{[History isn't always written by the victor. Oftentimes, those who lose leave behind a legacy of hope.]}

XP:13,000 > XP:14,250

My XP keeps going up. It must be Alex’s guards fighting monsters.

Free Gotcha Roll?

The menu popped up.

It’s been a week already?

Ashner had spent the last few days helping Wong tend to the wounded and even helped demi-bunnies pack their belongings inside the White Room. The deaths of their loved ones made the demi's sluggish and distracted. Ashner didn't blame them, nor was he rushing to return to the elves and demi-cows.

“Sure, spin.”

The menu spun like a soccer ball and stopped.

(Common) Heavier Bones

Level 1 – By spending 25XP, you can permanently increase a target’s bone’s strength, weight, and durability by two. This also includes yourself.

This is an interesting one. But I shouldn't risk this. Who's to say that our weight won't increase or how it would balance out with our current muscles… Another worthless power…

Wong made his way to Ashner. The floating robots dashed around carrying medicine and even conversing with the demi-bunnies.

“We have a problem." Wong's eyes were tired. He hadn't slept much since so many were wounded. But he had pushed through the most challenging part of his work and saved everyone he stitched up.

“What’s the issue?”

“When this room first appeared, it had a set amount of medicine. Even some that were lost due to the war. But it doesn't restock. Sure, we have the technology, but we don't have the means to restock our supplies."

“That is an issue.” Ashner studied the equipment around Wong. “But I have a workaround."

“What workaround?"

“Menu.” The blue menu popped up in front of Ashner. “Buy Pharmaceutical Lab.”

White Room XP:2 > 1

Pharmaceutical Lab (Level 1) – Room is for creating medicines.

- Perfect Replica – Any medicinal herbs you plan in the lab will grow and regrow once used.

- Complexity Made Easy – Any complex medicine creation techniques will be immediately completed. This includes aging and multiplying certain strands, ext. As long as one is successfully created or added to the lab, it's yours to recreate.

- Instant Results – If you choose to make your own medicine, you don't have to test it on animals or humans. The lab will tell you if you're successful.

A door next to the entrance of the makeshift hospital appeared slowly. Wong just about ran towards it. He opened the door, and his jaw dropped.

Ashner and Gio followed and glanced over Wong’s shoulder.

The room was just as large as the hospital. Except it had sections to grow and harvest herbs. Capsuling equipment, a handful of computers, and floating robots to shoulder all the tedious work.

“It’s missing pieces.” Wong glanced at Ashner.

“This room skips through a lot of the creation process. Instead, it’s designed to recreate medicine and herbs we bring into it.” Ashner’s words made Wong’s eyes widen.

“Do you know what this means?” Wong extended his hand towards the room. Ashner stayed silent for about three seconds before Wong answered his own question. “This place can replicate all the medicine we will ever need. And it can mass produce it. This doesn't just include radiation pills. If we can get a hold of herbs that were lost during the war, we can create medicines that were destroyed… With this, we can cure not just Eden but Earth too… This room can single-handedly save our worlds…"

“That’s a stretch.” Ashner had never seen Wong so happy over something before. “We still have to put in the work for new medicines.”

“It's not a stretch… I admit I don't have the skill set to make medicines out of nothing, but I can learn, or we can find people who are willing to help us… No way…"

Wong sprinted through the new room. Its walls were glossy and clean. Metallic and some herbs were scattered in little pots. But most of the room was bare and lacked life.

“This is…” Wong’s fingers grazed a large machine. “Incubation tubes, genetic code readers, genetic code re-writers, artificial eggs, everything we need to create life off of the codes animals spent billions of years writing… They were innocent to the actions of mankind… But our weapons destroyed them…”

“This is how we cure our world!” Wong smiled brightly. “Ashner, Gio, when I got a hold of the acid Ensley used on Ashner… Crow told me something… Something that held no meaning until this moment…”

“What did he say?” Gio raised his eyebrow.

“The Svalbard vault survived the war…”

“What's the Svalbard vault?" Gio glanced at Ashner, who was also confused.

"I'm not surprised you two don't know about it. I didn't know about it until Crow clued me in… In the early 2000s, the world powers created a vault to preserve seeds from all over the world from that time. They were kept at just the right temperature so they would freeze but never die… It was a widely known area until the early 2200s, when food became scarce, and famine wiped out forty percent of the population. The world governments erased all traces of the vault from the internet, even going as far as claiming it was a Mandela effect. They claimed it was impossible to create something like that… And over time, society accepted it… But that was a lie to keep the population in check… But theirs more to that vault." Wong smiled brightly. "In the early 2100s, genetic cloning was flourishing, and humanity managed to decode the majority of it and create a genetic code for every living being… The scientists at the time knew how valuable it was, so they decided to add not just seeds to the vault but the genetic code of every animal they could find… Over seven million animals were genetically stored in that vault… Animals that were eradicated during our war…"

“Where is this vault?” Gio asked.

“Crow wasn't entirely sure. He said it was up north and that he'll figure it out in time.”

“How can you be sure the vault survived?”

“It was designed to survive earthquakes and nuclear blasts.” Wong insisted.

“You can't be serious." Ashner glanced at the machinery around them. "As great as this room is, we can't use it to create all those animals in our lifetime."

“Can you increase the size of this room?” Wong was eager for answers.

“Maybe.” Ashner tilted his head. “My menu told me that this is only a level one room… I haven't raised the level of any other rooms since I only get White Room XP points when I destroy a dungeon, and gosh, is that risky…"

“I know firsthand how dangerous dungeons are…" Wong's hand wrapped around his throat. "But even so… This isn't something we should sleep on… We need to get to that vault, and we need those seeds and genetic codes."

“I don't disagree, but our world is still covered in radiation. Even if I max out my radiation resistance power, I won't be able to cleanse the entire world, just places I walk over."

