Shopping, Shenanigans, and Seduction

Glowrock Hollow – Exit Tunnel

As they stepped out of the dungeon and into the cooler forest air, Lilith finally let her shoulders drop.

She tried to stretch, but her arms trembled.

"Ugh… My whole body feels like pudding."

Ren gave her a sideways glance. "Told you—alpha's no bunny. That was a knife missile in fur."

"I still won."

"You still got stabbed."

"Details."

Despite her stamina stat being above average, the mental drain from battle, adrenaline crashes, and skinning had worn her down hard. By the time they reached the waiting carriage, she was nearly asleep on her feet.

"We're done for today, right?" she mumbled.

Ren nodded. "Yeah. Let's go cash in."

---

Windvale Adventurer's Guild – Late Afternoon

The receptionist from earlier raised an eyebrow as they stepped in, Lilith dragging her spear behind her like a battle-worn soldier.

"You're back earlier than most first-timers."

"We weren't sightseeing," Ren said, dropping the rabbit hides onto the counter. "Three standard horned kills for her. One Alpha Horned. And 7 horned rabbits for me"

The receptionist blinked.

"You soloed three rabbits?" she asked Lilith.

"With a leg wound," Ren added helpfully.

Lilith tried to stand taller. "And helped kill the mini-boss."

The woman looked mildly impressed. "Most rookies come back with a sprained ankle and a fear of grass. Not bad."

He tapped her crystal ledger, then nodded. "Standard rates: 50 Narr each for the rabbits, 120 for the Alpha. Total 270."

Lilith opened her mouth to split the coin—then froze when Ren slid the pouch her way.

"Your first hunt," he said. "Call it tradition."

Her eyes widened. "Wait—you're giving me the Alpha money?"

Ren shrugged. "Consider it compensation for the emotional trauma of your first skinning."

---

Lilith's First Earnings

She weighed the pouch in her hand. It wasn't heavy, but to her, it might as well have been solid gold.

I made money. Actual money. In a fantasy world. From stabbing rabbits.

My first real earnings across both lives.

She tucked the pouch close to her chest.

First thing I'm buying is something soft. Second thing? A huge cinnamon mana-bun maybe...

---

Elric Estate – That Evening

When they arrived home, the family was already waiting.

Luca ran out first, arms wide. "You're back! Did you win?!"

"I didn't die," Lilith said, "so yes."

Julian smiled as he took her spear. "You look like you got in a bar fight with a scarecrow."

Thorne Elric said, "The girl has made a successful hunt. We are trowing a party tonight."

-----

Dining Room, Evening

The long wooden table was loaded. Grilled meat seasoned with fire salts, spiced root stew, fresh herb bread, roasted mana-gourds, and sweetfruit glaze still bubbling in its ceramic dish. Candles flickered low, casting golden halos across familiar faces.

Lilith stepped in and blinked. For a second, she thought she'd entered a festival.

"Surprise!" Luca shouted, nearly knocking over a jug of cider in excitement. "Hunt Party!"

Ren raised his glass. "To our Bunny Slayer!"

"Please don't make that a nickname," Lilith muttered.

Julian chuckled as he pulled out a chair for her. "Too late."

She sat, cheeks flushing—but she was smiling. Maybe even glowing a little.

Grandfather Thorne thumped his mug down. "Three rabbits and a red-furred demon. Damn good start."

"I'm just glad she didn't come home with a rabbit horn in her neck," said Father Elric— I meant Gareth Elric."

Everyone laughed.

Lilith rolled her eyes. "I'm fine. Mostly. Physically exhausted. Emotionally violated. Mildly traumatized by fluffy death."

Luca tugged on her sleeve. "Did it scream when it died?"

"I don't think I heard it over my own."

"Respect," Ren said with a smirk. "You went from fainting over a cut to screaming blood rage at woodland rodents."

"She unlocked leveling up," Ren added, jerking a thumb toward her.

"Wait, really?" Julian blinked. "Already?"

"Well it's natural. When you kill a monster, you unlock leveling up system."

Lilith puffed her cheeks. "It was precise chaos, thank you."

Father Elric… Gareth… raised his glass slowly. "Your first hunt, your first kill, your first earnings. Elric blood or not, you did it with your own hands."

That quiet praise meant more than any joke.

Lilith found herself sitting straighter.

They ate. They drank. They laughed. Julian and Ren traded exaggerated reenactments of Lilith's mid-battle shrieks. Luca mimicked her rabbit-skinning technique by savagely tearing apart a dinner roll. Even Thorne cracked a grin.

"Who knew our little princess would go full bunny murder so fast," Ren teased.

"Better than being a useless goddess," Lilith shot back.

"Bunny Slayer and Mouth of Fire," Julian mused. "Your title list's growing."

I'm not alone in this world, she thought, sipping spiced cider. Even if the system's trying to turn me into a stat-chasing succubus… this family keeps me grounded.

---

Later – After the Feast

As the table was cleared and candles burned low, Lilith lingered in her chair, full and content—until a soft Ding! appeared in her vision.

-----

[System Alert – Immortality Countdown]

⏳ Remaining Time: 3 days, 2 hours, 44 minutes

⚠ "A partner must be selected before time expires. Remember: immortality isn't free."

-----

Her smile faltered just slightly.

Three days left...

She cast a glance at Julian. He was laughing at one of Luca's impressions—relaxed, warm, completely unaware.

