Had a near scare with a failing hard drive. BUT! All's good now. :)

Chapter 41

"You seem to have this odd luck with Minotaur." Shinkage commented.

We'd just finished up an encounter someplace on the sixteenth floor, and while they dealt with various threats in a nice and organized manner, their small yet overpowered party killing things with good speed, a pair of the giant bull headed Minotaur walked into the room.

They ignored everyone else, and rushed at me, even though I'd had many monsters just run by me without noticing until now.

I had just enough time to kill the first, before a few more came in from another tunnel, and yes, focus on me instead of the much squishier party members who were already engaged and thus should have been targeted by the usual monster behaviour.

However, they were just Minotaur. I'd come a very long way since nearly getting cut in half by one. But since we had a newcomer to the party, I kept their numbers down but didn't finish them off until Amani could actually look my way and learn something.

I was then reminded that while she looked like an athletic ten year old, she had been brought up in a culture of extreme conflict, where murdering your fellow Amazon was a legitimate way to gain power. I had made eye contact with Chigusa, who nodded, signalling she would cover if needed, then ducked under a huge fist and pushed the last Minotaur towards Amani with a clear warning of, "Here you try."

And with no hesitation, she also ducked under a wild swing and put the point of her spear through the beast's solar plexus. And like it was the first goblin she'd killed today, she said, "Aw damn... sorry, I broke the stone." As she shook a bit of black ash off her weapon and hands.

But, room now clear, her and Chigusa went to clean up the dead but not dissolved monsters while Shinkage mentioned my luck.

"The dungeon might have a bit of memory when it comes to certain things." I shrugged, wondering if I should have 'the talk' with Amani.

No, not about sex. But how murdering your fellow adventurer was very very bad in Orario.

"The Great Red is called the Dreaming Dragon." Hagane said, "Maybe part of what happened was he put the Nameless Black to sleep, permanently."

"Well, so long as it isn't like Cthulhu when it wakes up." I shrugged, "Hey Kiddo?" I called out to Amani.

"Yes'm?" She didn't look up from her work, using Chigusa's hook knife to cut out a magic stone, "Aha!" And with a little wet slurch the monster turned to ash and she was holding a magic stone, "I did it!"

"Well done, Amani-chan." Chigusa accepted her knife back.

"How's your weapon holding up?" I looked about, seeing all the monsters were cleared (read: little ash piles being soaked back into the dungeon floor) and started walking again.

She took a moment to really look at her spear (another thing we didn't have to teach her), and said, "The edge is getting a little dull in places, but its all still solid."

"Lemme." I took it from her and fished out my sharpening stone.

"Here you go." Chigusa, our supporter, handed Amani her own short spear.

"If memory serves we will be on the eighteenth in less than an hour."

"Provided there aren't any big mobs on the way." Shinkage added.

"Oh good. I'm getting really hungry." Amani sighed, "And I wanna try this 'cloud fruit' my sisters mentioned."

Aside from various rookie/beginner adventurer parties (who all gave us a wave, right of way and no trouble) we did in fact make the Eighteenth floor in less than an hour. The floor guardian was absent, though that was no surprise since there was a lot of traffic in this area right now.

And of course, just like everyone else who got to this point for the first time, Amani went right back into 'tourist mode' at the sighed of it all.

Shinkage was leaning away a little from her, squinting her eyes as if looking at a bright light, "Typical reaction."

Unable to help herself, Chigusa laughed quietly, "Well, it is quite impressive, and beautiful, so long as you remember it is still the dungeon."

"That tree is so BIG! And the walls... and it's daytime?" I used my tails to swish at the awestruck Mini-zon so she didn't run into people, "I was wondering why Brisid and the others said 'see for yourself' when I asked..."

Aside from a little attention to keep Amani from tripping over things, I was looking for something else. It wasn't hard to spot of course, or hear. The little town under the tree, Rivira, was abuzz with activity, but not only that, there were monsters there too. Bound, caged, or both, they were quite unhappy with their current predicament, but unable to do anything but grumble about it.

And then there was the unmistakable glitter of wings on the back of another adventurer. "Aha, there's Delly." I said, pointing, "Let's go see what's up."

As we took the path from the floor's entrance towards the wooden walled saloon town, we got quite a few looks from all the Ganesha Familia who were milling about. Cages, platforms, equipment, all kinds of things that were needed to bring monsters back up. But instead of being stopped and asked/told that this was an important operation and we should be careful... We just got a smile and wave.