“Well, fuck!” Wong paced around the machinery. “We’re so close, we’re so fucking close to getting our old world back…”

He really wants this… I don’t blame him… Our childhood life was almost like a utopia…

"Who's to say I won't gain a new power to cleanse the world from all its radiation?" Ashner put his hands behind his head, around the straps on his mask. "Let's get those seeds and genetic codes. After all, we're the only ones who can get it."

“Fuck yes.” Wong punched his hand and popped his knuckle.

“Ashner?” Alex and Luna peeked into the new room, both confused with it. “Violet is asking for you.”

“Alright." Ashner walked towards his friends. "Wong, Gio, we'll be heading out soon. We'll use this room to load up more of the demi-bunnies supplies."

Wong half opened his mouth.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that Violet tells her people not to touch anything.”

Wong smiled.

*******

“It's the Drider slayer." The demi-bunnies whispered to each other as Luna and Alex led the way. Risa jumped in between them with her power, giving cautious eyes to the demi-bunnies. Luna and Alex, on the other hand, held their heads up high and proud. Ashner's successes were their successes.

“I heard the Drider use her Fear power on him, and he resisted it, even laughed." The bunnies continued whispering to each other. "Saki told me he saved her life and that he outsmarted the Drider in her domain. Cornering her with each attack."

"You shouldn't glare at them, Risa." Luna already grasped the cat's nature. "Ashner is a symbol of admiration to the bunny tribe…"

“I just don’t like everyone talking about him… It makes it hard to protect him." Risa walked closer to Ashner, a little timid to close the distance. Luna purposely pushed her closer to Ashner, which made her cat ears and tail rise.

“Snake.” Risa hissed.

“You’re calling me that too?” Luna smirked at Risa. “I seem to be the one who’s gaining a bad reputation.”

The bunnies studied the group as they walked. Most of them had already finished packing their belongings, and only a tiny group of fifty or so bunnies were in line with their items.

"You don't have a bad reputation among my kin." Violet sat on her throne. It was made of wood and twines wrapped around its base. "You used all of your mana to give us the edge we needed to face an enemy that overwhelmed us in numbers… Without you, we were all bound to the grave."

Luna smiled proudly.

"As for you, Risa, cat-kin. Your strength and speed were essential in the battle. You cut through more enemies than anyone and even went after the stray spiders that were heading toward the village. My people witnessed it, and they respect you as well."

Risa tilted her head down and blushed with a slight smile.

"And you, Alex of the dog-kin." Alex's ears moved slightly. "You used your Fear magic to cancel out the Drider's magic… You possess more mana than I initially imagined, and because of you, my sisters fought with courage… You, too, are treasured by my kin… And I've heard rumors of some wanting to drag you into an orgy."

Alex's ears drooped. His eyes tilted to his left. Four demi-bunnies smiled at him. They were taller than him. Alex expected his hips to be sore in the morning.

“And Ashner, human-kin." Violet smiled brightly at a man she both admired as a warrior and treasured as an older brother. She stood up and bowed. "You took command of an impossible situation, led us in battle, and avenged our fallen sisters…"

Violet kneeled down at his feet. “I vow to always fight by your side, to protect those you treasure, and to aid in your ambitions… All of you are worthy of the highest respect.”

The demi's surrounding the group knelt down to honor the warriors who fought for them.

As Violet rose, so did her kin.

Ashner and the group continued to help them pack. The bunnies only had a few things, such as clothing, and oddities, such as toys or gems. Some packed jewelry, but overall, the demi's only had the essentials.

They harvested their herbs and, at Wong's request, presented them to him. He was ecstatic with his new lab.

Saki, Twila, and a handful of bunnies, most of which had fought alongside Ashner and his gang were together in a group, talking to the locals. One of them was in awe with her new hand. It was pinker her other hand. “I can’t believe you have the magic to restore lost limbs.”

"It's not magic." Ashner and his group were eating a feast of food. Violet and her people prepared it as a way to say thanks. But they were fruits and vegetables that spoiled quickly, so it was better to eat them now. "My world has been able to regrow lost limbs for several decades now. It'll be weak for a few days, and your mind will take a while to adjust to it, but after a week or so, it'll feel like your old one."

"I thank you." The bunny smiled brightly. "I can still protect my clan."

Ashner turned his head and lifted his mask slightly, just enough to take a bite of the red soup with chunks of something similar to potatoes.

"Master." Twila brought her head close to Ashner. This made him blush a little.

She’s too close.

"What can I do for you, Twila?" Risa kept cautious eyes on the short-eared elf.

"I may be out of line, but you once told me that if I fought hard for you, you would reward me with your unique magic."

“I did promise that.”

“I was wondering if you want us to choose or if you would do it for us?"

“Whatever you want, if I can give it to you, it’ll be yours.”

Twila sat at Ashner's feet. She smiled, and her long ponytail curled on the floor. "You might not know this, but." Twila showed Ashner her ears. They were about two inches shorter than Luna’s. Ashner grasped that male ears were longer than women's and that some elves, male or female, had shorter ears.

“I'm not a full-blooded elf. I'm a half-elf… So my lifespan is shorter than my kin, but in return, I gain different affinities for magic." Twila wrapped her hand around her long ponytail. "I have an affinity for dark magic… But due to my lineage, it's hard to use, much less master… That's the power I want to have."

“You can't just ask for that." Risa glared at the half-elf.

Twila held her head down. "Please, Master, I am mana-less… Show everyone here the rewards of serving you… Use me to benefit your name and your ambitions."

Mana-less? I didn’t know some people were born that way… She did fight for me, so she deserves a reward.

“Simple enough.” Ashner shrugged.

Ashner opened his menu.

Show Twila’s Stats

Twila’s Powers

Half-Elf

Animal Kin – Level 0

Dark Magic – Level 0

Learned Skills

Firearms – Level 2

Subclass

Handgun – Level 2

That's odd. It's not showing her powers, apart from her learned skills. Menu, buy Dark Magic, level one.

