Naoko's hips press back, her firm body shielding my face from the blinding light that still sears my retinas. Moments pass in disorientation – then sensation returns: soft grass beneath my skin, replacing cold hard floor.
Inbetween breaths of Naoko's warm scent, I taste sweet forest air, heavy with blossoms. Muffled voices rumble through her thighs – words indistinct, but tone regal and commanding.
I try to push Naoko off, but just as freedom seems within grasp, a searing, intense burning pain erupts across my chest – like liquid fire injected into my veins – completely numbing my muscles.
Naoko screams out in agony, her nails digging deeper into my sides, thighs tightening like a vice around my head, her own body wracked with the same unbearable torment.
Her fingers claw mercilessly, nails piercing flesh, leaving trails of searing agony in their wake. The pain a piercing contrast to the suffocating agony that grips my chest.
As swiftly as it had ignited, the burning agony vanishes. I summon my remaining strength, shoving Naoko away. Gasping for air, my chest constricts in lingering protest. Blinded by the sudden flood of light, I blink repeatedly, my vision slowly coalescing into focus. Naoko falls to the ground, curling up as she gasps for air, her hands clenched against her chest.
An unfamiliar voice is heard. "It's nice to meet you, Asuka. The soul bind has taken effect, though not as I had hoped. This is still a great outcome – shall we discuss the looming threat dividing my realm and how your... loyal warriors can aid us?"
The excitement in Asuka's voice carries through her tone: "Oh, we can indeed..." Her words drip with anticipation. I feel her sadistic smile even without seeing it, causing the hairs on my neck to stand on end. My skin crawls beneath her gaze.
My vision still blurs slightly from the soul bind's agony. I swing my throbbing head around, gaze locking onto Asuka – who's standing beside a breathtakingly gorgeous blonde with elf ears, wearing a scandalously revealing mage outfit.
My mind reels – Who the fuck is she speaking to?
I pick myself up from the grass, still dazed, and help Naoko up as well: "Who's the blonde?" Her gaze falls onto the elf and Asuka. "She's a total fucking knockout. I am getting heated just picturing..." Naoko's eyes rake over Claire, her hand brushing against mine in a provocative sense.
"Naoko, more pressing matters. Shall we see to introducing ourselves first?" I cut her off and proceed towards Asuka and the mystery woman.
Naokos face lights up an excited smile creeps onto her face: "An honest-to-god real-life elf, a princess at that.
I quickly cover Noakos mouth: "I can hear your lust..." My eyes pan down slightly: "And well see it, so how about we calm down okay?"
I remove my hand from her mouth and give her a slight side eye.
Naoko bites her lip, forming a seductively sweet smile her lust-filled gaze locks onto the elven princess: "Well then, shall we go?" Her smile doesn't fade and her gaze doesn't break as she strides towards the princess.
This is going to go swimmingly.
I let out a deep sigh and follow Naoko to Asuka's side.
Asuka smiles softly as we approach and puts one finger on her lips telling us to not say a word.
She turns to the princess a shit-eating grin overtaking the soft smile: "Claire, let me introduce you to my favorite toys..." Her head falls sideways: "From left to right Naoko and Freya. They've been properly broken in, isn't that right girls?" Asuka grins and then winks at the both of us.
The elven princess gives Naoko a once over and with a straight face she extends her hand: "Princess Claire Whitefield of the elven war community, it's an honor for you to meet me." Her tone is formal.
Naoko takes her hand and bows toward her she has a straight face for once but the hunger in her eyes is already undressing the princess: "The honor is all mine your Highness." As she rises, her expression shifts- hunger blazing across her features. She looks like a predator ready to pounce.
Claire, clearly unfased by Naoko's advance, her eyes burning with a intensity usually reserved for battle strategies as they roam over me – her voice barely above whisper. "Fascination doesn't begin to describe my interest, Freya... My royal discipline seems to be... unraveling in your presence." Claire is already undressing me with her eyes, her gaze leaving marks on my skin as she claws at my remaining clothing.
"Your Highness have the summons been informed of the situation, we have very little time left." A deep voice thunders from behind Claire.
Claire jumps a little and lets out an "eep" before clearing her throat and turning to the big muscled man carrying a shield and Warhammer: "I was getting around to that general." She looks back over at Asuka: "In your mind focus on the word Status."
The three of us focus on the word a screen pops up in front of us, and we look back at Claire patiently awaiting her next order.
