Chapter 510 – Opening Up the Spatial Borders

Taking one more look at the charming glade around him, Asterios dismissed the roots that had served as their bench and plunged into the shadows. Leaving Althea’s lair, he transferred himself back to his castle. Specifically, into one of the tallest towers overlooking the bustling town.

The view was as breathtaking as always. Bit by bit, the community was constantly growing. New houses, mansions, and all sorts of buildings appeared on the horizon. It wouldn’t be long before the outer wall had to be moved again. Which was still a crazy concept. And to think that Tia would be able to handle something as grand with a flick of her finger if only she were present in the outside world.

Not that Althea’s efforts weren’t impressive already. Working together, the talented pair could achieve anything. The world wasn’t ready for their true union after Asterios and his ladies finally brought her back to the living.

Speaking of the wise Lesser Dragon mentor, her and Phatru’s program was showing great results. From what he had heard after their return from Umbra’s realm, their students had been absorbing the lessons like bottomless sponges, making progress far quicker than they would with a singular teacher. The safe location certainly helped too.

There had been talks about inviting the second wave of disciples over. The original group would still attend classes, but not as often, switching to something akin to weekend learning at half a program. Most of their time would be dedicated to their duties in the Dragon Guard, with the ability to explore more of Kraedorion alongside their partners. But, from the word between the troops, everyone was more than happy in their current positions.

Still, with all the recent dangers and how everything seemed to escalate at an increased pace, it would be smart to expand Dragon Valley’s defense forces. And that meant finding capable Dragons and people to pair up with them. The first part was simple. Dozens were already waiting in line. As for the second, that required a bit more care. Finding trustworthy retainers was much harder.

However, Asterios and his clever mates had a few ideas, supported by the Committee.

One of those revolved around the recently closed tournament. The festivities might have ended about two or three days ago, and the city was back to its usual form, but many competent adventurers, mercenaries, and fighters in general chose to stay behind. They seemed to believe the rumor that the lord was thinking about recruiting them, so why not lean into that a bit?

They would need to go through proper screening, of course, but no one should be against that after witnessing the nearly catastrophic events of the Dragon Challenge. After the unfortunate incident, it wouldn’t be too surprising for the nation’s leadership to become rather careful for a time.

Fortunately, Asterios had access to other worlds besides his home realm, and he had made plenty of allies throughout his past journeys. Maybe it was the right moment to reach out and diversify his budding kingdom even more. The dimensional gates would soon become a norm in this region, so employing the inhabitants of those connected domains wasn’t a dream anymore. And some of those communities would undoubtedly appreciate the breath of fresh air, like the valkyrjas, for example.

Ultimately, the options were unlimited. With him being capable of traveling to a possibly infinite number of realms, the chances of befriending another race or species were rather high. Then, if Noir joined him, it would be even safer. And his gut was telling him that the sheltered Dragon girl would love to go on a universe tour together.

Today proved that she was a stone’s throw away from achieving her main goal.

Which was gaining full control of where and when she could go, escaping the confines of her mother’s keep.

Asterios took a deep breath, sweeping his gaze over the city one more time. He had things to do, but before that, a certain presence caught his attention. His eyes locked on one of the inspiring academies, he confirmed that he wasn’t mistaken. With a smirk, he let darkness swallow him.

In the next moment, he appeared in what had to be the Headmistress’ office. A crimson-skinned lady with a sharp horn and pretty tail slouched over a heavy desk, going through a few packets of documents. Moving closer, he draped himself over her from behind, pressing a peck to her naturally red cheek.

“What are we doing here, my love?” Asterios asked sensually.

Grea shivered slightly, turning her face to squint at him. “As much as I yearn to answer with me, it’s actual work. I hope you didn’t come all the way here to interrupt.”

He raised an intrigued brow at her. “Who would have thought that a day would come when my alluring demon turns me down for paperwork?”

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t act like you aren’t all giddy inside. I’m lasting in my resolution longer than you expected, am I not?”

