Selling Drugs in the Dungeon should be a profitable business, no? Chapter 24 (Patreon)

"What do you find so fascinating in them?"

How many times did she ask this question all those countless years ago?

Countless times. Hundreds, if not thousands of times.

She was always there, at the edge of Heaven, peering down upon the Mortal World with eyes full of wonder and glee, seeing something only she could see.

No one else was like her. No one else showed interest in them like her.

"The way they take form, and grow, and change… It all is so captivating." She answers, using the same words as always, the same dreamy tone like all previous times.

But then, something changed.

"Us Gods are just born out of nothing. Do we have a Soul? Are we a Soul? We just come to be as adults, with knowledge about our Domains, and that's it…" Her hand slowly waves down towards the Mortal World, towards the young humans creating their first settlements.

Each second that passed by for them was an entire year going down upon the mortal world.

Her eyes remained unchanged as villages were created, as humans united, as kingdoms rose and fell within the time-span of a snap of a finger for her.

Entire civilizations were born and migrated all around the continent and world. Humans grew in numbers, they grew united, then history repeated itself.

Over and over again.

Human greed, hate, jealousy, thirst for power and lust. It all leads to ruin. To devastation.

And to the cycle being born anew before their very eyes.

"But they… They create Souls themselves. They create them within the womb, nurture them, love them… Then once born, shape them. They change, they learn, they love… We are Gods, but can we truly compare to that?"

At that time, Hera thought she heard longing within Her voice. She thought she heard pain. Desire.

But she discarded those thoughts.

"How many of us truly love, or are willing to love for the Eternity we have before us?"

After all, She was a God. What could She possible long for?

"How many of us understand loss? We do not understand Death, nor do we fear it… But do we even understand Life itself, despite being alive?"

After all, She was a God. What could possible pain her?

"We are born like this, and will remain like this for all of Eternity. Eternal, unchanging… Infertile. We Gods, Perfect Beings… Cannot have children with our true bodies."

After all, She was a God. What could she possible desire?

"...You are weird." Those were the words Hera spoke, not knowing what else to say, as she, a God, could not comprehend the fellow Goddess before her.

"Maybe… But I hope that, one day, you will understand."

"...You do know that we aren't allowed to interfere with mortals, right?"

She sighs softly, almost out of annoyance. "A foolish rule."

"We could stand to learn some things from them."

What could they, the Gods, possible learn from frail, weak mortals?

Hera couldn't understand Her interest in humans.

Even after more centuries flew by, she still did not understand.

Even after countless failed requests from Her to have the Gods descend upon the Mortal with a puppet-like body they could easily create. One that She hoped could bear children, and could allow Gods to grow close to Humans.

Countless hopeful requests, countless ideas, countless heartfelt pleas… All shot down by the disinterested Gods at the time.

And with each refusal, Hera though she could see more and more of Her breaking…

Until, finally, it happened.

She was not by the edge of Heaven anymore. She was not staring down upon the Mortal World anymore.

She wasn't there day-dreaming while staring at mortals any longer.

She wasn't in Heaven.

"Echidna descended down upon the Mortal World, disregarding the rules set by the Elder Gods."

"She couldn't have done this without the help of an Elder God. "

"Typhon has disappeared too. He must've assisted her in descending down and is now hiding away to avoid punishment."

"Is there nothing we can do to forcefully bring her back?"

So much chatter, so many plans to bring the Goddess back from the Mortal World, so much hate and anger.

Hera did not understand, but she was very bothered by it all.

"So what?" Hence, she spoke up, not giving the Elder Gods the respect they usually demand from others. She had never cared about them, or about their rules, or about the fact they were the first to come to be from nothing.

"Echidna has gone down to the Mortal World, so what? Let her be and enjoy herself, instead of being such stickers to your annoying, self-imposed rules no one gives a flying fuck about."

They glares could immolate lesser Gods, but Hera did not care.

Among them, only one of them showed little anger. Ouranos.

"And let her slaughter the mortals to her hearts content?"

Hera frowns at those words, "Why would she do that? She never stopped chattering my ears off about how beautiful they are each time I walked past her."

Ouranos snorts, then waves his hand, parting the clouds and the Heavens beneath them to show the Mortal World.

Blood curling screams and pleas for help, mercy and family members instantly filled her ears.

Her wide eyes take in the horrors below, as uncountable tidal waves of all kinds of beings washed over human structures, turning them to rubble with the ease of a child picking up a rock.

Soldies died without even being capable of putting up a struggle, and those waves of beasts stepped forth, bringing death and destruction everywhere they went.

Behind them, Calamities followed in their wake.

One that ruined the land for miles with each step.

One that tore apart the shores, unleashing tsunamies that reached for the clouds upon powerless human settlements.

And another one, but a blur across the skies, raining searing suns upon the earth below, gouging the earth apart and leaving behind molten pits in its wake.

All of these creatures, pouring out in endless waves from a massive ravine in the ground, filling the land and skies with millions upon millions of life-reaping beasts.

"She would never do such a thing…" Hera whispers, "She loves mortals dearly!"

"You've misunderstood her words." Ouranos says softly, "What she truly loved were Souls, and the way they could change or be changed."

"It seems Echidna aspires to create her own Artificial God for her own purpose."

You are all fucking idiots. Elder Gods my ass.

Hera cursed them in her mind. She cursed them all for being so damn ignorant.

Why are you doing this, Echidna? Why are you tearing yourself apart to do this?

"I have an idea on how to deal with Echidna, albeit indirectly." Ouranos finally suggests, "I have seen Spirits do this, granting Mortals capabilities far above what they could possibly achieve in their short lifetime."

The Falna, a blessing from a God. A way for Gods to use Mortals as their soldiers in this dumb war that shouldn't have happened in the first damn place, had they only listened.

Is this your plan, Echidna?

Become the villain, and forcing the Gods to come down from Heaven so to fight you indirectly?

But for what damnable reason?

                                                                                 xxxXXXxxx

I wouldn't call the silence in the living room tense or awkward, but it is a bit… vexatious, if I gotta be honest.

Maxim is quiet, staring down at his joined hands upon the table, while I brew some tea for us both.

He strikes me as the type to… Never really mind his words. To not have a need to actually think about what to say, as his status and strength allow him to swiftly do away with most things.

But now, he is thinking deeply on what to say. He looks very different from the arrogant, cold man I met in the Dungeon.

There is no air of arrogance here, no coldness, just… An air of negative emotions around him.

I can see dark bags under his eyes, and he looks very, very tired.

Could it be because of the death of that asshole?

"I'd like to start with an apology." He suddenly speaks up, straightening his bent back with a low sigh, his tired gaze finally moving towards me, "The way I acted in the Dungeon, that demand I made… It was disrespectful, and uncalled for. I deeply apologize for that."

How weird… He actually truly means it.

What exactly happened to cause this change of mind? I doubt the death of that guy was enough.

I tilt my head with a hum and reach up to grab two teacups to use for our tea, "I should also apologize for the mean comments I made." I drawl out lightly, "I am usually better than that, but I guess I was very tired and I didn't bother to think before speaking."

Even if someone is mean to me, I prefer still being nice and respectful until my buttons are truly pushed.

I do not wish to clash verbally with someone, as I do not want to lower myself to their level. It's something I've always done and stood for, yet it feels very hard to stick to recently.

It's like I am more prone to violence, or negative outbursts.

Is it because of Qi? Is this what Ning Guang is trying to gently warn me about?

I shake away those thoughts as Maxim speaks up, "They were deserved comments for my conduct, but I shall accept the apology, lest we keep going back and forth." Heh, we would have very likely done that.

