Notice: the academic year is starting, so I'm afraid the releases may not be weekly :/ Also, I apologize for being late with this chapter, but it's considerably longer than the previous ones so it took me a while.

Chapter 6: Love Crusade

After Black Panther's unexpected plea, they learned that newcomer feline's name was Dia. The panther told her that he will 'reluctantly allow' her to stay on his territory 'for some time'. She nodded, and after naming themselves, both males went off to hold a strategy meeting.

"Okay, time to start the war council!"

"Boss, this isn't war..."

"No, you are wrong! Love is war!"

"Okay whatever..."

"What, you don't believe me?!"

"Ah no boss, I meant it was a common knowledge and I am in the wrong for not knowing..."

"Hmpf, I will let you off this time. More importantly, you humans are mating whole year, right?! Help me get her heart!"

Ken sighed heavily in his mind. This was a though cookie, but he had to munch on it, after all Black Panther was his ticket to survival in this area... while he might become his grim reaper. He had to please him - argh, how he hated kowtowing before others and toiling for them, and put up with that only because it was a matter of his survival.

"Okay, I will try to think of something. But do note that you are no humans so I may be completely wrong about this."

"It's fine, so do it already!"

"...Okay. Let's see..."

After that he submerged himself in thought. And that was no easy task, with a panther prancing about in impatience before him and spurring him with his eyes. Despite this, the youth had a little bit of experience so he thought of a few things.

"Okay, I think that the manliest way to get her would be to confess right away, but..."

"But?"

"That one may have low chance since it's abrupt and the other party don't even know you..."

"What else?"

"The other way is to show off how cool you are to her and build up foundation for the relationship"

"Is that all?"

"Well, there is also one more... to shower her with compliments and to fuss about her, but it depends on what kind of, hm, person she is. Depending on it, it may be totally wrong or totally correct."

"So you are saying that which is the best?"

"Hm, probably a mix of all of them, I think? Show off your coolness to her, give her some honest compliments and don't wait too much with confessing?"

"Hoo, you really are something else. Good thing I've decided to made you my underling, Ken! Hahahah!"

'Good thing, my ass. Then again, if not for this I might've died at least once, so I guess it has it perks...'

Young swordsman dived in his gloomy thoughts, but he was soon taken back to the surface by the Black Panther's question and the title he used.

"So, what's the plan, strategist?"

'Strategist? Who is?', he thought surprised, but said out loud, "Oh, okay, so here's my idea."

"Yeah?"

"First, show off to her. Kill a powerful creature to show off your strength, get a belonging of a something at least twice as strong as you are and thus unbeatable for you to show off your wit, get here something rare that can be found only in few, almost unaccessible places to show off your perseverance and dedication. Things like that."

"Oh, as expected of my underling! Let's go with that!"

And thus, the strategy meeting saw it's end.

***

'Shit, if I knew that's how it would end, I would have never thought up something like that!'

Currently, Ken was alone, trudging through the forest. He was exhausted after walking for a day.

'That's it, I gotta rest. Shit, why can't he do it himself?'

The situation at hand was as follows: Black Panther spent the morning with Dia, complimenting her a bit and showing off his good side telling her tales of his past victories. She showed mild interest, so he went back and told Ken to go slay one of the Heavenly Demon Kings and bring back his head. Apparently, there were four of the Heavenly Demon Kings in the forest, and the one who he was told to kill was a bear named North. Young swordsman thought that this must be a nickname, but in this world if the black panther was called 'Black Panther'... everything was possible.

"Open quest window: Love Crusade!"

Love crusade

You have been told by Black Panther to gather three things, so he can ask Dia out.

Heavenly Demon King North's head: 0/1

Phoenix's egg: 0/1

A Blue Night flower: 0/1

Rewards: Black Panther may teach you something.

Quest rank: C

He spent the night in a safe place he managed to find near a river he has seen for the first time. It was not big, maybe five meters wide, but had a somewhat strong flow.

In the afternoon, he finally arrived at the North's territory and not long after that he saw the agenda of his mission. The bear was walking peacefully. Ken found out that Silver was one of the four Heavenly Demon Kings as well, so he decided to try the straightforward way.

