《To Prey Upon: Dark fantasy slice of life》


 Chapter 1: To Prey Upon

    The Empire, vast and glorious, opened its borders to the ¡®other¡¯ peoples.  Namely dwarfs, elves, beastkin and many other. The real reason why a predominantly human empire would do so was a mystery, but the emperor¡¯s edict was absolute. And thus hordes of ¡®other¡¯, people sold by tales of splendor and plenty flooded into the cities.


    ¡­


    Grey came from a distant corner of the continent, a place so far away that not even humans had explored it yet. However, it wasn''t so far removed not to catch up on the tales of human cities and the prosperity of the empire. So did too Grey join in the great migration.


    Only that he was a hundred or so years late; the word of mouth was slow to travel.


    He found himself in one of the harbor cities. His head spun and all of his four eyes struggled to believe at the sight of so many people living together. In his travels, he had passed many hamlets and towns, but none of them was this big. And overcrowded.


    He welcomed the sight with a broad toothy smile. The sight of his open muzzle, full of dagger-sharp teeth, scared a passing girl. She yelped and ran away. The other nearby people now were giving him a wide berth, looking at him with suspicion.


    He hadn''t even done anything, not yet anyway, but it was understandable. He knew all too well how others perceived him: tall, brutish, intimidating - he was all of those and more.


    The display of weakness roused his instincts and his stomach rumbled in hunger. Grey patted a small pouch attached to his belt. It was light and the coins were few.


    Grey continued walking down the street. He wasn''t just strolling casually, he was looking, observing, watching and eying each and every person he passed by. He was on the hunt for food.


    And finally, there it was¡­ Perhaps.


    She looked right, she smelled right, but she was in the wrong situation at the worst of times. So bingo! This was the mark. This was his dinner.


    The rule was you don¡¯t talk with food before eating them but Grey loved to break that rule.


    There he stood towering above the seated woman. She was a beastkin, sheep person to be precise. She looked the part with her white mane and two black horns protruding from her head. She was a snack and she smelled like one.


    A hand stretched out towards him.


    ¡°Spare a coin, kind sir?¡± -She spoke sweetly.


    Of course, she was yet another beggar. A strap of cloth hid her eyes. She either was a real deal or a very good actor. Grey sniffed the air but couldn¡¯t pick up the usual notes people emitted once graced by his towering self. No fear, no alarm and no reprehension. The woman was calm.


    ¡°I can do a fortune telling! Yes?¡± She pointed at her blindfold.


    Human folk had this belief that blind people could see into the future. Of course, this was all bollocks. Grey had it seen a few times. Often the fortunes were so vague and nebulous that it was impossible to disprove them.


    Grey smiled expectantly in a vicious grin. ¡°Go at it then.¡± He tossed a shiny copper into her hand.


    ¡°When was the last time you had your fortune read?¡± She asked sounding all professional.


    ¡°This is my first time.¡± Grey lied.


    ¡°First time ever? How wonderful! Sir, give me your left hand I will read your palm.¡±


    The best part was coming. He pushed his clawed hand right into her palm. Or, well, tried too. It was so much bigger.


    The sheep woman yelped in alarm. All the notes Grey loved had finally filled the air. The smell of prey; that fragrance was exquisite.


    She shifted uncomfortably a few times but despite her discomfort she ran her fingers through his palm properly. Or at least tried to; her fingers were trembling.


    ¡°Is there a problem? A bad fortune?!¡± He gasped in mock distress.


    ¡°No, no sir¡­ It¡¯s just that I am surprised by your hands.¡±


    Of course, she was. The hand she held was a clawed hand of a killer. That, and this hand wasn¡¯t the human hand she had expected. After all, regular beastkin didn''t fall for such stupid superstition such as hand reading; they had their bone dice, duh.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    ¡°So what does it tell?¡±


    Grey was curious about the lie she would come up with.


    The woman continued to trace her fingers over the creases in his palm. Pretending to be professional. Grey could smell the cold sweat staining her fur, hear the rapid heartbeat and feel each breath she took. She probably didn''t know but her hair were standing on their ends making her look kinda cute and puffy.


    ¡°It tells that you have lived a long life. A life of strife and hardship. It says that you are a traveler who has seen so much. I see both wisdom and strength, the two constantly at odds with each other. ¡±


    Wasn¡¯t she supposed to tell him about his future? She was doing it differently from the others he had met. And again, she was kinda vague, but not wrong.


    There was a pause. Her fingers didn''t stop trembling. The woman continued to hold his palm with one hand and read with the other, but she didn¡¯t speak. There was this suspense in the air. She was good!


    ¡°And?¡± --Grey asked impatiently.


    ¡°And everything is about to change. Soon your life will take a turn. You are a traveler no more.¡± She paused again. ¡° Sir¡­ your future is very hard to read. But¡­ There is something I can see for certain. You will meet a woman. A special woman. While this can turn into a blessing, also it can go the other way too. Be careful how will you proceed. That¡¯s all I got at the moment.¡±


    ¡°I see. I am very curious about this woman would you be able to tell me more?¡± He feigned interest. ¡°Of course, I will reward you appropriately.¡±


    The bait was on, now he just needed to get her someplace quieter.


    ¡°Sir, that¡¯s all I can divine for now. If I pushed it, it may come false.¡±


    Grey was surprised for a moment, but only a second. Of course, she was too scared and likely disliked his presence. Even the dumbest prey sensed then their life was in danger.


    ¡°Here, have another coin. I will come and see you again.¡±


    The woman bowed in thanks and he stepped away from her. That didn''t mean that he left her alone, Grey observed her from a distance. Not just her but the people who came to see her too. She seemed to be quite popular with both men and women. That meant a good number of coins. What did she spend all that money on?


    Grey pondered this and that until the day turned to evening and the street thinned of people. The fortune teller stood up and began walking confidentially to her destination. She had her guiding stick but she barely used it, the route ingrained into her memory.


    He stalked her from a distance. It was unlikely he will get her today, but the hunter had to be patient. He needed to observe his prey and learn her routine and habits, and only then he could strike. This was the way to go.


    If only he wasn¡¯t so hungry. If only he had more money.


    She spoke that he was wise and he was strong. All lies of the scam artist. He knew he was nothing but. Grey didn''t have the wisdom to follow the hunter''s way nor the strength to fight his carnal desires.


    The street was leading to the temple, likely the destination she was heading to. Grey didn¡¯t wait for her to complete her journey. He sprinted right towards her closing the distance in seconds. Then he grabbed her from behind making sure to gag her mouth with his palm.


    Even if few, there were people around so this was reckless. But Grey was quick, leaving no time for others to even react properly. In a dash, he was running into the narrow alley. Away from the main street and away from the sight. The alley continued branching here and there. Aside from the main streets, the city was like a maze.


    If there were pursuers they wouldn''t be able to catch up. And yes, Grey was completely lost, but that didn''t matter. He walked calmly looking for the right spot. Obviously, his prey tried to shout, to break away, but she was so weak in his iron grasp that he barely felt feeble attempts.


    And there it was, a cluttered dead end in between buildings. Just enough clutter and rotting junk not to be seen. Not the ideal spot for late dinner but beggars can¡¯t be choosers.


    ¡°If you scream I will slug you harder than you think it is possible.¡±


    He moved away his hand from her face. She didn''t scream leaving Grey somewhat disappointed. Then he ripped off her drab clothes in one quick motion. The coins she had gathered were scattered on the floor.


    The woman yelped in alarm once and found her voice ¡°I remember you¡­ Why¡­ Why are you doing this.¡± she spoke in between the quest sobs.


    ¡°Hmm. Why do you think?¡±


    ¡°They paid you to punish me, didn''t they? Do what you must and let me go.¡±


    She was naked and reduced to tears, but despite all that, she did her best to remain as composed as she could. She definitely was calmer than Grey had expected.


    ¡°Wrong. Think some more.¡± He taunted her tightening his grasp on her throat. Tight but not too tight so she could still speak.


    But she didn¡¯t. She had even stopped crying. Did she even know what was about to happen?


    She didn''t beg nor cursed him, there was nothing. Nothing but her resolve in not giving in. This was her way of telling him that she was strong.


    ¡°I think you misunderstood.¡± He whispered into her ear.


    Yes, she was naked, yes she was between his legs.


    ¡°I will not let you live.¡±


    She twitched, but only once. Then her whole body relaxed. She was limp like a cloth doll.


    This wasn¡¯t fun, but not all meals needed to be so. Grey plunged his teeth into her neck and then ripped a large chunk out. Into his mouth and into the belly. He smacked his lips. Yummy, nice! The flesh was warm and tender. This sheep was a succulent meal, the best he had in months. Or maybe he was just that hungry.


    This wasn¡¯t a beastkin engaging in a forbidden practice. This was a real monster devouring the flesh of the sapient. He was crawling on all fours just over his prey. The four yellow eyes locked firmly on the food. Sharp teeth ripped the flesh and stained his armoured face plate in crimson. The hands with sharp-clawed fingers still grasped tightly; even then the prey was no longer twitching. Grey''s tail was raised high proudly to announce his victory. He was the predator and she was the prey. He was the strong one, and not her!


    And soon out of a petite beastkin only the horns and bones remained. That and a puddle of blood. He wiped his face and hands clean using her tattered clothes; at least as clean as he could.


    The scattered coins were still there. Some tainted some not. There were many, they would make his coin pouch heavy. The coins spoke and begged to be picked up. But Grey didn''t. This wasn¡¯t the money he had earned. He was many things, but not a thief. Or so he liked to think, at least.

 Chapter 2: Rogue Desert

    One can only stay satiated for so long. The hunger was twisting and turning the stomach. It was empty and void of sustenance.


    A peculiar smell reached the nostrils. The smell of food. Not just any food a rare delicacy. Grey turned his head towards it and inhaled the air savouring every bit of fragrance. There was that sweet hint of magic. He followed the trail of it, weaving past the people in the street and towards his quarry.


    It was an Elf! No, that would be too unlikely; improbable. A mongrel then, a half-breed. Those were shunned by both humans and elves.


    A lucky find really. Consuming the elf would not only fill up his stomach but his mana core too. Topping up on the sweet-sweet mana would mean that he could afford to cast a spell or two. How long has it been? ¨C too long.


    Grey followed a half-elf keeping his distance. Her features were typical of her race. Tall and slender in build. She wore tight leathers accentuating her feminine features but her face was hidden behind the rogue-like cowl. Her yellow hair were long enough to peek out of her disguise, the disguise which clearly was worn to hide her elven ears. This, of course, worked on a common man, but Grey could smell that aroma of a she-elf.


    Suddenly his prey turned her head towards him, their eyes met briefly. And then she launched into a sprint.


    How? How did she know she was in danger?


    Sure Grey stood out of the crowd like a sore thumb but that was no reason to react as such. But then again, it was common knowledge that elves possessed sharp senses. She must have detected his animosity.


    She was too delicious to give up, he was too hungry, so he ran chasing after her.


    The half-elf was a quick runner and a smart one. Her movements were nimble and elegant, even at full speed, she passed the people without disturbing them. Grey, unfortunately, didn''t share the same nimbleness. Oh, he was just as quick as her but his bulk and tight crowds left little space to work with.


    He showed people out of his way. No one was able to break his charge. None! Reckless, yes, but he didn¡¯t care. The shouts of anger were ignored and soon became only distant whispers.


    His lunch was making a quick glance back at him. Their speed was evenly matched. So she dashed into one of the narrow alleys. Aside from the main streets the rest of the city was very much maze-like. Likely built so on purpose.


    She was out of his sight, but the chase was not over. What he couldn¡¯t see, he could smell. So he ran following his nose navigating treacherous alleys as if he knew them like the wrinkles on his palm.


    The sprint became the battle of endurance. And despite his hunger, he had plenty of it. What he had, even more, was willpower. He simply could not let such a rare snack go, that would be a sin in itself.


    Motivated by his hunger he began to close the distance. Her scent became stronger and soon the slender she-runner was back in his sight.


    The half-elf turned sharply to face him doing a full 180¡ã. The momentum was still propelling her backwards making her slide.


    Grey knew what this meant, so he too stopped in his tracks bracing for what was to come.


    The rebellious woman stretched her arms out and pressed her wrists together. Between her palms, a ball of fire formed. The fireball didn''t linger there for long it flew straight towards Grey.


    His body was still moving when the magic projectile hit him right into his face and exploded into bright sparks.


    The elf smiled in victory, but that smile didn¡¯t even last a second.


    Grey stood there, his face plate singed, but he was otherwise unhurt. His body was quite resistant to magic so all he needed to do to weather such an attack was to close his eyes.


    The she-devil was already hurriedly casting another one of those, but Grey couldn¡¯t allow her to finish. He needed her blood saturated with mana, how else would he restore his core. He lunged at her like a starved beast. The fireball hit his chest burning his protective scales. The attack was too weak to break past his natural defence. He body-slammed the half-elf sending her into the air and then back to the ground; painfully.


    The woman was sturdier than she looked, she was able to weather the blow and remained conscious. Regardless it was over for her.


    Grey was already on top of her, her arms pressed down with his knees, his mouth ready to rip her throat out and savour the empowered blood of the mage-cum-rogue.


    ¡°Wait! Wait, no need for violence. let''s talk this out!¡± She begged.


    Grey gave her a predatory grin. He loved when his food was begging. He will listen and revel in her misery savouring every word, and then eat her regardless.


    ¡°I have the coin! I can pay double what I owe. Come on be reasonable.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think this is about the money?¡± Grey sneered at her.


    ¡°It¡¯s always about the money, is it not.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t begging, she was trying to haggle with him. How boring.


    Grey let out the best animalistic roar he could muster sending his saliva splashing on her face.


    ¡°I will rip your throat and eat you!¡±


    ¡°No! Please, no!¡± she finally began to beg properly. ¡°I will give you everything I have. I will make you rich!¡±


    ¡°I care not for money, I am here for blood!¡± He roared again.


    The colour from her face has finally drained.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t kill me! There must be something I can give you. If not I can steal it. Just name the damn thing!¡±


    ¡°Do not haggle with me, she-elf!¡±


    Grey ripped her cowl off exposing her face and neck. The ears that should have been there, were not. They were cut short to mimic those of a human. Her eyes were full of terror and her lower lip trembled from fear.


    ¡°You know?! Then you must know I am worth more alive.¡±


    Gery laughed in amusement. ¡°Oh, no, you are worthless to me alive.¡±


    ¡°Please!¡± She begged him to see reason.


    ¡°Enough. Now, I will eat you.¡±


    Grey opened his mouth wide. He had to be quick here. The ruckus they had made must have set some proverbial alarms. He didn''t want to deal with witnesses.


    ¡°Wait!¡± She urged. ¡°I can lead you to other elves. If that¡¯s what you want.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Grey had his teeth already pressed on her throat, but he was able to stop in time.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°I can show there the other half-elves are. If you spare me.¡±


    ¡°Tell me where they are and I might.¡± He loosened the grip ever so slightly curious.


    ¡°My ex-boss has one as a sex slave. Keeps her in his dungeon.¡± She spat out as if in a hurry.


    ¡°Is that so¡­ she is there and then you are here right in my grasp. Why bother.¡± Grey snaked his clawed finger down her neck.


    ¡°There are others¡­¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°If I tell you everything you might decide to just kill me. Let me live and I will hand one at a time.¡±


    ¡°Tss¡­¡± Grey clicked. ¡°Don¡¯t even think of running I have your scent.¡± He warned releasing her out of his bind.


    The half-elf dusted her clothes and picked up her now tattered cowl.


    ¡°My ex-boss Lionheart¡­¡± she paused and gave Grey a peculiar look. ¡°His place is always guarded. What I am saying is that if you want that elf it won¡¯t be easy.¡±


    ¡°I figured. So?¡±


    ¡°So I will give you a hand. I can walk you straight past the guards and right to the man.¡±


    Grey gave her a judging look. He was still deliberating about eating her right here and now. The human conversation was not his forte after all.


    ¡°I mean it. Lionheart and I have a bit of history, it''s not pleasant but believe me. He will let us in.¡±


    ¡°How do I know that I am not walking into some sort of a trap?¡±


    ¡°Eh?¡± She yelped. ¡°I guess you don¡¯t¡­ Well, there is another half-elf, at the university, but he is a capable caster and the place is well-guarded. But you already know of him, no?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ So you aren¡¯t local. Never mind that. Believe me, then I say this, the slave girl is the easiest to get.¡±


    ¡°Fine then.¡± Grey had made his choice to play along already. Push come to shove he will just slug her and eat his lunch.


    The two began walking. The half-elf right in front of Grey under his watchful gaze.


    ¡°So. Sir? Why do you need elves? Who is your employer?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn''t you like to know? Let¡¯s find this Lionheart, I am hungry.¡± He gave her an ¡®encouraging¡¯ push.


    ¡°I am just worrying about who sent you after me. What did I do this time? You know, so I can wisen up a bit. Getting killed is no bueno. Or are you just after elves in general?¡± She questioned.


    The food was talking too much, she clearly was nervous and on edge. Grey didn''t reply.


    ¡°Amm, we need to go to my place first.¡±


    He nodded and wrapped his hand around her shoulder making the woman flinch.


    ¡°I mean no funny business. I won''t run or shout for help. That would be meaningless¡­ I would just get myself killed. So, I guess I should tell you my plan?¡±


    Grey didn¡¯t reply, instead, he pushed her to lead the way.


    ¡°My ex-boss, I owe him a lot of money. It is a bit overdue. The thing is, I have it, I just didn''t want to pay him. So what I am thinking is we go with all my savings and try to apologise. You will play as my bodyguard. Inside there will be only two lackeys, four max. Looking at you that will be no problem, no?¡±


    ¡°And this elf, the slave, where is she?¡±


    ¡°Either in his bedroom or his dungeon. The thing is you will have to kill Lionheart if you want his slave. He is no pushover, he¡¯s a man like no other. You think you can do it?¡±


    Grey grabbed the she-elf by the neck bringing her small head right next to his muzzle full of sharp teeth. ¡°What do you think?¡± the half-elf only yelped in alarm ¡°This Lionheart, if I end him will there be trouble?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a beastkin, in other words ¨C non-human. The guards won¡¯t care if that¡¯s what you mean.¡±


    ¡°To your place then, hurry up.¡±


    The woman hurried her place and continued yapping about this or that. Grey didn''t care. He never was averse to killing, actually, it played a key role. However, the unwritten rule was: don¡¯t kill a human - it¡¯s their city.


    Eventually, they were there at her den. A room above a tavern, how typical of a rogue. Her lodgings were small and reeked of elf smell, only hers, which was a good sign meaning there won¡¯t be any unexpected interlopers.


    The half-elf pried a board under her bed. The small compartment was stuffed with coins, jewellery and even a few precious gems. A small fortune it was. Meaning she owed this Lionheart a substantial sum. This gave Grey bad tingles on his back, this was never a good sign.


    ¡°You owe him too much! Will he even let me in?¡±


    ¡°He wants his money, of course, he will. And I will tell that I will bring him just as much again if he remains civil. He¡¯s a greedy bastard after all. Also, having you there will be more believable.¡±


    ¡°You didn''t steal that money from him did you?¡±


    There was a pause and at that moment the woman seemed flustered, but It was only a fleeting moment.


    ¡°No!¡± She paused again. ¡°Not quite. The money is stolen from his, hmm¡­ clients.¡±


    Grey slapped the woman on the back of her head. No one would be happy to get paid in money which was stolen from them. This was very rogue of this lesser elf.


    ¡°Auch! It will work believe me. At least he will open the doors for us.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up then, it¡¯s almost sundown already. I grow tired and even more hungry.¡±


    ¡°I have some food, here.¡± She grabbed a wrapped parcel from atop a table.


    Grey slapped it right off her hand and onto the floor. He wasn¡¯t going to eat that shit. That stinking grub was made for humans. Unpalatable!


    ¡°Ah! Sorry. We can get something else in the tavern.¡±


    Grey glared at her. ¡°We go to your ex. Now!¡±


    It looked like she wanted to say something but didn''t.


    As they left towards the bandit''s den she remained subdued for quite a while, seemingly deep in thought. Grey considered it a wise choice on her part, he was tired of her blabbing.


    It was quite far, Grey was beginning to suspect she was leading him on a fool¡¯s errand. Just right on time, before he could smash her brains out, she pointed at a shabby building. All buildings were quite shabby in this part of town but this one was even more dilapidated. It stood out in a bad way.


    ¡°This is it.¡±


    The entrance was a big armoured door with a hatch. It was funny how the door was sturdier than the crumbling walls. If he wanted he could punch the wall out and get around it.


    ¡°Let me deal with this. Just like I explained.¡± She whispered.


    The half-elf has had gone over the plan several times; Grey only pretended to listen. Anyway, he knew the damn plan; HIS plan.


    She knocked on the door. Nothing. She knocked again but louder, even kicked the metal frame a few times.


    ¡°What the fuck do you think you are doing!¡± The voice shouted out and the hatch opened. ¡±You!¡±


    ¡°I got the money!¡± She dangled the bag full of valuables making it jingle. ¡°All of it plus interest.¡±


    The doors opened and an imposing beastkin stepped out. His appearance was wolf-like. The wolf was about to grab the woman but she-elf nimbly stepped out of his reach.


    The wolf finally noticed Grey and backed off a few steps with a curse. ¡°Fuck!¡±


    ¡°My bodyguard.¡± She told him smugly. ¡°I¡¯m not stupid. Now, are you taking us to Lionheart or not?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. He¡¯s kind of busy.¡± The wolf backed all the way and almost behind the door again. Ready to slam it.


    ¡°What?! You get to tell him that you told no to his money, then! I meant it when I told you that I brought all of It. Look, it¡¯s not pebbles and rocks.¡± She opened the pouch showing the coins and jewels.


    The wolf audibly swallowed his saliva and then looked at Grey again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, this feels dodgy.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just a glorified doorman, Fang! Let me in so I can speak with the real man or I will vanish again. Good luck finding me then!¡±


    ¡°Okay, Okay!¡± he opened the door fully. ¡°Wait here, I will ask for him.¡± He eyed Grey again and then ran off deeper into the building.


    The sound was muffled but Grey could hear the wolf and his boss.


    ¡°What? I told you not to disturb us.¡±


    ¡°Emergency, boss!¡±


    ¡°What!?¡±


    ¡°¡­ is here and got all the money.¡±


    ¡°Then bring the money and the bitch here, you dimwit!¡±


    ¡°But the bodyguard¡­¡±


    ¡°Now!¡±


    The wolf came back running. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    The half-elf however had her own idea. She pushed the door-boy behind her and walked triumphantly towards where the boss of the den was at.


    Grey followed at the rear smelling the air. The lair was saturated with dog-like musk. It was impossible to tell how many of them frequented this place. Four would be no trouble, but a whole pack might be a challenge, and quite not worth the elf-lunch. It was a gamble he already had taken.


    The half-elf was first to enter then the wolf.


    ¡°You bitch! I finally have you!¡± His tone was gloating in a disgusting glee.


    Lionheart, presumingly. Grey hasn¡¯t yet seen him but already disliked the man. Then Grey entered into the room as well.


    ¡°What a¡­?!¡± Lionheart stuttered in indignation staring at the Grey.


    ¡°Boss, a bodyguard!¡± the door-boy barked apologetically.


    Grey looked at the form of this Lionheart. The beastkin was a lion variant. Big bulging muscles, proud yellow lion mane, numerous scars on arms and chest. A lion in its prime.


    ¡°Weak!¡± Grey spat. He opened with hostility, no need to play the she-elf games no more.


    Sure Lionheart was twice the size of a regular human, but Grey was twice the size of Lionheart.


    ¡°Ah, am¡­¡± The lion was flustered for a moment, then he turned to his business partner.


    Yeah, there were others in the room. One more wolfkin and two humans. The wolfkin was of no importance, feeble like that door-boy. The humans, however, they were mages. Grey was positive about it, he could smell it. Also, their attire gave them away as such. The two wore robes. Grey wasn¡¯t versed in the city''s dress code just yet, but he gathered that one was a master and the other an apprentice.


    ¡°Be quick.¡± The human answered nonchalantly sparing Grey only a glance.


    The half-elf stepped forwards, undoubtedly being proactive and proceeding with her plan. She was about to start babbling again but was cut off by Grey.


    Grey didn''t care about her plan. ¡°The slave where is she?¡± He grabbed the coin pouch and tossed it towards Lionheart.


    It slammed on the ground bursting open. The lion eyed the coins and jewels flabbergasted.


    ¡°The elf?!¡± Grey roared.


    ¡°The what?¡± Lionheart spoke dumbly.


    And at that point, Grey have had enough, he was hangry.

 Chapter 3: Deceptive Turtle Soup

    There is value in delayed gratification. Don¡¯t eat a cupcake in front of you if you will get two later; only a child would succumb to temptation. Grey was an adult and obviously went for the option to have two elves later instead of one now.


    The problem was that this elf was quite a temptation. The tasty fragrance of magic teased his nose for an entire day. His stomach rumbled out of frustration. The desert was right at his grasp, begging to be popped and eaten. His core throbbed in anticipation. Only his brain, his reason, prevented him from eating his elf-cake. It was frustrating that you can¡¯t eat the cake and still have it. It was one or the other. So he waited until this other elf would materialise in her full elf slave form.


    The wait was painful, agonising and terribly long, almost unworthy for. Simply put he was on edge.


    Grey turned towards the mages and lunged at the older one, the master. The old man was no fool, he grasped an amulet hidden in his pocket and a force field materialised surrounding him and his apprentice. No casting time was needed, hence no delay. Grey slammed into the barrier with his full force. It held, but the force field won¡¯t be there forever.


    Brave Lionhart didn''t idle like a fool. His mace crashed on Grey¡¯s shoulder shattering a scale protecting it. Grey winced in pain, the scale was part of his body but otherwise, he was alright. Attacking him from behind has been the last mistake Lionheart will ever make.


    Grey turned around, the mages were of no threat to him at the moment. Lionheart¡¯s mace was already in mid swing but Grey was quicker. He caught the mace by the handle, Lionheart¡¯s face twisted at the sight he found impossible, and then a fist flung right to the lion¡¯s face.


    Teeth and bone scattered in the air like shrapnel accommodated by fountain of blood. The head of the lionkin buckled back in an odd angle, the blow was so strong the neck snapped. The Lionheart was no more. This was a very pretentious name for such a weak specimen, Grey has concluded while shaking the crimson bits of his knuckles.


    The force field, of course, was still there. The mages might think they were safe behind it, they were, but they were equally trapped in it; unable to release their spells. Grey stared at the two in contempt, he never liked mages, especially men. Men were unpalatable to his refined tastes. Luckily the apprentice was a female. Despite her disguise, Grey was able to smell her feminine scent. The apprentice unfortunately was no elf, hence not as delicious. But magic-infused blood was a rare delicacy. This will do well as an appetiser before the elf dessert.


    The mages returned the stare in equal measure. The quick show of violence didn¡¯t intimidate them. Disappointing. And the pair weren¡¯t idling either, they were no fools. The two were preparing powerful spells which required concentration and time. The time they had plenty, and the concentration was no issue; a sign of competence and talent. Maybe Grey had tried to bite off more than he could chew.


    Or maybe not. The force field flickered and a spear of bright blue shot towards him. A spell capable of piercing a castle wall, too quick to be dodged. And then it hit a hastily formed force shield, the hexagonal construct flickered but it held.


    ¡°Impossible!¡± The old mage shouted full of disbelief and outrage.


    A shower of needle-like icicles ambushed Grey from the sides, a form of the guided missile barrage. As a low form of magic, it wasn¡¯t very powerful, but the number of projectiles compensated for it. Most bounced off his scales, however, not all of his body was clad in such protection. The needles found purchase in the belly, sides and between the scales.


    The old mage continued to press on with his spear attack turning it into a beam of energy. Grey must have hurt his pride, otherwise, the mage would not have done so. Such an attack was expensive on mana and wasteful, it would have been easier to form a new spell. Grey grinned at the idea of annoying a stubborn old fool. Fool or not, which knew what he was doing. Grey¡¯s shield will not hold for long and Grey knew it. He would leap at the mage if his body didn''t feel cold and sluggish. The ice needles didn''t do much damage but the debuff they inflicted was a real pain. He was running out of options.


    Grey closed his eyes in concentration, his shield flickered for the last time then it shattered like glass. Just before the beam could bore a hole in his chest he had cast a spell of his own. Grey had sent a spell sailing through the very beam the mage was emitting. The spell was an insidious one, it piggybacked on the magic the old fool was casting to empower itself. As quick as light, it propagated right through the beam like a shock wave.


    The result was spectacular. The old master exploded like a popped balloon, literally. Everything was dyed in fine droplets of crimson. A fog of blood lingered in the air but quickly settled forming pools of blood.


    The icicle barrage had stopped. The apprentice stood there frozen in complete shock, disbelief was painted all over her face.


    Grey didn''t come out unscathed, after all, the remainder of the beam had hit him. His chest was burnt black, but at least, there was no hole through him. He eyed the apprentice hungrily. His spell had cost him all of his already barren mana reserves. It even felt like he went negative. His head was spinning, his body even more sluggish. He took the old master but it might have been at too big of a cost.


    The apprentice was putting her proverbial marbles together. She was on her knees and shaking but despite that she was forming a new spell in her palm. Grey had no strength to make it in time before she will finish it. It didn''t mean he will not try. He roared in the animalistic cry and began his slow torpor-addled walk towards the apprentice.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Die, you monster!¡± She screeched in an inhuman voice.


    A slim blue arrow shot from her outstretched hand and pierced Grey''s shoulder. Right to the shattered scale embedding itself in flesh. The arrow was corporeal so it flickered out of existence, but the wound remained.


    One measly arrow was not enough to stop him.


    Another one hit his chest. ¡°Die, die, die!¡± she screamed. Another and another, arrow after arrow was shot.


    Will he succumb to a measly apprentice? All of his years of life will be rendered mute to his foolish mistake. Grey fell to his knees feeling exhausted. Negative mana was an unforgiving bitch to take.


    An arrow hit him on his face plate disintegrating into motes of light. His body was fighting back, even if passively. Not all the arrows pierced into his flesh, his scales protected him. Actually, some of the arrows didn''t even hit him. The apprentice was flustered, flinging spells haphazardly. The lack of concentration resulted in a lack of accuracy.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you die!?¡± The apprentice stepped a few steps backwards, her flight response overtaking her will to fight.


    After all, the sight was terrifying. Her entire side was slick-wet in still warm blood. The floor, the walls and even the ceiling were coloured red. The smell was rich in iron, it smelt nauseating, it smelt raw. And there was this monster. Refusing to die, coming to her. Ever closer. The monster was on his knees but his gaze¡­ There was ungodly hunger in its eyes. She feared not just for her life but her soul as well.


    ¡°Argh!¡± Grey roared again trying to hype himself. And finally, he stood up.


    ¡®Just a few more steps and I will have her.¡¯ ¨C the monster.


    ¡®Just a few more arrows and it will die.¡¯ ¨C the human.


    ¡®¡­ perhaps?¡¯ -¨C the half-elf.


    A ball of fire hit the apprentice right on the head. The mage stumbled to the side, she survived but her hood was on fire. She tried to put the flames down in panic. A slight distraction was all it took for Grey to make the final lunge at the mage.


    He descended onto her like a wild starved beast. In one swift motion ripped the still burning robe exposing her tender and pale flesh. The apprentice was a young slender woman with black raven hair and delicate features. She was a true beauty, but that didn''t matter.


    Her scream was cut short by dagger-sharp teeth ripping her throat out. Grey¡¯s clawed fingers ripped at her immaculate flesh cutting it needlessly. Blood oozed all over. Bite after bite he ripped her flesh. He licked the oozing blood savouring every bit of it. He moved down from the neck to the chest and bit greedily into it. The teeth and claws ravished her body. He ripped her open and went inside savouring every bit of it. And in no time he grasped her heart in between his fingers. It looked tiny in his palm, but he could feel remnants of power still coursing through it. Into his mouth, it went.


    His wounds began to visibly close. The vigour returned to his body. The fog of hunger was removed from his mind, but only slightly. Unfortunately, the mage had spent most of her mana fighting him. Ironically she did end up being only the appetiser, he was not satiated. He needed more!


    He stood up towering above the half-eaten corpse to scan the room. Here it was, the body of the Lionheart. The weakling was no mage of course so utterly and completely unappetising. Grey gave a good whiff gauging the scent. Something was missing. There were scents of women on the weakling, many scents but none were that of an elf. The only elf-like smell he could pick up in this den was that of the half-elf who led him here.


    He turned to look at the deceptive she-devil. He was surprised she has stayed. She should have bailed at the first chance. It made no sense to him, if there was no other elf he will eat her. Was she stupid?


    ¡°You!¡± He growled.


    The woman looked visibly sick.


    ¡°Are you okay? We might find a healing potion somewhere. There should be some.¡± Her voice trembled.


    ¡°Lier! There is no slave-elf!¡± He reached out threateningly.


    ¡°No. Wait! Let me explain.¡±


    He was angry. Rightfully so. And despite his impulsive nature Grey decided to remain calm even if for a minute. He considered himself a tad bit wiser now. The elf was drained of magic so no use for him at the moment. It was better to wait until she ripens up again.


    ¡°Lie and you die!¡± He warned her fully expecting another lie.


    The woman regardless of her fear, or maybe because of it, paused to think. It was an uncomfortably long moment of silence.


    ¡°Sorry. Sorry! I have deceived you, but didn''t I save your life? That is worth something, no? And, and I didn''t run away or anything. Look I stood and fought with you.¡± She pointed at the charred corpse, the lackey of Lionheart.


    Indeed there were more people here than just the Lionheart and two mages. They were insignificant so Grey had forgotten about the little fry in the heat of battle.


    ¡°Yes, but there is no other elf here. Never was. Don¡¯t try to feed me bullshit.¡±


    ¡°That¡­ I¡­ I am sorry! But I still can be of use to you!¡±


    Only as a meal¡­


    ¡°Will you tell me about the other half-elves, where are they?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll come clean. There are no other elves I know of. Well, only two. The university professor and the viceroy''s advisor. That is it!¡±


    This was a wild-goose chase after all.


    ¡°So what use do I have of you? A she-devil?¡±


    ¡°Why do you even need elves? Look this den is loaded with treasure. It is ours now and the money is the real power. Use it to get the information on elves or something..¡±


    So she has no use and deflected the question.


    Noticing the hesitation the elf-deceiver continued. ¡°Look, let¡¯s work together. Now I am sure you are new here. And I know this city, I can introduce you to the people. We can work out something beneficial to both of us.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t trust you, I never did, I never will.¡± Grey spat on the ground in contempt.


    ¡°Just give me a chance. You got nothing to lose here, only win. And win big!¡±


    ¡°Maybe you misunderstand.¡± Grey grabbed the elf by her throat and lifted her up. ¡°I own you now! You are at my mercy here! Do not try to weasel your way into pretending something you are not. You are just a snack to me!¡±


    He dropped the elf.


    ¡°*Cough¡­ *Cough¡­ I understand, sir. As you wish!¡±


    What a weasel! Grey frowned, his back tingled from the idea of keeping her alive. In the end, it was worth it, maybe. He fancied himself as a hunter, but perhaps farming was the way. He will ripen the elf, make her juicy and full of magic and then he will enjoy the sweet and succulent fruit of his labour. His mana-starved core already was pulsating in anticipation.


    The object he was devouring with his eyes was giving him the look full of terror. Oh, how Grey enjoyed that look, the fear in her eyes, the scents her body was excreting. Delicious ¨C he wiped a glob of drool dripping down his chin.

 Chapter 4: Obsessed With Food

    The bandit den, as a bandit den should, was full of loot: coins, jewellery, and contraband. To Grey, all these trinkets were just that ¨C trinkets. The half-elf, however, being the she-devil she is, was different. She didn''t know then to stop. A ring for each of her fingers, wristbands, necklaces and pendants adorned her body. If she found something better she quickly swapped the item.


    She was only meant to inventory the loot; they will take only the most valuable items. Grey didn¡¯t take offence at her trying one or two, but this was getting out of hand. He frowned at her greed and vanity. It was almost creepy to see such behaviour; she was part elf yet still behaved like a dwarf ailed by gold sickness.


    ¡°You, Enough! We need to get moving.¡± Grey urged.


    The half-elf threw the waistband she was inspecting into a chest and attempted to lift it; it was too heavy for her.


    ¡°Hey, I found this.¡± She offered a health potion.


    Grey let out a deep sigh. Normal health potions didn¡¯t work on him and neither did mana potions.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s unbranded. But they are safe trust me.¡± She swallowed a small sip from the vial.


    ¡°It¡¯s of no use to me. It won¡¯t work.¡±


    Grey wrapped the loot chest in cloth and picked it up.


    ¡°Suit yourself.¡± The elf pulled a blue vial out of somewhere and chugged it.


    ¡°No!¡± He roared in terror slapping the vial out of her hand.


    The container hit the floor and splintered into pieces. ¡°Hey!¡± She protested.


    It was too late, she had already ingested it. Grey wanted to scream in agony, his future dinner was tainted by unclean mana. Yes, her mana had recovered, but now she was quite literally poisonous to him.


    ¡°You shouldn''t have done it!¡± He roared. ¡°Where did you get it?¡±


    ¡°This is my first one today. I am only a half-elf so I can take one more with no problem. So what''s the big deal?¡±


    Grey knew what she meant. Overuse of mana potions could be toxic to the mage. While humans could safely drink 3, elves could only manage one. Even if she could manage one more her blood was tainted for good two days. The pleasant aroma of desert-like-elf was gone, only a distant memory. Instead, a pungent scent wafted contaminating the air with each breath she let out.


    ¡°Where?¡± Grey hatted to repeat himself He sniffed the air but couldn¡¯t locate the offensive vials if there were more at all.


    The stinky elf opened one of the smaller chests beside her. In there stuffed between the straw laid the clay vials presumably filled with mana potion.


    ¡°It¡¯s likely what the mages were after, contraband.¡± She informed him matter-of-factly.


    Grey picked up the chest and flung it into the wall out of anger. The vials broke and the potion splattered dyeing the wall neon blue.


    ¡°What the fuck!¡± The elf stared at him as if he was crazy. Well, she knew he was a man-eater already, so even crazier than she thought. ¡°Those were expensive!¡± Unlike most of the contraband here potions were easy to sell.


    Grey knew what he did and in retrospect maybe he should have, but he despised the mana potions above all.


    ¡°let¡¯s go before the trouble catches up with us.¡± He instructed airing the foul stench away from his nostrils.


    By the time they were done, it was night already. Grey didn''t bother himself with the stolen loot and things like that too much but the woman insisted they stash it at her place. That¡¯s where they were heading now; back to her place.


    At night the streets were devoid of people making it easy to move, hence they reached their destination unhindered.


    The elf pulled at the door handle.


    ¡°Shit, he locked it. I forgot.¡±


    The landlord would lock up the reception at night both for tenant safety and his own.


    ¡°Problem?¡± Grey could brake the flimsy door in no time. ¡°Shall I give it a try?¡±


    The woman eyed him disapprovingly. ¡°No. I rather you not. Give me a second.¡±


    Grey followed the elf around the building.


    She knocked on a set of shut wooden blinders. ¡°Sammy! Sammy, it¡¯s me! Let me in, you bastard.¡±


    There was some groaning and the blinders parted. ¡°Fuck off ya cunt! Do you know the time?¡±


    ¡°Come on man, I was on a job! You know how it is!¡±


    ¡°Job this, job that. You know what, I can¡¯t deal with this midnight shit! Your rent just went up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, fine. I¡¯ll pay you extra, I have the money here just let me in.¡±


    There was a muffled moan of a displeased wife. ¡°Okay!¡± Then Sammy continued in a more tame tone ¡°I mean okay, and you need to be quiet. You will wake up the tenants!¡± He whisper shouted.


    After a while, there was a sound of a shifting metal latch and the door opened.


    ¡°Who is this!?¡± Sammy asked accusingly.


    The elf deposited a whole gold coin into his hand and replied curtly ¡°You don¡¯t need to know. And he is coming with me.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you prostitute yourself¡­¡± He sounded genuinely shocked.


    ¡°Shut the hell up, man! Now¡­¡± she gave him another coin. ¡°To fix your attitude.¡±


    Sammy looked at the two coins in his hand. He would believe them fake if he didn¡¯t know the weight of real gold. Then the elf¡¯s ringed fingers caught his eye. Ring on each finger, not just that, jewellery all over. He swallowed his saliva nervously.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°I have been too familiar with you my lady, I apologise. You and your client are most welcome here, and I guarantee your discretion.¡± He quickly pocketed the coins afraid she might change her mind.


    The two passed the landlord and went upstairs. As he didn''t bother bringing the candle it was dark and hard to see her wealthy client, it was a silhouette only. One thing was clear, he wasn¡¯t human and he was huge. Sammy quietly worried about her well-being, after all, there was a limit on how much a woman could accommodate.


