I woke up to a nightmare. It was about humans discovering that I was a 9t and hunting me down for my fluffy tails. I took out my tails and started to brush them. I still couldn't get used to silver fir coming off black tails.

  I do have to admit that it was a ballsy move for the idols to just let everyone know. Then again, they are famous. I wouldn't want to deal with the attention it would bring me, however, I can silence it, something that would be quite the problem if idols did that.

  Giana’s song came to mind, the one about the immortal jellyfish. Maybe she joined us because she knows what they were doing was temporary. At a certain point, people would notice that they don't age. Even if they leave the world of idols, people would still pay attention to them.

  Also, there is a possibility of ending up alone. Just them 3 in a world where anyone who cared about them has passed away due to old age. I can't pretend to know what they were feeling, but I think loneliness is the strongest DoT in existence. It’s not physical and given a life of eternity, it will do more damage to an immortal being than anything else could. And it will lead to the individual wishing for death, just like in the fairy tale.

  Maybe they have thought more about it than we did. Raishin, Greg and I are more occupied with staying alive, so maybe that is why. And here I was concerned about the possibility of the idols dying, while they were probably more concerned about combatting loneliness.

  I can’t tell who is more correct, nor do I think this problem is so simple that one can point at who’s correct. Is the mental state more important? Or the body? I have already come to the conclusion that back then if Giana was alone, she would have survived the attacks of the Spirit Stalkers and that only the presence of Noelle and me ended up in her death. But letting her go alone would probably affect her mentally.

  I was lost in thought and someone knocked on the door. I thoughtlessly told the person to enter while still brushing my tails. I realized this error too late, but luckily it was Yvonne.

  “H…hey, Agnis can I ask you something? Do you have any tips for at…attracting Gregory’s attention?”

  I struggled to break my train of thought and focus on the question.

  Sorry, what?

  “It might be me but he seems to be a bit c…cold and uninterested…”

  Oh, that's just how he is that's normal. He is surprisingly serious he just doesn't show it much. He is probably trying hard to not say or do anything that can cause problems or make the problems Raishin and I create worse. Because he can cause as much chaos as we can.

  “D…do you know what he thinks of me?”

  No clue, sorry but the thing is, you can just ask him. He is quite direct.

  “Just as d…direct as you are?”

  Hmm, well you know my race, we’re not always direct, he is pretty much all of the time. Just ask him the correct question, if you ask him ‘What do you think about me?’ He will probably give his opinion about you as an idol or your fighting style. Or if you ask him if he likes you, he would say he does, but probably as a person. So, you need to be concise and to the point.

  Yvonne fidgeted. “I see, certainly better ad…vice than Raishin gave.”

  Now I’m curious… what did Raishin say?

  “Uhm…” Yvonne’s face turned red. “He…he told me to just g…go up to him and k…ki…kiss him.” She covered her head with her hands and ran off out of embarrassment.

  I need to remind Noelle to kick his ass. It feels good to outsource this. Greg’s line of yesterday floated up. Something about them keeping our personalities in check.

  What a mess, what do I do…

  I finished brushing my tails and walked toward the door as I heard stomping. Noelle dragged Raishin around, and a very embarrassed Yvonne tried to stop her. I decided to ignore that and went for a walk.

  I passed by the market again and looked through some items to pass the time.

  “Oh hey, there lad! I heard that you won the tournament! Congrats!” The friendly fisherman from earlier this week waved at me. “But man, I didn't know that you were THE Silver Torrent. Somehow, it’s always hard to remember your face.”

  Yeah, it’s some magic I like to use to not become the center of attention everywhere. I might have to put this on the idols too…

  “So lucky to travel with such beauts! You know that she’s a mythical beast, right?”

  Yeah, so? We don't discriminate .

  “No, I don’t mean that, aren't you worried that your girlfriend will outlive you and become sad?”

  Ah, that… I’m not her boyfriend, but that is a possibility yeah, she might have to find another adventurer group in 200 to 300 years if we guys haven't kicked the bucket yet.

  “Sounds like quite the story. Might even be fairy tale-worthy! But ehh, I thought that you were a beast kin, you look quite human to me”

  Hey, don't turn our mortality into a sob story! And I am a beast kin yeah.

