HI3: I Don't Want to Be a Valkyrie

"None at all? That's such a pity," Rozaliya said, clearly disappointed.

"Actually, we could take on tasks even if they're a bit easy," Liliya suggested coolly, standing beside Rozaliya. "Even without Originium rewards."

If the System could generate quests for us, that would still be pretty good, even without the Originium.

"But those tasks won't help the Brave Hero grow stronger. They might even hinder their progress," Amiya firmly rejected the idea.

"We're just ordinary Valkyries, not Heroes..." she added. For us, killing enemies doesn't earn experience.

Liliya and Rozaliya looked at Amiya, speechless.

Don't be so full of yourself! Just give us some quests!

"Come to think of it, the Kingdom of Cronis Eagle is one of the human nations with which we Demi-humans have a good relationship. There's a new dungeon within their borders.

"The Underground City has only recently appeared, so the Demon Lord must be a new one," Amiya suddenly realized and suggested earnestly to Rosa and Lily. "Since the two of you are already capable of slaying Zombie Dragons, you should have the strength to confront this Demon Lord as well.

"Heroes, you could assist the Cronis Eagle Kingdom by vanquishing their Demon Lord. Each Demon Lord possesses an 'Underground City Core,' which is thousands of times more valuable than Originium! I'm sure it would be immensely useful to you!"

Amiya thought that if Originium was highly beneficial for Roza and Lily, then the "Underground City Core" would be even more precious, considering it was the lifeline of every Demon Lord.

"Additionally, the third princess of the Cronis Eagle Kingdom has been kidnapped by a dragon near their border," Amiya added quickly. "The king is desperately seeking a Hero to rescue her. If you were to slay the dragon and bring back the princess, I'm certain the Cronis Eagle King would graciously reward you with ample Originium.

"Compared to the Demi-human Kingdom, human nations generally have a greater abundance of Originium," Amiya concluded.

"An underground dungeon... A Demon Lord? Evil dragons and a princess?" Rozaliya and Liliya were taken aback by Amiya's words.

We're already facing the Demon Lord and evil dragons so soon?

Wait, we've already slain one evil dragon.

"The Hero already possesses the strength to kill a zombie dragon. Defeating the new Demon Lord and evil dragon won't be a problem," Amiya said encouragingly, as if to cheer them on.

"..."

Rozaliya and Liliya were speechless, staring at the donkey-eared girl before them. No quest has been issued!

There's no motivation.

It should be... only generated when the king of the Cronis Eagle Kingdom issues it, right...?

"Alright! We understand now. If there's nothing else, we'll take our leave," Rozaliya and Liliya said, eager to be on their way.

"Take your time! I've already prepared a manor for you. The two Great Heroes should rest for a few days first. There's no rush with the matters of the Cronis Eagle Kingdom. The princess won't die anytime soon," Amiya said with a smile, waving at them.

"..."

What an awfully boring evil dragon...

Does she capture the princess just to lure heroes for her own demise?

And that Demon Lord in the Underground City is no different. He builds his city while waiting for heroes to vanquish him.

The only purpose of their constructions is to provide challenges for those heroes.

Hmm...

-

"Lady Liliya, how does that feel?"

"Mm-hmm... So good... Keep going!" Liliya lay sprawled on the bed, Cellinia massaging her back...

"Excellent!"

With a smile, Cellinia continued her ministrations on Lady Liliya's back. Though somewhat taxing, she persisted, knowing it brought joy to her lady.

However... as Cellinia glanced at Rozaliya nearby, she noticed the latter seemed to be experiencing a similar pleasure, despite not receiving any attention.

-

It had been several days since they left the royal palace.

After arriving at the estate Amiya had arranged for them, complete with the keys and a staff to attend to their needs, Liliya and Rozaliya began living like ladies of leisure.

Between delicious meals, enjoyable diversions, and all manner of indulgences... they were served by Lily's devoted fans, making for an incredibly joyful experience.

As for the Kingdom of Cronis Eagle? Well, they'd worry about that after they'd had their fill of pleasure.

At this moment, Liliya glanced at her crystal balance in the system interface. With 30 crystals deposited daily, plus all her Originium converted into crystals earlier, she'd have about 2,800 in just a few more days.

Should I go for a ten-pull then?

But... Liliya checked her main quest progress and realized she was still short on crystals. Maybe not.

Let's save these up first. We need to pay off our debt before we can splurge.

"Eep, uh... Cellinia, your hand... where are you placing it?" Liliya exclaimed as she lounged, feeling Lily's hand in a rather intimate spot and hastily stopping her.

"S-sorry!" Cellinia swiftly withdrew her hand, beginning to apologize profusely.

"Forget it. Just don't do that again, alright?"

An hour later, Liliya and Rozaliya lay on the bed, completely at ease...

Meanwhile, Cellinia had collapsed onto the bed, utterly exhausted. This kind of task was incredibly taxing, after all.

"Is everything alright with Cellinia?"

"She's fine. Just needs a bit of rest." Cellinia shook her head.

"That's good. Cellinia, your skills are getting better and better."