It felt good to be respected.

"Ma'am!" Someone called out, then waved to get my attention, jogging over to us as we passed through the ramshackle gate of the town, "I hope there's no problem? Are you down here to inspect?" He was the usual looking Ganesha Guard, "Did you meet the team we sent up earlier? Master Welf was among them."

"I did. And I hope they know what they're doing." I made a point to look at all the cages, monsters, people, and just... activity, "I'm not here to bother anyone, just look, but this is more involved than I thought it would be."

He nodded, "When we were holding our yearly Monster Festival, it was much like this. We only rarely attempted to bring things up from the floors past this, but this is usually how it all looked." He walked with us as I walked towards where I last saw Delly, "It's been a learning experience for all of us, certainly."

"Any casualties?" I asked.

"Nothing fatal, but there is always risk." He looked down at Amani, who was oblivious to it, "But we're being paid, so we put forth our best efforts." He must have realized where we were going, "Ah, speaking of best efforts. Miss Delly has been instrumental to our efforts."

As if she'd heard her name, even over all the growling monsters along the street, Delly looked over to us, said something to the nearest Ganesha Guard, then zipped towards us. Wings buzzing, she was like a sparkly comet,"BOSS!"

She slowed down just enough so she didn't hurt herself when she glomped me. "Working hard I see." Of course I hugged her back, carefully.

"Yeah! Oh, you're the new one?" She looked down at Amani, "Hi! I'm Delly, Astraea Familia."

Amani gave Delly a good once over look, blinked a couple of times to make sure she wasn't seeing things, "Wait, you have wings?"

"Yup!" She did a little spin in place, just enough so her spidersilk cape moved away from her wings since she was too close to flutter them around, "I'm kind of an air spirit, with a dash of Fox and a splash of Sass." She extended her hand.

"Oh!" Amani remembered her manners, "Amani, temporarily of Takemikazuchi Familia while I'm here." And they shook.

"Miss Delly? Will any of them be ready soon?" The Guard asked.

"Oh! Yeah, um... Give me about ten minuets, and I'll have that bunch over there done." She motioned towards a quartet of cages, each with a big angry silverback in them. The three metre tall apes were of course quite upset with their current state, but they'd all been tied in place on what looked like giant stretchers with all kinds of thick straps holding their limbs in place.

"Aha, Odds and Welf made those ratchet straps I see." I nodded approval, "But what are you using as straps? Not battle cloth I'm sure."

"No Ma'am." The Guard said, "We've been getting materials from the Xenos enclave. Lady Chani has supplied us with a great deal of Drider silk."

"Yup!" Delly said, "They've been helping us a lot! Especially with ah... gendering the things we've been capturing."

There was a nervous bit of laughter, "Well, most of us aren't eager to risk losing a hand figuring that out. Our friends however seem to know just by looking."

"Good." I nodded, "So show me what you're doing here." I gave Delly's shoulder a pat and turned her towards the silverbacks.

"Well, most of it is just putting them into a deep sleep." Delly said, "Makes the trip back up much easier on both the monster, and the teams, since all the noise will attract more."

All of us being monsters hunters, we just nodded.

"But, while they're in that really narrow... between state of awake and asleep, I use the area around us to shape their dreams a little." Delly continued.

Shinkage and I looked at her a little wide eyed, "You've figured it out then?" Shinkage asked, referring to Delly's previous inability to use her power on monsters.

"Yes!" Delly did another happy spin in place.

"As I said, she's been pivotal for all of this." The Guard said, "It's why we've been bringing monsters from above us down here, before going back up again."

"See, they're going to a jungle, and well, I know what one looks like. But they don't. So I take the similar landscape here." She motioned with her arms, "And just... tweak it a little as they fall asleep. So when they wake up, they won't be so shocked at the change."

"You can keep them sleeping that long? It'll be two weeks or more to get them there." Amani asked, "Right?"

"Ah, no, another gift from the Xenos." The Guard said, "We have a large supply of monster venom. And our best doctors have been measuring doses to keep them sleeping and lethargic."

I nodded, impressed that they'd been going that extra distance for the best results. "Well, don't let me stop you from working." I said, "Where did the others get to?"

