Two weeks had passed since then, and Motegi's life had taken a steady, yet busy rhythm.
It would always start at the store in the morning. Motegi, still at his spot behind the counter, continues to watch over the toiletries section and handle the payments. And Yomogi remained at the kitchenware section, helping the ladies and directing them to the counter for payments as usual.
"Do you still have that deodorant with the rose scent, sir?"
"It's on the right shelf, third row."
"May I recommend to you the best frying pan here, miss?"
"Yes, please!"
With stock selling out daily, it was no surprise when Motegi had climbed to 4 million yen worth of coins. And when he curiously opened his status window, he'd unlocked all the [Hygienics]'s adjacent skills as he obtained two new skill.
[Pottery] (Unlocked. Condition met: Earning 2,000,000 yen)
Shape and create clay-based items.
[Lapidary] (Unlocked. Condition met: Earning 4,000,000 yen)
Process gems, rocks, and minerals.
But so far, he hadn't used those two skills yet because two types of products in his store were already hectic for him, so he thought he would use them when the time was right.
And each afternoon, after closing the shop and counting the day's earnings, he and Yomogi would step into the labyrinth once more.
He was now at level 20, and his rank had risen to E. His magic arsenals were also expanded, as he could master all eight elements he possessed. At first, Yomogi was obviously surprised that he could use all eight elements, but as the days went by, she had become accustomed to his powers.
REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, EIGHTH FLOOR - BOSS AREA
After Yomogi and he conquered the eighth floor, they came to face the boss of that floor, which was an armored clay humanoid male with a moustache called Terracotta.
"Dark Sphere!"
He launched an orb of Dark element onto the monster's chest, obliterating it instantly.
"Gooohhh...!!"
The boss dropped its clay, which Motegi collected, as he also thought that he could use it with his [Pottery] skill to make something.
REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, NINTH FLOOR
At the ninth floor, three monsters waited for them with unpredictable, zigzagging moves.
"They're Blitz Sheep. Be careful of their movements, Motegi-chan!"
Yomogi remained as his monster guide, and he utilized his [Temporary Boost] skill to enhance their stats.
"Raaahhh!!"
"Earth Spikes! Wind Blades!"
"Gruuoohh...!!"
She tackled one of the sheep mid-charge, pinning it with a suplex. Then he followed with a twin spell cast as spikes from Earth elements erupted from beneath one target, while slicing blades from Wind element cut through another.
Once they defeated the sheep, they collected their drop items. The normal items were the wool, which could be sold at high prices in the boutiques, while the rare ones were the meat, which they gathered for dinner.
"Ahaha... another meat drop, Motegi-chan!"
"Perfect."
REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, TENTH FLOOR
At the tenth floor, a bunch of different monsters yawned to release waves of drowsiness.
"They're Sleep Donkeys. Don't let them knock you out."
"I've got it covered, Light Beam!"
Again, the two of them showcased their teamwork. He raised his palm and summoned a narrow beam of Light element, blinding the donkeys.
"Now, Yomogi!"
"I got it! Raaahhh!!"
"Lightning Rain!"
"Gruuoohh...!!"
As the donkeys were still blinded, Yomogi delivered brutal blows, and Motegi struck them down with multiple Lightning element from above.
Moments later, their infinite luck stats made them obtain rare drop items, which were the donkeys' skill crystals. That crystal is one of the unique types because it could only be fused with accessories. It gave the user protection from hypnosis or sleep attacks when it was worn.
"Amazing, Motegi-chan! We can get these skill crystals this easy..."
"I know, right?"
But sometimes, when the fighting grew intense, Yomogi often took hits. And just like that, he would come to the rescue.
"Stay still, Yomogi..."
He channeled a Water element spell to treat her injuries, closing her wounds within seconds. In this world, there are two healing elements, Water and Light. Water was used for physical injuries, while Light was used for purifying negative effects.
"Thank you, Motegi-chan…"
"Always, I've got you."
However, these weren't the only times they were together.
**********
"Motegi-chan! Are you ready?"
"Yeah, coming!"
I hear Yomogi's voice calling from downstairs. I sling my packed bag over my shoulder, then I head down the stairs, where Yomogi is already waiting. We step outside together, and I make sure to lock the door before we leave.
"Alright, let's go!"
"Yes, Motegi-chan!"
The walk to the Griffin Express station doesn't take long. When we reach the station, a massive griffin is already waiting, and its chauffeur stands nearby in a tidy uniform.
"Two to Misdaras, please."
"Well, one gold coin per person, so it will be two gold coins, sir."
"Here you go."
"Thank you, sir. Please have a seat..."
"Thank you..."
After I say my destination to that chauffeur, I pay the amount to him, which is about 200,000 yen, and he opens the carriage door to me and Yomogi with a small bow.
