I tumbled through the abyss again, the weightless void expanding in all directions. This time I had a sense of direction as the silver thread was still around me and pulled me towards somewhere. The thread was only ten feet long, but that could also just be how far I could see. I counted the passing seconds and just when I was about to hit a minute a silver blue cloud appeared in front of me.

The second I hit the cloud gravity kicked back in and I crashed onto a pile of yellow and gold coloured pillows. The smaller throw pillows were tossed into the air and fell on top of me burying me inside. Throwing out my arms I fumbled around, with my hands weakly flopping about. That strange sensation of cold fire remained, and I felt like I had been sleeping on my arms.

Concussioness Debuff has been afflicted!

As the worst of the sensation passed I regained control of myself and rolled out of the plush prison only to face plant on the cold stone floor. Feeling around I got my arms beneath my chest and pushed myself back up. Back on my own two feet I looked around and found that I was in a bedroom, with a nightstand, a mirror against the wall and a door leading elsewhere. The walls were made of plaster that had some texture to it, and there was a glass ball in the wall that lit up the room. Surprisingly there were no windows to speak of.

The mirror caught my attention, and I went to inspect myself. My hair was a mess, rabbit blood still stained my cheek that I had missed, and I looked wild eyed. But I was still alive, and that was all that mattered.

The door rattled behind me and I heard a woman’s voice calling out. “We got another one, I’ll drag him into the line.”

My mind raced if that was a good thing or a bad thing. She didn’t sound angry, just bored. I quickly ran my fingers through my hair hoping to make myself a touch more presentable. Now I just looked scuffed up instead of looking like a mad man.

The door opened and I had to fight the urge to gasp. The woman in front of me was clad head to toe in chainmail armour with a dyed cloth surcoat over it. She loosely held in one hand a green glass spear that crackled with energy that made my hair stand on end. A chainmail veil obscured most of her face, but two fierce yellow eyes looked at me intensely like she was trying to measure me up. The two most striking things were the cut outs made in her steel brimmed helmet, that I think was called a kettle helmet, to allow a pair of curled black horns to jut out, and her long whip-like tail. The tail was a vibrant red colour, and the end of it plumed into a wide heart shape.

“Fancy looking at my tail, do you Mr. Mage?” she asked. When I didn’t respond she walked towards me with a look of concern. “You ok there little human?”

I wasn’t a short guy back home amidst my coworkers, sure I wasn’t the tallest out of my peers, but I considered myself average. This woman however was well over six feet tall and despite looking slim she moved in that heavy armour quickly and effortlessly. As I eyed her a pop up appeared that I tapped.

Vixa, Half-Demon, moderate size, Level 6 Guardian

Strength 16

Constitution 15

Dexterity 13

Intelligence 9

Willpower 11

Charisma 14

As soon as the pop up appeared she halted and crossed her arms over her chest like I had just caught her walking out of the shower. Her eyes changed from concern to furious as she angrily huffed.

“Hey! Don’t just grab a girl's character sheet like that without asking first!” she hissed, flicking the end of her tail towards me.

I backed up dodging the whip-like tail, and threw my hands up with palms out towards her showing I wasn’t a threat. I tried my best to stammer out an apology, but stumbled over my own words no matter how hard I tried. It was like I was trying to talk around molasses, and my tongue just couldn’t move right. I coughed and felt the cold fiery feeling take hold of my mouth.

The fury in her died out, and she cocked her head to the side causing the chain veil to jingle. She inspected me again and this time I had an odd feeling like I was being watched from behind. A small pop up informed me someone was inspecting my character sheet.

“Oh, you're just a level one mage. Sorry, you must never have seen someone with demon blood before,” she said, holding out a hand to me. “See I’m Vixa, I’m not gonna hurt you cute little guy.”

I wasn’t sure if she was trying to be demeaning or if she actually thought that's how you spoke to humans. I wasn’t upset by her tone, but the whole situation was leaving me baffled. I had just levelled up, yet I still didn’t have my magic and now I was in unknown territory. I was completely helpless in this place so I steeled my resolve and reached out my hand, hopeful that everyone else I ran into here was like Vixa.

