The Storm Wolf: Gathering Clouds - 17. Chapter 7 Lovers (3/3)

In the dim corridor, Piqsirpoq and I moved swiftly and silently, careful not to draw the attention of anything lurking in the darkness.

"Have you noticed we've passed this spot three times already?" my brother grumbled in a low voice as I paused to examine the gray patterns on the wall to confirm our position.

"It might be an illusion. The internal structure of the Tower looks the same everywhere." Feeling a tug on my tail, I turned to see Piqsirpoq pointing expressionlessly at the blue and white engravings on the floor--three parallel marks. "Uh... maybe it's some kind of spatial distortion?" I attempted to bluff with confidence, hoping he wouldn't notice how red my ears had turned, practically glowing like lanterns.

He sighed, seemingly accepting my explanation--or at least pretending to. He waved down the distant corridor, signaling me to continue leading the way.

"I'm still not so sure..." Piqsirpoq muttered. "Something about this feels really strange."

"I get what you mean," I replied cautiously. "His situation is basically stuck between 'not our father' and 'not yet our father.'" I shrugged. "Causal paradoxes are a real pain in the ass."

"Exactly, so..." His tone turned more hesitant. "I'm not sure what this is supposed to accomplish."

"I don't know either," I admitted with a huff. "But you wanted to do this, and I think that's reason enough."

Piqsirpoq made a sound of acknowledgment, though he seemed lost in his own thoughts and said nothing further.

I've realized it's far easier to say something seemingly insightful when you're not the one stuck at the center of the mess.

While searching for information about our father earlier, I'd discovered that the noise-canceling boot schematics he provided were several generations out of date. I also didn't believe Qana would betray the Senate to hide the fact that our father was still alive.

That left only two possibilities: either that Snow was right all along and we truly belonged to separate parallel universes, or the Tower had warped time for some reason, bringing us face-to-face with him during his Academy years.

Regardless of the truth, either way that Snow couldn't really be called our father.

But ever since learning his identity, I've felt a complex guilt when reflecting on my time with that Snow, as if I'd possess something that wasn't meant to be mine.

And I'm certain my brother deeply wants to see our father again, even if it's just a similar version of him who doesn't yet know he'll have sons like us.

So, with little effort, I convinced Piqsirpoq to meet with that Snow. But that plan would have to wait until we found our way out of this chaotic labyrinth.

When we passed the "spatial distortion" area for the fourth time, Piqsirpoq finally snapped. His fur bristled, his nose wrinkled, and his mouth opened wide, baring sharp fangs as if ready to let loose with something undoubtedly unkind. That's when I sensed a faint ripple in the space around us--a subtle disturbance too massive in presence to be entirely concealed.

In one fluid motion, I drew my sword and turned, slashing toward the anticipated attack. As Gray Snow cleaved through a small silver metal sphere, I realized it was a decoy. The adamantine resonance had created false signals to hide the true location of the threat.

Before I could react further, a white blur streaked across my vision, and the next thing I saw was the dim, blurry ceiling of the corridor.

Hissing in pain, I steadied my head, which felt heavy, and used the wall to push myself upright.

Diagnose, assess, repair.

For me, it's gradually becoming a reflex, requiring little thought for the details.

As my vision cleared, I saw two white figures locked in a sharp, combative dance.

Piqsirpoq was on the defensive, gritting his teeth and struggling to hold his ground, but patches of his fur were being shaved away, and the bleeding gashes on his body grew more numerous.

That Snow attacked with relentless ferocity, showing no mercy. From his increasingly savage grin, I could tell the white wolf was thoroughly enjoying himself, exactly fitting Snow's violent stereotype.

Piqsirpoq was slammed into the wall, scrambling to regain his footing. But that Snow didn't stop, grabbing my brother's head and slamming it into the floor.

I picked up Gray Snow, initially planning to step in before my brother was completely knock-out, but I quickly abandoned the idea.

Maybe he needed this.