Silence once more falls between us as I fill the two cups of tea and walk to the table, taking the seat before him as I set down the two cups.

His lips twitch into a smile at the soft yet pleasant scent, his shoulders visibly relaxing as he takes a sip.

An Alchemist in the kitchen is a straight up God when it comes to cooking or brewing beverages.

And this guy looks like he needs to relax a bit, so I made an herbal tea that helps with that, "I'm not one for tea, but this one just changed my mind." I chuckle as I take a sip of my own cup and lean back.

"You look like you had some very shitty days recently." I point out, and he nods as he breathes in deeply.

His gaze falls on the swirling greenish liquid inside his teacup before he speaks up, "It has been many years since I had to bury a comrade. Though, sometimes we are rarely left with a body to bury." Right, because the Dungeons devours the corpses inside it.

"I've heard about him." Maxim chuckles, clearly having heard the slight disgust in his voice.

"Oh trust me, I didn't like him either." I raise a surprised brow at that, "Few did, actually. But… He was a comrade still. Someone who we could give our back to in the Dungeon. Someone who willingly braved Death to try and make a difference."

I hate that he is managing to make that disgusting man sound honorable.

"I've heard that there are some Familias that gather criminals and use them to brave the Dungeon." This is something that Meteria told me about during my first days here, when I asked about the crime rate in Orario.

Crime is very rampant, but criminals are punished by being given to certain Familias, then sent into the Dungeon.

The majority of them turn over a new leaf, as they are simply people desperate and hungry enough to resort to stealing food for themselves or their families.

Others instead, the murderers and other disgusting folk like them, are prohibited from going above a certain Level, and are instantly executed if they overstep their boundaries.

Orario basically makes use of every available body they have and throw it at the Dungeon to try and… Do something about it, I guess.

The stronger I become, the more I feel like this damn fucking thing below my feet is Alive.

"Indeed." Maxim nods lightly at my words, "It is rather… Inhumane, but we cannot afford to be lax with the Dungeon." He leans back, tapping his armored fingers on the table between us, "Do you know why there is such a large open area around the Tower of Babel?"

I blink at his question, then shake my head as my thoughts go towards the large square that surrounds the tall tower.

"It happened… Three centuries ago, I believe?" Maxim drawls out, eyes narrowed thoughtfully, "Either way; What happened was that many Familias grew very lax in sending their people in the Dungeon. It is a must to have several dozen teams go at least thirty floor deep daily in the Dungeon."

I narrow my eyes at that strange requirement, "Why?"

Maxim sighs and closes his eyes, "The Dungeon creates monsters very, very fast. The deeper you go, the faster and stronger they are born, aside from Monster Rex types."

"So there is a need to cull the wandering monsters, who are instantly alerted to the presence of any Adventurer within their respective floor, lest they gather up in great numbers… And flow out of the Dungeon."

Oh… So that shit can happen?

"At the time, the teams of the Zeus and Hera Familias were deep in the Dungeon, clearing the floors below the forties, and that of course can take from a month up to three at most."

"Familias grew lax around that time, Adventurers diving the Dungeon started slowing downs… And then a wave of ten-thousand or so monsters overflowed out of the Dungeon after just two weeks." Jesus fucking Christ…

"Worst of all, it happened during the night, and at that time there were houses very close to the Tower of Babel." Maxim shakes his head with a sigh and frown, "Thousands died before all the monsters were killed… Deep down, I believe the attitude those Familias and Gods had at the time is partially the reason on why Lord Zeus has slowly given up on us."

I scrunch up my brows in confusion at his last words, then the realization hits me, "They are relying too much on you all…"

Maxim smiles lightly and nods, "Relying? I'd say they are letting us do all the heavy-lifting." He sneers derisively, but schools his expression soon after, "Few Familias dare truly dive deep into the Dungeon, and more just prefer we do all the work for them. Albeit, now that I think about it, there is a new Familia, the Loki Familia, who clearly wishes to stand as high as the Zeus and Hera Familia, and do what we do."

So, basically… The Zeus and Hera Familias are the only ones going very, very deep in the Dungeon each year? No other Familias actually try to push themselves as hard as these two do?

That's just… Damn, I can't even imagine the pressure these guys must feel.

"The request you made, back in the Dungeon…" I sigh out, leaning my head back with closed eyes, "I can get behind why you want more strength. Deep down, I guess I am the same."

In my mind, there is this belief that with absolute strength, no harm can fall upon those that I love.

That with absolute strength, I won't have to lose anyone else again. I can be everywhere instantly, I can take care of problems with a wave of my arm, and I can shield my loved ones with ease.

Yet, I can also outlive them by thousands of years, for I am giving up my Humanity by cultivating.

Am I even human any longer?

"Why do you seek strength?" I couldn't help but ask the tired man before me.

His eyes widen at my question, then they fall on his teacup for a few quiet seconds, "There is someone I wish to make proud." He whispers softly, a fond smile on his face. One that I liken to the innocent smile of a child.

"Your God?" Maxim surprisingly shakes his head, and my eyes widen, "Socrates?" He nods, gaze growing distant.

"He was the one to find me when I was a child, and he was the one that requested for Lord Zeus to place his Falna upon my back. Everything I know today has been taught to me by him… I wish to repay him one day, by alleviating him of the heavy burden he carries."

His eyes… His eyes redden, and his hands clench around the teacup.

I can see the confusion in his eyes, and the feeling of loss radiating out of him.

Something is wrong…

"Maxim…" I start and lean forward, making his gaze snap up to meet mine, "Where is Socrates?"

His eyes screw shut.

Fuck.

"I do not know." The man bites out, confusion and pain filling his voice, "He just… disappeared after an argument we had, and I haven't seen or felt his presence since."

This isn't fucking good. Socrates never gave me a good feeling, for some reason.

Just what is he plotting now?

"Do you think he'll turn on us?" I couldn't help but ask. Maxim does not answer, he just lowers his gaze and clenches his hands into fists.

So he himself is unsure, huh?

"All I can say is… Nothing will happen, until both the Leviathan and the Behemoth are felled." Maxim states after a few seconds of tense quiet, stunning me.

He smiles lightly at my shock, "Despite the protests of many citizens, many more are feeling hopeful and confident that the Behemoth will be felled, and the Leviathan will soon follow."

"I can tell and feel it on my skin… You are so much stronger now, than you were when you fought the Leviathan." Maxim gulps and slowly breathes in, "I know for a fact that you can kill that beast by yourself now."

I could… But I know for a fact that the moment it will see me, the Leviathan will bring out everything it can unleash, for it is terrified of me.

All of it's Qi will pour out to try and slay me, and I doubt I can handle the catastrophe that damnable thing can unleash with all of its power released at once.

Unless I reach the next Realm, that is.

"So, these bad guys wish to strike at Orario when the hope is at its highest?" I couldn't help but snort at the rather cliché plan.

Maxim nods, "They won't dare to recklessly act. I hate to say this, but they are cunning, and will preserve all of their strength for one powerful blow to Orario."

"Last time, twenty years ago, we dealt a tremendous blow to their forces, but there is no shortage of animals those bastards can recruit to their cause." In the end, Humanity's greatest enemy will always be Humanity itself, huh?

Even if led by Evil Gods, we are still ready to tear each other apart without care.

"So it's going to be an all out war, within Orario itself…" And there's nothing I can do, is there? I can only wait for these fuckers to show their ugly mugs.

I'm not too worried about Kirin and the stronger girls, especially after all the Pills I have given them, and since they all have a Golden Grade Healing Pill on themselves, enough to save them even from lethal blows.

But what about Hera? She is frail, despite being a Goddess. She dies, and all the girls lose all of their hard-earned strength, becoming easy prey.

