(Unedited)
The next morning, I awoke hugging my new waifu on the ground. I had originally planned on taking more time to get to know Treyni and develop our relationship, but then there was the whole imprinting situation last night.
It was all a bit confusing, but because it mainly affected Treyni, I ultimately left the decision to her. She seemed just as surprised and confused as I was, but she was also quite eager to accept it, even knowing the effects of allowing it to happen.
I suppose Treyni had mentioned she and her sister were a bit unique in that they were both looking for their soul mates rather than joining the forest orgies. I'm not sure if this was what she had in mind, but I'm going to have to spend some time getting to know my huggable waifu and learn about this new bond we share.
Even now, there's a pure sense of satisfaction I can feel from holding her close to me and being embraced by her. It's not only wholesome but it also makes me feel whole having her next to me.
It's not just the bond either, though. Up until the moment The bond completed, the greedy and possessive desires continued trying to overwhelm me, but when our bond was complete, the feeling subsided and I could feel my strength increasing. Checking it now, I was quite shocked.
/-------------------------------------\
Status
Name: Orion Anvindr (Sol Hunter)
Race: Slime Lord Variant(2nd Evolution)
Age: Ageless
Titles: Reincarnator, Otherworlder, MOB, Soul Eater
Job-Class:, [Magician: Lv.32], [Light-Swordsman: Lv.57], [Druid: Lv.10], [Craftsman: Lv.1]
Lv. 1/100
Parameters:
STR: E[440] (5440)
END: E[453] (5453)
DEX: F[324] (5324)
AGI: E[419] (5419)
MAG: F[376] (5376)
SPR: A[871] (1870)
Blessings: Blessings of the Storm Dragon, Blessings of the God of Origin and Demise
Unique Skills: [Solomon's Pride: EX], [Celestial Devourer: EX], [Origin and Demise: SSS]
Skills: [Absorption], [Dissolve], [Self-Regeneration], [Physical Resistance: B], [Magic Resistance], [Water Manipulation], [Magic Perception], [Sense Heat Source], [Poisonous Breath], [Paralysis Breath], [Sticky Thread], [Steel Thread], [Drain], [Ultrasonic Waves], [Echo Location], [Body Armor], [Spiritual Perception], [Flash Step], [Kido], [Goblin-Language], [Kobold-Language], [Pyrokinesis], [Venom], [Thermal Vision], [Poison Resistance], [Libido], [Viritlity], [Appraisal], [Human-Language], [Common Written Language], [Mental Map], [Blut], [Descorrer], [Cero], [Bala], [Hierro]
Magic: [Sagitta Magica], [Cleanse]
Special Notes:
A Slime Lord is a new variant-species with exceptionally powerful parameters and leadership capabilities. Slime Lords have a humanoid form that allows them to communicate with other intelligent species. The variant status comes as a result of receiving the storm dragons blessing and the blessings of the God of Origin and Demise. The power of origin gives you an affinity with all magic while Demise is a unique class of powerful magic focused solely on destruction.
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All of my parameters have increased by 300 points! Was this really a result of satiating that strange desire? Is it related to Lilith or perhaps my unique ability? I'll need to pay attention to this in the future.
Recalling Lilith, I had promised to visit her everyday, and although there isn't really an actual day-night cycle in my inner world, breakfast is Lilith's favorite time of the day.
I wiggled my way out of Treyni's embrace, but seeing the slight frown on her face, I kissed her forehead before sitting down with my sword to meditate. I quickly awoke in my inner world in the same place I had slept.
As soon as I appeared, though, a little floof dive bombed me yelling, "Papa!"
I smiled as I started tickling Lilith until her small smile broke into a quiet laughter. Despite her restrained laughing, Lilith's fair cheeks were rosey and a happy smile adorned her face that I never tired of.
I picked up my little girl who was still catching her breath and carried her to the dining table where we usually ate breakfast.
Waiting there was Áine eating a bowl of cereal while looking out the windows. She was eating it without milk, just tossing the bits into the air before catching them in her mouth.
