5th Day in the 1st Fire Cycle[1], 2000 g.c.
The Wolfpak—minus me and Nicole—hauled themselves up to the 11th Floor. The Kinky Diamond Chamber lay in ruins behind them, its Gem Witch beaten and secrets stripped away. Up here, though, the world shifted like they'd stepped into another building entirely. The change struck them immediately. Compared to the gemstone gaudiness below, this floor might as well have belonged to an entirely different building. The air warmed as if the Sycamore Tree's pulse of life had shifted its rhythm. The walls shed their sparkling jewel tone and settled into a rich, glossy brown, like polished mahogany sanded to perfection. Strange flora rooted into the trunk itself: miniature conifers with needle-thin leaves that released a faint, sugary musk. The scent carried like spun candy drifting in carnival air, tempting and distracting.
Alex Zo, Dream Flower, and Ameera Una stopped before a wide doorway trimmed in gold, where a plaque read: Velvet Kennels. The faint murmur of music leaked through the hanging cloth that served as the barrier. Laughter, playful cries, and the faint crack of whips echoed inside. Shapes of partygoers moved in the glow beyond the fabric, shadows shifting like silhouettes on the inside of a tent.
As they stepped through, the room revealed itself in full. Satin draped the walls in sheets of cobalt blue and indigo, and the velvet furniture was cut into the silhouettes of scratching posts and doghouses. Low tables brimmed with bowls of wine, clear liquors, and fruit steeped in sugar syrup. Every corner leaned deeper into the theme of the human-pet kink. Collars gleamed with gemstones, bells jingled as their wearers moved, and the scents of leather and perfume clung to the warm air.
Catgirls in corsets lapped milk from saucers at the feet of lounging Dark Elves. A pair of Pandarens giggled nervously as their round booties were smacked with playful paddles while stretched across the thighs of a Greater Ogre. Chains rattled as masked Sociovores tugged at leashes attached to collared beastkin. The ratio still favored women by far, though here the diversity in races stood out. Collars gleamed, cages rattled, and every eye followed the new arrivals.
"Yo," Alex muttered, tipping his hat back as his sharp eyes scanned the crowd. "I almost forgot there were other people up on these floors."
Dream Flower tilted her head, her faint smile twitching into something amused. "I wonder how they got past the Gem Witch. You think they took an elevator, too?"
"Probably," Alex answered with a shrug. "Makes sense to me."
Ameera's soft gasp broke through their banter. "Wh-what the...?"
All three felt it at once—the sudden gathering of spiritons and magitons, warm and cloying, pooling around their necks. The particles condensed, glowing like molten motes, and shaped themselves into collars of pure magick. Each shimmered with a faint radiance, a tag swinging from the center.
Alex cursed. "Damnit. What the fuck is this?"
Dream squinted at the light pulsing around her own throat. "It must be the floor's enchantment. Remember how the last floor had one?"
"They each look different," Ameera said softly. "Alex's tag is a dog, Dream, yours is a cat."
Dream's laugh was bright and teasing. "And yours is a fox. Of course it is."
Alex tugged at the tag, scowling. "Are y'all feeling weird, too? Feels like some kinda status effect."
Checking her HUD, Dream sighed. "Yeah. My ID Status says 'Pet Cat.' Gives me increased reflexes, but it says I'll have uncontrolled mood swings. That's not gonna be fun."
Ameera touched her tag, eyes narrowing. "Then the effects differ. Mine says it increases the lethality of my strikes… but drains stamina much faster."
The sound of quick, confident footsteps reached them. Nicole Kanra emerged from the hall, her ruby eyes darting toward the group.
Dream perked up. "Oh, hey, Nicole. Is Xiro behind you?"
Nicole hesitated, her lips tightening before she answered. "Umm… no. He's still downstairs with that bitch—err, I mean witch."
Dream smirked knowingly. "Heh. I'm sure you did."
As Nicole stepped into the Velvet Kennels, the enchantment lashed out. The same glowing particles condensed at her throat, forming a collar that shimmered faintly with a rabbit-shaped tag.
"Hey!" she yelped. "How the—"
Dream cut in, waving a hand. "Don't sweat it too much. We all got one too."
Alex tipped his hat again, nodding toward the other end of the hall. "I see the way out over there. Let's roll, y'all." His voice carried a touch of casual charm, but his hand stayed close to his side.
