Alpha World Book One: Gamer for Life

by Daniel Schinhofen

  Alburet took a bite of his crepe, enjoying the way the chocolate mingled with the cream before he said anything else. “Fluff, I really don’t mind. However, if you do more stuff like that I will have to start telling you what I think of when you do.” He said it with a note of humor in his voice so she could clearly understand he was teasing her gently.

  Eyes going wide, she looked at him, before quickly taking another bit of her crepe. It left a streak of cream on her nose. She looked down cross eyed at it before she looked up at him with worry.

  Alburet chuckled and shook his head, “I’ll leave that one to you.” He quickly shut up when her tongue snaked out and cleaned it off. He blinked as he realized just how long and flexible that tongue might be. Coughing, he looked away and took another bite of his own crepe as he tried to shut off his imagination.

  Tilting her head to the side, Fluff watched him. His obvious discomfort seemed to cheer her up some. They ate the rest of the meal mostly in silence, just enjoying the food and drink with no more dashes of cream on cheeks or noses. He did note that the place did steady if slow business, each of the servers each had at least one table by the time they finished.

  The maid came back as they finished their food, “Can I get you anything else, master?”

  “Just the check, please,” Alburet replied as he finished off his coffee.

  She placed the check on the table as she took the empty dishware away, “Please, come again.”

  Alburet watched her walk away, noticing this time that her tail came out from under the skirt. His brain again unhelpfully supplied an image of what would happen if she got startled and her tail stood up in fear. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he shook his head. After looking at the bill he dropped two silver onto the table.

  “You really don’t mind the way Lunari look?” Fluff asked. She had been watching him as he watched the maid walk away, trying to read his expression.

  Blinking, he looked up at her, “No, why would I? As I said earlier I watched anime a lot. A good chunk of them have animal girls, from the normal cat and bunny girls to the more exotic ones. I can honestly say a few adult thoughts have crossed my mind in regard to what that would be like.”

  Fluff blushed again, “Oh, er. Okay,” she said, embarrassed again.

  “We should go, it’s getting late,” he stood up and held out his arm.

  Fluff got to her feet, linking her arm through his, “I guess.”

  The maid thanked them again at the door as they left, “Please came home again soon, master.”

  Alburet chuckled as they left, “Being called master all the time might start giving me ideas.”

  He felt Fluff squeeze his arm slightly and a small purr came from her but no words. He walked randomly down the street, unsure of where he should even be taking her. After a few minutes she spoke softly, “Turn right here.”

  He followed her directions until they came to an inn, The Dancing Fairy. “This is where I’m staying when I log out in the city,” she said. Still holding his arm, she looked at him with soft eyes. “Thank you for today Alburet.”

  Alburet turned to face her, his hand going up to gently rub an ear, “It was my pleasure, Fluff. If you want to kill more things tomorrow I am okay with that.”

  Purring as she pushed her head into his hand she replied, “Yes please. I don’t have any other business lined up at the moment, so I’m free.”

  Nodding, he took his hand away from her head. He caught her hand which, he gently lifted and kissed the back of. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Fluff. Sleep well.”

  “Night,” she said, her voice a little dreamy. She stood there, her hand still raised where he released it as he walked away.

  He looked back to see her raise the hand he’d kissed to her cheek, rubbing it slightly with her face. He ducked down the next street then stopped and leaned against a building. He wondered what he thought he was doing. He’d told her he wasn’t doing relationships, but then took her on a stereotypical anime date. He even treated her like he was trying to court her. No wonder she reacted like she did. Feeling like an asshole he started walking towards the Dead Man Inn, wondering if he could be more of an idiot.

  When he got to the Dead Man Inn he found the place packed like normal for this time of night. He eventually reached the bar, ordering dinner and two mugs of the dark ale. Holding the loaded tray with both hands, he carted it up the stairs to his room. Hands full, he kicked the door in a gentle knock to get Stacia to open it.

  The door opened just a crack and Stacia peeked around the door through the narrow opening. “Oh it’s ya, master. Welcome home.” She opened the door for him allowing him into the room to put the tray down on the table. She shut the door gently behind him, and as he set the tray down called out to him. “Master, do ya like my new outfit?”

  Turning, he stopped dead as his eyes took in Stacia standing by the door. The maid outfit she had worn was gone and in its place was a similar but vastly different outfit. The new maid outfit was much more in line with the typical sexy french maid seen in porn, with a twist. The twist was that the front was laced together. The lacing was cinched as tight as possible, but that still left most of her breasts on display behind the ties. The skirt was a wide flared number that just barely covered her in the front and left the bottom of her ass on display, which became obvious as she spun in place to show off the outfit. Stockings and modest heels completed the ensemble.

  Mouth dry, Alburet finally lifted his eyes to her face again. Swallowing to try and get a little moisture back in his mouth he answered her. “Wow,” he paused, his brain hadn't kicked back on yet due to lack of blood. “I really hope you don't plan on wearing that downstairs. It would cause a riot.”