“Want me to be honest with you?” Asterios grinned, receiving a curious peek in response. “The girls started a bet, and so far, I’m winning it all. Do you know why?”

A look of contemplation took over Grea’s scarlet face as she mulled it over. Then, her eyes widened to the brim.

“No way…” She gaped at him in disbelief. “You think I won’t break?”

“I always believed in you.” He chuckled warmly. “Tina, not so much. She’s already lost her favor.”

“Favor?” Grea frowned.

“They weren’t interested in money.” Asterios sighed tiredly. “So, they decided to play with favors.”

“Ohhh… That kind of favors…” Her lips curled up in a knowing smile. “Too bad for her. But if she thinks speaking one’s true thoughts makes things easy, she’s in for a rude awakening. Ask me how I know.”

They laughed together.

“Regardless, I’ve already seen you at your lowest. That means you can only go up. And I’m going to stand by your side, watching you soar like the beautiful thing that you are.” He rubbed their cheeks together.

She blinked at him in daze for a few seconds, then spun her office chair around, which forced him to step back. But, not for long, as the gorgeous demon lady stood up and launched herself at him, stealing his lips for a deep kiss. Her hands guided his palms to her pert behind, then wrapped themselves around his waist lovingly.

After a good while of just passionate kissing, Grea drew back a tad, staring Asterios right in the eyes. “If you really want me to succeed, I will need a lot of reassurance in private. I can be a good girl in public, but it doesn’t come easy. You have no idea how painful it is to hold back my tongue. Or other parts of mine.”

She emphasized her message by rubbing herself more into him.

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” He cupped her chin and stole one more peck from his wonderful mate. “Now, for real this time, what are we working on?”

Grea bit into her bottom lip, but diligently slid off him, taking his hand and bringing them back to the desk. “The homework you gave the teacher prospects. I have been reviewing it whenever I’m not helping Dad with the gates. We’ll be opening the one in Descending Spire in a few days.”

“Glad to hear that.” Asterios squeezed her palm, holding onto it affectionately. “So, how did they do?”

“Better than expected.” She spread the papers over the wooden surface. “The mage specializing in fire suggested training exercises that help with control and focus on shaping the flames into an extension of the sword. Coincidentally, the swordmaster came up with footwork suitable for switching between stances fitting a shortsword, longsword, and greatsword, predicting that Irelia might elongate her blade.”

“Sounds good,” he agreed. “That’s exactly what we were hoping for. And it’s not bad if they cooperated in secret or such. We will want the instructors to communicate with each other, even between the three academies, to develop training plans just like these.”

“That would be ideal.” Grea smiled dreamily. “We might want to start small. The first year is going to be a huge experiment. It will also allow us to slowly expand the cast for the next one. Out of the last group, seven people submitted noteworthy answers. I’ll be holding a second wave soon, opening it to a bigger number of attendees. Ten per the academy should fill all major spots we need. The old hag assures me so. She’s been giving us a hand with the curriculum.”

“Principal Teireshia? We will owe her even more.” Asterios whistled. “You know what I just thought of? Make a few visits to Miria’s village, Selene’s mountain, Bryn’s ARK or two, like Brage, and do those tests out there too.”

She stroked her chin. “I guess I could. It’s not like some cultural differences make their people worse than ours at teaching. Where did that come from?”

“I might be considering doing the same for our forces,” he admitted. “We can’t slack off in that department.”

Grea hummed softly. “You are right. I thought we would go for the tournament winners and top contestants first, but this needs to be discussed too. I’ll bring it to the Committee. You still have things to do today, don’t you?”

“Yeah. I just finished my session with Noir and was about to head to the meeting point.” Asterios glanced towards the nearby window, spotting the castle in the distance.

“Oh? Did the two of you finally make some progress?” She trailed a finger up his chin, wearing a positively naughty smile.

He flicked her on the forehead, careful not to hurt her Third Eye. “For how much shit you are giving her on a daily basis, I would think you aren’t pushing her into my bed too.”