Suddenly, he felt a spark down his spine. It was as if someone was watching him. The feeling quickly disappeared, and seeing that the bear was looking around as if searching for something, he came out.

"!"

"Hello there, teddy. I've come to duel with you."

"T-t-teddy?! I don't know who you are, but you will pay for your insolence!"

The fight started. Bear, full of fury after being slighted, rushed him as though he was a novice.

'What the? Is he really one of the Heavenly Demon Kings?', thought human, but he had to change his mind quickly. 'Whoa!"

The bear stroke the place where his opponent was standing just a moment ago. Now, there was a few meters long and half a meter deep crevice in the ground.

'His strength is no joke! But! As long as he doesn't hit me, it won't matter!'

"You are gonna die, human!"

"Huh? Is this seriously the extent of your strength? I was right, you deserve to be called teddy at most! You are no Heavenly Demon King, you are just a Stuffed Toy Servant! Since you are not strong enough to be called a king and even a mouse could best you!"

"Rgggaargrgh!"

A bellow of wrath resounded through the forest, there would be no mercy for the puny human being who dared to insult the royalty. King used another of his skills, and a tree behind Ken was pulverized, as he avoided the attack.

At the same time, the swordsman attacked with Iron Jet, injuring the foe. In spite of being a well-executed counter, it took only 5% of his health.

"You only have this much?", he continued to taunt the furious enemy.

For the next few minutes, the pattern repeated itself. North had only 45% of his health left, and he only grazed the human once - although it took 30% of his health. It was clearly obvious that he could one shot him if he succeeded in scoring a hit point-blank.

But then, the bear's demeanor changed.

"Ah... that's right! You shall be the one used as a practice target for my new, upgraded skill! Beary Quake!"

His paws started glowing with a golden light, and he himself stopped moving. Ken wasn't playing around and tried to hit him, but to no avail, it seemed that the golden glow rendered attacks harmless. In desperation, youth used every of his skill, including Sword of Judgment, but no visible change has appeared.

"Ha!"

The bear shouted, the glow expanded in every direction... it was the last thing Ken saw, as he died the very moment it reached him.

***

He came back to life in the very same place where he appeared in the forest for the first time. It took him some time to get back to the bear's territory, but this time, as he grew stronger, he didn't have problems with defeating a few demonic herbivores he happened upon, and let a few of them off in exchange for showing him where to go. On the way he finally thought up a plan to deal with his enemy, although it was crude.

When he got to the river, he pulled down his pants and... well you can guess what he did. After that, he unsheathed his sword and smeared his blade with the... aftereffect of his previous action, while apologizing in his mind to the sword and to his master.

Next he went looking for North while wrinkling his face because of the foul odor and trying to hold the tip of the sword as far away from himself as he could. Normally, he wouldn't do something like this, but he heard about a great army of players who banded together in thousands being defeated by diseases inflicted upon them by a manifold smaller number of kamikaze savages, who had their crap smeared on their spears' tips. According to the rumor, only a handful of the invaders survived and, although sacrificing themselves in this way, the natives succeeded in repelling them.

Not to mention, that this fucking teddy killed him, one of the 9 precious lives he had, so he would spare no effort to get back at him, even at the cost of another one of his lives.

Suddenly, he noticed the bear, sleeping in the clearing. He couldn't believe his own luck - he had a chance to chop his head off without any resistance!

Just as he was thinking that, the bear started moving in his sleep. Ken almost gave himself away due to the outburst of his killing intent, but he got lucky this time.

He neared the bear, which started to growl quietly in the sleep. He held his sword above his head, and brought it down in a powerful slash... only to stop midway.

What was the reason? The bear, without waking up, changed his position on the ground... and got out of range of Ken's incoming attack. Swordsman smothered a curse and decided to be more decisive. He used Iron Jet so as to not give the enemy time to evade.

The same thing happened.

The youth was on the verge of his patience. He decided to finish it once and for all... and froze.

North has awakened.

