Chapter 119: Contacts
"So, what now? We done...?" asked Tanya, her vision filled with windows only she could see as she joined Vahn, Himmel, and Ruijerd at one of the circular tables prepared within the Dungeon Terminal's trade-in/resupply station.
"I'm personally planning to hang out in my room and respond to some of the messages people have been sending me..." responded Vahn, exhaling a faintly exasperated sigh.
"Mmm...that reminds me..." muttered Tanya, swiping her right index finger in the air, sending requests to be added to Vahn's, Himmel's, and Ruijerd's contacts. She wasn't particularly fond of Heroes or busybodies, but after witnessing how seriously they took exploring the Dungeons, she believed they could be useful.
Accepting Tanya's request to be added to his contacts, Himmel's smile broadened as he questioned, "Then, shall we part ways for tonight and regroup around noon tomorrow? That should provide everyone plenty of time to rest, recuperate, and prepare."
"I don't mind venturing into another Dungeon together, but it may be best to take some time to acquaint ourselves with the safe area's facilities and form Parties with other Ascendees," reasoned Vahn, revealing, "There are training facilities, combat simulators, communal and gender-specific hot springs, and even seclusion chambers for mental and spiritual cultivation. Everything requires TP, but it's important to balance effort with relaxation and recreation."
"Then let's arrange to meet three to five days hence," suggested Himmel, adding, "That should give us plenty of time to acquaint ourselves with the facilities and interact with our fellow Ascendees."
"Just contact me when the time comes..." stated Ruijerd, rising to his feet and offering everyone a slight but respectful bow before turning to leave, leaving everyone to stare at his retreating figure with varying expressions and thoughts.
"I suppose that's my cue," hummed Himmel, sporting a relaxed smile and offering Vahn and Tanya a slow nod before disappearing via the Return to Room function. Vahn planned to do the same, but when he turned to meet Tanya's gaze, she surprised him by revealing, "I still have many questions for you, but you might get the wrong idea if I asked to come to your room. Instead, I will outline everything in a single message and forward it to you later this evening or tomorrow morning. Please review and respond to it at your earliest convenience."
Following Himmel's example, Tanya promptly disappeared the moment she finished speaking, leaving Vahn staring at where she had been seated with an expression of incredulity.
Regaining his senses after a moment of awkward silence, Vahn closed his eyes and shook his head in mild exasperation. When he opened them, he was already back in his room, sitting on the edge of his bed. There, he sat pensively for several seconds, contemplating whether to summon Grayfia or respond to everyone's messages. He had previously resolved to spend the four months the Tower was open focusing on his personal growth and developing his transdimensional network, but after half a day of exploring the Warden's Glade and depleting his mental energy answering questions, he was in the mood for a good fuck...
'Should I try my luck...?' Vahn asked himself, kicking off his shoes, lying atop his oversized bed, and opening his contact list. His eyes immediately settled on Yoruichi's listing, and thanks to his perfect recall, the image of her exceptionally inviting posterior resurfaced within his mind's eye, along with the flirtatious look she gave him before they parted ways.