Ignis stared intently at the forge's combustion chamber, carefully adjusting the ether fuel valve to ensure the already quenched blade inside would not suffer any mishaps during the high-temperature tempering process.
The Son of Vulkan monitored the temperature of the blade using his Fire-Sight, retrieving it with tongs the moment it reached the desired state. Ignis held a blade in each hand, swinging them through the air to allow them to cool slowly.
Nekomata sat on Ignis's bed, watching the giant man's movements.
"What are you doing?" Nekomata didn't quite understand, but she found it interesting to watch the blades in Ignis's hands gradually darken.
"Tempering. It effectively adjusts the blade's hardness and toughness." The Son of Vulkan never stopped moving his hands, his attention fixed on the blades. "All that's left now is to assemble the handles, and they'll be finished."
"You work so fast. You've done all that in just a few hours right after we returned." Nekomata propped her chin in her hands, lowering her voice. "Are you sure you won't come with us? Ollie seemed quite keen on continuing to work with us."
The Son of Vulkan confirmed the blades had finished tempering and summoned the overhead smart rig, having its mechanical arm extend to hold the blade blanks. Ignis took out the pre-prepared composite material handles and pins, beginning the final assembly.
"No. I need rest lately." Ignis inserted the pins and began fastening them. "I believe you can handle the follow-up work yourself. My presence would be somewhat inappropriate."
Nekomata flipped backwards, lying down on Ignis's bed. The giant man's bed was custom-made, and for Nekomata, who stood less than one and a half meters tall, it was incredibly spacious.
The Son of Vulkan glanced at Nekomata rolling around on his bed before refocusing on the task at hand. "Officer Ollie asked for our help with his operation inside the Hollow, but I'd prefer not to have too much contact with Public Security."
After all, his identity was fake. Too much contact with a police organization like that, and if a flaw were exposed, it would cause trouble for Nicole.
"But that Ollie, even though he's timid, is surprisingly capable." Nekomata stretched out freely on the oversized bed. "His acting is really bad, and he's very cowardly, but he's quite skilled at planning."
"Thinking of using the Inter-Knot to go fishing, to catch a gang stealing and dealing with said ether resources." The catgirl rolled over, kicked her legs out, and jumped up, landing perfectly with her feet in the slippers by the bed.
"But he didn't expect it to be the two of us who showed up. Then again, it's a good thing it was us, otherwise, if others realized he had problems, they might have just left him in the Hollow." Nekomata walked over, watching Ignis carefully fasten the pins. "Looks like it's almost done."
"Mn. Very soon." Ignis nodded, then steered the topic back to Ollie. "The plan he proposed is feasible. Placing some ether resources inside the Hollow, then spreading the word to attract that group of criminals. It's a very old-fashioned fishing tactic, and the channels for releasing the information are pretty unreliable, but it should work."
"Right, right?" Nekomata's two tails swished back and forth, a sign she was in a good mood. "When he got that call from his superior, I thought he was going to cry. Something like 'The Section Chief praised me! Not only can I continue participating in the operation, I might even get a commendation.' He seemed really excited."
"But then he got all depressed right after." Nekomata recalled the man suddenly sinking into gloom and couldn't help but laugh. "He suddenly let out this mournful sound, 'Aaaah, what am I going to do?'"
It had to be said, Nekomata's imitation of Ollie was spot-on, perfectly capturing the contrast of the excitement from receiving praise then suddenly being overwhelmed by worry.
"But for someone so afraid of Ethereals to still be willing to take risks and enter the Hollow shows he's made a considerable resolution." Ignis took down the two blades and used a grinder to remove the excess pin material.
Nekomata stayed close by, watching Ignis's movements. She was really looking forward for these blades. After all, she'd heard that items forged by this giant had sold for six figures, and the first digit was nothing to scoff at.
Moreover, Ignis had drawn up several design drafts recently. She heard they were commissions from the Blacksmith Association, requests for him to forge various short blades. However, they weren't meant for practical use; they were all intended as luxurious decorations. A Damascus steel blade paired with a sheath and handle inlaid with gold and silver wire was undeniably a top-tier ornament.
"So that's why he wants to hire the two of us as his bodyguards." Nekomata watched the sparks fly from the grinder. "Oh, we should be called 'Public Security Case Assistance Personnel' now."