XP:14,250 > XP:13,250

Dark Magic – Level 0 > 1

New Racial Subclasses Obtained!

Crowd Blending – Level 0

Invisibility – Level 0

Manipulate Shadows – Level 0

Nature Blending – Level 0

Night's Silence – Level 0

Shade Blades – Level 0

Shadow Step – Level 0

XP:13,250 > XP:13,075

Menu, buy one level on each slot.

Crowd Blending – Level 0 > 1

Invisibility – Level 0 > 1

Manipulate Shadows – Level 0 > 1

Nature Blending – Level 0 > 1

Night’s Silence – Level 0 > 1

Shade Blades – Level 0 > 1

Shadow Step – Level 0 > 1

Twila studied her hands and sensed her mana expanding. She was mana-less once, but now.

She sensed the sickening sensation of using dark magic, and a single shadow dagger formed and solidified in her hand.

This made all the demi’s eyes widen in awe.

“My word.” Luna stood and flicked the blade in Twila’s hand. “How is this possible?”

“What’s the big deal?” Ashner studied all the demi’s around him.

“You gave mana to the mana-less… For eon’s demi’s and humans have tried to find a way to do what you casually did while having lunch…”

Twila smiled, her lips parted similar to a crescent moon. Then she stood. "Thank you, Master. I promise to continue serving you to the best of my abilities."

“You deserve it after fighting so hard for me." Ashner smiled, and that, in turn, made the half-elf squeeze her toes into her shoes. She took her leave with her head held high.

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

Twila kept her devious smile as she entered the cave.

She met up with a handful of demi-bunnies near the Stryker. Once their eyes met Twila, she showed the group the shadow dagger.

“So it's true… Ashner can give us power…" This bunny had dark skin and white hair with white ears. "What is he?"

“A hero.” Saki held her head high. “I told you sisters… Ashner is bound for greatness, the Luminous Goddess is testing us.”

Saki's white hair and red eyes made her stand out among her sisters. “Ashner led us all to victory… Not just against the Drider, but against wyverns, hell hounds, slimes, and even other humans… The Luminous Goddess sent us a savior, a hero, to fight against her enemies… Ashner is our salvation…"

The demi-bunnies were warriors who fought in the cave alongside Ashner and a handful that had witnessed him taking action firsthand when the spiders attacked.

“But the Luminous Goddess tests our faith, she tempts it with our greatest fear… The only way we obtain power is by serving her warrior as his faithful slaves…” Saki continued. “I, for one, will beg Ashner to make me his slave, and I will repay him by fueling his power… Anything he asks of me will be his… My strength, my magic, my body… I will prove my devotion to both him and the Luminous Goddess…”

Some of the demi’s resolves solidified with Saki’s words. She was fond of reading and writing books. Over the years, her words became creative, but she was also devoted entirely to the Luminous God and her teachings.

“I wish to be his servant and his slave." One of the bunnies spoke. "He's a seasoned warrior and brilliant leader… More so than Violet… But choosing another chieftain... That means we would have to kill Violet and make him-"

“Don't you dare touch her!” Twila warned the demi-bunny. “Ashner values and respects her… And I eavesdropped on the two of them when they were alone… She confides in him and views him as a man worth modeling herself after… He's not from our world…”

"Not from our world?" The bunnies glanced around, confused at each other.

“He’s a being that descended from a land beyond our own and grants us power if we follow him…” Twila continued. “In time, when he trusts our kin, he will confide in us… His morals and values differ from our own… That's why he doesn't view any demi’s as things he can control and instead values our lives… But he only chooses those he trusts most to enter his world… We’re blessed to simply stand by his side, but we must not upset him… We’ve all seen his rage…”

The girl's ears dropped.

The forty or so demi-bunnies nodded, and they all raised their heads up.

“But Violet.” Another bunny spoke up. “She’ll kill us if we become his slaves.”

“I honestly believe that if you talk to Violet, she would have no problem if you swear your loyalty to a man she respects." Twila was confident with her words. "Violet cried, and Ashner held her in his arms… A blessing she was unaware of… She'll allow you to join him."

“We’ll stand with him." The demi who suggested murdering Violet nodded. "We'll all become his slaves, and together, we'll face the Dead God."

The demi’s agreed and they all returned to their homes. All except for Twila, who slowly opened the Stryker's hatch. She smiled and stepped inside it. Then she knelt next to Ashner's seat. Her fingers traced the place where he sat.

A seat fit for a king, in time, she wanted to make him one. Her desires reached further than a simple chair. Ashner deserved a throne, a kingdom, an army, and a harem of women who were eager to serve his every desire. Twila wanted to please him. She wanted to give him everything. In her mind, her devotion to him far outweighed any other demi's.

Ashner was the only man she desired in mind, body, and soul…

“Master… I want you… Command me…” She kissed Ashner's seat again and again. Her face rubbed against it, and her heart raced. Her legs squeezed tightly against each other. Twila kissed the seat, and then her tongue licked it. Up and down, her tongue savored the earthy flavor of the leather. "You'll never sit on filth. I'll cleanse everything with my body so it's clean for you… I will serve… I will obey… I will…”

Twila sat up, and her hips grinded against one of the four corners of the seat. Her body fought back, but she moaned. Her eyes became glassy, and her saliva ran down her chin.

A single tear ran down her thigh.

“If you should ask, I’ll purify your body with mine…” She braced her weight with her hand on another seat and rubbed her pussy against the edge of Ashner's seat. Her underwear was soaked through. Twila bit her lip as her body jolted. The very image of Ashner ravaged her lust.

Her body spasmed, and that single tear made new friends.

Twila's lungs begged for air, and she smiled with the release she so desperately needed.

“Ashner.” Twila gasped for air with her words. “I wish you would take me…”

“What are you doing?" A single demi-bunny stepped inside the Stryker. It was Saki. She glared at Twila, who was still recovering from her orgasm.