"Oh, they're around someplace..." Delly said, "I wanted to join them, but well, I'm needed here. And it's actually a lot of fun. Just like the old days." She stood in front of the first snarling, growling, straining to break free silverback, "And if you'd just relax a little..." Delly waved her hands a little, and I could feel the magic floating off her, spreading out and wrapping around the silverback, "We can have a nice chat..." The monster started to fade off, growls turning to grumbles, turning to snores, even with all the noise around us. "And you'll wake up in a much bigger place..."

"Wow. I thought my sisters were loud when they snored..." Amani said, eyes wide.

"Well done." I said, unable to resist giving her blond/silver/black fox ears a scroofle.

"Aww thanks boss." She said, leaning into my hand, "But stop that! I got more to do!" Followed by weak arm flailings to ward my hand away.

"Oh all right." I relented then turned to my party, "Let's leave her to it, and we'll continue the tour."

Our next stop wasn't planned, but I couldn't just not say hello when I saw her. Of course, I was talking about Odds. It surprised me she was down here at all, since I'd never once heard her mention the dungeon, but here she was, standing on a small folding ladder and directing people as they put together a bunch of random seeming materials.

Now, I'd planned on just walking out of town and heading towards the vast 'forest' around the town towards the entrance to floor nineteen. But she and her crew were clogging the exit to town that led down to the forest 'floor'. We headed over to her, but stood around her and waited for her to stop waving her arms at people and yelling at them that 'for the tenth time that goes there, and that goes there!'

But, once she'd paused to catch her breath, she looked me in the eyes (yes, her little ladder helped quite a bit), "Good people, bad memory." She sighed.

"You're just too good at this kind of thing." I shrugged, "I'm surprised you're down here at all. No Puuf?" Ha! I said his name right! But he wasn't here to hear it...

"Pfft no, he's not an adventurer. And if we both left the shop, nothing would get done." She looked down at everyone, "Oh, new face?"

Amani didn't seem to know what to think about the Palum, but she was polite as expected, "Hi, Amani, temporarily of Takemikazuchi Familia while I'm at the Hearthstone Manor." She waved, since she was too short to really shake hands.

"Odds." She nodded back, then hopped down from the ladder, folded it up and put it over her shoulder. Now at 'ground level' she shook Amani's hand with her free hand, "Make sure to listen to this one. If you think this was difficult, she's the one who inspired it all." She motioned to me, then the rest of the work site.

We followed the motion, and in that time we'd been looking away, there was now a cart with four wheels and places for ratchet straps to be hooked in. "Wow... So what's this one going to be used for?" Amani asked.

"What ever fits." Odds shrugged, "Speaking of, you going to go help them? I think the next on the list were some giant beetles or something. Maybe owlbear? Bah, sorting that out isn't my job."

"I dunno. Are we?" I asked my party, "Aside from being back for dinner, we don't have anything else to do today."

"I'm a little sad I didn't bring the Golem, I could have a nap while it worked with Odds." Shinkage sighed, "But since I'm here, I'll follow you further in."

"So long as it's not to the ramp of the waterfall. I don't want to fall through it again."

"We've used almost no supplies." Chigusa said.

"Um... I'm with you guys since I don't know my way back up." Amani said, "Though, I'm still hungry."

"Well, don't let me stop you." Odds said, "But if you're going down, talk to the guards at the ramp so they can maybe find a place for you to help."

Amani had yet another super sparkly moment when we found some cloud fruit. And after we removed our imaginary sunglasses, we went and found some more. Sadly, cloud fruit filled the belly just like its name suggested. Sure, it was good for you, and you could live off it for a while. But it felt like nothing in your stomach. This was actually a little dangerous, since while it felt like nothing, it wasn't. And eating too much had the same dangers as overeating any other food. Also of note, this is why beer made from it was so popular, you felt like you could drink it forever, but usually passed out before it became a problem.

But, hunger dealt with, we headed to the way to the nineteenth.

And we were stopped by Amani. This raised my 'rating' of her by another .5 for a grand total of 8.5/10.

"Hey." Amani said as we got within sight of the half dozen Ganesha guards and a small party of adventurers, "I..."

We all turned to her, "Hmm?" I asked.

"I don't think I'm ready for this." She said after a moment.

