The Deviant Dominant

Elvira quickly caught on to Lukas’ idea. “Do you need to borrow–”

 

“I wouldn’t, Elvira,” David injected. “Not with your position in the guild.”

 

“Thanks, Elvira,” Lukas said, “but hopefully I have it covered.”

 

Gwyn had regenerated enough mana for one last heal, which at least made Lukas’ limp less prominent. His first stop after that was his room, where he retrieved the Dark Warlock’s Staff from its hiding place. Then he made a trip to the bank, where he emptied the party’s account into four heavily reinforced bags. He lugged the entire haul down the street to Boris’ Emporium, where he burst through the door like battered old miser, hunched over, out of breath, and clearly favoring one leg.

 

Trixie eyed him with amusement. “You know we can take a credit note from the bank, right?”

 

“I figured,” Lukas gasped out, “but I thought this many coins would be more tempting in person.”

 

“That might have worked on my dad,” Trixie said with a giggle, “but I would much rather have a credit note. Much easier to handle.”

 

Lukas sighed as he dropped the sacks of coins on the floor.

 

“Why did you even bring that many coins– ahhh, you’re here for the scroll.” Trixie nodded her head with understanding. “What would you have done if we had already sold it?”

 

“Then you might have seen a grown man cry,” Lukas said with a hint of jest.

 

“You don’t want the scroll yet,” Trixie commented. “It’s still too expensive. My father has only brought it down to sixty thousand gold.”

 

“As much as I would like to wait it out,” Lukas said, “I’m out of time. I’ve brought thirty-eight thousand gold coins…” Trixie was already shaking her head with amusement. “...and a highly unique item.” The store clerk’s eyebrows raised with interest. Upon seeing the staff, her eyes widened. “Wait, is this the staff of the necromancer that was slain in Greinhold? How did you get it?”

 

“I defeated the necromancer,” Lukas said. “Well, it was my team, and David–”

 

“Deal!” Trixie gleefully squealed. “The experience scroll is yours.”

 

Lukas took a deep breath, hesitant about his next request. “My conscience compels me to add a contingency. This staff is very powerful and contains some of the most cruel magic known to mankind. I cannot allow this staff to fall into the wrong hands. If I were not in my current situation, I would not even consider selling it.”

 

Trixie nodded, thinking through Lukas’ demand. “I can promise to only sell it to guild officials or the Council Guard. I could still fetch a decent price from them, and they might just want it for show. Hell, we might just keep it and put it in our own display window – heavily secured, of course.”

 

Lukas' apprehensions began to fade. He wasn't entirely thrilled about the situation, but given the circumstances, he dared not ask for more. “I accept.”

 

***

 

With scroll in hand, Lukas burst into the mansion. Jaren took a look at the young Adventurer and then chuckled in defeat. “Of course he has an experience scroll.”

 

“Here you go, milady,” Lukas said while handing the scroll to Fiona.

 

“I still want a diamond ring,” she teased, “but this is acceptable for the time being.” The scroll evaporated as Fiona gained her tenth level.

 

Jaren shook his head. “I probably still have the power to prevent you from competing, but I don’t think I have the heart for it. Just… please don’t die.”

 

“I believe our interests are aligned in that respect,” Lukas said.

 

Jaren motioned to Mikal. “I suppose it’s time for us to leave. There will likely be a reporter from the capital that will want to talk with you. Your profile as a team will make you… quite popular. Remember, seventeen days until Opening Day. I hope you’ll be ready.” The two men strolled towards the front door.

 

Marshal Jain followed behind the two departing guests, but before he made it to the door, he turned back and glared at Elvira. “That was a bold, and likely foolish move, Elvira. I hope you know what you are doing.” Then he was gone.

 

David surveyed the room and smiled. “I’m sure you all have plenty to discuss, so I’ll take my leave as well. Just between us, this whole idea is growing on me.” The old Assassin gave Lukas a pat on the shoulder before making his own exit.

 

“Finally,” Elvira exhaled. “You have no idea how difficult it was to fend them off for two hours. They were really putting me through the wringer.”

 

“You held out for two hours before we arrived?” Lukas questioned with a dumbfounded look on his face. “That sounds brutal.”

 

“Don’t worry about it, Lukas dear,” the elf said in a playful voice. “It was nothing. I had to make sure your task stayed completed.” Even Fiona nodded her head in respect for Elvira’s dedication. 

 

“I’m touched,” Lukas said, giving the blonde Guildmaster a wink.

 

“I realize I never asked,” Laera chimed in. “How was our parent’s visit?”

 

Elvira let a chortle escape from her mouth. “They were as pleasant as always. They couldn’t stop talking about the Arkmere Mages. Dad has never been more convinced that they’ll win the tournament. They have no clue that their youngest daughter has been selected to compete. I really want to see their expressions when they find out.”

 

“I’m going to go start dinner,” Gwyn said. “Thank you for standing up for us, Elvira. You are truly a great friend.” The half-elf girl gave the Anoran a warm hug before skipping off to the kitchen.

 

The group chatted while Gwyn made dinner with the help of the servants. “What was up with that Mikal guy?” Fiona asked. “It was like he read our profiles.”