  I got my ears and 1 tail out.

  “Hahaha, I’m sorry, here take this lightning cod I got in this morning, not as big as the one on that auction but still of good quality. You don’t need to hide your race here, we’re quite accepting, especially to beast kin and the Silver Torrent!”

  Thanks, hey old man…

  “The name is Ukar.”

  So, old man.

  “It’s Ukar! Do I need to take that fish back?!”

  Sorry! Don't take my fish away!

  Ukar laughed. “So, what is it Mr. Silver Torrent?”

  Let's say there is a situation where saving the idols would get me killed, but they will be happy and saved or not saving them, which won't have negative consequences for them besides sadness and loneliness. What would you suggest doing?

  Ukar thought about my question. “That is a very difficult question. Both outcomes are shitty, but you are forgetting something.”

  And that is?

  “They won’t be happy if you end up dying, I know that for sure, so you have 2 situations where they will end up unhappy.”

  So, take the lesser of the evils?

  “I’m not sure if that is the correct answer, they are immortal, so logic dictates that they will be fine but… I have difficulties with the thought of leaving 3 young women be when they can be saved. And above that, your life is precious too”

  But while death might not be a risk for them lifelong captivity could, and compared to their lifespans, mortals come and go.

  Ukar got a serious look on his face and grabbed my shoulders. “Lad, that’s dangerous thinking. In the end, everyone is responsible for their own lives. Opportunities will always present itself as long as you’re alive. My advice is. Leave them be and come back later with an idea that saves them and doesn't get you killed. They might be immortal, but a scene of you dying for them will be forever seared into their memory.”

  I realized why I prefer to move alone or in small groups. Dealing with people and social problems really isn't my thing, it has too many nuances and needs the input of something I have no control over; others feelings and emotions.

  I will take your words to mind, thank you.

  I’m convinced that this guy's opinion is as unbiased as it can get, my friends would put my safety first which I don't always agree with. Random humans would probably talk from the standpoint: I don't care about you, just keep the idols safe at all costs.

  Twice the party size probably means twice the problems, I suppose. I only have a decent idea on how vixens work, I don’t know anything about female 7t, only that they are as rare as male 9t so we might have some male 7t swarm toward Noelle.

  Although they would have the moment her identity was known. Is it safe to assume that there are no male 7t on Kaledon? That can’t be right…

  I also don’t know anything about female 4t, but it seems they're similar to elves. Her aura shift was quite funny. I just hope that she gets acquainted enough with us to drop the shy persona. I assume she doesn’t have this with just the 3 of them.

  Talking to her might be needed as she is probably the most uncomfortable in this team. I suck at talking…

  I felt Giana’s gaze. She hasn't locked on to me yet, but would eventually. I covered myself in illusions to avoid detection and kept walking around and ended up outside the city and sat on a hill that looked out over the city and the sea.

  It was the hill Wild Fang and I had been on, looking over the ocean, years ago. I wonder what he’s up to. He would normally appear in situations like this, but he wasn’t at the tournament. I hope he is ok.

  The sky had some clouds, but it was quite cloudy in the distance. It might be possible that that storm will be a problem indeed if the trip gets moved to tomorrow.

  Greg attempted to contact me with Teleroad, but I ignored it, I was just relaxing and thinking about this issue.

  The idols aren’t weak, but it's too lopsided on survival, while on the lower end, this is very important, but when dealing with gods and that bullshit, it becomes less important because you would want to avoid getting hit altogether. And in our current state, we don't have the firepower to bring a god down without outside help. The best way to deal with a god is to kill it before it kills you.

  Gods are naturally tankier and stronger than us. The only thing we have over them is possibly speed, intelligence, and experience. And the gods are what I’m really worried about, maybe next to some other mythical or legendary creatures or individuals with an insane amount of skill, experience, or an unusual skill set.

  I’m not sure how Yvonne fights but so far, I’m the only one who can really avoid us getting hit by stuff we don't want to get hit by. Maybe Giana and Noelle can tank a god but for how long?

  A fresh breeze swept over the city, carrying light blue blossoms. I guess that’s Yvonne’s doing. Who are they looking for?

  Giana’s gaze got stronger and I realized that they might be looking for me. I located them and popped up right next to my friends.