Nekomata's gaze returned to Ignis's face. The man, whose complexion was as black as the night sky, stared seriously at the short blade in his hand. His crimson eyes flicked towards her for a moment before returning to the blade.
"The bonus is really substantial. Even after deducting the Proxy's share, splitting the remainder between the two of us would still be a lot." Nekomata tried hard to persuade Ignis to go with her. She quite liked working with this big guy. After all, such reliable combat power wasn't common. With him around, it felt like no matter what kind of Ethereal they encountered, she wouldn't have to worry about safety.
"I need to adjust my equipment, and my body also needs maintenance." Ignis finished processing the pin on one blade and started on the other with the grinder, sending a shower of sparks flying. "Previously, I was worried about you taking on a commission with an unclear employer alone, that you might encounter danger. From the looks of it now, Ollie is trustworthy, and you can handle this kind of task by yourself. I won't go and complicate things."
Ignis needed to make some adjustments to his Power Armor to accommodate the Iron Halo. At the same time, he needed to prepare more nutrients for the Belisarian Furnace, to help the organ that could bring him back from the dead regain its activity as soon as possible.
"Aren't you worried about me running into danger, nya?" Seeing that money couldn't persuade him, Nekomata instead opted for a tactic of wide-eyed pleading. "What if I encounter some really powerful Ethereal in the Hollow and can't come back?"
"The adorable Nekomata will disappear from your life forever..." The cunning catgirl deliberately put on a pitiful, about-to-cry expression, launching a moe offensive. "Come with me, please? I really like working with you."
Ignis handed the two completed short blades to Nekomata and rolled his eyes. "Stop trying to act cute with me. I believe in your abilities. Unless you run into an Ethereal on the level of a Dead End Butcher, even if you can't defeat it, you definitely have the skill to escape with Ollie and Phaethon."
"Tch, you're so boring." Nekomata pouted, taking the short blades from the Son of Vulkan. "These blades... are truly excellent."
The moment Nekomata gripped the handle, she noticed it had been adjusted specifically for her hand, making the grip exceptionally comfortable. The balance of the short blades was also perfect. The Bowie-style blade was quite effective for both slashing and thrusting. The D-shaped guard, made into a knuckle-duster-like structure as Nekomata had requested, had considerable strength due to the tempering process.
"Just kidding, I'm the blacksmith who sold a blade for six figures." Ignis reached out, took off his glove, and ruffled Nekomata's head. "I believe you're enough for this job by yourself. I won't tag along. He is, after all, a Public Security officer. My identity is too sensitive; it's best to avoid contact with them if possible."
Nekomata's hands moved in a flurry, the short blades spinning and twirling in her grasp. From her focused expression, Ignis could tell how much this catgirl liked his work.
"Fine, fine..." After playing with them for a while, Nekomata took the blades and left.
"But I really do like you. After all, someone as reliable as you isn't easy to find." The catgirl made a point of saying this again before leaving the room.
Regarding Nekomata and the other female members of the Cunning Hares, Ignis didn't have any particular preference. His mental age was far greater than theirs, so he tended to view them from the perspective of an elder looking at youngsters. Although they were all very beautiful, Ignis had never entertained any thoughts of crossing that line.
Even though, compared to Nicole and Anby, the petite Nekomata fit his former 'type'. Back in Earth, Ignis had been an undeniable lolicon. But after his experiences in the Warhammer world, coupled with the Space Marine's reproductively inert reproductive system, his feelings towards Nekomata were more along the lines of finding a cute kitten and an attitude of humoring a child.
Even if the other party said things like 'I like you,' it wouldn't evoke any special feelings in him... probably.
Ignis felt his face burning hot again. It must be The Emperor reminding him not to indulge in such things, that there were still heretics waiting to be eliminated. Like that damned Razor, who might be hiding somewhere in the Hollow, continuing his Khornate rituals.
He shook these distracting thoughts from his head and picked up the Iron Halo he had found today from the workbench. Although in the Warhammer world, this thing was usually mounted on the shoulder or backplate, currently, the shoulders and back of Ignis's Mark X Gravis Power Armor were still fitted with the grenade launcher reflector.
But he couldn't replenish the grenades here, at least not in the short term, and Ignis had no intention of trying to make them by hand. So, for now, the Fragstorm Grenade Launcher was useless except for making him look taller.
