Reaching the western entrance to the cave, Almodea and Shion entered without difficulty, killing the guards outside. They had no qualms about committing the murders; after all, they were only there to free the Orc King, nothing else. It was just the two of them, no one to back them up—it would have been pointless.

  "Reinforce Armore! Reinforce Strength! Reinforce Health! Absolute Defense!"

  Wasting no time, Almodea began casting spells on her friend, significantly strengthening her. Shion had just reached level 40, but with those spells, she could even hold her own against a monster five levels higher. She also wanted to prevent her precious Oni from getting too hurt.

  "Thank you for your support, Lady Almodea."

  The warrior declared with a candid smile.

  "There's no need to thank me! I can't let my Shion get hurt while I'm here!"

  "I'm the one who's supposed to protect you, though!"

  "It's a leader's job to protect their subordinates, especially the friends! So we'll protect each other! What do you say?"

  Shion wanted to disagree, but the flapping of Almodea's wings silenced her, mostly because she had stopped to admire its beauty. She simply nodded and looked ahead. She had to remain vigilant and strike down anything that posed a threat to her beloved mistress.

  "Listen, Shion, I have a question about your culture. I know this isn't the best time, but I think a little chat won't jeopardize the mission."

  “I agree, mistress. Just ask!”

  “You were talking to me about the role of the boss last night, but we didn’t finish the discussion due to unforeseen circumstances. ”

  By unforeseen circumstances, Almodea meant they started making out in the middle of the argument like two teenagers in a classic manga plot twist. Eventually, they fell asleep without resuming the conversation.

  "You said Huna's brother, Shen, had several suitors. Do I remember correctly?"

  “Oh, yes! He was always a handsome man. I remember he was full of women who wanted to be his wife. Why do you ask?”

  "Because I understand that some were so desperate they even wanted to be concubines or second wives. Am I the only one who thinks this is strange? I mean...is it normal in your culture to be so obsessed with the boss's son?"

  "Oh, yes! I don't know if this applies to all Oni tribes, but in our village it was quite normal."

  “Are you serious?”

  "Of course! It was the norm for a man to have multiple wives if he was the son of the tribal chief. However, he had to have the consent of his first wife to marry the second and so on, and each had to be treated with respect. There were very harsh punishments for infidelity."

  "I like the idea!"

  Almodea flapped her wings three times in a row, smiling happily. She seemed to enjoy the old Shion village's outlook on life. She was sure that, if they hadn't been exterminated, she would have been happy with those Oni as well.

  "I've always been in favor of having more than one partner, you know? That's also why I don't think I'd be a good girlfriend, sometimes."

  "Mh? What do you mean, Lady Al-“

  The two were interrupted by a roar coming from the back of the cave.

  "Intruders! Intruders!"

  A horde of various orcs and trolls appeared before them, swords drawn and ready to fight. The Ruthless Devourer skill was making them salivate like hungry lions, so much so that they probably hadn't even realized they were running straight to their deaths.

  “Ugh! How boring! Just when the conversation was getting fun...”

  Almodea huffed in annoyance, raising her right hand. She was ready to cast a spell, but she stopped when she felt Shion's hand gently squeeze her left shoulder. She looked up and locked eyes with the Oni woman, who seemed truly determined.

  "Leave it to me, Lady Almodea!"

  "Okay! I'll enjoy the show!"

  Shion nodded and took a few steps forward. She unsheathed her sword from its magical sheath, then grasped it with both hands and raised it above her head. She took a deep breath and...

  "Phew....!"

  ...With a fluid motion, Shion hurled a powerful slash toward the ground, shaking the entire mountain. The shockwave was so strong that it opened a chasm along the entire corridor, sucking in all the enemies, sending them tumbling into the seemingly bottomless abyss.

  "Holy shit!"

  Almodea's jaw dropped. She knew Shion was strong, but she certainly hadn't expected that. Her wings began to beat rapidly with ecstasy and excitement at watching her secretary kill so many living beings. All that strength, combined with her sculpted physique and feminine beauty, was almost too much to bear: she found her so attractive.

