Ch 34: Gift yourself to me.

WHen Noah woke up the next day, he decided to contact Argo.

“Hey, Argo.”

“Hi, No-chan. Are you contacting me because you want me to visit you?”

“I always want you to visit me, but no. In fact, I might be unavailable for a few days. An opportunity to neutralize some yellow and red players came, and I’m investigating.”

“Oh. Did you contact me for information, then?”

“Yeah, but related to one of their potential victims, not the criminals themselves. You know a lot about my fan club, right?”

“I know about four dozen ‘members’ so far. Although there’s no real club in the first place, since they aren’t organized. You likely have many more.”

“The tragedy of having a pretty face… Do you know a girl named Silica?”

“Yes. One of my most regular customers, as far as ‘Noah merchandizing’ is concerned. She spends without counting. Did you meet her?”

“Yeah. She blurted out a ‘Noah-sama’ when she saw me, so I wondered.”

“That’s cute. You’re going to make her your slave, right?”

“That’s very likely, yes.”

“Try to be gentle with her, ok, No-chan? Don’t go all aggressive like you did with me.”

“Yes. I learned my lesson. I’ll seduce her properly and introduce her slowly to the whole domination aspect.”

“Fine. I can sense the outline of a new article for my next publication. Give me details when this is over.”

“Sure. I miss you. See you later, Kitty.”

“Good luck, Master.”

Noah closed the chat window as he smiled. It had taken over three months for him to obtain Argo’s forgiveness, but it was well worth it. More than sexual pleasure, it had been the little gestures of affection, and the times where they had just hugged each other and talked, that did the trick. Argo had eventually accepted being his slave, when she understood that being his property didn’t mean that their relationship would be limited to kinky sex and being ordered around.

Noah finished getting ready, put on his cloak and left the inn. He found Silica already waiting for him near the portal.

“Hi, John.” She smiled bashfully.

“Hi, Silica. How are you doing? You only slept for two or three hours, right?”

“I’m a little tired, but it’s fine. I’m eager to go save Pina!”

“Let’s get underway, then.”

Noah entered the lit circular area of the portal. A window appeared, asking for his destination, and Noah selected the 47th floor.

He appeared next to Silica, and they walked away. Silica looked around.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Yes, this whole floor is an immense garden, full of green areas and nice-looking flowers. But do not lower your guard. There will be monsters once we leave the settlement. What do you know about this floor’s monsters?”

“Giant bees, and… carnivorous plants?”

“That’s correct. I’ll let you do the fighting, Silica. The experience fighting this kind of monsters will be useful to you, and I want to keep a low profile for now. I’ll only act if you are in danger.”

“I understand.” Said Silica as she tightened her grip on her dagger.

When they entered the garden area, Silica started fighting monsters. Noah helped her from time to time, launching throwing knives to sever monster vines or stunning monsters at crucial times, but Silica did fine overall, and was able to deal with most of the encounters by herself, once she gained some confidence.

On their way toward the center, Noah decided to ask.

“I was wondering. Those leather pants, did you buy them from Lisbeth’s store?”

“Huh? Yes? They look nice, have decent stats, and they’re easy to move in, too.”

Noah grinned. “I’m glad you approve. I thought I recognized the design. I’m the one who crafted those. Lisbeth is my business partner. She sells most of the stuff I create but don’t have time to sell, and we share the profits.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Lisbeth is a blacksmith, and I’m her only business partner. So any product coming from leathercrafting, sewing or carpentry in her store was crafted by me. Almost half of the weapons and armors, too. I craft a lot of stuff, and use the profits to buy more materials and craft even more.

“Wow. Lisbeth’s store is quite large, and there’s a lot of nice things for sale inside. You certainly were busy.”

“Indeed. I suffer from insomnia and only sleep about three hours every day. So, I craft and train more than most people. Which is one of the reasons I am stronger than most.”

Noah saw a plant monster extending a vine toward Silica, who still had her head turned toward him, and said nothing. It would be a lesson for her to remain vigilant at all times in the field.

“Wha?” she gasped when the vine grasped her left ankle and half lifted, half dragged her away. But she got over her surprise fast and sliced off the vine before the monster could bring her to its mouth and quickly got back to her feet. Flushing with shame, she managed to finish the monster by herself.

