Chương 71: To Entertain a Princess Part 2

It took Corel only twenty days to arrive in the Eludian Empire. She blinked as her surroundings shifted, and she found herself standing in a small, lavishly decorated room. Five blue-skinned females with long, elegant ears knelt beside her in silence. They all wore the same, tight fitting smart attire, similar to what some of the humans in Heliopolis wore. She glanced around, immediately struck by the extravagance of the place; everything was trimmed in gold and deep crimson. She must be in a palace.

The scent of incense hung in the air, and the tapestries shimmered as if enchanted.

"Quick, kneel here," one of the long-eared females whispered, pointing to the empty space beside her. Corel rushed over and knelt down, trying to mimic their posture. She cursed internally, realizing too late she was still dressed in the plain casual clothes she'd thrown on back in Kunlun. Her hair was a mess from hours of alchemy. She reached up to neaten it, but stopped as the door to the room opened. Soft footfalls echoed on the polished floor. Corel quickly bowed her head.

"Thank you for coming today. Please rise," said a soft, melodic voice. Corel straightened slowly, brushing off her wrinkled clothes as she stood. Why did the system not give her time to prepare before throwing her into the quest? Before her stood a female of equal height, dressed in dazzling black and gold garments that clung snugly to her graceful, curvaceous form. Her long black hair was tied into a flowing tail, held in place by a golden ribbon.

Gold ornaments adorned her temple and hair, subtly catching the light. Her deep red eyes were sharp, focused, and had an unusual depth to them that Corel couldn't quite comprehend. Those eyes locked onto Corel sharply.

"You, what race are you?"

"I am Volduran," Corel replied. The long-eared female pursed her lips, mouthing the word back slowly.

"Your name?" she asked.

"I am Corel Relashra of Clan Relashra."

"You're from the current integration, aren't you?" the long ear continued, her tone shifting to something more casual.

"The last time we had a visitor from the integration, he…" She didn't finish. Her head snapped around as the doors opened again. Corel straightened, every muscle tensing at the arrival of Rose Terravignion. The princess glided into the room in a flowing white dress that brushed her ankles. Her golden hair was arranged in a stunning cascade of curls and loops, framing a face so flawless that Corel found herself momentarily breathless. She was the most beautiful long-eared in the room.

No, she was the most beautiful being Corel had ever seen. She tried to remember what Joe had called her race… something with an M.

"Daisy, how are the…" Rose stopped mid-sentence. Her eyes locked on Corel, and she paused. A long, heavy silence followed. Rose stared with wide, stunned eyes. She remained like that for a full minute, mouth slightly parted. Daisy glanced between them, clearly confused. Then, faster than Corel thought possible, Rose moved, appearing beside her in an instant. Corel flinched but held her ground as Rose leaned in… and sniffed her. Corel was stunned by the odd intimacy of the move.

Rose gently brushed her arm, leaning closer again to breathe in near her neck. The moment stretched, strange and tense, until Rose finally stepped back with a bright, satisfied smile.

"Mmmm, you still have his scent on you," Rose purred. She spun on her heel with a graceful flourish.

"Daisy, dismiss the others, please. Corel will be my handmaiden until she leaves." Corel didn't know whether to sigh in relief or scream in fear. This was not going at all how she expected. But then again… what had? She composed herself as Daisy ushered the other long-ears out of the room. When the door shut behind them, Corel glanced at Daisy, only to flinch at the searing glare she received. There was fire in that gaze. Rose noticed the reaction and turned to Daisy.

"Relax, Daisy. She is our guest."

"Forgive me. But this… Voldura does not deserve to be spoken to as an equal," Daisy said, her voice laced with fire as she stared daggers at Corel. Even Rose took a small step back at the venom behind her words. Corel felt like curling in on herself under that burning gaze. Rose placed a calming hand on Daisy's shoulder.

