Hmm this is a normal fish. Raishin you can clear out that whole stand! We don’t know for how long our food stays normal!

  I was doing it again, buying up anything I could get, as this world likes to go to shit, and I don’t tolerate food that’s not made out of matter as we know it.

  Is Isi abandoning us, or is she trying to fight it? Can she even do anything about this? I should find that place in the desert again and see if I can have another conversation with her… besides my friends, there’s nobody I can talk to about my problems. It’s quite frustrating. The diminishing leyline energy is also concerning.

  It had dropped to about 80% of what I was used to in just a few years, this didn't bode well.

  Uhh Agnis, is that also not from here?

  Raishin said as he pointed at a group of humans.

  Don’t be silly, those are humans.

  Nono! I mean inside that circle of humans! A guy is fighting with something strange.

  Raishin was correct. A man was fighting some sort of human-sized octopus with 21 arms. It had human-like hands on 4 of its tentacles and strange large ears like an elephant. The humans were doing this as some sort of event, as neither the human nor the wannabe octopus were serious.

  What the fuck is that?

  They seem to be having fun but… that is… was not a human, isn’t it?

  My eyes tell me it’s just an octopus… but its traits are quite disturbing, yeah…

  It seems that this is normal…

  Raishin was uncomfortable and so was I. This isn’t a slow invasion, right? We might be toast the moment these things get accepted by society.

  I confirmed that Raishin and I were made out of matter, like the rest of this dimension. At least that was a relief. I was starting to second-guess everything now, which wasn’t good.

  The market also had goods unrelated to seafood, and these also weren’t safe for my deep pockets. Food had been my number 1 expense for a long time but footing the bill for rebuilding Alledra had changed that.

  That was a bit over 2 years ago… time goes by so fast.

  Raishin was back to his normal self and attempting to chase skirts. I wondered what happened to his promise to behave until I introduce him to Noelle.

  Distraction set in as I overheard a man talking about an enormous salmon, so I closed in.

  Excuse me I’m interested in that rumor; can you tell me more?

  “Ooh, are you interested too? I haven’t seen it myself but my good friend did! He claims this salmon is over 10 meters long! And not only is it enormous and extremely fast, it seemingly needs a special way to catch it!”

  Ooh, that is insane!

  I got excited but then remembered about the corruption.

  Does it have any weird properties?

  “Hmm, besides its unusual size and speed, it seems to be impossible to catch as if it’s a ghost.”

  Hmm, do you mean it literally or metaphorically?

  “2 years ago, a group of skilled fishermen attempted to catch it but they said all their attacks and tools phased through it as if it was a ghost. It did create splashes and the water attacks it sent back did real damage so they were unsure about its nature as a ghost.” I thought about the scenario this fishmonger laid out. There are 2 possibilities, but either way, I need to check this out.

  Hey, is there a group going to catch it? And if so, can I join?

  The burly bald tanned fishmonger looked at me and stroked his moustache.

  “Well, there is something but since the waters it lives in are treacherous and it has a monster rating of SSS because it lives in the sea, it would be probably hard for you to get a spot. They are even planning on holding a special tournament to find strong people who are interested. If you do make it through, just know that people have died attempting to catch it, don’t waste your life young man, life is valuable. I would like to get some adventure and glory for myself but it’s not worth risking my life over. No offense but you landlubbers grossly underestimate the power of the sea.”

  I understand, the sea has been getting close to claiming my life multiple times so I do know what you’re getting at.

  “Ohh! So, you do have some experience?!”

  Yeah, I once had to keep a floating coffin safe from pirates and sea monsters, I would definitely prefer pirates to sea monsters any day of the week.

  “Ooh, impressive! In that case, you might be of great help! The fact that you’re alive means that you succeeded. I will be rooting for you, lad!”

  We kept talking about fish and experiences in the sea. He gave a more detailed explanation of what the fishing adventure would be like and the exact time, location, and reason for the tournament.

  Thank you very much!

  I waved and pulled Raishin in as I spotted an auction.

  Oh, a fish auction!

  They probably auction more than fish, but yeah, I will get you that lightning cod if you promise to behave.

  Raishin was so easy. All he needs is a woman, food or have him seem important to behave. I also responded well to food, but I never claimed to be complex.

  Hey I want to participate in this auction, where do I get those signs on sticks or whatever it’s called?