The group wove carefully between the decadent displays of pet and master. More chains rattled, collars clicked, and playful cries echoed while wine sloshed in bowls nearby. The floor itself hummed with mana, each step a reminder of the trap woven into the air.
Nicole tapped Dream Flower's shoulder, leaning in so close her breath warmed Dream's ear. She wanted this to be private. Her eyes, however, kept flicking toward Alex and Ameera to ensure they weren't listening.
"Hey, Dream," Nicole whispered, "what do you think about the Devil King of Velonica?"
Dream tilted her head, puzzled by the question, but she answered honestly. "Huh? Well… he seems pretty cool for a Demon Lord. He's impressive in a fight. Could be one of the greatest M-Cees in all Arcadia. Gaia even."
Nicole froze for a moment, her next words cracked under the strain. "…Do you…find him attractive?"
Dream laughed softly, the sound like petals brushing across stone. "Oh? Well, he's definitely attractive. However, I'm not sure if he's my type. He's mysterious, and there's always a lot to learn when you deal with men like that. Plus…" She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "…you already seem interested in him."
Nicole faltered. "I-I err… I mean. Yeah, but..."
Dream didn't let her off the hook. "So, what do you plan to do with your feelings about your captain?"
Nicole let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders sagging as she spoke. "I don't know. I never expected any of this to happen. Honestly, I don't even remember how I ended up in so much danger when we met Lord Xiro. I'm just grateful he spared my life."
"Do you think the fear is driving your emotions toward him?"
Nicole shook her head, firmly this time. "Fear? No. I don't think so. It feels like the opposite. As if I couldn't be safer with him around."
Dream studied her closely, reading Nicole's mana signature as much as her words. No deception flickered there—Nicole truly believed every word she said. That only made things more complicated.
Dream didn't argue. She simply pulled Nicole close. For a moment, the perfume, chains, and laughter of the Velvet Kennels vanished, drowned under the quiet thud of Nicole's heartbeat against her chest. Nicole stiffened, then melted into it, clinging like she'd been waiting for this touch since the masquerade began.
As the Wolfpak pressed deeper into the Velvet Kennels, the scene grew stranger still. They passed by gilded cages where moans mixed with guttural growls and desperate praises. The smell of sweat, perfume, and strong wine hung thick in the air. Some cages rattled as their occupants clawed at the bars in delirious passion, while others whispered slurred compliments to their masked handlers.
Dream Flower couldn't shake all the eyes watching her. "Do we stand out that much? Everyone is looking in our direction."
"I'm sure they want us in those cages with them," Nicole replied, turning her head from the crowds.
"That dream won't ever come true then," Alex commented as he flicked his nose's tip.
It was almost refreshing when the ones outside the cages stood apart—clear, deliberate shapes in the haze. That was why all of them noticed immediately when a pair of men approached.
The first was an Ophiran, a snake sociovore so close to human form that only his scales betrayed the difference. He stood an even five-ten, his posture immaculate in a black formal suit traced with gold threading. A bald head gleamed beneath the lights of mana crystals above, his smooth tan and brown scales reflecting faintly. Golden circular glasses caught the light, throwing small glints across his serious gaze and low-trimmed beard. But the katana at his hip, its lacquered sheath humming with sealed mana, was the kind of detail no one could ignore. A snake tag dangled from his own glowing magickal collar, swaying slightly as he walked.
Beside him loomed a Wolven, six-two and broad-shouldered. Blue fur shimmered in the glow of the crystal lamps, broken by stark white across his muzzle and undertail. Golden eyes glinted with an animal sharpness that pinned the room. His outfit was casual compared to the masquerade's decadence—black dress pants, fingerless gloves, and an open jacket with a gray t-shirt beneath. The kind of attire that screamed confidence, not a need for display. A dog tag swung from his collar as if mocking the enchantment. His presence, however, was far from casual.
Alex felt it first. The moment his eyes locked on the Wolven, his body shifted on its own, legs bracing, fists curling tight. Sweat gathered fast at his temple, betraying the pressure pouring off the man. Ameera turned, sensing Alex's sudden readiness, but she only stared, confusion in her wide eyes. She didn't know him. Alex, though, couldn't look away.
"Oh shit," Alex thought, his pulse rising. "That Wolven's got an incredible signature. He might be as strong as normal Xiro. Who the hell is this guy?"
Dream Flower tilted her head, studying them both with calm recognition. "Say, I could be mistaken, but I think those two right there are the famous Black Plague."