“This is Ashner’s seat.” Twila smiled, unsure of Saki’s emotions or intentions. “I desire my Master, while I know my body is tainted…”

“Horny half-elf…" Saki glared at her. "How dare you…"

Saki walked into the Stryker and pinned Twila against the padded floor. Her strength far outweighed the elf. She held her hands over her head. Twila took long breaths.

“You licked his seat clean." Saki forced a kiss on Twila. This made the half-elf's eyes widen. Then, her face burned red as Saki's tongue embraced Twila's. They both savored the leather that Ashner had sat on.

Twila’s lust burned deep, and soon enough, her tongue willingly caressed Saki’s. The two girls embraced each other on Ashner’s seat, letting it get drenched in their passion.

Saki pushed Twila down. Her hips were on Ashner's seat, and her body stretched across the others.

Saki's fingers removed Twila's wet underwear, and she helped herself and licked the half-elf's lower half.

Both girls did it on Ashner's seat. The idea of having sex on something so sacred turned them both on.

Twila held Saki's head as her tongue skills caressed every inch of her pussy. "Saki!" Twila fought back, but her moans escaped along with her pleasure.

Twila squirted, soaking Saki’s face and hair.

Twila had cum too many times. She needed to catch her breath. The bunny took this opportunity to keep on her offensive. She took off Twila's shirt. Her body had some scars. They were given to her by the men who had forced themselves on her. Scars she was ashamed of. Even so, Saki kissed them, one by one, going up and up until her lips sucked on Twila's chest.

Twila's body was fit, her skin was fair, and her chest was perky. She was a beauty to all.

Twila held Saki’s head as the pleasure continued.

Their lips interlocked once more.

“Your turn." Saki smiled and sat on Ashner's seat. She took her pants off and readied herself, her fingers caressing Ashner's seat. Deep down, she desired him. Saki prayed to the Luminous Goddess that Ashner might catch them in the act, and he’d join the two. The very idea made her wetter. Twila savored her snack. Her mouth watered, and she ate her out, returning the favor.

Moans echoed, and the two lavished in lust.

*******

“Bathrooms?” The group finished loading up the entire population of demi-bunnies into the White Room. As spacious as the inter-dimensional area was, the bunnies had over six thousand people and it was crowded.

“Yes." Violet planned to stay with her people until Ashner drove them to their destination. "My people have to relieve themselves, and they don't want to ruin your magical home."

“I understand." Ashner studied the available rooms. As much as he wanted a magic or firing range, asking thousands of people to 'hold it in' was cruel. He sighed.

“Menu, buy Bathroom for the White Room."

White Room XP:1 > 0

Bathroom (Level 1) – Room to relieve yourself.

- Relief – Anyone who uses this bathroom will feel no discomfort or pain while in use.

- Filth Repellent – Using the large bath immediately cleans all dirt, oil, and acids off of your body.

- Self Cleaning – These rooms require no management to maintain cleanliness, nor do they require resupplying.

“That should do it." Ashner glanced at Violet, who was confused. Nobody but Ashner had the ability to see his menu. "The White Room should have a new room for your people to use. I’ll check it out after a few hours.”

Violet nodded. “Thank you.”

What a waste of White Room XP. Fuck it.

*******

XP:13,075 > XP:12,075

Alex’s Powers

Charm – Level 4 > 5

"Charm was an odd choice." Ashner glanced at Alex as they drove back to the forest of fear. They had initially gone to seek the dwarfs but instead ran across other allies.

“It’s a unique skill, and I’ve been talking to some of the CEO’s… It’s easier if I can make them like me… Our finances will grow more.”

"This skill is for you. It's not for me."

“I know, Master." Alex smiled. "I already get a warm meal every day. The CEOs offer me food that I've never seen in my world… But I need to prepare myself in case I lose them as allies. The more powers I have, the more useful I'll be to you and your cause.”

Gio was driving, and Wong was in the gunner's seat. They had driven for a few days with Luna guiding them. She also drove from time to time.

Alex doesn't realize it, but he's been negotiating well. I think I'll spoil him a bit.

“I'll max out some of your powers as well." Ashner's menu popped up. He pushed on the ones he wanted to level up, and Alex's body sensed the surge of magic. He picked the powers connected to Charm, but his power's also intertwined with Illusion. "Consider this an investment.”

XP:12,075 > XP:11,650

Admiration – Level 3 > 5

Adoration – Level 3 > 5

Awe – Level 3 > 5

Calmness – Level 2 > 5

Empathetic – Level 3 > 5

Interest – Level 3 > 5

Romance – Level 3 > 5

Satisfaction – Level 3 > 5

“This is more power than I expected.” Alex glanced at Ashner.

“It's fine. That last battle gave us a lot of XP. And I plan on sharing it." Ashner glanced at Luna, who was sleeping. Her head was on his shoulder. In front of him sat Twila. She kept a neutral gaze, but on occasion, when Ashner's eyes weren't on her, she smiled.

“What about Risa and Luna?” Alex asked as he started eating MRE crackers.

“Risa is currently training Naomie in the White Room. And I’ll ask Luna when she’s awake.”

“Master, why not waste your XP on your personal skills?" Alex asked with concern. "I'm grateful that you're helping me, but lately, you've been focusing on just us."

“There is one ability that I want.” Ashner’s menu popped up. “Level up, Show Stats, to level four.”

XP:11,650 > XP:10,650

(Rare) Show Stats.

Level 4 – (Bought) – You gain the ability to see the stats of all your allies, even if they're worlds apart.

“What does that do?” Alex asked.

"It allows me to see the status of all my allies, regardless of the world they're in." Ashner dabbled with his ability. On the corner of the screen, the names of all his slaves appeared, along with Gio and Wong. Some were the elves he saved. They were with Ari.