She took me by the forearm, and I felt heat flush into my arm as she pulled me alongside her towards the door. I glanced down to see she wore fingerless gloves that were backed with strips of iron that had writing on it. What surprised me was how effortlessly she moved me. Sure, she had four more points in strength than me, but I felt like a child being pulled around by their mother. Her tail curled around my side and she kept me close as we exited the room. A softly lit stone corridor with plush carpet stretched in either direction as far as the eye could see, and Vixa guided me towards the right.

As we passed rows of identical doors and paintings of fancy looking manors I looked at her again closely. I had less information this time, instead it just told me her name, race and class. She noticed me inspecting her again and she laughed.

“For the record, you caught me by surprise. You should be hiding your details too. Makes it less likely your foes will spring at you if they don’t know what you're made of,” she said to me softly.

Ahead of us there was a massive set of double doors to break up the monotony of the hall, and from it spilled conversation, music and the smell of food. Trying to follow what Vixa had said I looked at my character sheet and tried to see what she meant by hiding them.

Noticing my confusion she stopped and said, “bottom right, the one with the three little dots.”

Somewhat hidden out of view was a button just like she said. I clicked it and the whole popup condensed and it now read one line of text.

Joshua Hale, Human, Level 1 (Keeper) Battlemage

The brackets made me think that it was hiding that I was a keeper, but the more important part was my new class. Battlemage made me think of a sword swinging wizard who could send off fireballs with one hand and parry blows with a sword clutched in the other. It made me feel a bit giddy and I finally managed to sort out my dumb tongue as the feeling passed.

“Thanks Vixa for the help,” I said. I tried to stand a bit taller and I smoothed out my shirt. “I think I got my nerves back in order, you don’t need to hold me anymore.”

The demon girl let go of me and she took a half step away from me. I couldn’t help but think she might be blushing under the armour. She cleared her throat and took on a much tougher persona.

“Dream projecting or ‘Dream Walking’ as your magic college might call it, can mess up a first timer, good to see you recover quickly. Get in line with the others and wait your turn to speak to today's Overseer,” Vixa said, pointing to the double doors. “After your meeting a guard will escort you back to an available room to return to your body. Fair warning, she can be a bit…different.”

After I thanked her one more time Vixa set off on her patrol. As she walked away from me I saw a little spring in her step and her tail swished behind her happily. I got a better chance to check out her equipment. She wore heavy leather pants in addition to the armour and had on heavy boots that were reinforced with steel. If the rest of the guards here were as armoured as she was then I was screwed if I had to fight. I looked down at my arm where she had touched me and I absently touched the spot.

Demons were real. They looked like humans, but with horns and tails, and were absurdly strong by comparison. I gulped as I clenched my hands. A rabbit had nearly ended me, I would have to get a lot stronger if I needed to fight a demon in the future. I straightened my back and let that fact sink in again, demons were real, just like my old pastor had always shouted from the pulpit.

“Not surprising Josh, you did find out today that there really is a big guy up there,” I said to myself. I looked at the arches and rafters in the ceiling above me and clicked my tongue. “At least that…thing claimed there’s at least six more of them here too.”

Now alone in the strange corridor I decided to investigate the source of the unknown sounds and entered the doors.

The next room was massive, my whole apartment complex could have fit inside of it and I gawked as I tried to take it all in. The large vaulted ceiling was decorated with dozens of chandeliers each covered in candles, the light greatly illuminated the busy hall packed to the brim with hundreds of people. A neat line was against the right wall leading to an ornate door towards the far end. The left side of the room was like my mess hall but on a much grander scale. Rows of nice tables were filled with guests or guards and beyond a counter was a busy kitchen.

Standing over a head taller than the rest of the crowd was the chef. Despite my limited knowledge of this place I assumed he was some kind of orc. He looked like a normal human but was built like a bodybuilder and had two sizable bottom fangs jutting out from his lip. His green skin was greatly contrasted to his red necktie over his bright white chef uniform. He lifted an entire cooked pig on a platter over his head with a single hand and brought it to a table filled with hungry male and female demon guards who beat their table with their silverware.

