NOVEL NEXT Chapter 44: Unexpected Visitors
As the outline of my personal sanctuary began to take shape in the living stone, I realised I'd been thinking too small. The Transform ability had evolved significantly since I first discovered it, and the system had quietly notified me of its advancement to Level 10 with Enhanced Properties. I hadn't fully tested those new capabilities yet.
Why create just a simple room when I could craft something truly exceptional? Might as well make use of these ridiculously overpowered abilities while I have them.
I closed my eyes and reached deeper into the ability, feeling its parameters unfold in my mind:
[Transform Level 10 - Enhanced Properties]
- Reshape up to 2000 cubic metres of material simultaneously
- Transformed materials retain 120% structural integrity compared to natural state
- Material Optimisation: Improve inherent properties by up to 75%
- Advanced Applications: Structural Integration, Aesthetic Enhancement, Spatial Reconfiguration
Two thousand cubic metres; that was far more space than I'd initially planned to use. With that much volume, I could create something truly private and comfortable. Not just a room, but a proper living space. A little slice of paradise in this strange world.
I pressed my palm more firmly against the stone wall, extending my awareness through the rock. Like sending tendrils of consciousness through the mountain itself, I searched for the perfect location. Not too close to the communal areas, but not so distant that it would seem suspicious.
There—a natural pocket in the stone, positioned between the male and female wings but offset enough to provide true privacy. It was currently separated from any existing tunnels by about three metres of solid rock. Perfect.
I began to transform the stone, creating a narrow corridor connecting from a seldom-used hallway to my chosen cavern. The rock flowed like clay under my mental touch, particles rearranging themselves according to my will. As I worked, I realised I wanted more than just privacy; I wanted true seclusion when needed, a place no one could enter uninvited.
This would require more than just physical transformation. I needed to incorporate illusion magic and perception filters.
First, I carved out a "decoy" chamber, a modest private room that would satisfy curious visitors. A small bedroom of about six square metres, a more spacious lounge and workspace area of around eighteen square metres, and a couple of small utility rooms. Nothing extraordinary, but comfortable enough that no one would question why I'd want to retreat here. I even added a spiral staircase connecting to the main level for convenient access.
But the true magic lay in what came next. At the back of the lounge area, I created a section of wall that appeared completely ordinary but would serve as the gateway to my actual sanctuary. For this doorway, I crafted layers of illusion magic, what the Voluptarians called "mirage magic", weaving them directly into the transformed stone. The enchantment would respond only to my intention or to someone I specifically invited; to anyone else, it would remain an unremarkable wall, indistinguishable from the surrounding stone.
The process was delicate, requiring precise control of the Transform ability. Several times I had to pause and deconstruct sections where the enchantment didn't integrate properly with the physical structure. It was like trying to write in water; the magic wanted to disperse rather than hold its form.
"Focus," I muttered to myself, pressing both hands against the stone. "Intent recognition matrix... perception filter overlay... harmonic resonance stabiliser..."
On my sixth attempt, the enchantments finally locked into place. The wall shimmered briefly before settling into a perfect illusion, completely indistinguishable from reality unless you knew exactly what to look for. It was like something straight out of a hidden passage puzzle in an RPG.
With the concealment in place, I turned my attention to the sanctuary itself. Beyond the mirage-protected walkway, I created a series of rooms, each 13 square metres, spacious without being excessive. A private preparation and lounge area would serve as the central hub, connecting to the bedroom, onsen room, and washroom facilities.
I started with the flooring, transforming the rough stone into polished marble with veins of gold running through deep green. For the walls, I chose a warm sandstone texture that would absorb sound and retain heat, enhancing both with my ability's Material Optimisation feature.
The ceiling I reshaped into a gentle arch, reinforcing its structural integrity while embedding ambient lighting runes that would respond to my mood and desired brightness level. Unlike the harsh illumination of our communal spaces, these lights could dim to a warm glow for relaxation or brighten for reading and detailed work.
The private bedroom received special attention. I created a platform bed large enough for... well, more than just me (I tried not to think too deeply about why I made it so spacious), with a mirrored wall running along one side at the head of the bed, ostensibly to create the illusion of more space, though I blushed at other potential uses that came to mind. The bedding I crafted from the softest stone-derived material my ability could produce, resembling silk but more durable and naturally temperature-regulating.
For the washroom, I included all the modern conveniences I missed from Earth, a proper toilet, a spacious vanity, and storage for personal items. Adjacent to this, I added a small sauna room, a luxury I'd never had even back home.