"Daisy, relax," she said gently as she stepped between them. Corel watched the tension bleed out of Daisy's posture, and she finally exhaled.

"Go for a walk, Daisy. I'd like to have a private word with Corel." Corel stiffened. Daisy turned to leave, but her eyes never left Corel, not even for a second. When the door finally clicked shut behind her, the tension in the room finally dissipated.

"I'm sorry about that. She doesn't handle surprise visits well. And… well, I assume he explained things to you." Corel nodded, unsure what else to do.

"Relax," Rose said with a faint smile.

"Stop being so stiff. It's just us now. Take a seat." She gestured toward an elegant red and gold chair. Corel walked over and sat down, back straight, her mind racing.

"Some tea?" Rose offered as she moved to a small table. A porcelain pot and two delicate cups appeared with a wave of her hand.

"Yes, thank you," Corel said quietly. Rose poured the aromatic golden-brown liquid and handed her a cup. Corel breathed in the unfamiliar floral scent, then took a cautious sip. The taste was as rich and calming as the scent. Rose sat across from her, serene and composed.

"So tell me…" she said with a poised smile, "to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" Corel's fingers twitched as she summoned the quest screen, projecting it before Rose. The princess sipped her tea in silence as she read. Even after finishing, she took a few more measured sips, her expression unreadable. Corel waited, unsure what to say.

"I think that system seed really likes… him. Or it's completely mad." Corel noted how carefully Rose avoided saying his name.

"I have been wondering," Corel began, "why did you help me form the bond? It felt right at the time, but since then… I wonder if I made a mistake."

"Why do you say that?" Rose asked, setting down her cup.

"Joseph, is reckless to say the least. Trying to guide him is proving… difficult," Corel said, rubbing at her horns in frustration.

"Is that what you're doing? Guiding him?" Rose tilted her head slightly.

"I'm trying to. But I don't think I've achieved anything like that so far." Corel sighed.

"But you haven't answered. Why did you help?" Rose stood and began to pace, her movements graceful and fluid, like a shimmering wave rolling along a sunlit shore. Corel found it difficult not to gape.

"My father once told me I'm too impulsive," Rose began.

"That I find amusement in everything. He was right. Still is. I helped you simply because…" she smiled faintly, "it was funny." Corel's jaw almost dropped. This princess might be just as mad as Joe. She threw her arms up in disbelief. Rose giggled, the sound like a breeze dancing through silk.

"You sound like him," Corel muttered.

"Like Joe."

"J O E," Rose mouthed the letters slowly, as if tasting the name.

"I doubt that. He seemed reckless, I'll admit. But… different." She stopped pacing and stepped toward Corel, one hand extended.

"Seeing as the system has given you to me. I shall make good use of you. You look smart… and strong," Rose said as she reached down and gave Corel's legs a firm squeeze. Corel flinched but didn't object.

"Good muscles. And you're very pretty," Rose added, tilting Corel's chin with a finger as she studied her face.

"At least he has good taste. May I?" She pointed to Corel's horns. Why does everyone want to touch her horns? Corel wondered. Corel nodded, albeit reluctantly. She had to earn Rose's trust, so she just let her touch. It was fine. Rose gently caressed one of her horns. A tingle slid down Corel's spine, but it wasn't unpleasant. The sensation faded quickly as Rose withdrew her hand.

"Before I put you to work, we should establish some rules," Rose said, patting the front of her dress lightly.

"First, you do what I say, when I say, without complaint." Corel bristled at the command but, after a moment's hesitation, nodded.

"Excellent. I presume you know all the details of my bond. So I am at a loss. I would like you to explain the details of yours." Corel understood the request. The bond that faintly pulsed across her chest felt… deep. Like it was carved into her soul. Facing Rose, Joe's other bond, made that feeling more real, more complex. It raised questions she hadn't dared consider until now. She felt something unspoken between them. A connection she hadn't expected.

"You feel it too, don't you?" Rose asked softly, reading her thoughts with eerie clarity.

