Chapter 40

I woke up as someone was shaking my arm. Tori, already clothed, stood next to the bed, leaning over it and holding her hand on my shoulder.

Still half-asleep, my eyes drifted down to her cleavage. Her shirt had slipped just enough to give me a glimpse of her tits—unfortunately hidden behind a black bra, but even so, it was one of the better sights to wake up to.

“Time to get up. We need to prepare before the dungeon,” Tori said, standing straight and approaching her bag on the table in the middle.

Zoe murmured something, lying on my other side. Her naked tits pressed against my arm, her hand hugged me tightly across my chest, her leg pushed between mine, and her tail coiled around my thigh. She was clinging to me as closely as possible, her hot skin warming me pleasantly.

I realized that something was lying on my feet and I couldn't move them. Lifting my head slightly, I noticed that Azura, in her wolf form, lay on top of the blanket over my legs.

Turning my head, I leaned toward Zoe and kissed her soft lips gently. They parted, and she kissed me back, opening her eyes, looking at me with her amazing pink irises.

“Hey, gorgeous,” I whispered.

Zoe smiled adorably as her pale cheeks reddened.

“Time to get up,” I added, and pecked her cute nose.

The weight on my legs moved, and Azura rose. She glanced at me, then jumped to the ground. She stretched and sat down in the middle of the room, watching what Tori was doing.

“The money, a hundred ryns,” Tori said, putting the pouch on the table. “For Zoe, I can borrow the dagger she used previously, and my spare jerkin. It doesn’t restrict movement but will offer her some protection. But I don’t have anything for you. And I’m guessing Azura won’t need anything, since she’ll be staying in her wolf form.”

Azura barked quietly, sweeping her tail on the floor.

“You need to buy something for yourself. We’ll go to a market after breakfast. I know a shop where you could buy a cheap weapon. Nothing special, but it will do.”

“How far away is the dungeon?” I asked.

“Around thirty minutes,” she replied.

“I need to pick up the kitsune first,” I said.

“After buying a weapon,” Tori replied.

Reluctantly, I untangled myself from Zoe’s naked body—though not without stealing a few kisses and grabbing her tits or ass on the way. Then we got dressed, along with Azura, who had shifted back into her human form, and the whole group headed downstairs to the tavern.

The main room was almost empty, only two men sat by one table and ate in silence.

The blonde waitress who had served us the previous day was sitting behind the bar. Her hair was down now, and she was dressed much more modestly—long pants and a shirt that no longer showed off her cleavage.

As we sat at one of the tables, she approached us.

“You look even prettier with your hair down,” I said.

She gave me a bright smile, suddenly seeming more cheerful. “Thanks! I’m Julia,” she said warmly. “Breakfast?” she added, her eyes flicking over our group—but lingering on me just a second longer.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Tobias. This is Zoe, Azura, and Tori,” I introduced everyone.

“I already met Tori. What happened to the man you were always traveling with?” Julia asked.

Tori frowned. “We had a small argument. You won’t see me with him again,” she said curtly.

“He always seemed a little… creepy. Your new companion seems much nicer,” Julia added, glancing at me.

I chuckled. “What do you have on offer?”

“We always have only one option for breakfast. Today, scrambled eggs with sausage and veggies,” Julia replied.

“Four portions, please. Big ones. And something to drink.”

“Water, milk, tea, or coffee?”

After choosing coffee for myself, everyone else picked something for themselves.

“On it,” Julia said as she turned and walked back toward the bar. My eyes followed her, watching the sway of her shapely ass—definitely more exaggerated than when she first walked up to our table.

Zoe poked me in the stomach, making me grunt softly. I turned toward her, but she just scooted her chair toward me and leaned against my shoulder. I wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer—but my attention shifted to Azura.

“Azura.” If I wanted to learn more from her, I had to do it while she was still in her human form. I figured that once we left Ortas, she’d probably shift back into a wolf right away.

“I was thinking about what you told me yesterday, and I want to find this place where they held you,” I said.

“Why?” Tori asked.

“They’re holding demons there and running illegal experiments. Including children. That alone is reason enough,” I said.

Tori shrugged, watching me as I turned toward Azura.

“Do you remember something that could help us find this place?” I asked.

