The Dungeon

Level 6

Logan's POV

Drip...drip...drip... the sound of water echoed off the walls here on the sixth floor. Or what sounded like water as blood dripped off of my blade as the kolbold disintegrated into nothing, dropping its monster stone in the process.

Flicking the blood off of my blade, I sheathed it for a moment as my party stopped for a moment.

Well... it's been an interesting start to our adventures today. As Mono gathers up the monster stones, I'm on guard watching the shadows and keeping an eye on our backs.

Momo, bless her, quickly got the hang of slaying monsters. At first, she struggled with how humanoid the goblins were. After her first kill, she got over it as fast as the feeling came. Now she looks like a seasoned veteran out there.

Teamwork was never an issue, believe it or not. When we all entered the dungeon, I gave each party member an ear piece to allow us to communicate with each other in case we lost sight of each other.

Since I'm not one hundred percent sure if electronic devices work in the dungeon, I used runes again. It wasn't anything over the top, just magic proof, water proof, and a linked communication rune.

The ear pieces are basically a piece of rubber covered in runes. The rubber is a substance I created that morphs into a liquid state then molds to fit your ear. It also has a little ability that amplifies sounds up to 500 meters away.

There was only one mishap when Riveria put hers in, I forgot to account for elven ear sensitivity. So we were treated to an undignifiedlike moan come from her mouth.

We all turned to face her and were treated to her slightly panting from the sensation. Mortified, she hurled a fireball at me for not warning her and the embarrassment. I just let it hit me since I earned it. Totally worth it though.

Tsubaki and Shakti just laughed at my predicament. Suddenly, Shakti turns and cleaves the War Shadow that was trying to kill her in half with her very own double sided lightstaff. Yup, you heard me right. A lightstaff, a weapon capable of intense energy attack, as well as defense. She was able to control the intensity of the blade to either sting and stun, or outright lop off a body part.

When deciding what weapon to give her, honestly, this was a no brainer to me. She already used a spear, this was obvious winner. So to compliment the weapon, it needed an outfit.

So I basically turned her regular orange battle outfit into Jedi robes, but without the bulkiness and much more sexy.

Moving on...

Being on floor six so far, due to my isane luck skill, we managed to get two Jack Bird golden eggs and large amount of basic drop materials. I put it all into the specific boxes for these items. As we agreed, everything is split equally amongst us.

Since we were resting a moment, I asked "So Momo, what do you think of the dungeon?"

Momo finshed drinking some water before responding. After a moment, she said "It's not too bad, kinda reminds me of home." I nod my head, knowing what she meant as I watch all around the dungeon for signs of trouble.

The cavern itself was like any cave. Stalagmites and stalactites all over. Water dripped from the ceiling in slow, steady drops. Drip...Drip..

Shakti spoke up "Alright, all the stones and drop items are put away. It's amazing how quiet it is now, I mean adventurer wise. Usually, there are swarms of them this time of day. Is there some unofficial holiday we're unaware of?"

Now that I think of it, she's right. Floors 1 to 10 usually are more active with adventurers than what we seen. Two things come to mind, one of them is bad. One is its till early in the day, which we know isn't since we came in around 10 am and its way past that.

Second is that a higher level monster is up on this floor. More dangerous option,but its possible. The shadows in the room suddenly intensify behind the party. "Behind you, War Shadow!"

I get the warning out in enough time. Tsubaki and Shakti quickly turn to defend just as a giant sized Shadow attacks them. Interesting, ID labels this Shadow as a LVL 3 monster. So we have an abnormal monster on our hands.

"Ok, its an abnormal. Form a defensive circle. Riveria, I need you to cast fire magic at it whenever you see it. Tsu and Ti, your gonna be first wave. Momo, you back them up. I'll be shield and protect. Remember, it will try to attack from behind if it can. Watch each other's backs."

Just like that, they quickly move to positions. Following the shadow is not easy, able to appear from any dark place puts a damper on this but I ask Riveria "Do you know any light spells that flood the area?"

She thinks for a moment than exclaims "Yes, I do, I will need just a few seconds." I block an incoming attack. "Alright, you heard her. We need to occupy the shadow. Momo, throw that monster bait to me to draw it in. We need to hold it here."

