After clearing out the rest of the beach, which included a few more skeleton camps, chests and a flower spirit mini boss encounter on a flower patch sandbank, the trio finally reached the Cliffside Ravine just as the sun vanished beyond it. A large shadow was cast across the entrance to the ravine, the gap in the stone located atop a few grassy steps and framed by a pair of torches that lit up with the beginning of the late evening.

  “Bleh… finally done…” Mako panted, sticking out her tongue as she and Threy plopped down on the bank right besides the ravine entrance. “And yet still now skeleton cages anywhere!”

  She threw her hands up in the air before leaning far back.

  Threy tilted his head to the side and glanced into the ravine. He couldn’t see too far, however, as the zigzagging path immediately obstruct his view. With a sigh he leant backwards and gazed up at the darkening sky. Already the first few stars had started to shimmed within the firmament and the crescent moon shone beautifully above the ocean in the distance.

  “At least the scenery is beautiful…” Threy noted with a soft smile, his blazing eye adding a soft, blue to purple light to the fiery lighting of the torches.

  “Yeah, but I hope Lisa has also beds for us to rest when we see her again. Which is hopefully soon!” Mako nodded with a pout. Her eyes narrowed. “And she better be ahead of us after all the sidetracking we got caught up in.”

  Threy snorted lightly and glanced at Key as the small bean was barely able to keep her eyes open, swaying sleepy atop his head with fluttering eyes.

  “I-I’m still…! Up… pyuh~” Key twitched to attention before letting out a cute snore. Daniel smiled as she slipped off his head, catching her in his arms where she dozed with an adorable, little smile, snuggling curled up against his chest.

  “Oh, she’s adorable…” Tania cooed and then hopped back to her feet. “Let’s continue and find Lisa.”

  Daniel nodded back in agreement.

  ———

  The gap in the cliff was only a short walk before it widened up into the vast Cliffside Ravine, a grassy outlook overlooking various platforms jutting out of the walls, vines and ivy hanging and clinging everywhere alongside waterfalls and sections of the ocean’s waves splashing inside.

  But all of that wasn’t the focus for when Daniel and Tania reached this sizeable overlook, a pair of beautifully carved marking stones of dark stone lit up with runes. Standing good three metres apart, a swirling portal opened up between them and out of it drove a large, wooden wagon that looked like a miniature inn on wheels.

  The wagon came to a sharp halt and the side folded open, turning into a small overhanging roof and a few small steps that lead up to the counter where Felicia was already standing behind.

  “Welcome to Zaunder’s Counters~! Even in the late we sell! Hehe, this is kinda fun…” The new cat girl mused with a giggle and waved at the trio. “Come on up!”

  Amused, Daniel and Tania glanced at each other and hopped into the newly unveiled store.

  “So, this is how you’re able to keep up with us, huh?” Daniel spoke up and Felicia sheepishly rubbed her neck.

  “Yeah, and it turns out someone has to be near those thingies for them to reactivate. They did diddly-squat all until you guys to here.” She explained. “But now I’m able to drive you between any you unlock… which is just here and the inn at the moment.”

  “The inn would be great. Key here’s already off to snoozing and I think me and Tania could use a snatch of sleep, too.” Daniel smiled, nudging his chin to the happily dozing dragon bean.

  “Uah~ Yeah, we’re beat.” Tania yawned wide with a stretch.

  “No need. The wagon has comfy rooms enough for you three and me. And I’ll be able to cook breakfast here as well. Free of charge, naturally.” Felicia smiled as she walked to the side of the counter and opened the door there. She didn’t need to wave twice for them to follow her invitation.

  Felicia lead them up a pair of stairs of the startlingly large wagon and to their cozy new bedroom. It had two beds with a nightstand at the side, a wardrobe on both ends and a panorama window gazing out over the ravine beyond.

  “Bathroom is at the far end.” The cat girl added and then left them to their own devices.

  It was finally night and both Daniel and Tania didn’t waste any time to join Key in dreamland, happily diving into the wonderful soft cushions of their beds.

  ———

  Tania’s eyes fluttered open as the first few shimmers of the sun shone through the window. They had completely forgotten to drop down the curtains last night but it was about her usual hour anyways.