    ¡°If she ends up dead¡­¡± He whispered to himself out loud. Then he shrugged it off, as it is custom he will be compensated generously for the ¡®loss¡¯ and the silence. ¡°Maybe that would be favourable.¡± He mussed it over. Frankly, he was tired of her antics.


    The pair was in the room already. It was small, too small for two. To tiny for Grey¡¯s towering figure. Regardless, Grey had no intention of staying here too long because, obviously, this was her den and she must have friends and allies here.


    Half-elf lit up the candle illuminating the room. A yellow light bounced off the multiple coins and valuables she was setting on the table all for further appraisal.


    ¡°You should get some sleep.¡± She pointed at her bed nonchalantly.


    It was late and he did do a lot of chasing, fighting and carrying today but¡­ But he was feeling too hungry for that. His mana core was empty and his stomach was no better. The apprentice he had eaten felt only like a distant snack. The sustenance he had gotten was all used up on healing his wounds. If only this she-devil hadn¡¯t poisoned her blood with a mana potion.


    ¡°I am too hungry for that!¡± Grey grilled accusingly.


    ¡°Well, I have some¡­¡± She remembered her wrapped food and what he had done when she had offered it. Also, she remembered what he had done to the apprentice. She was in denial but it clicked in her mind regardless. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know how I might be of use.¡±


    ¡°First you say you will be useful now you say the opposite. A lier! A vixen and a snake, I should have eaten you while I had a chance.¡±


    ¡°Wait, no¡­ Well. Why were you after me in the first place?¡±


    ¡°Because I was hungry.¡± Grey gave her a vicious smile, he enjoyed seeing the seeds of terror in her eyes.


    She tried to hide it, ever since the beginning, but it was hard to control her body language. At first, she thought he was just a muscle man set to wrangle her by one of her enemies. Now it was clear, with no doubt that he was evil and mad; a flesh-eating monster. But then again why does it have to be her? He was fixated on elves, maybe not just elves but¡­


    ¡°¡­ Will something like a mage satisfy your hunger?¡± She inquired carefully.


    ¡°Maybe. You know some?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I do. If I provided you with an easy target would that set things between us straight?¡±


    ¡°I could just find one myself.¡± Grey scoffed.


    ¡°Yet, I doubt it. They are rare, well not as much as my kind but still. Will, take you a while, and even then a trained mage knows how to fight, you saw it yourself. I could lure an unsuspecting upstart into a false sense of security, into the right place. I could bring them right to you, save you trouble.¡±


    ¡°Ha! You amuse me. Do you think you are a better hunter than me?¡±


    ¡°I am no mon¡­ not hunter, but I know the city, I have connections. I know some mages who would not be missed even if they disappeared. Easy and safe targets.¡±


    ¡°You are lying again, you weasel.¡± Grey approached the elf and grabbed her by the collar.


    ¡°I am not! Well¡­ They are only wannabes, the ones who didn''t get accepted into the university. Others are scoundrels and thieves with few parlour tricks. But they are mages still!¡± She tried desperately.


    Maybe she had something. She was a rogue and those liked to sniff around. However, the value of her claims was yet to be seen. Grey let her collar go.


    ¡°The mages are not elves, but they will do. Ideally, none stronger than an apprentice.¡±


    ¡°Easy! I already know a few. I could dangle some money and they would eagerly come.¡±


    ¡°I want females, only.¡±


    ¡°Obviously. That won''t be an issue. Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ You better be quick, or else I won¡¯t wait and then eat you instead.¡±


    She gulped. ¡°No need for that. I told you I am worth more alive. And I want to work with you.¡±


    Grey hissed. ¡°You want to use me. Like for killing your enemy Lionheart. That¡¯s what you want so don¡¯t delude me with your bullshit. You rogues are all alike, elf or human.¡±


    She backed up away from him.


    ¡°But it¡¯s okay. I can handle you. I am the one who will use you!¡± He smirked getting right into her face. ¡°You better come up with a plan and a snack for me, and quick. Now I will excuse myself, I am hungry!¡±


    Grey left the room. The action alarmed her, but what could she do to stop him? Why would she even stop him? Actually, having him leave was a relief she so much needed. She didn''t think the monster would leave her be at all. She knew a thing or two about obsessive men. And, of course, this would not last for long; he will be back.


    Regardless, the respite was very much needed. Aerith collapsed on her knees overtaken by uncontrollable shivers. The tears streamed out of her green eyes and she quietly sobbed. This was the only time she could allow the weakness to show. It was clear the monster enjoyed tormenting her and she did the very best not to give in.


    Soon she got a grip over her anxiety and feeling of helplessness and went back to the distraction. The rings and jewels soothed her aching mind, the gold coins in between her fingers calmed her nerves. She tried to look for positives. Lionheart had finally gotten what he deserved and she was rich. The chest was loaded with valuables, enough to live her life in relative comfort. This would be a dream come true, but instead, this was a nightmare. An unlucky encounter and here she was wrangling a murderous sociopathic maniac and fighting for her life.


    She spun the golden coin in her fingers. She could flee, but then how far would she even make. The bestial types had a keen sense of smell, and she was sure he would sniff her out like a hound. Anyways, it was best if she tried to work the monster, after all, he had a modicum of intelligence and could be reasoned with, if not then deceived, bribed, misled. She will learn what drives this killer and use it, she will turn this personal nightmare into something else.


    ¡­


    It took hours, but Grey was back. He killed two birds with one stone: got his late dinner and checked the convictions of the she-devil. If she wanted to run, this was her best chance; lucky for both she didn¡¯t. And the dinner was still squirming in his hold; alive but gagged as all good late-night dinners should.


    Grey had left the front door unlocked, nor was it locked in his absence, so sneaking back was of no issue. He found the elf slumped on the table. Her head was near the pile of gold coins she had stacked up into a pyramid. He kicked the table rousing the elf. It would be rude for all involved to miss the show. The pyramid broke and the coins clattered on the floor.


    ¡°Ha-ack!¡± The elf yelped in dismay and confusion. It lasted only seconds, soon she was back to her old fake self. ¡°What''s up with the redhead?¡±


    ¡°I am glad you asked. I think you fail to understand something and as they say, actions speak louder than words.¡±


    Grey gave her an ugly smirk shaking the girl in front of the elf like a piece of meat for display. The poor thing struggled all she could, her eyes begged the blonde woman for help and her mouth fought against the gag to achieve that. There were only muffled sounds and sad tears.


    ¡°I see¡­ What are you going to do with her?¡± Aerith asked fully aware of the answer already.


    Grey presented her with the most monstrous smile he could muster. Then he lifted the petite girl higher whilst firmly pressing the back of her neck with his fingers. She flailed her legs kicking back in a futile attempt to get back to him. With the other hand, Grey ripped her dress right off her body, and then her undergarments. He wasn¡¯t careful, he didn''t need to be. His claws caught her skin making her bleed.


    Aerith stared at the unfolding tragedy frozen. There was so much she wanted to say, so much to do¡­


    ¡°Watch how I will dress this animal for dinner! Watch closely and learn your lesson. Be grateful it is not you.¡± He stared right at her yes.


    Then his teeth sunk deep into the redhead''s neck. Blood trickled down her body. By some twisted luck, the girl¡¯s hands found a way out of the bindings. Her small fingers clawed at the monster''s face aiming for the eyes. But they never reached the target. In a few short moments, the strength drained from her body. Soon after the light of life left her eyes, only the frozen image of pain and fear remained.


    The obscenity didn¡¯t stop there. The monster began to devour the body, greedily biting at the flesh, all the while staring at Aerith, making sure she is watching. Chunk after chunk, the flesh went into his mouth. Terrifyingly enough, there was only an occasional drop of blood hitting the floor. The creature ate as if conscious of the mess and soon after there were only bones and a few bits like fingers left. Even the gut and other fluids were consumed.


    Disgusting, revolting, abominable. There were no words to describe the sight. Aerith wanted to vomit but nothing came out besides spit from her gags. Unfortunately, her stomach was empty, she would have felt a tad bit better if it wasn¡¯t; the sight was repugnant and she wanted to express the feeling.


    ¡°Ah. I am fuller now. So, how about those mages?¡±

 Chapter 5: The Guild, The Runt, and The Monster

    Grey knew that the she-devil will take her time, and that the mage snack will not materialise anytime soon. So instead of sitting on his ass and pointlessly waiting, for a likely empty promise, he decided to take initiative.


    Currently, he was casually strolling on one of the main streets. It was only early morning but there were already signs of life all around. The earliest birds were merchants and vendors setting their stalls for an early customer. Selling all and everything from tools to food.


    While the food smelled great, Grey¡¯s stomach was still full, however, it gurgled regardless. The culprit, actually, was his mana core; empty and devoid of mana ¨C how unpleasant. He wanted to find the solution for that soon.


    He eyed the tiny morsel who was busy laying fruit on a stall. No, this will not satisfy his hunger. He went from stall to stall with no luck. Not even the faintest hint of mana. Then again, if anyone had the gift of magic they wouldn¡¯t be peddling on the street, hence the exercise was pointless.


    Grey made a note of the amount of useless things these humans were selling. He understood tools and food but why were so many trinkets and jewellery; those had no real utility. He shrugged, the big city was indeed a wondrous thing.


    A particular stall caught his eye. There a beastly-looking man, presumably a hunter, was sorting various monster parts. There were fangs, wings, eyes, bones, skin and scales. Everything,


    ¡°Monster parts?¡± Grey, out of surprise, asked a foolish question.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem an alchemist type.¡± The hunter eyed Grey ignoring the idiotic inquiry.


    ¡°I am not.¡± Grey grabbed a particular item of interest.


    The monster core was already crystalised, hence no longer of any value to him. Otherwise, he could consume it to replenish his mana.


    ¡°If you aren¡¯t buying it, put it down. It¡¯s expensive!¡±


    Grey growled at the hunter. The man clearly had an attitude problem, this was no way to speak with the customer. The hunter just scoffed at the sound Grey had just made. Then Grey decided to be a bigger man and let the offence slide. The item was returned at its place.


    ¡°Say, where do you hunt your monsters?¡± Grey asked.


    ¡°The nearby forest where else. Why? Ah, you are interested in hunting some for yourself. You should have said so from the beginning.¡±


    Grey sniffed the air, no magic, yet the rude man had just read his mind.


    The hunter continued ¡°The Guild could use someone like you. And I will buy the parts you don¡¯t need.¡± He put his index finger into the air. ¡°Also, I will pay better than the Guild.¡±


    ¡°Guild?¡± Grey wasn''t quite sure of what the hunter meant.


    ¡°Yeah, you know the Guild.¡± The beastly man gave Grey a wild look. ¡°The GUILD. Every city has one! And I don¡¯t mean the merchant¡¯s guild, tailors gild, or farmers guild. I mean the Guild.¡±


    The man still wasn¡¯t making sense.


    ¡°Fucking Beastkin!¡± He swore. ¡°How did you miss that one.¡± He pointed at the tall building in the distance. ¡°Here take this. It¡¯s a type of recommendation which will save you a few coins. Just remember to sell the corpses to me!¡±


    Grey took a tiny slip of paper. On it, there was an image of a bow and arrow and below some scribbles which Grey couldn''t read. Somehow the hunter, the slip and this Guild were all connected. If it meant access to monster hunting spots this was worth a shot. So he casually strolled towards the tall building.


    The ¡®tall building¡¯ turned out to be called a bell tower, also Grey was told that he doesn¡¯t want to go to the bell tower but the building adjesant to it. How presumptuous of others to assume what he wants and what he doesn¡¯t. Anyway, the guard was right, the actual guild wasn¡¯t in a bell tower.


    There was a big sign with letters spelling out the word GUILD, below it was just as big of an entrance. The inside was bustling with activity. On the one side, there were tables set for people to eat and drink. Then, next by the wall, there were counters where people exchanged various goods for coins. And right in the middle was a big map of the surrounding area, it had various marks of importance and pins denoting this or that. Next to the map was a board loaded with paper posters, and next to it was a reception desk.


    Grey has been to a couple of smaller towns but has never seen anything like this. The map especially was useful, but not the biggest surprise. The air in the place was heavy with mana. The mages were here! He had found a jackpot. Grey began salivating at all the delicious smells. He wanted to go and nab himself a snack, but this was not the time nor the place. Too many people, too many capable people, who would put a good fight. Regardless Grey felt giddy like a kid in a candy store.


    He took a big breath in. There were three distinct smells, meaning at least free mages. Grey sniffed out the closest one, unfortunately, this one was already out for the exit. Then he turned his nose to the other one, this one was a man; eww, males had that musky flesh. Grey wasn¡¯t that desperate so he kept following his nose. The delicious fragrance led him to a female.


    Finally Grey had found his lunch and there was no need to rely on the half-elf. He will eat that she-devil for dinner, he no longer needed her.


    However, there was a hurdle to overcome. The mage in question appeared to be in a party of five. He could tail the party on their quest and maybe use an opportune moment to ambush them but victory was not guaranteed. Simply it was way too risky.


    So instead, he decided to linger in there and see what else comes up. Also, there was no need to aimlessly waste his time so he went to the reception desk. Over there a pretty human clerk was servicing it. She gave him a peculiar smile; it was only peculiar because he wasn¡¯t used to humans smiling at him. Also, A smile wasn¡¯t something a stranger gave at seeing Grey¡¯s appearance and demeanour.


    ¡°Welcome.¡± She greeted him warmly.


    Grey showed her the slip he had gotten from the rude hunter-merchant.


    ¡°Ah, a new addition to the hunters. This couldn''t be better!¡± the clerk said cheerfully.


    Grey gave her an inquisitive look, she was odd.


    ¡°Nowadays the recruits want only clean jobs. Like guarding a mansion, fetching a potion, tutoring a noble¡­ So few are ready to get their hands dirty. I know that monster extermination quests don¡¯t pay well but they are essential for the city!¡±


    Grey snorted, she was talking too much.


    ¡°I know, right! As a hunter, you must understand the necessity of controlling the monster population. Anyways, let me take your details.¡±


    Grey was reluctant to reveal personal information to her, but apparently, all she wanted to know was his name specialisation and his experience. Grey had plenty of experience in hunting monsters but he had no proof for that. The clerk told him not to worry and marked it as a newbie.


    ¡°Right, as of now you can¡¯t take any higher-rank quests. You need to build your reputation first, but anyways you are here for monsters, those quests are almost always open for anyone willing. Have a look at the notice board, there¡¯s the information on the locations and rewards.¡±


    Grey nodded.


    ¡°Oh and this is your badge, don¡¯t lose it.¡± She gave him a copper tag.


    Grey inspected the piece, it was a thin piece of metal with a number on it. The number seemed to be random and of no significance. The only feature of note was that the tag seemed to be enchanted with some sort of magic. It was faint, hidden even, but Grey could sense the magic embedded in it.


    He pocketed the tag and went to check the noticeboard and a map.


    The number of monster quests was staggering. The rewards varied depending on the monster''s strength or rarity. In his opinion, the pay wasn¡¯t all that bad, but then again, he looked at it from a solo perspective. For a bigger monster, a party of six would be the norm.


    Grey spent his time looking at monster pictures and their locations on the map, memorising everything. Some monsters even looked delicious. Maybe, it was a good idea to check them out. As he was pondering this and that a pleasant smell assaulted the depts of his nostrils. He turned around in hopes to see the culprit.


    How strange. His nose told him it was there but his eyes failed to lock onto the target. Until a certain somebody punched him on his thigh; it tickled.


    Soon after came a frustrated voice ¡°Hey, I was calling for you. Are you deaf?¡±


    Grey looked down at the bother. Ah, there it was, the source of the smell, almost right under him. It was a tiny runt of a human girl. She was so small, no wonder Grey failed to spot her.


    ¡°Hello!¡± She shouted at him. ¡°Don¡¯t you know who I am!¡± She slammed her foot to the floor twice in a show of anger.


    Should he know who this miniature nibble was? Of course not! So Grey wiped his drooling saliva and replied ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm!¡± The girl puffed up. ¡°You will soon learn!¡± She stretched her hand offering a pouch. ¡°Consider yourself lucky, you are hired!¡±


    She was offering him money but for what? ¡°Huh?¡± Grey questioned the annoying snack.


    ¡°You are my bodyguard for the day!¡±


    She didn¡¯t need to be so loud, he could hear her all right.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°Hello!? Take the money and let¡¯s go. Time is of the essence!¡±


    Grey shrugged and took the money. It seemed like the snack was jumping right into his mouth willingly. And just like she had said the girl seemed to be in a hurry and led him straight out of the building.


    ¡°Let me educate you. I am the daughter of Von¡­¡±


    Grey didn''t care, he didn''t need to know the history of his food. ¡°How long have you been a mage?¡± he interrupted her.


    ¡°Oh, so you noticed my talents already. Four years! I know, I know I look too young but my genius budded early.¡± She said proudly.


    Grey was checking just in case. You could never judge a mage by their size, even the smallest ones could pack a good punch. Her, however, she was only an apprentice at best.


    ¡°Where is your party?¡± Grey asked cautiously.


    ¡°Eh? Party? What for? I am not sharing my kills with anyone. And with you to watch my back I don¡¯t need one.¡±


    Oh, so that¡¯s why she hired him.


    ¡°Where are we going exactly?¡±


    ¡°To the forest where else? You don¡¯t seem too clever so let me explain how this goes¡­¡±


    Grey listened absentmindedly. In the essence, she hired him to protect her while she trained in the forest. It was clear that she was some sort of spoiled human noble with too much money and no supervision. Just how na?ve she had to be to hire a random stranger. Well, it was good that his food¡¯s taste was not affected by their smarts but by their magic capacity.


    The two continued their walk towards the forest. The brat was annoying as hell. She kept talking about herself or other things of no importance. If Grey even dared to faze out she would call him on that and throw various offences at him. She was unbearable to be around with, almost to the point where his appetite got spoiled.


    Then they were near the border of the city a familiar scent began to tickle his nose. It was the she-devil!


    ¡°Hey, I have finally found you!¡± the half-elf seemed relieved.


    Grey wondered how did she even find him, the city was big and he didn¡¯t tell her where he was going. And what did she even want with him?


    ¡°Who is this?¡± the she-devil pointed at the runt.


    ¡°I am Elri the daughter of Von¡­¡±


    Grey couldn''t bother to listen for this tiny person so he dragged the elf to the side. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°I have found a mage for you. Everything is arranged.¡±


    This was a surprise. His late-night show must have motivated the elf to behave. Unless she was trying to trick him again.


    ¡°I am busy now.¡± Grey made an excuse.


    ¡°But she is waiting. I can¡¯t keep her waiting forever.¡±


    The urgency seemed suspicious. Grey didn''t trust this she-devil. ¡°I already have my lunch.¡± He pointed at the mini-mage.


    ¡°But¡­ she¡¯s just a teen.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°And I don¡¯t think this is a good idea. She is a human noble.¡±


    Grey didn''t care. He pushed the elf aside, he wasn¡¯t interested in her schemes, not now.


    ¡°What did this woman want? Is she your friend or even lover perhaps? Ha ha.¡± The runt made a jab towards the half-elf, fully aware that no decent woman would date a beastkin.


    ¡°She is nothing of importance. Just a bother.¡± Grey brushed it off.


    ¡°Good! I have already paid you, you are mine for the day. Begone you scoundrel!¡± She shooed the elf.


    The she-devil however refused to go.


    ¡°I am telling you she is trouble.¡± The elf replied while tailing the two then added ¡°She ain''t worth it. Look how little she is.¡±


    ¡°I am what? You wanna fight, bitch!?¡± The runt reacted, face red in anger.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what you are getting yourself into kid!¡± The elf retorted.


    ¡°Fuck you, I am no kid you old coot!¡±


    The two were causing a scene, which began to draw people''s attention. Grey couldn''t have this. He approached the she-devil and prickled her right in the face using his finger, using only a fraction of his force. ¡°Know your place!¡± He scolded.


    The elf reeled back stumbling on her feet and falling on her ass. The runt grabbed her stomach and began laughing heartily.


    ¡°Well done! Well done! Ha ha.¡±


    Grey grasped that the half-elf was trying to save the girl. It was unfitting for rogues to be so noble, hopefully, she had learned her lesson.


    The two left the flabbergasted elf behind and continued on their journey. The elf, however, stubbornly trailed them from a distance. Grey knew this since he could still smell her, but whatever, if she pestered him further he would punish her harsher.


    And finally, the runt found herself in the forest. They weren¡¯t that deep but they were far away from prying eyes and any unwanted help.


    ¡°Ok, now you will lure the beasties and I will try my spells on them. Do not hurt them, and especially don¡¯t kill them or I won¡¯t get any experience.¡±


    Yeah, not happening. Grey wouldn''t want his petite snack to waste even a sliver of magic, he needed that mage juice in his stomach. He approached the unsuspecting girl with his claws ready to snatch her.


    The girl wavered at the sight of his grin. ¡°What are you doing?¡± She asked confused.


    Grey was ready to leap and gobble up the delicious morsel but the skin on his back began to tingle. It tingled all over, something wasn¡¯t right. He froze for a moment and then out of instinct leapt back and away from the girl. It wasn''t the human he was wary of, no.


    A huge beast landed in between the two. It had been aiming for the Grey, a second more and Grey would have found himself under it.


    The beast let out a roar of frustration and snapped its maw at Grey. The monster was a four-legged creature resembling a wolf, only that it had four yellow eyes and grey scales covering its body as an amour would. The eyes and the armour starkly resembled that of Grey¡¯s but the two were not related besides the fact that both were a type of an aberrant monsters hunting for cores. Well, maybe only very, very distant relatives.


    Grey returned the challenge with his own roar. It was clear that the beast wanted the mage for itself. Grey wasn¡¯t the target since, unfortunately, his core was empty, but he still was a threat to the canine monster. This will be quite a hard fight, the only good thing was that the monster didn''t snatch the girl first. But then again some monsters had more honour than an average human.


    Grey took the initiative and punched the overgrown wolf right in the nose staggering it. Before the monster recovered he landed a few swipes with his claws drawing the first blood. The monster clawed at Grey in turn, making him jump backwards and dodge.


    They were dancing like this for a while, neither was able to land a decisive blow. The monster was too fast for Grey, he had to keep backpedalling to avoid its lunges and swipes. At the unfortunate moment, Grey¡¯s foot caught the uneven ground and he stumbled. The canine monster knocked Grey on his back and then jumped on top of him. It opened its maw full of razor-sharp teeth ready to bite Grey¡¯s throat out.


    A ball of fire hit the monster¡¯s head from the side, breaking its bite and dazing it. The few seconds were all Grey needed to break free and muster the counterattack. Being under the monster enabled him to aim right for its throat, so he grabbed it by the neck and bit into it. The tables had turned.


    The overgrown wolf tried to shake Grey off but he had a firm grasp. The monster¡¯s neck was thick and Grey¡¯s teeth were only able to sink so deep, regardless, the blood oozed from its neck. The monster trashed and turned, and finally managed to throw Grey off. He flew straight into the tree almost breaking it in two. The throw had hurt him but the monster was hurt more. Grey spat a huge chunk of monster meat.


    A torrent of blood was leaking out of the monster''s neck, it made the last ditch effort to lunge at stunned Grey. However, it was too slow and too weak. Grey recovered in time to roll away from its lunge. The monster collapsed choking on its own blood and soon after it died.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Grey swore in relief.


    This was way too close, if not for the well-timed fireball he would be dead. He looked at his saviour, of course, it was the stalking she-devil.


    ¡°Why did you save me?¡± He asked between breaths.


    ¡°Because I need you.¡± She replied flatly.


    Grey looked at her, she seemed flustered, even scared. He didn¡¯t want to trust her words.


    ¡°Maybe you knew that after me the wolf would go and eat you for a desert.¡±


    ¡°Maybe. Or maybe you are more useful to me alive.¡±


    Grey shrugged. She had a chance to get rid of him and break free but in her infinite she-devil wisdom decided not to. A small part of him was grateful but the bigger part considered this woman to be a massive fool.


    ¡°You¡¯re an idiot.¡± He proclaimed in irritation.


    Grey turned his back away from half-elf and went towards the carcass of the monster. He needed something from the carcass, he needed his prize. With some effort, he ripped the wolf open and dug a monster core out. The orb was large enough to fill his palm pleasantly. Grey opened his mouth bit twice to break it and then swallowed the core. Soon after he could feel the energy radiating out of his stomach and going towards his core. There was a pleasant burst of warmth and a good portion of his mana was restored.


    The foolish elf was still there, observing him with disgust. Grey sniffed the air, the half-elf still possessed the taint of a mana potion in her blood.


    ¡°You stink!¡± Grey complained.


    Aerith sniffed herself, becoming conscious of her smell.


    ¡°Yeah? And you¡¯re covered in monster blood and guts!¡± She retorted.


    Grey sniffed again, he was looking for the human runt who had disappeared. With a few more whiffs of the air, he caught her scent. He followed the fragrance, she couldn''t have run too far. Grey hoped that his lunch didn¡¯t get eaten by another forest monster.


    Soon he could hear crying in the distance, he sprinted to catch up with it. The human girl was running and bawling like a brat, tripping and stumbling in a hap-hazardous sprint. With a quick swoop, he scooped up the girl in his arm.


    She looked at him in terror, her face snotty and cowered in tears.


    ¡°A monster, no! Help!¡± She screeched struggling to get away from his grasp.


    She was so annoying! Grey was glad this will be soon over; another morsel in his stomach to restore his mana.


    ¡°You! Let go of the girl!¡± There was a shout from the distance.


    A party of six ran out straight out of forest greenery. All six were humans, a mixed party of various professions but no mage.


    Grey growled in displeasure. He had just restored his mana and yet he will need to spend it if he wanted to put up a fight against these six.


    ¡°Beatsman! Release the girl now!¡±


    Grey snorted angrily but dropped the kid; she wasn¡¯t worth it. The brat ran crying to the nearest human.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± the party leader, a human warrior in leather armour questioned him.


    Before Grey could tell the human to fuck off the she-devil jumped out of the bush interrupting ¡°Can¡¯t you tell? He fought a monster off to save the girl!¡±


    The warrior looked suspiciously. ¡°So it¡¯s the monster¡¯s blood on you then?¡±


    ¡°Of course, it is, what else?¡± the elf asked pretending to be offended. ¡°Why? Did you think he did something to the girl¡¯s party?¡±


    ¡°Well, it kinda looked like it. Just look at him!¡±


    ¡°Just because he¡¯s a beastkin you confuse him with murdered?! There is a monster corpse, after you see it you will feel like an idiot.¡±


    ¡°We would like to see this corpse.¡± A woman archer who was busy calming down the runt interjected.


    Grey glared at the half-elf, he didn''t need her to ¡®save¡¯ him again. ¡°Follow then.¡± He ordered the humans.


    The corpse wasn¡¯t that far.


    The party leader whistled to show his surprise. ¡°You killed that?¡±


    ¡°There might be more. We should leave!¡± An archer warned others, there was a sliver of fear in her tone.


    Grey sensed that she wasn¡¯t the only one displaying fear. The party almost broke up in two, with those wanting to see the monster up close and others distancing themselves. While the leader and his mate went to check the monster the other four stared at Grey with eyes filled with caution and comprehension; they feared him more than the wolf monster.


    ¡°I have never seen one this big. And you two killed it alone? Amazing!¡± The party leader explained inspecting the dead monster¡¯s maw.


    Grey wanted to shout that he killed it on his own. He did! The she-devil deserved no credit. However, the humans annoyed him, they had snatched his lunch. ¡°You have seen enough. Leave!¡± He replied.


    The warrior looked at Grey in surprise from his tone. ¡°I guess we offended you needlessly. I am sorry for my actions, I hope you understand that this was only a misunderstanding. We don¡¯t hate beastkin or anything like that.¡±


    Grey was about to ask them to leave the human girl with him, after all, he was her bodyguard, she only had confused him with someone else because of shock and blood; yes-yes, he could get it done.


    ¡°Take the girl to her family, she had seen enough.¡± The she-devil waved off the party in a gesture for them to leave.


    ¡°You!¡± Grey was inches close to slugging the half-elf for ruining his plans but refrained from doing so. He didn''t want to fight the six for a measly snack.


    The humans disappeared into the trees and Grey slugged the elf. ¡°Never again speak for me!¡±


    He pulled his punch back quite a but even then it was enough to leave her nose bleeding.


    ¡°You¡¯re a fucking bastard!¡± the elf mouthed him off while grasping her nose. ¡°I saved your life!¡±


    Grey was about to slug her again but stopped mid-punch. ¡°I haven¡¯t asked you!¡± He retorted bashfully.


    ¡°Twice! This was a noble child you were after. Do you think if she disappeared they wouldn¡¯t investigate?¡± She spat a glob of blood to clear her throat and continued. ¡°Finding a giant grey man-eater wouldn''t be difficult either, you don¡¯t exactly blend in the crowds. A half of the city guards would be on your ass!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°You fucking bet, that¡¯s how nobles are! You don¡¯t mess with human nobles. Not like that.¡±


    Grey sighed, maybe she was right, maybe his hunger and pride had blinded him. Maybe he was too comfortable with thoughtless violence.


    ¡°Duly noted. Now help me to carry the beast.¡±


    ¡°You can''t expect me to¡­ Whatever, let¡¯s go.¡±

 Chapter 6: Side Quest + Side Dish

    ¡°I am both surprised and disappointed.¡± the merchant overlooking the monster remains sighted. ¡°I expected some damage, but this was one magnificent pelt of extraordinary value. Slashes all over and then there is this huge rip in the midsection. You need to learn how to dress the monster properly and the sooner the better. Hah.¡± He sighed again. ¡°Next time use arrows or spear, this tends to leave less damage on the pelt.¡±


    ¡°I told you so! You should get yourself a weapon.¡± The half-elf was quick to jump on the band wagon bashing Grey and heading to ¨C ¡®You¡¯re An Idiot¡¯.


    ¡°Hmm the core is also missing, what did you do to it? You know what, I don¡¯t want to know. The rest, however, the fangs, scales and key organs seem to be fine. So even if it is half destroyed, I will give you a good price.¡±


    Grey shrugged, he didn''t care much for the pay, only that it was a bit of a waste to leave the corpse discarded. Specifically, the idea of someone else claiming the kill irked Grey. So as long as he got some money out of it, it was fine.


    ¡°How much?¡± The she-devil rubbed her palms together, an ugly grin of greed was tainting her otherwise flawless face.


    ¡°Ten gold. But you need to haul it back outside the city where my workshop is. Next time just bring the corpses there, my son deals with the butchering there. Just tell him I have sent you.¡±


    ¡°I told you so!¡± the elf harlot was shouting again.


    Grey wondered if she actually liked to be hit in the face, she was definitely asking for it. He grabbed the carcass ready to drag it all the way back to the edge of the city.


    ¡°Ah! Just before you leave!¡± The rude merchant shouted out to leaving Grey. ¡°Do yourself a favour: save the fangs and get a weapon made. For fuck¡¯s sake!¡±


    ¡°Fuck off!¡± Grey was fed up with the situation.


    Eventually, he found himself on the outskirts of the city. The entire district reeked of ammonia and alchemy. This was the place where monsters were processed. Countless workshops were set up for that sole purpose. The one he was looking for was the butcher. Apparently, there were a few of them but with some asking, he had found the one.


    A man taking charge of the workshop looked almost like a copy of the merchant only a tad bit younger, equally beastly looking and likely equally rude. Grey explained the situation to the man.


    ¡°I see, you should have brought it here from the start. What were you thinking dragging the corpse all the way to the market? Are you slow in the head? It¡¯s a small miracle the guards didn''t stop you.¡±


    Yup, equally rude. Grey, for a moment, considered slugging the young butcher to teach him some manners.


    ¡°Incidentally, did my father give a price?¡±


    The half-elf was quick to jump to answer that. ¡°Yes! Eleven gold.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, eleven¡­¡± the butcher dragged the number out while thinking.


    Grey growled in displeasure, he had told the she-devil not to speak for him, and like the real she-devil, she had lied. He wanted no part in her schemes.


    ¡°Ten Gold!¡± He corrected while showing the woman away from the butcher and out of sight.


    ¡°Eh? I¡¯ll take you on that offer then.¡±


    The butcher extracted the two fangs out of the monster¡¯s maw and put them next to the ten gold coins.


    ¡°My advice is to bring them to the Dwarfin Hammer, the guy works wonders with monster parts.¡±


    Grey nodded and pocketed the coins before the she-devil could snatch them, and she did try but Grey was quicker.


    Moments later he stood in front of the brick and mortar building, a sign with letters and a hammer hung above the door, a very small door. There was no way Grey could squeeze past the entrance. This was beyond unfortunate since he had never seen a dwarf before. He wondered if they look tasty.


    Regardless of idle toughs, he was here for business so he told the elf in annoyance. ¡°Go in.¡± He gave her the money and the fangs reluctantly.


    Then he waited and waited and his patience ran out. He peeked at one of the iron-barred small windows, more a slit than a window. The small space inside housed a huge amount of weapons and tools. The arsenal looked exotic, the designs were wild, some even impractical. Every weapon was different and unique in its own way. But Grey being Grey, was unable to appreciate all of this since he never was interested in weapons. The important part was that he couldn¡¯t see neither the elf nor the shopkeeper. He sniffed the air, the monster parts made it smell funny, but he was able to sense the she-devil nearby.


    He could try to smash his way in, or he could give half-elf a shout. The walls were brick and stone, so a shout it was. If only he knew her name, in his mind she always was designated as either a dessert or she-devil.


    He opened the door to squeeze as much as possible in and shouted ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± A mocking question was fired from behind and then accompanied by hearty laughter.


    Grey squeezed out backwards and looked at the miniature man; he was short but broad, and very hairy. He didn¡¯t smell appetising either ¨C soot, fire and acrid alchemy.


    ¡°Big fella, ya won¡¯t fit in t¡¯ere ¨C ha, ha.¡± Follow me to the back entrance.¡±


    While Grey was still sizing the dwarf curiously, the dwarf continued talking. ¡°Now t¡¯en I saw ya, I¡¯ll ¡®ave ta change the initial design.¡±


    ¡°He thought the weapon was for me¡± The elf added.


    ¡°Aye, I did. A misunderstanding, t¡¯is all.¡± he laughed it off.


    The dwarf led Grey to the back entrance, which led to what seemed to be the warehouse and the actual workshop. Various monster parts and pieces of wood and metal lay scattered everywhere.


    ¡°T¡¯is where the magic ¡®appens!¡± He exclaimed happily.


    ¡°Very impressive.¡± Grey said in a flat uncaring tone. ¡°So, I need a weapon for hunting.¡±


    The dwarf nodded. ¡°The lass told me dat much. I was thinking of a spear, let''s stick with dat. Since it¡¯s ya and not the lass I¡¯ll use the metal shaft, or else it might break...¡±


    The dwarf continued to explain his design for the weapon. Grey stopped to listen midway, as long as he made a functional weapon Grey will be fine with it.


    ¡°¡­ and ya won¡¯t need two fangs, one is enough. So¡­ give me the other one and I¡¯ll make ya a discount.¡±


    ¡°Fine, how much?¡±


    ¡°With the discount¡­¡± He thought for a moment ¡°Let''s settle for five gold. A good bargain, no?¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    The she-devil gasped at the price clutching the gold coins closer.


    ¡°Deal!¡± Grey just wanted to be done with all of this, he was getting peckish.


    ¡°Deal.¡± The dwarf stretched his arm for a shake.


    The gesture was lost on Grey for a moment, but soon he grasped the idea and the tiny hand in his clawed fingers careful not to decapitate the tiny man; he will need that appendage to craft Grey¡¯s spear.


    The half-elf reluctantly parted with the five coins and they left.


    ¡°Money.¡± Grey motioned for the coins.


    The she-devil pretended to be deaf. Grey slapped the back of her head, but only gently yet hard enough to send the coins clattering away from her secret pocket ¨C her blossom.


    ¡°Why the hell you stacked my money there?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s gold, it has to be kept safe.¡± She ran to collect the runaway coins.


    All five recovered, all five in Grey¡¯s hands.


    ¡°My dinner? The mage, there is it?¡±


    ¡°Ah, that¡­¡± She seemed reluctant. ¡°I told her to wait, but it has been a while hasn¡¯t it.¡±


    Grey glared at the woman.


    ¡°Now, now, it¡¯s not my fault is it?¡± she defended herself.


    ¡°It will be If decide to eat you!¡±


    ¡°Come on, there is no need for that. Worst case I will get her back in the morning, just don¡¯t disappear like that again.¡±


    ¡°I do what I want.¡±


    They headed back to their lodgings. There next to it was a tavern, the tavern where the mage was supposed to wait.


    And there she was, a familiar image of a rogue mage. She wore tight black leather and her face was hidden in the shadow of a hood. She was sitting alone consuming watered-down beer. The half-elf approached her acquaintance leaving Grey behind.


    ¡°Aerith, what took you so long? I was beginning to think you have changed your mind.¡±


    ¡°Ran into some trouble.¡±


    ¡°Anything I need to worry about?¡±


    ¡°No, not at all.¡±


    The rogue mage sipped from her mug. ¡°So do you have it?¡±


    ¡°The potions? Yes, but not here, obviously.¡±


    ¡°Obviously.¡± She finished her drink and dropped a few silvers on the table. ¡°Let¡¯s go then, I have waited enough.¡±


    ¡°Sure sure, I have the box nearby.¡± Aerith motioned for her to follow.


    The two left the building.


    ¡°I never thought I will be working with you again, Aerith. Not after what had happened.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t hold grudges. And I am doing this for money.¡±


    ¡°As I can see¡­¡± The rogue mage eyed the multiple rings and bracelets adorning Aerith''s hands. ¡°It pays well doesn¡¯t it? I was wondering who is your sponsor this time?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you will meet him soon enough.¡±


    ¡°By the way, did you hear what happened to Lionheart?¡±


    ¡°No, What?¡± Aerith faked a surprised reaction.


    ¡°He got done. Like done-done, and at his own base.¡±


    ¡°He died? Good!¡±


    ¡°I guess. I was just wondering if you had to do anything with this. You owed him quite a sum.¡±


    Aerith shrugged it off. ¡°The potion stash is here.¡± She pointed at the horse stable.


    ¡°That¡¯s a dodgy place to hide contraband. Not quite safe¡­¡±


    ¡°I know the stable master. I assure you the goods are there.¡±


    Aerith let the rogue to one of the empty partitions. There she dug a small chest out of a pile of hay.


    ¡°See, this is it.¡± She handed the chest to the mage.


    The mage opened it peering inside.


    ¡°What is this?!¡±


    It was empty.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Now!¡±


    Grey appeared seemingly out of nowhere and grabbed the rogue from behind.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even try, I will crush your wrists.¡± He warned the mage against trying to cast.


    ¡°Bitch, you sold me out!¡± the rogue shouted accusingly. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Grey pressed his face towards the neck and took a big whiff of her smell. ¡°Your body.¡± He rasped in a monstrous voice.


    ¡°So this is your revenge? You never did let the grudge go, just you wait...¡± The rogue spat her words like venom.


    Aerith cut her off ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± And tried to kick her former acquaintance in the gut.


    However, Grey moved his prize out of her way and growled. ¡°Hands off! Mine!¡±


    ¡°Fine! I will just watch.¡± Her face distorted into a wicked grin.


    The rogue mage spat some more profanities and attempted a casting of a spell. Grey felt the magic condensing in her hands so he grabbed them and crushed her palms and fingers with hands of his own.


    The woman screamed out in pain.


    ¡°Yes! You get what you deserve.¡± The half-elf exclaimed in glee.


    Grey pushed his victim on her knees, not that he had to put much effort.


    ¡°You smell exquisite. The blood is rich in mana.¡± Grey salivated as he spoke.


    ¡°What¡­ What do you want with me?¡± The rogue asked through tears, her mangled hands shaking.


    ¡°I told you.¡± Grey rumbled pleasantly, but it came off as anything but pleasant.


    He pulled her hood off to reveal her face. She had short black hair and her facial features were delicate.


    ¡°Your face looks tasty!¡± He exclaimed in glee and gave it a big wet lick. ¡°Let''s see the rest of my dinner.¡±


    One of his hand¡¯s held his prey by the shoulder, the other ripped the front of her leather exposing a pair of perky breasts.


    The rogue yelped in alarm. ¡°No! Please.¡±


    ¡°You think you know what will happen, but believe me you don¡¯t.¡± She-elf watched it with joy-filled eyes.


    Grey didn''t quite expect the she-devil to take pleasure in his actions, he liked the opposite but whatever. She may watch. He ran his fingers past his victim''s breasts, they bounced shyly and he savoured the texture. His victim begged and pleaded, her pained voice music to his ears. His tongue tasted her neck and breasts, the sweat stimulated his taste buds.


