Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Fel halted to a stop from on top of a hill that had a path with Alice on his back. Sui was in the bag and Dora-Chan was riding on her shoulder. Despite being able to keep up with Fel with his own crazy speed, Dora-Chan decided to stick close to Alice and right below the lift just a few distance ahead of them was a very large city that was protected by stone walls.

Alice breathed in awe at how large it is and she could see some type of large building was at the other end. That must be the dungeon which the city was named and famous for.

"Whoa! That must be Dolan!" Alice said in awe. They're almost there and they can finally get the earth dragon processed.

"The city is as big as the rumors say it is too. And they've got a lot going on down there." Alice said as she noticed the entrance of the city.

"If they call it a dungeon city, then it must contain something worth conquering." Fel said excitedly as he looked at the city before he glanced at Alice who chuckled.

"Well, it is called a dungeon city. The dungeon must be infamous for it to be called a dungeon city, fluffball. Plus I promised we'll check the dungeon city once we arrive and I'm keeping that promise." She told him with a smile which made him wag his tail happily.

"Let's find it then." Fel said as Sui peeked out of the bag.

"Sui will go pew-pew and conquer the whole dungeon!" Sui said excitedly as she chuckled.

"I really think we can't avoid going there eventually. But first we gotta have the earth dragon processed before we do, okay?" She said as Sui bobbed.

"Yeah, forget about the dungeon! We're here to get that earth dragon processed!" Dora-Chan said from his spot on her shoulder.

"Its delicious meat shall be ours at last!" Fel said excitedly and Alice could feel the excitement coming from all of them which made her smile fondly.

"Onwards!" Fel charged forward to the city excitedly while Alice let out a laugh and Dora-Can followed quickly.

They soon came to a stop and Fel let her get off and she let Bolt out who yawned but claimed up onto Alice's head as they looked up at the wall that was surrounding the city. It was much bigger than they thought.

"It's even bigger up close." Alice noted in awe.

"I think that's the dungeon over there but..." She paused as they saw a long line to the entrance.

"What's with the line?" Dora-Chan asked, perched on her shoulder.

"To get inside, all members of a party have to show their guild card." Alice explained, remembering how Iron Will easily got in after showing their guild card before remembering how she didn't have one at the beginning and had to pay for it.

"If they don't have one, then they can pay a small fee." She explained to him much to his disappointment as he seemed to be sulking.

"Even legends have to line up?" He questioned as she raised her hand and petted his head gently which helped him relax, even letting out a small purr.

"It can't be helped and will take us some time to get inside," Alice said, which made him sulk on her shoulder with a groan after she petted his head.

"Leaping over the wall would be a much faster solution." Fel suggested playfully.

"Fel, no. We might end up in prison for that." She said with a small laugh.

"But I'm serious. No entrance into the city means no meat." She explained as he huffed.

"I suppose I shall practice patience." He said as Alice smiled.

"You're plenty of patience whenever I prepare the meals." She said playfully as he nudged her.

They stood at the end of the line of adventurers who had come to visit the dungeon the city was infamous for, though the adventurers that were in front of them turned and glanced in their direction, whispering in shock and awe at the sight of Fel.

"I'm sorry if we alarmed you." Alice apologized as soon as she noticed how tense they were.

"These are my Familiars and I swear they won't harm you." She reassured them as the adventurers were still stunned. Those are her familiars?

"Familiars?"

"I don't know which one is stranger."

"A great wolf and a little dragon?"

Alice felt her eye twitch but she just smiled. If only they knew how powerful Dora-Chan is based on his stats.

"Hey!" A shout at the entrance made them look up as a knight was coming towards them.

"Get back in line!" He approached and she looked to Dora-Chan who landed on her shoulder while Bolt tensed slightly and she could feel Fel tensing up slightly.

"What's all the fuss about?" The knight was accompanied by another knight who were both surprised and stunned to see her Familiars before looking at her suspiciously.

"Who are you?" The second knight questioned sternly.

"I'm just an average adventurer hoping for an opportunity to talk to your city's Guildmaster." Alice explained before rummaging through her bag and Sui knew what she needed and handed her guild card to which she was thankful for and showed it to the knights.

"Here. I've got an official license and I promise I'm not up to anything funny." She said, hoping they would listen and leave them alone. The knights looked at her card, not sure if they should believe her or not.

"It certainly looks like the real thing." The second knight said before they were interrupted by someone.

"Excuse me, sirs." They looked up as the knights turned and parted for the person and Alice noticed the ears and was curious and surprised. This must be an elf and he looks friendly. She used her aura sense on him and sensed no malice, especially his crystal blue eyes holding authority.

"I'm expecting a guest any moment now. The rare Familiars by this young lady's side lead me to believe she is my lady." He explained and Fel didn't like how the elf phrased that and he moved closer to Alice who petted his neck to calm him down.

But the guards took his word and relaxed as Alice finally got a good look at him.

The elf has handsome facial features, pointed ears like a typical elf and has a well built and lean body, his long blonde hair tied into a small ponytail that is braided. He also wears a green hooded cloak that covers his upper body and reaches below his waist, white pants and brown shoes.

"Uh, hi there. Any chance that you're Elrand?" Alice asked him politely and the elf just smiled warmly.

"In the flesh. It is my deepest honor to aid..." He suddenly stopped, his eyes landing on Dora-Chan who sensed Elrand's gaze and huddled against her shoulders, trying to be invisible.

"L-Lady Alice! It can't be... Is that... a Pixie Dragon?!" He exclaimed, his composure breaking and his true colors were revealed as Alice dreaded. He was a dragon fanatic.

"Ah, it's a rare species, right?" Alice said calmly as Elrand tried to take a closer look at Dora-Chan who stuck close to Alice, feeling a little uncomfortable with the elf.

"Lady Alice!" Elrand suddenly said, grabbing her shoulder and she stiffened as he got close.

"I am now incredibly impressed!" He exclaimed and the commotion attracted a lot of attention and Fel had to stop himself from growling. He's gonna make sure that the elf's scent is gone from her clothes.

"Is that so?" Alice asked sheepishly. She can literally feel all eyes were on her and it was making her a bit uncomfortable.

"I've always dreamed of dismantling a dragon! Dismantling a dragon! And they say this one is particularly rare! I can't believe I'm seeing a pixie dragon in person..." He slowly let go, falling to his knees, crying and Alice didn't know what to do or what to feel but all she can say is he's a true dragon fanatic. She was just glad she didn't let Dragonair and Altaria out.

"I'm so glad to be alive... I really am glad..." Elrand sobbed as she just stared at him in concern confusion.

"Hey, is this elf okay?" Fel asked her and she motioned for him to keep quiet but she could feel his breath on her shoulder and she realized that he didn't like how people leave their scent on her which made her flushed more now. She remembered the first time he did it and it made her heart race.

"U-Uh, please calm down. You are...?" Alice said, needing confirmation that he was indeed the guildmaster.

"I'm in pieces... I'm sorry." He apologized before getting up and finally introducing himself, the version from moments ago gone and replaced by the one who arrived earlier.

"I apologize you had to see that. I'm the guildmaster for the adventurer's guild of Dolan City. Elrand, at your service. Pleased to meet you." He introduced himself and Alice just smiled.

'I knew it. Even though he is a guildmaster and likes dragons, the display earlier was a bit much. Thank Arceus I didn't let out Dragonair and Altaria.' Alice thought with a small chuckle.

"Nice to meet you..." She said with a smile.

"We were going to start dismantling right away, but... Change of plans!" Elrand excitedly.

"Come, let's get to the guild!" He told her which confused her.

"But there's a line and it wouldn't be fair-" She started to protest but he moved behind her and started to push her towards the entrance as Fel followed quickly.

"I can't believe we kept you waiting for so long! We can't really talk business here. The Guildmaster can do whatever he wants!" He told her, excitement in his voice probably due to Dora-Chan.

