First Step Towards Adventure. (Part 4)

It was cold at first, but thanks to the magic item in the room controlling the temperature the place is so much warmer? Colder? It's hard to describe but better!

"Man I wish my room had something like this. It's so nice..."

I whisper while lying in bed preparing to sleep.

"Hum! Hum! I agree, that items is really expensive tho!"

Yoo-Ah who's lying across the bed replies back and I can't help but look to the side saying:

"Oh? You're still awake?"

"Yeah! I just had something to think off..."

"Last time I got knocked out after tasting that paste."

"Hahaha! Yeah! You're weak! Weeaaak!"

"Tone it down, Yoo-Ah Unnie. It's sleeping time after all."

"Hehe! Sorry! So what about you? Why aren't you sleeping?"

I rustle around the bed and tighten the blanket like I'm a caterpillar before rolling to the side replying:

"I guess... I'm not use to this place yet I guess."

"Yeah... I can understand that... But we still need to sleep! So just close your eyes and lay down, before you know it it'll be morning! So night!"

"Okay... Good night..."

I reply back while looking at the ceiling which I just realize is kinda suck in to give a weird border where a small gap acts as its border along with the leftover decoration where Yoo-Ah hangs the congratulation banner. As it grows quiet, that I could even hear Yoo-Ah's breathe even without focusing, seeing the soft glow from the outside creeping in from the cracks giving a nice gloomy night light. I close my eyes, turning around the bed until it feels comfortable. Controlling my breathing, I sunk deep when I was brought back to a cold wind blowing against my nose. Wondering who it was, I open my eyes to see a crimson eyes staring right back at me-

"!?!?!!???"

Before I could move, it grabs hold of me and I feel as though thousands of arms hold me down. Looking closely, I could see some weird distortion in the air as if someone is there. My eyes adjusted more to the darkness as I soon see who its was. Her crimson hair lays upon the bed I sleep while she lies beside me. Her large rat ears and whiskers folds following where she lays, it twitches before raising her finger to make a silencing gesture, she smile saying:

"Heya! It's me! You haven't forgotten about me have you?"

(Hearing her voice speaking in the common tongue, now there's no mistaking it!)

"(Abe! What are you doing here!? More like how did you get here?!)"

All the pressure against me instantly disappear and I throw the large blanket I'm using to hide her when she smirks saying:

"Hehe, for a guy you sure have a cute sleeping face... Which is wonderful hehehe..."

"(Answer me!)"

I whisper scream again demanding for an answer when Abe sighs and gets up unfolding the blanket saying:

"One thing first, you don't need to be so quiet. My powers let me create a sound proof barrier around that friend of yours, so as long you don't poke her it'll all be peaceful."

(Powers?)

Seeing her taking a sit, crossing her legs, and wrapping her tail around a pillow before leaning beside the window and look past the cracks of the curtain. I got up as well looking at Yoo-Ah who seems to be sleeping quietly.

"So... What are you doing here? Wait, could it be..."

"That's right! I'm here to steal your purity, mwehehe!"

"Be serious!"

"Sheesh! Kay kay, I'm here to deliver your new Urgent Quest!"

Abe strikes a pose as she says that before lying down on the other side of the bed and continue saying:

"But forget about that! Why did you get such special treatment and luck!? Me? A diplomat of all things was sleeping in the floor of a bunker! A bunker! Might as well just put me back in the god damn tranches and be smeared by the guts of my friends in the morning when the bombardments strikes early! It's so unfair-mmmmph!"

She pulls one of the pillow from the side and scream at it before she rubs her face and calms down. Seeing her being excited by herself, I nod replying:

"Right... I suppose you can use the bed as you want for now."

She raise her face saying:

"Since I got consent, then don't mind me! Though I would still do it even when you say no. Ahhh~! Soft bed! A soldier's dream! Here I thought getting higher rank would get you better living conditions, and when I raise my ranks within the National Guard all we get is more work and shoes for breakfast. I suppose the Imperial Army is better but the living condition is still the same."

Seeing her let out all her frustration, I thought maybe I should help her calm down asking:

"Well if it makes you feel better I guess you could stay as long as you want... Well, until she wakes up anyway."

"Hehe, aren't you just the darn nicest tootin guy? You just know what a lady wants. And I suppose getting to sleep with a cute girl must be nice too yeah?"

"Don't tease me, please."

She comes closer and pats my back saying:

"Sorry but can't! After all, how could you give my cute apprentice a souvenir but not me!?"

"Hm? Souvenir? Wait! I pretty sure I left Yui two drink for her and you!"

