"They're meant to reward real closeness."
"Look at how much they stress being honest and really caring."
"You don't learn much from acting fake or manipulating others, but you do learn when grown women genuinely care about you and demonstrate that. Or when you really make them feel better? The experience goes well."
"This is weird... but... well... I fucking take it!" Rick got a rollercoaster mood swing right there because now the real fun is about to start.
"This is what your whole system is based on, in a literal sense."
"Making real, deep connections with mature women. These skills only make things go faster for you to become even stronger." Sebastian's monocle shone.
"And since we're on the subject, I think some of your bonded partners are distressed about your health after what happened yesterday."
It was as if Sebastian's words had called Carmilla to come with Natasha. Carmilla's face showed that she was very determined, and both women had changed into more comfortable clothes for the evening.
"You have to come with us, Rick." Carmilla said.
Rick gulped because he knows that the fun times begin now. "What's going on...? And why?"
Natasha said, "The guild has private recovery rooms with healing baths and massage facilities," but she seemed a little uneasy. "Carmilla told us to check on you to make sure you're completely better from the stress of yesterday's battle."
Rick said, "I... I... I'm okay...! Liora made me feel better."
"You almost died when you used Spirit Unity," Carmilla said in response. "Your muscles are probably still sore, your magic energy is low, and your body is under more stress than usual."
"We're giving you the right kind of therapy to help you get better."
She took Rick's arm with surprising gentleness and started to walk him to the guild building. Natasha followed them, appearing as if she had just lost a battle regarding this plan.
They got to a fancy recovery room that the guild usually only lets high-ranking adventurers use. There was a big bed, comfy chairs, and a bathroom next door with steam coming from the hot water. There were different kinds of oils and healing salves on the shelves.
"Sit," Carmilla said, pointing to the bed.
Rick sat down, not sure what was going on. He could feel Carmilla's determination and real concern through the Spirit Bond, and there was something else there that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Natasha's feelings were more mixed, and she felt both embarrassed and resigned.
"Take off your shirt," Carmilla said in a matter-of-fact way. "I need to look at the damage."
"OH FUCK...!!! HERE IT COMES...!!!" Rick screamed in his mind.
"H-Huh...?" Rick can only act confused around them to hide his happiness.
"Please don't make this sound strange..."
"This is only for medical purposes and, of course, your own safety." She put her arms in front of her. "Would you prefer that I call a professional healer instead?"
"I thought you might feel more at ease with your bonded partners.
Rick panicked before she changed her mind. He took off his shirt right away, which showed the bruises and small burns that Liora's healing hadn't completely gotten rid of.
Carmilla's face softened with worry. "Worse than I thought."
"Get the regenerative oil, Natasha. The one that costs a lot."
Carmilla told Rick to lie face down on the bed while Natasha looked through the shelves. Her hands were rough from years of sword work, but they were surprisingly gentle as they looked at his back and shoulders.
She said, "Your muscles are really knotted."
"Spirit Unity put a lot of stress on your upper body, which caused tiny tears all over it. This is going to hurt."
She was right. Rick had to hold back a groan of pain when Carmilla started rubbing the healing oil into his muscles. Her strong hands found every knot and damaged area. She worked carefully to release the tension.
[COMFORT TO EXP TURNED ON]
[+15 EXP: A REAL HEALING TOUCH FROM A BONDED PARTNER]
Rick's eyes got bigger when the notification came up. The skill was already working, and Carmilla had just begun.
"Natasha, please help me with his lower back," Carmilla said. "The damage goes all the way down."
Natasha walked over, but she didn't want to. Her face was a little red. "I've never done this before."
"Just do what I say."
"Use a lot of pressure, but keep in mind how much pain he can handle."
Two sets of hands worked on Rick's tired body. Carmilla used a professional and well-rehearsed technique, while Natasha initially hesitated but gradually gained confidence.
Their hard work, the oil's healing properties, and the real love that flowed through their Spirit Bond made for a surprisingly intimate setting. "Oh fuck..."
"This feeling... I felt like... I was in real heaven..."
"Please... my sword... don't awaken at this point of comfort...! Please...!"
[COMFORT TO EXP ACTIVATED]
[+20 EXP: DUAL CARE FROM BONDING PARTNERS]
[+15 EXP: SPIRIT BOND FOR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT]
Rick could feel the experience coming in, but more than that, he could feel how much both women cared. This had nothing to do with the experience points, but he knew they were really worried about him and really wanted to help him get better.
"You scared us yesterday," Carmilla said softly as she worked. "I thought I was going to see you die when you charged that dragon alone."
Rick mumbled into the pillow, "I'm sorry... I couldn't just stand there..."
"We know," Natasha said, her voice, which is usually cold, was warmer than usual. "That's what makes you unique."
"But you should know that we can't lose you, Rick... the bonds go both ways. We can feel your pain."
The massage went on, and Rick's body slowly started to relax. The pain went away, and a warm feeling took its place. The healing oil and their care were doing great things.
"Turn over," Carmilla said. "I need to look at your arms and chest."
"Oh shit..."
"Please... I hope they don't see my thing was awoken from its sleep...!"
Rick did what he was told and now faced both women. Carmilla's face was serious and professional, but her eyes had a clear warmth to them. Natasha turned her head away, her cheeks a little pink, but her hands kept healing.
Rick looked at their faces while they worked on his arms and shoulders. Carmilla was strong and beautiful, and she had the kind of mature confidence that comes from years of experience. Natasha was cool and classy, but she rarely showed how she really felt.
Rick said without thinking, "You both are wonderful..."
"I don't know what I did to get partners like you."
Carmilla smiled, and it was a real smile. "You were who you are."
"That was enough."
[SEDUCE TO EXP ACTIVATED]
[+25 EXP: SINCERE COMPLIMENT RECEIVED WITH GENUINE AFFECTION]
[COMFORT TO EXP TURNED ON]
[+20 EXP: CONTINUED HEALING CARE]
Rick realized that this was what the system was made for as the experience kept going. There were no instances of manipulation or exploitation. Instead, there were genuine moments when people who cared about each other connected and supported one another.
Carmilla said, "Your muscles are doing well."
"The worst of the damage is getting better. How do you feel right now?"
"Better," Rick said. "Much better actually! Thanks to you both."
Natasha's hands stopped moving on his shoulder. "There's no need to thank us. We're connected, and we look out for each other."
"Still," Rick said as he reached up and took one of Carmilla's and one of Natasha's hands. "Thanks for everything..."
"For being there for me, fighting with me, and caring about me. I know I'm not a lot—"
"Stop," Carmilla said firmly. "Rick, you are more than enough."
"Don't ever try to think differently from your perspective."