Drayden:

His ears twitching and his tail flicking around in nervousness, Drayden and Cassy surveyed, from a safe distance, the shore of that small lake.

"As expected, there are no signs of that Kraken - probably the Blood Otters ate the remains," said Cassy.

I'm getting frightened, and my stomach is churning; keep putting on an act of bravado; don't let her know.

Wait.

Maybe I should let her know?

After all, we're supposed to be an equal partnership, aren't we?

Well.

"Ah, Cassy..."

"Yes?"

"Ah, well, you know, I'm, err, kind of a bit anxious."

Cassy wrapped her arms around him. And her tail.

"Of course, you are anxious. You were attacked here, after all."

"Ah. Thanks. I wasn't sure I should be admitting that."

Cassy laughed. "You stupid male, I can see it just by looking at your tail!"

"Oh, right. I didn't even notice."

His tail was tucked right in between his legs, pointing down. The end, about thirty centimetres, was being held at an angle so it didn't drag along the ground.

Amazing, it's all by reflex.

"You might try for a poker face, but it looks like there is no such thing as a poker tail!"

They backed off some more, then sat under a tree.

"Say, the number of otters seems to have decreased," said Drayden.

"They certainly have. I suspect they must have gathered in this area for their breeding season or something. And now they are all drifting apart, back to where they usually spend their time."

"Another good reason to move. And I suggest we get the otter wandering around over there," said Drayden.

"OK. How about you race after it while I run behind you in case of problems?"

One otter barbecue later and another two points added to their free points, they were back to watching the lake shore.

"Our physical abilities are phenomenal, aren't they!" said Drayden.

"Yeah, I'm sure we could win the Olympics in any track and field event, not to mention any fighting event and weightlifting event."

"But how do we compare to the normal inhabitants of this world?"

"I suppose we will just have to wait until we find someone," said Cassy.

"And, have you noticed the tracks on the shore? There's plenty here, where that first Karken was, but if you look further to the left, there's an area with very little," said Drayden.

"So... Another Karken waiting by the lakeside for some tasty prey?"

"Yes."

"You want to terminate it with extreme prejudice, don't you?" said Cassy.

"You bet I do. But, well, I'm just a little frightened."

"Remember, it was you who said, 'Face our fears and do our best!’”, wasn't it?"

"That's right. I so want to slaughter that horrible little thing. And prove that I'm the alpha male around here! Err, along with the alpha woman, that is."

"That's the spirit."

They discussed strategy.

"First, I suggest we split up our remaining free points and boost some of our stats," said Cassy.

Drayden was agreeable. They ended up with:

[Strength]: 75, [Speed]: 75, [Toughness]: 58, [General Combat]: 54

"Remember, I defeated that junior kraken all by myself. So between us, we can do it!" said Cassy.

Then, they worked out how they were going to approach it.

A little later, Drayden started walking down the beach at a carefully adjusted three-metre distance from the shoreline. Cassy followed a metre and a half behind and a metre further out. They both had their long swords drawn and ready, and they were both on high alert, adrenaline flooding their systems. Their eyes continually flicked along the shoreline, their ears up and forward, and their tails were upright and tucked behind their backs.

There was a flicker of motion; a tentacle whipped out of the water straight for Drayden's head. His combat instincts fired up, and he slashed with his sword, cutting off the jaws at the end. The Karken wasted no time and sent another three tentacles out, two for Drayden and one for Cassy. Drayden barely managed to cut off one, while Cassy quickly cut off another. The third set of jaws tried to clamp on Drayden's left hand - only to be promptly cut off by another swing from Cassy's sword. At this, the Karken changed tactics and tried to knock them down by sweeping its final tentacle across the ground, aiming for their legs. They both jumped over it and as the tentacle tried to lunge upwards and grab one of them, Cassy's sword blurred again.

All of its arms cut off, the Karken started threshing around, waving its arm stumps in every direction and churning the water and sand where it hid.

