Journey to Godhood Begins in Frieren Chapter 157: Aqua's Blood!

Morning ca, and Shichen opened his eyes. Staring at the sowhat familiar ceiling, he couldn't help stretching out on the bed in a shape reminiscent of the Chinese character "太".

After sleeping for a week in this large bed with a soft comforter, he could never go back to the hard beds in the inn.

"Mm..."

Disturbed by Shichen's stretching, Aqua mumbled sothing, then turned over, back to him, and continued sleeping.

She was wearing a set of conservative blue pajamas that revealed no fair skin, but because they were form-fitting, the curves they traced were still quite appealing.

It had been a week since he started living in this mansion, and Shichen had completely adapted to his new ho.

After all, it's easy to go from frugal to lavish.

Aqua arrived on the second night. Who knows whether she was used to sleeping together before or if she was still drawn to the water elent radiating from Shichen.

On the first day, because they had to perform exorcisms, Aqua didn't co to his room to sleep. At that ti, Shichen thought he might have to get used to sleeping alone from then on.

But it turns out he was overthinking it; on the second night, Aqua ca running over.

And starting from the third night, he even went to pick her up. Being able to move through space truly is convenient.

Actually, the main reason was his worry that gumin and the others might notice.

It wasn't that he was afraid of them discovering he and Aqua slept in the sa room, but rather that once they found out, there would be so much ruckus that he might not be able to sleep at all.

With gumin's personality these days, she would definitely make a huge fuss.

"I'm getting up; you keep sleeping." Shichen gave Aqua a light slap on her round bottom and got out of bed.

"Mmkay..." Aqua responded vaguely, not moving at all.

Shichen changed his clothes and left the room.

The mansion was quiet, not a sound anywhere. Everyone was still sleeping, even though it was already pretty late.

Sure enough, once you start living in luxury, people beco lazier.

Shichen had no intention of making breakfast. He wasn't sure why, but he just didn't feel like cooking for Aqua and the others.

In other words, this ho still needed soone who could cook. It was a sha there weren't really any good candidates.

However, it didn't matter too much. Being adventurers, it's usually more fitting to have all three als outside anyway.

Shichen headed to Darkness's room, opened the door, and locked it behind him.

"Shichen, why are you here?" Darkness was already up and fully dressed.

Shichen paused. "Why are you so dressed up this early in the morning?"

"Um..." Darkness blushed in embarrassnt. "Because it's really heavy."

"Tsk... Take it off."

"Yes!"

Darkness imdiately, excitedly, took off her armor, leaving only her snug black bodysuit and a tight skirt.

Because of her tall stature, Darkness had the best figure. Although Yunyun was larger in a certain area, she was petite overall—more of a baby-faced, big-bust type. Darkness, on the other hand, had a mature kind of physique.

"Co here," Shichen said, unabashedly looking her up and down.

"Mm!" Darkness let out a low moan, then walked slowly toward him.

When she reached him, Darkness stopped, and her breathing beca heavy.

"What...what are you going to do? Satisfy first thing in the morning...? You really do have amazing stamina!"

"The way you put it...it's like I actually did sothing last night." Shichen reached out with one hand, grabbing hold, then flexing his fingers.

"Mm~ gumin and Yunyun...didn't go to your room?"

"No, and those two are still kids. What could I possibly do?"

With his other hand, Shichen grabbed hold of her as well.

Both palms were filled with generous softness, and that sensation of fullness also made his heart feel content.

Why do n love these so much?

Whoever created won was a true genius.

"They...they're not that young anymore. A-and Yunyun is so big, she could...could do like I did before..." Darkness stood up straighter, speaking in a halting voice.

"You think everyone's as easy as you are?" Shichen said, exerting a bit of force in his grip.

"Ah—!" Darkness's body tensed.

"You're actually enjoying this? Does it feel that good?"

"Hah... Hah..." Darkness could only answer with ragged breathing.

"You're gonna need a bath after this, right?"