"I've got so many questions to ask you!" He said once they're inside the city. Alice glanced at Fel who was trying not to show it but she can clearly tell how Elrand being too close and touching her shoulders was irritating him and she just hoped this would be over.

They went straight to the guild where Elrand invited them to his office which was like the merchant's guild when she met the guildmaster.

"Please, make yourselves at home." He said as Alice moved to sit down on one couch as Sui came out of the bag and Bolt jumped off her shoulders while Dora-Chan hovered by her head.

"Our friend Rodolfo has already relayed the details." Elrand said as Fel positioned himself behind the couch, huffing slightly.

"Thank you. That makes this easier." Alice said as she held Sui in her arms who settled on her lap.

'We can't leave now that we're here.' She thought as Elrand rushed off to get something and came back with it, presenting it to Dora-Chan who looked confused with Alice feeling confused as well.

"For you, please take a seat." He told Dora-Chan sweetly.

"A seat? But what's that?" Alice asked in confusion.

"According to my vast research, Pixie Dragons like yours will only perch and live on this particular type of tree." Elrand explained only to gawk in disbelief when Dora-Chan sat down on the couch and leaned against the bag but leaned a bit to the side against the sheath of Alice's belt and Alice could sense his discomfort. She rubbed his head gently to reassure him that they'll find an inn once this was over.

"Look at that!" Elrand said quietly yet his excitement still present in his tone before he somehow pulled a book out of nowhere and started to write on it with his quill.

"What a discovery! Behaviors never before witnessed!" He said, writing how Dora-Chan behaved before moving to prepare tea.

"Excuse me." He apologized before handing Alice a warm cup of tea.

"For you, warm tea." Elrand said.

"T-Thanks." Alice accepted before Elrand set a similar cup down but the liquid was different.

"And for you, mana-infused flower nectar." He told Dora-Chan who was confused as he looked at the overexcited elf who was restless and excited. The scent of the tea was tantalizing but he wouldn't accept it. He just huffed and turned his head away and Alice had to keep herself from laughing as she sipped her tea while Elrand was in disbelief by how he acted.

"I even snuck into the royal library to cross-reference my research..." He lamented as Alice just looked at Dora-Chan who was sniffing the tea before shaking his head, indicating that it wasn't what he liked or wanted.

'What's with the treatment since earlier?' Alice thought in confusion as Sui and Bolt played beside her as Fel had sat up to watch the spectacle.

"I actually don't have much of an eye when it comes to dragons." Elrand admitted as he got up.

"Yes, I've noticed." Alice just nodded as Elrand showed her a scroll.

"In this literature from a now-extinct civilization about medicine, it states that a Pixie Dragon's diet consists wholly of mana and nectar! The perch I brought out earlier was also written about in the same book..." Elrand lamented while Alice finished her tea.

'What's up with this guy?' Alice thought as Fel lowered his head next to her shoulder and she petted his neck gently.

"But! No matter how many valuable documents I research, there's nothing better than the real thing! This is a great discovery! This is what research is all about - new discoveries upending theories!" Elrand said excitedly before he snapped out of his lamenting, remembering why she was here.

"Will the earth dragon be delivered soon? Is it traveling here by cart as we speak?" He asked her excitedly.

"Well, not quite. I actually have an item box which is where the earth dragon is being stored." Alice explained much to his delight.

"Well, in that case, let us begin!" Elrand said, standing up.

"Once we're at the warehouse, I can begin processing." He told her while both Alice and Fel gave him matching deadpanned looks before they got up to follow him. Elrand opened the door, humming excitedly but once he opened his eyes, he yelped slightly and Alice looked over his shoulder to see what caused him to be slightly afraid.

Standing on the other side of the door was an older looking man who had his arms crossed and Elrand looked so scared like a child caught stealing cookies.

"Yes, Ugor?" Elrand asked him nervously.

"Your meeting with the merchant's guild is set to begin shortly. We should be on our way." Ugor said sternly and Alice could tell he's more strict and stern yet kind when it comes to responsibilities.

"I'm afraid I need to cancel today." Elrand said, tone nervous but Ugor's expression was a stern one, indicating he's not making any excuses.

They eventually went to the warehouse where Elrand took off his cloak so he could process the earth dragon while he was venting slightly to Alice.

"Ugor has a nasty habit of disrespecting my time. Please forgive him." He said but Alice just looked to Ugor before looking to Elrand.

"I mean no disrespect, but Ugor seems to be really responsible when it comes to the guild. You're very lucky to have him." Alice said with a small nervous laugh as Ugor just snorted in amusement.

"There are no hard feelings here, though." Alice said with a small smile.

"But we're very thankful you're able to help us at all." She added.

"He has his flaws, but he's a dependable deputy guildmaster nonetheless." Elrand said, fondness in his tone as he fixed his gloves.

"Now before we begin, I would like to assess the specimen." He said when suddenly Alice and Fel looked at him in disbelief. Alice looked at the table that had a lot of tools.

"Would that mean that these tools are...?" Alice was almost too hesitant to ask.

"I'm pretty confident in my dismantling skills." Elrand said as Fel and Alice looked at him while she motioned for Dora-Chan to lower one of the tools.

"What? You're going to take it apart yourself?" Fel questioned him which was Alice's exact thoughts.

"Of course! I couldn't imagine giving up such a lucrative job to anyone else!" He exclaimed intensely as Fel and Alice just stared.

'You really are hardcore about dragons, huh?' Alice thought with a small tense smile.

"I'll never forget... A mare 238 years ago, the land's first ever dragon subjugation squad came to be. Alas, I was a B-rank adventurer at the time, and despite an overly aggressive amount of pleading to process the creatures they slaughtered, I was denied time and time again. That is why I dedicated myself to becoming an S-rank adventurer!" Elrand said, practically telling the story of how he became a guildmaster.

"Even elves cannot outlive old age. But much to my dismay, since that fateful day, no further dragon subjugation teams have been formed! Even so, I have held tight to my life's dream. I've once retired from adventurous, but I've been a guildmaster for decades now! Believing that one day, a dragon would fall into my grasp and I could finally..." Alice tuned him out as she went to the dismantling table. She was curious about Elrand's dedication to dragons but he was going overboard so she decided to just get the earth dragon out of her item box just so he can stop and the processing can begin.

'(That elf is a real piece of work.)' Fel told her telepathically which made her chuckle.

'(No kidding. But he's really passionate about it.)' Alice said telepathically.

"Lookie here, a big ol' dragon for ya." Alice said loudly which shut him up as he turned, gasping loudly in delight and she could tell he was trying not to squeal.

"Yes! This is the earth dragon I've seen in my books! How wonderful! How exquisite!" He said excitedly as he caressed the scales of it.

"Its earthy tone lives up to its name! And its scales are as hard as rocks! And now it's in my hands... How I long to peel them off one by one and explore every twist and turn inside this great beast." Elrand said giddily as Alice crossed her arms, a bit concerned over his obsession as Dora-Chan was on Fel's head who was a bit disturbed.

"No matter how deeply you immerse yourself in research, nothing can beat the real thing!" He said before he grabbed a measuring tool.

"First and foremost, we must preserve every last detail." Elrand began.

"Body length, organ placement, number of fangs, alignment of bite, claw-ship, condition of wear. This data shall be treasured-" Elrand rambled excitedly and Fel felt his patience snapped. He stayed patient for Alice's sake but his patience had snapped since it was taking too long.

"Quit rambling and process our meat!" He said impatiently and Alice looked at him sternly and he met her gaze.

"I know you're impatient, Fel, but please be polite." Alice whispered to him.

"Alice!" Elrand's voice suddenly called her and she turned to face him.

"Uh, yes?" She asked as he had paused on his measuring.