She tossed one of the monster baits to me. I caught it and slammed it to the ground. Once it hit, it released a horrid odor that drives monsters wild. Like I hoped, it drew the shadow straight to me. Blocking its claws again with my sword, Shakti and Momo were able to land solid hits against it.

After it retreated a bit, Tsubaki managed to cut off one of its arms. The screeching that came from the monster made our eardrums hurt, but we pressed the advantage. "That's it, we got it on the defensive." The shadow swiped at Tsubaki, but Shakti covered her by using her lightstaff to cut the other arm off.

As the monster let out another loud screech, Riveria called out "Ok, here it comes." She started speaking in elvish, the magic building to potent levels.

The shadow must of sensed that it's end was near. It tried to escape into the shadows, but Momo and me went on the offensive. Keeping it out of shadowy places, Momo landed solid strikes on it. I have to say, I'm proud of her for coming so far in a short time.

"... hear my name, my name is Alf!!" Just like that, the room lit up like we were transported to the surface of the sun. Blinding us all, but doing nothing to stop the inhumane screeching the shadow emitted. It was honestly worse than before. Thankfully, it was short lived as the monster died in a puff of smoke. The stone it dropped the size of a football.

After a moment of silence, the party gave out a little victory cheer. As I gathered up the stone, O told them "Great job eveyone, good team work. Thank you Riveria for your timely spell. Also great job team for leaving no openings and covering everything. I believe this is the start of a great dungeon team."

I put the stone away in the bag and put on the bag again. "Ok, so we will stop for something to eat on the eleventh floor. After that, its a straight shot to the eighteenth where we will rest for a couple of hours. I would like to try and get to Amphisbaena before we call it a successful trip."

I fixed the girls with a smile. "We can decide at that point if we want to go deeper, ok?" The girls agreed. "Ok ladies, Tsu and Shakti, take Momo ahead and show her how to detect and locate Shadows. I need to have a conversation with Riveria."

They move move on ahead, but not too far away so they could snoop. Shaking my head, I keep pace with Riveria. "So, Riveria, how has your adventure with us been so far? Finding everything acceptable?"

"Yes Logan, everything has been enjoyable so far. I've only travelled with Loki familia members until now, so it's a nice change." We continued our trek on this floor, still cautious. As we came up on the steps to level 7, I asked the real question I wanted answered.

"So it's different than your normal dives? Including gathering information on me? Don't bother denying it, I heard Lady Loki ask you right before we entered the dungeon."

The girls immediately turn and faced Riveria, weapons at the ready. I waved them off. "I can handle this ladies. So why don't you tell the girls what Loki asked you to do Riveria."

She looked like a deer in headlights for a moment but with a chagrin look, she told them.

"She told me to gather as much intel as possible on you. She wants to be prepared so she can handle you. I took it to mean as long as I am needed."

Tsubaki spoke before I could answer. "Gather intel?!? Why would she do that? Is she trying to start a War? Hephaistos won't take that laying dow..." I hold up my hand to stop my friend from making a mistake.

"It's ok Tsu. Thank you for looking out for me, but I know the reason for this. The other day, I made a deal with Loki when I sold her familia captain a new weapon." Riveria relaxed when I came to her defense. More than likely not liking being put on the spot by her god.

Fixing Tsu with a stare, I continued "She more than likely is scouting me to be the familia's blacksmith, or at least for her captains. Also for the second part of the deal that you don't need to know about. That is a familia secret for them that I can't revel without permission. Right Riveria?"

At first, she had a confused look. Slowly, it changed to a smirk before she replied. "Yes, unfortunately it is a familia secret. It involves certain dates for our familia. We cant just go around telling people our business. I hope you understand."

The reaction was immediate. Both Tsu and Ti understood that familia secrets are just that. It didn't stop the disappointment on their faces.

Momo, however, heard the inflection of the words and understood the hidden meaning. She gave me a look that said 'really?' I just smiled cheekily at her. Her response... just shakes her head and resumes look out duty.

"Alright enough of that, let's make our way foward. Be on your guard." I tell them as we reach the stairs to the next level. Hopefully, we run into no more issues.

