Refusing My God’s Advances

As Danielle continued sketching out ideas in her notebook, I decided to change the topic slightly. "By the way, I reached level 100 and gained some new abilities. I know what you said before, but would you like to sleep in my bed tonight? Besides the excitement, I would like for you to help me look at my new skills and Class change."

Danielle lowered her notebook and gave me an incredulous look. "You haven't even checked yet? Why?"

I shrugged. "I would prefer to wait and share the experience with you girls. I kind of like cuddling in bed and going over my stats with you all. There is also the fact that our two abilities are the closest pairing out of all the girls. I kind of want you to look at everything, not only so you can help make suggestions, but to see how I might be able to help you with your research and or projects."

Danielle's eyes softened, and she smiled warmly at me. "You really are something special, you know that? Most people would be itching to check their new abilities and stats the moment they level up."

"I'm not most people," I replied with a grin. "I think this whole leveling thing is cool, but who developed it to have so many levels?! I feel like I have leveled every time I turn around. If I checked my level each time and pissed around with my settings, I would only get half as much done each day!" I laughed, and Danielle leaned into me for a moment.

After the moment was over, I was promptly pushed out of her lab. Once outside, I frowned as I looked at Danielle. "Why are you kicking me out?" I asked in confusion, and Danielle blushed.

"Because I want to get some work done, but I can only think about what it is going to be like when you take all those clothes off! Now get out! I will see you after supper!" Danielle snapped, and then she turned, and headed back into her lab, leaving me alone with a stupid grin on my face.

I let out a sigh but then heard my name coming from the forest. When I turned I found Aria walking alone with a beautiful smile on her face. Her expression only made me smile more, and I walked over to meet her.

"How did things go?" Aria asked, and I wiggled my hand.

"I did break level 100 today, but I was only able to progress one cave further than the day before," I said as I reached her.

Aria smiled at this. "I think you don’t give yourself enough credit, or maybe I am setting a bad example for you," she said and then waved for me to follow her as she lifted into the air.

"Where are we going?" I asked, and Aria pointed south.

"There is an island a ways away from here with a party of adventurers. I think that it would be good to not only let you see them fight but to also talk and meet with them. You have been surrounded by people who are mostly stronger than you, so I can see why you don't think you are making that much progress," Aria explained as we headed south, leaving Emberfall.

I don't think that Aria meant to go as fast as she was, but I had to strain just for my levitation magic to keep pace with her. If I would have been a level lower than 100, I don't think I would have been able to do this. In time, we reached the next island, which was well over twice the size of Emberfall, but that wasn't saying much.

Emberfall was a floating island about three miles in diameter, whereas this island was closer to 10 miles wide. It was even bigger than the first island where I had met most of the girls.

"What is this place called?" I asked as we started to lower towards the floating island.

The island was a far cry from the beauty of Emberfall, but the island seemed to have a different kind of ecosystem altogether. There wasn't a single bare spot on the entire island. Everywhere was covered in lush jungle trees, but there were a few overgrown structures, one of which we were heading to now.

"This island is called Mordi. All islands were once part of the ground below, but when Garland took over, Most of the dungeons rose up into the air like this. It happened a long time before I was born, but it is one of the reasons why I study the islands. I want to know why they are in the sky, and what purpose they serve," Aria explained as our feet set down in front of what used to be some kind of temple, but time and the local vegetation had reclaimed it. Vines and moss covered the stone structure, giving it a mysterious and ancient appearance.

As we approached the entrance, I felt the people ahead before I heard the sound of clashing weapons and spells coming from the other side of the closed entrance. Aria pushed open the partially overgrown doors, and the sound intensified. Aria didn't say anything and waved for me to follow her.

The tunnel was lit with torches, but the trip to the first dungeon room was short. As soon as we reached the opening, I spotted five adventurers fighting a single rare-rated monster. The man in the front engaging the level 15 (Rare)Grizzled Bear had to be the tank since he was only using a shield. There were two more swordsmen, but they were taking turns to hit it. The last two were girls, and they seemed to be magic and support since they were staying back from the fight.

As I watched them, time slowed, and I started to focus on each person. All of them were fighting for their lives right now, and I could feel the stress in the air. I took a step forward, but Aria stuck an arm out to stop me.