DD 302 Ch 34

After a brief stop-in with my grandparents and reassurance from them that they would be perfectly fine against any Threadspawn threats, I found myself deep on the 58th floor, staring at yet another trial monster.

This one was familiar, at least from Crimson’s story.

A bird, perhaps six feet in wingspan, was perched peacefully on a tree, its entire body crackling with dangerous red lightning. Somehow it felt ridiculous just chilling there and occasionally ruffling its wings.

It was something that had changed the entire course of Crimson’s life.

All around it, monsters milled about. It seemed the floor’s occupants were large mushroom-headed giants called Kumba. They were slightly ridiculous in their own way with brown mushroom-capped heads, tiny mouths decorated with vicious tusks, and nine-foot-tall bodies bulging with muscle. Their wardrobe consisted of a ragged pair of shorts that barely covered their waist.

I sat with Bellaire, unpacking lunch. “Wonderful scenery, if I don’t say so myself,” I said, flashing her a smile. I was referring to the mountain forest of course.

She was a little more nervous, glancing around hesitantly. “You don’t think the Threadspawn are going to attack you here, do you?”

I paused, giving it honest thought. “Unlikely. It took several weeks of tours before they found an opportunity. I’m not sure if the delay was because they were bringing them from so far away or because it took that long to figure out my schedule. Either way, the chances of them being ready this deep in the dungeon so quickly are fairly minimal.”

Bellaire considered that, then seemed to agree. She settled down for the picnic in a spot that didn’t seem at risk from the roaming giants.

“So,” she said, eyes fixed on the lightning-hawk in the distance, “who do you think in your class is going to get this trial ability? That’ll give the same thing Crimson has, right?”

“Yeah. If you can kill it, you get Limit Break.” I smirked. “Doubling your stats is really the equivalent of pushing ten levels higher. Significant, yes—but at the end of the day, it’s just stats. Some people won’t care.”

Bellaire tilted her head. “But stats are what make the world go round. Being ten levels stronger is the difference between Crimson and you.”

I frowned. “Crimson’s more than ten levels ahead of me. Though I am closing the distance.”

Bellaire primly began laying out the food. I had a lovely-looking brunch sandwich with eggs, ham, and cheese melting out the side. Bellaire had a muffin between us that was more blueberries than bread, plus a takeaway cup of soup and half a sandwich.

“You were very calm about… well, all of it,” Bellaire said, frowning into the distance.

“As far as trial abilities,” I said, “I already have mine. And ten levels? I’ll get that in the future. Meanwhile, the speed from Liminal Speed is far too good of a training tool for me to pass up.”

Bellaire paused, staring at me like she needed to confirm she’d heard correctly. “You see your trial ability as a training tool?” She asked like I’d broken an important preconceived notion.

“Yeah. My growth is far more important than any temporary boost.” I took my own sandwich, the soft bread gave enough that the cheese only oozed out a little. The smell hit me, eating in the dungeon was different, more personal.

Bellaire nodded thoughtfully and took a large bite of her sandwich. “It makes sense that you’re always looking forward,” she said. “Are you at all concerned about the Threadspawn coming after you again? When do you think they’ll try next?”

“Worrying about that is like worrying if it’s going to rain or snow tomorrow. Quite frankly, it doesn’t matter if they come after me. I’ll deal with it when they do. What actually gives me more concern is them going after you or anyone in my party when I’m not there. Maybe I have control issues, I hate the idea of not being able to be there to help.” I could only shrug.

“You could always stay close to me.” Bellaire gave me a lidded look and a sly smile. 

I chuckled. “What do you mean? We already stay plenty close. And I even took you out here for a picnic. This is where I expect my class will be training for the next several weeks and now you can portal here anytime.”

Bellaire nodded, though it was clear her mind was chasing other thoughts. She was distracted by her work brain again. “We’ll have to see what we can do about the tour,” she said slowly. “Perhaps it’s time we changed a few things up. Especially if the Threadspawn or anyone else is going to use that schedule against you.”