Not the knock-out part, but someone to look up to, someone he could swallow his pride and accept defeat with conviction.

So, I sheathed Gray Snow, stepped back, and silently watched as Piqsirpoq was thoroughly thrashed, both metaphorically and literally, letting his ass get kicked hard.

The ever-burning campfire radiated steady warmth, its flickering light casting heavy shadows across Piqsirpoq's injured face, making him appear even more desolate. Once again stubbornly refusing the nano-drone injection offered by that Snow, he turned his head aside and spat out a tooth mixed with blood. The tooth hit the ground with several clattering sounds before disappearing into the dim space.

That Snow burst into laughter, rummaging through his backpack before handing over a metal can glistening with condensation.

Though my brother's face remained sullen, he accepted the beer, studied it for a moment, then pressed the aluminum can against his swollen cheek.

That Snow watched Piqsirpoq with eager anticipation before cracking open his own beer and taking a hearty gulp.

"Well then," I ventured, feeling the ice-breaking activity was complete and deciding to steer the conversation toward something gentler. "Anyone interested in marshmallows?"

That Snow opened his mouth and swallowed the fluffy cylinder floating in front of him whole, while Piqsirpoq frowned skeptically, as if worried the marshmallow might explode.

"No? That's fine," I shrugged and popped the marshmallow meant for my brother into my mouth. "No hard feelings."

That Snow's derisive chuckle showed his appreciation for my efforts, and I responded with an exaggerated eye-roll to thank him.

We sat in silence for a while. Eventually, as Piqsirpoq's breathing steadied--thanks to Snow's high metabolism reducing the swelling--he removed the beer can from his face.

"This isn't quite what I expected." His speech was still slightly slurred, but at least comprehensible.

"I thought Snow always played like this." It seemed odd for me to say it, but that had always been my impression.

"Sure," Piqsirpoq shrugged, casting a cautious glance at that Snow. "But in a place as dangerous as the Tower, discipline and caution should be the top priorities."

That Snow responded with a nonchalant grunt, crossing his arms and sliding down to rest his head on the stone pillar he had been sitting on.

My brother scratched his ear, clearly unsure how to feel about the exchange.

"So, how do your teams usually tackle Tower climbs?" I hadn't realized I had zero interest in finding this out, but in the face of the awkward atmosphere, I grasped for any conversation starter.

"It depends on the objective," Piqsirpoq explained. "Usually, it's to replenish funds or secure extra budget for a project. Whatever the reason, the plan must be proposed, voted on, and approved by the Tower-climbing team leader before detailed planning begins."

"Oh," I twitched my ears, pretending not to notice that Snow making an exaggerated yawn. "I thought the pack would be more... adventurous?"

"Snow's fatality rate is way too high." Piqsirpoq stared at the fire and spoke in a low voice. "Sending more people to chase some fleeting fantasy, only for them to never return home, is pointless and a waste of resource. That's why proposals with high risks but unclear goals or rewards are usually rejected."

That Snow frowned, glancing between me and my brother.

"So that's why the disciplined gray wolves, who prefer full teams for Tower climbs, don't have particularly outstanding records," I remarked, not really caring but needing to say something to close the topic.

"Yeah, it seems the ceiling is stuck at the 277th floor," Piqsirpoq chuckled, taking another glance at his beer before popping the tab and taking a big gulp.

I didn't miss that Snow's subtle movement toward his sword hilt, but any defensive reaction would escalate the situation quickly. Instead, I let a dozen marshmallows slowly roast over the campfire while frantically searching my brain for another topic.

"So, any progress with Lily?" Desperate for a diversion, I decided to sell out my brother's love life--who doesn't enjoy gossip?

That Snow froze, raising his eyebrow while his ear twitched twice--Lily was a Wood name, clearly piquing his interest.

"How do you know..." Piqsirpoq shook his head vigorously. "No, I mean... what are you talking about?"