“Your lair, my love. Start calling things by their proper names. You are a True Dragon who hoards women.” Grea let out a conspiratory giggle. “And I’m warming up to our little Princess Bitch. She’s a fount of knowledge. Though I’m still going to give her shit. You already pamper her too much.”

“And it’s not because you want to watch me put her in her place in that said lair, is it?” Asterios leveled her with a deadpan stare.

She batted her lashes at him and slipped away with a cute pirouette. Shaking his head, he caught up to her and pushed the frivolous demon girl into the wall, capturing her mouth one last time.

“Be nice.” He nibbled on her lip. “Or I’m going to summon more Dragon girls to form a big pile to sleep on. Good luck clawing your way past all of them to get to me.”

“I can’t decide if that’s hot or annoying.” Grea let out a shaky breath. “Now go, my handsome Dragon, or I won’t be able to get anything more done.”

Smirking, Asterios disappeared in a plume of black smoke

She shuddered immediately, her knees wobbling. Grabbing the nearby cabinet, she used it to hold herself up.

“Fuck…” Grea curse-laughed. “Stay strong… Stay strong… You’ll show those bitches you can do it… For sure…”

Unbeknownst to her struggles, Asterios arrived in the living quarters of his castle. A crimson gate rose from the ground next to him, and one enchanting fox lady stepped through, greeting him with a ladylike smile.

“My Lord.” Selene inclined her head politely. “Is it time?”

“Is everything on your end ready?” He ran his fingers through her cloudy tail.

A dreamy sigh escaped her pouty lips. “We can proceed at any moment. No need to rush, though. We can… stay here for a minute or two longer…”

“With you? Always.” Asterios let her lean into his chest and rest her forehead against his shoulder.

He continued threading his fingers through her exquisite fur. They both loved it, almost as much as actual brushing with the use of the right tools. Selene was always such a proper lady everywhere she went, so it was in secluded places like these where she could give in to her desire to be cared for in this slightly embarrassing manner.

“Mmmm… I can smell Grea on you, my Lord.” She directed a side-smirk up at him.

“Bad fox.” He pinched her butt gently. “We only talked.”

“That’s not good. I’m going to lose next at this pace.” The sly vixen pouted at him sadly.

“You reap what you sow.” Asterios brought one hand up to bop her on the nose. “Is that what this is? You trying to cash in on your favor before you inevitably lose?”

“My Lord! I would never!” Selene graced him with a refined chuckle, placed a peck against his jaw, and fled his grasp. “I work hard for my rewards. If anyone among us is capable of such dirty tricks, it’s definitely Noir.”

“She’s not even part of this.” He glared at his vulpine lover lightly.

“Yet.” She bopped him on the nose in return. “Maybe she’s just scheming the perfect moment to strike. Don’t let your guard down, my Lord.”

“I never do. Not with all of you around. And Tia in my head.” Asterios snorted, evoking a sweet giggle in their minds. “Shall we?”

Selene accepted his proffered hand, and they walked into the room next to them after knocking. A plentiful gathering of night-skinned children entered their sight, their adult guardian standing at the back of the chamber. The kids became quiet at their arrival, watching the newcomers intently.

“My Lord!” Linu, the so-called failed assassin, made her way through the little ones. “It is a pleasure to see you this morning! As instructed, everyone is ready to depart! Right?”

A wave of excited cheers answered her.

Asterios moved closer and rested a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry we even have to do this, but after the attack, the risk of rumors spreading that it was related to your people is just too high. As open and welcoming as this community is, I simply don’t want to take any chances of you getting hurt.”

“We understand, Mister.” Tatiana, her younger sister, showed up by her side. “And everyone is so happy to see a different world. And the fox people. Are they all as pretty as your lady friend?”

Selene crouched down to pat her head. “What if I’m just the prettiest, hm? You’ll have to see for yourself.”

“Think of this as a short vacation,” Asterios continued speaking to Linu. “We’ve located the source of your troubles. Soon, it won’t bother you anymore. When that time comes, you’ll be able to settle down wherever you want, be it here or in any other realm.”