  Yoo, were you looking for me?

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Can you at least answer your Teleroad requests? Giana was upset and worried something might have happened to you, which unfortunately happens a lot!

  I’m sorry…

  Were you doing sneaky stuff again?

  Don’t apologize to me, apologize to her!

  Greg pointed at the idols that were looking around a bit further. I walked towards them and Giana noticed me.

  “I was so worried!”

  Yeah, my bad. I’m ok I just was wandering through the town lost in thought.

  “Gregory wasn't kidding, you really are a troublemaker, it’s good that you're ok. Do you notice anything about Giana?” Noelle said while pushing Giana toward me.

  She looks like a mess.

  I dodged Noelle’s punch. “And whose fault do you think that is!” I dodged another punch.

  I’m sorry! I shouldn't have said that! I apologize!

  “Thank you, Noelle, you can let him off the hook, I will take care of it. The fishing adventure was moved to tomorrow instead of the day after tomorrow”

  Oh, I knew that.

  “Of course, you knew… can you at least tell it to your teammates?” Noelle stomped, but this was a mild stomp.

  Uhh, woops?

  “Giana get him!” Noelle said as she frowned and pointed at me.

  “Yes, what you did was unacceptable! You will help me prepare as compensation! Also, what do you think about my dress?” Giana asked while making idol poses.

  Uhh isn't it inappropriate to comment on it?

  I heard something and saw Yvonne and Noelle facepalming. “You know what Giana? Stop playing nice and just blast him with Charm magic, he won't get it otherwise.”

  “W…we’re your teammates now Agnis, you can com…ment on these things, y…you can also ask us anything just like you hel…helped me with my question.”

  “Oh, he gave you useful advice, Yvonne? So, he’s not as socially retarded as he appears to be!” Noelle's venomous tongue was rearing its ugly head again. I didn't have much time to think about it because I got hit by a charm attack.

  “Nice diversion Yv and Noelle! Thank you!”

  Ugh, sometimes I forget that you're a 9t too…

  I spent the rest of the day shopping with Giana under the influence of charm magic.

  Ugh, so exhausted… are you secretly the goddess of shopping?

  I dropped on the couch in the lobby quite exhausted. I had been Giana’s packing mule for the last 4 hours.

  “I really enjoyed today! But what I really loved was how you broke out of the charm but still stuck to it!”

  I think that fighting a god is easier than going shopping with a woman…

  Is he being dramatic again?

  Greg nonchalantly walked over to us, acting all cool while reading a book. He slowly started drawing the attention of some women. “Hey, isn't that the Obsidian Prince?”

  Greg cringed at hearing that name.

  Oh, so they finally noticed who you are?

  I swear if you used your illusion to make them recognize me I will [Shadow cat] you!

  A group of women squealed and ran over to Greg. “Oh my god! It really is him! How didn't I notice earlier!”

  Agnis you asshole!

  Greg closed his book and dashed off as Oblivious Prince fans rushed at him.

  I grinned. Hehe, get rekt.

  I was contemplating on telling her the issue I was thinking about earlier today when Noelle and Yvonne appeared but no Raishin.

  Did you finally put Raishin in the ground?

  “No, he’s making a fool of himself and being rejected by women who don't know his worth.”

  Are you not at least a bit worried that one will say yes?

  “I’ve seen how he goes about this, and I’m not worried at all, I’m sure you and Gregory will vet whoever does end up saying yes, so I will just focus on getting on good terms with you and him.”

  Hmm, smart.

  “W…where is Gregory?” Yvonne asked while she looked around.

  Giana snapped out of her daze and made a small wave at her friends. “Agnis played a prank on him, he ran that way, this is your chance to impress him and save him from the women chasing him!”

  Yvonne nodded and got her ears and 2 tails out and dashed off.

  Did she have to get that serious about it?

  “That’s just how she is, so I’m curious, how come you aren't vetting us, aren't you concerned about if we’re suited for your friends?”

  If you don’t feel like I'm doing such means that I’m doing a good job. I was actually expecting more pressure from you. You let a random guy just take your friend?

  Noelle pointed at Giana. We looked at her and she was beaming and daydreaming again. “Do you seriously think I can do anything against that? Moreover, you haven't changed much since Hourai so there’s not much we need to do.”

