I look over the fields. The rabbits hop around. It was the first thing I drained fully of blood. It's been a nostalgia tour ever since I got to Yetna. One with quite a bit of pain. I look to the others before I grab a barrel.

  “Well get to it, my Knight. You said you were my instrument of violence.”

  He frowned at me, “I don't recall phrasing it like that, besides you were worried about me being cruel.”

  I give a toothy grin, “Which you volunteered to be, besides it’s the [Guild Master] who demands the cute and fluffy be culled.”

  “Are the rabbits too much for you, Sir Knight.” Thane asks.

  “I'm just not sure why I am killing them all by myself.”

  “Can't level without slaying, don't worry I'll help remove the corpses.” More levels, more soul for me.

  He frowns more but trundles to the first pack. I should think about making him some equipment. At least a new sword and shield. Then again, I should see if Glindinal wants anything. Certainly make sure she is well protected.

  Gregory kills one. I grab it and bring it to the barrel. I pull the blood out and then place it on the cart. Mags comes over and cuts her hand, depositing a bit of her own blood. I frown

  “Don't plan on having any yourself?”

  “I can still get by with regular food. You should start your necklace again.”

  I nod and the irritation becomes a full on murder necklace if left unchecked. My thirst grows again. The rabbits look more appetizing, even if they are a rather meager offering. I will need to wait till the barrel is full before I partake.

  “You seem more comfortable around Elves.” Thane walks over.

  I look at him and smile as I go to retrieve another rabbit, “I have it on good authority that they no longer are compelled to hunt hybrids.”

  “Truly? So then, are you planning on bedding the current one of our party?”

  I dropped the current rabbit. I quickly pick it up and look at the man with a wry grin. “Are you getting back at me for interrogating you over dating my mom?”

  “I have no idea what you're talking about.”

  I squint my eyes at the man while Mags laughs. “You know the blood soaking into the ground while you glare at the man.” Gregory shouts from a far.

  Shit. I hand off my current rabbit to Mags as I run to Gregory's latest kill. I can hear Thane laughing.

  -----

  “This will be a lot to carry back when we head out.” Thane remarks at the four filled barrels next to the cart.

  Mags laughs, “What are you talking about? Cea will be carrying them with her the entire trip.”

  He frowns and looks at her incredulously while I just roll my eyes. The necklace comes off. I shift to my spider form and start making some vines that will work as rope. My spider form lacks spinnerets but the dryad arm gets the job done. Thane falls back a bit and looks upwards.

  “I'm not sure you will have an easy time in the catacombs. Fitting.” He stutters.

  Gregory comes up and starts helping me lash the barrels to my back. I simply smile at the guild master.

  “I fear I will be depending on you three while I focus on leveling my resists. If I could be outside my mother's influence I would rather dearly wish to be in the other instance with my Glindinal.”

  “Cea…” Mags says gently.

  I blink a bit. Mental ticks, I get rather possessive and matronly in this form. Detached spider goddess matriarch. “Apologies and thank you mother. I will keep myself in check.” I put the necklace back on and commenced my training once again. The illusion makes what I wear disappear. Rather annoying to keep having to take it off and put it back on. I give a slow nod to the others. Mags tosses me a ring.

  “[Guild master] Thane, I hope it is not asking too much to wear this.” Mags asks while handing him a ring. A third one goes to Gregory.

  He quirks an eyebrow. “A one percent ring? Aiming to give the exp to your daughter.”

  Gregory puts his on before replacing the gauntlet. “Actually, it's for me.”

  “Every bit helps and there is a reason. If it's too much to ask you can head out.” Mags said, a bit tersely.

  He puts it on. “I was the one that asked to come along, I'll abide by this.”

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  “Thank you, [Guild Master].” I said slowly and a slight bow.

  He frowns at my demeanor but we head past the iron gate.

  “Dear, seeing as we will be busy in the lower levels, you don't mind clearing a path.”

  I give a slight nod, “So be it. A pity I can not subjugate them but my blades will do.”

  “Blades?” Thane asks before a leg decapitates a skeleton. He hadn't really looked that closely at them. But now he understood.

  It doesn't take us long to reach the skeletal captain and his four guards. They fall where they stand, not having the stats to challenge me. I give a small nod to Mags as I move to the side. To allow everyone to go down the stairs before me. I take a drink from my blood skin, before taking a moment to refill it. I head down the stairs only to find the portcullis already down. My frown meets the others.

  “It dropped the moment Gregory passed it.” Mags grouses.

  The dungeon apparently wishes to be childish.

  “We three will head forward to find the switch.” Thane says.

  Mags shakes her head, “I must remain here, she has to stay inside my aura. You two will be fine.”

  He looks like he wants to ask questions but Mags doesn't look like she wants to answer them. They leave us. I undo the vines holding my barrels, being careful putting them down. After taking off the necklace I revert to my Kitsune form. It goes right back on.

  “You could have easily voided this gate.” I say as I put my back against it.