"Now get the bastard!" said Cassy.

They both lunged forward and hacked its body into bloody strips.

Ding! Adult Lakeside Karken was killed, awarded 30 points.

"Only thirty? I got fifty-seven points for killing a smaller one!" said Cassy.

Ding! Yes, but that was by yourself, without warning.

"OK, OK. But, hell, this one is still much bigger than the first one!" said Cassy.

"Just as well I didn't blindly walk into it," said Drayden.

"Oops, we can't just stand here looking at it; we must watch out for anything else."

They looked around. There didn't appear to be anything else about to attack them. Drayden yanked off the jaws that had tried to clamp themselves to his hand.

"Only some scratches and small bruising," he said after checking.

"Say, do you think these tentacles might be edible?" said Cassy.

They both invoked their [Inspect] ability.

"Yep!"

Having worked up an appetite, they had a meal of calamari rings. They also cooked enough to take some for the road.

"It's a shame that meat doesn't last very long in these temperatures," said Drayden.

Cassy didn't bother to reply as she was busy threading some of their leftover thread through the remaining cooked calamari rings, then tying it around her waist.

"I know. Let's take the pelt of that otter we have just caught, and when we make camp tonight, we can process it and make a backpack!" said Drayden.

"Oh, and I think we should allocate some more points, build up our [Toughness] and [General Combat]. OK?" said Drayden.

"OK. So, how about 13 to [Toughness] and 17 to [General Combat]?" said Cassy.

It was agreed. After assigning the points, they kept on walking towards the distant wall.

Alice and Bronsen:

In their cave accommodation, Bronsen and Alice were finishing off another meal of thawed and heated hippo.

Alice loudly burped.

Bronsen blinked at this unladylike display.

"Oh, come off it, Bronsen! Considering what we have been up to, can't a woman drop the lady-like behaviour for once?"

"Ah, yes, of course."

Then Alice farted.

"Argh!" went Bronsen.

Alice laughed.

A little later, Alice noticed something.

"Look at this. They have increased their fighting abilities! They're right down to zero free points."

"Hmm, so they are. So - does that mean they need it?"

"I suppose so."

After thinking about the implications of this, Bronsen said,

"How about we allocate some ourselves? After all, we have a few points to spare."

"So, how about we leave thirteen points over and evenly spread the remaining sixty points?" said Alice.

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"Sounds good to me. How about you do the honours this time?"

So Alice started by allocating fifteen points to [Strength], then continued with the rest.

Cassy:

They had made another temporary tree house and were getting ready for the night.

"So, they have increased our status points. Hmm."

They had some fun, and then they settled down to a night of sleep.

The following day, they rapidly cleaned the otter's skin and made it into a backpack. Drayden put it on, and Cassy looked at it.

"I would be so embarrassed to be seen with that on at school!"

"Just as well they can't see us, then!"

They hopped down and started moving, only to find a whole patch of spudnips very close by. So that's what they cooked and ate.

"Oh dear, I think I overate," said Cassy, holding her tummy.

"Yeah, it's such a change from otter."

"Well, nothing for it; we'll have to walk it off."

Only after cresting the next hill they found another patch of spudnips. And what appeared to be a deer, busily rooting out the spudnip tubers and eating them.

They stopped and watched.

"A dear?" said Cassy.

"Wait, it's got antlers. So does that make it a stag?"

"This is a foreign world, so who knows what it makes. However - I suggest that long thing hanging between its back legs is a pretty big clue."

"Oh. Right. Didn't see that. Hmm, it is rather long, isn't it?"

Cassy couldn't control herself any more and started giggling. The stag looked up and realised it had an audience. It didn't appreciate this, as it skipped around and trotted off.

"Well, that's a change," said Cassy, "It didn't immediately attack us."

She looked sideways at Drayden.

Say, does he look just a touch embarrassed?

"Heehee, are you comparing yourself with him and feeling inadequate?" she said.