    ¡°Delicious!¡± He groaned smacking his lips. ¡°How long has it been since I tasted the succulent mage flesh?¡±


    His hand moved down towards her tight trousers, he pressed one of his fingers in and with a claw ripped it open, when pulled the trousers off making the mage to collapse on her back uncomfortably. He pressed her down firmly with his hand. Fat drops of saliva dripped on her body.


    ¡°I will savour every inch of you.¡± He proclaimed gleefully.


    The mage''s thighs shut even tighter, to protect what was the most precious.


    ¡°Please, anything but this! I will pay you, I will kill for you, I will do whatever!¡±


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t you bargain. No need. Will you bleed for me?¡± Grey asked teasingly.


    ¡°Yes! Yes, I will!¡±


    Her readiness surprised Grey, but only momentarily. He continued to run his hand all over her pristine white skin, it was silky smooth and pleasant. The tongue tested the chemistry her body was releasing; panic and despair.


    ¡°Sure you will. My sweet, sweet snack.¡± Grey tried to refrain from biting into her.


    Instead, he nibbled at the round lumps carefully not to draw blood. These were like a tasty morsels before he got to the main meal, her heart. The woman squirmed in disgust and displeasure.


    ¡°I will rip you open now.¡± He said matter of factly.


    ¡°Wait!¡± The rude half-elf interrupted his meal. ¡°Why don¡¯t you play with her more?¡±


    Grey frowned at the she-devil, she was enjoying this too much. But yes, he liked to toy and play with his food, a bad habit of his. ¡°What do you have in mind?¡± he asked mischievously. He will use her ideas against her when he will be eating the half-elf; just to spite her. He was able to imagine the irony and shock on her face when that day comes. Soon. He let out a hushed giggle.


    ¡°You know, you could take her. That would be a good start.¡±


    Grey tilted his head displaying confusion.


    ¡°You know.¡±


    Grey tilted his head to the other side.


    ¡°You are fucking with me, no?¡± She paused but then continued. ¡°Just screw her, man.¡±


    ¡°Eww.¡± Grey¡¯s face contorted in disgust. He wasn¡¯t doing that to his food, the she-devil almost had spoiled his appetite. What a devious bitch, she did that on purpose ¨C Grey assumed. ¡°Get a fuck out of my sight!¡± He roared.


    ¡°Fine! It¡¯s not like I want to see what comes next.¡± She left stomping in anger but not before adding. ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t worry about the mess, I have arranged the clean-up. No need to thank me.¡± She whispered the last sentence, it was laced with animosity.


    Grey snorted ignoring the rude elf. Instead, as he should, he put his undivided attention back to his trembling dinner. He had to put himself back into the mood so he repeated the steps. Eating was a form of art, it took skill and discipline. Grey made sure he involved all of his senses. His ears enjoyed the rugged breathing and soft begging voice, his fingers explored feeling up the flesh for texture, the tongue probed for taste, and his eyes enjoyed the beautiful sight.


    It took only moments and he decided that he had enough. Grey opened his mouth wide and locked his jaw on her neck drawing blood and ending her pleading voice. The mana-rich blood filled his mouth, her trembling body tensed up but then relaxed. The life left her body and flowed right into his core. It was the supreme culmination and the beginning of an end.


    He dug in like a ravished beast, aiming for her heart. It melted like sweet candy in his mouth. Soon after the rest of her body followed and in the end, only some stray fragments remained.


    Grey stood up and wiped the blood off his chin. The she-devil, despite her shortcomings, has delivered.


    ¡°And she will deliver more,¡± Grey spoke to himself.


    He left for the exit to chase the elf down, after all, she was rude and still needed to be punished or else her bad manners might continue.


    Right by the gate, there was a beastkin boy. Grey eyed him suspiciously. His ears were pressed down. His tail was stiff with hairs standing on the ends. The tiny creature bowed at him.


    ¡°Ah. The clean-up.¡± Grey surmised.


    It was hard to trust. He never liked to leave witnesses. But to move forward, he had to make some allowances; for the sake of convenience. Grey sniffed at the air picking up the distinct half-elvish scent.


    Not even halfway towards his destination, the same boy caught up to him.


    ¡°Master!¡± He shouted for attention. ¡°Master. You have forgotten this.¡± He offered a small pouch.


    It was small, but it was filled with coins. Almost bursting at the seams. The distinct smell of rogue-mage still lingered on the item.


    He collected everything he needed; his stomach full. The personal possessions of his food were of little interest to him.


    ¡°Keep it.¡±


    The boy bowed deeply once again, yet this time, his tail was wagging side to side happily.

 Chapter 7: A Trap Was Set

    It has been some time, and for a while Grey has been feeling some sort of bummed out. No, that wasn¡¯t because she-devil was leading him by his nose. Not at all. She had delivered the promised meal, even if it was her enemy. However, even if the said meal was filling a certain spice was lacking; the spice of the hunt. Somehow, all of it tasted better when Grey worked for it: sniffing the prey out, stalking it, tormenting it.


    Hence why Grey has decided to look for his own meal, to source it locally. And what better place to do that than The Guild? This, coincided with the opportunity to test his newly crafted Fang Spear. The dwarf claimed it was his best masterwork, however, Grey remained skeptical. All it was was a piece of a tooth attached to a metal rod. Sure there were pointless engravings both on the rod and the fang, but they were meaningless weren''t they?


    The Guild of course didn¡¯t change much, ever full of people who fashioned themselves as do-gooders and adventurers. They were anything but, or so Grey liked to think. While pretending to look at the quest board he sniffed the air seeking the particular smell. Unfortunately, he had found no sweet fragrance only the acidic smell of sweat and unwash. He wasn¡¯t giving up, sooner or later the mage was bound to wander in, and even if there was no mage he will settle for his normal staple food.


    He didn''t bother reading the quest posters, but the large map on the wall drew his attention. By the looks of it, there was a monster incursion encroaching on the city from the forest; which explained the cramped quest board. Also, there were a few circles drawn on the outskirts of the territory indicating possible bandit encampments. Those were kind of new. What all of this meant was that the city wasn¡¯t doing all too well. There was a possibility there will be a lock-down.


    On the positive side, all of this meant that those who wanted to make quick money ¨Chad to strike it now. There was a lot of work and a lot of coins to be made.


    Grey shook his head to clear his mind. For a moment he worried that he contracted the gold sickness from that elf. Life was not about the coins, life was about the food and simple pleasures. Ah, what sort of flavours will today''s meal have? New day, a new surprise ¨C Grey smiled overtaken by positive thoughts.


    He didn''t need to idly wait for too long. A welcome scent tickled his nostrils.


    ¡°Finally,¡± Grey muttered under his nose.


    He turned to look at what this morning had brought to him. It was a woman clad in metal armour, head to toe. The sight confused him, this wasn¡¯t an attire befitting a mage. He inched closer, maybe his senses were confused. No, there was definitely a scent of magic. He inched even closer and then a tragedy hit him like a hammer would an unsuspecting rodent. An unwelcome smell tainted the inside of his nose. The smell of corruption, the scent of blood tainted by an ever-polluting mana potion ¨C the bane of good taste. The reek was coming from behind the armoured mage.


    ¡°Ah! I mean, we meet again!¡± A familiar runt shouted from behind her armoured bodyguard.


    ¡°You!¡± Grey roared accusingly.


    ¡°Sorry! I am sorry!¡± The runt bowed apologetically.


    Yeah, this was the same rude girl who he had planned to eat in the forest, but now she smelt most foul; unfit for his stomach. So Grey chose to ignore the annoying shrimp and turned away from her.


    ¡°No, please wait!¡± She leapt and grabbed for Grey. ¡°Let me explain. You have saved me, I know that now, and I have never gotten to thank you properly. I haven''t even paid you for that day!¡± She sounded atypically bashful by the end of her sentence.


    That was right, she hasn¡¯t paid her dues! Grey turned to look at the stinking offender.


    ¡°My father insisted I reward you properly! Wait here, it will be only a moment.¡± The runt ran to one of the counters.


    There was a little of real value she could offer him now, however, the new bodyguard interested him. Grey motioned her to sit by one of the nearby tables. She didn''t even hesitate to leave the runt to her devices. What a crap bodyguard she was, or maybe she just felt that the Guild was safe.


    ¡°So, are you a mage?¡± Grey went straight to the point.


    This seemed to surprise an armoured woman but only for a second. ¡°No, not really, I have never gotten a chance to develop my magic properly. But what gave me away?¡±


    ¡°The way you carry yourself is different.¡± Grey bullshited her.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Grey nodded. Even if she wasn¡¯t a developed mage, her blood had value to him. So maybe he had found his mark.


    The runt was back just as quickly as she left, slamming a large bag of coins on the desk.


    ¡°This is yours. The bit for that day plus a generous reward for saving me.¡±


    There was a lot of money on the table, but¡­


    ¡°I am not interested in gold¡­ or silver.¡± Grey pushed the bag away.


    ¡°Eh?¡± The runt gave a flabbergasted look. ¡°What do you want then? I am sure my father will be able to get it.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ What do I want?¡± Grey tapped a finger on his chin pretending to think. ¡°A favour then I need it most. That would do.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°Really, that¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate the power of the favours. They can cost you dearly.¡± He pointed a finger up sagely. ¡°So do we have a deal?¡± he pointed the same finger at the stinking runt.


    ¡°I¡­¡± she seemed to be out of her element. ¡°I guess, we do.¡± She gave an unsure nod.


    The bodyguard gave Grey a peculiar smile, one he was unable to read.


    ¡°Then, until that time comes.¡± Grey stood up to leave.


    ¡°Wait.¡± The runt reached for Grey again. ¡°Do you want to join my party? I am no longer allowed to leave the city without a full party.¡±


    It would have been a yes if the runt hasn''t tainted her blood today so he shook his head to say a no. He will wait until her blood clears, the plan was already in motion.


    ¡°Come on! Why not?¡± She pressed further.


    However, the bodyguard intervened. ¡°My lady, you shouldn''t! He must be busy.¡±


    The runt shut up with a pout plastered on her face, the bodyguard seemed to hold some sway over her.


    Grey dismissed himself and went back to pretending to look at the quest notices.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Someone was calling from behind. Yet another stranger was looking for him likely to sell him something. He ignored them.


    But the stranger didn¡¯t get the subtle social cue. ¡°Hello?¡±,            ¡°¡­¡±,       ¡°Hello, hello. Hey.¡± ¨C They were persistent.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Grey turned to look at the annoyance. It was a rank-and-file adventurer, no different from the others. Aside from the fact that she was a hyena beastkin, a far removed species from their natural territories. So in all likelihood, a traveler like Grey was. As one would expect her body was a mixture of brown and grey with an iconic hyena-like spotted pattern all over. Her attire was barbaric, but not unusual, loincloth and a chest wrap. To pretty herself, she wore bone earrings and a fang necklace.


    ¡°What?¡± Grey asked as soon as he finished sizing up the savage woman.


    ¡°Big guy, wanna party up?¡±


    ¡°No, not really.¡±


    ¡°Come on, I will show you a good time. Just the two of us.¡±


    Grey gave the woman another glance. She was giving an odd vibe. Most people didn''t approach him for good reasons and here she was up to something.


    ¡°Like what you see? I am a good fighter. I bet I can outdo you in monster kills!¡± She provoked teasingly.


    ¡°Is that a challenge?¡±


    ¡°It can be if that¡¯s what you like. The winner gets the loser to do what they want.¡±


    Grey shrugged. Worst case scenario he will just eat her, it was time for lunch anyways. And the lone mages proved to be rare in current circumstances, so he will have to settle with normal no-mana blood and flesh.


    ¡°Count me in. What is the target.¡±


    The woman gave that unique hyena-like giggle.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go out and see what the forest has to offer.¡±


    So in other words she wasn¡¯t taking a specific quest.


    ¡°I see. And you think you can beat me in the number of kills?¡±


    She giggled again. ¡°I don¡¯t have to. Do I?¡±


    ¡­ but that was the point. Whatever. They left towards the forest where the monster''s incursion was happening.


    ¡°So, big guy, you¡¯re new here?¡±


    Grey nodded, there was no point in pretending otherwise.


    ¡°You know, you are quite exotic looking. Never seen anything like you. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Exotic?¡± he had never been referred to as such. ¡°I could say the same about you. Grey is the name.¡±


    ¡°And I thought I will be forced to keep calling you as big guy. Name¡¯s Yena¡±


    Grey made no effort to commit the name of the dish to his memory.


    ¡°Grey, I see you like to carry long weapons. Have you¡­ penetrated many foes with that spear already?¡±


    ¡°This is newly made. I still have to test this.¡±


    ¡°Oh? A virgin spear. Let¡¯s not wait and christen it in blood.¡± Yena giggled to herself.


    Their idle chatter didn¡¯t last long. A monster wolf jumped on them from the bushes. The woman took the charge bashing its head split open with her axe.


    ¡°One to me already. You are losing, Grey.¡±


    ¡°No, I am not.¡± He protested.


    The wolves rarely hunted alone, there must have been a whole pack of them nearby; and there was. Grey wielded his weapon awkwardly. He wasn¡¯t good with it, but he wasn¡¯t terrible either. Clearly, he needed more practice. It even felt like a handicap then compared to his usual fighting technique of claws and fists. By no surprise, this meant that he was losing to the barbarian woman.


    ¡°Hey-hey are you letting me win? Or are you just crap?¡± She taunted him while claiming another kill.


    Grey responded with a fresh kill of his own, a wolf skewered right through the neck. He was finally getting the hang of the spear. Quick precise strikes were the way to go.


    Yena gave Grey a toothy smile ¡°We make a good pair don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Grey didn''t respond and instead killed another wolf. And then, in no time at all the whole pack was finished.


    ¡°And, you lost!¡± She proclaimed herself a victor, head high and all that.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t finished yet.¡± He protested.


    ¡°Okay, but I win this round. So one out of three?¡±


    Grey nodded.


    The pair went deeper into the woods.


    ¡°What will you command me to do if you win?¡± She asked giving Grey a peculiar smile.


    Grey had forgotten about that, he just wanted to win. ¡°I don¡¯t know yet.¡± He said unsure.


    Well maybe eat her flesh¡­


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t be a bore. I am sure it¡¯s something dirty, isn¡¯t it? And I am okay with that.¡±


    Why would he do that to her? This woman, like most of them, made no sense.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you ask what I have in mind?¡± She probed seemingly indifferent Grey.


    ¡°Incoming!¡± He braced pushing the woman to the side.


    A massive bovine creature came charging out of the trees. It pointed the four sharp horns directly at Grey. Grey knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to dodge in time so instead, he jumped up in the air and used the monster''s head as a stepping stone to leap over it. It was a splendid show of acrobatics one would not expect from someone as bulky as Grey. He landed on the ground gracefully, well as graceful as a half-a-ton man could be.


    The bovine monster stopped its charge to turn around. Grey didn''t idle and poked the monster¡¯s side with Fang Spear. The weapon remained stuck and as the beast twisted it pulled the spear out of Grey''s hand. Their eyes met and Grey slugged the beast right in the nose, and then again. Blow after blow came to stun the beast. It has even collapsed on its front legs unable to weather the pummeling.


    Some help would have made it quicker, but it never came. So while the beast was still stunned Grey bit and ripped at its throat. The pained beast stood up and tried to throw Grey away. The bovine titan managed to lift Grey in the air, but he held firmly on to its head. He reached into the neck hole he had made with his teeth, clawed at it and jumped away ripping a collection of blood vessels. They were thick like ropes. The fountain of blood followed. The monster tried to flee, but didn''t manage far, and collapsed promptly.


    ¡°Okay¡­ that was kinda impressive.¡± The idle spectator finally spoke.


    ¡°One: One.¡± Grey was keeping the score. Surely, this was worth as much as a pack of wolves.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s a tie. And somehow I think we should head back, or at least back to the border. Something like that is out of my league.¡±


    It was Grey¡¯s turn to laugh. ¡°We aren¡¯t ending this in a tie.¡±


    ¡°¡­And I¡¯m not very keen on going in deeper.¡± She seemed anxious for a moment. ¡°But you are right, we aren¡¯t ending this in a tie. Let¡¯s play a game.¡± She started running. ¡°Catch me before I reach the meadows. If you catch me - you win, if I escape - I do.¡±


    One way or the other Grey had to catch her before she left the forest. To win of course, and to eat her.


    She was quite quick considering her species. Being an endurance runner he had a hard time catching up. Yet despite her capacity for speed she never fully left his sight, as if to tease him.


    ¡°Ups!¡± There was a shout accompanied by a giggle.


    A cloth she had used to wrap her breasts was laying discarded on the mossy floor.


    Grey ran past it thinking about how the heck did she even manage to lose it.


    ¡°You better catch me soon!¡±


    He will, it was only a matter of time. Predictably, the hyena woman began to tire and slow down. The distance between the two closed and Grey leapt at her pushing her half-nude body down. The landing was rough, but the thick moss cushioned it.


    The woman launched into a burst of short giggles. She sounded excited and the smells she was emitting were odd in composition. Well, it wasn¡¯t the usual scent of terror and helplessness Grey was used to, hence the perception of an oddity. This was understandable since he never made his intentions clear. He will correct that soon.


    ¡°Ups, you caught me.¡± Yena turned around to lie on her back. ¡°I guess I am at your mercy. Do with me what you want.¡± She told it suggestively her voice sweet.


    ¡°Oh, I will. I will eat you.¡± Grey grabbed her by the neck to keep her from trying to escape.


    She didn¡¯t even try just giggled. ¡°Yes! I love it rough!¡±


    The air was made heavy by the chemistry the deluded woman was releasing. The deviant won¡¯t be liking this for long! Grey grabbed her big and perfectly round breast and squeezed it in with his fingers, deforming it with plenty of force.


    ¡°Ahh!¡± she only moaned at the pain.


    Grey licked at her neck, tasting her flavour. She was like an animal in heat, the taste was both sweet and salty, with some sourness in it, and it was unfamiliar but welcome; a different spice from the usual fear he knew so well. He was open to a change in the palate, of course. Ever since he came here there were so many new things he had experienced. The tongue explored the taste eagerly.


    ¡°Ahh! Give it to me.¡± She begged.


    ¡°I will give you¡­ only pain.¡± He teased.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ I will take it. I love it big!¡±


    She seemed to be in a self-induced trance. Her arms caressed his own. Grey licked at her perked-up nipples, savouring the sensation, listening to the sounds she was making between his choking grasp.


    ¡°Do me. I can wait no longer!¡± She squeaked through the choke-hold.


    Her reactions were amusing and he liked teasing her. He¡¯ll play with her more and then finally eat her.


    A certain something brushed at Grey¡¯s thigh. It was hard and unpleasant. A concealed weapon? He looked down, there was a tent pitched at her loincloth. Something was there.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Grey ripped the cloth exposing the Intimate parts which were there. ¡°No!¡± He leered backwards. ¡°How?¡± He never was this confused and lost before.


    And what parts they were. Despite the undeniably feminine smell, despite her perfectly round breasts, despite everything. There was an erect penis between her legs!


    Grey¡¯s vision spun and he wanted to vomit. What sin has he committed? He backed away from what he assumed to be an abomination to get him.


    ¡°Hey, no need to be intimidated. I am just excited. Your¡¯s leagues bigger I bet, so what does it matter?¡±


    A female with a dick! A thing he wouldn¡¯t even conceive in his worst nightmare. Grey grabbed his weapon and ran. Ran away from the abomination and the image that still haunted his mind like a curse.


    ¡°Hey!¡± She shouted.


    Grey ran, he ran as he had never run before. The nightmare was pursuing him, but this time by the sheer power of will he was faster. He didn¡¯t turn around to check, he didn¡¯t stop for a breather, he sprinted all the way back to the city. The gate guards met him with alarmed looks.


    ¡°What? What is it?¡±


    ¡°A monster! An abomination!¡± Grey pushed past the guards forcefully and continued running.


    Grey couldn¡¯t see but the men turned pale. Their imaginations ran wild, just how awful of a monster it must be to scare shitless as big a man as Grey was. They grasped their weapons tighter and braced for this abomination.


    ¡°I hate monster incursion!¡±


    ¡°This job sucks!¡±


    ¡°I think I will quit.¡±


    Various complaints rang out.

 Chapter 8: You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It

    Only the moonlight illuminated the room in which Grey was staying, still, it was enough for him to see. The gentle shades of muted colours calmed his mind. However, he was anything but calm. The cursed image clung to his mind and he kept reliving the nightmare inside his head. The which has cast a curse upon him, she must have.


    Grey clutched his head with both hands, willing the phantom of a cursed penis to leave his head. It worked, but he knew that if he didn''t find a distraction it will be back again. He cursed the witch twice, for meeting her/him and for making him this way.


    Anyway, he couldn¡¯t sleep so he looked around the room for anything he could distract himself. There was a chest brim filled with coins. No, once there was one, but now it was two. The coins have multiplied themselves somehow. It wasn¡¯t Grey¡¯s doing. It was the she-elf who loved to play with these shiny things, she must have stolen more.


    Grey rolled a golden coin between his fingers, playing with it as the she-devil would. But unlike her, he didn¡¯t find pleasure in the act. He tossed the coin to the wall in contempt. Then, he opened another chest, this one filled with jewellery. He had never worn jewellery before so he wondered what was the appeal. Grey tried a few pretty pieces but none of them fit him, the trinkets were clearly made for a woman. He sighed, the distractions were shortlived.


    These were the things half-elf liked. But what did he like? What was his passion? He wondered to himself for a moment. He liked hunting, he liked tasting new things and that was about it. Well, he did try to wander the streets seeking interesting prey, but either nothing caught his eye or he was just too distracted. So he didn''t feel like pursuing an empty goal yet again. He felt disheartened and unmotivated, an alien feeling of melancholy.


    He took a deep breath in, held it for a couple of seconds and let it out. The action was soothing, yet he kept pacing around the large room, unable to relax and catch a so much-needed shuteye. The inside of his nostrils tingled. It was a tiny prick rousing his mind. There was a smell. The smell he had almost gotten used to. Actually, it was the lack of it. Grey smiled in a big toothy grin.


    The poison had left the elf¡¯s body. The dessert was back on the menu! Grey opened the door leading to a smaller room. It started as a large closet but on the she-devil''s whim was converted to her sleeping champers and a place she could get some privacy. There in the tiny room, on a tiny bed, was sleeping the petite elf. Her long blonde hair was sprawled all across the bed just like the woman herself. A thin blanket covered her body halfway through, and in her even thinner nightgown, she seemed so peaceful. So delicious. A perfect midnight snack.


    Grey approached close to her and took a big breath of air in. The smell was ripe with magic, a mouthwatering scent. He smelled her neck greedily, savouring every second of it. The elf remained oblivious, peacefully taking her breaths, so he removed the blanket to eye his desert. The presentation of the food was almost as important as the food itself. He eyed the elf, judging her form. It seems she has lost some weight, there was barely any fat on her body. Yet still, she was an eye candy to behold. The silken nightgown hugged her petite figure tightly leaving very little to the imagination.


    Deprived of the blanked and exposed to the cool air the elf moved to a curl. Still unaware of the monstrous danger looming over her. Grey continued to ogle her as a predator would. Her tiny nipples perked up from the cold. They were asking Grey to feel them up. And he will, using hands while eating made the food so much tastier.


    A fat drop of saliva splashed on the elf¡¯s neck. Grey was drooling like a dog. The half-elf opened her eyes and she almost jumped from being startled. Almost -¨C because she couldn''t. Grey grabbed her by the neck to hold her down.


    ¡°What?!¡± She yelped still surprised.


    ¡°Finally, I get to eat you.¡± He whispered into her ear while his other hand coped a feel on her chest.


    ¡°No! We had a deal!¡± she protested trying to kick him off.


    ¡°What deal?¡±


    ¡°No don¡¯t need to do this. I have almost had another one ready for you.¡±


    Grey shrugged. ¡°A bird in a hand is worth two in a bush.¡±


    His tongue tasted her neck making it slick with saliva.


    She grimaced while struggling ¡°That¡¯s not true! Think about it.¡±


    Grey ignored the she-devil. This time she will not trick him. He was done playing her games. Instead, he ripped the luxury garment standing between him and his meal. The moonlight beam coming from a tiny window made her skin look even more pale-white than usual. Or was it the fear?


    ¡°Stop!¡± She begged.


    The she-elf crossed her legs shut hiding her private parts. At least she wasn¡¯t trying to kick at him.


    ¡°Are you ashamed?¡± Grey wanted to laugh, there were bigger things for her to worry about.


    He tried to get on top of the bed to get a better hold of the struggling meal. The tiny bed broke of course and the two hit the floor with a thump. Grey slumped on top of the elf almost crushing her.


    ¡°Ups.¡± He pulled himself up using both of his hands.


    That was the mistake. The elf scurried away from under him. Grey managed to grab her by the ankle before she could jump into the sprint. He pulled making the woman slam to the ground. ¡°Where are you going?¡± He pulled closer.


    ¡°Do not eat me! I promise I will fetch you mages. Many mages¡­¡± She spoke out trying to reason.


    ¡°A deception.¡± Grey reasoned.


    He pressed her back down so she could not flee and tasted her delicious bottom. Every part of her tasted good even the anus. A real connoisseur ate every part of the animal.


    ¡°Ah! What are you doing?¡± She yelped sounding startled.


    No reply was needed. It was obvious, he was just tasting his food. The elf squirmed while Grey made a good effort to enjoy every inch of it.


    ¡°No¡­ Stop, stop. You can¡¯t!¡±


    She was begging and Grey responded to that with more vigour. Finding pleasure in her torment. He turned her around and pulled her legs apart. She looked at him with horror in her eyes.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Her voise tiny and meek.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Grey smiled at the reaction. Finally, he will get back at her for his ruined dinner from before at the stable.


    This was exactly what he needed to lift the witch curse. He opened his mouth wide and stretched his tongue long. The face the elf was making was a piece of art. The perfect blend of overflowing emotions. Grey burned the image into his mind and sunk his tongue between her legs.


    ¡°Ahh!¡± The elf gasped.


    And how splendid did she sound, how sweet did she taste, how pleasant did she feel in his hands. The dessert was of the highest quality. He should have eaten the first time he had the chance. The devious she-devil was reduced to a trembling mess, bound to suffer his might.


    With each stroke of the tongue, she tasted more delicious. Grey didn''t want to stop. He wanted more. He was ready and roaring for the bite. For that rare and rich blood of an elf. No, only a half-elf, yet despite that, she proved to be on an higher scale of flavour.


    Grey pulled his tongue out and licked his sticky chin. He didn¡¯t want to dilute the taste of precious blood with other fluids. He opened his maw ready for the bite.


    ¡°I¡­ I have¡­ saved your life.¡± The half-elf voiced between the gasps of air. ¡°So stop¡­¡± There was a particular fear in her voice. The fear of the unknown.


    Grey picked up on that odd note. It was supposed to be only the fear of death yet this was not it. It wasn¡¯t just terror. Why? Because of this small conundrum, or because of that she said. Grey froze for a moment with his mouth still agape.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°I have saved your life.¡± The elf repeated. ¡°I will watch your back then no one will.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Grey protested. He was feeling that she was trying to weasel him again.


    ¡°I will give you women. I will give you mages. Whatever you want. I¡¯ll do what no one else would.¡±


    He knew it, he knew what the she-devil was doing. Yet still, she had his attention.


    ¡°And¡­ if you want you can have me. I am yours to own.¡±


    Grey sighted. If he really wanted to eat her, he would have done so. He was self-aware of his hesitation but not of what it meant. He liked her taste, he wanted to eat her, but he wanted to continue having her too. She did save him, after all.


    ¡°I can¡¯t have my cake and eat it.¡± Grey repeated a pearl of ancient wisdom.


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t! You can¡¯t just kill me. Think bigger!¡±


    Grey closed his eyes. He wanted to eat the damned elf but he gathered the willpower he had; all of it.


    ¡°I will not eat you then. But you need to take an oath to me.¡±


    ¡°Anything.¡±


    ¡°Swear to be mine and mine alone.¡±


    ¡°I am yours and yours alone.¡±


    ¡°Swear to never betray me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll never betray you.¡±


    ¡°To serve me forever.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll serve you forever.¡±


    ¡°And if you fail you will pay the price in blood.¡±


    She swore. Grey nodded approvingly.


    ¡°Then, hurry up and get me mage¡¯s blood or offer yours.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already on it!¡±


    He stood up giving the elf her personal space back. She let a sigh of relief she didn''t know she was holding in.


    ¡°Oh, and never ever drink a mana potion!¡± Grey threatened recalling the foul smell.


    ¡°Yes, yes of course.¡± Elf agreed while looking puzzled.


    And so he left. The stomach was rumbling, but the phallus-witch curse was lifted. Instead, the delicious visage of the naked elf dessert was embedded in his mind.


    The elf, finally left alone, collapsed into a fetal position. A stream of tears rolled down her tormented face. Her eyes were big but empty and devoid of will. Her body was still shivering and refusing to listen to her commands. The sensation of touch still lingered at the places where he had violated.


    ¡°I have sold my soul¡­¡± She whispered to herself. ¡°For my life. I must live. I will¡­¡± The glimmer of will returned to her eyes.


    ¡­


    After the so much-needed downtime, Grey was once again roaming the streets looking for that perfect prey. That would be it, but he sensed that he was being followed. The gang of beastkin were giving him sideways glances while pretending to be on their business. Grey was getting tired of their games so he turned a corner into a more quiet alleyway.


    ¡°Oi!¡± Someone shouted from behind him.


    Grey turned to face the fools. There were six of them. All men, all beastkin.


    ¡°It¡¯s over for you.¡± Grey smiled at the men.


    They began to laugh. All six readied their weapons, maces and clubs seemed to be their favourite. Grey hated blunt weapons, they were quite effective against his natural armour.


    The tallest thug waved his rusty mace at the Grey speaking ¡°You¡¯re an arrogant bastard. We will teach you a lesson.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, this is our turf.¡± The lackey added in.


    ¡°If you want a fight you will get one.¡±


    The brawl was not on his schedule today so he didn''t bring his spear. This would have been a good practice. Grey readied his fists. ¡°Come on you mutts!¡± He taunted.


    The fools didn''t bother to surround him and charged head-on. The alley was quite narrow so it was only 3 against 1. Grey waited for the trio to get close enough, and once they were he stepped forward using his powerful leg muscles to build momentum and punched the closest one.


    A sickening crunch of broken ribs filled the air followed by the thump of a body. The beastkin wheezed struggling to breathe. A blow came to Grey¡¯s side, it was quite painful but he weathered it. The other one was only a glancing blow. Grey roared and managed to grab the thug''s mace rod as he was swinging, shouldering another blow to the side. Another beastkin was already rushing to replace the other one on the floor, the one choking on his blood.


    There was no time to waste. The fool clung to his weapon so Grey kicked the man in the groin. The kick was powerful enough to lift the thug out of his feet. The grip on his weapon became loose and Grey used borrowed mace to swing at the one bashing his side. The clumsy buffoon didn''t dodge in time, the mace hit true bashing his skull open.


    They weren''t at it for even a minute and he managed to take three of them down. The fourth one who was coming to the aid had slowed down in hesitation. Grey used that chance to throw the mace right at the thug. Since the thug was already cautious of the Grey he managed to dodge it. But even then, the mace hit the man behind him on the shoulder.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± nimrod swore while rubbing the sore spot.


    It still was three against one, but Grey had proven his point. He was better than these wannabe thugs.


    ¡°What are you waiting for.¡± Grey taunted.


    The three still standing didn¡¯t seem to want to approach him anymore.


    ¡°Scared to die? Then don¡¯t come at me.¡±


    ¡°We will get you next time!¡± Their leader shouted a warning.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    Grey was distracting them by talking while he was taking a stance. His tendons were wound and muscles tight and then he released the power built in his legs to a fast lunge.


    Once again they were caught unaware. Grey wasn¡¯t very good at jumping, but he was good enough to reach the closest man. He clawed at the thug''s head with his claws slashing the face, no, the blow was powerful enough to rip it off. A piercing horrible scream filled the alley and the other two launched themselves into a sprint. They were quick and once out of the alley one turned right and the other left.


    Grey, of course, wasn¡¯t letting the rude people escape him. He started running after their leader. The man wasn¡¯t that fast so it took only a moment to catch up. He slugged the thug from behind hitting him on the head. It blow was hard enough to knock him to the ground. So he had him, but the problem was that they were on the main street and people were watching, curious about what will come next.


    He considered his actions carefully. Killing the man here in the open would bring too much unwanted attention. Actually, there was already too much attention! The idiot was down; knocked out cold. Grey shrugged and left it at that. He went back to the alley, it still was filled with pained cries and sniveling men, he wasn''t here to finish them. Grey sniffed at the air picking the scent. He followed the trail of stench at a brisk pace. He will catch the last one. It would be unfair to the others to just let him go.


    The runaway ran back to his lair. Grey smiled at the inexperience of the man. This was a big mistake. The building was run down and he didn''t even need to enter to smell the reek of booze. He pushed the rotten wooden door open, there wasn¡¯t even a handle on it.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Someone shouted, ¡°This is him!¡±


    There were six more in the building. These weren''t rank-and-file muscular brutes like the ones Grey dispatched. There were two beastkin women, two more beastkin males, and a human.


    Grey eyed the human suspiciously wondering if he was a mage, he reeked of tainted magic. But it was hard to tell if this was because he was near the mages or one himself.


    ¡°What do you want!?¡± The man didn''t sound welcoming.


    Grey gave them a toothy grin. ¡°Why did you send your men after me?¡±


    It was the other beastkin who replied. ¡°You are collecting on our turf what did you think will happen?¡±


    Grey wasn¡¯t collecting anything. Well, maybe only fair delicious maidens for his lunch. He has racked up quite a number. Did they know about him? If so they all had to go before the word spread. Hence, the time for games was over. He took a big breath and concentrated. This will be expensive, but he couldn¡¯t risk any more runaways.


    The eyes on the man bulged out ¡°What are you¡­¡±


    A burst of magic filled the room. The brunt of it had hit the human. Upon impact his clothes scattered clean off his body, followed by his flesh. An invisible force had ripped him open. He didn¡¯t even have the time to scream. Two others standing close were knocked out by the whiplash. Blood trickled off their ears and eyes.


    The two women and the runaway were far enough to stay unscathed.


    ¡°Monster!¡± They shouted accusingly.


    The two women screeched in terror. Grey gave the room another glance. He moved slightly to the side to cover their escape routes.


    ¡°Who else knows about my activities?¡± He roared.


    ¡°What?¡± The beastkin looked at him still dumbfounded.


    ¡°Speak or else.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? You extort the money through that elf. Everyone bloody knows!¡±


    Grey looked at the fool, he was spouting some nonsense.


    ¡°Money?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Yes, you can take everything we have. Not like there is anyone alive to resist you, just spare us.¡±


    ¡°We are sorry!¡± The woman added hurriedly.


    There was some misunderstanding.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want your money. Was this all just about the money?¡±


    The terrified beastkin just looked at Grey dumbly. ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°The elf¡­¡± Grey stopped to think for a moment. ¡°She was collecting money?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± the covering beastkin muttered in hesitation.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Grey put one and two together. ¡°The she-devil!¡± He roared.


    That was how she was multiplying her coins.


    ¡°Ah! Spare us.¡± The beastkin was crying on his knees.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can let you go. Not after what have you seen.¡±


    ¡°We will tell no one.¡± Spoke to the only woman who still had it together.


    ¡°Am I supposed to trust the word of thugs and thieves?¡±


    There was only silence. He had got them.


    ¡°You are too scary to lie to. We will tell no one.¡± The woman repeated while the male nodded vigorously in approval.


    Grey sighted. Then he grabbed the head of the prone man between his palms and squeezed it. The man began to scream in pain while the two women cried in terror. He pressed some more until there was a loud crack, led by a pop. Blood oozed from between his fingers followed by grey matter.


    ¡°You will tell no one.¡± Grey looked at terrified women. They were shivering and wailing in delirium so he roared louder ¡°You will tell no one!¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes!¡± Only one of them replied, the other was too far gone.


    ¡°Look at me.¡± He demanded. ¡°Now you work for me. And in secret! A double agent, a spy.¡±


    She looked and nodded.


    ¡°You are to report back to me of what happens in the streets. You understand.¡±


    A nod.


    ¡°Does your friend understand?¡± He looked at the other woman who mumbled something through tears. ¡°Do I need to kill her?¡±


    ¡°No, she does! I will make sure she does.¡±


    ¡°Good, then I will be on my way.¡±


    Grey sighed again. He felt like he was going soft ever since he came to this city. But this was a good opportunity to get someone extra to provide meals for him. Maybe the pair will prove to be better than the backstabbing she-devil.


    ¡°Wait!¡± The woman interrupted the leaving Grey. ¡°What do I tell others about this?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± There were plenty of witnesses, he had only killed four maybe seven of them, the rest only grievously wounded. ¡°You can tell them It was me, make something up but don¡¯t mention our deal.¡±


    The fools had learned their lesson and will be able to teach others. It wasn¡¯t like Grey attacked unprovoked.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    Grey turned to leave again.


    ¡°Wait!¡± She shouted out. ¡°Where do I find you?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ I find you.¡± He left before she could ask for more.


    The useful tools took initiative and action by themselves, which will be the deciding factor if he eats her or not later.


    The she-devil, however, had some explaining to do!

 Chapter 9: Responsibility Of a True Boss

    Then Grey confronted Aerith about her dishonest practice, he could see the blood draining from her face. It was quite enjoyable. However, her ¡®betrayal¡¯ turned out to be just a misunderstanding.


    ¡°What else do I need to know?¡±


    ¡°To put it simply I had made you into a crime boss.¡±


    ¡°Why would you do that?¡±


    ¡°Why not? The death of Lionheart left quite a power vacuum, someone would have filled it eventually.¡±


    ¡°So now everyone knows me like some sort of a thug?¡±


    ¡°No, not a thug! You are so much more. And it¡¯s not everyone. Normal people have no clue of who you are. It¡¯s just the underworld.¡±


    Grey somehow doubted that. The people were already giving him a wide berth on the streets. It was getting in a way of his hunting trips since people were wary of his presence. That explained some things.


    ¡°Look, we need this. We need the clout to lure certain people to us.¡±


    ¡°Like mages?¡±


    ¡°Yes, like mages. My operations need money and information. Now we have it. I am sorry I have kept you in the dark.¡±


    ¡°I am still thinking of killing you, you weasel. I don¡¯t like the way you do things.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ But I provide the results, is that not important? You keep urging me, so I had to think out of the box.¡±


    ¡°Box? Why would you¡­ Never mind. So where are the results? Where is my dinner? It has been days¡± and there was the issue of his mana core being emptier due to certain rash actions.


    ¡°I am on it. I have the target, it¡¯s just luring her to us.¡± She sighed ¡°If only you didn''t smash the mana potions. Those are like honey to the bees, the bees of course are the mages.¡±


    ¡°More like shit to flies. Accursed things! Keep my mages away from potions. You will poison my food!¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ is that so?¡± She pondered for a moment.


    ¡°If you have the mage let''s just go to her. Do you know where she lives?¡±


    ¡°Well, yes but you can''t just nab her in a broad daylight or invade her house at the night.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can and yes I will.¡± This was only natural to a hunter. Smoking prey out of their lair was a common practice.


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t. You will have half the city''s peacekeepers on your ass. Also, you forget she is a human and furthermore a mage. We have to be discreet. Untraceable even.¡±


    ¡°Why it¡¯s never easy with you?¡± Grey complained.


    ¡°I will lure her right to us, just give me time.¡±


    Excuses, excuses and more excuses. Grey was growing tired of them so instead, he decided to visit the Guild. Maybe he will get lucky.


    The Guild didn¡¯t change, the people didn''t change. He had recognised quite a few routine visitors. There were mages but the damn harlots were in parties. In all actuality, it made sense, since mages were rare they were a hot commodity. It was unlikely he will find a lone operator. So instead he turned to the notice board looking at the extermination quests. He always could eat a big monster to top up his mana. Unfortunately, they weren¡¯t that tasty.


    His back tingled unpleasantly, someone was watching him. He turned back to look. The blood drained from his face. It was the penis-woman, she still smelled like a female but he now knew it was a trap. He frowned at the memory wondering if she was trying to put her curse back on him. Their eyes met, and the witch scoffed and turned her gaze away.


    Grey breathed out in relief. That was it. Sometimes, uneventful events were welcome.


    ¡°Looking to exterminate monsters?¡± A feminine but stoic voice asked.


    It has almost startled Grey, somehow she had sneaked up on him. She was a blonde bodyguard woman he had met then dealing with the runt the other day. Grey looked around, she seemed to be unaccompanied, and even better the redhead runt was nowhere to be smelt.


    Ho, ho, the luck was back on his side.


    ¡°Yes, would you like to join me?¡± He asked hopefully.