Azura didn't reply for a moment, looking my way but avoiding eye contact.

“No,” she replied finally, firmly.

“When you were running away, didn't you see anything distinctive?”

“Just trees.”

“Maybe something those people talked about—a name?”

Azura fell silent again, deep in thought. Meanwhile, Julia began bringing over our drinks and food, carrying the plates in several trips.

“Enjoy,” she said with a bright smile.

“Thanks,” I replied, smiling back before turning my attention to the food. When I glanced at Azura, she was staring at me, not eating. I gave her a small nod, and only then did she start bringing food to her mouth.

I wondered if she’d ever start acting more human. Maybe, if she spent more time with us in her human form, she’d begin to pick up human habits.

“No,” Azura replied after a moment of eating in silence. “It was long ago,” she added.

I nodded while chewing my food. “Did your pack travel a lot?” I asked.

Azura whined softly, and I realized that mentioning her previous pack was not the best idea, after Tori and Zoe had killed them. Yet, she still followed and joined us.

“Yes,” Azura replied quietly.

“Do you remember your mother’s name?”

“Hannah.”

“Last name?”

Azura gave a muffled hum of refusal with her mouth full of food.

Just a first name didn’t help me at all. I had no idea how or when Azura’s mother ended up in that laboratory. And it was possible that she was born there. I had no idea how long this place had been operating. I hadn’t asked Gemma when was the first time she heard rumors about it.

“You really don’t remember anything useful?” I asked Azura.

“I spent most of the time alone in a cell. I didn’t see anything. I didn’t hear anything. They’d just toss in food and pour water into a bowl. When they took me to those weird rooms, they barely spoke. When I was with my mom… she used to tell me stories… but I barely remember them,” Azura said, staring down at her bowl. Her voice was trembling, and tears welled up in her eyes.

“Hey, I’m sorry,” I said, scooting closer and wrapping my arms around her. “I shouldn’t have pushed you like that,” I added, gently running my fingers through her hair as I pulled her head to my chest.

After a moment, I pulled back and looked at her. Our faces remained close as I met her black-and-blue eyes. “You okay?” I asked softly.

Azura gave a small nod and a quiet hum in response.

I pulled away and finished my meal, choosing not to press the topic any further. I hadn’t learned anything that could help me find that place. There was no real time pressure, but I already felt like I’d hit a dead end.

Once we finished eating and left the tavern, Tori led us toward the market—this time a regular one, where all sorts of goods were being sold.

“Have you ever fought with a sword?” Tori asked me as we made our way through the stalls. Zoe and Azura stayed close by my side.

“No,” I replied. “I trained in hand-to-hand combat, but I’ve never used a weapon.” That wasn’t entirely true, but I doubted I’d be able to find a Glock for sale here.

Tori sighed. “We’ll get you a shield and a spear. You’ll stay back with Azura. I’ll fight at the front, and Zoe can cover me,” she explained.

We entered a shop that had an open entrance facing the square where the market was. Inside was a full collection of weapons, but Tori quickly picked out a basic spear. Its shaft was made of dark wood, about two meters long—taller than me—and tipped with a steel-like blade. The shield was wooden, covered in some kind of material, and strapped to the forearm. That way, I still had a free hand, though I didn’t have full range of motion.

I paid thirty ryns for the set after Tori haggled the price down. Even so, it was a significant hit to my funds—especially considering I was about to spend most of what I had to free that kitsune from her cage.

I hoped that she would agree to join us, and it wouldn’t end up as a waste of money. But freeing her from that place would be worth it anyway.

I also bought clothes for the kitsune, along with water and food, which I wrapped up into a bundle.

Tori split off from us, heading back to the tavern, while the three of us made our way toward the **** market.

“We’ll get her out quickly, see what she decides, and then head for the dungeon. Sounds good?” I asked.

“Yes, Master,” Zoe replied.

I glanced at Azura, who didn’t reply, and just walked by my side. I assumed that if she wasn’t protesting she didn’t have anything against it.

“Be careful in the dungeon, okay?” I asked, worrying about them. I really hoped that Tori knew what she was doing and would be able to guarantee us safety.

“Don’t worry, Master. We’ll be fine,” Zoe replied, as Azura, once again, remained silent.

