure completely about the other races at this point.’

I've already decided to speak with that Gwen Alder about hopefully taking over as something of an orphanage to all those who lost their parents in this dungeon. She seems almost born for such a role and maybe I can even offer her and Elyria a paying job doing if they're willing.

'I can at least do this much....Hmm?'

I felt something sit on my shoulder and there Cyanin had emerged and she looked down at me while revealing her shiny white teeth. Then Cosmia came down and sat on my other shoulder and several Pixies emerged from behind the Ashers and started floating around us.

"Hey Vali! We're ready for our escort mission!" - Cyanin

Cyanin flew over and winked at me and looked forward to the incoming sunset up ahead.

"Right, everyone ready?!" - Cosmia

"Ready!" - Everyone

"Wait, wait, no....Not happening."

I looked at the 300 plus Pixies and told them we couldn't just take a large force into a foreign Kingdom. We are simply helping escort the King back and make sure his home is now safe.

I was only going to lay a spatial marker down and come back to the dungeon when we were done as then I could simply come and speak to the Ashers whenever needed.

The Pixies however gave me looks of heartbreak as if what I said were the words of pure betrayal.

After firmly explaining to the Pixies my point many of them looked disappointed and tried to argue with me. Several of the Alpha Group members started told the fellow Elders just to let me handle it as it was probably not even worth it to get involved.

"Bu..but the Annunakes got to bring 10 we should at least get to bring 20 of us!" - Cyanin

"Right Vali, that's only fair!" - Aurora

"You can bring 5."

"What?! The Annunakes got to bring 10!..Mm...15!" - Cosmia

"10."

"Valiii!" - Cyanin

"........"

"Mmmm 12!" - Cosmia

"10...."

"Mmm! Fine you meanie! We'll only bring 10." - Cosmia

The short Queen stuck out her tongue frustrated almost immediately taking away the entire mature attitude she had recently just started to show. Cosmia looked towards her siblings and nodded.

'Wait a minute...'

"Cosmia...Only 10 no illusions...."

"Mm! No fair! " - Cosmia

'There are times the Pixies can show such moments of keen intellect and wisdom that far passes many of those here....Then there are these moments that even their Queen is guilty of.'

Many of the Pixies started sticking out their tongues and everyone surrounding us just rolled their eyes. Pixies can be a little hard to handle sometimes but they essentially mean well, and honestly I don't even want to begin with that so I just decided it was time for us all to go.

Ruf..Ruf...ruf....!

But before we could head out I heard the sounds of Fenrir who was trotting alongside Sting and one of the Annunakes holding Ari who looked to be breathing heavily in her arms.

"Are you leaving now? I tried to hurry. I, I'm sorry we..'re...late..." - Ari

Ari was leaning over the sides of Za Za's arms looking over with a worried expression on her face.

I glanced back towards the Ashers and signaled I would just be a moment. They just waved it off as not a concern while stroking their daughter’s long blonde hair as she slept in her mother's laps waiting to leave.

'With all this little girl has done and given me, I'll always treat her warmly. She feels to be almost an extension of myself. '

The three Knights each gave me perplexing looks but I didn't really care to be honest.

'I don't care if others may think of Ari like some lost puppy I found on the side of the road and couldn't abandon. With her it's somehow more than just that and I know that now after surviving such an ordeal. I just always feel so much warmth coming from this girl it's hard to explain into words honestly.... She just, makes me feel human. Makes me remember what it was like being an older brother....I went so long without this feeling and...

I'm never going to take these small moments for granted again like I had with Hayden and Kaylan. Daring to think what my life would be like without them, unknowing of how it would truly be with them gone is one of my life's greatest regrets...Not anymore.'

Za Za walked up to my side, still holding a lightly panting Ari while smirking and told me that Ari had tried running here but had fallen over and had trouble standing back up afterwards.

Whenever she couldn't move anymore, Za Za had came and picked her up and took her to where Ari had wanted to go.

'Her legs are probably just real tired after all she did coming here. She was playing with the Pixies practically all night yesterday and pushed herself more than she ever has before. Even with her strengthened body and newly given 'Vitality', she wasn't able to eat too much of the Balor meat and is still recovering.'

Increasing your stamina doesn't necessarily increase your recovery time, even I've felt this after such a battle. The fact that this little girl was still able to continue running today shows just how close she is to becoming a healthy girl for her age. She's also real stubborn and even tried to run everytime I came home even when her legs didn't work, so that behavior surely won't disappear now.

I put my hands on Ari's soft head and leaned down to eye level with her.

"Ah, I think you're still a little tuckered out from such a busy day we all had yesterday. It's ok if you don't come with us this time Ari....You should go back and rest with Elyria and everyone else. We'll have a lot to do in the coming days so you should take your time to relax for now....”

The look she gave back to me was one of extreme sadness and sorrow.