We step inside. the surprisingly comfortable cabin with wood-paneled walls, cushioned seats, and a clear window at each side. And soon after, the griffin lifts up from the ground and launches us into the sky. The city shrinks below us, and the endless green stretches out ahead.
Fun fact, a griffin carriage feels like flying in a plane back on Earth. The only difference is, instead of engines and turbines, there's a giant mythical creature carrying us through the sky.
According to Yomogi, a trip to Misdaras by horse carriage takes about a week, so that's why she suggested taking the Griffin Express instead because it only takes three hours of travel. And I simply agreed without hesitation, even if it was pricier. But when you already have three large gold coins, or three million yen worth saved up, spending just one for comfort and convenience won't be a problem.
Yomogi has been standing by the griffin carriage window since then, her tail flicking slowly as she watches the clouds drift past. But honestly, three hours in this cabin is too long for me, so I have to do something exciting to kill the time.
I slip up behind her, sliding my right hand down and letting my palms cup her ass through her clothes. I squeeze it firmly, yet greedily, and it's enough to make her gasp.
"Ahn...! Motegi-chan…?"
But that's not enough. I slide my left hand around her waist, up under her jacket, and let my fingers sink into her full and heavy breasts. My fingers knead her tits as I grope her ass with my other hand, rougher now. She arches back into me with a breathy, louder moan this time.
"A-Ahn...! W-What are you doing, Motegi-chan…?"
I smirk, grabbing her ass and breasts even harder.
"Who told you to have such a big ass and huge tits in the first place, huh?"
"Aah…! No way, Motegi-chan…!"
Then, I lean into her ear without releasing my palms from her ass and breasts.
"Let me keep doing this until we reach Misdaras, okay?"
"M-Mnhh… Motegi-chan… aahh…!"
And just like that, she keeps shuddering and moaning with every squeeze for the next three hours.
THE JUNGLE NATION OF MISDARAS
THREE HOURS LATER
The griffin carriage descends slowly, hovering above the jungle just outside a massive wooden gate until we land smoothly on the grassy ground. Then, I hear the chauffeur's voice outside of the carriage.
"We've arrived, sir and madam."
"Thank you for the ride."
"You're welcome, sir."
He opens the door for me and Yomogi. We step out, and the moment our feet touch the ground, the griffin lifts off again and soars back into the sky. We both watch silently as it disappears into the clouds.
"Alright, follow me. The entrance is just ahead."
Yomogi gently grabs my hands and smiles at me, leading the way into the gate that is flanked by two guards. One has bird-like wings, while the other one has long hare ears poking out of his helmet. I can instantly know if those two are birdfolk and harekin, and the moment they see Yomogi, their eyes light up.
"Yomogi?"
The birdfolk squints, while the harekin takes her identity card for checking with a smile.
"Hey! It's been a while! How was your trip to Remantia?"
"Back with flowers again this year?"
Yomogi reaches into her pouch and pulls out something from her pocket.
"Yes, I got two of them here."
"That's amazing! Your son must be smiling big up there!"
"I hope he is."
Then, the harekin returns her card and looks at me curiously.
"You're cleared, as always. Welcome back, Yomogi. And… the gentleman with you?"
"He's an acquaintance from Remantia. He wanted to visit Misdaras."
"I see. May we see your identity card, sir?"
"Sure."
I reach into my pocket and hand over my card to him. Then, he passes it to the birdfolk, and it doesn't take long for them to check and allow me to enter.
"Thank you, Mr. Motegi Sekino. Everything checks out."
"Welcome to Misdaras. We hope you enjoy your stay."
"Thank you. I'm sure I will."
And the moment we step through the gate, I freeze. The jungle is so lush, endlessly green, and breathtaking. Towering trees reach high into the sky, each thick trunk supporting beautifully crafted treehouses nestled within the canopy. Rope bridges and wooden walkways connect them all.
"Whoa…"
Along the way, I can see the beastfolk are everywhere. From wolfkin with bushy tails and perked ears like Yomogi, to lithe pantherkin with sleek tails and small ears, to harekin tending to livestock, to the birdfolk who stand on top of their fence and take off into the sky.
"Yomogi-onee-chan!"
A group of small wolfkin shout as they run to her, hugging her legs. She chuckles and ruffles their heads lovingly.
"Hey there, little ones!"
After a few minutes of walking deeper into the jungle, Yomogi slows her steps and points up toward one of the treehouses nestled among the thick branches.
"That one... that's my house."
We climb the spiral staircase that circles the tree and soon find ourselves standing at her front door.
"Come on in, Motegi-chan. Sorry if it's a bit dusty, I haven't been back in a long time."
"It's okay."
But honestly, it isn't dirty at all.
