When the crack of dawn rolled around, I stood and stretched, looking at the stack of red and blue flame-and-ice-proof cloaks I weaved last night. Anything more complicated than this was too difficult to wrap my head around—even with Tris’s guidance. But she helped with the sizes. The cloaks would fit my family perfectly. It took most of my biomass. A clone was sent to the ocean to assimilate some fish.   

And once I had made enough, I summoned a second clone and had it work on a speedloader for my revolver. Yes, it was made of webbing and not metal, but this was a prototype. Once the design was squared away, I could move to steel. Besides, reinforcing my webs with a few dozen layers made it sturdier. It wouldn’t perish to any random attack. And it wasn’t like it was going to be targeted constantly.    

As the clone worked, I gave Surtr some loving chin scratches.    

During the night, I spoke at great lengths to the lion. After I mentioned the king of the jungle in that dungeon, Surtr began to consider himself male. He was curious about lions in my world, so I happily told him what I knew.   

Unfortunately, all but a handful of lion species were extinct by the time I was born. But my guardian steadily listened while a pair of spider legs and humanoid arms worked to make the cloaks.   

“Where are you going?” Tris asked. I turned to the bed and saw her on her knees with Tilde’s hand in hers. She rubbed the back of her palm with pleasant, gentle strokes. I looked to the fairy. Those beautiful wings matched the purple tunic we put on her.   

I requested it and underwear shortly before sunrise, and it was here within twenty minutes. The butler didn’t ask any questions. He merely handed the bag over, inquired if I needed anything else, and wished me well.  

If we’re going to stay here, I’m going to use the amenities they provide.   

I confirmed Tilde was a registered member of this world—without any special authority. However, she was still precious to me—not only as my teacher-- but also someone I held near and dear to my heart.    

“I told Irisa I'd be there when she woke up. So, I’m going to do that. Watch over Tilde for me.”   

“I understand. Have fun, my lord.” Tris winked and returned her eyes to her…creator? Tris came from [Hermes Trismegistus], but Tilde used to be its manager. Only she could grant it to someone, but I highly doubt she constructed it.   

A stepmom? I’ll have to ask later.   

I was about to morph into slime and wiggle my way to Irisa’s room when Tilde suddenly started to move. Doubling back to her, I sat beside her on the bed and held her other hand.  

“M…Master…?” she whispered, her cute voice slipping past those luscious lips.  

“Good morning, sleepy. How do you feel?”  

We helped her sit up. She looked at her arms. Tilde touched her face and felt mine. “You’re smaller?” She took my hand and pressed our palms together.    

“Can’t you tell? You’re bigger. Are— Ahh, easy. You’re not used to your—See, you must take it slow.” Tilde stood and tried to walk, but she tripped over her feet and startled to tumble. A bed of vines sprouted from my knee and caught her before she hit the floor.    

“I knew you would catch me… I just knew it… And that means this isn’t a dream.” She looked smugly at me.   

“Your dream version of me wouldn’t catch you?”  

“Not if I didn’t allow it. It’s my dream, so I decide the rules. But the real you wouldn’t let harm befall me… Master…” The smugness melted into a smile as her purple eyes became slick with happy tears. “I love you… But I need some more convincing…”  

“You don’t have to say anything else… Welcome back, Tilde Springfield…” I embraced Tilde as a woman. 

“It tastes even sweeter than I imagined… Hehe! I finally got to steal your lips!” Tilde noted. Taking her hands in mine, we sat down and talked.   

In short, Tilde was relieved from duty. “But by no means do I want you to leave my side. I want you to remain with me until the very end.”  

“Then it’s my turn to fulfill your wish. I, Tilde Springfield, offer my unyielding loyalty and love to the Transcendent Dark Lord.” She kneeled in front of me and crossed an arm across her chest. And just like that, the loyalty system activated. “Ah, there is one thing...”  

“What’s that?”  

