The very next day after breakfast, they had set out early to reach Pascal Mountain to do their first quest. Alice was riding Fel like always with Vulpix sitting in front of her as they had stopped at a cliff, staring at the mountain. Fel had followed the scent as soon as they left Karelina and Alice put a hand over her eyes as she stared at the mountain.
"Is that the mountain with the mittle lizard up ahead?" Fel asked her though he intentionally said the name of the monster wrong and his tone was teasing as she snorted. He's already teasing in the morning but she welcomed it and played along.
"The mittle lizard? Don't you mean the Metal Lizard, fluffball?" She teased back which made him chuckle before Alice checked the quest.
"Well, it matches the location the guildmaster told us. I wonder where its nest is though." Alice said. They were in the right place but locating the nest of the metal lizard would be difficult but not for Fel.
"Wait a moment." He said, pausing as he sniffed the air along with feeling the flow of magic. He can smell and sense a lot of things from where they are but he was able to distinguish which ones to follow.
"This way." He said and Alice immediately put the quest away as Fel started to head for the direction of the mountain. Alice held on with Vulpix ducking slightly so she wouldn't fall.
Up ahead, both Alice and Fel saw something that made them curious.
'A cave?' She thought before she realized that it must be where the metal lizard is.
"Is that where the metal lizard built its nest?" Alice asked Fel and he couldn't be wrong. He can smell and sense that it was in there.
"Presumambly." He told her.
"Cool but I'm guessing you're going to continue and not let me and Vulpix down huh?" She said with a knowing smile. At their pace, there was no way Fel wanted to let her and Vulpix get off him. Plus he wants her to see him in action.
"Correct." Fel smirked and increased his speed as they entered the cave.
Fel had finally slowed down to a walk as they walked towards the end of the cave where it seems to be glowing. He peeked around the corner, finding something that intrigues but he can't mistake the scent.
"There it is." He spoke as Alice looked over his head to see with Sui and Vulpix on top of her back.
"Should you at least let me down for a bit?" She whispered but she knew it was best that she see for herself what they're hunting.
There were a lot of stones that were a bluish color and glowing but at the far end of the chamber was the monster they were looking for or at least it was and it seemed to be eating the stones too.
"Well, it looks like an Aggron or a Duraludon." She noted curiously. The one that Fel hunted was normal looking but this one was much more shiny.
"But it's kinda shiny for some reason." Alice told Fel who had noticed the difference too.
"Is it supposed to be doing that though?" She asked as Vulpix yipped quietly.
"Why not Appraise it then?" Fel suggested and she hummed before doing so and the information she got was surprising. Mithril Lizard?
"Mithril? As in a magic fantasy book type of ore?" Alice asked before she realized something. They were supposed to hunt down a Metal Lizard but all they can see is a Mithril Lizard.
"Wait, wasn't this just supposed to be a run-of-the-mill Metal Lizard, not a Mithril Lizard?" She inquired, looking at the quest again.
Fel doesn't know. He was sure the scent he had caught earlier was that of a Metal Lizard but they found a Mithril one instead.
"Yes, it is mithril." Fel confirmed her question as she looked down at him, breath unconsciously brushing against his ear which made it twitch.
"However, this is the only Metal Lizard I sense in the area. It must've mutated after eating some mithril ore." He explained before he looked up at her.
"Huh. It kinda reminds me of two evolutionary lines" Alice said and Fel looked curious.
"Oh? Do tell." He said. He was intrigued on what creatures have something similar with the metal lizard.
"Well, there's the Rolycoly evolution line. They eat coal and other minerals which in turn use the minerals to grow and evolve. The more minerals they eat, they evolve into their next evolutions. Rolycoly searches mines for coals to eat, after eating enough, it will evolve into Carkol which burns the minerals it consumes before evolving into a Coalossal. Think of it as a literal living furnace of compressed ores." She explained and Fel was impressed. So the creatures of her world have methods of mutation or evolutions then?
"And the other one?" He asked as she smiled.
"The other one is the Aron evolutionary line. Their evolution is probably similar to the Mithril Lizard. The more iron ores they eat, they'll reach their final stage which is an Aggron. They're pretty territorial when it comes to ore-rich areas too." She said with a small sheepish laugh.
"Judging from that laugh, you must've had a run-in with one of those." Fel deduced.
"You have no idea." She said with a chuckle before they looked back to the Mithril Lizard.
"That explanation aside, it will render magic less effective against it." Fel added and Alice gave him a curious look.
"Can you explain how mithril works then?" She asked curiously and he couldn't help but smile slightly. Of course he would.
"Mithril is light and sturdy. It is also highly compatible with magic." He started as Alice listened attentively.
"In other words, it can easily absorb and defuse magic attacks. That lizard's scales will reduce the power of any incoming spell by half." Fel explained as Alice and Vulpix got off him with Sui on Alice's shoulder.
"Wouldn't that be troublesome to go up against even for you?" She teased him playfully.
"Not at all." Fel said, his tone as playful as hers.
'Which means he'll add more power.' Alice thought knowingly as Fel's body cracked with lightning magic before he casted it and struck down the Mithril Lizard. The poor thing didn't stand a chance as Fel practically electrocuted it to death completely as Alice, Sui and Vulpix were blown back by the force and Fel winced when he looked at them. Whoops.
"That was a bit much, don't you think?" She sat up as she rubbed the back of her head but her heart practically skipped a bit when Fel looked back and smiled at her. The lighting from the mithril ores made him look a bit majestic.
"I only need to cast a spell strong enough to kill it twice." He simply said, looking satisfied as she flushed lightly once more before she shook her head. Fel came to her and helped her up with a gentle nudge as they went to where the Mithril Lizard is. Alice felt more bad for it now. It didn't even stand a chance.
"It didn't stand a chance." She said as she clasped her hands together in a praying motion.
"Rest in peace." She said and Sui copied her with Vulpix yipping sadly.
"Imagine being zapped to death in the middle of eating dinner. Sorry, Mithril Lizard." Alice apologized as she put the Mithril Lizard into her item box. With that done, she looked to her side and finally saw what the ore looked like as she walked over to it and picked it up.
"So are these rocks mithril ore then?" She questioned as she examined the one she's holding closely.
'Having weapons like a dagger or even a sword made out of mithril would be very useful. A blade forged from a rare metal might be nice.' Alice thought as she sighed. She had lost her short sword when they went to the dungeon.
She looked around. There was an abundance of the ore and maybe grabbing some won't hurt just in case until she meets a blacksmith who can make her a weapon.
"Surely it wouldn't hurt to take some until we meet a blacksmith." Alice said as she started to gather some in a small pile.
"Sui and Sissy Vulpix will help too." Sui bounced over to her with Vulpix following.
"Thank you, you two." She smiled at them as they gathered enough before she had a thought.
"Hold on, if mithril is good at defusing magic, wouldn't it make great armor? Would it be better to make armor or something using the flexible skin from the Mithril Lizard than the plain ore?" She muttered before she contemplated it.
'That would be nice but it might be an insult to Fel's barrier which has been a huge help so far. I don't want to hurt his feelings... Though maybe small armors like shoulder guards or arm bands can work as an accessory?' She thought before she felt Fel's presence by her side.
"Hey, do you wish to make yourself some armor?" He asked her and she winced as she turned to him.
"You heard that? I was just thinking that it might be a good idea to have j-" She started to explain only to be taken aback when Fel stomped on one of the ore and Alice could tell he felt insulted.
"You have no need of armor! Whether it be Mithril Lizard or Mithril Ore, there is nothing stronger than my barrier! Do not waste your time!" He exclaimed. He felt insulted that she was thinking of getting armor from something that's not his barrier. He growled at the thought of maybe he's not enough but he froze when gentle hands held his face and he saw Alice just smiling reassuringly and apologetically at him.
"I didn't mean for it as an insult, Fel. I was only thinking about having mithril ore and turning into something small like accessories or arm guards or shoulder guards. If you had let me explain more, it wouldn't be a misunderstanding. Okay?" She said softly and Fel felt more silly now. Maybe he should have let her explain further. He exhaled and leaned against her hands which let them pressed their foreheads together. She felt his body relax.
