I can't see anymore. It's black, but somehow not. It's like big black pixels have started to overcome my sight, and it feels like my whole sense of self has retreated into my head. My head feels lukewarm, it's like I'm floating deep inside the earth stuck by stalagmites, if it makes sense.

Then I feel life pouring into my mouth. Greedily, I take a deep breath in. Something moves, the only thing that exists besides me in this place, maybe it struggles, but I grab- hey, I have an arm! Whatever it is, it feels good, it feels right, it feels necessary!

Moist. Hey, that's something else I can feel! Thoughts start creeping back into my head, as I feel my sense of self spreading slowly from my head back to my limbs, then flowing back, occupying my body evenly.

I slowly open my eyes... I can't see a thing, something hairy is in the way. No, it's too smooth to be hair. It seems to be bright, though having so much in my eyes is making it hard to figure out its actual color...

No, this definitely is a head in my hands, including very smooth hair, there is also something like teeth on my l-

WHY THE FUCK DO I HAVE ARA-SAN AS A BREATHING MACHINE! It's not even mouth-to-mouth respiration, it's me clinging to her like she's a tool that supports me with air, while she struggles as I hold her head with all my might, as little as it may currently be!

I slowly let go of her head and try to get her hair out of my face. She stays as she is, her mouth on mine. I hear her taking deep breaths via her nose, and she pumps her air into my body, but that air tastes great! Or at least, it feels right.

Also, stop making these erotic voices! Seriously, it sounds like you have an orgasm, and your ears are trembling, and it’s giving me a boner right now! Also, are you eating my lips now so that I let you go!?

Dammit, I want to- No! Keep cal- but between her noises and lip movements, this feels more and more like a kiss... that also includes pumping air into me, which makes me breathe out my nose... what is this insane situation!?

Suddenly, a window pops up, while I also see a change at the symbols at the borders of my sight. The window says:

You gain 20 WP. Love conquers it all! Your wife knows how to combine the necessary with the romantic, not only giving you the breath of life, but also giving you a hot kiss!

With a smacking sound, Ara-san separates herself from me, rubbing her lips with a finger: “What is this! Is human spit a drug!? Is that why you do something unsanitary like kissing!? Why are my lips that sensitive? Also, I'm horny like a human, and I believe my bodily fluids are running down my thighs!”

“Too much info, Arako,” says Kyou-san, annoyed, yet she looks pale. Wait, I can understand them again!

“Kenta, are you alright?” Rine bows over me, her whole face trembling.

“I guess?” I check my status, the [Suppressed Heroism]-condition has been lifted. “I feel better.”

Suddenly, I'm inside a vise. Or at least it feels like it, as a crying Rine embraces me: “WAAAAAAHAAAAA! KENTAAAAAAAAA! YOU'RE ALLIIIVEEE! UHH,UHHH,UHHHHHH!” Stop! You're killing me! I need air!

You gain 1 WP. A heartfelt hug conveys the feeling of your wife to you, filling you with joy as you know how important you're to her and how much she thinks of you!

She doesn't think at all, or she wouldn't suffocate me!

Kyou-san, help! “Oh---sorry.” Kyou-san lost her balance and fell on her butt. “My legs...” She seems out of breath herself.

Ara-san! Wait, are you feeling yourself up!?

“KEEENTA! KEEEENTAAAA! Uh, you can't- you can't do something like that!” Finally, Rine's grip softens and now she falls to my chest, her hands weakly on my shoulders. “You can't!” She cries.

I try to recollect what exactly happened, as all of them—well, Kyou-san and Rine at least—are acting like I was a goner.

...wait, I think I suddenly lost consciousness. Or rather, it was like I was still somehow there, but just unable to do anything, not even see or hear. Before that, I had great pain in my chest for a while, which I ignored, until I couldn't. “Do you know what happened?”

“Uhh-uhhhhhh-uhhhhhhhhh.” Rine embraces my upper body now, burying her head into my solar plexus, which kinda hurts, but she puts barely any force into it. It makes me feel rather uncomfortable, though it also makes me feel- *wumm* “Ah! Kenta! Sorry! Kenta, don't die!”

“Aggh!” The moment I got slightly aroused, she suddenly slammed her fist onto my nose. “Dammit, Rine!”

“Sorry, sorry, sorry! [Heal]!”

Damn you, Ara-san! Because of your overly sensual behavior... “Ara-san! What are you doing!?”

“It itches between my legs, so I need to masturbate to calm it down again, and I don't know about you, but I prefer to do it without underwear, therefore-”

“Stop it! Right now! Kyou-san, say something!”

