(EDIT) My god I must've posted this while asleep with how many errors I found. It's fixed up a bit now.
Arhen
You've slept in a warm, comfortable bed. 56,8% MP and HP have been restored.
Status Effect [Well Rested] has been applied.
My entire body felt drained.
I couldn't stop myself from being sluggish in my movements. The monster that seemed to be dragging me back to sleep was only getting stronger.
Personally, I couldn't remember much of what happened last night. Or specifically, what I said to make that night happen.
Looking at the sleeping Weiss still donned in her underwear under the same sheets as me at least proves that the previous night did happen. She was kind enough to let me sleep in the bedsheets with her, I don't remember fucking beneath them after all.
She must've put me in sometime in the night while I was out.
Weiss herself was awake. Staring at me before constantly looking away. Often I wondered what she was staring at, my sleeping face that so rare have seen, perhaps the lips that rest upon them?
Or maybe the neck she was clinging to so frantically last night.
Deciding it was high time to wake up, I shifted the satin sheets away and sat on the bed. I found my clothes faster than I thought, laying on the floor just ahead of my sight.
Some part of me waited for Weiss to speak, she was slient. Looking better but worse than she did yesterday night.
She looked at me once again and held her tongue in what looked like guilt, and immense inner berating. After minutes, she finally spoke. "Arhen."
I looked at her. The moment I did, she froze. Weiss was beginning to stare again, at both my lips and my neck. Mostly the thing she wanted to strangle again, it took me a minute to realize what was going on with her, but once the notion hit me with the subtly of a freight train, I couldn't help the small wisp of amusement slip.
She was fighting the temptation, luckily she didn't see my smile. It seemed like my plan had worked.
Weiss gave herself a few minutes of calm, before calling once again. "Arhen."
"Yes?"
She bit her lip, harshly. "I'm reassigning you. The other servants can guide you to the library where you'll meet the Matriarch."
Weiss said all this while standing up from the bed, then bending down to pick up the dress she was wearing last night from the floor. "You'll be serving her from now on."
Ah, Willow? I was planning on heading back to the library today anyway. Honestly, I was more interested in the sight of panty-clad Weiss bending over.
I found it weird, becoming distracted by the sway of her hips and ass. Was this something new that occurs when one's virginity was broken?
Regardless I shook those thoughts away. Unnecessary. The [System Scan] is more important now.
I opened my mouth to respond, but she interrupted me. "And please...forget this ever happened." She requested.
A rather unusual, passive request from Weiss. But sadly I don't need to hold on to the memories of that night, nor do I have any desire to.
I could only do a small bow to answer her. Rather puzzled as to what I should be saying to her in the moment.
She did seem to appreciate the silence however, a rare small, yet forlorn smile forming on her face.
Character Matrix--[Weiss Schnee]--Rank Up! [Level 1]
23 Rep with [Weiss Schnee] for being very easy going. [53/100]
Sure...if one can call my impassiveness "easygoing". I won't refuse free positive reputation in any case.
Weiss turned around. "I'll be out in the city for a while. You may use my shower when I'm finished."
She stated that in such a way that made it seem as though it wasn't a command. And in fact, it didn't seem as such in my eyes.
Weiss herself was being considerate. Why? Perhaps it was her sudden pang of guilt eating away at her?
And even so, I'm not sure of why that was the case. I may never understand why myself.
In any case, I've stopped caring a minute ago. It was only then did I feel a little irked in my clothing.
Ah, this must be what feeling dirty is like.
Despite her offer being an act of guilt or pity, I find the notion is still much appreciated.
Weiss
That shouldn't have happened. That wasn't supposed to happen.
No matter how many times she stuck herself beneath the scalding streams of water and repeated this mantra in her head, the scene didn't leave her head.
She almost couldn't have believed the events of last night occured. Weiss herself didn't remember until five minutes past the time she woke up.
Last night had been playing in her head for a couple of odd minutes now. And it made it hard to think, or even be in the same room as Arhen now.
How pathetic, she was hiding from a slave.
Weiss almost wanted to defend herself from that claim. Almost did. But she was smart, too smart to even trust herself, the words she kept telling herself.
It didn't happen. It didn't happen.
But it did. And Weiss couldn't find it in her to lie to herself of all people. She recognized the futility of it, as well as the futility in controlling the one thing she thought she could but failed to do.
Weiss could only weep out silent tears. Masked by the steam and the sound of the water. She bitterly clenched her lips, hoping that the shower can wash away how sick she felt.
Even as she could still feel her mind shake as though she was back on that bed, her body throb as though she were still holding him under her.
Weiss hadn't felt like this in a long time, not since her and Whitley drifted apart, drifted away from how close they used to be.
She felt it again, in her hands. The ache, the urge and the desire she had wanted to keep at bay. When she closed her eyes, Weiss could still see it clearly. The blue satin sheets and the red stain on the large bed.
Weiss grabbed locks of her hair, and breathed. The urge dissapeared, the throbbing and the brain shift as well.
It gave way to a new feeling in her chest. One that made it feel painfully heavy, as through something was chewing against what little remained of it, and filled her with a urge to scream and slide down the walls of the shower.
She couldn't. He would hear, she would hear him. And the urge will return.
And so, Weiss could only notice the swelling of her eyes and weep more invisible tears. As she held out her throbing hand and bit down on it, hoping to mask her cries.
And deceive the needy throbbing of her loins.
Jaina
Jaina didn't remember the streets of West Atlas being this cold. But it was to be expected, it did snow last night.
Even as she donned an extra black coat over her uniform and held the cup of hot chocolate closer to her body, she might as well have been naked given by how much she was shivering.
She got used to it soon enough, the slow coldness of the rich wind. And the sudden bite of cold from the metal of the car she leaned on.
With a gaze paramount to the boredom that beget patience, Jaina placed the hot chocolate on the roof of the car and pulled out her pair of six shooter railguns, inspecting them one after the other.
She flicked open the chamber and noticed the lack of bullets in the pistol. Jaina sighed as she holdstered them and turned in the direction of the railways above, she'd have to restock next week by the time this is over.
For the time being, she took back the hot chocolate. Closed her eyes, then took a sip while listening to the screeching of the trains, the hollow blows of wind and the rumbling of the subways.
Slayer was taking her sweet time. But Jaina supposed that she was the smart one for once.
The Huntsman Legend didn't care in the slightest about tardiness, and hense why the Titan Slayer wasn't freezing.
Jaina took a sip of the hot chocolate in one hand and surfed the web on the scroll in her left. She supposed it was to take her mind of the cold or keep her mind busy, mayhaps to lessen the likeliness of her thoughts leading her astray.
She could make out the familiar mop of lavender hair in the distance of the large corporate building, and the redness of her signature maroon jacket swaying with her black coat.
The first thing Jaina noticed about how different Slayer looked was how the white gloves that blinded her for a week was now pitch black, and a few layers thicker than her go to.
Slayer's eyebrows were furrowed, almost like she was bothered by something. It looked almost like a pout, but Jaina knew otherwise.
Slayer did anything but pout.
"Feeling a bit cold?" Jaina started, scrolling through the many news forums in the web.
She raised her head to take one look at her partner and take another sip of her hot chocolate.
"I hate it." Slayer answered, sliding both her hands up to her shoulders.
Jaina blinked. "Hate what?"
"The cold."
Jaina stared at Slayer for a bit and found herself chuckling. She passed on the half-drunken cup of hot chocolate to Slayer with a ghost of a smile barely striking her face.
"Don't we all?" Jaina questioned.
"Why am I here, Jaina?"
Slayer questioned her so swiftly, and with a sense of finality that made Jaina immediately drop the teasing. She was annoyed, or at least that what Jaina thought when looking at her.
"The usual. This time we're taking a peak at the forests near Schnee territory." Jaina announced.
Slayer blinked. "Schnee?" One of her hands moved to hold her chin. She paced back and forth pronouncing the name in different ways and forms, like she was trying to remember something of the tip of her tougue.
"Slayer, we were literally invited to their party last night." Jaina reminded, stunned by Slayer's actions.
The moment she said that, something clicked inside Slayer's head. She froze, staring at the street and then at Jaina herself. "Party girl. She gave out nice food." She said.
"Is that the only thing you remember of her?" Jaina questioned.
"Should I care about remembering more?"
Suddenly, Jaina found herself absent of anything to say, staring back into Slayer's blank eyes as she relayed those words.
Something about the way she said that should've sounded funny. But it wasn't, not according to Jaina's understanding of Slayer, and most definitely not according to Slayer's understanding of herself, her title, and the liability behind it.
Perhaps that is what she was trying to convey, Jaina couldn't understand it no matter how long she stared at her. Something about Slayer was making her a bit scary to look at.
Something about her was missing. And Jaina, for the life of her couldn't fathom what.
All she could do for now was keep quiet, and let everything return as normal. On que, Slayer's light had returned to her eyes as she yawned, acting sleepy.
Jaina let out a sigh, which then turned into a laugh of relief. She didn't see anything.
The look on Slayer's face from before was just her imagination.
Arhen
"You're earlier than expected."