"Yes," Corel replied.

"We still have a long way to go before I can trust you. So until then, tell me your story." The two sat beside each other, as Corel recounted her first encounter with Joe and the chain of events that led to the vision and the forming of their bond.

"So your goal is to free the Voldura and return to what remains of your Clan?" Rose asked once Corel had finished. The question, while not unexpected, caught Corel off guard. Was that what she truly wanted? Just to use Joe to remove Pathfinder and protect what was left of her clan? And then… what? Throw him away? She paused, her hand instinctively rubbing at her horns again. She knew the longer she stayed near Joe, the more danger she would face. He attracted trouble like Golfus inhaled Sliffortorst.

But was that what she wanted? She wasn't so sure anymore. They had grown close… The bond flared and pulsed with warmth. She had accidentally sent him an emotion… she tried to figure out what emotion she had sent when the bond pulsed in reply.

'Comfort' It was hard to describe, but she knew what Joe was sending her was 'Comfort'.... and 'Pride'.

"Nevermind. Don't answer that," Rose said abruptly, rising to her feet.

"Let's put thoughts of that aside for now and focus on what you can offer me." A mischievous spark lit up her blue, glittering eyes.

"Now that our greetings are done. It's time to put you to work."

"Work?" Corel had almost forgotten that part of her quest.

"Yes, you'll be my handmaiden for… however many days it takes you to complete your quest." Rose waved a hand with an amused smile.

"Daisy will begin your training. Oh, she isn't so easily won over as I am. I fear you have a long journey ahead, Corel of Clan Relashra." Corel's stomach dropped. She suddenly felt very out of her depth as Daisy re-entered the room, the fire in her eyes smouldering like coals.

"Daisy! Your turn!" Rose called. Corel resisted the urge to bolt. This was all Joe's fault. __ Joe sneezed. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. [Why do you keep sneezing?] - Veda. [No idea,] - Joe replied as he dashed through the forest. [Forget that. What do you plan to do about our pursuers?] - Veda. Joe glanced over his shoulder at the ten massive figures crashing through the underbrush behind him. Ten level 150 Cast Iron dingoes. [I'm thinking about it, okay? I've got it under control,] - Joe. [If you say so,] - Veda. [You sure you can't take one or two of them?] - Joe. [I told you, the system already gave me a penalty for helping save the Relashra Clan,] - Veda. Two days ago, during a brutal fight against two level 155 serpent Beasts, Veda had told him that the system had imposed a penalty on her status. Her stats had been halved, and she was now restricted to fighting only in self-defence. That meant no more backup from his divine-touched cheat code of a serpent.

Joe hadn't been shocked. Veda was a walking apocalypse. Letting her freely assist in fights was like using a nuclear warhead to swat flies. Still, that knowledge wasn't exactly comforting with a pack of thick hide-covered beasts closing in fast. He vaulted over a fallen log, his boots skidding across moss as he landed. The dingoes were relentlessly fast, heavy, and far too aggressive. [Maybe I'll try incapacita…] Joe didn't finish the message. Pain exploded through his left arm as it spasmed violently.

A thin white vine slithered from the void beneath his skin like a newborn snake clawing its way free of an egg. He screamed as it snaked up toward his shoulder, fire searing through every nerve. His mana bar plummeted, completely drained. Darkness clawed at the edge of his vision. [Joseph!] - Veda practically screamed in the chat. A massive, fur-covered Dingo slammed into Joe's side, launching him through the air. He crashed down hard, instincts flaring as he kicked out mid-roll, sending the Beast hurtling aside.

He tumbled violently before slamming into a thick tree trunk, the impact rattling his bones. Groaning, he shook his head and looked up as his vision cleared. The pack had surrounded him-ten Cast Iron Dingoes forming a deadly circle, teeth glinting with the thrill of the hunt. They were waiting, prowling, jaws twitching as they prepared to finish him. He flexed his left arm and grimaced. It felt foreign, numb and wrong. The vine that had sprouted from the void still bulged faintly beneath his skin.

