NOVEL NEXT Chapter 114: Travelling in Style
Pip stood before the tall mirror, rotating in place as he reviewed his system information.
His new cloak. Thick, regal, and stitched with warm bronze threading, it hugged his plated frame like royalty dressed for battle. Tiny internal systems pinged green as diagnostics flashed across his vision.
⌜ System Summary:
- Pleasure Power Lv: 051
- Pleasure Points: 1180/5000
- Battery Level: 92%
- Power Output: 12%
- Vibration Output: 0%
- Structural Integrity: 97%⸥
⌜ Basic Skills:
- Power Thrust Lv. 2
- Divine Touch Lv. 1
- Emotional Sync Lv. 5
- Moisture Manipulation Lv. 2
- Spiritual Communication Lv. 1
- Verdant Restoration Lv. 2
- Beast Taming Lv. 1⸥
⌜ Special Skills:
- Seed of Origin Lv. 51 ⸥
[All System Running Optimally]
[User Happiness Index: 94%]
He flexed his arms. He tilted his head. He gave the mirror a slow, confident nod.
Behind him, Vuvi appeared with a coy smile. "So… like the cloak?"
Pip spun, beeped joyfully, and lunged forward. He scooped Vuvi into his arms, lifting her with a mechanical purr. She squealed and kicked her legs.
"Okay! Okay! I'll take that as a yes!" she groaned. "Put me down, you oversized toaster!"
Pip set her down gently, then turned back to the mirror, posing with exaggerated flair. One arm tucked behind his back, the other resting against his chin.
His eyes gleamed with smugness.
"Ugh," came Ka'Lula's voice from down the hallway. "Can I get any cuter?"
"Of course!" Penelo squeaked as she sprinted in.
The two skidded to a stop and practically leapt onto Pip, squeezing his arms, fluffing his coat, and cooing.
"Our handsome little metal prince!" Lula cried.
"He's all grown up!" Penelo added, mock-crying into his shoulder.
Vuvi crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Fawn quickly, girls. We're leaving in five minutes."
Sera strolled past, a travel pack almost as big as her strapped to her back, looking far too smug. "Don't forget to pack properly," she said, voice full of challenge. "It's going to be a long, punishing journey."
Vuvi snorted.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing," Vuvi said, eyes glinting. "It's just cute how excited you are to torture yourself."
Ka'Lula and Penelo snickered.
Sera turned, hands on her hips. "We'll see who's laughing after three days of uphill hiking with blistered feet and real character building."
She pushed the doors open, stomped through… and froze.
Outside, Veena stood holding a clipboard, ticking things off. Nearby, Zora calmly waved his hands in wide circular motions, using telekinesis to guide crates, bedrolls, and packs into a swirling void portal that hovered in the air.
Sera's jaw dropped. "Wait… wait… what's happening?"
"We're almost packed," Veena replied without looking up.
"You're cheating!" Sera cried. "We're supposed to carry our own stuff!"
Zora pouted. "This is more efficient."
"That's not the point!"
Veena glanced over her shoulder at Vuvi, who was grinning like a wolf.
Sera's eyes narrowed. "What?"
Vuvi clapped her on the back. "Nothing. Carriage should be here soon."
"...Carriage?" Sera said, voice cracking. "We're not walking?!"
"We'll walk," Vuvi assured. "Kinda. It'll only take us to the mountain pass."
Sera groaned in betrayal. "Fine. But I'm carrying my own pack."
At that moment, Mysa stepped out of the pleasure house, stretching luxuriously. "Well, this was great," she said. "But I should head back to my brother."
Vuvi nodded. "You're actually really fun when you're not being a terrifying bully."
Mysa winced. "I am still sorry about that. Honestly—"
Vuvi gave her a light slap on the hip. "Water under the bridge. Go be hot and evil somewhere else."
Mysa chuckled and sauntered off, hips swaying like the wind itself was seduced.
