The Realm of the Abyss—essentially a private "penalty box"—was Alistair's new favorite toy. In this gray, silent dimension, he could duel an enemy one-on-one, stealing a portion of their attributes.
"So this is the power of 'Dream-Reality'? How fun," Alistair mused, feeling the stolen energy flowing through his veins. He held his hands apart, weaving a spear of crimson light out of thin air. He spun the weapon expertly; though he wasn't a master, the inherited "combat instinct" from his uncle made him look like a pro.
"How... how can you use my ability!?" Bagg cried out. She was kneeling on the ground, feeling a profound weakness. "You're stealing my essence!"
"Only a little," Alistair lied. He could have taken half her power if he wanted, but he was feeling "merciful."
"So you're not going to kill me?" Bagg asked, relieved.
"Not yet. But you're going to answer some questions," Alistair said, his voice cold. "First: who told you to guard this path?"
"Lady Inugami. She's discussing business with Lady Kaede. She told me to hold the mountain until she was finished." Bagg bowed her head, her pride shattered.
"Inugami? Never heard of her."
"She's a woman who was betrayed by a 'shameless slut.' I'm helping her get revenge," Bagg said righteously.
"Betrayed by a... wait. So this is just a catfight between two women?" Alistair blinked.
"Yes."
"Right. Whatever. If you'd just told us, we would have waited. There was no need for all this theatrics." Alistair dispelled the spear.
Bagg fidgeted, her 1.8-meter-tall frame looking surprisingly submissive.
"One more thing," Alistair added. "A murder happened here recently. Know anything about it?"
"I only arrive today with Lady Inugami. I feed on mental energy from dreams, but I don't kill. We aren't from this area."
"I see. Well, since you wasted my time and energy, don't you think you owe me some... compensation?" Alistair's gaze drifted to Bagg's impressive chest and her plump, trembling lips. Now that the hostility was gone, his Draconic libido was starting to act up.
"I... I don't have any money or artifacts," Bagg stammered.
"There are other ways to pay," Alistair smiled, walking toward her.
"Like... labor?"
"Exactly. A very specific kind of physical labor to help me relieve some stress." Alistair lifted her chin, his thumb brushing against her lips.
Bagg grabbed his hand, looking nervous. "I... I don't have those kinds of feelings for you. Please, ask for something else."
Alistair's face fell. "Fine. No fun. I'll collect the debt later then. Go prepare yourself."
He didn't force her. Not because he was a saint, but because he could sense a massive surge of resentment approaching from outside—likely the "Inugami" Bagg had mentioned.
CRACK!
The gray world shattered like a mirror, returning them to the mountain path.
"Alistair!" Yukino ran forward, checking him for injuries. Finding him perfectly fine and Bagg on her knees, she relaxed.
"She's fine. You can go now," Alistair told Bagg. The Yokai didn't wait; she turned translucent and vanished instantly. A small, draconic mark flashed briefly on her neck, unnoticed by anyone.