"I...I'm sorry I'm so weak.I, I really wanted to come with you...." - Ari

While patting her head and rubbing the top of her head I couldn't help but wonder where she was getting this from.

"Hey...Who says you're weak?...."

To my question, neither Ari nor anyone else said anything back and just continued staring at me strangely.

"Heh, just a few weeks ago you couldn't even walk and look at you now....Talking back to Fallen Gods who are threatening you and saving the day... Who alive here could ever call you weak?...It's ok if you don't come with us this time and get some rest. There will be plenty of time to go hunting on another day...How about you keep Elyria and everyone company until we all get back? Then we'll all spend time together when we return...Ok?"

Ari and everyone around me couldn't help but be slightly moved by my words making them each rethink just how important and vital this little girl is for us even standing here right now.

She shly nodding back but I could already see the joy come back into her eyes having heard such reassuring words and instead of arguing, thankfully agreed quietly.

I thanked Za Za for looking after her and told Ari to tell my sleeping mother I'd be back soon. Za Za waved goodbye and took the now smiling Ari back to my still resting mother.

"I'll be back soon...Come on Fenrir."

Just before whispering the soft words to which only I could here, I noticed the silver wolf cub staring up at me with his tongue hanging out.

Ruf! Ruf!

The small silver furred wolf cub with a dark mist permeating off his body barked and joyfully started rubbing his face up against my leg while we walked.

I looked at the group who were going to come alongside us and noticed now a new figure was also standing quietly amongst everyone.

I couldn't help but stop what I was doing and notice her the moment I scanned through the small group and noticed her. The blue haired figure hidden within the group just shrugged while looking back towards me and decided she wanted to tag along.

"Hope ya don't mind... High Commander Viktor wished one of ours to come along as well to the Human City. While my trial date has yet to be decided, I figured I'd enjoy stretching my legs some with each of you if ya don't mind...." - Alysteir

I could see some of the others shaking their heads but also not willing to speak up in protest.

'Honestly, I'll never understand what this person is thinking. For whatever reason I don't think she'd even run if given the opportunity. She would have done it by now if she was planning on it. For her I'm sure that would be like retreating...Well, whatever. We can have our little rematch another time...'

I didn't say much in response and just hoped quietly this wasn't going to become a problem.

I looked towards the small group now standing around and facing the Ashers shaking my head.

"Well, this is going to be an interesting trip..... "

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sting's POV:

"While I would appreciate not being left in the dark on most things, you will now become an extension of myself within the Asher territories and hold all the authority that comes along with it. Here... take this, this is the Royal Seal of the Asher Kingdom and is not something I make a habit of given out lightly. In fact, other than the Royal Guard, the number of individuals who possess such a Seal within my Kingdom can amount only on one hand....With this, there are no longer any doors within Asher that will not be opened to you, but with this I also ask you do not abuse such privilege and responsibility that I have granted you within my territories....." - King Asher

Not far from where I was sitting against a tall tree while trying to listen in on Vali and the King's conversation during our medium sized party a little break. Or well, Vali's taking a 'break' would probably sound much more accurate.

While seated down on a small rock next to some small brush I couldn't help but observe and listen in on some of the King and Vali's conversations. Tis a habit I suppose.

His Highness, King Asher reached into his crimson Royal robe and took out a large golden seal with the imprint of a lion roaring underneath a blazing sun and several stars each representing one of the Royal sons of the Asher Clan.

Even within Rose, giving out something like a Royal Seal is done very rarely. It is essentially providing someone authority of the King throughout his territories. Most Royal Guards would naturally hold such a precious Seal on their person at all times. But what this Royal Seal essentially bestows onto a person is the ability to kill first, and report later.

While I doubt Vali would be able to call upon or command the nation's troops like any of their Ministers of Military Affairs or these Royal Guards, but I honestly doubt he'd probably even care for something like that to be honest.....

The King held the Royal Seal attached to a small golden chain and handed it over to Vali.

'Hehe, this King must really trust Vali to show such a grand gesture of granting something with such value over to him just like that....'

Who could blame his Highness though?

Surely just trying to curry more and more favor with Vali as best he can and to further insure his relationship with Vali in the future. It's only a matter of time before other much more powerful and wealthier figures begin to take notice of his overwhelming talent and potential. I couldn't think of any of the Four Great Empires who wouldn't wish to speak with him and undoubtedly try and curry favor from him by offering things of much greater magnitude and authority to which a King of a small outlander colony would not be able provide.

'The King granted Vali a territory within his Kingdom? Hmph, the Empress could have provided him an entire country with millions of subjects and an unceasingly amount of unattainable beauties to fill his bed. Or even become something like a religious icon within the Holy Alliance. He would never have to worry for money another day in his life and could live out the dream many Champions of the Gods aspire for...

Like he needs anymore beautiful women around him. If I had to describe this mysterious Champion Vali with just one word, it would be 'Lucky'...That lucky, lucky bastard....'