The crown jewel would be the onsen room. I expanded a small natural spring into a luxurious bathing pool, deepening it and creating smooth stone benches at varying depths. I added temperature regulation runes and water purification enchantments, ensuring it would remain crystal clear and perfectly heated at all times.
As I worked, I realised sound privacy would be crucial. Following the sanctuary's established pattern, I added independent soundproofing enchantments to each room. This way, conversation in one room wouldn't carry to another, providing multiple layers of privacy throughout the space.
For the finishing touches, I added personal elements, recessed shelving for books and collectibles, hidden storage for weapons and valuables, and strategic lighting to highlight the natural beauty of the transformed stone.
A few hours passed as I refined every detail. When I finally stepped back to assess my work, early evening had arrived. Exhaustion gripped me, but so did a profound sense of satisfaction. This was more than just a room; it was a true retreat, a space wholly mine in a world where everything else was shared.
The system chimed softly in my mind:
[Transform: Complex Configuration Complete]
[Illusion Integration: Successful]
[Congratulations: You have created a Sovereign Sanctuary (Epic Quality)]
I collapsed onto the newly formed bed, muscles aching from sustained magical exertion. But as I gazed around at my creation, this hidden paradise carved from living stone, a smile spread across my face. For the first time since arriving in Voluptaria, I had created something solely for myself.
And it felt surprisingly good.
---
I'd barely had fifteen minutes to appreciate my work when I decided to head to dinner. As I entered my decoy room, I heard voices approaching the outer entrance.
Through the door, I could hear Miyako speaking, accompanied by what sounded like several others. I opened the outer door, revealing myself to the gathered crowd with what I hoped was a casual smile.
"There you are!" Miyako exclaimed. "We've been wondering where you've disappeared to."
"Just needed some space to think," I replied, stepping aside to invite them into the decoy chamber. "Come in; I'll show you what I've been working on."
Their eyes widened as they entered the modestly appointed room. Though deliberately designed to be less impressive than my true sanctuary, it was still a significant improvement over the standard dormitory rooms.
"You made all this?" Mochi asked, running her hand along the smooth stone wall.
"Transform ability," I explained with a shrug. "Found a natural pocket in the mountain and expanded it a bit."
"A bit?" Hitomi arched an eyebrow, taking in the spacious lounge and workspace. "This is bigger than my entire apartment back home."
I guided them through the decoy space, showing off the modest bedroom with its single bed, the practical workspace with its desk and shelving, and the small utility rooms I'd included for authenticity. Their reactions ranged from impressed to envious, exactly as I'd planned. Nothing says "I'm not hiding anything" like showing off something impressive enough to satisfy curiosity.
"I needed somewhere quiet to work through problems," I explained. "The main areas are always so busy."
"It's lovely," Miyuki said, her eyes scanning the room with apparent admiration. "Though I'm surprised you didn't add more... personal touches."
I suppressed a smile. The Chronosophist was perceptive, but not enough to detect the concealed entrance behind what appeared to be an ordinary stone wall at the back of the lounge.
The tour continued with everyone examining different aspects of the room. I noticed Ruri and Noel hanging back near the entrance, their long rabbit ears twitching slightly as they exchanged glances. Ruri caught my eye and winked, her lips curving into a sly smile that is her usual flair. Ruri and Noel then moved among the others, commenting on the craftsmanship and asking questions about the process just like everyone else. If they noticed anything unusual about the space, Ruri would have exclaimed about it like she always do.
"Well, this explains where you've been hiding," Airi said, pulling me back to the conversation. "Though I'm still mad you didn't tell us sooner."
"It's not finished yet," I lied smoothly. "I wanted to perfect it before the grand reveal."
Hitomi clapped her hands. "We should let Andie get back to his 'perfecting,'" she said. "Besides, we need to finish the suspension calibration on the Scout."
The group began to file out, each offering comments of admiration or promises to visit again. Miyako lingered behind, her eyes questioning.
"Meet me back here after dinner?" I whispered. "I have something else to show you."
Her eyes widened slightly, but she nodded before following the others out. As the door closed behind them, I collapsed onto the sofa, heart pounding.
The deception had worked perfectly; none of them suspected there was more to my sanctuary than what I'd shown them. My secret remained safe.
---
After dinner, as the sanctuary settled into evening routines, I waited nervously in the decoy room. Miyako had agreed to meet me after dinner, and I'd spent the intervening time ensuring that my actual sanctuary was perfect for her visit.
A soft knock at the door sent my heart racing. I took a deep breath and opened it to find Miyako standing there, her expression curious.
"So," she said as she entered, "what's this secret you wanted to show me?"
I closed the outer door and engaged the soundproofing enchantment, ensuring we wouldn't be disturbed. Then I turned to her with a smile I couldn't quite control.