"What!? Wait... That damn long john! I'll beat him up when I get back to the office!"

Realizing that Abe is not wearing her General uniform but a set of casual travel clothes, I look to the floor to see a dirtied coat and boots.

"Um, if it also calm you down we have a large bath we can use here too."

"Really!? Hehe, so it's like an Onsen? Ah, I suppose now I understand why those old geezers loves baths after a days at work in the fields. The black line have no such things as natural geysers."

Hearing her say that, I can't help but remember what Kokkan said and feel my face blaze up replying:

"It-It's not mixed bathing okay!?"

"I can already guess that-But wait, with you looking like that... Did you perhaps go to the girls bath?"

Abe smirks as she leans closer to ask and toggles her glasses as it glints brightly and I can't fight back as I lower my head muttering;

"Yes..."

"Huuuh~? I can't hear ya!"

Abe nudge her elbow at me and I slap her arm away replying:

"I go to the females bath okay! Do you think I can actually go to the man's bath while looking like this!?"

"Mwehehe! Not only getting to sleep in the same room with a cute girl, but bathing with a group of girls as well while still hiding your secret? You go man! You may got the same balls as the soldiers back in my army to do that stunt."

"Shush it! So do you want to take it or not!"

"Why the hell not! Take me to it! Now! And just making sure, you don't need to register anything right?"

I shake my head remembering what I experienced this past few days replying:

"No, and not only that, seeing your dirty clothes, there's also laundries that can instantly dry your clothes here too. So why not use that while you bath?"

"What!? Now you done it! You're basically living in a fucking resort! Don't tell me there's a spa or a massage table here!? And here the outside looks like a goddamn fortress!"

Abe jumps out of the bed and grabs all her dirty clothes and gesture me to go quickly. Sighing as I realize she hasn't even given me the relay yet, I got up and grab a towel and throw it to her saying:

"Here, for your use."

"Oh? Man this is so nice! A bath after so long!"

Seeing her happy, I suppose since I'm not feeling sleepy, I can guide her around... Just gotta make sure I don't get lost. I thought to myself as I look at Yoo-Ah who's sleeping peacefully and grabbing the one things I kinda keep secret and the spare key card hanging on the wall before we leave-

(Hold it, how did she know I was in this room?)

I look at Abe who's looking pretty please and musing to herself as we leave the room and Abe waves her fingers and the dirty parts she lefts clean itself...

(Sigh... Well, off we go).

*************************************

*Splash*

"Fuwaaa~! Now this is heaven! Uuuh~ blur blur blur blur..."

After taking a quick shower, Abe soaks... Well more like sink into the large crimson bath. And accompanying her I try not to look so much as I join in to keep watch and stay close to her.

*Splash*

"Hehe! This is the best! Wohoo!"

*Splash*

Abe rampages around the large tub as the empty baths echo our activity. Resting a bit hoping this might help me sleep better later, I hear the Splashing comes closer.

"Pwah! Mwehehe! Man I can't get enough! Ah~!"

Seeing her satisfied and calmed down, I realize that her body is filled with hole scars rather than slash marks like me or other I seen.

"Hmm? Checking my body huh?"

"N-No!"

"Don't be embarrassed! Ogle all ya want! Think of it as your prize~ though since I'm an Owlian like you my bullet scars don't go away so I hope you don't mind."

"Don't tease me! I can still feel something okay!"

"Hehe!"

Seeing her get closer and pressing her body I rush away replying:

"Anyways! What's the mission Ptelophy sent you?"

"Tch! I guess we could finish business quickly. Basically..."

Abe swirls her arms at the bath as to create a whirlpool before lifting a finger and it starts to shine...

(I wonder if she's really an owlian? I mean I can use some kind of magic but I wonder what's hers? Then again, if its really the same magic those Zerian uses, I doubt I can see it).

From the light a moving vision appear, though still blurry it soon takes form of a girl much younger than me wearing a gorgeous flower patterned robe, it seems she's eating some snacks with flowers on them. Before I could ask anything, Abe continues explaining:

"Your mission is simple, after impressing the Chancellors by capturing a Templar alive they decided maybe you're up for a new challenge."

"Don't tell me..."

"That's right! Your new mission is to capture or should I say, escort her back to the king of Geom!"

"Who? And wait, capture!?"

"Well, it's more of take her back from an annoying opponent."

The picture change to a boy the same age as me wearing some really exquisite armour and wielding a really fine blade even for me I can see the mystical value. He seems to be maintaining his gear while staring at the noble lady. Close to him though is companions in a form of something akin to a tiny lizard and a female mage who's playing with each other, from her equipment she might be a very powerful one with all the artifacts and expensive clothes she wears.