He wouldn't expect it again. No one here would. Even once is enough to be considered blessed in this world.

But if I want to get stronger… Ren makes more sense. I'd gain better skills from him. Stats too. And I already earned coin today. I could buy something sexy… maybe something magical…

She sighed and stood.

"Alright, everyone," she said, stretching. "I'm officially dead again. Time to collapse in bed."

"Try not to dream of rabbits," Ren said.

"I'm going to dream of setting them on fire."

"Then you'll love Zone 2," he muttered, chuckling.

---

Next morning

The sun had barely kissed the morning sky when Lilith leapt out of bed with the energy of someone chasing both freedom and retail therapy. She stretched with a dramatic sigh, then headed straight to the washroom to refresh. A cold splash of water hit her cheeks.

Today… I'm spending money. And maybe… setting someone on fire with my charm.

She tied her hair into a high ponytail, threw on a pale-pink tunic with embroidered cuffs, and bolted toward her first target.

Julian's room.

She slammed the door open like a stormfront and leapt.

BOOM.

"GUHH—!"

Julian flailed beneath her as Lilith landed squarely on his back, wrapping her arms around him like a koala.

"Please…" he wheezed. "No more… morning ambushes…"

"Julian, my dearest! My most handsome, forge-stained, overworked big brother—wake up~!"

He groaned into his pillow. "What do you want?"

"I wanna go shopping."

Julian cracked one eye open. "That's your emergency?"

Lilith nodded furiously. "Yes. I've got my own money. I need gear, accessories, and something stupidly cute. Come with me!"

"I've got forge duty. If I skip again, Forde's gonna put a hammer through my legs."

Lilith pouted. "Useless."

"Love you too."

She rolled off him and threw her arms in the air. "You'll regret this!"

Julian groaned again as she charged out the door.

---

Training Yard

Ren was mid-stretch, barefoot in the dirt, his shirt clinging to his back with sweat, when—

"REN~!"

He turned just in time to see pink hair and wild eyes flying toward him.

"Wait—!"

CRASH.

Lilith collided with his side like a cannonball, sending him skidding across the grass.

He sat up with a grunt. "Do you have a death wish for my spine?"

She threw her arms around his shoulders. "Good morning~! You look strong and dependable and like a man with no plans."

Ren gave her a long look. "What do you want?"

"Take me shopping."

"No."

"Please~?"

"No."

"You're my only hope."

"I'm already regretting existing today."

"I'll keep jumping on you every morning if you say no."

He squinted. "You were going to do that anyway."

She grinned. "But now I'll do it harder."

Ren sighed. "Fine. But I'm not carrying anything."

"You say that now."

---

Windvale Market – Late Morning

The marketplace was bustling with energy—colorful tents stretched overhead like patchwork clouds, while vendors shouted out magical trinkets, tools, and charms with theatrical flair.

Lilith's eyes sparkled. "So many things… all mine."

She darted toward a booth selling enchanted earrings that twinkled when spoken to. Another stall had a dancing mana-broom performing cartwheels for passing kids.

Ren, trailing behind with the patience of a tired knight, muttered, "This was a mistake."

At one point, Lilith found a shop with fox-tail keychains, and tied one to her belt immediately. "Now I look faster."

"You look like a traveling mascot."

At another, she bought an oversized cactus-shaped plush. "For snuggling."

"You're not going to survive a dungeon with that."

"It's for emotional support!"

---

Lunch at Fire Spice Tavern

"I'll have the Dragonfire Noodles!" Lilith declared boldly.

The waiter raised a brow. "Are you sure?"

"I'm fearless!"

Ten minutes later, she was purple-faced and crying into a glass of chilled milk.

"WHY DOES IT HURT."

Ren calmly ate his grilled meat. "You asked for it."

Lilith fanned her face dramatically. "I see death… and it's spicy."

She made up for it with desserts—mana-frozen sweet rolls, coldfruit parfaits, and caramel-popped crisps.

---

Later –

They stopped by a bakery before heading home.

Lilith looked at the counter and smiled. "One dozen cinnamon mana-buns, please."

Ren blinked. "For Julian?"

She nodded. "He bailed on me. But… he likes these. Might as well make him regret not coming."

---

Instead of a regular carriage, Ren arranged a ride from a traveling beast-tender with a wide grin and a strange offer.

"She's a Skygoat," the man said proudly. "Flies low, loves wind. Name's Marshmallow."

The beast was plump, horned, and had wings too small for its belly. Lilith squealed with joy.

They flew low over Windvale, the wind brushing against her face as she laughed with childlike glee.

"I'm never walking again!"

Ren held on tight. "If this thing crashes, I'm blaming you."

---

Elric Estate – Evening Glow

They landed by the rear garden. The house glowed with warm lights from within.

Lilith slid off Marshmallow with grace, clutching her shopping bags. Before Ren could turn to leave—

She caught his sleeve.

"Ren."

He paused.

She stepped closer. Her voice dropped.

"Come to my room tonight."

it took some time for him to understand. His eyes widened slightly. "Wait… are you serious?"

She leaned up and whispered near his ear. "I'll be waiting."

Then, with one final glance over her shoulder, she turned and walked back toward the house—her arms full of shopping bags, her steps light.

Ren stood there a moment longer, stunned.

"…I need a drink."

Continued...