"I apologize." He mumbled as he huffed which made her smile softly and rubbed their foreheads together, reassuring him further.
"I accept, fluffball." She said softly which made his tail wag.
They pulled back as Sui and Vulpix had collected a small pile and she made sure it wasn't too many before putting it in her item box as Fel huffed but he'll let it slide for now. The ore might prove useful though but nothing can replace his barrier.
"This cannot even be called a warm-up." He said, changing the subject as Alice dusted her hands.
"Let us move to the next request." He suggested as Alice turned to him, Vulpix on her shoulder and Sui in her arms.
"Right now?" She questioned him curiously but didn't argue as he crouched down and she got on after letting Sui get on his head before climbing on.
"I have already told you that Bloody Horn-Bull Meat is delicious! Let us hunt it, immediately!" He said and Alice could feel the excitement vibrating beneath his fur. He's really excited.
"You just can't help it, huh?" She asked him with a chuckle.
"Yes. Now, let us go!" Fel said and Alice held on with a laugh as Fel took them out of the dungeon, heading for the next request.
They practically plowed through the forest as Fel followed his nose, following the scent of the all familiar scent of the Bloody Horn-Bulls which took them all to a field that was on their second request as Alice got off his back and Vulpix rolled around on the grass, tails wagging happily as Alice took out the request, reading the info.
"It seems that a herd of Bloody Horn-Bulls have completely taken over the western plains here. And each is as big as a Tauros and a Bouffalant combined along with the fact they're all so violent." She said as she looked up, spotting a rather large herd in the distance. They seem peaceful when they're grazing on the grass but they might be very dangerous if they're disturbed.
"They are right over there." Fel noted, following her gaze. It was a large herd alright, probably enough if they split them in half for the guild and for them all.
"I'll probably sit this one out. Sui, Vulpix and I will wait here so they don't notice us trying to sneak up though I don't think I can stop Sui if he wants to join you." Alice told Fel as he looked at her. He understood why. The Bloody Horn-Bulls can be unpredictable so staying at a safe area would be best.
"Very well then. That will be faster. I shall return." Fel said before he dashed to the herd as Alice sat down as Vulpix sat on her lap, both watching Fel take off. Alice felt her bag move and she looked over to see Sui peeking out.
"Mama, where did Uncle Fel just go?" Sui asked curiously as she looked at him with a smile.
"He went to defeat big cows for us. Let's wait for him together here with Vulpix. But I won't stop you if you want to join Uncle Fel." Alice said and Sui became excited immediately.
"Really, mama?! Sui wants to fight the big cows too! Uncle Fel, wait for Sui! Sui wants to fight the big cows too!" Sui said excitedly as he jumped out of the bag and immediately chased after Fel as Alice couldn't help but chuckle, knowing he would be excited.
"I really can't stop them, can I?" She said as she looked at Vulpix who yipped softly. Though after a few moments, nothing has been happening which worried Alice as she motioned for Vulpix to be quiet as they used the tall grass to sneak to the Bloody Horn-Bulls and she noticed that Fel and Sui weren't around. Did something happen?
'Where'd they go?' Alice thought worriedly as she honed her aura senses only to sense their auras above her and she looked up just in time as Sui and Fel jumped out of where they were hiding. She quickly ducked her head down, shielding Vulpix from the sudden gust of wind that Fel had made.
Once the fight was over, Alice had stood up, Vulpix in her arms and the sight that met her made her nothing but pity. Those Bloody Horn-Bulls didn't stand a chance like the Mithril Lizard.
"Oh my Arceus, you guys didn't give them a chance." She said, loud enough for the two to see that she had actually come a bit close to the battle.
"Oh, what are you two doing here?" Fel asked, a bit surprised to see them as he and Sui were in the middle of the fallen bodies of the Bloody Horn-Bulls.
"Mama! Look, we defeated the big cows!" Sui said happily, jumping towards her as Vulpix moved to Alice's shoulders as Sui jumped around her, retelling how they defeated the Bloody Horn-Bulls.
"First, Uncle Fel went flap and made a lot of wind fly at all the cows. Then Sui went pew-pew on all the cows that were still standing and they all fell down." Sui said as Fel came to them and she petted his head, making his tail wag.
"Yes. Sui moved quite well while attacking the Horn-Bulls." Fel couldn't help but agree as he caught Sui on his snout. He tossed his head slightly up so Sui could sit on his head which made Sui giggle in delight.
"Huh, that's so." Alice chuckled before they looked at the fallen Bloody Horn-Bulls as she put a hand on her hips.
"This is a really big herd, isn't it?" She noted. Will they even fit all of those in her item box?
"Will these even fit in my item box?" She wondered. They didn't waste time as they started to put the Bloody Horn-Bulls in her item box but it proved a bit of a challenge as Alice had to push them down in her item box. Sui came to her as Fel was dragging one by the leg with his teeth. Vulpix sat by the boulder that her bag was resting at.
"Mama, are you collecting the cows?" Sui asked her curiously as Alice managed to push it down and look at him.
"I am, Sui. Though..." She looked at the rest before having an idea and took out four of her Poke Balls and tossed them in the air.
"Come on out!" She called and Gardevoir, Gallade and Latias came out of their Poke Balls. With a simple instruction, they started to help with grabbing the Bloody Horn-Bulls.
"Sui will help too!" Sui said before he went to one Bloody Horn-Bull as Alice watched him with a proud smile. He used his proliferate skills and the Suis all tossed the Bloody Horn-Bull easily.
"One, two, three, four. Heave ho! Heave ho!" The sight was adorable to say the least.
"Gues that works too." She chuckled as they all put the Bloody Horn-Bulls in her item box which was a bit tiring.
'We promised to sell half of the herd to the guild, but there will still be a lot left over.' She thought as she pushed another one down while Fel grabbed one from the pile to put in the item box too with Gallade, Gardevoir and Latias using Psychic as Alice thought on what meals she can make.
'I'll have to think of lots of different ways to cook it so we don't get tired of all this beef.' She thought as they managed to finish. Alice stretched her arms as she looked up at the sky.
"Right. Now that we've cleaned up and finished the quests, let's eat lunch." She told them as Fel nodded in agreement. Lunch sounds right.
Alice served them all lunch with Fel and Sui eating large equal portions with her Pokémon having the same amount.
"So yummy! It's crispy inside!" Sui said happily as he ate his with Fel agreeing.
"Quite delicious." Fel commented. Gardevoir, Gallade, Latias and Vulpix ate their share happily as Alice brought out more from her item box.
"I'm glad you love them. I made them out of the cutlets that I fried for us yesterday. Orc and Rockbird Katsu Sandwiches." Alice even purchased a carbonated drink for her to enjoy which was perfect when eating something like this.
{Orc and Rockbird Katsu Sandwiches}
Alice took a bite of hers and was delighted. They taste so good too and it was like freshly made with how warm it still was. Perks of the item box.
"It feels great to eat katsu sandwiches on such a nice day too." She said happily as she took another bite, humming in delight.
'The mustard flavor is a perfect accent!' She thought happily before her thoughts went back to the Bloody Horn-Bulls in her item box.
'I should forget about the Bloody Horn-Bulls for now. Today is a picnic lunch. A fun and normal picnic.' She thought as she took a sip of the soda pop drink. Sui soon grew curious about what she was drinking and hopped to her.
"What's that you're drinking?" He asked curiously as Alice drank about half of her cup.
"Oh, this here is called soda pop." Alice said before she thought on how to simplify the explanation for Sui and Fel.
"It's a tasty and bubbly drink." She said and Sui grew curious.
"Bubbly?" He asked curiously and Alice took out an extra clean plate from her item box.
"Here, you can try it." She said, pouring some for him to try.
Sui came close to it and dipped one tentacle onto the drink and started to drink it. The drink is so delicious!
"It is! It's so bubbly! And it's sweet and delicious!" Sui said happily as he drank it. He managed to finish his first try before asking Alice for more.
"Please give Sui more." He said politely and she laughed softly and poured him another one. Looks like he likes it.