“Yeah. If they do come, then let them come after me. I’d far prefer that over them going after anyone else. So let’s keep my schedule. Keep my movements predictable. I’m happy to paint a target on my back.” After having a moment to think about it, I changed my mind. I wanted them to come for me directly if they were coming after me.

“I see why Des does what she does.” Bellaire narrowed her eyes at me.

“She means well enough. About me and the problems I face.” I wanted to relax a bit and give Bellaire her due. We didn’t need to keep talking about me and my problems. “What about you? What’s in your future? I have it on strong authority that the Silverfangs aren’t going to be letting you go anytime soon.” I gave her a chuckle and a wink.

“Oh, really?” she smirked. “Job security’s always nice. But I have a feeling the Silverfangs have given me a benefits package that is unmatched by anything the other guilds offered. So, I intend to do what I can to stick around.”

“You’ve had other offers?” I leaned forward and pitched my tone like a jealous boyfriend.

“Many,” she said airily, “but don’t worry. I’ve thrown them all away. I only glanced at the Renards to see what a competitive offer might look like.”

“I’m going to have a conversation with Arthur about trying to poach my favorite talent.” I squinted.

Bellaire clearly latched onto the phrasing. “Mmm-hmm,” she hummed.

“Which is also why I want to know what that talent wants next. The key to keeping someone around is making sure they’re getting everything they want.” I brushed up against her, inviting her to rest on me.

“Seriously, Ken, I am plenty satisfied,” Bellaire reassured me and took the offering, leaning on my arm.

“I want to keep it that way. So let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

There was a quiet moment between us—Bellaire smiled at my words but didn’t ask for anything, simply basking in my attention and reassurance.

“You know,” she said finally, “there is one thing I could ask for.”

“Don’t keep me waiting,” I challenged.

“It’s about room accommodations. Given how much time I spend in various—”

“I’ll make sure you get space in the central courtyard of the Nto estate, and that Crimson opens up a room in Star City for you.” I was ready for that one.

“Well, if I’d known it’d be that easy, I would’ve asked for far more.” Her smirk was magnificent.

“Too late,” I shrugged helplessly.

“Well then, I suppose I’ll just have to weasel as many benefits as I can from you in the dungeon.”

“Ooh,” I replied with exaggerated drama, “you devilish negotiator, forcing me to spend more time with you. How will I ever manage?”

We both chuckled conspiratorially as we lounged together and enjoyed the calm.

***

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Helen said, shattering our calm. We’d been done with lunch for sometime, and thankfully were still dressed.

She and her party were the first to reach this floor and find the trial ability, only to discover Bellaire and I in the middle of our picnic. Apparently, that didn’t sit well with her.

“What? A picnic in the dungeon seems picturesque,” Bellaire said, giving Helen a glare that was very much a challenge.

“Yeah, but I—” Helen bit her tongue, swallowed her first instinct, and forced a breath. “I hope your picnic was wonderful,” she said in a tone that made it sound decidedly un-wonderful.

“It was delightful. Ken’s company is always so fantastic,” Bellaire said, leaning comfortably against me. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was stirring trouble. Then again, talking to Helen always qualified as stirring trouble.

“Are the others on their way?” I asked Helen, ignoring the tension.

“Yeah. We were taking turns, and my group happened to get the boss first.” She smirked. “I suppose without you, Des is a little too full of hot air.”

I grunted. I wasn’t about to repeat that to Des unless I wanted to be throttled. “Well then,” I said, gesturing at the red-lightning hawk perched in the distance, “are you going to give Limit Break a try?”

“It might be nice practice, but I’m not sure it’s what I want. Fount of Life or Absolute Reflect suit tanks better.” Helen gave it a squinty look, then shook her head.