Alex glanced at her, voice low. "Black Plague? What are they, Artists? Godwalkers?"
"They're a mercenary party of Divine Beasts," Dream answered. "From what I know, they work closely with the RIAA Guilds."
Nicole stepped in then, her tone carrying weight. "If we're talking about the same team, word is they're Junji-born mercs. Efficient. Ruthless." She gave a small sigh. "We thought about hiring them once."
Dream smirked. "Let me guess, too expensive?"
Nicole nodded. "Correct. Vivian's treasury couldn't even make the down payment."
Alex muttered under his breath. "Divine Beasts like Xiro, huh?"
That line made Ameera freeze. "Another Wolven of divinity?" she whispered. "I thought the humans wiped them out after Jon Talbot's death. Could he be here to help rescue my father?"
Nicole's gaze sharpened. "I wouldn't count on that."
Before the question could hang too long, the two men reached earshot. They weren't even looking at the Wolfpak at first, caught in their own conversation.
"…But I'm saying, though," the Wolven drawled, one hand shoved deep in his pocket, "the client could've waited 'til I got a chance to fight that Harlequin Witch before we left."
The Ophiran chuckled, a low hiss in his throat. "She's on an upper floor, Ikari. We don't have time for a climb."
Ikari—the Wolven—grinned sideways. "Jack, my brother, I control Temporal Mana. We can make time."
Jack gave him a flat look. "That's not how that works. Don't worry. I'm sure you'll find a decent fight soon enough on this next job. Escort missions are easy coin."
Ikari tilted his head. "So, did you learn anything more about the head witch running this joint?"
Jack shook his head. "No. None of these lower-floor goonettes knew a damn thing worth keeping."
"You think that old Elf was full of shit?"
"Could have been. But Dr. Kai has never lied to me before. He's the only one who's said anything useful about my Soul Core. If he says the Primal Witch knows something too, I'm inclined to believe it. We'll come back another day if we must."
Ikari snorted. "That weird old bastard talks in riddles, but yeah, he knows—"
He stopped suddenly. His nose twitched, muzzle raised toward the ceiling, sniffing. Then, slowly, his golden gaze turned down on the Wolfpak. His grin widened, sharp and alive. His eyes passed over Dream, lingered on Ameera, then locked firmly onto Alex.
"Hold up," Ikari said, his voice rising with excitement. "I smell a dense collection of mana. And…" His muzzle wrinkled. "The stench of a Tengu."
Jack turned his head toward the group. "A Tengu?"
Ikari pointed with his chin, grinning wider. "You there. White hair, hat. You smell powerful for someone so young, mountain dog."
Alex's glare hardened. "Young? You look about the same age as me."
That only made Ikari burst into a laugh. His aura flared like sunlight spilling through cracks in stone, warm and oppressive at once. "Hah! Difference is, I've been strong since the day I was born. The name's Ikari Joestar. This here's my brother, Jack Cobruh."
Jack inclined his head politely. "Howdy."
Dream's eyes widened. "You two… you're the Black Plague, aren't you?"
Ikari's grin widened further. "Word. You know us?"
"The name and stories have spread even here in Endora," she said.
Jack raised his hand dismissively. "The rumors are exaggerated."
"Yeah, yeah, all that shit," Ikari cut in, restless. His eyes burned back onto Alex. "You, Tengu. Let's fight. I'm sick of this sexual crap. I want something fun. Like punching people."
Alex straightened. "Run a fade, huh?"
Ameera snapped her gaze to him, urgent. "We shouldn't waste time on irrelevant battles."
Ikari's grin slipped into something colder. "Irrelevant? I can always put everyone's life in danger if you need a better reason to accept."
And with that, his aura collapsed on them. Gravity slammed down across the floor. Ameera and Nicole buckled instantly, their knees hitting the ground as if crushed under invisible weights. Dream staggered but forced her stance to hold, while Alex braced himself, muscles tightening with strain.
Jack said nothing, only watching with sharp interest. His eyes narrowed faintly as he felt something strange. Alex's mana hummed with a frequency he couldn't quite place, but it rang familiar.
Alex drew a deep breath, then spat his answer. "Fine. I accept your duel. The Mikazuki Clan never ducks smoke."
Ikari barked a laugh. "Ducking me? And how'd you know my alias is Big Shmoke? Damn, rumors travel."
Jack shook his head. "I don't think that's what he meant… but I can see you're excited."