Couple hours later- Mid Afternoon

Floor 16

Logan POV

Finally making it to Floor 16, we stopped on the stairway between 16 and 17 to have a strategy in place. Floor 17 is not to be trifled with. On this floor is a crystal wall the goes from the ceiling to the floor. It is a beautiful sight, however it has a name that make it ominous.

Wall of Sorrows.

The reason for the name is the monster rex that lives in the wall. The Goliath. It stands at seven meters tall and is almost always a level 4 monster.

Usually, it takes a team of ten adventurers to get by it, but those adventurers are normally level 1 or 2. Like I said before, our team is different. We have four level 3's in Tsu, Shakti, Riveria and Momo. Then you have me, a level 4. We should have no difficulty if it's time for the respawn of Goliath.

Goliath respawns after two weeks when it is killed. I know it was recently but I can't remember if it's been two weeks yet. I guess we will find out momentarily.

"Alright ladies, the next floor could be a hit or miss as most of you know. Does anyone remember when Goliath was last defeated? I'm sure it's been about two weeks but Ican't remember."

Everybody shook their heads in the negative. "Ok then, I guess we will find out. The best thing to remember about Goliath is it's roar. It can cause flinching in lower levels, so be careful. The plan of attack is cut it's tendons on it's ankles. We sever them down to the bone."

I pound my fist into my other hand. "With the bastard immobilized, it will be easy to take it down. Be quick though, it has a possible 1:4 chance of regenerating."

Only Momo looked shocked by this. "Monsters can regenerate here?! How is that possible?"

I explain it to her. "Monster Rexes have regen abilities to a certain point. It's not unstoppable though, it can't regen and defend itself since it requires concentration. So as long as we keep attacking it, we should be fine so long as it's not an abnormal."

She looked like she wanted to continue asking questions, but she was biting her tongue to stop herself. "Ok, thanks for the explanation, Logan."

Drawing my swords, I lead the girls to the entrance. "Alrightly ladies, heads on a swivel. If the Goliath is there, you will hear the crystal wall cracking. Let's go!"

With that, we move briskly into the room. Eyes roving everywhere, we keep our pace to the next stairwell. Being the front of our party, I get the first look at the wall of sorrows. "The wall is reformed! Prepare for a possible encounter."

In response to my claim, we start treading carefully. We make it halfway across the room with no issue. It looks like we might make it without a fight. Three quarters of the way through, luck ran out.

CRACCCKKK!!!!

Seriously, no luck at all. "Alright ladies, its showtime. Remember the plan, take out it's Achilles heels and it should be a easy win. Be careful of the roars."

Giant shards of crystal go flying. A few come near us, but not near enough to hurt us. "Riveria, charge your most powerful attack while we distract it. Shakti, you and Tsubaki attack the Achilles heels. Momo, you and me will pester it and get it to focus on us."

With the orders given, everyone jumped straight into action. Immeadiately, the wall shattered and out cane the Goliath. It didn't even have time to move before I blasted a fireball at its head, which it hit the Goliath right in the eyes.

With a deafening roar, it covered its eyes as it stomped around the room. "Ok Momo, make me some chains to wrap around it's legs. Be careful, it can still hear you."

She went to work using her skill to make chains as I kept swinging my sword at it. This allowed Shakti and Tsubaki to get in close. Momo gave a quick shout "Catch Logan!" As a metal chain was tossed towards me.

Catching it, Momo and I quickly wrapped the legs up of the Goliath as Tsu and Ti went in and cut it's Achilles. As the roars echoed off the walls, making rocks fall from the ceiling, the Goliath fell foward with a BOOOOM!!!!

With perfect timing, Riveria finished charging her spell and let it fly at the beast. It watched as the incoming mana blast flew towards it's face.

The cavern went quiet as the mana bomb met the Goliath head on. The sound waves from the blast knock everyone but me off their feet. The screaming from the Goliath fell on deaf ears, since the blast popped everyones eardrums.

The screams, thankfully, didn't last long since the mana bomb vaporized the Goliath. A giant size stone and a giant slab of hide were all that were left.

Riveria casts a healing spell to repair everyones eardrums. As the healing magic works it's way through everyone, I give the cavern a final check over. Rock, dust and crystal were blown all over and it was a little bit hard to make everyone out.