The noctis woman gasped at the revelation, the first hints of tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. “Thank you so much, My Lord! You don’t understand how much that means to us! If it really happens, we’ll be eternally indebted to you!”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” He hastily stopped her from bowing. “Today, we are going on a trip.”

Noticeable buzzing filled the room, and everyone turned towards the widely open window. A golden platform bearing an intricate arch slid into view before stopping just so that the steps spiraling down its length faced the opening in the wall. With the sound of a flute, the half-demon bard Viona skipped down the floating staircase until she hopped into the doorframe.

“Hey, kids! Ready to go on an adventure?” The minstrel grinned infectiously, the air trembling with the force of the response she received. “Then follow me! And remember to hold hands the entire way! It’s very high up here!”

Selene moved outside to watch over them while Asterios stayed in the room, helping the children get onto the steps with Linu. In just a minute, they all obediently marched into the portal, forming a handholding rope. Coming out of the magical passageway, they strolled into a spacious plaza carved in white marble. Structures made of the same mineral spanned in every direction, positioned higher and lower on the side of the bright mountain.

“Greetings, little ones!” The Spiritual Fox Matriarch welcomed them with open arms. “Welcome to Eabiarhia, your new home! Let us show you where you’ll be staying, then we can head to the party that our kind kits prepared for you!”

The fox-eared adults surrounding her began ushering the noctis children to follow a certain path while the young foxes mixed into the group, asking lots of questions about their new friends. Both sides were soon captivated by each other, already having so much fun interacting with their peers.

Asterios and Selene watched the chattering line move into the distance, leaving them alone with the matriarch and her assistant, the short-statured Ronye.

“It was a brilliant idea to involve the local kids in the transfer, Lerisse. They made everyone feel even more welcome and comfortable.” He lowered his head respectfully.

“This is the one you should praise, then.” Lerisse’s tail grazed Ronye’s side. “The initial thought came from her bright mind.”

The foxgirl in question fidgeted in place.

Asterios patted her silvery hair, stroking her long ears. “Thank you for your help, Ronye. With this, and with everything else.”

“Whatever could you mean…” The short lady snuck a peek at him while peering into the polished floor, her cheeks rosy.

“Don’t think I forgot about your input on Miria’s village. Things are much easier thanks to you.” He chuckled quietly.

His words made her blush harder.

“I also remember someone saying that she is aiming to become an adventurer with her two best friends,” Asterios added, making her freeze in place. “That person should be informed that we are finishing the gate in the valkyrja realm soon. They will be able to meet up and register much more easily.”

“Really?” Ronye’s face snapped up to meet his.

“Really.” He fluffed her hair some more, then stepped back. “Guildmaster Oria told me there are loads of requests already, so they will be able to make a name for themselves in no time.”

Her eyes nearly shone at the news, and she looked ready to bolt, sneaking glances at the older lady by her side.

“You are dismissed.” Lerisse snickered in amusement.

“Matriarch! Senior! Teacher!” Ronye bowed to the three of them frantically.

Then, she brought four more tails out, lowered her stance, and burst forward, speeding through the air with the use of spiritual platforms.

“She’s already at this level, huh? My Lord’s advice is truly working wonders.” Selene gazed after the fleeting figure of her junior. “Where is she running so fast, though?”

“Most likely to let Zoe know. Their cute party is all she’s been talking about recently.” Lerisse smirked.

“But… There’s a perfectly good spatial gate right here… And the three of them have been part of our bond for some time now…” Selene blinked at her in confusion.

“Don’t talk like you haven’t experienced the chaos that is the excitement of youth yourself.” The older female scoffed at her, then took a sniff of the air. “Or like you aren’t experiencing it right now…”

“Lerisse!” Selene’s thighs squished together, her ears drooping as her face reddened.

Asterios could only smile wryly as the eccentric pair shared laughs and pouts. The venerable matriarch could always see right through her former successor without an issue.

As graceful as she tried to appear, his vulpine mate wasn’t that much different from the other ladies in certain aspects.