"Alright, Sui." She chuckled as Sui drank more of it, enjoying the drink.
Fel observed the two and wondered if the drink was as bubbly and tasty as Alice had said.
"What is that?" He asked Alice curiously as she turned to him with a smile.
"It's a tasty sweet drink. Do you want to try it?" Alice offered with a warm smile. Fel was even more curious now so he nodded.
She poured him some at another plate and carefully set it down in front of him as he looked down at it. It's a brown color yet it smells sweet.
"Here." She sat down and watched his reaction as he hesitated before lowering his head and took his first taste and he was in disbelief yet delighted by the taste, flavor and texture!
"What in the world is this?" He asked excitedly and started to lap up the soda pop, his tail wagging excitedly.
"It's exploding on the tip of my tongue!" Fel told her as she laughed softly before she drank hers.
'That's a new reaction.' She smiled.
They had finished lunch and Alice let Sui dissolve the plastic bottles. She had returned all of her Pokemon back into their Poke Balls as Alice drank some water after Fel licked his chomps.
"Mmm, I found that acceptable." He said as Alice looked at him in disbelief and amusement.
"That's what you say after drinking a liter and a half of a bottle?" She asked him.
"It was quite an experience to think that your world would have such a strange drink." Fel said only for a loud burp to come out of his open mouth much to his embarrassment but Alice started to laugh. She was waiting for the aftermath of drinking soda and now he's burping!
Fel covered his mouth immediately after that loud burp and looked at Alice who was laughing. Did that come from him?!
"That's from all the bubbles in the drink. It's delicious but it makes you burp." She explained, looking at her drink as Fel turned to her in disbelief. Does it make anyone burp after drinking?!
"Makes you burp? I would never do such a-" Fel started to protest only for another burp to come out and it made Alice laugh even more now as Fel tried to stop it from escaping by covering his mouth with his paws.
"Looks like you are now, Fel." Alice said, laughing in delight as Fel can't stop burping.
"Uncle Fel is amazing." Sui said sweetly, finding the burping from Fel is amazing as the Fenrir was even more embarrassed now.
"What is amazing about-" Fel started to question but covered his jaws again as a burp came out once more as Alice laughed even more now.
"Amazing! Amazing!" Sui cheered, hopping happily. Fel's attention was on Alice as she was laughing loudly in amusement but he smiled as his tail gave a subtle wag. Her laugh was adorable as she had literal tears in her eyes that she wiped but her smile was the brightest that could rival the sun.
They made it back just as the sun was setting and Alice asked Johan and Willem to meet her at the warehouse since she and her familiars have completed the quest.
"Guildmaster Willem, Johan, we're back!" Alice called as she pushed the door open and let Fel inside first since Sui was riding on him.
"That was fast but great work!" Willem said, proud that she came back after.
"So what did you manage to hunt this time on the quests, kid?" Johan asked her.
"You'd be surprised." She laughed sheepishly as Willem looked at her seriously.
"How did it go?" He asked, straight to the point and she glanced at Fel who nodded to them.
"Ah, well, we completed the quest but... there's something I need to say and you two might not believe it." She explained as she opened her item box.
"It wasn't actually a Mithril Lizard when we went to Pascal Mountain." She said as Johan and Willem were confused. Was there two?
"It wasn't one?" Willem asked before Alice finally pulled out the monster that Fel took down in one go.
"More like a Mithril Lizard." She said as Willem and Johan stared in disbelief before they exploded in shock and disbelief. A what?!
"It was a Mithril Lizard?!" They exclaimed in disbelief and shock as they stared at it in disbelief while Fel and Sui napped behind her as she stared at them nervously as Willem took a magnifying glass to look at the scales closely.
"It's actually real?" Willem said in disbelief.
"Y-Yes, without a doubt. Just looking at its skin, it's definitely one. These Mithril scales can't be mistaken for anything else." Johan said, having a closer look. He can never mistake how mithril looks like and this proves that it is. Willem was still in disbelief.
"Who would have thought it's a Mithril Lizard." Willem said before he and Johan looked to Alice who jolted slightly but remained calm.
"W-What's wrong?" She asked them in concern. She and Fel could always go out and hunt another one if it's not the one they needed but Willem just covered his face in disbelief. This girl is full of surprises.
"You always end up bringing back only the most outlandish things." Willem said in disbelief as Johan was still in shock that she got a real Mithril Lizard.
"Do you have any idea what you got here?" Johan questioned her and Alice tried to come up with an idea but couldn't find one. Is a Mithril Lizard rare?
"Is a Mithril Lizard really that hard to find?" She asked him.
"Kiddo, it's one of the rarest things I've seen. Mithril Lizards haven't been seen here in ages. The last recorded sighting of one of these bad boys was probably over 400 years ago." Johan explained and Alice stared with wide eyes.
'400 years ago?!' Alice thought in shock as she stared at the Mithril Lizard in disbelief.
"We do know the fact that a Metal Lizard evolved into a Mithril Lizard is a much bigger deal than anyone could have imagined. It means a new mithril vein has been discovered and is ready to mine." Willem said as he just stared at the Mithril Lizard. To think that a new mithril vein is where this Mithril Lizard has built its nest in Pascal Mountain is a huge discovery.
"Mithril ore itself is a rare metal among rare metals. There are only three known mountains in the world where it can be found." Johan added and Alice was in shock. This discovery she, Fel, Sui and Pokémon had found is a bigger deal than she thought!
'That is a big deal.' She thought in shock. Fel noticed her emotions becoming rampant as he opened his eyes before getting up and went to her side and she instinctively petted his fur.
"This'll be a truly welcome windfall for the city lord." Willem said before he looked at her apologetically.
"Sorry about this, but you're going to need to hand this Mithril Lizard over to the guild. The city lord will probably want to present the skin as a gift of tribute to the king along with the news about the newly discovered mithril mine where it was found." Willem explained and Alice gulped. Of course it will be that!
'Presented to the king as well?!' She thought in shock and disbelief.
"But not for free, needless to say." Willem reassured her as she turned to him in surprise.
"I'll put in good words about you and make sure we get you a more than reasonable price from the city lord. For your discovery and subjugation of a major source of income. I'm sure the city lord will agree to reward you. Including the original bounty. It's sure to be at least 5,000 gold coins." He said and the amount finally made Alice's knees go weak and Fel had to get her to lean on him.
'F-Five... Five thousand?!' She thought in disbelief and shock as Johan came to them.
"Ain't that great? I'm jealous about your income, kiddo. You previously got enough money to live for and you can take it easy for the rest of your life." Johan told her but Alice wasn't having it. The amount is too much for her to handle!
"The amount of money entering my pockets is starting to scare and worry me! There'll be so much money inside the bag!" She exclaimed, holding her head and Sui and Fel looked at each other worriedly.
"That sure is an incredible problem to have." Johan said and all he could do was pat her shoulder as comfortingly as possible since Fel was watching him.
'(Is the amount that too much for you to handle?)' Fel asked her worriedly and she shakily turned to him, tears were practically in her eyes.
'(I can never get to earn that much back home! If I convert it now, it will make people suspicious!)' She told him telepathically and Fel sighed as he just nudged her hand and Sui jumped onto her shoulders, nuzzling her cheek. It helped ground her back to the present but she's just completely overwhelmed.
Willem cleared his throat, getting back to the subject.
"Either way, it's an amount of money even the city lord can't prepare instantly, We won't ask you to sell it until the funds are completely squared away. We'll prepare the amount and give it to you when it's ready." Willem explained as he turned to them, expression serious.
"With that said, please do me a favor and keep this discovery a secret." He told them and Alice nodded instantly with Johan giving a thumbs up. The secret is safe between them all.
"Of course, we'd like you to finish the Bloody Horn-Bull hunt as soon as possible so-" Willem started but Alice had already opened her item box and all of the Bloody Horn-Bulls from earlier came flooding out as she looked at him sheepishly while Fel and Sui looked so proud of themselves.
"Uh, we kinda already knocked that out too, actually." She simply said and both Willem and Johan just stared in disbelief. That's the entire herd.