This meant that not only did she listen to us when we said very firmly that no problem is too small to mention when in the dungeon, she actually saw a problem. "Oh?" Shinkage raised an eyebrow.

"We have a saying in the jungle. When you see a monster with natural armour, like spikes, or a hard shell, or poison skin, you don't kill it. You instead try and find out why it has those things, and kill the thing that can still manage to eat it."

"Generally speaking, animals only do that to stop themselves from being eaten, yes." Hagane nodded.

"Well, everyone I've seen so far has some kind of armour on. Even the other Amazon!" Amani said.

It wasn't much, but yes, even the Amazon in Orario wear tougher clothing. Even if all it amounted to was a heavy bracer, or actual boots, or a vest that covered just a little more than their breasts. Just something that wasn't bare skin they could use to deflect a blow if they really had to.

She then added, "I also don't like the idea of getting set on fire."

"Alright, you guys head back up then." I said, applying a well deserved headpat to our mini-zon, "And when I get back, we'll work out some equipment for you."

"I'll stay as well." Hagane said, giving Shinkage a nudge with his head then stalking past her to stand beside me. "We'll make sure to bring everyone back for dinner."

Shinkage nodded, as did Chigusa, "We'll do a little celebration for your first successful trip Amani-chan." Chigusa said, "I've..."

We all looked at her as our usually quiet supporter not only went quiet, but blushed a little too. Shinkage apparently knew why and came to the rescue with, "We should stop at the Enki pastry shop to pick something up on the way home."

"Pastry? What's a pastry? Is it tasty?" Amani asked.

We all nodded, well, except Hagane.

So, with that our party split, leaving me with Hagane. He waited until they were almost out of sight through the trees before looking up at me, "Never alone Fox."

"Thanks partner." I nodded, not bothering to argue with the cat (because that never got you anywhere no matter what world you were in). "Let's see how they've set themselves up."

The four Ganesha Familia at the mouth of the tunnel leading to the nineteenth were not just there to guard, but to coordinate. After a pleasant 'Hello Ma'am Kodori and Sir Hagane', they went through a rapid fire set of questions.

Why were we here? To look for our wayward Familia members.

Are you going to help and join up with them? Maybe, but we're getting them home for dinner.

Do you want us to call them back up? No, we'll find them.

Do either of you have any experience capturing monsters? Not really.

Are you familiar with the next few floors? Yes.

Questions asked, another one started talking into a crystal pendant, and after a moment he turned to us and said, "Maki's team is down on the twentieth floor. Meet up with our team there to get further directions."

Sure, it wasn't on par with the JSDF or anything but it was certainly a lot more organized than ever before. And with that we were on our way.

Now, even with all the extra traffic, there was still plenty of space for monsters to wander around and for adventurer parties to 'work' without running into others. Yes, we did of course see other adventurers, but again, they just waved and let us by, or ignored us because they were busy. Thankfully, no one needed 'help', and as a general rule (or heavily emphasized guideline) you never 'helped' a party unless there was clear danger. You didn't want confusion, friendly fire, or petty arguments in the middle combat, so you either waited or went around.

Of course, Hagane and I were very overpowered for the floor, and most of our encounters were short and messy.

"I kind of want bigger claws." He complained as we cleaned up a small fight. He was complaining of course, because he had to basically dig his way through an owlbear after pouncing it. His bite and claws were powerful, but due to mechanical constraints, not very big.

"You could use your attack magic." I said, "I mean, it's why I put it there." I pocketed a magic stone.

"I could, but since the Gate, I've... I require direct contact with Shinkage to recharge." He picked up a magic stone carefully in his mouth and dropped it in my hand, "Yes, aside from that, we've been totally disconnected from each other."

"No more..." He shook his head and we continued on, my ears constantly twitching to listen for monsters, "That might be a problem." I said, putting my hand on his back and letting my mana flow into him.

"Thank you." He said as the capacitors in his hips recharged with a slow series of clicks. "Simple motion isn't very taxing, but maybe it's time to think of an alternative?"

"Heh, suppose we can replace all those with Softy batteries." I nodded, "Oh, sounds like more."

"It's still a stupid name." He rumbled, hunkering down a little to pounce on the oncoming monsters.