His menu showed Risa and Naomie’s status. It was a green box with the word ‘Safe’ inside it.

"With this skill, I'll be able to monitor you when you're away from us," Ashner smirked at Alex. "As helpful as you are, in time, you'll end up spending more time on Earth than on Eden. That's where your skills benefit us the most."

"If it's your wish, then I shall obey."

******

“Welcome to our home." Ari bowed her head at Violet, who knelt in the throne room. It took days of driving, but they finally arrived. Ashner had slept in the Stryker but occasionally went into the White Room to check on Wong and the patients. After the first day, they ruled that Wong needed to focus his energy on the demi’s instead of driving.

He also took the time to shower. Ashner grasped that the bathroom was enormous but not nearly as large as the other rooms. It had a section for men, women, and mixed sections. Ashner showered in the male section. He was always alone when he showered since all the bunnies were female. That was the only time he removed his mask.

On top of the bath, the room had over three dozen bathrooms. All of them were magically restocked with toilet paper, and they actually flushed. Ashner was curious about where the piping went.

When he was alone, he popped the blisters that appeared on his face. Due to the stress, he had more growing, and each time one popped, it burned and pulsed. Ashner gritted his teeth from the pain.

Ashner was too exhausted from the trip, but Ari's guards insisted that he attend.

“I beg you to keep my people safe in your kingdom.” Violet knelt down as low as possible, her ears stroking the ground. "I will offer you my magic, my strength, and my loyalty."

Ashner observed the two women from a distance. He was too tired and wanted to caress his bed sheets.

“Rise bunny-kin." Ari smiled. "We live in dark times. I don't wish for you to serve my people. Instead, I ask that you work side by side with us… Help us recreate the peace we once had."

Violet rose, her purple eyes fixed on the queen. A sentiment shared between equals.

“We have plenty of room. Outside of the castle are the remains of a stone city. Most of the homes have worn away, but I won't oppose anyone who wishes to claim them."

“Thank you.” Violet glanced back at Ashner with a smile. “If I may ask, what is the name of this kingdom?”

“It doesn't have a name," Ari admitted while biting her fingernail. "We found it by sheer coincidence… There are words carved all over the kingdom, and we found old books preserved by magic, but it's a dead language... Maybe one day we'll find someone who can read it."

As the two leaders talked, Ashner yawned.

“It's been a long trip." Twila appeared behind Ashner. The darkness outside overpowered the candlelight. Ashner admittedly sensed a shiver go down his spine since they crept up on him. "Don't scare me."

“I apologize. The power you blessed me with makes me almost undetectable in the darkness." Twila tilted her head to her side. She had undone her ponytail, allowing her long hair to go down her back, it went as low as her knees. "We’re here to request an audience with you at your earliest convenience.”

“In the morning." Ashner tried his best, but his eyes were fighting him.

Saki walked towards Ashner and Twila. She was wearing a green crop top and a short green skirt. Her stomach and arms were exposed. Saki was about to ask something, but she stopped herself with Ashner's words.

“It's a shame." Ari's voice echoed in the hallways. "We have grimoires written in the dead language if someone were able to decipher it. That magic would become theirs."

Those words woke Ashner up.

“Twila, Saki.” Ashner glanced at both the girls. “Say I’m able to decipher a dead language… Would that make me a target for demi’s or humans?”

Both girls glanced at each other. They were both seeking an answer from the other.

“You're already a target," Twila replied first. "You're a human who's helping demi's instead of enslaving them… Your morals are not accepted in human society."

“You're also a human." Saki continued. "Some demi's view all humans as targets to eliminate. They do it to ensure their freedom… In my opinion, deciphering dead languages won't make you more or less of a target… As for the demi's in this kingdom…"

“None…" For a second, Saki's voice became darker. "Would dare harm you."

“Alright… I appreciate it…”

Menu buy Language Proficiency Level 4

XP:10,650 > XP:9,650

(Rare) Language Proficiency

Level 4 – (Bought) – You gain the ability to learn dead languages.

Ashner broke away from the two girls and stepped casually towards Ari and Violet. The two turned towards Ashner.

Ashner's eyes focused on the odd ruins and markings that lined the corners of the old castle. Around the marble throne were words. Ashner studied it until his subconscious mixed the old language with his mind.

“Is something the matter?” Ari lifted a single cow ear.

“What is the Lasting Light?” His words made Ari and her guard’s eyes widen. “The lasting light pulses against the dead, like a candle in the midst of a storm…”

Ashner read the words above the throne. It was carved into a stone portrait that had started to decay with time.

“The Luminous has not forgotten her vows, though weakened, her pulse will guide the souls freed from their flesh." Ashner took a few steps. Each step echoed in the large room. "A promise, her words whispered into the ears of the Saint…”

Ari and her guards half jogged towards Ashner. Violet stood in awe. Saki smiled and held her head high with pride. Twila's half smile grew wider, and her eyes darkened with joy.

“From a soul that’s forgotten, and a love that’s forbidden, a hero will rise. A blade of white roses, a soul never meant to be…” The demi’s stopped next to Ashner, each at a loss for words. “Lips that savor the kiss of death will find hope and calamity. Until legends decay, and the world blossoms anew.”

“How?” Ari’s eyes were a mix of awe and fear. “You’re not from this world… Those words you uttered, they’re straight from the Luminous scriptures… A promise from a God to her servants…”

“There's more." Ashner glanced at the bottom of the portrait. "This kingdom will drive the unjust to madness and death and test the slaver's compassion… This is where we make our stand, as her servants… We will face the demi's who chained our brothers and sisters… We will earn our freedom and destroy the whips that enslave us… This is our home… Our Sanctuary…"

The demi's stood silent. Until Saki walked towards them, her footsteps echoed and focused everyone's attention on her.

