Seraphim Online: Afterlife

“I-”

“Ser-”

…

Both me and Lena struggle on what to say next, the awkwardness still running rampant between us after that incident. I’m full of guilt and really want to apologize, it’s just the words are hard to find especially when that wasn’t me.

It’s been several hours since I placed my hand on her neck and right now, we sit together as the sun sets across the Badlands still unsure how to progress. We’ve already long moved from the destroyed town, seemed pointless to stay when there’s nothing to find.

This isn’t some easy going survival or post apocalypse world where supplies or quest markers are everywhere, like finding drugs in a toilet or pristine weapons just sitting around waiting to go. No, scavengers found anything worthwhile long ago, the place was already picked clean. Not sure how we’re going to explain this to the guild, we’ll have to think of something later on.

“Look Sera, I’m not sure why you seem so upset. You just gave my throat a hug really, it honestly felt pretty nice.”

…

And of course, the smiling dragon trying to remove the awkwardness between us causes me to lose my cool. Didn’t she grow a fluster when my hand was against her neck? Looks like I was worried for nothing.

“Heh, you’re going to make me laugh, Lena. When I was in that vision, it felt too real, like I really could’ve killed you.”

Maybe with a little more time, I could find a way of controlling myself but not at the expensive of hurting Lena again. Or, in this case… hugging her throat apparently. At least she’s into it, I guess?

“There’s a simple solution to this, Sera. Next time you have a vision… I’ll just sit on you! That way, you won’t be able to hug my throat again.”

It takes all my might not to laugh even further, she plans on sitting on me? I presume she means in dragon form? Wouldn’t that crush me?

“Also, please don’t take this the wrong way, I don’t think you could hurt me if you really tried. You might need some training; it really did feel more like a loving hug!”

…

Whilst I was just laughing, now I’m not sure whether to be annoyed or depressed. Am I seriously that weak or are dragons just that OP? Probably both.

“Let’s be serious for a moment, is there any way I can make it up to you? Still feel guilty as sin.”

“Well… you could give me a real hug, Sera. I sometimes feel like I’m the only one initiating stuff.”

She’s… pretty much spot on. When we’ve slept together, it’s been her cuddling into me because I’m not really much of a hugger. Besides, we all know what happened last when I tried to hug her on the journey here. Did I say dragon scales are slightly slimy?

“Heh, one hug coming up.”

Since we’re both on the floor already, I pull myself up onto my knees and shuffle over to her side. Next, I wrap my arms around her slender waist and nuzzle my head up against her shoulder.

I just know she’s growing a fluster from this but then again, so am I. She really has a surprisingly sweet smell considering both of us don’t use products, like a strawberry shortcake or a sundae. Probably down to her like of sweets.

“Mhmm…”

Sounding similar to a purr, Lena makes a strange noise when I squeeze a little more into her back. I can’t describe just how cute that sounded.

‘Should I tease her on this? Didn’t realize this dragon is part kitty.’

The hug is honestly excellent, so much so I really don’t want to end it. That’s until Lena decides to say something though.

“Hehe… something is pushing into me down there, Sera.”

“W-What the…”

Pulling out of the hug, I have to look down… just to realize this dragon is a real pain in the arse. I’m a freaking female elf with no extras, devious little shit just played me like a fiddle!

As soon as squeeze back into the hug with the now giggling woman, I can’t help but try and get some revenge of my own.

“Funny you should say that, Lena. Two things of yours are growing as well… obviously from the cold, right?”

Seeing that I can see Lena’s ample bosom from here, that’s less of a joke than it should be. I try to be nice but I can tease her just as relentlessly as she does.

“They are!? A-Ahem… yep! You’re just a bad hugger and now I’m cold, that’s it!”

‘Heh, tsun-dragon.’

Still not wanting this to end, the sun finally sets in this barren wasteland so this probably means we should get a move on.

“Shall we continue this bogus hugging session another time? We’re going to have to fly a long way back, Lena.”

Ah, the joys of living in a world without fast travel. At least we’re not travelling by foot or on horse, I guess.

“Yup! Just give me a moment, Sera. Need to… warm myself up and all.”

“Heh, sure. You could just switch form if you care that much about it.”

It appears I’ve made her Lena a little self-conscious and flustered as she continues to hold and hide her breasts. What’s the issue anyway? Who cares if she’s perky, it’s nice to look at. I may still have the mind of a guy it seems.

“That… would make sense. I’ll get us back quicker than you can say dragon…”

“Heh, drag-…”

__________

“Welcome back! You two have already completed the quest? Knew this was a good idea!”

“The elf and her compatriot have returned… suspiciously quickly. Don’t care enough to ask more.”

[Author-Notes]

Brother and sisters... please forgive me. I'm only putting this in on the day of release because the left receptionist and her "melons" appear to have shrunk massively. It's too late to redo the AI now...