    ¡°No, the opposite. I would like you to join me.¡±


    Grey tilted his head.


    ¡°Only for a talk, we have a proposal you might be interested in.¡±


    Grey looked around again sniffing the air. Who was ¡®we¡¯ she was talking about?


    They sat at a nearby table.


    ¡°As you might have heard there is trouble brewing. Monster incursion, bandits, random deaths in the city, missing mages all sorts of things.¡±


    Grey put on a mock shocked expression. He was guilty only for the latter two, maybe three.


    She continued. ¡°The things are bad, especially in the beastkin part of the city, the slums.¡±


    Grey nodded in agreement fully aware that he wasn''t making things better there.


    ¡°As per the agreement the peacekeepers look after the humans and the city, leaving the beastkin to deal with their problems on their own¡­¡± She paused meaningfully. ¡°So there are¡­¡± she paused again ¡°Talks. Between the nobles that this should change.¡±


    What the fuck was she talking about? Grey was clueless about where she was getting to.


    ¡°Keep it simple for me.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t going to. ¡°We need someone to take charge in the beastkin neighbourhood, to act as a peacekeeper. ¡±


    ¡°Who is we?¡±


    ¡°The city, the nobles. But for your case Elri''s father Von Bratwurst. He thinks you¡¯re a suitable candidate.¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he inquired about you after you saved his daughter. This is a big opportunity for you.¡±


    ¡°But wouldn''t this mean that I would just be his lackey in the beastkin parts of the city?¡±


    ¡°Lackey? No! You would be able to act independently and you would get paid handsomely.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, money is not my primary motivator.¡±


    ¡°I know. There are many other benefits: like power, authority, and status. To name a few. This also would open the doors to many other places where normally average beastkin wouldn¡¯t be allowed. But that is if you prove yourself first.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Grey tough for a moment.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t looking to bind you. You will still have plenty of time to do the quest for The Guild or whatever business you have. They just want you to do them a favour or two now and then.¡±


    So a lackey, but this definitely had some privileges. In the light of him allegedly being a crime boss, this could serve as some countermeasure. He could pretend to be the peacekeeper while being quite the opposite. Wouldn¡¯t that be quite ironic? He began to warm up to the idea.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°Really?¡± She seemed surprised.


    ¡°Yes. Why the surprise?¡± He wondered if she saw past him.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that not many people want to do the dirty work. Keeping the peace, exterminating monsters, and generally protecting the weak are all the jobs people shun nowadays.¡±


    Grey shrugged having no reply to that.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your badge. A symbol of your authority. Of course, valid only in the slums and surrounding areas, don¡¯t go trying to supersede human guards in the market.¡±


    ¡°So what is my job again?¡±


    ¡°Let me brief you.¡±


    In essence, he was a glorified city guard. Not even allowed to police city proper. The nobles needed a puppet to play their games in the slums. That was not quite it, he would also be called on a quest he wouldn''t be able to refuse, like breaking up the riot or stemming the monster incursion. All of this, of course, was handsomely paid with various bonuses based on performance. Grey just wanted to see if this will lead him to more feeding opportunities or not, after all, he was free to quit if he didn''t like the job.


    ¡°So, do you want to go to exterminate some monsters?¡± Grey asked the blonde woman.


    ¡°Eh? That¡¯s not the job for me. I rather guard noble brats; easier and pays better.¡± Simply put she didn¡¯t like to get her hands dirty.


    If only she went out with him for a monster hunt or two. His stomach rumbled.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Grey left the table disappointed.


    He had wasted enough time here so instead he decided to test his luck in the forest. Maybe he will find a good nibble to satiate his hunger.


    ¡­


    Grey could see why there were so few lone hunters like him. The monster invasion was truly now and here. The monsters grew bold and relentless. The deeper he went the meaner they had gotten. This was good practice for his spear skill, but still, this has become quite dangerous even for him.


    He looked at the scattered corpses littering the forest floor. It was a shame he didn¡¯t know how or what to harvest for profit. The only thing he knew of value, their cores, he had eaten. The rest he had left to be reclaimed by other monsters.


    Grey wasn¡¯t crazy about making the money, but it felt like a huge waste. Of course, he took the noted trophies mentioned on the notice board so he could at least claim the extermination reward. However, there were pelts he didn¡¯t know how to skin, and alchemical parts he didn¡¯t know how to harvest.


    Maybe, forming a party was the right idea after all. The problem was, he really didn¡¯t trust the people, or himself not to eat them once he got hungry.


    Deciding that he had enough, Grey casually strolled the forest back to the city.


    The nearby bushes rustled and he raised his spear. More monsters?


    A green man-thing jumped out from the bush wielding a spear of his own. He was followed by many others, equally feral and tribal looking.


    Grey hasn¡¯t seen one before but he had a good guess. ¡°Orks!¡±


    The tribals surrounded him, poking their crudely crafted bone spears threateningly. Grey wasn¡¯t going to put up with this. He jabbed at the random ork, almost skewering him but the brute jumped back in time. Seeing that he meant business the foes retaliated. The spears prickled him from all sides.


    Grey roared taking the hits and lunging at the closest ork. This time he had skewered the bastard right through. His wounds hurt, but they were only minor. All thanks for his tough skin and scales. However, as minor they were, he couldn¡¯t let himself to accumulate more.


    The fight was brutal, there was no skill or elegance to it. The orks prodded seeking a soft spot and Grey fought back with jabs of his own. The only difference was that the orks were squishier targets than him. The outcome of the battle was already clear.


    It was almost endearing how relentless the orks were despite the death surrounding them. And with the final strike, he had pierced the chest of the last ork. They fought to the last man ¨C all dead.


    Grey looked at their fallen bodies. He wondered how the ork flesh and blood tasted. These were all males and normally he wouldn¡¯t eat a male, it was a no-bueno for him. But due to hunger and curiosity, he was willing to make an exception this time.


    He cut a fat peace from the cheek of the tastiest looking and placed the bloodied flesh in his maw. He chewed the chunk rolling the pieces in his mouth. Like one would expect it didn¡¯t taste good, males didn''t taste good in general, there was something in their blood that ruined their flesh. Whatever it was, the orks had that in abundance. Grey spat it in disgust. It wasn''t that bad, subpar only, but why push the morsel down when the whole city was full of snacks ready to be taken?


    So he limped back towards the city. In reality, he did get quite injured, but that wasn¡¯t anything that a good meal wouldn¡¯t be able to reverse.


    ¡­


    Refreshed and back in his lair, or better known as the inn to normal people, he had found the she-devil plotting one thing or the other again. She was standing proudly over a gagged and bound human woman. The captive was in a rough shape, her clothes ripped, her body battered and bruised.


    Grey frowned. ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°Your meal.¡± She announced proudly.


    But it didn¡¯t smell like a mage.


    ¡°She¡¯s no mage. What have you brought me?¡±


    ¡°Amm¡­ An appetiser? To fill you up while you wait for the main course.¡± Then she added hurriedly ¡°Which I am still working on.¡±


    Yeah, he had just eaten, he had managed to snatch a snack on his way here and demolish it in the alleyway, and this meal was unappetising. She was already beaten and threatened, and there was no fight left in her eyes. Mages he would eat regardless, but this was just junk food.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want this.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she asked looking shocked ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I have eaten already.¡±


    ¡°You need to stop hunting random people. It¡¯s dangerous. Let me pick your meals so that we don¡¯t go and disappear the people we shouldn¡¯t.¡±


    The junk food hearing the conversation began to wriggle in her bindings like a worm. The fight in her was restored, however, Grey still didn¡¯t feel like eating her, actually, he was angered.


    ¡°Do not lecture me!¡± He roared. ¡°I hunt who I want. I eat what I want.¡±


    This time he knew what the she-devil was planning. He has heard about this, about the women like her. She was trying to tame him through food, bind him to her. No!


    The half-elf noticing his intimidating posture backed off a few steps. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s just¡­ don¡¯t kill any humans. Especially nobles.¡±


    And there was here one already, gagged and bound. So, somehow this one was okay.


    Grey roared at the she-devil''s hypocrisy. A heavy hand sent her flying towards the nearby wall.


    ¡°Get me a real mage and not this trash!¡± He fumed. ¡°I can always eat you, oath-breaker!¡±


    ¡°I haven''t done anything against you, only the opposite! Why don¡¯t you understand?¡± She brushed the blood off her split lip.


    ¡°Is this what I have asked then?¡± He pointed at the squirming captive ¡°No! Try to play me again and I will make you regret it.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I understand. So you don¡¯t want her?¡±


    Grey gave a nasty glare. The she-elf let out a deep sigh of disappointment. She unsheathed one of her hidden daggers and pressed it against the throat of the woman. With a quick motion, the elf slit her throat, leaving the woman to spill the fountain of blood on a conveniently placed cloth. By the looks of it, the half-elf was accustomed to killing.


    ¡°What a waste.¡± She whispered to herself.


    Just before Grey could lay down for a nap the elf approached him. She just stood there looking at him. Didn¡¯t she have better things to do?


    ¡°What?¡± Grey asked.


    ¡°We need to move out. To a better place.¡± She looked at the still-warm corpse ¡°Somewhere more convenient to activities like this.¡±


    This time, Grey had to agree. This was an inn and not a torture dungeon. They were lucky the innkeeper was on their pay and willing to look away. But he was getting greedy, asking for more money.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. You know a place?¡±


    ¡°I have one in mind. But that will be expensive.¡±


    Grey looked at two chests full of coins. ¡°It¡¯s not like we don¡¯t have money.¡±


    The elf moved to block his gaze ¡°What I am asking is to use your name to raise a steady income so we can maintain future operations.¡±


    That sounded very technical of her, Grey narrowed his eyes. ¡°This will send people after me again.¡±


    ¡°No, not necessarily. Believe me, this time I will handle it.¡±


    ¡°And if you don''t?¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    Grey yawned, the exercise had tired him and either way the she-devil will do what she wants anyway.


    ¡°Go ahead then.¡± He felt that he wrangled the deviling half-elf enough today already.

 Chapter 10: Whos The PREY and Whos The PREDATOR?

    Grey didn¡¯t expect his first peacekeeping assignment to come so soon. He also didn''t expect to get the messenger so soon. They knew where he lived! That meant he indeed needed to change his lair. At least to the one which is better fortified and has an escape route.


    He summarised, that the assignment was only a test to see if he was of any use to the human nobles. And he will play their games for now. The request was simple, to collect the money from a certain establishment. They said it is a tax, but it felt more like extortion. The better part of it was that Grey will get a cut for his trouble; so yes - extortion.


    However, the nature of the said establishment was quite dubious. The business was housed in a place known as a House of Pleasure, Grey wondered what sort of goods were they selling.


    To waste no time he left his place early,  he didn¡¯t know the exact location but he could always ask for directions. The odd thing was the looks people gave him when he asked for the place, but in no time at all, he was able to find the place.


    Surprisingly the house was not a house but a whole mansion and it stood out like a sore thumb here in the middle of the slums. Also, it was painted in hot pink, how bizarre!


    He went in through the doors which were invitingly left open even at the early hour. And at that right moment, he was assaulted by an overwhelming mixture of strong smells. Why he couldn¡¯t smell the sweet waft when he was outside was a mystery.


    It reeked of burning incense, oily perfumes and a very distinct smell a female in heat would produce. The latter was overwhelmingly strong. Worst of all, the air was heavy with magic.


    ¡°A house of mages!¡± He concluded.


    It all made sense, the bunch were known to be rich and live extravagant lives. But why the slums? Yet still, indeed, this was an establishment for business. There was a vacant reception desk surrounded by couches to sit on while one waited.


    Maybe Grey was a tad bit too early. He was wary of the mages and to intrude would be unwise so he sat down on one of the expensive-looking seats. The furniture distorted under his weight making a squeak, but it held; it was a well-crafted item.


    Someone peeked out from under a curtain behind the reception desk. Grey looked at the figure. She had two big curved horns on her head and her skin was the shade of fire-hot red. She was a type of a beastkin, perhaps. Grey looked at the receptionist confused. The confusion was from that she was definitely a mage, and as far as he knew beastkin people were incapable of conventional magic.


    ¡°Oh, an early customer. Welcome!¡±


    Grey approached the curious creature to get a better look. She was well endowed and slim, a slick tail was attached to her plump bottom. She wore little clothing, and the few pieces she did were skin-tight. The woman radiated all that is to do with femininity but Grey saw past that. She wasn¡¯t all just show, she had strong thigh muscles capable of a powerful kick and the nails, even if manicured and painted, were disguised razor-sharp claws. All that and the threat of her being able to cast real magic.


    But even then, she was so much smaller than Grey. He wondered if he just should swallow her up and make a runner. No one would even notice!


    ¡°Like what you see?¡± She twisted her butt letting out a giggle, ¡°Too bad I am not on a menu.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s on the menu?¡± Grey got the bit she was joking, but he still didn¡¯t know what were they selling.


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡± She purred. ¡°Since you¡¯re early all of our girls are free. Do you have any specific requests?¡±


    Did they sell some kind of service?


    ¡°Ah, since you are new let me put you on a show. I guarantee you¡¯ll find someone you fancy.¡± She blinked her right eye and then opened another set of curtains leading to a more spacious room.


    Grey followed slightly nervous. He didn¡¯t like the look that woman was giving him; the look of the predator. It almost felt like being led into a trap. He looked back just in case, bad comes to worst he will be able to make a runner.


    The receptionist clapped with a shout. ¡°Girls!¡±


    And then they came. Women of various heights and shapes. All of the same race as the receptionist and all mages. Grey unconsciously gulped his saliva. There were a whole twelve of them, displaying their delicious bodies and looking beggingly at him. They radiated a deceptive aura of defenceless.


    ¡°Take your pick.¡± She smiled at him.


    ¡°What exactly do they do?¡±


    ¡°For good coin, everything you want.¡± She tapped his money pouch by his thigh making the coins clang.


    ¡°Everything?¡±


    ¡°Everything. Beat them, degrade them, be as rough as you want¡­ Or they can do that to you if that¡¯s what you like.¡±


    Grey looked stunned. Why would mages degrade themselves so just for money? He didn¡¯t believe it for one bit! They were luring him into some sort of deception.


    ¡°Actually, I am here to collect a tax.¡± He defaulted back to business.


    ¡°A what?¡± This time the woman put the confused look not too dissimilar Grey had a moment ago.


    Grey pulled out a paper writ he was given.


    ¡°Fuck me! This is for real, eh?¡± She turned the paper around inspecting it before reading.


    ¡°The bastards are looking for an excuse to shut us down.¡± There was clear anonymity in her voice. ¡°Not that we can afford to give them one. But it says that the sum is to be negotiated.¡± She raised an eyebrow.


    It was written that The City wanted ten per cent plus whatever Grey managed to extort for himself.


    ¡°Who will be enforcing this?¡± She pushed the paper back to Grey.


    ¡°That would be me, I guess¡­¡± He just realised he was put against a whole house of mages.


    The nobles had played him like a fiddle.


    ¡°I see.¡± Unexpectedly the demeanour of the receptionist shifted from hostile to the former pleasant one. ¡°Well, since you are here why don¡¯t you sample a few of our girls? Free of charge, of course.¡±


    They did look delicious, but he couldn¡¯t eat them, could he?


    ¡°No need to be shy, just have a taste. A little poke while I sort the books and the money out. We will pay our dues. They''re all good girls, take one or two. Fuck, you can take all twelve if you like.¡± She laughed and patted him on the back.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Grey brushed off the drool off his chin.


    She told him he can taste them. Maybe, it was okay if he only did that.


    ¡°Take him.¡± She wasn¡¯t negotiating.


    Mage women walked slowly towards him. Their eyes were hungry and filled with desire. The urge to run nagged at the back of his skull. But what sort of a man would he be if he was to lose like this? Well, he couldn¡¯t stand a chance against twelve mages. But he didn¡¯t need to fight either.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°You!¡± He pointed at the random girl. ¡°Just you.¡±


    The others looked bashfully at the one he had picked but it didn¡¯t last and they promptly left for where they came from. The woman he picked, wrapped her hand around his waist, or tried to as he was too tall, and spoke ¡°Let¡¯s go to play.¡±


    He was led to a small room full of puffy cushions and smelling of incense. She made herself comfortable on the cushioned floor and patted the space for Grey to join.


    ¡°You''re a mage. Why do this sort of stuff.¡± The puzzle still bugged Grey.


    ¡°Oh, so you are aware¡­¡± She sounded guilty for a second. ¡°Makes sense that you know, they have sent YOU after all. And aren''t you a bit immune to our charms?¡±


    Were they trying to charm him? Grey tough about it. Well, they did look unusually tasty, and he was not his usual self, maybe that was it.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my question.¡± He pressed further.


    ¡°Do you really need to know?¡± She massaged his muscular arm with her hands and pressed her voluptuous chest on his body.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because I have to.¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes I do.¡± She put her leg over him.


    ¡°Why? Explain.¡± He was curious, She didn¡¯t make sense, her behaviour didn¡¯t make sense.


    The woman sighed. ¡°You must already know.¡±


    Grey gave her an annoyed look and pushed her away. She was getting dangerously close, it was hard to hold his instincts.


    ¡°Okay, okay. I admit we need to feed on men so that we can live, but¡­¡±


    ¡°You feed on humans!?¡± Grey exclaimed out of surprise at the shared trait.


    ¡°Only on their energy. And look, we don¡¯t take too much and we harm no one so what¡¯s the problem?¡±


    Grey didn¡¯t have a problem with that, after all, he was no different.


    ¡°I think you should see for yourself. You know -- have a go. There is really no harm.¡±


    ¡°You do it through magic? Drain the men?¡±


    ¡°Well, yes. But it does feel good!¡± She purred the last word seductively.


    Grey was interested, ¡°Okay cast the spell.¡±


    She looked at him dumbfounded. ¡°This is not how it works, haha.¡±


    ¡°So how does this work?¡±


    ¡°You can''t be serious¡­ you know. Don¡¯t play with me.¡± She unstrapped her tight bra exposing her breasts, they jiggled in happiness to be finally free.


    Grey looked at delicious jelly-filled lumps.


    ¡°We can do it as many times as you want. I¡¯ll hold back but you don¡¯t need to!¡± She leaned in closer.


    She smelled heavenly and Grey had almost ripped her throat here and now. He grabbed her, his teeth only an inch away from her neck.


    ¡°Wow!¡± She reacted in surprise. ¡°Yes please, go hard! Mmm¡­ I¡¯m hard to break.¡± she meowed at him.


    Grey grabbed her breasts and fondled them violently. They were soft and squishy and very appetising. His tongue finally tasted the strawberry-coloured skin. She was as sweet as a fruit.


    ¡°Mmm.¡± The horned woman moaned in pleasure.


    He wondered if her magic had already begun. He could feel this fog squeezing at his reasoning, telling him to play with her. And he did just so. Big hands ran through her doll-like figure, caressing her shapes. The tongue licking and probing her soft body.


    ¡°Yes, yes, yes¡­ More.¡± She slid her panties off and then parted her legs exposing a wet hole twitching in anticipation.


    Grey was taken aback for a moment, he had never had his meal this way. He licked at her juices. A sweet-sour sensation tingled his tongue. It was interesting. He could feel magic mixed into that viscous honey-like substance.


    ¡°Put it inside. I want it in.¡±


    Grey plunged his tongue into the dripping hole. The lips parted with no resistance. His tongue wriggled like a snake scraping at her inner walls. There was definitely magic at work, his tongue tingled at the sensation. But unlike the blood, his body failed to convert it to mana. Yet still, he felt the urge, the need, to probe deeper to seek the sweet nectar. This was a find of a century, this horned race of females tasted just divine.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± she moaned in a sultry voice. Her body twitched and she shut her tights clamping on Grey¡¯s head. ¡°No¡­ Not like this¡­ I want your dick.¡± She spoke between the spasms pushing Grey¡¯s head away.


    Grey smacked his lips concentrating on the lingering sensation of sour sweetness in his mouth. ¡°My what?¡± He voiced out tilting his head.


    ¡°Your dick! Where is that monster?¡± She patted at Grey¡¯s groin with her foot playfully. ¡°Make it come out already!¡±


    Indeed, it was hidden in a special body pocket.


    ¡°Do you need it for your magic to work?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I need it inside. Now!¡±


    She seemed awfully demanding. Grey would never do such a thing to his meal, it was gross in a way. But he wasn¡¯t going to eat her, after all. The fold hiding his manhood parted and it slowly emerged into the light. She looked at the process in anticipation, the look on her face betrayed just how much she was horny. His manhood came out pulsing and twitching, every time getting bigger and bigger.


    ¡°Amazing, it''s bigger than I thought!¡± She exclaimed pulling both of her legs towards her chest and exposing her own throbbing hole.


    Grey hesitated for a moment. This was not a thing he had done before, not ever, but a tiny voice inside his head urged him to have a go.


    ¡°Come on big boy, no need to worry. This won''t break me.¡±


    Indeed, their body sizes were in stark contrast. And if she was a human there was no way she could take it in. But she wasn¡¯t exactly human or even beastkin, her aura was entirely different.


    Grey positioned the tip of his penis at her dripping-wet entrance. It felt warm and slick. He pushed it in, and surprisingly it slid in quite pleasantly.


    ¡°Ohhh¡­¡± she purred in bliss.


    Her pussy lips parted more and more at the increasing girth of his rod. Halfway in and it looked like she will rip open, a huge bulge was visible on her lower stomach. It was tight, very tight, but she was surprisingly accommodating.


    ¡°More! Stretch me more!¡± She demanded.


    Grey pushed in further until he seemingly reached her limit. But what now? He kept at it he will surely split her in two.


    ¡°Fuck¡­ Fuck, fuck, fuck!¡± She exclaimed between hot breaths looking at her lower body and a massive bulge. Her face betrayed wonderment and surprise.


    Grey wondered too about to why she was not in pain. He loved the flavour of agony then he ate his meals. This was, of course, a totally different experience from his casual meal, but even then his nature commanded him to hurt her. So, he leaned forwards to grab her by the horns and pressed his hot erection to stir her insides with a pumping motion.


    ¡°Ah! Ah! Ah.¡± Her face contorted in response to the assault. Her whole body was twitching intense spasms. Ever her legs she was clawing to were shaking wildly.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Grey smiled at her reaction.


    He pumped her pussy harder. Hot juiced leaked out of it, there was so much of it, that the pillow below her ass became drenched wet.


    The sensation Grey was feeling, was oddly satisfying. This wasn¡¯t anything he had felt before, there was simply no comparison. It just felt good. Her insides squeezed at his dick, massaging it. He could feel magic seeping through his tender flesh. It even reached his mind. The fog clouding his judgement only increased. Grey found himself feeling like a wild animal, hyperfocused on a single thing ¨C fucking that pussy with wild abandon.


    Then, he could feel mana leaving his body. The precious energy stored at his core was draining in pulsating waves. It came in waves of pleasure and was impossible to resist. This was better than hunting or eating, this was the best. At the climax of it he could hold no longer and released his load into her body. With it, the last of his mana drained and he could feel it coursing through her body and collecting into a sphere, just like the one he had ¨C a core.


    Grey gasped both out of pleasure and unlikely revelation: only monsters had cores¡­ yet she had one too.


    He pulled his thing out of her, revealing a cavernously stretched-out hole. His blue spunk leaked out of it in copious amounts. He blinked twice with all four of his eyes. The mind fog cleared at that moment.


    The woman stopped twitching and looked at the results of his relentless pounding in amazement.


    ¡°Why is it blue? And what is this funny feeling.¡± She tensed up her lower muscles squeezing the creamy filling out.


    A thing resembling a tadpole but the size of a pebble leaked out of her entrance still wriggling and trying to swim back inside. She gasped in surprise and looked at Grey questioningly again.


    The tadpole was his seed. Usually, it would be lifeless unless infused with magic; which Grey did unwillingly, or maybe, the woman beneath him was to blame.


    However, he had questions of his own. ¡°You have a core? Are you a monster?¡±


    ¡°Eh?¡± She grabbed the tadpole between her fingers and brought it closer to her face to inspect. ¡°Now, now. Don¡¯t be rude, we both know I am not a monster.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ the core? So what are you?¡±


    She played with the wriggling thing in her palm curiously.


    ¡°A succubus isn¡¯t that obvious?¡±


    Grey never heard of them. Does this mean that she indeed isn¡¯t a form of beastkin? Is she similar to him? There were yet even more questions.


    ¡°What is this?¡± She prodded at the wriggling tadpole.


    Grey felt slightly embarrassed about it. ¡°This is how I reproduce.¡± He stated the obvious.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± She put it in her mouth and swallowed being way too casual about it all.


    Grey winced at the sight. But the loss of the tadpole was not the most disturbing thing; that thing would die on its own anyway.


    ¡°You drained me empty.¡± He said it accusingly.


    ¡°Ah! I lost control, it just felt too good.¡± She purred in her naughty voice again, ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    She didn''t sound so.


    ¡°I demand it back!¡±


    ¡°Why? Didn''t it feel good? To be drained by my hungry honey pot?¡±


    ¡°It did¡± He unwillingly admitted, ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°And weren¡¯t you interested in how our drain magic works? Now you know.¡± She smiled at him adding. ¡°And as you see there is no harm, you are perfectly fine.¡±


    But he wasn''t. His core was drained with no mana left. Grey wondered if he ate her here and now, will he get it back? But the idea of eating her at this point disgusted him, so he fixed his clothes and frowned at her response.


    ¡°Is it possible to learn that magic of yours?¡± He wondered if he could reverse it that way.


    ¡°It¡¯s race-specific so I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    Grey frowned even more, with no curiosity left and mind fog already gone there was just one thing to do- ¨C he stood up to leave.


    ¡°Where are you going? Let¡¯s stay and cuddle my sweet-sweet prince?¡± She jiggled her breasts at him.


    ¡°No!¡± Grey growled cautiously that she will trick him again or cast another weird mind spell.


    He went out to look for that receptionist. After, all he came here with business.

 Chapter 11: Surprise Takeaway

    Grey found himself in an office with two women of importance. There was an already familiar clerk standing by the side of the desk and smiling at Grey knowingly. The other one was sitting behind said desk. Both as Grey now knew were succubi, yet the one behind the desk was slightly different. She was scantily clad like the rest of her kind, proudly displaying her shapely assets, but unlike the others, she had four horns and a pair of wings. The woman radiated the aura of regality and importance.


    ¡°How did you like it? Wonderful wasn¡¯t it?¡± the winged succubus purred at grey in a mewing voice.


    ¡°She drained me empty.¡± Grey complained.


    ¡°Ha, ha. Isn''t, that good?¡±


    ¡°I want my mana back!¡± this was not a laughing matter.


    ¡°Oh, so you are a caster.¡± She bit her finger and nibbled at it playfully. ¡°How interesting.¡±


    Grey glared at the offensive woman.


    The air slowly filled with a sickly sweet scent. A very familiar scent, and also infused with magic which Grey now recognised.


    ¡°Nothing one or two mana potions wouldn¡¯t fix, no?¡± She pulled a vial from one of her drawers.


    Grey lunged reaching out for the accursed item to smash it to bits. At the same time, a familiar fog invaded his mind. However, the same trick will not work twice on him. He resisted the charm this time knowing what this was and slammed the desk with his palm.


    The vial dropped on the floor and the foul liquid spilled out staining the fine shaggy carpet in blue.


    The winged woman gasped. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Grey growled at her rudeness. ¡°Drop the spell!¡±


    ¡°Oh, you can¡­¡± there was an alarming reaction on her face but it lasted only a second.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to. This is only a misunderstanding.¡± She smiled at him mischievously.


    ¡°I want my mana back,¡± Grey repeated with less hostility this time. After all, he was surrounded by powerful mages, it wasn¡¯t good to let the anger get to him.


    ¡°Oh, so you didn¡¯t enjoy my girl? That¡¯s a first.¡± She asked with concern.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± He did like the experience but. ¡°My mana is gone, that¡¯s the issue.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s how it works. You didn''t have to stick your thing in her. No one forced you, no?¡±


    She was pissing him off and just before Grey slammed his fist on her desk again she added. ¡°I was sure you will like my girls. How can I make it up to you - our dear peacekeeper?¡±


    Grey picked up on the irony, he was anything but peaceful now. He took a deep calming breath.


    ¡°Is there a way you can teach me this drain magic?¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha, ha.¡± She laughed heartily until noticing the stern stare. ¡°Wait, you are serious?¡±


    Grey nodded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you have the equipment if you know what I mean? Need to be a female and all that.¡± She looked at him meaningfully and added ¡°Also, magic spells are very valuable, as you obviously know. Moreover, I don¡¯t think our predicament allows me to disclose our closest guarded secrets. I¡¯m sure you understand that.¡± She looked at him in a peculiar look, the look Grey knew too well.


    She was thinking he was an idiot.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Grey nodded again to pretend to agree with her reasoning.


    ¡°That, doesn''t mean that you are closed to some¡­¡± she dragged the last word and then whispered ¡°lesser secrets.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°A lot of people visit this brothel. Important people too. We know how to loosen their tongues. Is the information of any value to you?¡±


    It all depended on the information. ¡°Perhaps.¡±


    She smiled at him. ¡°Also, I remember why you came here, so really, there is no need to try to find an issue with what we do here. Or pretend that you didn¡¯t like the free service you just received so that you can justify yourself fleecing us with a horrid tax bill.¡±


    In all honesty, Grey had forgotten about the very reason he came here. Good thing she reminded him.


    The winged succubus clasped her hands together. ¡°Let''s work together. Even better, let us have a friendly relationship.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean the bloody tax. Can we avoid it?¡±


    That would mean he had failed his first assignment. Grey shook his head. ¡°No.¡±


    The succubus gave him a disappointed look.


    Grey responded quickly ¡°They will get their tax one way or the other. But I do want to work with you.¡± He wanted their magic.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°The only thing I can do now is not to overtax you. Say ten per cent?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you go any lower? We will offer you and your friends free service.¡±


    ¡°No. This is the bare minimum, ten per cent¡± Grey realised that he should have opened with a higher bid. All too late.


    ¡°Ten per cent and throw in your goodwill. Otherwise, I will increase it as I should.¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening us?¡± She raised her eyebrow.


    ¡°No, the opposite. I am being friendly. This is a generous offer. What do you think will happen if you refuse?¡±


    The succubus sighted. ¡°They will have an excuse to run us out of here. I know that and I don¡¯t want trouble. Ten per cent is acceptable.¡±


    ¡°It is better than acceptable.¡± Grey protested. This meant he will lose his cut. ¡°So is this a deal?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a deal.¡± She stretched her arm to shake.


    Grey shook it.


    ¡°Well, where are your records? Let¡¯s see how much you owe the city.¡± Grey needed to get the coins back to the nobles.


    The receptionist gave him a defiant look but nevertheless produced a thick book upon the table. Ten per cent worked out to be a substantial sum of money. It turns out this place was extremely popular. Knowing what sort of service they provided this didn¡¯t surprise Grey. Even he had fallen upon their cursed charms.


    ¡­


    Grey carried two large chests under his armpits. He was right at the Von Bratwurst¡¯s mansion where a large beastkin blocked the gate.


    ¡°State your business.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to deliver these.¡±


    ¡°The Lord isn¡¯t waiting for any deliveries.¡±


    Grey waived his peacekeeper badge at the guard.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°You should have shown this from the start!¡±


    The guard parted his way letting Grey in. There was a large courtyard where a servant met him and ushered him inside the mansion to the guest¡¯s room. There were drinks and food on the table, but neither was to Grey¡¯s refined taste. He tapped the table with his fingers waiting for the noble.


    A luxuriously dressed man entered the room. He was short and plump bordering on obesity, his red hair was neatly trimmed and he carried multiple rings on his fingers.


    ¡°Von¡­¡± Grey tried to remember the name ¡°Von Bratwurst, I have finished my assignment.¡± Grey patted the large chest.


    ¡°Really? That was quick. What is in the chests?¡± He asked the obvious and proceeded to open the lid.


    Naturally, it was filled to the brim with coins. The Lord whistled.


    ¡°Unbelievable! There is just too much. Did you rob them empty?¡±


    ¡°This is exactly what they owe the city, ten per cent.¡±


    ¡°But this¡­ This means they are rich! And how did you convince them to part with such a large sum? I was expecting small instalments throughout the year.¡±


    ¡°I got a lump sum. Is there a problem?¡±


    ¡°No, not at all. I am just thinking maybe we should have taxed them more.¡±


    ¡°Would that really be wise? They are mages, after all.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Are they now?¡± The Lord feigned ignorance. ¡°But you clearly have a way to circumvent their charms.¡±


    ¡°Charms? I am thinking about more destructive spells.¡±


    ¡°Can they even cast those?¡±


    Grey shrugged. ¡°They are powerful mages, I don¡¯t see why not.¡±


    The noble ran his fingers past the shiny coins. ¡°Anyways, well done. You passed with flying colours. Initially, we just wanted to test you. To see how you would deal with the House of Pleasure. I didn¡¯t even expect you to bring a single coin back to me.¡±


    Grey shrugged again.


    ¡°So what did you take for your cut?¡± The Lord asked.


    ¡°I made a deal with them, but I rather keep that private. You have your coins, isn¡¯t that what matters?¡±


    ¡°I am just curious, but as we said before, we will leave you to run this as you see fit. As long as you complete the assignment we don¡¯t care about the details. ¡±


    ¡°Then, I will be on my leave.¡±


    The noble began to count the coins greedily without even glancing at Grey.


    As he was walking in the courtyard a familiar shrimpy mage caught up to him.


    ¡°Hey, Grey!¡±


    Grey looked at the loud and annoying runt then chose to ignore her.


    ¡°Hey, what have you been up to?¡±


    ¡°Shoo.¡± he waved at the annoying girl. She was useless to him since he no longer could eat her.


    ¡°What did my dad want? What was in the chests?¡±


    Grey hurried towards the gates.


    ¡°I know you work for him and it is me who recommended you. No need to thank me!¡± She raised her chin proudly.


    He wasn¡¯t going to thank her anyway.


    ¡°You should join my party, I will make an opening for you.¡± She offered.


    ¡°Do you have mages?¡± Grey asked slightly curious.


    ¡°Besides me, no. But I am all we need.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re missing out. Just think about it, okay?¡±


    Grey nodded just to make her to shut up. He wasn¡¯t in the mood and he was still feeling the frustration of hunger. His core was empty and he needed to find a mage to devour.


    The shrimpy redhead didn¡¯t pursue him further and he was able to return back to his lair. He was under serious consideration of eating the useless elf. Unfortunately, she was appearing less tasty as the days went on. Grey wondered why it was so. There were some obvious reasons such as that she lost a considerable amount of weight and now was looking gaunt and famished. Her hair had lost its lustre and there were often bags under her eyes.


    Grey looked at the elf with sadness, his pristine dessert now spoiled. Sometimes too much suffering did that to his food, it was not unlike oversalting one''s dinner. It was a failure on his part.


    ¡°What?¡± the half-elf questioned Grey noticing the unfamiliar expression on his face.


    ¡°I am hungry.¡± He said defeated.


    ¡°I¡­ I am done setting up the mage.¡±


    ¡°Really? My dinner is finally ready?¡± He brightened up.


    ¡°Yes, but¡­¡±


    There was always something.


    The elf continued. ¡°but it will be at her place. With her party present and all.¡±


    ¡°How many people?¡±


    ¡°Six in total. And unfortunately five humans.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately?¡± Grey asked puzzled because humans were tasty.


    ¡°Remember what I said about killing humans? If we do this the city will investigate and there will likely be a huge investigation. This is very dangerous. Do you still want to do it?¡±


    ¡°I am hungry!¡± Grey didn¡¯t feel like he had many options.


    ¡°Okay then, I will set everything up and we¡¯ll come to their place at dusk.¡±


    Grey groaned at the realisation that he will need to wait all the way right until the dusk. But wait he did and finally the she-devil was there to get him.


    They strolled deeper into the city where the human neighbourhoods were. The building was nothing out of the ordinary, just a boring wooden house.


    ¡°Follow my lead.¡± She whispered to Grey. ¡°Get a read on them and strike then you are ready. I will support you.¡±


    Grey didn¡¯t need her advice but she continued to whisper.


    ¡°Take the mage first, she is their leader and very capable.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Grey just realised something.


    If this was the case he won¡¯t be able to flavour the mage¡¯s blood with the spice of terror and despair.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we incapacitate her first?¡±


    ¡°How? She will be surrounded by her party¡­ If you have an idea you will have to be quick.¡±


    Grey hesitated realising just how many unknowns there was. Normally he would stalk his victim and strike when they were at their weakest, but now he knew nothing about his prey.


    The she-devil had knocked at the door; it was too late to reconsider.


    The door opened and the hand motioned for them to come inside.


    ¡°Hello.¡± A wide smile greeted the two.


    There were only five of them. A robed woman was sitting on a small stool by a desk with two well-built males; cards were scattered on it. There was a lithe woman clothed like a rogue would, in tight leathers. She was the one who just let them in remaining by the doors to watch the Grey¡¯s back with suspicion. The final fifth was a beastkin woman, she was napping on a couch, her bow propped on a wall nearby.


    ¡°Hello.¡± The elf greeted. ¡°Do you have the goods?¡±


    ¡°I do if you have yours.¡± She smiled.


    Grey observed the room, the party didn''t seem overly alert or suspicious; aside from the rogue ogling Grey¡¯s spear. Meanwhile, Aerith put a small chest on the table.


    The mage leaned in and opened the chests.


    ¡°Empty?¡± She looked at the half-elf questioningly.


    The she-devil gave Grey one of her iconic looks. It was now or never.


    The idiots didn¡¯t bother disarming him so he threw his spear piercing the warrior right through his chest and then hurriedly lunged at the mage before she could waste the precious mana on her spells. A prickling pain came from his back but Grey ignored it and slugged the still-confused mage right on her face. The mage collapsed backwards unconscious. A fireball hit the other warrior''s head bursting into a small explosion and setting the nearby furniture on fire. He collapsed dead or unconscious, his head charred black and smouldering. There was swearing coming from behind, likely the rogue.


    The sleeping beauty jumped in alarm from the couch. Grey casually kicked at the nearby bow snapping it in two. The ranger seemed shocked to find herself in the middle of the murder, but she picked her bearings up quickly and unsheathed the dagger. She was of no danger to Grey, he looked at there the rogue once was but she was gone; she did a runner.


    ¡°Go, catch her!¡± He instructed the half-elf.


    She-elf pulled two daggers from under her sleeves and began chasing after the rogue.


    The ranger was staring at Grey with rage on her face but wasn¡¯t making the first move. Her wariness was understandable. Grey touched his aching back, there was a dagger stuck in it. He pulled it out inspecting the light blade. The blood slid off it revealing an unusual shiny metallic surface ¨C mithril.


    ¡°Come.¡± He taunted the ranger waving the dagger at her.


    Obviously, she didn¡¯t do that. Her eyes darted looking for an escape. Her eyes locked upon the nearby window and she jumped towards it. Grey lunged after the rogue and caught her by the leg, barely in time. She screamed for help while stuck halfway out the window. Grey pulled her in. The ranger stabbed her dagger deep into his arm. Grey roared and stabbed his dagger in revenge, right to her ass.


    ¡°Stop screaming.¡± He hit her on the back of her head rendering the beastkin ranger unconscious.


    The fire was picking up and already licking at the wooden ceiling. Grey hurried to retrieve his spear before scooping up his double dinner, one better than the other. Then he decided this to be the high time to leave; right before neighbours had a chance to investigate what was happening.


    Grey ran using the narrow alleys, away from the rising pillar of smoke.


    ¡­


    There he was back in the private inn room with two morsels back in the corner. The half-elf was right, this place was ill-suited for his needs; there were no cages to store his food. He had room only for one meal in his stomach so he had bound and gagged the other snack using the rope.


    The scent of blood tickled his nose and his stomach rumbled begging for food. Grey grabbed the unconscious mage and dragged her to his dining area in the middle of the room. She smelled so good, a mixture of lilac and citrus. Grey licked his lips in anticipation.


    He moved her long raven hair away from her face, It was unfortunate he had done a number on her. The nose was broken and it was covered in rust-tinted blood. Her breathing was heavy and irregular. Grey shook her delicate body trying to rouse her to alertness to no avail; she was out cold.


    The mage stayed limp in his hands, and his stomach growled. Grey sliced her blue robes in half using his clawed finger revealing her pale skin. She wore no undergarments. Her petite breasts moved as she breathed, her mind unaware of what was about to happen.


    Grey tasted her skin on her cleavage. ¡°Delicious.¡± He groaned pleased.


    Her neck was just as tasty.