To not talk about the hundreds of other girls in the Familia who aren't as powerful as Alfia and the others.

"There's one more thing…" Maxim sighs as he leans forward on the table between us, gaze serious, "You will very likely be the main target of their assault." Of fucking course I will be…

"And while I am confident that their rabble will be nothing before you… There is one that…" He seemed to hesitate on his next words, but soon shakes his head and breathes in, "But there is one member among them that I fear even you won't stand a chance against."

I blink at that, my eyes growing wide in surprise at his words.

Someone stronger than me?

I suppress the hate and hate that rise in my chest at those words, hating how I have seemingly started to consider myself unbeatable.

"Who?"

Maxim's gaze narrows, "His name is Jupiter. I… I'd say I fought him, twenty years ago, but that monster utterly trashed me, despite me having Skills made specifically to fight Adventurers." Jupiter, huh?

Is he the strong presence I felt beside the assassin from back then?

I remember that other presence giving me a feeling of danger, surprisingly enough.

"Is he the lone reason on why they are so confident in taking us on?" I question lowly, finding it weird that these guys, despite their seemingly low strength from what I've heard, are confident enough to take on all the Familias in Orario, including the Zeus and Hera Familia.

What exactly gives them such confidence, especially with monsters like Kirin, Alfia and Zald around?

"Doping." Is the answer that Maxim gives me.

I frown in confusion, "The usage of drugs can allow them to fight on par with all of you?"

The Captain of the Zeus Familia shakes his head, "Not in that sense. They don't use normal drugs… Twenty years ago, we discovered that they had started trying to find a way to make their Adventurers stronger through the usage of implanted purified Magic Crystals that monsters drop."

"I believe that now, after all these years, they have very likely perfected this art, even though those that make use of it will surely die once their Magic Crystal runs out of power."

"Yet, it still grants them an enormous boost to their strength, depending on the quality of the Magic Crystals used."

So they are willing to die using this temporary power-up, throwing their lives away… And all for what? A little bit of chaos?

Thank fuck these animals do not know how to use Qi…

Maxim breathes in, then downs the rest of his tea a second later, "I apologize if this will ruin your mood for the day, but I felt like you needed to know about all of this, so that at least you can be prepared."

I cross my arms with a sigh, then give the crimson haired man before me a light smile, "You ain't so bad, ya know?"

He chuckles softly, "Trust me, I rarely care about how I appear to others. As long as the Dungeon can be destroyed and our world can thrive, then who am I to care if I do revolting things to achieve exactly that?"

This… I guess deep down, we aren't really that different, huh?

If it's for Meteria's and the other's safety, just how far am I willing to go?

I am already throwing away my humanity just for power, after all.

Maxim's expression suddenly twitches, "I should go, before Kirin barges in here and tries to take my head. Or worse."

"I'm actually surprised this building is still standing and hasn't been struck by lighting yet."

The Captain gives me a strange look, "Aren't you the guy that gets struck by lighting every now and then and puts the blame on Lord Zeus?"

I raise a finger and open my mouth to protest, though… "Would you believe me if I said that Hera is the one believing Zeus is behind it?"

"I… actually would, yes. Probably an excuse to just beat Lord Zeus up. She came up with far worse in the past."

"Oh? Like what?"

"Like saying Lord Zeus farted, and she went out of her way to 'punish him' for that… Yet Lord Zeus was dozens of miles away, visiting the Poseidon Familia, and Lady Hera went out of her way to hunt him down with that excuse."

"Okay, that's just excessive."

Maxim chuckles and stands, "Being excessive might as well be one of Lady Hera's Domains."

I swear, the more I find out about that Goddess, the more I like her. But I hate that I can't use this stuff to bully her, as she'll very likely just be proud of it.

Guess I can only bully her with affection, huh? Should be fun and cute.

"I'll see if I can find Socrates anywhere." I tell the man as I stand up and lead him towards the main doors. My Spiritual Sense is quite sharp and has a large radius, plus I've felt Socrates's presence in the Dungeon. Shouldn't be too hard to find him if I run around the whole of Orario one day.

Maxim nods, opening the door himself to step outside before pausing, "He prefers to live in the poorer parts of Orario, despite the money he makes." He informs me with a frown, "I've tried to look for him myself, but he taught me everything I know. He'll go to ground and hide away, or…" He falters, his gaze falling on the ground in thought.

"Or?" I press as I lean against the door, drawing his gaze back to me.

He seems to hesitate momentarily, but shakes it away the next second, "He thinks very highly of you." Maxim reveals, surprising me, "Despite the… rumors surrounding him, Socrates is a good man. He has lived for nearly three centuries, and never has he stopped working his hardest to free our God from his emotional burden by ending the Dungeon."

The man's gaze grows soft, distant even, "He wants this to end more than anyone else, and truly believes you to be pivotal in this. He… He believes you are the Hero he has been waiting for."

But I do not want to be this damn Hero everyone wants… Is what I'd want to say or even scream, but… Alas, this duty and heavy burden is something that I kind off must bear and take on.

Goddamn future seeing gremlin approaching me and making me fall for her, her sexy as hell sister, and so much more.

I sigh and rub the bridge of my nose, "I just came here to sell Drugs…" Maxim gives me a weird look, "Medicine. Pills. Whatever ya wanna call 'em."

"Why drugs though…?"

"Where I come from, the places that sold medicine were called Drug Stores."

"Forgive my language, but… That's sketchy as fuck." Fair. "You might end up attracting the wrong kind of customers."

I kinda hope so. It's gonna be hilarious. Plus, I wonder if Pills can wash out the effect caused by Drugs and kind of help with withdrawal symptoms…

Something to discover later.

"I'll deal with it when it will definitely happen." He snorts, and I give the man a look, "Go take a rest. Maybe Socrates will be back by the time you wake up…" He sighs and nods, and even without words, I know that neither of us believe in what I just said.

It's strange, but there's a strange understanding between us. Like we know that Socrates has picked his side, for whatever reason.

He nods and breathes out, but he pauses as he goes to leave, "Do watch out for Leonidas and Zald for me when you go out against the Behemoth." He requests softly, surprising me, "We've had our scuffles, and view things differently… But they are still my loyal comrades who I can give my back to with no fear."

I sigh through my nostrils as I see the man walk away, his back looking rather… lonely. Clearly, he had grown very reliant on Socrates, even with his age and being a grown man.

Such fucking complicated relationships…

"Reminds me of the Cultivation World…" Ning Guang whispers softly in my head, making me perk up.

How so?

The Alchemy Goddess hums softly, "Back in the continent I grew up in, Demon Beasts invasions were very frequent. At least one every few years, numbering in the millions, with the worst ones reaching even the billions due to how fast they breed and grow."

"All Sects and powers came together during each invasion, fighting against the enemy of Humanity to preserve their lives… Yet, there is a stark difference between Maxim, and those Cultivators willing to fight in the beast tide."

"Despite having their differences, Maxim blindly trusts his comrades, and they surely feel the same way towards him… Yet, during the Beast Tides, during the fight meant to preserve our way of life, those very Cultivators fighting in it never stopped plotting, and used it to their advantage."

"They freely back-stabbed and robbed the others, uncaring that they might lead to the death of everyone they were fighting to protect."

"Sometimes, I still wonder if they were even truly there to fight to protect the kingdom, or to kill the opposition and further their own agendas."

I sigh through my nostrils and close my eyes, shaking away the disgust that wells up in my stomach.

For me, they were just stories. For her, it was a Reality.

"Did you do it too?" I do not know why I ask that questions, but… I know the answer that will come.