 

“I think he is a Scribe,” Elvira answered. “He might have an ability that lets him examine profiles. That would make sense if he’s traveling with Jaren to validate selected Adventurers.”

 

“He was odd,” Lukas noted. “He seemed to be in favor of letting us compete.”

 

“I got that feeling, too,” Laera said, “though I wasn’t going to question it.”

 

Their discussion turned to their earlier cave run, and they talked about the umber hulks until Gwyn emerged with a completed dinner. Everyone gathered around the dining table and dished out their meal. They spent some time eating and laughing together before the conversation turned back to the tournament. “What's Opening Day?” Lukas asked.

 

“It's more of a festival event for the audience," Elvira said. "The competitors might be given information regarding the first round. I don't know too much, I was just a newly Scribed mage at the time the last tournament was held." 

 

"I see," Lukas said. "Will we have to face off against the other Wyvern team, or could we potentially work together?"

 

"The tournament could pit you two against each other," Elvira said. "I think it's in their interest to not do that. If both Wyvern teams were to get eliminated, then the Wyvern Guild might just completely lose interest in the rest of the tournament."

 

"Do you think Horvoth would be open to training with us?" Lukas asked. 

 

"He's a little rough around the edges," Elvira said. "He might view it as a chore. You could give it a try, though." She did not sound optimistic.

 

"Their loss," Fiona said. 

 

The rest of dinner carried on amidst a lighthearted atmosphere. Everyone's spirits were gradually recovering after their dangerous cave run and the tense meeting with Jaren. After Lukas finished eating, Gwyn pulled him aside and began investigating his bandages.

 

"Let's get a bath, Daddy," Gwyn suggested. "Come." The half-elf girl grabbed the Adventurer's hand and began pulling him upstairs.

 

"You think you're the boss, huh?" Lukas teased.

 

"I am the boss of making your leg better," Gwyn stated. "Other than that, your wish is my command, Daddy." She led Lukas to their bathroom and started drawing water for a bath. Immediately afterwards, she began stripping off her own clothes. "How much pain is lingering in your leg?"

 

Lukas stared at Gwyn's top-heavy figure in wonder, captivated by her ample breasts as he tried to pay attention to her questions. "Not much remains," he said. "I had to carry twice my weight in gold to Boris’. That probably didn't help."

 

Gwyn smiled and began stripping her Dominant. "I love how you take care of us, Daddy." She leaned in to kiss him. "I'm going to take care of you."

 

Gwyn led Lukas over to the bath and helped him into the water. Once he was comfortable, she stood behind him and began massaging his shoulders. She was thorough in her ministrations, taking care to rub out any and every kinks.

 

“Mmm... That feels nice,” Lukas said.

 

The petite girl pressed his tits into the back of Lukas' head while her arms reached down in front of him and rubbed his chest. Her fingers made their way down his torso and rubbed his lower abs. “You are so hot, Daddy,” Gwyn whispered. “I love your abs.”

 

“Thanks, babygirl. I love how devoted you are to me.”

 

The naked half-elf moved her hands down to the water, thoroughly smooshing her boobs into the back of Lukas’ neck as she did so. She gripped his dick and started jerking him off, but that didn’t last too long. “For the next part of your massage," she said, "I'm going to need to use my mouth."

 

She slid her hand off Lukas' cock and slipped into the bath with her Dominant. Gwyn sunk her head into the water until only her eyes remained above the surface. The water splashed as she sucked on his dick and her tongue swirled around his tip. Before long, she was bobbing her head up and down, taking in his cock as deep as she could. 

 

Lukas' groans echoed in the bathroom. He felt himself stiffen in her mouth and he moaned his pleasure. His cock erupted in her mouth. His hungry submissive kept sucking until he stopped shooting his load, holding his thick spunk inside her cheeks.

 

When Gwyn finally pulled off him, she played with his spunk in her mouth. She poked out her tongue and showed Lukas the white pool of cum on it. A stream of sperm escaped her lips and dribbled down her chin. She brought her finger up, scooped it, and shoved it back into her mouth. The petitehalf-elf swallowed Lukas' spunk and let out a happy giggle.

 

Her cute laughter was interrupted by a knock at the bathroom door. “Who is it?” Lukas asked.

 

Instead of a verbal answer, the door opened and a naked blonde elf entered. “I...” Laera stammered. “I was hoping I could help take care of Daddy.”

 

“Hmmm...” Gwyn purred with a wicked grin on her face. “I got the first load all to myself; I can share the rest. Come on in, you filthy elf slut.”

 

Laera's face blushed bright red. “Also, I wanted to give Daddy something special.”

 

The half-elf girl looked up at Lukas with a sly smile. “The filthy elf slut has something she wants to give you.”

 

Lukas gave an eager nod, his eyes fixed on the Laera's angelic nude form. “Go on.”

 

“I want Daddy to take my tight ass," Laera said, her blue eyes staring straight at Lukas. His dick began stirring once again in the water.

 

“Laera, I gladly accept your offering,” Lukas said, “but you'll need proper preparations to be able to take me. I'll make sure Gwyn helps–”

 

"Daddy," the naked elf bravely interrupted, "I've been preparing on my own. I'm ready whenever you desire to have me – and please refer to me as ‘filthy elf slut.’"