  “Maybe I just wanted some time with my daughter.” She sat herself to the side, her body not capable of resting against the gate like I was. A gate between us but our fingers can touch. She plays with my hair. I smile at her words. “You said you didn't feel the desire for more Vampires but…” She trails off.

  “Then I went and made three new [Supplicant]s.”

  “Three? Who are the other two?”

  I snort a laugh, “Delores and Kalidia Xavious.”

  She barks one of her own. “I don't recall you meeting with them before we left.”

  “Well Delores had a seed with my blood. It would be released if I ever became a noble. It's a little annoying that it was released before my title became official.”

  “Dear, you swore fealty. You’re part of the nobility now.” I grumble at that. “And the Sdrae girl?”

  “The cup I made. It's a relic of the goddess Sanguine.” I blush a bit at my flowery words. Not quite used to the idea. “I can hear wishes of those who drip their blood into it.”

  “And apparently provide your own.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Why did you make it?” She asks gently.

  “I was afraid.” She waits patiently. “I made promises to the both of them. Even if I stop being me, maybe I can still provide the ritual. I like to think Cea would allow it. She has her sentimental side.”

  “So the cup can—?”

  “Yes, it can take someone to the stage you're at. When Kalidia feels she is ready she can fill the cup with her blood.”

  “But no further?”

  “Further is a dependency." I said morosely.

  “Do you truly feel that? I don't think the three past that point feel that way.”

  “You still have the choice of drinking blood, after this stage you have to drink it. I don't know any other word but dependency.”

  “Dear, I love you but blood is intoxicating even at this stage.” I give a hollow laugh at that. My hand bangs against the gate. “Careful dear, you no longer feel pain.”

  Right. “I might have to devote an attention to just watching my body at all times.”

  “Ahh the high level dilemma.” She says with a bit of whimsy. “You're still rather young for romance.” Deciding on a new topic.

  “And too old.” I growl.

  Another chuckle from her. “Here I thought you weren't exactly keen on the idea of physical intimacy.”

  I bunch up my knees, I rest my chin on them.

  “It was the other lives. I remember being horrified by them. But I don't actually remember them yet. I'm afraid when I do I will shut down again.”

  “Does she know?”

  I nod my head. “I think she was more worried about my being replaced than my reluctance. Systems, she is so aggressive with me at times.” I grouse.

  Another small laugh, “You're both too young.”

  “She has more memories than I do.”

  “You ask her what it is like?”

  I scrunch my nose. “I know what it is like.”

  “No, you know what it is like for you. What if remembering a Lark isn't as personal.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning it's possible she is just a teenage Elf with a lot of memories that don't make a lot of sense to her.”

  “She does seem rather ambivalent about me having Cea's memory. I would have expected pure hatred.”

  “I believe she is happy you're eating her as she said.”

  “You haven't admonished us for that talk.”

  There was a sigh, “I don't know the best way forward any more than you do, dear. I'm just hoping to find one. If thinking of yourself as a witness to Cea is better than becoming something of a mix between you and her, that's fine with me. I just want you to get through this.”

  “Even as a witness, I still am changing from what I see. Who wouldn't. I think Glindinal is just trying to make sure I don't feel ownership for what Cea had done.”

  “Wisdom from one who bears the memories of another life.”

  “Ya.”

  There was a rather large pause. Maybe she would know.

  “Is all high tier sex really so long and passionate?” I blush even as I ask.

  She laughs, “Dear, do be careful. I'm still a young maiden at heart.” I snort a laugh. “I take it Cea is still active then. Do you think it changes things?”

  I huff out a sigh, “I dunno, it would be nice if it does though. Provide a balance.”

  “So exactly—” The portcullis starts moving before Mags can finish her question.

  “Times up.” She pouts at me as I shift back to my spider form. I move the barrels past the gate. We both wait on the other side. For our other two members. I could track them but being with her was nice. I didn't wish to end it so soon. Neither did she.

  -----

  They come back looking tired but uninjured. We take a moment to let them rest before strapping my barrels to me. Only three. The fourth was already empty and to be left behind. Much to Gregory's dismay. I pat him on the arm.

  It's only because of my necklace that I am in need of so much.

  His eyes widened a bit at my message. Still not used to me talking to him without saying anything. He nods after a bit and leads us further in. Towards the second floor boss. I was curious about what it was. I hadn't asked though. Preferring the surprise.

  The door parts. A massive tiger greats us.

  50 Yetna Tiger

  She had numerous others with her. I frown.

  “It's no war golem, dear.”

  “Apologies, I had a passing thought about how Yetna tigers were territorial and not prone to packs. It doesn't really match the theming either.”

  “Are you critiquing the dungeon design?” Gregory asks. Apparently he wasn't taking this seriously either.

  “I mean, if there is anyone here who could.”

  He laughs at that. I have a small smile.

  “Focus, just because you have levels on something doesn't mean you can't be killed.” Thane says in his authoritative guild master voice.

  “Apologies, you are quite right.” I say even as I keep an eye on our opponent. Gregory gets ready as well.