She expected him to continue with the humour, only he didn't. Instead, he glared at her, then turned and stepped away.

"Err, Drayden?"

"Yes?" he said. Short and sharp and still not looking at her.

Oh, right, it's the famous male insecurity. Sigh. How do I fix this?

"Drayden, I wasn't implying that your erect penis was too short, you know."

Silence.

"I have no problem with it at all."

"Then why did you have to make such an insensitive remark!"

"Well, because I don't have any problem with how long it is. So, of course, it never occurred to me that you might be sensitive about it."

"Really?"

Sigh. "Yes, really. Remember when Alice and I were discussing the lengths of our vibrators?"

Ah! That got a reaction from him.

"I wouldn't want you to be any longer; after all, my vagina is only so long and it would get uncomfortable. I think your length is just right, and it gives me maximum pleasure without any discomfort."

"Oh. Ahh, really?"

"Yes! Really! I mean, where did you get the idea that you were too short in the first place?"

Drayden fidgeted and eventually said, "I suppose from watching porn movies."

Cassy snorted. "Surely you must know that the male porn stars are selected to be unnaturally long? Even I know that!"

"I suppose so."

"My dear, how about we return to last night's tree platform, and I will demonstrate how 'adequate' you are..."

A little later, they were ten metres up the tree, sitting in front of each other, with their clothes off. Cassy leant forward and gently stroked him.

"See, nothing short about that!"

Drayden appeared to have trouble talking but grunted a 'yes'.

"Say, I've just realised this is the first time I've touched your penis with my hands. Hmm, like it?"

Drayden nodded his head. He was going red in the face but did not attempt to stop her. So she continued.

A few minutes later, Cassy decided that there was now no longer any need to continue.

"Now that was interesting!" she said, "Is that the way you normally masturbate yourself?"

Drayden, having gotten back his ability to talk, happily said, "Yes, more or less. And, now, how about I do the same for you?"

Some more minutes later, they relaxed.

"My, that was actually kind of embarrassing!" said Cassy, "Even if we have had sex, it's still embarrassing to do it like that."

"Hmm, yes. But it's also very nice. Seeing you like that."

"Yes. I felt more vulnerable and, well, naked while you were stimulating me than when we were doing it the conventional way."

Drayden leant forward and hugged her. Their tails wrapped around each other.

Drayden:

They kissed each other. He could feel her messy hair tickling his chin and shoulder. He couldn't resist himself and began stroking her hair. Only to have her flinch and move her head away from his hand.

Huh? Again? Why that reaction?

"Say, Cassy, why are you so touchy when I try to stroke your hair?"

"I'm not!"

She tried to pull back, but Drayden held her.

"Sorry, but you are. And, if I can talk about my little complex, how about you do the same?"

"Oh, this is a pain. Yeah, OK."

She took a breath.

"You see, it's my father. He combed my hair. Every night. When I was younger. And, well, I mean, nothing happened or anything. But a few years ago. I stopped it. I felt, ah, it was inappropriate. Or something. I mean, nothing, err, wrong, occurred! But nonetheless. So, now, I'm not too fond of it when you try combing my hair. But it's nothing to do with you! And, well, also, I don’t even like combing my own hair or anything. Ah, can we stop talking about this now?"

"Oh, right. OK."

I guess I will have to settle for hugging her and stroking her tail.

"How about I stroke your tail instead?"

A big grin from Cassy. "Sure!"

So they had a mutual tail-grooming session, and then they relaxed.

Ding! [Sexual Technique] increased by 0.1. Because of your new 'technique'.

Ding! [Sexual Technique] increased by 3. Because you shared some of your emotional vulnerabilities. Good on ya, kids!

Ding! New Ability, [Hairstyle], added, fully maxed out! Because System-san is feeling generous today.

Ding! [Hairstyle]:10 (system allocated, max 10)

"Great! Sexual technique is now four! Gee, a miserly little four out of a hundred, what does it take to get to the maximum, I wonder." said Drayden.