  A man pointed at a stand after raising his sign on a stick.

  Raishin walked over and slammed his hands on the stand. We need a stick! My lightning cod is in danger!

  “Oh, you want a bidding paddle, here you go. By accepting the bidding paddle, you agree to the terms and service…”

  Let’s go Agnis! They’re taking my lightning cod!

  Yes yes.

  I took a bidding paddle, ignored the man on the stand, and raised it to bid for the lightning cod.

  You’re paying for it, right?

  Huh? But you’re rich, right?

  You’re rich too or did you already blow all your gold?

  Of course not! I need at least 3 more months to blow through all of it hahaha!

  That’s not something to be proud of… I guess I’ll buy it as I have an income.

  Huh? You have? By doing nothing?

  I sold rubies.

  I don’t get it…

  Me neither…

  I raised my paddle again as someone was fiercely bidding against the lightning cod.

  Ugh how persistent! Bid harder!

  How? All we do is raising our paddles!

  Raise it higher!

  That’s not going to make a difference…

  Raishin looked at the lightning cod and pointed. That’s a normal lightning cod, right?

  I wouldn’t be bidding if it weren’t, don’t worry.

  What is a normal price for a lightning cod that big actually?

  No clue. I can do this all day but that doesn’t mean that I should.

  The bid was going up to 2 gold. It’s a large lightning cod, and it could feed us for a week. It didn’t sound as much, but Raishin and I eat a lot. I would go till 3 gold and then give up and try for the next item.

  My competitor must love fish as he was still going, and I had to let the cod go and Raishin was quite disappointed.

  “For our next item!!! A Bluemarble Tuna!” the auctioneer shouted as the next item got rolled in.

  Agnis! Agnis! Those things are super rare! I don’t care for the lightning cod anymore! Get that one!

  This tuna is ours!

  People went crazy, but it was just me and the fish lover who were raising paddles after the price had exceeded 3 gold.

  Give up, random person! I can do this all day!

  The tuna was in pristine condition and weighed over 100kg. This is a deep-sea treasure; I can’t let this slip!

  So persistent! Can that person just give up?!

  Yeah! This fish is ours!

  A loud stomp made the wooden floorboards groan.

  Uh oh…

  An earthquake?

  I hope so, but it could be worse.

  The bids continued, and another stomp went out.

  Ugh, what are they doing here?

  Just a bit more and you will win!

  And there it was. A gaze fell upon me and I had to push it back with my Elgards eyes… Did they set this trap?

  The bid ended up in my win as the tuna was ours for 7 gold and 30 silver.

  Yes! We won! Ha suck it losers!

  Raishin, can you collect to tuna? Here is the gold. Guard it with your life!

  Of course! Our food is our food and their food is also our food!

  Raishin went to collect the tuna after I gave him the paddle while I continued pushing back on this gaze.

  He returned and handed me the paddle. The humans were making a ruckus as Raishin was carrying the fish like it weighed next to nothing. We were disguised as humans, so it looked like an impressive feat of strength.

  The tuna was the highlight of the auction, and other fish or even items got auctioned off. I stopped bidding the moment a stomp went out. I was fearing for the floor.

  Raishin, we’re getting out of here the moment the auction finishes, you hear?

  Raishin wasn’t listening as he was waving the tuna around like a paranoid, thinking that everyone wanted to steal the tuna.

  I facepalmed and wished Greg was here.

  Not every bid could be won, as the stomp was intimidating, so I decided to cut my losses and flee.

  Raishin? Where the fuck is that guy?

  Raishin was holding on to the tuna, as an enormous swarm of seagulls tried to steal it.

  Oh, hell no!

  I went to help Raishin. I couldn’t use fire as it would affect the tuna. I sniped the seagulls with [Water Blasts]. But the seagulls started to resort to kidnapping as I got lifted off the ground.

  Hey back off assholes! I’m not a baby!

  First my tuna and now my friend?! So, you’ve declared war!

  Lightning started to gather around Raishin and his mana increased.

  Wait! The lightning might reduce the quality of the tuna!

  I had to yell as the seagulls had lifted me quite high. But that was their mistake. I was far from the tuna so I could torch them.

  You deserved this toasty demise.

  I floated toward the ground, but halfway I heard a stomp and I fell to the ground like a human would.

  Uh oh, I forgot about this.