 

Both Gwyn's and Lukas' jaws dropped at the elf's confession. "I did not see that coming," Gwyn said with her eyebrows arched.

 

"Come kneel in front of the bath and wait," Lukas ordered. "Gwyn will finish bathing me, and then I'm going to claim my filthy elf slut's asshole." 

 

Laera complied, placing her bare knees on the cold, hard tile in front of the bathtub. Lukas watched her perfect body tremble with excitement. He decided his bath was over. "Gwyn, grab me a towel."

 

Gwyn helped Lukas out of the bath and dried him. The Dominant grabbed Laera by the hair and led her to their bedroom. He shoved the elf to her knees near the bed. His hardening dick flopped across the blonde's flawless face, and he wasted no time setting himself up to fuck it.

Shoving his length into Laera's mouth and down her throat, Lukas relished in the power he had over the dainty elf. "Good filthy elf slut. Get that cock ready for your tight hole."

 

Laera's blue eyes stared at Lukas in adoration while she sucked his cock. She gagged on it several times but kept her lips wrapped around it. 

 

"That's right, filthy elf slut,” Gwyn said, “show Daddy how cock-hungry you are." Perched on the bed, she reached down and began fingering her own pussy. Her breathing grew faster as she watched Lukas abuse Laera's mouth. She even slipped a finger into her own ass and started playing with herself.

 

Lukas pulled his cock out of Laera's mouth and motioned to the bed. "Get your tight ass in the air," he ordered.

 

The blonde elf complied and bent over the bed. Her firm ass was on display for Lukas. Gwyn continued fingering her pussy and ass while she watched Lukas position himself behind the elf. "You look so vulnerable, my filthy elf slut," Lukas said.

 

Laera's face was buried in the bed sheets. Her fingers gripped into the mattress as she waited for Lukas to take her. His cock slid into her tiny hole. Her body jerked from the sudden intrusion, but she did not complain.

 

"Such a tight ass," Lukas said, driving deep into her.

 

Laera let out a moan. "Yes, Daddy, your cock is so big." She grunted as Lukas rhythmically moved in and out of her.

 

"Mmm, that's right, filthy elf slut.,” Lukas said. “Take all of it.” His pace quickened as he pounded her ass.

 

Laera's moans echoed through the room. Gwyn's fingering grew more fervent as she watched.

 

Lukas placed his hands on Laera's ass and began spreading it while he fucked her. The elf's body trembled under his abuse. Her legs started quivering. She was approaching an orgasm. Lukas felt her tight ass constrict around his dick. "Daddy, I'm going to cum," Laera said, her voice strained from the pleasure. The defiled elf's ass tightened around Lukas' dick, and then her body shook as she reached her climax. 

 

Lukas continued fucking her ass and he felt his dick begin to throb. "I'm cumming," he said. The tall conqueror erupted inside the elf's ass. His thick spunk filled her up. He continued to shoot his load into her while he watched her tremble from the aftermath of her orgasm.

 

Gwyn watched Lukas fill Laera's ass with cum and she began rubbing her clit furiously. She felt herself reach a powerful orgasm. "Right behind you!" she exclaimed.

 

Lukas pulled out of Laera's ass and his cum spilled out. The elf collapsed onto the bed. He laid next to her and stroked her sweaty blonde hair. "My filthy elf slut," Lukas said, "you've pleased Daddy well."

 

Laera let out a content sigh. "That's all I care about," the elf said. "I'm happy to be your filthy elf slut."

 

The three of them rested together, enjoying the warmth of each other's bodies. The only sound in the room was Gwyn's fingers lazily rubbing her pussy – that was, until they dipped lower to tighter, puckered entrance. "I need your cock in my ass, Daddy," the busty half-elf said. "Tonight."

 

"You don't need to feel pressured," Lukas assured her. "Just because Laera was sneakily preparing for it behind our backs doesn't mean you have to give it up without being ready." 

 

Gwyn gave Lukas a determined look. "Take it. I can heal myself if needed. I need you to have all three of my holes. I won't be able to sleep otherwise." The movements of her hands between her legs increased in speed matching the growing lust in her eyes.

 

"Alright, if you insist," Lukas said with a smirk. "I'll be gentle." The girl let out a moan as Lukas rolled her onto her stomach and positioned himself behind her.

 

His fingers found her teensy back entrance. He rubbed her gently. "Relax," Lukas whispered. "Take a deep breath. I'll take care of you, babygirl." He slid his finger inside and felt Gwyn tense up. "Breathe."

 

Gwyn obeyed, taking deep breaths while Lukas played with her ass. He slid his finger out and replaced it with two. Her body tensed up again, but she was determined. "Yes," she whispered, "get my ass ready, Daddy."

 

Lukas continued fingering her ass until he felt she was ready. The half-elf's breathing was normal and she was no longer tensing up. "Ready?" he asked.

 

"Yes, Daddy," Gwyn replied, "fuck me."

 

Lukas positioned himself on top of Gwyn and pressed the tip of his dick against her ass. Her puckered entrance was stretched to the limit. Lukas began pushing forward and felt his cock slowly move inside her. Gwyn's ass gripped him tight. Her breathing grew more rapid as he worked his way inside her. The petite girl let out a moan as she took in his length. 

