359 Etton –

Within their own allotted room, that was large enough to fit four beds in. Bethel was polishing and sharpening her collection of two-handed weapons. Weapons that appeared impossibly heavy and cumbersome for someone of her size. And yet, she still swung them around with ease.

Perhaps it was her choice of weapons, or her free-spirit that only chased freedom and strength. The giants of Etton had already began to consider her as one of their own. Having only been in the capital for less than a month. And although they weren't as obsessed and crazed about big-bulging-muscles, hearing their warm laughter fill the place was highly welcomed.

New foreign, exotic sounds being added into the mix. Some of the large men even found the two smaller girls to be highly attractive. Showering them with souvenirs from their hunts. Rabbit meat, pelt and even ice-lilies, that were ice hand sculpted by themselves, to show how much they desired them. Alas, the two girl's hadn't fully adapted yet, not understanding their mating-rituals and customs. Simply accepted the piece and went on without biting the warrior's forearm. To mark them with a bite, accepting their feelings.

As such, even more men, who came packing larger packages, more muscles, or bigger biceps than each other now sought their hand. Seeing it as a challenge, to their pride and manhood. And yet, the two remained painfully oblivious.

For the women, as much as they wanted to interfere and assist the men. All for the betterment of their kingdom, for offspring that had potential or different abilities. But, seeing the two train within their own little bubble, preparing for the upcoming arena battles. They decided to leave them be.

As for the king of Etton, he had also come across the rumours of the girls. However, the man was swamped with impregnating his harem, and as such, couldn't afford the time to meet them.

Being the strongest warrior in Draftt certainly had its benefits, but the man was mostly regulated into becoming the capital stallion. A prize and reward for the strongest women who proved themselves capable. The reward of receiving the strongest seed possible.

...

Mel, seated upon her own bed was honestly finding the room to be colder than usual. Slipping out of her own bed and entering Bethel's. The pinked haired girl decided to store her weapons away. As they were something she could tend to any time of the day, whilst Mel was a NPC that she couldn't help but begin to see and interact with as if she was a real, living and breathing being.

Honestly, by now, her sense of perception had mostly mixed. Finding herself at multiple times of the day, forgetting that this wasn't Earth. Her own name was even beginning to become lost to her memories. At first, she was filled with fear at the idea of losing her sense of self. However, now that she didn't feel as alone. And had connected somewhat to someone who was so similar to her. She now felt herself more at ease, accepting the world for what it was.

"What's up?"

Mel, although being taller, snuggled up into Bethel's bosom.

"It's too cold, I think the temperature drops even lower whenever there's a full moon..."

The girl who had her bed invaded, wrapped her arms around her. Surging her [Blazing] elemental mana through her body, bringing the room temperature up as she became a living hand-warmer for the girl.

"Is that better?" Bethel asked, whilst stroking her hazel chocolate hair that was beginning to become healthy once more. Being afforded better food and care, Mel had began her road to recovery. Although her arms were still far too skinny for her liking. At the very least, both body and mind was healing.

"Mhmm~ Thank you."

As Mel fell asleep, enjoying the comfortable heat that protected her. Bethel was more or less wondering about her future.

"What if, there is no main quest? No demon king to slay and no way back home..."

"What if, there is a demon king that I have to fight? It would be too dangerous to take Mel with me, she's too weak. I will have to leave her, and we will both be- alone again?

...

Sigh..."

...

In the morning, at the crack of dawn and the howling of sabre-toothed tigers. Bethel shook the sleep out of Mel.

"Wake up! I've decided. I'm going to train you, whatever it was you were doing previously. Scrap that dagger crap. I'll teach you how to use a proper weapon!"

Bethel proudly stood with her chest up high. Outfitted in full leather gears that consisted of: Vest, Full arm bracers, pants and knee high fine-leather boots. Topped with both the cloak from Trichia and the large overcoat that was actually a large cape that wrapped around the body. With two slits upon each side for the arms to slip through to fight. And, a little scarf crafted from white-wolf pelt.

Bethel placed her old two-handed great sword upon the bed, causing it to creak as the mass was far too great.

It had cost the girl all that she had saved up from her adventuring quests. But, she bought an equal set of gear for Mel regardless.

Mel, unsure of the situation, whether it was reality or dream. Could only utter a sound.

"Hah!?"