“Next!”

The Volcanic Imp called out with a yawn as the line of women shuffled forward.

“Entry fee, letter of recommendation, and tribute?”

She carelessly commanded as the woman before her promptly revealed a bejeweled case and a note. Before she could hand everything over, the guard held up a halting hand.

“Wait, Hema will take care of you.”

The imp gestured at her partner, before turning her gaze to a group of five girls that had just arrived. A wild smile spread across her mouth as her eyes devoured each and every one of them, especially the young maiden lingering in the back.

“My, what have we here? City defense, I presume?”

Lulu stepped forward before blowing a kiss to the guard.

“You know it!”

The guard blew a kiss back and beckoned the group closer.

“Come along now, don’t mind the line here. We need to get you set up, since you guys are part of the defense group for the assault.”

The girls beamed wide smiles as they followed the bewitching figure into the depths of the cave.

It worked?

Jun bit his lip, containing his excitement within.

Soul Illusion, F grade. At the cost of soul energy, I can take on the form of a female in the eyes of others, but my physical body doesn’t change!

Jun straightened his back and hid a smug smile. It wasn’t that he was proud of sneaking into a women’s only city, no.

He was simply jubilant over the fact that he wasn’t going to be stoned to death while nude!

“Dear flowers, you may call me Nema. We’ve been waiting for your arrival. Although, there are less of you than we were expecting.”

Nema glanced behind her with intrigue.

“Don’t worry! Even though our team is few in number, I’m sure we’ll be up for the mission. We’ve been trained by the best!”

Shireen gave a ditzy response, which was hard to take seriously. Nonetheless, Nema gave a light chuckle, and just as they turned the corner, a wave of gasps and murmurs echoed.

Before them, deep within the mountains, lay a sprawling city adorned in beautiful lights. Swathes of land, spaced apart by shimmering lakes, formed rings around the city’s center. Crystals and stalactites decorated the walls, while a sun-like orb burned thousands of meters into the air.

“That is the heart of the city, and of the mountain.”

Nema pointed toward the smoldering ball of light as she guided them along the overarching path that led to the city.

“This mountain was once a terrifying volcano, until our founder seized all of its energy and bound it with formations beyond our understanding. Now it serves as our lifeblood, while also giving us the blessings that you may have heard of.”

“The secret of the hot springs…”

Lulu muttered, her eyes twinkling in amazement.

“Yes, watch your step sweetie. Don’t want you to tumble.”

The girls bounced away from the edge at the reminder. The cave’s entrance rested at the height of a cliff, and the path they walked had no safety railings of any type. Should one of them fall, it would be a straight drop down to the unseeable floor. Fortunately, the chasm was quickly passed over.

“Alright, we’re nearing the city gates. You’ll have some free time in between assault waves, please make sure you spend it wisely.”

Just as Nema was about to step away, Jun spoke up.

“Miss Nema, I was curious. Why is it that men aren’t allowed in the city?”

“Hmm? Don’t you know? Volcanic Imps are especially sensitive towards men. Only elder imps can bear to presence one. The younger bunch would go insane as they’re more sensitive.”

“When you say insane…what do you mean?”

Nema cocked her head to the side before responding.

“Imagine a pack of starving wolves. Now place down the most delicious piece of meat they’ll ever know in their lives. What do you think would happen?”

“I-I see…”

Jun swallowed nervously.

“Imagine that, but hundreds or even thousands of times worse. The young ones could sense out a man from one side of the city to the other. That’s why we catch them at the city gates.”

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Nema waved her hand with a bright smile.

“Yes, well. Don’t worry about that nonsense and just leave it to us. You’ll be safe inside the city with our little cuties. Be sure to protect them later on, I’m counting on you all!”

Without another word, the imp disappeared into a shadowy vapor, leaving Jun crestfallen before the city gates.

“This will be fine…right?”

His muttering was picked up by Lulu beside him.

“Of course it’ll be fine! We’ll wipe out the horde of monsters as fast as possible so we can enjoy the hot springs!”

“Yea! Let’s go!”

“Woo!”

The girls pumped their fists in the air as they entered Volcanic Imp City.

Everywhere the light could touch, was a woman. Gossip filled the air, along with laughter and cries. Mesmerizing bodies swayed their hips as loose hands groped at their friend’s chests in a playful manner.

Some were dressed stylishly, while others wore mere strands of cloth. There were even the flamboyant few that wore nothing at all, but they were rarely seen.

The city entrance flourished with business as visitors of varying races ambled through the marketplace. There was no sign of poverty or hunger, only a deep sense of unity and fulfillment.

“Come on!”

Lulu pulled Jun’s hand as the group rushed forward.

“This is just a market for visitors, but we have to go to the city command for our mission. The first assault wave will probably start tonight!”

“R-Right.”

Jun glanced around at the mass of bodies as an unknown feeling burned within his core.

For some reason I feel hot. Ugh, why is it now of all times that I’m thinking of Ana.

He vigorously shook his head and chased after Lulu, largely ignoring the mass of shapely bodies that surrounded him.