"That's because I've been reassigned, Madam Schnee."
Willow tilted her head. "Reassigned?"
"I don't know much of the details myself. However, Madam Weiss insisted that I begin catering to you." I responded, filling another half-glass of wine for her.
I placed it on the table and sat opposite her on the table when I was done. For a while, she did nothing but stare at both me and the twirling drink in her hand. Willow seemed to be out of things to say to me, but not in the least bit surprised at my announcement.
I was curious if she had already known this was going to happen when I left yesterday, or if she'd cut some sort of deal with Weiss in the night while I was asleep, looking back at Weiss's mannerisms this morning, I refuted that claim.
I did say I was coming back yesterday, maybe that's why Willow isn't surprised.
"What could've made her do such a thing, I wonder?" She asked, looking at me with a small smile on her face.
"Are you perhaps insinuating that I had something to do with her changing mindset?" I could only wish that was the case earlier, else I wouldn't have had to force her to rape me to control her.
Instead of being offended by the sharp retort, Willow just smiled. She's very passive compared to Weiss and the Liar. It made her easier to deal with.
I didn't have to watch my step to have her playing into the palm of my hand. It was refreshing, but still left behind some worry that she is just letting me do this.
"In any case, I'm not familiar as to what you would have me do to serve you Madam Schnee. I'll admit this is out of my comfort zone." I said, taking the chance to look around the library.
The sofa next to us wasn't ideal, but perhaps the large window beside it would be enough for the scan.
"I'm not sure either. But I have seen you eyeing the books in here for a while." Willow responded.
I didn't think much of it at first, but the sheer number of books here have caught my attention. "I admit, they have me curious as to what they contain. But I would rather not overstep the small comfort we have with each other, Madam Schnee."
I could see the ridges of her eyes widen a bit, before offering a warm smile, and letting her head rest on the arm suspended on the table.
5 Rep with [Willow Schnee] for being considerate of her personal space. [80/100]
"I don't mind, Arhen. Read them as you like. This is meant to be a Library after all, as much as I would like to, I cannot monopolize it's knowledge." Willow said, lifting her head for a while to motion towards the bookshelves.
"I only ask that you do not touch the ones on the second floor. They contain information sensitive to my family."
Given by how much information she had just given me, she either trusts me a lot or is trying to set me up. I'm inclined to believe the latter if not for how much of a positive light she sees me in.
Hmm. I wonder if I can try making requests of her, it carries risk as a slave but its no skin of my back if she refuses.
"Then, Madam Schnee. Will you allow me a small request?" I started.
Willow curved her eyebrow. "Yes, depending on what you deem as a 'small' request." She took another sip of her wine.
"What will you ask of me, Arhen?"
She's a little on guard, but what I'm asking for realistically shouldn't matter unless she was very suspicious of me.
Right, here's my chance. "Could I be allowed to meditate by this window here?"
Willow looked taken aback and confused. "Meditate?"
"It helps me collect my thoughts and calm myself. I know it's unusual for a homonculus to have this sort of habit, but I've grown fond of it. I haven't the chance to do so in a while, and I was hoping you would let me." I explained, offering my best smile at her.
I saw her freeze, then her face go a bit red before giving me what looked less like a nod and more like she wanted to hide away. "You may, don't let me bother you." Willow answered.
"Thank you, Madam Schnee."
Well this was easy. Part of me had even wondered why I thought this was going to be hard. Maybe because the sheer length of the Manor was overbearing, and the Schnee's didn't seem like the paragon of kindness they no doubt falsified to the Atleasian citizens and government.
That's usually how these types of things go. Regardless, I met Willow by chance and befriended her the same way. Things would've been much harder if I hadn't, and now with Lucille on my neck with the link she established I was grateful for the ease.
But now wasn't the time to lament. I've gone for too long without any knowledge of what kind of enemies I'm up against. Time to remedy that.
I stood from my chair, pushed it in and walked towards the window. I saw Willow roll herself towards one of the white sofas and sit herself there. Watching me.
The closer I got to the window, the more of the features outside I would take in. The falling snow, the lumpy white fields of the plantation, and the slaves that worked there. I took in the colors, the vestige of the cold wind that slipped through the glass pane and slowly closed my eyes.
"System Scan."
…
I grasped the vestige of what seemed like a forlorn dream. In it, I stood above the very world itself. Watching it, like I did so long ago.
The sky was the deep blue color of the ocean, it glittered and slowly moved away in arc. I floated above it, watching each cloud move slowly out of my sight. It was a swimming, drowning sort of flight.
I compared it to eternity, like a satellite orbiting soundlessly around me. Gazing at one of many civilizations, the silence, ever expanding.
This felt familiar to me, the lights and the separation of clouds. How one side of the planet faced me, the other darkness. Yet still shined like the stars I grew to used to admiring.
I felt the weightlessness of my arms and legs, as I moved to grasp the planet and it's broken moon in my hand.
I could feel myself falling, but remaining still. Like a paradox betwixt me. I couldn't feel the impact, but I could feel the snow. Chilling and abundant.
I felt a oneness with it it. Me and the snow, and the numerous people that walked on it. Weary, I closed my eyes and greeted the darkness, the planet fading into my hand and grasping memory.
…
Quest Completed.
[Platinum Quest: The Burning Snow of Banded Iron II]
Description: Finally taking the first steps onto the world you found yourself in, Weiss Schnee had you taken from the plantation and placed inside her manor as a Servant.
Throughout your relentless effort of scanning your new environment, a thought has occured that you may currently be on the highest point in the Region.
Discover a blind spot within the security of the Schnee Manor and repair your [System Scan] ability.
Clear Conditions:
[Use [System Scan] and repair it's information on the Solitas region.]
Rewards: 15,000 Exp, 35 Stat Points, Increased Proficiency in Skill [System Scan, Increased Proficiency in Ability [Information Matrix, System HUD Recovery.
Proficiency Level in Ability [Information Matrix] has increased.
Proficiency Level in Skill [System Scan] has already reached [Level MAX, Experience gain transferred to Subsidiary Ability [Information Matrix]
Proficiency Level in Ability [Information Matrix] has increased.
Stat Points Received.
Your Level has been increased.
When I opened my eyes, I was back inside the Library. I wondered if what I saw while scanning was a dream, much like the ones I had on the caravan, but I pushed it away from my thoughts.
My HUD should be fixed now because of the scan. No more annoying question marks on my status page. I could already see the difference, my health and mana were displayed on the top right corner of my vision and followed me wherever I looked.
Soon my [Gamer's Body] would reach the level of displaying my stamina as well. But given the influx of points I now had, I wanted to see how my status page looked.
"Status."
Name - Arhen
Level - 23 [Exp - 9,265/11,707]
Title - None
Class - None
Race - Homonculus
Tier - Mortal
Alignment - True Neutral
HP - 80,000 [HP Regen - 786 HP/sec]
MP - 9,600 [MP Regen - 251,4 MP/sec]
STR - 41
VIT - 41
DEX - 51
CON - 51
INT - 41
WIS - 33
CHA - 31
Remaining Stat Points - 41
As expected, it changed. My page looked more or less like what I had when I fought Lucille.
I'd consider my health fine for the time being, I'm actually able to take a few hits from that Grue now. So I decided to focus on my Charisma, pouring 20 of my points into it. I put another 20 into Wisdom and the final one into Dexterity.
Name - Arhen
Level - 23 [Exp - 9,265/11,707]
Title - None
Class - None
Race - Homonculus
Tier - Mortal
Alignment - True Neutral
HP - 80,000 [HP Regen - 786 HP/sec]
MP - 16,298 [MP Regen - 213,4 MP/sec]
STR - 41
VIT - 41
DEX - 52
CON - 51
INT - 41
WIS - 53
CHA - 51
Remaining Stat Points - 0
My mana has been boosted, but INT and WIS are unbalanced, so as a result, my Regen took a hit. Not much, but still noticable.
It would've been a problem if I had any kind of offensive spell in my arsenal. But I haven't come across one, part of me was hoping to find some in this library. Since my HUD has been fixed, I can now accommodate classes. And while I haven't proven that I can accommodate Skill Books or Class Manuals yet, I have a feeling that at least they haven't changed.
I turned to Willow. "Madam Schnee. About what you said about books. Would you mind if I take you up on the offer?"
She motioned towards the lower bookshelves, near to where we were sitting. "Not at all, help yourself."
She's so easy. "I'm grateful, Madam Schnee."
Jaina
Another Grimm bites the dust.
Jaina counted at least 34 Beowolves that threw themselves into the meat grinder named Slayer. Oddly enough, she was getting bored. Her partner was killing them by the dozen as soon as she saw them, and since five seconds ago she couldn't find anymore for herself nearby.
Although the sheer number of them did raise a concern. There were in Schnee Lands, nearby to where they placed their mines and quarries. It should've been cleared, with at most five or six of the Grimm on the prowl at best.
The numbers matched that of attacks near Anima. But at least being in close proximity to the Grimmlands explained the large number of attacks that occurred.