  Tania bit out a yawn and sat up. For a moment she blinked confused as everything felt a bit too big and her chest felt strangely heavy and bouncy. A soft rustle filled the air and her tail swished out from under the blankets. The memories flooded back.

  “So, not a dream after all…” Tania mumbled to herself with a light grin, squishing her voluptuous boobs, and froze. Agh, she had completely forgotten to let Daniel sleep on them last night! “Well, I can still ask him later…~”

  A impish grin played over her lips and she glanced over to his own sleeping form. His hat covered his face and his blazing eyes flickered small atop its tip.

  “Like a oversized candle.” Tania giggled and then had to hold back a ‘daw’ as Key laid curled up on his chest like a big kitty cat. The dragon bean was still fast asleep and not at all bothered by the early morning light. Cutely her tail flicked in her sleep, the angular spiral tip bouncing against the cushions.

  Not wanting to wake either up, Tania quietly slipped out of bed and sneaked out of their room.

  “Wonder if Lisa’s already up…?” And with that question in mind the shark girl went down the stairs.

  The answer was yes as Tania found the other girl already waiting below, idly moving around the kitchen with the small room behind the counter having been turned into a cozy little living room.

  “Oh, good morning. I hope you slept well?” Felicia smiled at her.

  “Yep~! And you know you don’t have to be so formal, right?” Tania teased her with an amused smile of her own, looking curiously around the kitchen for anything edible.

  “You sound like my sister…” Felicia grumbled good-naturedly. “But good to know. Now, what would you like for breakfast? I’ve no idea how but I can probably make you anything you want as long as its somehow breakfast related…”

  Annoyed, the cat girl poked the refrigerator as if it was some kind of alien contraption and Tania had to stop herself from snickering.

  “Well, I’d say pancakes would be something nice. Ooh, with strawberry jam! And fruits in them!” She began to drool in anticipation.

  “That sounds more like dessert…?” Felicia sweatdropped awkwardly in response. “Maybe a nice fried egg on toast with cheese first, then. And I’ll have juice and water, cold if you want it.”

  “Muh, fine…” Tania pouted playfully, not at all hiding her accepting smile.

  “Then I’ll get started right away.” Felicia nodded happily, already pulling out frying pan, toaster and everything else needed for their meal to start the day.

  “And I’ll help out. I’m sure the smell’s gonna have them up in no time.” Tania grinned in turn, getting started with the pancake batter.

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  “Oh, that’s very nice of you.” Felicia smiled, enjoying the help and the chance to chat with the other girl.

  “By the way… did you always have large boobs or did they come with your new body…?” The shark girl idly asked with twinkling eyes and Felicia let out a mortified squeak, cheeks burning red.

  Suddenly the cat girl was much less certain about letting the other girl help out.

  ———

  Felicia was beyond grateful when the smell of breakfast managed to lure Daniel and Key down the stairs a short while later. She had no idea why Tania had insisted on asking all those embarrassing questions! And she didn’t really know if she should ask her to stop or not because she had never really talked with girls of her age like this. Yes, Felicia was socially awkward in quite a few ways that really hadn’t been obvious while she had been cooped up behind the Zaunder’s Inn’s reception.

  “Food~!” Key cheered brightly as she flitted down the stairs ahead of Daniel, wasting no time to hop onto the already set table. Two cold jugs of orange juice and still water glistened refreshingly with drops of water.

  “Uah, I slept great~! How was your night, you two?” Daniel waved with a happy smile, his blazing eye animatedly burning at the front of his oversized witch hat again.

  “Great! Yes! Also food! Just wait a second!” Felicia pounced at the chance to break free from Tania.

  She vanished back into the kitchen while Tania moved to join Daniel and Key a the table, the small dragon bean chanting cheerfully about yummy food.

  “So, what did you say to her that she’s all flustered?” Daniel met Tania’s eyes amused, pouring himself a glass of juice.

  “Oh, nothing much really. Mostly we talked about little things like work and hobbies.” Tania easily replied, waiting for the beat of a second. “I also occasional asked if she always had such big boobs and the like~”

  Daniel barely stopped himself from spraying juice all over the table and coughed hard as he quickly swallowed his sip, looking at her exasperatedly.

  “Damnit! You waited to say this!” He accused her annoyed, wiping away the juice that dripped down his chin.

