Greg, Yvonne, Giana and I were bored. Raishin had pissed off Noelle as usual, and they were fighting again. We had already gotten tired of the repeated process. If I have to believe Giana and Yvonne, Noelle bonds over butting heads, but not sure if this is the case for Raishin…

  So, Greg, what is the state of Jarn?

  What happened to your tablet? You stopped using it.

  I showed him my tablet that had gotten fried. I don’t know when this happened, but I might have been still charged with lightning at some point when taking it out.

  I’m honestly surprised that that tablet even survived for this long. It doesn’t seem to be the ‘Lightning’ version.

  Aren’t you making things up now?

  Greg showed me on his tablet what a ‘lightning’ version was.

  ‘A tablet specifically made for lightning users, as the residual charge of lightning magic tends to destroy the tablets.’ Wow you were not making things up! So Raishin has a ‘lightning’ version?

  Uh…

  Didn’t you help him buy a tablet?

  I got distracted…

  This piqued Yvonne’s interest. “W…what got your attention?”

  It was a more compact version of a Teleroad apparatus. Technology is making leaps and bounds. It was extremely expensive, but the vendor told me that it might not take long before anyone could walk around with them.

  Ah right, using Teleroad without aid seems to be uncommon.

  Raishin finally got subdued and Noelle was giving him an earful.

  But to answer your question, Jarn seems fine on the surface. News is going around that a faction is rising up to Taylor. The rumor is floating around that they had been the victim of terrorism. The faction that was more in favor of her father accused her of the assassination. The country is unchanged besides that.

  “You guys really leave chaos behind, wherever you go…”

  Greg pointed at me. Not me! It’s him and Raishin!

  And who is responsible for making sure Raishin and I don’t destroy the continent?

  I said with a smirk.

  Greg put his hands in his hair. You guys are impossible to control!

  Yvonne started a calming song.

  “Don’t worry Greg, the team is bigger now, you are not alone anymore!” Giana said as she hummed the melody to Yvonne’s song.

  Greg pointed at Giana this time.

  You’re just as bad as Agnis! It’s more accurate to say that I’m even more outnumbered now!

  “I finished venting. Shall we go?” Noelle said as she dragged Raishin to us.

  Alright! The Agnis Express is leaving soon! Destination: Gittrian!

  I thought that we were going to Witchaven.

  I felt a charming gaze in my back.

  Yes, don’t worry! I didn’t forget but I need that ‘lightning’ version tablet!

  Giana put her hands on her hips. “And why do you need to go to Gittrian for that?”

  Well, my old tablet had some things set up with commissions and stuff, I don’t know how that works, so I’m going to ask Damian or Barusu for one.

  Giana stopped the ‘charming glare’. “Wait, you know the CEO of Yttroz Industries?”

  Noelle also got excited. “Oh, I’m happy to have a competent lil’ bro like you! I’ve always wanted to meet Barusu!”

  Ah, that actually makes a lot of sense… will I kinda know him, did I ever tell you guys that I sold rubies?

  Greg shook his head in disappointment, and the idols gave me blank stares.

  How are they supposed to understand what you mean if you word it so vague?

  I took out the very first Hourai Ruby.

  “Ooh! A Hourai ruby! May… may I?”

  I nodded and handed it over to Noelle, the rock expert.

  “This is amazing, it’s almost unrealistically pure. It’s not a trick of yours, right?”

  Nope, I found it before I knew how to pull off a trick like that. And I’m sure Yttroz Industries would have found out.

  “Why have we never made the connection?” Noelle asked as she passed the ruby to Yvonne and Giana.

  Dunno maybe related to the strong illusion I used shortly after. We needed to hide from witches and deities so it would make it hard for anyone and anything to trace us. These rubies might have gotten caught up in that too.

  Giana looked at the necklace on my 5 th tail. “I’m a bit envious…”

  Giana had a point. Is it appropriate to have a necklace of another woman around my tail? The tail moved toward me, and I was about to take it off when Giana stopped me.

  “It serves as a reminder, right? Don’t take it off, for better or worse, it’s a part of you now.”

  So bright! So, dazzling!

  “This again?!” I got hit by a headlock.

  But… I’ll see if I can get you a better one if you’d like.

  “Ooh I love that idea! But…ruby…”

  Giana seemed to want to say something. I didn’t know what, but I had a feeling.

  I also have sapphires.

  Charm magic poured into me. I’d take that as a favorable response. Noelle and Yvonne backed off. Greg didn’t notice and was unaffected by the charm discharge.

  Hey Noelle, Yvonne, we need to do something about that…

  The two ignored me.

  Really guys?

  “Hmm? Did you say something lil’ bro?”

  “W…who is Yvonne?”

  This is bullying… Big sis’, Yv, you need to do something about that Oblivious Prince.

  Who are you calling Oblivious Prince?

  Are you even aware that you’re bathing in Giana’s charm magic and are unaffected?