“Ah---yes. Arako, don't do it here.” Why are you speaking like you're not here yourself!?

“Then I will go over there, do the deed, and then return afterward, I suppose?”

“ARRRGH!”

After all of us have taken a moment of silence to calm our nerves—and in Ara-san's case her horniness—Kyou-san explains what happened. “Then Arako pushed me aside and respired you. It also worked, for some reason.”

I try to connect the dots... “Ara-san... do alfar breathe out large amounts of oxygen?”

“Affirmative. I didn't know that humans need that for breathing... which brings us to the very interesting and somewhat frightening thought, that the hero-system may change how our breathing works, or at least how much of what we need to survive. My decision may have been flawed, as I may have pushed toxic gases into your lungs, especially considering that I don't know how my breathing has been changed by the hero-system, but it was the best I could come up with at the time.”

“At least I survived long enough for the hero-system to reactivate again. Thanks.” This is however really scary. The relic-lantern has deactivated parts of my hero-system, which affected my breathing. Let's assume it was changed back to how it works in my homeworld, so it would mean that there is less oxygen in the air, which is tolerable for a while, but would have eventually killed me... “So basically, we need the hero-system to survive in this world...”

“You and Momo at least. Katarine-san is a native, so she is adapted to these conditions, and we don't have data on what happens if an alfr uses their normal breathing, though it should be neutral at best? Unlikely that it would have been changed if there was a benefit in it.”

Yeah, gods want strong heroes, so if their usual breathing mechanism would make them stronger, the gods won't touch that, logically speaking. “Phew.”

“What's wrong?”

“Aside from the fact that the moment I stop being a hero, I will just die slowly?” Before, I had seen the hero-system as kind of a plus, but now it's a necessity. I have to rely on it, which I don't really like.

Ara-san touches her lips with her fingers, maybe even subconsciously. Well, now I'm conscious of it, as while she saved me, this was much more than a treatment... She also felt it, and I feel strange about it, and I don't like it, and I want to forget it, but I still----

Concentrate!

Heck, who would have thought that something basic like oxygen may be a problem here!? “Dammit, I don't know how long that incident took, but it's getting dark. I should-” I try to stand up, but the moment I stand, I feel weak. I can stand, but my whole body is burning, while my legs are shaking. I guess the damage to my organs is still there, even though the air isn't toxic for them anymore.

“[Heal]! [Stamina]! Also, sit down, Ken. I'll make medicine for you, that should help.”

“We don't have time! We have to-” Something sweeps my feet away, it's Rine who effortlessly catches the falling me and gently puts me to the ground. “Hey!”

“You will stay still,” the princess demands in a tone she has never spoken to me before. “We'll take the time.”

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Don't be ridiculous, I- hey, get off me!” Now she's sitting on my chest, and I don't have the power to stand up... though even if I had, she would easily wrestle me down.

She waives Ara-san to her: “Pin down his legs.”

“Sorry, Kenta-kun,” the alfr girl says in an absolutely monotone and unsorry way: “She will hurt me, if I don't do as she says.” No, she won't... most likely!

I wail around helplessly, trying to use the little wriggle room I have: “Get off, don't, fu-”

Suddenly, Rine's fist pushes me roughly to the ground, while she bows down to me and looks at me with moist, deadly serious eyes: “You will stop! I have had enough! You will rest, you will recuperate, you will drink Kyou's medicine, and you will cease any resistance!” Tears start to fall, first small ones, then big ones. Despite her snot, she still looks somehow beautiful: “Stop, Kenta! Don't do this to us!”

I relax my body. I want to say something, but it's like something is stuck inside my throat. I feel ashamed, somehow. I want to- I’d like to- I-I-I-

What am I feeling right now? I don't know, I'm overwhelmed.

Realizing that I won't resist anymore, Rine wipes away her tears and stands up, then Ara-san does the same. I just keep lying where I am, trying to beat down those unnecessary emotions I can't even unwind. “Dammit, I'm fine. Don't treat me like I'm sick!” However, I decide to stay down and only resist with words.

“You almost died! Only because of Ara's quick thinking and things I can't understand you're still living! You haven't seen yourself, you were in pain, you--- I--- Don't do that anymore! Now... now... now shut up and let us take care of you!” You know that Rine is pissed when she uses the same words that I'd do.

What the heck is she thinking!? Every minute may count! “Dammit!”

“Kenta-kun, you're being human. Right now, you're holding us back, so waiting a quarter of an hour for you to not drag your feet for half an hour is a worthy time-investment. You may force your hero-body to keep up, but the moment you get [Worn out], you'll be only a liability.”

