REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, THIRTY-FIFTH FLOOR - BOSS AREA
After we finish gathering the Fruit of Luck from the Hairloom, we arrive at the boss area. The moment we step inside, we're welcomed by a very small figure, way shorter than a dwarf, who grins mischievously at us.
Then, Chantal immediately steps forward as she twirls her daggers and cracks her neck.
"Leave this to me."
I step forward, but before I can do it, Yomogi stops me in my tracks with a smile.
"Motegi-chan, do you remember my fight with the Frankenstein back then?"
"Yeah, I do. Why?"
"Well, this time… just leave it to the fastest panther in Misdaras."
And Pinna gives her own analysis as usual.
"Based on appearance and behavior… that monster is classified as a Halfling. It specializes in high‑speed running and throwing knives. Chantal is the optimal counter."
After that, the Halfling darts sideways. At the same time, Chantal bolts in the opposite direction as they sprint in widening arcs like they're trying to draw a circle.
CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!
"Hahaha...! That's all you got!?"
The Halfling is fast, and its arms throw knives one after another. But Chantal is faster, and her daggers can deflect every single knife, shouting at the Halfling as the circle tightens.
And then...
"Got you!"
The two finally clash at the end of their run, and they pass through each other in silence until something happens.
PLOP
The Halfling's head falls off its shoulders and rolls across the ground, its body collapsing soon after.
Then, Yomogi runs up to Chantal as the latter puts a smug expression on her face.
"That was amazing, Chantal!"
"Hell yeah, it was! Nothing can beat me in knives and speed!"
And I praise Chantal too, which makes her chuckle with a flustered expression.
"That's impressive, Chantal."
"Ehehe... it's nothing. I used to play with them when I was younger."
Meanwhile, Salacia hurries to her side worriedly as she grabs Chantal's hand.
"Chantal… your hand. They're wounded..."
From there, I can see a few small cuts line her wrists, and Chantal laughs awkwardly.
"Ahaha… yeah, that happens when I get too excited."
"No, I'll heal you."
Then, Salacia lifts one hand and brings it closer to Chantal's wounds.
"Heal."
In an instant, the cuts seal shut. Once it's done, Chantal examines her skin, flipping her hands in repeat.
"Huh… it doesn't hurt anymore. Thanks, Salacia!"
"You're welcome, Chantal~..."
As the girls talk, I notice something where the Halfling is, which is a small pill that I pick up.
"What's this?"
"It's... an enhancement pill... for speed… and agility, Motegi-sama..."
"Hmm... I don't think I need it. What about you?"
Yomogi, Chantal, Kimberly, and Pinna shake their heads in perfect sync, so I turn to Salacia.
"Do you want it, Salacia?"
Salacia also shakes her head.
"If you don't need it… then I don't either, darling..."
"Alright, I'll sell it at the guild tomorrow."
REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, THIRTY-SIXTH FLOOR
As we reach the thirty-sixth floor, I cast my teleportation spell and turn to them.
"Shall we go home?"
"Yes!"
And just like that, we step into the portal together and end our labyrinth adventure for today.
BACK AT MOTEGI'S HOUSE
The moment we arrive, we make our way upstairs, and I turn to Yomogi beside me.
"Hey, Yomogi… think you could cook something special for tonight? Maybe something with fish?"
"Of course, Motegi-chan! We haven't even given Salacia a proper welcome yet."
Yomogi is right, though.
Last night was all about preparing the store reopening after our vacation to Oserin, so we could only eat a simple dinner that night. Besides, I've been dying to try the fish we brought back from there. So yeah, I think it's a win-win solution because we have a proper welcome for Salacia and a long-overdue fish feast for me.
And just like that, the others join, and Yomogi is delighted.
"I want to help too!"
"Let me… assist…"
"I would like to optimize meal preparation."
"Yes, the more the better, everyone!"
The girls disappear into the wardrobe room to change out of their outfits, and I take my seat at the dining table as I curiously open my status to see how much I've leveled up.
"Status Open!"
Motegi Sekino
Age: 21
Race: Human
Level 45
HP: 38000/38000
MP: 38000/38000
Strength: 14000
Durability: 14000
Speed: 14000
Agility: 14000
Intelligence: 14000
Charisma: 14000
Willpower: 14000
Perception: 14000
Luck: 4450
Elements:
Fire
Earth
Lightning
Wind
Water
Cosmic
Light
Dark
Skills:
[Appraisal]
[Language Comprehension]
[Storage]
[Copier]
[Resistance]
[Hygienics]
[Blacksmithing]
[Carpentry]
[Pottery]
[Lapidary]
[Temporary Boost]
[Elemental Combo]
[Seedless]
[Fluffmaster] NEW
[Infertile]
[Tailoring]
[Milky Touch]
[Aftercare]
"Hmm... level 45 this time, huh? That's great."
