Asriel first headed to the shopping district, intent on purchasing some much-needed cleaning products. The vanilla scent emanating from his skin had become overwhelming, especially with his newly heightened sense of smell. He navigated through the bustling market, gathering soap, shampoo, other toiletries, and some new bandages to replace his old ones.
Finding a secluded spot in the forest, he washed himself in the cool, clear water, scrubbing away the accumulated grime from his recent adventures. He took great care with his lion tail and lion ears, as well as his overall body, not wanting to incur the wrath of a certain silver-haired healer. The refreshing sensation revitalized him, and he took a deep breath, appreciating the clean, crisp air. He then carefully switched his old bandages for the new ones, feeling much more refreshed and ready to face whatever lay ahead, he made his way to the guild.
He knew it would take about a day or two to fully recover before he could return to the dungeon, but with the spare money he had and the newfound support of his familia, he felt ready to face any challenge that came his way.
As he walked towards the guild, Asriel couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. His heightened senses, a gift of his lion heritage, tingled with awareness. He glanced around, scanning the busy streets and shadowed alleys, but he saw no one paying him undue attention. Despite this, his instincts remained on high alert.
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Arriving at the guild, Asriel noticed it was not as crowded as when he first arrived. He walked in and scanned the area for Rose.
"Um, hello Ms. Fannett," Asriel said when he finally spotted her. Rose stared at him, the papers she was holding slipping from her grasp and fluttering to the floor. Asriel quickly bent down to pick them up and extended his hand to return them to her. "Um, you dropped these—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Rose grabbed Asriel by the arm and swiftly led him to a private booth. She practically threw him inside, causing him to stumble. The door of the booth slammed shut, and before Asriel could fully turn around, a red blur leaped at him, knocking him to the floor.
"Asriel, where were you?!" Rose's voice echoed loudly, almost piercing the soundproof barrier of the booth.
"Um, uh, I was at the dungeon?" Asriel stammered, his words faltering as Rose squeezed him tightly with her body. The softness pressing against his chest was a sensation that both comforted and flustered him.
"For four weeks?!" Rose exclaimed, her face mere inches from his. "You are going to tell me everything!" She demanded, the intensity of her proximity and the pressure in his chest making his head spin.
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After Asriel recounted his harrowing experiences in the dungeon, Rose's expression was a blend of anger and relief. "You idiot, going to the dungeon without a falna was suicidal, let alone venturing into the lower floors. What were you thinking?" Rose glared daggers at him, her frustration evident.
"I got desperate for money after I couldn't join a familia," Asriel admitted. Then, with a small, hopeful smile, he added, "But I made it out alive, and now I have a familia." His attempt at reassurance only earned him a more piercing glare from Rose.
"You barely made it out alive," she retorted, gesturing to the bandages covering his body. "Don't deny it."
Asriel could only offer an awkward laugh in response. Rose let out a heavy sigh. "So, what familia did you join?"
"The Artemis Familia," Asriel replied, handing her his status paper. The document had been altered to show his status and other relevant information, with his race listed as 'cat' instead of 'lion' and the inherited parts omitted.
Rose examined the paper and nodded. "Alright, I'll update your records with your new familia."
"Now that's all set, we need to discuss your schedule for meetings," Rose said, her tone shifting to a more business-like manner.
Asriel tilted his head in confusion. "I thought you were only a temporary advisor."
Rose sighed again, this time with a mix of exasperation and resignation. "Given your reckless actions, I'll be your permanent advisor. But I'll have help from one of my colleagues to keep an eye on you."
Asriel noted the mixed emotions in her voice and expression. Rose seemed torn between her frustration with his recklessness and a sense of duty, perhaps even concern, for his well-being—something that was quite uncharacteristic of her.
"Okay, for now, let's get to the simple parts," Rose said, trying to maintain a professional demeanor. "Do you have any gear?"
Asriel shook his head. "No, my daggers broke when I was in the dungeon, and the only gear I have are some rusty daggers I bought a while back. I was planning renewing them."
Rose considered this for a moment before making a decision. "Okay then, tomorrow is my day off, so I can help you with shopping for new gear," she said, surprising Asriel with her immediate offer.
"Ms. Fannett—" Asriel began, but she cut him off.
"Call me by my first name," Rose interjected.
"Okay, Ms. Rose, are you sure you want to help me shop? It is your day off, I don't want to—" Asriel started, only to be cut off again.
"I'm going to help you with shopping, end of discussion," Rose said firmly.
Asriel could only nod, grateful for her assistance. "Thank you, Rose. I really appreciate it."
Rose's expression softened slightly, though a hint of her usual sternness remained. "Just make sure you stay out of trouble until then, alright?"
"I'll do my best," Asriel promised, feeling a renewed sense of determination and support.
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After discussing a few things with rose, Asriel wandered through the bustling streets of Labyrinth City, he couldn't help but compare it to the Lion Kingdom. The differences were stark, yet both places held a certain charm and sense of purpose.
In Orario, adventurers roamed the streets, their gear and weapons marking them as brave souls ready to face the dangers of the dungeon. They were not considered heroes but rather necessary players in the city's constant battle against the dungeon's monsters. The marketplace buzzed with energy as vendors shouted to attract customers, selling everything from exotic spices to finely crafted weapons.
The Lion Kingdom, in contrast, had been a place of majestic order and regal splendor. Knights, not adventurers, patrolled its streets, some clad in shining armor and bearing the crest of their noble houses. The kingdom had been ruled by a kind king, with the True Knights, an elite group of eight knightly forces, acting as the ultimate protectors of the realm. These knights were mostly drawn from noble families, but there were exceptional individuals like Asriel who had risen from humble beginnings.
