Teest sat leisurely outside the tower.
The bloody scent of the Demon King's minions wouldn't attract beasts. The smell was too strong, becoming like the scent of a narcissus flower that numbed one's sense of smell, leaving only a dizziness deep in the brain, making it impossible to distinguish between fragrance and stench.
He sat atop a pile of severed arms watching the setting sun sink below the horizon. Darkness, like a veil, began to descend, becoming thicker and thicker.
"Why are you here?" Behind him, Nol asked.
"Why are you here?" Teest replied with a question.
Nol frowned as he sidestepped the gory mess, but his boots still got dirty. Giving up, he stepped into it, positioning himself between the setting sun and Teest.
"The succubus queen is out of danger and will wake up soon. It's better I'm not there. The succubi need time to discuss," Nol honestly said. Those succubi could feed themselves. They would be fine. Though he couldn't understand why the quest "Life or Death" hadn't been marked as completed yet.
"I thought you came looking for me." Teest sighed in disappointment as he sat on the mound of corpses.
"I did want to find you," Nol said, looking into his eyes. "Important reasons are left to be said last."
Teest casually picked up a severed arm, waving it at Nol as if it were a lifelike puppet. "Alright, since you're so frank—I also think it's better I'm not there. I'm afraid the queen might faint again."
"Why?"
"Because I'm a Supplement Demon that has consumed a succubus," Teest said matter-of-factly. "For the succubi… Imagine consuming a human and then masquerading as one. They certainly wouldn't welcome me."
Nol's face stiffened at this unexpected answer.
He could guess what Teest had done. He just wanted to confirm the specifics and clean up after Teest if needed. After all, by choosing Teest as a companion, Nol didn't expect him to become a gentle and rational partner who knew when to advance or retreat. He was the Mad Monk, a dangerous heavy sword, unpredictable and as destructive as his whims.
But Nol hadn't expected this.
Or maybe he had subconsciously but didn't want to accept the possibility. Rather than imagining Teest as a Supplement Demon nurtured by the Eternal Church, he'd prefer to believe the mission AI had gone mad.
Now he knew where Teest's outrageous attributes and skills came from. Teest had willingly told him some secrets, but they felt like fishbones stuck in his throat.
'It's probably because of letting Crimson go,' Nol thought.
Teest revealing a bit of his background was like a cat showing its belly after knocking over an expensive vase. A small emotional balancing act.
"So, this isn't your true form?" After a long silence, Nol finally found his response.
Teest was taken aback, then burst into laughter. Holding the severed arm, he playfully ruffled Nol's hair.
"That's your question?" He laughed, clutching his belly. "I might have come from the Eternal Church, I might know the secret birth of the Supplement Demons, and you're asking about my face?"
"All those are serious matters. You'll tell them when you want to, regardless of whether I want to know or not," Nol replied tersely. "Seeing the true form of the Lord of Whitebird City was… shocking. It's natural for me to be a bit curious, right?"
"So you're the type who cares about your husband's true looks," Teest teased.
"I just don't want to touch something slimy in the middle of the night and get scared off the bed."
"My goodness, for a terrifying Lich, you have such double standards," Teest exclaimed, tossing the arm away. "Regrettably, this is my true form. I've had weird side effects, but my healing is excellent—we both know where that comes from now."
'The "Player's Privileges",' Nol thought in silence. Players, even if torn apart, wouldn't have scars. This healing seemed to apply to "growing something one shouldn't".
Still, Nol wouldn't be foolish enough to express sympathy for what Teest must of endured. The way Teest spoke didn't sound like traumatic memories. The events were more than a decade old, and Nol guessed the Mad Monk didn't need therapy, let alone pity.
"So the queen recognized you as a Supplement Demon," Nol speculated.
"That's right." Teest yawned as darkness engulfed the forest.
Within the shadows, Nol nodded gravely. "Alright, I'll figure something out. I won't let them hurt you."
Hearing this, Teest chuckled. "I'll be counting on you then. I'll definitely hide behind you."
[You have completed the hidden area quest: Life or Death.]
[You have met the perfect conditions for the "Life or Death" quest: Leaving the Dream Edge without any deaths; saving the succubus tribe on the brink of extinction.]
[Reward: A large amount of experience points [ordinary] is being calculated, Bewilderment dew [ordinary], Reputation with the succubus tribe [perfect], Immunity to mental magic [perfect], and other rewards will be settled with subsequent events.]
