After Drinking

“Enough about that, where are Juliet and her team?” More than cults, I’m worried about the immediate crisis; right now, there’s no one more dangerous than that madwoman and the pretty boy.

“Them? They went to the Witch’s Forest.”

“Witch’s Forest?” Isn’t that the forest where I reincarnated?

“Yes, the Witch’s Forest, one of the Ten Great Death Zones of the Kingdom of Dawn. A few days ago, adventurers discovered that the poisonous mist, which perpetually shrouded the place, had dissipated. So, they entered the forest to investigate the situation, and do you know what they found?” Ninina smiled slyly; it was obvious what she was up to.

“No money, just this worthless life.”

“Tsk, you just got over a dozen gold coins and you’re still crying poor, you stingy thing!”

“These dozen gold coins are only enough to live for a while. If you rip me off again, how am I supposed to live? Forget it if you’re not going to tell me!” I feigned a movement as if to turn and leave.

“Alright, I’ll tell you for free this time.” Sure enough, this woman just wanted to tease me.

“Mm, I’m listening.”

“They discovered a dungeon in a ruined area.”

Wait, a ruin, isn’t that the castle Flora and I blew up? I think I missed something!

“Is it really a dungeon?” In the game era, dungeons were special instance maps of great secret realms. Challenging dungeons could yield several, even dozens, of times more rewards than regular quests, and sometimes even game-breaking divine artifacts.

Of course, the danger level was also several, or dozens, of times higher than usual. Indeed, opportunities and risks are commensurate.

“Hmph, it’s as real as pearls. The Kingdom of Dawn now officially has three great secret realms. Juliet and her team immediately set off once they heard this intel, so you’re safe for the time being.”

It’s impossible to clear a single floor of a dungeon in less than ten days or half a month. Even for an adventure party like Juliet’s, which is close to Platinum rank, it would take at least eight days.

I need to cherish these next few days. I’ll level up as much as I can; one more level increases my chances of survival.

“Ninina, thanks. Next time, I’ll buy you a drink.”

“Hmph hmph, next time I’ll come to your room and drink with you for an entire night.” Ignoring Ninina’s gaze, which was like a venomous snake eyeing its prey, I waved my hand and left the Guild for the adjacent tavern.

Before I even entered, the boisterous noise gave me a headache. I genuinely disliked such chaotic places. If not for Yuli’s invitation, I would never have come.

A beautiful girl’s invitation, after all, is impossible to refuse.

Stepping into the tavern, I ignored the gazes cast my way and scanned my surroundings. Yuli’s emerald green hair and long, pointed ears were immediately noticeable; her appearance truly stood out in this tavern.

“You’re here!”

“I’m here.”

“Heheh, I’ll fill you up!” Before I could even sit down, Yuli swiftly poured beer into a large mug. That mug looked like it could hold at least 700ml of beer. Is this her plan to get me drunk?

“Stop, half a mug is fine!”

“Huh? Half a mug? Are you kidding? No, no, it must be full!”

“That’s right, you’re so late, you should at least be fined three mugs,” interjected the aloof girl, Liliye.

Do I have a grudge with you? I gave her an eye-roll, then sat down helplessly, picking up the heavy mug.

“Come on, everyone, cheers!” As the team leader spoke, we stood up. Since the mugs were full of beer, we had to clink them gently.

“To Liv’s joining!”

“Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

“Cheers.”

“Cheers!!”

The bitter liquid slid down my throat, feeling wonderfully cool and refreshing.

I’m the type of person who rarely drinks. For someone like me, with the word “lonely” written on my forehead, drinking only brings more bitterness.

Now it’s different. Raising a glass and drinking heartily with new companions, this feeling is surprisingly good!

In this noisy environment, we talked, laughed, and drank happily, forgetting the time. I don’t know how long we drank, nor can I remember how much, the only thing I recall is holding something in both hands on my way back to the room.

Ah, I feel like throwing up.

Upon waking, my mind was in a fog. I felt as if I had been filled with cement, not wanting to move at all. The fundamental reason I dislike drinking is that hangovers are too unbearable.

“So cold!” My skin felt exposed to the air, and the autumn morning breeze from outside blew directly onto it.

‘Not just “felt” exposed, I am exposed…’ I painfully opened my eyes, and the first thing I saw was my jade-white arm.

For someone who doesn’t have a habit of sleeping naked, I rarely see my beautiful arm when I wake up. Now, these jade-like hands are tightly embracing something.

Emerald green hair, long, pointed ears, like a newly born maiden. That’s right, I wasn’t hugging ‘something,’ but a living, breathing maiden—my captain, Yuli!

What in the world is going on!

“…Father… Mother…” Just as I was panicking, Yuli spoke, startling me. I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized she was just talking in her sleep. If she suddenly woke up, I wouldn’t know how to explain myself.

“Eh…” My chest suddenly felt damp. Yuli is quite a bit shorter than me; her height only reaches my chest, so I’m sure she’s sad and crying in her dream about seeing her family.

Of course, there’s also the possibility of drooling, but I immediately ruled that out; otherwise, it would be too disheartening.

“Kill them! I’m going to kill them! Kill! Kill! Kill!” Yuli’s sleep-talking suddenly changed, and her body trembled violently.

This left me at a loss. I could only gently stroke her back while listening quietly.

“Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill, kill, kill…” From initial agitation to a final calm helplessness, Yuli gradually quieted down, her breathing much more steady.

Since I couldn’t see her expression, and didn’t know what state she was in, I stopped stroking her. It was then that I noticed my left arm was tingling. Maintaining a position of being pressed down all night, my blood circulation didn’t seem very smooth.

Should I wake her up? Thinking of her slightly frantic state earlier, I decided to wait for her to wake up naturally.

About two hours later, the little one on my body started to stir.

“…Meow, eh, eh? Why can’t I move? Hmm? What’s this soft feeling?”

“You’re awake.” Her head was shaking back and forth, squishing my two fleshy bits into a deformed state.

“Eh, eh, eh! That voice sounds familiar. Oh, I remember, it’s Liv. Wait, why is Liv in my room! What’s going on?!” I released my hands, and Yuli flew out like a beast just let out of its cage, a stark contrast to her sleepy, bewildered state just moments before.

“How would I know? This is how I woke up. Besides, this is my room.”

“Liv, Liv, Liv! Why aren’t you wearing any clothes!!” Yuli was startled, stammering slightly, and for some reason, two crimson clouds appeared on her face.

“Aren’t you not wearing any either?” I offered a friendly reminder.

“Aya!!!” Witnessing herself in her newborn-like state, Yuli let out a very girlish shriek.

“…” We’re all girls, is that really necessary? It makes me feel like a pervert.

“What did you do to me!” Her eyes welled with tears, glaring fiercely at me.