"It's...it's fine. Even if Aqua or the others see , I'll just say I was 'training.'"

"You've even figured out your excuse already. As expected of you."

"Heh... Hehehe... G-go more intensely!" Darkness laughed in a way that made her seem almost possessed.

"Oh, yeah? That's not really convenient like this. Turn around, face away from ."

"Shouldn't we go to the bed?"

"What if the sheets get wet?"

"It...it's okay..."

"Ha~ Then let's go."

Shichen put his arms around Darkness from behind, the two moving in step toward the bed—left foot, right foot, together.

When they reached the bed, Shichen sat down, and Darkness settled onto his lap, letting him hold her from behind.

The room was very quiet, so quiet that their heavy breathing sounded incredibly loud, and even the rustling of their clothes was drowned out.

No one knew how long it lasted. Darkness was exhausted, leaning against Shichen's chest, her face filled with bliss.

"Luckily you're not worried about it. Otherwise, my pants would've been soaked," Shichen said, still flexing his fingers with one hand.

He just couldn't bear to take his hands off her.

"Mmm..." Darkness didn't have the strength to respond.

"Right, I have sothing to tell you. I plan to leave for a while."

"Where to?" Darkness asked casually.

"To sowhere you wouldn't know. It'll probably take one or two months...maybe even three or four."

"Huh?" Darkness stiffened and turned to face him. "Why... so suddenly?"

"Well, I've been here almost three months already."

"What do you an?"

"Why ask so many questions? Anyway, I won't be gone that long, and it's not like I won't co back."

"Alright... You're not planning to abandon , are you? Hah... Hah..."

"You look even more excited by that thought." Shichen regarded her speechlessly.

"No, I'm not!"

"Fine, you masochist... Once I get back, I'll finally devour you!" Shichen let go and gripped her chin.

"D-devour ..." Darkness trembled with excitent.

"As for right now, let's just consider this an appetizer."

"What are you—? Mmph!"

Shichen silenced her by pressing his lips against hers, looking directly into her wide eyes as their tongues intertwined passionately.

Darkness could only passively, awkwardly, let herself be toyed with.

…

Around noon, Shichen took everyone out to eat. While they were there, he told them he would be leaving for a while. He didn't specify where, only that he needed to investigate sothing that would take a fair amount of ti.

Kazuma didn't take it too seriously. Even gumin and Yunyun accepted it fairly easily, but Aqua was a bit reluctant.

Without him, who would she sleep with at night?

Shichen could only keep comforting her.

After all, he wasn't leaving imdiately, so there was ti to reassure her.

After that, it was the usual routine of going on quests with everyone. Sotis there were days off if there weren't any suitable quests.

He also had to plan for what would happen in his absence.

Shichen handed over all his money to Yunyun. Aside from her, he didn't really trust anyone else with it. Although Kazuma was an option, he felt less at ease with him, especially since Kazuma had recently beco obsessed with a certain succubus café.

There were still more than enough funds to last them comfortably for a while, even without doing missions. However, Shichen reminded Kazuma to keep doing quests to level up.

And he left gumin's daily Explosion practice in Yunyun's care.

In fact, as long as Darkness was around, Shichen felt secure enough. Apart from her masochistic tendencies, she was quite reliable. She and Yunyun complented each other, so the household would run smoothly.

Just like that, after exploring another unknown dungeon, Shichen had already been in this world for over three months. gumin's Divine Fragnt was finally attainable.

He could only leave this world after acquiring that fragnt.

Getting the fragnt from her wasn't too difficult. There was plenty of contact ti—simply taking her out to practice Explosion every day was enough.

After all, he had to carry her back ho each day. Even if he teleported them back, there was enough ti, but he hadn't been in a rush to claim it.

That night, Shichen lay behind Aqua, holding her. One hand was busy flexing its fingers, so he wasn't feeling sleepy at all.

"Shichen... If you keep that up, I can't really sleep..." Aqua pouted.