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Hours later, the team lounged in the plush, velvet-lined interior of the enchanted carriage. The ride bumped along uneven dirt paths, but no one seemed to mind. Penelo played a lyre terribly while Lula sang a song about a naughty blacksmith. Pip clapped along, utterly delighted.
Sera sat upright and proud, arms crossed. "Just wait until we get to the canyon," she muttered. "That's where the real journey starts."
They reached it by sunset. A vast mouth of stone leading into the deep, misty canyon that cut through the mountains.
The carriage slowed to a halt.
Everyone disembarked and waved the driver off. Sera adjusted her backpack straps, cracked her neck, and declared, "Alright, gang! Let's go!"
She took five proud steps forward… then paused.
No footsteps followed.
She turned.
The canyon entrance stood empty.
Then her eyes tilted up.
Her mouth fell open.
There they were.
Vuvi, Penelo, Ka'Lula, Veena, and Pip… floating above her on plush mattresses like lazy gods. Zora hovered nearby, eyes closed and fingers weaving graceful symbols as his telekinesis carried them effortlessly.
Sera gawked. "You've got to be kidding me."
"This is the comfortable kind of hike," Vuvi said with a smug grin.
Zora shrugged. "We've been saving the world. We deserve lumbar support."
"You're all lazy!" Sera howled, stomping forward into the canyon. "This is bonding through perseverance!"
Laughter rang from above.
Then…
Thud.
Pip landed beside her with a proud beep, dust swirling around his boots. He walked beside her, posture upright and proud.
Sera gasped. "You came down for me?"
Another beep.
Soft, sweet.
She melted. She dropped to her knees and hugged him fiercely. "You beautiful, shiny little traitor! I love you!"
Pip gave a triumphant chirp as Sera turned, flashing double rude gestures up at the floating team.
"HE CHOSE ME!" she cried. "OUR BOND IS STRONGER!"
Penelo wailed. "Nooo! Pip, come back! We'll give you snacks!"
Ka'Lula pouted. "We'll polish your… plating!"
Vuvi raised a brow. "Massages?"
Pip paused mid-step.
His head tilted, looking back.
Sera narrowed her eyes. "Don't even think about it."
She bent low and whispered something in his auditory input. His whole frame lit up. He turned back to her and saluted.
Penelo gasped. "She seduced him!"
Ka'Lula whimpered. "He's got a favorite!"
"We can't let this stand," Penelo muttered. "We'll win him back."
"Oil-rubs and polish," Lula vowed.
Veena and Vuvi giggled at the escalating schemes.
As the sun dipped low, shadows stretched through the canyon. The team's floating caravan slowed as Sera shouted up, "We should camp!"
Vuvi nodded, and Zora disappeared ahead in a flicker of magic.
Moments later, he reappeared and waved them forward.
They arrived at a small outcropping tucked against the canyon wall. A bubbling stream trickled nearby, and jagged rocks formed a natural windbreak.
It was perfect.
Sera immediately got to work. Rolling out her tent, hammering down pegs, and kindling a small fire.
"Textbook," she whispered, admiring her rugged handiwork.
Then she turned to the others.
And deflated.
Zora stood in the center of a glowing rune circle, gesturing gently.
A massive tent rose from nothing, crafted from shimmering silk and enchanted with soft, warming lights. A faint scent of vanilla floated from within.
The others scurried in, gasping in awe.
"Is that a spa bath in the corner!?"
"Is that wine?!"
Sera's jaw tightened as she muttered under her breath. "I hate them."
She stood alone, staring into the fire.
Then, after a beat, she sighed.
"…Screw it."
She stomped toward the opulent tent, pushed the flap aside… and gasped.
Inside were mattresses, candles, enchanted blankets, fruit bowls, and soft music playing from nowhere.
Everyone had already claimed a corner and sprawled like satisfied cats.
Vuvi raised a goblet. "Welcome, comrade."
Sera dropped her pack. "I guess… we're traveling in style."
Pip scuttled up and patted the cushion next to him.
Sera took it.
And smiled.