Since Vali who strangely enough was acting humble in front of his Highness and even wished to assist the King against a potential coup that is currently threatening his Kingdom, I'm sure Vali's personal character must have resonated with this King.

This King of Asher might not be the grandest member within the Royal Asher Clan within the Rose Empire, but he is someone who was once famed for his strategic genius in warfare and high regard for justice. It was for these reasons I'm sure the Empress gave the Twelfth son of the Royal Asher Clan a seat of power here in the East.

I'm sure now this old King is surely reevaluating himself from how much he keeps humbling himself before Vali right now.

A Champion of a God is by no means something a King from any nation within the Human Kingdoms would not wish to be able to bring over to their side. Their abilities can range from almost anything with complete varieties of uses and ability that could greatly benefit the region in which they call home.

This kid really is really something though, he's so young and yet his potential is practically limitless. I am still unable to etch the sounds his scythe made ripping through the air and looked to be almost polluting everything it touched with a deathly energy.

'I wish I could have used his astonishing traveling ability when coming to the Eastern Continent. Could have saved me month on a boat traveling to the Floating Isles and the small fortune to use their teleportation array from losing another month just to get to damned place...'

With Vali's teleportation ability apparently traveling vast distances aren't even a problem for him, he only needs to have physically visited a place before and teleporting himself and others becomes possible. Or he didn't say it was teleportation, he spoke as if he wasn't moving us but was actually moving the 'space', if that's even different.

Well, he did say that the entire process takes longer to explain than it does to do so maybe I'm overthinking it.

Vali's not arrogant nor dumb as well I've come to find. But at times he shows such a demanding presence I can't help but be swept up by his charisma.

While he appears to have his moments of immense abrasive behavior I can't possibly forget, his actions prove he is a rather cautious and very careful individual. He's quite intelligent and shows a tremendous amount of courage than someone his age would make you assume.

Many Champions and heroic figures not unlike him have had their legendary journeys within Middle Earth come to an untimely halt because they were ill-prepared or just simply unlucky. Vali for whatever reason however does not crave for things like fame and instead seems to wish not to reveal his prowess to the world just yet, which is something I find truly admirable about this young man...

'The white haired 'God Slayer' hehehe....'

Vali extended out his arm and took the large Royal Seal and placed in into his jacket pocket while giving that same smirk he always does.

'Hehe...He seems almost unaffected by the sheer magnitude of what he is now in possession of his facial expression hadn't even changed when looking at it as if he didn't even know what it was. However, to a being like him I'm sure this is only a small stepping stone in his journey that many will one day speak about in legends... I myself lived through it all and still find everything hard to imagine just how we were each able to make it out alive from such a terrifying place. Where monsters there even feed on a persons very soul, making him unable to experience a life even in death.'

After leaving the confines of the Dungeon where so many had perished after such a horrific battle, Vali had started warping each of those who came along for the trip making incredible time.

We are now somewhere within Ironrock Forest that lies within the Asher Kingdom. Vali was amazingly able to warp each of us into the horizon, skipping over entire terrains of forests, lakes and even entire cities. According to the Royal Knights if they were to have made the entire trip while marching alongside the King's Guard in a Royal Procession would take roughly a week to march, or around 2~3 days on a fast horse without stopping.

'This kid was able to cover half that distance before the sun had reached its highest point within the sky....Now he apparently needs to take a break which caused me to laugh. I guess even Champions can run out of steam.'

He doesn't travel alone either that's for sure. Our medium sized party would look unnatural to any within this region but because we were able to travel past the obstacles of cities we have moved almost unhindered....I'm sure our group consisting of large overbearing white Lycanth's, crazed fire-starting little monsters with wings and a demon spawn wolf cub that scares the living shit out of me, to raise a good deal of attention.

'They are however now all lounging around and admiring the new world they have for the first time stepped into...Such an amazing experience this must be for each of them. I almost wish I could feel the sensations that must be coursing through their very hear...ah!!!'

Pooooof!

Teehehee!

"What? Ah....Who!"

A very cold dust of powder smashed against the side of my face on such a warm day it was almost refreshing. But to such a sudden action I couldn't help but react in such a way and to my dismay I saw a green and blue Pixie giggling to each other before flying away.

'I guess, those little monsters don't much care for such a rich and life changing experience unfolding before their very eyes. They'd rather just... throw snowballs at me. Typical.'

Ugh, I honestly don't even have the energy to chase them again at this point.

It never ends well for me anyways.

I actually caught one of them once, the 'silver one'...Boy, did that not end well.... I lost feeling in my hand for the rest of the day, I thought I was going to become a cripple.

Then those little bastards didn't even help me up afterwards when I had fallen and couldn't move either of my limbs!!! Then! Then they just colored on my face with paint!

Even the affectionately warm one with hair not unlike a majestic rainbow gifted from the Heavens joined in on the atrocious act!