"So they're troublesome for their team?"

"No, those two are not much, what you should worry is the boy and the target. It seems he's like me."

"Like you?"

"Oh? Well let's just say, he knows a lot for someone his age. And he has cheat powers from the Gods but unlike me, he has the ability to wield all artifacts with some exception! So... In terms of firepower he might not be as strong as those Templars you fought but he might just be as hard especially with the target helping him out."

"Sigh... Am I really a diplomat?"

"Hah! Don't worry about that. What you need to know is that they're heading to this kingdom to hide right now so it's perfect for you! Just call me or her again when you manage to get her to follow you. Don't worry, as long as you beat the boy she would be very obedient."

"That sounds... Evil, it's like I'm kidnapping someone."

"Hah, that's just relative to how people interpret things-"

*Slide* *tap* *tap*

"Wah!"

Hearing the door open and someone entering inside, I quickly dive deeper from instinct and wonder who it is and if its okay if they saw Abe but appearing from the silhouette...

"My oh my, bringing in an Owlian friend along? I didn't know you're that type of person Sova-Ssi."

Speaking in Hwansea, Jin-Yeon appears as I try to look away as her body come to view replying:

"Um, it's not what you think!"

"Hahaha! Don't be afraid! I'm not gonna report you or anything. Relax, I'm just here to enjoy some nice bath after all. Let's enjoy the evening together."

Jin-Yeon replies back merrily as I hear the showers open. Abe comes near me asking:

"Hey, what did she say? And you know a babe that hot? Aren't you one lucky bastard?"

"Be serious here, Abe! And well, she's saying she's not going to do anything."

"Ah okay..."

"Not to be rude but I can also speak the common tongue. And thanks for the compliment."

"Hehe no problem- wait you understand?"

"I'm an adventurer who travels across the world, you'll be surprise by how much language I speak."

Jin-Yeon piques Abe's curiosity as she swims closer to her side replying:

"Woah! Really!? How many can you speak? Are you perhaps like Sova here? I dare say he-er linguistic ability is pretty neat."

"Oh? (She knows she's guy too?)"

Hearing her muttering softly something very worrying I can't help but try to listen again but Jin-Yeon continues saying:

"So, You can speak multiple languages, Sova? You're getting more and more impressive for a Rookie. As for your question, I can speak around 13 fluently."

" "13!?" "

We both exclaim as I look at her to see her smooth back and then look away again.

(But that's like more than twice than what I can speak... The world sure is a big place).

"It's not that big of a deal once you get to adventuring. I'm more curious about you, crimson rat-kin. I never seen a rat-kin with such a bright colours other than the royal white. My name's Oka Jin-Yeon, I'm an adventurer here and her senior. What's your relation with our Star Rookie?"

"Me? Well the names, Ana Burnside. But call me A-Be, okay? As for my colour, I came from the black line so maybe that's why u haven't seen this. It's pretty normal to have crimson there."

"Really? That would explain things. It seems there are still places I am completely unaware."

Jin-Yeon continues to wash herself when Abe swim forth explaining:

"Still an adventurer huh? Your existence are like myth from where I came from. And for my relationship... Can't you see we share a special bond~?"

Abe snuck close to me and I try pushing her away saying:

"C-Cut it out!"

"Hahaha! You two sure are close... Still I'm surprised to how you manage to bring her in through those defenses but whatever. So how're you adjusting so far? I hope this place suits your needs."

"Of course! This place is wonderful!"

"Yeah, too wonderful..."

I could feel Abe staring knives at me as she says that and I look away saying:

"I'm just lucky okay, and I'm sure glad I am."

"Too lucky, Sova. Too lucky! Ah you know what!? I'm gonna be an adventure too if it means I get to live in a resort!"

"Wait what?"

*Splash*

Abe gets up with her arms high and continue saying:

"Don't stop me! With my skills and power, I'm gonna be a new star rookie too and get the fame! And all will praise my name! (Oh, you're so amazing Abe~! Please marry me! I don't care if you're an Owlian~!)"

I could her her praising her self as she turns her face away.

"Umm..."

Wondering what to say to her, I look to my side to see Jin-Yeon washing her long hair calmly before I look away again and hear her replying:

"Don't bother, there's a reason why none of those Owlians kicked outside haven't joined the Adventurer Guild in the south. And it's not like they're lacking any talents, in contrary I actually found some very interesting peoples that could seriously outshine many of our new rookies here. Sova is a good example of one of those interesting people."