Thus, the Son of Vulkan decided to remove the grenade launcher. After all, the Mark X Gravis Power Armor was modular in design; removing some useless components wouldn't affect its overall functionality.
No sooner said than done. With the help of the smart rig's array of mechanical arms, Ignis quickly removed the grenade launcher and placed the Iron Halo on his backplate.
The spiked circle formed from cold metal reflected a dazzling light under the lamps, bearing a faint resemblance to the cold, golden sun of the Immaterium.
After finishing all this, Ignis lay down on the bed, ready to sleep. Although sleep wasn't a necessity for a Space Marine, being able to get a good night's rest every day was always a pleasant thing.
As he lay down, he caught Nekomata's scent. Unlike the strong fragrance of cosmetics that clung to Nicole, or the faint scent on Anby, the smell Nekomata left behind was more like the smell of animal fur warmed by sunlight, mixed with a unique, girlish fragrance.
The catgirl had left this scent when she was rolling around on his bed earlier. Ignis felt a headache coming on; for the first time, he was annoyed by the enhanced senses of a Space Marine. Right now, he felt surrounded by several catgirls.
This xenos-tainted scent made his heart race and his face flush slightly. Having lived two lives and been a virgin for decades, even just this lingering scent was enough to make him blush and his heart pound. Fortunately, he quickly adjusted his mindset, sighed, and let the darkness consume his consciousness.
Suddenly, Ignis felt something climb onto him. It was very light, and it straddled his chest directly.
The Son of Vulkan opened his eyes. The infrared night vision provided by his Fire-Sight allowed him to barely make out that it was Nekomata.
"What are you doing?" Ignis was somewhat bewildered and reached for the bedside lamp switch.
"I came to repay your kindness." Nekomata let out a string of suppressed laughs. "I received such an expensive gift. It would seem very impolite if I didn't give something in return, right?"
The light turned on, and Ignis finally saw what Nekomata was wearing.
It was an almost transparent nightgown that only covered her chest before splitting open at the sides, revealing Nekomata's flat stomach. The hem of the gown was very short, unable to fully cover her equally semi-transparent panties.
"Ugh, so mean." Nekomata's voice was sickeningly sweet. "I only turned the lights off because I'm shy, and you just went and turned them right back on. You're so mean."
Ignis was utterly stunned. What was this catgirl up to? Wearing something that was practically the same as wearing nothing, climbing on top of him in the middle of the night.
"Well? Is it nice? I spent so long deliberating before I finally decided to buy this one." Nekomata herself grew bashful, a flush of red rising on her slightly dark cheeks.
"Ah, yeah." Ignis nodded almost instinctively.
"Really!" Nekomata pounced forward, wrapping her arms around Ignis' head. Her small chest brushed against the tip of his nose. "I was so worried you wouldn't like it."
The intense fragrance made the Son of Vulkan's head spin. For the first time, he felt that, although the size was different, the soft sensation was undeniable.
Ignis felt his ability to think was being stolen away. He didn't have time to ponder what this catgirl was trying to do, but being held and nuzzled so affectionately was quite comfortable.
He tried to reach out and hug her back, but halfway through the motion, a searing pain flashed across his face, restoring a sliver of his reason.
The Son of Vulkan reached out a massive hand, pressed it on Nekomata's shoulder, and pushed her away slightly.
"What exactly is this about?" Ignis met the gaze of the blushing catgirl.
"You... you gave me a pair of short blades. Your forging prices are so high, and I don't have the money to pay you..." Nekomata's voice grew softer and softer. She took a deep breath, as if steeling herself, before continuing.
"I can't just take your gift for free; I have to give something in return." Nekomata's ears twitched back and forth, her face red to the roots of her ears. "So... so... the only thing I can give you in return..."
Nekomata closed her eyes, her face completely crimson.
"Is myself!"
Nekomata practically shouted the last sentence.
Her shout completely short-circuited Ignis's brain.
Hold on, is this what 'the catgirl's repayment' means? Isn't this a bit too intense?
A dark-skinned catgirl loli! Hitting every one of Ignis's preferences from every angle! But isn't this taking advantage of the situation? And with Nekomata's small frame, forget 'one thrust to the stomach,' I'd pierce right through her diaphragm. That would be fatal.