They had left the warehouse and guild and the sun was setting, they were heading back to the inn and Alice was still reeling in on what just happened.
"I can't believe that it became a bigger matter than I expected." Alice said in disbelief as she had let Lucario out for extra emotional support since she had Fel and Sui but she needed one of her longest and first Pokémon to be there.
"The Guild master did say that he'll put in a good word for me but the anxiety..." Alice started to tear up as they stopped for a bit.
"What will happen to the peaceful and simple life that I previously planned..." She lamented and Lucario crossed his arms before looking at Fel and grunted at him. Fel looked at the aura Pokémon in confusion before he felt something and a gruff voice spoke up in his mind.
'(My aura sister is in distress. You and Sui are the ones that had grown closer to her in a short amount of time.)' Lucario said and Fel stared as the sensor that was dangling behind Lucario's head lowered and his eyes had stopped glowing an eerie blue.
Fel hesitated before giving in and walked to Alice and nudged her head gently with his and she looked up at him in confusion.
"Well, they did say that the matter will take some time." Fel said in a reassuring tone and Alice looked at the ground. The guildmaster did say that but still.
"I know but I'm still so worried. What if this whole thing messes up everything and we'll get into trouble?!" She said, still worried as Fel sighed while Sui peeked out.
"Why worry now?" Fel asked her in concern.
"Because it might get us into trouble. You remember what that guard said." Alice reminded him and Fel understood but he needs to at least lighten up the atmosphere.
"But more importantly, we've all the Bloody Horn-Bull meat we wanted and more!" Fel reminded her and Alice remembered. They had split the herd and they mostly got a lot of it in her item box now.
"Hurry up and make our meal." He said excitedly and their stomachs growled immediately before Alice started to laugh now. Fel just had to remind her and now they're all hungry.
"Sui can't wait to eat Mama's cooking!" Sui said excitedly with Lucario being curious about what they're talking about but he agreed.
"Thanks for cheering me up, guys. You mostly, Fel." She said with a smile and Fel smiled proudly as she petted his head and his tail wagged happily.
"You guys are right. We got such high-quality meat after all." She said as she grinned excitedly.
"Let's do it then. We're going all out! Let's have an extravagant meal today!" She announced and Fel and Sui cheered excitedly.
"Yeah!" Fel and Sui cheered excitedly as they hurried to the inn so Alice could cook them their dinner of Bloody Horn-Bull meat.
She set the meat down on the chopping board as she got everything ready as Fel was practically drooling as he, Sui and Lucario waited for their dinner.
"All right." Alice said as she grabbed the knife and started to cut the meat with it.
'First, slice some thick cuts of red meat.' Alice made sure the cuts she made were thick yet even for the four of them.
'Then put oil in your pan and turn it up to high heat.' Alice made sure that the oil was the right amount of oil for cooking steak before moving to the next step.
'Sprinkle some salt and pepper right before grilling.' Alice sprinkled the right amount of salt and pepper on it along with squeezing some razz berry essence on it to give it a more unique flavor.
'If you salt it too long before cooking, you might lose some of the umami. Plus I figured that the razz berry would be perfect for it.' She thought with a smile as she made sure that every part of the steak is well seasoned before setting it on the pan.
'Grill the meat on high heat for one minute, then decrease the heat a bit and grill it for another minute.' Alice watched the meat carefully before using a pair of tongs to flip it over.
'Do the same to the other side. It'll come out medium rare.' She smiled as the coloration was just right before taking it out of the pan and setting it on the foil.
'After grilling, wrap it in foil and let it rest for about five minutes.' She made sure no heat escaped the foil as she made sure to time everything right.
"This helps the heat disperse evenly throughout the meat." She said patiently before she called Fel, Sui and Lucario who were waiting for dinner.
"It should be ready soon, guys!" She called over to them as she repeated the process as Fel lifted his head. The scent was different but he could practically taste the flavor on his tongue and he couldn't help but wonder what it would taste like.
Alice soon opened up the foil and smiled once she saw it was fully ready for them to eat.
"Alright, and it's done!" She said as the trio came to her to see.
"Bloody Horn-Bull steak!"
{Bloody Horn-Bull Steak}
Fel, Sui, Lucario and Alice look at it excitedly as she serves everyone their share before having some of her own.
"Okay, then. Thank you for the meal." Alice soon cut a piece of the steak and took a bite as Fel bit into his. Lucario used his paws to put his in his mouth as he bit into it as Sui lifted his share into his slime body but as soon the flavor hit their tongue, a jolt of electricity went through their body. It was so good!
"Wow, the umami flavor keeps overflowing with every bite." Alice said in disbelief in delight as she ate the piece, enjoying how much it was juicy and the tenderness of the meat as well as that hint of the razz berry gave it an even more of a kick.
"The beefsteak is just so juicy and tender! It's almost like I'm eating normal meat from my world!" She said in delight as Fel chewed his steak happily. She made this even better with one of the berries she always has.
"The wagyu was exquisite, but this is delicious in its own way!" He said happily even Lucario was eating his tail wagging.
"I want that sauce next!" Fel told Alice who was already making them another batch.
"I got it, Fel." She smiled at him as Sui looked confused as he looked at Fel and Alice.
She set a large helping on Fel's plate, placing it down in front of him as she took out the garlic flavored soy sauce that he likes so much.
"Totally worth the wait." Alice opened the cap and made sure that it was the right amount.
"It's your favorite garlic-flavored steak sauce, Fel!" She said happily as his tail wagged happily.
"Yes!" Fel started to eat as soon as Alice was done and it was perfect and he couldn't stop wagging his tail.
"Mmm, this is the flavor I crave. It enhances the deliciousness of the Bloody Horn-Bull meat." He said happily as Sui and Lucario ate theirs happily.
"So many different flavors. Amazing." Sui told Alice happily.
"Good thing I have lots more. There's still the truffle flavor, onion flavor and even grated daikon flavor too." She decided to choose the daikon flavor first and poured it over the meat.
'With all these flavors, I could keep eating forever!' Alice thought happily as they ate until the first chunk of Bloody Horn-Bull was gone and everyone was satisfied and Alice returned Lucario into his Poke Ball when he started to yawn.
"It was super tasty. Sui is so full." Sui sighed in content as he was resting on Fel's head and Fel couldn't agree more as Alice watched them with a smile while wiping plates clean.
"I am satisfied as well." He said before he opened one eye to look at Alice.
"However, I realized that your cooking is really that much more tasty and it seems I no longer have a desire to eat raw meat unless circumstances force me." Fel told her as Alice finished wiping the plates dry as she went to him and sat down by his side.
"I think your cooking makes everything taste better." He said softly but his tone was very sincere which made Alice smile. He was complimenting her in his own way.
"Sui really likes mama's cooking too." Sui said as he yawned while Alice petted Fel's head with a sweet smile.
"Flattery will get you nowhere but... I appreciate the compliment, Fel. It means a lot to me." She told him softly as he huffed but closed his in relaxation before he moved to the stables and lay down on the futon after Alice fixed it.
'Well, it is thanks to these two that I'm able to enjoy my otherworldly life here. The least I can do is make sure they eat well but I have a feeling that will change soon.' She thought fondly.
"Your offerings to Ninrir. You've been keeping up, have you not?" Fel asked her sleepily as he opened her eyes.
"I know, I know. I'll send her sweets tonight. Don't worry." Alice reassured him which made him smile slightly.
'(It's only because I seem to notice that you look a bit annoyed last time when you sent her offerings before you saw me.)' He told her telepathically as he yawned widely and she smiled slightly.
'(You got me there. But don't worry about it. Thanks for the reminder. You're a lifesaver.)' Alice told him telepathically. She knelt down before kissing his forehead once more just as he closed his eyes and he flushed lightly but his tail wagged happily and gently on the ground as she picked up Sui in her arms who was falling asleep.
"See you in the morning, Fel." She whispered softly before she and Sui went to the inn.
Alice yawned as she turned a light in the inn room she was staying in and sat down on the bed with a sigh.
"Now then, I should prepare my offering soon." She said as Sui jumped off her arms as soon as she sat down on the bed before opening the online grocery page before she remembered how Fel reminded her once more which was a lifesaver for her since Ninrir being all nagging was a bit annoying.