  “So, it really is you guys! Hey Raishin, haven't seen you in a long time.” Noelle said as she approached Raishin.

  Whoa, who is this hot chick? And how do you know me, I can't complain though!

  That would be Noelle, your future girlfriend.

  “Hey Agnis, it has been a while.”

  I backed off as Giana looked a bit different, did she [Transform] herself into another version of herself?. More alluring and more… confident? Not sure how to place this feeling. At first, it seemed as if she was unsure if she could get my attention, but that was gone now…

  So, this here is Noelle.

  You already said that. So, this is your girlfriend. Hello Giana! I’m Raishin! Agnis needs a girlfriend, go get him! I will talk to this hottie!

  Noelle did the annoying thing again with her eyebrows and went to talk to Raishin.

  “N…nice to see that you’re d…doing well… Where is Greg?” a timid looking woman with rabbit ears and blue silver hair said.

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  Uhm, he went to investigate a possible trap, you guys didn’t set this trap, did you?

  Yvonne cocked her head. “T…trap? I don’t know… do you mind if I find Greg?”

  She said that, but she hopped off, leaving me alone with Giana.

  You look… different.

  Giana smiled, and I responded by using [Blood and Thunder]. “I feel different. How have you been?”

  Quite well. Hmm actually quite shit…

  “No need to be wary, I won’t attack you like Hisui.”

  Oh right! Are you alright?! She said she would go after you! Wait... of course, you’re alright…

  “I feel wonderful!” Giana said in a melodic tone as she spit around. “She won’t be stalking you anymore.”

  Wait really? Thanks! How did you do that?

  Giana closed in, and her fragrance made me dizzy. Where the fuck is Zen Agnis?!

  “I placed a spell on you!”

  My heart skipped a beat as she made a cute gesture. I need to remember that she is an idol and a vixen. She knows exactly what to do to capture people's hearts and attention.

  So can you tone down the charm magic… wait… you’re not using charm magic…

  I backed off, I’m in danger!

  “I have learned a lot in the past months.”

  I see… you’ve grown. That’s good to hear.

  What do I do in this situation? And why am I so awkward? Luckily Raishin helped me out as he got sent flying.

  Ouch! That hurt!

  I’m glad that you gave me an out, but I will kick your ass if you mess this up, what did you do this time?

  Raishin pointed at Noelle.

  She’s suspicious! Never has a chick been into me, it must be a trap! We’re under attack!

  She just really likes you, how is it possible to mess this up?!

  It makes no sense! My intuition is confused!

  “Agnis, can you tell Raishin that this isn’t a trick?” Noelle asked after stomping over and crossing her arms.

  Whoever made these wooden floorboards needs a raise, as I had no idea how they kept their integrity with all Noelle’s stomping.

  Raishin, listen well. This is your future girlfriend. She is genuinely interested in you.

  Lies!

  I looked at Noelle and sighed.

  I tried…

  Noelle sighed. “I know… this is my responsibility, go bond with Giana. Come here mister! We need to talk!” Noelle Grabbed Raishin and dragged him away.

  Agnis help!

  “Which reminds me, I also need to have a talk with you!”

  Raishin help!

  2 tails wrapped around me and I got kidnapped. I suppose this is the day I die.

  The Talk

  Giana released me and made some illusions so that we could be alone. It needed a lot of work. But that’s fine, vixens aren’t supposed to be great at illusions, that’s the specialty of the men.

  I reinforced her illusions, wondering if I should have escaped instead.

  “Thank you. I…I have to ask, you’re not afraid of me, are you?”

  What a strange question. But I could understand why she asked it. I act very carefully around vixens, and this could give the impression that I’m afraid of them. I am afraid however of what they will do to me if the wrong vixen catches me, but I didn’t think Giana was the wrong vixen.

  I’m not afraid as I could run, and you would never catch me, but I understand why you might think that. It's just… I’ve learned to be extremely careful around vixens.

  “And correct you are! I can’t believe those Mikazuki’s!” Giana said, clearly upset.

  What is this about? Is it possible that I’m not in trouble?

  Giana got closer. “I can come closer, right?”

  How awkward. I guess you’re not feeling that dissimilar to me, go ahead.

  We were sitting on a bench and had an awkward distance between us. I just realized that Giana’s instinct might have led to the beginning of the meeting but has gone on a holiday now, so she must improvise. She is an idol so she might have an advantage over me, but this is new for both of us I assume.

