FlyingPotatoes

  The first rays of morning light filtered through the curtains, dancing across Akane's sleeping form. Her chest rose and fell with each peaceful breath, crimson hair spyed out like liquid fire across her pillow. A soft moan escaped her lips as consciousness slowly cimed her, pulling her from dreams filled with promises of adventure.

  Akane's eyelids fluttered open, revealing eyes the color of autumn leaves. She stretched with a catlike grace, her petite body arching beneath the thin fabric of her nightgown. The silken sheets slid against her bare skin as she moved, sending delicious little shivers across her nerves and making her nipples harden against the soft material.

  "Today," she whispered to herself, voice still husky with sleep, "I finally see the surface."

  The thought sent a thrill through her body, propelling her from the comfort of her bed. Her tiny feet touched the cool floor, and she stood, letting the loose nightgown settle around the curves of her slender figure. The thin fabric did little to hide the outline of her small, perky breasts or the gentle swell of her hips. Akane ran her fingers through her tousled hair, working out the knots as she padded to the bathing chamber.

  The door opened with a gentle push, revealing a sanctuary of white marble and glistening fixtures. Steam curled zily from the surface of the rge sunken tub at the center of the room, already filled with hot water scented with rose petals and vender oil—The magistrate's thoughtfulness evident in this preparation.

  Akane approached a full-length mirror adorning one wall, her reflection greeting her with eyes that held a mischievous sparkle. With deliberate slowness, she lifted the hem of her nightgown, pulling it over her head in one fluid motion that revealed inch by inch of her creamy skin. The garment slipped from her fingers, pooling at her feet like a puddle of silk. She stood naked before the mirror, taking in the sight of her own body—small but perfectly formed, with high breasts tipped with rosy nipples, a ft stomach, and shapely legs. Her skin prickled at the sudden exposure to the cool air, causing her to wrap her arms around herself momentarily, hands unconsciously caressing her own skin.

  The tub beckoned her, promising warmth and pleasure. Akane approached its edge, dipping one toe to test the temperature. Finding it perfect, she descended the small steps into the water, a breathy moan escaping her lips as the heat enveloped her. Inch by inch, she lowered herself until the water pped at her shoulders, hot liquid caressing every curve and crevice of her body.

  "Ooooohh...., that feels good," she murmured, her eyes closing in bliss.

  Her hands moved with purpose beneath the water, scooping handfuls to cascade over her shoulders and neck. The liquid trailed down in rivulets, following the contours of her small but perky breasts. Akane reached for a small vial of oil, pouring a generous amount into her palm before working it through her hair. Her fingers massaged her scalp in circur motions, releasing tension she hadn't realized she'd been carrying. Each movement caused subtle shifts in the water's surface, sending waves of sensation across her hypersensitive skin.

  Time seemed to stop in this sanctuary of steam and fragrance. Akane allowed her thoughts to wander as her hands continued their methodical cleansing, gliding over her skin with soap that left a trail of tiny bubbles in its wake. Each touch was both purposeful and indulgent, hands sliding over the soft swell of her breasts, across her ft stomach, between her thighs. A ritual of self-care she rarely had time to enjoy, yet one that left her feeling both clean and somehow deliciously dirty.

  After soaking until her fingertips wrinkled, Akane reluctantly rose from the water's embrace. Droplets cascaded down her naked form, tracing paths down her breasts, stomach, and thighs, catching the light like countless tiny diamonds against her flushed skin. She reached for a plush towel, wrapping it around her petite frame before stepping out of the tub.

  The shower awaited her next—a final rinse to wash away the oils and perfumes. She turned the silver handle, releasing a spray of warm water from above. Akane tilted her face upward, allowing the cascade to envelop her completely. The pressure massaged her shoulders and back, droplets finding their way between her breasts and down her spine, a different but equally pleasurable sensation from the bath's embrace.

  Water sluiced down her body, caressing every curve and hollow. With renewed vigor, Akane felt truly awake, her senses sharp and alert as she shut off the shower and reached once more for her towel.