Nol was about to respond when his words got stuck in his throat. He couldn't help but stop in his tracks and turn to look at Teest, who was following behind him.
There were no bloodstains on Teest's white clothes, and the only remaining blood on his face had already been wiped off. The fresh blood on the tips of his hair and shins had dried up, with clots gradually falling off. That moistly lustrous tail of the succubus flickered in the night, reflecting a hint of a subtle glow.
He smiled and met Nol's gaze, raising an eyebrow.
Why settle now of all times? Nol thought as he turned his head back, instinctively taking a lighter breath.
Could it be that until just now, the succubi were still in danger of annihilation? Why? What had they just done to change the fate of the succubi tribe?
…Or was it something he had just said that prevented their annihilation?
Nol could feel Teest's gaze on the back of his head. Resisting the urge to look back, a thin layer of sweat formed on his back.
"Hmm? With these experience points, it seems I've met the requirements for the second job change," Teest said. "Now the question is, which should I choose?"
"We'll discuss it tonight," Nol answered without turning his head. "This matter needs to be properly explained."
...
Teest did as he said.
Upon returning to the Lost Tower, he truly hid behind Nol, with his tail pathetically coiling around Nol's left wrist. Nol tried hard not to roll his eyes.
There were far fewer succubi in the hall, and Nol quickly realized why. After the battle, many succubi had become too weak and had overeaten, making it hard for them to stay conscious. They had gone to the second floor's "forest environment" to rest, and the children had been relocated there as well. The remaining ones took the opportunity to urgently move valuable items from the succubi lair, which was now openly exposed in reality, as vulnerable as a drunk merchant left on the roadside.
The items were piled in the center of the first floor, and Nol even spotted the succubi's throne among the pile of precious magical items. Those of significance within the succubi tribe stood guard nearby, turning the first floor almost into a royal court.
Without questioning, Nol walked straight to the corner armchair—the reigning Queen Wilimina had already awakened.
She seemed a bit unaccustomed without the "A Midsummer Night's Dream", but her parched face undeniably bore a look of joy. Upon seeing Teest, her expression froze for a split second, and her pupils shrank to pinpoints.
But when she spoke, she didn't mention that matter.
"You must be Mr. Nol. I've heard about the general situation." Her voice was a tad sweeter. Her gaze shifted to the two Players not far away, and her eyes looked much clearer.
Anakin and Solo looked drained, listlessly slumped to one side. Anakin, sensing Nol's arrival, gave a complicated wave.
"Thank you both for aiding the Black Forest tribe… I think I can live for more than two months. The agreements related to the heir, I will revoke with the authority of the queen."
Her voice was soft, apparently not yet accustomed to addressing her group directly.
Nol felt somewhat relieved. This queen, although not fully mentally recovered, was clear-headed in her decisions—she deliberately hid the fact about Teest being a Supplement Demon and showed a submissive attitude.
"I understand you may have other concerns," Nol quickly said, glancing at Teest and trying to sound both gentle and authoritative. "I assure you, personally, we both despise the Eternal Church—everyone has a dark past, but now it's a new beginning."
The queen lifted her head, looking at the two of them for a long time. Then she closed her eyes and gave a slight nod.
"I have a heartfelt request," she continued after almost two minutes. "Our lair has been exposed, and our members are too weak. Could we possibly stay in your tower for a while?"
"If you agree, the Black Forest tribe will guard this tower in return for our stay. In terms of illusion and charming enemies, we are the best guards."
This was exactly what Nol needed, as he was worried about how to leave some succubi to guard the Lost Tower. The Lost Tower could use the system's power to hide perfectly. But to get the neighbors into the tower, it must expose itself for a bit.
So, he readily agreed. "I have already made a covenant with the Alva Merchant Group. I won't trouble any of you. You can rest here until you choose to leave voluntarily."
"If you decide to stay here permanently, it would be an honor for 'Paradise'."
"Your compassion is commendable," the queen, struggling in her armchair, said with a weak smile. "Malvina… Malvina, help me."
Uncle Ma sighed heavily, bringing forth a package as if it were a plastic bag and handing it to Nol.
"These two items are our apologies from the Black Forest tribe. Due to the Eternalists, many have grown to despise humans, and I've heard they were not kind to you…"
The queen struggled to hold her head up. "The last bottle of bewilderment dew before the seal. It's our proud brew, making all beings with hearts slightly intoxicated… I hope you can have a moment of relaxation…"
"And a golden bewilderment fruit. It…"
"Shh, no need to explain. I know its use. I accept your apologies." Nol took the package, stopping the queen, who was straining to speak. "You should rest now. Since you're not in a hurry to leave, we can discuss things tomorrow."