Silica returned to Noah’s side, blushing, and they resumed their slow walk.

On the way, the crossed path with many people. Silica blushed more when she realized that most were couples, strong players who wanted to relax while walking in the giant garden.

Near noon, they reached the white marble altar at the center of the floor. It was surrounded by several marble columns.

“What do I have to do? Just put the gem on the altar?”

“That’s what I’ve heard, yes. I don’t have a pet, nor do I know anyone who has one. Until yesterday, that is.”

Noah placed the gem on the altar. After several seconds, the gem glowed brightly, and when it dimmed again, a cooldown with a 72 hours timer appeared in its description.

Silica picked up the gem and held it tightly against her chest.

“Let’s slowly return. Silica. I did feel someone’s presence hiding behind us on our way in, so stay vigilant and close to me.”

“Oh.” Silica’s smile disappeared, and she looked carefully at her surroundings. After a while, as they crossed a bridge and walked down a paved path surrounded by two rows of large trees, a redhead clad in a black robe and carrying a spear walked from behind one of them.

“Rosalia!” immediately spat Silica, clutching her dagger.

Noah didn’t really pay attention to the red-haired woman. He wasn’t tempted even for an instant. He usually had a thing for redheads, but this one had an arrogant and greedy look on her face that only disgusted him.

“Silica, what a coincidence! It’s nice to meet you there. I see you must have gone to resurrect your pet. I wonder, would you be willing to give it to me? I would take good care of it.”

“Go to hell, you bitch!” spat Silica.

Noah turned his head to stare at Silica, not having expected her to use that kind of language, and Silica started fidgeting as she noticed his amusement.

Rosalia, on the other hand, clearly didn’t appreciate being referred to as such, and snapped her fingers. Seven men came from behind the surrounding trees and walked closer, cruel smiles on their face. Noah looked at their icons, noting that three were green, one orange, and three red. He looked at their weapons, recognizing most of them as being suitable for level forty-something players.

They were a far cry from his own.

Rosalia looked at Noah for an instant. “You really were unlucky, stranger. But we don’t leave witness behind. It’s bad for business.”

“I understand.” nodded Noah.

“Oh? You’re surprisingly mature. Or is it that you’re tired of living in this game and you’re ready to give up?”

“Not at all. I’m just pitying you guys. You’re just a bunch of morons.”

Noah was sure he could see a vein pop on Rosalia’s temple.

“I mean, if a bunch of mid-ranked players like you want to ambush people, you should either make absolutely certain of your prey’s power, or you should launch a surprise attack and hope it is enough to deal with the unknown factor. You have done neither, because you’re all cretins.”

Noah lowered the hood, and his face was revealed. He felt a bit of satisfaction seeing consternation and terror spread on the faces of the eight players facing him. Some of them started slowly stepping back. Noah was pretty sure that if they weren’t in a game right now, some of those guys would be soiling their pants.

“Y-You! What are you doing on this floor, a-away from the front line?” asked Rosalia in a trembling voice.

“Anyone who attempts to run, I will kill. If you want to live, drop your weapons. I’m giving you ten seconds to decide before I start killing.” warned Nah as he drew his sword.

Noah’s reputation as the bane of player killers and strongest player was firmly established by now, and none of them even entertained the possibility or defeating him or running away. Before five seconds had passed, all of them had dropped their weapons.

“It’s that guy. Durlar? Durstar? Whatever, you know who. He saw you murder his wife, and he asked me to take revenge for him. So, I’m giving you a choice. You can go to prison. Or you can die.”

Noah took from his storage the prison crystal and activated it. A large blue vortex appeared beside him and stabilized.

“Quickly go in, or die.”

Rosalia was the last to enter, and she glared malevolently at him as she did. Noah only grinned as he closed the portal and turned to Silica.

“It’s a bit anticlimactic, really. One crisis solved, and I only threw a few knifes at some monsters.”

“But it’s good, right? You didn’t have to kill anyone. Those scums won’t harm anyone else, and the police will deal with them once we beat the game.

“Yes, it’s the best ending. I’ll send a message to that guy, whose name I can’t seem to correctly remember, to tell him that justice is done. He’ll feel better. Now, I wonder. How should I reward you for letting me use you as bait?”