"Please, I've seen you trailing her like a shadow in the cafeteria at least a hundred times," I teased, unable to fathom why he would act so obvious yet hope no one would notice.

"I..." My brother fumbled, glancing between that Snow and me. After a moment of hesitation, he sighed, slumped his shoulders, and his ears flushed faintly red. "Not going well."

If I wasn't mistaken, that Snow narrowed his eyes slightly, folding his ears toward Piqsirpoq.

"What do you mean?" I'm no expert, but offering a listening ear usually keeps the conversation flowing.

"Well..." He scratched his head furiously, shedding some fur. I glanced at that Snow, but he remained focused on Piqsirpoq. "I don't know why she's not into me."

Huh?

"I mean..." His gaze shifted between us as if seeking confirmation. "I'm handsome, right?"

Uh...

That Snow tilted his head, clearly unwilling to comment, leaving the burden of emotional support squarely on me.

"Objectively speaking, you're certainly good-looking," I said sincerely, hoping to ease his anxiety while realizing how problematic that sounded.

"Exactly!" My brother huffed indignantly. "So why won't she accept me?"

I silently pleaded for Rationalism's guidance as I tried to frame my words delicately.

"I think the issue isn't how handsome you are," I ventured, the answer already clear from his behavior. "It's about communication and understanding."

Piqsirpoq tilted his head, folding his right ear, signaling the need for clarification.

"For example, you don't understand why Lily won't accept someone as 'handsome' as you. But do you know what Lily likes?" I never thought I'd say this aloud, especially in front of my half-brother and some version of my father.

"A reliable and dashing male?" Piqsirpoq replied, sounding more like he was trying to convince himself. "Isn't that what all chicks like?"

"Rationalism above!" I blurted out, but let me defend myself--this was absurd. "First, even if the answer were 'yes,' it's probably not what you imagine; second, I don't need to know much about female to say they wouldn't appreciate being referred to like that."

"Really? But everyone says that." He tilted his head the other way, looking as if his worldview had been upended. "And I don't mean to question you, but your social experience is probably..."

I sighed heavily, cutting him off, uninterested in hearing what term he'd choose.

"True, I might not be the most convincing wolf to say this." But even I could tell just how inappropriate this was, doesn't that alone highlight the problem? Reaching toward the ever-burning campfire to warm my paws, I continued, " So let me quote a 'very wise wolf' who once said to me... "

The plants in greenhouse displayed a variety of vivid and peculiar structures, exuding a complex blend of scents that filled the air. Together, these elements created an atmosphere brimming with vitality.

"Do you think it's possible to get along peacefully with the Phantom?" I posed a question I had long been pondering, cautiously sipping tea that glowed faintly with a greenish luminescence.

"If their goals consistent--or at least don't conflict--and that Phantom retains a reasonable degree of clarity, then it's possible," Dawn replied, placing her teacup back onto its saucer with a crisp clink of porcelain.

"Oh..." I murmured, staring at my reflection in the cup.

"What's wrong? Are you starting to consider maintaining the Sol's blockade?" Dawn asked casually, though I thought I caught a fleeting hint of tension from the normally composed gray wolf.

"No, I don't see how that benefits anyone." I refrained from making any gestures, not wanting act like I'm appease her. "Speaking of which, why would anyone want to maintain a blockade on their star system?"

"There are typically two reasons," Dawn replied with a shrug, glancing sideways at the plants in the greenhouse. "The first is to preserve the status quo when it benefits them, preventing interference from other forces. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king--they wouldn't want someone with two eyes barging in." The master offered me more tea, which I politely declined. "The second reason is more complex. It often involves a significant degree of self-loathing, compounded by a kind of despair born from complete understanding." As she poured herself another cup, a wisp of steam curled upward. "Put simply, it's about recognizing just how awful their kind is and not wanting them to go out and pollute the rest of the universe."

"So, that's the motivation..." I set my empty teacup on its saucer and leaned back in my chair. "But doesn't choosing a blockade mean cutting off all possibilities and denying our chance, as a whole, to improve? The clear rules we've been given make it clear--there's no second chance at the final reckoning."