"About the Pixie Dragon, I just noticed it didn't touch the flower nectar, so I'm curious what it typically consumes while your party is out on the road." Elrand said curiously and Alice thought on it before looking at her familiars and Bolt.

"Hey, Dora-Chan? Can you help me for a bit?" Alice called him but Elrand heard the name and came to her immediately.

"Dora-Chan?" He questioned her in confusion.

"What led you to select that name? Do tell." Elrand asked her and she stepped back and Fel stepped between them, eyeing the elf warily.

"Well, I guess it felt fitting for a small dragon of his size and it makes him sound unique." Alice explained before she thought about what they had been eating before they arrived at Dolan.

"And for his diet... Well, we haven't been together for very long since we left Claire. Since we always eat our meals together, he eats all sorts of things. I don't think anything is set in stone and he doesn't appear to have any limitations or allergies to the meals I've cooked." Alice said as she looked at her group fondly while Elrand stared at her in disbelief and confusion.

"I cook a wide variety of healthy and enjoyable meals and everyone enjoys them. Lots of meat and vegetables with the occasional Pokémon berries I put in the mix at times. I always eat the same meals as they are." She explained. Fel looked proud of himself as Sui jumped into her arms.

"Mama's cooking is tasty." Sui said but since Elrand can't hear his voice, it was safe.

"R-Really? It's hard to imagine three different monsters eating the same thing but... your Fenrir must like meat and are carnivores and a slime will eat nearly anything so that's probably an outlier. But that can't be how Pixie Dragons operate and there has to be some factor that leads to it, for them to eat the same thing... It can't be..." Elrand said and Alice felt a little annoyed that he thought he knew better but she knows Fel, Sui and Dora-Chan since she spent more time with them, getting to know what they like and dislike the best than in books.

"No Pixie Dragon I know sips on flower nectar or heard about nectar from a flower." Dora-Chan piped in, his voice clear in Alice's head as she turned to see him perched on her shoulder.

"Huh? So what do you eat then?" Alice asked him curiously. She figured out already that Fel likes meat or anything savory and avoids vegetables like the plague but he likes them when mixed into the meat. Sui will eat anything but he likes sweets and dislikes bitter or spicy food but she hasn't figured out what Dora-Chan likes yet.

Elrand blinked when Alice spoke but her attention was mostly on the Pixie Dragon, confused on what was going on.

"My species isn't picky. We'll eat basically anything but meat's our favorite." Dora-Chan explained and he got a warm smile from her as a reward which made his wings flutter happily.

"I thought so." She said warmly before she looked at Elrand.

"Dora-Chan says they eat anything but like meat the best. And his appetite is enormous." Alice explained with a fond smile which was directed to Dora-Chan as  Bolt and Sui who were playing peek-a-boo by Fel who kept an eye on them but watched Alice while Elrand's mind tried to process what she said. What?

"Please, hold on a minute. What do you mean by what Dora-Chan says?" Elrand asked her in confusion and bewilderment?

"Oh, he speaks to me via telepathy which is what Sui can do to communicate." Alice explained further, not seeing anything wrong at that but all color drained from Elrand's face, his face stunned by this. Telepathy? What's that? He needs to know!

"A pixie dragon... speaks to you." Elrand said slowly, voice turning into a whisper before he grasped her shoulders which caused her to tense once more as his face screamed for answers.

"Alice, you can talk to dragons?! I mean, what's telepathy?! Are you trying to tell me that you're a dragon whisperer?!" Elrand questioned her which made her lean back but for Dora-Chan to be safer.

"N-No, it's not like I can talk to dragons, Dora-Chan has formed a familiar contract with me so..." Alice tried to explain but it made Elrand worse as he got way too close for her comfort.

"You made a pixie dragon your familiar?!" Elrand exclaimed in astonishment and shock.

'Maybe I shouldn't have said that! He's getting way too close for comfort!' Alice thought in a panic.

"In my long elven life, this is the first time I've heard of this miraculous dragon telepathy! Tell me more!" Elrand demanded and Alice gulped.

'(Fel!)' She yelled telepathically. She needed him right now!

Fel heard her and came to her rescue as he picked her up the back of her shirt just as Ugor pulled Elrand back, restraining him. Alice breathed heavily as Fel set her back down on her feet and stepped between them fully now, his body forming a bridge between Alice and Dora-Chan from Elrand.

"I must know! I need every last detail!" Elrand demanded as Alice regained her breathing.

"Excuse me." Ugor began, giving Alice a sympathetic look.

"Though he often carries himself in a rather childish way, I can assure you he's very skilled at what he does, but this job will take some time." Ugor said as Elrand kept trying to get to Alice to get more answers but Fel and Ugor aren't letting him, especially when Fel feels that Alice's personal space has been breached far too many times now.

"T-That's just fine." Alice reassured Ugor. She was just thankful that Elrand isn't in her personal space now.

"Human." Fel started as they turned to him.

"Tell that elf to keep his grubby paws off our meat once his work is done." Fel said sternly as Elrand became curious and confused. But what about the other items from the dragon?

"Does that mean that you're only after the meat?" Elrand questioned Fel in confusion.

"Dragon parts and materials are quite precious, though, and something that all sorts of people are dying to get their hands on. It's odd that you only want the meat back, though. Their skin and blood are worth at least their weight in gold." Elrand explained which made Fel turn his face away.

"And yet I can't eat gold for dinner. Fangs and scales don't interest me. Which is pale in comparison to good flavor." Fel said haughtily which shocked Elrand.

"ARE YOU PLANNING TO EAT THE EARTH DRAGON?!" Elrand exploded in disbelief as he stared at Fel who was using himself as a shield for Alice who seemed a bit distressed.

"If Lord Fenrir is dining, then the chef must be..." He started, turning to Alice who just shrugged, perfectly content with where she is right now.

"I'm gonna cook it for my group which means I'll also be eating it." Alice said almost causally and Elrand would have grabbed her wrists but Fel kept himself rooted between him and Alice.

"I beg you, miss! Please let me taste the dragon too! I will gladly hand over my life savings on a silver platter in exchange for just a bite of that mysteriously magical meat! Please let me try it!" Elrand pleaded as Alice didn't know what to do as he fell to his knees, begging.

"D-Don't be so desperate, Guildmaster Elrand. It's up to Fel for that decision. It's his call, not mine" Alice said as she turned to Fel.

'(Fel, since the earth dragon is huge, there's bound to be a lot of meat from it. I wouldn't hurt to let Elrand taste it once he finish processing it and after I figure out what to cook with it.)' She said telepathically as Fel looked to her then to the elf who was on his knees, grovelling in front of them.

'(I suppose I will let him have a taste but the rest of the meat is ours.)' He told her telepathically which made her smile as she reached over and patted his head and he leaned against her touch.

'(Thanks.)' She smiled as they turned to Elrand.

"Elrand, was it?" Fel addressed the elf who looked up from his position on the floor.

"If you succeed in processing the beast since you have stated you're the only one who can dismantle the earth dragon, I would be willing to share a small portion with you." Fel negotiated and Elrand practically lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Oh, will you really? I'm so grateful!" Elrand cried in joy as Alice turned to Fel, nudging him playfully.

'(You're in a good mood for some reason.)' Alice teased him telepathically as he huffed in amusement.

'(I will only allow this just once but nothing more after.)' Fel said playfully as Alice giggled while Dora-Chan and Bolt looked at the two before looking at each other and grinned.

"Thank you for your generosity!" Elrand thanked Alice and Fel, still crying.

Elrand soon asked them questions, regarding the earth dragon.

"Alice, when you came across this earth dragon, had you met one before, and if not, what was your first impression?" Elrand asked her before he turned to Fel.

"And as for you, Lord Fel, I would love to hear more about your method of attack and the epic battle that must have ensued." He said as Fel and Alice answered him as honestly as they could.

