You stir awake to the soft rays of dawn filtering through the inn's grimy window, your body aching in the best way possible from the night's exertions. The single bed feels warmer than it should, and as your eyes adjust, you realize why: Mia is curled against you, her auburn ears twitching in her sleep, her striped tail draped lazily over your thigh like a possessive claim. Her naked form presses close, her steady breathing a rhythmic purr that vibrates through your chest. The golden runes of the Harem Bond on her neck glow faintly, a reminder of the contract sealed just hours ago. She's still your slave on paper, but the bond hums with something deeper—loyalty budding into affection.
Memories of last night flood back: her rough tongue, her claws raking your skin, the way her body clenched around you during her mana heat. It was intense, primal, and thanks to the Feline Synergy skill, you feel invigorated rather than drained—your stats subtly boosted from the shared experience. No regrets from Earth linger here; this world is already proving far more rewarding.
Mia shifts, her emerald eyes fluttering open. She stretches languidly, her curves on full display as she arches her back, a satisfied yawn escaping her lips, revealing sharp fangs. "Morning, master," she murmurs, her voice husky with sleep. Her tail flicks playfully, brushing against your morning arousal, and she smirks. "Ready for round two? Or did I wear you out?"
You chuckle, sitting up and pulling her closer for a brief kiss—her textured tongue teasing yours before you pull away. "Tempting, but we have work to do. Can't conquer a kingdom from bed." Though part of you wants to test the limits of that mana heat again, the practical gamer in you knows grinding comes first.
As if reading your thoughts, your System interface pings to life, a blue screen materializing in your vision.
[System Notification: Daily Quests Updated!]
Your Harem Bond with Mia has strengthened overnight. Affinity +10. Current Loyalty: Devoted Ally.
New Side Quest: Grind the Basics - Venture to the nearby Eldorian Outskirts and clear a low-level dungeon or defeat 10 minor threats to gain experience. Reward: +3 Levels, 50 Gold, Basic Gear Upgrade. Optional: Involve your harem member for bonus synergy buffs.**
Hint: Building your party slowly will unlock greater potentials. Seek allies in ruins or markets—prophecy favors the prepared.
The quest feels straightforward, like a tutorial mission in your old games. Perfect for leveling up without overwhelming risks. You share the details with Mia mentally through the bond— a perk of the contract—and she perks up, her fighter's instincts igniting. "A dungeon crawl? Finally, something fun. I've cleared worse in the arenas, but with you... could be interesting." She hops out of bed, her tail swishing as she rummages through her discarded robes, pulling out a hidden pouch with some basic items: a worn leather armor set that hugs her figure like a second skin, accentuating her breasts and hips, and a pair of claw gauntlets that extend her natural weapons.
You dress quickly in your simple linen gear, equipping the Basic Dagger from your inventory. It materializes in your hand with a faint glow—nothing fancy, but it'll do. "The outskirts are just beyond the city gates," Mia explains as you head downstairs. "Full of goblins, wild beasts—easy pickings for us. But watch for patrols; hybrids like me aren't always welcome."
The inn's common room is sparse in the morning light, a few hungover adventurers nursing ales. The innkeeper grunts a farewell as you step out into the crisp air. The city awakens around you: merchants setting up stalls, a blacksmith hammering away, the distant chime of a mage's tower bell. Mia walks with a confident prowl, her ears alert, drawing a few stares but no trouble—your presence seems to ward off any hostility, perhaps thanks to your Charisma stat.
As you approach the gates, Mia opens up a bit more, the bond encouraging trust. "Before the arenas, I was a free rover in the wilds," she says, her voice casual but edged with nostalgia. "Hunted for food, fought off bandits. Then I got captured during a heat—weakened me just enough. They turned me into a gladiator... and worse." Her tail flicks irritably, but she glances at you with a wry smile. "You're the first 'owner' who hasn't tried to break me. Keep it that way, and I'll fight like hell for you."
You nod, appreciating the slow build of her backstory. No rushing into deep confessions; it's enough to know she's got layers beyond the fierce exterior. "We'll free more like you," you promise. "Build a real team."
The gates loom ahead, guarded by bored soldiers who wave you through after a cursory glance. Beyond lies the Eldorian Outskirts: rolling hills dotted with ancient ruins, dense thickets, and the faint glow of ley lines snaking through the earth. Your System map updates with a vague marker for a nearby goblin den—a perfect starter dungeon.
Mia scents the air, her nose wrinkling. "Goblins ahead. Stinky bastards. Let's grind." She cracks her knuckles, claws gleaming, ready for action.
As you venture forth, the prophecy's weight feels lighter with her at your side. But the System's hint lingers—seek allies. In time, perhaps by chapter five or so, your harem will grow. For now, it's you and Mia against the world.