"We're running late because of you!"
It was a new day and Ari was rushing to put her clothes on. Her hair was disheveled and there were droplets of sweat on her face. The inn they were staying at reeked of their body fluids from the earlier love-making.
Earl chuckled at his mother's complaint. As a man, he had the advantage of being able to dress quickly. He took a step behind her and gently embraced her thin waist. The nape of her smelled faintly of perfume and he was unable to resist the urge to give it a lick.
"See, isn't it your fault too? You're not resisting..."
"Mhmm..." A soft moan escaped her lips. "...Ahem... We're leaving now!"
A grey teleportation circle suddenly appeared below them and seconds later, they were at their destination.
The Grand Tower, the biggest dungeon within Artasia. It is said to be a dungeon with one of the most diverse monster types and with strengths reaching as high as the Grand rank, hence the name. In normal circumstances, the entrance is sealed with elven technology and the tower is used as a decoration for the city.
Typical of dungeon towers, it was built out of aged, grey stone bricks. It was unsealed prior to this day in preparation for the joint training of Earl and Alea.
In front of the tower, Saryll and Alea were already waiting.
"We're here!" Earl announced his arrival when the teleportation light faded away.
The two ladies were wearing matching royal white dresses with green accents. Earl found zero complaints with their appearance.
Saryll looked graceful and exceptionally Queen-like. Her blonde hair was let to fall down completely and the dress was tailored close enough to show the curves of her body.
p
Earl couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking with the way she has been acting lately. Was she happy to see him? Or maybe she was mad? Frustrated? Anxious? Usually, he would be able to read her emotions but today, he couldn't tell what those clear green eyes were thinking.
"Right on time," Saryll said.
It was just the four of them in this particular area. There were walls of leaves which acted as fences. They looked to be well maintained and neatly trimmed.
"This place looks the same," Ari remarked.
"Oh? When did you come here?" Saryll asked.
"Years ago. I accompanied an Adventuring Party here." She fondly recalled.
"We issue yearly subjugation quests for this tower so it must've been then."
"Yes, it was very noisy." Ari nodded.
The conversation ended and Saryll looked to Earl and waved, "The tower will open in a few minutes, come here Earl."
"Alea," Ari followed the que and called her protege over.
"Master," Alea greeted.
"How do you feel?"
"I've slept sufficiently."
"I see. Good luck," Ari smiled and rubbed her disciple's head.
On the other side.
"Good morning, Teacher." Earl greeted.
"Did you rest well last night?" Saryll asked.
"Could be better," He chuckled vulgarly while looking at her body.
Saryll chuckled and cracked her knuckles, "I'll make you rest right now."
"We save these affairs for the night time, Teacher..."
Bam!
"I-It was a joke..."
"Humph!"
"How was your night?"
"A little lacking without my husband."
"I volunte-"
Bam!
"Anyways, good luck in there." She crossed her arms and said.
"That's it?"
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"No, not at all. I appreciate the sentiment," He flashed a toothy smile.
After the brief talk from both parties, Saryll gathered them together.
"From today, you two will be coming here everyday until the Spirit Festival. Your task for today... 20 Minotaur horns."
And so, Alea and Earl entered the dungeon together.
Bam!
The entrance closed shut as soon as they stepped inside. It would only open again at the end of the day.
The first stage of the dungeon was a narrow hallway. As such, the two were standing so close that their shoulders were almost touching. Earl could faintly smell Alea's perfume from such close distance.
"We'll be spending hours together in here everyday, isn't that romantic?"
"Be more serious."
"You are smiling though."
"Shut up."
Earl smiled and pulled her closer, enjoying the softness of her body. "Your dress looks wonderful."
"Let go."
She shook him off and a bow appeared in her hand as she took the lead. In the dimly lit hallway, the air was musty and the floor was dirty with blood. The Elven Princess walked in front of Earl.
Scree!
A rodent monster jumped out from the wall only to be shot down immediately by the princess.
There was a brief moment of peace before hundreds spilled out from the wall. However, that was nothing for the Elven Princess.
Pieces of flesh and blood exploded everywhere. Alea shot them all down with a small smile on her face.
"I'm glad you like it." She whispered under her breath.