Ikari's tail swayed behind him, eager. "Of course I am. This Tengu smells like an SS-Class. Strong as these witches, at least. Which means I finally get some fun."
Alex set his shoulders. "My name is Alex Zo of the Mikazuki Clan. The Scarlet Wolf of Velonica."
Ikari licked his fangs. "Good. Then let's make this a good ol' dog fight."
Dream leaned close, whispering quickly. "I hope you know what you're doing."
"I spar with Xiro all the time. I'll be okay."
Her brow furrowed. "That's great and all, but how often do you win those spars?"
Alex paused, eyes forward. "...That's not the point."
The floor beneath them shuddered, and then the Sycamore Tree itself answered. Roots split through the floor, curling upward like ribs, weaving into a cage. Velvet tore, reshaping into banners. The crowd gasped as the dungeon itself bent into a coliseum, sealing the duel in place. The music warped with it, turning sharp, percussive, predatory
Alex and Ikari walked forward, the crowd pressing in from the edges, holding their breath. Nicole and Dream's eyes carried anxious fire, while Ameera froze, trembling with fear. In her mind, the sight dragged her back to her father, Melech, facing the Blood Witch. She remembered the hopelessness, the gap in strength. And now she feared Alex stood in the same place.
Ikari stopped first, hands still buried in his pockets, a cocky grin on his muzzle. "Make sure you don't hold back. I hate losers who make excuses after."
Alex slipped his hat from his head, tossing it to Ameera with a sharp nod. "Just know that you asked for this."
His aura began to surge, crimson light spilling from his body like sparks igniting an inferno. Bio Mana layered into his signature, becoming visible in trembling waves. The arena floor shook under his power-up. Scarlet mana flared around him, taking the shape of wolf ears that jutted from between his white dreadlocks, and a tail that swayed behind him.
"Activate—[Heavenly Wolf]!" Alex roared.
Wings of glowing crimson erupted from his back, unfurling in a gust that sent a violent blast of wind ripping across the arena. Tables toppled. Curtains whipped violently. His scarlet eyes blazed, and his cocky smile returned. The Son of Shukaku looked every bit the warrior ready to test himself against a divine beast.
Ikari tilted his head and lifted one hand in a beckoning gesture. "Come."
Alex didn't hesitate. In a burst of hypersonic speed, he closed the gap, fist cocked, scarlet aura blazing with intent. Gasps rang as Alex blurred, a scarlet streak breaking the sound barrier. The opening was there, clean and obvious. His strike should have landed.
But the moment before he could throw it, Ikari's body shifted. No flash of warning, no exaggerated move. Just a sudden, crushing impact.
A heavy blow slammed into Alex's gut. His body folded instantly around the unseen fist, the force blasting him backward. He skidded across the carpet, the thunderclap of delayed impact echoing like a bomb in the room. Gasps erupted as the spectators realized what had happened.
Jack's eyes narrowed. "This Alex guy is experienced. He knows how to control his mana output without burning out. Only trained Artists fight like that. Who the hell taught him?"
Ikari dropped his fist, still grinning. "You good, my guy? I was gonna let you have the first shot, but you had so many openings, I couldn't resist."
Ameera and Nicole watched on in anxious horror. The Vulpin was steadily becoming more and more unnerved, and the constant flicker in her tail was exposing her true emotions. But she knew she needed to believe in Alex, and not succumb to fears again. Yet, it was looking tough for her new boo.
Alex coughed, blood trailing from the corner of his mouth as he pushed himself to one knee. His scarlet eyes burned hotter now, fury sharpening them into something dangerous. His hand clutched his chest, but his body rose, unbroken. He knew now. This wouldn't be easy.
Not at all.
Meanwhile, on the floor below, I was debating the usefulness of the nude Lilituu who had just joined my team. The Kinky Diamond Chamber was still in ruin, its walls cracked and tables overturned like the aftermath of an earthquake. Any thought of partygoers returning to enjoy the masquerade here was laughable. I didn't care. This place would never host another masquerade once I was done. After Headtrip's forceful exit at my hand, I was ready to play bouncer in this cursed den.
"Before I agree to bring you along," I said flatly, eyeing her as she leaned against a broken column like it was a stage prop, "what do you bring to the table?"
Zawa smirked, brushing her tangled hair from her face with a hand still sticky with cum. "Well, I'm very beneficial to your stress release."
"Wrong," I shot back immediately. "If needed, my sexual desires can be handled by my Three Twilights. Try again."