"Never mind, it's still great. And we need to do more of this emotional sharing stuff!" said Cassy.

"And, [Hairstyle]?"

"Well, let's see, if I concentrate on that ability - So, it can result in my hair styling itself automatically, to whatever I want?" said Cassy.

"Not exactly an earth-shattering ability, but no need to turn our noses up at it."

After some concentration, Cassy said.

"Well, I think I got it worked out. Over the next few days, my hair should become slightly redder, and it should be perfectly straight and combed and nice and smooth and silky and trimmed evenly at the bottom."

"And, mine should be the same as now, only it is always neatly combed and cut. And this stupid half-grown beard will be gone. I'm going to settle for the clean-shaven look." said Drayden.

Not having anything more to do, they hopped down and continued on their way.

"Say, Cassy, since we are so fit, how about we try running?"

"Sure. But we must watch out for predators and other nasty surprises."

And away they went.

Alice and Bronsen:

"Ooh, look, Cassy and Drayden must be enjoying themselves!"

They both started laughing.

"Yeah, what have they been up to!" said Bronsen.

They both concentrated.

"Oh my. Can we try that? Please?" said Bronsen.

"Hmm. You want to do some mutual masturbation?" said Alice.

"Yes! After all, those two have obviously just done it. And we could get more points for our [Sexual Technique]!" said Bronsen. He was definitely enthusiastic.

"I'm not sure I want any of your white stuff all over me..."

"Well, we just need to ensure it doesn't touch you. OK?" said Bronsen.

"OK, OK, let's try it. Purely to gain some extra points, mind you!"

A little while later, they changed roles. Then, a little while after that -

"I suppose that was nice - although I still prefer you lying on top of me. Say, if we are experimenting, how about we try me lying on top of you for a change?" said Alice.

"Sure, sure, no problems!"

"And we still have to do the deep and meaningful heart-to-heart stuff," said Alice.

"Heart to heart? Or maybe it's something else to something else?" said Bronsen.

"Whatever. Ahh, you start, OK?"

"So, I have to say something that makes me feel vulnerable? This is sort of difficult..."

He continued after a moment's reflection.

"I've never told anyone this - but when I was younger and just starting to be aware of all of this sexual stuff, I was on a train. You know, one where there is a row of bench seats facing each other? And the seats were full, but there weren't too many people standing. So when this gorgeous lady with a wonderfully short skirt and bare midriff sat right opposite me, I couldn't help noticing that I had a clear view of her panties. Bright red, they were, to match her bright red skirt. So, you know, being a young teenage boy, I might have been just a little fixated on that sight..."

"Yeah, I bet you were! And did you get an erection?"

"I certainly did. So I was sitting there, trying to hunch over slightly and hide it while not making it obvious. And at that point, the train stopped at a station, and the lady got up. I belatedly realised that I hadn't even looked at her face. And, with incredible embarrassment, our gazes met each other. I think I must have blushed. And she just smiled very slightly, walked to the door, and left."

Alice was smiling a lot more than slightly.

"Tell me, when you got back to your bedroom, did you fantasise about her?"

"Well, of course. For the next month at the very least."

"So, it must be my turn now." said Alice, "Actually, I have had a similar sort of experience, just with the roles reversed."

"I was also on a partially full train when I was younger. I was standing, I was wearing my school uniform, and I noticed that the man sitting right in front of me was looking at my body. So I kept staring ahead and pretended that I didn't even know he existed. And, well, it was the first time I realised just how powerful sexual attraction could be. By doing nothing but stand there, I could get men to notice me; I could get them all excited. All by myself. It was simultaneously really sexy but also terrifying. After that, I would often fantasise about how I could get men to fall widely in love with me merely by using my body. But, after that, I also became conscious of taking care when moving around in public, just in case some man would attack me."

Bronsen considered this. "So, you are always conscious of the need to guard against unwanted attention, if not outright attacks?"