"Um. Elrand, we've travelled all this way to ask you to dismantle the earth dragon, but... we really need to find an inn to stay for the night..." Alice said as she was holding a sleepy Sui and Dora-Chan in her arms as Bolt was on Fel's back. They were all tired and very sleepy.

"Ah, that's right! I'm sorry, I got carried away!" Elrand apologized as Alice and Fel sighed in relief.

'Thank goodness, he's gonna let us go for the night...' Alice thought as she moved to pick up her bag.

"Ah, but one more question!" Elrand said and Alice and Fel immediately dreaded another set of questions only for Ugor to be their rescue and nodded for them to head on out to find a place to stay which they thankfully did so as they left in a hurry, needing to get out of there and away from Elrand.

They were finally able to find an inn where Fel practically plopped down just outside the stables and everyone just practically collapsed on top of him with Alice face first on his side, his scent helping her relax fully but everyone was mentally and physically exhausted.

"That was a lot..." Alice mumbled tiredly.

"I gave in to that mad elf's wishes too easily..." Fel said tiredly as well, remembering that Elrand asked them so many questions.

"All questions, all day long..." Alice said as she looked over to him as she slid down to sit against him, petting his head which made his tail wag slightly.

"Just for him to make us postpone our feast." Fel lamented sadly as he leaned against her touch.

"I'm so hungry, I'm gonna die!" Dora-Chan said dramatically.

"Sui is so hungry too, Mama..." Sui whimpered.

"Pika pi..." Bolt whined.

Alice looked at them all sadly. They weren't able to leave to eat lunch.

"Of course you are. I know, I'm right there with you all, but with what happened today, I don't think I have the energy to work too hard on dinner." Alice said apologetically as she sat up. Time for the online grocery to help them with their food situation.

"Well, I shouldn't overthink it. Let's order from the online grocery, guys." Alice told them as the page opened up. Dora-Chan didn't know what she meant so he flew up to her and landed on her shoulder to see.

"The online grocery? What they got?" He asked her curiously which made Alice smile. This made Fel perk up immediately with Bolt and Sui as they came to her to see what she would get.

"Are they selling wagyu?" Fel asked as he lifted his head to take a look. She looked at the page before she noticed an event at the top.

"Oh, they're doing a Hokkaido fair." She noted in surprise.

"What's a Hokkaido?" Sui asked curiously, crawling through Fel's fur to see.

"I think it's a place from the other world that's known for its especially delicious cuisine." Alice said. She had gotten a book for it and about the other world's events and festivities.

"But I have a feeling that you'll like it." She said as she tapped on the event bar to see what they had.

"Some Genghis Khan is an absolute must." Alice picked the first item.

"I'm all for pre-marinated meat." She said before she started to add the other items in the cart before she was surprised to see something else.

"Nice, there's a set that comes with the pot." Alice smiled as she added that in the cart as well.

"I'll grab some pre-cut veggies. And I think we've earned a treat too." Alice purchased everything and the box appeared which made them look up.

She opened the box which revealed the items she had bought for tonight's dinner.

"I spy meat!" Fel said excitedly, his tail wagging.

"That's right up my alley!" Dora-Chan agreed.

"Sui wants meat too!" Sui was on board.

"I'm aware. Just give me a second." Alice chuckled as she took out the table from her item box before picking up the box to lay everything out. She had taken the stove out as well before opening the box that came with the purchase. It was a specialized pot for the dinner she's gonna cook.

"The pot is solid iron. This store has everything." She marveled in awe as she carefully took it out of the box.

"We have pots." Fel pointed to the ones she had previously used when cooking meals.

"But this one's a funny shape." Sui giggled as Bolt snickered.

"Vegetables taste a hundred times better when you cook them in this." She told them as she set it on the stove.

"Leaves again! I ordered you to give me meat!" Fel said playfully which made Alice laugh.

"Sure you did but you always eat the vegetables too. The mutton is great, but the veggies are what make this dish really tasty. And I'll show you why." Alice replied calmly yet playfully.

'(Plus, don't complain at how many times I've cooked meals with vegetables that you've eaten. They're good for you after all.)' She told him telepathically, her tone fond and warm.

'(Well, I suppose I like how the leaves and vegetables have soaked up the flavors from the meat and stew.)' Fel replied telepathically as he nudged her gently which made her smile.

"Are you two flirting in front of us?" Dora-Chan teased which made them both blush as Sui giggled.

"Mama and Uncle Fel are playing!" He said giddily which made their blush more heavy.

Alice cleared her throat before turning on the stove so she could start cooking.

"You want to get the pot nice and warm without any oil." She explained as she opened the first packets.

"Then fill the edges up with vegetables. After just a minute we add our meat." She lined the vegetables first, making sure the center is empty so she can put the meat there.

"Place it right in the center of the pot." She used a pair of tongs to put the meat at the center before adding the sauce.

"Drizzle with sauce and let it simmer." The sauce sizzled when coming into contact with the pan and it started to bubble.

"When the sauce bubbles, it's time to flip." She used the same tongs to flip the meat so the top can cook as well. She can tell everyone was excited to eat which made her smile. Moments like this warms her heart a lot, knowing that everyone is excited for the meal.

"Mutton and lamb taste best when they're still tender and pink." She told them as Sui bounced excitedly.

"Hurry, mama! Hurry!" Sui said excitedly.

"Almost ready." Alice said. It didn't take long for their meal to be finished and she served everyone their share of the dinner.

"Lamb and Mutton Genghis Khan." Alice introduced them to the dish.

"The meat takes up an offensively small portion of the platter." Fel noted curiously.

"Try it before you judge, Fel. The meat is amazing but the vegetables are just as good." Alice told him with a chuckle.

Fel hummed as he looked at their dinner. It smells amazing as always since she's the one that cooked it.

"You know my thoughts on grass and leaves." He said as he sniffed it before taking a bite of the meat along with the vegetables and the flavor surprised him once more.

"The flavor's divine! Tremendous depth!" Fel said in disbelief as he started to eat without hesitation.

"And the meat falls apart on your tongue! I've never eaten something so tender!" Dora-Chan said in delight as he had a piece of meat in his claws.

"The veggies are super rich and extra yummy!" Sui said happily, eating his vegetables in delight.

"Pika!" Bolt ate his happily, his lightning shaped tail wagging and gentle sparks came from his cheeks.

This made Alice smile as everyone was enjoying the meal as she ate her own.

"Aren't they? They absorbed the extra oil from the meat." She explained and Fel's tail wagged now. So that explains why the vegetables taste incredible! Her cooking is truly a gift!

"I sense the essence of the meat in them!" Fel said excitedly. He won't complain about vegetables again though he'll do it playfully just to make her laugh or smile.

"Another serving!" They all exclaimed, excited for a second serving.

"As you wish." Alice just smiled as she cooked up the second batch until everyone was full. Everyone was full and winding down for the night as Alice cleaned and dried the plates up after Sui removed the stains.

"That might have been the longest day ever, but it all worked out." She sighed in content as she looked at the box on the table.

"The online grocery saved us time too." She muttered as she went to the box, lifting up the cover to reveal some sweets.

"I've been gifted sweets before but I'm curious about these when I bought the ingredients and wanted to buy for all of us." She noted, taking one out. She felt a weight on her shoulder and she looked to see Sui had hopped on her left shoulder and Bolt was standing on the table.

"What's in that crinkly stuff?" Sui asked in confusion.

"I got us a fun dessert, Sui." Alice explained as she opened it.

"When I eat something so savory, I like to balance it out with a little sweet." She said as she removed the wrapper and let Sui try one first before opening a second one for Bolt.

"Here, try it." She smiled as Sui took the first taste.

"It's so yummy in Sui's tummy!" Sui yelled in delight as he ate it. Bolt accidentally gave Alice a little shock from how yummy the dessert is but Alice just laughed. The commotion caught Dora-Chan and Fel's attention and they went to see what the fuss was all about.