'And Vali...He just laughs anytime I try to say anything about it. Trying to say it's how they show they like someone? Seriously what is that even about?!....Those little bastards set me on FIRE!'

Now they've even made friends with Vali's demon spawn of a pet wolf. The evil beast now has such a creepy black cloud rising off his silver fur to show just how insidious that little monster truly is.....

'You spawn from the dreaded Underworld, cursed beast with a truly terrifyin...Ugh!!!......'

Looking forward I noticed the small wolf cub rolling around on its back being petted by several Pixies for whatever reason had abruptly looked in my direction while briefly licking his lips and smiling.

Why does he always do that?!!

'Ah! I will never be in the same room with that thing unless that albino Champion is present. He must have gotten a taste for me the first night we met. Slowly thinking of the day he may enjoy such a taste to enter his lips once more perhaps?!

Ugh, why did I even make this trip?!...Oh that's right, Shiva's still ignoring me. Hah...Shiva you icy cold temptress forcing me into such situations! '

Fenrir after a few agonizing breaths had finally turned away.

I gritted my teeth and tried to get my mind off it when I noticed Vali placing the Royal Seal within his jacket pocket while listening to the Kings description of it, hereby awakening me from the my many troubles I've experiences since meeting this strange youth.

"I won't abuse it. No worries your Highness...I do appreciate this show of trust and only wish I could also provide someth...oh wait there is something..." - Vali

'So young and now even being granted a Noble title of Baron within this region. It is quite an impressive achievement for anyone his age to acquire by his own means, that is most sure. But holding that Seal makes his authority no longer comparable to a simple Baron. If a Royal Seal holds the same meaning within Rose as it does here then he could even directly ask for an audience with a Duke or any high figures within the Kingdom, and probably would not be ignored. To the Nobles in Rose they wouldn't even consider the Royalty here as anything more than trash, but I almost feel like I'm starting to see the rise of mythical figure in legends. And since no one knows if this person yet, it is all just beginning...'

My expanding thought process stopped the moment I saw the strangest thing happening in the side of my vision.

Vali stood up from the small rock he was sitting on and started disrobing.

I was not the only one perplexed by Vali's sudden action and all those from Asher as well as the surrounding party members of our escort party, taking a short break in the surrounding area, also started taking notice.

After taking off his shirt revealing the toned and large chest and back muscles, he took the Hydra Armor X armor and without wiping off the sweat or even folding it neatly, handed it to his Royal Highness, King Asher.

".....Eh?" - Queen

"Oh, hmph. Well thank you Sir Vali, I will surely accept any gift from you with the highest gratitude. Hmm, such an interesting fabric it almost.....Whah! Cough, cough!! MMm! " - King Asher

The King after glancing over the black snake-skinned fleece was obviously not just an ordinary shirt. This also caused the Queen to show looks of curiosity to Vali's strange gift.

"Yeah, this should hopefully keep you safe in case something were to happen when we weren't present... Hopefully we can make more in the future but for now I can only provide this as a proper gift in consideration of our new Alliance, and show of trust that I don't want ya to die hehe..." - Vali

"This...Mo..more you can...Make these?...Cough..coughouchhahahaah!! Look at this old King is about to have a heart attack, ahaha!" - King Asher

"Dear, look at yourself! You must settle down. Why must you act in such....Pffttt!" - Queen Asher

The Queen spat out water from a small golden canteen she had taken out from her storage and spat out all the contents in her mouth rather suddenly. She could hardly speak let alone take his eyes away from the Hydra Armor in his hands and must have chosen to ignore Vali's strange joke just then...

Vali just nodded his head back to the King's frantic questioning and behavior looking almost unphased. 'Hehe, he doesn't care at all for pleasantries which is kind of funny to watch to be honest, now even I'm laughing.'

I then started hearing footsteps coming from not too far behind where I was seated from the small stream behind my back.

"Di...did he really just give his Royal Highness the shirt he was wearing?" - Royal Knight Cassandra

"Hehe, that seems to be exactly what happened... Doesn't seem like his or her Highness truly cares though." - Royal Knight Shen

The three Royal Knights each grew closer to where I lay seated after they had ventured to fill their water gourds during our brief 'break'.

"Hmph, you folk act like such a precious treasure is in some way devalued because the manner in which it was gifted was crude?"

I spoke up to the passing Royal Knights who had each stopped to see the image of their King and Queen being told from Vali just what they were holding.

'I couldn't help but wish to spark a conversation with fellow humans for once....Honestly, after all this time trying to communicate down here and not be ignored by the only Human was torture! I shan’t ever take for granted the gift of speaking with another person who shares the same Human language ever again. I can somewhat communicate with that Ollie fellow and a few of the other races I've spoken with due to some help and only being able to pick up a few things. There is still a large language barrier between these Dungeon inhabitants and those of us outside I don't think Vali has quite thought of yet... Regardless, however Vali's coordination with the relations of other races could build relations with many exotic races with that really lucky Universal Language skill of his.'