"Yes." Ning Guang does not hesitate in telling the truth, "It was all I knew. That is the first thing I learned as an orphan, within a Sect. Fight for every scrap you can- Kill too, if you must. Rip and take and keep on taking, pushing others down while staining mine hands."

"Comrades were tools, enemies were stepping stones, and everything was an opportunity to rise higher, to further my power, which will ensure my survival. I was willing to go as far as possible, just for that."

"And what changed now?" I ask softly, "This world is insanely dense with Qi. I am sure such a thing is quite valuable for you, no?"

Ning Guang falls silent, seemingly mulling over her words for a few seconds. "You did." She finally whispers softly, a smile in her voice, "You changed me."

I narrow my eyes in confusion, "I did nothing."

"Exactly!" The Goddess exclaims in my head, "You did nothing!"

"I had planned to use you, Riley! I gave you knowledge on how to grow powerful not as a test, but to turn you into my pawn, so to create a foothold for myself in this world… But you did not latch onto it like everyone else!"

"You ignored it! You didn't view it as a way to change your life and stand above the masses, but instead viewed it as a simple tool to protect yourself if needed! And nothing else!"

I gulp softly at that. I've always had an inkling in my mind that there was more to her giving this well-spring of knowledge than 'test' or fake kindness.

So having confirmation that she had wanted me to be her tool, latching greedily upon her 'gifts' and the power I gained through them, is a bit… chilling.

"That doesn't explain the why you changed-"

"I want to live, Riley. That is all I have ever wanted." Her voice is chocked with emotion, enough so that it nearly manages to physically pain me too.

The Cultivation World is a cruel, twisted place. I remind myself of that.

"It's hateful how accurate those novels of yours were. No matter how strong I became, I'd always run into some stronger bastards that desired me or what I had. Or they'd willingly come and hunt me down, no matter where I tried to hide."

"And they can't find you here?"

"I only managed to enter this world because I hid myself within your Soul, else I'd have been destroyed." Well, that's quite terrifying.

I still do not know how the fuck I got here, but whatever, bit too late to start questioning that once more.

I rub my forehead with a sigh, "I just… I'm sorry, I just can't fully trust you."

Ning Guang laughs softly, "And I am happy to see that you are so cautious. I shall try to gain your trust a little bit at a time once I form my puppet body to be out there with you." I nod at that.

I am a bit iffy about having her around the people that I love, but I can't just let her stay confined in my Soul. She must be starved for… everything, really.

Still… "You can meddle with my dreams, right?" Whenever I manage to sleep, that is. It's getting increasingly harder to do so, for some reason.

Cultivators rarely need to eat. They slowly stop sleeping. They stop producing waste.

They stop being Human.

I screw my eyes shut and banish that knowledge far away as Ning Guang answers, "I can… Want me to show you my past?" I don't say anything other than nodding.

A warm feeling fills my chest, a clear agreement on Ning Guang's part, and I slowly feel her presence fade away.

I breathe out and sag my shoulders, then go to close the doors to my shop-

I narrow my eyes and stare at the open doors, then just… Slowly move right behind them.

Three, two, one-

A violent and deafening thunderclap shakes the whole building as the beautiful form of Kirin slides into the shop with a murderous look on her face, her heeled boots leaving scorch marks on the floor below.

"Riley!" She calls out in alarm, then screams when I just hug her from behind and pick her up.

"I have caught myself a Kirin. How lucky." I drawl out with a lazy smirk, kicking the door shut as the woman struggles and squeaks in my grasp, kicking her legs like a petulant child.

"Lemme go! Where is that filthy, son of a cunt?!" My, what a foul mouth. "I know he was here! I can still feel his repulsive presence!" I sigh, then do the only sensible thing that I know will calm the furious lightning lady.

I spank her.

She yelps and goes as red as a tomato while gaping at me with wide eyes… Then her wonderful lips stretch into a wide, lewd smirk, "Oh my, am I about to get ravished so hard that we shatter the table?"

I raise an amused brow as I sit her on said table, "A good use of furniture, I'd say." She snorts, her flush dying down as she moves a strand of her long hair behind her ear.

Though the flush does come back when I just stare intently at her, making her avert her gaze shyly. "You've been avoiding me for a while now." I point out softly. I admit that I feel… Hurt, that she is doing that.

I love spending time with her, and just blindly flirt with her, further increasing the clear desire we have for each other.

Her gaze falls to her legs, "Hera told me. About the cure." I hum softly as she reaches out to take my hand, giving it a light squeeze as she does so, "You made it sound easy, but I know it is anything like that."

Yeah… Yeah, she is right.

Not only do we need a God to willingly give us what we require, it being Divine Matter – or the Blood of the Gods, called Ichor – but we also require it to be from a God that has matching Domains with Kirin's.

"Do you know your Domains?" I ask her softly, keeping hold of her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze right back.

Kirin nods, which pleases me greatly, "Just one. A Domain over Storms, though with my Divinity sealed, I can barely control winds. My lightning control instead is far beyond that, mostly due to the Skills I have that empower it."

I lean back with a hum, having a minor understanding on how bullshit Divinity is.

I know that the Gods here wield something called 'Arcanum', which is basically Reality-Bending bullshit powers that only work on their Domains.

Kirin does not have the Arcanum, but instead has Divinity, which doesn't make her Omnipotent within the Domains that make up said Divinity, but put her above anyone else with her same power-set.

Basically, she can just tell all lighting and winds to fuck off by using a tiny bit of her Divinity, and that will happen, unless they are caused by a God.

Still, this does tell me something… "Zeus is your father, isn't he?" A scowl instantly crosses her face, filled with pure loathing, disgust and hate.

"He is my sperm donor, not my father." She bites out harshly, "He never even tried to be a father. Instead he tried to kill me the moment he saw what I exactly was."

Jesus fucking Christ…

Did he see it as an act of mercy for her? Avoid letting her grow up, then just go crazy and lose herself due to her rampaging Divinity?

Or was it just a ruthless side of him that did not wish to let a disaster in the making grow up in the first place?

"Well, at least we have a donor. Willing or not." I shrug, drawing a heated gaze from Kirin that makes my hips feel the ghost of the future pain I shall face to fully tame this vixen.

"The fact that you'd willingly harm a God just for me makes me want to bear your children." She says with a very serious face and tone.

I snort softly, "Like that's anything new."

"Fair." I chuckle, and Kirin yelps as I bring her into a tight hug, clearly surprising her.

My hand runs through her long hair, now hanging freely down her back instead of gathered up in that spinning thing I do not know the name off. "Don't you dare avoid me again." I whisper softly as her own arms wrap around me, "And don't you dare give up."

"No matter what the problem is, I will do everything in my power, no matter how vile it is, to ensure all of you are safe and sound." My hug tightens around her smaller, yet powerful form, "I'm not losing any of you."

Her nails dig into my back, fingers and arms trembling, her breath coming out a bit shaky.

I don't care how callous it is, but I don't give a damn about the future of this world. It is not my responsibility, and if I had never come to Orario and met Meteria, Alfia and all the others, then I would have never gone out of my way to try and help with its problems.

The only reason I am doing this, and trying to shoulder of having to face three Calamities and whatever the fuck is beneath our feet, all of that is because of them. Because I want to ensure a save future for my family and children.

And I don't give a fuck what I need to do to ensure that.

"What about the procedure?" Kirin asks softly, and I narrow my eyes at that.

She's right to be worried about that. I myself do not know how to handle Divine Matter, and how to perfectly place it inside her body so to make it that her own Divinity won't become unstable anymore.

But… "I may be unable to do it… But my teacher can." And I'll have to trust Ning Guang in handling such an important operation for me.