I called out. "Is everyone ok?" I heard four responses in a positive light. So I gave the battle report. "Great job everyone. Excellent use of magic Riveria. You aimed the spell perfectly. Tsubaki and Shakti, great job immobilizing the Goliath. I'm glad to see your new weapons are working great for you. Momo, great job having that wire quickly. You have acclimated well to the dungeon, I'm proud of you."

I make my way over to the giant stone where the Goliath was last standing. It's a fairly big stone, but it fits easily into the bag. Got to love runes and magic, makes everything easier. Grabbing the hide, I go to put it in the bag, but I noticed something that was under the hide.

It was a heart. Literally a giant heart. As far as I was aware, there wasn't any other types of drops for Goliath. Shrugging my shoulders, I place the heart into the drop bag as well. "Everything ok Logan? Ready to head out?"

Turning around, I notice that Riveria was walking up behind me. Flashing her a smile, I respond "Yup, just finished putting the hide away. Everyone good?"

"Yes, we're just waiting on you, oh fearless leader." She gave a little chuckle as she turned to head back to the others. "Alright then, onwards to the eighteenth floor!"

With that said, I made my way to the stairs going to the next level. The ladies right behind me. This is a beautiful start to new friendships and first class adventures.

If I had known what was to come, I probably would have grabbed my party and left the dungeon.

Rivira-Nightfall

Eighteenth Floor

Logan's POV

After descending the stairs, we found ourselves staring at the beautiful forest of the Eighteenth Floor. The scene laid out before us, you would bever be able to tell the difference with the surface. Looking up at the sky though, that's how you would be able to tell.

No one knows how or way, but the sky of the Eighteenth is all crystalline and it mimics the sun and moon on the surface. All of the crystals were changing from bright sunshine, to a more ethereal moonlight. Like I said, the scene is beautiful.

Especially with how the moonlight shines on my party members. Somehow, it was enhancing their natural beauty to supernatural levels.

Before I get caught staring at them, I speak just loud enough to be heard. "Rivira, underground city of adventurers. It's the resting place of the deep floors where we can restock and recover."

We continued to walk to the city. The forest was alive with sounds. "However, just be prepared to spend more than your comfortable with. No Guild presence means anything goes." I added for Momo since she was the only one who has never been here before.

The rustling of the bush, the wind through the canopy, the sounds of the forest. Ahhh, this reminded me of a time in my previous life when I wanted to be an outdoorsman. I went with a friend camping for one weekend and decided I wanted to be a bushman. Lol, the ideas of kids.

Sadly, I outgrew the notion. However, I always felt at peace being outside away from people. No matter if it was the ocean, up the mountains, or in the woods. It was cathartic, and I had plans to explore the woods around Orario eventually.

So walking through the forest was enjoyable for me. At that moment, Shakti spoke up. "Logan, not to sound ungrateful l, but should we walk into town with these new weapons out for others to see? I only ask cause my weapon is, what did you call it? An energy blade? I know you will be hammered for requests for more..."

I stopped walking and turned around to face her. She almost looked upset at the thought. Walking up to her, I looked her in the eyes, and placed my hand on her shoulder. "Shakti, to me, the clothes and weapons were gifts that I gave Tsubaki and you due to our friendship and to make sure both of my friends are protected."

The others realizing that this was a serious conversation, continuing walking ahead. Soon enough, it was just Shakti and me.

She looked at me with an unreadable look in her eyes. I lowered my voice so only she could hear. "Why would I not protect the women I've come to love?" Her gaze was heavy, red faced and steam coming out her ears. She leaped forward and her lips crashed into mine.

Time came to a standstill as we stood there, getting lost in the kiss. My right hand travel south as I placed it on her lower back. My left hand went to her cheek as I caressed her face.

I have no idea how long we stayed like that, but quickly enough, we separated. Our lips swollen from the furious makeout session. Somehow, her hair was messy, don't ask me how.

"Well Shakti, it seems like you wanted to get that off your chest." She snorted at my ill timed humor. "Yes Logan, I have been wanting to do that for a while. As I'm sure you were aware."