I've heard of some interesting abilities gifted from the Gods like precognitive abilities to see into glimpse of the future and those even capable of controlling the weather...But an ability to communicate with simply enchantingly rare and exotic beauties from all over the world sure would have come in handy on this adventure.

'That unbelievably lucky asshole...Oh, I forgot I'm not alone anymore!'

"Haha. Adventurer Sting is not wrong. Such a treasure and he even gives it away so willingly....Interesting character this Vali. Can't wait to see how the Nobles are going to react to him..." - Royal Knight Shakko

The masked Royal Knight came and sat down on the ground near me, abruptly causing my raging thoughts to stop wondering. Even when I was young I was told I had such a habit to drift away at times and even now at age 29 I'm no different.

Royal Knight Shen to followed alongside the other Royal Guard and leaned his back into a large tree and sitting down.

"Hehe, don't we all Sir Stache...Don't we all...." - Royal Knight Shen

Royal Knight Cassandra however just looked back towards her King and Queen with Vali and looked back towards the other Royal Guards with a look that said she no longer cared.

Royal Guard Shakko looked towards his fellow officer but went unnoticed as he had already shut his eyes resting his hands behind his head.

"I almost miss the quiet days...." - Royal Knight Cassandra

"Humph, Shakko does too... With all the stress, he's likely to start losing his hair and even that kick ass mustache of his...hehehe..." - Royal Knight Shen

"Heh, funny that's exactly how your mother described it when I was going down on her... Real kick ass hahaha..." - Royal Knight Shakko

"Cough..Cough... " - Royal Knight Cassandra

The blonde female Knight coughed abrasively into her light silver gauntlets but it seemed to go unnoticed by the other two.

'Geez, I forgot how odd each of these Royal Guards truly are. I've never been to the Eastern Continent before in my travels but I can honestly not understand how these figures acquired such prestigious positions within their Kingdom.'

While the Asher Kingdom does hold the second highest Human population within all the Eastern Kingdoms, they only hold the third highest total population amongst the stronger Kingdoms that have been founded within the East. There are new Fiefs and land being colonized more and more within the East over the century long expansion and many have also been destroyed.

The Human Kingdoms however continue extending their reach further and further, but from what I know is that the Asher Kingdom has stood as one of the first founded Nations within the East and has remained for more than 200 years since the Four Great Empires first started making land grabs and dividing their territories around that era.

'Makes me wonder how these three actually received such high positions with such a low level even within an outlier colony is truly a mystery to me... Level 96, 105, and 116 and they are responsible for the protection of the royal family in this Kingdom? I'd ask how but I'm sure that would come off as rude. It's just so exhilarating getting to chat with Humans once more I don't wish to foolishly lose that privilege again....Now with Shiva giving me the cold shoulder I do crave conversation....'

I used my Acquire ability I had through the amazing boosted effects of the dungeon and got it to reach Adept Level 5. It is a much higher quality information skill compared to the generic skills that do the same thing.

I use this ability for almost everything and after more than a decade within the Academy I've gained the ability to see quite a lot of what the people in this world try to hide. No one should however join a party without at least one adventurer with a high enough Acquire ability.

The majority of most humans aren't born with the innate ability to see a glimpse from the God's wisdom over all within creation. I wasn't even able to see a person's Health before acquiring my 'Acquire' ability.

Now I can see a person or monster's level practically a 100 Levels above my own and am even capable of seeing things like age, sex, title's and can even allow me small glimpses into what their strengths or weaknesses might be. Raising such an ability by over 3 levels in one trip is more than I could have ever hoped for. There was so many rare and ancient things I was able to use the Acquire ability on and even doubled all of the experience over the time I was still trapped there.

This one with the metal arm however has honestly showed some incredible perception and combat prowess for someone who has only just crossed over the First Great Threshold. Age: 32. Hm, I still can't see all his titles but a few of these seem interesting.

Title's:...Royal Knight of the Asher Kingdom, Infinite Sword Wind, Sword Expert, Metal Man, Lady Killer,

'Psh please...'

I remember this Knight also showed to have a very interesting movement skill as well that even for me was hard to follow.

He did show to have trained in a rather strange sword technique that even I was unable to grasp fully. Even the female Knight had also shown a surprisingly complex technique that treated parrying and defense as a major component of how she attacked someone.

But this metal armed fella I've heard some of them even call him Master Shen, but from what his titles would have me believe, he isn't one who has truly stepped into the Master stages. Such a thought is truly unbelievable to me.

If so then this Kingdom would have gained a tremendous amount of fame and undoubtedly have a famous Sword Sect or Guild somewhere within the Kingdom. Even in the Great West for someone who has received true enlightenment in their field of study and entered into the Masters are as rare as a Phoenix feather and treated just as valuable too.