  “Guilty as charged~” Tania playfully stuck out her tongue. “Also, I need you to test the viability of my boobs as pillows.”

  Daniel stared at her deadpan, glad that he hadn’t gone for a second sip now.

  “FOOD~!” Key cheered again and as if summoned by her words, Felicia flitted out of the kitchen carrying plates filled with steaming toast with eggs and cheese and wonderful smelling, fruity pancakes with jam and everything.

  Any conversation was drowned out by the drool that the mouthwatering smell flooded their mouths and with sparkling eyes all three plus Felicia dug into this wonderful breakfast meal.

  “Enjoy your meal~!” The cat girl laughed while Key chirped ‘Itadakimasu~!’, earning herself a curious look from both Tania and Daniel that she was completely oblivious to as she promptly planted her face in her egged toast.

  ———

  “So, what do you sell anyways…?” Tania asked Felicia curiously.

  Breakfast was done, with compliments to the chefs given, and the living room area had slowly changed back into her store area while the table was cleaned up and the dishes were washed. Daniel adjusted his hat slightly after Key had climbed back under it, giving an interested glance to the counter’s display. There were stylised hearts, sharp, golden blades, shimmering drops of blue and a variety more set out to be seen.

  “Not much yet. Mostly temporary damage boosts, healing and energy replenishments. I have no idea how any of it works but I’m sure you will find them helpful! …I would’ve more, but apparently the keys to some of my special offers vanished.” Felicia apologised sheepishly.

  Daniel blinked and his mind wandered back to when they had first entered the inn. Right… he had stolen all the keys just in case. Before he could mention the keys being in his possession, Tania had perked up with interest.

  “Ooh, any rewards for bringing them back?” Her eyes sparkled with gleeful excitement, rubbing her hands together.

  “Uhm, I think… yeah, I can give you a 5 percent rabat on all items per five keys you bring me back…” Felicia slowly nodded, her eyes growing distant for a second as calculations beyond their comprehension played out within her mind for they were meant only for merchants to be understood.

  Slowly Daniel nodded along, sweating slightly as he had a feeling this rabat could shift into a fine if it got out he had actually stolen them. Quickly he went over how many keys he had in his pockets and counted a total of 40. So, a total of 40% less they would have to pay ultimately.

  “Oh, I actually found 5 keys during our look around the beach! The skeletons probably stole them while we were inside the seal.” He declared while fishing out five random keys, there wasn’t really anything that really differentiated them from each other.

  “Ah, that’s great! Thank you~!” Felicia’s eyes sparkled with heartfelt gratitude that made him feel like shit.

  “Y-yeah, you’re welcome…” Daniel awkwardly replied, handing them over with growing guilt and despair.

  “Yes, we certainly found it weird that those skeletons had those keys laying around. Yes, yes.” Tania solemnly bopped her head up and down and Daniel gave her a deadpan stare. She just grinned back mischievously.

  “Now, I can sell you your first upgrade items!” Felicia cheered as she flitted to the counter and knelt down to pull something out from under it, wiggling her butt cutely. A small treasure chest came into view which she heaved up onto the counter, the first key fitting perfectly into elaborate lock.

  “What a waste of a perfectly good lock and key…” Felicia grumbled annoyed under her breath as both lock and key disintegrated, allowing the chest to swing open.

  Illuminated from below by a beautiful blue glow rose a pair of items from within the chest side by side. A skull-shaped locket and a spiral shell tip.

  “Ooh, mine~!” Tania sparkled at the spiral shell and reached out for it.

  “W-wait…! You need to…!” Felicia began to call out in panic but it was too late.

  “Wha…?” Tania blinked startled as she already had her little paws on the tip. And she was swallowed in a overly cartoonish explosion of red flames and black smoke.

  “…pay first.” Felicia blubbered with comical tears shining in her eyes as the smoke dispersed.

  Tania let out a smoky gasp and then crumbled to a pile of ash. A stunned moment of silence fell over Zaunder’s Counters in which Felicia’s had turned into large, blank circles of gaping horror while Daniel’s blazing eyes just… gazed. Just gazed.

  But before the scene could fully turn into a tragedy, Tania just popped back into existence alongside a phenomenon of blue green bubbles of water rising from a suddenly appearing puddle.