Instead, it feels peaceful. The floor is clean, and the interior is simple, built almost entirely from smooth wood. The windows are open, letting sunlight and a cool breeze drift inside. Because the house is built high among the trees, everything feels light and airy, minimalist but warm with just a low table, some cushions, a shelf or two with small trinkets, and a woven mat beneath our feet.
"Would you like some tea, Motegi-chan?"
"Yeah, that sounds great."
She asks, already moving towards the small kitchen. And a few minutes later, she returns with two wooden cups in her hands, offering one to me with a gentle smile.
"Here you go..."
"Thank you, Yomogi..."
I take a sip. It has a light, earthy, slightly sweet taste with a noticeable herbal flavor.
"This is really good. And I really like your house too, it suits you."
"Thank you, I'm glad to hear that."
She sits across from me, her smile is still warm.
"This place… It holds a lot of memories for me. Of my husband, of my little pup. It feels strange knowing that soon, I'll be leaving it behind to stay at your place."
Her fingers trace the edge of her teacup as she continues.
"It makes me a little sad… But I know it's time. I want to move forward. And it's not like I'm saying goodbye forever. I can always come back, right?"
I only touch her hand and nod at her resolve.
"You're strong, Yomogi. I admire that. And no matter what, I'll always be there with you."
"Thank you, Motegi-chan..."
After a brief pause, she stands up again.
"Are you hungry? I'll make us some lunch."
She turns to head back to the kitchen, but she stops short after she peeks into her cabinet, and it makes me chuckle.
"Ah… I'm so sorry. I forgot, I haven't stocked anything in so long. There's nothing left in here."
"It's okay. Don't worry about it."
Then, her ears perk up as she suggests something to me.
"Then, would you like to go to the market with me? I'd love to show you what the market here looks like."
"Sure. Let's go."
The market isn't far. As we arrive there, I can see beastfolk bustle between stalls, and since Misdaras was known for livestock, the stalls are filled with meat, eggs, milk, and cheese.
"Yomogi, you're back!"
"Check out the meat here! They're still fresh!"
"This milk is half the price, just for you, Yomogi!"
"You're right... there's so much I don't know what to choose."
I follow Yomogi as she buys the ingredients and exchanges cheerful conversations with every seller she meets. Then, I notice a small wooden stall near the corner that sells some long, brown, and cylindrical pieces of meat.
I stop.
That shape… that color… It can't be?
"Excuse me, what are those?"
The moment I ask the seller, he grins proudly.
"Ah, these are called 'long meat.' It's a new product! Just started making them last month."
Yomogi leans in beside me, eyes wide with curiosity. But then, she comments about it and gets flustered by herself.
"Long meat? Ehehe… doesn't it look like a… kyaa…! N-never mind! I shouldn't say that, right?"
"Yes..."
I know what you're thinking, Yomogi. And yes, you shouldn't say that either. Sausage can be mistaken for a male's genitalia, although it's more like someone with a dirty mind who thinks that.
Then, the seller begins explaining how they're made. From grinding meat to mixing it with fat and seasonings to stuffing it into a casing, then cooking it in boiling water.
Yup, that's unmistakably a sausage, and I think I can make some delicious hot dogs with it.
"Let's buy some, shall we?"
"Mm!"
With Yomogi's approval, I immediately add the long meat to our basket and continue shopping. And after we buy so many groceries, she turns to me.
"Do you still want to walk around a bit, Motegi-chan?"
"Yeah, I'd like to look around a little more."
"Alright. Take your time. I'll head back first to clean up the house and start on lunch."
"Got it. I'll be back soon."
With that, we part ways. I wander and take in the sights and sounds of Misdaras on my own.
But it doesn't take long before I hear people shouting from what looks like a plaza nearby. Curious, I make my way in, squeezing between the crowd until I reach the front. There, a group of pantherkin men stand angrily and surround a single female pantherkin.
"You lied about your rank!"
"Stop using us, you fraud!"
"If you're so confident, then let's settle this with a duel!"
I have no idea what they are arguing about or what kind of duel they meant, but my eyes are immediately locked on the woman they're yelling at.
She is completely unfazed by their anger. Her physique is almost like Yomogi's, mature and curvy, but she's taller, with a leaner, more muscular frame. Her short, cropped hair is a striking purple, matching her equally small ears and tail. Her skin has that same soft beige tone as Yomogi's, but with a golden warmth, like she spends most of her time outdoors.
And then, without even looking, she randomly points toward the crowd, and it lands on me.
"What? Me?"
All eyes turn toward me.
The men look at her, stunned.
"You're picking a human for your team? Are you serious?!"
I can see the woman is surprised before she finally turns to see who she's chosen. The moment she sees me, her eyes widen in surprise.
"Ehhh?!"