The second day within the mysterious, luxurious resting station dawned with a soft hum of mechanical light as the neon glow that adorned the walls gradually brightened. The group had settled into a routine after the previous day's battles and tensions, though none of them were quite prepared for the unexpected sense of peace the dungeon's strange accommodations offered.
Seraphina, however, had spent the night tossing and turning in her room. The bed was incredibly comfortable, but her mind wouldn't let her rest. She stared at the ceiling, her thoughts spiraling back to her old self—Dante. Back then, she had been reserved, uncertain, and often self-critical. Now, despite her incredible transformation, those feelings hadn't entirely left her.
A Difficult Morning
Morning came too quickly for Seraphina. She reluctantly sat up, stretching her arms and wincing as she felt her strained muscles from the previous day. Looking around the room, she spotted the set of pajamas left for her on the edge of the bed. The material shimmered faintly, appearing soft and luxurious, but when she picked it up, her stomach sank.
The pajamas were undeniably small.
Holding them up to her frame, Seraphina groaned quietly. The top seemed designed to strain over her massive bust, barely covering anything, while the shorts were impossibly short, clinging to her hips and leaving her thighs fully exposed.
I can't wear this, she muttered to herself, her face heating up. But she didn't have another option. Her battle-worn clothes needed cleaning, and the thought of walking around in those after a full day of fighting felt even worse.
With a resigned sigh, she slipped into the pajamas. As expected, they barely fit. The top hugged her chest so tightly that she was certain a sudden movement would tear it, while the fabric of the shorts clung to her waist and hips, accentuating her curves more than she was comfortable with. Her thighs peeked out from the hem, and every slight shift made her hyper-aware of just how snug everything was.
Seraphina glanced at herself in the mirror and immediately regretted it. The reflection staring back at her was both stunning and mortifying. She turned away quickly, muttering under her breath, Just… get through the day. No one will notice.
Breakfast Reactions
As she stepped into the main lounge where everyone was gathered for breakfast, all conversation stopped. Plates clinked, utensils froze mid-air, and every head turned to look at her.
Kaelion choked on his drink, coughing violently as his eyes widened. Aria dropped her fork, her mouth slightly agape. The rest of the group—especially the boys—were completely silent, their expressions a mix of awe, confusion, and disbelief.
Good morning, Seraphina said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. She hugged her arms around herself, trying in vain to cover the tight fabric that strained against her figure.
Uh… Kaelion was the first to speak, though his words stumbled. Good morning. You, uh… look… He trailed off, realizing there was no safe way to finish that sentence.
Aria, meanwhile, snapped out of her daze and stood up, walking over to Seraphina with a determined expression. What are you wearing? she demanded, though her tone was more curious than accusatory.
Seraphina's face turned crimson. I didn't have a choice, she mumbled. This is all they provided.
Aria frowned, looking her over. They couldn't have given you something… bigger?
I think they gave her the largest size they had, one of the boys muttered, earning a sharp glare from Aria.
Comedic Reactions
The group gradually resumed their breakfast, though the atmosphere remained charged with tension. Seraphina sat at the far end of the table, hoping to avoid further attention, but her every movement seemed to draw eyes.
One of the younger boys accidentally spilled his drink, too distracted by her presence. S-sorry! he stammered, hastily cleaning up the mess.
Kaelion leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. So, uh… did everyone sleep well? he asked, clearly trying to shift the focus.
I did, Aria said pointedly, glaring at the boys. Though it seems like some people didn't.
I-I slept fine! one of them protested, though his flushed face said otherwise.
Seraphina, meanwhile, stared at her plate, wishing she could shrink into her seat. She had never been comfortable being the center of attention—not as Dante, and certainly not now.
A Private Conversation
After breakfast, Aria pulled Seraphina aside. Hey, she said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. Are you okay?
Seraphina hesitated, then nodded. I'm fine. Just… not used to this, she admitted.
You mean the attention?
Yeah, Seraphina said, sighing. And the way I look. It's… overwhelming.
Aria smiled sympathetically. Well, for what it's worth, you look amazing. But I get it. If it's too much, you should say something.
It's not just that, Seraphina said quietly. I still feel like… like I don't belong in this body. Like I'm not really me.
Aria's expression softened. Seraphina, you've been through so much already. It's okay to feel that way. But you're stronger than you think—inside and out.
Luxurious Accommodations
As the day went on, the group explored more of the resting station, marveling at its advanced technology and comforts. There were private rooms, automated baths, and even a training area with holographic opponents.
Kaelion approached Seraphina as she stood by one of the large windows, staring out at the strange, glowing landscape beyond. You doing okay? he asked.
She nodded, though her posture was tense. Just… trying to process everything.
He smiled faintly. You're handling it better than most of us would. If I had to climb out of the Abyss alone, I don't think I'd be standing here right now.
Seraphina gave him a small smile in return. Thanks, she said softly.
A Moment of Respite
As night fell, the group gathered in the main lounge, sharing stories and laughter. For the first time since entering the dungeon, they felt a sense of normalcy.
Seraphina sat quietly, listening to the others. Though she was still self-conscious about her appearance, the warmth of their camaraderie began to ease her nerves.
Maybe I do belong here after all, she thought, a faint smile tugging at her lips.