Going into the dungeon was risky—but staying weak and defenseless was a risk in itself. And gaining levels would definitely help prevent that. I glanced at Azura as I realized I hadn’t asked her something important earlier.

“Azura, do you have a class?”

“Yes.”

“One or more?”

“One.”

“What level do you have?”

“Second.”

“You could use a higher level too,” I said.

Azura hummed, and I wasn’t really sure what it was supposed to mean.

“What is your class name?”

“Shapeshifter,” Azura replied.

“You have two skills?”

“Yeah.”

“What do they do?”

“I can change and I’m stronger.”

Nothing really useful, but she was only second level. Hopefully, she will get good skills in the future.

We had reached the **** market, and I found the right stall without any trouble. The merchant I’d made the deal with the previous day was seated there along with three women on display—chained and collared. Young, attractive. And stupidly expensive.

“Well, here you are,” he said. “Got the money?”

“Yes,” I replied.

The man nodded, then waved someone over behind him. Another, younger guy came up and took his place at the stall.

“I’m Andrew Wilson,” the merchant said as we headed toward the building where he kept the kitsune. “If it ever happens that you come into more money and feel like adding another demon to your collection, let me know. I’m sure I’ll have something that catches your eye.”

“Tobias,” I replied. “We’ll see how things go. Did you tell her I’ve already bought her?” I asked.

Andrew shook his head. “I’ve got no interest in seeing her more than I need to.”

“I want to talk with her first, alone,” I said.

The merchant frowned, staring at me. “We already made a deal.”

“Of course. That won’t change,” I said, pulling out the set-aside fifty ryns and handing it over. “But I want to talk to her.”

“Sure, I will prepare the paperwork,” he added, taking the money from me and entering the building.

“Wait here,” I said to Azura and Zoe, wanting to spare them from entering this horrible place once again. Andrew turned to the first room on the right, where instead of a cell there was a desk and a few shelves.

“You know where to find her,” he said, sitting behind his desk.

I headed through the corridor, walking past cells where other slaves were held, but I avoided looking into them, not wanting to see any more horrible sights that could be awaiting me there.

I slowly opened the last door on the right, bracing myself for the wave of stench I expected to hit me. I stood there for a moment, trying to get used to it—but it didn’t help much.

Eventually, I stepped inside. The cage was still in the same place as yesterday, now fully uncovered—no longer hidden by the cloth that had been draped over it.

The kitsune lay in the same position, her naked and damaged body barely visible in the dim light of the room. She moved and looked at me.

“Well?” I asked immediately.

“How much are you paying for me?” she asked quietly, her voice trembling.

“Fifty ryns,” I replied.

“What?! But—” she began, then cut herself off. “Fine. I agree.”

I shifted closer to the cage and crouched to look her in the face. I could see the wound running across it—ugly, but starting to heal.

“How do I know you won’t run the first chance you get? Or worse, try to attack me? Or cause trouble?”

“What would I gain by killing you? I’d still be a ****. I could try to run, sure—but a **** without a master doesn’t have an easy life… You’re my best option. I promise I won’t run, I won’t hurt you, and I’ll work honestly to earn my freedom—if you hold up your end of the deal,” she said quietly.

I nodded, hoping she truly understood and wouldn’t do anything stupid.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“Maribella,” she whispered. “Mari.”

“Alright. We’re getting you out of this awful place,” I said, standing up. “I’ll be right back,” I added, and made my way down the hall to the first room, where the merchant was still sitting.

“All done?” I asked.

“Yes,” he replied, then slid a sheet of paper across the table and set down a small black stone next to it.

“What’s this?” I asked.

He looked at me, frowning. “It’s connected to her collar, in theory, it should give you control over her, but… well, you know the situation.”

I nodded, glancing over the paper he pushed toward me. It was a short **** sale contract. No name—just the collar number she wore around her neck.

“Sign here, and then I will transfer her ownership to you,” Andrew said, pointing at the spot below his signature. I took what looked like a pen from his hand and signed the paper.

Andrew picked up the contract and the small black stone. “Let’s go,” he said, standing up from the desk and heading toward the corridor. But instead of turning right, to Mari’s cell, he turned left, toward the building’s exit.