“Umm… Do you… Can you give me a seal? A tattoo, I mean. Only Sekh can perform the real [Tyranny Control] and grant the available options, like the collar or the bracelet. But you can still—”  

“Sure, I don’t mind. And I’ll pass over the enslavement controls to you. It’s just like what I did with Niva, okay?” Tilde nodded.  

Tilde stripped naked and said she wanted a heart around her belly button. I bit my finger and drew it seven times until she was happy with the design. It flashed, solidified, and turned a faint red. Tilde rubbed her with her fingers and got dressed. “Hehe! Master…”  

“You’re going with Master?”   

“Do you prefer anything else?”  

“What you refer to me is up to you. But Master just feels right.” We sat on the bed while Tris merely stared with a smile after Tilde got dressed. Surtr was also watching. We discussed how Tilde would fight, considering she was Lv. 1, with zero SP, no titles, and absolutely nothing in her Status Menu. She configured [Status Cloak] to affect her and ensured it worked. But as we talked, I realized something.   

“Here, you’ll use this.” I handed her my revolver and granted permission. It vanished from her hands and appeared in a leather holster on her side. Meanwhile, my rifle appeared on my back. “The clone’s working on a speed loader. Should be done in a few minutes, and I want you to use it.”   

“Are you sure?” Tilde drew the gun and met my eyes.    

“I am. I remember when we went to Aetos Village. You were curious about them when I explained them to Sekh. So here. If you’re going to fight with me, then I want you to do it this way. But you need more gear. We'll have to stop and get some pouches for your ammo. Remember, you don’t have access to [Skyview], [Void Storage], or the other skills. I'll give you a cloak I made.”  

“Right, I understand.” Tilde sheathed the revolver, then changed the topic to Sekh. Her words were kind and soft—soothing in a way. She knew I missed her, but I told the fairy Sekh wasn’t dead. If anything, she was merely taking a well-deserved rest while I worked hard to get her back. It wouldn’t be a short process, and it would take time, but I would never, ever, ever give up on this. 

Tilde asked where I was going when I stood up, and I told her about Irisa and how I said I would be there when she woke.    

“Okay. Have fun, Master. Ah, but don’t tell her about me. I want it to be a surprise.”  

“Alright. Take a little time to get used to your body. Your limbs are longer, so you might feel weird. And work your wings, too. Make sure you can fly. If the tunic is too tight for them, let Tris know.” 

Tilde nodded, but before I morphed into slime and sleuthed into Irisa’s room via the space under our doors, I kissed her one final time to see her cute reaction.    

---

Irisa’s room was a dead ringer to mine. Only Kengu was curled next to her.   

After sensing me, the lion nodded and squeezed from Irisa’s grasp, allowing me to take that warm spot between her arms.    

“Mmmnnn… Mila…Noo~~~ don’t touch me there…” Irisa squirmed, but her face was like a blossoming flower of love. I caressed her face and kissed her cheeks until her eyes naturally opened, revealing those beautiful sparkles that held so much love for me.   

“Good morning…” I whispered.   

“Mi…la?”  

“Yes, it’s me.”  

“Mila!!!” The oni hugged me tighter and rubbed her cheeks against mine.  She seemed partly confused to see me in her bed.   

“I said I’d be here when you woke up. And I keep my promises.”  

“Wha—”   

“Hehe!” I rolled on top of Irisa—both our bodies being warmed by the other and the thick blanket. I took her hands in mine and interlocked our fingers.   

Her smile was seriously otherworldly. And her lips… I placed mine on hers, kissing her with all my passion.   

“You’re okay, right? You didn’t get hurt? Or injured?”  

“As you can see, I’m fine.”  

“And this isn’t a clone? Is it really you?”  

“I’m the real deal. Can a clone do this?” We kissed again, but it was hotter-- fiercer and more electrifying as our tongues danced a tango.   

Irisa’s face was flushed and red. She panted lightly, sweat forming on her brown and lovely cheeks. My knee found her crotch and became soaked. That passionate moment put her in the mood.   

And so was I.   

“Irisa… It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”  

“Ye—Yeah, it has… Mila?”  

“Yeah?”  