 

Once Lukas was fully inside, he paused, hoping not to pop off early. "Fuck, your hole is so tight," Lukas whispered. "I should've taken your ass earlier."

 

Gwyn let out a moan. "You should have, Daddy."

 

Lukas began moving his hips. Gwyn let out a small yelp. Her ass tightened around his cock. Lukas felt her ass relax a bit. "That's right," Lukas said, "just relax. Your ass is getting fucked by my huge cock."

 

Gwyn's moans echoed through the room as Lukas masterfully fucked her ass. He placed his hands on her shoulder blades, pushing his weight and hers into the mattress. Her ass rebounded each time he rammed into her. Lukas' wild lust quickened the tempo and he promptly lost control. His dick began throbbing, ready to erupt. "I'm going to fill your ass with cum, babygirl," Lukas warned.

 

Gwyn's ass squeezed Lukas' cock as tightly as it could. Her body began trembling. "Yes, Daddy, cum in me," she said.

 

Lukas shot his load into the receptive half-elf’s ass. His dick pulsed as he filled her with his thick spunk. Her body shook as the feeling of being filled pushed her to her own climax.

 

The two of them collapsed on top of the bed, their bodies spent. Lukas kissed Gwyn's cheek and rolled off her. He laid beside her and pulled the naked girl close. Laera joined them and wrapped her arms around Gwyn's body. The smallest girl fell asleep quickly, leaving Lukas and Laera awake. 

 

"That was amazing, Daddy," Laera whispered.

 

"I love you girls so much," replied Lukas.

 

“I’ve been contemplating something,” Laera said with a mischievous grin. “Don’t you think that Elvira deserves a reward? She did exceptionally well with your last task.”

 

“What did you have in mind?” Lukas asked.

 

“I know what she really wants,” Laera said. “There would also be a benefit to our team. You probably don’t know this, but Elvira’s strongest stat is actually Strength. She’s a mage, and has a high Mentality stat, too, but her primary is Strength.”

 

“Why are you telling me… Oooh, you naughty little elf!” He ruffled his hand through his submissive’s platinum blonde hair.

 

***

 

The impetus to train harder than ever awoke the Adventurers early the next morning. After a quick breakfast, they hurried out the door and set a blazing pace for the caves. Arriving at the entrance of their objective of the day, they paused for a moment. “Every moment counts,” Lukas said. “We have to be ambitious and careful at the same time.”

 

“I’ll do my best to avoid getting skewered in the leg,” Fiona bantered.

 

They smashed through a series of rooms, fighting trolls, kobolds, and goblins. They defeated a lich boss along with its skeletal army. After a productive day, they retraced their steps, withdrawing from the depths of the mountains.

 

“Hopefully we make some coin off this loot,” Lukas said as they hiked through the Mystic Forest. “That experience scroll cleaned us out.”

 

“The scroll was worth every coin,” Gwyn said, giving Fiona a quick hug.

 

“Of course it was,” Lukas said, “but we did have other plans for that money. Now we are starting from scratch.”

 

Upon returning to Vandhoven, they were met on the front step of the mansion by Elvira and another woman. “Perfect timing!” Elvira called out to them. “Meet Olivia. She’s a reporter visiting from the capital, and she is very eager to speak with you.”

 

The bubbly woman next to the Anoran beamed at the six adventurers. With angular features and curly auburn hair framing her face, she radiated a cheerful yet professional demeanor. Her trim waist and curvy hips complemented her lively presence. A leather bag rested against her side, the brown strap slung comfortably over her shoulder. “Wow! What a handsome, young team you all are! Let’s head inside and get started!”

 

Elvira opened the door and the vivacious woman practically skipped inside. The blonde Guildmaster watched the reporter bounce around, biting her lip nervously. She turned to Lukas. “Be careful,” she whispered.

 

The group got comfortable in the great room, and Olivia wasted no time getting started. “Let me make sure I have this right. We have Lukas, Lucy, Fiona, Gemma, Laera, and Gwyn,” she said, correctly pointing out each Adventurer with her pen.

 

“Well done,” Lukas commented. “You came prepared.”

 

“Part of the job,” Olivia said with a smile. “Let’s jump right in. What brought you all together?”

 

Fiona spoke first. “Most of us are connected through Lukas. Gemma grew up in his hometown. I met him when… he was traveling to the Chimera Guild. Gwyn needed a team and thought Lukas was hot. Laera had a shitty Anoran team, and she also thought Lukas was hot. Lucy came to Eberlorn because she needed a change in scenery. Turns out she’s a badass with the bow, so we recruited her.”

 

Olivia was scribbling furiously with her pen. “Very informative, but also mysteriously vague. Anything else to add?”

 

“I think everyone’s story is unique,” Gwyn chimed in. “That’s what makes this team so great. You would have to talk with each one of us individually to get the full story.”

 

“I do plan on conducting individual interviews in just a bit, dear,” she said. “My curiosity is getting the best of me, however. I must ask, who ended up with the guy?” She raised her eyebrows playfully at the girls.

 

Lukas interjected before anyone said anything that could not be taken back. “We try our best to keep the relationships professional.” Fiona snorted.

 

The reporter gave him an unsatisfied frown, but moved on to the next question. “Who on the team has the coolest class? Now’s your time to brag.”

