As the two girls worked on magic craft, Adrest had gone out hunting for (lp). He made his way to the boundary that was the river and looked for a few sacrifices.

His eyes lit up as he noticed two sets of glimmering golden eyes filled with malice on the other side.

“Looks like a few of those bastards hold a grudge huh? Well, I’m sure they’re worth a lot!” Adrest made up his mind and jumped into the air, wings extending, before shooting off at the figures who were laying low to the ground, using a nearby tree as cover.

They let out angry yowls as Adrest came soaring down at high speed. Perhaps stunned at the odd sight of their prey flying, the two stood still, only baring their fangs at the figure barreling towards them.

As their flying prey was about to land, the chimeras tensed to jump and snatch him from the air in their giant maws, but their feet didn’t leave the ground. Around each of the monsters’ legs were long, shadowy tendrils that were as thick as a man’s wrist, each squeezing with as much force as Adrest’s magic could muster to keep the beasts still, if only for a few seconds.

Taking advantage of the monster’s confusion, Adrest was able to hard land on one’s back with a heavy wet crack ringing out on impact. A roar of pain accompanied it as Adrest used his sword to decapitate the venomous serpent that was the beast’s tail.

With an inaudible snap, the chimeras’ bindings broke and the uninjured of the pair snapped at where Adrest had been, only to catch air.

Wanting to be safe as he was still a full grade below each beast individually, his only grace was the difference in intelligence, Adrest retreated tens of feet to prepare for the remaining able bodied chimera’s counterattack and wreathed his sword in orange flames.

Thanks to the blade’s ridiculously high level and materials, it was a breeze to cast magic through it without fear of damaging it. While Adrest could still only make fireballs that traveled a few dozen feet and were only a little over a foot in diameter, it was no problem to keep feeding the spell enhanced blade in his hand mana indefinitely for a flaming sword.

With the air warping near his blade, he readied to defend against the ton of muscle and meat charging him at ludicrous speed. He didn’t flinch even as felt the rotten stench emanating from the monster’s mouth hit him like a brick wall.

As it was about to bite down on Adrest’s neck, he dropped low, swinging the flaming sword up and then outwards.

The chimera let out an ear-shaking death cry as the sword went through its stomach and up the length of its’ chest with no resistance, falling to the ground lifelessly to his side.

Looking away from the now dead monster, Adrest looked for the one he’d hurt earlier, however it seemed to be retreating as fast as it’s body would allow, leaving a scarlet trail from its once tail.

“That’s a shame, I guess one’ll have to do for tonight.” Giving up on the idea of a late-night chase with the chimera, Adrest lunged the corpse over his shoulders and made his way home.

Once at the pillar he set the body down at its base and opened the window to see how much he was going to make off a high D rank monster.

His eyebrows shot up when his total was already back up to 3000 and some change, and promptly went on a bit of a shopping spree for the second time today to furnish their new home. He bought furniture, a new bed for himself, outfitted a small kitchen with a sink like the bathroom amenities in function and a small brickwork over. Even soaps and other small amenities were included in his shopping list. It felt like Adrest uncovered more of the lodestone’s abilities every day.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

With his (lp) near depleted again, Adrest walked over to the fire where a magic lesson was just finishing.

“Now remember, just because life magic comes the easiest for you, you can’t neglect the other two because they’ll be just as important to you.”

“Yes Big Sis!”

Adrest heard the energetic voice sound off in understanding and smiled, thinking about how lively it’s been with Belle.

“Oi, since you two are done for the day, why don’t you give the new bathroom a try. Alissa, you know how to use everything right? Could you please walk Belle through it?”

“Don’t just assume I know everything. But yes, I do and yes, I can.” Alissa answered grumpily before heading off with Belle in hand and disappearing from view.

Laughing at this side of the dragon’s attitude that he hadn’t seen much of in a few days, Adrest made his way inside as well to set up the table.

On the table he arranged a simple board game that Alissa had found in town and had taken a liking to. It was basically Clue but based on tales of adventurers and locations, such as dungeons or famous battlefields.

Just as he got a fire lit, giving the wide room and bright walls a golden glow, he heard the two ladies coming down the stairs.

First was the pitter-patter of an extremely energetic little girl, whose eyes were glowing with wonder having experienced many magic tools for the first time, all at once. Belle’s silky white hair was glistening with water, her ears sprayed drops everywhere as she bounded through the house.

Following her was Alissa, with her face flushed red from the warm bath. Her purple hair was still a little damp, and her blue buttonup pajamas added a casual charm that completed her look.

The only problem was her expression, it was one of exasperation as she chased after the rabbit girl with a towel.

“I told you to wait Belle! Your ears are still soaked.”

The mischievous young girl hid behind Adrest, burying her head in his back, from which he could feel water slowly soaking in.

Face buried, she said “No, Big Sis Ali! It tickles too much when you do it!”

Adrest had a hard time keeping a straight face as he looked at the young dragon stalking towards him menacingly, towel in hand.

Deciding it was time to step in, he grabbed the towel from Alissa’s hand and crouched down to the timid rabbit.

“Belle, if your ears aren’t dried you’ll catch a cold. I’ll be gentle. I promise, okay?”

With a timid nod and twitching ears, she acquiesced and lowered her head for Adrest.

As he slowly and gingerly wiped the long pure white ears, Adrest was inwardly shocked at the softness.

He was just finishing the task, keeping up with the twitching ears, when Belles voice, coming out as loudly as a mouse’s squeak, reached his ears.

“Umm… I think th-they’re dry now Big Bro Ady.”

Adrest looked down to see a beet red Belle squirming and looking at the ground.

For some reason Adrest felt a little awkward seeing her like that but shrugged it off. He picked her up, making Belle shriek in surprise and set her on the chair at the table nearest the fireplace.

She was confused seeing the parchment and board game set up, having not played many in her life. But was soon smiling nonstop as Adrest and Alissa patiently explained the rules as they played a few practice games.

Belle stayed up as long as she could, happy to savor the new experience of playing games with friends. However, it was a hectic day for her, and sleep soon overtook Belle. In between turns, she had silently slumped over in her chair with her forehead nearly touching the table.

When the other two players noticed the sleeping child, they looked at each other and shared warm grins. The two put the game on hold, Adrest gently picked the body that was so small and delicate from months of malnutrition he feared she might break if not careful. He carried Belle to her room, tucking her into her new bed before carefully and quietly making his way back to the first level.

Alissa was waiting for him with two cups and a small wooden keg. From the brand on the face of it, Adrest knew that it was a supposedly high-quality apple brandy type liquor that Alissa had picked up in one of their shopping trips through town.

“Oh, what’s the occasion?”

“It’s not a real housewarming without a real drink, is it? Besides, I need something appropriate to celebrate with when I finally win.” Alissa said smugly, already sipping the golden-brown liquid.

Accepting the challenge, Adrest slammed his drink in one smooth motion before resetting the board. “Bring it Ali.”

Her eyes lit up and brows narrowed hearing him use the pet name Belle had given her. It took everything Adrest had to duck away from the cup that exploded on the wall behind him in time.

The two once again drank and played games through the night, Alissa refusing to accept Adrest winning nearly every time.