Endless Path : Infinite Cosmos
chapter-2213

After fooling around and spending a bit of time observing other groups, Wu, seemingly recalling the reason for her visit, asked, "What did you do with that Yamamoto Kazuya fella? Knowing you, you must have done something."

Nodding his head, Vahn waved his hand towards one of the nine displays he and Wu had been using to peruse other planets. Shortly thereafter, the image of Yamamoto Kazuya sitting alone in the middle of an empty room came into view. At a glance, there wasn't anything wrong with him. He didn't have any visible injuries, and, while his face had become noticeably gaunt, his skin still had a healthy brown glow.

It was only when they looked closer that an observer would realize there was absolutely no light in his sole, visible eye. He was just staring off into nothingness, his eye completely out of focus as he sat slouched and alone in the middle of an otherwise empty room.

Seeing the sight, a marginally surprised expression marred Wu's face as she remarked, "Wow. You never struck me as the type to 'break' people. What did you do to him…?"

Shaking his head, Vahn's eyes remained clear and tranquil as he explained, "In truth, I didn't really do anything. I did create an illusion that would allow him to experience what it was like to be on the receiving end of his sadistic tendencies. However, the suffering he was made to endure was a direct result of his personal views and expectations. In other words, he was forced to experience what he genuinely believed the women he had victimized experienced…"

Since she wouldn't understand the reference, Vahn didn't bother to explain that the technique he used was effectively a modified version of the Izanami from the Record of Naruto. It forced Kazuya to experience a seemingly endless loop that would only end once he accepted that his actions were wrong and wholeheartedly resolved himself to repent. Until then, he would remain a prisoner within his own mind.

Recalling what she had heard about Kazuya, Wu didn't feel that Vahn's actions were too extreme. If she knew about the specifics of the technique, she would actually think that Vahn was being rather lenient. After all, as terrifying as the notion of being forced to endure all the suffering you had met out to others was, it was still just an illusion. Kazuya might experience a mental breakdown, but, so long as he was given time, he would eventually recover. That was more than could be said for many of his victims…

Seeing how Vahn was able to influence Players and keep track of everything that was taking place, Wu decided to ask the question at the very forefront of her mind, specifically, "So, how much longer are you going to keep playing around? I get that you're trying to give those brats a chance to show off, but is it really necessary? I mean, so long as you're able to convince people of your power and authority, the power of those around you is all but guaranteed."

Shaking his head a second time, Vahn playfully caressed the underside of Wu's chin as he asked, "For what reason did you choose to participate in this Gift Game…?"

Though she was tempted to remind him of her previous confession, the truth of the matter was that Wu hadn't planned to just come out and profess her love. It was a complete spur of the moment, a decision she had made less than a second before the words actually parted her lips. Before that, she just wanted to mess around and have a bit of fun.

As that thought crossed her mind, Wu understood what Vahn was trying to say. This Gift Game was exactly that, a game. The end result had never truly mattered. It was just an opportunity to cut loose and have a bit of fun. More specifically, Vahn was giving the people he cared about a chance to play around before he stepped in and resolved everything in one fell swoop.

"You really do enjoy spoiling your women, don't you…?"

Shrugging his shoulders in a carefree manner, an affectionate smile developed across Vahn's face as he answered, "I'm a lucky guy. I'm surrounded by exceptionally beautiful, intelligent, and genuinely intriguing women. If I didn't make a concerted effort to keep them happy, I feel as though the envy of countless men and women would consolidate into some kind of supernatural lightning to strike me down…"

Imagining the scene of countless bolts of lightning striking Vahn without effect, an impish snicker emanated from Wu's throat before she nestled a little closer to him and muttered, "At least you're aware of your fortune. Do you have any idea how many fools have tried to approach and woo me over the years? Someone could win a thousand lotteries in a row and never be this lucky…"

Punctuating her statement, Wu placed Vahn's hand on her exposed abdomen before tensing her muscles and causing a veritable deluge of viscous white fluid to erupt from where they were still connected. Part of their 'fooling around' had involved a rather intense and passionate session of lovemaking. Things had originally started off with Vahn gently caressing her and hand-feeding her various fruits. This was a pleasant experience, but, after being passive for several hours, Wu began feeling restless. In the end, she ended up 'attacking' Vahn, her assault continuing for the better part of an hour before the tensions in her body began to wane.

Seeing Vahn's semen dissolve into nothingness the moment it erupted from her body, Wu briefly forgot what she was going to say. There was something strangely disconcerting about seeing the energy-rich liquid disappearing into thin air. She had never thought she would be fond of having someone release their seed inside of her, but, after feeling the immense energy contained within, Wu had become addicted to the feeling of having Vahn pry her open and coat her insides. It was one of the most invigorating things she had ever experienced.

Suppressing such notions, Wu lifted her feet so that they were resting on Vahn's knees before hitting his chest with the back of her head. She wanted him to verbally acknowledge her previous statement so that she could 'reward' him for his obedience. In reality, she was just feeling restless after a brief period of inactivity. She may not have cared if they were just lounging about, but, with Vahn's penis stretching out her insides, Wu found it very difficult to remain calm.