Claire looks to the general and then to us: "You'll notice a line mentioning your class please read that to me, so that I may effectively place you in the upcoming battle."
I raise my hand: "Sorry your highness, upcoming battle?"
She turns towards me and with a smile winks: "Don't worry gorgeous, your master has already been informed." She leans onto my shoulder: "Now then sweetheart please tell me what your class is." Her head now resting slightly against mine.
I let out a slight sigh and proceed: "According to the status window I am a shadow assassin."
She looks towards Asuka and Naoko awaiting their responses. Her face is a bit more serious after what I had just said.
Asuka looks over at me and then back at Claire: "I am a Etheric Swordsman."
Naoko clears her throat: "I would be a Cladded Huntress."
Claire's posture stiffens up and she becomes more formal: "Now open your inventory the same way you had just opened the status window and equip the gear that should be in there."
Just when I had hoped to escape my fate the shackles of destiny drag me back...
I proceed to open the inventory and with just a thought I am equipped with the Shadow Assassins light armor. The armor doesn't grant much skin coverage, on my left leg, a sleek, thigh-high black boot with a towering stiletto heel, which is elegantly laced with a crimson ribbon that matches my mini skirt. The skirt, a scandalous whisper of black leather, barely grazing the top of my thighs, leaving them mostly exposed to the cool forest air. My right leg is adorned with an ankle-high boot of the same material, but with a slightly different design, giving me an asymmetrical look that is both playful and provocative. Above my skirt, is a bra-like black leather top, which is both revealing and structured, highlighting the natural beauty of my form. My arms are covered in elbow-high fingerless gloves, also made of black leather, which end in sharp points. The set bonus grants additional armor and stealth. On my waist, lay two masterfully crafted deep black carbon steel daggers, their blades gleaming with a mysterious allure. Each dagger boasts a sharp, curving edge that gracefully wraps around the blade, transitioning into a fuller of exquisite scrollwork design. The crimson red of the scroll pattern adds a stark contrast to the dark steel, as it ascends the blade in a harmonious dance, culminating at the crossguard. Here, the intricate pattern seamlessly morphs into an elegant spiral, which then envelops a blood-red gem set at the center, serving as the heart of each weapon. The simplicity of the plain crossguard acts as a canvas to showcase the opulence of the surrounding elements, allowing the crimson and black to take center stage. The hilt, adorned with black leather, offers a firm and comfortable grip, leading the eye to the crowning jewel of the piece: a crown-shaped ruby pommel that glows with a fiery intensity as if housing the essence of a dormant volcano. The combination of materials and craftsmanship suggests these are not mere weapons but artistic expressions of power and prestige. The Crimson Wraiths Dynasty set grants additional armor and stealth with a mana drain affect from the daggers, as well as a hidden effect for which I have yet to meet the requirements.
I look over at Asuka, who is usually breathtakingly gorgeous no matter what she wears, my eyes meet her captivating female figure, her raven hair a stark contrast against the deep purple locks that cascade down her back, reflecting the mysterious hue of the surrounding forest. Her piercing violet eyes, filled with determination and a hint of mischief, command the scene. She stands tall in ankle-high black leather heeled boots, which appear almost feline in their sleek design and give her an aura of both grace and power. On her upper thighs, a small piece of armor with intricate violet patterns gleams, a testament to her warrior spirit, while a matching black mini skirt clings to her form, revealing the toned muscles of her legs. The stark contrast between the skirt and the crop top, both in their minimalist design, highlights the tension between her feminine allure and the fierce strength she exudes. Her arms are adorned with elegant armaments that mirror the armor piece on her legs, creating a harmonious balance of protection and beauty.
I bite my lip, with the thoughts running through my head I am barely able to avert my gaze from her. If I didn't have any self-control ten men with crowbars wouldn't even be able to pry me off of her. Her beauty and elegance speak volumes of her heritage, the way she can stay calm and collected even in this situation, shows her true qualities as a leader. Thank the heavens that she was the one to receive me.
A few soldiers from the elf kingdom squeeze in front of her and my gaze is shifted towards Naoko. She stands tall in black leather thigh-high boots that hug her shapely legs. The black mini skirt, barely reaching her thighs, reveals just enough to intrigue, while the crop top, resembling a bra, showcases her ample curves and the strength of her feminine allure. A raven black cloak is draped over her shoulders, a symbol of ferocity she hides underneath her innocent smile. Her arms are protected by gloves that fade away at the fingertips.