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"This," I gestured around us, "isn't actually my private space."
Her eyebrows rose. "What do you mean?"
"It's a decoy," I admitted. "The real sanctuary is hidden."
"Andie Ryuu," she said, crossing her arms with a mixture of annoyance and amusement, "are you saying you created a fake room to show everyone, while keeping the real one secret? That's... actually pretty clever."
I approached the blank stone wall at the back of the lounge, placing my palm against its smooth surface. "Intent recognition enchantment," I explained. "It only reveals itself to me or someone I specifically invite."
As I spoke, I focused my intention on granting Miyako access. The enchantment responded, the stone wall shimmering slightly before fading to reveal a passageway beyond.
Miyako's jaw dropped. "That's... wow. How did you—"
"Advanced application of Transform and illusion magic," I said, unable to keep the pride from my voice. "Come on, I'll show you the real thing."
I took her hand and led her through the hidden entrance. The passageway was protected by mirage magic, with subtle lighting that brightened as we approached. At the end, it opened into the main preparation and lounge area of my true sanctuary.
Miyako stopped dead, her eyes widening as she took in the space. The gently arched ceiling with its embedded lighting, the luxurious furnishings carved from living stone, the expansive layout; it was a far cry from the modest decoy she'd seen earlier.
"This is..." she began, then shook her head in amazement. "It's like getting the presidential suite tour after seeing the standard room. Andie, this is incredible."
I felt a flush of pleasure at her reaction. "It's where I've actually been spending my time," I admitted. "The sanctuary is great, but sometimes I need..."
"Space to breathe," she finished for me, understanding in her eyes. "I get it. Leading isn't easy, and you've been doing it non-stop since we arrived."
I guided her through the lounge area, showing off the comfortable seating and ambient lighting. "The materials are all enhanced," I explained. "The stone retains heat better than normal, and the structural integrity is actually stronger than the original mountain."
"Show me everything," she insisted, eyes bright with excitement.
I led her to the bedroom first, revealing the massive platform bed with its plush coverings and the mirrored wall running along one side at the head.
"A mirror by the bed?" Miyako teased, nudging me with her elbow. "Someone has interesting intentions."
"It's for the space!" I protested, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "It makes the room look bigger."
"Sure, it does," she said with a knowing smile. "And I'm sure that has nothing to do with potentially watching certain activities from multiple angles."
I hurried her along to the private lounge area, where she immediately claimed the most comfortable seat, a curved chaise designed to conform perfectly to the body.
"I could live in this chair," she sighed, stretching luxuriously. "Is this what you do all day? Hide away in paradise while the rest of us work?"
"I still do my part," I objected. "I just... come here to recharge."
"I'm teasing," she said, her expression softening. "You deserve this, Andie. You've been carrying all of us since we arrived."
The tour continued to the washroom, with its modern fixtures and ceiling of false stars. Miyako ran her hand along the smooth stone counter, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"This bathroom is bigger than my entire bedroom," she observed. "And that shower... it could fit several people comfortably." She glanced at me sideways. "Planning for company?"
"I just like space!" I insisted, though my burning face betrayed me. I was basically creating the isekai protagonist's dream hideout and wasn't being subtle about it.
Finally, I showed her the crown jewel of the sanctuary, the private onsen. I'd expanded the natural spring into a luxurious bathing pool, complete with varying depths, comfortable seating ledges, and water that maintained the perfect temperature through runic enchantments.
Miyako stood at the edge, her expression suddenly thoughtful. "This reminds me of the male onsen," she said softly. "Where we first..."
"Yes," I admitted, the memory sending a pleasant shiver through me. That night in the communal bath had changed everything between us, turning friendship into something deeper, more intimate.
She turned to me, a question in her eyes. "Do you want to mark me here too?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
My throat went dry. "Yes," I admitted, the honesty startling me.
Miyako smiled, stepping closer until I could feel the warmth of her body. She reached up, her fingers tracing the line of my jaw. "I like knowing I have exclusive access to the real Andie Ryuu," she murmured. "Not just the leader everyone else sees."
Her lips met mine in a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened. My arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer as the world narrowed to just the two of us.
When we finally parted, both slightly breathless, Miyako glanced around at the onsen, then back to me. "The sound isolation in here is impressive," she observed with a mischievous smile. "Good for... future activities."
"I thought of everything," I said, unable to keep the pride from my voice.
"I can see that." She kissed me once more, briefly but with promise. "I should go, early training tomorrow. But I'll be back."
"I'll be here," I replied, reluctant to let her leave but understanding the necessity.