"People don't change," Dawn said, holding her teacup in front of her snout. "The sooner you accept that, the better off we'll all be."

"Hm..." I murmured in response, though my mind was quickly flooded with questions--do people really never change? If that's true, doesn't it render all effort meaningless?

"Enough of that," Dawn said as she tidied up the tea set and motioned for me to follow her. "I think we should keep practicing vacuum blood collection; you just can't seem to get it right." The master turned to look at me, winking playfully.

"Do we have to?" I sighed, not bothering to hide my reluctance. "Most reagents nowadays only need a few drops of blood. A lancet would suffice."

"Yes, most reagents," Dawn replied, waving a paw dismissively without turning around. "But for something like comprehensive blood biochemistry analysis, you need a sufficient sample. So stop complaining and practice properly!"

"Yes, Master," I said, lowering my gaze as I stepped over a tangled vine. While navigating the rough terrain of the greenhouse, I decided to voice a question that had been bothering me for a while. "I have a possibly silly question."

"Go ahead," Dawn chuckled. "There are no silly questions, only silly people."

"Does sexual orientation influence brain structure or thought patterns? I mean, from a biological perspective?" I asked cautiously, hoping that if I were silly, it wouldn't be too obvious.

"Neural connection patterns are shaped by both innate genetic structures and environmental factors, so that question isn't entirely accurate," Dawn replied, glancing at me over her shoulder. "You might as well just speak plainly--I don't want to waste time going in circles over something you already know but are too shy to say."

"I just don't get why so many male wolves act strange around females--unable even to listen properly--but interact perfectly normally with other males." At least, by male standards of "normal." "Is it due to a lack of practice?" I felt my ears burn as they flattened against my head, trying to block out the memory of Piqsirpoq's confused expression. I admitted that I was clueless in this area too, but at least I didn't make things overly awkward or do blatantly foolish things. Other than an initial adjustment period, I had no trouble maintaining a neutral demeanor--though my idea of neutrality involved being treated as invisible. Still, the point stands.

"Ha! Growing up together doesn't help much. It's not just about practice; there are significant cultural factors involved, not purely biological determinants," Dawn said with a laugh. "When you see yourself as a hunter, you start seeing everything else as prey."

"Prey?" Images of ancient humans hunting each other for survival flickered through my mind.

"Take that idiot as an example," Dawn said, tilting her head and clapping her right fist into her left palm. "I remember how, at first, he..."

The unexpected mention of a taboo topic left me lowering my head as Dawn began recounting stories about my father, striving to be a good listener.

I nuzzled against Kotetsu's thick fur around his neck, taking in the unique musk scent.

Noticing some movement from the Altai wapiti, I remained unresponsive, indulging in the post-passion lethargy and warmth instead.

I moved my snout to his cheek, examining the intricate patterns on his massive antlers while letting my nose gently brush the tip of his ear. Unexpectedly, Kotetsu reacted as if shocked, bolting upright into a semi-reclining position. He stared at me with wide eyes, his mouth slightly open as he panted.

I had no idea what had just happened, so I froze in place, staring back at him.

"Sorry," Kotetsu said awkwardly after a moment, relaxing back down and resting his right arm over his brow to cover his eyes. "I dreamed about scenes from my boot camp."

"Oh," I cautiously moved closer, ensuring he didn't mind being touched. "I thought you were joking before."

"The essence of a joke is like cooking--it needs a dash of truth as seasoning," Kotetsu murmured, his voice low. "And usually, it's salty."

Attempting to embrace Kotetsu's sturdy chest, I hoped to offer some comfort. The Altai wapiti was simply too large, so I had to lie on his chest to accomplish it. Listening to the frantic rhythm of his heartbeat gradually steady, I noticed a subtle dissonance amid the rise and fall of his breathing.