Kirin takes in a sharp intake of air as she pulls back, eyes wide and filled with shock, "Your teacher?" She repeats softly, as if she heard wrong.

I chuckle and nod my hands, "She's… Coming to Orario. I don't know when, exactly." The dates she gives me have changed quite a few times, and I think that's because she wants to surprise me. "But once she does, she should be able to help you better than I ever could."

And now she is gaping at me. "Did you really think I just came up with this new type of powerful medicine by myself?" I had to bullshit my way through it the first time we met cause I didn't know Ning Guang was around, but now? Now I can just my finger at her.

"How kind of you, my disciple…" You'll love the attention, trust me.

"...Next time you fall asleep, I'm going to make you relive all of your most embarrassing memories." And with that threat dropped, the Goddess's presence fades away once more.

I am totally not sweating in pure fear at having to relive my most cringe moments.

"I'm fairly sure you said it was your own creation in the past, or something like that…" Kirin accuses softly, a cute pout on her face as she pokes my right cheek with her finger.

I shrug with a sigh, "I had to bullshit it a bit, mostly because I didn't trust you all yet, and because me and my teacher… Don't really know each other that well. Plus, I still do not trust her either." That makes her pout vanish, her eyes narrowing in confusion for a few seconds…

Until they widen, as if she thought of something, "Is she like you…?" She asks softly, keeping her voice barely a whisper.

Right, I told her about the power I wield, and what the people that can use it too are like. "She is the one that taught me how to wield the power I use. And… She used to be like those people I told you about." Her eyes narrow even more, a dangerous light within them.

"If she tries anything towards you…" Kirin starts, letting her words and threat hang in the air, now knowing that said Goddess she is threatening is currently still inside of my Soul.

But oh well, that is very fucking hot.

"And now I want to break the table you are sitting on." I drawl out with a smirk while her face lights up a bright red, a sensual smirk slowly spreading across her full, kissable lips.

"Playing this waiting game is fun, isn't it?" She winks and purrs at me, fingers sliding up my chest and towards my neck, a nice electric jolt going by my skin after each touch, "Makes me desire you more and more."

I chuckle softly, gripping her soft thighs with my hands as I pull her closer, "Wonder which of us is going to break first and pin down the other…"

Her lips draw close to mine, a slow sultry giggle leaving them as her heated eyes never leave mine, "Oh I will for sure… And once I do, I'm going to break your hips and make sure I'm bearing your child." Gods, this woman is wonderful…

"I'm curious…" I start, trailing my hands up her hourglass hips as I lean my head down to place a kiss on her neck, earning a full body shudder from her and a pleased sigh from her lips, "Any reason you are attracted to me?"

Kirin hums, arms coming up to wrap around my shoulders, "At first, it was just attraction. You are incredibly handsome, after all…" I roll my eyes out of pure amusement as the hungry look in her eyes, "So you could have been a nice one-time thing, or a recurring partner for me to unwind with…"

"But who doesn't desire a hot, handsome Hero to come and swoop them off their feet?"

"Juno." I instantly point out, earning a snort from her. "I'm sure she'd love to have a nice, muscular woman to sweep her off her feet and hold her against a wall."

"Fair." Kirin chuckles, then shakes her head and gazes at me lovingly, "But yes, I guess I too am weak to handsome Heroes coming in to save the day, and my life."

"Plus, I never thought that seeing someone beat the shit out of the Leviathan to the point it runs away out of pure fear would make me so damn horny." Which, again, I am surprised she did not assault me while I was tired after that fight.

Pretty sure I have Alfia to thank for that, because I wouldn't have survived the encounter…

I chuckle softly and place another warm kiss on Kirin's neck before pulling back, a pleased hum purred out of her lips as her heated, loving eyes latch onto mine, "Once this is all over…" She starts, voice hungry and hopeful, "You better fuck me every single day of my life, until we grow old and have dozens of children."

I smile and raise an amused brow her way, "Like hell I will be capable of keeping my hands off of any of you ladies once we settle down." They are all so insanely breathtaking and sexy, and then they will be my wives?!

As in, plural!?

Like hell I will have the fucking restraint to not make love to them every chance I get.

Especially since that damn adorable gremlin will be around, plotting something, as per usual.

Kirin shudders, massive happy grin on her face, "I'll hold you to that, then…" Her thumb traces my lower lip as the next heated word flows out of her lips, "Hubby~!"

…

Yep. If I don't make her bite the pillow and tear the bed sheets, then I won't be called Riley.

I'm going to put all of my physical strength behind each thrust, I swear to all the Gods above and below.

"You are playing with fire." I tease her, holding back a possessive growl and the desire to just kiss those fantastic lips of her.

Her eyes twinkle in amusement at my words, "I know!" And with a giggle, she hops off the table to look around the mostly empty back of the shop, her gaze lingering on the now still Pill Furnace. "So, when are you planning on opening up?"

I hum, then cross my arms in thought, "I might honestly open up tomorrow." My answer surprises her, as she turns towards me with wide, surprised eyes, "I've nearly filled the back, surprisingly enough, and I have enough ingredients to keep me going for a few months at most, even with the massive order you and the Zeus Familia might put in."

Kirin lifts a hand to cup her chin in thought, "Anything we can do to help, then?"

Well… "Maybe you could have the girls prepare the shop and fill the front while spreading word around? If I were to do it, it would take me the whole night." Mostly because there is a lot of space, and I plan on moving the boxes from the storage to near the door leading to the front, so to have them on hand.

"That can be done." Kirin nods with a smile, then tilts her head at me, "What are you going to do?"

I glance towards the furnace for a few seconds, before I spread my senses and… Yep, they are still there. "There's something I am curious about and want to check on real quick. Mind closing up behind you?"

Despite being confused and curious, Kirin still nods with a light smile.

So I walk back to the front, open the main doors and, with a burst of speed, land on the building across the street.

Right beside a blonde kid in a top hat who was clearly keeping an eye on me, together with four others spread around other buildings.

His whole body goes rigid when I cough into my fist, then violet eyes instantly flick towards me, pure shock and fear within them.

"Now… May I ask why you brats have been keeping an eye on me?" I cross my arms while keeping a stern look on the brat before me, "Or do I need to force the answers out of you?"

Since the first thing he does is try to attack me, I guess I need to resort to a more… hands on method.

                                                                                xxxXXXxxx

The fingers spinning the small spoon inside her cup of steaming hot black tea halt, her emotionless gaze remaining still for a second.

"I do not take kindly to my children being harmed." Her charcoal black hand resumes its motion, the threat given through a gentle tone of voice echoing through the large, dark hall.

Silence was her only answer for a few seconds, until the new arrival holding one of her children finally spoke up, "To be fair, I only tickled him a little bit." Her hand halts once more, the teacup barely an inch away from her lips.

"I just didn't expect him to be so ticklish that he pissed himself… Sorry about that, kid."

"...Fuck you." Ah, he caught Lyney, huh? Unexpected.

"Language, Lyney." She chides as she stands, downing the scalding hot black tea as she does so before setting the cup down and turning on her heels to face the new arrival.

Her calm eyes meet curious, sunset-like eyes of a very familiar and currently very famous man.

The hair on the back of her neck stand lightly on end, her instincts warning her that the man before her is very, very dangerous and strong.

But that is to be expected of someone who fought and survived against the Black Dragon… While also making it bleed.

Her gaze flicks towards Lyney, faint relief running through her form at seeing his unarmed if very embarrassed state. Face flushed and lowered, teeth gritted in embarrassment and anger.

And a clear wet spot between his legs.

She sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose, "May you release him so he can go get cleaned up and changed?" She expected some refusal or a bit of a fight, but instead the man before her gently sets Lyney down on his feet and pats his head.

"Sorry again about that, kid." He apologizes with an amused smile, while Lyney growls and swats his hand away, putting some distance in-between them.

"Lyney." She calls out sharply, and the boy swiftly stands to attention while facing her, "Go." She orders, and he obediently lowers his head.

"Yes, Father." And with that, the boy swiftly makes himself scarce.

While the man who nearly felled the Leviathan by his lonesome tilts his head in confusion, "Father?" He parrots, his eyes glancing towards her, then growing even more confused when they wander her form.

Not out of lust – though she does notice the appreciation in his eyes – but out of pure confusion.

"Despite the circumstances, I welcome you to the House of the Heart." Her words were direct and sharp as her arms crossed, "And I thank you for not harming one of my children."

"Like I'd willingly harm one…" He drawls out, gaze roving around the dark interiors of the main hall as he stood by the large open window he entered from, "This some kind of orphanage, or…?"

She nods, eyes still locked on his form, "It is." That answer earns her a sharp, seemingly disapproving look.

"And is there any reason you have young orphans spying on me, miss…?"

"Arlecchino." If he notices that it is not her real name, then he does not mention it and simply hums softly, "And I have been paid to ensure your safety."

His brows rise up at that, "Ah, not a normal orphanage, I see." His eyes flicker around, each gaze landing on one of her hidden children, ready to intervene at any show of aggression.

Despite not underestimating his strength, she clearly did underestimate his senses. No matter if they are hiding in the dark, or several floors above, he can clearly sense all of her hidden children with ease.

Seems like she can forgo punishing Lyney for getting caught, as it is very likely he was aware of his and the other's presence since she sent them out to watch over him.

"You are very forthcoming." The man points out, the hand hovering over his blade relaxing and drawing back, melting away the slight tension in her fingers and shoulders.

Plus the sharp feeling of a blade resting over her neck.

"One of the things I practice within the House of the Heart is honesty. It would be unbecoming of me, as the Father, to not practice that myself." Despite the lingering confusion at her Father title, Riley nods lightly at her words.

Then, finally, he shrugs and turns towards the window, "Well, all I cared about is finding out if you were allied with the assassin's whose arm I nearly took off. But all I see is just a group of children…" Ah, he encountered Kampe then?

And nearly took off his arm too. That pleases her quite a bit.

But also worries her, as she knows how vindictive that animal can be, and she doesn't want her children to be anywhere near that thing going wild.

Riley's movements pause as he tilts his head in thought, "Say, I have a proposal." He suddenly speaks up as he flips around, making her raise an intrigued brow.

With a hum, she waves her pitch black hand towards him, not failing to notice the widening of his eyes at the sight of them, "I am listening."

His gaze lingers on her hands for but a second before it flickers back to her eyes, "Since you are going to have the kids keep an eye on me, why not have them work for me?" Her own brows rise curiously at his proposal.

"Work for you?" Right, he was starting his own business, was he not? What was it again?

"I'm opening a Drug Store- I mean, a sort of Potion shop where I'll sell my Pills." Why is he calling it a Drug Store…? "You can have the kids work for me inside the store, instead of having them spend hours on a building." He shrugs with his arms crossed, "I can cook for them and pay them too, and they can rotate their turns whenever they want."

And they'll also have his protection in case Kampe shows himself once more.

"And what do I stand to gain from such a collaboration?" Having her children grow independent and start growing their own funds sounds lovely, but she was still putting them in the line of fire of whatever hell will befall the man before her.

"A large discount on the Pills I sell?" Riley instantly offers without thinking much about it, "After all, I doubt that training the kids to the level I can feel now doesn't cause any nasty injuries."

"So with my Pills you can train them better, and not pull any punches." Arlecchino barely holds back a smile from the collective shudder she can feel go down the spines of all of her hidden children at Riley's words.

"Looks like you have yourself a deal." Her heels click on the floor as she offers him her pitch black hand.

Yet, he doesn't take it yet, "On one condition." And instead speaks up sharply, making her eyes narrow lightly, "The Pills I sell you are meant to be used by you, and only you, for the children's sake."

Her expression does not change, and her arm remains outstretched, "How did you know?"

He somehow guessed that she is part of Evilus, huh?

"Two reasons;" He sighs softly, his sharp gaze growing gentle, "I doubt that someone as terrifyingly strong as you is just some random, retired Adventurer. Especially with how young you look."

"And finally… Alfia told me about you, and described you to me." His hand reaches up to gently grasp hers, then tilt it lightly so he could stare at the back of her palm, "You fought it too, huh?"

Despite herself, she remained transfixed on his hand, even as his glove was burned off and his skin was being charred by the Curse left upon her flesh by that beast.

Yet, despite the pain she knows that is coursing through his whole hand and arm, he does not release her hand.

All the objects in her life are made and crafted under her request to be insanely resistant to high temperatures compared to flowing magma itself, as that was the heat that is contained within the charred flesh of her hands and forearms.

But despite that, the man before her ignores it.

"I did not." She resists the urge to withdraw her hand for some reason and keeps her gaze locked on his own, "I was a survivor to its devastation, like you."

"It brought flames and destruction upon my village, and my arms bathed in them while I was pinned beneath rubble." Her chin jabs towards the hand in his hold, "This is what it left me with."

Riley hums faintly, gaze gentle, "Guess we are alike-" He halts his words and shakes his head, "Sorry, that is an offense to you." Arlecchino tilts her head curiously at his words.

"I never gave a damn about my village, as I had already lost everything I cared about by the time the Dragon came around and turned it into a crater." He callously states without care, "But you, I can tell you lost everything due to it. I apologize for my earlier words."

Arlecchino had to admit, the man before her was truly like nothing she expected.

She expected a man high on his new fame, wielding his strength like a tyrant and woman magnet, and yet… He was nothing like that.

How peculiar.

A light smile tugs at her lips, "You are forgiven." Though she didn't really take it to heart. But it was the thought that mattered. "And you have my word that none of the Pills I will buy from you will end in the hands of Evilus."

"I may be part of them, but I do not obey my God." Finally, she draws back her hand so to not further burn his, "I stopped caring about them when they wanted to use children as test subjects." A disgusted sneer crosses her face, while a hateful scowls flashes by Riley's own.

"That is all that matters, then." He nods, then steps back with a friendly and warm smile, "I'll open the shop tomorrow, so you can have the kids come by in the morning. Just five of them is more than enough."

She nods and crosses her arms once more, watching his back as he turns around and departs through the same window he came from.

She stands there quietly for a few short seconds before her lips part open, "Lynette." Her words make a child step out of the shadow near-instantly. "Go spread the word to all the other children and set up a schedule among yourselves."

"Any money you make from working with Riley will be yours to keep and use as you see fit, understood?"

Lynette, Lyney's sister, bows her head sharply, "Yes, Father." The young girl says before retreating to enact the order given by Arlecchino.

As quiet befalls the dark hall, Arlecchino casts one last glance towards the open window before turning on her heel and striding along the long table holding her teacup and kettle, charcoal-black fingers dragging along the white sheet covering the long table.

"F-Father…?" The shocked voice of Lyney draws her gaze towards him, his form having stepped out of the shadows, now clean and clad in a different set of dark clothing, his top hat having been left behind.

She says nothing and merely raises a brow towards the boy, whose shocked and wide eyes flick towards the table beside her. Specifically, to where her hand is connected with it.

Ah, she did it again. Another sheet will need to be changed-

Her thoughts halt, and her eyes widen more and more as she stares down at the white, pristine sheet. A sheet not made to be resistant to her Curse.