"I would like to test Sui's claim." Fel said but he was mostly curious on what Sui was eating.

"Yeah, same here." Dora-Chan agreed as she turned to them with a knowing look.

"All right. Sharing is caring after all." Alice said as she opened up two before handing them one by one to Fel and Dora-Chan to try.

"Here." She held one for Fel who took it away from her hand by biting on the crackers carefully.

"And here." She handed the other one to Dora-Chan who took it in his claws and they took their first taste.

The sweetness of the dessert balanced out the meal they just had and it was perfect.

"Its crispy exterior quickly gives way to reveal a silky smoothness!" Fel said in wonder and delight.

"And its sugary fragrance fills up your chest!" Dora-Chan said in delight.

"That sample was far too small. I need more." Fel said as Alice had finished her first one.

"Sui needs more too." Sui agreed as well.

"if you're already serving them up, hit me!" Dora-Chan was on board as Bolt hopped on her shoulders.

"I was honestly hoping I would get to enjoy these myself." Alice said playfully and Fel decided to play along.

"Are you rebelling against us?" Fel growled playfully.

"If anyone's rebelling, it's you!" She exclaimed playfully but they all had a laugh and ended up sharing the dessert after.

Though they had to go back the next day and Alice was still exhausted from yesterday, given how she was yawning every five minutes.

'We stayed up too late last night... They were like kids on a sugar high.' Alice thought in exhaustion, light dark circles were under her eyes. Dora-Chan was resting on her head, Sui sleeping in her bag and Fel was still tired as well as he yawned widely.

'(We better get some rest after this, Fel. I don't think I can keep my eyes open if we don't get enough sleep.)' She said telepathically as she rubbed her eyes.

'(I second that...)' Fel agreed without hesitation.

They saw Ugor was waiting for them as they approached him.

"How may I help you, Miss Alice?" Ugor asked her warmly despite the exhaustion written on their faces.

"Good morning, Ugor. I hope Elrand had a successful night, because we're all getting hungry for some dragon meat." Alice greeted him as she stifled a yawn from escaping. She hoped that Elrand had processed it already.

The door opened and they looked over to see that Elrand, despite being wide awake and ecstatic, had darker circles under his eyes as he came to Alice excitedly.

"I have great news!" He said excitedly.

"At long last, my rigid analysis is done! I painstakingly noted every detail on that beautiful creature's form!" Elrand said happily which wasn't the news Alice and Fel were expecting. Dora-Chan rubbed his eyes sleepily and hovered to sleep on top of the bag.

"I've roamed this world for centuries and never lived a happier 24-hour stretch!" He said happily as Alice just smiled tiredly.

"I'm glad that you had fun." She said though her eye twitched slightly.

'So he hasn't even started processing it.' She thought tiredly. Johan and Arthur always get to work with processing but Elrand spent the entire night taking everything down in notes first.

They had followed him to the warehouse and the exhaustion just seemed to go away as Elrand hyped himself up to start the processing. They had to work together to flip the earth dragon on its back.

"Anyway, I will now begin the process of processing." Elrand said, determined and excited and Alice gently woke Sui and Dora-Chan up so they could all watch.

"First, I need to drain the blood. I must work quickly and with minimal damage to its glorious hide." He said as there was a chest on the table which looked familiar and Fel and Dora-Chan looked so bored and uninterested with his rambling.

"Since the skin of the earth dragon is incredibly tough, it can only be penetrated by specialized blades." Elrand rambled as Dora-Chan yawned widely, bored and still sleepy.

"Thankfully, I have just the tool for the job." Elrand said, opening the case to reveal a familiar looking knife that Alice only saw Johan used. A mithril knife.

"This is the Guild's treasured mithril knife." He placed the sharp part above the earth dragon's neck, his focus sharpening on his task and everyone held their breath.

"It's time." He said, tone firm and serious.

But when he tried to press the blade down further, it just snapped in half much to everyone's shock and disbelief as the broken part fell to the floor, bouncing with a metallic clank before Elrand let out a horrified and shocked scream. Even Ugor couldn't believe it.

The guild's treasured mithril knife! That knife was the guild's most precious item! According to all the records, mithril should be able to cut through its skin with ease!" Elrand said in shock, surprise and disbelief as he looked at the earth dragon in fascination and awe.

"My, what a truly indomitable creature you are! Too indomitable! The skin of the earth dragon is overwhelming! It didn't even leave a scratch! Being this tough against mithril, amazing! But how will I see your insides now?!" Elrand rambled, still shocked and in disbelief.

"Heck yeah! Dragons are the toughest! It broke into two pieces!" Dora-Chan cheered in amazement and pride but Alice realized with dread. If the mithril knife broke in two just for trying to cut the skin...

"If the elf cannot pierce through the skin, how is he going to get the meat?!" Fel questioned in shock and disbelief, dread sinking into his entire being.

"At the very least, the only option we have now is to try an even stronger mithril blade. We'll need to find out what works..." Elrand said, still staring at the mithril knife and Dora-Chan finally realized what that meant.

"Say what?" Dora-Chan asked Alice.

"Our feast cannot wait!" Fel exclaimed.

"The dragon's meat..." Elrand said, not wanting to say it and Alice looked to Fel with a slightly tired smile.

"Sorry, but it sounds like it might have to. And it will take a while..." Alice said softly and apologetically as Elrand broke down, crying over the fact the knife broke. But the news hit Fel the hardest.

"MY MEAT!" He yelled as he fell to the floor much to Alice's concern and worry as she came to his side quickly with Sui and Dora-Chan.

"Fel?!" Alice yelped in worry as she knelt by his head.

"We came all this way just so we could eat dragon meat... And if there is no dragon meat, that means our arduous journey to this accursed city was all for naught... I can't eat it today..." Fel lamented and Alice fussed over him worriedly while Elrand continued to cry.

"I've dreamed about processing a dragon for so long, but now this happens..." Elrand cried in despair.

"Unfortunately, we don't have any other mithril weapons." Ugor said as he looked down at Fel and Alice as Sui was trying to get Fel to stand up and Dora-Chan looked worried as Alice fanned Fel's face.

"O-Okay, then what should we do?" Alice asked him.

"If you head to the dungeon, you may be able to obtain a mithril ore." Ugor explained. The word dungeon perked up Sui, Dora-Chan and Fel, who immediately got up.

"A dungeon expedition would be a boon to my spirits!" Fel said excitedly as he got up, flexing his claws.

"There's no better way to vent frustration." He suggested as Alice sighed, glad he got over it but she can still tell his aura was still depressed no matter how he hides how he wants to go to the dungeon.

"Don't get excited yet, Fel." She said before they turned to Elrand who Ugor helped up to his feet.

"Elrand looks like he's badly in need of a break." She said softly and Fel looked at the earth dragon and his ears flattened against his head.

"How about we go back to the inn and get a little rest and regroup later?" She suggested as Fel sighed.

"Yeah..." He said as he stood up as Sui and Dora-Chan came to her. She held Sui in her arms and Dora-Chan on her shoulders as they went back to the inn.

But when they went to the stables, Fel just went to one and plopped down, his back to everyone which worried them as she prepared them lunch before Alice went to Fel and patted his back gently.

"Hey, Fel, food's ready." She said softly but he wouldn't budge which worried him.

"He must have been really looking forward to it..." She said sadly as Dora-Chan and Sui looked at Fel worriedly.

"That's kinda pathetic, Fel." Dora-Chan said bluntly and Alice gave Dora-Chan a look who looked sheepish and apologetically.

"Uncle Fel..." Sui whimpered sadly.

"I made us some lunch, Fel, it might cheer you up." Alice said hopefully as she served Fel a large helping of Bloody Horn-Bull Steak beef bowls before she set his plate down in front of his stable. The smell made him look up before he turned around and started to eat without so much as commenting on how good it was.