  “Well… Hisui and her family didn’t protect you and that’s why I’m upset… they see ‘finding a mate’ as some sort of game…”

  Wait? It’s not? I thought all vixens saw it like a cat-and-mouse game!

  Giana looked down. “Well vixens love toxic traits and chasing you is included in that, but it’s still not a game. I would have stepped away if they had [Charmed Protection] on you, but they didn’t… and that made me upset. It also made me take being a vixen seriously, so I guess it has a silver lining…”

  Giana was talking Hourai… wait, when did we shift to speaking Hourai? But… she was speaking Hourai, but I had no clue what she was saying.

  Uhm, I don’t understand.

  Giana grabbed my hand and looked me in the eyes. “Without [Charmed Protection] it’s easy for you to get one shot by charm magic!”

  Many scenarios played off through my head. All my encounters with brainwash… charm magic.

  Wait… so there is a counter to that?

  Giana nodded.

  No wonder you’re upset! I’m upset too!

  “I…I want to apologize as I had cast it on you without telling you… it was to your benefit, but it was still wrong.”

  I firmly gripped her shaking hands.

  Nono! Thank you! You saved me against Hisui and ehh, hmm also against something else. I might have been in deep trouble, thank you, Giana. So, what happens if someone tries to charm me with that, then?

  “I will find out and give them a scare with my Elgards eyes!”

  Ooh how reliable! So that’s why Hisui went after you.

  “Yes, I won that exchange, so now you’re mine! But… I need to know. Do you hate me? You act cold and evasive around me… I will back off if you’re not interested…”

  So, this is the ‘talk’ eh? Difficult topics one after the other.

  I looked up, closed my eyes and thought for a bit.

  I should tell her, as I can trust her. She would rather die than send me out alone to deal with stalkers. Everything suggests that she wants the best for me. I guess I should give a serious answer.

  “Ohh you’re getting serious.”

  I opened my eyes to find her eyes glowing pink purple.

  To be honest and direct. I am extremely attracted to you. The reason why I act like this is that I don’t know what I can give you in return, as I’m not well in tune with my emotions nor am I good with people. It has worked quite well until now. So… you can continue what you vixens do best and… thank you for protecting me…

  Tears dropped from Giana’s eyes, she pounced on me and embraced me.

  If Hisui was a tactical nuke in trying to win my affection, Giana was a slow-acting poison. I could evade a nuke with a lot of effort. Evading poison was impossible after it landed. But I didn’t necessarily mind.

  She smells good and is soft. It was hard to stay serious as my heart was beating like crazy and then I got hit with [Empathic Bond].

  Oh shit! Cunning vixen!

  “You’re hurt again, and you still have [Charmed] on you, let me remove that from you. Could you get your tails out?”

  I was hesitant, how would she react to my injured tails? Then again, it’s either her or Healerguy, but I like my odds more with Giana.

  I got my tails out and Giana started to heal me and dispel the stacks of [Charmed].

  “Do you mind if we stay like this for a while?”

  I have no reason to complain.

  “Good! Then we can have the ‘talk’!”

  Huh what? I thought we just had it! I feel deceived!

  “We’re the same race, remember; this is to be expected!”

  And this is where I started to get terrified. I thought that I was in the clear. I might not be in the clear and escaping is impossible in this embrace. She must have planned this…

  An effective demonstration of why vixens are dangerous.

  “So, why did you leave our concert before it was finished? You seemed to enjoy it.”

  Deception and evasion were impossible. Only the truth would work, but it would set off a cascade of questions.

  I needed to go to the toilet.

  I got blasted with charm magic, as it was likely she found out that it was deception.

  Ok ok! Sorry I lied! I went to the elven village to meet up with Raishin, Greg and Elliana. They had an encounter with a demon.

  “A demon? You didn’t fight it, did you? Your tail was injured by divine energy, tell me about that.”

  I was happy that there were no follow-up questions, but it also confused me.

  Well, I may or may not have torched half a country, and those are wounds from then.

  Giana tightened the embrace. “Any other injuries?”

  Healerguy fixed that one.

  “Healerguy? Oh Rubert, he told me about that yes, anything else you’re hiding under illusions?”

  Nope.

  “What do you need [Phoenix Rebirth] for?”