His mana coating had vanished the moment his mana bar hit zero, and the absence made his body feel heavy and sluggish. For the first time in a long while, he regretted ignoring his strength stat. He pulled Jingu Bang from his storage ring. It hummed softly in anticipation in his right hand. His left hand he kept away as it throbbed. No time to think. Just move. Joe blasted forward in a surge of raw speed, dirt exploding behind him. He targeted the nearest Dingo and lashed out with his staff.

But without mana, his movements were slower, clumsier. The Beast dodged, its limbs moving like eels, and it countered with a swift kick. Joe twisted, catching the blow on his shoulder. Pain flared as he was sent flying again, crashing through a tree and skidding across the earth before landing in a crouch. He slid to a stop, clumps of dirt piling behind his boots. Another dingo leapt. He dodged left, narrowly avoiding its snapping jaws. He struck out mid-spin, landing a glancing blow to its flank.

The Beast yelped and rolled away. Even with no mana, Joe's raw physical stats were still monstrous; his strength may not be his highest, but it wasn't low by any means. He exhaled sharply and shifted into his footwork, Drifts on Fated Wings. Four Dingoes lunged toward him. Joe moved like a leaf in the wind. He dipped under one strike aimed at his skull, curved his spine to let a second slide past his chest, then twisted into a low spin to evade two more going for his legs.

Jingu Bang struck with brutal precision, hammering the back of a Dingo's knee joint. The Beast crumpled, yelping as it hit the dirt hard. Joe winced as one of the beasts let out a piercing screech. A tail caught him with a glancing blow just as he ducked beneath snapping jaws. The impact knocked him off balance, just enough that he couldn't avoid the next attack. Jaws clamped down on his left arm, teeth sinking deep into his flesh. Pain tore through him.

The dingo thrashed, dragging Joe sideways with ferocious jerks. His feet lost all traction, and the world spun as the Beast bucked wildly. Then, unexpectedly, the beast spasmed. Its eyes rolled back, and it collapsed in a heap… unconscious. Joe barely registered what happened, too focused on the agony flooding his arm. Blood poured down his side as he tumbled into a desperate roll, trying to get upright. Two more Dingoes pounced.

He caught a glimpse of their rage-filled eyes, wide and wild with the thrill of the hunt. One snapped at his head. He twisted, barely, feeling the heat of breath pass his cheek. Veda shifted to his back, her tail coiling tightly around his torso to stay out of harm's way. But the second dingo struck true. Jaws slammed shut around his leg. Joe grunted through clenched teeth as pain lanced up his thigh. With no access to mana or skills, he was getting overwhelmed.

He reached to grab the beast with his left hand, but it was still numb, clumsy, and almost useless. His fingers slid through thick fur without grip. He growled and shoved the beast away instead. Jingu Bang swung in a tight arc, smashing into the side of the beast's head. Bone cracked under the blow. The jaws loosened. Joe kicked violently, ripping his leg free from its grip. With a shout of effort, he slammed Jingu Bang into the ground and let the rebound of the impact launch him skyward.

He burst into the air, twisting mid-flight. His glove flew free as he reached for a thick branch overhead. He crashed into it chest-first, Veda shifting to his stomach to avoid being crushed. [Move,] - Veda. Joe grunted, swinging Jingu Bang with raw force. The blow knocked aside a beast mid-leap, buying him a heartbeat to push off the branch and crash back to the forest floor. The ground shook on impact.

Clumps of dirt and torn grass exploded around him as he slammed down hard on his shoulder, twisting the fall into a rough roll. He barely recovered before another beast landed atop him. Its claws tore into his right arm, and he roared in pain. He punched out, forcing the claws free. Blood sprayed, splattering over him and the snarling beast. Jaws snapped down toward his face. He jammed the tip of his staff up just in time. Teeth shattered with a crack, and the beast's head was flung sideways.

