Third day of posting 5 chapters in a week.
If you want to support my work, on my Ko-fi I have 7 chapters ahead of this one for subscribers: ko-fi(dot)com/avipbr
-S2-LoveNexus Corp. – Where Innovation and Love meet!-S2-
Sitting in her office,Yzhilde sips her coffee, her red eyes half-closed, enjoying the moment of peace. The aroma fills the room, a pleasant contrast to the sweet scent of the flowers that adorn the table. She admires the cup, the dark liquid reflecting the soft light from the window.
"It's amazing how something so bitter can have such a complex bouquet."
A discreet smile appears on her lips, her black horns shining under the light. But unfortunately for Lilim, the silence is broken by a firm knock on the door.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
Yzhilde sighs, the peace interrupted, but her curiosity awakens.
"Come in."
The door opens, revealing a familiar figure. The visitor enters, her blue face serious, her yellow eyes fixed on Yzhilde.
"Kurina-chan, what a pleasant surprise!"
Yzhilde stands up, her black wings opening slightly, a genuine smile on her face. The cup of coffee is set aside, the liquid still steaming.
"Yzhilde-dono." She greets the blue Oni who has just entered.
[Image]
Kurina's voice is dry, her face impassive. She approaches, her steps firm, her gaze fixed on Lilim.
"Always so serious, Kurina-chan. You need to relax a little."
Yzhilde walks around the table, approaching Kurina. Her pale hand touches the oni's shoulder, a loving gesture. Kurina doesn't react, her face still serious.
"I'll relax when the future of the mamonos in this world is written in stone."
Yzhilde sighs, discouraged.
"You only talk about work these days, Kurina-chan. I miss the days when we used to drink together."
Kurina's face turns red, her embarrassment evident. She looks away, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Yzhilde-dono, please don't mention this," the oni says, despite her blushing embarrassment. "I brought the Honey Bee performance report."
Yzhilde arches an eyebrow, her red eyes blinking in surprise.
"But there are still a few weeks left until the end of the quarter, Kurina-chan. Why the rush?"
Kurina takes a deep breath, her face still red, but her voice firm.
"I ordered this assessment in advance. I wanted to compare the Honey Bee's performance during the week after Kleber's work. The results are... interesting."
Yzhilde tilts her head, curious.
"Interesting how?"
Kurina hands over the report, the pages full of graphs and numbers. Yzhilde flips through the document, her eyes quickly scanning the information.
"Did they increase their production fivefold?" The Lilim asks, astonished. "But that's impossible! We don't have enough flower fields and machinery for that much honey." Kurina nods, her face serious.
"I agree, Yzhilde-dono. But the Honey Bees have been taking on extra work. They're not just collecting nectar, but also cleaning the Hivecore facilities, expanding and planting new flower fields."
Surprised by the answer, Yzhilde gapes at her.
"That explains the increased production, but still-."
Kurina interrupts, her voice firm.
"In addition, they've been helping other mamono insects that are unable to fly, making their work easier. This has increased the overall efficiency of operations at Hivecore."
Yzhilde flips through the report again, her red eyes shining with curiosity.
Yzhilde throws the report up, the pages flying through the air. She jumps, her white hair flying, a wide smile on her face.
"Amazing! I knew Kleber would make a difference!"
The heels echo through the office, the joy contagious. Kurina watches, her face serious, but with a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
"I agree, Yzhilde-dono. His work has had a significant impact."
Yzhilde stops jumping, the smile still on her face. She turns to Kurina, her red eyes shining with curiosity.
"But, Kurina-chan, why the serious look? This is great news!"
Kurina takes a deep breath, her face still serious.
"Yes, it is great news, but it also creates a problem."
Yzhilde tilts her head, curious.
"What problem, Kurina-chan?"
Kurina crosses her arms, her gaze fixed on Yzhilde.
"Kleber is just one man, Yzhilde-dono. And we still don't have authorization to hire more."
Yzhilde's expression changes, concern replacing joy.
"I see…" the Rune Mistress mutters.
"How do you intend to rectify this?" Kurina asks, adjusting her glasses.
Yzhilde steps away from Kurina, her red eyes shining with an idea. She walks over to the table, her pale fingers drumming on the wood.
"Kurina-chan, send a message to the members of the Greilia Sabbath. We need an urgent meeting."
Kurina frowns, confused.
"The Sabbath of medicine? What do they have to do with this."
Yzhilde turns to Kurina, a wide smile on her face. Her black horns gleam in the light, her red eyes full of malice.
"If we can't hire more men, Kurina-chan, let's make Kleber worth more men."