  Patting herself dry, she moved to the wardrobe with purpose. Today's adventure demanded practical attire. She selected cy undergarments first, the fabric both beautiful and functional, hugging her curves as she slipped them on. Next came fitted leggings that emphasized the shape of her ass and thighs without restricting movement, followed by a lightweight tunic that fell to mid-thigh, cinched at the waist to highlight her petite frame. The fabric whispered against her skin with each movement, a constant reminder of the sensation of being clothed after the freedom of nakedness.

  Akane secured a belt around her narrow waist, its leather worn and supple from use. Various pouches hung from it, containing essentials for her journey. She pulled on knee-high boots, their soles thick and treaded for uncertain terrain.

  The final touch was her hair. Standing before the mirror once more, Akane brushed the crimson locks until they shone like polished copper. With nimble fingers, she separated strands and began to weave them into her signiture twintails. Around and under, over and through—the motions were soothing in their familiarity. She secured the base with a leather cord, giving it a gentle tug to ensure its stability.

  A quick gnce in the mirror confirmed her readiness. No longer the vulnerable, naked woman from the bath, but a warrior prepared for whatever challenges awaited above—though the memory of her bath lingered pleasantly in her mind.

  "Akane?" Holgen's voice called from beyond her door. "You ready for the st day?"

  "Coming!" she replied, gathering her final pieces of equipment.

  When she emerged from her quarters, Holgen greeted her with an appraising nod, his eyes briefly taking in her form-fitting attire before returning professionally to her face.

  "You look ready," he observed, his eyes reflecting approval. "The surface is nothing like what you've experienced before. Stay close, especially during your first visit."

  Akane nodded, excitement bubbling within her chest. "I've been eagerly waiting with anticipation for this moment since my arrival."

  Together they ascended the winding staircase that led upward through the levels of Dicera. With each step, Akane's excitement grew, her heart pounding against her ribs. The air changed subtly—becoming fresher, carrying scents she couldn't identify but instinctively recognized as belonging to the world above.

  And then, light—true, unfiltered sunlight—spilled down the final stretch of stairs. Akane's breath caught in her throat as they emerged onto the surface world.

  Colors assaulted her senses in the most magnificent way. The sky stretched endlessly above, a canvas of brilliant blue dotted with clouds that drifted like ships on a vast ocean. The marketpce of Area 1 sprawled before them, a chaos of sound and movement and life.

  "It's..." Words failed her as she tried to capture the enormity of the experience.

  "Overwhelming at first," Holgen finished for her, a rare smile softening his features. "But watch—there's an order to the madness."

  Indeed, as Akane's eyes adjusted, she began to see patterns in the apparent chaos. Vendors arranged in rough sectors according to their wares. Pathways winding between stalls like rivers through a ndscape. People of all descriptions haggling, ughing, living with an intensity that seemed almost blinding after the subdued atmosphere of the underground levels.

  "Come," Holgen gestured, leading her into the throng. "Best way to learn is to dive right in."

  They wove through the crowd, Akane's senses drinking in every detail. Spices she couldn't name tickled her nose. Fabrics in impossible hues caught her eye. The babble of voices speaking a dozen dialects surrounded her like music.

  A vendor thrust a fruit toward her—something purple and spiny that she'd never seen before. His eyes lingered appreciatively on her figure as he spoke. "For the beautiful dy," the merchant insisted with a wink, "first taste is free!"

  Before Holgen could intervene, Akane accepted the offering with a coy smile and took a cautious bite. Sweetness exploded across her tongue, followed by a tangy undertone that made her eyes widen in delight. A drop of juice escaped the corner of her mouth, and she caught it with her finger, sucking it clean in a way that made the vendor swallow hard.

  "Careful," Holgen murmured as they moved on. "Not all surface dwellers are so generous without expecting something in return."

  They continued their exploration, with Holgen pointing out ndmarks and expining the unwritten rules of surface commerce. Akane absorbed it all, her mind cataloging details for future reference, her body swaying slightly as she walked, unconsciously drawing gnces from those they passed.

  "We should move beyond the marketpce," Holgen eventually suggested. "Your first hunt awaits."