“Can we…do it? I want you so badly…”  

“Funny. I was thinking the same thing…”  

“I love you so much…”  

Instead of replying, I showed my love with a kiss and proved it even further when she sweetly moaned my name throughout the next hour.    

I had something I wanted to tell her…  

But it could wait.   

Irisa’s needs came first.    

---

While enjoying a post-coitus snuggle with Irisa’s powerful arms wrapped around my back, I remained inside her because she didn’t want us to part. My precious oni gently kissed my forehead as I rested against her chest.    

“Irisa?”  

“Yes?”  

“Yesterday… I won’t lie… I hated myself.” I told her about my self-pity. About how I was willing to disregard my happiness because Sekh wasn’t here—because I was the reason she nearly died. “But doing that would only hurt the ones I love. And abstaining from everything I enjoyed doing? It would mean leaving you alone. And that’s just not fair. I can’t even think of a world where it would be fair. I love you so much, Irisa. But I’m sorry… So sorry…” The tears… They flooded past my eyes and down my cheeks.   

Irisa’s arms felt like the strength I needed.   

“You know… By telling me this, you’ve shown me that—no, I don’t need to say it because you realize it already. I do miss Sekh, Mila. I miss her a lot. And I miss our home. And Ria. And Smithy’s Corner. And grandpa and grandma. But I was especially worried about you. You’re a strong girl, but you’re also just that. A girl. You don’t have to apologize. Mila, look at me.”  

I met Irisa’s yellow eyes, which softly shone like the sun.  

They were so strong… Unyielding and gallant  

“Sekh will come back to us. And I know Tilde’s on her way. And Surtr and Tris are right. Sekh wouldn’t want us to punish ourselves. And I know she wouldn’t want you to ignore me, Mom, and Dad. But I think it’s normal if you feel a little guilty. It just means you’re alive. Dad says we’re complicated. You can't look at one person and understand everything about the next. It's impossible. When Sekh is back… We can welcome her home together, okay? Doesn’t that sound nice?”  

“Yeah… It does… It sounds so perfect. I feel so loved right now. I’m happy… Really, happy.”  

“I’m glad you find my arms so comforting, Mila.” It almost seemed like Irisa was about to say something else, but she rubbed my shoulders and slightly quivered. “Mila… You’re…getting big again… It feels weird when it’s happening inside me, but it’s a good type of weird. Do…you want to do it again?” Irisa’s horns were bright red. Her breathing quickened in response to my erection. I leaned close and kissed her neck, gently gyrating my hips. I went slow to allow my cock to explore her moist, tender insides. Her hands went to my arms and found my fingers.   

Irisa sweetly moaned my name. Her delicious scent wafted to my nose. I moved my tongue up to her lips and sucked them gently, then focused on her horns.   

She loved it when I messed with them since they acted as an erogenous zone when they were horny. She tightened by the second, clamping down hard. Suddenly, Irisa’s legs wrapped around my waist, and she arched her back.   

“Mila~~~~ Mmmmph—” She was loud, so I sealed her voice with my lips and pumped my semen. We climaxed together, but I didn’t stop. Instead, I lactated and covered our dancing nipples with my delicious milk.  

A pair of tongues transfigured from my tits sucked Irisa’s breasts, driving her wild even more. The beautiful woman was like molding clay. I felt her heartbeat as clear as thunder during a storm in the middle of winter as a tense pressure in my balls built up.   

Irisa felt it as well. I still had my lips against hers, investigating her mouth with my tongue as I climaxed, shooting it deep into the woman I loved so much. She unlatched her fingers from my hands and hugged me tightly. Irisa's nails dug into my skin, leaving behind harsh scratches. Her back arched, and then we collapsed to the bed in a lewd, lustful mess of sweaty and depravity.   

“Mila~~~ Milaaaa!!!” She continued to moan my name in the afterglow of our sexual tryst. I healed the scratches on my back and pulled out.   

“Woah—” I fell to my ass.    