He could hear the succubi's sighs of relief—these two items, while formally an "attitude" apology, were more like a gesture of goodwill, wiping the slate clean. He forgave their disregard, and they understood the means he used to bring people into the tower.
As for whether this action was sincere or just the last remaining choice when there was nowhere else to go, Nol didn't bother to harp on it.
He just gestured to Uncle Ma, indicating they'd chat the next day.
"There are guest rooms on the north side of the first floor. You can spend the night there."
Seeing the pair of Player siblings writhing weakly and anxiously on the ground, Nol quickly added, "I have some matters to attend to. We can discuss further tomorrow morning."
He knew they were anxious, but he genuinely needed to address the leveling up issue first… and to catch his breath.
After all, this day had been overly stimulating, overly long, and accompanied by a moment of profound realization.
Nol pressed on his throbbing temple. His condition felt like he'd been up for two straight days and had then downed four cups of coffee—his body was in overdrive, and his mental state was in shambles.
...
Inside a guest room on the first floor.
The room resembled one in a human castle rather than the dreamy ambiance of a succubus fortress. The walls were made of bright beige stone. A fireplace burned behind an iron grate, the bed was soft, and the furniture was modest without excessive decoration, exuding a rustic elegance.
Outside the window, the sky was filled with stars, and the Black Forest gently swayed in the night.
"You did quite well as a leader just now," Teest commented, sitting on the edge of the bed, sounding rather pleased.
Nol casually tossed him a sweet fruit and shut Kando proactively in the wardrobe. The latter merely hummed and stared at Nol with a strangely satisfied gaze, making him feel uneasy.
"Let's address the pressing matter first," Nol said.
Being at max level without changing one's profession was like walking through a dark alley with money exposed. He felt he wouldn't sleep well without settling this.
"Ah," Teest replied. With a pop, he removed the cork from the bottle of the bewilderment dew.
The liquid inside wasn't abundant, swirling thickly. Its dreamy sweet aroma quickly filled the room.
"I meant a different kind of 'important matter'." Nol sighed, rubbing his face. "I've also reached level 60. We need to get our professions sorted out first—"
"The quest is over, and we can both change professions. Doesn't that call for a celebration? The bewilderment dew won't get you really drunk."
Using the round table by the bed as support, Teest poured all the liquid into a glass jar and then conjured a few ice cubes using water magic.
Nol glared at Teest.
This guy was just like a whirlpool or quicksand. If he wasn't careful, he would be swept into Teest's pace. He couldn't really stray too far, nor could he get too involved and lose himself. "How to control and maintain the right distance with Teest" was truly an art in itself.
At this point, perhaps he should just give in. After all, there were other matters besides changing professions.
Nol pulled up a chair and sat down, taking out the golden bewilderment fruit.
Encased in a jewelry box, the fruit shimmered with the gentle glow of dawn. Its semi-transparent shell resembled solidified honey, enclosing a misty liquid. As he fiddled with it, the golden mist inside swayed, entrancing to look at.
Normally, the fruit of the bewilderment grass was purple. It was a one-in-a million chance for it to bear golden fruit. Typically, only the ancient succubus tribes possessed such a treasure, awarding it as their priciest reward.
Consuming the golden bewilderment fruit granted a permanent "mental magic immunity".
Usually, the entire fruit must be consumed for its effects. However, merging it with the bewilderment dew not only elevated the taste of the brew but also allowed its effects to benefit two individuals.
Nol moved closer to the cool wine jug. The pale purple liquid, mixed with ice, looked almost enchantingly pink. The "bewilderment fruit", the size of a ping pong ball, was dropped into the wine, effervescing and releasing a mass of bubbles. The surface of the liquid gave off a soft white mist, and the vivid color beneath gradually disappeared, becoming clear and transparent.
"We can sort out 'mental magic immunity' first. If you're severely allergic to alcohol, I can remove it for you," Nol suggested as he sipped on the brew.
Teest shook his head, pouring his share. "Didn't you say you don't drink?"
"I don't like getting drunk and messing things up. This one's fine," Nol replied, taking another sip.
The refreshing sweetness burst instantly on his taste buds, tasting like some delectable fruit that didn't exist in this world. The wine flowed down his throat like mist, gentle as a dream, without any hint of the bitterness or spiciness typical of alcohol.
