At breakfast, the scene was much as one might expect. Hathor familia eating their fill, not surprised in the slightest about what a certain werewolf was actively making it look like, what they were consuming child's play… However, Alise, Astraea, were shocked at how much he'd consumed, and still shoveling it in like no one's business. Neze, having seen a similar sight already, during their hunt, was a little less surprised.
Eventually, Shurry finished eating everything he'd been served. And had already started on the second helping. Much to the grumbles of another's belly, she might not have been an alpha like him, but Neze was still a growing werewolf girl. And she held her belly, trying to keep it from rumbling.
Shurry noticed the reaction. "Hey, Neze? Are you okay?" He asked, preparing his secret plan.
As soon as Neze was opening her mouth to answer, Shurry fed her one of the steaks cooked to a heavy rare, seared only on the outside, leaving all of the internal juices ripe for consumption. She was initially surprised, and then her eyes lit up, as, in a similar way to him, she devoured the piece of meat.
"If you're hungry, little Neze, you can get more. I'm sure your situation so far hasn't been affluent. Since you're my son's friend, while you're here you can eat what you need." Hathor spoke up, giving permission for her to get more food.
Astraea received an expectant glance asking if it was okay, and she nodded. "Since they're offering, you should accept their kindness." She answered with a small, warm smile. "And thank you for this, Hathor. I worried about them entering the dungeon… And feeding a werewolf pup is expensive."
Hathor looked over at Shurry, who was now on his third massive plate. "Oh, I know. I had to get Demeter on board to help limit the cost of feeding my son. But, it's worth it to see his happy expression."
A door creaked open. "Uhm, Lady Hathor, Uhm, it seems we have another guest here…"
"I AM GANESHA!"
Many of the Hathor familia held their heads, the hangover had yet to completely disperse.
"Just dropping by, in the morning like this?"
"Indeed, for I am, GANESHA! AHAHAHA!" He was quickly silenced by the feeling of an angry mother.
"I brought someone along who wanted to play with her friend." The mother smiled. "I hope it's not too much, Lady Hathor. But, I felt ill at ease that whenever they did play it was always you coming to us. And, she really wanted to see him."
Ardee walked hand in hand with her mother, she looked around looking at all the cool art, sculptures and decorations. "It's so pretty!" She cheerfully ran right up to Lady Hathor and Shurry. "Your home is amazing! I love it! Can I come and play here sometimes too?!" Her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Of course you can, but you have to promise that you don't come alone. You need someone to guide you here safely."
"I promise!" Ardee smiled, and gave Hathor a hug. "Thank you!" She then looked at the other guests too. "Shurry, who are they?"
"Friends, we're all friends!" He smiled, handing Ardee some food, which she gladly took.
"Yay! More friends!" Ardee cheered with an infectious smile. "Hey, hey, guess what?"
"What?"
"I got my status now! We can go hunting in the dungeon together now!"
Shurry's expression changed the moment he heard about a hunt. Some would say he was overly excited, but this was just his normal instincts. "Really!!!" He let out several small and short howls. "Let's all go hunting together!"
"FAT CHANCE! I'm not leaving you alone with my sister! I'm going with you." Shakti announced, clearly an over protective big sister.
"You wanna come hunting too? The more the merrier! Woo Hoo!!"
"Huh? I thought you'd refuse…"
"Why? I love hunting."
"Huh…" Shakti was so shocked that her initial plans went awry. I just wanted to keep my sister to myself… Now I'm going on a hunt with them?
"That's awesome, they have an experienced chaperone now. Be safe, and don't get into too much danger."
…
Soon breakfast was finished, and the four children, along with Shakti, had prepared their equipment. And a couple of lucky Hathor members were able to get out of the house and act as a hybrid member of the team, primarily acting as a supporter first.
"Yay, let's go hunt!"
"Hold on, how long are you going to be this time?"
"Uhm…" Shurry looked at Bokhoir.
"It was still there when we were down there. We didn't bother fighting it since we didn't plan on it."
Shurry's eyes lit up. Even though it tasted weird, Unccy Zaldy and them can make it really tasty! "Uhm… 1, 2, 3… 5 days!?"
"Will you be alright without me? Perhaps Nernatti should also go along with you?"
"Little brother needs me? I'll be ready in… I'm ready!"
"You think I'm not enough to handle things?"
"You'll see why you're not, soon enough, it's not a matter of strength. Rather the responsibility of a big sister!"
"I'm the best big sister!"
"Not to my little brother. Or are you trying to say something else?"
"Wha, huh, no…"
"Yay! Let's go hunting!!! Wee!" Shurry said, starting to walk to the door.
"Wait for me!" Ardee said, grabbing his hand.
"Ah! That's my alpha!" Neze protested.
Alise laughed, chasing after them. "This'll be a lot of fun."
"Nernatti already knows this. But Shakti, if things get dangerous down there, your job is to protect those three while he takes care of things. You must promise me this."
"Lady Hathor…"
"My son is a high level 3, with some incredible abilities, enough to push the knight of knights, Leon, to focus on enhancing his senses to keep track of him, that was when he'd just become a level 2. Be careful down there, but if something happens that you can't deal with, stay out of his way. If he can't handle it, then he'll get everyone out."
She's serious. But a promise like this ties my hands… And so after a nod from Ganesha. "I promise I won't do anything that would directly protect him on purpose for the duration of this dungeon dive."
"Good, have fun."
The party left for the dungeon, the only issue… Shurry's appetite. A problem he'd have to solve on his own this time.
Astraea was welcomed as a guest with her own room, but she and Hathor seemed to stay around each other a lot, drinking tea, and talking about things. Astraea constantly checked the condition of her children.