"It'll probably be a good idea if I just send her lots of things." She muttered as Sui watched from her shoulders, watching mama get something. Alice picked sweets like chocolate places, fruit gummies, chocolate and butter cookies, even a pack of dried mango which she hoped Ninrir would like.
"Not enough!" Ninrir's voice jolted a bit before she sighed wearily. Here we go again.
"You should offer me way more sweets than that!" She demanded and Alice grew a bit more frustratd. She's sending a healthy amount of sweets but it's not enough for her? She's so unbelievable.
"There's already so much and yet all of this isn't enough for you still? What else is there that you would like and how much more than this do you want?" She questioned Ninrir, trying to keep her temper in check.
'I should really start planning on setting up boundaries at this point.' She thought as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
In the divine realm, Ninrir smiled delightfully once Alice asked her that. She was waiting for her to say that.
"Oh, I was waiting for you to ask and for those words." Ninrir said and she started to list everything that she wanted.
"Cake, pudding, also daifuku too, and..."
Back in the inn, Alice felt her left eye twitch as Ninrir listed off sweets that were way over her budget. That goddess of wind is gonna be really fat and gain a lot of weight with this much sweets. Honestly, she and Fel had one thing in common and it's their gluttonous nature but at least Fel knows when there's boundaries and didn't ask for wagyu like before and he even ate the vegetables in the meals she prepared, not to mention that she let's him hunt to burn off those extra energy which is great exercise while Ninrir probably sits down and does nothing but eats the sweets and waits for the next ones.
Alice didn't bother to take out the sweets out of the box as she started to pray.
"Goddess Ninrir, I offer these to you. Please accept them." Alice prayed and the entire box disappeared.
"Yay! So wonderful! Come quickly, my sweets." Ninrir's voice was heard gleefully as ever before her tone shifted to confusion, shock and disbelief.
"Hold on, hold on, hold on! What and why are you all doing here?!" Ninrir seemed to be speaking to someone and it made Alice confused only to hear a different voice speaking to her which made her jolt in surprise and confusion but also curiosity.
"Hello, Miss Otherworlder. Nice to meet you." A polite adult voice greeted her which made her a bit relieved that at least someone greeted her first. But who are they?
"Hey, Otherworlder." A tomboyish voice greeted her a bit energetically yet politely. which reminded Alice of Percy immediately.
"Hello." A small child's voice greeted her politely.
"Has Ninrir been a bit mean to you and demanded too many sweets?" The first voice asked her as she could hear Ninrir whining in the background.
"Uh, I didn't want to be rude to her but yes. But who are you three?" She asked them curiously, finally admitting that Ninrir was being a brat about her obsession for sweets. She can tell they're like Ninrir though.
In the divine realm, the three figures that had been watching Ninrir twice have finally been revealed. The first goddess has a more petite but equally slim body as her fellow Goddesses and she is slightly smaller than the others which gave her a more child-like appearance. She dresses in a white Gothic Lolita style dress which makes her appearance actually stand out compared to the others. She has bright blue eyes and matching graduating hair color that resembles the ocean.
The second one is a beautiful lady with a sexy body, has blonde hair to match her yellow dress which shows her revealing burst. She also wears a headband with a horn on her left side. She wears a neck brace that has a bell on it.
And lastly the last one is a healthy dark-skinned lady. Wearing very little clothing, she has multiple fire band tattoos on her limbs. She wears a long white scarf to cover most of her body (though most of the time it is flying loose) and has an orange hat on her head to go with her red hair.
They are the three goddesses named Rusalka, Kishar and Agni.
"We just happened to catch Ninrir getting a bunch of delicious-looking sweets from an Otherworlder that looks so shockingly young and beautiful as yourself and had to come investigate the situation. Also that adorable bond and budding romance you have with the Fenrir is so adorable. I fully support you." Kishar said warmly which gave her a more sisterly vibes before Agni turned to Ninrir with a disapproving look which Rusalka and Kishar mirrored.
"And you're terrible for hogging it all and demanding more from a young Otherworlder who clearly will just send you the right amount." Agni said with a scolding look as Rusalka nodded and Ninrir gritted her teeth, embarrassed at being caught.
"SHUT UP!" She exclaimed.
"I bestowed my blessing on the Otherworlder! I'm merely accepting the offerings that I do!" Ninrir said but the trio know better as they gave her deadpanned looks.
Back at the inn, Alice winced while rubbing her forehead. So many voices of the goddesses were nice but Ninrir's voice was the loudest and it almost made her ears ring.
'Oh man, their voices are ringing so loudly in my head. But what did the first one say? My bond with Fel and she supports it? But what's going on with them anyway? I think I get the feeling that Ninrir is caught though...' Alice thought in confusion before the first one spoke.
"Hey, Miss Otherworlder."
Back in the divine realm, Kishar and Agni were waving while Rusalka was staying at the back, being quiet while observing.
"The three of us are going to bestow our blessings upon you now, so please send us lots of delicious sweets in tribute as well but not as much as Ninrir, okay?" Kishar said sweetly before Ninrir exploded. No way is she letting them bless that Otherworlder! She's the only one who can have sweets!
"You can't just do that!" Ninrir shouted at Alice who winced at the shout.
Back at the inn, Alice knew she heard something that the second goddess said. Blessings?
'Wait, what? Blessings? But... I already have Ninrir's blessing so it's not like I really need more.' Alice thought hesitantly but the other goddess noticed.
"Oh my, did Ninrir only give you a minor blessing? How stingy, isn't she?"
Back in the divine realm, those words hit Ninrir hard as Kishar adressed Alice.
"And with only a minor blessing, you won't be completely protected from all status ailments you'd encounter." Kishar explained.
Back at the inn, Alice listened to Kishar's explanation. Ninrir's blessing did help her with a bit of more help on her skills but Kishar's explanation made sense. It won't protect her from ailments if she catches something that would leave her defenseless.
Back at the divine realm, Kishar had taken a look at Alice's status box and hummed. This young one has no affinity to wind at all.
"Plus, I can see that you have no wind affinity at all to begin with." Kishar told her and Alice can be heard sighing.
"Even I know that." That made Kishar giggle softly. This one was precious and very important to Fel.
Back at the inn, Alice wondered what she meant. She has no wind affinity and she manage to master the fire and earth magic thanks to Fel/
"You need to receive a blessing that matches with the affinity you have. It's npt like the divine blessing is totally incompatible but at most, it can help you with spells that you already know."
'Does that mean if I had a blessing that matched my affinity, it would have a greater effect overall? I think my only affinity is earth and fire though.' Alice contemplated. Maybe she can accept their blessings that would certainly help her.
"Miss Otherworlder, it looks like you have an affinity with earth and fire."
Back in the divine realm, Kishar and Agni decided to introduce themselves to her.
"In other words, with me, the Goddess of Earth, Kishar." Kishar introduced herself first before Agni went next, punching her fist in her other hand.
"And me! The Goddess of Fire, Agni, and you'll be invincible with both our blessings together!" Agni said with a grin.
Back at the inn, Alice was a bit overwhelmed with the sudden introductions as she has Sui in her arms.
"You'll be able to cast more powerful spells for much less! Sounds pretty good, right? Right? Quite a good deal too."
That made Alice laugh slightly. Agni reminded her of Percy too much right now that she can't even be a little weary of them. Kishar reminded Alice of the Kalos champion as well.
Back at the divine realm, Ninrir pushed the two of them away from the viewing pool.
"What are you guys trying to tell her? The God of Creation already scolded both of you for handing out so many blessings! That's why I held back and only gave her a minor blessing!" Ninrir told them but Kishar and Agni looked at each other. If it means getting offerings at least, they should bless the Otherworlder with moderate blessings.
"Then I suppose the two of us need to give her moderate blessings too, then. A half if you would say." Kishar said much to Ninrir's shock. Moderate as in half of a full blessing?!
"And when you think about it, our blessings would be more useful for her anyway, no?" Agni said, which seemed to hurt Ninrir's pride further.