His body felt lighter, as if he were spread out amongst the clouds. His mind felt as if it had been immersed in a warm spring, with all the complicated and heavy thoughts being washed away by clear water. Fatigue transformed into a satisfying softness, and anxiety and worry vanished entirely, leaving only euphoria.
'This effect shouldn't be called "mental magic immunity",' Nol thought airily. It was more fitting to be called "mental collapse immunity"… Such a pity that there was only so little of the bewilderment dew.
"I like this kind of reward," Teest said, downing the drink in one go, seemingly not having his fill as he licked his lips.
He set down the glass, looking at Nol with a softness in his voice that was previously unheard. "If you've decided on the 'punishment for instigating the war', I suggest you settle it now… I'm in a really good mood right now, and I can tolerate a lot."
"But I haven't decided yet," Nol replied, savoring the last sip.
He caught a glimpse of the tip of Teest's tail out of the corner of his eye—at that moment, Teest's tail was poking the soft bed, leaving a small indentation. It gently swayed back and forth, making Nol a little dizzy.
What a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. Everything seemed to harken back to the day they entered the Black Forest. He had attached a tail to Teest, and the two of them had laughed and played in the tent.
'How wonderful,' Nol thought, focusing intently on that tail, his fingers twitching.
This was the most important thing right now—he wanted to grab it, and he was determined to do so.
...
The moment his tail tip was touched, Teest hissed. He reflexively grabbed Nol's arm, swinging his tail away for refuge.
At this moment, he was still sitting on the edge of the bed, with Nol's knee pressing against the edge between Teest's legs. His Lich was slightly tipsy. Nol's arms reached over Teest's shoulders, relentlessly trying to catch that tail.
It was almost like an embrace.
Nol, now warm-blooded, radiated warmth. Teest could feel the warmth emanating from him, along with the lingering sweet aroma of the wine.
"Is this punishment?" Teest held the back of Nol's clothes and pulled him slightly away. "Do you intend to torment this tail, or what…?"
Nol looked at him seriously.
"Actually, I want to thank you."
Whether due to the influence of the wine or not, Nol was unusually candid. "Thank you. You have no idea how much you've helped me… let go. If I was alone this time, I would have been broken by this place…"
"I also couldn't confide in my neighbors… If they knew how vulnerable I am, they'd panic. I have to be the most stable one… There are more things to be wary of with Players, and I can't really talk to my peers… Thank you for being so… "
"Hm?" Teest blinked, signaling for more praise.
" …Thank you for being so crazy, and for not caring about anything," Nol continued, and then started to play with Teest's hair.
Teest: "..."
Teest: "…You're welcome."
"You're truly insane."
Nol's attention finally shifted from the tail tip. While playing with Teest's hair, he murmured complaints. "Super hard to deal with. Being with you, I have to think several times harder… Well, several dozens of times harder. You let Crimson go. Who knows how much trouble that'll bring… "
"But I just can't be mad at you, and that's frustrating… You succeeded. Now, I'm not thinking about whether to divorce or not…"
Teest sighed. "So, your punishment is to nag me to death? Congratulations on taking the first step."
Nol shut his mouth and stopped talking. He remained kneeling on one knee on the bed, now leaning slightly forward, cupping Teest's head, looking down at him.
His gaze was lucid, but with evident confusion. A myriad of subtle emotions was roiling within. Nol just stared at Teest, who stared right back.
The fireplace's light flickered in those blue eyes. A gentle tug from behind reminded him of his hair being gripped tighter.
That inquisitive face came closer, terrifyingly slowly.
Teest maintained his posture, suddenly recalling how he used to catch bees when he was a kid—the trick was to go slow; the slower the better. You had to make the poor creature let its guard down before catching it.
Now, the question was: who was the hunter and who was the prey?
After what felt like an eternity, the warmth finally settled. Nol's soft lips brushed against his eyelids, pausing at his forehead.
Undoubtedly, it was a kiss.
Teest would bet that Nol was more shocked than he was. Because Nol immediately pulled back, much of his tipsiness dissipated. Nol looked astonished, either at Teest for not dodging or at himself for doing such a thing.
"…Don't suddenly use charm on me." He eventually managed an excuse, his voice shaking with uncertainty.
"The interesting thing is, I didn't."
Teest smiled. "Besides, you've just acquired 'mental magic immunity', honey."
The author has something to say:
Finally (in the true sense) they kissed — Smooch.gif.