  A smile curled the corner of her mouth, “Ma helped me pick it out for ya. She said ya would really appreciate it. I see she was right.” She took a few steps towards him, her body swaying provocatively as she watched him. “If ya tug on the top a little ya can get to me nipples easily enough and it don’ take much to lift the skirt out of the way, either. So, would you like a bath, or dinner, or... me?” She paused just in front of him, her eyes wide with desire as she met his heated gaze.

  Alburet grabbed her, forcefully pulling her to him. His mouth met hers with fervor, demanding her to match him in passion which she gladly did. A few hours later the pair were laying in bed covered in a thin sheen of perspiration, but quite sated.

  “I didn't expect that when I got back here,” Alburet said, gently caressing her flank as her bruises healed.

  “I did master, and I thank ya for it,” Stacia murmured into his chest. “I've been thinking about it all day since ya left. I dragged me Ma out to pick out something suitable before we came back here. I've been waiting ever since to show ya. Ya came back later than expected, though. Was ya day okay?”

  Thinking over the day, he winced slightly. “Mostly yeah, though I made a few mistakes tonight. I knew better but didn't stop myself.”

  Gently kissing his chest, Stacia snuggled into him, “Tell me?”

  A little uncertain that this was a good idea, he told her about Fluff and the not quite date. Stacia stilled as she listened to him without saying anything. Once he finished she sighed into his chest, “So ya do nay want any kind of relationship then?”

  Gently tracing her back, he took a deep breath before he replied, “Not with Fluff, or even Karen. As much as they both tug at me in very different ways, I could never be more than a fling here and the other world is impossible in any way, shape, or form. Karen, I think, understands and is fine with just a fling here now and again. Fluff, though. She is such a timid little thing and now I am afraid I’m going to hurt her.”

  Stacia shifted so she leaned over him, her eyes shimmering, “What ever ya decide master, I will help ya. I just wish I could do more, I'm only useful for taking care of ya room.”

  Alburet pulled her down, kissing her gently, “I would take you with me but I think your dad would go mental. I tell you what, get you
r father to agree and you can come with me and Fluff tomorrow to hunt the Orcs.”

  Stacia shivered, sliding down a bit to straddle him, “Ya promise?”

  Alburet nodded, “Yes, I do. But only if he agrees.”

  Stacia attacked him with a flurry of kisses then jumped out of bed and began to dress. “I'll be back in a moment master, please wait.”

  Alburet sprang out of bed and caught her in a hug, “No. First we are going to eat the cold food I brought up. After we’ve eaten you can go speak with him.”

  “But...” she began but cut off as she caught his gaze. Meekly lowering her head she nodded, “As my master wishes.”

  “Good,” he pulled her to the table and sat her in his lap, “Now then, we shall feed you first.”

  Once they’d finished eating Stacia left as Alburet crawled into bed. A few seconds after his head hit the pillow he was out cold.

  Alburet

  Human Summoner

  Level 14

  Strength: 19

  Agility: 19

  Constitution: 25

  Intelligence: 45

  Wisdom: 44

  Charisma: 30

  Health: 950

  Mana: 1140

  Spells:

  Demon Skin-Rank 2

  Demonic Retribution- Rank 2

  Summon Least Imp

  Fire Blast- Rank 2

  Sap Strength

  Demonic Haze

  Summon Lesser Destroyer

  Demonic Vitality

  Fire Burst

  Abilities:

  Personal Spells

  Flame Weapon

  Duel

  Alburet woke feeling rested and ready for the day. Checking the clock built into the UI, he was surprised that only six hours had passed. Getting up, he thought the system must be tweaked somehow for the minimal sleep he’d been getting to make him feel so refreshed. Pausing, he looked around noting the complete absence of Stacia from the room. He recalled what he had said, then her leaving to ask her father as he crawled into bed. Using the pitcher of water and the basin he gave himself a quick wipe down before dressing and heading out to see if everything was okay.

  As he exited the room he was met by Stewart who was lounging against the wall across from his door, “Morning, Alburet. A word, if you please.”

  Alburet stopped short, “Can it wait a moment, Stewart? I need to check on Stacia.”

  “That is why I am asking for a word with you,” Stewart’s voice went rough as his eyes began to glow. “Or would you rather do this the hard way?”

  Briefly considering his chances against Stewart, he shook his head, “Not unless I have to. Where would you like to talk?”

  “Private dining room downstairs. Others are waiting for us,” Stewart replied, the fire in his eyes fading.

  Alburet followed Stewart’s directions to the private dining room, almost feeling like an inmate again. When he entered the room he found Stacia, her dad Alistern, and Grimgar waiting. The table was set with breakfast along with coffee. They all looked up as he entered. Grimgar gave him a polite nod, Alistern glowered at him, while Stacia gave him a hopeful smile that was undercut by the fear he could see in her eyes.

  Taking a seat across from Stacia, he nodded to the others, “Morning. I do hope I’m not interrupting. I was invited by Stewart.” He couldn’t help himself, his voice sounding flippant even though he knew he shouldn’t. “Did everyone sleep well?”