" "Huh?" "

We both exclaim our confusion and I continue asking:

"Wait what do you mean? Didn't I joined in?"

"Hahaha, why don't you think more, Sova? How DID you join the guild? Did you sign up yourself? Or did somebody give you the papers and do the work for you?"

"Now that you said that..."

"I actually had to bribe my way in and get myself a personal staff before crushing my own cousins and friends to join. And not only that, this place is pretty picky on who is allowed in. Cause have you seen a foreigner other than you even then, they need at least an honorary or family names from either Heaven or the kingdoms."

"That's..."

*Splash*

As the picture paints itself, I find it hard to believe when Abe dives back in to the large bath which cause the water to overflow shouting:

"The hell! That's not fair!"

"This guild is funded by the elites, wealthy, and powerful. More specifically those of royal blood and blood skill lineage. And they only wants those they deemed worthy to enter. Sova's walking on a tight rope but you can always try joining the Hunters Guild."

(Woah... I never knew... Yoo-Ah really is doing a lot for me... Well that just goes to show I need to do my best for her!)

*Splash*

Seeing Jin-Yeon sits beside me as rest her arms in the bath's fences and seeing her large breast float a bit before turning away again.

(Ahh! This is too dangerous for me!)

"Phew, that's nice... Though it's not like you're not allowed too but... I doubt you would stay long here or in the Hunter's guild. You can ask the droves of New Owlian Hunters that quit recently."

"The hell! This country sucks! Fine, I guess I'll just wonder around in hiding then! Sigh... It's at least better than going back to the bunkers."

"I could give you a suggestion."

"Oh? Tell me big Sis."

"What's with the sudden change in attitude? Well, why not join another guild? Like the sailors guild, the silk guild, the crafts guild or other guilds that doesn't involves combat?"

"Nah, I'm more good at fighting and I sure as hell don't want to return to the army. I tried the mercenary guild before but that place sucks."

"I see quite the... Adventurer. Well, just enjoy your time in the baths while you can. And also, why not try the sauna after this?"

"Sauna you say? I'm always quite curious of that. Where is it?"

Jin-Yeon raise her long legs to point at the door across the bath as she sinks deeper replying:

"Over there, I totally recommend it hah~"

"Hoho? I always heard the sauna is a place where we lose weight. Let's see if it's true! Come with me Sova! You ain't gonna leave me now are ya?"

(Lose weight?)

"Um... Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean you don't seem like you have that much to lose, Abe."

"Aw~ shucks, you ain't getting anything for saying that to me, Sova. So you coming or not!?"

"Um... No, I tried the sauna but I suppose it's not really my thing..."

"Don't be such a wuss! Get over here!"

"Woah! W-W-Wait! She might..."

Abe grabs my hand and drag me out as I quickly grab the towel to cover myself. Forced inside, I sit beside Abe as she looks at me asking:

"Why did you wear your towel like that? Are you giving your secrets away now?"

"No, and as for the ones who look they just pity me by saying the towel probably slide down cause I have nothing to hold too."

"Pfff, hahahahaha! Man you just made my day! Well mine is not that big- well, I dare say it's on the smaller side yet it can still hold just fine. Talking about sizes, as a man, you gotta hear about this."

"Yes, that's right, I'm a man. What is it?"

Instinctively answering back or maybe agro by her taunt I asked her and she smiles and make a weird groping gesture replying:

"Haven't you realize it yet? This kingdom is FILLED with girls with large breast!"

"Oh? Just that?"

Feeling disappointed by her answer, Abe leans closed shouting:

"What's with that meager reaction!? You should be happy spending time with all those girls!"

(Well I spend most of my entire life with girls and ladies somehow... Maybe that's why?)

She makes those weird hand gestured again but even more tense before she stand up saying:

"Do you know how rare it is to find girls back in the army! Especially those with that kind of size!? Now here is a kingdom filled with girls with gigantic busts and you're not really caring much? Are you really a guy!?"

"What's with that question? Of course I am!"

I stand up to answer back and she wrap her arms around my shoulder replying:

"Then you should be more conscious about these things!"

"Conscious?"

"That's right! You're more pathetic than my previous little brother! You'll never get a girlfriend like that!"

(Previous little brother? What does that mean? And girlfriend?)

"But I already have one-"

"Bullshit!"

Abe cuts me off and force me to sit down before she points at me shouting:

"If you really care than prove it! You gotta find some time and grope one of them! The bigger the better!"

"W-Why?"

"If you can't understand than there's no point in answering! You just gotta experience it for yourself to find the answer!"