These few pieces of cloth, that leave much to be desired, are still a lot better than the pieces of twine they called armor back home.
Claire clears her throat, her cheek blood red and her eyes glued to my chest. She swallows hard before stuttering. "Ughu, uhmm... Asuka will be on the... uhm... the... the... frontlines..." she is trying but to no avail. What I am wearing clearly has her flustered and unable to focus.
The general steps forward, towering over the lustful animal. "Asuka, is that right?" His eyes burning a hole into me.
Asuka pushes me back and steps in between me and the general. "No, that would be me. Now what seems to be your problem?" She folds her arms, her stance domineering and demanding.
The ferocity in the general's eyes does not die down. "You are the shadow assassin correct?" His lips curl in discontent as if what he had just said left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Asuka passes me a smile over her shoulder. "No, that would be, my cute little slut, Freya. I, am an Elemental Knight." She takes a step closer to him. "What seems to be your problem?"
I hear the leather of his gloves groaning as his grip tightens on his Warhammer. "I..."
The air suddenly becomes dense and breathing gets a little difficult. "General, know your place." Claire is glowing, her face twisted in anger. "While you have been on your vandetta the enemy has closed the distance." With her wand in hand, she starts lifting from the ground. "Ready your troops, and I'll see to mine. Now Asuka will please accompany the general to the frontlines, Naoko you'll be with me providing supportive fire from the backlines, be sure to keep Asuka safe, Frey if you have any spacial movement skills at your disposal I'd like for you to focus on taking out the enemies supportive fire. They might just be goblins but an army is still an army." With a snap of her fingers, Naoko begins floating too. "We will support you as best we can, don't die and don't you dare let them get their grubby little hands on you."
Naoko and Claire make their way more towards the back joining the other mages and archers, Asuka sword in hand makes her way towards the rest of the army, and from just scanning over them I see no other assassin types within the army. I am left standing alone as I hear the earthquake of goblins approach.
I close my eyes. "Right, this is just battle training, these are mere dummies. Sure the system has changed, but my body and experience stay the same." I open my eyes, draw my daggers, and run through my available skills. "I have a skill for binding and restraining, quick kills, faster movement, and... ah here we go. Shadow movement, a skill that allows me to melt into the shadows concealing my presence completely."
The goblin charge gets closer, I close my eyes and fall backward. "Shadow movement." With a single focused thought my presence melts into the shadows. The goblin frontline is clearly unaware as I'm passing through their shadows jumping my way to their backline.
I reach their archers and mages. "Cancel skill." I pop out of their shadows and on my way down plunge my dagger through the first mage's skull, the blade slides in as if it were a hot knife entering butter. "Shadow movement." Before my feet even touch the ground I am sucked back into the shadows. I jump from shadow to shadow popping out like a game of whack a mole and these goblins suck at it. "I'll have to retreat soon, the Shadow Movement skill and Critical Strike skills consume too much many to continuously use in tandem. Thanks to me having a dual class the experience required to level up is quite high, for now I'll have to wait for my mana to recharge naturally." I gracefully take a tactical retreat returning to Asukas side.
I pop out from the shadows behind Asuka. Her natural battle instincts which she had already fine tuned drive her sword towards my throat, her sword clashes with my daggers, forcing me to stumble before she pulls back and I am able to regain my footing. "For fuck sakes Freya, had you been even a moment too late you'd be dead right now." Her focus doesn't shift towards me, her fierce and fired up eyes stay on target as she gracefully guides her swords through the bodies of the goblins.
I follow suit, piercing those who get too close for comfort providing Asuka with more room to breathe. This is the same tactic we used in our world. "I do apologise for sneaking up on you lady Asuka, my mana is running low, so I opted for a retreat to recover some of it." My blades stay true, focusing on those who pose the biggest problem to Asuka.
Asuka lowers her sword and turns to face me, with Naoko providing supportive fire she is free to take a moment away from the battle at hand. "And why would you return to my side?" Her eyes are cold and intence.
I lower my head and speak as clearly as possible. "The world has changed but not my sworn loyalty."
Asuka turns her head back to the battle a soft smile vanishing from her lips. Her sword lights up and the sound of an electric current running through the air silences the choas heard from the battlefield. With a swift swing she unleashes a wave of lightning that cuts down the foward most goblins, leaving the beautiful grassfeild burnt and buzzing. "Now then shall we proceed?" She spins her sword in her hand before sheething it.