"I can't sense any emotional fluctuations from you," I said almost to myself, surprised I hadn't realized it earlier. "Do you shield yourself even when you're asleep?"

"It's a habit of mine. Hemp is pretty sensitive, so I try not to disturb him," Kotetsu replied, maintaining his position with an arm covering his eyes. "Most herbivores tend to do this."

"That's quite thoughtful." I tried recalling if Tadao had ever done the same but couldn't remember. "But how do you manage to put up a shield unconsciously while sleeping--"

Kotetsu suddenly flipped over, pinning my wrists with one hand and straddling my chest. A two-tone electronic beep sounded near my neck, and I realized, in that instant, the Altai wapiti had fastened a collar around me.

"Now is not the time for this kind of lesson," he seemed to have no intention of stopping due to my breathless whimpers but continued to tighten the collar. "Today's load is a bit small. It seems that someone is very naughty and secretly takes care of themselves very well! Do you think I won't notice?" I can feel Kotetsu's other hand reaching towards my lower body, and the itchy touch makes my hair stand up. "It seems that I have indulged you for too long. It is my fault that I did not give you an appropriate punishment." The pain from being pinched gradually accumulated, making me instinctively want to arch my body, but Kotetsu pressed hard. "But when it comes to accountability, I'm more inclined to...how should I put it," Other times, I would have screamed out due to this level of severe pain, but the tight collar around my neck prevented me from speaking out. "Trace back to the source."

His expression ignited a fiery desire within me, making me yearn to let Kotetsu do as he pleased with me. Yet, the sliver of reason I had left tugged fiercely at my ears, yelling at me to snap out of it.

"Arrogance of the strong!" I finally managed to wrestle down the urge to give in, forcing the safeword out from my throat.

Kotetsu immediately released me and unfastened the collar.

"Was it too tight?" he asked, his fingers brushing against my carotid artery. Perhaps because it was my first time using our safeword, he seemed slightly anxious.

"I'm fine," I replied, taking a moment to catch my breath. "I had meant to bring this up earlier, if only you hadn't gagged me suddenly."

"Are you about to confess to something?" Kotetsu chuckled softly, clearly amused.

"No, and I'm not secretly taking care of myself." It took every ounce of willpower to keep from averting my gaze out of embarrassment.

"Oh," Kotetsu's grin widened further, clearly entertained. "The little pup had a fling..." He abruptly paused, as if a realization dawned on him. "That Nyx."

"Yes," I said, trying to sound composed. Ideally, Kotetsu would feel more at ease about this situation, but I needed to make things clear. "I'd like you to call him Aether."

The Altai wapiti didn't respond immediately, and his expression remained unreadable. I had no choice but to continue.

"Basically, we've established a relationship," I said in as neutral a tone as I could manage, watching for any changes in Kotetsu's expression. But as before, there was no discernible shift, nor any emotional fluctuations emanating from behind his unyielding shield. "I haven't talked to Aether about us yet..." I thought I saw his brows furrow slightly. Though the crease smoothed out quickly as if nothing had happened, it made me instinctively pick up speed. "...I wanted to make sure first that you wouldn't mind."

"Mind what?" Kotetsu tilted his head slightly to the side.

"A polyamorous relationship," I said, trying to project confidence but unable to stop my voice from dropping in volume. No matter how smoothly it played out in my head, bringing it up in reality didn't make it any easier.

The Altai wapiti seemed unprepared for this response, appearing momentarily stunned. He slowly tilted his head to the other side, locking eyes with me.

"I thought you preferred us to have more... casual arrangements." Kotetsu's brown eyes bore into mine, and I forced myself not to look away.

"I don't want to become strictly exclusive, but I'd like us to be..." I hesitated for just an instant before saying the word. "...lovers."

Kotetsu, as before, betrayed nothing through his body language or emotional waves. Only a few seconds had passed since I'd finished speaking, but the fear of saying the wrong thing and ruining everything made me so anxious that I felt the need to blurt something--anything--to fill the silence.