Silica bowed deeply.

“Thank you very much, Noah. But I’m the one who should thank you. You saved my life twice, and you gave me a way to resurrect Pina. I own you a great debt.”

“Raise your head, Silica. Here’s what I have in mind. I did promise you something better than an autograph. I can craft for you a full set of equipment, as a parting gift. You’ll need to tell me your current level, and I’ll make you stuff you can already use, or that will be able to wear within a few levels.”

“That’s too much!” protested Silica, flailing her arms in panicked embarrassment.

“Oh?" smiled Noah. "Then how about this? Instead of me gifting something to you, you gift something to me. Yourself.”

“Eh?….Eeeeehhhhhh?!?” Silica suddenly froze mid movement and screamed in astonishment, looking at him with wide eyes.

Noah grinned at her reaction.

“What is so surprising about it? I did say I found you attractive, and we’re getting along well. I want you, Silica.”

Silica was blushing intensely as she opened and closed her mouth several times.

“B-But… you already have a girlfriend!”

“Yes. More than one, actually. But they’re willing to share.”

“T-That’s…” stammered Silica.

“You don’t need to answer me immediately, Silica. I understand that this is a shock to you, and you should take the time to think about it properly. It’s a life-changing decision after all, because if you accept, you will be mine, for life. I take relationships seriously, even if me having multiple lovers might make people believe otherwise. Just know that my offer has no expiration date, and I’m fine if you just want us to be friends, too.”

“…I’ll think about it.” finally said Silica as she blushed furiously.

Noah nodded and started walked down the pace. After a few steps, he stopped and turned to her, still smiling. Silica shook herself and joined him. She didn’t dare look at Noah.

As they reached the settlement, they parted ways.

Silica still had him in her friend list, and he had promised her that they could chat at any time. He would often do, to make sure she was fine. And he would still craft a set of equipment for her, to increase her chances of survival. Silica returned to the 31st floor and booked a room then laid on the bed. Her mind was in turmoil.

Remembering when Noah-sama had told her he wanted her, and the way he had looked at her… she felt like flying. Her heart was beating like it was trying to get out of her chest.

In hindsight, of course he would have several girlfriends. Someone so strong, so handsome, so kind, so… dreamy, would have hordes of girls wanting to be with him, and some would be willing to share, if that was what it took to be by his side. As for him… as the saying goes, great heroes have great appetites…

After some thinking, Silica decided she would ask him if she could meet his lovers. She would have to anyway, to be sure they really were okay with sharing. If those would-be rivals reacted negatively with her and tried to bully her, Silica would assume they just wouldn’t get along, and would only stay on friendly terms with Noah-sama. And if they welcomed her, then… She would consider it seriously.

Silica replayed again and again her memories of her conversations with him. There was something about the way he had that she would be his, for life, that turned her on.

Before long, she started touching herself through her clothes, daydreaming about one of her favorite fantasies. In that particular one, she was a noble lady, captured by bandits and brought to their lair. And when her family was not able to pay the ransom, the bandit leader decided to take Silica for himself, and do unspeakable things to her. It was a fantasy she had long before she got trapped in this virtual world, but lately, that bandit leader looked a lot like Noah-sama. And now that she knew him personally, she could add his voice to her dream.

…

The next day, Silica visited Lisbeth’s shop.

“Welcome to my shop!” greeted Lisbeth from her counter.

“Hi.” Silica nodded, as she started browsing the goods. Since Noah had promised to craft her new equipment, she mostly focused on the part of the store that displayed casual clothing. She carefully looked at everything, and picked up a few articles. She had deliberately chosen to come to the shop shortly before lunch break, where there would be few other customers, despite the shop’s popularity.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” Asked Lisbeth with a smile as she approached Silica.

Silica hesitated, then drew a deep breath.

“Actually, yes... All of those, they were made by Noah, right?”

“Yes. How do you know about it?”

“He told me.”

Lisbeth suddenly grinned.

“Ah? Are you the one that Noah saved from a bunch of red players yesterday?”

Silica nodded cautiously.

“Did he tell you already? Are you perhaps…”

Instead of answering, Lisbeth walked to the shop’s door, turned the Open/Closed wooden board hanging against the door’s glass panel, and locked the door.