I hate how sound the logic is. I hate it! I should have killed Meldorn with my bow, shooting the horse instead was a bad decision, most likely led by my subconscious. I'm kinda thankful towards Meldorn, as he taught me a lot.

Now he's an enemy... dammit! DAMMIT! I hate it! I HATE IT! You won't succeed in a hunt by rushing. Make the quarry feel safe or let it exhaust itself while conserving energy. ...even my memories tell me to take it easy for now.

Rine and Ara-san are still watching me, as if I'd do something stupid at any moment. Kyou-san is grinding her herbs to make me a medicine. I may not be able to calm down, but at least I can stay still.

After a while, Rine sits down on her kneels next to me: “I'm sorry, Kenta. I didn't want to lose my temper, it's just that I'm worried about you.”

“Hah, worried...”

Her hand moves to my head, and I brush it off semi-gently. “I'm waiting, fine? Phew... just give me a break, alright?”

“Sorry...”

Don't apologize when it's obviously me who's wrong! “Phew...” Ara-san is touching her lips again, which makes me remember the whole rather sensual experience I had, though this also reminds me how far I may have gone, if it weren't for her... “Ara-san. Thank you for saving me.”

“Now your life is mine and you will serve me as a lab rat for the rest of your short life.” I can tell that she's just joking.

“I guess in this case you have to negotiate with Rine and Kyou first, as they also saved my life before, and we need to make a tally list to see how often I've saved your butt.”

“Katarine-san, how about shared ownership over Kenta-kun?”

“Huh? I mean, he's a free person, so-”

“So you wave any ownership over him. Therefore, I only need to discuss this with Momo.”

“That's not what I meant!” Once again, Rine is falling victim to another alfr joke.

“Phew... Ara-san is just kidding.”

“She is? I mean, I can imagine that, but on the other hand...”

“Katarine-san, this hurts me. Also Kenta-kun, let me have my fun.”

“Would you mind shutting up!” comes from Kyou-san. “Also, Ken: Drink.” She passes me a bowl with a green concoction she hasn't even cooked.

Well, here goes nothing. I pinch my nose and I still taste bitter grass. However, a property of a hero-body kicks in: Instant effect of healing items. I can feel the weakness leaving my body, and the ache is almost gone. “Phew... thanks. Now let's keep moving, we have only little time to wast-” I inhale sharply, as I suddenly stop feeling my legs. Once again someone catches me before falling to the ground, this time it's Kyou-san, who does that as if she was expecting that... “You... bitch...” Then I fall asleep against my will.

―○●○―

I'm having the final watch, Kenta is still asleep. I'm still not very satisfied with how this came to be, but I don't know how Kyou could have done it better... other than talking to Kenta. She explained the reason why she put a sleeping agent into Kenta's medicine: So that Kenta will actually rest and not decide to do all nightwatches or 'wrack his brain until his last cells say goodbye'.

Yes, Kenta is a hardworker, even when Kyou calls it 'being a massive moron'. While I agree with the result, the method is... well, at this point, I should have expected this? No, rather than expected, it's more like... being not surprised.

I look to the other tent, where Kyou and Ara are currently sleeping. I try my best to stay awake while doing nothing, usually I'd train my magic by playing with the campfire, which was canceled to not convey our position, as Meldorn may be able to follow us without a cinch, but there may be more enemies out there. The raindrops on the tarps have something soothing, and I'd like to shower under the rain to wash away my thoughts, but I shouldn't and therefore my head is full of them.

Maybe I should lure them away, after all? If they're looking for me- “That may be exactly what Correo-san is planning.” You may be right, Kyou, but he told us that he will leave us alone, so...

I don't want to surrender to Instructor Gottfried. When I do, something will end, something precious to me. I know this is selfish, but if I do surrender, I’ll go back to the boring life as a crown-princess, not able to do any fighting and be just a representative for the kingdom. This time just with someone watching me. I'd rather die than do that!

Kenta listens to me. He helps me. As long as Kenta is with me, I can do anything.

Pain! My heart hurts. Kenta almost died today. Watching it, being unable to do anything, not even knowing what is wrong... I was helpless and I hated it. It's because I wasn't able to defeat Instructor Gottfried...

I go through every movement. Why didn't he fight back? Is it to not harm me? Is he thinking so little of me?

He's right... I couldn't even graze him, before that last attempt... no, even my [Crescent Moon] didn't connect, he somehow still blocked it. There is still a big power-gap between me and my instructor...