"Hm? What is that shitty smell?"

"..."

"You! You came to taunt me again! Die!"

Without any words, Ken used Sword of Judgment point-blank to deal a sure-fire critical damage.

Boom!

Although he succeeded, he died again, in a large blast of bear's power.

***

Once again, he has come back to life in the very same place. This time, though, there was one difference.

"Oh shit! Where's my sword?!"

He only had so much time to realize that he must have dropped it when he died, as his loud shout attracted every animal in the vicinity that was either hungry or confident it would be able to survive the rivalry with whatever other animal that would come here.

Due to his lack of sword, arriving on the shore of the river took him twice as long, even though he knew where to go this time. Only a handful of animal that came to his respawn place survived, as they preferred to chew on the already dead rivals and knew better than to attack the youth, who even without a sword posed a significant threat with his sheath and Soaring Sword Style that could utilize it as though it was a real blade.

After his arrival, he took a rest before entering the bear's territory. Well-rested, he resumed his advance and soon found his nemesis.

North, once great and majestic, was now lying on the grass. It was clear he wasn't in his peak condition, the infection was a success and so now Ken decided to wait until he's even more weakened. Unfortunately, he didn't see his sword anywhere in the area so he decided to spend time looking for it.

***

The sword hasn't been found.

Ken was really vexed. Not only was it his late master's sword, but also his only sword! There was probably no human (or, for that matter, any at all) settlement in days worth of travel from here, so there was no way to replace it.

At least the other thing went well. North was on the verge of death, so whittling his remaining health down was no challenge. On the other hand, without a sword, it was difficult for Ken to sever the bear's head from the body. As expected of the fur of one of the four Heavenly Demon Kings.

The quest Love Crusade has been updated.

After he came back to Black Panther, frustrated over the loss of his sword, Ken wasn't heartily welcomed.

"You are late! What took you so long?!"

And with a loud sound he received a hit to his head. Then, as he was busy looking at all the stars that amazingly somehow found themselves in the sky during the day, the Trophy was taken from him.

"Hm. So you managed to do it, sidekick. Although I can smell that he was sick, so it must have been easy for you, eh? And yet you have taken your sweet time! This and only this time will I forgive you! Okay then, time to see my honey!"

And he took off.

Ken looked after him confused. 'Honey? I would bet my own head that she is no girlfriend of his yet, and that he will not get her easily!'

Thus the first challenge has been completed, and the second one awaits.

***

The second task was even more difficult. Ken had been told to get a phoenix's egg.

But, seriously, phoenix's?! Not only is that a powerful creature akin to weaker dragons, but supposedly the ones in the area are also demonic creatures! Their strength probably equals an average dragon's. For some better idea, this would make them level 600 or so.

And he had to steal it's egg, or face Black Panther's fury - and, probably, death as a consequence.

He had no other option but to strengthen his resolve and depart.

The nest of the phoenix was rumored - yes, he didn't even have accurate information, the slave driving panther only leisurely gave him a conjecture or a gossip - to be up the river, in a volcano a few days worth of travel from where he left.

Ken was dispirited after losing the sword, but it wasn't like he wanted to die, even if he would respawn it would still be painful, not to mention that without the sword, any sword, he would sooner or later run out of all his lives in this dangerous forest. So although reluctant, he went to the volcano.

The journey was hard, but not as hard as the first one without the blade. He started learning how to avoid especially dangerous denizens of the forest and accumulated even more proficiency now.

After a week of traveling, the a single mountain entered his view. He presumed it to be the volcano, and a thin strip of smoke raising from it seemed to be the admittance of his assumption. Also, starting from the previous day, the creatures around got stronger then elsewhere. He faced only one of them, an injured lamia that was as strong as Silver despite her being wounded. Fortunately, he managed to avoid other encounters.

One time was close, though. Downhill the volcano, on a small meadow, there was another dangerous beast. A wyvern. Depending on a specimen, level 400-500, so definitely nothing Ken wanted to meet. Unfortunately, the wyvern turned out to be a mother guarding her young, so unknown to him, the youth entered the premises of the wyvern's nest and thus attracted her attention.