"Oh? You haven't gotten used to it yet?"

"Your, um, technique is a little too..."

"Alright, alright..."

Shichen paused his hand but didn't remove it.

"Mmm, that's better."

"Aqua, I'd like to ask a favor of you."

"Sure!"

"You haven't even heard what it is yet."

"Whatever it is, I'll do it."

"Heh, so if I wanted to suck your blood...?"

"Why would you suck my blood? You're not a vampire."

"And who says I'm not?" Shichen blinked, and his pupils glowed crimson.

"Ohh~ That's so cool!" Aqua said in surprise.

She didn't sense any actual vampire aura that she disliked, so she didn't resist.

"Check this out." Shichen opened his mouth, revealing long fangs.

After all, Aqua's charm was imnse. Ignoring her usual silly behavior, it was hard not to be tempted, especially holding her so closely in the quiet of night.

"Wow, amazing!" Aqua said curiously, reaching out with a finger to touch one of the fangs.

"Hey, don't ss around."

"Hehehe~"

"So, can I drink so of your blood?"

"Mm... If you really want to, I guess it's fine. But don't hurt ."

"Don't worry. It'll feel really good."

"For real?"

"Would I lie to you?"

"Right."

"Heh, close your eyes."

"Okay~"

Once Aqua closed her eyes, Shichen leaned in. A fragrant, girlish scent filled his senses, stirring sothing in him. Without hesitation, he pressed a soft kiss to her neck, then sank his fangs in.

Instantly, he tasted an indescribable flavor that shook him to the core—different from Tohru's rich taste, different from Chisato's pure one, different from Serie's llow flavor. Aqua's blood was holy and gentle.

It was the blood of the Water Goddess, after all!

Shichen drank greedily, swallowing again and again as if trying to drain Aqua dry.

"Mngh..." Aqua moaned vacantly. Her expression was sowhat dazed.

Just as Shichen said, it didn't hurt much at all; there had only been a slight sting when he first bit in. Mostly, it felt strangely comfortable.

She could clearly feel her blood being drawn out, feeding Shichen's thirst.

She couldn't help but cradle his head, her own face hazy. For a fleeting mont, she truly had the aura of a goddess—though it only lasted a second.

Soon, Aqua felt sothing off, her heart fluttering, her body flushing hot.

Desire, passion—they were being teased out of her.

"Shichen..." Aqua called his na.

That made Shichen snap back to reality, and he imdiately withdrew his fangs. The skin of her neck still bore the fresh bite, its bright redness stark against the paleness around it, oddly enticing.

Licking his lips, Shichen felt new power stirring within him—another piece of Divine in him glowed, and within that light, a crimson symbol appeared.

The symbol was clear: "α."

Alpha—the beginning, the origin. It carried a domineering power, one that sought to take over any surface, to transform everything into a boundless sea.

So that's...the power's owner. Just as Shichen wanted to focus on it, Aqua hugged him.

"Shichen..." Aqua's eyes glimred, lips slightly parted, looking at him in a dreamy way.

Shichen swallowed hard.

Seeing Aqua like this, her innocent look tinged with vulnerability, he found it both heart-wrenching and all too tempting.

She herself wasn't fully aware of what she was doing and moved closer, her lovely face nearly touching his.

Shichen didn't hold back any longer. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her roughly, reminiscent of how he'd kissed Selea. It was fervent.

Aqua didn't resist or pull away; she was gentle and yielding, like water embracing him.

…

Early the next morning, Shichen stood by the bed, gazing down at Aqua. She slept with her mouth open, snoring lightly. Her gorgeous face was in direct contrast to her goofy sleeping posture.

He'd apparently gotten used to it, but to anyone else, it would be quite a shock.

The bed was still tidy, just a bit rumpled. Things hadn't gone all the way last night.

In the end, when Aqua finally ca back to her senses, she nearly burst into tears because he had been too rough. Shichen had to console her, and after that, he couldn't muster the energy to go visit Darkness. He just cuddled with Aqua until she fell asleep.