"Every woman is. Practically all the time when we are in the public gaze."

"Well, I guess I never had to worry about that. Hmm, I feel a little guilty now when I think of all of the times I have looked at women's bodies."

"I suppose we don't mind too much as long as you aren't obnoxious about it. And, most importantly, as long as we don't feel in danger."

They sat there, knees to knees, in the light of a glowing fireball, thinking about what had been said. As they did so, they moved their tails around so that the ends were together.

"These tails are great for playing around!" said Alice, stroking her tail across Bronsen's.

"Also great for starting sex!" said Bronsen.

Alice flicked her tail and gently hit him in the face. So he defended himself by blocking her tail with his. After a certain amount of tussling, Alice ended up lying on top of him. He twisted his tail around hers -

A suitable amount of time later, they finally relaxed and lay there contentedly.

Ding! Here's your reward! An extra 4 points to [Sexual Technique]. Keep up the sharing!

"That reminds me, what about our new ability called [Hairstyle]? Now that's a weird one," said Alice.

After a while.

"OK, this is good. I've never liked my fizzy curly hair; I'm now aiming for straight black hair, all the way round, cut in a bang above my eyes, and just above shoulder length. And it will never need cutting or combing!"

Bronsen, just like Drayden, was unimaginative. He picked his current style, but always neat and combed. And he also decided to go for the permanent clean-shaven look.

"Bronsen, exactly how do these points work, anyway?"

"I guess we kill some ferocious animal, and System-san rewards us with some points. Sadly, the number of points rewarded each time decreases as we get more expertise. And then, we allocate our points to our abilities. Except that for some abilities, only System-san can allocate them. And, where did the locked twelve thousand points come from, anyway?"

"Oh, that. Obviously, that is for us saving those children," said Alice.

"Ah, of course. So, we also get points for meritorious deeds and for killing animals. And I'm sure we got a few points for butchering our first animals." said Bronsen.

"But that's inconsistent. Sometimes we get new points, and sometimes it's allocated from the locked points!" said Alice.

After further discussion, they eventually concluded that, as always, System-san was making things up as it went along. All to keep up its bullshit quota.

That night, Alice had an idea.

"Bronsen! Do you realise we have never looked at the night sky, especially when there are no clouds?" she said.

"Yes... You're right. And today is one of those rare days when there are no clouds. Are you expecting to see anything?"

"Maybe some lights? Of cities, or villages, or even particularly large bonfires," she said.

"OK. Let's crack open our door, carefully observe the local wildlife, and poke our heads out and look!"

Ten minutes later, they were looking upwards in silence. Eventually...

"Wow, it is pretty, isn't it?" said Alice.

The ring was indistinct but just visible as a grey band arcing from one side to the other, with the sun, now in its moonlight mode, still blocking the top of the arc.

"Look! You can just make out some of the oceans; they are glowing slightly," said Bronsen.

"Yeah. It's called, ah, bioluminescence?"

"Something like that, but don't quote me. And there are many land areas with faint light glows; maybe they are towns? Probably not large cities; they don't seem big enough." said Bronsen.

"And, if I remember correctly from those satellite photos of the night side of Earth, those glows are not bright enough to be electric."

"So, no advanced industrial civilisation. But, in that case, who built the Ringworld?" said Bronsen.

They asked System-san, but no reply was forthcoming.

"Say, Bronsen? What are all of those twinkling lights? They are all over the place, mainly the land areas but some in the ocean areas. They are brighter than normal stars from Earth, but not by all that much."

"Wouldn't have a clue. Actually, I would say many of them are blinking, not twinkling."

They looked at each other.

"In other words, semaphores!" said Alice.

"Yeah. There's a whole planetary - I mean Ringworld - global civilisation, chatting to itself out there."

"Eventually, we will need to meet them!" said Alice.

"Hmm, yes, we will, but maybe not quite yet?"