She then sits beside me and continue making those hand gestures with a creepy smile saying:

"You gotta fondle them! Love them! CARESSss them! Fondly and gently! Mwehehe!"

"Uh..."

(She is a girl right? Right? Why is she more excited of this than me then?)

Abe rubs her chin with a creepy smile and continue explaining:

"And let me tell you what, all the girls here I saw is at least D cup and above! Even that lady outside is like E cup nearing F! This place is heaven! Now I know why they're so hostile toward male foreigners cause with rumours like that this place attracts the worst kinds of people!"

"Like you?"

"Shush it! This place is burning enough! Hmm, actually I don't feel that much heat or any steam."

As I hear her rambling and getting a bucket to pour in water in the corner of this place.

*Pssss*

With the loud sound, steam pours out and feeling the room getting more heated up, my sweat pours out faster, I try to get my mind of it by asking:

"Besides, you say C cup and D cup and all that but what's does that even mean?"

"Are you fucking serious!? You really don't know!?"

Abe push me to the wall as she pins me down and I can only answer:

"Why would I know about cups!?"

She pokes at my chest shouting:

"I can't believe you call yourself a man!"

"Wha... Wait, why are you telling me that! And what does that have to do with a man!?"

"Everything! A man's worth is determine by his taste! And how cultured he is!"

"And how do YOU know that!?"

(So... A guy's worth is determine by the cups he like and own? I see, maybe I should study and buy some of those tea sets nobles like to have and prove it then! That'll shut her up!)

"Fine! I'll show you I'm a real man!"

"Oh?"

I stand up and push her back replying:

"When I found a big enough cup, I'll show it to you and shut you up!"

"That's a weird way of saying it but Atta Boy! That's the spirit!"

We both somehow enjoy the sauna as an unknown time passes by. And in the corner of my ear I could barely hear the loud laughter of Jin-Yeon from the neighboring room which might just be me hearing things from getting too tired from the heat.

*************************************

Exiting the empty lobby, we came out sparkling and squeaky clean. Both in body and clothes... Though I can't say about her mind.

"Did you say something bad about me?"

"Huh? What? No."

Seeing her in winter clothing, I look out the sparkling sky saying:

"Well, thanks for coming along. It's fun and kinda reassuring to know someone you know outside your home."

"Hehe! No problem! You still remember your mission right?"

I nod firmly replying:

"Of course! I'll call you again when I got her."

"Heh, call me when you wanna hang out too if you want. I'm kinda bored to be honest since I'm stationed in the south now and with nothing to do..."

(Wait, how is she going to travel around? Either way more importantly...)

"One more thing, the outside is pretty dangerous right now. So please be careful, since there might be a very powerful monster king vessel roaming around."

"Hmm?"

Abe tilt her head confused as she looks at me before she hits her palm replying:

"Ah, yeah, right... Mhm, right... Uh, I'll be careful. See ya whenever! May the spirit bless you right?"

"Wait!

(This might be a good chance).

I hold her her hand and stop her and Abe smirks and looks at me with glee replying:

"Oho? What's this? You wanna confess something to me?"

I nod pulling something out replying:

"Yea, I suppose it is. I need you to take something."

"H-Hey, Sova. Think with your head not your groin. I understand that you seen me naked, talk about those stuff, and shared a deep kiss back then but..."

"What!? N-No! Forget about that!"

"How could you ask a lady to forget her passionate kiss!? You're too cruel!"

Abe's face reddened as she seems to be flustered I gave her the phoenix cape the Colonel gave me saying:

"Whatever! Can you please hold on to this?"

"Huh?"

Abe swipes the cape and open it up saying:

"Huh? The feth is this?"

"Um, it's the phoenix cape I had as I washed ashore. I feel like I shouldn't have that thing around as I'm traveling around here."

I mean from the colour, design and the aura it exudes. I conclude maybe I shouldn't carry most of the stuff I have back then. Abe sighs and clicks her tongue multiple time replying:

"Yeah, I knew development like that wouldn't happened with someone as innocent as you. Well, anyways. I'll help keep this for ya. See you whenever!"

Abe walks away waving her hand at me and I wave back shouting:

"Yea! Thank you so much! And may the spirit bless you!"

Taking a few steps away, Abe's figure disappears with the chilling wind as I wonder what time is it before sunrise. Quickly getting back, I look at my hands and remember what the group looks like...

(Let's hope I don't forget too quickly).

"Yaaawn... Phew... It seems I'm finally feeling tired. Time to get some sleep."

(Though I kinda feel bad making people carry some unwanted stuff).