“You getting in line buddy or what?” someone asked behind me.

I shuffled into my place in line, and looked behind me seeing other people had arrived. There were about maybe twenty people in line now and everyone but me looked the part of a wizard. Floppy hats, colourful long robes and some kind of staff made up most of their outfits. I on the other hand had a bloodied shirt, a name tag and cargo pants. Yet no one pointed out my clothing or that I was the only other human in line.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

The man who had spoken up behind me was the other human, and he leaned against the wall smoothing out his spotless black robes that had bright blue thread. His black wood staff hovered beside him, and he absently poked at it causing it to spin. He seemed to me to be the kind of guy who really liked to look like he was too cool to care about anything. I disliked him immediately.

“So it looks like I'm not the only human dedicating his life to magic,” he said, thumbing his pockets. “Can’t let the elves take over every college bringing their dumb magic is art culture.”

I bit my lip and wondered if I should bother talking to this guy at all. I dealt with enough morons in retail to peg what kind of guy he was from that one sentence alone. He put up his hood and tried to sigh audibly, not seeing the three elves behind him cracking their knuckles unhappy with his outlook.

“Actually I ran out of money and had to drop out of college. It was my fault. I had to buy a magic talent when I levelled to get my class, and now I’m here,” I said, carefully picking my words. It technically was the truth considering how my life went. “So I’m just here to pick up my magic and go.”

It seemed to buy him over and he nodded along. The man scoffed and kept yapping. “Probably because of the elves. See the colleges know they have old money, so they keep jacking up the price. Normal guys like us get the short end of the stick all the time, but it's good to see you have the natural aptitude for it.”

“Well, like I said, it was my fault. Maybe your problems are more your own actions too?” I asked, seeing the three elves getting riled up.

“Well the problem with knife ears-”

The man was silenced as a hand went over his mouth. The three elves dragged him away and out of sight. The others in the line scoffed and one man spoke up saying “good riddance”. I did my best to be quiet and observe. The line moved quickly, only taking a minute or two at a time. Some men left the ornate door disappointed while others clutched large books or daggers decorated with gems. I even spotted one with a lipstick mark on his cheek. What kind of magic goddess did these people serve?

I tried to drum up some conversation with the orc man in front of me, but he took one look at my character level and laughed. The others around me muttered that I was out of my league, and that silenced me from attempting more small talk. I shook my head, it was fine, I was still a rookie, I just needed to work my way up.

Finally my turn came and the orc that had been ahead of me cursed in a dark guttural tongue as he left the room, and tried to push me out of the way. I stood my ground and the orc tripped, slamming into a table. He looked at me in shock.

“What the hells and brimstone! What’s your strength?” he demanded. He snarled and cracked his knuckles. “I bet you're a cheat! I challenge you-”

One of the guards grabbed him by the coat and she yelled into his face. “If you can’t behave in the court of Ishaka then you will never conduct business here again!”

She grabbed him by the collar and the orc was hopelessly overpowered by her demonic strength. The orc screamed as he was dragged away while the guard cursed him out and kicked him. With all eyes on me I froze in place feeling like I was on stage without my lines. A guard leaned out of the ornate door and waved me in.

I entered as quickly as I could and the ornate door slammed shut behind me. The room was filled with sweet smelling mist, and a fountain near me spat out clear running water. Scattered around the room were plush pillows beside small tables and bookshelves for relaxing reading. In front of me was a translucent silk curtain where a woman sat on a wide chair, which might as well be called a throne. Her shadow was shapely as she crossed a leg over a knee and her tail stuck out from the curtain to beckon me closer.

I took a few steps up to the curtain and the guard who waved me in cleared her throat. She looked at me, then the floor and waved her hand downwards. Picking up on the cue I got down on my knees and waited. I glanced at the guard who gave me a curt nod, and stood by at attention again, standing so still I could have mistaken them for a statue. The sensation of being looked at happened again, and I knew the woman behind the counter was trying to inspect me. I had a pop up appear telling me she was requesting to see my information, and I clicked approve.