Her lips pouted before curling upward in mischief. "Foofy. Oh? I know. I can introduce you to some important people I know. Those connected to the Underground Manarail."
I arched a brow. "What's the Underground Manarail?"
Her gasp was theatrical. "Whaa? The Demon Lord doesn't know about the biggest black market in his own country? Then it looks like I've found my value."
"Less smart ass, more exposition."
"New Master," she sighed, dragging the words out like a moan, "you're no fun when you're all business. But fine. It's a hidden rail under Arcadia, built by old Light and Holy Elves. Spatial magitech, ancient stuff."
"Back when the Elves of Gem Mana still supported magick," I muttered. "To think some of them never turned their back on it."
"They use it to smuggle fleeing Light Elves from Human nations. Sweet, right? Noble. Almost ruined my rep saying it out loud," she added, her voice suddenly softer, almost reverent.
"Noble actions," I admitted, nodding. "Reminds me of some North American history I remember. But why call it a black market?"
Her grin widened. "Because the Light Elves also use it to transport Moonsand, Elysian Trees, and other illegal goods into human nations and kingdoms."
"Ah, shit. Spoke too soon." My face twisted in disgust. "Wait—Moonsand? They're fuckin' drug dealers!"
"One might say," she said brightly, tilting her head. "You partake in noble drugs?"
"I'm more of a smoker."
"So, Elysian Trees, then. That's very Majin of you, new master."
Inwardly, I grimaced. "The Light Elves pulling a Harriet Tubman while also being El Chappo in the same stroke was not on my bingo card."
[Midnight Star: Belial]'s voice hummed in the recesses of my mind. "Since we're king now, we should check it out at some point."
"Agreed," I thought back. "My moral compass doesn't know how to judge it from rumors alone. I'm cool with them helping slaves escape, but from what I remember, Moonsand is the drug my father fell victim to. Those shipments might need to be destroyed."
Zawa clasped her hands beneath her chest, bouncing slightly as she pleaded, "Soooo, are you bringing me along? Pulease…"
I looked down at her—kneeling, dramatic, a cute face streaked in drying semen—and sighed. It was in that moment that I knew, if I didn't tame the chaos they brought, bitches like her would be the root of all my problems.
"Fine. But you need to clean up first. And put the tits away. I'd hate to lose focus in a fight because you've got the twins out, cheering for me."
"Yesh, yesh, yes! Awesomeness!" she cheered, pumping her fists. "Oh, but I left my clothes in the lounge on the top floor. Sowry."
Another sigh slipped from me. I lifted a single index finger, focusing Omnis Mana at the tip until a black-hued sphere with an iridescent glow shimmered in the air. The orb divided smoothly, molecular structure rearranging in my grasp. With precision, I sculpted a leather and voidsilk corset top, paired with a skirt draped sarong-style to expose her thighs. Simple, functional with matching thigh-high boots.
She slipped it on with practiced flair, twisting her body to give it a lustful remix. The modest creation suddenly looked more lewd. Gotta remember, when dressing Majins, sex always sells, my nigga.
"I haven't worn this many items of clothing together in a long time," she teased, tugging at the skirt, "but I'm more than glad to finally remove those stupid panties. My little kitty couldn't breathe with all that cloth covering her."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Still attractive with clothes on. Not bad—"
That was when it hit me. My [Dimensional Detection] caught a spike of mana roaring from the floor above, sharp enough to rattle the walls. My senses flared instantly. Alex's signature was right next to it. Whoever was up there was no joke, and Alex was already pushing himself hard enough to do battle. My lips curled into a devilish smile. The new signature was out of Alex's league, but it wasn't alone. Another, faint but dense, pulsed alongside it. Hidden, but packed with power.
"You noticed that, Tsukuyomi?"
"Yes, master," he answered calmly. "You're speaking of the Sonata Resonance. The quieter mana signature is indeed coming from a Sonata Core holder."
"So there's another Sonata here. One I've never sensed before." I chuckled darkly to myself. "Dream Flower was right. Tonight is shaping up to be a once-in-a-lifetime event."
The insidious smile refused to leave my face. Tonight, I would drown myself in hedonistic pleasures alongside South Arcadia's delinquents. No more masks. No more pretending. After embracing every part of myself, it was time to fuck shit up.
Oh yeah, tonight's was the mothafuckin' night everyone danced with the Devil.
[End of Chapter]
[1] April on Earth.