Even within the Academy, there are only four who have achieved such a tremendous status and mastery, excluding Elder Amura who is one of the 12 Saints, making a grand total of five. Three of which aren't even a combat related mastery either....

With Mr. Shen's incredible mastery and comprehension with the sword, I at least know he isn't an opponent I would be able to take on lightly. Especially with one of his arms being practically as tough as an iron-kiteshield that he could deflect any of the poisons I could attempt to use. It's not his level that is a concern but his technique that could spell disaster for someone who would pick a fight with him unknowing of this.

'Now that we are finally outside that dungeon, Level Penalty now exists once more and I had almost forgotten about it since the dungeon dwellers have lived without it for so long. Only monsters within dungeons have level penalties added towards them.'

It is for this reason and so many others that dungeons are considered to be places were adventurers are surely their most vulnerable... Something that has been the very reason for many to lose their lives in such places.

Even if Royal Guard Shen's stats are incomparable to mine and he was having to face a heavy Level Penalty when facing me, I have however only just recently crossed over the Second Great Threshold and was able to cross over what is known as a truly unspeakable gap from Level 199 to 200.

Once crossing over, all the efforts you made before achieving such a tremendous accomplishment will slowly start to change a person's body into something much stronger.

It is highly known that crossing over the Level 200 boundary only comes to those who have fulfilled conditions worthy enough to the Gods to allow for your continued growth. There are many tales and very common stories of those who stopped gaining experience for long periods of time and being stuck at such a boundary until finally earning the God's favor. But all from this amazing adventure I have come on, I didn't have to experience such an event and am already at Level 202.'

I immediately received an additional 5,00 in my bodies Defenses and 4,500 in Strength. My Agility rose by 3,000 and my Health jumped by over 15,000 the moment my level passed over 200. This much is practically triple the amount of stats I received when becoming level 100 almost 9 years ago.

This is even considerably higher than the average amount of stats one would receive upon crossing over Level 200! For my assistance in conquering the Age of Gods dungeon... I can't believe I gained such tremendous benefits from this place even though I didn't even lay a single strike on the Final Boss.

'Hmm...If this Royal Knight's Mastery is that much higher than mine or even on the Expert stages then there would be no Level Penalty when facing me. '

While my body I can already feel has changed tremendously to what it was, it however isn't comparable to those who have crossed the Second Great Threshold for much longer or those who have already passed over the third. At that point things like Critical Strikes and even cutting off a limb becomes increasingly difficult regardless of my lower defense.... It's not uncommon to hear about warriors who have crossed over the Third Great Threshold to survive sword wounds to the head or parts of the body that would be fatal for anyone else.

I only think of such things, because I'm truly eager to see just how much this body has started to change since I first started this legendary adventure.

My stats have surely risen much more than I could have possibly anticipated. Undoubtedly from all the additional stats I gained from training within this dungeon and eating all that enchanted meat.

Whether your Level is High or Low, gaining additional stats is coveted by all in this world. As one grows it becomes harder and harder to increase things like strength or defense by even a few stat points. Stepping into new heights becomes more and more difficult.

The idea that someone can roast up a Dungeon's Floor boss and gain 'permanent' stat increases is definitely something I've never heard of before...Hmphmph for all these amazing benefits how could I just leave once Balor had fallen one final time. Surely, if I spend more time within the dungeon and help Vali and all those who will fight some of the remaining Floor Bosses will surely allow me to gain even more tremendous rewards awards! I can only hope at this point. With such a unique and powerful Barrier Skill the creator of such a place had invented I simply must try everything in my power to get my hands on it. That same ability Vali has shown to be truly remarkable and is the reason so many had actually survived such a heavenly tribulation...If I could acquire a Dungeon Skill left behind from an Age of Gods dungeon than I feel my return to Rose will surely shock some of the other Elders of the Academy for sure. Hmphmph....

When gaining a magical skill from a dungeon is not unlike one who uses the magical enchantments within a skill scroll being read for the first time. Having all the information pertaining to the basics and fundamental levels of comprehension being sent straight into the brain on how to use the ability or spell.

However, skills from a dungeon are almost always more rare and higher rated than one's you could learn from a simple scroll. Most of the time if a scribe isn't talented enough then the skill one learns is usually much less effective than having learned it the old fashioned way. Much of the technique or skill could be lost and never to be understood fully, leading to one facing an insurmountable wall in their training. Learning an ancient or possibly even lost spell from a Dungeon, you wouldn't have to deal with having a low wisdom or intellect capable of comprehending the skill right away like you do with scrolls. Since Dungeon abilities transfer all knowledge pertaining to the skill deep within the person's mind waiting to be unlocked fully after long study and increasing one's mastery.