"Well, at least he's eating." She said, though she was still worried for him as she served Sui and Dora-Chan their meals and they started to eat in silence but everyone was pretty much down.

"Sui also wishes we could have tried dragon meat..." Sui said sadly as Alice looked at them all.

"We'll just have to leave this to Elrand, okay?" She said softly. They had finished dinner when Fel suddenly stood up and she looked up at him in confusion.

"Fel?" She called him in confusion.

"I'm going to the dungeon. Sui. Dora." He said, tone final and her eyes widened when Sui and Dora-Chan were on board immediately and she stepped in front of him quickly to blow his path.

"I can gather mithril and be back by dinner. If you're afraid of the dungeon, you can stay here." Fel told her as he moved to go around her but she blocked his path.

"Fel, I know what you're doing but I'm not letting you go alone with Sui and Dora-Chan!" She exclaimed as she looked up at him.

"If you go crazy in there, you'll draw way too much attention to yourself! And if people realize who you are, our days of freely roaming the forest and eating as much food as we want are over!" Alice said sternly but her expression was worried.

"That doesn't sound good." Dora-Chan said, sitting on top of Sui.

"Somebody gets it. But I'm mostly worried about you." Alice said but her tone was full of concern for Fel who looked away.

"Fel, you're not thinking right. Sure, the processing of the Earth Dragon is gonna take a lot longer than we expected but charging towards unknown territory without preparation would get all of us in trouble or..." Alice paused as her hand instinctively went to her shoulders.

"I... I just don't want you to get hurt or worse, Fel..." She admitted, her voice cracking slightly. Fel heard her as he turned to her, seeing how she was shaking slightly and her hand was on her left shoulder. He exhaled and came to her and nudged her gently.

"I apologize... I... I just need a way to vent my frustration that I didn't realize the consequences if I did go." He said softly as she sniffed, holding his face gently with both hands.

"I just don't want you guys to get hurt..." She whispered softly, they pressed their foreheads together and Fel slowly calmed down.

"Aww... but Sui wants to go pew-pew in the dungeon..." Sui said a bit disappointed but he was just happy Mama and Uncle Fel are calming down and not fighting.

"I know, Sui, but we'll do it some other time." Alice said softly as she pet Fel's head  who leaned against her touch.

"I know, how about I make us a snack? You guys might like it." She suggested hopefully which piqued their interest but agreed. A snack sounds good.

She prepared everything, especially the vegetables they weren't able to use last night.

"Something easy to make and quick to serve. Something full of flavor and packed with nutrients." Alice said as she got started with their second yet easy snack.

"First, let's pan fry thinly sliced orc meat and add some vegetables." Alice made sure to turn the stove on first before adding the meat and vegetables.

"By using up the leftover veggies from last night, we're killing two birds with one stone." She said with a smile as the atmosphere slowly returned to a normal pace as Fel watched her cook. Alice grabbed the sauce bottle before opening the cap and added the contents to the food in the pan.

"Now for the sauce." She poured the sauce in it before she made sure everything was perfect.

"The longer you marinate the meat, the more flavorful it becomes. But we're making the quick version." Alice explained before adding the last parts.

"Add a squeeze of garlic paste for extra depth and sesame oil to finish it off." She put everything together as she put everything in clean plates.

"It has a nice aroma for something so polluted with those leaves." Fel noted and Alice smiled softly. She missed him commenting on the meals she cooked earlier and was glad he's feeling okay now.

"I'm glad to hear your commentary again, Fel. Garlic and sesame oil make anything smell like a dream." She said, turning to him with a smile which he returned, his tail wagging happily.

"Serve it over rice." Alice put everything together on top of rice and was done.

"And voila! Your Orc pork Kimchi bowl is ready to eat." She was done as everyone looked excited to eat it. She went to the table and everyone was ready to dig in but it still needs one more thing.

"As a bonus and something to brighten it more, a gooey soft boiled egg as a finishing touch." She said, grabbing a soft boiled egg and cracked it open over Fel's share.

"Let's dig in." She gave them the green light and everyone started to eat.

"Thank you for the Orc pork." Alice clasped together before she joined them.

"It tastes every bit as good as it smells." Fel noted, energy and gusto back in action, eating everything and savoring each bite.

"The melty egg is Sui's favorite part." Sui said in delight, eating his share happily.

"And this rice stuff really takes it to the next level." Dora-Chan said, using a spoon to eat his.

Alice was glad they're eating the second lunch but there was still a problem with the processing.

'I managed to turn their attention away from exploring the dungeon for now, but I've got to figure out this mithril situation so we can get the dragon meat processed.' Alice thought worriedly.

Meanwhile in the divine realm, Ninrir and the three goddesses were having a picnic as well as discussing what they're gonna ask Alice for their offerings today.

"Today's the day we get our offerings. I'm definitely requesting sweets." Ninrir said excitedly as she sipped her juice.

"You always get that though." Agni told her which made Ninrir puffed her cheek.

"What did you say?!" She asked her in annoyance.

"I think I have enough leftover hair treatment. I think I'll ask for skin products next. Dryness is the worst." Kishar lamented, feeling her skin.

"You're really into that kind of thing, aren't you?" Agni questioned her as Agni huffed.

"We're not too different from humans, even in the heavenly realm! You have to take care of yourself properly!" Kishar said, feeling offended.

"I don't care. As long as I get to drink." Agni said.

"We need to be calm and patient." Rusalka said softly.

"If she would just send us the offerings and not threaten us withholding them for two weeks as punishment, I would be. But alas, the otherworlder has utterly failed us." Ninrir pouted.

"I don't think she failed us. She was setting up boundaries since we might have crossed a line last time when she bathed." Kishar said, still feeling guilty about it.

"You had it coming even when Ruka and I told you not to." Agni said before someone spoke up.

"Just as I thought."

"So that's how it is."

The voices made the four goddesses look up and they immediately tense upon recognition.

The first one is a male God with a dwarven muscular build and a cross shaped scar on his forehead. He has long golden blonde hair that reaches through his back with a moustache and beard that covers the lower portion of his face that is long and wide enough to cover his upper body to his waist. He is also always seen wearing a blacksmithing goggles situated below his chin

And the second one is also another male God with a muscular build wearing a skull helmet and adorned with lower jaw bone and teeth around his neck. He also has long flowing dark blue hair near his head and light blue hair below his torso and red tattoos around his biceps and his upper body circling around from his left neck to his lower right chest.

These two are Hephaestus and Vahagn and the very duo that the four goddesses have been keeping an eye out for.

"What are you two doing here?" Ninrir questioned them, bristling visibly.

"You ladies thought that you could leave us in the dark?" Hephaestus questioned them, arms crossed.

"You're forcing some poor mortal to give you offerings?" Vahagn just smirked.

"Of course not." Kishar said, feeling a bit protective over Alice for some reason now.

"She's thanking us." She added.

"We blessed her, so don't go painting us as bad people." Agni was in agreement with Kishar.

"Not people. Deities." Rusalka corrected politely before the trio turned to Agni who gulped.

"That's why we said not to ask for alcohol!" Ninrir said in a whisper before Kishar gasped.

"It can't be, Agni, you-" Kishar exclaimed in shock.

"Hey, I didn't tell them anything!" Agni got defensive immediately as Hephaestus and Vahagn went to see what the Otherworlder looks like.

"I can smell the alcohol on you." Rusalka said softly.

Meanwhile back at the stables, Alice could practically hear everything so while everyone was eating, she decided to communicate with the goddesses for help.

"Hello? Are you there, goddesses? I would appreciate it if you keep the infighting on your side, please." Alice told them before an unfamiliar voice spoke up which made her go tense. These weren't the ones she was used to.