As I escorted her back through the hidden passageway, she paused at the entrance. "Thank you for showing me," she said. "For trusting me with your real sanctuary."
"You're the only one who knows," I told her honestly.
With a final smile, she slipped through the concealed door and was gone, leaving me alone once more in my private domain.
---
Later that night, I decided to indulge in a long soak in the onsen. The day had been exhausting, between creating the sanctuary and giving the tour, and the hot water promised relief for my aching muscles.
I stripped down and eased myself into the steaming pool, sighing as the heat enveloped my body. The water was perfect, hot enough to penetrate deep into my tissues but not so hot as to be uncomfortable. I'd added minerals to the spring water that enhanced its therapeutic properties, and I could feel the tension melting away almost immediately.
Leaning back against a smooth stone ledge, I closed my eyes and let my mind drift. The encounter with Miyako replayed itself in my thoughts, her amazement at the sanctuary, her teasing about the bedroom mirror, the promise in her kiss.
Suddenly, my Analysis ability activated unbidden:
[Analysing: Onsen Water Composition]
- Enhanced mineral content: Magnesium, calcium, potassium (therapeutic)
- Natural spring infusion: Contains organic compounds with mild aphrodisiac properties
- Enhancement: Thermal stability, minor virility increase, sensory heightening
I groaned, dismissing the notification with a mental wave. "Seriously, system? Virility increase? Is nothing just normal around here?" Everything in this world seemed designed to push the harem route, like I was stuck in some wish-fulfilment light novel.
The mountain water must have naturally contained these properties; I certainly hadn't intentionally added aphrodisiac effects to my bathing pool. Though it did explain why the ancient texts referred to certain springs as "blessed by the fertility goddess."
Shaking my head at the universe's sense of humour, I sank deeper into the water, letting it cover me up to my chin. The sound isolation enchantments created perfect silence, broken only by the gentle lapping of water against stone. It was blissfully peaceful, so peaceful that I didn't hear the outer door opening, or the soft footsteps approaching the onsen.
My eyes were closed when I heard the sliding door to the bathing area open. A smile tugged at my lips. Miyako must have changed her mind about leaving.
"Couldn't stay away after all?" I called, not bothering to open my eyes.
"My, my, aren't you presumptuous," came a melodic voice that definitely wasn't Miyako's.
My eyes snapped open. Standing at the edge of the pool were Ruri and Noel, both completely nude, their rabbit ears perked up with interest.
"What, how," I spluttered, instinctively sinking lower in the water despite the clarity offering no real concealment.
"You seemed lonely," Ruri purred, one foot testing the water temperature. "So, we decided to give you some company."
My brain short-circuited. Ruri's platinum hair cascaded down her back, accentuating her impossibly curvaceous figure. Beside her, Noel's sun-kissed complexion glowed in the soft light, her violet eyes watching me with a mixture of amusement and something else I couldn't quite identify.
"How did you find this place?" I finally managed, my voice embarrassingly high-pitched.
Ruri slipped into the water with graceful ease, the movement causing ripples that reached me before she did. Noel followed more cautiously, but with no less elegance.
"Velunari have been sensing magical concealments for millennia," Ruri explained, settling on the submerged bench across from me. "Your enchantments are impressive, but to us..." She gestured vaguely. "It's like trying to hide a bonfire behind a piece of paper."
"The dimensional folding was particularly obvious," Noel added, her voice more reserved than Ruri's but no less confident. "Though I must say, your integration of illusion and structural magic is quite innovative."
They positioned themselves on either side of me, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from their bodies. I tried to focus on maintaining eye contact, which was challenging given the circumstances.
"I'm guessing Rurielle would spot it immediately as well?" I asked, desperate to steer the conversation to safer territory.
"In heartbeats," Noel confirmed. "The shadow-bond would lead her straight to you, regardless of concealment."
Ruri leaned closer, her luminescent eyes capturing mine. "I must say, I'm impressed by your decoy rooms. Such a naughty trick, showing everyone the modest spaces while keeping..." her gaze swept around the luxurious onsen, "...all this to yourself."
"The bed was particularly telling," Noel remarked, her tone conversational despite our state of undress. "Planning to sleep with many women, Andie-kun?"
I choked on air. "That's not, I didn't—"
"And this bathroom," Ruri continued, gesturing expansively. "The shower large enough for a group, this onsen with multiple seating levels... one might think you were expecting group activities."
My face burned hotter than the water surrounding us. "It's just for comfort," I insisted weakly. "And privacy."
"Privacy now being thoroughly invaded," Noel observed with a subtle smile.