  “How did I go?”

  "You were perfect! In fact, more than perfect! Remind me not to make you angry!"

  "I could never get mad at you! I lo-"

  A ball of mud flew into Shion's face, temporarily blinding her.

  "Ugh! That's disgusting!"

  She quickly tried to wipe it off, but it was incredibly difficult with just one hand. She couldn't let go of the sword, or she'd be exposed to an attack. She was good with her fists, but she didn't want to have to abandon the weapon Almodea had given her for some mere mud.

  What a shitty figure!

  She'd been hit just as she was receiving compliments from her mistress. Shion could feel the blood pounding in her right hand as her grip on the sword tightened: she was furious.

  "Shion! Who dared to do this?!"

  Almodea shouted, also furious.

  "Y-You dirty bitch! Look what you did!"

  One of the trolls had managed to climb out of the chasm and had lost his weapon in the fall. He was scared, but his skill was forcing him to do everything he could to devour his opponents. Unfortunately for him, he had pissed off the wrong person.

  "You didn't do what I think you just did... DID YOU?!"

  As Shion wiped the mud from her eyes, Almodea turned toward the survivor, fixing him with an icy gaze. A powerful aura began to manifest, and the ground began to shake.

  What's going on? Is it a troll attack? A new enemy approaching?

  The candle flames illuminating the cave walls began to dim, as if someone were blowing on them. Even the fire was frightened by something Shion couldn't see. The enemy, however, was seeing with his eyes what a monstrous creature Almodea had transformed into.

  "Hey! Hey! Calm down a minute! I – ahhhhhhhhh!"

  The troll raised his hands in protest and submission, but it was too late. The lights went out and the victim's screams could be heard throughout the cave, followed by the sound of breaking bones and tearing flesh.

  What's going on? I have to hurry up and clean up this stupid mud! Ahhhh! It got in my eyes, damn it!

  Once the Oni woman managed to wipe the dirt from her eyes, Shion noticed Almodea standing beside her, smiling innocently. She seemed much calmer and nothing seemed different from before, except for the blood that remained on her face. Even the troll was missing; he had vanished into thin air.

  "Hem...Lady Almodea, you have something on your cheek."

  "Mh? Oh, thanks!"

  Almodea wiped her mouth, then took Shion's arm, holding her tightly, as if she never wanted to let go. With a wave of her hand, she conjured a handkerchief and wiped away the rest of the mud that had remained on Shion's beautiful face.

  “Thank you, my lady.”

  "You're welcome! Shall we go now? We still have a lot to do!"

  "Of course, Lady Almodea!"

  The two resumed walking through the cave, with the calm of those taking a walk in their own home, as if they weren't brutally murdering everyone they met on their way.

  "According to what Ryu told me, Gerud’s Slaughterhouse should be just ahead."

  "Stay close to me, Lady Almodea! I don't like it here."

  "Relax! We two are unstoppable!"

  Shion smiled at that playful statement, then turned slightly serious and hesitant, as if she had something on her mind.

  "Excuse me, I was about to ask you something earlier, but I was interrupted. May I ask my question now?"

  "Sure, Shion! Go ahead!"

  "I wanted to ask you..."

  The Oni woman blushed slightly, as if she were about to ask something forbidden.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  "You said you would be a terrible girlfriend. Why?"

  "Because people usually only want one partner. I'm not saying I have to have more than one, but I wouldn't be opposed to the idea of a harem. I admit it's something I've wanted ever since I was a teenager."

  “And why do you think that would make you a bad girlfriend?”

  “Because I don't want to hurt the women I'm with. I want them to be okay with it, you know?”

  “I can understand what you mean, my lady.”

  Shion could only nod as Almodea voiced her concerns. She hadn't expected the other girl to feel that way about that part of herself. She held her closer, gently massaging her scalp.

  “I don't think that's a problem, though. But, as your concubine, I'd like to be informed if you ever find someone, okay?”

  “Sure, I-“

  Almodea fell silent abruptly, turning her head slowly toward Shion. She scratched her own scalp, looking as if she didn't know what she had heard just now.