The wyvern fixed her gaze on him, and with a loud sound, being something in between a roar and a squeak, the attack has begun.

Ken didn't have second thoughts about staying so he turned in the direction of the closest part of the forest and hightailed it. The wyvern launched itself in the sky with a powerful beat of wings and dived at him, intent on killing him.

It was very, very close to losing another of his lives, but fortunately, Lady Luck decided to intervene. The swordsman tripped and, since he knew the position of incoming death, he turned around in a hopeless attempt to ward off the creature. In this very moment, the real intruder saved his life.

In the very last moment before wyvern reached Ken, she flew by instead. It turns out something more urgent teared her attention away from her current target. It was a giant rat, and it was making it's way to the reptile's nest, creeping silently. Apparently it was looking for an opening and judged it was as good as any.

The flying monster let out a loud roar of fury and dived towards it, and despite it's frantic efforts to save it's life, it ended up in the powerful jaws of it's flying adversary. The drama ended with giant rat becoming the food of the ones he intended to prey on.

It doesn't need to be mentioned, but of course the human made use of the situation to the fullest and he was nowhere to be seen, thus the creature went back to guarding her young.

***

'Shit, I was careless. Almost lost my life again.', thought Ken, panting in the nearby forest.

After a few minutes of rest, he decided to carry on. He wanted to do it already and leave it behind.

The volcano wasn't very steep, so he didn't have problems climbing it. Something more troubling lied in the existence of some strange ape-like creatures that were apparently living there, but after the previous encounter he doubled the effort to avoid them - successfully.

After climbing the top of the volcano, he was taken aback by a wave of hot air that suddenly hit him. After he sent a cautious glance inside the volcano, he started sweating, and this time not because of the temperature. Inside volcano, a lake of lava existed.

And below the steepest edge he has ever seen, a narrow ledge protruded - and there also was the phoenix in it's nest.

'Cool, so not only do I have to climb down there but also somehow avoid the monster? I'm starting to worry about my 3rd and last assign then...'

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

He took out a jerky from his inventory and started to chew on it, simultaneously observing the giant bird to determine the next course of action.

He decided to do that for a few days.

Once he run out of food, he decided to try and hunt an ape from the volcano. It turned out to be a difficult and ferocious enemy, close to the level of Silver. Thankfully, not only has Ken leveled up several times since then, but more importantly, his fighting skills were beyond that of his level. So despite being handicapped with Joyeuse missing he won the now close fight.

After staying up for two days, he sorted out the living pattern of the phoenix. It seemed to fly off two times a day to search for a prey, as it was apparently carnivorous. He decided to sleep the next night, and after waking up he waited till the big mommy's out.

His hideout was in the forest, so he would waste too much time to climb the volcano. But it was not a problem. He decided he would just hide again after climbing to the top, he already saw a suitable pile of stones. That he did, and after waiting for the phoenix to come back, he once again waited for it to go away to hunt.

It was the late afternoon now, and the phoenix has just went out. The swordsman took action.

First was descending down the volcano. The stone was very hot, but he already thought about that. As he had nothing to do when he waited, he used the hide of the hunted ape to try tailoring. At first it wasn't going too well, and overall his creations could be described as shoddy at best. But, he still created a practical set of gloves from resilient to heat hide, and advanced the skill to level 6 while waiting for the big momma to leave.

He was advancing slowly at first, but he soon got the hang of it and it went better. It took him about 20 minutes to arrive at the nest, as the distance wasn't anything great.

When he got to the nest at least, he faced another problem. The phoenix's egg was big (about the size of the tv from late 1990s - author's note) and wouldn't fit in the inventory. Facing this predicament, Ken sat down and looked at his inventory window to look if he had anything that might help. Thankfully, a big bag laid there, long since forgotten and quite fitting for the task. He put the egg inside and started climbing back up. It went quite awkwardly since he wrapped the bag around with a rope tightly and wrapped it around his hip.