'Maki's team' was actually bigger than I'd thought. Not only did she have Kaede and Momiji, but a half dozen other adventurers I'd never formally met before, though I had seen two of the Amazon before from Brisid's team. Not only that, they were running 'escort' for one of the capture teams when we found them. They (mostly Ganesha Familia) had managed to tie up a giant stag beetle, and were dragging it along towards the way up.

The look on her face as we got closer was one of sheer relief too. "Hey Boss." Maki greeted as we met and I started walking beside her, "Hagane." And she gave the metal cat a headpat and took out a bit of fur that had lodged between his armour plates.

"Thank you."

"No sweat." She said, leaning closer to me and switching to Japanese, "You gotta talk to them." She said, "I'm trying to convince them they don't want those 'flying swords' but they keep saying it's okay." She glanced sideways, at the Amazon on the other side of the still struggling beetle.

Aha, that's where I'd seen them, Brisid's team. "I'll talk to Brisid. If I have to convince her, I will." I made a show of clenching my fist, then hid the action by giving my little sister a headpat of her own. "Good job taking charge I hear."

"I dunno why they put me in charge." She sighed, accepting exactly three seconds of ear scroofling before nudging my hand away, "I think everyone took a step back or something."

Kaede, with her bunny ears and knowing how to speak Eastern, trotted up to us and said, "That's not it, Maki-san!"

Cheerful as always, she had a bright smile and a spring in her step. Her gauntlet, the one I'd made her, was just as scuffed as the rest of her, but she had no actual injuries. Momiji, also got closer, "Since you are the only other ranged supporter here, it simply made sense. I have to concentrate on my magic, so I have a harder time issuing orders." She smiled, a little sadly, "I'm also short."

"It's good experience." I said, "However, they'll have to do without you tonight."

The three of them blinked, then it dawned on them, "Pasta night!"

"Indeed." I nodded, "We also sent Duran back this morning, and I suspect our guests will start to make a little more noise now."

"I was so surprised when the dragon walked through town!" Kaede said, "It didn't feel very strong, but it was pretty amazing. And the one Duran-san was riding was very well behaved."

"It was." Momiji nodded, "Gros-san was a little less than pleased it was stabled with him though."

We laughed quietly, but then someone at the back of the group said, "Monsters incoming!"

The battle was short, but monsters generally didn't care how outnumbered they were. The rearguard called out the threat, and just like that, the people at the front of the line made sure the way forward wouldn't bring more monsters, and all the side tunnels were 'plugged' by teams of two. Since I was standing there, I took a tunnel as well.

But with quick efficiency, a pair of owlbear, another giant beetle, a ligerfang and three lizardmen were 'announced', 'called' (or 'claimed') by someone who could kill it, and killed. Moments later, a pair of supporters came up to clean the crystals out, and we were on the move again. It was a far cry from before where Familia stuck together, even for 'group hunt' events, and people argued with who got what loot when teams mixed.

"So what's different?" I asked Maki as we got within sight of the Eighteenth floor's entrance. We'd added another beetle to our 'collection' on the way since it was alone and minding its own business and easy to catch. (Well, easiER to catch.)

"Oh, all the earnings go into a single bag and everyone gets the same, no matter the Familia." Maki replied, "No arguments on who did more, since it's all a group effort. And if they don't like it, well, the dungeon is a big place, just stay out of the way." She grinned.

"Smart. Help, or at least don't hinder, and we can all get along."

"Yes. When we get to the Guards here, they will divide our group's earnings and split it on the spot." Momiji said, "Rare loot can be bought out by a person or group forfeiting their share, otherwise it will be sold later and the share of money will be sent by Guild messenger later."

"Explains why they were taking names." I nodded, "Good system."

Maki nodded, "Since I'm the group leader, I have to do one last duty and handle the administration... back in a moment."

We collected Delly by basically saying 'pasta night' and 'no leftovers expected'. And just like that, she was onboard for calling it a day. Well, she was still responsible and finished up one more set of monsters (the beetles), and we followed that team up to the surface.

It felt good watching our rookie team interact. A bit weird to mention, but when I thought about Maki and Delly coming to this world, I was kind of worried about how things would go. Delly not so much, but Maki for sure. I mean, she was a modern day girl used to modern day things. Now, she'd had a much rougher life than most, so perhaps that was why she got used to things so quickly here...

"You're getting sentimental." Hagane interrupted my musings as I watch the rookie party stop chatting happily and ready up as the forward group called out a monster encounter. "It's not hard to tell." He added before I could ask how he could tell.

