liran, what do we do now?

I was uncertain of our triumph in that fateful battle, questioning whether Liran had indeed emerged victorious against the Black King... my mind was filled with doubt.

Me: Liran, did we achieve triumph?

Liran: Hm... I did not deliver a fatal blow to "him" or anything of the sort. Rather, we managed to extricate ourselves from "his" clutches, causing "his" elaborate scheme or snare to falter... thus, in a sense, "he" suffered defeat.

I merely struck "him" with such force that we returned to the realm of the "physical universe." "He" is not deceased.

Me: Hm... dear me, what shall we do now? Might "he" return to pursue and menace us?

Liran: It is highly unlikely. We have already emerged triumphant from that particular battle, but our journey is far from over...

Me: What do you mean?

Liran: Recall the organization Rythmeus and I spoke to you about?

Me: Yes, what about it?

Liran: We still have unfinished business concerning that foundation. I am fairly certain they have dispatched individuals to pursue Rythmeus and me since we infiltrated their stronghold.

Me: I understand... What should be our next course of action?

Liran: Well, given the recent surge in disappearances, one of the researchers has alleged that they resort to sacrificial practices to address their other concerns. However, we can likely find a way to alter that situation...

But first, you need a means to defend yourself.

Me: Hm... What kind of weapon? A highly potent firearm, perhaps? Or a formidable blade?

Liran: Hm... How about gloves?

Me: Gloves? Why would I use gloves for combat?

Liran: Just take a moment to consider it. With gloves, you can simply deliver powerful punches to those who seek to harm you. Isn't that intriguing?

Me: I suppose... But they would have to possess some sort of mystical properties or enchantments, wouldn't they?

Liran: Alright, let's see... Shall we return to Rythmeus's palace?

Me: Very well.

I then rose from the sandy ground, dusting off my attire, and glanced at my soiled garments.

Me: You know... Perhaps we should freshen up with a shower first.

Liran: Heh, I concur. Let's take a moment to rest.

We proceeded to make our way toward Rythmeus's palace.

A few minutes elapsed, and now we stood before the grand doors of "his" abode.

I then rapped on the palace doors, and after a brief interval, Rythmeus swung them open, revealing "his" presence before us.

Rythmeus: Ah, my dear friends, it has been a few hours. It is now afternoon... How fared your endeavor?

Me: It was... unquestionably an experience surpassing our comprehension. Let us simply enter your magnificent palace.

Rythmeus: Hehe, very well.

Rythmeus stepped aside, allowing Liran and me to pass through. We traversed the threshold and entered the opulent halls of the palace, while Rythmeus promptly closed the doors behind us.

Approaching us, Rythmeus positioned "himself" alongside Liran.

Rythmeus: So, it appears that you two are in need of a refreshing shower. Shall I prepare it for you?

Me: Yes... You can go ahead and do that.

Rythmeus: Certainly... I will prepare the shower for both you and Liran. The bathtub is quite spacious, so I'm sure you can both enjoy it together~

I was taken aback by these words.

Me: Oh, come on...

Rythmeus chuckled for a moment before speaking again.

Rythmeus: Don't worry. If you prefer not to shower with Liran, you can always shower with me... I'll treat you like the gentleman you are~

I blushed upon hearing that.

Me: Stop it!

Rythmeus: Haha! It's amusing to see you blush like that!

Me: Whatever...

I averted my gaze from Rythmeus for a moment, looking down the hallway. Then, Rythmeus spoke again.

Rythmeus: I was just joking. I'll simply guide you both to the bathroom.

Rythmeus then led us to the door that led to the bath, and after a few minutes of walking, we arrived at that door.

Rythmeus opened the door that revealed the bathroom.

Rythmeus: Alright, would you like to bathe together or separately?

Me: Hm... I prefer to go first.

Rythmeus: Very well, Liran... Come with me. There's another entrance that leads to a separate bathroom. Follow me.

Liran: Alright.

Before Rythmeus and Liran departed, Rythmeus snapped "his" fingers, causing some clothes to materialize next to the bathtub.

Rythmeus: Derek... You may enter the bathtub now.

Rythmeus and Liran then walked away, leaving me alone.

Me: ...

I stepped into the bathtub, closing the door behind me.

Looking around, I marveled at the sheer size of the bathtub. It was truly remarkable, resembling more of a small pool. I noticed a set of stairs adjacent to it, providing easy access for smaller individuals to reach the tub. It was an impressive design.

Me (in my mind): Wow...

I proceeded to remove my clothes, placing them on the ground.

Approaching the stairs, I ascended them, reaching the top where the tub awaited. As I peered down, I noticed that the tub was already brimming with warm water. Tentatively dipping my foot into it, I was met with a delightful sensation of relaxation.

Me: Hehe... That's much better.

With that, I immersed myself in the tub, surrendering to the comforting warmth. It had been quite some time since I had indulged in a proper bath, making this experience all the more rewarding. It was remarkable how the simplest things could bring such immense pleasure. It truly was a moment of pure bliss.

After a few minutes of luxuriating in the tub, I heard the sound of the door behind me opening. I turned around and saw Rythmeus standing there.

Rythmeus: Hey... I brought you a glass of water. May I enter?

Me: Sure, place the glass of water somewhere here.

Rythmeus entered the bathtub, closing the door behind "him." "He" then approached me and placed the glass of water on the sink next to the tub.

Rythmeus: Can I... join you?

Me: Sure, you can join.

Rythmeus approached the tub and immersed "himself" in the bath. "He" was immense, with tentacles spreading throughout the tub and even extending beyond it, reaching across the floor and walls.

Me (in my mind): Goodness...

Rythmeus: Don't be frightened. I am here to help you relax. Would you like a massage?

Me: Okay...

Four of Rythmeus's tentacles gently wrapped around my hands and legs, providing a soothing embrace that completely enveloped them. It felt incredibly relaxing, and I was grateful for the moment of tranquility.

Rythmeus: Does it bring you a sense of comfort?

Me: Yes, it does.

Rythmeus: I'm pleased to hear that. Also, could you perhaps tell me what transpired with Liran?

Me: Certainly. Liran and I found ourselves in the Lands of Chaos. We engaged in various activities there before ascending and transcending to this realm, ultimately arriving at the palace of the Black King.

Rythmeus: And what occurred at the palace?

Me: We materialized in a street where Liran's mother once resided. The Black King attempted to set a trap or deceive us, but "he" ultimately failed. Liran managed to outsmart and outmaneuver "him."

Rythmeus: Ah, I must say, Liran is truly remarkable. He possesses an extraordinary essence. Wouldn't you agree?

Me: Absolutely. I have been friends with him since high school, and he has always been a loyal and supportive friend. He is truly exceptional.

Rythmeus: I concur. Liran is undeniably someone special. He is a genuinely good person.

But what transpired after the Black King's trap failed?

Me: Well, the street we were standing on vanished, and we found ourselves in a colorless realm. The Black King appeared before us, and Liran unleashed a barrage of punches upon "him" until a blinding flash of light engulfed us, returning us to the desert.

Rythmeus: And what did you do next?

Me: Liran mentioned that we still needed to address the matter concerning the foundation, and that I should acquire a special weapon to protect myself.

Rythmeus: I understand. Don't worry, I can procure a suitable weapon for you to fend off any potential threats. What kind of weapon are you looking for exactly?

Me: I've always been fascinated by magical gloves. They seem quite intriguing.

Rythmeus: I see. I will find something suitable for you. But for now, you need to take some time to rest and rejuvenate.

Me: Thank you, Rythmeus. I truly appreciate it.

Rythmeus: You're most welcome. Rest well.

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