    The ranger wiggled in the corner, ever so slightly. Grey smiled, their eyes met. The ranger knew something very bad was about to happen; fear filled her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ve bound you tight, there is no escape¡­ Watch and enjoy the sight, ha!¡± He laughed. ¡°You will be next.¡±


    He bit into the neck of the mage. The pain was enough to wake her, she gasped startled but no sound escaped. The magic flowed to her hands, but it was too late. Grey bit harder ripping a fat chunk of meat. Just like that her life was extinguished. He raised her body upside down just so that the torrent of blood could flow directly into his maw. He drank it greedily. The power of mana returned to his body.


    Revelling in the terror of the ranger he began to devour the flesh of the mage. By the time he finished, ranger was reduced to a trembling mess. The smell of her fear was tantalising his desires. Maybe he could find some room for a desert after all.


    The door to the room swung open. Grey moved his head sharply to look at the intruder.


    ¡°We have to go!¡± She-devil frowned at the sight of blood and bones. ¡°But clean up first.¡±


    ¡°Why? Did you get the assassin as I told you so?¡±


    ¡°Yes. We need to hurry, what if you have been seen?¡±


    She had a point. Grey grabbed the ranger under his arm.


    ¡°Wrap her up, we can''t go like this.¡± The elf gave Grey a sheet. ¡°Oh and take the valuables, we are leaving for good.¡±


    ¡°But where?¡±


    ¡°To the hideout, where else.¡±


    He didn¡¯t know they had one. The sneaky she-devil must have prepared one for herself.

 Chapter 12: Where Are The Juicy Bandit Women At?

    Thick clouds of smoke blackened the street.


    ¡°Fire, fire, fire¡± A local boy ran around shouting the obvious.


    There was chaos half the neighbourhood was ablaze. The few mages were casting a rain spell to control the fires, others joined the line passing the water buckets from one man to the other.


    Johna, however, despite the thick smoke and danger was running to the epicentre of the blaze. He was worried sick, a terrible feeling was bugging him. He ran pressing a damp cloth to his face, he was almost there. He looked for the house but there were only charred wood and smouldering debris. It had burned down completely.


    He coughed at the acrid smoke. He knew it was foolish of him to be here. His friends had obviously evacuated and were helping to put the fires somewhere. Yet still, the worry didn¡¯t leave him. He had to be sure. Johna kicked at the burned piece of what once was a rafter, a thing resembling a hand poked out. It was blackened and burnt to a crisp, barely recognisable as a hand. He pulled, revealing the charred corpse of his friend. The world began to spin, and he felt sick. Hurriedly he began to look between the charred remains of the house.


    ¡°Why, why?¡± Various questions invaded his mind. Why didn''t they leave the burning house?


    He found his other friend, also burnt to a crisp. He continued looking in wild abandon.


    ¡°Clarrissa!¡± He kicked the hot coals away. ¡°Clarrissa!¡±


    Something terrible must have happened. Then he remembered that his party were expecting some guests. Johna, however, couldn''t attend, he was looking after his sick mother today. He looked at the remains, Mateo¡¯s armour had a hole in it. He had a hunch of what had happened. Were his other friends alive? Still, chasing the perpetrators?


    He looked for clues but nothing could be found, the fire destroyed it. So he searched the street for a sign of fighting, a sign of blood. And there it was, a dried droplet of crimson, and then another. Foe or friend he didn¡¯t know but regardless he followed the trail.


    The blood trail was not easy to follow and he had to backtrack multiple times. The dim light of the lantern was of little help to dispel the darkness of the night. Regardless, he was confident in his tracking abilities, Clarrissa had taught him well.


    In the end, the trail ended at the inn deep inside the beastkin district.


    ¡°Open up!¡± He banged the door demanding entry.


    He kept at it drawing attention. They will not be able to ignore him for long. Finally, he was let in by an annoyed innkeeper. Johna didn''t even bother interrogating the man, he would lie anyway. Instead, he threatened the innkeeper with a loaded crossbow.


    ¡°Show me your rooms. All of them.¡±


    ¡°Thug! Get out!¡± The innkeeper protested.


    Johna pointed the crossbow right to inn keeper¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯m not here to play games, you understand?¡±


    The man¡¯s face paled. ¡°You won¡¯t get away with this.¡±


    They went from room to room bothering the residents. Anyway, they weren¡¯t sleeping, not after all the noise, Johna had made. The residents, of course, were angered by a hostile man invading their privacy. No one liked to meet a crossbow face first just as they opened the door. The men and women he questioned were either oblivious or too terrified to give honest answers. But in the end, the people here were just that, normal people. He didn¡¯t find the trouble he was looking for.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Johna swore.


    If there were enemies here they would have made a move. Despite that, he kept checking the rooms hoping to find anything or anyone out of place. One room, the largest one here was suspicious. The floorboards were still damp and the air smelled of soap.


    ¡°Why is it so clean?¡±


    ¡°This is my best room. Of course, we clean it regularly.¡± The innkeeper replied flatly.


    ¡°I know you are hiding something!¡±


    ¡°What would I hide?¡±


    Johna sighted. He was sure the blood trail ended here. But whoever it was were long gone. He showed the innkeeper out of the way and dashed outside.


    ¡°I will report you, you bastard!¡± The innkeeper grumbled angrily before letting out a sigh of relief. ¡°Another crazy psycho tried to kill me¡­¡± He stood up fixing his wrinkled sleepwear. ¡°Fuck this! I¡¯m not cut for shit like this.¡± He sighed again.


    ¡­


    With a new day came new challenges, Grey looked again at the poor scribble and sighted. Was this supposed to be a map? It was so bad he couldn''t tell up from the bottom, but then again, he wasn¡¯t good at reading maps. He headed in the rough direction where the bandit camp was supposed to be; a quest he had picked up from the Guild. It was somewhere deep in the forest. It was a bit odd, why did they make a camp so far away from any road? And how about the monsters? A lot of things weren''t adding up.


    Anyways, this wasn¡¯t something he could refuse as a ¡®peacekeeper¡¯. Apparently, quite a few adventurers went missing in this area and only recently a scout reported a wooden camp somewhere nearby. If only that scout was good at drawing maps. Grey crumpled up the ¡®map¡¯ and threw it away. If there were bandits he will stumble upon their tracks sooner or later.


    Grey sniffed the air for scents. If he was lucky there will be a snack or two within the bandit camp. He began to fantasize about the wild bandit woman. Rough and feral, her meat flavoured by the forest bounty, her juices full of zest and vigour only a hard life of wildlands could provide.


    He brushed the dripping saliva from his chin. The area seemed familiar, and there were scents of monsters and something else, then he remembered about the green men he had eaten. It was their smell which was the most powerful in the current fragrance wafting from the forest growth.


    Grey frowned recalling their taste, his dreams about pleasantly chewy bandit women ¨C shattered.


    Anyways, he knew where he was heading and surely enough he found himself peeking out of behind the tree into the clearing. Indeed there was the camp, no, it was an encampment. A wooden palisade surrounded its perimeter, there was even a watchtower. All in all not bad for a bunch of bandits if they were bandits at all.


    Various mixed scents lingered in the air, the dominant one being that of an ork. Grey put one and two together, this was a raid party. Likely attracted by the upcoming monster incursion. They are obviously hoping to invade the city just after it will be weakened by the monsters.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Should I go back and report this?¡± Grey thought about it for a moment. ¡°Nah.¡±


    Instead, he started to sprint towards the encampment. A panicked ork was shouting something. Grey didn¡¯t bother to listen, instead, he smashed his heavy body into the wall. The wood creaked and gave way to a shower of splinters. How did they avoid apex monsters here with such shoddy construction was a mystery.


    Grey threw his spear at the nearest ork, reclaimed it quickly and skewered another green bastard. Orks were still dumbfounded being caught unaware. Grey laughed making quick work of two others. A battle ensued. He fought like a wild beast, pulling no punches. His spear thrusts had grown more precise and with his strength, one jab was enough to kill his opponent.


    Enraged orks charged him one after the other without plan or organisation. They too fought like wild beats. Unfortunately for them, Grey was stronger. In a matter of minutes, he was standing in a pool of blood surrounded by corpses. The enemies still coming to him, surprisingly, were now weaker and smaller in stature. There were even hints of fear and doubt in their eyes.


    ¡°Aww, did I take all you warriors out?¡± He mocked. ¡°Too bad.¡± He killed another wave just as quickly.


    There was only fear now.


    Or so he thought. A green orb of light hit him square in the chest. His flesh began to bubble and melt. Whatever it was ¨C it was painful. Grey gritted his teeth not to scream in pain, unwilling to give his enemy that satisfaction. He looked hurriedly for whoever did this to him.


    Of course, there had to be a magic caster! A shaman was standing behind a gathering of orks with a bone staff in their hands. Grey couldn''t tell if that was a woman or a man behind all the bone accessories and piercings. Another green orb was already forming at the tip of the staff.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t!¡± Grey charged toward the shaman.


    The scrawny orks jumped between the Grey and their shaman, blocking Grey¡¯s path. He was able to smash through the wooden palisade a few ork kids weren¡¯t going to stop him.


    They didn¡¯t need to stop him, only to slow him down as another orb whirled towards Grey.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± He swore hurriedly casting his magic shield.


    The green orb, like water, splattered on the hexagonal magic protection Grey had deployed splashing the nearby orks with the remains of a countered spell. A cacophony of screams filled the camp. The orks grabbed for their faces, chests and arms, clutching their melting flesh.


    Grey scowled at the shaman and the weakness of these orks. The spell was disrupted, at worst the damage they received was only on a surface level, not worse than a bad burn, these orks were overreacting. The shaman was preparing another charge already. Grey kicked at the group crowding him, it was a shame he couldn''t deploy his magic shield and run at the same time. Also, he didn¡¯t want to waste his precious mana, so he threw his trusty spear at the shaman.


    The green orb fizzled out with the wave of the staff and another spell took its place. A gust of wind blew past the shaman knocking the spear off course.


    ¡°Bastard!¡± Grey cursed him.


    He had missed but managed to get closer to the shaman. The few remaining orks were laying on the ground injured or too afraid to get in Grey¡¯s way. He continued his sprint. However, Grey was irked by how quickly this shaman was able to cast his spells. In a matter of seconds, he will be hit by another flesh-melting orb if he does not stop and deploy his shield. He couldn¡¯t allow a battle of attrition to take place. What if the shaman had a mana potion or other trump card?


    ¡°Should I evaporate him with my blast?¡± Grey wondered out loud.


    An orb was already flying towards him. Grey grabbed a nearby laying ork, he was lucky to kick this one here previously. The orb splashed on the ork¡¯s already battered body, flesh dripped like viscous oil exposing the ribcage. What a nasty spell.


    Grey didn¡¯t want to empty his mana core just yet, not then there were other options. So he dropped the melting corpse and began to run again. He was close to the shaman but he won''t be close enough. Unwilling to stop and cast a magic shield Grey took a risk playing a dodgy gambit. He ripped out the half-molten bone plate out of his chest, a part of his body, blood oozed out of the wound, and then he flung it at the shaman.


    The plate spun in the air like a frisbee spraying the remaining blood and molten flesh off its surface. It didn''t hit the shaman but it did hit his staff at the last moment knocking it sideways. The orb flew up into the air completely off course.


    The shaman shouted one or the other profanity at Grey right before the fist collided with the shaman¡¯s skull helmet. The helmet shattered but somehow the shaman was alright.


    ¡°What?!¡± Grey didn¡¯t expect them to survive the blow.


    Then he realised that this foul green thing has had casted an enchantment of sorts. Their skin, even if still green had the look of tree bark. And judging by the fact that there wasn''t even a bruise on the shaman¡¯s face it was a sturdy enhancement. By the way, since the skull helmet was destroyed it was clear the shaman was a woman. A very old and ugly woman. But a mage was a mage, and her flesh will give him mana.


    Also, enchantment or not, Grey had ways to punch through such things. So he threw another blow at her face. The woman was a sturdy one and weathered it. She grasped at Grey¡¯s arm with both of her hands. An extreme pain shot up from where she was touching. It felt like burning.


    ¡°Withering touch!¡± She shouted.


    Grey recoiled from the shaman looking at his arm. It wasn¡¯t withered, the imprint of the shaman¡¯s palms was burned into his flesh. It was more painful than damaging.


    Using the time Grey gave her, the shaman distanced herself once again and cast another spell. Grey expected another flesh-melting ball but instead, her bone staff crumbled in her hands leaving only dust. All her bone accessories followed suit. He looked at the event dumbfounded. Did her equipment fail from strain, can it happen, was he really this lucky? ¨C of course, he wasn¡¯t.


    The shaman¡¯s skin changed colour to white. The wrinkles disappeared and it was smooth and shiny, she looked like a porcelain doll. Even pretty for an ork. Grey wasn¡¯t here to gawk at the transformation, so he kicked at the shaman trying to shatter her ribs. She took the blow and slid back a few metres, her feet firmly planted on the ground.


    Yeah, there was no damage. And yeah this was a mistake. Mages weren''t melee fighters, so she wasn¡¯t going to jump at him for a brawl; she turned and began to run.


    ¡°Come back!¡± Grey chased after the shaman.


    Of course, he was quicker than her. But then he hit her from the back she would just brush off the blow and continue running. The cat and mouse game continued for a while. They were already out of the camp and close to the forest. He should have grasped her into a bind from the beginning, but then again, she had that Withering Touch.


    Anyway, it was clear she was aiming for the forest and Grey could not allow her to escape, not after all the foul things she did to him. So he jumped on top of her, knocking her down. She tried to crawl away in a rush, but her attempts were futile. Yes, this was the way to do it ¨C to catch and bind the prey. While on her belly she couldn¡¯t reach for Grey easily with her hands. This didn¡¯t mean she didn''t try, each time her fingers found even a patch of his flesh, they burned it to a crisp.


    Grey clutched his hands together and began hitting the back of her head, again and again. This enchantment of hers was stupidly powerful. Well, he had her bound and could wait for it to expire, but this would mean she was out of mana and he kinda needed that. Firstly to heal his destroyed chest and then to recover the mana he had spent for the magic shield. It was unlikely she will have enough juice for both so he had to hurry.


    Grey gritted his teeth ignoring the pain from Withering Touch and kept pummeling the shaman. There was only so much punishment the enchantment could take and with the latest blow, her head literally shattered into a hundred fragments. With the ork dead the skin lost its porcelain look returning to wrinkled green leather.


    ¡°Finally!¡± Grey shook his numb fingers, it had felt like he was hitting a rock.


    Then he bit down into the shaman engorging himself. The meal was unpleasant and hardly worth the work. She was very chewy and there was almost no mana left in her blood. Usually, after the meal, his wounds would heal, but this time only his chest was repaired, and only slightly. At least he was no longer bleeding.


    Grey let out his iconic sigh filled with disappointment. There were no juicy bandit women to engorge upon, only pain and hardship. Attacking this camp was a huge mistake, now he understands this.


    He returned to camp. Worst comes to worst he can still feed on dead orks, which should help him heal. He did just so. He tried to eat only the women as his palate demanded, but it was hard to tell the difference; the two sexes didn''t smell all too different and he didn¡¯t want to bother feeling for their bits under the loincloth. It was gamey but filling and despite all that only his chest had healed, except for spots inflicted with Withering Touch. Those refused to mend.


    He would try to eat some more but he was already full. Instead, he decided to inspect the abandoned encampment, after all, the camp was littered with ork tents presumably filled with plunder. The best stuff should be in the biggest tent, so Grey-headed right there.

 Chapter 13: You Have To Break Some Eggs To Make An Omelette

    Grey pushed the tent flap away and entered. Upon the sight, his jaw dropped. In the tent, there were cages filled with human and beastkin captives; all women -- naked and bruised but still delicious. This, however, wasn¡¯t all, there was a small gathering of orks, presumably the ones who didn''t flee or maybe couldn''t. All prostrating in front of the entrance. Unlike the orks he had fought at the beginning, these were quite scrawny and clearly not the fighter types.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Grey asked shocked at their stupidity. If not for curiosity he would just kill them here and now.


    The one closest to the entrance spoke ¡°We are here for you to command, chief!¡± the speaker sounded almost human and judging by the soft tones of her voice she was a female.


    ¡°Oh?¡± He sniffed his gaze to the stupid ork. The scent was different from the others, almost pleasant, she even looked different. ¡°Are you even an ork?¡±


    ¡°A half ork, chief, you have a good eye!¡± She responded promptly.


    Grey was still confused about why she insisted on calling him chief. Never mind that, he was curious on how a half-ork would taste like. Too bad he had just eaten. He looked expectantly at the remaining orks.


    ¡°Are you the only half-ork here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, chief, there¡­ there are no other half-orks in the camp.¡±


    Grey sighed again. He will have to just dispose of the remaining green skins. What a chore. It would be better if they still had the will to fight. But there was no reason to keep it boring. He approached a random prostrating ork, they were trembling afraid to even look at him. And then with a good stomp, he crushed the skull spilling the blood on the floor. There were yelps and cries, he expected them to run, do to something, but they just remained perfectly still as if petrified.


    Yet again only the half-ork was brave enough to speak.


    ¡°Why, chief? Did we insult you somehow?¡±


    Grey ignored the half-ork and crushed another helpless ork. No change. Disappointing.


    ¡°Why are you the only one speaking? Are you the leader here?¡±


    ¡°No, chief, no. You killed the old chief, you are the chief now. Out of this bunch here, I am the strongest that¡¯s why¡­¡± there was abundance of fear in her voice. But, anyhow, she was the only one not trembling despite the danger.


    Regardless, Grey didn''t think he had any use of these orks.


    ¡°If I am the chief, you will do as I say?¡±


    ¡°Yes, chief, yes we will.¡±


    ¡°Then go and kill the rest of your men, I have no use for them.¡± Grey smiled at his own wickedness.


    ¡°But, chief, they are children and women.¡±


    ¡°Do I need to repeat myself? How will I know you are loyal to me and won¡¯t backstab me later?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t! I won¡¯t!¡± She dared to look at Grey directly in the eyes. ¡°At least keep the women.¡± She begged.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Grey nodded.


    Nothing happened for a good while, there was only tension in the air. ¡°So?¡± Grey asked threateningly.


    Then the unspeakable happened. The half-ork was joined by a few other ork females and murdered the children, without even shedding a single tear. The young males scrambled to put a resistance but quickly they were overpowered by bigger and older females and strangled like the rest.


    ¡°It is done.¡± half-ork spoke, her voice devoid of any emotion. Only her arms were still shaking.


    All in all, there were only a good dozen of orks left.


    ¡°Well done.¡± Grey grinned wickedly.


    If only his stomach wasn¡¯t full, these females were ripe with emotions. The terror must have improved that so-so taste of the ork. They did smell delicious. But¡­


    He grabbed one of the orks by the neck and then promptly crushed her throat. Other women yelped in alarm, and then he did the same to a random other, just as quick.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    ¡°Chief?¡± ¡°Chief!¡± ¡°Why?¡± A few had finally found the courage to speak.


    Grey didn¡¯t care anymore. He killed the third one and by then the remaining orks darted past him out of the tent except for the half-ork and few others.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you run?¡± Grey taunted his prey.


    ¡°You are the chief, you can do as you please. Kill us if you wish so.¡± The half-ork sounded resigned to death already.


    Grey was once again surprised by her stupid bravery. ¡°Hmm¡­ You must know that I see something in you.¡± He looked at the other two. ¡°Your friends, however, not so much.¡± He raised his fist to smash their heads to a pulp. All three flinched and then¡­ and then he changed his mind.


    ¡°On the other hand¡­¡± Maybe he could keep a few as a snack for later. ¡°Anyways.¡±  He walked past the women and towards the cages.


    The captives, the ones who didn''t already have fish-like eyes, looked at Grey with unabridged terror. There were mostly humans with a few exceptions. Some of them stunk unpleasantly of ork musk. The green bastards must have done something to these women to make them so unappetising.


    ¡°Grey? Grey!¡± someone shouted out of one of the cages. ¡°Grey, it¡¯s me Yena.¡± A hyena woman waved at Grey out of her cage.


    Grey frowned at the sight, she too was naked. The cursed sight assaulted his eyes. ¡°You!¡± He said accusingly.


    ¡°Yes! Hey, let us out.¡± She rattled her cage.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Likely there will be a reward for bringing these women to safety, but then again, it was a poor motivator for such a man as Grey.


    ¡°Stop making jokes, this is not the time! Quickly before they come back.¡± Yena kept rattling the bars while urging.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the key.¡± Not that it was the problem for Grey.


    Grey looked at the other captives choosing to ignore Yena completely. Yes, he could eat them later, but where¡¯s the fun, these women were already emotionally drained and the city was full of fresh morsels. If any of them were mages it would be a different story. That was his justification.


    Grey walked closer to inspect the women.


    ¡°You, hyena woman? You know this monster?¡± One of the captives asked.


    Yena, was nodding furiously. ¡°He is an adventurer from the guild, just like me.¡±


    ¡°You, let us out! I am a wealthy merchant''s wife, there will be a big reward for you if your party rescues me.¡±


    Grey looked at the woman, despite the dirt and bruises she looked young and pretty, unfortunately, the stink of an ork clung to her skin. Her flesh was likely now cursed by mysterious magic, or so Grey assumed. By the smell of it, there were only a few untainted by this mysterious curse. Obviously, Yena was one of them.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Grey growled.


    He grabbed the cage bars and pried them apart just enough for the women to slip through.


    ¡°You are letting the slaves out?¡± the half-ork who has been just watching obediently asked.


    Grey had half-forgotten she was there. ¡°Yes, help me out.¡±


    The half-ork was quick to find the keys for the cages and chains making the process so much easier.


    Captive women glared at the half-ork with the animosity her kind had deserved. But why were they glaring at Grey with the same animosity was a mystery to him. The ungrateful lot!


    Finally a small cackle of women walked out of the tent following Grey¡¯s lead.


    ¡°My jewellery, we need to find my jewellery.¡± The same merchant woman screeched her demands at Grey.


    His job here was done, his wounds still refusing to heal and there was no need to linger. There was loot here still but Grey no longer felt like carrying it to his lair. ¡°No.¡± He replied simply.


    ¡°But there will be other trinkets I am sure! Something you can pocket to sell.¡±


    As the rules were, since these were stolen goods, Grey being a peacekeeper and the quest coming from the Guild meant that he wouldn''t be able to keep them, but he knew what the woman was implying.


    ¡°We won¡¯t tell. Promise. Yes, ladies?¡± She looked at her companions who nodded reluctantly.


    ¡°Your baubles are safe here. The other adventuring party will come back to pick it up.¡± Grey reasoned.


    ¡°Safe? Safe!?¡± The entitled woman yelled repeating herself each time louder.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Grey growled at her. Maybe bringing them back to the city was not that good of an option after all.


    He glared at the women who began to shrink at his withering gaze.


    ¡°Come.¡± He said after calming down. Bringing them back is the right choice.


    Women scrambled for cloth and other clothing to cover themselves as they passed the tents. Except for Yena, she swaggered proudly swinging her things with no shame. It almost looked like she was the one who defeated the orks. And she was getting closer to Grey, shrinking the distance sneakily as they walked.


    ¡°Move away!¡± Grey barked at the hyena woman before she had a chance to touch him.


    ¡°Eh!? I just want to hug my saviour! To thank you properly and all that.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Grey repeated.


    A half-ork grabbed the hyena wrestling her arms behind her. ¡°Hey.¡± Yena shouted in protest.


    ¡°Hands off from the chief!¡±


    Grey nodded in approval, the ork had her uses after all. It was almost funny how obedient and servile she tried to be.


    Soon they were close to the improvised entrance Grey had made earlier. The earth was still soggy from all the blood. The women didn¡¯t appreciate the sight of carnage. He heard a few women retching ¨C the ungrateful lot.


    ¡°Is it safe?¡± someone asked from behind Grey.


    ¡°As safe as it gets. Let''s go.¡± He urged the lagging females forward.


    ¡°How about the monsters in the forest?¡±


    ¡°I took care of the monster on the way here.¡±


    ¡°And where is your party?¡±


    He¡¯d tired from these questions quickly. ¡°You either come with me now or stay here. Your choice.¡±


    ¡°But why these orks are following you?¡± She pointed at the three ork women in disgust.


    Indeed they were following him. Grey shrugged.


    ¡°Not my problem.¡±


    ¡°Hah?!¡±


    ¡°They are harmless, I am their chief or whatever... If you don¡¯t like them, you can try to chase them away.¡±


    The orks glared at the woman ready and roaring for a challenge. This had shut the noisy merchant wife up.


    ¡°Now try to keep up. And no more questions!¡± He hated dealing with such nuisances. ¡°We should be back in the city soon.¡± Grey hopped.

 Chapter 14: They Have Pimped My Ork

    Grey and the ¡®team¡¯ were ushered to the guard house right by the wall. There he had to wait for the Guild representative for the debrief. The women stared daggers into him, likely not all too pleased with being left in the same room with him. On the other hand, Yena was acting way too familiar. She kept trying to get closer to Grey and he had to keep changing the spot he stood at.


    Finally, the representative showed up. But he too didn¡¯t seem all too pleased.


    ¡°Orks? What the fuck are orks doing here?!¡± He shouted at the two guards who had nothing to do with this.


    The men did a double take at the group gathered, and on the second look, their faces contorted into an unpleasant shape. There was a green skin within this ragtag group.


    ¡°Sorry! It sort of slipped past.¡± , ¡°We didn¡¯t bother the ladies with our prying looks since¡­ well¡­¡± The other guard alluded to their state of undress.


    A whole lot of women began to voice their grievances at the same time.


    ¡°Wait, wait! One at a time!¡±


    The representative tried deliberately to take charge of the situation, but chaos ensued regardless. From what Grey had gathered they were complaining about him. Grey shook his head in disappointment, he tried to do the right thing and this was his supposed reward.


    Soon, the very catalyst of this situation ¨C Grey, was asked to leave the room. And it took ages for him to be called back.


    Later Grey was asked back into the room then he noticed the state the representative was left in. He looked completely drained and was rubbing his eyebrows with his thumbs, likely to tame the throbbing headache. This was one of those rare moments Grey could sympathise with another human.


    ¡°So the three orks are your captives?¡± The representative asked.


    Grey simply nodded.


    ¡°So it is like that. Unfortunately, we can¡¯t have orks inside the city. They are no better than monsters.¡±


    Grey had expected this. ¡°You want me to kill them?¡±


    ¡°Well...¡± The representative shifted uncomfortably in his seat. ¡°Dispose of is a better word. I could ask the guards to do it but are you okay with giving us a hand?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡± Grey had no attachment to his orks except for one.


    The hints of tension left the representative¡¯s stern face and it mellowed a bit.


    ¡°The half-ork, she is a special case isn¡¯t she?¡± He tapped his fingers on the desk.


    Grey wasn¡¯t too sure of what the man was implying.


    ¡°We can¡¯t just kill her. She is a half-human after all. But running free in the city is also not an option.¡± He rubbed his chin in thought. ¡°She seemed to take an odd liking to you. What if we put her under your supervision? A perfect job for a peacekeeper.¡±


    Awesome, more work for Grey. But having her permitted in the city was good news.


    ¡°It works for me.¡± Grey rubbed at his sore wounds raring to get this done with.


    ¡°Well, then come tomorrow to The Guild for both the reward and half-ork. We still have some questions for her.¡±


    As Grey turned to leave the representative coughed into his hand unpleasantly.


    ¡°Oh and the two. Don¡¯t do it here. The guards had already embarrassed themselves by letting the orks past the gates. Somewhere discretely in the forest where the corpses would get eaten by monsters, yes?¡±


    This worked perfectly for Grey so he simply just nodded leaving the representative smiling to himself.


    Grey had reacquired his orks from two guards who were all too happy to release the two savage women back to his care, and back to the forest he went.


    The orks followed him obediently. Their lack of need to flee or strike Grey from behind was odd in a way. Then they were finally in the woods the orks had this resigned look on their faces as if they knew of their fate already. Grey found their lack of will to fight and struggle very uncharacteristic for an ork. He wondered if he broke them or something.


    ¡°Seeing human city was nice.¡± ¡°It was fun.¡± The two blurred out right before dropping to their knees and pressing their heads next to Greys feat.


    Was this an attempted apology or their way of begging for their lives? Anyways, it felt distasteful.


    ¡°So just to be clear about this, I¡¯m not killing you.¡±


    The pair looked at Grey with confusion on their faces.


    ¡°I have no reason to do so. No, to kill you would be a mistake. It is because I want to work with you.¡±


    While waiting for the representative Grey concocted a plan. He had to adjust it slightly but in the end, it worked.


    ¡°I want to make a trade. You see, I want human mages. And in return, I can trade things you want, yes?¡±


    ¡°Mages? Why?¡± The ork questioned.


    ¡°Why else, to eat them,¡± Grey spoke bluntly. ¡°Make no mistake, I am no ally to humans.¡±


    The confusion only deepened within the orks. ¡°Like ork, you eat humans?¡±


    Grey nodded vigorously. ¡°Yes, but I want only mages. Oh! And make them women.¡±


    Something clicked within the orks their expressions changed. ¡°Yes, chief.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and your camp and the other orks¡­ I am sorry.¡± Grey lied giving his best smile.


    ¡°Chief this is the ork way.¡± , ¡°Strong must take.¡±


    ¡°Good, so let''s meet up here again and make a good trade.¡±


    The orks nodded with fire in their eyes.


    Grey wasn¡¯t too sure if they had bought into his faked sincerity. And anyway, he wasn¡¯t an idiot to think that orks would just forgive him, not after what he had made them do. He didn''t expect them to. He fully expected to be ambushed here later when they will meet again. That would work too, since he could kill them all, find their new camp and hopefully get his hands on their fresh human captives. This time, however, he had no intention of setting the captives free. That was a mistake he learned to regret.


    ¡­


    Grey was taking a good long nap back in his lair¡­ Or not, the scorched marks left by the shaman refused to close, and there was this burning sensation still. The sleep was not the best this time. He shifted and turned around his mattress always landing on a sore spot.


    Judging by the sweet smell coming from the corridor the half-elf was finally back from doing who knows what.


    ¡°Those wounds? What had happened?¡± She asked with worry showing on her face.


    ¡°Nothing you need to concern yourself with.¡± Grey turned on his other side for the umpteenth time.


    ¡°This, this looks like a Withering disease! Are you Okay?¡±


    Was she concerned about him? It was unlikely she-devil possessed such qualities. Regardless, she knew something he didn¡¯t, so¡­


    ¡°You know of this Withering Curse?¡± He asked remembering the shaman whispering the name of the spell.


    ¡°Yes, and why are you so calm? You need to get treated. Like right now.¡±


    Grey sighted at the ignorance of this elf.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°Healing potions don¡¯t work on me. And these wounds are shallow, a good rest and they will close up.¡±


    ¡°Of course, a potion wouldn''t do shit, It¡¯s a curse magic we are talking about! Resting won¡¯t help either. You need to get a priest to lift a curse first.¡±


    ¡°A priest?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the one from the church. Their cleansing spells are expensive tough, let me get the money.¡±


    So the priests were a type of a mage, a specialisation; Grey had surmised. Meaning, that the she-devil knew about this church full of mages and by choice didn¡¯t tell him.


    ¡°I will eat this priest, no need to pay.¡± Grey voiced out his genius idea.


    ¡°What?! Believe me, then I say that you don¡¯t want to mess with the holy church.¡±


    ¡°Are they as powerful as the mages from The University?¡±


    ¡°Their power is on par with nations and kings.¡±


    So it was another organisation Grey couldn¡¯t touch. He hated this penchant the mages have, always forming groups, bands or other large communities. But then, maybe it was just a human trait, after all Grey found humans as the individuals the weakest of all the sapient races.


    Grey stood up and stretched his sore muscles. ¡°Okay then, but first I have to get my things from The Guild.¡±


    ¡°No problem, it¡¯s on the way anyways.¡± The elf picked a large pouch of money, her facial expression shifted to that shit-eating grin she often donned on her face. ¡°You are collecting a quest reward aren¡¯t you?¡± She dropped the pouch back. ¡°So that¡¯s where you¡­ but when what kind of monster did that to you?¡±


    Grey knew he can¡¯t dance around the subject. If she wanted to know something she will find it out one way or the other. ¡°It was an ork shaman.¡±


    The curiosity evaporated from her eyes as if it never were there. ¡°Oh, it makes sense then. Are you okay to walk? I could get the reward and just call the priest here.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, like I am letting you to get my reward. I am going!¡±


    In no time at all Grey found himself in an already all too familiar guild reception desk. Seeing Grey the receptionist excused herself to fetch The Guild representative himself. It appears that there was a theme going and the representatives were some sort of big shots here.


    It was the same man he had met in the guard house. He dropped a large sack of cold coins on the desk, the threads were barely able to hold the weight. A small chest would have been a better option, but Grey couldn¡¯t fault the representative for this small mistake. Grey liked his business approach, little chatter and straight to business. He grabbed for the sack¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s the best I could get. You must understand that the valuables in the camp had owners, so your share was only a token finders fee. But¡­¡± He stressed ¡°The Guild recognised your achievements. Exterminating ork camp is no small feat. That was one hell of amazing work you did there. So, I hope you find the end sum acceptable.¡±


    Grey didn¡¯t want to argue about small details. He didn¡¯t care much about the money, but the recognition felt somewhat nice. A warm fuzzy feeling, the one absent at the time he had saved the captives.


    He picked up the heavy sack and handed it to the greedy half-elf, if she likes it so much, she can carry it.


    ¡°Oh, and since you are the peacekeeper and saved some high-born ladies, there will be a reward from the nobles. I don¡¯t deal with that, so just see them then you can. That¡¯s what they told me anyways.¡± The representative brushed it off nonchalantly.


    Grey knew that the half-elf would rub her greedy fingers together if she didn¡¯t have a sack to carry, she was practically salivating at the mention of a second reward.


    Grey stood there for a moment, reevaluating the representative. After all, he was quite chatty.


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡± the representative asked as if he had expected Grey to be on his way already.


    ¡°There is my other stuff?¡±


    ¡°Hugh?¡± The representative looked genuinely confused. ¡°Did you leave anything at the camp?¡±


    ¡°The ork!¡± Grey hated to remind him.


    ¡°Oh, that one. Yes.¡± He seemed reluctant. ¡°Come.¡± He motioned to follow.


    Grey followed the not-so-business-like-anymore representative and she-elf followed Grey curiously.


    In a small room was an ork. She looked different, Grey couldn¡¯t recognise her at all. First, there was a lack of grime and dirt on her green skin, it even was shiny now. Her once black unkempt hair now was neatly braided into a long ponytail. She even wore proper human clothes, a short linen skirt and a vest on her chest. It was cheap clothing but it was a huge upgrade from her tattered hides. It was obvious that someone tried their best to bring the human characteristics out of this half-ork, but the wild side could only be hidden so much.


    The ork looked at Grey with a burning gaze, two unblinking yellow eyes locked unto him. She was slouching on the chair with her legs spread wide and her vest was half undone.


    Was it even the same ork? Grey sniffed at the air. Yes, still smelled the same. A distinct smell of the forest mixed with something sour and sweet. And then there was perfume humans would use, it felt like a waste on her, after all her natural fragrance was so much better. All in all, she seemed extremely edible.


    ¡°Chief!¡± The ork stood up glaring at the two men guarding her.


    Ups, Grey didn¡¯t even notice the guards. One of them had a swollen nose and freshly dried blood on his tunic.


    ¡°She is a piece of work! Good luck with her.¡± One of the Guards spoke.


    ¡°I think she just doesn¡¯t like you.¡± Guard number two added.


    ¡°We taught her about the rules but she didn¡¯t seem to care or listen. She ain''t ready, but I guess it¡¯s your problem now. If she messes up it¡¯s on you now buddy.¡± The representative sounded apologetic.


    ¡°Come.¡± Grey motioned to the ork to follow.


    It was clear the elf wanted to say something so Grey gave a chance for her to speak. But she never spoke a thing, not until they left the Guild.


    ¡°What''s that?!¡± She pointed at the.


    ¡°A half-ork. Half human and a half ork.¡± He illuminated the ignorant elf.


    ¡°I know that. But why is she with you?¡±


    ¡°He is my chief. Who are you?¡± The half-ork asked crossly perfectly imitating the tone the elf was giving.


    ¡°Oh! It speaks! Is it because you are half-human?¡±


    ¡°All orks can speak. I just speak better than most.¡± She said proudly.


    Grey was confused. Were orks normally mute or something?


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± Grey asked in turn.


    ¡°So, why is she with us?¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    The she-devil gave Grey a frustrated look. ¡°What are you plotting?!¡±


    How dare she, the she-devil, accuse him of such things. ¡°Let¡¯s just get over this and go to that church of yours.¡±


    ¡°With a fucking ork?!¡± she blew her lid off.


    Something was wrong with the elf, gold usually soothed her, but not this time. Grey snatched the money from her hands. She didn¡¯t earn it anyways.


    ¡°You got a problem?¡± He asked.


    The elf mellowed straight away. ¡°No!¡± She paused and then added in a whisper. ¡°But the church might.¡±


    Grey shrugged. The elf might be bluffing to get on his nerves and if not he will just wave his peacekeeper¡¯s badge, that must have some power on its own.


    Grey was receiving more and more looks as he was getting further into the city. This tended to happen then he strayed further from beastkin parts of the city.


    The church was a white building made out entirely of polished stone blocks. It wasn¡¯t as large as The Guild, but it was definitely more opulent. The walls were decorated with engravings and sculptures chiselled from the same stone. A huge open archway led to the inner part of the domed structure.


    Grey stepped in trying to sniff the priest out. Only to be yelled at.


    ¡°What!? A monster and an ork! Guards, guards!¡± The man screamed his arms flailing in the air.


    Grey showed him his badge but the man kept shouting his face red.


    ¡°Blasphemy! Begone you demon!¡±


    The guards surrounded Grey and company. Grey waved his badge in their faces. The guards looked conflicted, fighting some sort of internal battle.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it stolen?¡± One man warranted.


    ¡°It''s real!¡± Grey roared.


    ¡°Hold on. Hold on! I can explain.¡± The half-elf jumped between Grey and the guards. ¡°This is a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°Speak then!¡± A guard urged.


    After some explaining mixed in with lies and half-truths, Grey was allowed to see the priest. The ork was ordered to wait outside and was watched by the guards while Grey was led into a small room. Aside from two benches by the wall facing each other, it was empty and quite dark. One could easily confuse it for a holding cell. He was told to wait for the priest there and so he did.


    Grey couldn¡¯t do much except for feeling uncomfortable; It felt like a trap. A cramped room with sturdy stone walls he had no chance to break, two guards positioned outside. But also he felt excited, the whole place smelled like dinner. All kinds of smells found their way to his nostrils; telling him that multiple mages were working in this building.


    It didn¡¯t take that long and a petite woman entered the small room. Her eyes went wide and she stopped in her tracks, but only for a moment. Grey took a good look at her.


    Her face was covered by a thin white veil. Blonde hair flowed from the white cap. She wore a white light dress, which was so thin it was almost seethrough. It clung to her shapely form leaving little to the imagination. Her feet were bare but even then there were no signs of dirt on them. And quite clearly she had some sort of magic abilities.


    ¡®So this is a priest.¡¯ Grey made a mental note.


    She put on a neutral smile, something she must have learned to do as a habit. Grey knew she was faking it, humans never smiled like this to him.


    ¡°Hello, I am Mellisa. What is your name.¡± She bowed slightly while trying to maintain eye contact.


    ¡°Grey.¡±


    ¡°May the gods be with you, Grey.¡±


    Grey wasn¡¯t well versed in such human pleasantries so he decided to go straight to the point.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been told I¡¯m cursed.¡± Grey showed the burn marks on his arms. ¡°They don¡¯t want to heal.¡±


    ¡°Oh my, this does sound like a curse. Any idea what it might be?¡±


    ¡°Withering Touch.¡±


    ¡°Simple but a nasty curse. No need to worry, I will lift it now.¡±


    Her hands began to glow illuminating the room. Grey tensed up slightly, he didn¡¯t like magic being cast on him.


    ¡°It won¡¯t hurt. You won¡¯t feel a thing.¡± She spoke softly.


    ¡°May the gods cleanse this soul, Lift Curse.¡±


    The light flowed from her hands to Grey surrounding his body.


    She had lied, it felt a bit fuzzy on his skin and then it disappeared. Grey felt his mana core draining but before he could panic it stopped and the wounds began to heal visibly.


    ¡°Look at that.¡± The priest sounded surprised.


    ¡°Is that it?¡± Grey asked just to be sure.


    The woman nodded putting on her neutral smile back on. Grey stood up from the bench and turned to leave.


    ¡°Grey?¡± She asked before he could do so. ¡°Just what exactly are you?¡±


    He looked at her unsure of what she was asking.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t a usual beastkin are you?¡±


    Grey really didn¡¯t like this question.


    ¡°No, I am better.¡± He replied keeping his animosity tame.