She tried asking Slayer, but no dice. She said she could sense something, far away and watching but not making a move. It was far enough that Slayer herself couldn't tell what it was or how big it was. It's smart, for one. Which was already a worry. She hated dealing with the smart ones, they knew how to run, they knew how to hide. And they knew how to fight back.
"There certainly is a lot, despite it being closed off for mining." Jaina started, looking around the frozen forest.
"Were they drawn by the negativity in the mines?" Slayer muttered to herself, as though she were organizing her thoughts.
"I doubt the work conditions were that bad." Jaina chided.
"The Faunus who are rioting say otherwise, Jaina."
Jaina curved her eyebrows. "I was under the assumption the fumes of Black Christmas still haven't died down."
Slayer bent down and picked up one of the many Grimm masks that lay in the snow. "True, but there's something these Schnees aren't telling telling the Government. Nor my Shadow Company." She said.
"What makes you say that?" Jaina asked.
"These aren't numbers you can get from simple rioters." She motioned towards the numerous Grimm masks laying in the snow, signifying their deaths.
"Although it's just speculation at this point in time, if the negativity that drew this much Grimm truely came from some sort riot, you would think the news would broadcast the tragedy." Slayer explained.
"What tragedy?"
Slayer only pointed into the woods to her left. "Numbers 11 through to 13 were found munching on a couple of corpses nearby."
"I found a wrecked transport as well. Dented at the sides and missing a wheel. It was hanging off some trees, right above where I found the Grimm." Slayer explained further walking towards Jaina with a tablet in hand and presenting it to her.
Wrecked was putting it mildly, the transport Slayer talked about was ripped to shreads, and dented so heavily that the middle of it was curved. "I don't think a Beowolf did this, Slayer." Jaina stated.
Slayer tilted her head. "You think it's the Grimm that's been watching us for a while now?"
True to her words, between the numerous trees, snowfall and leaves, Jaina spotted a huge shadow in the distance. Instinctively, Jaina slowly dug her hands into her sides and pulled out a pistol.
Slayer held her hand in front of where she aimed, forcing her firearm down. "It hasn't attacked. It's just watching us, don't give it information by trying to fight."
Jaina herself had thought otherwise, but reluctantly lowered her weapon. As though sensing now nervous this made her, Slayer looked her in the eyes then back into the deep forest.
"It won't attack. Not while it's alone."
Jaina's eyebrow raised. "Alone?" Slayer motioned towards the Grimm masks in the snow.
"Those over there were skirmishers, the Grimm it sent wasn't meant to ensure a kill, but to either tire us out with a prolonged fight against it's superior numbers or to wear us out."
Slayer looked back into the forest, and the ominous presence that remained in the forest deep vanished. "It's gone now." She muttered.
"Can Grimm even be that intelligent?"
Jaina could see Slayer giving that question some thought. "They certainly can, and that's what's puzzling about this encounter."
"I can't tell if it were a Titan that we've encountered or an Ancient Grimm. If it were the latter then it makes sense why it sent weaker Grimm as skirmishers and chose to retreat when it saw I was stronger than it assumed." Slayer explained walking in the direction of where the Grimm was.
Moments later, they both encountered large tracks in the snow. Beastial footprints about 8-12 inches large. Slayer stumbled slightly as miscalculated the depth of the footprint.
Despite it's size, Slayer didn't seem shocked. "No trees tumbled. So no Goliath, Beringels aren't seen in this region as well." She muttered.
Jaina took out her tablet and took a photo of the footprint. "I'm records, the only types of Grimm that appear here would be Beowolfs and some Ursa."
"An Ursa Major wouldn't leave footprints this big." Slayer muttered as she knelt down towards the print and held her chin with her gloved hand.
Jaina could sense the familial hyper-focus branding the face of the Titan Slayer. She stood before the footprint for a while, with such apprehension that Jaina doubted she could feel the cold winds blowing snow into her hair.
She took some steps behind her. "What are you thinking, Slayer?"
She stood from the ground and faced her. "I need more context to make a prediction, but I'm thinking Ancient Grimm. At worse a Titan."
"Well I guess it's a good thing that we'll be going to the Schnee Mansion in a few weeks." Jaina commented, moving her hand up towards her face and slowly dusting the snow from her.
She let one of her fingers touch Slayers cheek, it was soft. And despite her previous protest about the cold she made no move to shy away from her touch.
Jaina couldn't help but ask. "How does it feel, Slayer?"
"Cold." She replied.
She added one more finger to the touch, each time a second passed by to the winds.
"Do you hate it?"
Slayer placed her own gloved hand on Jaina's.
"I don't."
Arhen
She's been staring at me for a while now.
Personally, I don't have a single clue as to what about me has caught Willow's attention like this.
It's not as though she's being subtle with her little glances, through her book. She's sitting on the sofa just opposite me. Only a small wooden desk and the pile of books that rest atop it, occupied the space between us.
Not to say her staring was uncomfortable by any means. My [Charisma] has reached the level where she would take notice of how I look. It just had me a bit perplexed, stats are usually much higher before cases such as these start to happen.
Normally I don't take interest in thoughts like these. I still don't, but ever since escaping the mine I've had a lot more free time to think about subtleties such as this. I find it a bit enamoring, and often I'm tempted to explore these thoughts more.
It's the first time I've dared to use my mind this way. As a System, it's namely do this and that. It's courtesy not to know the how's and why's when dealing with gamers, or at least that's how it was with me.
As I sat on the sofa with my nose buried in one of many books on the side of my lap. I couldn't focus on making the words on the page look an sound like actual words. It was as though I was reading and sleeping at the same time with my eyes open, I was tempted to sorely doze off but even as openly relaxed as I seem to both Willow and myself, I had things that need to be done.
I look back at the book. The words are finally starting to make sense. I know nothing about contents in which I was reading…
Actually, It was simple to know what in reading. It's a Driver's Manual. I could read easily, yet the more I read the more that I felt that it's knowledge was kept inside my head, but I never quite understood it's content despite memorizing the terms.
I was expecting something to occur soon after reading. And was pleasantly surprised when what I expected soon came to pass.
Skill Book [The Highway to Hell] Discovered.
Learn [Riding Proficiency] from Skill Book?
Requires l INT - 20 l WIS - 15 l DEX - 25
My first skill book.
The Skill that presents itself isn't necessarily helpful. I was hoping for something more offensive.
But this proves that Skill Books and Class Manuals didn't change. Skill Books provide skills upon reading them if you meet the right stat requirements. And it is possible that you may have multiple books that teach the same skill.
If it's possible to obtain skills this way, then you can still level your skill by reading other Skill books that teach the same skill.
Whereas it's a pity that bonus only lasts until the skill is half of it's max, there are a lot of books pertaining to driving here.
The proper ones are most likely on the second floor. And with Willow watching me, I cannot just grab them sadly.
Oh well.
Skill [Riding Proficiency] has been added.
It is a skill regardless, and despite how foreboding the books title made it seem, it wasn't as though I had anything to lose by learning this. The world I'm on does possess modern technology. So it would be helpful to learn how to drive, in case I need to in future.
It'll definitely be one of many firsts I'm sure.
Oddly enough, I found a few other books relating to my [Brewing] skill when I was browsing. I picked them up the moment I finished with the book I had.
Skill Book [Drinks in Leisure] discovered.
Proficiency Level in Skill [Brewing] has been increased.
It was only when setting down the book to pick up the other did I notice Willow's stares suddenly grow silent.
I looked over my book towards the sofa right opposite me. Willow was sleeping. It seemed odd, so I looked around the Library.
Embarrassingly, I didn't even notice that it was already well into the night. Suddenly, Willow's sleeping form on the couch didn't seem weird anymore.
I repayed her form with stares of my own. I didn't have much to do tonight, so I set my book to the side and hovered over the sofa she was sleeping in.
Even I'll admit, watching someone sleep like this rang a few bells in my head. But there's something about humans sleeping, especially her, that caught my interest.
I saw her ample chest rise and fall in small sighs. She wheased a bit because of how tight some of her clothes wrapped around her. She didn't seem to have fallen into a drunken stupor. Willow just looked bored.
I contemplated what she was dreaming about, and if so about what?
…
If I ask her what dreams are, would she answer or think of me as odd? Surely the latter would be the case, I'm an oddity even amongst systems despite being the active for a short while.
Passage of time means nothing, including dreams. There's no disparity between when I'm awake nor when im asleep.
But since coming to this world. I've been having a lot of dreams lately. Ones of moments and events I don't recall nor understand.
It's puzzling.
Is it the same for you Willow, as you lay here before me? Is it not odd to find bliss in events you can't understand?
I reached out to her, sliding my thumb slowly against her cheeks and lips. Even when sleeping, she shivered.
Was she cold? Or does she know that I'm touching her?
I allowed myself a small smile. Almost like I was mocking myself. She shifted ever so slightly.
"..."
Character Matrix--[Willow Schnee]--Rank Up! [Level 2]
I blinked, I'm sure I heard Willow say something. I almost tilted my head towards her to make sure, but I didn't need to.
"Arhen…" She murmurs.