  Huh?

  “Oblivious as always, we’ve liked you guys since living in Hourai.”

  Huh? How? We never met in Hourai.

  Noelle facepalmed again. “Anyways, you guys are incredibly consistent in how you behave, so there is not much to do, it only seems that you picked up more toxic traits, but that’s what vixens are attracted to, so I don’t think that's a huge problem.”

  Toxic, eh?

  “Yes, disappearing without telling anybody!”

  Oooh

  “Anyways sort out your feelings I doubt that anyone would take her away but judging by your character you're more likely to kick the bucket before anyone can sweep her off her feet. I’m curious though, what did you do to turn Giana into ehh this?”

  I have no clue all I did was be myself.

  “I guess that explains enough. Anyways you 2 have to get up early tomorrow, right? I’ll locate Raishin and bring Greg and Yvonne back. Go sleep, preferably in the same bed.”

  You're joking, right?

  Noelle grinned and went in the direction Yvonne ran off earlier.

  I started to wonder why Noelle wasn't the leader of the group. She certainly was the glue of their group. Maybe it's a similar situation to why I’m the leader of our group. It got pushed on me to force me to be a bit more responsible. Giana still seemed to be daydreaming. I poked her, but she didn't wake up. She put some strong illusions on herself to see something.

  How weird. I picked her up and carried her to her room. People looked at me, but I couldn't leave her here. Maybe I should have teleported… I had to teleport into her room because I didn't have a key. The moment I teleported into the room the walls got covered by [Polygonal Reinforcement].

  I swear… Noelle takes this unnecessarily seriously…

  I put Giana on her bed and tried to teleport out, but it got blocked. Unlikely, I can bust through the door.

  “Oh, I’m sorry I got lost in a daydream.”

  Oh, no problem. I got you to your room.

  “Thank you, also for today, I had fun.”

  You’re welcome now ehh, can you notify Noelle that she trapped us in here?

  “I’m sure she knows.”

  I guessed as much. Well, I’ll try to get out, just rest up we have an early morning.

  Anxiety crept up to me as I was yet again in a vixen’s room. I couldn’t see it, but charm magic was probably starting to stick to me as it became harder and harder to get thoughts about Giana out of my head.

  I attempted a dimensional teleport, but Noelle seemed to have put a lot of energy into this so it got blocked. The only way I could crack this was to mess with its runic structure. I sat down on the floor and started to read the magic rune code.

  So many exotic mana runes… I am so fucked…

  “What are you doing?”

  I have to break this trap Noelle made by unraveling it on a runic level. I can force a stronger dimensional teleport, but it might surge and destroy the hotel…

  “Can I help?”

  Uhh don’t think, so I will have to relearn these exotic mana runes from scratch, which requires focus, which is impossible currently…

  “Exotic mana runes? Can you tell me about them?”

  I know as much as you do about them but I could derive their meaning based on their function or context... Can you tone down that charm magic so I can focus?

  I spent hours messing with runes and finding out their function. Some exotic runes had similarities to those I knew, but most were as their name suggested, exotic. I also taught Giana about mana runes. How to adjust magic spells, but also its application in breaking seals and barriers.

  I told her about the crash course Azu gave Greg and me, the research that I ‘Borrowed’ in Witchaven, and about the nuances. I then started to mess with the barrier Noelle set up and let Giana learn by experience as I gave her a simple seal with non-exotic mana runes.

  I gave up as I couldn’t focus also… This barrier had a big problem. It seemed to be an active barrier. Noelle was continuously supplying it with mana and scrambling the runic structure. This is very rare because it could end up very tiresome for the caster, so that's why most barriers have a passive caster involvement.

  Giana was too occupied with the seal I gave her to blast me with charm magic. I might escape tonight, but I might not the next time if I don’t master these exotic runes. I do perform better under pressure, though, maybe this has a silver lining.

  I suddenly woke up and it was morning.

  Giana was sitting next to me on the floor still sleeping and resting her head on my shoulder. The barrier that had trapped us was gone.

  I guess Noelle won this one… Perhaps not completely as she had hoped, but we had technically spent the night together. Giana was still peacefully sleeping.

  I must be completely drenched in pink energy right now… It seems that I have to make a decision.

  ?