The curtain didn’t reach all the way to the floor, and I could see the woman's feet. She had on a weird pair of high heeled boots that exposed her painted toes. Someone must have told her the concept of a stiletto shoe, but it ended up getting confused in translation because the heel of the shoe was an actual knife blade. The sharp keen edge caught the light, and I couldn’t help but feel my mouth dry out.

The woman’s tail parted the curtains and my eyes widened. Her body was almost completely exposed from her revealing outfit of translucent purple silk. The loose see through top gently held up her massive breasts as the pierced dark bumps of her nipples pushed out on the fabric. Her blue skin complimented well with the dark purple veil covering her face and her magenta eyes inspected me like a treat she wanted to buy.

“Well human, your call caught my eye. But I must ask, do you want magic to serve my mother the goddess, or to be my personal pet?” she asked with a sultry, sickly sweet voice.

The woman sat up, holding in one hand that was covered in gold rings, a thick red book covered in leather with a spine reinforced with steel. In her other hand she held a silk collar like the one I had removed from the strange rabbit today. With the nearly seven foot tall woman towering over me it was hard to see her veiled face past the massive mounds of her bosom.

My mouth was dry as I found myself unable to speak, those piercing eyes invited me in, to sit on her lap and worship her all day. I started to move my hand and my body was willing me to forget the hardships, to take her offer and not worry about being killed. The last day passed through my head, my bad job, Paul’s shop where I got shot.

Then I remembered Charlotte, and the image reminded me of my spiteful, controlling ex. For a brief moment a silhouette of a face from my past that I tried to forget covered the demon woman's face. My hand balled into a fist and the sudden change in mental swing made me punch my leg, unfortunately I missed and punched myself straight in the groin.

A Charm effect has ended!

As I was doubled over in pain the demon woman let out a hysterical laugh, falling onto her seat and kicked out her legs. The demon guard helped me onto my feet and opened a small brass container by the blue demon woman. The container was filled to the brim with ice and a bowl full of fruit for the important woman to eat. The guard scooped ice out of the container and put it in a small towel and gave it to me to hold onto my bruised manhood. In the guard’s eyes I could see concern, but she also seemed impressed with me.

The blue demon woman removed her veil and dotted it under eyes to wipe away her merry tears. Her face was gorgeous on many levels. She had strong cheekbones, plump lips that sparkled with purple lipstick, and just a touch of make up around her enchanting eyes to accent her natural beauty. Her long eyelashes also glinted with light, and I had to admit I could have stared at her face for hours, and never want to turn away from her.

The pretty demon woman broke into a cheerful smile as she was racked with laughter still, and she held a hand to her mouth. She snickered a few more times before holding out the book to me.

The guard beside her smirked too, and tipped their head down to hide in their veil. I could almost tell in the back of my mind I was going to be a fun tale for her to share with her friends.

The blue demon woman sighed happily. “That was impressive. I’ve never seen a human break out of one of my strongest charms in such a way, let alone a man of your level. For making my day better I give to you your desire human. Use this gift of magic to chase your own personal pleasures and ambitions.”

“Thanks,” I wheezed, taking the heavy book into my hand.

As my hands touched the leather the blue woman's tail wrapped around my arm and she pulled me in. I was sent right into her chest, and when I pushed off her breasts to look up at her she leaned down and ran her forked tongue up my neck and licked my cheek. She breathed in deeply, taking in my scent before purring into my ear.

“Stag Hare blood. I love a man who isn’t afraid to get dirty and beat something to death. Your hands are even roughed up, so you fought it hand to hand,” she said. She grappled me back into the valley of her breasts. “Your scent is wonderful, how do you smell like strawberries?”

My nose was drowning in the sweet scent of her oiled body. She was a furnace of warmth that radiated into me, and I wanted to rub my face into her. I wanted her to wrap those mighty thighs around me and hold me here forever. With my mind falling into honeyed goo I forced myself to break out of her grip. I stepped back and shook my head to try to clear my senses.