“Mila… You flipped…my switch…” Irisa sat up, spread her legs, and furiously fingered herself. She eyed my penis. It was soaked in our combined fluids, and she opened her mouth. She buried her face in my crotch and ran her thick, hot tongue up and down my dick. She lapped the fluids up, then took it. Her horns were an even brighter shade of crimson, so I grabbed and used them as handles. The more I controlled the speed and felt her lips around my shaft, the quicker and harder she fingered herself. Semen continued leaking from her pussy, and I put my foot between her legs to give her something to grind against.   

“Irisa… You’re so beautiful. I’m… I’m cumming!!!” I cried out and filled her mouth. Sperm leaked from her corners, but she swallowed most of it. A second later, she humped the top of my foot until she squirted her juices all over.   

Slowly, I held her horns and pulled my penis free from her inviting mouth to find a little bit dribbling down her chin. Her green skin was so beautiful, and seeing her large, soft breasts covered in my seed...  

Even if her mouth…was filled with my semen…  

I just had to kiss her…  

I desired to feel…her lips touch mine…  

Until the end of time, kissing her…was something I could do until the day I died…  

I love her so much…  

“Let’s go take a bath, okay?”   

“…okay… I don’t know if I can stand… I’m feeling weak in my legs, haha… Ah—”  

“Then I’ll have to come rescue you.” I swept Irisa in my arms as if she were my princess.   

“Oh, my hero! Mmnnn… I could get used to this…”  

---

After enjoying our time in the bath and washing each other, including focusing exclusively on the other’s breasts, we cuddled in bed with our hands fiercely interlocked. That lasted for about ten minutes before Delouise knocked at the door.   

Breakfast was ready to be served.    

Sure, we could’ve gotten up right then and there, but I wanted a few more passionate kisses. Irisa didn’t mind. Especially if her cute giggles were anything to go by.    

Kengu was lying in the corner and became the topic of our conversation as we dressed. Only Surtr could vocally speak. The other lions used telepathy to communicate with their bracelet holder and Surtr. He received constant updates at regular intervals. Conversing was possible if my family entered an area I hadn't indexed. 

Kengu and my family’s lions didn’t have a gender identity. They were protective entities—first and foremost. But after talking with Irisa, Kengu regarded herself as female. She also didn’t mind if Irisa and I had sex near her. In fact, she encouraged it because she knew my touch made Irisa happy. In terms of size, she was about as tall as a great dane. Mom and Dad’s lions were a little larger. Erin’s was about the size of a large house cat. Surtr towered above them, though.   

“Hmm? We aren’t getting Tris and Surtr?” Irisa asked when we left her room. She held my hand in hers.    

I shook my head and said they were finishing something up. “They’ll be down in a second. Come on, let’s go.”   

We descended the stairs, nodded to the maids and butlers, and entered the dining hall. Mom and the others were there. Their food remained untouched. 

“Good morning. Did you sleep well? When did you return, Mila?”  

“Well enough, I guess. I got back after midnight.” I answered Mom’s question and sat. Erin looked a bit nervous. Her lion was in her lap while she stared at it.   

“Mistress, Primrose and I are ready to start our training!” Niva excitedly stated. She formed a fist inside those oversized robes and was strangely energetic. Primrose shared that excitement and nodded. The vine horns on her head seemed to be greener.    

“You won’t be disappointed, Lord Springfield. I can promise you that.”  

“That’s good to hear. But don’t overstrain yourself. I don’t need you to get hurt.”  

“We’re missing Tris and Surtr? Did they not come with you?” asked Dad. 

“Just watch. They’re coming. Look at the doorway.”  

“Mila? I don’t get it…”  

“Give it a second, Irisa. I don’t think she’s used to it yet.”  

“What are you…” Irisa’s voice trailed when Tris came into view.   

Only she wasn’t alone.   

She held a woman by the hand—a fairy with purple hair, matching eyes, and a beautiful set of iridescent damson wings.   

This woman didn’t quite match the lewd fairy they used to know, but they knew who she was. 