---

Back to the guild after speed running our way through this poorly designed quest chain, this time around only the sisters are in. It does make sense considering the time. Adventurers like to drink, party hard and sleep in, it’s so early in fact they haven’t even updated the quest board today and the sun hasn’t fully risen. Or there’s just no work available again, you never know with this place.

Don’t ask how Lena’s able to keep flying me around without any rest, turns out dragons don’t need all that much in the way of sleep.

“It was destroyed by some guy wearing blackened armour, he hired a bunch of adventurers to help. You’ll have to take our word for it.”

“Yeah, we couldn’t bring back anything. Feels like a huge waste of time.”

The problem with an investigation quest is, what to do you do if there’s nothing to investigate? Without that new ability I’ve mine, we’d have been stumped. This quest would’ve failed just like the last.

The two sisters don’t seem all that bothered by the news though.

“Oh… well that’s perfectly okay! We didn’t expect you to find anything really.”

“Ruins are always picked clean within weeks… someone wearing black armour you say? I’ll have to follow that up.”

Maybe I should be annoyed they sent us on an unachievable quest, I’m honestly just happy neither of these two are asking further on how we know this. Revealing that I saw it in a vision, they’ll either think I’m insane, a mage, or some false prophet. Always look on the bright side of life… eh?

[Sera has reached level 5 from completion of quest. The regular upgrading choice applies.]

‘HP again, Guide. Still waiting on more abilities some save the perk point for later.’

[Confirmed, status updating as usual.]

[STATUS]
[Name: Sera]		[Species: Elf]		[Level: 5]	[EXP: 133/150]
[Age: 22]		[Gender: Female]		[Skill Points: 2]
[Health]	[130/130]	[Stamina]	[102/115]	[Magic]	[100/100]
[STATS]				Spoiler Extra bonuses from P.I.S.S.E.D. SPE: +5 Stamina 1% Bartering DEX: 5% One-Handed Damage 1% Movement Speed [collapse]
[Perception: 7]		[Intelligence: 9]		[Speechcraft: 10]
[Strength: 8]		[Endurance: 9]		[Dexterity: 12]

Returning back to the conversation just as the coin purse is given to us, an extremely important and not mundane question at all is on my mind. This is the first time we’ve seen the two of them together.

“Why is it both of you are working today? Is something big about to happen?”

Seeing these two-standing side to side with one sister and her proportions superior in every way to the other, I almost feel a little sorry for the rude receptionist. Her height, her figure… her assets. She just can’t compete.

“That’s because big sis is evil and is making me work on my day off!”

“You never know when to shut up, do you? Whose fault is this again?”

“Yours! I was going to do the work next weekend!”

The bigger sister huffs and puffs while the smaller one eyeroll’s the other, both siblings look to be at each other’s throats and I think it would be better to leave sooner rather than later. Hostile working environment and all, heh.

“Before you ask, we’ve got some more work coming from the branch leader! See, this is the work I do sis! I’m a people person!”

Noticing Lena looking off to the once again empty quest board, the busty receptionist says this while seemingly starting to heat up. Nothing more cliché than a sibling rivalry, it’s a shame I never experienced that growing up.

“Idiot. Bad news is that you two will have to wait a day or two, we can’t officially send you away yet because some ogre hasn’t been keeping up with her duties again.”

“You’re so mean! Don’t be jealous with me just because you were cursed with a child’s body!”

The busty receptionist looks her sister dead in the face and actually swings her torso at her sister! I… have no words, she uses them like a weapon!?

In response while dodging the planets swinging her way, the smaller but older sister grabs her sibling by the ear and drags her into the backroom, all the while fighting strong resistance from the jiggly woman.

“Ouch… ouchie! Pooh! Why can’t you be like nice those two?”

“Because being nice doesn’t get you to complete the paperwork you left for me weeks ago…”

Leaving the Adventure’s Guild since we’re now the only people in the main room itself, I think it’s best if we don’t visit when the both of those sisters are in. Sure, the swinging was definitely… unique to say the least. Her spine has to be made of adamantium, I’m sure of it.

“So… what now, Lena? More time off?”

In the world of the Bordertown high-street, the options are never ending. We just need to find what to do next. Thankfully, Lena appears excited and already has an idea.

“I know what we can do! Remember what I said about training, let’s do that!”

Suddenly, Lena’s idea gives me an idea as well, a way of improving another stat. Seeing that we’ve got the money, let’s make a quick detour first. There’s a building on this high-street that sells a very specific type of weapon.

‘Is it just me or is Lena wearing less and less clothes everyday? Forget that, think the building I need is called a fletcher’s…’

__________

“Hmph!”

“Heh, stop sulking, Lena. We can train together shortly, promise we’ll do it after I level up once, alright?”