 

Laera determined it would be wise for her to answer. “Surely you must have interviewed Anorans before. You know how secretive we are with our profiles.” The elf forced a giggle out, hoping her answer would appease the reporter.

 

“I was hoping you would be less traditional,” Olivia remarked, “given that you are on a non-Anoran team.”

 

“I know we look young,” Lukas chimed in, “but giving that information out right before the tournament would be a rookie mistake.”

 

“Ahh.” Olivia feigned disappointment. “Rookie mistakes can be so fun to report on. Speaking of your youth, what would you say to people who might claim you are too inexperienced to compete in the tournament?”

 

“Nothing,” Gemma said abruptly. “We’ll let our fighting do the talking for us.”

 

For a moment, silence reigned. And only one person in the conversation seemed uncomfortable with it.

 

The curly-haired woman stifled a nervous giggle. “Next question. How did you manage to persuade the Wyvern Guild to choose your team? It’s quite a coincidence that Elvira is the Guildmaster and her younger sister is part of the team.”

 

Elvira’s voice rang out from across the room. “They finished a quest that no other team was capable of completing. They defeated a dark mage and returned to Vandhoven heroes of the Wyvern Guild.” Lukas turned his head to look over at Elvira, not realizing that she had been listening in. 

 

Olivia was once again scribbling down notes on her paper. “What is your strategy for preparing your inexperienced team for such a challenging tournament?”

 

By that point, Fiona was peeved. “I don’t know. We will probably go kill some demons and minotaurs; maybe we will find another necromancer. You should come along and get the hands-on perspective! As long as you listen to us and don’t ask stupid questions, you probably won’t turn into a zombie.”

 

Olivia looked horrified at the redhead’s suggestion. “Perhaps we should move on to individual interviews. Lukas, could I speak with you privately?” Lukas nodded. He wasn’t as annoyed as Fiona, but he still wasn’t enjoying the experience.

 

Seated in the relative privacy of the dining room, Olivia started off with some background questions, asking where he’d grown up, what his favorite experience had been as an Adventurer so far, and what his goals were. Those questions, Lukas was able to field relatively easily.

 

Then the reporter started probing again. “What strengths do you bring to the team?”

 

Extra bonded skills, stat boosts, and mind-blowing sex. Versatility between tanking damage, being a frontline brawler, and destroying mages. “I think I’m good at motivating my teammates to train harder and be better,” was what Lukas actually said. Olivia looked disappointed with his generic answer.

 

“Are you romantically involved with anyone on the team?” To Lukas, it almost seemed like it was a repeat question from their group interview. To Lukas, it almost seemed like it was a repeat question from their group interview. He once again trod very carefully. “I try very hard to ensure that there are no feelings of jealousy amongst ourselves. I wouldn’t want a misplaced relationship to tear the team apart.”

 

“Very smart,” Olivia remarked. “It must be difficult to hold back. They’re all very beautiful.”

 

“I always do what’s best for team unity,” Lukas said, almost cracking a sly smile.

 

“Thank you,” the reporter said, finishing up the last of her notes. “That should be all I need from you.” Lukas headed back, and Olivia summoned another Adventurer to interview. She made it through four girls before wrapping up. Apparently, the female journalist did not need a one-on-one interview with Fiona.

 

“I’ve had such a pleasant time meeting you all,” the reporter said, making her way towards the front door. “I’m sure we will see more of each other in the capital.” She checked her leather bag one last time and then departed from the mansion.

 

“I had a blast,” Fiona said. “What about you all?”

 

“I’m a little scared of this article that she’s going to write,” Gwyn admitted.

 

“Let’s not worry about it,” Lukas said. “There’s not much we can do. Is anyone else hungry? My stomach was growling through the entire interview.”

 

Gwyn and the staff threw together a quick dinner. Between their relatively longer cave run and the reporter’s visit, it was getting late. After enjoying their meal together, they lingered around the table, chatting about the upcoming weeks.

 

“You have the hardest job, you know,” Fiona told Lukas with a mischievous smile.

 

“How do you figure?” Lukas asked curiously.

 

“We all need to train hard and farm experience for our skills,” Fiona said, “but we also need to try and max out bonded skills as well. You’re not going to be getting much rest at night.”

 

“That’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make,” Lukas valiantly declared. 

 

“What an honorable man we all share,” Gwyn said with a giggle.

 

“If you’ll excuse me,” he said stoically, “I have a duty to perform.”  The Dominant rose from his chair and slung his redhead over one shoulder. He scooped up his blonde elf from her chair and threw her over his other shoulder and carried the two girls towards his room. Gwyn saw no reason to ‘excuse’ him and trailed behind him with the other two girls.

 

***

 

Lukas’ nighttime quest was successful, rewarding him with a bounty of Dominance experience. He woke up in his bed, his eyes flitting open. Unsure of how to distribute the newly gained experience, he caught a flash of red hair out of the corner of his eye and decided to seek help. Fiona and Gemma were already up, exercising on Lukas' bedroom floor. They were, in fact, working out, unlike the previous night when they had been ‘exercising’ on his bed.

 

Lukas climbed out of bed and joined them, pumping out several reps of push-ups. “How do you still have energy?” Fiona asked with mock astonishment.