  "What do you mean with concubine?"

  “W-Well...that’s what I am, isn’t it?”

  Shion broke out in a cold sweat. Almodea's reaction had been very different from what she'd expected. She feared she'd said something she shouldn't have, especially the part about being her concubine. In fact, she and Almodea had never thoroughly discussed that part of their relationship.

  “Shion, are you serious?!”

  "Sorry! I gave myself too much of a role! F-Forgive me."

  “But what are you talking about? Concubine? Too much of a role? Shion, do you know what you mean to me?”

  “If I am not a concubine, then am I a woman for sexual use?”

  Almodea pulled away from Shion and began laughing like crazy. Everything was clear to her now; she understood there had been a clear communication problem. Admittedly, she hadn't been the clearest, but she didn't think she needed to be that specific. Almodea had avoided telling Shion her feelings directly, but she certainly hadn't expected her friend to devalue herself so much as to consider herself merely a concubine.

  "Okay okay...give me a second! Pfff!"

  The demoness caught her breath after her hearty laughter and composed herself, looking the other woman in the eyes.

  "Shion, concubines don't usually do what we do, much less sex slaves. They don't kiss all the time, they don't cuddle on the couch, sitting on top of each other, and—most importantly—they don't sleep naked and stuck together after having wild sex."

  "Even the games we play in bed? With your wings and all that? They're not—"

  "Yeah! They don't do those things, not if the relationship is just that of concubine and mistress. We're beyond that!"

  Shion seemed confused by the revelation. She'd never had someone like Almodea: someone she cared for so much; someone who reciprocated her affection. The nights they spent together, amidst moans of lust and tender declarations, were what she looked forward to most, along with simply spending time with her. Despite all that, she still hadn't understood what she meant to Almodea, and vice versa. She'd convinced herself she was at best a concubine because the thought that...

  "Excuse me, but if I'm not your concubine...Then what am I?"

  ...A hunch flashed through Shion's mind, but she pushed it away. She was a subordinate; she couldn't really be seen by Almodea that way, right? It would be too strange if the demoness actually reciprocated her feelings.

  "Oh, my sweet and beautiful Shion..."

  Almodea smiled and walked over, placing her right hand on the Oni's cheek.

  "Why tell you, when I can show it?"

  Shion didn't have time to say anything, because their lips were already connected in a passionate kiss. They had kissed many times before, but now she could sense that something was different. Their tongues intertwined, dancing in their mouths. Neither was gaining the upper hand or imposing themselves on the other; they were a perfectly synchronized couple.

  This is what I am to her. Lady Almodea...she loves me.

  After a couple of minutes, which felt like decades, the two reluctantly parted. Shion began panting, desperate for air, while Almodea remained calm, staring at her with a smile and her wings spread wide.

  "Now do you understand what you mean to me?"

  "Yes, Lady Almodea! I understand!"

  Shion put her hands on her hips, still panting from the lack of oxygen.

  "I'll be more specific in the future. Sorry if I didn't tell you everything right away. I was scared, actually."

  Almodea admitted reluctantly, sighing slightly.

  “I've never had anyone like you, Shion. That's why, when I fell in love with you, I was in complete chaos! Then this shitty war came along, and... I thought I'd try to talk to you about it once all this chaos was over. Forgive me.”

  “There’s no need to apologize, Lady Almodea. I too have my faults.”

  “Yes! However...”

  The demoness took Shion's arm again then resumed her march, a little more slowly this time, to give the Oni woman time to catch her breath. This was what happened when someone who didn't need oxygen passionately kissed someone who did need it to survive.

  "...Why do you think I created a group with just you and me for this expedition? Of course it's a first date!"

  "What is a date?"

  Almodea gave herself a playful slap on the forehead, which echoed throughout the cave.

  "What shall I do with you, my beloved Shion?"

  Her laughter betrayed her feigned disappointment. How could she hate her secretary's stupidity and naivety, if they shared those traits? She couldn't. Almodea loved both the strengths and weaknesses of the tall, strong Oni woman she'd fallen for over the past month.