I raised my eyebrows. Going after Fount of Life made sense. Tanks either died first or died last, and group revive was a powerful way to protect her team from ambushes. It would essentially be a big reset button since most players went for the healers and then the DPS leaving the tank for last. Even against bosses, it would be a wonderful backup for accidents that eventually happened.

“And you?” she asked, pointedly speaking to me and not Bellaire. “Going to switch up so you can be more like Crimson?”

I chuckled. “Oh, I’m sure she’d be flattered. But I don’t think that’s the best option. Liminal Speed fits me and my fighting far better. Even if it takes a bit to get the engine running.”

Helen nodded. At least we agreed on dungeon strategy. That agreeability evaporated the moment a voice shattered across the floor.

“Oh, Ken, there you are!” Helen’s mother, Heather, the Harem Queen shouted loud enough to shake the leaves above us. As usual she was excited to see me.

“Oh, Heather, you’re as beautiful as always,” I called, waving casually as she practically danced across the dungeon floor.

She smiled at me, then flicked a pointed look toward Helen as if trying to prompt her daughter onto some predetermined track.

Helen responded with a scowl. Both of them looked alike, but yet acted so different. They were clearly mother and daughter.

“Well, it seems my daughter is in a foul mood again,” Heather said with a playful flip of her hair. “That wouldn’t be your doing, now would it, Bellaire?”

“If it is, then I’ll have to be more careful where I choose to picnic.” Bellaire laughed. 

“And how are you?” Heather turned up her charm.

“Even more confident that Ken will be safe,” Bellaire paused, something occurring to her. “Though I thought Crimson had already given you the last Limit Break trial.”

At that, a massive grin split the Harem Queen’s face. “Oh, she did,” Heather purred. By that smug look, she had absolutely completed her own trial.

“Well, that deserves congratulations,” Bellaire said and raised a bottle that we’d nearly finished and poured a small toast Heather’s way.

Heather checked the legs of the drink like a sommelier, then took a sip. “See? That is a proper celebration.” She cast a glance at her daughter who just crossed her arms and looked away. “Though I must say, the ability is hard to control. Tell me, Ken, how did Crimson get it figured out?”

“She found something to focus on that—even through the fog—she was unwilling to give up.” I couldn’t help the small smirk that played across my lips.

Whatever was in my expression made the Harem Queen give a wry grin. “You lucky dog,” she practically growled.

“Well, someone has to get lucky eventually,” I shrugged. “The dungeon makes it hard enough.”

Heather raised her glass. “That is too true. Which is why I will absolutely prevent Helen from trying Limit Break. I don’t think she’d be very good at controlling her impulses.”

I made a noise of understanding. Probably for the best. None of us wanted to deal with Helen and whatever lay under the surface of her bratty behavior.

“One of these days,” Heather went on, “my daughter will get with the program.” She gave me a conspiratorial glint. “I do hope that even if it takes her too long, you’ll be patient.”

“No promises.” I held my hands up.

“Stupid girl.” She clicked her tongue. Then went on more cheerfully. “Well, if you don’t mind, I’m going to start throwing your classmates at the big scary bird. If you have concerns, do be a dear and let me know. Otherwise, we’re going to keep throwing students and monsters until something sticks.”

I scoffed, only to realize she was serious as she literally picked up Taylor, ready to do her best impression of Crimson.

“Well, don’t let me hold you back,” I chuckled. “If it’s anything like the whale, it’ll take dozens of attempts before someone gets it under control.”

Heather hummed, then cast a glance at Bellaire as she threw a screaming Taylor without looking. “Are you sticking around? Or heading back?”

“I was thinking of enjoying the scenery for now. And Ken promised to help me with some of my training.” Bellaire smiled politely, but I felt the pointed tension.

There was a beat of silence before Heather laughed. “Well then, welcome in. Perhaps while you’re at it, you can prepare my daughter for more interviews. I couldn’t help but notice how well Ken has been doing. That must be due to your presence.”

Bellaire’s pleased smile made it clear the Harem Queen knew exactly how to charm her.