“This was a safe haven for humans… When our kind enslaved humanity, they hid here… From us… But now, they hold the whip… These walls once again hide the weak from their enslavers… It’s ironic and sad… The very people our ancestors bought, sold, and killed for sport are the reason we’re safe… Their Sanctuary is now ours…”

"If I could spit on the graves of my ancestors, I would." Ari glared at the night sky. "We must carry the sins of our fathers…"

"I think the humans that lived here hidden from their captors would be okay with us claiming it as our own…" Ashner remarked. "The call of freedom unites all, regardless of race."

Saki smiled at his words, and Ari nodded.

“You continue to amaze me.” Saki tilted her head towards Ashner with her hands behind her back. “At least now we know the name of the kingdom… Sanctuary… I say we continue to honor the courage of those humans. This is our Sanctuary now… Don't you agree… Ashner?"

“I like it, it’s catchy.” Ashner focused on another part of the scripture. “I don’t understand the part about the white sword.”

“It’s a prophecy.” This time, Twila intervened. "One told to the children of all humans and demi's alike… From a soul that’s forgotten, and a love that’s forbidden, a hero will rise. A blade of white roses, a soul never meant to be… Lips that savor the kiss of death will find hope and calamity. Until legends decay, and the world blossoms anew.”

"It's a poem that describes the hero that will rise and save our world from the Dead God," Saki added. "Who can say, maybe Ashner is that hero…"

Ashner shook his head. “From a soul that’s forgotten… I’m far from forgotten. Instead, I’m despised in my world, shunned from society, and cast away… Thanks to the marks on my hands, everyone fears me… And I wasn't born from a love that's forbidden… My parents were loving people…”

"Were?" Saki's eyes saddened, and her bunny ears dropped.

“Yes, they died when I was a child. The war in my world took more innocent lives than all our wars combined… If you seek a hero, it’s not me… What about the white sword?”

"That weapon was called The Key." Ari spoke this time. "A sword as white as cotton, with a blade as clear as the cleanest waters… Vines and roses are carved into its handle, with red rubies giving color to the pedals… The scriptures say that the Luminous and the Dead God fought in the sky. Their powers created bolts of lightning and storms that shifted the landscapes… As monsters and warriors of old fought on Eden. The two deities cut each other, and their blood mixed and fell into our world. It landed on a single sword… The blade shifted to something different. It became The Key, a weapon that doesn't cut flesh... Instead, it kills the very soul… The only weapon that can kill the Dead God if he ever emerges in the flesh once more…”

“Where is The Key?” Ashner asked.

"Lost," Ari admitted. "It might be at the bottom of the ocean or hidden away in the deepest and deadliest dungeon on our world… Just because we know the prophecy doesn't mean we can fulfill it, or if it'll come to pass."

“Do you not trust the words of the Luminous Goddess?” Saki studied Ari’s face.

"I used to." Ari dropped her shoulders. "But, some days, I find myself doubting her existence or cursing her for my bad luck."

Saki’s ears drooped.

"Ashner." The queen smiled, and her voice shifted to something between asking and demanding. "Since you can read the dead language, can I ask you a favor?"

"It doesn't sound like you're asking." Ashner let his genuine emotions slip, which earned him an odd glare from Ari's guards. "But if it's convenient for me, then I'll accept."

"This kingdom has old books. They're protected with magic… So none of the pages have withered, and its ink has remained fair over the decades… If you can read them, please translate them… I may be losing faith, but demi's and even humans from all corners of Eden still believe in the Luminous God and her promise… If you do this, I'll grant you any gift I can."

"Let me keep the grimoires written in the dead language, and you have a deal."

"If that's all you desire, I'll gladly accept your conditions."

“Good. But I’m tired. So I’m going to bed.” Ashner stretched his arms and walked to his room.

Both of Ari’s guards studied the old art as Ari returned to her room.

"He's a blessing from above," Saki spoke to the guards. "Ashner doesn't understand his value, but I do… And in time, others will, too… Tell everyone what you saw today… Give your kin the hope that's been denied to us for decades."

Both guards nodded, and Saki turned around and walked into the darkness until Twila came into view. The flame of a lone candlelight gave her position away.

“Not everyone will accept that the messenger of the Luminous Goddess is a human…” Saki focused on her friend. “Ashner is now a target for believers that twist the words of our Goddess…”

Twila’s dark mana created a small dagger in her hand. “That won’t be a problem… We’ll work in the shadows, hidden even from our Master’s gaze… Any who stand in his way will meet their end…”

“It’s just the two of us.” Saki glanced back at the throne room. “As powerful as Ashner is, he needs an army.”

"Your tongue is sharper than any blade… Use it to create devotion for him… I’ll use my ears and find faithful that are scared to speak up.” Twila’s body started merging with the darkness. “The Lasting Light was an order of humans that protected the Saint. That'll be our duty now. We'll protect Ashner, not with light, but with shade… Hidden in the darkness, hidden behind our own… Masks…”

Twila's dark magic created a mask on her face. It was utterly different from Ashner's, feminine with a black feather on its side. Unlike Ashner's, it still revealed her mouth and lips.

“Then we shall be known as…" Saki smirked at her ally. "The Masked Ones."

Twila merged into the darkness, and Saki walked away. Her mind raced with passion. Her fingers wanted to grip a feather and ink… She wanted to write about Ashner, about his strength, his courage, his power that was far beyond their understanding… But more than anything, she wanted to serve him.

*******

Ashner meddled in the worn-out city. Sanctuary had become lively, and some days, he craved solitude. But he wanted to meet with his friend.

“Angel?" Ashner glanced around the fountain. It had been a few weeks since he visited her.

No reply.

Did she leave? I wouldn't blame her, but she was so weak last time that she wasn't able to fly… I left her plenty of food, and she was drinking those rodents blood…

“Angel?” Ashner made his way to the house she stayed in. The aroma of decay hit his nose. “No…”

Ashner dashed into the home, and against the wall, under a partly covered roof, lay the beauty he had befriended. Her eyes were barely open.