I was almost shocked. For a moment, I thought she was wide awake, but her reaction was too tame for someone who's having a slave touch her whilst sleeping.
She's still asleep. Willow's just having dreams about me.
My lips drew to a still line. I don't mind if Willow does have dreams of me, but watching her sleep while doing so is getting a bit awkward.
Instantly I began to softly shake her body. "Madam Schnee, wake up." I called.
If someone back then told me that one day I would go from planet-busting to waking up a drunk woman as a slave, I would've deleted them.
The annoyance bubbling inside me is uncanny, but dealing with her is easier than whatever Lucille is cooking up for when she gets her hands on me.
After five full minutes of shaking her awake and a pair of sore arms, I decided enough was enough and added some force behind my shakes.
Her eyes blinked open, for the first few minutes she just sat and stared into my eyes. I could feel that she was tempted to look away but answered me instead. "Arhen?"
"You fell asleep earlier. I've had no intention of interrupting you, but it's night time now Ma'am." I explained, blank staring back at her.
Slowly, she erupted in a small blush. "O-oh."
10 Rep with [Willow Schnee] for the excellent dream. [90/100]
"Are you well?" I asked.
Willow shifted her body and sat on the chair, then she looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I believe I'm fine."
It was getting late, I needed to get back to the servant quarters. My goal for today is complete with a new skill but the library is too valuable not to explore.
Maybe if I manage to get to the second floor, I can find something that can at least help me in dire straits. If not, I'll depend on the class I'll receive.
Regardless, returning here was a necessity.
I stood straight, dusted off my pants. Reached for the pair of gloves resting on the table and put them on before walking to the door.
She's had a whole day to think about what happened.
It's time to see how that little side-project is doing.
Weiss
"What a mess."
That's was the only thing she could find herself saying in her lamentation. Such an apt way to describe how fast her thoughts raced through her mind.
The mess of her mind became more painstakingly obvious throughout the day. The meetings seemed more tiring than usual, breakfast, more so.
And even now as she sat on her desk at the cusp of the evening glow, her eyes couldn't tear away from her bed to the side.
Everytime even a slimmer of her thoughts slipped into the throes of last night, she could feel her heart ever so slightly shrink, in what felt like guilt but what Weiss insisted as shame.
She thought back to Arhen, with a daze and a head tilted to the sky.
"Asking me for an opinion on my own life is almost implying that I had control over it."
Weiss felt the snake coil around her lower most waist. She felt it's warmth as it slithered past her stomach, realizing it was her own hand the moment it reached her belt buckle.
"Control is something that I cannot conceive."
She felt it throb, again. The third time this day. It started as faint as her pulse did to her wrist, and surged with such a fierceness it rivaled her own heartbeat.
Weiss didn't want to do this, but her reasons fell on deaf ears. Her body didn't listen to her, and her soul stopped fighting the desire. Perhaps even her mind, and the lies she had constantly fed it, have begun to fall apart.
And the more she felt it fall at the seams, the more of Whitley's words she had originally derived as nonsense rang true.
Can you really say that freedom isn't your birthright?
A few days, weeks, maybe even months ago. Weiss never would've hesitated in her answer.
"It's not."
She felt a lightness to her waist, a cold wind in her loins coupled with a few moments of lingering pleasure.
You seem oddly upset over a couple of slaves.
"Aah~" Weiss breathed. The cold air of the room suddenly vanishing bit by bit.
"Slavery is my freedom." The very little thing she had control over. One of the many illusions that fooled her of her binds, even that was a lie.
Weiss held in a self-mocking laugh. She couldn't feel her arms anymore, but she knew that they were rubbing her, fingers over and underneath her panties.
She felt a cold limb enter, and felt her loins shiver for a moment from how cold her finger was. Her other snake latched to and kneaded her clothed breast.
A passing thought had suggested her self-pleasure has gone a bit out of control. The idea had managed to snap her out of the sensations long enough to scan the room.
Seeing it empty with the door closed, Weiss allowed her mind to slip into the recesses of pleasure, and the delusions, namely of last night, to fill her thoughts.
Her fingers, deep within her vagina, began to throb with an aching of warmth and need. Her mind took her back, to when her hand was filled with a similar throbbing, a similar warmth, and an intoxicating grasp.
It felt like one of the many dreams she determined to never be realized. An emotional desire that starved her, even when Weiss herself had no knowledge of her craving for it.
Control.
Arhen appeared once again, lying just beneath her on the bed. His own hand on her wrist as Weiss held onto his throat as though her own fingers were binds.
Weiss's heart began to surge. She heard the pattering of her own heartbeat behind her ears, going faster and faster as something within her began to stir. She was getting close.
Her moans grew ever so louder as the sensations rised and erupted. She bit her tougue to prevent the noise from her orgasm getting any louder than this office.
Thankfully the silencing of loud groans into inner moans didn't take away from the nerve shaking volts of erotic, guilty pleasure, running through her veins like fireworks shooting to her brain.
Weiss slumped in her chair, out of breath and flushed. Her legs continued to instinctively shake before ceasing, even as she pulled her fingers out of her snatch and inspected her juices running down her finger.
She brought it to her mouth and tasted it. It reminded her of the smell, both of her and the sheets last night. 4th time now she remembers. Remembers Arhen, his words, his rasped breath and the knowing gaze in his eyes.
Suddenly she heard a series of knocks on the door. The guest remained behind the door, and thankfully granted Weiss the chance to become decent.
"Come in." Weiss commanded.
In steps the very slave that's dominated her mind this day. 4 times now, nearing the 5th. Ceramic mug in hand, held by a small dish.
"Excuse me."
Weiss gave a quizzical look as Arhen made his way to her desk. Arhen stared straight back her and stilled his lips. She needn't ask the question that hung in the air between them out loud.
Arhen bent and placed the coffee mug on her desk. "I had some time to spare after serving Willow today. Klein was busy, so I didn't think you got any coffee today." He explained.
Weiss's eyebrow curved. That's right, she didn't notice today. But it was safe to say it's because she had something else on the brain today.
"I see." She stated. That was oddly considerate of him, despite having obvious ulterior motives.
She took the mug in hand and held it to her mouth, the aroma distracted Weiss from how dry her throat felt. She could tell just from the smell of it that Arhen had improved.
It was proven right when she tasted it. The coffee was a bit creamier than the usual, Weiss didn't like the change much if she were being honest, but she chalked it up to this being prepared with her weariness in mind.
In which case, she didn't mind it. The coffee still tasted good, and Weiss needed the sleep anyway.
Arhen bent over her desk to fetch the mug when she finished. Weiss stared at him and her eyes wandered around his body.
The common uniform for servants was always a bit worn. It usually didn't fit the homonuculi properly. For Arhen, it was a few sizes too big.
Through his collar, she could make out his naked shoulder. Weiss felt the empty mug drop onto her closed lap, and Arhen's hand soon after.
Suddenly, he was over the desk. His head beside her ear, near enough to smell the scent of fresh soap and peer down the space between his collar and neck.
Arhen seemed to be looking for the mug that had already rolled to her kneecaps. She found his head moving dangerously close to her thighs, and the place her fingers explored no sooner than five minutes before he arrived.
Her heartbeat sounded in slow pats, she gulped silently as she felt herself burning. Soon, she felt the cup between her legs vanish into Arhen's hands.
He moved back and faced her, this time face to face. Eye to eye. Weiss couldn't tell with her eyes, but she felt something about him change.
Maybe his emerald eyes were more striking and clear, brighter almost like jade. It was the first thing she noticed up close.
She couldn't stop staring, but at the very least her lips helped to mask her expression. Arhen drew her eye like a magnet, they followed him each time he moved. Weiss skimmed through every crevice of him, his shoulder, rising chest and most importantly, his neck.
The very thing that dominated her thoughts, and latched onto her mind almost like how her hands latched on to it last night. And crave the contact.
"Weiss?"
As though she were broken from a spell, Weiss blinked. And as she looked at Arhen's face, the heat from her body was washed away by a wave of guilt and hesitance.
What are you doing to me, Arhen?
"Good night. I must take my leave for now." Arhen stated as he turned and walked towards the door.
"Wait…" she raised her hand to stop him from leaving. Weiss doubt that he heard her, but to her surprise he turned back.
"Yes?" Arhen asked.
She opened her mouth, then closed it. The words were getting choked on her dried throat.
Weiss couldn't bring herself to say it, regardless of what exactly she wished to convey to him.
"I…good night, Arhen."
She settled on just that, as Arhen walked through the door and closed it. No doubt he was a little confused, but he didn't bring it up.
Weariness filling her, Weiss opted to move to her bed and sleep. Resolving to be haunted by cruel dreams of the past and present.
This was dangerous, very much so.
Weiss felt as though she has quite the mess in her hands now.
Arhen
"What's this?"
Looking at the object Willow was holding in her hand left me more than a little stumped.
"I've noticed that you wear the same clothes every day. So I decided to get you something." Willow reasoned.
A whole week has passed since the night I had with Weiss. Willow has been acting strangely the more I came by. She somehow came to know my daily routine, including what times I'll drop by the Library.