  Alistern growled, his hands clenching on the table, “What is this about ya taking me girl into the orc fields?”

  “Ah, so you object then,” Alburet said as he helped himself to some of the food. “As I told her last night, I would take her only if you agreed. It seems you do not, which would end the discussion there.”

  “I want to go,” Stacia said firmly, though her voice was a touch petulant. “I be of age to go iffin I want.”

  “I object,” Alistern said firmly.

  “Ma said it was okay,” Stacia cut in, “said ya should let me spread me wings, she did.”

  Taking a bite of bacon and eggs, Alburet looked to Stewart for clarification. Sighing, Stewart filled him in, “You were asleep and didn’t answer your door last night. Stacia woke her mother to ask about going with you. Lilith agreed readily, seemingly quite happy with the idea. When Stacia came out to tell Alistern things kind of went south. I happen to side with him, by the way. You want to take her into a very risky area for her, since for us normal folk there is no guarantee that we will come back. So you’d be putting her into a position where she might die her final death.”

  Finishing his bite, Alburet nodded, “I see, and understand the concerns. Why is Grimgar here?”

  “Back in the day Alistern, Stew and meself used to adventure together. It seemed a stalemate with Lilith siding with Stacia while these two were opposed, so they asked me to break the tie. I told them to wait til ye woke. Can ye promise to do ye very best to make sure no harm comes to her?” Alistern and Stewart both got to their feet yelling, only to be shouted down by Grimgar. “Knock it the frack off, both of ye. Ye asked me to break this tie and I am goin’ to, now sit down and abide.”

  Alburet met Grimgar’s eyes, “I will move heaven and hell if need be to keep her safe, Grimgar. I will put her life before mine and my other companions, if need be I will have her Homestone away if things look grave.”

  “Aye, as I thought ye would. Fine. I side with the lass and Lilith, let her go with him. Iffin he fails we kin gut him a dozen times to drive the point home.” Grimgar said as the other two sat there silently seething, Alistern more than Stewart.

  “Thank ya, Unca Grim,” Stacia said, jumping to her feet and hugging the dwarf.

  “Aich enough o’ tha’. Eat ye food then get ye goin’,” Grimgar chuckled, pushing her away gently before turning to Alburet, his eyes going flat. “Iffin she dies and does nay come back, I will hunt ye to the last of days.”

  Raising a brow, Alburet nodded, “If it comes to that, Grimgar you won’t have to hunt me, I will come to you. One of the reasons I’m here in Alpha World is that I avenged my friend’s daughter when she was raped then broken in mind and body. I would gladly hand my soul over to you if I fail.” He spoke with such conviction that the trio of men at the table looked at each other before standing.

  “Aye, I will hold ye to tha’,” Grimgar said, slapping Alburet hard on the back as he left.

  “If my god daughter speaks ill of you I will set the world ablaze to find you,” Stewart added, then he also left the room.

  Alistern just glowered, snorting as he turned and left the room. Stacia watched them all go with wide shining eyes. “I believe in ya, master.”

  Alburet met her eyes with a small smile on his lips, “I meant every word. So your mom liked the idea?”

  Stacia got up and came around the table, taking the seat next to him as she also grabbed some food. Alburet saw that she was dressed in pants and shirt, completely unlike her normal apparel. “Aye, she was very happy ta hear of the plan. Did ya want to meet her before we go?”

  “I don’t know if I should,” Alburet chuckled, “if she’s anything like you it might go badly for me. Goodness knows I don’t need your father wanting to kill me because I lusted after his wife.”

  Stacia giggled, “I take after her just a touch. We will wait until later then, for ya to meet her.”

  “Why did you fight so hard for this chance, Stacia?” he asked as he polished off his eggs.

  “As I said, I want to be with ya more, master. When I went shoppin’ with Ma the other day she was thrilled at what I told her about ya. She was practically giddy tha’ maybe I found someone worth bein’ with. I tried to tell her it be nay like tha’, but she did nay want to hear tha’ part.”

  “Parents are always like that,” Alburet said, thinking of his own mother. His voice dulled as the ache of his mother not talking to him flared momentarily.

  “I need to grab the gear Ma said I could use for today. I be right back,” Stacia r
ushed out of the room.

  Alburet finished his coffee before going out to the tap room. Alistern glowered at him silently from behind the bar as he waited for Stacia near the door. A few minutes later Stacia came out of the back dressed in leather. Alburet would have called it armor, but it clearly wasn’t designed with protection in mind so much as distraction. The knee high boots lacked high heels, but they did hug her legs. The leather skirt had extra leather strips sewn to it, giving it a pleated look. The chest piece was horrible for protection as it was contoured to her impressive bust, with an opening over the breast bone giving ample view of her cleavage. She also had upper arm guards and bracers strapped to her arms, along with a collar around her neck. She was also not wearing the clothing she had on a moment ago either wearing just the leather.

  She came over to him with a bounce in her step that threatened to distract him before they’d even set out, “I be ready to go.”