- FLOOF

***

OMG IT'S SO FLUFFY I COULD DIE~!

After about three months, Bobo gave birth to a single puppy. I don't know how dog genetic works but the puppy looks like a malamute pup. Nothing like his mutt mother. Probably mysteries magic shit.

Anyways, Bobo and her pup almost instantly became the village celebrity. All the children would crowd and fight to pet the cuddly teddybear and as a side benefit, they would sneak extra treats for Bobo. Since the pup was feeding on her milk, me and Gram allowed the indulgence and Bobo's fur became quite luscious and she herself quite fat.

Her patchy white, black and grey fur still gives her the appearance similar to a mutt though.

Anyway, I often carried the puppy to the nursery and used it as a reward to well behaved children in the form of petting allowance. My job became so much easier that I asked Gram to let me adopt the puppy.

So now I have a FLOOF. Seriously he's so cuddly. I trained him and now he can even sit on command.

Best floof ever~~~

Also, for the sake of fun, I decided to name him Pillar. You know, like the most powerful above the sequence gods.

Hehe.

I did not get struck by lightning or burned by the sun so it's probably not too blasphemous?

Pillar best doggo!

***

The explorer Bell's foot was finally recovered and she no longer walked around with a limp. This gave her the confidence to explore the island with Rosa acting as a guide.

Rosa also acted as a watchmen, spying on Bell as she wasn't fully trusted yet and thus forbidden from certain locations. For example, the ritual grounds the night dwellers used for the mysticism rituals was also concealed from Bell.

Thus my late night sessions with Muriel once again became a chore without the beautiful distraction.

***

*Smack*

The sound of my head being slapped echoed around the turtle shell shrine.

"Stop filling your head with hopeless wishes! Why would a beyonder waste their time with a short, skinny twig like you? A woman like Bell would obviously be interested in another adult, not some prepubescent boy like you! All those foolish thoughts has made you forget your lessons!" Muriel chided.

"Bah! Who the heck still speaks ancient Hermes? I just need to know enough to repeat the ritual lines correctly!" I defended myself. "I'm not interested in the cleansing rituals and other curses. Just let me produce all the 'night soil' you ever need and you won't have to un-curse any food anyway. See? Problem solved!"

I raised my finger, then paused, then slowly brought my finger down...

"Wait! What do you mean Bell isn't interested in me? Obviously, she just needs time to see how awesome I am. And maybe a little patience. To let me grow. Bah! You're obviously just jealous that she's prettier than you!"

Muriel simply raised her eyebrow and deadpanned at me.

Oof. That stare actually hurts more than her words... Man... Can't you let a dude dream a little?

Deciding not to think about depressing things, I changed the subject. "Anyways, why do the traders got to be tall? Can't I join them? I'm actually physically stronger than most of them."

Muriel replied, "That's because they tend to trade with believers of the God of Combat. Being tall is very beneficial in negotiating with them. If you're short, they might even ignore you and not talk with you at all. Then, how are you able to procure the goods we seek?"

I shrugged, "Then, just let me be in charge of carrying cargo and other ship duties. I don't have to be the one to negotiate. I just want to see what other places are like."

And maybe find some beyonder characteristics for my promotion. Man, Klein actually promoted in months and here I am still stuck at sequence 9...

Muriel shook her head, "Maybe in the past I would have allowed that, but just like you said, you're a bit too lucky when it comes go making night soil. Sending you out on a trip might slow production and I myself am not too keen on the cleansing rituals. Being old sucks... Wait, I'm not old... Why did I say that? Anyway, let's hope Bell would figure out a way to finally lift the curses from this island. Then, you can go traveling to other shores."

Shit. She makes too much sense. Of course they'd rather keep me in the island than go for a wrinkly orgy. Guess my hopes for a promotion would be dependent on Bell's sucess.

"Hmm." I collected my thoughts before trying to negotiate, "As an esteemed night dweller, and one with such prestigious achievements, can I request for the traders to get me some specific items?"

Muriel hesitated, then nodded before gesturing for me to give more details.

I mentally prepared myself, knowing that there is a high chance of rejection, before finally demanding, "Beyonder items. Potions, Artifacts... Things of that nature... Especially of certain pathways..."

Muriel calmly replied, "Oh... Interesting... What do you know about the pathways? And why would you want those beyonder items? You know they come with serious side effects, some even deadly..."

Oh. I did not think about an explanation of why I want them...

I made up a random excuse on the spot, "Uhh... For research?"

Muriel huffed in disappointment, "If you want to appear smart to Bell, handling dangerous artifacts is a stupid way to do it and more than likely will get you killed? Seriously! Boys and their hormones..."

Wait. Did she misunderstand and think I just want to get in Bell's pants? I mean, she is not too wrong but that is not the only reason I want beyonder shit!

...

I shouldn't tell her I'm looking for beyonder characteristics of different pathways though... She might pray and tell her god.

Disappointed at failing to convince Muriel to request for beyonder related goods and information, I petted Pillar for comfort.

He licked my hand in response.

Such a good doggo! Thank goodness I have such a cute companion.

Seeing me give up my request, Muriel reminded me, "Hey Arthur. Prepare yourself and get plenty of rest at noon. With all the clouds gathering, looks like this week we might get another moonless night. I'll let the villagers prepare the materials for the Furnace."

Ooo a break from the nursery. Nice! Looks like Pillar is my lucky charm!

Good doggo!

Best doggo!