"We hear you, traveler from another world! It looks like you're in a pinch."

"H-Huh? Who are you guys, exactly?" Alice asked in confusion before a second unfamiliar voice spoke up.

"Let me introduce myself. God of Blacksmithing, Hephaestus!"

"And my name's Vahagn, the God of War!" Alice winced as she rubbed her ears. Now there are gods in the mix? What do they want now?

"The gods of blacksmithing and war. Some big names and intense lines of work" Alice muttered warily before the words caught up to her. Blacksmithing? Then-!

'Maybe God Hephaestus might know about a blade stronger than a mithril knife!' She thought hopefully.

"Uh, excuse me! A question for you, Hephaestus!" Alice said, tone urgent and slightly filled with hope.

"So you've realized. Is it about the mithril knife?"

That made Alice sigh in relief, glad he figured it out.

"All of us were watching you. That knife is broken and it probably won't be enough if you just prepare a knife of the same quality."

"And I'm glad that you guys are always watching." She said thankfully as she turned to Fel who had lay down but his aura was still depressed over the prospect of not getting to eat dragon meat.

"Fel had such high hopes too. I'd like to ask for your help. Do you have any advice about how I could obtain a new one?" Alice asked hopefully.

"I can give you a hand. I can bestow upon you, my Blacksmithing blessing! With a blessing from the God of Blacksmithing. With it, one could easily craft a sturdier blade using the same mithril ore that made up the puny knife I watched the elf snap. Of course, they'll be strong enough to cut through a dragon's hide."

"Well, that's awfully convinient." Alice said, her tone taking on the same tone when she knew someone wants something in return.

"However, I must be persuaded into giving such a blessing. I suppose that pot or two of alcohol when it's time to make offerings could do the trick."

And there it is. A blessing in exchange for something from her world and the other.

"We may or may not have heard a rumor that you have the power to obtain items from another world."

This just made Alice sigh as both gods laughed and chuckled mischievously as she looked up at the sky, wondering what's going on over there.

'I should have known what they were after.' She thought dryly.

Back at the divine realm, the two gods were already plotting on what their offerings would be like as Ninrir and the three goddess watch.

"Requesting trades from mortals isn't godly at all!" Ninrir snapped.

"That's Ninrir, Goddess of Hypocrisy." Kishar said with a look.

"Why are you mad? I'm just reaching out to an Otherworlder in need of help. Especially if they're that adorable." Vahagn said with a smirk which set the four goddesses off. No way he just said that!

"You're not to speak to that Otherworlder like that! You probably just followed us here just to drink!" Agni shouted at Vahagn while Hephaestus was curious as to why they were giving Vahagn a look that could murder anyone.

"Where the heck did you even get that idea from?!" Kishar exclaimed before Alice's voice made them pause.

"Everyone, will you please all calm down?!"

They turned to the viewing pool to see Alice having an annoyed expression on her face before Hephaestus got back to business.

"Alright, if you agree, I'll send my blessing to you now." He said, winding up his arm to bestow his blessing.

"Hang on just a moment!"

Back at the stables, Alice was a bit annoyed they're talking over her, not letting her speak up but she has to stop Vahagn or Hephaestus from sending her abrupt blessings.

"I appreciate the offer, but I really don't want or need any more blessings!" She said which caught Hephaestus off guard before he noticed.

"Having more blessings than the past heroes of this world is a bad thing! How could you refuse like that?!"

"It's not my fault I got blessed!" Alice exclaimed in annoyance.

Back at the divine realm, Hephaestus took a good look at her. Despite having the affinity to fire and earth, she doesn't have anything for blacksmithing.

"Have you practiced smiting before? When I take a good look at you, you don't seem to have much natural talent for it." He pointed out.

Back at the inn, Alice sighed, glad that he had noticed before he had given his blessing only to regret it later.

"There really isn't much point giving you a blessing like this." That made Alice sighed but it still won't solve the problem at hand.

"However, there's a better candidate there with you. How about that one over there, next to you."

"And who's that?" Alice asked before blinking and she looked down to see Sui looking up at her curiously and she smiled, petting his head as he hopped onto her lap, nuzzling her stomach.

"That slime of yours has a lot of potential. Plus, it doesn't appear to be an ordinary slime, and the power of water is vital for forging. Alright, it's decided! My blessing will be bestowed upon that slime!"

Alice just giggled as an image came to her head. Imagining Sui as a Blacksmith made her giggle and that she was having a hard time imagining that before Vahagn spoke up.

Back at the divine realm, Vahagn observed the otherworlder as she cradled the slime like her offspring. She was cute though but when he had called her adorable, it caused a riot in Ninrir and the trio goddesses.

"You'd be a food to forget about the God of War! If he can't bless you, then allow me!" He told her charmingly.

"No, you just want a drink, don't you?" That dry tone made him falter a little, surprised that she wasn't phased but it caused Kishar and Ninrir to snicker as Agni let out a laugh.

"Of course, you expect me to just sit back and watch these guys drinl?" He asked her.

"You can just not watch at all!" Agni said playfully with Kishar agreeing.

Back at the stables, she could sense how Vahagn was trying to be charming but it's not working on her because her heart and mind already belonged to someone.

"Thanks, but I really don't plan on going to war in the near future. I prefer to avoid near world ending scenarios." Alice deadpanned with a huff.

Back at the divine realm, Vahagn knows she and her party are going to a dungeon.

"You guys have to go explore a dungeon, don't you?" He questioned her.

"We are just as I promised my familiars, especially Fel."

"Hey, I'm blessing somebody in your party, so you just tell me who it's gonna be. Though that Fenrir over there would be good." Vahagn noted, noticing how Fel was glancing at Alice who glanced back with a small smile.

"W-Wait a second!" Ninrir shouted as she ran to him.

"I've just been a bystander so far, however! And that fenrir! He's my follower! I won't allow this to happen! And I also won't let you get between my servant Fenrir and the Otherworlder from getting together!" Ninrir exploded.

Back at the stables, Alice flushed at what Ninrir just said as Fel perked up, looking up at the sky as everyone was finished eating.

"Just now, it felt like Goddess Ninrir was watching over me!" He said as he look around but he didn't get a divine message.

'So Fel and the others can't hear them. On second thought, maybe it's better if he can't hear them. Especially what Ninrir said!' Alice thought in embarrassment. Was what Ninrir said true? Her and Fel? Together?! The thought alone made her blush heavily as she shook her head.

"U-Uh, let me think." She said, changing the subject as she looked at Sui. He's getting the blacksmithing blessing so...

She turned to Fel and Dora-Chan and an idea sparked in her mind which made her smile.

"I know! Why don't you bless Dora-Chan and Fel? They both have a lot of magic power." She told Vahagn.

"Fel and Dora-Chan can use fire magic as well and with your blessing, I'm sure it can help the forging process." She pointed out since fire is needed for blacksmithing.

"A great idea! There you have it, Ninrir, there won't be any problems. Although... His name's Dora-Chan? That's a weird name."

"That doesn't matter!" Alice snapped before Dora-Chan stilled before growling in annoyance. He couldn't shake the feeling that someone was making fun of him.

"I can feel like someone is making fun of me!" He yelled in annoyance.

That was all they needed as the two gods gave their blessings.

"Now, prepare yourselves for divine blessings from the best!"

"Whoa! What's this?!" Dora-Chan felt a surge of power coursing through him as Sui bobbed happily. Fel felt his ears twitch but didn't move from his spot in the stables he had retreated into. Even after Alice cheered him up, he was still down at not getting to eat dragon meat.

"There's the blessing done! Let's drink!"

"Yeah! bring out the booze!"

"Hold up! My sweets come first!"

"M-Me too!"

Alice already had the online grocery page open but their rushing is making her head spin.

"One at a time, please!" She exclaimed as she randomly picked the items they liked and wanted before sending it all.