Yet, the sheet was not burning or scorched black. It was whole. Intact, even.

Her gaze lands on the hand she had rested upon the table, then her eyes widen even more and flick towards the window Riley had left from.

Holding the blackened hand against her cheek, Arlecchino felt no scorching heat, yet she could feel it slowly build up more and more.

Her other hand instead was still as hot as usual… Only the hand Riley had been holding had seemingly gone back to normal for a small period of time.

What did he do?

                                                                                     xxxXXXxxx

"So… No hard feelings?" I ask Lyney, but the glare that he sends my way tells me that yes, there's plenty of hard feelings. "Come on, how was I supposed to know you were that ticklish, kid?"

His cheeks flush, and his teeth grind together even as he expertly and quickly sets the Pill bottles on the front a set small distance between them, perfectly placing dozens of them in the same display at once.

"Who interrogates kids while tickling them?" He bites out harshly and hatefully.

I cross my arms and raise a brow, "Would you have preferred I used violence, then?" He swiftly shuts his mouth and goes pale, knowing of the shit I have pulled so far. "That's what I thought."

"I hate you. So fucking much."

I cackle like an asshole even as Lynette, his sister, walks by and holds back her own giggles, "I'm sure Arlecchino would reprimand you for your foul language, young man."

Pretty sure he is about to shoot flames out of his eyes. He might, if I keep pushing him.

Better give him some mercy then, as fun as this is. "Still, thanks for doing this. I'll make sure to pay you kids plenty."

Lyney relax, a snort leaving his form as he closes the last filled glass cupboard. He is quick with his hands. "I am expecting a large pay, I'll have you know." I raise a curious, yet amused brow his way.

His only answer is nodding towards the front, where the entire street is filled with people awaiting the opening of my shop, and with dozens of Hera's girls working all around the city so to make sure the traffic isn't blocked due to people piling up on top of each other.

"Guess you are going home rich as hell, kid." He snorts and leaves with a slightly eager 'Yoohoo…' to go and grab more bottles from the boxes in the back, making me snort softly. I like that kid.

That's when Meteria's head peeks out from the door leading to the living room, a large smile on her face, "I think we can open up now, Riley!" I hum and flick my gaze around the front.

Everything is filled, and there are three stations people can go to. "Lyney, you get the station on the right. Lynette, yours is on the left. The other three kids, assist them and listen to them." They all snap to attention and swiftly move to their positions, two boxes filled with Pill bottles sat behind each station for ease of reach.

"You sure you want to stay around and help?" I ask Meteria softly, "You haven't been feeling good since this morning." Despite my worry, she just smiles and gives me a double thumbs up with eyes filled with love.

I just sigh and nod. Alfia is in the back with her, keeping an eye on her, so I can relax.

Hopefully, her appetite comes back. Pills can't really help with that. I don't even know if it's because she recently took another Gold Grade Pill, after the previous one.

Can they even cause stomach-aches or loss of appetite?

I shake my head, then nod towards Lyney, who moves to open the doors. As he approaches them, he hesitates and gives me a weird look, "You sure you want to keep the name as 'Drug Store'?"

I just give him a big, happy smile.

He sighs, utterly defeated, and opens the doors wide open and plasters a professional smile on his face that he gives to the now quiet people to the front, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Drug Store!"

Don't laugh, don't laugh, don't laugh…

Meteria is laughing her ass off in the back, and Lynette just hid herself behind her station to let out her own laughter, while Lyney's eyes look completely dead as he leads the people inside.

Surprisingly enough, the first swarm of people that is led inside are all civilians, which are all directed towards Lyney and Lynette's posts, as that's where the civilian made Healing Pills

They don't cost much, as I had the input from many others on what price is manageable and affordable in great quantities for the civilians. So ten weak Healing Pills for a hundred Valis are basically what the majority of civilians that flow in happily buy and stash away while they leave.

The majority of said civilians look skinny, while some are clearly very sick and ingest a Pill while they are leaving, color erupting across their face alongside joy and relief.

The sight alone warms my heart a great deal, making me unable to stop smiling as I keep an eye on everything.

I'm not afraid of people being pushy or moody or Karens, as both Lyney and Lynette are very strong for normal civilians without a Falna, showing that whatever training the woman called Arlecchino puts them under is insanely effective.

Speaking of said woman, goddamn is she a beauty. She had some fantastic pupils and back muscles, like damn…

Why the fuck do they call her 'Father' though…?

Still, she was peculiar. A survivor of the Black Dragon, yet… I wonder what exactly happened in her home.

Because whatever the Black Dragon did, it used Qi to destroy her home, which I feel was a bit overkill.

Was it just testing shit out, or what?

Either way, the Qi it used was clearly toxic, and it now infected Arlecchino's arms. I drew it out and absorbed the Qi from inside one of her arms without her noticing, but I have a feeling it will just slowly come back.

It's normal Qi, but since it was infused inside an attack and invaded the body, the Qi is stuck in a 'destroy and attack' mindset. Qi can be shared between people in a slow stream, but if it's inserted inside someone else with the intent to do harm, the Qi will go on a rampage inside that person's body.

The best way to handle such a case, which happens always during a battle, is to slowly refine it. Arlecchino does not know how to do that as she isn't a Cultivator, and I of course won't go around sharing the way on how to have her refine that baleful Qi inside her forearms.

Still, I am surprised that it did not destroy her hands. Perhaps her body is very attuned towards the Fire Element, making it so her skin is only charred black instead of being melted off.

What a peculiar interaction, though…

"Riley." Lynette calls my name, making me hum and gaze at her as she sends a group of three gentleman my way with a shaky smile, "I think it is best you handle them!"

Oh? Already trouble? "How can I help you gentleman?" I didn't even finish speaking before I knew what the problem was.

Looking left and right, jittery bodies, rubbing of the forearms, scratching the neck and nervous disposition while looking worse for wear. Guess I got my first druggies, huh?

Don't laugh, Riley. Don't. Fucking. Laugh.

"Well… This place called a Drug Store, right?" The one in the lead asks, bloodshot eyes looking everywhere but at me, "Heard the prices being shouted be cheap as hell too…" Oh my God…

I bite the inside of my cheek and smile, then swiftly retrieve a bottle of Tier One Pills. These guys are clearly Adventurers looking for their fix, and I hope that a strong Pill can wash out any need and crave their bodies have.

As for mental problems, that's up to them. I can only pray that with a healthy body, they strive to have a healthy mind to match too.

"Aaah, I know what you need, gentleman." I lower my voice to a whisper, a knowing smirk on my lips as I pass the bottle towards them with a wink, "These will give you one strong hit. It's on the house, so remember to come back."

Their eyes widen in shock, then barely restrained addictive delight that makes me feel insanely sorry for them even as I watch them scramble over each other, leaving the shop in a hurry while fussing over the bottle.

I can only hope it helps them, even if a tiny bit.

I can't judge people for the choices they make here. This city is unforgiving, and many that resort to this type of stuff are probably people that gave up on everything after having lost whatever was keeping them anchored and stable.

I know that feeling all too well. I've experienced that fall into the abyss myself.

It's something I hope no one has to experience, but that is merely wishful thinking.

"I did tell you that you'd attract the wrong kind of attention." Maxim's amused voice brings me out of my thoughts, and my eyes land on the eye-catching man, now looking much better than our previous meeting.

"Looks like you got some sleep." He shrugs, still looking a bit down in the dumps as he stops in front of my section of the shop, "Here for an order, I presume?"

He nods and pulls out a sheet of paper that he places on the counter before me, "Might as well, seeing the bullshit that is ahead of us." Fair.