“Umm… My—My name is… It’s Tilde Springfield…” 

---

To say Tilde’s reunion was a happy occasion would be a massive understatement. Irisa broke into a crying mess and ran like the wind to wrap her in a tight hug. And Tilde couldn’t hold back her happiness. She was finally tall. More than that, she was rewarded for her selflessness over the dozens of thousands of years she had spent on her task.   

Dad was very intrigued by how her reincarnation worked. You could see it in the analyzing gaze he used to look at her. That same quizzical expression looked my way, but I told him I’d explain it later.   

But with Tris and Tilde here, it was time to start breakfast, which consisted of a fruity salad for me. Everyone else got a delicious-looking helping of sausage, eggs, bread, grits, and ham. Delouise asked if he should prepare another room, but I told him she would stay in mine. “Sorry for not telling you. But I didn’t know when she was going show up.”  

“It is not a problem, Lord Springfield. I always say the more, the merrier, hohoho! Lady Tilde, if there is anything I could do to ease the day of a beautiful fairy like yourself, you need but to ask.”  

“Thank—thank you,” squeaked Tilde, her stuffed cheeks full of bashfulness.   

That's right. Tilde needs to eat and drink now.  

With breakfast soon over, Niva and her spirit promptly returned to their room to begin their [Mana Perception] training. Lei was a slime composed of mana, so the little guy tagged along to help. But before they departed, Niva and Prim shared their heartfelt feelings about Tilde, expressing their joy that she had returned sooner than later.  My fairy whispered that she couldn’t believe Primrose’s change in attitude.   

Mom asked me what I was going to do. I told her I was going back to the Bloodhounds. “That reminds me.” I gave her the reward for the pirate captain and Randall. But I kept a little bit of pocket change for some purchases soon. “But I have a favor to ask.”  Susize’s shirt was destroyed in the calamity at Ria, but I had more in my inventory. “Delouise?”  

“Yes? How can I help you?”  

“Can you arrange a meeting with Lady Plymoise?”  

“I can send in a request. May I ask what it’s about?”  

“Tell her it’s an opportunity to make a lot of money. My mother will explain the rest. Mom, remember the first thing that caused us to meet? I needed to sell something, and I came to your shop?” 

“Does that mean…?”  

“Yes. I think you can finally find a buyer here. If it helps, tell Lady Plymoise I’ll assist with her little problem if it evolves into something dangerous. But only if she helps you find a buyer. You’re an amazing merchant, so I’ll leave it up to you.”  

If the war happens, I’ll have the perfect chance to assimilate the life energy I need for Sekh. I hope…it does come to fruition. I guess that says a lot about the person I’ve become...   

“You really have changed. You’re so much more confident… It’s awe-inspiring to see it in action,” whispered Tilde, who carefully drank a cup of tea with both hands.   

“Leave it to your mother!” Mom flashed her pretty smile. I asked Delouise to send the message, and he promptly left to fetch a messenger.  

“Tilde, Tris, Surtr—you’re coming with me. We’ll be leaving soon, so make sure you’re ready.”  

“Mila,” Irisa said my name while grabbing my hand. She held it as gently as she did when we made love earlier. “I know I’m weak, but I want to change that. Dad, can you start training me again? If we encounter what happened on that ship, I don’t want to freeze up this time. I have Kengu now. We can fight as a team. I’m too old to feel like this. I want to change it.”  

“I see your determination, sweetie. I see it loud and clear.”  

Mom, Dad, and Irisa talked about what she wanted to do. But then Erin popped up in her quiet, meek voice.    

“Umm… Lady Spring—I mean, Mila?”  

“Hmm?” All eyes were on her.   

“Me and Longtooth talked it over last night… We… We want to sign up with the guild! I’ve never fought anything… I’ve always been a hindrance—”  

“You know that isn’t true—”  

“But it is true! It’s been true my whole life. But like Irisa, I want to change myself.” Mom said Erin had little experience fighting, and that was true. Dad and Irisa offered to join my little sister, but she shook her head.  “I need to learn to be independent. I need to do this for myself.”  