Some of my more mundane skills have managed to increase during this time. Which may have not been much of an achievement but at least I wasn't bored.
Willow sat before me, a new set of clothes in her hand. Just by looking at the additional jacket spoke of how much more valuable this set of clothes were compared to the one I was wearing.
I took them from her hands and smiled, I don't have much things as is, so I won't refute a gift. Especially if it's equipment better than mine.
By holding it, I could tell there were a few additional layers. Quite possibly an undershirt. The entire suit was white with some silver accents, which made it look rather regal.
I looked at her with a slight curve in my eyebrow. "I have an elder daughter, Winter. She never liked that suit so it was just collecting dust." Willow answered.
Unfolding the clothes revealed them to be unisex despite being intended for a woman.
I scanned them regardless, to ensure what they are.
[Winter Schnee's Regal Coat]
Rarity - Uncommon
Durability - 500/500
Description: A quality outfit bearing the sigil of the Schnee Family Aristocracy. The material of the clothing provides a small resistance to cold and a passive increase in Ice DMG.
All the pieces of clothing had the same effects when I scanned. This was marginally a lot better than anything I've got on.
I immediately started undressing. Willow being in the same room didn't bother me. Given the dreams she had, I'd say she'll appreciate the sight even if there's not much to look at.
I started with the pants, shoes and then ended with the white undershirt and coat. I forgoe the tie since it didn't give out any sort of bonus from it.
Through the act of improving upon what you wear, your [Charisma] has increased.
"Thank you, Willow. It fits me perfectly." I'll admit. Even though this isn't on the quality of what I used to wear, I was getting a bit tired of the servant uniform and how often I have to tuck it in.
It surrounds me with a tightness, enough for it to fit snugly onto my body with enough room to mover around and sprint in.
I gave Willow a small smirk with half lidded eyes. "Madam Schnee, do I look okay to you?" I asked.
Not surprising, my sudden switch caused her to stutter a bit but remain passive. "Perfect…absolutely perfect." She answered.
10 Rep with [Willow Schnee] for enjoying her gift. [100/100]
Affection Gain unlocked.
Primary Class [Summoner] has been received for 100 Rep with [Willow Schnee]
Character Matrix—-[Willow Schnee] [Level 2]
[Summoner] Class Experience Bonus.
Skill Level in Primary Class [Summoner] has increased.
Skill [Summon] has been Added.
It was hard to stop the smile that threatened to split my face at the moment. Though I couldn't Summon anything at the moment, it provides a big boost to my mana.
It's the one of the only classes that doesn't evolve with Class Manuals. And that's because if the right circumstances arise, this class is broken. I'll never forget it.
This is the same class that enabled Lucille to summon a beast capable of half-killing me with it's breath attack. Anyone that underestimates this is a fool.
It may be complex to make use of at first, which is a problem since it can't help me with Lucille right now. But I've been meaning to get this even before I fought her.
Thank you kindly, Willow.
"Status." I whispered.
Name - Arhen
Level - 23 [Exp - 9,265/11,707]
Title - None
Class - Summoner - [Level 25/100]
Race - Homonculus
Tier - Mortal
Alignment - True Neutral
HP - 80,000 [HP Regen - 786 HP/sec]
MP - 16,298 [MP Regen - 213,4 MP/sec]
STR - 41
VIT - 41
DEX - 52
CON - 51
INT - 41
WIS - 53
CHA - 52
Remaining Stat Points - 0
My 25 levels in my class just so happens to be one of the perks that makes Character Matrix really good. The bonus exp from understanding her character was enough to level up the class quite a bit.
"Do you like it, Arhen?" She asked. I looked up and down my body.
"I've never received a gift before." That very statement felt as though I lied to myself somewhat, however, these were my honest thoughts despite my doubts.
"Should I wear it instead of my uniform, however?" I asked Willow. She only smiled and did a small shrug while sitting in her wheelchair.
The absence of a bottle in her hand was becoming a common sight. Willow was drinking less and less now that I've been assigned to her.
It didn't change the fact that it still did happen, she was sipping on the half-glass of one on the desk while sitting next to me in the library. I would've opted to read more, especially some of the books in the second floor.
But I've realized that my efforts to actually understand more of the world that I'm trapped in has grown stagnant recently. I blame the time I had. My desire to know more of the world was driven by urgency, and ever since I was linked to Lucille's domain a week ago, I haven't once felt her pulling me.
Before Willow can get a word in with me, the door to the library opened up. I was a bit alarmed since no one other than me visited Willow, but she seemed relaxed somewhat.
To my surprise, Weiss was the one who stepped in. Klein walking beside her as she made way to Willow.
"Arhen." She called. "Would you please help me to the sofa?"
I stood from my seat, went behind her and started pushing on the wheelchair. It wasn't much of a struggle, she was light despite looking so heavy.
Weiss froze when she saw me pushing her, but Klein instantly strode towards Willow. Greeting her with a smile and a soft touch in her shoulder. "I see you're doing well, Miss Schnee." He started.
"I am, thank you. You've been quite busy these past days Klein. Has the plantation been giving you trouble?" She said, putting her hand on top of mine. Willow turned her head back and looked me in the eyes.
I wondered what was wrong, but maybe she was just she thought the hand on her shoulders was mine.
"No, madame. It's just that the General and her associate will be here on the morrow." Klein answered.
Willow's eyes narrowed. "Jacques, I presume?"
"Yes."
She sighed and her face shifted into one I have yet to see shadow her eyes. Her brows were furrowed and lips still. She was annoyed, maybe because our time was disturbed.
"Madam Schnee, don't worry." I look back down at her. "I'll come by with some coffee or wine later when I have time."
My words didn't seem to ease the harshness of her annoyed frown. But she did seem to brighten up ever so slightly, in the small time my eyes were upon hers, before laying them on Weiss.
5 Affection with [Willow Schnee] for the promise of more time. [5/100]
"Did you need anything?" I asked Weiss. Once again, just like the other time we were alone she stared aimlessly at me for a moment. Longer than the first time.
It didn't take a lesser man to see that she was checking me out. Especially in my new clothes. If I focus hard enough, I could hear her gulping down the arousal and obsession she continued to deny. Weiss was breaking, and soon. She just needed a little push from me.
"Weiss?" I called.
"I…yes, I…" she stopped and took a small sigh, but Weiss still didn't speak.
I mentally sighed. "Is there anything you desire of me?"
Her eyes instantaneously snap to my neck, a small space of it still occupying the cold air. But after minutes, she closed her eyes and breathed.
"Can you drive?" She asked.
Huh. So despite her desire and her obsession of control, she actually trusts me enough to allow me to drive her places.
It isn't as though I was intending to escape, like this. However, I have always wished for the chance to explore the surroundings. [System Scan] gave me a map of the whole Solitas region and I've only explored the mansion.
"Skill Display, [Riding Proficiency]."
[Riding Proficiency] [Level: 37/100] [Auto-Skill]
Description: The skill and art of handling and controlling vehicles and mounts.
It determines the prowess the user has when handling vehicles, modes of transport and mounts of any kind.
Four Wheeled based Vehicles are 89% easier to control.
Two Wheeled based Vehicles are 67% easier to control and has a passive 46% increase in speed.
Supercars are 73% easier to control and gains a passive 66% increase in speed.
Animal Based Mounts are 37% easier to control and gains a passive 21% bonus to all stats.
The sheer amount of books in the library that are dedicated to just driving, are insane. The bonus sounds nice if it can be applied to summons.
It's not like she'll be needing me to drive a bike or a dinosaur, so I think I'll be okay.
"I can." I answered.
Weiss dug inside the sides of her pocket, pulled out a set of keys and tossed them over to me to catch.
"Good."
…
For an affluent family like the Schnee's, a good number of their cars look standard. Weiss clarified that the standard sedans make it easier to protect against stray bullets and the such.
The one I was driving was a bit more luxurious. Her personal car, A black Mercedes. The windows of the car was water-clear. Transparent as though drinking cider through a wine glass.
Handling the wheel felt natural, almost like I've been doing this forever. Sitting in the back, Weiss seemed surprised. Being honest, I was too.
5 Rep with [Weiss Schnee] for once again proving your competency. [58/100]
My first time driving is oddly, pleasant. Though I crave more speed. I couldn't take in the sights of the snowy city through the glaze of the windows and windshield. But Weiss remained silent, without stutter nor frequent pause. Doing the same thing I wish I was doing.
"This is a surprisingly smooth ride."
I fixed the rear view mirror to see Weiss in the back, boring her eyes into mine. Meeting my gaze caused her to turn slightly away from me.
Despite her recent change in demeanor, she was obviously trying to make conversation. "It's been a while, but I'm glad that I'm still able to do this." A blatant lie, but rather that than silence.
Cars started to pile up at a stop sign. Enough for me to take my hand of the wheel for a minute and take a look around for a moment. "Where exactly do you want me to take you?" I asked.
"Take a left after this sign. We'll be getting a bit close to West Atlas for our destination." Weiss answered.
