Ero Skill Tree

Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Three: Walking the Night

The way Enna had phrased her question, made me think that she had something important she could tell me. I waited in silence for her to answer, excited at what we would find out.

She looked a little embarrassed. "Well, I'm sorry. I don't know anything!"

"Huh?"

"I don't know anything. I don't even know the reason why we were sent to this realm. All I know is that the lord commanded it. I definitely know nothing of the shrine or what the taboo breakers are... Sorry."

I laughed. "No, it's fine. I just had a misunderstanding that's all."

"Oh... But haven't that succubus and vampire explained a lot to you already?"

Celine had told me what she knew. It wasn't much, but it had provided some insight. I had barely thought of asking Aetherin, and there hadn't really been much time to enquire.

"Well, a little..."

"Really? I thought they would be able to explain a lot more than someone like me. Harpies aren't generally high in the ranks at all. Despite being a captain, I was told very little. We're mainly used for reconnaissance and to run messages."

"I didn't know, but why would they be able to tell me more?"

"Succubae are often adjutants to powerful demons. I don't know, but I just got the feeling that Celine was before she started following you..."

She was right there.

"Well, she was, but I'm sure she's told me everything that she knew."

"I don't doubt that. I suppose she might not have been kept in the loop on everything by her previous master..."

"But what about Aetherin? She was living out in the wilds by herself when we came across her."

"I suppose that would explain that, but well... She's a noble vampire. They're part of the ruling classes. Some of them are of the highest rank, directly under the lord. I suppose that isn't her, but just the fact that she was free to live out there as she pleased, means she at least has some connections."

"I didn't think of it like that, I didn't realise."

"I don't mean to say that's she's keeping anything from you."

"That's okay, I didn't take it that way... I haven't asked her much if I'm being honest."

As we walked and talked, I noticed that Enna was starting to flag a little. It was as if something was off with her. Then she stumbled. Both Serin and I helped her back to her feet.

She brushed herself down, looking a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry about that!"

"Don't worry about it! Are you okay?" I asked.

"Y-yeah. I'm fine."

Serin made a signal to the others to stop. "I think it's about time we stopped for a short break."

Enna was waving her hands. "It's okay, I can continue. I don't want to hold us back!"

Serin slipped her bag off her back and onto the ground. "You won't be. We've been walking for hours anyway. We should take a rest. We won't stop for long don't worry."

"Okay."

The rest of the party stopped around us. Altria and Celine soon returned from scouting up ahead and sat with the others.

As they did Serin turned to Altria. "Anything out there?"

She shook her head. "Nothing, it's quiet. Not a soul in sight."