Hello there, sorry for my extended break. I want to get back to posting regularly, but right now, with work and such, it's hard to do. I won't be going back to weekly right now. I would like to promise a bi-weekly publishing, but I don't think that will be possible either. What I can promise is that I'll ensure to have a chapter at least once every three weeks, though I will post sooner if I can.
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John squirmed inwardly as Violet answered every one of Agni’s questions about sex, completely unfiltered. The entire exchange made him feel like a third wheel, and the awkwardness only increased as the questions and answers became more graphic.

Sounds coming from between the trees caused him to glance up or behind them, catching Rusty following them by flitting from branch to branch. It didn’t take long for him to tune out the rustling.

The return to the hot spring came with a thick veil of steam, clinging to the air like the fog they’d dealt with in the forest. Laughter and splashing cut through, but the sound was muffled, seemingly distant.

Concern caused John to pause; surely the steam wouldn’t be good for Rusty. Sure, he was already rusted, but exposing him to more moisture couldn’t help. His thoughts also went to Agni, wondering if the water would be a good idea for her.

As he turned to voice his concerns, Rusty glided through the air, vanishing into the steam, and the two girls jumped into the water. Almost surprising himself, he managed to unequip his clothing before the water hit him.

With a sigh and shrug, he climbed into the water too, slightly surprised that despite the increase in steam, the water was still the same perfect temperature it had been before they left.

Manifesting his eyes allowed him to see through the fog somewhat; he couldn’t help glance at Agni’s butt as she climbed over the little wall to the adjoining pool where Leilani and Lumiara splashed and played together.

Robin and Alison sat in a higher pool, both facing away from him. Robin seemed to be talking, but he couldn’t hear what was being said from this distance. John cocked his head as he noticed the image of Rusty over Alison’s left shoulder, as if it were a fresh tattoo.

Ellie sat against the wall facing him, essentially back to back with Robin, and Violet slid in beside her, slipping an arm around her waist.

John waded towards them, sitting beside Ellie but leaning over the wall slightly, noticing the blush on Alison’s face. His face dropped a little, and he leaned towards Robin. “Hey,” he started, “I’m not sure Alison is all that comfortable with you being that close. And you’re kinda naked,” he pointed out.

Robin rolled his shoulders and looked back, letting out an amused sigh. “John, buddy. I’ve got boxers on. I’ve also asked her more than once if she was okay with me being here. Told her I didn’t mind moving if it bothered her and that it wouldn’t be any trouble for me. I think she’s just a little overwhelmed.”

Letting out a quiet chuckle, he continued a little quieter, “Not to mention, I think this is the first time she’s been in a hot spring, and the idea that you might see her naked, or she might see you naked, might also factor in. Just give her some time.”

That reassurance seemed to sate the protective feelings John held, and after a deep breath, he turned to Alison. “If you ever feel too awkward or anything, just let me know, okay? I can ask one of the girls to join you in a pool a little further away, or we could get dressed and go for a walk or something.”

She didn’t speak, turning her head just a little and smiling before giving John a small nod.

Robin turned and glanced at John. “Oh hey, you’ve started filling out a bit,” he remarked. “Still not my type, but definitely noticeable.”

John settled next to Ellie, turning his gaze away from his friend. “Uh, thanks,” he muttered, not really knowing how to take the compliment.

Violet moved around, leaving John flanked by the girls. Ellie leaned in from his side, an excited smile on her face. “Vee says you got some achievements to show off. Bring ‘em up so we can have a looksee.”

Before he could respond, she gave his cheek a light kiss and whispered, “Proud of you, by the way. Violet’s glowing, literally and figuratively.”

The praise coaxed a smile, and his face flushed. Quickly, he brought up the achievements.

Achievement: Is it in yet?

Braced for impact, your partner was left bewildered as the expected never happened. A sensation which was expected never arrived, yet you’d already passed the point of no return.
Reward: Aurora Aphrodisia Lube Sampler
Enjoy a selection of Aurora Aphrodisia's top-selling magical lubes.
• Cherry-Pop: Reduces pain and discomfort for first timers.,
• Honey Bloom: Makes you sweet, and your juices sweeter.,
• Midnight Oil: Keeps the fun going, no need to rush to the finish line.,
• Second Wind: Helps reset the clock faster between rounds, because sometimes once just isn’t enough.,
• Spoon Full of Sugar: Helps the whole thing go down, smooth, sweet, and without a gag in sight.

Robin snorted, barely containing his laughter. Ellie, on the other hand, didn’t bother trying and burst out in laughter, while John shrank under the attention. That only worsened when Alison, trying to comfort him, placed a hand on his shoulder.

Violet shot up. “Wait, no! That’s not fair!” she protested, waving her hand through the window. “It wasn’t like that! I thought it was going to hurt!”

John wished the hot spring would just swallow him when another achievement appeared to defend him.