When he was around five meters from the top, he suddenly noticed an unexpected plot twist: the phoenix returned earlier than usual, carrying one of the apes in it's beak. He ceased to move while it was landing in the nest. Then he resumed climbing, this time slowly as to not alarm the creature.

But plans never go the way their creators want it.

When he was three meters from his goal, a pebble - how the hell it even got there? - slipped from under his feet when he was probing for a footing. So although it had no effect on him, it hit the phoenix's head.

The giant bird looked at him, squinted it's eyes, then looked at it's nest where there was one egg missing, and looked back at him, noticing the bag hanging down from his waist. Then it squawked furiously.

For a second he waited for it to turn him into molecules with magic, but it took off instead. 'She doesn't want to harm the egg', he realized. Then he resumed climbing, waiting for the inevitable hit of the beak ending his life. But to his surprise, big momma merely flew out of the volcano. It was a mild surprise though - due to his earlier realization which was a bullseye.

But when he got above ground - it immediately changed. He started to run downhill, with the monster in his wake. What's worse, he didn't have any room nor time for sneaking around, so he couldn't avoid the apes.

This soon turned out not to be a problem - the apes weren't all that intelligent, so before they processed the situation, they were flying in every direction due to angry attacks of phoenix that was getting rid of every obstacle in it's way. Close to the base of the volcano, it apparently started gaining in resolve, as thunders and fireballs started consecutively attacking Ken, fortunately being a bit late every time. On the other hand, just this much sufficed to take a half of his health.

The phoenix started getting rowdy when the human entered the forest. It of course could perceive him, but with increasing difficulty. Thus, it started using advanced AoE spells, engulfing the forest in fire. Ken prayed that it didn't hit him, but it did. Although, he was still alive with about 10% of health left.

And then, an idea sprouted in his mind. Of course! There was this one thing he could try! So, he changed direction of his frantic escape.

After half a minute of crazy escape, he found what he hoped to: the wyvern's nest.

Yes, his plan was to get the wyvern and phoenix to fight each other. Why should he, a weak human being that lost his sword, fight it out with monsters that are theoretically two times as strong as he is? Not to mention, that practice and theory are not the same thing, so in truth they were at least a few times as strong as he is.

He ran through the meadow where the monster's nest was with his maximum speed. It was a wise choice, because not only he avoided getting roasted by phoenix's fire and thunders but also he decreased the time for the other beast to sort out the situation, and after the wyvern growled at him angrily, it soon shifted it's attention to the far greater threat - the phoenix rampaging in the direction of it's nest.

And so, Ken ran, and was almost hit by yet another thunder on the edge of the long-awaited cover of the forest's trees. About 2% of his health remained and he tripped from the impact, losing his balance. He glanced quickly behind only to see the phoenix preparing to smash him with it's attack... and being interrupted by the wyvern's attack.

Ken would like to see the whole fight between these powerful beings, but he didn't have the leisure to do just that. He had to flee from the battlefield unless he wanted to be engulfed in deathly attacks of both opponents, since every of their attacks had radius of at least 1-2 meters where it hit. Not to mention their AoE attacks that they yet haven't, but inevitably will use.

So, he circled around the meadow under the cover of the trees, setting up his observation point in a place farthest from the battle. He took care of his wounds so that these started to heal slowly, and sat under a bush to start observing the fight.

It was short, so he saw only the finish. The wyvern was bleeding heavily, but without slightest hesitation it was biting and clawing at the phoenix furiously. The phoenix wasn't nearly as injured, but it retreated without engaging in the fight again. It seemed that the wyvern, although weaker, was ready to put it's life on stake whereas phoenix wasn't intending to enter this fight, as it's goal was something entirely different.

Ken stood up and started retreating even further into the forest, but stopped in his tracks. He felt as if something laid it's gaze upon him, so after inspecting his immediate surroundings, he doubled the pace and started going back.

***

The last challenge was getting a flower from a mountain peak. Sounds easy compared to the others, right?

Well... not really. It IS a challenge, after all.

Ken was halfway to the top, he just entered the level were the snow doesn't melt. He made a coat out of Silver's fur, also a rather crappy but still warm clothes. He also made a scarf and a pair of gloves out of it, so at least he was protected against the cold. This time, Black Panther came with him.