    The priest clearly had more questions but he didn¡¯t want to stay here any longer than necessary. He went out looking for the she-devil. He found her outside, the gold sack looked significantly smaller. It was clear this church was ripping people off. There was no way such a small spell needed to cost so much.


    Seeing Grey returning, the guards, who were meant to watch the ork, spat on the ground and made an unpleasant grimace.


    ¡°We¡¯re not welcome here. Let¡¯s go.¡± The she-elf urged.


    Grey took a second look at the church. He felt annoyance welling up inside. It was like a turtle, full of delicious meat inside but protected by a hard shell. He wondered if he ever will be able to crack it and taste the flesh of these succulent priests. But then, maybe he could just lure one or two out. That would make things easier.


    ¡°Come on!¡±


    The she-devil interrupted his important plotting and he slapped her on the head lightly. The guards unsheathed their weapons directing them at Grey. Yeah, the half-elf was right, he wasn¡¯t welcome here.

 Chapter 15: Out For a Snack

    It was a small miracle Grey hadn¡¯t eaten his ork yet, but the elf was right, some people are valuable to have around. Saying that, the value was still in question, this ork was ill-suited to live in the city. There was so much she didn¡¯t know or didn¡¯t care to know. At least Grey knew that it was somewhat important to blend into human society, the ork however made no such attempts. In the end, the ork had to stay cooped up in Grey¡¯s lair or else she was bound to make trouble.


    However, this was the day Grey decided to take his rare pet for a walk. After all, today he was supposed to meet the two orks in the forest, so why not take the third ork with him for a walk? The reasons were many: maybe the ambushers will think twice seeing that he still held her as a captive, and maybe the half-ork will mediate for him. But the real reason was that he wanted to see if she had a use or not. This was a test of loyalty.


    Grey came prepared, his trusty spear in hand. He was excited to see what these wild orks had prepared for him. But in the end, nothing happened. He just stood there awkwardly in the forest.


    ¡°Did they flee?¡± that was smart of them. ¡°Or do I need to find them?¡± There was the smell of orks but it wasn¡¯t that fresh.


    ¡°Awa-Awa. Awa-Awa-aa.¡± The half-ork gave a calling.


    And in no time at all, another ork came rushing out of the overgrowth. It was a lone ork woman, the one of the two he has had let go.


    But there¡¯s the ambush? Grey stared at the filthy ork, she somehow managed to look even more haggard than he last saw her.


    ¡°Chief!¡± The ork spoke after she was done panting for breath.


    ¡°I guess you are here. But, are there any others?¡± Grey looked suspiciously at the lush greenery.


    ¡°Yes, chief come.¡±


    Oh! So she will lead him somewhere they can ambush him. The orks sure were smarter than he taught. Grey followed cautiously observing his surroundings. He made sure to check both below and above, it would be embarrassing to be caught off guard since he knew it is coming.


    They walked for a while, ever deeper into the forest. But the ambush never came and Grey was met with the sight of a shabby camp. A fireplace, monster hide tents, and a fence made out of branches. It was very primitive. The camp¡¯s residents were the same orks who ran away from him. All of them gathered in the centre by the fire. Their bodies were stiff and their eyes downcast, if they had the courage to look at him Grey was sure he would see fear; he could taste it already. He didn¡¯t expect much but even then he was disappointed. Then again, wasn¡¯t he the one to blame for their misfortune? ¨C Nah, they were just weak.


    ¡°So I guess you do want to trade.¡± If only he brought something to pawn off. ¡°But do you have anything that I would like?¡± He strongly doubted that.


    ¡°Chief.¡± The ork pointed at the place behind the tents.


    Grey looked at what he thought was a pile of refuse. No, it was something right beside it. A wooden cage and it wasn¡¯t empty.


    ¡°Oh?¡± He was pleasantly surprised.


    That lasted only a fleeting moment. There was no way they caught a mage, right? He smelled the air trying to ignore the unpleasant smells coming from nearby. That wasn¡¯t quite working so he came closer.


    No, after all, it wasn¡¯t a mage. Just a stupid human teen caught in her poor decisions.


    She looked at Grey with terror, not for a single second did she confuse him with someone civilized. With someone who was there to save her, someone who was an ally to humanity. He wasn¡¯t one! It was the same look some humans in the city tried to keep hidden. At least her honesty was refreshing.


    The girl scurried further away from him and made herself as tiny as possible in the furthest corner of the cage, but at best it was only a dozen inches further.


    ¡°Did she come with the company?¡± This morsel was just too tiny to be considered food. It would be better if there were more.


    The ork dropped to her knees in an apology. ¡°No. This is all we could get. Forgive us chief.¡±


    ¡°Yeah? And not even a mage.¡± He, however, wasn¡¯t disappointed in the slightest.


    All this showed was that the orks have potential, and even better, he will be able to use them.


    ¡°Well, she¡¯s a female so well done.¡± Grey decided to cut them some slack.


    These orks already were afraid of him, there was no further need to break them further.


    The captive was staring at him, so Grey tapped at the cage. The girl flinched but kept staring at him.


    ¡°Next time, feed and water your captives. How long has it been, a few days? Yet, she¡¯s just skin and bones already.¡±


    The half-ork, the one who was silently accompanying Grey up till now, stepped on the still grovelling ork pressing her down even further and began barking at the one below.


    ¡°What were you thinking? How is chief supposed to eat that?¡±


    ¡°Sorry. Sorry!¡± The ork sobbed.


    ¡°Is she crying? I thought the orks are tougher than that.¡± Grey looked down at the ork and then up noticing that the other ork women had made themselves scarce.


    ¡°Stop crying!¡± The half-ork kicked at the woman.


    And then she stopped crying.


    ¡°I¡­ We¡­¡± She began to stutter.


    ¡°Stand up.¡± Grey grew bored of this pitiful sight. ¡°Speak properly.¡±


    Ork took a deep breath to calm down and then continued. ¡°It¡¯s just that we don¡¯t have to eat that much ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Excuses?!¡± The half-ork raised her hand for a slap.


    Oh, wow, the half-ork really did take that role upon herself ¨C the pet and the executioner. Not that Grey wanted to complain. Yet still, he stopped her arm in midswing. The shivering ork¡¯s incompetence was understandable since Grey had killed all their warriors, which must have included hunters and other competent orks. So naturally, these orks were only the scraps that remained after he had cleaned the ork encampment. He had dealt these cards himself, so he will play them.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I am sure she will do better. How is it I could help so both of us can get what we want? Which is decent food?¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    The woman seemed reluctant to speak so the half-ork came to her rescue.


    ¡°Chief, I saw weapons in your¡­¡± She was looking for a word. ¡°Lair. They could use that. Also ropes and other stuff for traps. Since there are no warriors yet, I think trapping would work best.¡±


    That sounded about right. ¡°Okay. I will let you borrow the items. Let me go back to the city and fetch them.¡±


    The captive yelped at Grey¡¯s last sentence. After all, she was listening intently the entire time. Then she spoke shyly for the first time.


    ¡°City? You¡¯re a beastkin?¡± it came out as a reluctant guess.


    There was a slimmer of hope in her eyes.


    Grey didn¡¯t want to play with this morsel. She wasn¡¯t a mage and he wasn¡¯t that hungry. The orks can eat her if they are so hungry. So instead, he ignored the question and turned to leave.


    ¡­


    The half-elf must have sensed that the chime on her clock was almost counted and spent. That would have been true if the orks produced the mage. Regardless, she did the right thing.


    Once Grey was in his lair he found a welcome surprise. A locked-up prisoner in one of the basement cells. And a half-elf with a smug grin plastered on her face. Ignoring the she-devil Grey rushed to the cell. There was a young woman, bound in rope and gagged. A bit excessive Grey thought since she was already secure in the cell, but you can¡¯t be too careful with mages. The woman was wide awake and staring daggers at him, Grey repaid the look in kind.


    The woman was young and tiny. Her black hair was loose and had gotten disheveled by the rough handling. Her plain clothes, a blouse and a skirt suffered the same fate. Tiny in a frame or not, her fragrance betrayed that she was a mage. And mages often packed quite a punch. It was good she was restrained. It was even better that she didn''t get to spend her mana yet. In other words, she was just about ripe.


    ¡°But how?¡± Grey wondered out loud.


    ¡°I¡¯ve gotten lucky. She¡¯s a student at the university. Fresh from the province and too na?ve for her own good.¡± The half-elf gave Grey her best smile.


    The na?ve woman in question stirred.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Grey was under the impression that the university students were untouchable. ¡°Won¡¯t they come after us now?¡±


    ¡°I did it right. No one will suspect a thing. She¡¯s all yours.¡±


    The elf stood up from her chair and left the room. Grey smiled at the news. How long has it been since the elf delivered ¨C too long. Almost too long. A day or two later and¡­ He licked his lips already salivating. Yet a sigh escaped then he thought about it more.


    Grey took the key from a nearby table and unlocked the cell to let himself in. The woman stared murder at him. He liked her will to fight. It might even be fun to break her spirit, but first, he had undone the gag in her mouth.


    She didn¡¯t try to chant a spell, wise on her part since he would have punched it out of her. However, she spat right into his face.


    ¡°Bandit!¡±


    ¡°Worse.¡± Grey shook his head to correct her.


    ¡°What do you want of me, you scoundrel?¡±


    ¡°Do you really want to know? Ask me nicely and I¡¯ll tell.¡± He tried to play a bigger person.


    She spat at him again. Grey found it cute so he made a smile. ¡°I won¡¯t tell then. I¡¯ll just do.¡± He grabbed the neck of her blouse and ripped it in half exposing her modest chest.


    ¡°Oh, no bra. It¡¯s almost as if you were expecting this.¡±


    The woman struggled against her bindings, her face red either in shame or anger.


    ¡°Stop! The ransom will be better if you do!¡± She shouted with panic in her voice.


    ¡°The ransom? Are you rich?¡± Grey looked at her ripped blouse and the plain skirt. No, she wasn¡¯t, and it was unlikely her family was either. ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    Grey brushed his fingers past her cleavage towards her belly. The skin felt silky smooth and pleasant.


    ¡°My uncle is!¡± She tried to crawl away from his invading touch.


    ¡°It ain¡¯t the money I want.¡± Grey smiled at her again pulling at her skirt with his index finger.


    ¡°What then?¡± She asked in horror her face pale, the rage in her eyes gone.


    ¡°Your body.¡± It sounded almost cheesy. Grey knew she will misunderstand him.


    ¡°Anything but that. Anything but that!¡± She repeated with more resolve.


    The spice of terror radiated from the terrified woman enhancing the flavour of her blood. Grey lowed that fragrance. He smelled the air greedily and tasted her neck. It was pleasantly salty.


    ¡°Money? Anything! I¡¯ll do anything! Please! I don¡¯t want to die.¡± She looked in horror at Grey¡¯s crotch.


    ¡°It¡¯s the teeth you need to watch out.¡± He play-nibbled at her neck.


    ¡°Thunder Arr¡­ Ah!¡±


    Grey bit at the neck stopping her chant. He had only pierced her skin a few millimetres.


    ¡°Foolish wench, your hands are bound.¡±


    She would have just exploded her wrists casting that spell on herself.


    ¡°Thunder A¡­ Ah!¡± She couldn''t finish by getting a slap on her face.


    There was that fire of fight back in her eyes.


    ¡°Thund¡­¡± *Slap*


    ¡°Thu¡­¡± *SLAP*


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    ¡°Pha!¡± She spat the blood out of her mouth ¡°I¡¯ll kill myself before I let you do this! Thunder arr¡­¡± She was unable to finish.


    Grey grabbed her by the throat stopping the flow of air.


    ¡°You know. For this, I don¡¯t need you alive.¡±


    The pupils dilated betraying the shock and terror, yet it didn¡¯t last that long. She resolved herself to death anyway.


    ¡°You''re no fun¡­ No, you are fun!¡± Grey contradicted himself.


    Grey took his arm away from her neck and jumped a few steps away. It was wasteful to have her spend precious mana but he was kind of interested.


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Thunder Arrow.¡±


    But there was no bang coming from her bound hands, hence no spell. She had the power, but in the end, decided not commit to it.


    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Grey mocked her hollow incantation in a knowing tone. Yet he knew that if he pushed her further she would probably do it.


    The woman glared at him menacingly instead. ¡°You don¡¯t want me dead do you?¡± It was more a statement than a question.


    ¡°I do. And I don¡¯t.¡± Grey indulged in her silly game.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it you know. I¡¯ll kill myself if you touch me.¡± She spoke with resolve.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Grey nodded.


    She looked at him suspiciously.


    ¡°So take the money and set me free.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ This again, I don¡¯t need money.¡±


    ¡°So what else?¡±


    ¡°I want mages.¡±


    ¡°Mages? For what?¡±


    ¡°What else, their flesh and blood.¡±


    ¡°No! I thought such experiments were fairytales told by the University to scare the newbies.¡±


    She was still misunderstanding something, but whatever. Grey inched closer to the woman just to test her.


    ¡°I¡­ I might get you mages.¡± She stuttered.


    ¡°Might?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you mages, just let me go.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Do you take me for an idiot? I heard this before.¡±


    ¡°I promise!¡±


    ¡°How would you even? Do you have the skill to capture a mage alive?¡±


    ¡°I could lead YOU to some of the people I know.¡±


    ¡°And then what? I would need to do all the work?¡±


    ¡°Am¡­ I would help?¡±


    ¡°More like join them in the fight against me. No, this would be too risky.¡±


    ¡°I could trick some newbies into coming with the elf.¡± There was some hesitation in her voice. ¡°Just like I was tricked.¡±


    ¡°But then I don¡¯t really need you. The elf can handle it on her own.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Grey interrupted. ¡°I just can¡¯t trust you. And I am hungry.¡±


    The charade was over, whatever hope she had will be taken from her once again. Grey grabbed at her blouse ripping it off completely.


    ¡°No!¡± She protested.


    Grey pressed her down by the chest so that she would stop squirming and began to explore her body with his tongue.


    ¡°No!¡± She tried to escape ¡°No. No. No. Thunder arrow! Ahh!¡±


    This time she had meant it. Something crackled behind her back. There was a jolt of electricity coursing through her body. Grey rolled back in his numb tongue, he felt that jolt, but that was it. The mage, however, fared much worse. The spells were not meant to be cast in this position. Her bound palms were now likely a charred mess.


    Tears pulled in the corners of her eyes and she was taking deep breaths likely not to scream in pain.


    ¡°Wz.. W-done?¡± Grey asked. He would taunt her more but his tongue was still numb.


    ¡°Thund¡­¡± She winced in pain. ¡°Thunder arrow!¡± Nothing this time. ¡°Radiant Blast!¡± she tried another spell.


    ¡°Oh, dear, that won¡¯t work. You broke your hands.¡± Grey stated the obvious.


    This time there was only dread on her face. Whatever fate she expected now there was no way out.


    ¡°You know. I think you misunderstood me. I only want to eat you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Grey put her neck in between his jaws.


    ¡°What?¡± She repeated.


    Grey closed the jaws. Sweet, sweet blood leaked into his throat. It tasted sublime.


    ¡­


    ¡°More.¡± Grey demanded.


    ¡°In due time.¡±


    ¡°More!¡±


    ¡°I need to be careful in who I kidnap!¡±


    ¡°Just get me more university students. You got this one so easy.¡±


    ¡°Not everyone is this na?ve. Also, too many and the university will catch wind of this.¡±


    ¡°So get me someone else.¡±


    ¡°I will! I swear you get greedier and greedier each time. Slow down or you will get burned.¡±


    ¡°I have fire resistance, no problem.¡±


    ¡°You do?¡± The half-elf gave a curious look. ¡°That makes sense¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Just get me a mage.¡± He didn¡¯t want to argue with someone always full of excuses.


    ¡°And the ork? What use do you have of it?¡±


    ¡°Not your business.¡±


    ¡°Okay, be like that. But don¡¯t come back begging for my help.¡±


    There wasn¡¯t a time Grey had to beg so he growled at the she-devil. She¡¯d gotten the message and disappeared promptly.


    His belly was full but the day was far from over. There was the half-forgotten matter, the deal with the Succubus House.

 Chapter 16: VIP Treatment

    Grey looked upon the House of Pleasure filled with dread. He didn¡¯t like the place at all. A certain image flashed across his mind. No, dislike was not the correct word. In the end, he had to be honest; He did enjoy the service but the cost was way too steep.


    He was cautious of this place because the mages there were experts at charm magic and other spells of subversion.


    Grey took a deep breath gathering his resolve. He resisted their charms once, he will resist them again. It was a matter of willpower. Also, he wasn''t an animal driven by carnal desires like a lowly human. In other words, he had full confidence that he will prevail.


    He stepped through the entrance. At that moment the familiar scent of incense filled his nose channels and his eyes landed on a familiar receptionist. Seemingly nothing had changed, only that this place was now ever busier.


    The receptionist shoved a customer she was dealing with away and greeted Grey with a smile, ignoring the protests by the said customer.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it our favourite peacekeeper Grey, welcome! How can we be of service?¡± She chirped.


    ¡°I want to see your boss.¡± Grey went straight to business.


    ¡°Eh? But she isn¡¯t on the menu! Not even for you. May I suggest¡­¡±


    Grey glared at the receptionist. She had gotten the message.


    ¡°Ah, yes. You didn¡¯t come as a customer. Sorry I made a slip, please wait here and someone will get you to her shortly.¡±


    Grey sat on a way too small a couch. It creaked under his weight. While waiting he watched people go in and out of the place. No one even spared him a glance, in their eyes, he was just another beastkin here for a routine shag. No one apart from the receptionist. Grey knew she was sneaking glances in his direction. She was subtle in her actions but Grey had four eyes after all.


    Aside from that, since Grey somewhat was familiar with their race, he could smell a certain smell coming from the receptionist. While, yes, there were an obscene amount of pheromones she was omitting it wasn¡¯t all that. The other smell grey picked up was the smell that would be best described as anxiety. In other words, despite her polite demeanour, she didn¡¯t like him being here.


    Which was understandable since he was the assigned peacekeeper. His visit wasn¡¯t good news for their house. Grey knew all that, and he too didn¡¯t like this place. He wouldn''t be here if he didn¡¯t need to.


    ¡°Peacekeeper Grey.¡± A mellow voice purred at him.


    The succubus in front of him was just like her other sisters. Well endowed and scantily clad.


    ¡°Come.¡± She grabbed him by his arm while pressing her chest onto him from the side.


    She dragged Grey past the corridor passing the numerous rooms. The obscene noises and scents filled the air. The place indeed was poplar and busy. The succubus walked slowly as if dragging for the time. Despite the animalistic smells coming from all over, her close proximity allowed Grey to take in her personal scent. She too carried the smell of anxiety on her skin, even her fingers seemed to tremble ever so slightly.


    Grey tensed up but only for a fraction of a second. The gears in his mind began to spin various scenarios. Whatever this was, something was off. Grey couldn''t help but wonder if she was leading him to a trap. After all, it wouldn''t be that hard to deal with him here. The enemy surrounded him and he felt like an animal up for slaughter.


    ¡°Is something the matter, sweety?¡± She meowed innocently.


    ¡°No, all is fine.¡± Grey said more to reassure himself than to answer the woman.


    Likely he was just paranoid, and if push came to shove he will deal with it; his mana was full to handle that type of situation anyway.


    The succubus gave him an uncertain look and then just continued leading him towards the stairs and up to the second flour.


    Grey gave a suspicious look at the change of scenery. Even at the glance, it was more luxurious. The doors were spaced out more, indicating larger rooms, and there was a lack of smell or sound coming from the said rooms.


    ¡°This is where our VIP suites are.¡±


    ¡°VIP?¡±


    ¡°Very important person. People just like you, sweety.¡±


    ¡°Why are you calling me sweety?¡± Grey asked still full of suspicion then added. ¡°I don¡¯t think I would taste sweet at all. If anything, my meat would be tough and hard to handle.¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I can¡¯t manage I assure you.¡± She let a playful giggle at the end of her sentence.


    Grey pushed the succubus away from his body.


    ¡°Where are you taking me? This is not where her office is!¡± Grey growled.


    ¡°Ah.¡± The woman yelped at the direct animosity. ¡°I just thought I give you a taste of our best service while you wait. The queen is not yet ready.¡±


    ¡°I thought so!¡± He said accusingly. ¡°You lot wanna drain me so that I can¡¯t fight? Not happening!¡± Grey took a stance.


    ¡°Fight?¡± She asked in puzzlement and alarm taking a few steps away from Grey.


    Grey glared at the succubus waiting for her to make a move. Yet she didn¡¯t even attempt to cast a spell or call for help.


    ¡°I¡­ I think there was a misunderstanding. I¡­ I should get someone else.¡±


    Her demeanour was weak and there wasn¡¯t even a sliver of fight in her eyes. That and her body language told Grey that she was a no threat.


    ¡°No!¡± Grey grabbed her slender arm. ¡°You are not getting away. Lead me to your boss, now!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± She nodded meekly.


    With the undesirable playfulness gone and the quick pace enforced, both welcome additions, Grey found himself by a set of two sturdy doors.


    ¡°But this is not her office.¡± Grey stated the obvious, his voice laden with hostility.


    ¡°It¡¯s the queen''s bed chambers. She¡¯s there getting ready.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Grey gave a heavy knock.


    ¡°Who dares?!¡± an annoyed voice rang out.


    Hearing it Grey had second thoughts. Maybe this was a misunderstanding and he ought to have waited. Oh well¡­


    ¡°This is Grey the peacekeeper, I am here for business.¡±


    A completely different manner of speaking rang out. ¡°Grey! Yes. You are way too soon, I am not presentable yet.¡± hurried rustling and slamming of drawers accompanied her words. ¡°Did anything happen with the escort I have sent for you? Not to your liking?¡±


    ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to wait.¡±


    ¡°I see, you might come in then.¡±


    The doors opened and there it was a regal variant of the succubus. She was wearing a white dress, a dress which struggled to keep her bountiful breasts from spilling. Her four horns were adorned with jewellery and right in between her chest hung a necklace. The necklace, unlike her other trinkets, was more than just jewellery ¨C it was magical in nature.


    Grey ogled the piece with suspicion. He wasn¡¯t an expert on magical devices but he could tell it was a ward of some sort.


    ¡°Like what you see?¡± She puffed her chest for better display.


    ¡°A magnificent set.¡± Even at the glance, Grey knew it was extremely valuable.


    The queen succubus smiled at the praise then directed her gaze upon the escort Grey came with.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Once again her pleasant personality evaporated in an instant. ¡°You! You useless bitch - Shoo!¡± She waved her kin off and away.


    With her eyes back on Grey, and with the welcoming mask back on she asked. ¡°So what business do you have in mind?¡± She asked while nibbling her index finger playfully and blinking excessively.


    ¡°Well, I can see you are doing good for yourselves and the city isn''t bugging you anymore, right?¡± Grey asked instead.


    ¡°Since we pay our taxes they leave us be. So what?¡± She asked cautiously, the playfulness gone.


    ¡°You owe me.¡± Grey stated sounding all too entitled.


    ¡°Do we?¡± She asked playfully back. ¡°And what do we owe you?¡±


    Grey sighted. ¡°You know you got a good deal. I didn¡¯t extort you. I didn¡¯t even take my cut.¡±


    ¡°So this is the speech you have prepared. Come¡­¡± She motioned to come further inside. ¡°Take a seat and cut the crap.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­I am not good at bullshiting anyways.¡± Grey had to admit. ¡°You promised me favours and I came to collect.¡±


    ¡°That I did. And we will deliver. Of course, that is, if you stay quiet on the actual money we owe to the city.¡±


    ¡®Oh¡­ so they were cooking their books. The half-elf was right.¡¯ Grey made a mental note.


    The succubus continued. ¡°Since you don¡¯t bite our girls, is it the money you want? No¡­ information, but on who?¡±


    ¡°Information yes.¡± Grey nodded. ¡°But the info I desire is on you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t follow?¡± Succubus leaned closer to Grey across the desk, in doing so she exposed her breasts for his eyes.


    ¡°Your secrets. Your precious secrets. The drain magic. I want to learn it.¡±


    ¡°That is quite a request.¡±


    Grey knew the size of what he was asking.


    ¡°Give me that and we are square.¡±


    The queen tapped her fingers on a wooden desk in thought.


    ¡°If it''s all you want then it would be a good deal¡­ but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s something that can be taught or learned. Are you aware of racial skills?¡±


    Grey nodded.


    ¡°Then you must understand the folly of what you are asking.¡±


    ¡°If we don¡¯t try we won''t know.¡±


    ¡°Hah! That is true. Yet, there are no humans with such skills, or even beastkin, hence the name ¨C racial skill. I am sure that it isn¡¯t due to a lack of trying.¡±


    ¡°Yet I am not human nor beastkin. I am sure it¡¯s something I can learn.¡±


    In reality, Grey just had a gut feeling. That, and the fact that he and succubi had the mana cores inside their body.


    ¡°And you won¡¯t blame us for your failure? Demand me more?¡±


    ¡°Even in failure, I will think of us as even. I won¡¯t harass you further. But teach me properly.¡±


    ¡°Ha-Ha, properly he says. Who decides what is proper? And to begin with, you aren¡¯t even female¡­¡± She laughed at the idiocy of the idea. ¡°But fine, for the matter of fun and curiosity, be my guests.¡±


    ¡°Where do we start?¡± Grey asked giddily.


    ¡°A demonstration perhaps.¡±


    The queen snapped her fingers and in a short moment a succubus courtesan entered her chamber. She was naked and her skin was sleek from sweat which wasn¡¯t hers. Her chest was covered in stripes of suspiciously viscous substance. It was obvious that she rushed here straight after the finale of the pleasures she offers.


    The succubus approached the queen and their lips locked in an obscene kiss. Grey watched the scene with great interest. His sensitivity to magic allowed him to see that the queen was draining her subject of energy. The mana tickled slowly so thus their kiss continued. The courtesan squirmed in pleasure, her hand slipped in between her thighs. Having no qualms about Grey being there she began to pleasure herself with fingers.


    With a wet smack of the lips, the queen withdrew from her subject. The courtesan was panting heavily either from the drain or the pleasure, or both.


    ¡°As you might have guessed, I took all the energy she had gathered. This is the privilege of the queen and no simple succubus can replicate this skill. They gather energy by other means, to which you have been already privy.¡± The queen instructed.


    Grey nodded in response recalling the experience.


    The queen continued. ¡°Seeing is not the same as feeling it yourself. May I?¡± She smiled sheepishly.


    The queen leaned across the table towards Grey. Closer and closer. Despite her bold actions, Grey couldn''t not notice her hesitation. The queen''s hand clutched her necklace tightly as if seeking protection. Her hesitation didn¡¯t last more than a second and then her lips pressed to Grey¡¯s maw.


    Grey waited patiently with interest. It was obvious what was supposed to happen, his mana would transfer from his core to hers. Yet, even after a few awkward seconds, nothing had happened.


    The queen pulled an inch away. ¡°That¡¯s odd¡­ Are you wearing some sort of ward or protective medallion?¡±


    ¡°No, I have no such trinkets on me.¡±


    She looked at him with suspicion. ¡°So it¡¯s not just my charm you are immune to but my drain skill too? Without a magical device that should be impossible!¡± There was a streak of indignant annoyance on her face. ¡°But I know that you can be drained by our skills. So does it have to be that?.. No, let¡¯s try again. Can you let your guard down a bit? Actually, will your mana towards me, imagine it flowing from your body to mine.¡±


    ¡°I can do that.¡±


    They kissed again and Grey did as asked. It was harder than it sounded. Subconsciously he didn¡¯t want to lose even a single sliver of his mana. But for the sake of the lesson, he willed his mind to loosen up. A strange sensation invaded his brain. His mind felt¡­ dulled, clouded, in a fog ¨C it was hard to describe. There was a budding attraction towards the scandalously dressed woman right in front of him. There was a desire to take her, make her his. And at that moment Grey¡¯s mana moved from his core and towards his lips. A single point was drained.


    Enough! The mental barrier fell back in place almost out of instinct.


    The queen pulled away, her brows were furrowed. ¡°Did you not enjoy it? Never mind, It worked. I can still do it!¡± She sounded relieved. ¡°Let your guard down completely this time.¡±


    This time Grey put a stern expression. ¡°How will this help me to learn the skill? I want to drain and not be drained.¡±


    ¡°You need to understand how the skill works first, so I am showing you¡­ but even then I doubt you can learn it.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m losing my mana!¡±


    ¡°There is always a cost.¡± She lectured. ¡°So you wanna learn it or not?¡±


    ¡°I do, Let''s continue.¡±


    Once again their lips locked. ¡°Drop your guard! Relax!¡± The queen instructed.


    Grey relaxed. Once again his mind was flooded with strange wants and desires. The mana began to flow from him. He hated the idea of his core draining but he kind of liked the other feeling which was tickling his brain. So he concentrated on that other feeling.


    The queen''s tongue invaded his mouth and began to wriggle like an angry snake. Surprisingly it felt pleasant. He wanted more of this feeling. He wanted more pleasure. He wanted more of her. Grey¡¯s hand mowed towards her melon-sized breasts and squeezed on one of them. The queen didn¡¯t seem to mind and continued to kiss him vigorously.


    Grey could feel hunger building up inside him. He hungered for her flesh, but he didn¡¯t want it in his stomach. It was an odd sensation Grey wasn¡¯t accustomed to.


    The queen pulled her tongue out to take a deep breath.


    No! Grey was about to protest but he didn¡¯t need to. Their lips locked once again into a passionate kiss. It lasted maybe a minute but it felt much longer. Grey just couldn¡¯t have enough. He wanted her, he wanted her all. He grabbed her and pressed her body tightly towards himself. He was running out of air but he didn¡¯t want to end this.


    The queen pulled her head away despite Grey¡¯s attempts to prevent such a thing. She was stronger than she looked.


    ¡°And here you finally lost to my charms.¡± She smiled at him.


    Grey stared at the queen with feral hunger.


    ¡°Grey?¡± She sounded tense and even her body tensed up. ¡°Grey?¡± She repeated.


    He wanted her. He wanted to taste her flesh.


    The queen blew air towards his face. It felt cold, frigid even, but it was refreshing in a sense. The fog cleared from Grey¡¯s mind.


    ¡°What was I doing?¡± He blinked twice.


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    He let the queen out of his tight grasp. It was hard to ignore his massive erection of which he had only become aware only now.


    ¡°I lost it.¡± He admitted.


    ¡°That you did. A succubus charm is a mighty thing. Now try to control your mana. Do not block the flow but manage it.¡±


    ¡°Are we going again?¡±


    ¡°We are.¡±


    She kissed him again.


    Thus the training continued. Grey found it extremely hard to find that balance where he let his mana be taken away but stayed lucid enough to resist the succubus charm. After a few tries, he had achieved that balance.


    ¡°Good, now¡­¡± She paused dramatically. ¡°Now the hard part. You need to reverse the flow. If you do this, the skill is yours.¡±


    Grey nodded ready and roaring to go.


    He tried and he tried. But in the end, he couldn''t do it. All he could do was control the resistance. His mana was nearing the bottom.


    ¡°It doesn''t work.¡± Grey had to admit. ¡°What am I doing wrong?¡±


    The queen shrugged. ¡°If honest, I think it''s impossible for you to learn the skill¡­¡± She leaned in closer again, but this time kissed his forehead. ¡°On the positive side, didn¡¯t you become even more resistant to mind spells? That¡¯s scary you know?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°After you opened your mind, and by the end of our session I expected you to become a feral beast which only wanted to ravage my body. However, you lost your control only once. I know I have charmed you properly, yet you retained the control. That is¡­ impressive.¡± Despite the praise, she sounded disappointed as if something ate her from inside.


    ¡°Wait. Did you try to actively charm me?¡±


    ¡°Actively, no. It¡¯s a side effect of succubus drain skill.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean I have to learn Charm for me to learn the Drain?¡±


    ¡°That is a good hypothesis. Maybe?¡±


    Grey thought some more.


    ¡°Your drain only works when I open my mind, then I begin to have peculiar thoughts and desires.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ that kinda makes sense.¡±


    ¡°Can you teach me Charm then?¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha. That might be even harder than teaching Drain. Where would I even begin?¡± She gave Grey a meaningful look. ¡°You definitely need to be a succubus or a mind mage first for that. And mind magic I cannot teach, once again our skills come naturally to us succubi.¡±


    ¡°Hah.¡± Grey sighted. He had hit a wall again.


    ¡°But, what if you practised on an already ¡®charmed¡¯ subject? Someone who desired you and your touch. Technically they would count as charmed.¡± The queen suggested. ¡°I might had it backwards. You should do it with my subjects first. My resistances are too high anyways and I cannot be drained.¡±


    ¡°But don¡¯t your subject use other techniques?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and they have less control over them. But since you have good control now, I think you will be okay.¡±


    Grey thought about it. She was correct, if he wanted he could resist the Succubus drain. However, there was one big problem. The method he would need to practise was not entirely to his liking.


    ¡°Wanna give it a go? You can pick any girl you want, and of course, we won¡¯t charge you.¡±


    The money was not the problem, the diminishing mana in his core was. However, if he learned the skill he would be able to get it back easily. It would be ironic to see the succubus drained by their own racial skill. He liked the idea.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it a go.¡±


    The queen snapped her fingers and in no time at all a wild succubus let herself in her chambers.


    ¡°Lead this man to VIP reception. Give him the best of our stock.¡±


    The succubus attendant bowed to her queen, then she wrapped her arms around Grey and led him away.


    Once the two left and the doors closed the queen sighed a sigh of relief. Her hand moved away from her necklace.


    ¡°To be able to resist me, the Succubus Queen, even after I put a charm on him. He must be a mind mage of sorts.¡±


    Her hand went back to the necklace.


    ¡°Darn! He made me wet.¡±


    She snapped her fingers again.

 Chapter 17: Food Lost, Food Gained

    The week went by and so did the trials and tribulations. Tribulation was the right word, however, ironically, the succubus beneath Grey was squirming from the pleasure of having her insides rearranged. She was just another one of many. And like all before her, she failed to drain even the tiniest sliver of mana from Grey. That is, she failed at her job, she failed at being succubus. That didn¡¯t mean that she didn¡¯t try her best.


    ¡°Give it to me!¡± She voiced out between her hot breaths. ¡°Release it.¡± She begged.


    ¡°No. Not yet¡­¡± Grey groaned.


    The failure was mutual. He too, still, didn''t learn the ever illusive Drain skill.


    The succubus wriggled below him, her muscles contracting and putting a good squeeze. There was no mistake, she was trying to milk Grey and she was damn good at it. However, Grey persevered, he didn¡¯t let his mental guard slip even for a moment. His precious core was tightly guarded.


    Even now, he could feel the succubus magic tugging at his core, trying to pull mana out. Just like with others, Grey maintained his guard, never budging and giving up himself to pleasure.


    ¡°Ah¡­ I am¡­¡± Succubus climaxed. Alone.


    Grey ignored her shenanigans. He ignored the feeling of the moistened flesh, the obscene wet sounds filling the air. He ignored her hands caressing his tough skin and the sweat-honeyed sounds escaping from her mouth.


    They were not done. He was not done.


    Instead, he gathered what remained of his mental strength and moved for an attack. He visualised his mana core in his mind. In the self-imposed illusion, it was empty and devoid of mana. It was hungry, no, it was starving for sustenance. It was like a black crystal sucking everything inside it, not even light could escape.


    Also, there was this other core. The one belonging to the woman beneath him. It was red and pulsating. It was filled with pink thoughts and desires very similar to hunger ¨C it was lust.


    And the two were at war.


    Grey did what he had been practising for what seemed ages. He pulled at the red core trying to invade it. He wanted to get inside and ravish it, to take every last droplet of mana for himself.


    ¡°Mine! Mine!¡± Grey muttered ruthlessly slamming at the woman beneath him.


    If anyone would be there to witness it, they would gasp at the sight. That, and they would worry about the woman beneath this beast, the beast who had no qualms about injuring her comparatively minuscule body.


    Regardless, the woman in question seemed to be ecstatic about the brutal act. She melted beneath the monster and her eyes rolled up exposing whites.


    ¡°Ah¡­ U. Need. Wah. Eh-Eh¡­ Gah.¡± Incomprehensible gibberish escaped from her mouth.


    She tightened. She tightened so much it hurt to move. But at that moment her mind was the weakest.


    The succubus wanted him. She desired his every last drop. Due to their close bond Grey could feel all that, and more. To deny her release was like torture. And, It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to say that she was charmed by Grey, albeit in a perverse and convoluted way.


    Grey willed his core to tug at hers. Even, better, he willed it to rip the red crystal to shreds. To break its wall, and pilage the succulent essence of mana.


    ¡°Mmm.¡± Grey too tensed up.


    The pair were moaning and groaning like feral animals in heat.


    And then¡­ Obviously. Finally. In the end.


    He could feel the sweet delicious stream of mana flowing into his near-empty core. It was ecstasy sublime.


    ¡°Ahh!¡± Grey muttered in satisfaction.


    At that time the succubus was completely and utterly broken both in body and in mind.


    Unable, and unwilling to control himself, Grey increased his efforts. The small flow of mana turned to a torrent. He took it, he took it all. He drained the succubus empty.


    Which, at that point, the poor woman found her release and then passed out.


    ¡°Finally.


    With no need at having their cores connected any longer, Grey pulled away from her. He looked at his work with a satisfied face.


    ¡°Justice! Ha-Ha.¡± He laughed cheerfully.


    The irony was there still beneath him. The succubus drained by their own original drain magic.


    He had it, he learned Drain.


    However, the celebration was only a small one. Even by draining her empty, he filled his core no more than by a tenth. It seemed there was quite a big loss in the transfer. But, who cared? Didn¡¯t he have a full house of succubi to drain? To strip them of their dignity and mana! He will do just so. He will fill will himself to the heart''s content¡­


    ¡­


    The queen was sitting behind the desk with her arms crossed. Her face was stern and her gaze cold.


    ¡°No! You can¡¯t have any more of my girls.¡±


    ¡°I am willing to pay like any regular customer.¡± Grey reasoned.


    ¡°No! You broke them.¡±


    ¡°Since then that was a problem? I will pay double, no, triple even.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no.¡± The queen shook her head.


    ¡°But, why? What changed?¡±


    ¡°You did the improbable and learned the skill.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°So¡­ He says. What do you think is the point of succubus offering their services?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± It dawned to Grey.


    ¡°Yeah, I need them to collect the energy. A drained succubus is of no use to me.¡±


    ¡°But I can pay. Name the price.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡­¡± The queen sighed at the feeling of going in loops. ¡°I am the Queen. And it is the queen¡¯s exclusive privilege to drain their subjects. I¡¯m not having you going and undermining my position.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Grey felt like arguing.


    The queen didn''t let him start such things, and continued.


    ¡°Congratulation on learning what should be impossible. Really. Well done. But as far as I am concerned we are now done and square. Are we not? Are you someone who goes back on their word?¡± She gave Grey a judging look.


    ¡°¡­¡± He thought for a bit. ¡°No. I am not. We are square. But is there no other way for me to¡­¡± He didn¡¯t get to finish.


    ¡°No! Not here. And not from my subjects.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Grey sighted. ¡°So, should I let myself out then?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡± The queen said while clutching her necklace in her palm.


    Grey turned to leave. It felt bad. He found something akin to a treasure, but then just as quickly as he found it, it was taken away. But in the retrospect, he learned something very valuable.


    Just before he left. ¡°Thanks¡­¡± He said something he never says. ¡°Thanks for all the help. I will treasure this skill greatly.¡±


    The cold queen thawed but only a tiny bit. ¡°You are welcome. And be careful, this is a dangerous skill.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    And so they parted.


    Grey could understand her animosity. After all, he took her subjects for playthings. He drained them dry to fill his core. If only he was able to restrain just a little. But how could he? He felt like a boy with a new toy. And the toy was actually not a toy at all. It was a weapon able to break others. The damage of course was mostly mental and temporary. Yet, needless to say, the casualties were still there.


    ¡°Will that only work on succubi?¡± Grey wondered out loud as he made his way out.


    ¡­


    The queen breathed a deep breath of relief. In doing so she slumped back into her cushy chair and directed her attention to the receptionist who was also her secretary in charge.


    ¡°How are the girls?¡± She asked betraying worry in her voice.