Achievement unlocked: Exceeding Expectations

You didn’t just meet Violet’s dreams, you blew them out of the water. [Don’t forget, I’m still waiting for my turn.]
Reward: Reassurance that Violet felt and loved every pleasurable inch of you.
Reward: Upgrade to Shield of the Golden Rose [This one’s for V.]

Robin casually leaned over the edge, peering at the window and let out a whistle. “I suppose we can’t give you shit anymore, considering that glowing review.”

Violet’s face began reddening, and she vanished. She began mumbling something, but all John could make out was the word “embarrassing.”

Still chuckling, Ellie kissed John’s cheek again. “Sorry, I shouldn’t laugh. You’ve never disappointed before. Was only teasing, promise.”

Grinning, she turned to look at Alison and added, “One of these rewards could be perfect for you. ‘Cherry-Pop’ will be great for your first time.”

Alison’s face turned scarlet, and she slowly sank beneath the water, hiding from everyone.

John groaned and shook his head. “Ellie. Can we not tease everyone today?”

“It’s not all teasing,” Ellie replied, giving a smile which told John she was enjoying this more than she should. “It really is a genuinely helpful reward. You’re right, though, I could have mentioned that in private to you or Alison later.”

Robin, hoping to act as a distraction, leaned over and pointed at the screen. “So, what’s the ‘Golden Rose’ thing about?”

Looking down, John took the pendant around his neck in his palm, before casting Observe.

Shield of the Golden Rose

Previous Owners: Sir Walter Harrington, Violet Harrington
Current Owner: John Newman

A golden pendant engraved with the Celtic shield knot, once worn proudly by the knightly trainees of the Order of the Golden Rose. Though its use has fallen out of fashion, the pendant remains a symbol of service and loyalty to the Shield Warden. Some elder members still carry theirs as a mark of pride and memory.

Forged in the sanctified halls of Caer Isolde and blessed by the Lady's light, this artefact holds both divine power and the lingering presence of those who bore it.

Effects:

Magic Resistance: Reduce the negative effects of any magic cast on the wearer by 2%.

Necrotic Purification: Prevents the effects and spread of necrotic decay.

Radiant Shield: Clutching onto this pendant will call forth a shield of light which has the ability to absorb up to 75 HP worth of damage and lasts for 10 seconds (1/day).

Soul Anchor: This pendant serves as a tether, binding Violet Harrington’s spirit to the mortal world. Though her spirit often rests within, she may manifest and move freely within a ten-metre radius of the shield.

Voice of Light (Unlocked): Whoever carries the Shield has the ability to hear and respond to Violet’s voice telepathically.

“Hello, hello? Testing, testing, is this thing working? I l-l-l-loveeeeee yooouuu,” Violet’s voice called, directionless, as if he was hearing her through headphones. “Oooh, if this thing works, we could have so much fun.

”Like, I could give you test answers… or I could be your coach and do a little backseat flirting, or oooh, I could peek up all the girls’ skirts and describe their panties in detail. Maybe I should start a tier list or rank them. Oooooh, or or or I could dirty talk you while your dick is in my mouth, or maybe-”

“SHHHHH!” John hissed aloud, rubbing his temples. Violet’s voice had almost completely drowned out everyone else. “Violet, I can’t think with you babbling in my head.”

She climbed into his lap, straddling him. Any protest vanished as he stared at the pale breasts which swayed in front of him. A smug grin plastered her face as she leaned in and pressed her lips against his.

”How about now? Still want to complain with my tongue in your mouth?” she asked.

John smiled and lightly nibbled her tongue. ”I could, this link works both ways, you know.”

”Oh, weird. Kinda expected you to be like a voice in my head, but it’s more like you're just close or something. Kinda weird,” she mused. “But, nice distraction, eh? Everyone’s forgotten the sex jokes, for now…”

Sliding out of John’s lap, Violet settled back next to him again and spoke aloud, “Looks like that’s everything for achievements and stuff, right?”

John’s eyes still scanned the floating screens as he nodded. “Looks like. I do think we’ve got another problem? Issue? Agni seems very curious about what she watched us doing earlier. She’s still naive, and with her body being shared… it feels irresponsible to just let her figure it all out unsupervised.”

Ellie’s head snapped towards John with a mischievous smirk, one that caused a twinge of regret for what he’d just said. “So, what you’re saying is, she needs guidance. Someone to teach her all the pleasures her body can give her? She’s rather cute… I hope you plan on inviting me.”

Robin laughed. “Damn, if you two aren’t like opposites… then again, John has been coming out of his shell. Maybe you’re corrupting my pure, innocent friend.”

“Hey, I never claimed to be a saint,” she replied. “John is right, though. She should get some help. I will admit I’m not being entirely selfless, but I don’t want to take advantage either. She needs someone to let her know what’s okay and what’s not. I’m definitely going to enjoy it, but not at her expense.”

John groaned again, rubbing his face and regretting saying anything. “Can we please find another topic?”

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Atreides
Demoncet
And the other members that prefer not to be named