Ken was really tired of fighting it each and every snow ape this mountain had to offer without even having a real sword, and this guy was completely useless, only going on and on how Dia is fabulous. Seriously, the youth was growing tired of it. Since he tagged along, he could at least make himself useful.

One more ape appeared. It charged at the human, who swiftly avoided it's body slam and sliced it's legs, making it fall in the snow and exploiting the situation to kill it. The apes weren't all that difficult once you figured out how to deal with them, but...

...on the horizon two other apes appeared.

"...And, Dia said... Isn't she lovely...?"

From behind him Ken could hear that the feline's blabbing did not cease for even a moment. So, without thinking, he blurted out, "Oh for fuck's sake, I don't care about that bitch!"

Not even a second after he finished saying that, the strongest pressure he ever felt from the panther hit him.

"What. Did. You. Say?!"

"Eh... boss... this is... right, that wasn't me!"

"What?"

"It was those apes in front of me! You know how all monkeys like to smear shit on their opponents, right?"

"How dare they...!"

Ken couldn't believe his own eyes. Black Panther, this lovestruck maiden in a hide of a wild demonic feline, actually moved his ass to take care of enemies before them! In no time, as well! In this very moment, a realization struck him.

'Could it be... have I finally found a way to do it the way I like it, without straining myself?!'

Three another apes ran in their direction. When Black Panther was busy tearing the already dead ape to shreds, Ken rushed the three newcomers, slipped in behind them and started shouting in a different voices while avoiding and blocking their attacks.

"Heheh, you know that bitch Dia? Let's fuck her!"

"I know, I know! Let's fuck her on the peak!"

"Good idea, hehehe, and after we finish, let's take THAT flower and stuff it in her ass!"

"Hehehe! Everyone in our ape tribe will fuck her!"

The plan was a great success. Black Panther had no clue it was Ken who actually said it all, and rushed the apes with fury in his eyes. The trio couldn't even move yet alone defend under the pressure he exerted. He destroyed them completely, then shouted to his human underling:

"Ken, we are going up quickly!"

"Yes, boss!"

Then, it was a walk in the park. Black Panther mowed down every monkey he found till they reached the peak, and Ken just ran in his wake while smothering a happy laugh all this time. At the peak, they found the flower, and after they didn't found Dia there, the panther rushed down the mountain to see if she was in the forest down below without even sparing Ken a single look or word. The swordsman followed him down the mountain in glee.

***

"So, I have gathered these three gifts for you."

"Hm... that's nice of you, but I'm sure you expect something in return?"

"Yes, actually... I'm in love with you, please be my woman!"

After finishing all challenges, the time has come for confession. Black Panther and Dia stood in a clearing, while Ken watched from afar in a shadow of a tree.

"Sorry, but there's no way."

"What?! Why?!"

"First and foremost, We're a different species. See?"

After saying that, she transformed into a... human! Both Black Panther and Ken looked at her astonished, but the human brushed it off quickly due to his increasing resistance to odd things he gained after dying killed by the spider. Thanks to that, he made out some interesting details: she had cat ears and two tails! He shuddered a bit unconsciously, he had heard that so-called catwitches existed in some unexplored lands, their name derived from their appearance.

"That... That doesn't matter!"

"Oh, does it now? Well, if you insist, then I will give you another reason. He", she pointed at Ken whose jaw opened in surprise at her gesture and words that followed, "is of my species, so I prefer him. Even more so since it was him - not you - who gathered all of 'your' gifts, why you were loafing around, even though you were strong enough to do it by yourself. You are the worst, get lost from my sight!"

After that, well, Black Panther was a wreck. Not only was he rejected, but also in such strong words! Meanwhile, Dia approached dumbfounded Ken and said, "I have observed both of you, especially you all the time since I came here."

'Those gazes I felt sometimes', realized the human. Out loud he said, "What do you mean about this same species thing?"

"What, you don't know?", she let out a pleasant laugh. "Touch your head."