  “As romantic as it is to confess your love during an important mission, how about going on trial?”

  “What do you mean, mistress?”

  “Well…once this is over, we might start hanging out more.”

  “Aren’t we already doing that?”

  “Yes, but I mean as a couple! Girlfriends, you know?”

  “Ohhh! It would be an honor for me, Lady Almodea!”

  “Perfect! Then it's decided! For now, we're on trial, okay?”

  “Okay!”

  “Let’s finish this up quickly so I can go watch Dad kick the Troll King’s ass!”

  Despite treating the whole thing like a game, Shion knew Almodea truly wanted to complete the mission successfully. Her owner often complained and showed signs of an inferiority complex toward her older sister, Hirashi.

  Up until that point, everything had gone more or less according to plan, but on that mission, both Hirashi and Almodea would be deployed. It was imperative that the latter achieve excellent results, at least enough to match those Hirashi might eventually achieve. Almodea would give it her all...

  Forgive me, teacher...But I can't allow the woman I love to be unhappy.

  ...And Shion would help her to the best of her ability.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Almodea and Shion reached the entrance to the Slaughterhouse without much difficulty. Everyone who stood in their way had been slaughtered without further ado, whether orcs or trolls. They could have spared at least the former, but they too had been corrupted by the Ruthless Devourer skill. Almodea had no way to cure them without killing the one who had originally infected them with the aforementioned skill.

  Here we are...

  They found themselves in front of a huge metal door, with a blue aura surrounding it. Almodea only needed a glance to understand what it was.

  "A magical barrier? Interesting."

  "May I break it, Lady Almodea?"

  “No, I'll take care of this one..."

  She waved a hand to stop Shion, who had already prepared to throw a powerful punch at the gate. As strong as she was, it would be futile against a level 5 magical barrier. Whoever had placed it was quite powerful.

  If we're talking about a demon, a simple Archdemon of level 30 or higher could have placed this barrier with a little effort. This is Gerud's base—perhaps I've gleaned some clues to his true strength.

  Almodea started to approach the large door, ready to break the defensive spell. It was then that she saw Shion leap beside her, parrying something with her sword. She whirled around and watched the Oni fend off someone who had lunged at them with a club.

  "Stay behind me, Lady Almodea!"

  Shion roared, immediately springing to her mistress's defense. She raised her broadsword and prepared for battle with a savage grin. Almodea was confident in her secretary's abilities, but something still seemed to unsettle her.

  I don't reveal magic...are they a pure warrior like Shion?

  The figure who had attacked them was a woman as tall as the Oni and of a similar build, but with slightly smaller breasts. She had long, loose dark green hair. Her skin was a light green, which complemented her brown eyes perfectly. She wore leather boots and a dress that exposed part of her midriff.

  "Stop, intruders!"

  She raised her mace at them, fixing the two girls with a fierce gaze. It was the look of someone willing to die to fight for their comrades. She certainly wasn't afraid of a two-on-one fight. Almodea couldn't help but scrutinize the newcomer, noting all the similarities and differences she had with Shion.

  "Oh, an ogre woman! Curious...and truly beautiful!"

  It looks like an ogre version of my Shion. I think it's roughly the same level, at least before her evolution. So...level 20? 22 at most. She attacked us, but she doesn't seem to be affected by any skills.

  Almodea concluded that the woman targeting them wasn't like the other enemies they'd encountered. She seemed completely sane, with no signs of corruption. Normally, she would have killed her on the spot, but since the newcomer was an ogre, and a female at that, she couldn't simply dispatch her as if nothing had happened.

  If she's guarding Gerud’s Slaughterhouse, it might mean she's someone he trusts. Maybe I've found a big shot! And with those abs...

  She couldn't help but lick her lips at the sight of that exposed body. Almodea liked the newcomer's dress so much that she was actually considering having one made for her future fiancée as well. Shion's secretary uniform had the flaw of covering up all the goodness underneath, but it was still a very nice outfit.

  "You attack us and don't even introduce yourself? What a rude one!"