I opened my mouth and spoke slowly, trying to sort out my muddied thoughts. “It was left over hand made soap from my ex, and I didn’t really-”

The demon woman cut me off with a knowing grin. “Now I am aware you are a new keeper, and you do intrigue me Joshua Hale. For that I issue you a quest, should you build a shrine to my dear mother Ishaka in your dungeon I shall send one of our priestesses to aid you. I’m sure you will get to know the lucky demoness quite well as she will aid you in matters pertaining to our Goddess.”

Knowledge : Divine Partial Success!

Ishaka the goddess of pleasure and magic is one of the major gods of the world. All powerful magic users give some tribute or lip service to the queen of magic even if they serve other lesser gods of magic. She is able to bestow boons as gifts to her daughters who then give them to worthy mortals who align with their goals.

Quest Issued!

Build a shrine to Ishaka and the required rooms to accommodate her priestess. As a reward you will be gifted one minor boon as well as a loyal demoness to serve you.

“That sounds…wonderful, thank you…” I said trailing off. I coughed and asked quietly, “What's your name ma’am?”

“Just call me Overseer, my name will be presented to you should you prove worthy. A part of me hopes you do come through with my request.” The blue demoness grinned with a predatory smile as she licked her thick lips. “I can think of a few ways you can get me to scream my name if you want to stay and find out now.”

My body was a mess as signals got crossed over, was I supposed to be aroused and interested in the seven foot tall demoness who could manhandle me with ease or be terrified because she might possibly eat me? The guard took me by the hand, and guided me out to the hall as the curtain was drawn again. I managed to mumble a thank you to her as we got away from the Overseer, each step making my mind clear again. I tried to check my character page to see if I was charmed again, but I didn’t see anything.

“Next!” the guard shouted, taking the next man in line inside.

The mages in the line hooted and hollered, clapping for me as I passed them. I awkwardly waved at them as a demon guard lightly pushed me from behind steering me out to the hallway.

“Good job newbie!”

“They're giving out freebies today!”

“I thought you would have been turned into dinner for sure!”

I shouted back wishing them good luck as the guard escorted me to a seemingly random room. It was an exact copy of the first room and I grinned seeing myself in the mirror clutching the book. I was already making progress. The guard closed the door to stand beside me and the bed of pillows. Remembering what the demon’s goddess stood for I looked to the bed then her.

“So do we…do it here so I leave?” I asked.

The guard threw up her hands and looked shocked. Her tail coiled around her leg and a familiar voice stammered. “I-I-I with me? No! You just lay down and sleep!”

“Oh.” I scratched at the back of my head, feeling my collar get hot. “Sorry Vixa.”

I laid down and Vixa started to move my limbs, crossing my arms on my chest with the book secured below them. She patted my shoulders down and started to softly hum. The wordless tune relaxed me and I felt my eyes drop.

“Good luck Joshua, if you ever want to chat just build that shrine and I can visit someday,” Vixa said. She clasped her hands and watched me start to snooze. “I always wanted my own human friend to play with.”

I was much more comfortable in the presence of Vixa compared to the Overseer and I smiled listening to her cute voice. Sleep started to take me and I yawned, nestling into the pillow. I felt a soothing sensation as Vixa combed my hair.

“You can just call me Josh,” I mumbled. “I’ll get…right on that.”

The sensible part of me wondered if following up on the quest was a good idea, the Overseer was a bit too much to handle. However, Vixa and the other guards seemed nice, and more personable. There was also the fact they were strong, absurdly strong in comparison to others, and I could see myself needing that strength if I was to get attacked in the future. I would have to weigh my options, but having a demon guard watching my back sounded pretty nice.

In my mind I saw a distant silver blue cloud that condensed into a pool of liquid metal, the silver tread appeared and tugged me towards it. As I hit the liquid metal it parted and I was thrust back into my body with a dumb smile on my face. I had a real spellbook.