    ¡°Actually¡­¡± the secretary paused uncomfortably. ¡°The first few who woke up described it as the best experience in their short lives.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was afraid of.¡± She frowned. ¡°The nature of us succubi, no one can change it. Trivialities aside, are they still good to work?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± The secretary gave it a good thought. ¡°To keep the average customers happy it is best if they refrain from full service, but otherwise aside from soreness, they¡¯re fine. Let them take it easy and their cores will be back to full in a few days.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that then.¡±


    ¡°And, how about the peacekeeper?¡±


    ¡°Him¡­ Don¡¯t let him touch any of our girls. And get someone to keep an eye on him.¡±


    ¡°Someone like a spy? Is he a threat?¡±


    ¡°Yes a spy, spare no expense. And no, I don¡¯t think he¡¯s a threat. But he is dangerous. Let¡¯s just observe him for now.¡±


    The secretary nodded in agreement. ¡°So how come did he learn the skill? Is he a demon like us? But even then¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was surprising he got the technique right, but he is no demon. While he has the mana core similar to us, from what I tasted, his is more that of a monster.¡±


    ¡°Monster?¡±


    ¡°Highly evolved monster. He might be a rare variant of sorts.¡±


    ¡°But that would make him dangerous!¡±


    ¡°Not to us. Humans maybe. Isn¡¯t that perfect? If he steps out of the line all we have to do is expose him. Let humans know he has a core and they will be very quick in branding him as a monster worthy of extermination.¡±


    ¡°Despite the ongoing mascarade, these humans are a xenophobic bunch.¡± The secretary added her remark.


    ¡°That they are. We¡¯re good for them only as disposable labour, or holes for cheap pleasure.¡±


    Saying that the queen produced another necklace out of one of her desk drawers.


    ¡°That is?¡±


    ¡°Protection. Wear it at all times.¡±


    The secretary took the expensive necklace and put it over her neck.


    ¡°Mind magic resistance? What for?¡±


    ¡°Grey¡­ He might be a mind mage.¡±


    ¡°Somehow that makes sense¡­¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± The queen hummed imitating a wisened sage. ¡°His resistance is uncanny. My charm barely works on him.¡°


    ¡°No! For Succubus Queen Charm to fail¡­¡±


    ¡°What if, his mental attacks are of the same magnitude?¡±


    The secretary grabbed for the necklace tightly. Expression of horror was plastered on her face.


    ¡­


    While Grey was walking down the busy street heading for his lair, his head was full of thoughts. Hypothetically he had a way to fill his core without needing to eat a mage. The glaring issue was that he had to get his hands on a willing succubus.


    ¡°But does it have to be a succubus?¡± He spoke to himself while walking.


    He rubbed his chin in thought. Well, obviously, they didn¡¯t need to be succubi. He should be able to drain just about anyone.


    ¡°As longs as they were charmed¡­ or willing.¡±


    That was the downside of the skill. A major hurdle. After all, he wasn¡¯t a mind mage.


    ¡°Can I learn such a skill? But even then, who would even teach me that.¡±


    The University existed in this city, but as far as he knew only humans were allowed to attend it.


    ¡°Mmm? What skill are you trying to learn?¡± A redhead youth asked cheekily.


    ¡°Char¡­¡±He had almost said it.  ¡°Elri? What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°What? Now I can¡¯t even take a casual stroll without being questioned. I am not stalking you or anything.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°So, you could be more polite and greet me properly!¡±


    Usually, people kept their distance away from him so Grey frowned at being ambushed by the shrimpy girl like this.


    ¡°Greetings, Elri.¡± He gave his signature toothy grin in an attempt to scare her away. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    The runt pouted. ¡°Why do you assume I want something?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Well. Then goodbye, Elri.¡±


    ¡°No! Wait.¡±


    Grey ignored the shrimpy youth and continued on his journey. Or, at least he tried. She stuck to his side defiantly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard you cleared the whole ork camp?¡±


    ¡°That I did.¡±


    ¡°Amazing!¡±


    Grey shrugged it was an easy job.


    ¡°And you did it alone, no?¡±


    Grey didn¡¯t answer because she wasn¡¯t really asking, only stating.


    ¡°Meaning you still have no party! How so?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need one. And I am spending most of my time peacekeeping the city.¡±


    ¡°So you quit adventuring?¡±


    ¡°No, not quite. Why?¡± He asked since she clearly wanted something from him.


    ¡°Well, my father has finally lifted my ban on adventuring. I have people for my party but I still need someone to take a tank role.¡±


    ¡°A tank?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, to guard and take damage for me. Interested? Of course, I will pay.¡±


    ¡°I am kinda busy.¡±


    ¡°Come on! I know you are trying to obtain a skill or technique of sorts, wouldn''t extra money help to buy a trainer?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about money. I have money. The problem is that no-one would even teach me that.¡±


    ¡°What skill is it?¡±


    Grey deliberated if he should tell her.


    ¡°Charm.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Ha-Ha.¡± She began laughing in his face.


    Rude! If only she wasn¡¯t a noble, Grey would eat her. He gave her a death stare.


    ¡°Wait, you were serious? I kinda get why you would want to learn that. Aside from the fact that the spell is illegal, wouldn¡¯t it be impossible since you aren''t even a mage?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s illegal? So even the University?¡±


    ¡°Even if anyone had such a precious spell, no one in the right mind would teach it. You would have to part with gold equal to a dragon''s hoard to obtain something like that. ¡±


    Elri patted Grey¡¯s leg compassionately. ¡°I get, I get it. But really, if you just were more social people would see your true worth. It¡¯s not just about looks. Just try to be less intimidating perhaps?¡±


    ¡°Eh? Being intimidating works in my advantage. That¡¯s not why I need the Charm skill.¡±


    ¡°Charm spell.¡± Elri corrected.


    Damn, she was annoying.


    ¡°So why? Oh¡­ I get it.¡± She smiled at him cheekily.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He-he.¡± Elri nudged him with her elbow.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You have a lady in your eye.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t completely wrong but even then¡­ ¡°No!¡± Grey denied.


    ¡°No need to be embarrassed. If you don¡¯t want to tell me you don¡¯t have to, but I am all yours for advice. Oh and before you ask, no, love potions aren''t real either.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    The conversation died down and Elri didn¡¯t try to pester him to join her party anymore, however, that didn¡¯t mean she wasn¡¯t a pest. She continued to follow him.


    Grey glanced back over his shoulder at the annoying runt. She wasn¡¯t even trying to be casual about it.


    ¡°Stalker!¡± He accused.


    ¡°No, I am not! We are just going in the same direction.¡±


    If Grey made a turn she was making a turn. She WAS following him.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± He finally asked.


    ¡°To see that elf of yours.¡±


    Grey gave a suspicious look. But then, he didn¡¯t care too much. His lair wasn¡¯t secret or anything, and if the she-devil had some dealings with mages or nobles it probably was related to her work anyway.


    ¡°Huh!¡± Grey exclaimed.


    Something was terribly off. The two guards who were supposed to watch the entrance were missing from their posts, leaving the doors open. Shouting and sounds of the fight were coming from deeper inside.


    Grey rushed towards the sound, Elri right in tow. He ran past a bleeding beastkin nursing a nasty slash on his side.


    ¡°Boss, downstairs!¡±


    The fighting was happening on the basement floor, the place where he kept his food.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Grey panicked.


    Either someone escaped or someone was trying to liberate his food out of their cages. Not willing to bother with the stairs he just leapt down clearing the set of stairs. The floor tiles of course cracked under his weight, but in retrospect, he made quite an entrance.


    ¡°Boss!¡±, ¡°Right on time!¡± The two of his hired minions exclaimed in relief.


    Grey scanned the basement. Two of the captive girls were still in cages. Which was good. But there was a still hot body of one of his helpers; his throat slashed clean. Next to the corpse was the culprit himself. A type of rogue, an assassin perhaps. He wore a tight black leather suit, his face hidden by the cowl. A nasty mithril dagger in his hand dripped fresh blood.

 Chapter 18: Rat in The Pantry

    Both Grey and the mysterious rogue stared with animosity at each other.


    ¡°You!¡± Grey pointed his finger and shouted accusingly towards the intruder.


    The idiot wFas now trapped. Grey mowed a step back closer to the stairs to guard them and cut rogue¡¯s only escape.


    ¡°Where is Shamila?¡± The rogue matched the tone with an accusation of his own.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Do not pretend to be innocent. Monster!¡± The rogue glanced at the cages.


    ¡°Oh¡­ I don¡¯t ask for the names of my food. She is likely dead.¡±


    ¡°Monster!¡±


    A tiny frame sprung from behind Grey. The mini-mage had finally caught up.


    ¡°Do you want me to toast this bandit?¡± A flame formed in Elri¡¯s palm.


    ¡°Do it!¡± Grey smiled at the convenience of not having to spend his own mana.


    ¡°No! You don¡¯t understand, he¡¯s¡­¡±


    A fireball flew towards the rogue. The rogue clasped a trinket in his left. Right before the fireball could hit a protective dome was deployed all around the rogue. That was not all, the rogue had managed to throw his dagger even before all that.


    Grey could barely register the speed at which the dagger flew. If it was aimed at Elri, like it should have been, she would be dead. Instead, it flew towards Grey. Out of reflex, or maybe by sheer luck, Grey moved his arm to block the dagger. The tip of the dagger having to face Grey¡¯s sturdy arm plate at an odd angle caused it to slide off. In other words, Grey managed to deflect the mithril dagger. An amazing feat.


    However, the dagger bounced right towards Elri and right into her chest. The blade pierced deep into her. It would have pierced right through if not for the handle getting stuck in the ribs. In the end, the dagger did hit her anyway.


    ¡°Ahh!¡± Elri cried in pain and collapsed to her knees.


    ¡°Tch.¡± The assassin clicked his tongue.


    ¡°Bastard!¡± Grey didn¡¯t appreciate the trick.


    Of course, charging the rogue was an option, but he would need to leave the stairwell. And most likely this was what the rogue wanted. Plus, there was a protective dome guarding the rogue against ranged attacks.


    However, Grey had a trick of his own. He was about to put the strength of that dome to the test. With a stretch of an arm and a pull from his core, energy began to gather between his palms.


    The assassin''s eyes bulged in surprise. Elri too wanted to say something but only a nasty cough accompanied by blood escaped her mouth.


    ¡°Eat this!¡± Grey launched his now iconic blue beam. It never failed him.


    The protective dome strained spewing sparks of mana as it tried to cope with the attack.


    ¡°Impossible!¡± The rogue yelled in disbelief.


    He went into one of his many pockets to pull out a peculiarly looking stone. Another magic item of sorts.


    Grey smiled confidently. Unless it was another magic shield, the rogue will have little use for that enchanted pebble.


    The leather-clad rogue raised the stone dramatically above his head and activated the consumable item with a shout. ¡°Recall!¡±


    A bright flash of light filled the protective dome right before it shattered. The blue beam left unobstructed continued towards the wall, blowing brick and mortar apart to punch a massive hole into it.


    ¡°Shit! How?!¡±


    Somehow, the rogue managed to escape. How? ¨C Grey had no clue. He scanned the room suspiciously, sniffing for the rogue. Grey approached the spot where the rogue was just seconds ago. Nothing. No, the spot wasn¡¯t empty. Various trinkets and an assortment of knives were scattered all around. Some half melted by the blue beam. Oddly there were also a pair of enchanted boots right where the rogue used to be; still warm and sweaty. It was almost like the rogue was spirited away to someplace else. But then, why only some of the items remained? ¨C a mystery Grey couldn''t solve just yet.


    With the threat gone, Grey quickly glanced at the cages counting his food. All there, trembling behind bars. And only then did he turn back towards the redhead. She was laying on her back unconscious; blood staining her blouse. Elri was dying.


    Grey looked at her fragile state for a good moment. Elri, must have seen the captives, seen the human blood and remains tainting the cages. Not to mention the kidnapped women he held here imprisoned against their will. But¡­A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    He had to save her. Or else he will be held responsible for the young noble¡¯s death. Elri''s limp body was picked up from the ground. Grey looked at the stuck dagger wondering if he should pull it out, but in the last moment he reconsidered.


    ¡°Hey, you! Bring the healing potion.¡± Grey commanded one of the two guards who were standing there with stupid looks on their faces.


    ¡°But boss¡­¡±


    ¡°What!?¡± Grey roared at the defiant minion.


    ¡°Didn''t you ban healing potions?¡±


    He did¡­ he did do that. Both health and especially mana potions were forbidden in his lair since Grey reviled the foul substance. Else, it could taint his food.


    ¡°The she-devil must have some hidden away. Go search her room!¡±


    The two beastkin clambered up the stairs in the rush. Grey followed with the runt in one of his hands. She was developing an awfully pale complexion. The scent of her sweet blood assaulted his nose making him quite peckish, but this was no time for dinner.


    ¡°Boss, there is none.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t find anything either.¡± The other added.


    ¡°Did you look properly?¡± Grey asked having doubts. ¡°Never mind.¡± He showed the two out of his way and headed towards the exit in a hurry.


    If he didn¡¯t have a potion he just needed to get one. So he sprinted towards the market. The locals raised a few eyebrows at the sight but none really dared to reprimand him.


    Once out of the slums and at the decent part of the city there was more of a reaction.


    ¡°A potion. I need a healing potion!¡± He shouted at the crowds of people while running.


    Yet, there were no volunteers to offer him help. A healing potion was an expensive item, so people were reluctant to give it to a stranger, even if they were in dire need. Maybe if the commoners knew that it was for a lady of noble birth their reaction would be different.


    Grey could feel the life leaving that tiny body in his arms. But finally, he was at the street market.


    ¡°A potion!¡± He shouted at the elderly man dealing in some sort of concoctions.


    ¡°A potion?!¡± The man parroted ¡°She is already half dead, what use the potion will be? Get her to the temple!¡±


    Despite his words, he did give Grey a healing potion right away. Grey tossed a few coins at the merchant, poured the potion on the wound and continued running. Grey frowned at the foul substance and the stench it made while it sizzled around the dagger stopping the bleeding.


    The bleeding was taken care of, but Elri was barely breathing and her body felt cold.


    ¡°The temple.¡± Grey spoke to himself. He wasn¡¯t very fond of the place.


    After some more running, he had finally reached the tall building and its arches which supposedly welcomed all believers. Well, everyone except for beastkin.


    The guards were already shouting something to Grey.


    ¡°She is a noble! She needs a priest¡± Grey shouted back.


    The guards surrounded him. Their animosity towards Grey was so thick you could cut it with a knife.


    ¡°Get her help. Now!¡± Grey offered the limp body.


    One of the guards grabbed the girl and ran to the temple. The others kept the encirclement around Grey.


    ¡°What?¡± Grey asked in annoyance. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it.¡± He also offered them his peacekeeper''s badge.


    They lowered their weapons but the angry looks remained.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±


    Grey grumbled under his nose. Humans just had the talent to annoy him endlessly. He waited patiently for the outcome. And finally, a priestly woman stepped outside.


    ¡°Let him go!¡± She seemed annoyed at the guards. ¡°He saved her life.¡±


    The guards broke the encirclement.


    ¡°Come, I bet you want to see her.¡± The blonde woman beckoned.


    Knowing that she made it was enough. He had other stuff to do. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± He refused.


    ¡°No need to be shy. I insist.¡±


    An arm behind him gave a rude push. Obviously, the guards didn¡¯t like hearing the priest having to repeat herself.


    ¡°Alright then.¡± Grey glared at the guard, who just made a nasty scowl.


    Elri was laying on a stone slab, still pale but with some complexion back on her face. Weak breaths escaped her mouth.


    Her eyes were closed but then the lips parted. ¡°Thanks.¡± She said quietly.


    ¡°Shush, don¡¯t try to speak. You are still to weak.¡± The blonde priest scolded. ¡°Thank you for saving this young child. The gods will reward you.¡± The priest smiled at Grey.


    Atfer getting a better look at her he recognised the woman. She was the one who had lifted his wasting curse.


    ¡°You know, gods work in mysterious ways.¡± It sounded like she was about to begin a long sermon. ¡°The dagger was poisoned, but it was the poison that saved her life. It slowed her heart rate and bought those few precious minutes for you to get her here. Worry not, I have cleansed the poison and stabilised her condition.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Grey had nothing to tell to this priest. ¡°I shall go then.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± The woman grabbed Grey by the arm.


    She looked at him as if wanting to tell him something but at the last minute she hesitated and let his arm go.


    ¡°May the gods be with you.¡± She said instead.


    Grey nodded and walked out of the temple.


    He wasn¡¯t happy about this. About any of this. His lair was invaded, the she-devil was who knows where and the runt probably saw too much. There was a big mess to untangle.


    ¡°Just who that rogue was?¡± Grey thought to himself out loud.


    The man dropped quite a few items. Maybe those could be used as clues to tell his identity. So he had to go back and go over the items properly. But most importantly he had to clean his lair. Involving a noble meant that the city guard was bound to come and sniff around in his place. He needed a new place to store his food, even if temporarily.


    The half-elf was still missing, so he ordered his men to go and look for her. In meantime, Grey went over the various things the rogue left behind. There were a set of throw daggers, poisoned darts, lockpicks and other stuff a rogue would carry; mostly junk Grey had no use for. And he was no sleuth or diviner to use these items to find the culprit. But there were a pair of awfully smelly shoes.


    He did what he had to, and at least he will be able to sniff the man if he ever gets close again. Also, he could, like a hound, use his senses to see where the rogue came from but there were more urgent matters to attend to.


    He gathered the minions the she-devil had hired and began issuing orders.


    ¡°You, you and you. Are on cleaning duty. You, you and you will be coming with me. You and you¡­¡±


    He had to act quickly. All the signs of having a slaughterhouse in his basement had to disappear. Not to mention various illegal goods stashed here. And the captive women to deal with.


    Grey gathered some stuff, disguised three of his men and the captives as adventurers and headed towards the city gates. It was due time to visit the orks.


    Was he running away from having to deal with the guards himself? ¨C maybe. Push comes to shove, he¡¯d never lived in this house. Witnesses? ¨C liars. The contraband? ¨C Not his.


    He was just a peacekeeper who came to investigate a ruckus and found a burglar. One thing led to the other, and bam, Elri got stabbed.


    That was an alibi with more holes than the poor man''s cheese.

 Chapter 19: Picnic In The Forest

    Shouts were coming from the depths of the forest, from the place there ork camp was. Grey increased his pace into a light jog ordering his men to do the same. Something was up.


    There in the clearing, he could see a broken fence, torn up tents and a group of ork women trying to fend off a particularly large canine monster. By the looks of it, he had made it just in time.


    ¡°Chief!¡± a familiar half-ork greeted.


    The orks were surrounding a wooden cage as if to protect it. The monster seemed to be dead set on getting to the cage. In the cage, there was that young adventurer, the one Grey had almost forgotten about. It was a surprise the orks haven¡¯t eaten her yet.


    Grey approached the beast from behind. In his hand, he held his Fang Spear. Grey lunged to stab at the monster, however, it was aware of the small group approaching from behind. The monster lept to the side at the last moment avoiding the spear, and then it sprinted to the thick growth of the forest.


    ¡°Boss, should we give it a chase?¡± A beastkin sounded confident in his ability to track and kill the monster.


    ¡°No, it''s too risky. It might belong to a pack.¡± Grey reasoned. ¡°What did it want? I thought monsters don¡¯t fancy ork flesh.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t. It must have smelled the human in the cage.¡± The half-ork explained.


    Grey was surprised at the length the orks were willing to go to protect his food. It would have been easier to just let the monster have the girl. He walked closer to the cage to inspect how well his food was faring there. The girl was even filthier then he remembered, but on the positive side, she was now plumper.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t forget to feed her this time. Good. But there are no other captives?¡±


    ¡°Sorry chief, the adventurers seem to be avoiding the forest. While we noticed some humans, they would be too tough for us to capture.¡± The half-ork bowed her head in apology.


    ¡°Yeah with the increasing monster appearances newbies must find this place too challenging. Which is a shame.¡±


    Even if he didn¡¯t expect much, it was kind of disappointing to see that his investment hasn¡¯t brought any fruit yet.


    ¡°Anyways, I¡¯ve bought a few men with me. They¡¯re here to help. And these¡­¡± He pointed at the captives he brought with him ¡°¡­ guide them to cages.¡±


    ¡°Oh, the chief has brought new captives! Good show of strength.¡± The half-ork praised.


    ¡°Are we here to stay?¡± The beastkin asked in surprise.


    ¡°Yes. You will teach these orks how to fight, and make traps. Also, seeing what just happened, building a better fence, no, a palisade is also a must.¡± Grey intended to turn this shabby camp into a small fortification.


    ¡°But¡­¡± The beastkin wanted to protest.


    ¡°You will get paid. Once we are done you can talk money with my elf, that is, If she didn¡¯t decide to disappear on me.¡± Grey whispered the last part begrudgingly. ¡°What are you looking for? Get to work, the trees will not chop themselves down.¡±


    They started the work. Grey too wasn¡¯t just idly observing, he grabbed the axe and began chopping the tall trees. Not only will they get the so much needed timber for the palisade but create the clearing around the camp. In the end, he had to remake something that he had destroyed before ¨C a proper ork encampment.


    Well, thinking about the number of orks present it would be a very empty encampment, but he had plans to fill it up. If not orks, a group of bandits he commanded.


    Having plenty of strength and stamina Grey had made quick work of the trees. The only issue was that he had gotten hungry. Grey smiled at his own genius of bringing food with him. He went to the cages where the captives were.


    ¡°Which one of you is the most delicious?¡± He asked with a toothy grin.


    The women looked at each other, their faces betraying terror.


    ¡°Is it you?¡± He pointed at the human.


    She began shaking her head.


    ¡°Or is it you?¡± He pointed at a wolf-variant beastkin.


    ¡°No¡­ Please.¡± She whimpered.


    Then Grey looked at the filthy girl, the one who had already spent countless days in ork company. Her eyes were like glass beads, she was probably half insane by this point. ¡°Definitely, not you.¡± Grey ruled out.


    He opened the cage and dragged the screaming wolfkin. And without further ado, he began devouring her in front of everyone; just like the monster would.


    The captives scuttered away to the farthest reaches of their cages and averted their eyes from the horror. The three beastkin minions also turned their sight away, while they were the ones who captured this girl for Grey, they still found the sight of their own being eaten unpleasant. Only the orks, being the flesh eaters themselves, remained indifferent.


    ¡°Chief, you should have told us. We would have made you a proper feast.¡±


    Grey wiped the still-hot blood from his chin somewhat doubting the half-ork¡¯s claim.


    ¡°If it¡¯s monster meat you think of serving me. I don¡¯t want it.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes chief. Sorry. But monster cores are fine, yes?¡±


    ¡°You have some?¡±


    ¡°Only small ones. From small monsters we managed to trap.¡±


    Grey looked with a glint of interest in his eyes.


    ¡°Bring them here then.¡±


    The half-ork produced a woven basket from one of the hide tents. It was filled with monster cores of various sizes. They were small, and some were already beginning to crystalise.


    ¡°Huh.¡± Grey showed a bunch of cores into his mouth


    *Crunch *Crunch ¨C a tiny bit of mana was recovered from the cores.


    ¡°Not bad. If you can¡¯t get the mages I will take the cores, but I kinda need them fresh.¡±


    ¡°Yes, chief there are ways to preserve the cores.¡±


    ¡°There is?¡± Grey asked surprised.


    The half-ork nodded.


    ¡°Chief?¡±


    Grey looked at the ork.


    ¡°The tribe is small. When will you claim your privilege as a chief?¡±


    ¡°Privilege?¡± He didn¡¯t know there were any perks.


    ¡°Yes, to make the tribe bigger. Shall I keep you company this night?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Grey understood what she was implying.


    Unfortunately, Grey was positive that this wasn¡¯t biologically possible. As far as his limited understanding went it had to be ork or a human male. Having male orks in this camp could prove too challenging, but there was another option.


    ¡°If you need mates I think we can capture some humans. That should work, yes?¡±The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Well. Yes.¡± The half-ork sounded somewhat disappointed. ¡°But it¡¯s the chief''s right to claim the females first.¡±


    ¡°Yeah? I can¡¯t say I am interested in that tradition.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    Grey doubted that she did. Regardless, he had other matters to attend to first.


    The palisade was coming along nicely. Or so would Grey like to say. In reality, it somehow turned out worse than the one in the previous ork encampment. Regardless, it will keep the mundane monsters away.


    One of the three beastkin, the feline one, was training orks in scouting and ambushing tactics. He was leading an exercise where a small group of orks had to ambush a wooden dummy. By the looks of it, it wasn¡¯t going too well.


    ¡°Bahh!¡± Ork roared before even springing out of the bush ¡°Smash!¡± She bashed the dummy with a spear.


    ¡°No, no, no!¡± The frustration was clear on beatskin¡¯s face. ¡°This is an ambush, you have to be quiet. And you stab with the spear like this. Do not bash it, the spear is not a club.¡±


    ¡°Right! Club is better.¡± The ork continued to swing at the dummy.


    The spear shaft snapped in half.


    ¡°Fuck me! This is pointless.¡± The feline trainer let out a defeated sigh.


    ¡°So it¡¯s not going too well?¡± Grey asked rhetorically. ¡°Too bad you will have to stay here until they get at least the basics down.¡±


    ¡°By the gods! I will be here for months. Boss, I have a wife and family, please.¡±


    ¡°Then your wife can come here too. Is she good with a spear?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ forget I even asked.¡±


    Grey shrugged. He wouldn¡¯t mind paying for her help. Actually, it was odd that there were only so very few beastkin females working under him. He wondered why.


    The orks continued to struggle with the spears. While Grey too once didn¡¯t see the appeal of the spear, now the advantages were too hard to ignore.


    ¡°Shall I show how it''s done?¡± Grey offered.


    ¡°Be my guest. Pah!¡± The bearskin snorted at the folly.


    Instead of going over the same exercises, Grey had something more real in mind.


    ¡°Follow me. We will track that monster from before.¡±


    Grey sniffed at bite marks left on the leather of the wrecked tent. The monster''s saliva had dried off but the smell was still there. Of course, the monster left tracks, but Grey trusted his nose more than his tracking ability.


    A few orks sniffed at the tent, mimicking what Grey did. He doubted they could pick the smell up.


    ¡°Chief! I will join you on your hunt.¡± The half-ork appeared suddenly.


    She was his second in command here and she had other duties to addend. Grey wouldn¡¯t expect this ork to lead any hunting trips. Didn¡¯t she want to lounge somewhere comfortably while the minions did all the work? But judging from her keen look, apparently not.


    ¡°Suit yourself.¡±


    ¡°Into the threes now. Quietly.¡± Grey instructed.


    The fleeing monster left broken branches and other signs so one might think that Grey sniffing at the tent was quite pointless; obviously, this was what the feline beastkin thought. Later, however, the signs were not so obvious.


    ¡°Can you still track the monster now?¡±


    ¡°No, I have lost the trail.¡± The beastkin admitted.


    ¡°Shh!¡± The ork shushed the beastkin. ¡°The chief said quietly.¡±


    The beastkin glared at the idiotic ork.


    ¡°Anyway, I still have its smell. We are in its territory. There should be a lair close by.¡±


    ¡°Shh!!!¡±


    Grey sniffed for traces. He let his nose guide him. And after a short while, a loud growl came from behind the trees. The small hunting party, except for the feline beastkin, were not as quiet as they liked to think.


    ¡°Whah¡­Bah?¡± Someone was about to shout and charge but was bonked on her head instead.


    ¡°No!¡± Grey still wanted this to be an ambush. But obviously, they had already failed. ¡°Ah, Okay, charge at it.¡±


    ¡°Boss?¡± The beastkin questioned the decision.


    ¡°What!¡±, ¡°Rah!¡±, ¡°Bahh!¡± The orks exclaimed such and alike charging towards the trees.


    The monster unafraid, and why would it be, jumped at the orks from a tree. Earlier the orks had struggled to fend off this monster, so now nothing really changed apart from the fact that Grey was there too. But it was a detrimental change. Grey threw his Fang Spear towards the canine monster. The monster unexpecting the throw was unable to dodge in time, and the spear sunk into its back.


    It howled In pain and turned to flee.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let it escape!¡±


    The orks continued their charge at the monster. The wounded beast was slower than it normally would and in no time at all the orks caught up.


    ¡°Surround it.¡±


    The orks did just so. The monster growled at snapped at the orks defensively. The women swung their spears sideways at the beast but obviously failed to inflict any real damage. The beastkin slapped his own face at the display of idiocy.


    ¡°Spear is a thrusting weapon, you morons! Stab at it. Poke! Poke it!¡± He was unable to contain his frustration.


    ¡°Poke? Poke!¡±


    The orks finally understood. One by one the spears found their way into the thick hide. Prodding the monster, angering it. The monster tried to counter, tried to break the encirclement, but in the end, it was one against the many.


    Its bloodied body sank to the ground, but the orks kept stabbing at it.


    ¡°Amm, it''s enough. It is already dead.¡±


    Grey approached closer. Its pelt was ruined, but there was value in its teeth and core.


    ¡°Not the ambush I wanted, but I guess well done.¡± Grey shrugged.


    ¡°Chief, your weapon.¡± The half-ork presented Grey¡¯s spear back to him. ¡°The hunt was amazing. Thank you for leading us.¡±


    Grey took back his weapon.


    ¡°Boss, should we clear the nest?¡± The beastkin asked.


    ¡°Ah, yes, almost forgot about it.¡±


    The lair wasn¡¯t that far off. Grey was cautious of other monsters, but it was unlikely there were more since they would have come to investigate the sound. So in all likelihood apart from a half chewed bones and the like the lair would be empty.


    But it was not. There were four little monster cubs nested together and yelping for their mother.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Grey looked surprised.


    But maybe he shouldn''t be, monsters had to come from somewhere. The feline beastkin aimed his spear at the cubs.


    ¡°Wait.¡± The half-ork interrupted him in the midswing. ¡°They are small, we can take them.¡±


    ¡°What for? To eat for later?¡± Grey asked curiously.


    ¡°Wargs can be tamed. That is, only by orks.¡± The beastkin smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve forgotten we are working with orks.¡±


    ¡°Can you really tame them?¡± Grey turned to the half-ork.


    ¡°Well¡­ A tamer could, but our tribe didn¡¯t have one.¡± The ork looked away. ¡°But I can try!¡± She looked back at Grey with shiny eyes.


    ¡°I guess. If not you can eat them. Win ¨C win.¡± Grey concluded.


    The pups were scooped from their nest and hauled away. On their way back they picked the mother¡¯s corpse, no need to waste good meat for orks to eat.


    ¡°Hey! I can see you enjoyed your little trip.¡± The wolf-like bearskin commented to the feline snarkily.


    ¡°Yeah, while you were out having fun we were stuck baby siting these retards.¡± The other wolf-like beastkin motioned at his group of orks.


    ¡°We can swap groups anytime you want. They all morons.¡± The feline shot back.


    ¡°Do I need to remind you that you¡¯re staying in this camp? Keep talking like that and one of these morons will eat you in your sleep.¡± Grey stated the obvious.


    ¡°Sorry, boss.¡±


    ¡°Chief, however tasty they might be, no one will eat your men. Not on my watch!¡± The half-ork looked threateningly at the other orks.


    ¡°No eat, we know!¡± The ork waved panickily.


    ¡°Anyway, if hungry you can eat this monster..¡± Grey looked at bloodied carcass four orks were carrying. ¡°Should be enough for everyone. Now, it¡¯s getting late, which tent is mine?¡±


    ¡°The chief¡¯s tent is yours.¡± The half ork pointed at the biggest tent.


    Grey began to walk towards a big leather tent. It didn¡¯t look like much but it indeed was the least shabby tent in the entire camp.


    ¡°Hey, boss? What are we supposed to eat?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I haven''t had anything since we came?¡±


    His minions were complaining. Normally the she-devil dealt with such mundane things, but she wasn¡¯t here.


    ¡°Look at the orks. They don¡¯t complain.¡± Grey waved it off.


    ¡°We can¡¯t eat monster meat, it''s too tough!¡±


    ¡°Boss?¡±


    Grey ignored his spoiled minions.


    The inside of the tent surprised him. The orks did their best to decorate it. There were various trinkets made of bone and monster skulls prettying up the place. In the corner, there was a woven chest presumably to keep his belongings. And for the bed, he had fluffy monster pelts draped over some leaves and grass. One thing the orks got right was the size of his bed. The air smelled slightly herbal, medicinal even. All in all, it was quite basic but probably the best the orks could offer now.


    Grey laid down on the pelt, he was due for some good rest. His mind drifted away for some time, only to be woken by a flowery scent and a presence in his tent.


    At first, Grey couldn''t tell who it was standing by the entrance. The half-ork didn¡¯t smell like her usual self. He looked at the woman slightly annoyed by the interruption.


    ¡°Chief, I came to join you in your bed.¡± The half-ork whispered.


    ¡°It¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    ¡°Do you not find me appealing?¡±


    That wasn¡¯t true. He did wonder how she would taste on numerous occasions.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡±


    ¡°Then I will lay next to you.¡±


    She invited herself on the pelts right behind him.


    ¡°You know if you don¡¯t claim me the others will start thinking that I am unworthy of the position. Am I not doing a good job?¡±


    Ah, so that is what this is about.


    ¡°You are obedient and useful to me.¡± He admitted.


    ¡°So why not do it? It¡¯s just sex.¡±


    ¡°I have no such desires.¡±


    There was a moment of silence. Then two squishy lumps the size of melons pressed on his back.


    ¡°Chief I want you.¡± She whispered in his ear.


    Grey was thinking. He could run an experiment but¡­


    ¡°I need you to fuck me. I want you.¡± She begged.


    ¡­ but will her body hold? And she was no succubus, she had no core, so the likelihood of his drain skill working was slim. Not to mention the other requirements.


    ¡°Do you want me that bad?¡± He asked finally.


    ¡°Very! Very, very bad. Look!¡± Half-ork guided his hand in between her legs.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Grey rolled over trapping the half-ork underneath him.


    ¡°I won¡¯t play around then.¡± He lifted her legs up. ¡°And I won¡¯t stop.¡±


    ¡°Mhm, but¡­¡± The half-ork didn''t get to finish. ¡°Ahh!¡± A sweet voice escaped her mouth.


    Grey pushed in and willed his mana core to probe the ork¡¯s defences. The ork squirmed underneath him moaning and screaming like a feral animal. She was very loud. But Grey could understand, she wasn¡¯t as stretchy as a succubus so the process couldn¡¯t be all too pleasant. And unlike a succubus, she failed to provide him with any mana, in other words, his Drain skill failed to engage. That didn¡¯t mean he had to stop trying.


    From convulsing ork underneath him it was clear the finale was close. And then it came Grey too had almost lost to it. However, a small tickle of mana entered his core. As soon as it started it was over. No more than a single point, but this was a move in a positive direction. Actually, this was great, it meant that his Drain skill could be used on other races than succubi. And that he could use this to restore the mana. He only needed more practice and more willing subjects.


    ¡°Ah¡­ Ah¡­¡± The half-ork finally stopped panting. ¡°You haven¡¯t finished. Give me a moment and we can go again.¡±


    Grey smiled wickedly. The training only had begun.

 Chapter 20: No Trouble To Be Had

    In the morning, Grey woke up with the half-ork already missing. So was the stitched-up pelt meant to soften the ground. How did the ork manage to wrestle it from under him without waking him up was a mystery. The purpose however was quite obvious. She must have taken it to get it washed.


    Grey stepped out of his tent.


    It was already past noon. He had overslept and no one thought of waking him up. There was so much he needed to do.


    ¡®Useless minions. Well, whatever.¡¯ Grey grumbled.


    The orks were busy doing ork things, tanning the hides, sharpening the sticks for traps and the like. However, Grey could not miss the look they were giving to him. The way these women looked at him made him worry. It was hard to nane the feeling they were emitting but if Grey had to say he would say that the eyes the orks had were the eyes of envy and desire. The change in atmosphere was unsettling.


    To make matters worse his favourite half-ork was waving the bloodied pelt around like some sort of a trophy. Wasn¡¯t she supposed to go and wash it?


    ¡°¡­ So as you can see I am the chief¡¯s first wife!¡± She pointed at the dirty pelt.


    Grey grabbed the article which still reeked of sex and ork bodily fluids. This was a very special time in his life. This was the first time he felt embarrassed. The display was obscene and her words utter nonsense.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Grey questioned.


    ¡°Ah? Um, taking my proper place as your wife.¡±


    ¡°That can be right. How does that even work?¡±


    The ork looked at Grey as if he was stupid, but it lasted only a split second.


    The reality of it was more complex than that, but she explained it in two words. ¡°Ork tradition.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m no ork. but if that''s how things work fine by me.¡± It didn¡¯t matter to Grey either way. He still will do whatever he wants. ¡°Just don¡¯t go waving this thing around like a flag ever again.¡±


    The ork nodded obediently, twice.


    ¡°Where are my men? That trio, did they make a run for it?¡±


    By this point, he expected that, or to find one of them naked and bound in some ork¡¯s tent. After this night the danger level of orks went up in his evaluation.


    ¡°Am, no. One took a hunting party outside the camp for training. The other is setting traps. And the third one, is still sleeping somewhere in the tree I think.¡± His ¡®wife¡¯ gave a full report.


    ¡°The tree?¡± Grey found the choice odd. ¡°Never mind. Wake the fool up and tell him to bring his lazy ass here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, chief. At once.¡±


    Grey was about to send him back to the city to scout for the information. He had to know if the nobles decided to escalate that rogue situation with him.


    His minion was all too happy to leave the ork encampment. He practically ran away from the place. Grey was no fool, he made a proper threat so that the beastkin don¡¯t delay his return.


    No surprise came then right before sunset the beastkin came back.


    ¡°Boss, the elf took care of the situation.¡± He reported promptly.


    ¡°So there is nothing to worry about?¡±


    ¡°Not a thing. They didn¡¯t even come for a snoop to our base.¡±


    It seems that Grey worried too much about this thing. So maybe it was time to come back. The encampment was reinforced, and the orks had three new teachers so all was well.


    Grey took a woven basked filled with small monster cores and decided to leave the encampment.


    ¡°Boss? Hey? Boss?¡± One of his minions approached him with panic in his voice.


    ¡°What?¡± Grey growled at the annoying minion.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be leaving us here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can and yes I will.¡±


    ¡°but¡­¡±


    Grey gave a stern glare. ¡°It¡¯s only for a few weeks. Or shorter if you do a good job teaching these orks. I will send weapons and more supplies soon.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I understand.¡± It wasn''t like he could protests. ¡°But please send some real food. I can¡¯t survive on berries alone¡±


    ¡°You can always eat monster meat. It¡¯s not that bad. Oh and no matter how hungry you get don¡¯t eat my three captives.¡± Grey warned.


    ¡°I would never!¡±


    ¡°I am only joking. I will include some ¡®real¡¯ food.¡±


    ¡°And beer!¡±


    His minion was pushing his luck.


    ¡°Are you sure you can keep the orks from it? What will happen if they will get drunk?¡±


    The man gulped audibly. ¡°Yeah, maybe not beer.¡±


    ¡°And keep my captives safe. They can¡¯t escape.¡±


    ¡°Of course. If they slip out, I will have Fabio to track them and haul their asses back.¡±


    ¡°Good man.¡± Grey patted the wolfkin on the shoulder.


    The beastkin began waging his tail. It was almost weird how well such a simple thing as praise worked on wolfkin. The she-devil was right to advise Grey on this.


    Grey began his trek back to the city. It was getting dark but the darkness was never an issue. Nor was the dense forest. After all, before the city, the deep forest was Grey¡¯s natural habitat. And he kinda liked the forest, but the city had its perks too. Mainly the food.


    Yet, a certain someone was tailing him. Grey could smell her ever since he left the encampment. He hopped she was just seeing him off for a while. But he was out of the forest already and the half-ork was obvious in the plains like a sore thumb, unless someone couldn''t see that well in the dark.


    It was surprising how well she managed to keep her distance and not lose the track of him. Orks were not known for their dark vision.


    ¡°I can see you!¡± Grey shouted in the distance.


    The half-ork ran towards grey.


    ¡°Hey, chief!¡± She greeted cheerfully.


    ¡°What are you doing here? Who will wrangle the orks now?¡±


    ¡°The girls will be fine! So can I come with you to the big human camp?¡±If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    It was kind of too late to ask. The city wall was within sight and sending the ork back alone would not be exactly wise.


    ¡°Suit yourself.¡±


    The ork put a collar back on, the same one the Guild had issued to her.


    ¡°Well remembered. I¡¯ve forgotten about that thing. So any reason you want to come to the city?¡±


    ¡°Aside from being next to your side?¡±


    Grey sighed. ¡°Aside from that.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Grey sighed again. ¡°Just don¡¯t make too much trouble. There are appearances I need to keep. Also, there was this rogue thing and a wounded noble.¡±


    ¡°Rogue thing? Noble?¡± The ork tilted her head in confusion.


    Grey filled her in on details.


    ¡°If I catch that rogue, he is a dead man! How dare he assaults your¡­¡± she paused trying to remember the word. ¡°lair!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, finding that rogue now might be impossible. And whatever he was looking for wasn¡¯t there, but I have a feeling he will come back.¡±


    ¡°And then I will strike him. Bash his brain out!¡±


    Grey didn¡¯t doubt a single word of hers, the orks were a violent sort.


    They talked some more and by no time at all, they were at the city gate.