“Are you sure this is what you want?” 

“It is. Please, Mila…” I recognized that look. Those unwavering eyes of determination. Erin slightly shivered. I knew she was frightened. But it wasn’t in my power to deny her this. Besides, she had Longtooth. She wouldn’t be alone. This could be good for her self-esteem, too.   

Having her become independent would be good. The last thing I need is for her to feel like she must repay me. I’ll have to ensure that her life will never revolve around mine-- 

As I thought that...a realization came into my mind...and it perturbed me.  

Was Irisa training because she wanted to improve herself? Or was she doing it because of me? 

... 

I felt like I was at the beginning of a slippery slope… 

“I won’t stop you if you want to do this. I’ll support you.” I pulled out the two daggers I found in the dungeon and handed them over. Since the time was right, I retrieved a couple of red and blue silken cloaks I fashioned from my webs and handed them out to my family.    

They were called iceflame cloaks-- a simple, clean name.  

“I’ll escort you to the guild. Are you ready?” Erin nodded. Those leaving with me walked to the doorway. I helped Erin attach her cloak. She looked good, but she needed armor if she was going to live the life of an adventurer.   

Irisa walked with us to the front door. She couldn’t let me go without a kiss, and I didn’t want to leave without it.   

So, it worked out.   

“Promise me you’ll be safe, okay?”  

“I will. Tris and Surtr will keep you informed.”  

“Okay.” Irisa had some words of love for Erin, who started to weep. She hugged her half-sister tightly. The sisterly affection tugged at my heartstrings.  

“Umm… There’s one more thing… Mila, can you do…that? I…want to have my adult horns. I’m ready for them.”  

“Are you sure? It’s a big decision because they might not ever grow in.” Erin nodded and showed a determined expression. Mom and Dad walked over and put a hand on her shoulder.  “Then I’ll do it.” 

I knew a skill to sap mana from my target, but it also worked in reverse. In this case, I would fill Erin with mana to accelerate the growth of her adult horns. I put a hand to her head and began. My palm felt tingling, and my mana steadily drained until it reached 30%. But Erin’s body started to glow. She glimmered in the early morning sunlight filtering through those light green curtains. It all coalesced on her head. The energy gathered in the shape that proved she was her father’s daughter, which shattered like glass to reveal a set of black horns that looked as impressive as Irisa’s.   

 Erin tenderly touched her horns. Irisa quickly hugged her. “When you get back,” she said. “Let your older sister teach you all about them, okay?”  

Irisa’s so sweet… 

The waterworks started, and I left the onis to their familial hug while Tris, Tilde, Surtr, and I walked to the lobby.   

“That was a sweet moment. I’m glad I didn’t miss it,” commented Tilde.   

I leaned against the counter and double-checked my rifle. “Same here. I’m glad…it worked out the way it was supposed to. Tilde, it really feels like things are going my way. Once Sekh’s back, everything will truly be perfect. I’m just waiting for the moment it all goes to shit.”  

“With me on the spot, I’ll make certain it’ll always and forever go your way. That’s my promise as Tilde Springfield.” Tilde giggled and fluttered her wings. “I love my name! I love it so much!!!”  

“Yes, it’s a very wonderful name,” replied Tris.   

I asked about their relationship after asking the front of the house to give us a few minutes of privacy. “Mother? Stepmother? I…do not have an answer to your query.”   

“I didn’t create [Hermes Trismegistus]. I was just a caretaker.”  

“That’s what I thought.”  

“Maybe I’m more of an auntie?” 

“Auntie Tilde has a nice ring to it.”  

Tilde narrowed her eyes. “I was joking! I’m not that old.”  

“Incorrect. I estimate you to be more than 18,000 years old. Perhaps even far older. By all accounts, you would be a great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great—”  

“Okay! We get it!” Tilde pouted, causing Tris to giggle.  

“The distinction doesn’t matter, yeah? At this point, we’re all family. And that is what counts the most.”    