I just nod, sensing that it was best to stay quiet now. Shatki continued "You saved me that night six months ago. It wasn't that hard to fall for you, being easy on the eyes didnt hurt." She chuckles at that. "No, I knew then that you would be the only man for me. It just took longer to wrap my head around sharing you."

She leans against a tree to the side. "Tsubaki is one thing. Me and her have been friends for years. Its the other women that are gravitating into your life that I'm hesitant about." Her voice was shaking slightly. "So long as you swear to always make your time equal amongst us, I will be happy."

Seeing now was the time to speak, I gave Ti my serious expression. "I promise you, I will make sure no one is above the other. You will be loved, this I swear or so help me, I'll forfeit my abilities."

Her face became a mixture of horrified/astonishment. "Logan.. don't make those kinds of promises lightly. Magic could and would hold you to your word."

I cross the clearing and take her hands in mine. "Let it, I am serious about it. Any woman who has a committed relationship with me will have no fear of being left out, no fear of being loved, and no fear of being forgotten. THiS I SweaR."

I felt the magic of this world take a hold of my words and forged a contract. In all honesty, my Get Creative skill could fix this, but I'm going to play this for now.

Leaning in, I give Shakti another kiss on the lips. She kisses back but we cut it short knowing our party is waiting for us. She reverses roles and takes my hands. "Logan, thank you for the promise." She then turns and continues towards our party.

Women. God I love them, but sometimes, I wish they were as easy to understand.

With a sigh, I followed Ti until I reached the rest of the party. Ti was is rapid discussion with Tsubaki, most likely talking about what just happened. Riveria and Momo were doing their best to not be seen listening in, but that failed.

Deciding that it was time to move, I addressed the group. "Alright, let's go. I could use some rest and I need to meet up with contacts. Once we enter Rivira, you are free to explore as long as you want. We will meet up at the tavern there in the evening. Any questions?"

Everyone seemed to be good, except Momo, who was about to speak. "Logan, how am I exploring without..." I tossed a moneybag at her. She caught it with ease and opened it. Her jaw dropped as she looked back at me.

"That's all the money you've earned since you started. Be mindful of everything and everyone down here. Do not be afraid to defend yourself, just try not to kill anyone. There is a lot of paperwork involved."

With a shudder at the mention of paperwork, I gave her a smile and a wave. She smiled back and went on her way. I waited until she was out of sight before I let out a breath I didn't relize I was holding.

Now that I was on my own, I wanted to check on an experiment I had going on down here. A concerned party and myself wanted to see if we could create different kinds of medicinal and farming plants that we grew specifically in the dungeon. The idea was to use the source of power in the dungeon and see if we could grow helpful or different items.

Yeah, we figured it was a long shot, but we wanted to see if it was possible. The rewards outweighed the risks, so of course I was on board.

Returning to the woods, I made my way to the secret grow spot. Using runes that specialized in growth, moisture collection, flavor enhancement, and mana absorption. Yes, mana absorption. I was absorbing the mana of the dungeon to grow plants. When I was here last, it wasn't working.

However, I decided to give it a little longer after I added the rune of concealment. The thinking was that the dungeon was resisting the absorption due to it not being part of the dungeon. Hence the concealment. Basically, it shielded the plant from the dungeon itself. Allowing it to draw on its power without being noticed.

Like I said, it was a longshot. After a few minutes I came into the clearing where the plants were. I crossed over the rune line, feeling the power of the runes wash over my skin.

Walking over to the plants, I checked to see if the plan was successful. upon close inspection it looked like it was successful. Oh my God, the implications of what we can do.

The plants were more healthy and vibrant than ones grown on the surface. I can't wait to tell Demeter. She will be ecstatic, the only problem is she will have to convert members of her Familia to be dungeon explorers.

After writing this into my notes, I want about and harvested the plants, taking care to do it the right way to ensure max potency. The financial windfall alone would ensure I have plenty of money the rest of my life. That's not counting my rune work. I removed all traces of my grow house and destroy the runes.

From my discovery, I may have pushed forward growth of medicinal medicine about 100 years. I think that deserves a pub trip, which is where I'm going now.

Returning back to Rivira unseen was challenging, to say the least. I didn't want to be accosted by random people begging me to look at their weapons or armor. Hence why I dont travel in Rivira. Finally avoiding the last of the people on the streets, I slip into the pub/ inn.