I need to overcome it! Ara once said that I may not even be using the hero-system for real, so next time, I have to give it all. No holding back! I just need to figure out how to do so, but I will! Next time, I'll overcome him!

You gain 2 WP. Your husband has slept well between two of his wives. Make sure that you also partake into that as soon as possible.

Ah, Kenta is awake! “...fuck...” The tent-entrance of the other tent opens and I see him holding his head as if it's hurting.

I smile at him. “You have slept well.” That's what the message said.

“Are you mocking me!?”

“No, I'm glad. You still look exhausted, though. Did you get enough air?”

“Of course I did! Phew... what watch is it?”

“Final one. I think around an hour or so left?”

“I'll check the surroundings.”

“No. You're going to rest!”

”What if I don't!?”

“Please, Kenta. We're all worried about you!”

“I didn't ask you to be. Also, using drugs on me!? Seriously!?”

“Don't be so loud, they-”

“Ju-mphf!” Not knowing how to stop him otherwise, I jump into his tent and press my hand above his mouth. He struggles, but I quickly put him into an armlock. “Hwwww!”

“Let's sit down.” I try to be as calm as possible as I go on my knees slowly so that Kenta can follow. “Breathe slowly and calm down. I'm sure you're really angry at us, but please understand that we don't want to harm you.”

After some seconds, Kenta relaxes his body and becomes quiet. Maybe he has his feelings under control again? I release him and then he reaches for the waterskin, drinking a lot. “Phew... I needed that.”

“Kenta... I'm so sorry. You're overworking yourself because of my selfishness.” However, I just can't act against my feelings. I want our days to continue, and I know that we'll win, as long as we work together. But I'm also afraid that all of you will end up hating me because of it...

“Rine, let's be honest: Every human on any world is a selfish piece of shit. Everyone acts upon their self-interest and may use terms like 'for the greater good' or so to distract themselves from the fact that they just want admiration and leave a mark on the world. You don't want to return home? Fine with me, at least you're honest and don't pull off something like a crappy sacrifice, martyring yourself to relieve yourself from the guilt that you'll put us through hell, while also bathing in the self-satisfaction that you're such a good person that you are offering yourself and your happiness for the rest of us. That would make me puke! Let me be clear here: I knew that attacking Gottfried was a risk, was willing to take it, and I lost. That's on me. To beat that one, I'll need to be smarter. To be honest, I may have lost my edge, because having you in the party makes most battles too easy. I already have some ideas on how to handle Gottfried, especially as we only need to stall him long enough to get Meldorn and then retreat.”

Wow, Kenta already has concrete ideas on how to handle the situation. “Kenta? Can you explain to me how to use a power surge again?” That's what Kenta calls his sudden increases in power for certain attacks. He has three and then he's assaulted by a severe headache.

“Phew...” He takes some time to think about it. “I guess I didn't nail down that explanation well before.”

“You said, you really want to have power and put your feelings into your attack, right?”

“No, but I guess that's what stuck with you... Let's say, I don't 'want' power, but more like I'm 'desperate' for it. And for the feelings... It's like using some animal-like instincts or maybe emotions, pouring it into my thoughts and intentions, bleeding into my attack. Do you plan to try to use power surges against Gottfried?”

“Yes!”

“Forget it.”

“Huh!?”

For a second, it seems like Kenta wants to say something, but his face darkens and he looks sad... no, sad is not the best word... more like, vulnerable. Then he suddenly hardens up and continues: “I just don't believe you can access that unless you sink low enough. You do just yourself. Just fight like you always do, don't try to impress anyone, outgrow yourself, or shit like that. Basically, don't care at all about the result, because that's when you're the best.”

“But what if it's not good enough?” What if I'm not good enough?

I look up to Kenta, hoping that he will give me salvation. “Then we will get beaten and dragged back to Feuerberg, making all the work we put into this whole ordeal since Aroahenn worthless.” However, he delivers the truth.

Kenta doesn't lie to me. He doesn't mince his words. Oh, I have taken his sleeve, I didn't notice. “Tehehehe...” However, it feels somehow relieving. “Then we just have to make it work, right?”

“...right...” He sounds a bit hesitant, but agrees nonetheless.

As long as I'm with Kenta, nothing can beat us. He didn't ask me to give up, he said that he wants me to fight until the end. That's at least what I've understood. Sir Gottfried may be my instructor, he may have taught me most of what I've known about fighting, but since then, I've learned on my own.

Soon, we'll wake Kyou and Ara, and then we’ll go our way. The plan seems solid, tire them out if they hurry, get rest and prepare if they don't, concentrate on the objective and then get away.

I just need to be myself and everything will work out fine.