Chapter 1 - The New Normal
"I'll be back later, alright?" You ask looking at Gwen.
She gives you a confused look and Vivienne says, "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on her. Where did you say you were going again?"
"Bertand said his shipments have been getting raided so I'm gonna look into it. I should be back before dark." You reply.
Vivienne sighs and says, "It's a shame, I had hoped with Iliya gone things would quiet down a little."
You laugh and say, "I'll take monsters over demons any day."
You say goodbye and leave Vivienne's shop. Her new business is located near the central marketplace not far from her home. As you exit, you see Kira hovering as she looks at jewelry at one of the nearby stalls. She sees you and happily buzzes over.
"Ready?" Kira asks enthusiastically.
You nod and the two of you walk to the gates and are soon on your way to the plains outside the city. Its been a little over a year since the battle with Iliya and a lot has happened since then. You returned to Valen City with Gwen and, with a little help from C.C., you purchased a small home in the city. Kira moved in with you and Gwen and has been helping Vivienne with the tailor business she recently opened. Although fairly new, her shop already has a few regulars due to her skill.
You've been working odd jobs to get by and leave Gwen in Vivienne's care while you're away. Gwen still hasn't returned to normal, although she seems to remember you at least. She has only been able to say your name twice since you rescued her, but everything else has been communicated with gestures and nods. Despite her condition, Gwen seems to be adjusting to her new life with you quite well.
Priscilla also moved to Valen so she could be closer to the island and she regularly makes the trip to study the black slime. C.C. and Astrid returned to Ardent City a few weeks after your recovery to help with the reconstruction effort. Both you and Astrid have lost your magical power since the fight with Iliya, although Astrid has retained her natural strength.
Farah has also been busy with her merchant business but she has recently started a civilian transport company on the side. A competing company also opened up and between them, it has made travel between cities faster and less dangerous for common people. Apparently, C.C. and a number of nobles from both Cyldell and Valen agreed to fund the construction of airship docks in both Ardent and Valen City, no doubt thanks to her 'special charms'.
After the battle, Hakon stayed in Valen City for a few days and tried to transfer some of his energy into you and Astrid. Your bodies seemed to reject his energy though, and it caused you both a great deal of pain. He eventually returned to his home after it was clear he couldn't help either of you. There are still demons roaming the world, but their numbers have dropped so significantly, they are rarely seen anymore.
The people of Thanos haven't really changed at all though. You don't really know what you expected to happen once Iliya was gone, but you had hoped the effects would be more pronounced. The people still keep slaves and seem to have sex just as much as when the demons were polluting the air with corruption. It's already been a year, but maybe it will take a long time before you start noticing any major changes in the population.
Still, without having to worry about Gwen being abused by the demons, you've been sleeping soundly every night. You're even beginning to enjoy your new life, while slowly forgetting your old one. At first, not being able to use your powers made you feel disappointed. You had become used to being able to do things that are once again impossible, but having Gwen by your side is more important. You gave up trying to get your powers back and instead focused on training your body. Everyday, you've been sticking to a strict training regimen and your sword skills and overall agility have improved greatly. You can't fight like you used to, but you are confident in your natural abilities.
Upon reaching the top of a small hill, Kira says, "Hey look!"
You follow her gaze and can barely make out something in the treeline. There is a cart near the trees and it looked like something was quickly dragged into the woods. Without your powers, it's hard to see at this distance.
"Let's check it out." You say as you and Kira quickly make your way to the cart.
A golden, slimy substance covers one wheel and is dripping down the side of the cart. It smells sickly sweet and there is a small trail of the substance leading into the woods.
"It's honey!" Kira says, licking her finger after dipping it in the golden goo.
"Alright then, keep your eyes up." You say as you lead Kira into the woods. "Did you ever run into any beegirls when you lived in the forest?" You ask.
"Only once, when Yaz and I tried stealing some of their honey, but as long as you don't bother them they usually won't attack" Kira says confidently.
You nod and silently press your back to a tree as wet plopping noises become louder and louder. Peeking out, you see a short rabbit man pinned on his back under more of the sticky honey. On top of him is a beegirl with short black hair and long skinny limbs. Her transparent insect wings flutter as she slides down his length. She rides the rabbit's cock with increasing fervor while her bee like abdomen slowly opens up near the end. A strange tube of skin comes out and she lines it up with his ass. You see it begin to bulge and even though you don't know what it is, you feel like this guy probably doesn't want it.
"Hey!" You yell as you step away from the tree and into their view.
The beegirl gets embarrassed and quickly flies away as you walk over and pull the man off the ground.
"You ok?" You ask.
He nods and replies, "I heard they were good, but then that ovi thing..."
You wave your hand and say, "Alright, just get going."
The man thanks you and hops off towards the city as you and Kira laugh a little and then walk out of the forest. Other than that awkward encounter, there isn't much happening as far as you can see.
"Where should we look next?" Kira asks.
You take a look around and say, "Bertand said this shipment is coming from Cyldell, so let's head that way."
You begin walking through the plains and notice Kira staring at you.
"What? Did some of that honey get on me?" You ask trying to look at your back.
Kira giggles and says, "No, I was just wondering why you can't use your powers anymore."
You shrug and say, "I don't know."
"Have you tried using magic at all since then?" Kira asks looking at your hands.
