Dungeon of Niflheim

As Frost and Khione headed towards the first and lowest threat level section in the botanical gardens Khione described the sort of dangers they could face further in.

"When it comes to threat level 5 the flora become more active in their aggression. The poison can affect you even if you don't breath it in, trees can usually move and attack with their roots and branches and some can spurt out acid that can burn through metal, leather and even rock. By this point flora starts to resemble fauna." Threat level 5 required one to be prepared for battle, gear and support magic wasn't enough to protect you.

"Threat level 6 include flora that can think, plan and work in groups in order to subdue threats and or prey. Vines drag and shred apart their targets before tossing them into toothed pits. The roots of trees stab into flesh and rapidly drain their targets of their blood, muscle and bone, leaving nothing more than weak husks. Others control vicious and deadly insects through pheromones while those that still prefer to use poison to get the job done can disregard the need to enter your lungs, a brief contact would see your skin dissolve and fall apart." Frost would be in real danger in a section with threat level 6. A revelation that made his blood run cold.

'Guess even flora can threaten life when it reaches a certain rank.' One of his siblings seemed to have a close connection to plants and trees. Initially he assumed that meant treants, sprites and dryads but clearly there was more to consider.

"At threat level 7 and 8 flora and develop spirits, allowing them to morph into different forms and attack the souls of their victims. illusion, control skills while also having bodies more resilient than tempered steel." If this wasn't a controlled environment but the wilds these spirits would be far stronger, akin to rulers of a kingdom of flowers. Here however they were kept in check, limited in their influence and growth potential.

For Frost however they still posed a significant threat, one that would be ever present even if he was by Khione's side. It was a different kind of danger than one posed by a monster or a group of monsters.

"I've only been to the threat level 8 section once and that was when I was under my mother's protection but it's as beautiful as it is dangerous" Khione remembered the sight, the brutality and viciousness that was hidden within the beauty, a remarkable memory that she wished to see again with her own eyes under her own strength. "…But today we'll stop before entering sections with threat levels of 6." Frost only had B-rank strength, to enter deeper would pose to much of a risk, a risk that Khione had no desire to engage in.

Upon hearing that level 5 would be the limit of their adventure Frost let out an obvious sigh of relief, glad that he wouldn't have to face off against plants that could suck him dry in seconds and or dissolve his skin and flesh with their poison.

With Khione as his guide and partner he was led through what could only be described and as a wonderland of flora. Endless variations of colours that added a great deal of flavour to Niflheim which was primarily white and blue. Beautiful and inviting flowers in all manner of shapes and sizes brought a calm serenity to one's heart, a serenity that was quickly destroyed when the same flower puffed out a thick purple vapour that stung the eyes and would impede one's nervous system if ingested.

When it came to the higher level threat sections masks and protection magic were provided but Frost still had to remain on his toes, ready to dodge and defend his body from assaulting tendrils all while Khione walked with her head held high and her arms lowered in a welcoming manner. Such methods were nothing to her, she could completely ignore them as she explained the usage of the attacking plants.

"Oh that's the blood sucking bramble, voracious for the blood of any and all fauna. Its roots make for powerful tonics, and potions that encourage the creation of blood." She said as Frost rebuffed several vines that sought to dine on his red liquids.

"Star jade lily very poisonous, armoured punagan tree a good natural crafting material, comet borne rose great for creating antidotes for a wide range of toxins." Khione continued to rattle off as they walked and Frost did his best to listen as he fended off attacks.

As he faced off against mostly beautiful plants -some were hideous accurately reflecting their violent nature- Frost couldn't help but remember the garden tended to by his father. That was true majesty, unmatched beauty and serenity.

'Does that garden also hide such violence and danger.' He thought wishing that it didn't.

By the end of their excursion Frost was enlightened, once again blown away by the wonders of Nova. He and Khione bore smiles on their lips as they walked out side by side openly holding hands. A reward he had earned after skilfully picking up a bouquet of flowers during their travels and gifting it her.

Khione didn't consider herself a fan of flowers and other girly stereotypes, but her heart couldn't help but flutter when Frost offered her his hard earned bouquet. Shame she couldn't keep it for long as nothing was allowed to leave the gardens, too risky for the populace but it was the thought that counts.

When the young couple eventually exited from the gardens the skies had become black, an impression of Nova's three moons and the many stars looking down on them as the young turned in to rest and the adults came out to play and have fun.

The streets were no longer filled with families but with couples, work colleagues and adult friends. Restaurants had their signs illuminated, alcohol openly advertised and certain streets that promised sin sprang to life. Areas which Khione was still ignorant off but ones that Frost couldn't help but glance at as they walked, his imagination running wild. His desires once again rising to the forefront, he was starved and needed release. The longer he stayed by Khione's side the more his eyes wandered over her sensual body. Those shapely legs, those dense muscles and those bountiful assets that seemed to defy gravity stoked a powerful fire in him.

The time was almost right, on the cruise, the final destination of their tour he would make his first proper move. He'd claim those luscious lips of hers and make her willingly tumble down the rabbit hole of pleasure and sin. Leaving her mind consumed by thoughts of him and his touch when they eventually separated and returned to their own bed chambers.

It would be the perfect moment and the perfect tome to create an unforgettable memory that would remain in the depths of her heart forever.

'Just a little longer Frost, just a little longer.' He still wouldn't be able to indulge in his sexual desires quite yet, but he'd be able to make some substantial progress in their relationship.

"We're booked in for the late evening cruise atop the Modanya current right?" Frost asked as Khione practically skipped alongside him, her heart giddy and filled with satisfaction.

"Yep mum booked it last night, got us a spot on the top deck and even arranged for our refreshments and food. All we need to do is show up on time and we'll be set." There was still a little time before the cruise ship was set to depart so they decided to walk a little before using the instant teleportation portals.

"I've never seen an ocean nor even a lake and this'll be the first time I'm ever boarding a ship." There wasn't much in the way of water given the location of his Dungeon, so this was a first for Frost. Therefore despite his grand ambitions in terms of romance he couldn't help but feel nervous and excited towards the prospect of experiencing something new.

"Really then you're in for a real treat, lets head over early so I can give you a grand tour of the ship before we head onto the water." Khione's voice rose in pitch to match her excitement and before Frost could even answer she dragged him to the nearest teleportation portal, and they travelled to the docks allowing Frost to get his first view of Niflheim's massive and skin tingling ocean.

Silverly waters that danced in the moonlight, undulating with a mixture calm and violent waves. Shadows of large marine monsters hiding beneath the waters that extended as far as the eyes could see. Water, so much water that dwarfed the nearby land making the mighty metropolis feel small.

There was a weight that Frost couldn't quite understand, a pressure and subtle threat that made him take a backward step, his blood halting in place as a sense of powerlessness overwhelmed him. The strength of nature, a power no mortal could contend with.

"So this is the ocean." He eventually said, his lips curling up into a smile as curiosity began to overtake his trepidation.

"Our Western ocean can't even hold a candle to the ones found across Nova; in comparison this is nothing more than a large lake." Khione muttered with sparkles in her eyes, keen for the first time in her life to see the world that lay beyond the borders of Niflheim.