 

“Did you see how much I scarfed down last night?” Lukas replied. “Elvira is going to go broke from feeding us.”

 

“Not likely,” Fiona retorted.

 

“Hey,” Lukas said. “I have another bonded skill upgrade ready. Since Gemma just got one, I can give it to you unless you have a better idea.”

 

“I would definitely take it,” Fiona said, “but if I’m being honest, I think there are better options.”

 

Lukas raised an eyebrow. “Really? Enlighten me.”

 

“If we're basing this on usefulness, I'd prioritize upgrading either Laera's silence or Lucy's twin.”

 

Lukas nodded, considering Fiona’s suggestions. “Which one would be first?”

 

“Hard to tell,” Fiona said. “I don’t know what we will be fighting against in the next couple days.”

 

“So…” Lukas scratched his chin. “Who ever wakes up first?”

 

Laera leapt up to a sitting position on the bed. “I’m awake!”

 

“The naughty little elf was eavesdropping,” Fiona said with a smirk. “Gemma.”

 

The two women sprung up and pounced on the Anoran. “What are you doing?! Ah ha ha. Are you tickling me?! Stop– haha. Stop it!” Laera soon lost the ability to form a coherent sentence.

 

Lukas let the playful assault on his blonde elf continue for nearly a minute before he arose and rescued her. By that time, Laera’s laughter had woken everyone else up. “Let’s get your ability leveled up,” said her rescuer. He held her hands and applied his Dominance experience.

 

<<<

Laera Silverbreeze

General Class: Mage

Main Class: Sorceress

Level 11

 

Stats:
Strength: 15.6

Agility: 18.5

Mentality: 28.4

Vigor: 21.3

 

Skills:

Night Vision (Passive) - Level 4 - grants night vision to Adventurer. Spells are 11% more effective in caves.

Lightning Strike (Triggered) - Level 4 - fires a lightning strike that deals massive damage

Refresh (Triggered) - Level 3 - reset cooldowns for all spells and knocks back enemies within a medium radius and inflicts minor magical damage

Mind Bender (Ultimate) - Maxed - gain access to target’s mind for 120 seconds

 

Bonded Skills:

Cumslut (Passive) - Level 2 -  receive a moderate instant mana boost whenever the Deviant’s cum is consumed

Submissive Silence (Triggered) - Maxed - prevents target from using skills for 60 seconds and inflicts a moderate amount of magical damage

>>>

 

“A whole minute of silence is wicked,” Laera commented. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

 

“And with your refresh?” Lukas said. “You’re unstoppable.”

 

“I’m excited,” Laera said. “Let’s head to the caverns.”

 

“I better go get breakfast prepared,” Gwyn said, scurrying out the door. Lukas did another set of push-ups and then joined the sprightly half-elf downstairs. After shoveling down the scrambled eggs that she’d whipped up, the Adventurers rushed off to the caves, eager to start before everyone else.

 

The group made their way through the Mystic Forest and to the foot of the mountains. They selected a cave entrance and annihilated the cave hounds they found inside. They easily defeated the opposition in the next several rooms before they ran into a group of banshees. The specters wailed, their chilling howls reverberating off the damp cave walls, sending shivers down the spines of any who dared to approach.

 

The Adventurers groaned under the screeching mental assault, but Lukas’ reaction time had improved slightly from the last time they had battled the screaming wraiths. With his Praise ability activated, he chased down the icy enemies, slashing through their ghostly forms. The duration of his magical immunity had been upgraded since then , and it made all the difference. The screams of the last banshee were silenced by Lukas’ blades just as his boosted resistance expired.

 

Gemma grunted, irritated that she had been neutralized for the majority of the fight. “I might hate those things more than demon pixies.”

 

Laera’s voice came from behind them. “What’s that?”

 

Lukas and Gemma looked over their shoulder at the elf, who was pointing at an icy slab embedded in the cavern wall. The slab was as tall as Lukas and wide enough to fit his arm span. Lukas squinted at the ice, which appears darker in the center, hinting at open space behind it. “How did we miss that?” he asked no one in particular.

 

“When your mind is being turned to mush,” Fiona scoffed, “you tend to ignore a little bit of ice.”

 

Needing to vent some of her aggression, Gemma raised her sword and strode towards the slab with purpose. She started hacking away. Not making much progress, she grunted, lit her sword on fire, and then resumed her demolition quest.

 

While Gemma mercilessly punished the frozen barrier, the rest of the team collected loot. Finally, Gemma punched through. Her effort was rewarded with a newly discovered tunnel. The rest of the ice was easy to clear, and curiosity prodded the Adventurers down the secret passage.

 

The tunnel opened up into a spacious chamber. It was illuminated by shimmering crystals embedded in the walls, which cast an ethereal glow across the damp stone floor. In the center of the room stood a large stone pedestal, weathered and covered in moss, upon which rested three intricately designed brass buckets of different sizes. One had the number eight embossed on it, another held the number five, and the third with the number three. There was a mark on the interior of each bucket, high up near the rim. The eight-bucket was filled to that mark with a black, inky liquid.