Her feet kicked up on the table and the fact that she was ignoring Lilith and I meant there was something bothering her, but first, it was time for breakfast. I poured some fresh squeezed orange juice for myself and Lilith before I started making breakfast. For today, we'd be having some maple and brown sugar oatmeal, a quick and delicious breakfast to start the day.
After making the food, I put some in a bowl for each of us, including Áine who scowled slightly, but still accepted it. Lilith, though, sat on my lap and made me take turns feeding her a bite before she turned and fed me a bite with a slight grin that showed me how happy she was.
After breakfast, I sat on the couch with Lilith in my lap as we watched cartoons. It seemed she was unwilling to leave her throne after my brief absence. Áine on the other hand went outside to work on her swordsmanship. It was something she did on her own when ever she was frustrated over something but not particularly angry.
It was usually better to just let her vent in these situations, so I waited inside with Lilith, watching cartoons and waiting for Áine to return.
About an hour later, Áine cam back in still frowning slightly as sweat soaked her brow and her thin clothing. She slumped down on the couch next to me and whispered so as not to wake the napping girl in my lap.
"Why did you go and get married without talking to us? To me?"
I had a feeling this was what was bothering her, so I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her closer to me and Lilith.
"You are my beloved little sister and lover. No matter what happens with anyone else, even your mother, that will never change.
In fact, the first thing that went through my mind after understanding the effects of imprinting were how it might affect you, Lilith and myself, but considering our strong bond, I knew we would all be able to get past it." I said, kissing her forehead.
Áine sighed as she nuzzled into my chest and held Lilith's hand. "I—we were both afraid last night… That with your new relationship, it might affect how you feel about us… Lil-chan hugged me all night in place of you. It was our first night apart since we met too, you know?"
The more I heard her speak, the tighter I embraced her. Both girls were dog-piled on me, but I just continued holding them close and listening.
When Áine fell silent and her breathing lulled, I kissed both her and Lilith's foreheads and murmured. "You are both my family, and I love you both. We are still learning about one another and our feelings have a lot of room to grow, but I can say with out a doubt, I wouldn't trade the time I spent with you two for anything in the world. Regardless of my relationships with others, you two will always be first to have become my family in this world. I'm sure my parents wherever they are would be proud to see that I have such an adorable little sister and daughter, though, they might beat me to death for laying my hand on my sister…"
A small giggle broke from Áine's mouth and a cheery smile replaced her pouting as she nuzzled into my chest. "Hmph, you really are a terrible big brother, but you're the only on I have. The only one I love, Orion."
Saying that she lifted her head and kissed my cheek before returning to her place in my embrace and settled in for a nap with Lilith.
In the afternoon, both Lilith and Áine awoke to see me off so that I could start the day in the real world.
Áine gave me a short passionate kiss and whispered in my ear, "Make sure to come visit me at night. You're not the only one with needs, you know?" She smile mischievously.
Next up was Lilith who raised her arms for me to lift her up. "Papa, kiss?"
I lifted the small girl up and spun her around before plastering kisses over both her checks. Her pointy ears were slightly flushed, but she still kissed both my cheeks as well as a pack on the lips. She stared at me seriously while murmuring, "Lilith won't lose!"
I smiled gently while rubbing her head. "What was that for, Lil-chan?"
She flustered slightly before turning to look at me. "I… love papa too. Come back soon!" She said before running over to Áine.
"Alright. Papa loves the both of you. It's time for me to go, though. I'll see you both tonight." I said waving goodbye with a smile.
Slowly, my form dissipated while watching my girls until I woke up in the real world. Despite spending half a day in my inner world, scarcely a moment had passed here.
Treyni and Mia was still resting and the sun had yet to rise, but I heard the warm crackling of fire outside our tent.
When I exited, I could see the lone figure of the ogre prince. "A hard time sleeping?" I asked sitting across from him?
"What did you do to them?" He asked glaring at me slightly.
I was sure he was referring towards the ogre girls, but aside from the massage, I don't think anything else really happened.
I recalled the purple-haired ogre's pseudo-confession/proposal, but I don't think that would rile him up so. "Hmm? Could you elaborate, please?"
He frowned, but seeing I was genuinely confused, he continued, "Last night three of my companions asked me to consider joining you. My sister's guard is an airhead and not particularly surprising, but both my sister and our smith also suggested staying and learning more about you too. Does that ring any bells for you?"