  The transition from the bustling marketpce to the open fields beyond Area 1 was abrupt. One moment they were surrounded by humanity in all its noisy glory; the next, they walked through knee-high grass that whispered secrets as the breeze passed through, caressing Akane's exposed skin like countless tiny fingers.

  "This is where most beginners start their combat training," Holgen expined, his voice taking on a more formal tone. "The monsters here are dangerous enough to require skill but forgiving enough for newbies."

  Akane nodded, her hand instinctively moving to the hilt of her bde. "What are we hunting?"

  "Grass bunnies," Holgen replied. "Don't let their cute name fool you. They're aggressive little shits and territorial as hell. Their go-to moves are charging dashes and powerful stomps. Either can fuck you up if you're not ready."

  As if summoned by his words, the grass ahead rustled. Akane tensed, drawing her weapon in one fluid motion. Her other hand moved to one of the pouches at her belt, fingers closing around a small device she'd crafted earlier that morning.

  From the golden sea of grass emerged a creature that only vaguely resembled the harmless rabbits Akane had seen in books. This beast stood nearly to her knee, with powerful hindquarters and a coat that mimicked the surrounding vegetation so perfectly that when it stilled, it almost disappeared from view. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural amber light, and what might have been cute twitching of a nose on a normal rabbit looked distinctly threatening on this mutated version.

  "Remember your training," Holgen advised, stepping back to give her space. "Watch its movements carefully before—"

  The grass bunny unched itself forward with startling speed, its powerful legs propelling it directly at Akane's midsection. Pure instinct saved her as she twisted sideways, feeling the rush of air as the creature sailed past, her body moving with a fluid grace that made the evasion look almost like a dance.

  "They telegraph their dash attack with a slight crouch," Holgen called out. "Look for it!"

  Akane circled warily, keeping her eyes fixed on the bunny as it turned to face her again. As she moved, her fingers worked quickly, activating the small device she held—a tiny sentry drone no rger than her palm. "Kogata Sōchi," she whispered, the words activating the magic within the device. Within five seconds, the small construct hummed to life, hovering just above her shoulder.

  There—a subtle gathering of the bunny's hindquarters, a momentary stillness before action. This time when it sprang, Akane was ready. She sidestepped with a dancer's grace and brought her bde down in a swift arc, catching the creature mid-flight while her sentry drone emitted a thin beam of energy that struck the bunny's fnk.

  A high-pitched squeal escaped the bunny as Akane's weapon found its mark. It tumbled into the grass, a spsh of crimson staining its green coat.

  "Good!" Holgen approved. "But one is never alone."

  True to his warning, the grass around them erupted with movement. Four more bunnies emerged, forming a loose circle around Akane, their glowing eyes fixed on her with unmistakable hostility.

  Akane smiled, a predatory expression that transformed her delicate features. "Akai Tenkai," she murmured, her free hand making a swift gesture. In less than a second, two small sentries materialized, hovering at waist height on either side of her, each glowing with a distinctive red aura. With another whispered phrase—"Jidō Meirei"—she programmed the sentries with simple but effective commands: target the nearest bunny that attempts a dash attack.

  Rather than wait for their attack, Akane took the initiative. She darted toward the closest bunny, her movements lithe and fluid, feinting to draw its dash before pivoting sharply. The creature shot past her, directly into the targeting beam of one of her red sentries. The sentry fired, striking the bunny mid-leap, while Akane's bde fshed in the sunlight, finding its target with precision. Two down.

  The remaining three attacked in quick succession. The first unched a dash that Akane barely avoided, her body twisting in a way that showcased her flexibility. The second followed immediately with another that grazed her arm. The third, instead of charging, reared up on its hind legs and brought them down with tremendous force. The ground literally shook beneath Akane's feet, causing her to stumble momentarily.

  "The stomp creates a momentary vulnerability!" Holgen shouted. "Strike now!"

  Akane regained her bance and lunged forward, driving her bde into the stomping bunny before it could recover its posture. Simultaneously, her second red sentry fired at the bunny that had grazed her arm, the energy beam striking it squarely. Three eliminated.