  Huh? How do you… that genie… wait you cleared the Nightmare dungeon?

  Giana let go and looked absolutely stunning. “Yes! It was… brutal, but I learned a lot about you, myself and the world!”

  So, it made you from just overpowered to the most overpowered being in existence?

  “Huh? What do you mean?”

  I tried to find out how to simplify this, but I couldn’t find anything. It was my opinion, but as I could see it; only Giana herself can decide when she dies.

  Only her and gods have that luxury. I might be strong, but I could get overwhelmed and killed, and that counted for almost anything. But Giana would not die unless she uses [Grand Sacrifice], which makes her unkillable otherwise.

  I will one day find a way to better explain it. So, my illusion lost, eh? I guess that’s not surprising as he fought against you, let me guess, you finished him off with charm magic.

  Giana nodded. “You still didn’t answer my question…”

  Crap… I need it for… insurance!

  “Hmm, no deception.” Giana got off me, but her face was red and we went back to being awkward.

  “I had much more to say, but it all melted away…”

  Does that mean I’m safe?

  “Oh no! you’re stuck with me now! We’ve officially joined team Hourai!” Giana said proudly while showing off her adventurer’s ID. All that was missing was an adventurers name, but it did say that she was part of team Hourai.

  Wait… did Daddy’s girl do this?

  Giana cocked her head. “Who? Tell me!”

  She held out her hands and 2 tails while oozing pink energy.

  Ugh so much charm, this should be illegal.

  I used Ourasyn to convey who Daddy’s girl is.

  “Ohh, but her existence is of no consequence.”

  I almost forgot that vixens can be as brutal as I am.

  “So, I will be your healer from now on! I only have one requirement from you specifically!” She said as she pointed at me. “I won’t tell you to not be reckless, all I want is that you bring me with you when you do!”

  Only if you accept my condition!

  “Ooh tell me!”

  Accept that if it gets you into trouble, that I have no issues in nuking a country or 2 to free you.

  “Deal!”

  I wanted to give her a handshake, but she dove into my tails. I wanted to protest but there was no reason to.

  Hey Giana, I don’t know much about vixens, do you see our tails as we see your ehmm ass and chest?

  “Oh yes! You can touch mine whenever you want!”

  I don’t think that’s a good idea… I might turn into Raishin if I don’t exercise self-control. And I don’t want to end up getting punched and smacked left and right.

  I leaned backward into the bench.

  So, I was right, vixens see my tails as I see their ass and chest. How well do they rank though? My tails are my pride but if their luster sends every vixen after me, then I have a big problem. Maybe having a vixen by my side isn’t a bad thing.

  So…

  “10/10!”

  Whud? Mind reading again?

  “What?”

  So, uhh how would you rank my tails?

  Giana thought for a bit and got up. She grabbed my hand and put it on her chest.

  “Something like this” She said while smiling. It seems that vixens like to do this.

  She let go of my hand and I reluctantly removed it. “Does that say enough?”

  So possibly every vixen on the planet would lust for me the moment they see my tails?

  “Not exactly, you should be fine as long as they don’t find out how soft they are!” She dove back in my tails.

  More problems. Great.

  “Don’t worry, my [Charmed Protection] also deals with that, mostly. I’m sorry, but you’re mine now!”

  I see... Hisui was right, vixens lead a different life indeed…

  “At least it’s not as bad as yours…” Giana gave me a complicated look.

  Me specifically, or the men of our race?

  “Both… that’s why I want you to take you with me when you do something reckless. This is from me who is romantically interested in you, as a vixen and a tailed beast.”

  We…endure a lot of bullshit. Are you sure you’re up for this?

  “Noelle, Yv, and I had made up our minds years ago. It doesn’t sit us well that we sit by safely while you 3 are risking your life regularly.”

  I sighed as some of my plans would need to be adjusted. While I hoped that they wouldn’t go for this, this is good for us as the team dynamic changes when a healer enters the group.

  I rubbed my hand, ready to hatch more plans.

  “Don’t make the recklessness ridiculous though, I’m a vixen, not a goddess…”

  Oh… I will do my best then.

  “I have a request…” Giana turned red and covered her face. What could possibly embarrass her so much that she becomes red before asking.

  Let me hear it.

  “Can you brush my tails?”

  I felt embarrassment creep up to me and tried to push it away. Don’t mess up Agnis!

  Sure.

  ?