* 5 Months Earlier*
Alex, Claire, and Adelia were walking through a small village in the southern part of the Empire.
After three months of hellish training, Alex had passed all of the tests Percival gave him, including being beaten down, tortured, and feeling levels of pain he never thought existed. However, despite this, he had learned much from Percival. He had learned what being a true Origin user is and how to use it to unlock his true potential. While Percival taught him how to fight, Adelia taught him how to properly control his magic. Her teachings were less abusive than Percival's, but she was still a tyrant when teaching.
Alex managed to train himself to be able to protect himself in case he was attacked, but he didn't learn everything. Percival and Adelia both told him that he had to reach the summit of his power on his own; after all, experience outweighs everything.
So Alex and Claire had prepared to leave the mansion and go out on their own, take some jobs as mercenaries, and prepare until the fateful day that they had prepared for, reuniting with everyone. However, the day they were leaving, Adelia announced that she was coming with them, shocking them both. Apparently she wanted to head back to the capital and talk to the other origin user she had mentioned before; while the other user hated Percival, she and Adelia were good friends.
So the three left together and began their journey. They figured that they should go to the southern part of the empire since it didn't have as much conflict due to there being fewer nobles than other parts of the empire and the fact that they shouldn't recognize Alex for being a member of the nobility.
They went from town to town, never staying in the same place for more than a week, taking jobs at mercenary guilds along the way. Alex was even getting close to becoming a B-rank mercenary.
Now the group stopped by a small farming village with about three dozen people living in it.
Adelia checked in with the local inn, while Alex and Claire stopped by the mercenary guild to see if there were any jobs to take.
Alex walked up to the board and saw mostly D-class jobs: help the farmers, cut down a tree, help out at one of the stores, and things of that nature.
However, there was one B-class job available. According to the job description, a group of bandits had been attacking local trade convoys and taking the supplies for themselves.
Once Adelia came back, she took the job since Alex couldn't because he was still a C rank and she was an A rank.
They then dropped off their items at the inn and headed into the woods to find the bandits.
"Where did the job say the bandits were located?" Claire asked.
"Somewhere in these woods, which span about six or seven miles." Adelia answered.
"Well, hopefully we get lucky and find them soon, rather not be out here in the dark." Alex said.
It was then that the three heard rustling in the trees.
"Everyone group up and watch each other back." Adelia said.
The three went back to back with each other as they heard the trees around them rustle.
"Whatever it is, it's moving fast." Alex commented.
"Very fast; I don't know any monster that can move in trees like that." Adelia said.
It was then that Alex saw something very familiar and smiled.
"It's because it's not a monster."
Alex put his tachi away, and very soon afterwards he was tackled to the ground.
"Alex!" the girls yelled out, ready to take action.
"It's fine; I know her." Alex said, looking at the person sitting on his lap. "It's been awhile, Kyssee."
Kyssee, the girl who Alex had saved so long ago, was back, her green hair even longer now and more...filled out in certain areas.
"It's so good to see you again, Alex!" Kyssee said, lying back on top of Alex.
"It's good to see you two, Kyssee." Alex hugged Kyssee back.
"Is it now? So Alex, would you please explain why I smell wolf on you?" Kyssee asked with an angry expression on her face.
"Wait...how?" Alex started to ask but was interrupted.
"A wolf beastkin has marked you for mating; now, Alex, please explain when that happened." Kyssee asked Alex, who was confused."
"Uhm, earlier this year I did meet some Wolfkin girls, but I don't remember being marked." Alex said.
"What? Did she kiss you while you were sleeping or something?" Kyssee asked.
A memory flashed through Alex's mind as he remembered when Reyna, the wolf girl he had cured from sickness, was lying next to him as he woke up.
"Oh..." was all Alex could say.
"This is so unfair! I planned to mark you when we met next; this is just cruel. You know what, screw it, come here so I can mark you too." Kyssee said as she approached Alex, but Alex held her back, keeping her from pushing him down.
"Kyssee, please calm down; I'm begging you." Alex said.
It was then that Alex quickly noticed Claire and Adelia both staring at Alex with upset faces, Claire more so than Adelia.
"Alex...what did she mean by that?" Claire asked.
"Yeah, I would like to know that as well." Adelia commented.
Alex, in a panic, started to explain.
"Look, I don't know the details, but remember when we helped those wolfkin? Well, the morning we left, I may or may not have woken up with Reyna sleeping next to me." Alex tried to explain, but now all three girls were in his face, looking at him with anger.
"I didn't plan on that happening; I promise I went to sleep alone and woke up to her being there. I don't know what happened, I swear!" Alex tried to explain himself, but was luckily saved by Kyssee.
"Well, that part is at least somewhat true. My senses still tell me you haven't been completely claimed yet." Kyssee said.
"What does that mean?" Claire asked.
"He's still a virgin." Adelia added on.
"You didn't have to reveal that information, Adelia." Alex said sighing.
Alex could see Claire sigh in relief after that news.
"Now, Alex, will you let me mark you as well?" Kyssee asked Alex. "Maybe even claim you?
Alex didn't know what to say.
"I'm sorry, Kyssee, but I don't plan on getting married anytime soon." Alex said he was scared he was about to break this girl's heart.
"That's okay, I can wait; after all, beastkin aren't exactly monogamous." Kyssee said.
"Wait...what?" Alex said.
"Oh beastkin tend to have polygamies all the time, the type depending on those involved, of course; some have a single male with many women, some the opposite, and some even a mix." Kyssee explained.
"So...if I said yes by chance, what would our situation be?" Alex had to ask.
"Perv..." Claire commented, with Adelia nodding.
"I'm just curious; I'm not going to agree solely based on that!" Alex tried to defend himself.
"Well, that depends on you; however, you are my one and only." Kyssee said.
Alex's jaw nearly hit the floor. This beautiful girl was not only offering to be his, but to also be one of many to him, and for her to be only his. Alex almost felt as if this offer was too good to be true, but he could sense she was telling the truth thanks to the gift he had received from the goddess.
In the time he had spent training, he had also learned how to use his gift better, to the point where he could sense almost anyone's emotion.
"Well, thank you for the offer, Kyssee. I can't accept it yet, but in the future, I'll take it into serious consideration." Alex apologized to Kyssee.
"That's all I ask." Kyssee said.
Kyssee didn't forget about the wolfkin's scent; how could she? She could basically smell her all over him, but she decided to wait until she met this wolf; after all, she marked Alex, which means she was destined to meet him again.
"Hey guys, how about we get back on mission and take care of these bandits?" Adelia said, which got everyone's attention.
"Oh right..." Alex had nearly forgotten the whole point of being out here after Kyssee's appearance and revelations about beastkin relationships.
"Oh there were about ten or so guys a little bit from here; are those the bandits?" Kyssee said.
"More than likely." Adelia commented.
"Well, let's go over there and deal with them." Claire said.
"Wait, can I come?" Kyssee asked.
"You want to come with us?" Alex asked.
"Of course, Alex, after all. I've been training." Kyssee said it with the same smile she always had.
"Well, if you're sure about this. Do you have a weapon?" Alex asked.
"Don't worry, I can handle myself." Kyssee said.
And with that, the journey of the four had started.
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