"Though you don't seem entirely displeased," Ruri added, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
I struggled to form a coherent response. "I'm just... surprised. This is highly unusual where I come from."
"Ah, yes. Earth customs." Ruri nodded sagely. "So restrictive, from what we've gathered. Particularly about physical intimacy and relationship structures."
"What do you mean?" I asked, curiosity momentarily overriding embarrassment.
Ruri exchanged a glance with Noel, who nodded almost imperceptibly before speaking.
"Among Velunari," Noel explained, her diplomatic training evident in her measured tone, "relationships often involve multiple females with a single male. It's partly demographic, our race has approximately twenty females for every male, but it's also cultural."
"We don't view exclusivity the same way humans do," Ruri continued. "Sharing is expected, even celebrated. A male with multiple partners is the norm, not the exception."
"And other races?" I asked, genuinely curious despite the bizarre circumstances.
"Similar patterns among most long-lived races," Noel replied. "The Aelvari tribes have even more extreme ratios, nearly thirty to one in some enclaves. The imbalance began after the Great Cataclysm and has persisted for millennia."
"So, when we see your enormous bed and spacious bathing facilities," Ruri said with a sly smile, "we don't think it presumptuous. We think it... considerate."
Her hand found my arm underwater, her touch sending electricity through my body. On my other side, Noel shifted closer, her shoulder pressing against mine.
"I should clarify," Noel said, her voice softer now, more intimate. "While sharing is normal in our culture, consent and communication remain paramount. We would never impose—"
"Though we might strongly suggest," Ruri interjected with a wink.
"—or pressure anyone into arrangements they're uncomfortable with," Noel finished, giving Ruri a reproving look that did nothing to dampen the other woman's enthusiasm.
I was saved from formulating a response by the sound of the outer door opening. Footsteps approached the onsen, and I felt panic rising in my chest. Miyako had returned, and I was currently naked in my private bath with two equally naked Velunari women.
The sliding door opened, and Miyako stood framed in the entrance, a towel wrapped around her body. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene before her; me, frantically trying to put distance between myself and my unexpected guests, and Ruri and Noel, looking completely unperturbed by her arrival.
Miyako's gaze swept over the discarded clothes that matched Ruri's and Noel's distinctive styles. Her expression was unreadable as she processed what she was seeing.
"Miyako, this isn't, I mean, they just, I didn't invite—" I stammered, desperately trying to explain the unexplainable.
Ruri, ever direct, cut through my floundering. "We invited ourselves," she stated simply. "Velunari custom allows for shared partners. I hope that's not a problem?"
The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Miyako stood motionless, her eyes moving from me to the Velunari women and back again. I held my breath, preparing for anger, hurt, or both.
Then, to my utter astonishment, Miyako's lips curved into a small smile. "I don't mind sharing," she said, her voice calm and measured as she let her towel drop and stepped into the water.
"You... don't?" I asked incredulously.
Miyako settled into the water across from us, her posture relaxed but her eyes intense. "After Rurielle's soul-bond-kiss, I accepted you'd have a harem. This isn't Japan; old rules don't fit here." She shrugged, the movement causing ripples across the surface of the pool. "Maybe one plus one doesn't equal two on this planet."
I stared at her, trying to process this unexpected acceptance. "Miyako, I—"
"Besides," she continued, moving through the water toward me, "I'm not losing you to them. I'm gaining... options." The last word carried a weight of meaning that sent a shiver down my spine despite the heat.
She reached me, placing a hand on my chest. "So, just relax and let us all enjoy the ride."
Ruri clapped her hands in delight. "I knew I liked you," she said to Miyako. "So practical, so open-minded."
Noel nodded approvingly. "Cultural adaptation at its finest."
Miyako leaned in, her lips meeting mine in a kiss that was both claiming and offering. Her hands traced patterns on my skin underwater, and I felt my body responding despite my lingering confusion.
As she pulled back, I saw a new confidence in her eyes, a woman who had made a decision and was comfortable with it. "Well?" she challenged. "Are you going to keep us waiting?"
Ruri's hand found my shoulder, her touch feather-light but insistent. Noel moved closer on my other side, her presence warm and inviting. And Miyako, my Miyako, watched with eyes that held both permission and desire.
In that moment, surrounded by three extraordinary women in a sanctuary of my own creation, I let go of Earth's expectations and embraced Voluptaria's reality. As hands began to explore and breathing quickened, the enchanted waters of the onsen rose around us, cradling our intertwined forms in liquid warmth.
The last coherent thought I had before passion overtook reason was that I'd never be able to look at this onsen the same way again. This would definitely be omitted from the inevitable "what I did during my summer vacation" essay when we returned to Earth.