I looked at him, and saw that my tails were mostly laying over his back and just lounging there. "Just one more worry put to rest. Oh, I hear minotaur." I looked down one of the closer tunnels and clenched a fist, "I'm gonna get some horns."

Getting out of the dungeon was a little more involved than usual. Lemme describe the 'entrance'. The lobby was basically a big open area, with the elevator at the back, furthest from the doors, and spiral stairs built into the walls near it that led into the ceiling. Between the elevator and the doors, was a giant pit with a wide spiral staircase that led into the dungeon itself. This had been rebuilt a few times since the tower's founding (like when Bell lost to the Black Minotaur), and was walled with very nice stone and lit with magic stone lamps. All around that, starting from the doors to about the half way point of the floor, were 'Administration' things. Front desk, exchange counter, the job board, little gathering spots for party mustering, you know, pre and post adventurer stuff. Behind that, maybe a third of the way around to the Elevator and stairs, were miscellaneous things. Lockers, showers, bathrooms, small kitchen, a vault, emergency hospital (for things potions wouldn't instantly cure, like limb loss), just little things you might want/need in a modern day workplace that with workplace hazards.

Everything but the elevator and stairs however were 'new' to the tower, and could be moved, and you could add things as well.

Like a crane and required scaffolding to bring up monster cages you couldn't walk up the stairs with, and then a nice clear path to get it out of the tower and onto the street.

Before getting the monsters onto the street, I thought of something.

"Hey, I've got a quick stop to make before heading home." I told the Rookie team.

"You can't be late Boss, you're the cook." Delly said, "So um... don't be late?"

"Naw, little thing. Maybe another mouth to feed. Go on guys." I encouraged, "Don't let them outpace you and see them to the drop off point. Maybe say hello to the Mama Dragon."

They nodded and waved, then caught up to the mini-caravan of monsters to walk beside it.

Hagane of course stayed behind, looking up at me. "What was that about?"

I walked towards the nearest set of stairs up and replied quietly, "I didn't really help them, so I want nothing to do with it."

"Ah, letting them earn recognition, instead of taking it by simply being present."

"One of the things I hate about being 'the strongest'. People think it worked just because you were there." I nodded, "And don't worry, these stairs are part of the tower. Just as unbreakable as the walls."

"Where are we going?" He didn't rile to the comment about his weight, like he would if anyone else mentioned it.

"To see Hephaestus." I said, "You need an upgrade, and that means custom work. Sure, I could do it, but they've already got the equipment and expertise." I waited until we got to the second floor to pat his shoulder, "Your new weapons though, that's on me."

Another couple flights of stairs, and we found our way to Hephaestus's office. We hadn't met any other of her Familia on this floor, which was a little odd, since every other time I'd been here someone greeted me at the stair (or within sight of the stair) and walked me there. This meant one of two things. She was out, or Tsubaki (the cyclops) was in her office. Yes, even someone as popular and essential to the city as She was always had one of her Familia by her side. I think only Demeter was ever 'alone' when she was in the city.

But no one dared mess with the food supply. Adventurers and Gods alike got REALLY grumpy when they were hungry.

Anyhow. Once I got to the door I gave it a tap. Inside I could hear voices, and my second guess was right.

"Enter!" A pause, "Unless you're Loki!"

I turned the knob and entered, "I'm not interrupting something important, am I?"

The two of them were standing close to her office's furnace, waiting for something to come up to temperature. I'd wondered why they'd want Loki out of the office, but the heat coming out of the furnace was INTENSE. Adamant for sure. But the two of them were covered in sweat, and that was making their clothes cling to them. Considering Tsubaki was from the East, her sarashi (the cloth binding her breasts) was starting to become see through in places. Hephaestus, who usually wore Orario's version of a 'white collar dress shirt, revealed that she wasn't wearing a bra.

So I stepped in quickly and closed the door as soon as Hagane's tail was clear.

"You caught us between heats." Tsubaki said, scrubbing her forearm across her forehead.

"I'm not even going to ask why you have this amount of heat in an office..." I shook my head, "But I'm glad you're actually making something." I looked at the desk, and for the first time I could remember, it was basically clear of paperwork.

"Eh well." Hephaestus shrugged, "But this is going to take a little while. I hate working with larger blocks. What brings you by Fox?"