 

Branches of the chamber extended into two wings on either side. Tall, elegant columns lined the stony corridors. At the end of each wing stood a grandiose, granite statue. The statues depicted tall wizards with flowing robes and serene expressions. Each wizard held a chalice in front of it, supported by two granite arms. Both chalices, despite being on opposite sides of the chamber, were identical, and had the number four engraved on it.

 

“So we need to pour four units of liquid in each chalice,” Gwyn said, mostly looking at Laera and Lukas. “Is that about right?”

 

“Easy,” Fiona said. “Let’s just pour half of the eight-bucket in one and the other half in the other. Then we can get back to fighting.”

 

“You would be eyeballing it,” Lukas replied to Fiona. “I think the puzzle wants us to be exact.”

 

“You think the cave puzzle is going to be picky over a few drops of liquid death?”

 

Lukas nodded his head.

 

“Fine,” Fiona said, folding her arms on her chest. “I’ll let you nerds figure it out.”

 

“We could pour out what we think is half into the five-bucket and then weigh them with our arms,” Gemma suggested.

 

“That might be worse than eyeballing it,” Laera said. “The buckets might be different weights, too. No, the other two buckets are here for a reason. We need to find out how to measure out four units exactly.”

 

“There’s no four-bucket though,” Gemma stated the obvious. “If we had a two-bucket, that could be useful, but we’re stuck with five and three. Maybe someone was already here and took a bucket with them.”

 

“You’re the only one loony enough to hack through that ice wall,” Fiona retorted.

 

“Hmm, two,” Laera said thoughtfully. “We could fill up the five-bucket and then pour out exactly three units of liquid into the three-bucket from the five-bucket. That would leave two in the five-bucket.”

 

Lukas moved to follow Laera’s instructions. “Be careful,” the elf cautioned. “I don’t think we can afford to spill any.”

 

Soon they were left with two units of liquid in the five-bucket. “Perfect,” Fiona chimed in, only lasting on the sidelines for a minute. “We dump that one in, and repeat to get two units again. Then there will be four left over.”

 

“What if they need to be poured in at the same time?” Lukas pondered out loud.

 

“They’re stone wizard statues,” Fiona disputed, “not pre-teen princesses. They’ll be fine with however we do it.”

 

“I bet we could get four units in each of the larger buckets,” Lukas countered, “just to be on the safe side.” Fiona grumbled and sunk back into the background.

 

“Any ideas?” Lukas asked Laera, who just shook her head. “So we have three in the eight-bucket, two in the five-bucket, and three in the three-bucket.” After a minute of thinking, inspiration brightened Lukas’ expression.

 

“Ahh! Let’s pour the three-bucket back into the eight-bucket, and then empty the five-bucket into the three. So then we would have six in the eight-bucket and two in the three-bucket. Then fill up the five-bucket completely from the eight-bucket. The three-bucket will only hold one more unit, so you take that from the five-bucket and there will be four units left over in the five-bucket. Empty the three-bucket back into the eight-bucket and there will be four units in both buckets.”

 

Laera clapped her hands excitedly as they got to work carefully measuring out the dark liquid. Lukas’ instructions proved to be effective, and soon they had two buckets with exactly four units each.

 

Lukas and Gemma carried the buckets gingerly in opposite directions. In tandem, they filled up the chalices with their precisely measured liquid. For a tense pause, a heavy silence hung in the air, intensifying the Adventurers' collective anxiety. Suddenly, the eyes of each wizard and the liquid in their chalices erupted with a brilliant ethereal blue glow. To Lukas' astonishment, the liquid in his chalice morphed into a black-bladed dagger, gleaming with exquisite craftsmanship. On the far side of the chamber, Lukas heard euphoric exclamations from Gemma. “Whoa! Look at all these coins!”

 

“Fiona,” Lukas called out. “You should come take a look at this.” The redhead trotted over to him, and her eyes widened when she looked at the dagger in the chalice.

 

<<<

Night Dagger

Legendary

 

Insane: grants a +5 boost to Mentality

Dark Strike: grants Dark Magic damage to every strike proportional to Adventurer’s Mentality stat

Ally of the Shadows: each strike has a 3% of casting a Shadow Curse for 10 seconds on target, which clouds the target’s mind and disorients their movements and attacks, Shadow Curse chance doubles at night

Wisp of Darkness (Triggered): increase attack speed by +50% for 15 seconds, cooldown is halved at night

>>>

 

“Yes!” Fiona’s shouts echoed loudly throughout the chamber. She gave Lukas a passionate kiss and hugged him tightly. “Thank you for ignoring me and finishing the puzzle correctly.”

 

“Let’s go see what Gemma’s making a fuss about,” Lukas replied with a grin. The pair of Adventurers joined the rest of their team in the other wing of the chamber. They found everyone else circled around Gemma’s chalice, which was filled to the brim with gold and silver coins. Collecting the loot, the Adventurers returned back to the banshee's lair triumphant. Unfortunately, one particular individual’s good mood didn’t last too long.

 

“Fuck!” Gemma shouted out in frustration when they entered the next room. Flying high along the cavern ceiling were over a hundred demon pixies.

 

***

 

The archers picked off the flying fire pests as swiftly as they could, their arrows finding their marks with impressive precision. The real challenge was not being distracted by Gemma’s muscular frame not-so-gracefully dancing around the cavern as she dodged the fiery projectiles. Her twisting and bending was a rather hilarious spectacle, prompting some giggling from the ranged Adventurers. They kept their laughter stifled; they knew better than to let the Brawler’s ears pick up on their chuckles.