He did that and then, he involuntarily shouted in surprise.

He had cat ears! So that was what the Cat Mode was about!

Your skill definition has been updated following your discovery.

She giggled lightly, and tapped him on his forehead.

Your skill definition has been updated.

While one more window appeared, he felt something itchy on his lower back. He looked back and his voice betrayed him again, for his surprise was to great to hold it in - a cat tail sprouted from his coccyx!

Both ears and tail could move according to his wishes and he felt it when he touched them. Now it was clear why his hearing was better when he was in Cat Mode. Well, he had it on almost all the time, since when he turned it off once, Black Panther almost killed him, so he got used to it by now anyway.

While he was still filling confusion, she spoke again, this time with sadness, "I have found your sword, but I am afraid it was destroyed by North, so I didn't retrieve it."

He froze for a moment at that, as it meant that his scabbard was now the only memento after his late master... unless one were to include his memories and all that he was taught.

Then, she spoke again, with irony and a bit of both amusement and anger, "I liked your wit when you used Black Panther, but I'm not a bitch nor is any ape going to fuck me."

He recoiled unconsciously at that, "Ahaha, sorry about that, I didn't mean those words, the situation called for them...", he laughed a bit embarrassed.

"I know, that's why I will forgive you this once", she winked at him while saying it in an arrogant tone.

"That's a good girl!", he patted her head and she blushed slightly, falling into silence. Using this short break from surprises, Ken looked at her thoroughly.

She was a fair maiden, looking like she was maybe seventeen years old, and about a head shorter than him. She had a slim body, and unfortunately, regarding her three sizes, her upper one wasn't developed that well, if you know what I mean. But maybe there was still some room for growth...?

Other than that, she had good-looking legs, not much fat - rather, you could even see some muscles on her legs. Also, she had white, flowing and long hair - most of them created an attractive-looking ponytail reaching the middle of her back while there was also a strand on both sides of her face, reaching her jaw. Her face was plain, but beaming with almost invisible and mysterious gleam, which made her look more attractive. She lacked human ears, she had cat ears on top of her head though. She was wearing a plain, white dress suited to her hair color, which stretched from her arms to the middle of her thighs. From under it, two tails hanged down. It depended on one's tastes, but she was definitely to Ken's liking.

"S-stop staring at me...", she murmured breaking his focus.

"Ah, sorry about that, it was the first time I could have a good look at you. Not to mention that you are the first human... well, very human-like, not to mention pretty, female I've seen in weeks if not months."

Her blush deepened slightly. Unfortunately for them, the spring of youth had to wait, as certain someone couldn't read the atmosphere and groaned loudly.

"Ah, right. We had better move before Black Panther recovers. You don't want to have a 'talk' with him, do you?"

He shuddered slightly hearing that. No, he definitely didn't want that.

"Yeah, I had about enough of that forest anyway."

"Good, now you can have the egg back, I don't need it."

"Eh?"

"Just take it. Ah, I have thrown out the head away, so disgusting. The flower I'm going to keep, though, it's pretty and hasn't whithered yet."

"Eh... okay. Let's go, then!"

You have finished the quest Love Crusade!

The quest hasn't turned out quite how you thought it would, but it could have been worse. You have gained a new cute companion and left the position of Black Panther's underling. Do note though that should he come back to his senses, he will shred you to bits in an outburst of his feeling's of jealousy resulting from his broken heart.

You have received Phoenix's egg x1

Your Cat Mode skill has been upgraded.

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

Author's note: for those of you who don't know what coccyx is and are too lazy to check it, it's the lowest bone in your spine. Millions of years ago our arboreal ancestors before homo australopithecus (or whatever it was called) came to be may have had a tail sprouting from there and most of animals from our group (like mammals, reptiles, birds, fishes i think) have a tail instead of coccyx. You can think of it as a genetic memento. I thought it would be the best place to have it. For those of you who want a more clarified info and don't want to touch themselves down there to feel the end of their spine, it's a few centimeters lower than the beginning of the buttocks. This note is created for the sake of non-native speakers (such as me lol) and brought to you by Promet