Just from assisting in the conquering of an Age of God's dungeon before rising over Level 200 and acquiring so many additional stats and experience has probably made me comparable to a Warrior around my Level. Even with my low combat power, with such a heavenly recovery ability I could even face some opponents or monsters even several levels above my own without the use of any poisons or rare techniques....Mphphphp This will show some of those arrogant Elders back home. I however mustn't return just yet. The rewards to be gained are yet to be seen and this is a once in a lifetime experience I cannot afford to let pass me.

While I haven't the idea of how comparable this Age of God's dungeon is to the ones that have already been discovered by the Human Kingdoms and all are rated over SSS, With all the beasts from Legend, Deities and even having a Fallen God as a Final Boss for it then that dungeon already passed the qualifications for a Pantheon Level. It could even be something comparable to the Mythos Dungeon which was first discovered long ago in one of the Forbidden Zones located on the Dragon Continent.

Well whatever it is, my body has truly changed from gaining so much experience in such a horrific and dark place. Having survived, now my Defense is just over 8,200, my Strength and Agility are now both over 7,000 and my Dexterity Stat has risen by over 1000! Someone who deals in poison extracting as much as I do, my Dexterity is even considerably higher than most intermediate Rangers within the adventuring guilds within Rose's prestigious Guilds. But now my hand speed is incomparable to what it was before. Handling my Spear also feels much different. Too light almost for how quickly my hands are now able to handle it.

"Ohohho! Oh dear! I was unsure how my husband would act but such a gracious gift Sir Vali we are truly honored by your generosity. Even providing the clothes off your back, or should I say armor hmphmphmph....." - Queen

The Queen's loud laughter caused each of us to forget whatever it was we were just thinking about and stare back towards the King and Queen. Each of our eyes were met with the image of the King had now actually already taken off his Royal robes and was trying to put on the tight fitting Hydra Armor with some difficulty.

Both the King and Queen were showing looks of elation and couldn't care for what their behaviors could look like for two royalties to behave. For some reason both of them couldn't stop laughing like they both couldn't properly put into words what they were seeing right in front of them.

'Hmph, it's all thanks to that kid I have gained so much. I should do something for him to show my gratitude....'

Watching the King and Queen gawk at the Hydra Armor they were I looked at my own I was currently wearing and couldn't help chuckle to myself as well.

"Well I didn't anticipate that reaction...." - Cassandra

"Hmph it's probably hard to process for them... What's amazing is that the Healing factor of the Armor already does so much under its most basic properties... Hard to imagine what would happen if Vali were to find something like a decent enchanter somewhere or a gem carver......"

The Royal Knight looked at me strangely and I realized that something like this is probably quite foreign in the East. They don't have nearly the resources or wealth as the Inner Colonies so this isn't unnatural.

She continued to stand while the rest of us sat there but looked towards me as if she were curious over to what I had said.

Since she didn't seem to be against it so I began explaining to the lovely blonde Royal Guard that usually always dawns a serious face and doesn't talk as much as the other two.

I started explaining to her the basic properties of the Hydra Armor and meat while also describing some of the tremendous luxuries and industrious avenues in trade that take up a large amount of the Central Colonies market.

Wearing this Hydra Armor x alongside the skill 'Hydra Healing' gained after eating the enchanted meat of the once Legendary beast, the wearer will recover 6,500 Health in 1 minute.

Never in my life have I seen or even heard of anything like this, and even seeing an item or rare technique that has a permanent recovery trait to them is almost never seen in an auction house. Something like this could honestly allow Vali an entrance to meeting the Empress of Rose or probably any power within the Human Kingdom and be treated with a tremendous amount of respect.

Even something like that Shock Armor all the Pixies are currently wearing has the inherit ability to deliver an attack on whatever enemy ever attacks the wearer. It's even comparable to steel even though it's leather and has a chance at causing paralysis. So while the Hydra Armors underneath continuously heals them with every passing breath the shock armor causes damage with every attack which is a truly horrifying combination to think of fighting against. All I know is that there is currently nothing even close to either of them on the market anywhere today.

"Sure, there are items and defensive wears that are Ancient and even Legendary Classed that surely couldn't be compared. But what is tremendous about these two fine pieces of magical armor however, is that it can be produced given the right materials and crafter.... And that's all without even adding things like Enchantments, Rune Markings or even Magic Crystal Embroideries that are quite popular amongst the Imperial Guard within the Rose Empire. The materials used to make magical grade items are simply that magnificent... So just trying to imagine integrating such wondrous additional effects to an already phenomenal piece of craftsmanship is enough to make one's mouth water mphmph....."

I continued talking without interruption from the lady Knight who didn't show signs of astonishment or curiosity but held the same face she normally does. 'Not really the talker huh...'

"Intriguing right?....."

"............." - Royal Knight Cassandra

'Ugh.....'

Looking towards her she hadn't a word to say in response making the moment rather awkward.