Though he understood what the mischievous monkey girl wanted, a teasing smile developed across Vahn's face as he gently probed her navel with his middle finger. At the same time, he raised his left hand to cup her right breast, lightly squeezing as he softly mused, "I am remarkably fortunate. That much is certain. In this-"

"Don't say it…"

Understanding what Vahn was about to say, a faint blush developed across Wu's face as she turned her head to the side. She knew she was the one that had basically forced herself on him, but, for the sake of her pride, she would rather pretend it was all part of some scheme he had concocted to win her heart. Her previous confession may have been her true feelings but she had yet to reconcile the truth with her perception of self and the sense of obligation she felt towards the Jade Emperor and Lady Xiwangmu. They had already given her their blessing, but, due to her nature, it was difficult for her to actually accept it…

Instead of responding to Wu with words, Vahn simply kissed the top of her head before proceeding to massage her abdomen. All of the tension in her body gradually waned, and, though she was still a little shaken, Vahn could tell from Wu's aura that she was quickly getting back into the mood. She began swaying her hips from side to side, and, after a while, she used the leverage she had gained from placing her feet on his knees to raise her hips and roll her belly in a manner that resembled an exceptionally skilled dancer…

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Hearing the sound of water being disturbed, Musashi Pink opened her eyes to find her raven-haired counterpart entering the onsen a few meters to her left. The latter noticed her gaze, but, instead of saying anything, she allowed her body to sink into the murky, mineral-rich water until it had crested her breasts.

Exhaling a contented sigh, Black reclined against the smooth stone border encircling the artificial hot spring before muttering, "This is a good onsen…"

Nodding her head in approval, Pink remarked, "Vahn has always had a great appreciation for baths and hot springs…" before nudging a bamboo platform filled with various types of sake towards her archnemesis. Black gave the numerous bottles a suspicious look, but, shortly thereafter, she ended up grabbing one of the larger containers and downing half the contents in one go.

Though she didn't immediately notice the flavor, Musashi Black's eyes widened when she realized the quality of the drink in her hand. A wave of regret immediately washed over her, but, seeing five more containers sitting atop the bamboo platform, a steamy sigh of relief escaped her throat as she huskily noted, "Even better sake…"

Seeing Black move the bamboo platform to the far side of her body, an amused chuckle emanated from Pink's throat as she stated, "It'll take more than stealing cheap sake to set me off. Here, watch this…"

Clapping her hands together as though she was about to offer up a prayer at a shrine, Musashi Pink adopted a 'serious' expression as she said, "Oh great and powerful Vahn-sama, please bestow upon this lowly one a bounty of delicious food and drink."

Immediately following Pink's words, a much larger floating platform appeared at her side. Situated on top were several bottles of sake, a plate of crispy chicken skin, some pickled wasabi, and a large dish garnished with fried potatoes and cheese. More importantly, these were all dishes prepared by Rindo, so, the moment they appeared, an indescribably salivating aroma permeated the entire bath as Pink rubbed her hands together and said, "Thanks for the meal~!"

Seeing her counterpart dig into the unbelievably fragrant dishes, a ravenous glimmer flashed across Black's eyes. Good sake needed no accompaniment, but, if given the option, she would much rather have something to snack on than continue drinking on an empty stomach. Pink's mention of 'cheap sake' had also caught her attention, so, while it was difficult to imagine something better than what she had previously stolen, Black couldn't help eyeing the ceramic bottles atop the second tray…

Noticing Black's voracious gaze, Pink wriggled her brows in a playfully provocative manner before asking, "What are you looking at? If you want something to eat, ask Vahn. You're already intruding. No reason to be polite now."

Furrowing her brows, Black appeared to be contemplating her response as she stared directly into Pink's eyes. She got the impression the latter was messing with her, but, at the same time, she felt that Vahn would really provide her with food and drink if she asked for it. The self-proclaimed God was clearly spying on them, and, based on their previous interactions, it seemed like something he would do…

As Black was attempting to make up her mind, a faint yet clearly audible gurgling sound echoed through the bath. A bit of color immediately drained from her face, but, thanks to the heat of the bath, it was impossible to make out unless you were looking 'very' closely.

Seeing the corners of Pink's smile curl upward, a half-scowl developed across Black's face as she attempted to cover her embarrassment by clapping her hands together and performing the same 'ritual' as the former. She was immediately rewarded with her own tray of snacks, but, located next to the plate of fried chicken skins was a folded piece of paper. Upon reading it, Black's expression darkened as she looked towards Pink and threatened, "You're pushing your luck…"

Smiling even wider, another soft chuckle emanated from Pink's throat as she lowered her body into the water and mused, "What? I never said you had to pray or perform a ritual. You decided that on your own…"

Though she was tempted to summon her swords and cut Pink down, the fragrant aroma wafting off the food allowed Black to remain calm. She was also worried that the sake might be taken from her, so, after glaring at Pink for several seconds, Black eventually just shook her head before grabbing a piece of fried chicken skin using her bare fingers and throwing it into her mouth…

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(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Izanami op…','Wu is kind of cute (O w O)…','And then she joined the Sage Dragon's Hearth…')