She’s just skin and bones… But I left her plenty of food…

"Angel." Ashner put his hand on her chest. She was breathing. "Can you talk?"

“Ashner?” Her tone was sweet but also barely a whisper. “You found me…”

“What happened? You were drinking blood, and you had enough food… Why are you so skinny?"

“I don't know… But I need human or demi blood… But, it's disgusting… Blood infused with mana is like swallowing vomit…" She tilted her head towards Ashner. Her red eyes were tired, and she was barely able to keep her head up. "Wait… Dad?"

“I'm not your dad." Ashner glanced around. "I'll have to take you to Sanctuary. Wong might find a way to save you… As for everyone, I'll make sure they don't hurt you…"

“I need blood… But it’s repulsive… It was only a matter of time until my body started to fail…”

I was so stupid! That's why she lost her ability to fly and always got smaller when I met up with her… She was dying… She needs blood…

Ashner undid his sleeve and showed her his forearm. “Drink my blood.”

“Dad… No… I won’t hurt you…”

She’s becoming delusional…

"I love you dad… I'm sorry that I couldn't be what you wanted… You were always so proud of my beauty… And I was happy making you smile…" Her head tilted down, and Ashner held it up. Her eyes focused on Ashner. "Ashner? Where did my dad go?"

“He’s… He's somewhere far away… But please… Please, drink my blood…"

Angel’s eyes watered. “I miss him… He’s gone… What about you? If you were my father… Would you have abandoned me?”

"No!" Ashner barked the words out. The pain she carried outweighed his own. "I won't fail where he did… I'll always keep you safe…"

“If I bite you… It’ll hurt… Vampires drain both blood and mana alike…” She admitted as Ashner held his arm close to her mouth. “You’ll hate me too.”

“I’ll never hate you…” Ashner was only able to lead her. She had to make the decision to live or not. "But if you die… I don't think I'll ever return here… A part of me will die with you…"

“I don’t know if I want to die… Please… Tell me what I should do…”

In Ashner's eyes, Angel became a reflection of himself when he was trapped behind bars. When he had to fight inmates who plastered him as the worst type of criminal. Her eyes were as dead as his were.

A part of him wanted to scream at his younger self, the man who pushed everyone who loved him away… But this girl had no one…

“LIVE!” Ashner pleaded, to not just her. “FIND A WAY TO LIVE WITH ALL THE PAIN THIS WORLD CRUSHED YOU WITH!”

Angel smiled. Her fangs were visible behind her black lips.

Angel glanced up at Ashner. Tears dripped down from beneath the mask. The realization that she wasn't alone hit her. Someone was shedding tears for her sake. Even if she despised what she was, the last thing she wanted to do was break the one person who gave a shit about her.

Angel opened her mouth, and she bit into Ashner's arm.

Preparing for the repulsive flavor she sucked quickly, Ashner endured the pain.

Angel’s eyes returned to their lovely red hue. And instead of disgust, sweet, spicy, salty, sour. Something between all of these mixed in her tongue. Something delightful and delicious.

She grabbed Ashner's hand and bicep and drank more. Her strength returned, and the sensation of death faded from her.

Then she pulled away.

Her eyes focused on Ashner. It wasn't her father but someone else. Someone who her heart wanted to keep happy.

“Good.” Ashner smiled. “I’m proud that you decided to keep fighting.”

Angel glanced at her body. She was filled up. Her beauty had returned but she was still childish, not completely back to her old figure. "Dad?"

“I’m not.”

“Daddy!" She hugged Ashner's chest and held on to dear life. "I promise I'll never do anything to hurt you again! Please forgive your little girl… Please hold me…"

This girl…

Ashner held her and hugged her tightly.

“I’m sorry…”

Ashner held on to her, he was willing to be what she needed.

*******

“Here you go.” Ashner and Wong handed Violet and her people a capsule. The two opened it, and inside were potato seeds.

Violet held the seeds in her hands. Her farmers were around her. All eager to get a view.

“I've never seen this type of seed," Violet admitted as her finger moved them around her hand. "But I don't sense any mana in them, which means they can't get poisoned with the Dead God's influence…"

Violet smirked.

“Grow them. The population in Sanctuary just got bigger, and we need more food," Wong spoke. His eyes were better. He finally had a full night's rest. "We're aware that we don't have enough water."

Ashner glanced at Wong. "We'll get water. We'll just have to negotiate in our world and buy water trucks."

“That’s a band-aid, not a solution.” Wong crossed his arms.

“What do you suggest?”

“We find a way to use the water in this world." Wong glanced at Ari. "If we can redirect water this way, then our crops will grow easier."

“Theirs a river in the Feather Mountains." Ari glanced at Gio, who was still waking up. He had bedhead, and she imagined him as a child with messy hair. "Demi-doves used to live up there. I can't guarantee your endeavor will bear fruit."

“We'll explore. If nothing can be done, then we'll focus entirely on bringing water from Earth to Eden, granted that option is expensive and slow."

“The river can wait." Ashner glanced at the fields that the demi-bunnies had created in a day. The bunnies were clearing trees and using their magic to prepare the soil. Around the farms were the ruins, something as large as any modern-day city, but it was in ruins. No different than his world, but instead of metal homes, they were made of stone and rotten wood. "Food comes first, homes come second, and the river comes last."

Wong nodded. Sometimes, Wong disagreed with how Ashner managed things. Wong and Ashner both acknowledged that Wong was more intelligent than Ashner, but when it came to intuition, Ashner was miles ahead of the doctor.

“You don't have to worry." Violet smiled at both Ashner and Ari. "My girls can grow anything you give us, and we'll have more food than we can eat."

The bunnies were happy and eager to help.

A drastic shift from the despair they had a few days prior.

If people have a goal, it distracts them from their losses… This project is also a band-aid for the demi-bunnies.