  Greg looked genuinely shocked, looked around and stepped back.

  You’re still in range doofus… Deca, can you relax a bit?

  “A sapphire necklace… I don’t even know how to express my gratitude!”

  Her pouring charm magic into me was enough of an indication.

  What did you do Agnis? It seems as you’re suddenly quite close to the idols.

  My job as the leader of this pain in the ass team, you guys should do the same. Anyway, we will leave in a bit. Nilah, help me out here.

  Nilah jumped out and created a clone which sucked up the charm after which the clone disappeared. Nilah acted strange and tackled Giana.

  Ease up Nilah, it might look like I’m under attack, but I’m fine.

  Nilah misbehaved, so I turned her into sword form and stored her in my dimensional pocket again.

  Sorry about that.

  “Its fine…” Giana wasn’t hurt physically, but Nilah’s sudden aggression must have hurt her mentally. My tails lifted everyone and I started running toward Gittrian.

  Is Nilah upset with me that I don’t take her out often enough? But why take it out on Giana and not me?

  Nilah has met Giana before, and she never acted like this. While Nilah knows what I know, I don’t know everything she knows. Is there something about Giana that sets Nilah off? But why now? What has changed?

  Is Giana in her eyes suitable as a friend, but not as a mate? I might have to also talk to Nilah…

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  Nilah is also part of team Hourai after all.

  Gittrian came in sight 2 days later, and I still couldn’t figure out why Nilah behaved like that. Giana had been silent the whole trip. Greg, Raishin and Noelle were playing a word game.

  Alright, we’re almost there, time to act normal!

  Everyone got put down and we started walking. Gittrian’s city walls had disappeared. They had moved to some fancy magical barrier. This place gets more advanced every time I visit it.

  “Gittrian has changed a lot since we came here. We had our first concert here. Everything is becoming more modern without compromising structural integrity! That’s how I want to see it!”

  The Yttroz Industries Headquarters came in sight and I lead the team through the secret entrance.

  “Why aren't we going through the main entrance, lil’ bro?

  Because a lot of bullshit happens if we do. Ugh, they upped their security again!

  It wasn't Jarn tier security, but it was up there. Too bad for them though, as I had gotten better at using illusions. It wasn't exactly a piece of cake but still easy.

  “Deca, how often did you sneak in here?”

  Uhh, dunno, I forgot. Let's go take the elevator there!

  Won't they notice?

  We're not in stealth, so they won't.

  We hopped in the elevator and Damian entered the elevator before the doors could close.

  Oh, this is perfect. Yoo Damian!

  I dropped the illusions and waved at Damian.

  “What in Yttroz? Agnis? What are you doing here? And wait, why has nobody escorted you and your friends to the VIP section?”

  Yes, that's the reason I keep sneaking in because that preferential treatment sucks, can we meet up with Barusu?

  Damian rubbed his temple. “You do know that this also categorizes as ‘preferential treatment’ a normal person would have been arrested… Also, my name is Damian Chosick, the executive manager of the Yttroz Industries.”

  Damian introduced himself to my team.

  “But this is excellent timing, we had something we wanted to tell you.”

  Damian led us to a fancy lounge and Barusu joined us a bit later.

  “Whoa look at that. You brought your whole team. I’m Barusu Onyxbeard, most of us have seen each other but not officially met yet.”

  “It's a pleasure to meet you! It was hard to find a moment to talk to you after Alledra got rebuilt! I’m Noelle Yasmin!” Noelle said as she excitedly shook Barusu‘s hand.

  I’m Raishin, nice to meet you!

  Gregory Sheru.

  “Y…Yvonne Faer.”

  “I’m Gianna Kahlua, thank you for everything you’ve done for Agnis.”

  “Oh oh? What's this Agnis? You brought your lady here? But it's safe to say that he has helped us more, please sit down.”

  But all I did was sell rubies…

  When are you going to realize that those rubies are responsible for the Yttroz Industries massive boom in wealth?

  Oh right, before I forget.

  I rummaged through my dimensional pocket.

  Can you make a necklace for Gianna with this sapphire? Not you specifically, as you're probably busy, but could Yttroz Industries do this?

  Barusu took the sapphire and excitedly studied it as he’d studied the rubies that I sold. Noelle and Giana had a strong reaction to the deep blue sapphire.

  “This is on the same tier as the Hourai rubies! We… no I will turn this in the best jewelry ever! You surely are going all out lad!”

  Damian cleared his throat. “Aren't you forgetting something, Barusu? The mountain of work you keep putting off?”

  “A dwarf is supposed to have his hands on a hammer and rocks and metal! Not on pens and paper!”

  Also… I kinda wrecked this, I'm sorry.

  I gave Damian the fried tablet.

  “Ah right, you were a lightning user. We will get to it, the products of your commissions do quite well.”

  5 sets of eyes locked on to me.