Jun realized that the marketplace at the entrance was only the tip of the iceberg. Beyond the market was a series of districts, each serving a role within the city.

The group paved their through the residential district, which was one of the larger sections of the city.

Well-built stone houses lined the sides of the walkway. Windows were warmly lit with an orange huge, while puffs of smoke escaped through small chimneys.

As he was inspecting the intricate structure designs, Jun noticed a pair of brilliant eyes staring at him.

“Hmm?”

He paused and held his breath.

Is this a younger Volcanic Imp?

The imp continued to stare at him, almost as if it weren’t even breathing.

Wow, the stillness in that imp is uncanny. Almost like a tiger stalking…its…

Fear gripped his heart as he swiftly checked his system display.

Soul Illusion! Wait, it’s still running? My soul energy is at 99%, so about one hour for one percent. How can she sense me?!

He crept closer toward Lulu and the other girls, who didn’t seem to notice. The young imp’s eyes followed him like a hawk.

A chill crept along his neck as he felt another stare land on him. His head creaked to the side in terror as he noticed another deathly stare.

This could be bad…I need to figure this, and quickly.

“We’re almost at the crafting district! I can’t wait!”

Tiana exclaimed as she took the lead, racing toward the next district. The rest of the girls swiftly followed suit, catching Jun off guard.

“Uh…”

Jun slowed as the group disappeared around a bend. Imp after imp soon sprouted along the sides of the road, as if he were a lost lamb being encircled by vultures.

Do I run? No, that won’t solve anything. Argh, I just don’t get it.

He continued along the road with wooden steps. After taking a quick glance around, he became astounded at the mass of imps that stood idly by, watching him carefully.

I see… they’re confused. Their sensing are telling them one thing, but upon inspection it’s not what it seems. They almost seem feral…

Jun paused and his eyes lit up.

I get it! Pheromones and scent! They can sense them because I’m not casting the illusion in a big enough radius! How could I have been so stupid!

To reduce the consumption rate of spirit energy, he only portrayed the illusion around his clothes. This made it so that he would come off as a genuine girl should anyone look his way. They would even see feminine features.

Only now did he realize his grave mistake. He forgot to account for the natural scent that radiated further from his body! At least, that’s what he hoped to be the solution.

With a simple thought, he readjusted the illusion and prayed with all his heart.

The look in their eyes is going away… thank goodness.

His surroundings had developed into a small crowd, who all shook their heads in confusion. They glanced at each other oddly before setting their eyes back on Jun.

The girl that had been staring at him the longest then walked up to him. Her shapely figure seemed to command attention.

“Miss. I like you a lot. Do you want to be my friend?”

“I uh… I have to catch up with my team. I’m sorry.”

He shuffled his feet a little faster as a couple other girls called out.

“Wait, I like you too!”

“I wanna be friends too!”

“Can we all be friends with you?”

The horde of girls clamored after him as he blazed a path through the city in search of Lulu and the rest of the team.

How are they so fast?! Should I kick up the speed?

Just as he was about to sprint for dear life, a striking figure stood in his way.

“Girls.”

An alluring voice melted over the crowd like honey mixed in chocolate. Everyone came to a screeching halt, including Jun.

“L-Lady Anasha.”

One of the girls mumbled meekly.

“We’re sorry my lady.”

“Sorry.”

The crowd dispersed, leaving behind a confused Jun who stood stock still in front of his new opponent.

“Uh…I was just-”

“You’re our respected visitor, it was rude of them to chase after you like so.”

Lady Anasha walked away, her hands tucked within the sleeves of her flowing robe. The black and red floral patterns complimented her ruby skin, while her horns were sleek-black like blood on a moonless night.

“Please continue on your way.”

She called back to Jun, who watched as she left just as quickly as she’d come.

Why does her skin seem to burn brighter than the others? Her horns are even darker than normal.

“I need to catch up with the rest of them.”

Just as Jun began his journey once more, he heard a soundless thought linger in the air.

Why does she make me feel this way?

Jun quickened his steps, debating whether he should expand the illusion radius even further. He was able to recognize the smooth voice that could only belong to Lady Anasha.

As he entered the crafting district, he checked his remaining soul energy. His heart sank as he calculated the rate it declined.

I’m losing soul energy three times as fast. Originally I could have kept this up for four days. Now, I’ll be lucky with one and a half.

“There you are!”

Lulu cried out in the distance.

“We accidentally lost you.”

Tiana twisted her body in embarrassment.

“My bad…”

“Yes, Tiana’s fault. Not our fault.”

Nelath elbowed Shireen as if to prompt her to say something.

“Huh? But we’re all at fault though.”

“Stupid Shireen.”

Nelath stuck her tongue out.

“It’s okay, I’m here now. Let’s just get this mission started, I suddenly want to finish faster than I thought.”

Jun muttered and swiftly took the lead.

“Yea! Xin has the right idea! The faster we finish tonight’s wave, the faster we get to the hot springs.”

Lulu’s voice lingered in the air as they all rushed toward the command center. Despite the excitement radiating out from the girls, Jun had just caught another ugly detail.

Did she just say tonight’s wave? As in… there’ll be one tomorrow?