“We will be back in a moment,” I said to Zoe and Azura, following after Andrew. “Where are we going?” I asked him.

“I have to transfer the bond,” Andrew explained. “There’s a witch on the market payroll who handles that kind of thing.” When I didn’t respond, he kept talking as we passed between stalls.

“Each merchant pays a monthly fee, and she takes care of binding the collars—no extra cost. Same with the guards and the city’s permission to operate here.”

“Can she create magical bonds?” I asked.

Andrew glanced at me, frowning. “No. There's no person in Ortas who can do it.”

He led us to a building on the other side of the square. Inside, there was only a couch and a small table. On the couch lay an older woman—well into her sixties, judging by her gray hair and deep wrinkles.

“Already managed to sell something, Andrew?” she asked.

He chuckled. “You know I’m the best, Francis,” he replied, passing her the contract and the black stone. She only briefly glanced over the sheet of paper.

“Did you sign it?” she asked me.

“Yeah,” I replied.

She put the contract on the table and reached her hand toward Andrew. He grabbed it, and after she picked up the stone, it started to shine. Andrew let go of her hand and stepped back. Francis reached her hand toward me.

I hesitated, wondering if she would be able to sense my mana or class. For the same reason, I didn't use my skill to take a photo of her.

“You need to give me your hand,” she said, smiling softly. “I promise it will not hurt.”

Eventually, I reached my hand toward her, hoping that if I didn’t summon my mana she would not sense anything.

She grabbed my hand, and information appeared in front of my eyes.

[Francis Laurent is trying to bond you as an owner of an item: **** Collar]
[Do you accept?]

I quickly thought yes, not really sure if this was a standard procedure or if I had a choice only because of my class, and I didn't want to raise any suspicions.

[The item: **** Collar was successfully bound to you.]

The stone in Francis’ hand stopped shining, and she put it in my hand.

“All done,” she said.

“Thanks, Francis,” Andrew said.

“See you later,” she replied, already lying back and grabbing her book.

I followed Andrew out of the building. He exhaled deeply, like in relief, and looked around. “Finally. Now this bitch is your problem,” he muttered and waved at a woman standing at the edge of the market.

She started walking toward us. She had a sword and was dressed entirely in black.

“Who’s that?”

“Security. Just in case this bitch gets any stupid ideas.”

When the woman reached us, Andrew headed back toward his building, and the guard followed him silently. I followed as well. Zoe and Azura were still waiting at the entrance.

I took the bundle of clothes, food, and water from Zoe. “Just a moment. Mari will be joining us,” I said, giving her a quick kiss.

I entered the building after Andrew and the guard. He pulled a key from his pocket and handed it to me.

“For her cage,” he said. “She’s your responsibility now. If she attacks someone or breaks anything, it’s on you.”

I nodded and headed down the hall to the room where Mari still lay locked inside the cage. When I stepped inside, her eyes fixed on me.

“Clothes, water, and food,” I said, setting the bundle down near the door. “There’s also a towel and more water so you can wash up a bit,” I added, walking over to the cage. “The key,” I said, holding it out.

Mari stared at me in silence for a moment. “The lock’s by my feet. You have to do it.”

I walked around the cage, avoiding looking at her naked body. Her knees were pressing against the bars, and her feet were pressed against her ass, it looked painfully uncomfortable.

I unlocked the padlock, and her legs immediately slid out a bit from the cage. I returned to the front.

“Can you manage getting out on your own?” I asked.

“I’m not crippled,” Mari hissed.

“I’ll wait outside, but I’d appreciate it if you got dressed quickly. I’m eager to leave this place,” I said and stepped out of the room.

I walked down the hallway and stood outside, leaving the door open so I could keep an eye inside.

Andrew emerged from a side room. “Something wrong?” he asked.

“She’s getting dressed,” I replied.

He looked down the hall. “You left her alone?!”

“Yes.”

“If she breaks anything, you’re paying for it,” he said.

“You’re repeating yourself,” I said. “And I didn't see anything of value there.”

Andrew stared at me for a brief moment, but then returned to his office without a word.

I turned toward Zoe and Azura. “We’ll be leaving soon.”