Asuka wraps her arm around my waist. "The general is a tank and there should only be higher ranked goblins left now, we can can leave what's left of the cannon fodder to the... well cannon fodder." Her words are cold but I know no matter how cold harted she might seem she'll never knowingly condem another to their death. With a focused thought I close my eyes and we dissappear into my shadow.
As we emerge from the shadows I hear the groans and agony from goblins taking their last breath. Although we had moved positions, almost instantly, Naoko was still able to predict where we'd be. She knows Asuka better than anyone and has been in countless mock battles alonside her. With her taking out the small and insignificant goblins we have a few moments to breathe.
The general is standing at the ready, he is waiting for the stronger goblins to make their move. "Asuka. Ah, and I see you've brought that damned wretched bitch with you. Fine then, this battle is drawing to it's conclusion anyway. I guess even trash has it's use." He slings his Warhammer over his shoulder. "Shall we make the first move then? Waiting here is getting tedious. We can use that whores skill and get in close, eliminating their War Chief, they might have the numbers but without their strategist their numbers advantage is useless."
Asuka draws her sword and stands hand in the hip. "Well then you heard the man, let's advance." She gives me a subtle smile, it's mischievous and sweet, signaling me to act.
With a thought I quickly check my mana reserves. "Lady Asuka, sorry to disappoint you but we'll have to wait a bit longer, I'm still running low on mana and my skill will require quite a bit for me to transport two people." I skim through my skill list as I'm speaking. "Or maybe not that long after all." Asuka tilts her head in curiosity, she acts almost feline like normally, but still gives me an approving nod.
I raise my arm. "Daemon binds." This skill binds my target and drains both their mana and life force, the return for the skill is quite low but with so many goblins the effectiveness of it is quite high. With my mana replenished I take up position behind the general and Asuka placing a hand on each of their shoulders.
Putwha, the general spits on the ground. "Working with a demonic bitch truly leaves a bad taste in my mouth."
Neither me nor Asuka pays him any mind. "Shadow movement." With a single thought we pop up infront of the goblins armies War Chief. Asuka immediately unleashes a flaming slash attack, I follow suite unleashing a barrage of Quick Dark Slashes, but pur attacks are to no avail with a single sword slash the War Chief nullifies both our attacks and catches the arrow Naoko had shot at him.
Asuka's face lights up as her feet hits the ground, her smile twisted and sinister. "I am going to enjoy breaking you aren't I, big boy?" Her eyes screaming bloody murder as she licks the blade of her sword. "Now come my darling show me what you can do in this new world!" Her sword lowers and she takes a step foward, the ground shattering on impact as she launches herself toward the War Chief leaving a trail of flames. She performs her signature faint upwards slash, tilting her sword slightly back as the War Chief tries to block, guiding the sword with her non dominant hand it makes contact with the chiefs club, just enough for him to believe that he is about to block her slash, her sword gracefully glides of off the club upwards before she switches to her dominant hand and brings her sword down again with more force. The War Chief is slightly faster than she is, before her blade makes contact he pushes her back.
Asukas feet catches ground and she skids to a halt. "Well then, let's test out this world skills shall we?" Her body starts glowing and violet hue of aura sets in around her. Her head tilts to me her eyes speaking the words she doesn't.
I draw my daggers and brief through my available skills as we charge in together. "I have enough mana to cast three consecutive skills, their effectiveness will be null and void but they should atleast provide Asuka some time to deliver the finishing blow." I jump in aiming to draw his club swing towards me. "Swift Steps." His club moves slower and is easier to dodge over. "Daemon Binds." The binds wrap around his club and arm. Though weak they should grant us a second to act. "Consecutive Dark Slahes." I aim my only ranged attack at the chiefs face, just as hoped he uses his armored off hand to block.
Asuka blitzes forward, almost as if appering from a flash of lightning, her sword at the ready, she swings upwards slashing the chief across the chest.
The chief retaliats by letting out a loud roar wich throws both me and Asuka back. Before my feet touch ground I feel a blunt pain run throughout my entire left side, like a ping pong ball in the wind I am flung sideways. My eyes barely able to stay open due to the pain. "You fucking cunt... I'll... get you... for this..." The only thing running through my veins are anger and the desperation to live. "Daemons Rift." A tearing sound is heard as I fade out of consciousness. "Daemon binds." Although these made the pain worse I am slowly brought to a halt, my heart is pounding and I can't keep my eyes open any longer. The binds lower me to the ground, the soft cold black sand giving way as my body is laid upon it.