    ¡°Who is there!¡± The guard seemed quite alarmed by the intimidating two shadows.


    ¡°Grey, the peacekeeper. I just finished an errand outside the wall.¡± Grey flashed his badge. ¡°This is my¡­ companion.¡±


    The man glanced at the badge and looked at the companion with more suspicion.


    ¡°She seems a bit off¡­¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± The half-ork roared.


    Grey stood in between the two right before the ork could slug the guard.


    ¡°She¡¯s an ork under my protection. Look.¡± Grey pointed at her collar. ¡°Approved by the city.¡±


    ¡°By the gods. First beastkin and now orks in the city. How far we have fallen.¡± The guard spat in displeasure. ¡°Open the gate.¡±


    It didn¡¯t even open all the way, Grey had to duck under the grate.


    ¡°They don¡¯t respect you here Chief. How come? Aren¡¯t you the strongest?¡±


    ¡°I am. However, big and mean do not rule the human cities. Well, they are still plenty mean. But otherwise quite puny.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand how a puny human can be in charge of everyone in such a big camp. How come no one challenges them to a duel?¡±


    ¡°Nobles, their politics and their rules¡­ Human tradition is different from ork. I am not sure I fully understand it myself.¡±


    ¡°You should leave this place and come live with orks.¡±


    Grey didn¡¯t like that idea at all. Orks were not tasty!


    Despite the positive report, Grey had entered his lair with caution. It never hurts to be careful. Of course, there were no trouble aside from sleeping guard. He was supposed to watch the door, so he slugged him to teach a lesson. The half-ork kicked the prone guard to reinforce the said ¡®lesson¡¯. Indeed, she was quite useful and a quick learner. Or maybe just conveniently violent.


    In her office there it was, the she-devil twirling the golden coin in her finger. Upon seeing Grey''s return, she frowned. The finger slipped and the coin and tumbled to the ground and into the gap between the floorboards. Her frown quickly turned upside down, replaced by that fake smile of hers.


    ¡°I was expecting you.¡± She grabbed another coin to play from an oversized sack on her desk.


    ¡°So, are we in clear? Didn¡¯t the nobles overreact?¡±


    ¡°Since when are you afraid of nobles? But yes, everything is fine. I am not sure what did you do, but it seems they were happy.¡± She patted the heavy sack.


    ¡°Happy?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you save that noble girl from a certain death?¡±


    He did, but it was also he who got her almost killed.


    ¡°They even wrote you a letter.¡± She handed a peace of paper.


    Grey looked at the fancy scribbles. There was even a stamp at the bottom of it. It seemed official. He handed the letter he had no means of reading back to the elf.


    ¡°Obviously, you have read it already. Summarise it for me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a thank you letter really.¡± The elf shrugged it off.


    ¡°Well then¡­ All is well that ends well.¡± He had left the elf to play with her coins.


    ¡°Oh! It would benefit us if you visited that girl tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Why? Isn¡¯t she just fine?¡±


    ¡°The letter says she is, but just do it. Trust me.¡±


    Ha! He knew better than to trust that she-devil. She must have some ulterior motive, but he will do as she asks. Sometimes it is clever to pretend to play into the scheme.


    Anyway, he left for his chambers with the half-ork in tow. It was obvious that she had no intention of leaving his side. Not that he minded.


    Grey slumped on his bedding to ponder the issue he had almost forgotten. The assassin-rogue! That obscene man. He had to find him and get rid of him. With luck, the assassin will come back to finish his business. That is if he was stupid. If he was smart, he would know now that he has no chance against Grey, meaning that Grey would need to track him somehow. Yet, aside from some weapons and a pair of stinky boots, he had no other clues of what or where this man was. There was some dumb name the assassin had shouted, but unfortunately, Grey had all forgotten such an insignificant detail.


    As he was pondering such things, an idea came to him. He can always ask the nobles to help him track this man. After all the assassin was the one who had hurt the shrimpy mage girl.


    No! He was after her all along! ¨C a convenient lie.


    Grey smiled happily at his own genius. Yes, he will see Ignis tomorrow and iron out the details.


    In between Grey¡¯s intellectual distractions, the half-ork had found her way onto his bedding and by his side. It was almost embarrassing how he didn¡¯t notice her advances, not until she was kissing his neck.


    He really didn¡¯t have much to do until tomorrow, so recovering some mana sounded like another genius idea.


    ¡­


    The monstrous sounds were haunting the elf. Those shrieks weren¡¯t something a human could make. Of course, she was well aware that they didn¡¯t come from a human. Yet still, she could not help but feel unsettled and restless. Sleep was no longer an option.


    She knew Grey liked to torture his prey before eating it. But this was going above and beyond of what someone sane could tolerate. Was Aerith even sane at this point? She refused to think about that particular issue, she was alive that was what mattered. That and the fact that she was filthy rich.


    But not even the pleasant feeling of the coins soothed her mind at this point. The screams were giving her nightmares and she wasn¡¯t even asleep. Maybe, just maybe she could ask him to kill his prey more quietly.


    She stepped into the corridor and only then realised that the noise wasn¡¯t coming from the basement. He was doing it in his room. That was no good, the blood was not exactly easy to scrub out of the boards. That¡¯s why they had the dungeon! Aerith stomped towards Grey¡¯s room.


    There were no doors to block her way or view, only a curtain which was left open. She had long ago grown numb to the sight of slaughter but even still expecting to see something ghastly she was left quite shaken. Grey wasn¡¯t that ork like she had expected, no, it was much worse.


    The poor ork was down on her fours with her eyes upturned and tongue lolling. With each shake, she was dripping saliva on the floor like some rabid monster. The trust seemed merciless sending shivers down the entire ork¡¯s body, each accompanied by that nightmarish roaring.


    Aearith could feel small tingles running down her back. It was unusual for her to do so, but she pitied the ork. She looked in so much pain.


    She wanted to walk away, she really did, but instead, she stood at the doorway like an idiot and stared at the abominable act. The two didn¡¯t even seem to notice her presence. Or maybe Gray just didn¡¯t even care. She caught herself trembling from the sight, but her eyes refused to look away.


    Did the ork scream pain or¡­ was it something else. At first, it seemed unlikely, but at a closer look, she realised those were carnal hoots of pleasure. It was animalistic and rough, it reminded her of two animals mating. Absolutely barbaric. Yet, the motion was hypnotising, trusts while seemingly merciless came with rhythm. It was almost like a perverse play. A trust, a wet slap, a shiver and then the roar of pleasure. The play repeated again and again.


    Aeaith found herself wondering what if it was she in place of this ork. The idea seemed scary. No! It was impossible, Grey was a monster and she would break. Another shiver ran down her spine, it was terror. Terror at catching herself even thinking such things. Terror at realising she was getting turned on.


    The orks were definitely resilient to be able to handle the abuse of such proportions. At this moment, standing still at the doorway, Aerith grew to envy the resilience of the orks. She envied the endurance of that seemingly tiny figure which was ploughed relentlessly. The size difference was unnatural, the act should be improbable, yet here it was. And the damned ork was enjoying herself. How dare she!


    A sound louder and nastier than the previous others escaped the orks mouth. Then she collapsed to the floor. Her body was overtaken by convulsions. They were so strong that Aerith tough the ork might break something in her body. The act had reached its culmination; the hipnotic motion was no more.


    Aerith felt a fool for still standing in this blasted doorway. For witnessing something this shameless and obscene. Embarrassing for wanting to see it all. Disgusted by enjoying it. Terrifyingly so, she was still not free; her body refused to move a single inch. Her eyes wandered from the collapsed ork to Grey and his¡­ whatever it was she refused to call it a penis ¨C another monster. It was leaking copious amounts of bluish goo.


    Grey looked Aerith directly in the eyes. She was caught! But even then she couldn''t move. She felt scared like she never was before.


    ¡°Help¡­¡± a weak cry escaped her mouth.


    ¡°Huh? Why do you disturb me? What happened, speak up.¡± Grey discarded the limp half-ork to his side and moved towards the half-elf.


    Her eyes were locked at the monster¡¯s monster ¡°Help¡­¡± she cried again whilst trembling.


    ¡°Help? What happened?¡± Grey asked with paranoia.


    ¡°Monster¡­¡±


    ¡°What monster?¡± He grabbed the fazed elf by her shoulders trying to shake her out of it.


    ¡°No! No, no, no¡­ I will break.¡± She began to cry.


    ¡°What happened?¡± He asked sternly.


    ¡°No! No! No!¡± the elf repeated in delirium.


    ¡°To the heck with you!¡±


    Grey pushed the elf to the side and ran to look for the trouble shouting for his men to wake up.


    ¡°No. No. No.¡± The elf kept repeating.


    With the Grey gone, she had finally relaxed. ¡°I don¡¯t want it. I don¡¯t!¡± she grabbed her head with bouth hands. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me!¡± She shook it. ¡°Why do I want it¡­¡± She whispered to herself. ¡°No! No, no.¡±


    Aerith had lost it, the final sliver of her sanity, no, her last piece of pride as an elf. She too now, was just another twisted monster; both mind and body.

 Chapter 21: Fiery Taste

    Well, there was no monster here, but the she-devil seemed shaken. She must have seen something. Grey shouted at the men to block the escape routes. If it wasn¡¯t a monster there was another option. The assassin was back! He hoped he was still hiding here somewhere and didn¡¯t manage to flee yet. As unlikely as it was.


    ¡°Stay in twos! Comb the entire lair for anything suspicious. And don¡¯t let the bastard escape!¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss!¡± The group of rank-and-file minions ran to search the lair.


    Now, Grey wondered if he should stay and guard the only entrance or go and look for the sneaky fool. If he knew the intruder''s goals he could make an informed decision; but he didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Guard the doors with your life. If he is still here I will find that skulking scum.¡±


    Grey felt slightly angry at the assassin, he man managed to sneak into his lair twice now. Obviously, the guards were useless, or the assassin had another way of entry.


    And anyway, the assassin would likely be able to handle his minions like they were children, after all, assassins excelled at killing. So Grey grasped his Fang Spear tighter and went to look for the man himself.


    He crossed paths with his men a few times. They were coming with nothing. Nothing out of the ordinary. It was frustrating. Naturally, the assassin was avoiding detection at this point. Or he had managed to escape already. Grey hoped that wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡°Blasted elf!¡± Grey roared at her uselessness. He went to find her again. ¡°You saw him, no?¡±


    She refused to even look back at Grey, her face flushed red. Was she embarrassed about her failure? And she did seem quite shaken.


    ¡°What exactly did you see?¡±


    ¡°I felt it.¡± The elf shuddered still refusing to make eye contact.


    ¡°Where? Where did you feel it. What place?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± The elf hesitated. ¡°Ahh! I don¡¯t want to think about it. Leave me alone!¡± She shouted grasping her head as if it was in pain.


    The assassin must have done something to the elf. Grey frowned at the foul magic, hoping it wasn¡¯t permanent.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Grey cursed and left to look for the traces of said magic.


    If the assassin used an artifact of sorts, and especially something as powerful as to be able to affect a mind as strong as an elf ¨C Grey will be able to ¡®sniff¡¯ the traces of the magic. Well, it was more like a feeling on his skin, especially his face plate. So he went looking.


    And sure enough, in the large dining room, his senses pinged something. It was vague, very vague, he couldn¡¯t pinpoint where it was, or what it was, but the magic seemed to linger. Almost as if it was an active effect. A cloaking skill perhaps?


    ¡°Men, to me!¡± he shouted. ¡°Stay by the doors.¡±


    The minions rushed to guard the two escape points. Grey looked around the room trying to gauge any changes in the ambient mana. If the assassin made it for a runner it would likely break the stealth skill and Grey would be able to get him. He hoped the sneak would do that.


    ¡°Tsh.¡± Grey clicked his tongue. There was no change in mana, no movement. ¡°Might be an artifact of sorts.¡±


    This was a more realistic option. The assassin was long gone and in his place was a magical device. Likely the same one used to curse the elf.


    ¡°Stay on your toes. I don¡¯t know what we are dealing with here. Do not enter the room.¡± he cautioned his men.


    He had to give the assassin his kudos. The assassin was no fool. The dining area was the area which Grey never visited; being no fan of normal food he never had to. A perfect place to hide a malicious magical tool. And the magic traces were so low Grey wouldn¡¯t even pick it up, that is if he wasn¡¯t in a state of heightened alertness.


    ¡°There¡¯s something in this room. I will destroy it. Stay on your Guard.¡± Grey spoke his intentions.


    He made a few circles around the room. The bugger hid it well, it was extremely difficult to tell where it was. It seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. That was until Grey looked up. His face plate tingled at the sensation. There it was, hidden in the corner. Not just hidden, obfuscated ¨C bordering on invisibility.


    If this was an artifact, it must have been extremely expensive. It was almost a shame to destroy such a thing, but to attempt to disarm it would be foolish. Grey pointed his spear to the shadowy spot up above the rafters. He tensed his arm muscles pausing to wish the artifact wouldn¡¯t explode upon impact.


    No! Wait, maybe the assassin was expecting this. Maybe it was made to be found by Grey. Made to explode and weaken him! Grey hesitated further.


    ¡°I surrender!¡± it spoke.


    It spoke!?


    ¡°What?¡± Grey asked dumbfounded.


    ¡°I beg your mercy.¡± The cloaking skill was dropped.


    It was no artifact. It was clearly a person clinging to the rafters for her dear life.


    From the voluptuous figure it was a she, and she was clad in tanned tight black leather, her face hidden by a hood. It wasn¡¯t a human either, despite her getup the horns were hard to hide, not to mention the hoofed feet. She was a succubus!


    Grey didn¡¯t expect that. But it made perfect sense. He knew succubus to be able to cast mind magic, she was the one who ruined his elf. The question, however, was if the assassin is still here, or was he too cowardly to come.


    ¡°If you tell me where your partner is, I will spare you.¡± Grey lied waving the spear at the succubus.


    ¡°Partner? I came alone.¡±


    ¡°Do not lie to me! Unless you want to die that is.¡±


    The succubus hid deeper behind the rafter.


    ¡°I am alone. But yes, we spy in turns. My partner is off duty at the moment.¡±


    ¡°You came here to spy on me?!¡± Grey roared.


    ¡°Yes, sorry! This was a mistake.¡±


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Grey-roared loader.


    ¡°He?¡± She sounded confused. ¡°Who?¡±


    Succubus trembled almost falling off the rafter.


    ¡°Your employer, the rogue assassin. Does that ring a bell?¡±


    ¡°No, no it doesn¡¯t. I follow the orders of the Queen.¡±


    ¡°The Queen?¡±


    ¡°The Queen.¡±


    ¡°The Queen¡­¡± Something was off. ¡°Come down!¡±


    The succubus jumped off the rafter. Grey sniffed at the voluptuous woman. She smelt familiar.


    ¡°No? Is the Queen involved in this? Did she send that assassin too?¡±


    ¡°Amm¡­ No? Why would she send someone offensive like that? We are on friendly terms, no?¡±If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°And here you are spying on me. Don¡¯t be sly!¡±


    ¡°I am sorry! It just¡­ we had to make sure you are trustworthy.¡± Then she looked around as if suspicious of the beastkin guarding the doors and whispered. ¡°We entrusted our most precious techniques with you. And maybe you were the spy of the Mage Academy.¡±


    ¡°The audacity¡­ So am I a spy?¡±


    ¡°No, you are not. We were wrong to spy on you. So can I go now?¡±


    There was this signature sweet scent coming from the succubus.


    ¡°Yeah you wish, you foul mage!¡± Grey grabbed the succubus by the throat. ¡°Maybe you didn¡¯t send the assassin, maybe. But you did curse my elf!¡±


    He dragged the struggling succubus back to where the elf was.


    ¡°Undo your foul magic!¡± He loosened the grip so the succubus could chant her spell.


    The elf looked at the succubus, her jaw wide open and eyes betraying surprise. The succubus was just as bewildered if not more.


    ¡°I haven''t done anything to her!¡± She protested.


    Grey tightened the grip on the neck making the eyes of the succubus to almost pop out.


    ¡°Undo your curse, succubus! I don¡¯t like repeating myself.¡±


    ¡°Ehe-ehem.¡± She coughed. ¡°Bilimba bilim-bosh - the curse is gone, here it is no more!¡± She chanted in a coarse voice.


    Grey couldn''t feel any magic escaping the succubus. Was she thinking he is a complete idiot? The audacity of this spy!


    Just before he could tighten the grip again the succubus managed to wheeze out ¡°Dear elf, you are all good, yes? Ehh!!!¡± *choke.


    ¡°Huh? Yeah.¡± The elf finally found her bearings and put two and two together. ¡°I swear I am fine! I am not charmed or anything!¡±


    Grey continued choking the succubus. This was what the charmed person would say.


    ¡°Grey stop, you will kill her. I don¡¯t even know where you got the idea. Well, maybe I do, but this succubus had nothing to do with this. If anyone it was the ork.¡±


    ¡°The ork!?¡± Grey could not believe it. The ork was the only one he trusted.


    The elf rubbed the bridge of her nose. ¡°I think you keep misunderstanding something. It¡¯s just that¡­ That I am¡­ I am sorry¡­. I know I am not myself. I haven¡¯t been myself for a long time. How could I!¡± She looked Grey dead in the eyes. ¡°How could I? How can I call myself an elf, not even a half-elf, then I am reduced to this pitiful existence. I am the lowest of the low. I murder, I kidnap. I doom the living to hell like it¡¯s nothing. And for what? I know for what, and I know why. And you know what is the worst? I do it¡­ and I like it. I became a monster just like you. I don¡¯t even understand myself. My own desires, they disgust me! You disgust me, but I want you. How fucked up is that?¡±


    Grey blinked all four of his eyes at the unexpected rant. The elf was broken. He glared at the succubus. Ups, he had overdone it. Luckily she was alive but unconscious.


    ¡°I will fix you, one way or another.¡± He said to the elf full of determination.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care anymore.¡± The elf slumped back to the table knocking over the tower of coins she had been building. ¡°Just leave me be¡­ alone.¡±


    Grey walked out dragging the unconscious succubus behind him like a sack of potatoes.


    ¡°I will get down to the bottom of this¡­¡±


    ¡­


    The succubus was tied, gagged and thrown into a cage lined with lead. You can never be too careful with potent mages. And this one excelled in charms, it was in her very nature, so he couldn¡¯t even leave his men to guard this seductress, he had to do it himself.


    His men scoured his lair further, but no other intruder was found. So it could be that the succubus came alone. What a fool! Mages were often foolish like that, too proud and confident in their ability.


    Oh, and her gear, it was enchanted. To let her keep it on her person would be incompetent of Grey, so obviously he had stripped her naked. Now, he only needed for her to wake and then he will interrogate this spy.


    Grey waited, and he waited some more; she was not waking. And he had grown quite hungry. He had never eaten a succubus before. He wondered how would she feel in his stomach. He shook his head to ward such thoughts away. First, he need to pry all the information he can, and only then he would eat her.


    The elf had entered the dungeon. Grey of course was not too happy about her being here, she might be still enthralled. But a certain detail piqued his interest. She was carrying a wooden bucked. Did she think she can take on Grey with that? He wondered what just exactly she was trying to do.


    The she-devil walked past Grey without even bothering to look at him and threw the ice water all over the succubus.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Grey exclaimed in surprise.


    Anyway, the succubus was awake and just pretending to be out cold. And now she was literally cold and shivering.


    ¡°I will interrogate this intruder if you don¡¯t mind.¡± The elf proclaimed.


    ¡°Hah! But aren¡¯t you charmed?¡±


    ¡°For the hundredth time! I am not!¡± She sounded quite irritated.


    ¡°Well, she might just charm you again!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it is as easy as you think it is. You can supervise me if you are suspicious.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I think I should interrogate her first.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sorry no. By the time you will be done, there will be no succubus left. And I am positive we need her alive.¡±


    ¡°Yeah? You sound positively charmed.¡±


    ¡°Am not!¡± She threw the empty bucket at Grey.


    Which he caught effortlessly. Charmed or not the elf was behaving oddly, she would never show such hostility to him normally. Was Grey going too soft on her?


    ¡°Do not forget your place elf! You are but a snack to me!¡± He threatened. ¡°But fine, let''s see where this theater play of yours is going.¡±


    Thus the elf began questioning the succubus. Surprisingly she was very collaborative. Too collaborative even. It made the she-devil look like she was some sort of a pro-interrogator; which she wasn¡¯t of course.


    So the gist was that the succubus was indeed a spy. There were two of them spying in turns on Grey¡¯s business, or as she said so herself - gathering information for Queen. The succubus was very open about her skills and abilities. She made it sound like she was all sneak and no bite at all. It was likely she was downplaying all of that; she was still a mage. And apparently, she had no charm spells.


    ¡°Ok.¡± The elf nodded pleased. ¡°I¡¯ve got a general idea. I have half expected this anyway.¡±


    ¡°What idea? That she¡¯s just a liar?¡±


    ¡°What? No. it all makes sense. She is just a spy for the Queen to keep tabs on you. This and the previous incidents are unrelated.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! How could they be? What use succubus have of hurting a minor noble?¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± The succubus smiled suddenly. ¡°Now I know what you were on about.¡±


    Both Grey and half-elf looked at the succubus urging her to speak.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know what exactly had happened because I wasn¡¯t in at that time. But it¡¯s the time right before Grey disappeared into the forest, yes?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t play games seductress. Speak!¡± Grey urged.


    ¡°A man was snooping out and about your home. I assumed he was just another spy. Johna is his name, and he is just an adventurer. Not really a threat, no.¡±


    Grey grabbed the bars and rattled the cage and succubus in it.


    ¡°Where? Where can I find this Johna.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I can find out. Just let me out?¡±


    Grey glared at the succubus suspiciously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t trust you. You made that up!¡±


    ¡°Grey, it¡¯s the best lead we got.¡± The elf tried to reason.


    ¡°Says the charmed person!¡±


    The elf pressed her fingers to her temples to massage them in frustration.


    ¡°No, I am keeping you. You spy! I won¡¯t take this offence lightly, even if you are not related to that assassin.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± the succubus wanted to protest.


    ¡°But rejoice, I have decided not to eat you.¡±


    The succubus looked at the elf in shock.


    Grey wondered why did she make that look. If she was the spy she does already know what happens in this basement. No, not the spy but the Succubus Queen. It¡¯s likely she has plenty of dirt on Grey by this point. Which was very undesirable for Grey. In other words, the Queen was stacking her cards against Grey for quite a while now. It was irony at its best. The Succubus couldn''t physically get him by the balls¡­ but they did it metaphorically anyway.


    So it would be unwise to antagonise the Succubus Queen further. However, Grey didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°But I will drain you, mage!¡±


    ¡°Eh?¡± The succubus looked at the elf beggingly.


    Grey opened the cage and dragged the succubus out by her legs.


    ¡°Eh? Eh, eh, eh?¡± It was as if she could not believe it.


    The elf sighed and then cautioned. ¡°Just don¡¯t kill her.¡±


    ¡°They only looked frail, but their bodies are surprisingly sturdy.¡±


    ¡°The thing you learned in that House of Pleasure?¡± She asked rhetorically in displeasure. ¡°What did I even expect? You¡¯re a man after all.¡±


    Grey ignored the annoying elf and began warming up the succubus with his tongue. He can¡¯t eat her, but he can still taste her flesh. The fact was, that to drain her Grey needed the woman compliant. Another fact was that this woman was a succubus and it was in her nature to want and need it despite the otherwise unfortunate circumstances.


    Of course, the body can say yes but the mind no. And it was the mind Grey needed foremost. Regardless, the mind definitely said yes, otherwise he would not feel that delicious trickle of mana filling his core.


    Surprisingly the elf stayed to watch the whole act. She was unusually interested in what Grey was doing. Well, she would sometimes stay and watch then Grey butchered her enemies but otherwise, she had no interest. Grey, curious, glanced at the elf. Once again she had that pink flush on her face. After she noticed Grey looking she averted her gaze quickly.


    Well, whatever. Grey was playing no games and soon the succubus croaked and collapsed under him. She was empty now and harmless as a mage.


    ¡°My mana¡­ You took it all.¡± She sounded surprised. ¡°But there is the parasite?¡±


    ¡°The parasite?¡± ¡°The what?¡± The elf and Grey both questioned.


    ¡°The tadpole thing. I thought you will implant it in me to mind control me or something.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you are talking about my seed. It happened only once because I¡¯ve lost control. And it does no such things.¡±


    Well, it would drain her to death.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± She sounded disappointed.


    ¡°Now, you won¡¯t be able to use your foul magic to attack my men.¡± Grey grinned at the succubus.


    ¡°As I told the elf here.¡± She pointed at the shameless elf who saw the whole act. ¡°I have no attack magic. I specialise in stealth only.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie succubus! You are a mage still, you must have a spell or two for self-defence.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I can do a fireball. But at best it¡¯s good to light a candle. Your elf friend here is much more impressive.¡±


    Grey threw the succubus back into her cage where she belonged.


    ¡°Now, how do I get your partner? Weren¡¯t you meant to swap soon?¡±


    ¡°Good look with that now! You aren¡¯t leting me go anyway.¡±


    ¡°Grey, but didn¡¯t she tell everything already? Weren¡¯t you listening?¡±


    Yeah, the elf was right. She interrogated the spy well, but he thought all those were lies. No?


    ¡°I will wear her gear and meet this spy in their usual exchange spot.¡±


    ¡°Ambush.¡±


    The elf nodded.


    No! Grey was not asking, he was stating. The succubus obviously planned to ambush the half-elf who was trying to ambush the spy. That was the spy plot all along in case anything goes bad. Grey was clever enough to release this. So he will just need to ambush the succubus who were planning to ambush his ambush. Easy!

 Chapter 22: To Foil An Ambush

    To pull off a triple ambush is no easy feat to achieve. The right information was the key. What that meant was that Grey had to re-interrogate the spy, and unlike the she-elf he used more than words. How else you can trust the information if it didn¡¯t come through excessive violence?


    Unfortunately, the succubus seemed to be a seasoned spy. She just reiterated what she had told the elf. That was not the worst part. The worst was that the succubus seemed to get off from the excessive violence. It was almost disgusting. No need to say, Grey found no joy in such unrewarding work. No, he found it mightly unpleasant.


    Not only she continued to spout lies, but she also took pleasure in perverting Grey¡¯s hard work with her obscene moans and shudders of orgasm. Grey had enough of this farce. He snapped the two horns on her head out of frustration.


    There was a sudden change. Yes! There it was, the genuine pain and agony.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t like that! Did you?¡±


    It was almost sad that she had only two of those. Maybe he should have teased her about it first. Oh well, the spy was crying now. The fat tears rolled down her cheeks.


    ¡°What have you done? Why? Why?¡± She repeated like a broken record.


    ¡°You need to tell me the truth or else I will rip something else.¡± He threatened like he usually would.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t lie! Why? My horns!¡± She grasped her head in her palms trying to feel something that wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡°Here you go again. How am I supposed to trust a spy?¡±


    Grey tried to interrogate the succubus again, after all the truth was still hidden.


    The truth never came. Actually, the succubus slammed shut like a clam. She wasn¡¯t speaking at all! Grey could rip her limbs off, but the elf needed the spy for one scheme or the other. So she was more useful alive that in his belly. After all, he had to admit the she-devil schemes often worked for his benefit. Or at least they were made to seem so.


    He stuffed the succubus back into the cage and went to check on those schemes.


    ¡°Is she still alive?¡± Was the first question the elf had asked.


    ¡°Yeah, sure.¡± He gave her an inquisitive look.


    The elf was different. She was wearing tight spy leathers. Well, they were quite loose in certain parts for the elf. She didn¡¯t look like a succubus at all.


    ¡°Here.¡± Grey handed the two horns. ¡°To complete the look.¡±


    ¡°How thoughtful of you, but you shouldn''t have. Really!¡± She took the horns with displeasure. ¡°Oi! Won''t need that prop no more.¡± She shouted behind her shoulder.


    A man stood up from the desk he was working by. ¡°But I am almost done.¡± He presented two wooden horns. Both crooked and misshapen.


    ¡°Bring me some straw, I need to make my babies look bigger.¡±


    The elf readjusted her breasts and the loose fabric supposed to hold them.


    ¡°So why the decoy is you?¡± Grey asked curiously.


    ¡°You might forget, but I am a mage too. Anything turns sour I will blast that spy in the face.¡±


    Grey didn¡¯t forget. How could he?


    ¡°It¡¯s not like they won¡¯t be able to tell.¡± He mocked.


    ¡°Upclose yeah. But from further¡­¡±


    She activated the enchantment on the leathers. Her features became blurry and her face was hidden completely by the shadow. Even the pleasant smell she carried was gone. Grey was impressed.


    ¡°I see. So what''s the plan?¡±


    ¡°I distract, you snatch.¡±


    A good plan, if this wasn¡¯t a triple ambush, which it was.


    ¡°There likely will be more succubus surrounding us.¡±


    Grey wondered if maybe they shouldn¡¯t go at all.


    ¡°Why would there be? The spy already told us of their arrangements. This will be quite straightforward.¡±


    ¡°And you believed her¡­¡± Grey thought the elf was smarter than that.


    ¡°You suspect a trap?¡±


    Grey nodded in affirmation.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ we can¡¯t risk taking our men. We might spook them. And we need to keep our prisoner safe.¡±


    Oh! The succubus might have planned an ambush and a diversion. While Grey was distracted they would rescue the spy. So maybe Grey had to stay and keep an eye on the captive, but then won¡¯t the elf be in danger?


    ¡°You are right we can¡¯t. But I don¡¯t want to let either of the spies to get away. They are both guilty!


    ¡°I get it, no one likes to be spied on. But the cat is out of the bag, they already know.¡±


    ¡°Anyways, I just want to see if what the succubus told me was true. I mean their capabilities. If you can provoke the other spy into combat that would achieve it¡±


    In the end, if the trouble came Grey was confident he will be able to deal with it, triple ambush or not.


    ¡­


    Grey had double-chained the cage and bent the doors so that it was impossible to open them. Plus leaving a good number of guards to watch it. But what good were few men against the succubus charms? He would only be buying time.


    Most of his men were positioned somewhere in between his lair and the House of Pleasure, discreetly, of course. They were there to wait for the signal to either reinforce Grey or to cut the succubus escape.


    The elf, no longer looked like an elf. With those horns and obfuscating spell, she would easily pass as a succubus. Disguised and cloaked in shadows succubus that is.


    Grey followed the elf at the distance. That was in order not to alert the other spy, but of course, the spy would know that he knew hence the double ambush. No, make it triple because he knows they know.


    That was why the she-devil carried a special improvised device with her. This was their trump card.


    Surely enough, and right on time, just before dawn, the other similarly cloaked figure appeared from right the bend in a narrow alley. Spy walked towards the she-devil as if the spy didn¡¯t know about their ambush.


    Grey was feeling tense. He didn¡¯t quite know what to expect, but he was positive the elf could handle herself. He circled around the alley so that he would cut the spy¡¯s escape and or deal with the other succubus which was meant for him.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    There was the sound of shattering glass and a loud ¡°Eh!¡±


    The first phase was completed. Grey waited in anticipation. Now he will deal with the ambush and call in support if necessary; this was the second phase. The third was capturing the second spy which was now reeked of concentrated perfume. Grey would use that smell to chase after the spy.


    Naturally, there was some more noise of a struggle at the alley where the elf and spy was. Grey just hoped the elf will get out on time. He was supposed to get ambushed right about now.


    Okay, there was more shouting from the alley. But his time was almost¡­ Now! No, still nothing. Something went very badly. Grey had no choice but to run back to the alley to check on the elf. Did they get her? But there she was, unhurt and underneath her was the spy. Somehow she-devil had managed to capture her.


    But where is the ambush!?


    ¡°Anytime now!¡±


    Grey braced for magic barrage, foul mind spells, a dagger to his back. But nothing came.


    ¡°So this was only the distraction.¡±


    It made no sense for the Queen to abandon this succubus for the captive, but Grey had a plan just for that.


    ¡°Plan F!¡± He commanded.


    ¡°F?¡± The half-elf asked confused.


    Oh right, he hadn''t told her about this plan since it was very unlikely.


    ¡°Just signal the men for reinforcement and we rush back to the lair.¡±


    ¡°But how is this different from the original plan? We just caught the spy without a chase, even better. I¡¯ll call my men back.¡±


    Grey grabbed the confused and still shivering spy. She definitely had something to say but Grey had no time for such distractions.


    She elf raised her hands in the air, and soon there was a big fireball launched into the sky. It flew towards the clouds but dispersed without even getting close.


    ¡°Hey, what''s the rush? I can¡¯t keep up!¡± She complained trying to catch up with Grey.


    ¡°Just keep running.¡±


    She knew the destination. Reluctantly so, Grey had to leave the elf behind. Ever so quickly he was back in his lair. Nothing was smashed and nothing was on fire. His guards were still there, bored. He sniffed the air for stealth magic ¨C nothing. It was as if there was no ambush meant for him. Unbelievable.


    No, this was not the victory, this was a failure. Grey roared in anger, because he didn¡¯t achieve his goal. He still didn¡¯t know if the spy had lied or not. And most importantly he wanted to find just how much the succubi were capable of, after all, they were mages.


    So he dropped the one he was carrying. The same one who didn¡¯t even try to cast a single spell during her abduction. Highly suspicious.


    ¡°Fight for your life, spy!¡±


    She seemed hesitant at first. Probably because she was in the dungeon part of the lair already. The stairway was blocked by Grey and upstairs was guarded by his men. So what real chance did she have?


    ¡°Fight for your life!¡± Grey roared.


    Any intelligent animal then cornered will fight. That, or they will pretend to be already dead. In that awfully long moment, Grey feared this spy might just do so to spite him further.


    Luck was on his side after all. The spy produced a dagger seemingly from nowhere. The air around her person turned first to shadow and later she disappeared from sight. It was near invisibility, but grey could see the air rippling when the spy tried to move closer to the wall. Actually, he didn¡¯t need to see, he felt the effects of magic.


    ¡°Sparks of Baresimus asshole! Fight me; not try to flee!¡± He hated repeating himself.


    Grey threw his spear embedding it right between the spy''s legs.


    ¡°Eek!¡± She squealed indignantly, her cloaking spell broke.


    ¡°Come at me!¡± Grey urged. ¡°No? Then I will come at you.¡±


    He approached her ever so slowly making sure to leave ample time for her to cast. But there was a limit to how lethargic he could be.


    ¡°Cast something!¡± He demanded.


    Finally! There it was, magic formed in her hands. At first a tiny spark¡­ no, just a tiny spark; only a tiny spark. It flew and pattered out before it could even reach Grey.


    ¡°You jest me!¡± Grey roared.


    He was within arms reach of the spy, she tried to flee past him but Grey just snatched her by the horns.


    ¡°Do something.¡± He urged.


    The spy flailed. She even used her dagger against his arm. It was not mithril, so it was quite useless. In the end, it just got stuck in his hand. A minor flesh wound.


    ¡°That¡¯s it? I will snap your horns off you know.¡±


    ¡°No, I beg you!¡±


    There it was. Usually Grey enjoyed this part, but today it felt soured; He didn¡¯t want that.


    ¡°Useless.¡±


    He was angry. Maddened. He slammed the succubus to the wall knocking her out in the process.


    In the end, all this meant that there were no lies. Regretfully so¡­


    The succubi were the mages but that didn¡¯t mean they were the fighters. While there were seasoned fire mages by the queen''s side those allegedly were few. Believe it or not, there was no mind magic or charm in a fairytale sense, only a strong suggestion. Well, the potent suggestion of magical nature - yes, but not ¡®do as I say, my thrall¡¯ type one. The Queen of course was an exception. Most succubi stayed within their house, content in draining men in perpetuity. Only a few developed unique talents and skills and those were of sheer necessity. And, perhaps, really the Queen had sent the spies just to check on her secrets from being exposed.


    Grey felt like a fool about letting his imagination to run wild.


    Conveniently and breathlessly the elf was there to greet his failure with a mocking look and a snarky comment.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, you had interrogated this one too?¡±


    Did she have to remove her hood just to give him this condescending look and an unwarranted comment? Grey, still angered, gave the elf a withering look. He was serious!


    ¡°Ah, sorry.¡± The elf visibly paled.


    It felt like she was getting out of check with that odd behaviour.


    ¡°I am hungry!¡±


    He was hungry-hungry, and not mana hungry.


    ¡°I¡¯ll find you someone at once, but shouldn¡¯t we lay low?¡± She whispered the last part as if unsure.


    Grey didn¡¯t care so he gave another withering look.


    ¡­


    The second spy was drained like the first; but less violently.


    By this time the Succubi Queen must have realised something was off so Grey had to act. To get some backing. There was no better time to see the little shrimp noble than now. So he did just so.


    Of course, he couldn''t leave the two spies unsupervised. Never leave all of your eggs in the same basket or something similar the saying went. So Grey left one spy caged in the dungeon, and then he took the other on the trip to see the noble.


    The spy still had a pained face, not too happy about her horns being broken. Her sporting a metal collar and a chain did not help her pitiful image as Grey dragged her towards the better part of the city. It did draw attention but all it meant was that Grey simply used the powers granted to him. After all, she was caught red-handed and now under so-called arrest.


    The elf tagged along for the journey.


    The men guarding the gates leading to the noble¡¯s villa admitted Grey and his crew with no issue; they were expecting him.


    There the redhead girl met Grey with a big toothy smile, seemingly all of the pep had returned to her. One wouldn¡¯t be able to tell that just days ago she suffered almost a lethal injury. She sprung towards Grey and hugged him by the thigh.


    ¡°See, she¡¯s all better. No need to worry.¡± The elf spoke to Grey.


    He didn¡¯t worry. He barely carried.


    ¡°So you did worry about me! But why no earlier visit?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I was busy.¡±


    ¡°We were investigating the matter.¡± The elf pointed at the still chained succubus.


    ¡°Succubi!? Were they involved?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Elf nodded.


    ¡°No.¡± Grey shook his head.


    The she-devil gave Grey a disapproving look.


    ¡°Well not quite. We are still investigating.¡± Grey explained.


    He didn¡¯t want to throw succubi Queen under the proverbial carriage just yet.


    ¡°And the intruder? Did you catch him?¡±


    Grey frowned at the memory of the man. ¡°No, his were bounds remain a mystery.¡±


    ¡°With my father''s help we will get him eventually.¡± Elri clenched her fists in determination. ¡°Speaking about my father. He prepared you a reward.¡±


    The wanna-be mage produced a bag of coins.


    ¡°Thanks for saving me again.¡± She thanked honestly, her complexion even took a pink shade of blush.


    Grey didn¡¯t care much about the money. Knowingly the elf was already salivating at the sight of gold.


    ¡°While we appreciate the reward didn¡¯t Grey deserve more?¡±


    Elri looked at the Grey¡¯s companion in thought.


    ¡°I guess I could ask father for more¡­¡±


    ¡°No, what I mean is he deserved a rise. He proved himself already did he not?¡±


    ¡°A rise?¡±


    Grey smiled since they weren¡¯t here for the money. ¡°To put it simply, I need more backing and power. I have others aiming for my neck.¡± He pointed at the spy.


    ¡°I will need to speak with my father.¡±


    ¡°No need, dear.¡± The man appeared from the corner as if he was eavesdropping all this time.


    ¡°We thought about this for quite a while. And this was the final push the other nobles needed. They can¡¯t argue with it any more. From now on you are a chief peacekeeper.¡± He handed Grey an improved version of the badge and a paper proving his authority.


    ¡°Splendid!¡± The elf rubbed her hands already conspiring to pull one scheme or the other.


    The noble raised a finger to pint a very important point. ¡°With great power comes great responsibility. You are to raise your own funds through a portion of taxes. And you are to recruit your own men.¡±


    ¡°And if I am in great trouble. Let''s say with The House of Pleasure?¡±


    The noble looked at the captive succubi.


    ¡°A spy and a trespasser. Potentially another assassin.¡± The she-devil elaborated.


    ¡°I advise you to solve it peacefully. But if push comes to shove you can expect some backing. How much I cannot say.¡±


    No one wanted to fight a full house of mages.


    Grey sighed, he knew he couldn¡¯t expect humans to take his side.


    ¡°A show of solidarity. A few men to signal what I have the city behind my back.¡±


    ¡°For?¡±


    ¡°For the negotiations with the Succubi Queen.¡±


    ¡°I can give you a few of my personal guards.¡±


    ¡°That should suffice.¡±


    Grey took the bag of gold and handed it back to the noble.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it for the money.¡±


    He pulled this stunt just to spite the she-elf.


    ¡°Once again, you have my gratitude. I know the slums are in good hands.¡±


    The succubus prisoner wanted to say something to the noble but Grey pulled on the chain before she could. She was instructed to stay quiet or else!


    They left hurriedly towards the succubi base, tow human guards in tow. Time was of the essence.