“A little sappy, Master, but not untruthful. The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb. The bonds we establish with each other are oft more significant than those we are born with. It’s as true as anything else, and we’re proof of it.” Tilde went philosophical for a moment. We became silent to think about her words.   

---

When Erin and Longtooth arrived in the lobby, we left and walked towards the street with the two guilds. The number of onlookers who stared at the startling sight of a massive lion was not less than yesterday, but I was used to it. Given enough time, even something like this would become commonplace. It already was with the guards, who took one surprised look before returning to their task.   

To my surprise, my little sister wasn’t self-conscious about her horns. She took them with pride because they were an undeniable link to our father. She wanted to make him proud. And based on her determination and new-found conviction, Erin wanted to grow into her own person.   

To do that, she needed gear. Tris had found a good place with quality items for a reasonable price, so we picked up a pair of backpacks, some hip pouches, a pair of adventuring outfits with reinforced leather chest plates, durable, sturdy pants, and four canteens. Erin needed two sheaths for her daggers, so we added that to the list. Tilde’s equipment needed to be altered to fit her wings, but that didn’t take long.   

This store had it all, really. It was called the Gear and Hammer, and it was early enough to where there were just a handful of people. It gave off a rustic atmosphere where people with grand destinies went to start their rise to fame.    

Tilde and Erin went to the dressing room after I paid for everything and emerged minutes later.  

“Wow! You two are looking good!”   

“Do I? Really?” Erin asked, blushing. Tilde was the opposite and struck a pose with her revolver. The iceflame cloaks really tied it all together. I could probably sell them. They only required biomass to make, so...  

That was an option. Complete immunity to fire and ice? 

They’d be an instant hit. 

I instilled the proper gun etiquette and rules into Tilde’s pretty head beforehand, so her finger was off the trigger with the cylinder-less gun aimed towards the ground. She twirled it around her finger and slotted it into her holster. “See? I’ve been practicing!”  

“Thanks for shopping! We hope to see you again!” said a smiling worker when we left to reunite with Surtr. He was just too large to fit through the door—a running theme-- one that would repeat ad nauseam.   

He confirmed he could incarnate smaller when we left for the guild. But in his mind, that was the antithesis of what the king of the jungle should be. Shrinking to make himself appear weak was not how he wanted to thrive, but he would concede if the situation called for it.    

He really took that to heart.  

Erin said she would pay me back, but I ruffled her hair and said there was no need. I had far more money than I knew what to do with—I just had to liquidate my assets. I also gave Tilde 130 rounds of ammo to store in her pouches-- about half of what I had available. She had that speed loader, but it was just the one.   

“Tris, do we have any extra webbing in storage?” She nodded. “Divert some resources to replicate the speedloader. Make at least two more.”   

“Yes, my lord.”  

“Okay. Wait… What’s…”  

“What’s wrong, Master? Why’d you stop? The guild’s over there.” Something had caught my attention in the café beside our destination. There was someone very familiar sitting at one of the outdoor tables. Her green hair and fennec fox-like canine ears triggered a forgotten memory. She spoke to a Catfolk with brown and white spotted hair. He stood and excused himself for a moment, leaving the girl to happily stare as he walked away, her hands by her side.    

“In a sec. Are you thirsty? Let’s stop for a drink.” Tilde was confused, but she went along with it. Surtr sat outside as we went in and ordered. The place had quite a friend vibe. The employees behind the counter were friendly with each other. And for once, I saw a spec of green in the form of a few plants and flowers that didn’t come from the color of a person's hair or fur.  

It's 1 silver and 95 copper for our drinks? I still don’t know if that’s expensive or cheap.   

“If you’ll have a seat, we'll bring it out to you when it’s ready.”  

“Thank you,” I told the green-horned Rhinofolk. Tris and the others followed me to the outside seating, where I sat at the table with the Dogfolk.   

“Hmm? Can I help…you…?”  

“It’s been a while.”  

“You’re… You’re the who—helped—I can’t believe it!!”  

“It seems like you’re doing well, Ginnie. I’m glad.”