Back at the divine realm, everyone was celebrating their new offerings and first for the two gods.

"Anpan! How I've missed you!" Ninrir cheered at seeing her favorite sweets.

"Apparently this is a brand new shampoo." Kishar noted in delight.

"I needed a drink!" Agni said happily before Ninrir remembered.

"Oh, we appreciate the early offerings but please be quick with the offerings next time. Forgetting about your gods and goddesses isn't a good look." She told Alice, finally stopping and learning to be patient but is still not happy at getting late offerings.

"And good luck with my proud servant Fenrir!" Ninrir added playfully.

Back at the stables, Alice just glad it was over but the fact that Ninrir revealed a major thing that was troubling her until now. Her feelings for Fel. Was it really love that she felt for him?

"They really just order whatever they want. I've got a lot of offerings to make now." She muttered before she went to Fel and Dora-Chan with Sui in her arms.

'The more blessings, the merrier.' She thought before she look at Dora-Chan who was looking at his claws.

"I hope you three put them to good use." Alice told them.

"What was that all about? Feels like a strange power apepared." He said in confusion as he looked up at her while she knelt down in front of them after Alice put let Sui jump off.

"It's a blessing from the God of War." Alice told Dora-Chan who stared at her with wide eyes as she turned to Sui.

"Sui, you also received a blessing from the God of Blacksmiths." She said as Sui and Dora-Chan stared up at her with wide eyes which made her smile softly.

"God of War?! Something like that exists?! That sounds powerful!" Dora-Chan said excitedly, his wings fluttering in excitement.

"Of course and with those two new gods in the picture, I'll have to increase my offerings." She told them before using appraisal on Sui to see his stats.

[Name] Sui
[Age] 2 months
[Race] Big Slime
[Level] 16
[Strength] 989
[Magic] 980
[Attack] 964
[Defense] 973
[Agility] 985
[Skill] Acid Bullet, Healing Potion Creation, Proliferate, Water Magic, Blacksmithing
[Blessing] {Goddess of Water: Rusalka's Blessing} {God of Blacksmithing: Hephaestos' Blessing}

"Looks like you have a blacksmithing skill now, Sui." Alice said proudly as Sui bobbed happily.

"I was told that you will be able to forge items with the blessing. Do you think you can do it?" Alice asked him as Sui looked at the ground before he looked up.

"I think I can." He said which made her smile.

"That's great. So can you try and explain how you can make items?" Alice inquired gently and Sui bobbed thoughtfully.

"Um, Sui put materials into Sui's tummy. Then Sui knead it here and there; I think I can do it!" Sui tried to explain as best as he could, which was enough for Alice.

"That's good to hear. You'll get to try it once we get our hands on some mithril ore." Alice said as she started to strategize on how fast they can get the ore without lingering too long in the dungeon.

"So you've completely forgotten?" Fel's quiet voice piped in which made her look up to see him opening an eye. He was still down but not too much.

"We hunted a mithril lizard ages ago and you tucked away a bit of ore." He reminded her as he huffed silently, ears twitching. She came to him and sat down by his head.

"You knew that we had ore, yet you still want to go to the dungeon to get some?" She asked him as he turned his head to look up at her.

"Seperate issues entirely." He said curtly as Alice sighed and petted his head.

"You make me worry sometimes, you know?" She said tenderly as Fel's ears twitch while he leaned against her touch. They stayed like that for a moment before Alice stopped and she stood up, opening her item box to grab some of the ore they had.

"Alright, let's give this a shot." She soon pulled out some mithril ore and offered them to Sui.

"Sui, can you please turn this into the same kind of knife Elrand was using?" Alice asked him as he looked up at her before looking at the ores. Sui remembered how the knife looked before as he hummed thoughtfully.

"Sui will try." Sui said as he reached over to take the ore from her hands before absorbing them. Sui's form glowed and wriggled as he started to use his blacksmithing skill Alice, Fel who was awake now and Dora-Chan watched him recreate the knife before Sui soon let out steam.

"H-how did it go?" Alice asked him worriedly. Sui reached into himself before pulling out a completely mithril knife that looked way better than the one Elrand was using.

"Ta-da!" Sui presented it happily.

"Wow! You did an amazing job, Sui! This quality looks even better too!" Alice said, admiring how it looked as Fel looked at it in confusion while Alice used appraisal.

[Mithril Knife+] A well made mithril knife.

"It's a mithril knife plus." She said in excitement.

"How is it, mama?" Sui asked as Alice petted him happily.

"It's very well done, Sui! You did an amazing job too!" She said before turning to Fel and the expression in her eyes made his heart fill up with hope. Could that mean that-!

"In other words! We're back in action, guys! The processing of the earth dragon is on!" Alice said which made Fel's tail wag happily that he couldn't resist and pinned her down and nuzzled her happily which caused her to laugh. Sui had jumped out of her arms on time when Fel tackled her.

"We can finally eat earth dragon meat!" He said excitedly, his tail wagging as she laughed and looked up at him as he looked down at her with the biggest smile on his face. They stared at each other for a long moment before realizing the position they were in and Fel got off her immediately, flushing heavily in embarrassment while Alice was blushing heavily from what just happened as her hair was a bit tussled when Fel tackled her to the ground.

"U-Uh, that happened." Alice laughed nervously, blushing still but a smile on her face.

"Q-Quite so." Fel stuttered, ears against his head but his tail was betraying how happy he is.

"A-Anyway, now we have a new knife, going into the dungeon will have to wait for now." Alice said as she fixed her hair.

"Not true! That is a separate issue!" Fel countered back playfully.

"If I say we're not going yet, we're not going yet!" Alice fired back just as playfully as Sui and Dora-Chan looked back and forth between them.

"If I say we go, we go!" Fel said playfully.

"I'm in charge!" Alice said playfully before they both started to laugh and Dora-Chan and Sui joined in as well since the entire thing was hilarious.
~~~~
Another World Theater: Second Serving

Sui was showing the new mithril knife to Dora-Chan and Fel who were admiring it but were all excited to finally be able to get the Earth Dragon processed as Alice watched them.

"Sui's new blessing obviously comes with some perks." Alice noted before she checked Fel's and Dora-Chan’s stats.

"I wonder what the God of War hooked Dora-Chan and Fel up with." She said curiously. Nothing new with Fel's stats but there was a new skill. She then checked Dora-Chan’s stats. Nothing changed aside from the new skill.

"It must be battle reinforcement." She checked the battle boost one to see what it means.

[Name] Fel
[Age] 1014
[Race] Fenrir
[Level] 906
[Strength] 9843
[Magic] 9481
[Defense] 9765
[Attack] 9036
[Agility] 9684
[Skill] Wind Magic, Fire Magic, Water Magic, Earth Magic, Ice Magic, Lightning Magic, Sacred Magic, Barrier Magic, Rending Claws, Body Reinforcement, Magic Attack Resistance, Appraisal, Battle Boost
[Blessing] {Goddess of Wind: Ninrir's Blessing} {God of War: Vahagn's Blessing}

[Name] Dora-Chan
[Age] 116
[Race] Pixie Dragon
[Level] 126
[Strength] 895
[Magic] 2879
[Attack] 2652
[Defense] 865
[Agility] 3269
[Skill] Fire Magic, Water Magic, Wind Magic, Earth Magic, Ice Magic, Lightning Magic, Healing Magic, Bombardment, Battle Boost
[Blessing] {God of War: Vahagn's Blessing}

"Stats during battle increased by 50%." She said in bewilderment before as she read it further.

"And the holder's aggression is raised slightly?" Alice read before growing sheepish as she looked at Fel and Dora-Chan with a sheepish look while face palming with a laugh.

"That means, they could win any fight as is. What's the point of making these guys even stronger?" She said in disbelief, already feeling sorry to the monsters that will surely lose in the dungeon.