  Pain fred in her side as one of the remaining bunnies nded a solid dash against her ribs. Akane grunted, feeling the bruise forming beneath her tunic. Anger focused her mind to a razor's edge. She whirled, tracking both remaining enemies simultaneously, her movements becoming more fluid, more deadly as adrenaline coursed through her veins.

  They coordinated their attack, one dashing while the other prepared to stomp. Akane had anticipated this. She jumped high, allowing the dasher to pass harmlessly beneath her while avoiding the shockwave from the stomp. At the apex of her jump, she twisted in mid-air, bringing her weapon down upon the stomper's exposed back.

  Four down. One remained.

  The st grass bunny seemed to recognize its impending doom. It backed away slowly, its glowing eyes never leaving Akane's face. Then, in a desperate gambit, it charged directly at her.

  Akane stood her ground, bde positioned precisely. "Bakuretsu Keibi," she commanded. The red aura faded from her remaining sentry just as the bunny reached her position. The sentry detonated in a controlled explosion, catching the creature in mid-dash. The bst knocked the bunny off course, and it impaled itself on her weapon through the sheer momentum of its attack. A final squeal, and then silence.

  Five bunnies y vanquished in the grass around her. Akane's chest heaved with exertion, a thin sheen of sweat making her skin glow in the sunlight. Triumph sang in her veins, a heady sensation almost as pleasurable as her morning bath had been.

  "Impressive," Holgen acknowledged, approaching to inspect her work. "Those sentries are something else. Where'd you learn to make those?"

  "A girl has her secrets," Akane replied with a wink, wiping her bde clean on the grass. "The bunnies are predictable once you understand their patterns. Though that stomp attack could be devastating in the right circumstances."

  "Indeed. And these are merely the weakest of the surface creatures." Holgen knelt beside one of the fallen bunnies, extracting something from its body. He held up a small, glowing crystal. "Resource gathering is as important as combat. These essence crystals are valuable for crafting and trading."

  Akane nodded, filing away this information as she helped collect crystals from the remaining bunnies. The ache in her side where one had struck her served as a reminder that even "easy" enemies deserved respect.

  As they straightened, Akane noticed her remaining sentry drone had sustained damage during the fight. "Kanzen Shūfuku," she murmured, cradling the small device in her palms. Over the next thirty seconds, the drone's damaged components mended themselves, the magic responding to her detailed understanding of the device's inner workings.

  "That's a useful trick," Holgen observed, watching the repair. "Your manufacture skills complement your combat abilities well."

  "I've always been good with my hands," Akane replied with a suggestive smile, tucking the repaired device back into its pouch.

  Suddenly, a warm glow surrounded Akane's body, startling both her and Holgen. The light pulsed five times in quick succession, each pulse seeming to sink into her skin and strengthen her from within.

  "Well, would you look at that," Holgen said, genuine surprise in his voice. "Five level-ups from a single encounter. That's... unusual for a beginner."

  Akane felt the changes within herself—new power flowing through her veins, her mind expanding to accommodate new knowledge and abilities. Ten status dice waited to be allocated, though she instinctively knew now wasn't the time to use them.

  "What's next?" she asked, eager to continue her exploration, her body humming with newfound energy.

  Holgen studied her face, seeming to measure her readiness for greater challenges. Whatever he saw there must have satisfied him, for he nodded toward a distant line of trees.

  "We continue your education," he replied. "The forest holds different dangers—and opportunities. But first, let's tend to that bruise. Even minor injuries can become serious problems if neglected."

  Akane nodded, suddenly aware of the throbbing in her side. Her first real battle on the surface had been a success, but it was merely the beginning. As they walked back toward the marketpce to find healing supplies, Akane found herself smiling despite the pain.

  The surface world was everything she had hoped for—beautiful, dangerous, and full of possibilities. And she had proven herself equal to its first challenge.

  The grass bunnies had fallen to her bde and her sentries. What else would she conquer before the day was done?

  FlyingPotatoes