"That is…" What in the world is going on? Even if I left a good imprssion on the princess and her guard, why would the old guy want to stick around too??? "Uh, your sisters guard sort of proposed to me yesterday, and the princess and The girls seem to get a long well too, but I'm not sure about your smith. Maybe he was attracted to my dashing good looks?" I asked with uncertainty.
"Ptui! As if! I much more handsome then you anyways, the red-haired ogre exclaimed.
"Ah, I see… you are one of those types. Don't worry, he is all yours. I support you!" I said with a thumbs up.
"Huh? Wait, no! That isn't what I meant!"
While he was loudly causing a commotion, the princess and her guard exited their tent. They were both looking refreshed, though, a bit confused over the redhead's flustered appearance.
They walked over curiously and sat to the side between us, but I simply explained that we were having a man-to-man talk between us.
While the prince unsuccessfully tried to explain his sexual preferences, the princess put on a disgusted look. Not because she had a problem if he liked men, but because she really didn't want to know most of the things her brother was sputtering.
Oddly enough, the ogre smith had a pale countenance and the stealthy one appeared to be blushing?
Anyways, with all this commotion, everyone soon joined us around the remains of the fire. Treyni siddled up to my side and linked arms with me, while Mia gave us a suspicious glare.
The purple-haired guard caught that too, so she sat a bit closer to my other side and greeted both Treyni and Mia, "Good Morning!" it was clear that she understood that in order to get closer to me, she would need Treyni's permission to get closer.
Naturally I greeted my girls as well as the ogres, though it was a bit awkward since they didn't have names. It really was such an inconvenient element of this world.
"Well, we will be returning to the village for the morning training and to heck in on the developments in the surroundings. Perhaps you would like to join us and see what we have to offer?
I'm confident that we have the strength your seeking, if you are willing to work for it." I offered. I hadn't expected to win over half their group already, so I decided to strike while the iron was hot.
"We have sword techniques, hand-to-hand combat techniques, movement techniques as well as magical techniques that all of our members learn. They may not be the most profound techniques in this world, but they are a few steps beyond the common rabble you can find."
This time the elder ogre stepped forward, "Lord Orion, I suppose these techniques we're provided by yourself " he asked, and seeing me nod he continued, "Then what stops us from taking them from you now or coming back with more powerful forces willing to split the loot?"
I smiled a smile that wasn't quite smiling and was filled with an ominous force. "Doing so here would result in your deaths, and by time you returned and located my forces, they would have developed into a veritable catastrophe in of themselves laying waste to whatever back up you bring. I would be forced to do some very unpleasant things to you as an example of what happens to those who betray my trust, and I would really prefer not to do that…"
Hearing that, the ogres all took a step backwards and gulped. The only exception was the air-headed ogre who was still nuzzling my arm after earning Treyni's silent approval.
"Ha-haha, of course, we would never do such an honorless act, right, Nii-sama?" the princess tried to sweep the question away while scowling at her own traiterous guard.
The prince furrowed his brows with his hand still on his sword, but he also shook his head. "We of the ogre tribe would not stoop so low as to bite the hand of those who feed and care for us. I would like to formally befriend you and your people, Orion, would you mind that?" He asked, holding out his hand.
"Hmm. That sounds good to me. Even if we must split ways in the future, you can never have too many friends." I said shaking his outreached hand.
"By the way, you mentioned she had confessed to you yesterday, but aren't you way too close to one another?" He asked confusedly, half directed at me, the other towards the purple haired ogress.
"Ah that's right you can't ste— I mean, stay hanging on Lord Orion all day. You will bother him!" Shouted the princess.
Was she about to say steal something? I looked inquisitively toward the princess. Similarly, the brother was looking between the three of us with confusion. He would certainly qualify as a hot-headed, dense male protagonist, but I guess I'm not in a position to say anything either.
The purple-haired ogress simply smiled towards her charge. "Oh, is that so princess? But, he didn't seem to have a problem when he had his hands all over us last night, and you know just how pleasant that was, don't you?"
Both prince and princess turned red, though, for completely different reasons. The princess flushed from embarrassment, while the hot-headed prince turned red in anger as he drew his sword.