  Commissions? When did you have time to do those?

  Yeah! I thought you were a slacker like me!

  Pff, come on guys, do you think my daggers magically reproduce themselves?

  “Oh right! Lil’ bro is also an artisan!”

  Uhh yeh, well I make sure to hop into my dimensional pocket on a weekly basis and keep up the many things I have to stay on top of, including blacksmithing.

  Does that include those Dawnlights and many strange skills that seemingly pop out of nowhere?

  Yup I'm a busy fox!

  So, I'm the only slacker… Agnis you betrayed me!

  He was never a slacker though… he just likes to make people think that he's a slacker…

  An uncomfortable feeling came over me as the team seemed to be interested in what I do in my dimensional pocket on a weekly basis.

  Fine… I'll show you guys someday… it's boring though…

  “Interesting… either way, Damian will handle the rest. I will get to work on this sapphire.” Barusu sized up Giana and ran for the door.

  “Barusu, do you mind if I help? I know what Giana's taste is.”

  “Oh, I've never worked with a crystal wolf, sure, but hurry before Damian catches us!”

  Noelle and Barusu escaped before Damian caught on.

  “Barusu wait… Stubborn dwarf. I will get you a replacement for your tablet.” He turned to Raishin. “Uhh your name was Raishin? Why are you raising your hand?”

  Can I have one too? Mine also got fried!

  Damian gave me a confused look.

  Just subtract the cost from whatever you guys were holding on to me.

  “2 tablets then. They will be ready in 2 days. Now to the topic of the Hourai rubies…”

  Greg reeled in Raishin as his interest had wandered to fragile ornaments.

  I am interested but this guy breaks things if he gets bored, do you mind if I escort him out?

  “Breaking things, eh?” Damian wrote something down and handed it to Greg. “ Take this to the 2nd floor in the basement, we do material testing down there. He may break whatever material he can find in the test room.

  Wow! This place is the best! Let's go Greg!

  Raishin got up and dragged Greg away.

  “I…I'm coming too!”

  Yvonne hopped off after them.

  “Quite the lively party you have.”

  A bit selfish but lively indeed.

  “Either way, the Hourai rubies have helped us get back on our feet, as they're as popular as ever. Their worth has been locked to 1200 gold.”

  And what stops people from collecting them like they did in the past?

  “A specific type of magic that causes them to lose their luster if it hasn't been involved in a transaction for over 100 days. It can still be used as a currency after its luster has diminished, but it won't be attractive as a collector’s item.”

  Sounds good on paper, I'm sure they will find a loophole sooner or later.

  “We will be monitoring the situation closely. Also… is everything alright with her?”

  Hmm? Oh, Giana?? She daydreams from time to time, don't let it bother you.

  “Ah I see… so another issue has popped up. The ancient buildings. We've found 17 with the warning symbols. They had luckily been archived; else we would have forgotten about it due to your curse.”

  “Curse? Did he get cursed again?” Giana asked as she got snapped out of her daydream by the word ‘curse’.

  “Agnis had contracted a curse which caused everyone to forget about him.”

  “Oh that, yeah, that was reckless.”

  17… did they break open?

  “2 did, and our workers made sure to stay far from it when it did, the other 15 need attention, unfortunately, you're the only one who can read the writings…”

  Ugh, what a pain in the ass, can you add a map on the tablet? I will give some a visit when I have time… or remember…

  “I'm sorry to put this on you, but the 2 monsters that had escaped had caused a lot of destruction…”

  Monsters? Not demons or Demi gods?

  “I'm only going by descriptions, sorry.”

  Fear inducing? Covered in some sort of black fog? Talking in a strange language?

  “Oh, so you’ve heard about them?”

  I met one, this is bad, please notify the AA if you haven’t yet, we might get hit with another invasion… what a pain in the ass.

  “An invasion? You’re suggesting that there might be more of those things?”

  A whole Basement full of them.

  “I…I don’t quite understand.”

  Maybe that’s for the better, I’ll see what I can do, thank you, Damian and uhh. I like those magic barriers around the city, but you might also still need physical walls if more of those things are going to pop up. Sorry…

  “It seems we all have a lot to do then. It was nice talking to you, but I seem to be even busier than I thought.”

  “It was nice to meet you, Mr. Damian.” Giana acted all lady-like which surprised me a bit. “What?”

  Nothing!

  We got lead toward the exit by some enthusiastic employees, but this time they were enthusiastic because they met Giana.

  “That was a lovely meeting, you seem to know a lot of important people.” Giana said as we stepped outside.

  Most of it is by accident but…I’m sorry to say this, but, do you mind giving me some alone time?

  “Alone time… may I ask… no never mind, I will trust you. I will be waiting for you at the aquarium. Stay safe…” Giana left, and I felt a bit bad for her.

  I went to the park and took out Nilah.

  Ok Nilah, talk to me.