Inside the inner world, August gazed at the vast expanse before him, feeling a rush of excitement.
With an influx of magical beasts and sea creatures arriving every day, the World Tree sapling was growing at a rapid pace. Supported by the sapling, the entire world within was also expanding, becoming increasingly vast.
[Name: World Tree (Sapling)]
[Owner: August]
[Growth Stage: Sprout (0.01%)]
[Inherent Abilities: Space, Elements, Devour]
After so much effort, it had finally reached one one-hundredth of a percent. It was a tiny step, but progress nonetheless.
Though the journey ahead was still long, August was relieved to have made even this small advancement.
It had been three days since they returned from the coast, and Stunk and the others had resumed their normal lives. Every day, they took on quests, completed tasks, and occasionally hunted magical beasts to earn some extra income.
August, too, found his life settling into a peaceful routine. He didn't venture out much, instead spending time at the tavern with Melro, deepening their relationship. When not with her, he'd join Stunk and the others for some fun.
However, on this particular day, that peaceful life encountered a bit of a disruption.
"So, you guys accidentally saved Crimvael on your way back and introduced him to the tavern for a job?"
"That's right, August. Don't you want to visit the succubus shop in the Celestial Realm?"
Both Stunk and Zel were beaming with excitement. After all, it was the Celestial Realm—full of angelic ladies. A succubus shop in such a place had to be something special.
They seemed to have forgotten all about being scammed by the siren earlier. Some people never learned their lesson.
Besides, angels were pure beings. Running a succubus shop would surely turn them into fallen angels. It was absurd!
August didn't bother dampening their spirits, though. Who knew if they might have the chance to go there someday? In the original story, Crimvael was dragged into their mischief the very first day they met.
By the end of his first day in the human realm, his innocence was long gone.
Looking at Crimvael, who was floating midair while working, August couldn't help but think: no one would ever guess that angels in this world were actually androgynous.
Meanwhile, a crowd had gathered around the bulletin board not far away.
"What's going on? Are there any interesting quests today?"
"Ah, that? It's the review of the succubus shop by Stunk, Zel, and Kanchal—Stunk's idea."
"Huh?"
August was stunned. Were they really starting the reviews already?
Curious, he approached the bulletin board, only to see familiar comments about the succubus shop by the sea, run by octopus girls.
[Slippery Octopus Girls from the Sea Tribe~
"I heard the Sea Tribe opened a succubus shop, so I checked it out. The slick, wet tentacles get you all cleaned up, and the experience is nothing short of extreme. But be warned, those sucker marks will cover your entire body. If you're married, avoid going—those marks last for at least three days." (7/10) — Stunk
"Sea folk are finally entering the succubus business! The unique service of being wrapped in tentacles is worth the price, though it can be a bit painful at times. It depends on your preferences." (6/10) — Zel
"Maybe it's because of my size, but those tentacles were heavy, and it felt like I was being tied up. You have to be ready for some rough handling. Personally, I prefer a softer touch, like unboxing a treasure. This place isn't for me, though the lack of hair on the tentacles is a plus." (4/10) — Kanchal
"We have tentacle play back where I come from, but when I hugged her, her skin turned blue like mine! Sure, my fur got sticky from the goo, but overall, it was enjoyable." (8/10) — Brooz]
August laughed as he read the reviews. He wasn't surprised that Stunk hadn't invited him to the review—after all, who would invite a clan leader with a reputation to uphold to something like this?
What did surprise him was Brooz's review. The guy clearly didn't like his fur getting all stuck together, yet he still gave it an 8 out of 10.
"Wow, 'extreme enthusiasm,' huh? Sounds pretty good."
"Hm? Kanchal only gave it four points? That's pretty low."
"'Wrapped in heavy tentacles, completely tied up?'"
"Yeah, yeah, sounds like a useful tip."
"I remember you're still a virgin, right, Lagente?"
"I'm just preparing for the future, learning the ropes."
"Then let's head to the coast next time."
The bulletin board had attracted quite a crowd, all eagerly discussing the reviews.
Since so many people were gathering around, even more curious onlookers came over to check it out.
"Miss Melro, are there any more reviews by Stunk and the others?"
"Sigh, I'll go grab them."
Melro didn't look happy, but it was her job, so she reluctantly fetched the older reviews by Stunk and Zel.
In the past, she hadn't paid much attention to these reviews, but now that her relationship with August had grown closer, his constant hanging out with Stunk was beginning to bother her more and more.
After reading the reviews, August returned to find Stunk and Zel already planning where to go that night.
"Hey, August, you're not upset we didn't invite you to the review, are you?" Zel teased when he saw August walk in.
"Even if you invited me, I wouldn't have gone. Melro would get mad again."
"I mean, what's so great about Melro anyway? Sure, she's got a nice body, but she's got a bad temper and a violent streak. With your status, couldn't you easily find someone better?"
Stunk continued grumbling as he ate, completely oblivious to the looks August and Zel were exchanging.
"Oh? So I've got a bad temper and a violent streak, do I? Sorry about that."
"Nah, it's no problem since it's not about me—"
Stunk's voice trailed off as he froze mid-sentence, his body stiffening as he turned around slowly to see Melro standing there, holding a bag, her face full of murderous intent.
In that moment, Stunk felt like dying inside. Why was it always him? Melro always seemed to appear at just the right moment—right when he was bad-mouthing her.
"Uh, Miss Melro, I was just talking nonsense. Don't take it to heart."
"Is that your final request?"
"No, please—"
Wham!
A chair came crashing down on Stunk, sending him sprawling on the floor. August and Zel watched in silence, shaking their heads. When would Stunk ever learn?