I didn't reply, but instead looked to Hagane, who sat like a good nightmare catto and said, "I would like to commission something." He looked to me, and I got behind him to take off his third back plate, "One hundred and twenty seven custom sized Softy batteries."

As the saying went, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. I didn't want to just make the decision for Hagane, so I led him to Hephaestus, but let him ask for the work. It might seem weird, but it was still his body and choice. I just wanted him to know he had options.

After a moment, I got the capacitors closest to his Core out. This would have been the capacitor he used if he still had the generator from his last body in it. Sadly I'd found no way to make it here in this world, but it was still part of the design. Kinda like an appendix.

Hephaestus came over, tugging at the collar of her shirt to try and cool off a little and accepted the capacitor. "Oh... this would be your original for the battery?"

"Yes, that is the first generation. But, it's getting out of date." Hagane said, tracking the Goddess's movements as she went about the room for measuring tools and the like, "I lack a way to grow in power like an adventurer, so I must improve my body more directly."

The Goddess nodded, "Okay, we can do that." She smiled then returned the capacitor to me, then gave in to the temptation to pet Hagane's head, "I don't suppose..."

"You may be present when she installs them." Then to Tsubaki, "You as well, if you wish."

"Wouldn't miss it." Tsubaki said seriously, "M'lady? Almost done I think."

"Oops, back to work. We'll let you know when they're done. I wanna visit anyhow to chat about our guests." She said to me.

"Of course. The kids would love to see you too." I opened the door and spotted Loki and Finn standing there, the tomboy Goddess's hand raised to knock.

"Oh! Hey Fox, Hagane." She said cheerfully, "Eep?" As I picked her up, "Hey what gives?"

"It's pasta night, and they're busy." I gave Finn a clear 'back me up' look.

Being the observant soul that he was, he peeked past me and Hagane and said, "Lady Loki, we can visit another time. And Pasta night is almost as good as Taco night."

"Oh!" Loki was immediately on board and called over my shoulder, "Sorry Hephy! Suddenly have important things to do!"

"No problem!" Hephaestus called out as I closed the door, the sound of a heavy hammer hitting hot metal following us as Hagane and I walked with Finn, Loki clinging to my back like a lecherous koala.

"What were you even there for?" I asked as we walked towards the Manor, Loki playing (gently) with my ears.

"Meh, got bored. Even with these JSDF people nearby, they're still under so much attention I can't play any tricks on them!" Loki pouted.

"Miss Loki, you shouldn't tease the newcomers. You don't want to give them the wrong impression." Finn said, "These people are from your world?"

"Where I was from originally yes. But this is my world." I grinned, "As Lady Loki knows, there are stories about the Gods there." Loki twitched and 'urked', "And if she's not careful, someone who hasn't promised not to tell might actually know some of them."

"Aww c'mon Fox... please don't tease?"

"I'll do my best never to mention it to them." I said seriously, "If anyone gets to tease you, it's me."

"Hey no fair... Finn! Tell her so!"

"I'd love to, but I agree with her." Finn laughed, "If it were anyone else, I would. But Ma'am Fox is just so good at it. She also bribes me regularly with good food." He admitted shamelessly.

Defeated, Loki slumped over my shoulder, accepting my headpats in consolation. "So what's your 'in' with them, Fox?"

"I did my best to warm both sides up to each other before Royman did that speech." I said, knowing Loki only pretended to not care about things. "I wanted to make sure both sides knew that getting along was in everyone's best interest." I also managed to give Loki a nose boop before she could dodge it.

"ow why you poke?" She mumbled, "Anything else?"

"I'll tell you about the meeting with Eina, since I'm sure everyone will want to try something new from another world."

I knew something was up as I got closer to the Manor. Since there was no shouting or screaming, I figured it wasn't bad, so I didn't suddenly start running. No, there were just more people, and they were obviously looking and listening, but too shy to leave their homes to chase after it. Then my ears picked up the unmistakable sound of a diesel engine just before it cut out.

"Your pasta can't be that famous." Hagane said, "Well, maybe it is actually..."

NOTES!

I'll pause it here before we get into more politics. Party on, and I'll see you in five days!

Daeore on Ko-fi if you want to see the art! (more soon, or maybe even before I post this? Artists have lives too!)

Daeore on Inkitt, if you want to read my book Were Too?