The familiar status screen popped up in front of me, showing that I'm at level 45 now and all my stats have upgraded again. However, among all of them, my luck stat has the most noticeable jump, despite it still not being as impressive as the others, signaling that the Fruit of Luck really does its magic. And speaking of that nut, I think I had eaten about twenty of them in the labyrinth earlier, so I guess stacking them really does make a difference.
But then, my eyes immediately lock on one thing, and I click it.
[Fluffmaster] (Unlocked. Condition met: Successfully grow ten plants without dying.)
Tame animals permanently via physical contact. Repeated use will deepen emotional bonding and loyalty.
NOTE: When used on beastkin, temporarily triggers animalistic behaviors during activation.
"No way, I just unlocked a new skill again..."
I think this [Fluffmaster] is the adjacent, locked skill beside the [Seedless]. And yes, I have ten plants already in my terrace garden already — dahlias, sunflowers, potatoes, corn, tomatoes, chilies, strawberries, cacao, cactus, and sweet potatoes. However, when the first eight have borne fruit and bloomed flowers, I only planted the last two earlier today during lunchtime, and I don't even know if they're sprouting now.
So if the condition was to successfully grow ten plants without dying, do those two even count yet?
Also, this is the first time I obtain a skill with an actual note, and I can't help but wonder...
What does "triggering animalistic behaviors in beastkin" mean?
And then suddenly...
"Darling~…"
I feel Salacia's soft, teasing touch glide over my shoulders as she leans in behind me.
"Thank you for holding a dinner for me~..."
I look back at her and smile.
"Of course, Salacia. You're part of us now."
"Fufu~..."
She giggles, her hands still caressing my shoulders with smooth, affectionate strokes and lazy circles.
"Can I massage you?"
"Yes, please."
With that, she instructs me to do something.
"Then, can you turn the chair around and lean forward?"
"Okay."
I do as she says, swiveling the chair and resting my arms and chest against the backrest.
"Excuse me, darling~..."
And the moment her hands begin, I melt immediately.
What… is this?
Her fingers work expertly into my neck, thumbs pressing slow, precise circles into the tense muscles. She rolls her knuckles down my shoulders and upper back, and when she shifts to using her elbows, the deeper pressure unravels something tight inside me. Her rhythm is deliberate, flowing from my back to my arms, then up to my head, her fingertips tracing light, calming patterns across my scalp. Every bit of tension is being undone, like she's peeling off layers of stress I didn't know I had.
Honestly, the last time I had a massage was way back in Japan. Even then, none of the therapists ever came close to this. What Salacia's doing now perfectly resembles shiatsu in technique, but it's gentler and more intuitive. And way better than any of them.
Yeah, as expected of a Pharmacist.
"Does it feel good, darling~...?"
I can only sigh and slump deeper into the chair.
"Yeah… it's amazing... First you heal and make potions, and now this... What else can you do, Salacia?"
She leans closer and giggles in my ear.
"Fufu~... I already told you, darling. I can do anything if it's for you~..."
Blissful minutes later, she slides her hands away from my back.
"There, all done. How do you feel now?"
I stretch a little, then rotate my shoulders and roll my neck... and I can feel everything move easier, like it's so light and fluffy.
"It's way better than before. That was amazing, Salacia. Thank you."
"I'm so happy you liked it, darling~!"
And then, Yomogi, Chantal, Kimberly, and Pinna come out from the kitchen. Yomogi sets the main dish on the table in front of us, Chantal places the plates, Kimberly brings in Heiligeichen's red wine, and Pinna helps with the wine glasses.
"Motegi-chan, Salacia, dinner is ready. We made salmon en croute tonight."
With that, all of us lean forward, and as soon as all of us take the first bite...
"Mmmmm!!"
I speak first to Yomogi.
"The fish is incredible. You really outdid yourself, Yomogi."
"Mou, you're flattering me again, aren't you, Motegi-chan? Naughty boy..."
"Hahaha..."
But deep inside, I'm very grateful because finally, my long-awaited craving for real saltwater fish is sated, and once again, it's all thanks to Oserin for this fresh, rich, just a little briny, and unbelievably tender delight in front of me here.
Even Chantal, Kimberly, and Pinna are equally pleased.
"This pastry crunch is everything! Seriously, Yomogi, this is crazy good!"