“I’m not sulking Sera… I’m pouting. Bows and arrows suck! You know dragons have no counter to them, right?”

“Erm… wouldn’t fire burn the wood?”

“Not against ones made from metal! Even poison magic won’t scratch those.”

Finding a secluded spot in the middle of Bordertown, this area nestled within some trees is used and maintained for trainee adventurers looking to learn the trade. We’ve got training dummies set up around the place all in different shapes and sizes, a few shooting targets as well as a sword rack filled with wooden weapons.

[EQUIPPED]
[Name]	[Effect]	[Quality]	[Weight]	[Name]	[Effect]	[Quality]	[Weight]
[Adventurer's Backpack]	0% res	[N/A]	2	[Wooden Bow]	36 dmg	[Weakened]	1.5
[Adventurer's Outfit]	0% res	[N/A]	0.5	[Adventurer's Gloves]	0% res	[N/A]	0.5
[Adventurer's Boots]	0% res	[N/A]	0.5	[Quiver]	N/A	[N/A]	0.5

But for right now, I’m focusing on one very specific type of training, shooting. Being able to use a bow could help out so much during combat.

I straighten my stance, steady my breath and draw back the bow string with two fingers. The string itself is surprisingly tough but flexible, so much so it causes my hands to shake from the strength of it. This is another moment where I guarantee my stats are causing me problems.

Whoosh! I release my fingers, the arrow flies straight… right into one of the many trees that surrounds the target.

“Hehe, you’d miss the ocean with that aim, Sera.”

‘Little shit… this time I’ll hit it!’

Again, I repeat what I just did with the chuckling Lena in my ear and wham! The arrow almost seems to curve mid-flight into the bushes behind the target. I’m not making this up!

“Come on, Sera! Stand more upright and don’t tense! Try three fingers next time and you might be able to hit a dragon in a year!”

‘Heh… let’s use three fingers then. I’m such a child.’

This time around, listening to Lena’s advice and relaxing a little more, the bow string seems a little easier to hold but my hands still shake slightly. Regardless of this, let’s hope third time is the charm…

[Perception improvement +1]

Whack! Finally! After using a few training arrows, the arrow hits where it should… although. I’ve somehow managed to graze the edge of the target so the arrow is in a different direction from where I fired it. Oh well, I still hit the bloody thing!

“Heh, I can humour you now, Lena. Did promise after I levelled up.”

“Yay! Here… catch!”

---

[Author-Notes]

I know it’s technically not a wooden sword, the image was too good to abandon.

---

Tossing me one of the many wooden swords on the rack, Lena can’t wait to get started and in but a moment, she’s already charging at me!

She swipes at me, forcing myself to back off and keep as much distance between us as possible. Her speed and rapidness is unlike anything I’m yet to find in this world yet.

“Good Sera, you’ve got the basic stance right. There’s nothing wrong with being cautious.”

Again, she swings at me so quickly, it’s hard to even see the blade. Her speed is so great in fact, it’s like trying to dodge truck-kun in an isekai story, her attacks are unavoidable!

“Try attacking me, Sera.”

Doing as she says, I swipe the blade down for her shoulder, only for her to duck under it and counter…

‘Ooof… that hurt.’

[8 damage was taken from that hit, Sera. It appears wooden weapons share damage equal to unarmed attacks.]

Pounding into my side, the impact of the wooden blade makes me lose my footing. Thankfully, Lena gives me a moment to steady myself again, then we both return to our combat stance.

“Your speed and reactions could use some work… try deflecting by taking the weight of the blow instead of retreating.”

The next hit comes crashing down with me doing as asked, trying to deflect her blow as best I can. Her strength and speed combine into one as I feel the weight of my own weapon rattling in my hands. That hurt just as much as that hit!

“Sera, use both of your hands.”

“I am holding this poxy thing with both hands!”

“No, I mean for the impact. You need to use both hands equally or one will feel it more than the other.”

That’s… actually useful advice. One hand always stings more than the other so it I may just need to change my grip a little.

Taking her advice, she crashes down another attempt and I block, again feeling the rattle in my hands. That hasn’t helped at all!

“My parents once taught me humans always try to swing from six different angles… or was it eight? Regardless, it’s always safer to swing and slice with a sword rather than stab. Stabbing is only better when spears are involved.”

Right as she says this, Lena dashes towards doing exactly what she just said not to do. I… understand the lesson here, it leaves way too many openings for me to aim for.

That being said, actually executing a response is a different thing entirely. Instead of hitting her, she just shoulder barges into me before I get the chance.

“Hehe, too slow, Sera! Let’s go back to blocking first. At least that way in battle, I know you’ll survive long enough for me to help.”

Again and again, Lena takes the initiative and attacks from several different angles, each on being designed for me to block against.

‘This so isn’t worth the pain.’