West Atlas. I looked at the small mini map at the corner of my vision. Our destination is just to the left of here, but West Atlas actually dominates most of the Kingdoms map space.
Zooming out revealed what I discovered back in the courtyard. Thanks to the detail of the [System Scan, I can see the whole topographic map of the kingdom, and the absence of it's ground counter balance. Meaning this whole kingdom is floating in the sky.
Escape was meaningless regardless of whether I ended up on the plantation, or ran away with Faceman. The only way off this city is through the sky, which are no doubt monitored heavily my law enforcement, or government officials.
I could see trains running underneath the city itself and up atop amongst various skyscrapers and towers. The trains are most probably meant for resource transfer or transport amongst the city, not international.
At best, if I ran away were could've hidden away for at least a week before they would've found us. And besides, during that time I had no idea that Lucille would find me that early. I have better options here, amongst powerful people who are either falling for me or trying not to obsess over me.
"You can stop here." Weiss managed to grab her purse and put on her jacket by the time I pulled up along the sidewalk.
The area wasn't anything special or ugly, but it was a lot dirtier on the streets. A far cry from any of the buildings I've seen near to the Manor.
We stopped in front of a store and right besides it was a cafe that was frequented by humans, smiling an laughing despite being forced into such an ugly place.
I got out of the car and made my way to Weiss's car door, opening it for her. Thankfully she didn't take her time in getting out of the car.
Weiss looked up at the sign of a nearby store, all while fiddling around inside her purse. She pulled out a multitude of small cards, golden, platinum and silver.
Weiss must've caught me looking confused. Because she stared at me with equal parts confused. The stares were getting awkward from her and the people in the cafe.
"You've never seen Lien before?" Weiss asked. Flashing some of the golden cards at me.
"No." Were those cards this world's currency? I'll be honest, many a gamer have dealt with worse currency than cards.
Her eyes flashed with confusion, then mild pity. She looked back at the store then at me, opened her purse then dug inside.
She took a few steps towards me and presented a handful of gold cards. "Here, take it." She said, ushering me the cards.
20,000 Lien
I accepted anyway, but she could see my eyebrows curve in confusion. Why was she giving money?
"I'm going to be inside for a while. Use that to treat yourself to something good." Weiss said, turning around and entering the store before giving me the chance to retort.
I stood there, dumbstruck by the lack of forethought she presented. Was she that confident I wouldn't try to escape? It oddly felt a bit demeaning, and all the more frustrating that she was right. Escaping is not something I'd do right now.
However, it certainly won't stop me from exploring more of the area. I could buy myself some decent items with the money if it were cheap enough. I have been curious about the city ever since we arrived.
Sadly, I can only buy things that I can keep on hand. I don't have an inventory I can dump everything inside. Fucking Gamers, really don't appreciate the things we do for them.
I decided not to go to far from where Weiss was and walked around the block. My eyes glued to the ground, scanning concrete below. There was an entire tunnel system below that ran through the entire city. I didn't have to go to far to receive the map for it. I could switch between the topographic view and the underground tunnels.
The street was far dirtier than what I first expected from within the car. It's barely taken care of and it's the same case for the buildings. Oddly enough, most of the food waste came from the rich side of the city. I guess they are more wasteful.
I was tempted to step inside the cafe beside the store Weiss went to, but I decided to just lean against the car and wait for her.
Thinking back to her actions before, they differ vastly from when we first met. Hard to think now that she held me at gunpoint before, with all the time she spends staring at me and treating me like that.
Something about the conversation we had before we had sex must've changed her perception of me. That or she can't stop thinking about it.
Come to think of it, that notion explains a lot of what I've witnessed. Her guilt is making her hesitation strong. I'll need an opportunity to break it.
I looked at the ground, and when I looked back up, I spotted an unfamiliar mop of lavender hair. The woman leaned against the wall of the cafe drinking hot chocolate through a straw.
Her eyes of elegant crimson focused on the drink as though she were half-asleep. She then turned to me with the same monotone gaze she delt the drink and eyed me with a strange focus, lining on deep intrigue.
I took in all of her bewitching form as my eyes scanned every curve and crevice of her body, draped by a long maroon jacket and longer coat. Her eyes bore into mine and I couldn't look away, not from the spell she cast on me, how she seized my every sense and I held her every attention.
Something in my mind had clicked, almost like flipping a switch. Time stood still, and for the moment all I could see was her.
I felt like I was taking something into my mind that I couldn't quite understand. And it made my thoughts grow numb.
The distance between us grew, but through our eyes. It felt as though we were growing closer each second. Drawing us more and more into each other.
It was horrible of me to stare, but I can't look away. Each time I do, it feels as if I'm drawn back by a spring. And call me crazy, I feel as though it was the exact same for her.
Who is she?
She's different, why?
My brain began to surge, the motion growing and growing until I could hear it ring through my ears. A voice, calling.
À̢̨̩̯̱̰̭̮͓͖̻̻͘͘͞r̶̴̢̛͖̻̰̹̼͕̮̞̫̞̈́͗̈ͯ̏̾̾̿̊͋ͣ̈́̌ͤ͆ͮ͞͏̸̢̧̧̢̀́̀̕͜͠͝h̴̵̸̡̡̢̲̯̬̹̬̮̞͌̅̀͂̌̆̃͗̂̂̊̍ͭ̀́̚͘͜͜ͅ͏̸̸̀̕̕e̵̷̷̡̡̨̛̬̜͓̼̦̩̼̺̙ͫ̒̿̃͐̑͒ͮ̇̎̓̀̚͟͢͡͝͞n̷̶̷̨̧̧̨͖̲̠̜͕̬̼̙̖̙̬̻̘̫̲͔͔̹̋̽̀͜͝͝ͅ
̴̴̨̛̛͂͘͟͟͠͞͏
Concentration returned to me as I heard the various shifting of feet. Both me and the woman turned to the store.
Out came Weiss and beside her, is someone I'd describe as a militant. She wore the colors that dominate the environment of Atlas in what looked like uniform. The dead giveaway were her spaulders and the three stars embroidered in the cloth.
The soldier walked towards the red-eyed woman. "Have you been waiting long?" She asked. The woman darted her eyes to the gun strapped to soldiers waist.
Weiss herself came to me. She seemed surprised that she found me holding nothing, in the exact same spot she left me. "Did you manage to get anything?" She asked.
"Yes. I ate before I got here." I lied.
The soldier turned towards Weiss. "We'll be dropping by tomorrow morning. Hopefully the time won't inconvenience you." She waved as she turned to her own car and to the red eyed woman.
"Let's get going, Slayer."
The soldier walked towards the car as the woman, Slayer, followed her behind. She cast a lingering stare at me whilst walking, once which I followed and got trapped in once again.
The break in our intrigue of one another occured quicker than earlier. It was less of a longing stare in one another, and more of a lingering effort to reconnect again. That seemed to be what her eyes, blank as they were, are telling me.
Character Matrix--[???]--Rank Up! [Level ???]
So 'Slayer' isn't even her real name. Which makes it all the more confusing I can't get a real read on my bond with her. Would the casual venture into each other's eyes even count as understanding each other?
As though things couldn't get anymore confusing for me. I know the impression we both had on each other certainly won't be something that either of us will forget.
Weiss
The Titan Slayer will be arriving tomorrow. So is General Ironwood.
Her nerves had cooled since returning to the Manor. It was fine, she had a plan. Finish the report and head to sleep for the next day.
That was supposed to be the case but Arhen had entered the office again. Donned in Winter's old clothing that she'd never wear. Weiss was hesitant to admit it looked good on him despite it belonging to her elder sister.
It was tighter than the previous uniform. The clothes fitted perfectly on him, leaving no space or crevice open to air, whether it be the sleeves or the collar.
He came in with coffee in hand and Weiss was a bit perplexed. She didn't remember asking him for coffee, until she did.
"I brought you some more. Thought you might need it." Arhen stated in monotone.
Weiss's eyes darted to him and stayed there. Her protest about them lingering rang unheard as she continued to take in his form. Out of his view, she began to mildly shake her head and put her hands on her face, fingers trailing across her face, more importantly her eye. And the light scar that marred it.
She gave a melancholic sigh. She had almost forgotten, Weiss found herself acting reckless, when was the last time the pretty woman in the mirror made her appearance? Granted there was no need for her during the past week.
There might be a chance tomorrow, but she didn't know.
Thinking about it used to make her fearful, nervous. Weiss feels nothing now, but the notion isn't painless. Certainly not.
In this case, some logical part of her was grateful for how thoughts of Arhen dominated her mind, eloping her in a mist of unexpected kinship. It pained her too. To look at him and remember his words. Deep down, she was just the same, and despite not ever knowing control, she desired it of him.
That night with him may have been done in drunken stupor, but it made her feel alive. Like she still had control worth living for.
She didn't lie to herself anymore, but the guilt tore her up inside. The remissions of what she had craved so desperately, but can never obtain, unless she damns him to the very same chains as her.
Weiss couldn't ask that, not of him. Who has been enslaved by her. She'd be no better than Whitley.
"Weiss?"