Orario was a city of adventurers, built around the perilous yet rewarding life of dungeon exploration. Its inhabitants lived on the edge, constantly seeking the next challenge, the next treasure. The Lion Kingdom, however, had been a true kingdom, a realm where power and responsibility were balanced by the valor of its knights. The streets had been wide and lined with grand statues and fountains, reflecting the kingdom's glory.
But the Lion Kingdom had also been a cheerful place, alive with its festivals and celebrations. People from various races gathered to partake in the kingdom's numerous festivities, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures and traditions. It was not just a place of beauty and order but also of joy and community by common and noble people . The streets would come alive with music, dance, and the aromas of diverse cuisines during these festivals, filling the kingdom with a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
The Lion Kingdom had been gone for a million years, its memory erased from the world, existing now only in the fragmented recollections of its last survivor, Asriel. Asriel felt a bittersweet nostalgia as he thought of his ancestral home. As Asriel walked through the bustling streets, he was lost in his thoughts, a wave of nostalgia washing over him. He reminisced about the Lion Kingdom, his home long gone. So engrossed was he in his memories that he didn't notice the person walking toward him, also deep in her own thoughts.
They collided, both stumbling back from the unexpected impact. "Oh, sorry for—" Asriel began to apologize, but his words caught in his throat as his shades of blue eyes met with a pair of striking hazel ones.
Golden hair, hazel eyes, long ears, and soft features—it was the golden-haired elf, someone he was utterly terrified of. "Is you—" the elf started to speak, but Asriel, reacting like a frightened cat, bolted without waiting to hear her out. The elf, momentarily stunned by his sudden flight, quickly gathered herself and sprinted after him.
"Wait, please!" she called out, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and confusion.
Asriel dashed through the crowded streets, weaving between market stalls and dodging startled pedestrians. The elf, determined to catch him, kept up the chase, her higher level speed making it easier for her to close the gap. She leaped over crates and ducked under hanging signs, her agility outpacing Asriel's panic-driven speed.
"No no no, she's catching!, body enhancement" Asriel yelled and his speed increased. The chase led them through narrow alleyways, bustling marketplaces, and even a children's game of tag, which abruptly turned into a game of dodge the fleeing cat and chasing elf. The children laughed and pointed, adding to the chaotic scene.
Asriel darted into a side street, hoping to lose her in the labyrinth of pathways. He turned sharply, his heart pounding, only to realize he had run into a dead end. Panic set in as he saw the elf standing in front of the only exit, blocking his escape. Desperation surged through him, and with a burst of adrenaline, Asriel ran towards the wall. Using the momentum, he propelled himself forward and slid beneath the elf's legs.
For just a split second, he caught a glimpse of white panties under her skirt. The elf let out a surprised squeal and quickly covered herself, her face turning a deep shade of red.
Asriel scrambled to his feet, not wasting a moment. He bolted out of the alley, leaving the stunned elf behind. Asriel, not daring to look back, kept running until he was sure he had put enough distance between them. He finally slowed down, his breath ragged, and found a quiet corner to catch his breath.
"Asriel?" a familiar voice called out as he caught his breath. He looked to his right and saw Ryuu standing there.
"Ms. Ryuu?"
"Why were you running?" Ryuu asked, her tone calm but curious.
"I was being chased because there was a misunderstanding," Asriel replied, still panting from the sprint.
"Oh, I see. Okay," Ryuu said, her voice sounding a bit shy. "Well, would you like to come eat?"
Asriel's stomach growled loudly, making him laugh awkwardly. "Yes, thank you, Ms. Ryuu."
Ryuu's lips curled into a small smile. "Okay, let's go," she said, and they headed to the Hostess of Fertility.
"Hello, Ryuu," greeted one of the waitresses as they entered. She had bluish-gray hair tied in a small knot in a ponytail and eyes of the same color.
"Hello, Syr," Ryuu replied.
"Oh look, it's the cute cat boy that Ryuu brought last time. You went looking for him?" Chloe teased, her voice playful.
Syr looked at Asriel, her gaze seeming to pierce right through him, as if looking straight to his very soul. Then she smiled. "So this is him, huh, Ryuu?" she teased, causing Ryuu's cheeks to blush slightly.
"I have no idea what you mean, Syr," Ryuu said, managing to maintain her stoic expression. "Please sit over there, Asriel," she added, leading him to a table.
As they sat down, Ryuu noticed the bandages peeking out from under Asriel's clothes. Concern crossed her face. "Asriel, what happened? Are you hurt?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.
Asriel hesitated, then explained, "These are just injuries from the dungeon. I got roughed up, but I'm fine now."
Ryuu's expression turned serious. "Did someone hurt you?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.
"No, it wasn't anyone. Just some monsters in the dungeon," Asriel assured her.
Ryuu nodded, but the concern didn't completely leave her face. "You should be more careful," she said softly.
"I know," Asriel replied, grateful for her concern.
"promise me you'll take care of yourself."
"I promise," Asriel said, feeling a warm sense of comfort from her words.
the warmth of the Hostess of Fertility providing a pleasant backdrop to their conversation.
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As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Orario, Asriel paid for his meal and thanked Ryuu.
"Please be careful," Ryuu said, her concern evident in her eyes.
"Yes, I'll be careful," Asriel replied with confidence, giving her a reassuring smile.
He parted ways with Ryuu and began his journey back to his familia's home. The streets of Orario, now bathed in twilight, buzzed with a different kind of energy. Lanterns flickered to life, casting dancing shadows on the cobblestone pathways.
It was good catching up with everyone
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Author notes
Sorry for a rushed and short chapter, I was busy with working on my other stories that will soon come out.