-S2-LoveNexus Corp. – Where Innovation and Love meet!-S2-
A week has passed since Kleber's work with Ella. The apartment pulses with a different energy now that the three inhabitants have become accustomed to each other. Rajah meditates on the balcony, the morning sun reflecting on his white fur, the black stripes contrasting with the light. Lis, sitting on the sofa, flips through an old book , her gray eyes scanning the yellowed pages.
Kleber paces back and forth, anxiety evident in every step. His hands sweat, his heart beats fast. He stops, looks at Rajah, then at Lis, and starts walking again.
"I don't understand. Why don't they call me again?"
Rajah opens her eyes, his yellow gaze fixed on Kleber.
"Calm down, Kleber-dono. Everything has its time."
Kleber stops walking, his eyes wide.
"But it's been a week! What if I did something wrong?"
Lis closes the book, the sound echoing through the apartment. She stands up, her black robes fluttering.
"You didn't do anything wrong, Kleber. Your work was exemplary."
Kleber sighs, the tension still evident on his face.
"Then why don't you call me again?"
Rajah stands up, her tall and imposing figure. She approaches Kleber, her hand resting on his shoulder.
"Everything has its time, Kleber-dono. Trust us."
Kleber looks at Rajah, then at Lis. The concern still shines in his eyes, but the presence of both women is comforting.
"Alright. I'll try to calm down."
The doorbell rings, the sharp sound cutting through the silence.
DING!
Kleber moves to answer, his body already leaning toward the door. Lis, however, holds him by the shoulder, her cold fingers against his skin.
Rajah, already standing, walks toward the door. She turns it, and the door opens, revealing a package.
A small, square box wrapped in brown paper with a note indicating that it's from Lovenexus to Kleber Cruz.
Rajah hands the package to Kleber, her yellow eyes fixed on him.
"It's for you, Kleber-dono."
Kleber takes the package, his fingers trembling slightly. He looks at Rajah, then at Lis, who steps closer, the note stills in her hand.
The human tears off the wrapping, revealing a simple box. Inside, a strange vial, the green liquid glowing in the light. On the label, a muscular man.
Kleber furrows his brow, his eyes fixed on the vial.
"What is this?"
Lis unfolds the note, her gray eyes scanning the words.
"It's a tonic. It seems like your routine is about to get busier, and Lovenexus says this will improve your physical condition."
Kleber looks at Lis, then at the vial. The concern still shines in his eyes, but curiosity is greater. He turns the vial, the green liquid swirling inside.
"Busier? What does that mean?"
"It means you'll have more partners and fewer days to rest. You'll need to be at your best, Kleber-dono," Rajah responds.
Kleber nods, his fingers tightening around the vial.
"Analise," Lis whispers, her voice laden with power.
Flaming green runes appear in the air, forming a magical eye that hovers before Lis. The eye moves, examining the vial in Kleber's hands. The green light reflects on the banshee's pale face, her gray eyes fixed on the runes.
"There's nothing here that could turn you into a lolicon," Lis murmurs.
"Lolicon?" Kleber asks.
"Magical items are mostly crafted by one of the Sabbaths," Rajah explains, pointing to the potion. "And it's common for them to try to alter men's perceptions when it comes to… physical preferences."
Kleber lets out a relieved sigh, his shoulders relaxing. He looks at the vial, then at Lis.
"So it's safe?"
Lis nods, the magical eye disappearing.
"Yes, it's just a physical enhancement tonic. It will increase your endurance, vitality, and recovery capacity."
Rajah crosses her arms, her yellow gaze fixed on Kleber.
"You'll need it, Kleber-dono. Your routine will get intense."
Kleber nods, his fingers tightening around the vial. He looks at Lis, then at Rajah. Determination shines in his eyes.
"Alright. I'll take it."
He opens the vial, the sweet and spicy scent filling the air. With a quick gulp, he drinks the contents, feeling the cold liquid slide down his throat. The taste is strange, a mix of mint and something stronger, bitter.
Kleber grimaces, the empty vial in his hand.
"And now?" Kleber asks Lis and Rajah.
Before his bodyguards can respond, the vial slips from his fingers, shattering on the floor.
CRASH!
The young man collapses, his eyes rolling back, his skin instantly covered in a layer of sweat. Rajah kneels beside him, her hands firmly holding his shoulders.
"Kleber-dono!" The tigress's voice is a mix of concern and command.
Lis, without showing any reaction, steps a few paces toward the intercom on the kitchen wall.
"I'll call a healer."