Ashner studied the ruined homes. They were once filled with humans trying to escape slavery. Now, it'll serve its purpose once more.

Ashner walked away from the group. They had their tasks, and he needed to go to Earth soon. The gold they collected was in the White Room. Several thousand pounds worth.

"Master." Alex followed behind him. He was shorter than Ashner and often hesitated when talking to him. "Can I ask for something?"

“Ask away.”

"The bunnies made it clear that they will produce more food than we can eat…" Alex rubbed his foot on the ground. A habit he had when he asked for something. "I've gotten used to talking and befriending people on Earth. Humans who work for the CEOs… They lack quality food… If it's okay with you, I'd like to take our excess food into your world and give it away to those who need it."

“You don’t plan on selling it?”

"No." Alex shook his head, and his legs trembled. "Food isn't something that should be sold. It's something that should be shared among everyone… I know you want wealth, and this goes against your desires… But please… Let me be selfish…"

“You don’t have to be afraid when you ask me for something.”

“It’s not my place to ask for selfish things.”

“You’re not being selfish.” Ashner put his hand on Alex’s shoulder and forced him to stand up with his head held high. “Even when you say you're asking for something selfish, you intend to give it away in a selfless way… But you're right, food spoils, and if we allow greed to overwhelm our empathy, then we'll be no better than the people who ruined our worlds."

"Thank you." Alex smiled, and before Ashner walked away, he hugged him. Ashner pouted and let Alex have his moment.

You’re still a kid at heart, and I’m getting used to your hugs.

“You’ve grown, Alex.”

Alex raised an eyebrow. “No, I’m still short.”

“You've matured." Ashner ruffled his hair. "You're not that same kid who wanted nothing else but to laze around and use his power to get scraps. Now, you're taking the initiative and setting the rules for others to follow. I'm glad I found you. And I’m damn proud of you.”

Alex smiled and hugged him tighter.

“But you really need to learn about personal space.”

“Can’t hear you.” Alex smiled brightly. “It’s too loud around us!”

*******

“You have more energy.” Violet smiled as Wong pulled out of her. As he did, clear drops dripped out of Violet. He studied the woman. Her small and fit figure, her chest, and her abs. Sweat ran down her body.

Wong's body grew stronger after the potion he drank. His sexual vigor shot up. As much as he despised women, he never denied his body when it demanded sex. And women never rejected him when he pursued them.

Violet savored Wong’s movements, his face, his skin, and his muscles as they shifted with every thrust. Even now, with his seed dripping out of her, she hoped that the children she bared had his face.

Wong stood up and reached for his clothes, utterly uninterested in Violet. Now that he released his lust, he wanted to be alone.

Violet didn’t.

The bunny girl rolled on Wong's bed. Her ears and puffy tail made her cute to the eyes. And her smile added to her charm. “Why don’t we do more than just have sex?” She teased as she wrapped the bed covers over her naked body.

Wong didn't say anything. Instead, he put his boxers and pants on.

"You're always in control." Violet teased with a cute tone. "You have this little bunny so tamed I can't move. I can only moan for you.”

Wong put on his white cotton shirt.

"But this bunny wants kisses and hugs, too." Violet outstretched her arms with a bright smile. She was hoping to get spoiled a little.

“Get out." Wong didn't glance back at Violet. Instead, he made his intentions clear.

"What?" Violet's smile faded. "We've done it a few times, and in time, I'll get pregnant, but I want a little more…"

"I don't care what you want." Wong glanced back at her, his eyes sharp and angry. Admittedly, Violet didn't mind that gaze at all. "We're each other's fuck toys. Nothing less. Nothing more… Don't change the status quo just because you want to be needy."

"I…" Violet's ears came down, and her face burned red with shame. "I was hoping you'd want more."

"Didn't you hear me, you fucking slut?" Wong bared his fangs. "GET THE FUCK OUT!"

Violet's eyes shifted from sad to enraged. She stood up and grabbed her clothes. The bunny girl put them on quickly. Her emotions shifted, and for a second, she wanted to cry, but his words enraged her instead.

The bunny had her own fangs.

“FUCK YOU!” She glared up at Wong. “Why are you an asshole!”

“That’s none of your business.” Wong opened the door for her. “Get out.”

Violet walked towards the door and stood at his entrance for a few seconds. "I won't come around tomorrow?"

"I don't care. You'll come around eventually." Wong glanced down at Violet. "All you whores are the same. Once your pussy gets wet, you'll knock on this door and beg for it."

Violet bit her lip. Not just because he was mocking her but because she grasped that he was right. Her eyes had never met a man as beautiful and refined as Wong. Now that she relished his body, nothing else compared.

"We made a contract." Violet glared at Wong. "You will give me your seed, and I will have children."

"You know what I call that?" Wong tilted his face closer to Violet’s. Her face burned red. He had never kissed her, and this was the first time he had gotten that close. "An excuse… Now get out…"

“Gladly." Violet stormed out, and Wong closed the door behind her.

She took a few steps in the dark hallway. Her heart hurt, and her rage shifted. A new pain ached inside her as tears flowed down her face. It was late, and no eyes were on her. Violet wept softly and cried herself to sleep that night.

Wong leaned his back against the door. He slowly slid down it until he was on his butt.

“You don’t understand…” Wong tapped the back of his head against the door. “I can’t tell you why I am the way I am… I can’t tell you how badly I hate you… But at the same time, I want to hold you, kiss you… When did this happen? When did my heart go against logic? I can’t let these stupid emotions shift me from reality… If I piss her off enough, she’ll leave me be…”

Wong fell to his side and the illusion that the forest forced on him returned, a secret he held, a shame that molded him.

A fear that consumed him.

Hate became his shield.

And love was forever out of his grasp.

Wong reached for a bottle of rum and chugged it.

Another night to drink his problems away.

At least for a little bit, reality will shift.

And the hate will subside.