Ignoring the loud atmosphere, I walk to where the barkeep was and placed my order. "Large pint and chefs special." The barkeep nods and says "Be right up, have a seat here." He points to the bar right in front of him.

Taking a seat, I scan the room to make sure things won't be hostile. Always have to make sure nowadays since my reputation has skyrocketed.

As I settle in, the barkeep brings me my drink. Using Observe on the mug and finding nothing wrong, I take a deep pull from it. It may not be the best, but it will do. As I'm settling in, the stool next to me is pulled out and someone sits down heavily. "Barkeep, give us a pint!" The person next to me calls out.

After a few moments, the person next to me had recieved their beer and took a hearty swig. I address them. "Alright now that you have some ale in ya, eh Skarg?"

Skarg just chortled as he took another gulp of his ale. "You know how us dwarfs are after a long day of work. Even if the drink leaves something to be desired." The barkeep took that moment to deliver the special to me. It was also nothing special, just soup and a sandwich.

I took a bite of the sandwich and chewed carefully. It wasnt that bad honestly. Swallowing my food, I spoke in a low voice to Skarg. "Tell Lady D that it looks to be a success. I haven't gone to the deeper plants yet. However, Floor 18 was a success."

I reach into my pocket and grab a small item bag. Giving it to Skarg, I continued. "This is a small sample, I'm going to be in here for a little while training up my apprentice. We'll be back on the surface in about five days. Tell Lady D that I'll check on level 50 if I can. If not, I will do it soon."

Skarg just nodded and drank some more ale. "Ok Logan, she will be very pleased by this. Expect her to try and 'cough' pay you more directly." I waved that off. "Thats ok, I'm more excited to see Lori's reaction." Choking noises can be heard next to me as I crack a big smile.

Skarg gave me the stink eye. "Your not funny Logan. Lori is my wife, so back off fucker." I just laugh at his response. "So easy to rile up. You need to relax Skarg. Lori is a lovely and honest woman who loves you. You never have to worry about that. Honestly, how is she? Are you guys ok?"

He replies "Never better actually. We were planning on taking a vacation soon to Melen just ti get away and relax." Giving him a knowing look. "As wouldn't hurt to see her in a bikini either, huh?"

At this, his face heats up a bit. "Nope, not at all my good man. Perks of marrying a beautiful woman. You'll understand one day." It looks like his mind drifted back to imagining his wife. I give him a few seconds before I clear my throat loudly.

Shaking out if it, he drinks the last of his ale, puts the pint cup down, and stands up. "Well time for me to go. Be safe in here Logan."

Patting him on the shoulder, I reply "You too, tell your lovely wife to not work too hard." He gave me a wave of acknowledgment as he left. Lori is gonna shag him rotten cause of the plant. She loves new experiments that she can work on.

Taking another bite of my food, I realized he's right about Demeter. She really will try to 'thank me properly' as she put it the one time. I'll cross that road later, finishing the food, I check the time on my watch. I still had an hour before the girls should be back from shopping or exploring.

I wave the barkeep down and pushed my empty plate to him. "Good food, tell the cook good job for me." He takes the plate and says "Will do, anything else I can get ya?" Pointing to the pint, he nodded and walked away.

With nothing to do until the girls get here, I take out a workbook and go over designs that I have in there. This one specifically was for armor. I was working on a armor that was similiar to Tony Stark's Iron Man suit from Endgame. More on how to use the nanotechnology part.

The barkeep brought another pint as I got semi-lost in the design. It came down to the power source and metal used. Thanks to Momo, I will never have an issue regarding the metal. It will be the power source of course. Lol. Taking a gulp of ale, I cracked my neck and went to work.

One Hour Later.

It took me some time, but I figured that I would need a higher level monster for this endeavor. How high a level was the question.

Lost in though, I didn't realize I was surrounded until I heard a voice in my ear. "Whatcha doing big boy?" Giving a quick start, I turn to the voice and realize that it was Tsubaki. A quick glance around revealed that all of the girls were here.