"And it's not like Ninrir's minor blessing lets her use wind magic anyway, right?" Kishar said to Agni who agreed.
"And with our blessings, she'll be able to use her magic more efficiently without exhausting herself too." Agni said before addressing Alice.
"Oy, kid, you try those out in the morning, okay?"
Back at the inn, Alice was listening to them talk as if she's not in the room but she let them talk as she was deep in thought as Sui watched Mama curiously, wondering what she's thinking.
'Guess I'm getting blessed whether I like it or not. At this rate, Goddesses Kishar and Agni will definitely force their blessings on me. Refusing their blessings will probably sound rude. Will they be really upset if I decline?' She thought before Agni interrupted her thoughts, sounding shocked and a bit angry.
"HEY! DID YOU SAY YOU WANTED TO DECLINE?! WERE YOU REFUSING JUST NOW?!" That made Alice jolt in surprise. Wow, that's quite a temper.
Back in the divine realm, Agni was a bit appalled and let's just say insulted that Alice was thinking of declining their blessings. They were doing her a huge favor by helping her use her skills without exhausting herself.
"ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY YOU DON'T WANT OUR AMAZING BLESSINGS?!" Agni shouted and Ninrir was practically hoping that Alice would say yes.
"Exactly! Tell them that my blessing is quite enough for you and you don't want it!" Ninrir said, rooting for Alice declining.
Back in the inn, Alice had to defuse the situation quickly.
"Calm down. Yeah, I was thinking of it but I was thinking that it's already rare to find a person with one divine blessing and having more than one would be pretty much impossible. And there aren't many people with mulple blessings, right? Wouldn't that be really unfair?" She pointed out calmly and her words got to them. She does have a point.
Back in the divine realm, the four goddesses were stunned and silent. Letting the words hang in the air. She does have a point. There aren't that many people with multiple blessings except for heroes.
"Well certainly. Your words hold truth in them. Even heroes of the past only have two blessings. I don't recall or know anyone having more than that." Kishar agreed.
Back at the inn, Alice sighed in relief, glad that it didn't escalate further.
"Exactly. Plus, what if someone happens to look at my stats in the future? There's the risk of someone that can read it. So one divine blessing is more than enough for my needs." She said, hoping they would at least stop and let her get some sleep but Agni and Kishar weren't letting her just yet.
Back at the divine realm, Kishar and Agni had come to a decision. Whether she likes it or not, they're giving her their blessings.
"Shut it! A man shouldn't argue so much! But you're a girl so you're off the hook! There!" Agni said, slapping her hand.
Back at the inn, Alice felt that and she had Agni's blessing.
{Goddess of Fire, Agni's blessing (Moderate)}
Back at the divine realm, Kishar did hers next.
"Oh, I guess I'll bless you now too. Here." Kishar said, giving Alice her blessing.
Back at the inn, Alice felt that and she felt her eye twitch as she groaned.
{Goddess of Earth: Kishar's blessing (Moderate)}
At the divine realm, Ninrir was getting frustrated with the two of them.
"Why are you guys deciding this on your own! Stop doing whatever you want!" Ninrir whined while Kishar chuckled at her.
"Now don't forget to send us offerings too, okay? I look forward to our offerings." Kishar said with a smile.
"Send us the best stuff you got, okay?" Agni told Alice who can be heard sighing, muttering something about fairness and boundaries.
The last goddess, Rusalka, has been watching everyone with a silent gaze. She had observed the Otherworlder too in silence and she seems very nurturing and nice from the looks of it. She even has a slime that she treats as if it was her own. But Kishar and Agni gave their blessings to her but...
"What about me?" She spoke softly and all conversations stopped, realizing that Rusalka was with them the entire time and hadn't spoken a word until now.
Back at the inn, Alice knew there was someone missing. A fourth goddess from what she can tell.
'Oh yeah, I did hear the voice of a fourth goddess earlier. I was wondering why she's not speaking.' Alice thought, wondering how this fourth goddess will be like.
Back at the divine realm, Rusalka introduced herself, giving an air of a quieter and more reserved but nonetheless wiser and more considerate personality as well as maturity and inner restraint.
"I am... Rusalka, the Goddess of Water. Miss Otherwolder, you have no affinity to water." Rusalka told her and she lowered her head slightly, saddened that the Otherwolder doesn't have any affinity to water.
"And because you don't have that affinity, my blessing isn't much use." She said sadly.
Back at the inn, Alice didn't know what to say but she felt bad for Rusalka. She can sense she's like a child but she's a goddess and is more mature than the other three.
"Um, is there a way for you to give it then?" Alice offered gently, hoping it would help but she knew it was no use.
Back at the divine realm, Rusalka wanted to give her a blessing so she wouldn't be left out as tears were forming in her eyes as Agni came to her side and patted her head as Rusalka sniffed.
"With your lack of affinity to wind and water magic and because you already have Ninrir's minor blessing. So even if Ruka gives you her blessing now, there will be no effect at all, basically." Agni explained.
"And if I don't bless you, I'll be the only one without any offerings and I won't get to eat any sweets." Rusalka started to cry as her tears started to fall.
"That would make me so sad... Everyone's so mean..." She whimpered as she started to cry softly.
This shocked and scared everyone as Ninrir, Kishar and Agni immediately went to her side trying to comfort her.
"Hey, there, there." Ninrir knelt down and tried to comfort her. She was starting to feel bad that Rusalka might not be able to get sweets.
"Don't cry, Ruka." Kishar pleaded as Agni tried to comfort her as best as she could. Kishar turned to the viewing pool, hoping Alice could help. She had heard how Alice offered Rusalka an idea or a way to give it. Maybe she can help so Rusalka won't be left out.
"Miss Otherworlder, why don't you do something, please? We need to find a solution." Kishar pleaded.
Back at the inn, Alice was even more shocked but most of all felt pity for Rusalka. If only she has an affinity to water, then Rusalka can give her the blessing but she doesn't and she's already trying to find a way so the fourth goddess can give her blessing too.
"Yeah, help us out here!"
"That's right, that's right, kid!"
"I'm trying to come up with an idea, okay?!" Alice told them as she held her head. She needs someone with an affinity to water!
'You all who are next to her should be the ones to do something but it can't be helped! Let's see... Latias and Dratini? No, I don't even know what will happen to my Pokémon if I let a blessing be given to them!' Alice thought before a cool tentacle touched her cheek, grounding her and she looked to see that Sui was looking up at her in concern and worry.
"Mama, are you okay? You've been acting strange for a while." Sui asked her in concern and jumped at her as Alice caught him in her hands as Sui touched her face gently with his tentacle hands.
"I-Is that so?" Alice asked him softly.
"You were. Does your head hurt? Should Sui make medicine for you?" Sui asked her innocently and Alice sighed as she pulled Sui away from her face gently but his touch did help her calm down.
"I'm fine now, thanks to you, Sui. I'm fine. I'm just talking with some goddesses right now and one of them is sad." Alice reassured him as she petted his head which made Sui lean against her stomach. She stared at Sui who was clearly shaking and letting out small whimpers with how worried he was and she continued to pet him to reassure him. She couldn't help but compare to how Rusalka would look like if she and Sui met. An idea struck her. Maybe...
"That's it!" She exclaimed before addressing the goddesses.
Back at the divine realm, the three goddesses were still trying to calm Rusalka down before Alice's voice caught their attention as they turned to the viewing pool.
"I have an idea for Miss Ruka and it might make her happy! Would you please bless my familiar slime, Sui, here instead of me?"
That made the trio pause. A slime? They immediately encouraged the fourth goddess as Rusalka went to the viewing pool to see who Sui was as Ninrir, Agni and Kishar were relieved and thankful that Ruka can finally give her blessing. That Otherworlder is a lifesaver!
"W-What a perfect idea!" Ninrir agreed immediately.
"You're right! Let's do that!" Kishar agreed.
"That sounds great! Way to go, Otherworlder! You should do it, Ruka!" Agni was just relieved that Alice found a solution. She's okay in her books.
Ruka rubbed her eyes as she dried her tears away but more was still present.
