Pilate woke up in his own room in the Pocket Castle, and took a wary look at his surroundings. Even after so much time, he was still not used to the supernatural luxury of his new home. He eventually relaxed and got up from his bed to prepare for the day.

The soldier looked at his reflection in the mirror as he shaved himself. A part of him thought the action was unnecessary, as he no longer was a guard at Ilias Temple and there wasn't any "clean shave" standard, but he still found this routine reassuring in front of the changes that were happening around him.

After he was done, he dried himself using a towel. He was enjoying a little too much for his own taste the supernatural comfort his new residence was able to give him. Smiling, he flexed his developed muscles in front of the mirror. His reforged body confirmed that this experience on the road had made him stronger.

He himself was one of the first companions that joined the hero Luka on his adventure. He never thought the young man would become so powerful and popular, and while he himself became stronger (which wasn't hard considering his old days consisted of waiting around in a village that never came under attack from a monster stronger than a lost imp), he still felt overshadowed by the stronger monsters they were facing and by the hero himself.

The hero however still recognized his strength and acknowledged him as a valuable party member. Even after all this time, he regularly was a member in the hero's team, following him in his expeditions around the world. Together they had faced the abominations of Tartarus, the burning depths of the Lava Mines, and the queen of the vampires in her lair. As the enemies the hero faced were becoming stronger, he was worried he would no longer be able to keep up. But times and times again, he managed to overcome the odds and face monsters whose simple presence would have made him flee in fear in the past. Even then, he was still growing concerned by what opponents he would get to face with the hero. More queen class monsters? The Monster Lord? The Dark Goddess herself?

He took a minute to address a prayer to the goddess Ilias. He wished for the ability to protect his friends against the marauding attacks. He asked for the strength to deal with current events with courage. He begged for support in this dark hour. And, most of all, he prayed for the strength to not fall to the charm of the other castle's residents.

Most of the monsters were very forward in their advance toward the male residents, and relentlessly teased him when the occasions presented themselves. He was still a follower of Ilias, and while he did not hesitate to work with monsters, having intercourse with them was out of the question.

For a moment, he started wondering if Luka did not have an ulterior motive for recruiting so many monsters. However, on second thoughts, he considered the hero's entourage and knew deep down that Sonya would certainly not let him do so if that was the case. No, Luka only welcomed every help available and wanted everyone to coexist happily…

He rose up and took a look at his armor. It no longer was the old rusty plate given to the soldier's temple accompanied by a dull copper sword, but instead his whole equipment was crafted with rainbow material. At first, he found the armor gaudy and ridiculous, but after using it a little, he soon found himself at ease when using it and could not deny the sheer resistance the material seemed to possess. It could tank blow that would have reduced his old armor to scraps and still remain as pristine as the first time he saw it.

As he put on his helmet, he prepared to exit his room to go to the Pocket Castle's dining room. It was time for breakfast, and, after all, a man should not train on an empty stomach.

At this time, most of the residents discussing in the dining area were humans. Most monsters were apparently late sleepers because of their nightly activities, which was a useful information to consider when you didn't want to deal with their advances all day long. He took a small plate of fried eggs and naturally sat near Samson, the head of Sabasa's royal guards. The latter was apparently in a deep conversation with Julia, a mercenary who came from Grand Noah. Upon seeing his friend, the royal commander pushed himself a little to make way. The respect between both men had grown a lot since they first met, as they faced together a lot of monsters on their adventure. As he started eating, Pilate asked his friend about the latest news.

"Well, everybody is on the edge after the Monster Lord's assault, a fish with legs was seen working on the road of Sabasa -an actual fish, not Diamrem-, Grandeur had to deal with rains so heavy they had to ask a giant worm girl to make a canal to avoid inundations, and the Oasis of Blessing somehow erupted. So, in short, nothing unusual."

Julia crossed her arms over the table and leaned in to join the conversation.

"The coliseum is still running in Grand Noah as if nothing is happening. Seeing people not react to snow in the middle of summer in this region is probably as strange as the snow itself. And everyone is trying to figure the identity of their favorite artist to ask for more paintings, novels or compositions… You name it, they beg for it."

"I didn't know there were that many artists in Grand Noah."

Julia smiled awkwardly while playing around with her mug.

"Weeeell, I recently learned an interesting tidbit of information about that. Apparently, several of those works are coming from one and only one artist who is not originally from Grand Noah, but rather from the wild lands outside if you know what I mean."

Samson chuckled. "Well, I didn't think a human would have so many talents anyway, so what monster does-."

"It's Alma Elma."

Pilate chocked on his food and started coughing, while Samson was dumbfounded.

"The Succubus Queen?"

Pilate was still trying to catch his breath.

"That… flying… obscenity?"

Julia closed her eyes and nodded solemnly.

"Yes, nobody outside the castle knows about it, and I only discovered it when I talked with her in private."

Pilate rose a finger.

"By in private you mean…"

The mercenary slammed her elbows on the table while looking down.

"I wanted some advices from her to pleasure my opponents more effectively as a battle fucker, nothing untoward happened, I didn't ask her to help me relieve stress, get your mind out of the gutter."

Julia exhaled loudly for several seconds, before looking quickly at Samson, then at Pilate.

"But you both could make use of our services if you wish, I will gladly offer you a hand if you want, and even more if you ask."

She flashed a devilish grin at Pilate as she ended her sentence. The latter took a look at his finished plate, politely excused himself, and started walking briskly toward the exit as he decided it was time to start training. As he closed the door, Julia leaned back while stretching and looked at Samson.

"So, how much longer do you think our little soldier will go without falling into a monster's honey trap?"

"I don't know, I didn't think he would hold that long. Considering he managed to evade the succubus harem's grasp and is still refusing their advance, I think he'll end up dying without getting to taste the pleasure of a monster. But by refusing to fall to their advance, he show he's dedicated to his ideal, just as I am!"

The woman from Grand Noah broke into laughter.

"What's so funny?"

"You still smell like Sara's perfume."

Samson looked down, ashamed. Remaining focused and professional when taking care of his queen was a bit harder when she randomly assumed her succubus appearance to mess with him.

Julia turned toward the door.

"But in his case, he could REALLY make use of some private time with the other residents."

After a few seconds, she started leaning seductively toward Samson.

"So do you want to-"

"I am loyal to my queen."

"I figured as much, but actually, I wanted to ask you if you were going to participate into the upcoming tournament organized by the Grand Noah queen."

Samson looked ashamed for a few seconds before answering.

"Yes, I'm already on the list."