NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Echos of Tomorrow.
Nekra and Yuki were peacefully lounging in their cozy apartment preset core. The apartment-like setting was a sanctuary of comfort that they had meticulously created. The walls of the cave had been softened with delicate, ethereal paintings depicting serene landscapes and images from the anime they had watched together.
"Yuki," Nekra said, enjoying the feeling of her partner's affectionate pets, "how long is our lifespan?"
(Sage: Until the dungeon core is destroyed)
Yuki, her fingers gently caressing Nekra's soft cat ears, replied, "Sage says we'll exist until the dungeon core gets destroyed."
Nekra blinked, her purring pausing for a moment as she considered this. "Ah? I didn't know that either. So, you can hear Sage too, nya?" Nekra wondered if it was because of their special bond that Yuki could access the same skills she did.
Yuki nodded and snuggled closer to Nekra, continuing to pet her. Nekra's gentle purring resumed as they enjoyed each other's company while watching anime from the comfort of their new red couch.
Time passed, and the two of them found solace in their close bond, sharing moments of laughter and companionship. It was clear that their connection was deepening with each passing day. They could without a doubt spend eternity with each other
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Meanwhile, beyond the confines of their cozy underground abode, events were unfolding in the human world. The king of the Brunund kingdom, along with the leader of the adventurer's guild, were engrossed in a conversation regarding the recent disturbances originating from the Great Jura Forest.
"Why are so many monsters coming out of the Great Jura Forest?" the king inquired, his brow furrowed with concern.
The guild master, a seasoned and knowledgeable figure, responded, "Storm Dragon Veldora was sealed last week. His aura is scaring most of the stronger creatures, which in turn is causing the smaller ones to flee the forest. It should calm down in the future."
The king nodded, somewhat reassured by the explanation. But then, he probed further, "What about the Goblin King and his horde that fled the forest? They just disappeared."
The guild master's expression became more serious. "They started digging in. We found them in a cave system and are preparing a group of adventurers to deal with them there."
The king considered this information carefully, his mind filled with thoughts of potential challenges. He knew that, if left unchecked, the goblins and their king could become a significant threat to the kingdom. The last thing he wanted was to draft an army to confront them, as such an action could have dire consequences. Especially with the unrest that Storm Dragon Veledora had kicked up before he was defeated and sealed.
Outside, in the rapidly darkening forest near the dungeon/cave that Nekra and Yuki now called home, the goblins had indeed found a new dwelling. The Goblin King, driven by the instinct to survive and protect his subjects, had taken them deep underground. A massive monster had made its home in the center of the forest, and there was a massive struggle for territory going on.
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Back in their apartment-like setting, Nekra and Yuki enjoyed their peaceful existence. It was a haven of comfort, a sanctuary they had built together with meticulous care. They were safe as long as the core was hidden. Although, the dungeon would need to be expanded in the future.
Nekra, who had initially been nervous about her new world, was now feeling more at ease, all thanks to her partnership with Yuki. The bond they shared, a deep connection, had helped fill the void left by her memories of the dark and lonely past… Void.
As the room basked in the gentle, enchanting glow of the ambient light, Nekra felt a sudden rush of hunger. She turned her gaze towards Yuki, who was lying beside her, her presence a source of solace, warmth, delicious, sweet… Mine.
"Nya... Yuki?" Nekra mumbled softly, a question and a plea rolled into one.
"You don't have to ask permission, Nekra," Yuki whispered, her tired voice carrying the weight of the deep affection she held for her Master.
Nekra, responding to affirmation, expressed her feelings in a way that was unique to her nature. With a gentle rub of her head against Yuki's, followed by a low purr. She showed her affection before she made a decision. Nekra, driven by her instincts, sank her fangs into the fox girl's neck.