"Hey, are you feeling okay now, Goddess Ruka?" Alice's voice came soft and gentle and Ruka felt comforted by this human's concern.
"Y-Yes. Thank you. Um, it looks like this slime does have an affinity with water." She said before touching the viewing pool and blessed Sui.
"It's done."
Everyone let out a sigh of relief once the problem was solved.
"Thank goodness for that." Ninrir sighed in relief but Agni and Kishar noticed something when Rusalka gave Sui her blessing.
"W-Wait, Ruka. Wasn't it supposed to be a moderate blessing? This doesn't look like a minor or moderate blessing." Kishar said since she had noticed that Sui had received a full divine blessing instead.
"No, this is okay. Everyone else gives blessings too carelessly, but I haven't." She told Kishar as she watched Alice pet Sui who leaned against her. This Otherworlder looks very kind. She had looked at Alice more closely, wondering how she was a really kind human before her eyes widened just a tiny fraction. Surrounding her was a pure white and blue aura mixed with the magic around her and it was slowly changing color and as if it was protecting her and the magic was coming from the Fenrir and the mark on her shoulder from what she can observe is special.
"Hey now, you're being a little harsh." Agni said, a bit hurt from that.
"It is true." She said as she looked up at Agni who couldn't stay mad at her.
"I've always blessed one person every hundred years or so." Rusalka said, her words and tone is even and calm but her eyes had a disapproving look in them, close to a scolding look.
"The God of Creation is mad at all of you because you go around blessing people every decade." Rusalka said and her words hit home as Agni, Ninrir and Kishar knew it was true. The God of Creation would 'punish' them if this gets out.
Back at the inn, Alice snorted but couldn't contain her laughter. Agni, Kishar and Ninrir were scolded because they gave their blessings every 10 years.
'Getting scolded for giving too many blessings. They really don't learn.' Alice thought as she giggled while Sui looked up at her curiously before she cleared her throat.
"Well then, don't worry. I will send everyone offerings equally among the four of you from now on." Alice told them.
Back at the divine realm, this excited the four of them as they gathered around the viewing pool.
"Excellent. Don't just give offerings to Ninrir, make sure you satisfy us all. We look forward to all the delicious offerings you'll be sending us." Kishar said with Rusalka nodding in agreement.
"This is why I tried to keep it a secret, you know? I kept it a secret because I knew this would happen! Not fair and don't forget, I'm the first one who gave him my blessing!" Ninrir exclaimed but it sounded more of a whine, knowing she won't be able to eat sweets all by herself now.
"Yeah whatever. That's not gonna help you and calm down, it's not like this is a race." Agni told her as Ninrir whined in frustration.
Back at the inn, Alice sighed as she listened to them talk.
"You got to eat a lot already before this, didn't you, Ninrir? We also want to try those sweets you are having, you know."
"You should be satisfied you got to eat so much before us. Though sweets would be good, yeah, but alcohol would be even better, no?"
Alice could immediately sense the tension suddenly growing heavy when the word alcohol was mentioned as she opened her online grocery. Looks like Agni did something.
Back at the divine realm, Kishar, Ninrir and Rusalka stared at Agni in disbelief before they rushed to her. No! No alcohol!
"No alcohol!" Rusalka told Agni firmly.
"That's completely off limits!" Kishar exclaimed.
"That's right! No alcohol shall touch our lips!" Ninrir agreed especially since there's those two that they have to keep this a secret from.
Back at the inn, Alice was making sure they have enough even some from her world that would make them happy and a little extra for Rusalka as a bonus as her way to cheer her up.
"Those two will go crazy if there's alcohol!"
"T-That's true, yeah, let's not."
'Seems like there are other Deities that are troublesome around.' Alice thought before she purchased the ones she had added to the cart.
"Well then, these are additional snacks." Alice said before she clasped her hands together.
"Accept them, please!" She said and the box of sweets disappeared.
Back at the divine realm, the four of them awaited excitedly.
"And share the snacks equally without fighting, okay? I made sure you all have enough for a while."
The box soon appeared and they all cheered happily.
"Delicious offerings! Good job!"
Back at the inn, Alice finally let out a huge sigh as she fell back on the bed.
"This one's good!"
"I won't forgive you if you touch what's mine!"
"Glad that you like them..." Alice muttered tiredly.
'So tired... They finally let me off.' Alice thought in relief before she opened her status.
"That whole gaggle of goddesses are way too noisy. I don't know how long I can take it." She muttered as she looked at her status. Everything looks normal aside from additional blessings.
[Name] Alice
[Age] 16
[Job] Accidental Otherworlder, Pokémon Researcher, Baby Slime's Mother
[Level] 8
[Strength] 144
[Magic] 142
[Defense] 124
[Attack] 126
[Agility] 126
[Skill] Appraise, Item Box, Fire Magic, Earth Magic
[Familiars] Fenrir, Baby Slime
[Unique Skill] Online Grocery
[Blessing] {Goddess of Wind: Ninrir's blessing (Minor)}, {Goddess of Earth: Kishar's blessing (Moderate)}, {Goddess of Fire, Agni's blessing (Moderate)}
"The blessings are stacking up too now that there are two additional ones. I have to make sure no one finds out about this. Though I know Fel will find out anyway since he can use appraisal." She said to herself before Sui came into her view, looking down at her curiously.
"Blessing?" Sui asked her curiously.
"Ah, how's yours, Sui?" She asked him as she sat up while he jumped off before she used appraisal on him.
[Name] Sui
[Age] 1 Month
[Race] Big Slime
[Level] 2
[Strength] 684
[Magic] 679
[Attack] 668
[Defense] 674
[Agility] 682
[Skill] Acid Bullet, Healing Potion Creation, Proliferate
[Blessing] {Goddess of Water; Rusalka's Blessing}
"What's that?" Sui asked her curiously.
"It means that the goddesses are protecting not just me but you and Fel as well, Sui." Alice explained as Sui tried to understand but he didn't as he looked up at her.
"Sui doesn't get it." He said in confusion and she just smiled at him before she had an idea.
"I know, why don't we test it out tomorrow then?" Alice suggested and Sui bobbed excitedly.
"Okay." He said happily.
The next day, they headed for the forest at the west of town as Fel was confused why until Alice revealed to him what happened last night and he was in disbelief.
"What?! Even the Fire Goddess Agni and Earth Goddess Kishar granted you divine blessings?!" He asked in disbelief and shock.
"Not divine, Fel. Just moderate ones." She clarified for him as he looked at her in confusion before he used appraisal. Ah, so she got moderate ones instead.
"But how on earth did that happen?" He questioned her.
"Well, a lot of things happened when I was sending the usual offerings to Ninrir and rather than receiving like before, Agni and Kishar forced their blessings on me. I had to make sure to get them some healthy fruit candies too." She explained as he sensed that she was more exhausted with how her shoulders were slumped.
"Hmm... I've never heard of anyone being given more than one blessing." Fel admitted. He doesn't know anyone that has more than one blessing so Alice is a first for him.
"Well, it's not just me." She said as Eevee and Vulpix walked in front of them. She had let them out for some exercise.
"Oh?" He looked at her curiously and she just smiled and looked at Sui on her shoulders.
"Sui too! Sui got blessings too!" Sui chirped excitedly much to Fel's shock.
"What?! Even Sui as well?!" He asked in disbelief as Alice nodded with a chuckle.
"It's not like mine but a full one like yours, Fel." She said as Sui bobbed excitedly and Fel was in disbelief as he walked beside her. He was close enough that Alice scratched him behind the ears which made his tail wag happily.
They found a spot that should be good for practice as Sui jumped down from her arms.
"Alright, I better see how much these blessings do." Alice said as she channeled magic through her body before starting with her first one.
"Fireball!" She cast and her eyes widened as she witnessed how much power the moderate blessings had given her. The size of the fireball was much bigger thanks to Agni's moderate blessing.
She stopped and decided to try out her earth magic as she used both hands as she faced a tree.
"Stone bullet!" She casted and multiple stones appeared and launched at a tree, hitting it with deadly precision. The amount of stones was surprising thanks to Kishar's blessings.