I look over the small list, mostly Healing Pills and Antidote Pills. A great quantity of them, to be fair. "Won't Dian Cecth or whatever be mad from this?"

Maxim's lips twitch faintly, "I'll let you handle the aftermath." I mean, pretty sure his asshole is still destroyed after what Hera did to that dude.

"How kind of you…" I droll with a flat stare as I fold the paper, "I'll have it ready by tomorrow morning." His eyes widen in shock, but he nods with a light smile before looking around, his gaze curiously studying the kids working the civilian sides quickly and professionally.

"Are they from the House of the Heart?" He question lightly, gaze remaining locked on the crimson heart symbol on their sleeves, something all the kids like them have.

I nod, then give him a look, "They were hired to protect me." His gaze narrows in confusion, then slowly widens, "I think you can guess who very likely hired them."

Socrates.

Hera would never go behind my back to do such a thing, nor would any of the other girls.

Zeus, in Hera's opinion, would go out of his way to then try and make him owe one, or something like that.

Nemea isn't the type, as he'd view it as the action of the weak and cowardly. Leonidas is too honest, and Zald hates doing things behind his comrades' back.

So aside from Bellerophon, who I have not interacted with and know that he isn't really an amicable person, the only possible culprit is Socrates.

Unless it's someone else who I have never met.

"I don't like this…" Maxim sighs out before shaking his head and giving me a look, "Be careful." I nod and watch him go, the people parting and staring in awe as he departs.

We may have started on the wrong foot, and may not really be on friendly terms, but we are two people working towards the same goal, so antagonizing each other is detrimental.

It is best to be mature right now, than being idiots.

"It's going quite well, huh?" Meteria asks softly as she approaches and leans against my right side, which makes me instinctively put an arm around her shoulders and hold her close.

"Quite." I drawl out before looking at her, her sundress giving me a fantastic view to her cleavage like usual, "How are you feeling?"

She smiles adorably up at me, cheeks flushed and eyes full of love, "I'm alright! You don't have to worry so much!" But I will, because I love her. "It's probably because I am close to shark week, so relax."

I hum, then pat her head, which makes her giggle and lean further against my side. I'll have to spoil her a bit once we get back home. Her and Alfia both.

I perk up when the stream of civilians halt momentarily due to a loud commotion from outside, one of my brows going up in confusion when a scream akin to a pig being butchered echoes down the street and shop.

"Ah, Lady Hera found the Goddess Loki." Meteria nods sagely, making me wonder how the fuck she can guess that through sound alone.

Has this shit happened before? If so, what is Hera doing that is making Loki scream in such a manner?

"Is it going to be alright?" I warily ask Meteria, who cutely perks up, all smiles and totally unfazed by the horrifying screams coming from outside.

Hell, the streams of civilians has doubled in speed in order to get the fuck away from here…

"It happens often." Meteria waves me off with a giggle, "The Loki Familia is a subordinate Familia of our Hera Familia, and Lady Hera makes sure to bodily and mentally humiliate the Goddess Loki whenever she sees her. To 'assert dominance', in her own words." What a fucking Goddess…

Also, a female Loki? The fuck?

"Did this Loki fuck an eight-legged horse?" I ask towards Meteria, who makes the weirdest gaping face as the shop falls quiet.

I blink, then look towards the doors, and meet eyes with a gaping and shocked Hera, holding a bruised and beaten red haired slim woman by the scruff of her neck.

A short blonde child stands behind her, together with a bearded dwarf and a tall and refined green haired elf that is also gaping at me in shock, disgust and horror.

"Did I say something wrong?" I mean, that did happen in a legend, no?

Hera blinks, then narrows her eyes in pure, vicious delight, "Elaborate."

The red haired woman, who I feel is Loki, glares at me with her closed eyes, clearly threatening me not to.

I ignore that and press forth, very curious to find out if there is any mythology in this world, "Well, where I come from, there's a whole legend where Loki had sex with an eight-legged horse, then more legends where she gave birth to a pair of wolves that eat the Sun and Moon, and another one where she gives birth to a God-Killing wolf that will kick-start the end of the world… Or something like that. I don't remember it all perfectly, as it has been a while…"

Why am I being stared at like I am crazy?

"What kind of fucking loopy land did you come from!?" The red-haired woman hollers at the top of her lungs, spittle flying everywhere as she throws a tantrum in Hera's grasp, kicks and arms flaying everywhere, "What did I fucking do to receive such a vile treatment?! An eight-legged fucking horse and giving birth to wolves of all things?! What the fuck?!"

I shrug, not remembering much of Norse Mythology and most of that bullshit.

Hera cackles out of pure glee, having seemingly gained massive bullying material to use against the woman in her grasp, "Oh, that is fantastic!" I shall pray for Loki's mental well-being from today forth. "What about me?!"

"Uh…" I make a dumb noise as I lean my head back, "I don't remember much about you specifically, but there was a general agreement that everything was Zeus's fault, as he couldn't keep his dick in his pants, or couldn't stop getting fucked by other guys."

Hera wheezes, eyes going bloodshot and body nearly toppling over as Meteria chokes on her breath and turns away with shaky shoulders.

"You're going to tell me more about that stuff tonight…" Hera demands in-between deep breaths, "Until then, I'm going to have to find Zeus and… share this knowledge." And so, the Goddess leaves while dragging the struggling Loki behind her.

"W-Wait! I didn't put in my order yet! Lemme go, ya crazy bitch! At least lemme get a good look at that big tiddy girl-" Aaand I'm going to make sure this information about Loki is spread to every corner of Orario from today.

The Loki Familia members swiftly move to chase after the cackling Hera, leaving the trembling civilians to resume their orders, much to my amusement.

"Well, at least there is no shortage of amusement, huh?" I smile at Meteria, who giggles, then blinks forward, eyes widening in wonder as a small 'Whoa…' escapes her lips.

I turn to see what left her shocked, not noticing how the shop fell quiet once more, and I near instantly nearly felt my stomach drop at the sight before me.

"Surprise~…" Ning Guang jokes, a gentle yet slightly nervous smile on her face as she stares at me, face to face, instead of in my Soulscape.

Her beauty is just as breathtaking as it was within my Soul when we first met, yet her body feels… Hollow, to me. It clearly is but a mere puppet, a sort of clone, that she created and is using to be in the real world.

I can barely feel a trace of Divinity attached to her, and I didn't feel anything until now. She managed to create this without me even realizing.

I gulp softly, "When did you get here?" I barely hold back the shakiness in my voice as Ning Guang brushes a strand of her ash-colored hair behind her ear, a simple action, yet one that enraptures nearly everyone inside and outside the shop due to her beauty.

Her gentle, yet nervous smile doesn't falter despite my visible raging emotions, "Just slightly before you opened up the shop."

I know she wanted to surprise me, hence why she kept changing the date she of when she was going to create her clone… But I hoped it was going to take a while longer, so that I could truly prepare myself.

I could barely restrain the fear in my chest, and I near subconsciously reached for Bladey.

A Cultivator.

A powerful Cultivator.

A powerful Cultivator so close to Meteria.

Meteria is right next to me, Alfia is close by too, Hera is around and who knows how many more of the other girls are nearby-

That's when, through my rising panic attack, Meteria speaks up.

Or more like, she hollers; "Hey bitch! Back the fuck off my man!"

And she all but lunges at the Goddess on the other side of the counter with all the fierceness of a fucking Honey Badger.

A.N. Took a while, but been dealing with life stuff, so apologies.

Either way, hope y'all love da chappy! It should be quite chonky…

Until next time, hope y'all take care!

Lotsa love and cuddles, and thanks for the wonderful support!

Toodles!