-S2-LoveNexus Corp. – Where Innovation and Love meet!-S2-
The moonlight filters through the window, casting long shadows on the white room.
Kleber blinks his eyes, adjusting to the dim light as his consciousness slowly returns. The ceiling is immaculate white, the walls bare, with no pictures or decorations. The silence is broken only by the constant beeping of a machine beside the bed.
Kleber tries to move, preparing for the pain that should come, but nothing bothers him. He sits up on the bed, his eyes wide. No sharp pain, no stiffness. On the contrary, a pulsing energy flows through his veins, as if every cell in his body is on high alert.
"What the hell...?"
He flexes his arms, stretches his legs. Every movement is fluid, without the slightest discomfort. He jumps off the bed, his bare feet touching the cold floor.
A sensation of lightness, of contained power, invades him. He could run, jump, fight maybe. He could do anything.
"This is... incredible."
Kleber takes a few steps around the room, testing his limits. Each step is firm, confident. He feels alive, more alive than ever. As if he could run a marathon… or two.
"What happened to me?"
"Your body collapsed when it was overwhelmed by the revitalizing tonic," a female voice says, catching Kleber off guard.
Kleber turns, his eyes widening and his heart stopping as he sees an imposing figure at the door, blocking the exit.
Tall, broad, a silhouette that merges with the shadows, but not enough to hide the grotesque details. Her skin, to Kleber's eyes, seems like patches of leather sewn together, forming a mosaic of textures and colors. One eye glows in the darkness, the other is covered by her hair's fringe. Long, grayish hair flows down her broad shoulders.
A scream gets caught in Kleber's throat. He takes a step back instinctively, but the creature before him is stronger, faster. In the blink of an eye, she pulls him into a tight embrace. Kleber's body stiffens, his muscles tensing.
Kleber stiffens, his muscles tense. But the creature does not attack. Instead, the grip softens, turning into a gentle embrace. Her body, which from afar seemed hard and rough, proves to be soft, comforting. Kleber blinks, confused. The fear still pulses through his veins, but there is something else. A sense of warmth, of security.
"Calm down, I won't hurt you."
The voice is deep, yet gentle. Like distant thunder, comforting. Kleber feels his muscles relax, little by little. The embrace that holds him is firm, but kind. Her body is warm, welcoming. He finds himself sinking into that comfort where his fear, nervousness, and the anguish that had consumed him dissipate into the air.
"Who are you?" Kleber's voice comes out low, almost a whisper.
"You can call me Faye. I'm the nurse here."
With the initial panic gone, Kleber relaxes in Faye's arms. He takes a deep breath, and a soft aroma fills his nostrils. Lavender and chamomile, a blend that makes him think of flower-filled fields, of lazy afternoons under the sun. The scent is so intense, so real, that he can almost see the flowers dancing in the wind.
"You're safe here," the large feminine figure adds, releasing him.
Faye steps back slowly, her eyes fixed on Kleber. Her face, which from afar seemed frightening, reveals itself to be gentle, maternal. Her hard features soften into a welcoming smile.
"Sorry if I scared you. That wasn't my intention."
Kleber shakes his head, still dazed.
"It's okay. I just... didn't expect..."
"I know. No one expects it," she says in a sad tone.
Her eyes scan the figure before her, noticing details that had previously gone unnoticed. The stitches on Faye's body are not made of leather but of soft, colorful fabric scraps, as though she were a large stuffed toy. The horns on her head, once threatening, now seem almost comical, like those of a stuffed animal.
"Are you... are you a living doll?" The words slip out before he can think.
A soft laugh escapes Faye, a sound that echoes through the room, gentle and comforting.
"Not exactly. I'm a Bogey."
[image/ not mine]
Kleber tilts his head, confused.
"Bogey? What is that?"
Faye smiles, her eyes sparkling with a kindness Kleber has never seen before.
"We're a type of monster called 'oni.' We have horns and large arms, but we're soft, like stuffed animals."
She extends her hand, inviting Kleber to touch. He hesitates for a moment, but curiosity wins. His fingers brush against Faye's arm, and he feels the softness of the fabric, the smoothness of the stuffing. It's like touching a cloud, something ethereal and comforting.
"That's... amazing."
Faye smiles again, a smile that lights up the room.
"Our embrace has the power to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and fear. That's why I work as a nurse here."
Kleber looks at her, his eyes wide.
"So, you... you hugged me to calm me down?"
"Yes, my good boy," Faye replies, nodding.
Kleber lowers his head, his face burning with embarrassment. "Boy" echoes in his mind, bringing memories of a childhood he'd rather forget. But he swallows his pride, forcing a smile.