While Ignis was lost in the sauce, Nekomata took the initiative. The Son of Vulkan felt a cool sensation on his lips; Nekomata had actively kissed him.
After a brief kiss, Nekomata hugged Ignis's neck, pressing close to his ear to whisper.
"I... I mustered all my courage to come find you." Nekomata's voice held a note of grievance. "Don't let my courage go to waste..."
Ignis turned his head and saw tear-filled eyes. The catgirl was on the verge of crying.
"Am I not charming?" Nekomata's voice was pleading. "Not as good as Nicole or Anby?"
The sight of her tear-filled eyes nearly broke Ignis's heart. He reached out and pulled Nekomata into his embrace, one hand gently stroking her hair, the other caressing her back.
"No, you are very beautiful…" Ignis didn't know how to respond to this lady. "But… I..."
Nekomata once again used a kiss to stop Ignis's words.
"Hold me tight... kiss me..." Nekomata's voice grew softer and softer. Through the thin fabric, the heat emanating from her body grew increasingly higher. Shyness and excitement had raised Nekomata's body temperature abnormally.
"And then... and then..." Nekomata began to pant heavily, her exhaled hot breath making Ignis's ears burn. "Don't make me... say everything out loud..."
With that, she nibbled on Ignis's earlobe, then extended her tongue to lick it.
The stimulation to his ear, coupled with the light friction where their bodies pressed together, made Ignis feel the Space Marine's suppressed reproductive system beginning to awaken.
"Im... Let's just call it the catgirl's repayment, okay?" Nekomata said, biting his ear cartilage, her sharp canine teeth leaving a stinging sensation. "Do something okay... otherwise, it makes me seem like I have no charm at all."
O Emperor on Terra, it seems I will be casting a coin here today. Although the other party is not purely human, she is at least a sub-species.
He thought this, but then his face suddenly felt like it was on fire.
Damn it, you golden old man, don't ruin this for me! In two lifetimes, this is my first time!!!
But the pain didn't lessen in the slightest; instead, it began to penetrate deep into his bones, reaching straight for his soul.
The agony was unbearable for Ignis. He pushed Nekomata away and sat up, which finally lessened the pain.
The Son of Vulkan gasped slightly, covered in a cold sweat.
He felt something clamp around his waist. Looking down, he saw it was Nekomata's legs. The deeply flushed catgirl reached her hands out towards him. The nightgown had completely lost its function, displaying Nekomata's body.
"Come on... don't keep me waiting..."
Nekomata said this and closed her eyes, a tear tracing a path from the corner of her eye.
Ignis had never seen such pitiful sight before. His heart itched. He bent down, closed his eyes, and tried to take the initiative to kiss Nekomata.
The burning pain on his face returned. The Son of Vulkan opened his eyes. A golden light flashed.
The figure in his embrace was not Nekomata at all, but a hermaphroditic Slaanesh Daemonette with sharp pincer claws, pink-purple scales, and a forked tongue!
Ignis let out a roar and sprang up, reaching for his hammer.
But the Slaanesh Daemonette was much faster than Ignis. Its deadly claws shot towards the Son of Vulkan's neck.
If that strike connected, Ignis would undoubtedly be decapitated. But now he had nothing to block with; he could only use his left arm to shield himself, keeping his right hand free to counterattack at least.
However, the anticipated attack never came. The Son of Vulkan twitched violently and woke up once again, in his own bed, crying out in shock.
Uncertain if he was still under the control of the daemon of Slaanesh, he immediately reached to the bedside, grabbed his hammer.
Just as Ignis was taking in his surroundings, Boss Nicole walked in. "What's wrong? What's wrong? What happened? Did that Razor guy attack?"
"What's wrong, nya? I heard a loud noise." Nekomata, wearing pajamas, was peeking in from behind.
Anby and Billy had come too, concerned about what was happening.
Ignis couldn't very well say he'd had a wet dream that turned into a nightmare, especially with Nekomata, one of the main characters, standing right there, yawning.
The Son of Vulkan could only say he'd had a bad dream and that nothing had happened.
After reassuring the others, Ignis returned to his bed. He didn't really understand why he'd had such a dream.
Outside the walls of the Cunning Hares' base, a figure was walking away. They wore an excessively long trench coat that completely concealed their body.
"The Prince of Pleasure commands it. I will help Him claim your soul." An androgynous voice spoke to itself.