4.39 – Swapped VIII & IX

4.39 – Swapped VIII & IX

It was, indeed, something flashier. Coincidentally, it was another weapon—a magical casting implement just like Liz had received, though in this case, not a wand. Nor a crystal ball, like what Ana would typically wield.

Nor, indeed, a weapon in any traditional sense.

"Oh," Ana said. "That is ... quite strange."

"Strange," Natalie repeated flatly. "That's the understatement of the year."

Liz's wand, at least, had changed into lewd form through a 'form shift'. This spellcasting weapon, on the other hand, seemed to be an item with a more static presentation.

***

Expanding Nexus Gem

Rare

Lv. 2

Effects

- Arcane Reservoir. Mana can be stored inside the Expanding Nexus Gem and later drawn upon. When the Nexus Gem is overfilled, maximum capacity and physical size grow.

- The Nexus Gem can only be used when inserted by someone other than the wearer.

- Maximum capacity can only be increased while unequipped.

- Moderate increase to magical Furor.

Description

A hands-free primary weapon made of smooth steel and capped with a sparkling gemstone. When the gem is emptied of mana, it has a dull, clear appearance. Filled at maximum capacity, the gem will glow a pale, lustrous blue.

***

"This is absurd," Natalie said.

"I agree," Ana replied instantly. "An item that increases mana pool? With a persistent moderate Furor boost? That isn't a weapon that remotely deserves to be called a 'level two' weapon. How is it so strong?"

"Strong," Natalie said. "That's what you're focused on."

Ana paused. "The method of equipping is, admittedly, odd," she conceded. "But I already agreed with you there. And yes—it's strength is the more astounding feature. Plus, from a practical standpoint, that it can be wielded hands-free is objectively good."

Was Ana joking? Messing with her again?

"Though the fact I can't insert it myself does make it less convenient," Ana said. "The logistics could be an issue, especially in sudden spars or other events hosted at the Academy." She tilted her head. "Perhaps the solution is to always leave it in."

Natalie stared at her. There wasn't much else to do in a situation like this, with Ana delivering sentences like that.

"I wonder how much it grows, too," Ana continued, either oblivious or uncaring about Natalie's incredulity. Or maybe intentionally playing it up. Natalie really couldn't tell when it came to this girl. "I don't have any experience with that sort of insertion, so hopefully not too much. At least it looks manageable as it stands." She eyed the buttplug. "Somewhat. It's rather large, even for a starting point." She held a hand out. "Let me see?"

Natalie mutely handed it to her. Ana turned the item over, then held the buttplug up and inspected it closely. She chewed her lip.Gét latest novel chapters on nov(e)lbj/n(.)c/om

"Yes, it's going to be a tight fit. At least we were given lube. Think you can help?"

"Help?"

"I'm obviously going to equip it," Ana said matter-of-factly. "And the description says I can't put it in myself if I want its effects. So."

"You want me to plug you."

"Need you to plug me," Ana corrected. She paused. "Though 'want' would also be accurate. I realize these situations we're being put in are awkward, but I am having fun. Maybe that's worth making clear, considering our circumstances."

Natalie's head started to hurt. Why did she have to deliver that reassurance in such a monotone way?

As for the request itself. Plugging Ana. As a matter of necessity. Helping her equip her new weapon.

"How visible is it?" Ana asked, turning around and displaying her butt—and the gemstone.

"Very," Natalie said plainly.

"Hm." She shrugged. "Oh well. It's an incredible item. I would be idiotic not to use it."

Idiotic might not be the word Natalie would use, but she didn't argue the point.

"So, that's it?" Ana asked. "The loot chest is empty?"

"I'm not sure I could handle another item," Natalie muttered. She stood, walked over to the chest, then closed and opened it. No new item materialized, so their loot was indeed expended. "Empty."

"Excellent. Shall we keep moving?"

Already composed again. Natalie might be able to extract physical reactions from the girl in the heat of the moment, but it seemed Ana would always regain her calmness not long after. It might actually be impossible to make her blush outside of actively pleasuring her. And if not so, then at least plugging the girl up hadn't done the job.

So unfair. Because Natalie herself was definitely burning scarlet from the encounter—as she had been since the start of these challenges.

"Keep it moving," Natalie agreed. She headed for the door.

"Should we talk about it?" Ana asked suddenly.

Natalie froze, then turned slowly to face the girl. "What do you mean?"

"Us," Ana said. "And all of this." She chewed her lip, her brow furrowing the smallest amount in what Natalie could only assume was concern. "What we just did. Because you seem—"

"There's nothing to talk about," Natalie announced loudly, cutting off that topic of discussion. "We're just doing what we need to. Right?"

Ana didn't reply right away, instead choosing to study Natalie. She didn't seem to know what to make of her response. Natalie appreciated the concern, the acknowledgment that what was going on was strange, and embarrassing—to her, at least—but Natalie cleared her throat loudly, again interrupting the girl's incoming response. She would rather not 'talk about it'.

"Seriously," Natalie said. "Let's just keep going. All of ... that ... doesn't matter. Or at least, no need to have a conversation about it. It's not a big deal."

"If you say so," Ana said slowly.

"I do."

Ana hesitated, but eventually nodded. Though she didn't seem satisfied leaving it there. After a moment, she opened her mouth, but seemed to rethink whatever she'd been about to say. Finally, words came out.

"Then, for the record, let me just say that I thought you did a great job."

"A great job?"

"Earlier." Ana gestured down at her crotch. Her cock, which was still glistening from the oil-like lubricant she'd covered her body with—and previously, Natalie's saliva.

Natalie stared at her. "A great job?"

"You're very skilled."

Like she was congratulating her on a good performance in a spar.

Somehow, despite Natalie's total lack of composure, she might be the one who knew how to handle this situation better.

Ana had shown a surprising amount of emotion during Natalie's pleasuring of her, but outside sex, it seemed that the girl returned to her previous unreadability—and also, her social cluelessness. Because she thought Natalie had 'done a great job' sucking her dick? That was what she felt like she should make clear?

Heavens Above.

She wished she could know what was going on inside Ana's head. What did she really think of all this? Knowing Ana, she might tell Natalie if she asked—in explicit detail. Though Natalie wasn't sure she was ready to hear the answer, delivered in the girl's stony monotone.

And, bizarre as the words had been, Natalie admittedly did appreciate the compliment. Not that she wanted to go further down that conversational path.

"Thanks," Natalie said dryly. "But, seriously, let's continue? We've got a dungeon to clear."

Ana nodded, also eager to move on. She gestured for Natalie to continue.

"And if I had to guess," Natalie said, "the next room's gonna be combat. We only have a pattern of two so far, but I bet it alternates. Fighting, then ... other stuff." She hefted up her hammer. "Though, who knows what bullshit the dungeon will throw at us? Like always, be ready."