"Thank you, Faye. Really."
Faye's face lights up, her eyes shining with genuine joy.
"You're welcome, my good boy. I'm glad I could help."
With a swift motion, Faye lifts Kleber into her arms. He lets out a surprised sigh but doesn't resist. The soft body of the nurse envelops him once more, and he feels safe, protected. In a few steps, she gently places him on the bed, adjusting the pillows to make him comfortable.
"There, now you need to get some rest."
Kleber blinks, his eyes fixed on Faye. She strokes his head, her soft fingers gliding through his hair. The touch is comforting, maternal. He closes his eyes, allowing himself to be carried away by the sense of peace.
"What happened to me, Faye? Why did I pass out?"
"Your body had an overload of energy from the potion you took. Something similar to hypervitaminosis," Faye explains.
"Overload?" Kleber questions.
"Yes, my dear. The potion you took is very potent. Your body wasn't prepared for so much energy at once, so it collapsed. But now you're fine, better than ever, to be honest."
He looks at her, still trying to understand.
"So, I'll be fine?"
"Yes, my good boy. You'll spend one night in observation at the hospital just so we can be sure. Tomorrow, we will send you home."
Kleber sighs, relieved.
"Thank you, Faye."
She smiles, her eyes shining with endless kindness.
"You're welcome, my good boy. I'll be around if you need me."
Faye stands, adjusting the blankets around Kleber. He closes his eyes, letting himself succumb to the fatigue. The room is silent, only the constant beeping of the machine beside the bed breaks the silence.
The door closes softly behind Faye, leaving Kleber alone with his thoughts. He takes a deep breath, feeling the soft scent of lavender and chamomile still lingering in the air.
-S2-LoveNexus Corp. – Where Innovation and Love meet!-S2-
The next day, Rajah and Lis went to pick up Kleber. The tigress was smiling when she saw that the human was okay, and Lis almost smiled, to the surprise of her companions.
Accompanied by his bodyguards, Kleber noticed that the infirmary where he had spent the night was in the same skyscraper where he lived and worked. Which made sense to him, given the number of beings working in the massive building.
As soon as they arrived at the apartment, Rajah grabbed Kleber by the shoulders and guided him to the kitchen table. With a smooth but firm movement, she sat him in the chair. Lis, with her usual melancholic air, placed a black book in front of him.
"What is this?" Kleber asked, looking at the book with curiosity and a touch of apprehension.
"Your schedule with appointments for the next few days," Lis answered, her voice calm and cold as always.
As Kleber flipped through the schedule, he was surprised by the number of meetings planned.
"It looks like I'll be working nonstop for the next few days," the young man commented, closing the agenda. "But are these mamonos comfortable with Lovenexus meddling with their sex lives?"
Rajah's laughter echoed through the apartment, a guttural and vibrant sound that made Kleber jump in his chair. The tigress tilted her head back, her long white hair swaying with the movement. Lis, on the other hand, sighed deeply, shaking her head in denial. Her gray eyes, always expressionless, seemed even more distant.
"Kleber-dono," Rajah began, her voice formal, but with a hint of amusement. "These mamonos applied to spend a night with you."
"All of them?" Kleber asked, surprised.
"Yes," Lis explained. "Parts of your audio with Honey Bee were leaked among the Lovenexus staff while you were conscious."
The human's jaw drops at the declaration from the undead elf, but he quickly closes it and asks.
"But what about my privacy?"
For the first time since Kleber met her, Lis broke into a large and sinister smile. Her lips, usually a thin line, curved into a mischievous arc, and her gray eyes, always so empty, gained a sinister gleam. Kleber instinctively recoils, the chair creaking against the floor.
"Well, my dear mortal, you gave that up when you signed the Lovenexus contract," Lis replied, her voice still calm, but now tinged with dark satisfaction.
"But... this is a basic right," Kleber protested, his voice trembling slightly. "You can't just take it with a simple contract."
Lis tilted her head, her black hair falling over her right eye, partially hiding it.
"Lovenexus Corp has relations with all the world's great powers," Lis declared in a lascivious tone. "Do you really think your government wouldn't grant special permission in exchange for rare and powerful resources?"
"A-a-a-nd I..." Kleber stammers, trying to respond, only to be cut off.
"Do you trust 100% in the integrity of your government?" Lis adds, delighting in the human's reactions.
Kleber puts both hands on his head, his fingers tangling in his messy hair. A deep sigh escapes his lips before he mutters, his voice heavy with resignation.
"I'm so fucked up."