  “Well, that was something…” Tania awkwardly mumbled as Felicia slumped down onto her knees.

  “I’m so glad you’re not dead…!” The cat girl cried out and her soul was once more trying to escape her body in relief.

  “Agh! No, don’t go! We still need our cute cat girl merchant…!” Tania flailed in panic, scrambling to push her soul back into Felicia.

  Daniel had absolutely no idea what he was supposed to say or do as the two girls hugged each other tearfully after successfully having been revived. Especially with Tania looking like Felicia’s little baby shark sister… if you ignored both girl’s buxom chests as they squished together.

  Sighing, Daniel shook his head and stepped up to his best friend… and bonked her hard over her head.

  “Ehehe, I deserve that.” Tania giggled sheepishly, cutely sticking out her tongue as she scratched her head. “But at least we now know what happens when one of us dies in this game!”

  “Yeah, but I doubt we will just revive again and again during battle. That seems a bit too broken.” Daniel nodded with a sigh, grinding his fist lightly into her.

  “Hm, yeah. We probably only get revived at the last safe zone.” Tania agreed.

  “I’m just glad you aren’t dead…!” Felicia brought out under glistening, tearful eyes when they were interrupted by some annoying noise.

  “Kyahahahahaha~!” Key laughed herself silly as she rolled on the floor, having slipped off of Daniel’s head.

  And all three stared the small dragon bean with twitching eyes.

  ———

  “Muh, I can’t believe we still have to pay for these upgrades…” Tania pouted after everything had calmed down a bit. Key let out muffled cries as she squirmed on the counter, having been tied up with an apple stuffing her mouth to silence her for now.

  “Sorry, but that’s just how it is, Tania…” Felicia apologised sheepishly.

  “Myah, no problem, Lisa.” The shark girl smiled cheerfully back and her eyes sparkled again. “So, what’s the price~?”

  “We’ve also collected a few other items and such while running all over the beach. The gagged idiot thought it was probably for the shop.” Daniel jabbed his thumb at Key as he brought out a variety of Rastal Pieces as well as the emerald cut sapphire.

  “Oh, yes! Two RP and 200 G for both together!” Felicia smiled back, happily accepting the payment from him. “But I don’t think I can do anything with that sapphire…”

  Daniel pocketed the gem again as she handed it back to him.

  “…so, I can put my grabbers on the tip now, right?” Tania tilted her head cutely to the side, already itching to reach for the small item as it floated above the chest again.

  “Yup.” Felicia replied and she had barely finished when the shark girl had already snatched up her upgrade, making her sweatdrop nervously.

  Shaking his head amused, Daniel grabbed the locket as well. There was question what these upgrades were for as both brought out their weapons. Tania attached the tip to the base of her trident, transforming the smooth steel into a beautifully and detailed weapon of spiral shaft and seashell theming. Daniel meanwhile clicked to the locket to one of his revolvers and their form shifted into a much more elaborate pair of pirate themed pistols.

  ““Nice.”” Both grinned at the new look of their weapons.

  “It’s the trident from my Explorer Model!” Tania sparkled brightly and grinned over at Daniel. “One of my first new Models, remember Daniel? Hehe, I wonder what other Models will pop up like this~”

  “Haha, sure I remember. It took you months before you were satisfied with just the sketch we sent.” Daniel chuckled, ruffling through her hair.

  “I-I was nervous, okay?!” Tania flushed embarrassed, waving her arms cutely against his teasing nudges.

  Felicia was thoroughly confused but happy at the interactions from the side, hiding her giggles behind one hand. All while Key sobbed at how unfair everyone was to her, still gagged and bound.

  ———

  “How much for the other items…?” Daniel pointed at the generic items on offer after they had finished up with their upgrade talk.

  “Oh, for the Life Hearts it’s 10 G, well, rounded down to 9 with your discount, and…” Felicia was happy to answer his question.

  In the end Daniel and Tania bought 10 of all currently available basic items for a total cost of 900 G… which didn’t even begin to dent their stash of earned currency. But it was certainly more than half what they had managed to scrounge together from their adventures around the beach area.

  And armed with new items and upgraded weapons the duo was ready to take on the Cliffside Ravine! …oh, and Key was freed from her bindings and also there, I guess.