 

They cleared two more rooms before deciding they were finished for the day. Lukas was picking through the loot from some lizardmen they had just slain when an excited, five-foot-nothing girl raced over to him.

 

“Daddy!” Gwyn said, bursting with energy. “I leveled up and maxed out my Ultimate!”

 

“Nice!” Lukas said. “So it was a five-level Ultimate?”

 

“Yes, but that’s not even the best part,” Gwyn said. “Take a look at my profile.” She extended her arms towards him.

 

<<<

Gwyndolyn Groves

General Class: Deviant

Main Class: Submissive

Level 11

 

Stats:
Strength: 11.6

Agility: 12.5

Mentality: 17.3

Vigor: 21.3 + 40

 

Skills:

Liberating Submission (Passive) - Maxed - when bound as an Obedient to a Dominant, all skill effects are doubled - Active

Heal (Triggered) - Maxed - grants a 60 HP heal to an Adventurer

Meekness (Triggered) - Level 3 - Turn invisible for 120 seconds

Wife Material (Ultimate) - Maxed - grants access to the Hidden Strength ability, receive a +40 Vigor boost for one day after cooking for a man - Active

Hidden Strength (Triggered) - Maxed - cast Meekness on target ally, if Wife Material is active, surrender Vigor bonus and distribute the boost to the target ally for +10 boost in all stats for the duration of Meekness

 

Bonded Skills:

Protective Embrace (Passive) - Maxed - immune to Damage-over-Time effects casted on Submissive, Dominant receives an opposite healing effect when Damage-over-Time effects are casted on Submissive

Puppy (Triggered) - Level 2 - summons a Level 20 Dire Wolf familiar to assist, only one can be summoned at a time

>>>

 

“Your Ultimate ability gave you… another ability?”

 

“I know!” Gwyn said cheerfully. “My class rocks! It sucks that I have to sacrifice my Vigor boost, but can you imagine an invisible brawler, like either you or Gemma, empowered with a full stat boost?” Lukas gulped; the idea of having to face down such an opponent was indeed daunting. He was grateful that the phantom warrior would be part of his party.

 

After packing up a large amount of loot, the Adventurers started their journey back through the winding tunnels. Back in the cave entrance, they encountered another team of Adventurers. Lukas recognized Horvoth from Elvira’s party. Horvoth’s expression told him the recognition was reciprocated. “Oy!” Horvoth called out. “You’re the other team going to the tournament, right? I’ve been meaning to have a word with you.”

 

Horvoth stood tall, matching Gemma’s height. His tanky build was unmistakable, boasting a broad chest and thick biceps that bulged with visible strength. Long black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, with some frazzled strands escaping as a result from a long day fighting in the caverns. The armor he wore gleamed with a pristine quality, and was meticulously polished. Lukas cautiously led his team forward, unsure of Horvoth’s stance on Lukas’ under-leveled team competing in the tournament.

 

“Your selection made quite the stir,” the tank stated.

 

Lukas felt a knot tighten in his gut at Horvoth's words, uncertain whether the tank’s smirk was welcoming or laced with sarcasm. “I don’t understand it at all,” he said lightly. “Who wouldn’t want to see such beautiful ladies in action?”

 

His attempt at humor earned him some chuckles from Horvoth’s team. “That would truly be an unacceptable loss,” Horvoth replied with a broad grin, revealing a set of slightly crooked teeth. In a more serious tone, he continued. “You won’t get any grief from us. If half the stuff David told me about Greinhold is true, you’re alright in my book.”

 

“Have you participated in the tournament previously?” Lukas asked, relieved that their partner team appeared to be cordial.

 

“I did four years ago,” the tank replied, “though not as a team leader. Since then, I’ve built my own team and hope to make a glorious return.”

 

“Do you have any tips?” Lukas asked hopefully.

 

“Ehh,” the experienced Adventurer replied, his face thoughtful.. “There will likely be a round that pits you directly against another team in combat. Anything you know about other teams is a potential advantage. We probably won’t face off against each other, but be careful with who sees you train and what information you leak. I actually believe that some of the more famous teams are at a disadvantage because their skills are more well-known.”

 

“Thanks,” Lukas said. “Are you headed back too?”

 

“Yes,” Horvoth answered. “We are putting in overtime work. I’m trying to get one more level up before the tournament.” Lukas was hoping to get two or three levels during that same time frame, but if, as he suspected, Horvoth was already a much higher level than him, the tall tank’s goal was no sign of sloth.

 

The two teams walked back together, chatting away – though Lukas did take the tank’s advice and was careful about discussing anything specific about his team. Upon reaching Vandhoven, they said their farewells and went their separate ways.

 

After a hearty dinner and a brief loot-sorting party, Lukas found himself outside Laera’s bedroom. The elf emerged and raised up on her tippy-toes to give her man a kiss on the lips. Hand in hand, the two walked a short distance down the hallway.

 

“Are you sure about this?” Lukas asked Laera one last time. Laera just looked at him with a mischievous smirk, then knocked on Elvira’s door.