He kneed it in the gut, sending it tumbling away with a howl. Another set of claws crashed down, right where his head had been. He rolled, but the Dingoes were swarming. Too many. Everywhere. He twisted and barrelled into another one, dodging claws and slashing tails. But not all of them. He felt three sharp gouges rake across his back. The pain dulled as he focused. More blood sprayed across the battlefield as he tumbled, locked around the beast he had tackled. His vision blurred, edged with red.

A scream tore from his throat, equal parts fury and agony, as he thrust his left arm upward to block a set of fangs diving for his throat. The beast bit down and instantly spasmed. Joe's muscles tensed. Blood dripped from his flexed arm. He pulled. Hard. Adrenaline flooded him as he twisted, using the momentum of another impact to rip the beast's neck sideways. Bone cracked. Flesh tore. With one final wrench, the head came free. The body slumped lifelessly as the severed head flung blood into the air.

You have slain Cast Iron Dingo level 150. Joe was yanked violently sideways as a tail coiled around his ankle and dragged him through the mud and dirt. [Joseph!] - Veda shrieked through the party chat, panic and pain laced in every word as she was slammed against the ground beneath him. [Sorry, but I think I'm losing,] - Joe managed to reply, grimacing through the pain. His body spun in the dirt, twisting awkwardly as he tried to regain control. The grip on his ankle loosened.

He bent forward and grabbed the tail, yanking it toward him. A yelp echoed, and a moment later, the beast's body slammed into his chest. He threw his left arm around its neck and squeezed with everything he had. He didn't stop until he felt something give with a sickening pop. You have slain Cast Iron Dingo level 150. Ding! You have levelled up. He let the limp body fall away, only to realize the head of the first Dingo was still clamped to his arm.

With a guttural growl, he ripped it off, groaning as fresh pain erupted from the torn flesh. Blood soaked his side. His breathing was ragged. Vision swam in and out of focus. He slid along the ground and crashed into what felt like a tree. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself upright, leaning heavily against the trunk. Then… motion. A blur tore through the forest toward him. He dropped just in time. The tree behind him exploded into splinters as the beast collided with it at full speed. The world tilted.

His thoughts swam. A voice screamed in his mind: Move! He obeyed Both arms arced wide, and he caught a blur mid-charge, slamming it into the ground with sheer force. He moved to swing again, only to find his hands were empty. Jingu Bang was gone. No time to think. No time to search. He clenched his fists and began hammering them down onto the thrashing, fur-covered beast beneath him. Again. And again. And again. Until the writhing stopped. You have slain Cast Iron Dingo level 150.

He rolled as Veda's claws dug into his chest, saving his life as snapping jaws tore towards his throat like a homing missile. Drool-coated pointed teeth pierced into his shoulder as a sickening, bubbling squelch echoed through the trees. Gritting his teeth, he reached up with his right hand, grabbed a fistful of fur, and yanked. The Beast's head tore free from his shoulder, taking a chunk of his flesh with it. [Swing left,] - Veda ordered. Joe obeyed.

He whipped the carcass left, smashing it into another charging blur. The impact knocked him off balance. Hind legs collided with his side, sending him tumbling. He clung tightly to the limp weight in his hands and twisted violently until he heard the familiar, gruesome pop and felt the hot splash of more blood. You have slain Cast Iron Dingo level 150. He tried to stand, limbs trembling, but something slammed into his back before he could get his footing.

He threw his head back in pain, only for it to crash into an open mouth. Teeth shattered against the back of his skull. His world spun. Pain roared through his nerves. Another hit swept his legs out from under him. He collapsed onto his hands, barely converting it into a roll. The beast on his back was dragged along with him. Joe couldn't tell which way was up. His vision was red. Blood filled his eyes. His skin was slick and sticky, every inch of him coated in crimson. A jaw snapped next to his face.