When she returned, Lisbeth’s expression turned very serious, and the stared hard at Silica. Silica steeled herself against hearing some harsh words, like ‘thieving cat’ or something similar.

“The rest of this conversation stays between us girls. Are we clear? Noah will be angry if you speak to anyone about it. And he’s the type to hold a grudge and get revenge. If you speak a word of it to the other players, he will hear about it, and he will make you pay. And I’ll ban you from my shop.”

“Yes. I’ll keep anything you tell me a secret, I promise.” quickly said Silica, a little intimidated.

Lisbeth’s cheerful expression returned to fast that Silica wondered for an instant if her stern face had been a hallucination.

“To answer your question, yes, I’m one of his significant others. We share a large house, and we all live as a happy family. He told us about possibly getting a new member soon. You’re Silica-chan, right?”

“Yes. It’s nice to meet you.” Said Silica with relief. Lisbeth seemed friendly enough.

“Likewise. You’re cute. I understand why he would want you.”

“About his proposal… I… haven’t answered him yet. I came because I’m wondering… what it’s like, living with him…”

“I understand. And it is very smart of you to ask for details before you make a decision this important. So ask away!”

“Thank you. Do you all get along? How do you settle disputes among you?”

Lisbeth grinned. “We all get along. We all have pleasant, friendly temperaments, if I do say so myself, and we’re like family. On the rare cases significant disputes happen, Noah, or Asuna when he is away, will act as mediator, force us to consider things from the other’s perspective, and we make up without holding a grudge.”

“Asuna... She is the official girlfriend?”

“Yes, and the head of the harem, and Noah’s second in command. If you wish to steal her position, feel free to try. Asuna is very competitive and will accept your challenge. And Noah says some competition is fine, as long as we don’t start badmouthing or sabotaging each other, or try to create factions. Only by improving ourselves are we allowed to compete.”

“That sounds sensible… So you all get along, like a family?”

“Yes. Even having to share him isn’t that difficult to accept because we are like a family.”

“How big is that family?”

“Sorry, Silica-chan, but that isn’t something I can say, even to a potential future sister. Not without permission from the people involved.”

“I understand. Sorry for being insensitive. But, is it not too painful, to share him?”

Lisbeth didn’t answer immediately, as she took the time to formulate her answer.

“Of course, all of us would like to have him all to ourselves. But that isn’t possible. There are external considerations, and Noah needs to surround himself with people whom he must be able to trust absolutely. And like I said, sharing him is less difficult to accept when you do it with, well, adopted sisters would be the most accurate term, I guess, rather than strangers.”

“That being said, Noah spends as much time as he can spare to take care of each of us individually, and we do feel his love for us. You could ask any of us, and our answer would be the same. We wouldn’t leave Noah for someone else for anything in the world, even if it would mean having a man all to ourselves.”

“…Are you not… worried, about how your families, or society as a whole, might react? I think it would be hard to hide living as part of a harem. You will be caught, eventually.”

“It will happen, sure, and we’re not exactly looking forward to it, but that’s a price we’re all willing to pay to be able to live as part of Noah’s family. And Noah is some big shot in the outside world. I don’t know the exact details. Only himself and Asuna do. But he’s like some kind of foreign prince or ambassador. He said to us that once past the initial shock, our families will most likely be happy to be associated with him, for the bragging rights it will give them, and they will be happy for us.”

“Noah-sama is such an important person?” Wondered Silica.

“From what he told us, he is. And I’m not sure I can tell you much more, without him or the others’ approval. Would you be willing to meet the others?”

“I’d like to have some time first, to digest the things you told me. But yes, I think I’d like to.”

“Let’s add each other to our friend list, and you’ll tell me when you’re ready for it. Or tell Noah directly.”

“Yes. Thanks a lot, Lisbeth.” Silica bowed with a smile, then remembered the clothes still in her arms.

“They’re on the house, for this time only.” grinned Lisbeth.

“Thank you very much. I’ll return the favor one day.”

Lisbeth grinned as she unlocked the door and saw Silica out. Her conversation had cut into the free time she had before she would need to reopen the shop, but she didn’t regret it for an instant. Surely the way she had promoted her Master in front of Silica would earn her a reward. She wondered what she would ask him for. Maybe a date.