Clearing my throat, I say to Tsubaki "How was your shopping trip? Find anything good?" She smiled and replied "Yes, I got everything I needed. So did Momo and Shakti. We made sure to teach her about the overpriced nature. Don't avoid the question though, what were you doing?"

Putting my workbook back into my item box, I gave her a smile. "You know blacksmiths are secretive about the inter process of their works." She looks a little put out, but she knows how it is.

I turn to Riveria and ask her "Did you find everything you needed?" She looked a little put out and said "Unfortunately no, mind potions are too expensive down here. I used up all of the ones I had left."

I shook my head and passed her a small bag. "Riveria, didn't I say that I would supply the potions for this journey? I buy in bulk all high tiered potions due to the fact the expeditions O go on, I use a ton of potions. I say it again, so long as you're in my party, I will supply potions, food, and maintenance on equipment."

Riveria had a sheepish expression on her face as she replied "I know, I just didn't want to be seen as taking advantage." She twiddled her thumbs in embarrassment.

Chuckling at the situation, I signal to the barkeep for service as I said "Don't worry about it Riveria, I take care of my party members. I don't just do this for everyone. Now eat, drink, and be merry. It's going to be a long day tomorrow, we leave at 7am so don't be up all night."

I stand up to leave and Tsubaki asks "Where are you going?" I point upstairs to the rooms. "Going to do a little maintenance on some new equipment, then I'm going to sleep. I already paid for the tab so enjoy. Night Tsu, night everyone." I give a wave and go upstairs.

Entering the room that I rented for the night, well, you can tell the room is just for sleeping. There isn't much to see in here. Chipped paint and scuff marks litter the room. The important parts are the bed is clean and the floors aren't dirty. I sit on the bed, which from staring at it, you wouldnt think it's this comfortable.

Pulling out my 'secret' notebook for personal use, I just re-evaluate the designs I already have made. I have a feeling I will be having a visitor tonight.

I noticed the way Tsu was staring at me, so I'm pretty sure she will be joining me soon. So I get a pitcher of water with some glasses from my item box and place them on the table. I then resume proofing my designs.

Soon enough 'knock' 'knock' came from the door.

Putting away my secret notes, I say out loud "Who is it?" A beat or two then I hear "It's Tsubaki, Logan. Can I come in?" Getting off of the bed, I walked to the door and opened it. There stood Tsubaki, and she looked highly embarrassed.

She was wearing a traditional kimono from her homeland. When I say she left me speechless, I'm not lying. She had her hair done in a sleek ponytail that went down her back. The kimono itself was of beautiful design, red with black highlights. It was also designed to literally seduce. It was cut short, or high thigh. It had the traditional slits on the sides that showed off her legs.

Her tan legs were on display, finely toned from blacksmithing and adventuring. They literally seemed to strech on for days. By this point, I'm literally drooling. Dragging my eyes upwards, her large chest was on display. The front of the kimono dipped down enough to show a large hint of her breasts.

However, the thing that truly drew me in was her face. She had removed the eyepatch that she wore in solidarity with Hephaistos. Her red eyes shined brightly like rubies in the light, combined with her shy face just made her picture perfect in my eyes.

Gulping down some air, I tell her "Please, come in. Have a seat Tsu." She came in the room, saying 'Thanks' as she went to sit on the bed.

Gently, she sat on my bed. She crossed them luscious legs of hers, sending a shudder through my body as I stared at them for a quick moment. All the while, Tsubaki was slowly turning full body red from embarrassment.

She suddenly steeled herself, the embarrassment just falling off of her in waves. "Logan, I have something to say to you. I would appreciate it if you would stay quiet until I say what I have to say. Can you do that?"

Nothing I can do but nod my head. "Thank you. Now I have something I want, no, need to say to you. Ever since I met you, you have been in my life. It has been an experience like no other. When I'm with you, I feel complete. For the longest time, I only had blacksmithing and Hephaistos."

Tears start coming down her face. I lean forward and wipe the tears away. She grabs my hand and holds it in place. "You saving Shakti's and my lives, then you joining my familia. Being around you has been a whole new adventure I wasnt expecting."

She pulls my hand to her mouth and places a gentle kiss on it. "My whole life has been upended in the six months you have been here. I realized it a couple of months ago, I realized I wanted you to be in my life, no matter what."