He flung up a hand, open-palmed, and caught something soft. His fingers sank into it, an eye socket, maybe? A roar blasted next to his ear, but he barely heard it over the thunder in his skull. He clenched. He pulled. Something tore loose. You have slain Cast Iron Dingo level 150. He didn't know how many he had killed. He'd lost count. He could barely see. Everything was red and smeared with gore. He shoved a heavy carcass off his chest and pushed himself into a crouch. He waited.

His skull thundered, blood vessels threatening to burst from the pressure. His breath was wet and ragged. Something shifted to his right. Instinct took over. He shoved backwards, and something stumbled. With what he hoped was a roar, he lunged forward, his bloody, slick hands digging into fur and dirt and leaves. He caught flesh. Slammed it into the ground. Raised a fist. [Right!] He twisted. Kicked. His foot barely moved before teeth punctured his boot and tore into his flesh. A jaw snapped shut. Agony flared.

Joe coughed out more blood; only a wet, choking gurgle escaped. He brought his left hand down. Thud! His fist bounced off bone. Again. Crack! Again. Crack! You have slain Cast Iron Dingo level 150. Ding! You have levelled up. He couldn't see. His senses were deadened. He couldn't even smell his own scent. And his head felt like a war drum, pounding without end. He ducked. [Jump.] He tried. He really tried. But the jump became a stumble, knees crashing into Veda, who was still wrapped around his chest.

She grunted as something swiped just beneath them. Joe rolled. Reached out. His hand latched onto a tail, thick and bristly. He yanked, extending his left hand as something slammed into it. He screamed silently and held on. Pain… He lost consciousness for a brief moment, but something inside roared at him to keep going. His muscles cried as he wrenched the beast down, and it crashed into the earth. Crack! Both fists came down, driven by everything he had left. Crack! You have slain Cast Iron Dingo level 150.

You have slain Cast Iron Dingo level 150. Somehow, he got two notifications. He didn't question it. Wham! A force slammed into him, sending him hurtling through the air at terrifying speed. He felt what could only be described as a slink… the vine in his left arm retracted, slithering back into the void. He gasped for breath and raised a trembling hand. A mana pill appeared between his fingers. He bit down, crunching it between his teeth. His mana bar began to refill.

As his mind cleared and his body pulsed, he activated Aura Shout and Mana-Coating. You have slain Cast Iron Dingo level 150. [Above!] Above? His mind struggled to orient itself. He threw his arms up, crossing them in front of his body. Something crashed into him. He reached with his right hand, fingers sinking into fur. He acted. He dumped a large burst of mana into a Mana Blast. The thing in his hands exploded in a rain of flesh and blood. You have slain Cast Iron Dingo level 150. Ding! You have levelled up.

He landed hard and rolled, coming up in a low crouch. His whole body shook as he waited for the next attack, straining to hear anything. Silence. [That was the last one.] - Veda. He didn't move. The message took a moment to register. [Last one?] - he asked, dazed. No… it couldn't be. There had to be more. There were always more. [Yes. Take a healing pill.] - Veda. He collapsed, face-first into the dirt, completely spent. He couldn't move. not a finger, not a breath without pain. His heart beat slowly.

His mind still pounded. Blood poured from him like rain from broken clouds. Something pressed into his mouth, bitter, round, familiar. A tail nudged his chin, helping him swallow. Warmth spread through him. Someone gently wiped the blood from his eyes. His vision cleared enough to see new shoots of grass growing around him. He still lay there, unmoving, but the world had shape again. He drew in a ragged breath.

Relief hit him like a wave as the countless wounds crisscrossing his body began to close, slowly knitting together. Veda didn't speak. She simply turned and walked away, heading toward where Jingu Bang lay, half-buried in dirt and blood. Joe closed his eyes, letting the stillness wash over him. The nightmare was over…