"The spinach… and the cheese… such a comforting pairing…"
"The textural balance is exceptional. Moist salmon, creamy greens, and crispy crust create a well-engineered flavor profile. Overall satisfaction is high. Our collaborative effort in preparation was efficient and effective."
Then, Yomogi turns her attention toward Salacia.
"How about you, Salacia? Do you like it?"
Salacia just keeps eating, cheeks adorably puffed out, and that alone makes Yomogi's face light up.
"Sooo yummy… I can't stop eating, Yomogi…"
"I'm so glad!"
After we finish the main dish, I turn to Yomogi.
"Yomogi, can you bring that?"
"Of course, Motegi-chan."
"I'll help Yomogi, Motegi-kun!"
"Me too..."
Chantal and Kimberly immediately rise with Yomogi, hurrying back to the kitchen to take something from the refrigerator. A moment later, they return with six chilled dessert glasses and they put them on the table. Salacia blinks at the presentation, asking me.
"What is this, darling?"
"Just try it."
She takes one spoonful, and she instantly moans in delight.
"Mmmm!! What is this? It's so cool… smooth… and sweet…"
Yomogi, Chantal, Kimberly, and Pinna are all smiling by her reaction.
"That's called mousse, Salacia."
"And guess what? Motegi-kun's the one who made it."
"It uses… a special ingredient… the best in Acrusse… called chocolate…"
"The dessert is highly favored within this household. Consumption frequency and emotional response from all members indicate a strong preference and positive psychological impact."
Then, I tell Salacia something that makes her eyes widen.
"Chocolate comes from the cacao fruit I showed you yesterday, you know?"
"Really?! This comes from that fruit? I never knew something could taste this heavenly…"
"Well, now you do."
And just like that, the six of us enjoy the mousse together. Once we're done eating, we raise our glasses of wine as I make a speech to officially welcome Salacia to our household.
"To Salacia and our growing home. Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
After dinner, the six of us collapse onto the sofas in the living room, letting our stomachs digest for a while before taking a bath. However, my curiosity over the [Fluffmaster] skill returns again, and I decide to find my answer now.
"Yomogi, Chantal, come here. Sit next to me."
Then, Yomogi slides in on my left silently, and so does Chantal, who flops into place on my right. After that, I silently activate [Fluffmaster] as my left hand gently strokes Yomogi's head and my right hand reaches to scratch under Chantal's chin.
And suddenly, their reaction is immediate. Both of them jolt, like something sparks inside them.
Yomogi stiffens first, and seconds later, her tongue peeks out just a little, panting short and fast as her breath quickens.
"A-ah… M-Motegi-chan…"
And then...
"Wan!"
She barks, which even catches her by surprise.
"Oh no…"
At the same time, Chantal grits her teeth, but it doesn't take long before her head dips into my hand, and a deep, rumbling purr escapes her throat.
"M-Motegi-kun… wait, nnnh… prrrrrr…"
And then...
"Nyaa..."
She mewls, which even catches her by surprise too.
"Wh-what the hell…?"
Is this it?
Is this what that means by "animalistic behaviors"?
Because whatever this is, it's definitely working. So I keep going as my left hand continues stroking Yomogi's head in steady, calming circles and my right keeps scratching beneath Chantal's chin, just lightly.
And slowly, minute by minute… they're no longer the beastwomen I know.
Yomogi's motherly aura melts away, replaced by the expression of a happy puppy — tongue lolling out, panting, and her tail wagging furiously.
"Hahh... hahh… Motegi-chan… I like this…"
Meanwhile, Chantal's wild energy has gone into a full, sleepy kitten mode — purring loudly, rubbing her cheek on my hand, and kneading her claws at my thigh.
"Prrrrrr… this is so good… prrrrrr…"
Kimberly and Pinna are all stunned by what they just witnessed.
"I… have never seen… a wolfkin... and pantherkin… acting... like this… before..."
"Stimulus input from Master appears to have triggered core instinct patterns. Behavioral reversion to canine and feline states is confirmed. However, I am unable to determine why this is happening. Data inconclusive."
Then, curiosity hits me again as I turn to Salacia.
"Salacia, come here."
"Yes!"
I reach up and scratch her chin gently, but she giggles instead.
"Hehehe~... that tickles, stop it~…"
Because it's not working, I try petting her head.
"Mmm... I love this, darling~..."
And again, nothing happens.
I guess maybe she's a kraken after all, so she doesn't have the same response as cats or dogs. Maybe I just need to figure out what actually does trigger an octopus or squid girl someday...
"Motegi-chan, headpats again, please!"
"Chin scratches too, Motegi-kun, right here!"
"Hahaha... okay, okay."
And somehow, this silly moment feels a lot fluffier than I expected.