She stands up and places her arms around my neck. "Strangely, I knew that the same was happening for Shakti, that she would want you in her life as well."

As she tells me this story, she begun kissing my neck. "After talking with her, I came to the realization that you are one of those forces in life that will draw people to yourself no matter what you do. So I decided that, so long as I get the attention and love I desire, that it matters not who you are with. Just to be clear, I will share you. Just give me my attention."

After she finished sucking on my neck, me and her were face to face. "Understand this, and we will be good. I swear on Hephaistos. Now, enough of this, I want to take me Logan. I've thought of this for months. Give me everything you got."

Just like that, I reach out and pull her body flush against mine. Tsu let out a little squeak at the sudden move. Putting my lips against hers, we start making out hot and heavy. Our hands roaming and exploring new territory as we sunk deeper into passion.

After a few minutes, we came up for air. Panting slightly, Tsu's face was lightly flushed. She looked absolutely beautiful in that moment. I backed her up to the bed and lightly pushed her on the bed. She fell back onto the bed, bouncing slightly, but it was enough to make everything move.

As I took in the sight of her, I pulled out a rune box from storage. This box has runes on it that prevent sounds and vibrations from passing through rhe walls and floors. Placing it on the bedside table, I turn my attention back to Tsu.

She was using her hands to caress and rub her body through her thin kimono. Moaning lightly, she worked her hands over her special area. Her face had an incredibly sexy look on it as she teased herself.

"Are you just gonna stare at me, or are you gonna join me?" At that, the clothes figuratively melted off me and I stood before her fully naked. Her eyes widened as she took in my naked body. They definitely lingered a bit on my groin area.

I crawled into bed with her, pinning her to the bed. "Are you sure about this Tsu? I don't want you to feel like you have to do this..." She places a finger on my lips. "Shhhh... I told you, this is what I want. Now, just take me, you idiot."

With that done, I leaned forward and smashed my lips on hers. Passionately kissing, she started grinding on me. I take my free hand and start caressing her body. Trailing my hand up and down her leg, eliciting a sexy moan from Tsu's throat.

Stoping the kiss, I start trailing kisses down her neck. Teasing her by licking a path with my tongue as well. She starts squirming as my path led me to her breasts. I reached for her sash and gently untie it. Pulling it apart slowly, her pert and perky breasts were revealed.

'It was so worth it' I thought as I attached my lips to her breasts and essentially mauled them. Tsu at this time is moaning wantonly. I didn't spend too much time with her breasts, there would be plenty of time for them later.

As my lips continued downwards, kissing her toned stomach and belly button as I went. I had reached my goal. Her arousal was heavy in the air as I stoped and admired her pussy. "Are you just gonna stare at it, or are you gonna do something?" She looked slightly embarrassed but she was too turned on to back out now.

"Absolutely my lady, just admiring the work of art in front of me. I just want to ask Tsu, you're sure you want to do this? We can wait until you are..."

She leaned up and kissed me for all she had. After a few seconds, she broke apart and said "You have no idea how much I love you for asking me if I'm sure. Thank you for respecting me." She laided back down and ask "Now, are you gonna do something? Or does big, bad Tsu scare you?" She finished with a smirk and a wink.

It was in that moment, I realized I picked a winner. I knew Tsu was secretly a nympho. Now was the time to reap my reward, hopefully she getting her reward as well.

"Not at all, my lady. It's you who should fear the big, bad wolf." I let out a faux howl as I leapt on her.

Her laughter rang in the room, but in the hours to come, her screams and moans would ring out. Shame that no one but the occupants could hear.

Hello again, how has everyone been? Happy New Years to everyone. I hope this year brings good fortune to all.

So here is the new chapter. Logan finally has an extended dungeon scene. Don't worry, the next chapter will be majorly dungeon.

Logan is finally with Tsubaki. I always figured her for the first official harem member. The reasoning is like in the chapter. Logan saved her and she fell in love over the course of etime. I'm still unsure how many women will be in the harem, but it wont be an obscene amount like 20.

My goal for this story is basically write two possibly three books. It could change, it could not. Just know, I dont plan to be done for a bit.

Thank you to all who take the time for reviews. You make it interesting for me.