Absentmindedly, she leaped from her toes straight out of her chair. Before she could answer however, Weiss felt the wheels of her chair derail her of her footing.
She was losing balance and was about to fall on top of Arhen, who was in the middle of placing the mug of coffee on the desk.
In quick motion, Arhen turned and caught her. He too succumbed to Weiss's lost balance and was about to fall himself. Using the miniscule amount of strength he could muster in short bursts, Arhen rushed to the ridge of Weiss's bed.
Her legs knocked against the desk and caused the mug of coffee Arhen had brought to tip over and smash on the ground.
"Are you alright?" Arhen questioned. She hadn't gotten any of the coffee on her, so Weiss considered this crisis averted.
She laid on top of him and slowly started to get up. Her arms, laying just beside either sides of Arhen's face, held her body just above him.
Weiss's one leg dangled over the ridge of her bed, as one of her knees sat on the bed itself, and between Arhen's thighs.
She saw him breath, absent of strength and devoid of any energy to move more than what was necessary. He was flushed a bit, and when Weiss noticed evidence of Arhen's uniform starting to give way at the collar she couldn't help but be drawn in by the sight.
Arhen stared back at her, in less surprise or disgust like she expected from him and more so curiosity, as though he was waiting to see what she would do next.
Weiss bit down on her lip. Expecting the guilt to rise and force her back from him, except it didn't come, she didn't move and she didn't once look away.
The longer she stared, the more the world around her dissapeared. Slowly, and still. Arhen remained, still solid. As every one of her senses honed in sharpened focus into each feature of him.
She felt her arm move on it's own and bend to caress Arhen's face. Smoothly running her thumb through his cheeks and the ridges of his lips. Weiss could feel her brain snapping from thought to instinct. Prying her hand away from him.
"Sorry." Weiss apologizes.
It started out as a trivial matter. The two of them focused on their perspective duties. Weiss tripped on her bed and Arhen was just trying to help.
That's all it was supposed to be. She didn't know if it was because the shame and guilt she bared forced her to be in somewhat of a rush to get away from him, or perhaps some decrepit, starved part of her found this situation exciting. But she has never had such impulsive thoughts in all her life.
No, she knew that was a lie. There was only one time she felt this, this raw desire. Weiss found it rather silly of herself to forget, it's the only thing that's been on her mind as of late. And the only thing, irregardless of how filthy she felt for doing so, she could think of doing right at this moment.
In the palm of her hands, wrapped around the pulsating, rasped beats of her aching hands. As though they were the chains that binded him to her. That night, and this time also, her slave looked terribly enticing.
She drew closer to him, as though all that remained of her was a magnet that drew herself to him. Weiss could feel the remains of her morality breaking at the seams of her inner temptation. Her hands ached, throat raspy and dry, her mind, more so. Yet she hesitated.
What am I doing?
It pained her, but she drew her head away. Biting her lip until it bled as though breaking an illusion.
The notion of her desires being compared to Whitley's didn't frighten her anymore. It was more so that she couldn't care to think about those things now.
Weiss felt trapped, betwixt a paradox of her own morals, desires and inner longing. There was no question of it any more, as to how she had yearned for the man beneath her. She underwent a cycle of breathing, closing in and pulling back, as her thoughts muddled and twisted into what they are, one conclusive ideal.
Once more, she thought back to Arhen's words.
"Control is something that I cannot conceive."
If he were to free her of her pain, that would mean damning himself to the very same chains that binded her.
No matter what she desired of him, Weiss can't wish this emptiness upon anyone. Not Whitley, not Jacques and especially not Arhen himself.
"Weiss."
Her eyes snapped into focus as they stared below. Arhen's eyes bore into her very soul, they were absent of judgement and bore the radiance of acceptance. Whether it be false mattered not. Weiss felt her heart burn the same.
Don't look at me. Please.
She wanted to hide away from the shame she felt looking at those eyes. Thinking about what she was moments close from doing.
After a few moments, Weiss felt the coldness of a palm on her cheek, softly stroking it.
Had it been there the whole time? She didn't notice the touch, nor that her body was shaking and small beads of sweat began to form on the sides of her forehead.
"I don't mind."
Her eyes widened. Did Arhen truely know what he was asking of her, right this moment?
"You want to do it, don't you?" He questioned. Almost as if goading her for the answer she kept hidden.
He uttered the invitation so sweetly, as if tempting her to fall. It took all of Weiss's god-given strength, perhaps some of that meager strength she could muster now, to manage a answer.
"I…" Her hands balled into fists that gripped and pulled against the sheets of her bed.
Again, another heartbeat. More came by like sirens blaring in the distance. Weiss could feel herself loosing the will to lie. Loosing the wit she needed to trick herself into believing she wanted to refuse this.
"I…don't want this." She answered.
A blatant lie. One that anyone can see, one that anyone can contradict. Especially Arhen. Weiss was expecting him to, and whispered a silent prayer that he doesn't.
Arhen looked at her, straight into the deepness of her eyes. She could feel him notice through his gaze, the pithy remains of her moral compass begging him to hold his tougue and relish the warm silence, without saying a word.
"And yet, you're keeping me pinned down." He paused. "You can't leave, can you?" Arhen questioned, his lips parting into a still line.
Another heartbeat. More surging. Weiss gripped the sheets tighter as she felt her head growing near to his, her lips near to his own.
She could feel the chains leaving and binding him. Slowly, she held onto Arhen's free arms and pinned them above without realizing.
Weiss could feel his still but baited breath on her lips. A single tear rolled down her cheek, as slowly the pain in her heart receded. She could feel its excited throbbing against her chest and hear it beat through her ears.
She shifted closer to him. Now hovering over his body, the exact way she did that night.
Please…Arhen. Forgive me.
Both of their faces are only inches away, only then did Weiss notice that she already had him pinned. She was losing it. Weiss knew that if he said anything to her right now, she won't be able to go back.
Perhaps this was her way of offering her plea. One last desperate cling before she sunk into her depraved desire for dominance. For him who offered it to her.
Arhen looked straight into her eyes, and said I only one phrase.
"Do it."
She felt her mind grow numb, and begin fall. Deeper and deeper to temptation hidden within her mind.
Weiss locked her lips with Arhen's, closing her eyes and allowing the sensation of exploring him melt her thoughts away. He lacked resistance as Weiss forced her tougue inside his mouth.
She could feel Arhen move to sit up straight and begin to move backwards onto the pillows of the bed. Without once breaking the kiss, Weiss followed him, snaked her arms behind his head and neck and pulled him closer.
For the first few moments, Weiss was not even aware of what it was she was doing. She was driven by her sheer instinct and desire.
Slowly, she dug inside Arhen's jacket and slid it off him. She went slower with the shirt, unbuttoning one by one.
It was okay, she could take her time now.
Arhen didn't do much apart from laying on the bed atop pillows, and allowing her to explore each and every part of him.
They parted from each other and stared, foreheads linked together as their chests rose and fell in sync.
Weiss slowly took hold of Arhen's wrist and made him cup her breast over there folds of her clothing. Taking the hint, Arhen began to slowly remove Weiss's clothing, the more that came off, the more her heart would beat.
She didn't mind how the cold air blew across her skin, Weiss felt the sheets grow damp as she removed Arhen's hand from her breast and forced it inside her snatch below.
Pleasure surged through her like lightning, so much so that she struggled to hold in her groan of ecstacy. She kept his fingers there, forcefully digging her way inside.
The knowledge of who's hands she was forcing to pleasure her sent sparks to her head. She was close, but Weiss pulled the hand out of her pussy. She didn't want to cum like this.
Weiss moved further back on the bed and pulled off Arhen's pants by the legs, she felt a miniscule twinge of pride that despite Arhen doing almost nothing to her, his penis stood proud and at attention. The size was a bit jarring, about two-thirds of a ruler with the thickness of a small closed fist.
Her small hand could barely get around the girth of his shaft when she forced him to lay down while she stroked his member in syncopated rhythm.
Near the tip, Weiss could feel something starting to drip onto her hand. Her vagina throbbed, and her fingers as well.
Immediately, Weiss stopped jerking the penis and now moved closer to Arhen, looming over him. Her own hand moved below to where her pussy hovered over the tip of his dick. Gripping it and pumping it for a few strokes before leaving it and driving herself down on it in one motion, taking it all the way to base.
"Ahh~!" Weiss moaned, biting her lips soon after.
The feeling of depraved desire surged far, far more strongly than the last time. The pleasure caused her to curl her toes and made it hard to keep her eyes from twitching.
The wine must've dulled the feeling of being utterly full. Holding her tougue proved useless, as the moan came from deep within her core. She needed a moment to stop her body from shaking.
She lifted her hips up and down, then began riding. The sensations of both feeling immensely full and hollow slid within and out like a discorded song.
Weiss slammed down faster and faster. For moments, she couldn't even feel her legs move but the sensation kept consistent, and even if she could feel them, they didn't stop. She couldn't make them or herself stop.
Her head beat frantically and synced with the movement of her hips. She felt some of the sheets tighten and looked down at Arhen. For the sake of her, he was keeping his groans quiet but seemed to be struggling.