It took a few minutes before the door at the end of the corridor opened. Mari got out, looked around, and headed toward us. She wore the shirt, pants, and coat we’d bought for her—but she hadn’t pulled up the hood, walking instead with her head held high.

She moved with confidence. At least, until her leg gave out and she nearly stumbled—but she caught herself on the wall.

“You okay?” I asked, taking a step toward her.

“I’m fine,” she replied quickly, standing upright again and continuing toward the exit. As she passed the office door, she stopped, glaring inside.

“You!” she growled, stepping forward—but in the same instant, the woman in black stepped in front of her, drawing her sword.

I grabbed Mari’s hand. “Mari, don’t,” I said. “You promised not to cause trouble.”

Mari yanked her hand from my grip and looked at me. For a moment, we just stared at each other. Then she scoffed and turned toward Andrew.

“I’ll find you someday. And I’ll kill you,” she said, then walked out of the building.

The merchant didn’t look particularly bothered. He glanced at me with a slight smirk. “Good luck,” was all he said.

I left the building, closing the door to this awful place behind me. Mari stood watching the sky and breathing deeply—or at least trying to, until she broke into a rough cough.

“Water?” I offered, holding out my flask.

She grabbed it and took several deep gulps, not stopping until she emptied it completely.

“This is Zoe, and that’s Azura,” I said, introducing them.

“Hey,” Zoe said softly, giving a small wave.

Mari didn’t respond. She just gave her a sharp look.

“Let’s head back to the tavern,” I said, starting to walk.

We made it a few steps before I noticed how many people were staring at Mari.

“You sure you don’t want to put up your hood?” I asked.

“Is that an order?!” Mari snapped at me.

I snorted. “A suggestion. I’d rather not draw too much attention.”

Mari scoffed, but after a moment pulled her coat over her head, hiding her wounds and destroyed hair.

“We’re heading into the dungeon today. You’re in no shape to come with us, so you’ll stay at the tavern. We’ve got a room rented—you’ll be able to wash, eat, and sleep in a proper bed,” I said.

Mari looked at me. “Which will increase the amount I owe you, right?” she asked sharply.

“Yes.”

Mari scoffed again.

“If you prefer, you can sleep on the street and keep starving,” I said.

Mari didn't answer but slightly shook her head.

I had questions for her, but seeing her behavior, I decided to wait with them. Perhaps after a bath, sleep, and a proper meal, she would be in a better mood.

The tavern was empty, only Julia sat behind the bar.

“I will need a bath for her,” I said, nodding my head toward Mari.

Julia glanced at her and gasped, seeing her wounded face.

“You have a problem?!” Mari snapped.

“Mari,” I said calmly.

She scoffed but turned her gaze away.

Julia pulled out a key and put it on the bar between us. “The last door on the left,” she said.

“Sorry for her,” I said. “Do you have something to eat right now?”

“The cook went for a break, but I can heat up a stew from yesterday,” she replied.

“Two bowls, please. I will pick them up in a moment,” I said, putting coins for them on the bar.

“Sure,” Julia replied, smiling.

“Thanks,” Mari murmured toward the waitress as we headed toward the stairs to our room.

“We sleep here,” I said to Mari as we entered the room. Tori sat by the table.

“This is Tori. And Mari,” I introduced them to each other.

Mari pulled off the cap from her head.

“What are you staring at?!” Mari growled.

“Don’t growl at me, bitch!” Tori hissed, standing up abruptly.

“You—”

“Maribella!” I interrupted her. “You promised to not cause trouble. So stop going around and growling at everyone. If you can't behave, just don't speak at all.”

Mari opened her mouth like she wanted to answer me, but then she just scoffed.

“First, go wash yourself. I will leave food for you here. And you can sleep in this bed,” I said, pointing at the one where Azura was sleeping—at least the part of the night before she joined us on the other bed. “After we return, we will rent the second room for you,” I added.

“I’m not paying for that,” Tori snapped.

“Sure,” I replied. “Go wash yourself,” I repeated, passing the key to Mari. She grabbed it and, without a word, left the room, heading toward the bathroom. I shook my head, sighing. She was going to cause me trouble, but I hoped that it wouldn’t be too big and it would be worth it in the end.

“Dungeon, now?” I asked, turning toward Tori.

“Dungeon,” she replied.