"Demon! You dare lay your filthy paws on my sister despite already having two beautiful and capable women by your side?" He bellowed.
I sighed while flicking the clingy ogress's forehead. "Did you really need to provoke them further?" I asked slightly exasperated.
She smiled, "This is the best way to keep my family together." She winced while holding her forehead.
(Oh, this might actually work, Orion.) messaged Treyni?
(Hmm?)
(Think about it, if a scandalous relationship between you and the princess was exposed, they would be forced to have you take responsibility for your actions since they can't afford to fight against you.) Mia concluded.
(Oh that is a surprisingly trick for this air headed ogress. I hadn't expected her to come up with something like that…)
"Hey, why do I get the sense your thinking something rude, Orion?" Asked the purple haired ogre.
I smiled and pecked her forehead before turning towards the smoldering prince and stepping forward. "Let's not fight now, I was just massaging the girls to help them relax, right, princess?"
I looked toward her and she nodded, stepping between her brother and I. "It's true, Onii-sama! Lord Orion was only comforting me last night and helping to relax my body. N-nothing p-p-peberted happened at all!" She spoke blushingly and biting her tongue at the end.
Her guard chuckled shaking her head with a wry smile. I shared the same look as, despite being there myself, even I didn't believe the princess looking like that.
The prince was about to step forward to attack, but the elder ogre put a firm hand on his shoulder to stop him. The prince looked towards the elder, only to see him shaking his head. "Your highness, it's better not to interfere in these situations, else you will be hated," said the elder.
The prince looked towards the princess who was standing between us with her still blushing cheeks pumped up in an adorable pout. The prince looked between her and I several times before he sighed and turned to me. "Please treat my sister well…"
Startled, I laughed and scratched my cheek. "Oh? Uh, sure. I certainly will, but is this all really okay?" I asked unsure. Lately, it felt like women were just pouring into my lap.
The elder ogre laughed, "Hohohohoh, it's good to be young. This is great timing considering what we have discovered about our liege's proclivities. I'm sure Lord Orion will make an excellent leader for our people, and that he will produce strong offspring to continue the ogre royalty's bloodline!"
The prince once again became flustered, trying to explain himself, but his shadow like companion merely stepped forward and shook his head while placing his hand on the princes shoulder. He simply said, "I understand your pain, and I will always be by behind you…"
A shiver went up my spine seeing those two, so I quickly changed the subject. "Uh, well, if you guys are ready to go, lets return to the village and check in, I can introduce you at the same time."
Earlier, when everyone was discussing the prince's sexual preferences, the middle aged smith snuck away to pack up their tents.
Seeing everyone meerily discussing things amongst themselves, we made our way back to the goblin village. Along the way, both the princess and Mia became fast friends due to their similar statures while Treyni and the princess's guard occupied my left and right side respectively.
Further back the other ogres covered the rear-guard while the stealthy one scouted ahead. I wanted to tell him it was unnecessary, but I didn't think it was necessary to ruin his fun or share my secrets.
Along the way, I explained to them about my short term goals in the forest and how they might fit into them. At the same time I was also talking to Saul.
'Hey, Saul! I know I'm not allowed to know too much about the people of this world, but is it too much for me to be able to know their true names? That shouldn't affect their free will, right?'
『…』
『The system has determined that revealing the true names of individuals will have minimum affect on their free will and has unlocked this information with the [Akashic Records] sub ability. Be warned, though, revealing their true names will automatically make this their name. You will be unable to name them yourself.』
'Ah? That's pretty strict… I guess we should make that a toggle feature that is turned off by default.'
『As you wish, Orion. If you would like to reveal their true name, simply analyze the person and focus on the question marks next to their name. This will reveal their true name and begin the naming process.』
'Got it, thanks, Saul!'
『Of course, Orion.』
On the outside I had just finished explaining the general organization of my future forces. Both Mia and Kishin were currently set to be the heads of their own units. The girls were surprised that Mia was actually set to be the leader of a ranged combat squad rather than a magic squad since that is what she used to defeat the prince.