He would have to wait for another ti.

Shichen leaned down and kissed Aqua gently on the forehead, then vanished from the room.

He still wasn't leaving this world just yet. He first went to gumin's room.

gumin was curled up with a pillow, sleeping on her side. Beside the bed lay the black cat, Chomusuke.

It had been ages since he last noticed the cat. Where had it been?

Probably he just hadn't paid attention. While cats are cute, he preferred catgirls. Now that there might be a chance of eting one, a normal cat simply didn't interest him, even if it was part of Wolbach.

Shichen walked to the bed, sat down, and watched gumin's sleeping face for a mont before gently nudging her.

"gumin."

"Mmph..." gumin turned over, back facing him, and continued sleeping.

Shichen smiled, then simply lifted her up and placed her on his lap.

"Huh?" gumin, bleary-eyed, looked around. From this angle, she could see the doorway.

Sothing seed off.

She quickly beca more awake. Looking left and right, she realized she was on Shichen's lap.

"Ugh, what are you doing? It's so early..." gumin grumbled.

"What, can't I say goodbye?"

"You an like a normal goodbye? Wait... goodbye?" gumin turned around, staring at him.

"Yeah, I'll be leaving soon."

"This early?"

"No choice—I'm in a hurry."

"Oh..."

gumin pursed her lips, not sure what to say. After a mont, she followed her heart and asked, "When will you be back?"

"You know, it might be a month or two. Maybe two or three."

"That's so long."

"It's only a quarter of a year."

"But that's basically the whole ti we've known you—around three months." gumin looked unhappy.

"When you put it that way, it does seem long."

gumin didn't respond, just looked down, uncertain.

Not wanting to drag it out, Shichen said, "Let's do it this way. Next ti I have sothing to do, I'll definitely take you along. Sounds good?"

"Really?"

"I'm not lying."

"Hmph, fine. That's at least acceptable."

"Heh..." Shichen couldn't help but hug gumin tighter, feeling how petite she was.

She didn't resist, letting him hold her. Neither of them spoke for a while.

Eventually, gumin asked quietly, "So, when exactly are you leaving?"

"Pretty soon."

"All right..."

Shichen stood, placing gumin back on the bed. He smiled at her. "I guess this is it, then?"

gumin looked at him silently, unsure.

"Oh, co on, you're not going to give a proper send-off?" Shichen teased.

"What do you an?"

"You know how girls sotis have a little ritual when sending a guy off?"

"Huh?"

"Well, like this..." Shichen tapped his lips with a finger.

"Uh?"

"Not interested?"

"That's...it's not that I don't want to, but..." gumin was suddenly flustered, hugging her legs shyly. "I wasn't prepared—this is too sudden!"

"Fair enough. Then let take the initiative."

"Huh?"

Muah—

Just as gumin looked up, Shichen leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. She froze, reaching up unconsciously to touch the spot he'd just kissed.

"All right, that's good enough. I'm off." Shichen chuckled at her dazed expression and disappeared from her room.

gumin remained motionless, still in a bit of a daze.

Finally, Shichen headed to Yunyun's room. This ti, he didn't bother with innocence—things had progressed further between them.

He went in, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her thoroughly before he left.

That was a proper farewell kiss.

Leaving Yunyun's room, Shichen then departed this world entirely, without going to say goodbye to Darkness.

She was better suited to a 'forgotten-play' scenario anyway, and she'd probably be even more thrilled in the end.

Originally, he'd planned to return to the café. But given how slow Kasumigaoka Utaha was with her writing, it might be better to make her wait a little longer. If she got anxious, she'd stop dragging her feet.

[After that, where are we going?]

Finally, "she" spoke up.

[Of course, to a new world.] Shichen answered.

[That's so? The next world is—Date A Live.]

[What? That's the one? But you still seem unhappy?]

[...]

~~~

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