Dungeon of Lust: Managing Otherworldly Beauties-Chapter 239: Primed for Battle

Vale continued his gambling misadventures.

When it was all said and done, he’d acquired four different Items, all rare: [Wolf’s Howl], [Seriously! Who took my bike?! Where on Earth is it?], [Helm of Disregard], [I just want you to know, bike thief. Run. Hide. I will find you, one day.]

The best of them was even an Enchanted pair of armored boots, [Wolf’s Howl].

One of the two absorbed a portion of damage received, while the other dished all accumulated damage back. Of course, being Rare, there was a limit on how much it could take and dish out, but it was quite useful.

As for the [Helm of Disregard], it allowed its wearer to somewhat blend in with the background. It was a far lesser version of [Nevermore]. Still, it would be a good Item for Toy.

’Assuming it doesn’t hurt her ears when she wears it.’

Actually, both Items seemed best suited for Toy. Therefore, they were gifted to her. Thankfully, when she put them on, the boots and helm somewhat molded themselves to fit her form.

It did look a little goofy, however, wearing metal armored boots and a helm, then light leather armor everywhere else.

Finally, there were the last two — both of which had more notes from Midnight. Both of which also held the [Drift of Destiny] and [Ha! Take that!] Enchantments.

’Why do I feel like that’s not the end of the hate mail...?’

He’d made Midnight quite mad.

Honestly, Vale was starting to get a bit unnerved that he’d pissed off a person who was able to send notes across dimensions, but he wasn’t going to ditch the bike. It was now one of his best utility Items.

One he was in severe need of, seeing that his life was soon going to be dragged outside the confines of his cave after he became Emergent. Not by choice, but by circumstance.

’The Akkuron general. Woman of the waterfall. Envy. Celestia-Akkuron war.’

All issues and matters which could not be ignored.

Vale sighed as he sent Dickless Jr. back to work with Larry, then turned his focus to his bed.

...

To sleep, not for anything else!

***

’Level 11.’

The time was upon them.

Mias had yet to reawaken, but everyone else was recovered from Level 10.

Vale, as he sat on his throne staring at the screen, anxiously tapped his foot. He had to say ’yes’ aloud. That was all he needed to do.

Yet such a thing was turning out to be possibly the hardest thing he’d done in his life!

Vale was almost certain at least he wouldn’t die...

’Greed has staked her claim on me.’

She wouldn’t allow it.

But the others?

Greed only cared about Mias, who wasn’t even a part of the fight. She wasn’t going to intervene unless Vale was the one about to die. Even then, all she’d probably do is drag Vale away from the fight.

’Fuck.’

Vale’s knee continued to bounce.

’Fuck! Shit! Fuck!’

Greed, standing nearby, laughed at him.

"Oh Vale, stop getting your panties all bunched up. It’s easier than it seems."

Greed put a finger to her lips, then added:

"But, if you do want to strike a deal with me...?"

Vale shook his head and sighed.

"No."

Then sat up, and sat back down.

[Level 11]

Enemies:

[Bloomed Prime: 1]

Vale dared not give himself any time for hesitation.

"Yes."

[Level 11 will start in 10 minutes... good luck, Valentin.]

Greed chuckled.

"Oh ho? Have you grown a backbone?"

’You know, voice. Directly addressing me didn’t make it much better.’

Vale sighed and ignored Greed. Then, he got out of his seat and walked away, braving Ximena’s cold as he passed Mias’ room.

As for why Ximena was there...

She would be the absolute last line of defense. Once Vale passed her, she’d take station at the entrance to the Grand Hub, only moving back if the foe would be best suited for fighting there.

All the workers and warriors not in the battle had been stationed in the football arena or training room to get them out of the way, making the dungeon feel empty.

’As if I’m back to when it was just Salome, Toy, and I.’

Vale continued his march until he met up with the main Level 11 cast alongside reserve members in the Thunderdome.

There, he didn’t have the energy for some rousing speech again. However, Salome had a few words for Vale.

"Don’t look so discouraged, Master of Lust! A Bloomed Prime? On Kaldora, I killed countless far greater foes with ease when weaker than I am now."

Salome laughed, then said,

"Trust me, for becoming Emergent, this is the easy route."

"That sounded like you were mocking me..."

"I am. You’re quite uptight for a task so simple."

Salome, Vale, Alpha and Toy split off from the main group. It would be their job to assess their foe, then decide which plan to enact.

"Look on the bright side," Salome laughed. "We need only kill whatever appears in front of us. No need for trickery and deceit. A straight up clash of power. How simple."

Vale grew a dim smile as the two made their way through the maze.

"When putting it that way, I guess you’re right."

He didn’t have to think much like when dealing with Greed. He only needed to point his claws.

As the two continued their march and sparsely talked, Vale mulled over a few things in his head to distract himself.

’Prime...’

Meaning the attacker would be a Flesh Construct.

’Will their body stay behind?’

And...

’Greed mentioned I’d be knocked out in the process of turning Emergent.’

Why?

’And what does the process feel like?’

As Vale and his crew approached the bottom of the ramp and looked up at the black mass, any and all chance Vale could distract himself dissipated.

’I’m scared. I’m incredibly scared...’

***

Salome’s pink eyes glowed as she stole glances at her master, who was standing with confidence befitting his passion. His arms crossed in an astute defiance.

However...

’That look is a lie. That stance is a lie.’

She could read it now, unlike before.

She could see the fear hidden behind the exterior of confidence.