Chapter 44: Innocence

Geth nodded and turned to Jen, "I was hoping that you could take care of my children while we're away."

"Of course, you can count on me." She said.

"Then that's settled. It's already afternoon, so take your time to spend with your family tonight and we will leave in the morning. I've been busy handling things here and haven't had the chance to spend time with the children yet." Geth told them.

"Also, while we're gone Jen, feel free to use our home, it will have more room for all of you."

He turned and walked out after saying his goodbyes. Then, a bit impatiently, he walked towards his own home. He'd definitely been busy and he was ready to spend some time with Zolis and the kids.

Geth was able to see the kids playing on the balcony before he'd made it there. Zolis was off to the side, still practicing with her hammer. Her Leveling had stagnated a bit at Level 15, but she was still diligent about increasing her proficiency with her weapon.

He stood back and watched them for a while before moving towards them. It warmed him a bit to see the people he cared about happy.

First, he went up the stairs and played with his kids on the balcony. They would take turns climbing on his back or being thrown up in the air.

Stark dragged him downstairs and had him make a hollowed ball from the earth with his State Change. The two of them spent the next hour throwing the ball back and forth. The two younger children were chasing the ball between them, trying to run off with it.

It was an enjoyable experience, and he couldn't help but sigh. Even though he wanted it to last, he needed them to grow up. This world wouldn't be easy for the innocent to live in.

Eventually, Zolis finished her training and came over to play with the kids as well. Geth asked her about traveling with him and Filthy.

"Are you kidding me? Of course, I want to go! Why would you even ask?!" She exclaimed. "You think I've been swinging this hammer around to stay here and watch crops grow?"

Geth couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. "All right then, make sure you have everything you need ready. I'll spend the next hour or so until dark making some beds and toys for the kids."

It wasn't very difficult to make a few simple toys. Some marbles, more small army men, and a couple of rough toy cars were added to their collection.

The beds that he made were very simple, he didn't have a lot of time to make anything nice. 'At least it's something to keep them off the floor.' He thought.

He used the large leaves from the trees in the Mana Pool room to make the firm bed softer and give them something to provide cover. While he was there, he made and filled hundreds of new canteens. By the time he was done, it was starting to get dark, and time to get the kids to bed.

They had some of the sweet fruits for dinner and the young ones quickly went to sleep. "Stark, if you want to spend any time with Filthy before he leaves with us in the morning, now is the time to do it. It will be a week or more before we come back."

"Okay, dad. You guys stay safe, I love you." Stark gave both Geth and Zolis big hugs before running off towards his mom's place.

"We love you too!" Geth shouted back, shaking his head at the boy's enthusiasm.

Geth and Zolis headed to the Mana Pool and bathed while satisfying their lustful urges. The pond left them feeling refreshed, but the time spent pursuing satisfaction drained the energy that had been gained.

They made their way back to the barracks, holding hands and laughing along the way. Their night was spent on the balcony, relaxing under the beautiful lights of the formation. It wasn't long before they fell asleep in each other's arms.

The next morning, Geth woke up to the casually brightening glow of the formation and mana stones in the wall. The change was the perfect alarm clock, Geth wasn't sure what caused the phenomenon.

He shook Zolis awake. "Mmm... morning... already..?" She asked between yawns.

"Yes, it's time to head out."

They went into the home and kissed the still sleeping kids goodbye. Jen was already outside with Filthy and the baby.

Jen walked forward and gave Geth and Zolis a quick hug, telling them to be careful, and then headed into the home.

Filthy nodded, indicating that he'd said his goodbyes and could leave anytime. Geth loaded all of their necessities into his Inventory Satchel, then handed Filthy his old Inventory pouch.

He didn't take a single look back, it was time for them to head out.

Geth had already spoken with Albus a little bit about the situation;

****

'Albus, are there any upsides to taking over other Dungeons? I don't see a point in owning more than one.'

: Multiple different boons can come from owning more than one Dungeon. When you take over another Dungeon, you take the Dungeon Crystal with you.

When you use that Crystal to upgrade your own Dungeon, the Dungeon you took the Crystal from would become subservient to Valhalla. The Dungeon in question would never be able to have its own Inventory, and the cores donated would Level Valhalla.

In a way, it would be a secondary branch, and eventually, you could take control of the entire Local zone. Each subservient branch would have to have its own leader, but decisions you make could not be easily circumvented:

'Good, what we need most are resources and manpower. I don't want anyone that I can't trust in Valhalla. This, however, means that I can have laborers under my thumb without bringing them near my family.' Geth responded.