On the other hand, the prince was more excited to hear about the heavy infantry leader Kishin. While currently, everyone was hunting in small parties to up their levels and get used to their techniques, I had some of the more burly hobgoblins join Kishin in the heavy infantry during our mock battles.
I also explained how we had our home forces that were focused on our troops well-being, though it was currently limited to himself, Treyni, and a few goblinas.
By time I broke everything down, we had arrived at the village, but things were quite a bit more bustling than I remember leaving them the day before.
There was about a dozen extra goblins settled outside the cave while Gobu-Ji and Kishin stood at the front discussing something with them.
As we approached the goblin strangers seemed to sense something and immediately they began panicking. The innate aura that monsters use to identify each other was apparently much denser for more powerful monsters, and the fact that I brought several B-rank monsters back with us didn't make this any easier on them.
Although it was only our normal, unrestrained auras that we used to keep monsters from constantly attacking us, it was more than enough to make the unfamiliar goblins tremble in fear, though they admirably stood their ground and held their weapons with shaking hands.
Noticing the trouble we were causing, I subdued my aura to the minimum and the others followed suit.
I ignored the trembling goblins for a moment and met up with Gobu-Ji who was moving towards me with a smile. "Lord Orion, it is good to see you this morning. I see you have brought some guests. Welcome!"
The ogres all nodded and introduced themselves. The goblins were particularly drawn to the two beautiful ogresses who introduced themselves as my subordinates though they seemed dismayed when they noticed how closely they clung to me.
The unfamiliar goblins looked at me like a god, but I was more concerned with why they were here. "So, Gobu-Ji, who are these people, and what are they doing here?" I hadn't spoke menacingly or provocatively, but the foreign goblins all froze up none the less.
Gobu-Ji gave one last appreciative nod towards the ogresses before replying to me. "Ah yes, about that, Lord Orion. You see, these fellows are from a tribe we contacted yesterday about joining your forces. They were eager to join as they have repeatedly suffered attacks from direwolves, but they sought us out to seek help in moving to our current base due to the constant attacks."
"I see…" it would certainly prove troublesome if our people were prevented from joining us due to outside intervention. In the first place, I'm more of a cat person than a dog person, so I don't mind putting down these wolves of they can't become useful, loyal, doggies.
"Hmm, I see. Where is your village and when do the attacks happen?" I asked trying to form a plan.
A single, hearty goblin stepped forward to answer despite his shaking voice. "Y-yes, m-my lord! We live about a kilometer northeast of here. We regularly traded with the previous generation here, but unfortunately, it seems like they are all out for their biannual trek into the outer edge of the forrest…
The dire wolves attack in the late evening usually. Many of our warriors our currently wounded, bringing this many to seek help was a risk, so we implore your mercy, Lord. If you save us, we shall loyally follow you!" He bowed as he finished his plea.
It seems like this is a fairly tight knit group of goblins. That, or he has family and friends he particularly cares for. Either way, this is a good opportunity for us.
"How is the population of your village?" I asked.
"We number about 80, but only half are warriors and only twenty of us are currently in fighting condition, sir."
"Oh, that's quite a bit larger than this village…"
"Err, that is because we leave in a secluded clearing away from human exploration and we don't send out pilaging parties to kidnap women and amd men for reproduction. Because of this, we have avoided the wrath of humans and grown larger than average villages. I promise, we cause any trouble though!"
"Alright, Kishin, Eve, Jesus, and the ogres will join me in returning these guys to their village and either subduing or defeating the rowdy dire wolves. Everyone else, stay on alert and continue practicing at the tribe today. If the older generation returns, don't let them do anything until I return, understood?"
"""Yes, Lord Orion!"""
I turned to Treyni who seemed upset that I didn't include her, but I had another important job for her. "Treyni, I need you to stay here and defend our home as well as keeping the returning generation in line if they arrive here. It's important that the humans remain unharmed. They're an important part of my future plans."
She looked at me longingly for a moment before sighing. "Go, I will protect our home, but I'm expecting a reward tonight! I'll make a delicious meal for when you return."
I smiled and kissed her making her smile bloom like a flower. I'll be back soon, don't worry!"
"Take care, Orion!" She said with a hug before stepping back.
"Alright, lets roll out!"