"Hmph, don't take it to heart. She's not ignoring you to be rude...Cassandra's still just a little pissed at you for embarrassing her the other day." - Shakko

The masked Knight spoke something bizarre and I looked towards the icy cold maiden who still didn't show frustration, annoyance nor really much emotion like many female Knights I've met.

"What did I ...Oh wait, now I remember...."

Remembering the last I spoke with this one I had tricked her into doing a little dance for the Pixies for my own benefit and seemingly forgotten.

"Hehe...Ugh sorry about that...."

Without saying a word she just turned and looked away back towards the King and Queen, unmoved.

'Hehe...Whoops. Boy my trouble with woman has never been so awful. I even got dumped by a beastman girl and it was done as if it were as simple as ripping off a bandage. How did it all become like this?'

Giving up and looking towards the masked Royal Guard who just shrugged it off I too decided to just let it go. Woman can be quite difficult to understand.

Sigh....I wonder when we'll get going soon. I kind of wish to head back to the Dungeon soon. Honestly I just wanted a little space from Shiva or I'd undoubtedly try to go speak to her....

'Hah.... Something I don't know if I could ever admit to anyone back home but something about that Arachnee is just mesmerizing for some reason to me. And the sex....Ugh. Heavenly! It felt as if her body was even trying to unnaturally suck in every drop of mine.'

And those delicious breasts, her small ass that sticks out from her waste and the monster half. Surprisingly gentle for one who has such an appearance.

Hah.....I just don't understand why she is acting in such a way all of a sudden. I feel I truly connected with this person and I can't possibly leave our situation where it's at.

I noticed in the brush next to me was a small web with a tiny black and grey spider lowering itself onto the ground. I couldn't help but be reminded of Shiva yet again by this and watched as the small spider slowly walked through the tall grass towards my leg.

'Shiva you curvaceous temptress. How you torture me... Ugh that thing you did with your tongue, I can't possibly forget even in death. I must have you again, even if it kills me I will make you pine for this handsomely gifted scholar. Yes, until you are unable to contain yourself for how wet I'll start to make your almost caressing and velvet....Ah!'

"Alright, everyone I think it's about time to go....." - Vali

The loud call of the one who had been the central cause in joining these groups came out causing everyone to stop what they were doing and prepare to leave.

He started walking away from the King and Queen and instructed all the Pixies playing with the Princess and her companions that it was time to go. He started walking towards me and I had just remembered that I should probably tell Vali about some of the potential enchantments and additions he can look into for these Hydra Armors.

As he drew closer to the four of us the three Royal Guards all got up and looked at him and he for a brief moment peered towards me.

He looked down towards the ground next to me and started to smirk like I've started to grow familiar with.

"Hehe, what's up Sting... Trying to ask that spider out on a date or what? Guess that's just your type now huh?" - Vali

"Eh?....."

For some reason I couldn't respond to such a ridiculous statement that came out of nowhere, I was left momentarily speechless.

Teeheee

Hehehehe

Hehehehee

Several of the surrounding Annunakes and Pixies started laughing together as if all part of some joke.

"Haha, come on Vali. You know Sting misses that bondage play...." - Ollie

"You too monk, you too?...."

"Hahaha......" - Everyone

'What the fuck?!...Why is everyone messing with me today?'

"Haha, come on Sting.... Let's get going...." - Vali

Vali patted my shoulder and walked past me and turned around to face our small group.

'Alright....Alright Vali...For that I'm not going to tell you what I was going to then just yet....'

Everyone was now standing right next to each other waiting patiently when Ollie came over and put his large hand on my shoulder still laughing.

"Ahahah! Ah come on pal, don't keep that long face we're only joking...." - Ollie

"Hehe...Yes, yes I know. You're all dicks hehe..."

I tried my best to communicate what little words I knew to their language causing Ollie and a few others to start laughing strangely.

"Hahahaha! "

Some of the surrounding members of our party who understood me had laughed and even Vali too had been laughing to himself.

'I guess I forget this is just how some of them behave. With even the threat of Balor they still behaved no differently and constantly found time to laugh and joke with one another, even in the darkest of times... It's hard not to be swept up in their atmosphere sometimes that seems almost infectious....Huh?'

Just then a small dark green Pixie with jade colored wings and hair had landed on my shoulder just now. A warm glow started pressing into my shoulder but was surprisingly light for as sharp and durable their wings each look.

Not knowing what she was planning I didn't even move to do anything but I was instead perplexed by what I had just saw.

With just warm smile looking at me, the small Pixie turned towards Vali who also had a red and green Pixie now sitting on his shoulders too.

'Huh, so these little pranksters can be like this too?....'

A loud snap came from his fingers and with that, the scenery around us had all completely changed. Taking me away from my thoughts once more just to watch the amazing scenery around us change again and again.

End of Chapter

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Hey guys decided to make the split here between Part 2 and Part 3.

Don't forget to leave a long comment/Advanced review if you haven't already. Thanks again for reading!