"Lady Liliya, glad you like it!" Cellinia's big eyes curved into crescent moons, forming a radiant smile.

-

"Ms. Liliya, Ms. Liliya, someone's here to see you," came a voice—Savage.

She stepped in, oblivious to the spectacle of Liliya and Rozaliya, and promptly delivered her message.

"Who is it?"

"Ms. Hoshiguma."

"Hoshiguma?" Liliya echoed, uncertain.

Born into the Oni Clan, currently serving as a captain defending the border," Savage offered a brief explanation.

"Why is she looking for me?"

"That, I'm not sure."

"Alright, have her wait a moment. I'll be right there."

Half an hour later, fully dressed Rozaliya and Liliya brought Cellinia to the manor's guest room. As they entered, their eyes were instantly drawn to a tall woman with long green hair and a single horn—the unmistakable sign of an oni—on her head.

Clad in a set of black attire, she exuded an air of formidable strength. Yet... she appeared almost delicate, her beauty strikingly evident.

As they approached, Rozaliya and Liliya suddenly felt a twinge of discomfort.

Why must you be so tall? they thought. That height... it's got to be at least 185 centimeters!

Meanwhile, Rozaliya and Liliya themselves barely reached... one hundred and fifty centimeters.

Waaah... This is so unfair.

-

"Greetings, esteemed Heroes! I am Hoshiguma."

As Rosaria and Liliya approached, Hoshiguma quickly moved closer and introduced herself. Her manner was straightforward, cutting straight to the chase.

"Hoshiguma-sama, hello. May we inquire why you have sought us out?" Rosaria and Liliya drew near Hoshiguma, looking up... at her.

It was quite awkward for them!

"I apologize for this belated introduction. I have been stationed at the frontier until today. Please accept my humble apologies for not meeting you sooner."

"Don't worry about it! Let's sit down and talk first!" Rosaria suggested, feeling rather uneasy about the whole situation.

"Very well!"

-

After sitting down, Rozaliya and Hoshiguma took the time to get to know each other better. This is when Rozaliya learned that Hoshiguma, the warrior general—a figure on par with a Great Mage—had been living on the frontiers for years now, actively engaged in border conflicts.

Upon hearing of the emergence of a new Hero, Hoshiguma had rushed back, eager to meet this eminent figure in person.

It was also then that Rozaliya realized something surprising: the Oni... Despite being a rare race with exceptional abilities, they were classified as demi-humans.

However, just like elves and dwarves, the Oni formed a distinct, separate group. They did not reside within the Demi-human Kingdom.

All Oni, much like elves, had sought out secluded lands where they lived in isolation from the rest of the world.

So why was this Oni named Hoshiguma, holding such a high position in the Demi-human Kingdom? The answer was both tragic and remarkable... She was an abandoned child.

The Oni were a race of immense power, where strength reigned supreme.

They shared many similarities with humans, except for one notable difference: a pair of horns. These ghostly horns protruding from their heads were the very source of their extraordinary abilities.

All Oni were born with two horns. It wasn't that single-horned Oni didn't exist...

However, compared to their two-horned kin, single-horned Oni were either incredibly weak, often unable to survive long, or possessed extraordinary strength.

The Hoshiguma before her was undoubtedly a single-horned Oni.

Unlike her current formidable self, Hoshiguma had been weak as a child, lacking the strength typical of her kind. In fact, all the other Oni had believed she wouldn't live for long.

And so, they had abandoned her...

Yet life had other plans. This discarded cub not only survived but thrived, becoming an incredibly powerful individual.

She joined the Demi-human Kingdom, rising to become one of its most valuable pillars.

-

"Hero at large, in addition to meeting the demi-human Hero, I have another request to make of you."

After the Hoshiguma, Rozaliya, and Liliya chatted for a while, the Hoshiguma explained their other request.

"What is it? Go on."

Liliya accepted the water that was offered.

"I heard from Amiya that the two Hero Lords plan to visit the Cronis Eagle Kingdom?"

"Yes..."

Rozaliya seemed a bit embarrassed; she wasn't eager to visit the Cronis Eagle Kingdom just yet.

"Here's the thing: my old hometown was in the Cronis Eagle Kingdom. I thought I'd completely cut ties with them, but... not long ago, I unexpectedly learned that my sister has two twin daughters living in the Oni Tribe."

"I heard they're just like you two heroes, with one having pink hair and the other blue. They're twins too. I've always wanted to visit them, but due to past relations, my status wasn't suitable for such a trip. And now, with the border situation, I can't leave."

"So, when the two of you go, could you please bring a letter for me? Just to check on my two nieces among the Oni Clan and give them this message," Hoshiguma explained, pulling out a sealed letter and handing it to Rozaliya.

Rozaliya took the letter, her expression serious. "Of course, Rozaliya will deliver it for you."

Twins with the same hair colors as my sister and me? How intriguing. I must see them.

"I'll be grateful to both of you, brave heroes," Hoshiguma expressed her gratitude once again.

"No trouble at all!" Rozaliya waved her hand dismissively.