The Fortress of Feo Berkana loomed ahead, carved from thick stone and reinforced with dwarven metalwork. Even at night, the torchlight bathed the entrance in a warm golden glow, casting long shadows across the frosted ground.
As we approached, one of the guards stationed at the gate squinted into the darkness.
"Wait! Open the gates! They've returned!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the walls. "The mission team has returned!"
The clanking of metal filled the air as mechanisms were activated and the heavy gates groaned open. A wave of warmth and light met us, a stark contrast to the chill of the mountain air behind.
Just beyond the threshold, several figures were already approaching. Among them, Gagaran's towering frame was unmistakable. She was walking quickly, her armor clanking with each step. Beside her, Lakyus matched her pace, looking both relieved and concerned.
Solution also came, But It seems like Clementine is already asleep.
"You're back!" Gagaran bellowed as she reached us, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Thought we'd have to march out there and drag your frozen corpses back ourselves!"
Lakyus gave her a sidelong glance before stepping forward. "We were getting worried. What happened out there?"
"A lot," Evileye muttered under her breath. "Too much."
"Should I call Clementine?" Solution asked.
"Nah!" I said.
Before we could say more, the crowd parted, and the Commander-in-Chief of the dwarves stepped through. Clad in ceremonial armor that gleamed even under dim lighting, he was flanked by guards and advisors. His stern eyes swept across us before he stepped closer.
"Welcome back, brave ones," he said, his deep voice steady and respectful. "Your return brings relief to this city. Tell me, have you completed the mission?"
Tia stepped forward, silent but composed. She reached into her cloak and pulled out a small, sealed container. Opening it revealed the blood-stained insignia of the Quagoa leader—the proof they had asked for.
She presented it without a word.
The Commander-in-Chief took the token with gloved hands and examined it closely. After a long pause, he nodded.
"There is no doubt," he said, raising his voice so those around could hear. "The Quagoa leader is dead. The mission was a success!"
Cheers erupted around us. Even the stoic dwarves broke into applause and shouts, their cheers echoing through the streets of the underground city.
"You have done more than we expected," the Commander-in-Chief said, his tone softer now. "You've not only weakened the enemy, but you've struck at their leadership. That will delay their movements for some time, perhaps even shatter their unity."
His eyes flicked to me for a moment, as if he knew there was more to the story than had been told—but he didn't press.
"I know you've all endured a long and dangerous journey," he continued. "So tonight, rest. Your quarters have been prepared. Tomorrow, we shall speak again. Your rewards will be delivered then, and we'll discuss what comes next."
Gondo gave a respectful nod. "Thank you, Commander. A bed sounds like heaven right about now."
The Commander-in-Chief turned slightly, then paused to look back at us one more time. "Once again, I thank you. You have done a great service to this city and its people. May your rest be peaceful."
With that, he departed, the other dwarves parting to make way for him.
As we were led toward the rest chambers, Gagaran walked beside me, giving me a sidelong glance.
"You look like hell," she said, then grinned. "You'll tell us everything tomorrow, right?"
"We'll see," I replied, not committing to anything just yet.
•••
After taking a quick bath, I returned to the room the dwarves had assigned us. The bed was surprisingly comfortable—dense padding layered over a frame of carved stone. I lay down, letting the warmth of the covers seep into my body, but my mind remained restless.
I thought back to earlier, to Tia and Tina's question.
It had been lighthearted on the surface, but now that I was alone, it lingered.
"Do they love me?" I murmured to myself, staring at the ceiling.
Curiosity won. I activated the Affection Meter.
[Tia, Twin Blade Assassin]
Love: 49%
Like your strength.
Trust you lot
Hoping to become your love interest.
Remark: Wants to "accidentally" share a sleeping bag with you. And not for warmth.
[Tina,Twin Blade Assassin]
Crush: 65%
Teasing and competitive
Like your strength.
Think you are a Fallen Aristocrat
Remark: Will let Tia have the first round... but she's calling dibs on your lap afterward.
[Evileye, Vampire Lord, Landfall ]
???: 56%
She didn't know what she is feeling towards you.
Know you are somewhat similar to her.
She is drooling for you blood.
Remark: Wants to suck more than your blood but keeps telling herself it's just "thirst."
[Lakyus, Heroic Leader]
Comrade: 48%
Think of yourself as a good person.
Trust you.
She is a chunibyo like yourself.
Remark: She didn't have the word 'romantic' in her dictionary, so teach her with your dick.
[Gagaran, Muscle Goddess]
Affection: 38%
Remark: Thinks you'd be fun to wrestle. On the bed. With no rules. Or armor.
"Muscle Goddess? More like trauma goddess. Hope she will keep the distance." I said to myself.
~~~
[There is a 20% discount in my Patreon, where you can read all the chapters I posted till now. Use the Code: B618C . Hope, you will enjoy it. Last date July 12.]
(The poll for next word has started in my patron; if you want to participate, check it out.)
You can join my Patreon for 3$. Around 250+ advanced chapters on my Patreon. I posted some exclusive NFSW on each R-18 chapter for you to enjoy.
Support me through my Patreon. It would be a big help
Support me:
patreon.com/BlackBolt517