"I can really tell the difference." She said in shock as she stared at the results and she didn't feel tired at all.
"Mama! You're amazing!" Sui cheered happily, bouncing happily.
"Eev! Vee!" Eevee jumped happily.
"Vulpix!" Vulpix yipped happily, tail wagging.
Even Fel was impressed. These moderate blessings have given her spell a significant boost in power.
"You really were a bit weak to begin with." Fel couldn't help but tease her a bit.
"It seems having a minor and two moderate blessings have worked in your favor." He said as she snorted as she turned to him.
"Do you really have to be so blunt though?" She asked him playfully.
"I simply speak the truth." He said playfully as his tail wagged.
'Though, I'm surprised that I'm not tired at all after using so much magic too.' She thought as she summoned a small fireball before dispelling it.
'It seems having minor and moderate blessings have proven more useful than I thought. I gotta send my thanks next time to the goddesses.' She thought before she turned to see Sui hopping towards her.
"Sui, you should be able to use water magic now since the Goddess Rusalka blessed you with her blessing." She told him as soon as he jumped into her arms.
"Water?" Sui asked her curiously.
"That's right. Just like Dratini can use a water pulse. How about you test your skills while we're here and see what skills that you can use? They might be very cool." Alice encouraged him and Sui became excited.
"Okay!" He jumped out of her hands as she stood next to Fel, the four of them watching Sui.
"Water magic! Water magic!" Sui concentrated and water started to appear which gathered into a large sphere of water as Alice watched in awe.
"Wow. It's a sphere of water and you've made so much too!" Alice noted as she touched it.
'And something on the first try too.' She thought in awe as Fel came to her side with Eevee and Vulpix jumping on her shoulders.
"This water sphere is not just normal water and since it's made using a divine blessing, it should be safe to drink it." Fel explained as she turned to him curiously.
"So it's not normally safe then?" She asked him curiously.
"Water magic created by a normal magic user will contain impurities so it's undrinkable. Otherwise, it'd be like drinking muddy water." He explained further as Alice hummed in awe.
"Then with mater magic, we can survive without buying water unless it's necessary for us to use the water magic." Alice said before looking at Sui.
"You're really awesome, Sui." Sui bounced happily with a giggle.
"How about we test this out? Try hitting something far away with it." She told him and Sui agreed.
"Sui will try." Sui said before he hopped a bit, facing a tree to the side. Sui concentrated and the water sphere slowly moved before Sui suddenly released it and it shot at high speeds, kicking up a bit of dust. It hit a tree dead one which made it collapse with how strong it was while Alice stared in shock and disbelief and Fel looked surprised but excited.
"Wow, the tree fell down! That was amazing!" Sui bounced happily as Alice was in disbelief.
'(This is quite something.)' Fel told Alice who just nodded in disbelief.
"Uh, S-Sui-" Alice started but Sui wanted to try another one.
"What about this move?" Sui asked and jumped before spinning which caused water blades to appear and sliced through some trees cleanly which shocked Alice more.
"Yay!" Sui cheered happily before Alice picked him up.
"W-Wow, Sui. Your acid bullet and water magic are great. But promise me that you'll never aim at people or use them inside towns and cities because they're very dangerous. Unless you're attacking monsters, okay?" Alice said and Sui understood.
"Got it. Sui will listen to Mama properly." Sui said understandingly.
"That's good." Alice smiled as she patted his head as Fel came to them.
"How impressive. Since Sui got a divine blessing too, you must've gotten a lot stronger." Fel said as Sui giggled at the praise.
"Sui, how about a sparring session with me?!" Fel suggested excitedly but one look from Alice was enough to make him stop.
"No, Fel. Sui still can't hold a candle to you yet and he's still young and has some growing to do." Alice told him as Fel sulked sadly.
"And here I thought I finally found a good opponent to test my skills..." He whined. Alice looked at him with sympathy and understanding before Sui jumped off her hands as she came to him, placing a hand on his head which made him look at her as she looked at him with an understanding look.
"You're so dramatic, fluffball. I'm only saying that because Sui is still a kid and has some more growing up to do to reach your level. You two might get hurt if you do spar right now and I don't want that." She told him sincerely as Fel looked at her as her hands held his face gently.
"I just don't want you or anyone else to get hurt." She whispered softly as she pressed their foreheads together. Fel closed his eyes as he leaned against her.
'(You're right... I got so excited that I did not think of the consequences that might affect all of us.)' He said through telepathy which made her huff gently but rubbed her thumbs gently against his fur which made him smile and his tail started to wag.
'(I'll let you spar with one of my Pokémon but I would have let you fight against either Raikou or Entei but I don't have them right now.)' She told him telepathically as he hummed but he enjoyed the moment.
"Are Mama and Uncle Fel being hugging lovey dovey?" Sui's innocent voice cut the silence and both Alice and Fel blushed as Eevee and Vulpix snickered as Alice reluctantly pulled away which almost made Fel whine but he looked away in embarrassment but he didn't deny how that moment felt so right. Alice cleared her throat, clearly embarrassed but she liked how right the moment was.
"Now let's see... I wanna try..." Alice walked a bit away as Fel came to Sui and petted his head which made the slime look up at him.
"You did a good job." Fel told him as Alice flexed her fingers before she fixed her stance.
"Stonewall!" She lifted her arms in the air which caused a wall of stone to rise. This made Alice smile in excitement.
"This is perfect!" Alice said excitedly as Fel was confused on what the excitement was about.
Alice continued the process as Fel watched with Eevee and Vulpix cheering her on and Sui copied Alice before Fel looked at the three of them.
"Seems that this will take a while. I'm going to go hunting." He told Sui as Sui turned to him and waved before he walked off.
"Have a good trip, Uncle Fel!" Sui waved.
It was sunset when Fel finally came back from his short hunt and he became alarm when Alice's exhausted voice reached his ears as Eevee and Vulpix were watching Sui play on the dirt but they looked up at Alice.
"I... I finally did it!" Alice said in exhaustion but victory as she turned to Fel with an excited grin as he came to her and let her lean against him.
"Look at this, guys! Using earth magic, I made a house!" Alice said but she had to hold onto Fel's side once the exhaustion finally settled in.
"A house?" Sui and Fel asked her curiously as Alice nodded.
"I thought I would give it a shot since I can make stone walls now. So why not make a house." Alice explained as they walked to it as Fel looked inside.
"Oh, the inside's quite nice." Fel noted.
"It's a little crude but it's still better than sleeping outside." She said, but the real reason is because she misses sleeping together with everyone close.
"Is that so?" He asked, sensing that there was something else but he won't question her reasons.
"Everyone likes sleeping in a place they can fully relax, don't they?" Alice said as she caught Sui who jumped into her arms. Fel just hummed before he lowered the black serpent he had hunted by her feet.
"More importantly, I hunted a Black Serpent for you. Did you not promise one to that merchant?" Fel asked her and Alice felt touched that he did that.
"Wow. Did you hear our agreement?" She asked him in surprise as she came to him as he huffed but smiled.
"Thanks, Fel." She smiled happily at him.
"But why is that more important?" Alice asked him curiously but she probably knew the answer.
"I have grown hungry after hunting, and I hope you're planning to treat me to a delicious dinner." He said playfully with a smirk and Alice flushed slightly. It sounded like he was asking her out but that couldn't be.
"I worked pretty hard on this house, you know." She said just as playful as he is.
"Sui is very hungry too." Sui agreed with Vulpix and Eevee and Alice smiled at them.
"It seems we cannot wait until we have returned to the inn." Fel told her as he came to her side and nudged her shoulder gently.
"Dinner! Dinner!" Sui cheered happily as Alice sighed and looked at the stone house she had made.
"Alright, alright, I'll make dinner." She told them as they cheered as Alice looked at the stone house.
'A kind word would be nice though.' She thought as she got to work on making them dinner.
'(I think the house looks comfortable. Would be nice to sleep close once again like before.)' Fel said telepathically as he lay down beside the house as Sui, Eevee and Vulpix played near him. That made Alice pause as she turned to him with a surprise look as he smiled warmly at her which she returned though with a small blush before she resumed cooking.