  Shion's cry sobered Almodea, who remained behind the Oni as if she were a defenseless girl. She couldn't help but appreciate the fury her secretary was infusing into her words. Shion was truly irritated.

  "I don't have to introduce myself to invaders!"

  The ogre retorted, her determination matching Shion's. It was clear the two would tear each other apart right there and then. Almodea suspected they'd fight anyway just to prove who was stronger. Shion was quite competitive when it came to that aspect, and the newcomer seemed no different.

  I wouldn't mind seeing two hotties like them fighting for me, but let's not daydream! Better to step in and see if we can get her on our side.

  "Calm down! Let's start again for a moment! I am Almodea Fearterror, mistress of the city of Almy, home of goblins and Oni."

  She began, pointing first to herself and then to her guardian.

  “This is Shion, my secretary and guard. You instead are?”

  "My name is Scylla!"

  The ogre roared proudly, pounding her right fist on her chest, almost as if she was challenging Shion to attack her.

  “I am the bodyguard of His Majesty, Great King Gherdmiude! He is behind this door, and I cannot let you advance any further!”

  Scylla rested her heavy mace on her shoulder, waiting for a response from her opponents. She seemed intent on convincing them to leave, or perhaps she was stalling for reinforcements, but Almodea didn't care—she had already decided what to do with her.

  "Shion, I'll leave this one to you..."

  "I’m on it, Lady Almodea!"

  "Don't kill her, please!"

  She immediately warned her bodyguard, noticing that she was already preparing to wreak havoc. The biggest problem wasn't Shion's hot-headed attitude, but the sword she wielded. One blow too strong and Scylla would die instantly, taking any information she might have gained to the grave.

  “She could be useful to us. Get her to talk, if you can beat her.”

  "Understood!"

  Receiving the instructions, Shion rushed toward Scylla, who did the same. Their weapons clashed, and the shockwave it generated was so powerful that it cracked the nearby ground—forcibly pushing the combatants apart.

  She’s strong...

  Almodea watched from the sidelines as the two fought relentlessly. Despite Shion's advantage in equipment and level, Scylla didn't seem to be deterred; she continued to take hits and deliver them like a true warrior. The two seemed to be evenly matched.

  Shion is following my orders just fine. However...now that I notice, these two are similar only in appearance, but their fighting styles are completely different.

  Almodea was an expert at these things. She'd immediately noticed that the two used their strength differently: Shion was a duelist of sorts, focusing on damaging her opponent as much as possible; Scylla, on the other hand, focused on defense and counterattack. It was essentially like watching a Bruiser face off against a Tank in a video game. Normally, the Bruiser would win because they had greater damage and sources of sustain, but it depended on the balance of the individual games.

  In this case, Shion had the upper hand on every front. If Almodea hadn't ordered her not to kill Scylla, the fight would likely have already ended—it was not that the ogre was weak, it was just that the difference in level, equipment and training between her and Shion was too great. If they had been evenly matched in all those areas, the outcome of the battle would likely have been a fifty-fifty affair.

  "Ogre Smash! "

  "Oni Slash!"

  The two's weapons clashed again, causing another shock. This time, Shion prevailed and the two crashed into a wall, which shattered on impact. The fight was carried into another room, out of Almodea's sight.

  "Almy, keep an eye on Shion..."

  The demon's shadow came to life and immediately darted in the direction where Shion and Scylla had disappeared, ready to guard the Oni if she was in danger. Since Absolute Defense was active, she wasn't particularly worried, but caution was paramount—especially after what had happened with Fiora and her other friends.

  Shion shouldn't have any trouble. Scylla seems strong and is certainly exceptional compared to the vast majority of ogres, but the level difference alone is too great to overcome with simple tactics or muscles.

  Almodea couldn't help but smile. Despite being separated from Shion, she felt things were going well between them. It wasn't the right time to think about it, but she and the Oni had finally found a romantic connection. She couldn't wait to finish the mission and say goodbye to the single status.

  “...”

  However, unbeknownst to a distracted Almodea, a dark presence was watching her from the shadows of the room. She wasn't alone as she thought; someone was watching her with great interest; and that someone was truly angry.