Crash! Smack! Rattle! My hands constantly sting from the impacts! It feels like she’s going to keep striking until this comes second nature or my hands give out. I’m betting on the latter…

Or neither. One last block, Lena’s sword slashes into my own with so much force, it practically snaps mine in two!

‘Ouch… was that intentional? Is she getting me back for earlier?’

The weight of the hit knocks my sorry elven hide to the ground, even forcing me to take a moment to catch my breath. Her sword after destroying mine even managed to clip my torso, making contact with one of my breasts. I’m not making this up!

“Shit! Sera, are you alright?”

Fortunately, it doesn’t appear intentional. Seeing that she’s defenceless and all, might as well take the chance…

[Dexterity improvement +1]

So I go for her ankle, forcing her to lose balance, falling face first, onto me. Not this again…

“Ouch… hehe. You’re a real dirty fighter, that was unfair.”

“D-Did we stop f-fighting? Seemed f-fair to me.”

“Why are you stuttering, Sera?”

“N-No particular reason.”

See, the issue isn’t the fact Lena landed on top of me, we’ve already had something similar happen before with the branch incident. The problem this time is where her head has landed, right between and up against my legs no less. I swear I felt her nose… rubbing against some place unexpected.

Thankfully, she quickly enough gets up and brushes herself off, not realizing why I’m now slightly flustered. Offering out a hand, I quickly take it and get back up.

“I think w-we’re done for today, Lena. Could you do me a huge favour?”

“Just ask, Sera.”

Back to smiling gleefully, she really hasn’t got a clue.

“Could you get us a selection of goodies tonight as a treat? I’m feeling a bit tired now.”

“Okay dokey, Sera! I’ll meet you back at the inn.”

And so, Lena skips off into the distance while I quickly head a different direction, trying to get back to the inn as fast as possible. I need some alone time for no.

‘Good, that’ll hopefully leave her occupied for a while. Don’t feel good lying to her but I really have no choice…’

__________

“Same as usual, elf? Been a few days since you and the other lady came here.”

“Just the room for now… alcohol later.”

“Yeah yeah, just don’t start screaming and take the key.”

Back to the tavern and bar we’ve visited several times before, I pass over the coin now with confusion on my face.

“Screaming? Why would I scream?”

“Screaming, moaning, potato, potato. You’ve got that flustered look on your face, elf. Don’t think I haven’t seen that on a thousand adventurers before. We’re a classy business so keep the noise down or I’ll toss ya into the brothel next door.”

‘The audacity! He actually assumes I’m going to do that!?’

Now sulking while heading to the room, I’m pissed because that’s exactly the thought I had on my mind! The people in this world are too perceptive.

The reason why I sent Lena on that errand is simple really, a fire now burns deep within my loins that needs putting out. I haven’t a clue what I’m doing nor if I’ll have enough time, I need to try something though. I haven’t felt this excited since I first came here, rediscovering just how brilliant breast are.

Back to the same room as usual, unfortunately there’s no mirror for me to gaze upon. Oh well, think my imagination will be enough.

Stripping down as fast as these elven hands will allow, the fire is still burning deep but I feel like I’ll need a bit more than this. Besides, there’s a nip in the air as well… think this will make more sense if I hide under the bedsheets.

‘Can’t believe I’m actually doing this!’

My mind runs wild with vivid images of my avatar, the narcistic behaviour running rampant. Not like I care; I designed this avatar based on my personal tastes after all.

‘Just Sera alone, the wannabee vampire on her knees up on the bed, wearing something raunchy and uncomfortable for a lover that will never come. Lingerie, corset… stockings, a fluster and a seductive grin.’

Horny Sera is bad Sera!

Spoiler [collapse]

‘Fuck… I’ve got to go furth-’

“Heya Sera, what you up to!?”

Right as my mind creates an illusion worthy of winning an Oscar, a damn purple haired dragon barges through the door completely throwing me off guard! I was getting somewhere!

‘Should’ve locked the freaking door, rookie mistake, Sera.’

At least it appears she’s already brought a bag of goodies, mostly just sweets and dried meat. Heh, a woman really after my own heart it seems.

“N-Nothing too much… you’re b-back awfully quickly.”

“Hehe, you sound surprised. Come on then, scooch over or I’ll sit on your lap. Unless that’s what you’re looking for? Naughty Sera!”

“Heh… poxy dragon. You mind turning around a moment while I put something on?”

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist or brain surgeon to notice my clothes tossed on the floor, I’ll have to put something else on because she’ll happily cuddle into me even in the nude. I have to be extremely careful around this dragon.

“Hehe, really naughty Sera. You’ll get a cold if you keep this up. Unless… that was your grand plan all along! Get this innocent and naïve dragon to take care of you, nursing you back to health from a dreaded cold. It all makes sense!”

‘Heh, she really can’t help herself, can she? She knows what I was doing…’