Floor 19

After a... relaxing bath with Sigrid, we walked - well, I walked, Sigrid stumbled - back to the camp.

Reaching the edge of the campgrounds, I ignored the various looks we received, making my way towards our tent.

Gently laying Sigrid on the ground, I made my way back out, grabbing two bowls of stew that had been made for dinner.

I chuckled when I saw Raul sitting beside Anakitty, with him shivering slightly while Anakitty was almost purring aloud as her tail swished side to side.

She grinned at me, before turning back to Raul.

Seeing everyone else looking at me with slightly more fear, especially the Loki Familia members, I shrugged before going back to my tent, planning on enjoying the taste of Sigrid some more tonight.

After feeding her the soup, I devoured my portion before going back out to hand the bowls to one of the support members, rushing back to the tent.

Sigrid laid in the bedroll, her clothes strewn about as she looked up at me with half lidded eyes. Grinning widely, I stripped before joining her, enjoying a more gentle session with her.

~~~

Waking up to Sigrid using my chest as a pillow, I stroked her messy golden hair, smiling as I thought about yesterday.

She really did check many of my boxes, and if I wanted a woman by my side right now, she was a clear choice. However, I wasn't looking for a relationship; I just wanted to enjoy my life, as both an adventurer and a bachelorette.

Sigrid groaned as she buried her face deeper into my chest, making me bite my cheek before sighing.

After last night, I had managed to release most of my desire and lust, so while I felt that I could definitely enjoy another taste of this little lemon, I held back.

Grabbing her shoulder, I gently shook Sigrid awake, much to her displeasure.

Groaning, she blinked her still puffy green eyes up at me, before yawning.

"Sleep well~?"

Sigrid blushed, becoming aware of where she was. Scrambling up, she quickly moved to the other side of the tent.

"Don't worry, I won't bite anymore~"

She pouted as she looked at me, before moving towards her pack. Fumbling through it, I watched as she took out a towel and canteen, wetting the towel before wiping off the remains of last night.

I watched as the water trickled down her pale skin, sighing as I had to tear my eyes off of her. Getting up, I copied what she was doing with my own gear, before throwing on my armor.

As I was strapping myself up, I felt Sigrid help me again, and when I looked down at her I smiled, thinking that whatever woman married her was truly lucky to have such a dutiful, attentive wife.

Seeing me smile, Sigrid blushed as she looked down, gasping in shock when I lifted her chin and kissed her.

Pulling away, I grabbed my gear and said "I'll go refill our canteens and see what's for breakfast."

Seeing her nod I left the tent, strapping my spear on my back before returning to the pools from yesterday.

As I filled the canteens I heard rustling behind me, and while I placed a canteen on my belt I drew a dagger.

Turning, I brought the dagger up to...

Anakitty's throat.

Sighing, I returned the blade to its sheath before saying "Try not to sneak up on people..."

Anakitty chuckled before saying "I'll keep that in mind. Anyways, I wanted to ask; are you aware of what is on Floors 19 through 24?"

I nodded, before saying "Never been, but I have studied them. After all, I planned on going down that far when I reached Level Four."

Nodding, Anakitty filled her own canteen before saying "Well, we shouldn't be down here too long; after all, the supporters can only carry so much. The herbs and ores from those floors are quite large and heavy..."

Corking the other canteen, I nodded before turning.

As I left, I said "Thanks for the spot; Sigrid and I had fun."

I didn't need to turn to know that Anakitty was currently blushing hard, since I heard her curse after she dropped her canteen into the pool.

Laughing, I made my way back to find the camp had been completely disassembled, the only thing remaining being the large fire pit where everyone was gathered.

I walked over to Sigrid and hugged her, making her jump before she pouted up at me.

"So, guess you're just that good huh?"

She smiled up at me, nodding, before pointing to the cauldron in the center.

"More soup..."

Sighing, I grabbed a bowl and scarfed it down, before taking the small cup Sigrid offered.

Taking a sip, I nodded in appreciation at the tea she offered, and quickly finished that as well.

Everyone else finished their meals quickly, before packing the rest up.

Anakitty stood up, speaking to the group.

"We are making our way down to Floor 19. All the previous floors were nothing compared to this. Support members, please do NOT wander alone. Stay near the Geb Familia, who will be protecting you all while Loki and Bia Familia clears the way. Again, stay next to the Geb Familia. Depending on the resources available, we may or may not have to go deeper. So, be prepared to make the treks to the lower floors. Hopefully the Gods are on our side... Anyways, we leave in a few minutes. Make sure you have everything, and do your business now. Are we clear?"

Everyone nodded, and Anakitty smiled at that, before gathering the Loki Familia around her.

I watched as she spoke to each member, before getting bored. Grabbing Sigrid, I pulled her onto my lap as I sat down, burying my face into the crook of her neck.

Ignoring her pleading, I spent the remaining minutes enjoying her warmth and scent, before rising when I heard everyone else start moving.

Getting up, I walked beside Sigrid as we traversed towards the opposite side of Rivira, the small town a distance away from us as it overlooked a lake.

Reaching the small slide that led down to Floor 19, I went down first, sliding through the small dark tunnel before emerging into somewhere I had never seen.

I looked around in wonder, taking in the large roots spiraling around the floor, the sharp cliff faces covered in moss and lichens, and the various waterfalls that decorated the open cavern.

It was a little like Rivira in the sense that it was a large, open space, however it was littered with monsters.

While none were near the slide, I could see a tribe of Lizardmen resting near a small river, while three Mad Beetles rushed between roots.

Hearing people coming down the slide behind me, I moved out of the way and readied my spear, keeping a lookout as I waited for the expedition team to all come down.

It didn't take long, and eventually I stood with a Loki Familia member on either side, making a small spear tip as we started our march into the Dungeon's 19th Floor.

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Short and no real action, but I just started writing and it all came to me, so here we are.

Besides, I just left Kunoichi's Tale on a cliffhanger; can't do that here to now can I?

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