Weiss couldn't help herself upon seeing his face, she cradled her hands under his face and started calling out his name in rasped moans.
She spotted a small change in him as he closed his eyes. "Weiss…" Arhen called.
His hands moved and reached out to her face, it slid slowly across her cheeks and stroked her lips as she rode up and down. She sped up in her bounces, and moved her own hand over his.
"I…yours." Arhen moaned.
Weiss's heart skipped a beat, and felt something snap.
Suddenly she started moving frantically as her mind went blank. Sounds of moans and skin slapping sounded through the empty room, as she fucked the slave below her as though he would dissapear if she didn't.
"Arhen~! Arhen~!" She moaned frantically. Arhen responded through the tightening of sheets and an increase in his moans.
Weiss felt her whole body begin to throb as something big started to swell up. Her mouth remained slack-jawed as her tougue nearly hung loose. She must've been making quite the face now.
Arhen's cock grew bigger inside her. Weiss grunted and latched onto his neck, strangling him as she curved closer to him and started riding him hard.
She's close, so close.
Her heart beat wildly in her chest as she felt her grip tighten. She felt mad, driven insane even by the pleasure and ecstacy of her desires realized. The look on Arhen's face drove her wild.
"Say it again! Please!" Weiss begged. She needed to hear it once more, straight from his mouth. Even as she drove herself to climax, she desperately begged to hear those words again from him.
"I…am…yours." Arhen moaned.
He said it loud between moans, loud and clear for Weiss to hear. The affirmation of his words drove her straight to the edge. Weiss yelled out his name wildly as her arousal spiked to the zenith.
"Grgh!"
She heard a loud grunt from Arhen and suddenly Weiss felt his cock blow inside her, his penis shooting cum wildly into her until her womb felt full.
Beads of cum streamed down onto the sheets from her creampied cunt, as she frantically clinged to his cock and rode him like her life depended on it.
"Arhen~! Arhen~! Arhen~!" Weiss moaned wild and loudly, uncaring of the noise of squelching and moans.
Finally, she erupted. For a moment, her world went white before her whole body surged with all encompassing pleasure. Her entire body shook as she buried herself onto Arhen's cock as deep as she could take it.
"Aah~~"
Her eyes rolled back into their sockets as her entire body went limp and she fell onto the bed beside Arhen. Both of them panting and riddled with sweat from head to toe.
Arhen had his eyes closed while catching his breath. Weiss watched him while catching her own breath. Her mind finally clear and calm.
She did it again.
She did it once again.
Arhen
For engaging in physically exhausting sex for longer than 30 minutes, Your [Endurance] has increased.
Well that was pathetic.
Even if it was my second time having sex, not once have did I expect to have been done so quicky.
No one ever told me that sex was this taxing afterward. Each time I do this I find myself wondering how can most Gamers do this for hours on end the first time?
It's genuinely confusing. And as if to add a bit of mockery to my embarrassment…
Ability [Sexual Proficiency] has been added.
[Sexual Proficiency] [Level - 1/100] [Auto-Skill]
Description: The talent one has when it comes to pleasing their sexual partner. Male, female or otherwise.
It determines the prowess one has when one is pleasing their partner and ones performance during sexual intercourse.
Fingering is 94% easier to perform.
Cunniligus is 67% easier to perform.
Kissing is 100% easier to perform and has a 50% chance of inflicting charm.
Vaginal Sex is 6% easier to perform.
Anal Sex is 4% easier to perform.
I feel personally mocked by this skill. Like it's telling me to get good in the most condescending voice I've ever heard.
Although it's justified since I rarely get up and do anything myself. It still doesn't stop me from feeling personally attacked.
Which reminds me, although we were resting within the sheets of the bed. Weiss still hadn't said a thing for while now. She was still naked with her back facing me.
Just before I decided to ignore it, I listened to the sound of her shifting in her sheets.
"Are you awake, Arhen?"
She turned around in her bed and now faced me. I sat up on the bed and pulled myself onto the pillows. Weiss joined me, still silent.
Her eyes scanned me and landed on my neck. With a look akin to realized horror, she turned away with a grimace. Curious, I touched my own neck.
It didn't hurt at all, but I could still feel the lingering phantoms of her hands chocking it. It must've left a mark. "None of that, please." I said.
I've worked too damn laying still and taking it for you to feel guilty about it now.
Weiss gripped the sheets, a single tear sliding down with more threatening to spill. "Arhen. I raped you."
As if I didn't know that already. Other men may not share the same sentenent as I, with women they don't love, but as long as it doesn't kill me. I don't mind what she does to me as long as my goals for her become realized.
I was honestly more bothered by how much it felt like intense exercise to mind the consensual implications of what we did.
Besides, my plans hinged on her breaking and doing something like this. Expectedly, a lot of [Charisma] checks were made during all my edging, but considering the situation now, I think it worked out nicely.
…And honestly, she's making it sound as though I couldn't fight back. While it may be true that I can't defeat Weiss at this time, making her stop is something I can easily do.
"Do you regret it?" A normal woman would've agreed. But Weiss couldn't answer, she bit her lip as though she were holding back tears from me.
She feels horrible, and even worse that she couldn't find regret in what she did.
I mentally sighed, then gently took her palm into mine. It was limp, like a puppet with slashed strings, but it shook with life. "I meant what I said, that time." I lied. I have no intention of being under her control, but it's something she should enjoy hearing.
Weiss turned slowly to me, her eyes downcast and shadowed by the bangs that hid her sadness. I pulled her closer and hugged her naked frame. I felt her tense up, like she was mere minutes from pushing me away. But she relaxed, letting her whole body go as limp as her hand did.
I could feel her heartbeat as she fully lost herself in my embrace. Slowly, her limp arms snaked up to my back as she cradled herself into me.
"Arhen…how can I ask that of you?" Weiss started, her voice silent and shaky, A wetness landing onto the back of my shoulder suggests she was crying. Not in wails, but in resigned silence.
To become hers, means binding myself to chains once again. It's not as though that was anything new to me, but to her, we are kindred spirits. To have never known something to belongs to us, not our homes, not our lives nor the meanings we've built from them. And not even our own minds and decisions.
I've become the emptiness that comes from understanding that there's nothing I own. She's been fight against that emptiness, alone. Without ever realising she's empty herself.
I may not be the one who fills her, but I can become the very small part of her within that emptiness.
And besides. "I have no need for something I can never withhold." I said.
In the end, every move of mine is controlled and predicted. As long as the Metaverse exists, my moves, my mind, and even my own actions will never be my own. And because of that, my existence and my own meaning derived from it will forever elude me.
"Arhen…" Weiss called. All she seemed to do was say my name and hug me tighter, as though I'm about to dissapear.
It's been long since I've felt it's influence on me, but I'm not about to kid myself into thinking I'm free of it. So to me, being giving control to Weiss is nothing to write home about. I'm already used to the treatment.
"I am yours. Weiss." One final affirmation. One that she fully understood.
"..."
She said nothing, but naked as she was, Weiss slid down my body and held onto me as tightly as she could. Her body shakes as though she were on her last legs, but still, she didn't let go.
I lifed her up by the chin. As expected, her tears still streamed down. Even as I wiped them away. Her eyes no longer glazed by despair or guilt, but creeping anxiety.
She was waiting for me, waiting to hear me say it to her face.
"Don't let me go. Weiss."
Urgh. With how much Weiss looks like Lucille, saying this is like saying it to her. I couldn't help but feel a small chill, and a small feeling of both pyrrhic victory and defeat.
Hope she doesn't make me say this often.
Weiss closed her eyes and held onto the hand I placed on her cheek. She leaned into it with a small, self-mocking smile.
There was something broken in that smile. Something that lay akin to me. Broken but beautiful all the same.
43 Rep with [Weiss Schnee] for accepting her darkness. [100/100]
Affection Gain Unlocked.
Primary Class [Spellweaver] has been received for 100 Rep with [Weiss Schnee]
Character Matrix—-[Weiss Schnee] [Level 2]
[Spellweaver] Class Experience Bonus.
Skill Level in Primary Class [Spellweaver] has increased.
Skill [Ice Seed] has been Added.
50 Affection with [Weiss Schnee] for becoming the only thing that matters to her. [53/100]
It was getting late, so I pulled back away and began to get of the bed. Systematically collecting my clothes.
Before I could leave, Weiss latched onto my wrist. "Wait."
I halted and listened. "Starting tomorrow, you'll come here every night. Understand?"
I blinked and held back a snort, she really did sound commanding. "As you wish." I said.
The order finished, but Weiss still held on firmly. "Stay with me tonight. Please." She asked, in a smaller voice than before masked by a veil of desperation.
I turned back to her, the way she looked at me made her seem equally as desperate, and reluctant to see me leave.
I smiled. Although the meaning for it was something only I could derive.
"I will do anything you ask, Weiss."
She's mine.
~~Chapters until "Seed of the World Tree": 3 chapters left ~~
I apologize for the slight amount of game screes displayed.
Note that Weiss 's personally will differ heavily from this point.