"I understand if your interpretation of the relationship differs from mine, and I'm not trying to pressure you. If this is just me overthinking or misunderstanding, you can absolutely--" I nearly bit my tongue as Kotetsu firmly gripped my snout.

"Allow me to interrupt your ten-minute self-doubt speech. This is the worst confession I've ever seen--and I've spent half my life in the Navy Academy," the Altai wapiti said with a sigh, his tone exasperated enough to make my ears burn. But I noticed his grin slowly growing wider. "And yet, for such a ridiculous question, I can't seem to find a reason to refuse. Probably because the influence I've allowed you to have on me is far greater than I expected." Kotetsu chuckled to himself, as though recalling an amusing memory. "So, I suppose I have no choice but to accept your proposal."

The sound of rustling caught my attention, and I realized the tip of my tail was wagging furiously, brushing against the sheets beneath us.

I wanted to hug Kotetsu in excitement to express how I felt, but his response was to grip my snout even tighter, pinning me back down and prompting a helpless whimper from my throat.

"However, we still have some serious matters to take care of." The Altai wapiti put on the collar for me, patted my cheek twice, then inserted his thumb into his mouth, forcing me to open my mouth wide. "You'd better grit your teeth, my little wolf." Contrary to his advice, the pressure across each canine kept pushing deeper into my throat. I tried to control my tremors and gag reflex while gasping. "This will definitely hurt, a lot." Kotetsu showed his teeth and smiled even happier than before.

When I detected the unique ripples from the opening of the wormhole, I detached the terminal from the strap on my arm to confirm that I wasn't late.

"Master." Once inside the Academy's wormhole docking area, I bowed to the Master Field in respect.

"Are you ready? The timing is tight." Without waiting for my response, the towering dragon stepped through the wormhole's opening, leaving me no choice but to follow.

It wasn't clear from the docking area, but the space we entered resembled a virtual reality chamber--its copper-red walls and floor matched the default settings.

"Is this... the control room?" I glanced around, making sure I hadn't overlooked anything. No, aside from the curved walls resembling the interior of a sphere, it was identical to a simulation chamber.

"I prefer to call it the Cerebro Room. But yes, this is the control room, located directly beneath the bridge. This is the most important part of Empire's Heart." Master's tone was flat and devoid of his usual melodic resonance, but I suspected a hint of humor. "There's a gap during the landing ceremony inspections, enough to ensure we won't be disturbed."

At the central console, the dragon manipulated the terminal, causing small adamantine spheres to emerge evenly across the floor. He gestured for me to approach and placed the Heart on me.

"Resonate and connect with the Heart," the Master said after adjusting the device on my head to ensure it was secure.

Following his instructions, I expanded my consciousness, feeling the countless points of light--like LED indicators--illuminate within my perception.

A wave of dizziness hit me, but I gritted my teeth and steadied myself.

"...Those on the floor are command sub-nodes, serving as relay stations for signal processing."

Master Field's voice sounded slightly blurred, but I recalled his earlier explanation and lightly probed the nodes with my mind. The adamantine spheres on the floor began to float slowly.

"...Don't actually activate the armor yet; there are many fine adjustments still needed. Just maintain the connection."

I thought I glimpsed the towering dragon making rapid command gestures out of the corner of my eye. He occasionally glanced at the terminal screen, likely monitoring data.

Maintaining the connection was dull, so I used the pulsations in the consciousness field to peek at the Empire's Heart's status.

From previous lessons back in Hadrian's Wall, I already knew the basic structure of this imperial flagship and the trivial details about the quadrennial landing ceremonies and the ten Houses' meetings. But it was a peculiar feeling to actually be here. Though, this "being here" was in a hidden chamber, unnoticed by anyone, executing an equally hidden plan.

I sensed dozens of ripples coming from the engine room, all emanating from canine figures with dark brown fur--likely members of the German House.

They were tinkering with something, likely performing the inspections. Some emitted strong waves of resentment, clearly unhappy about having to work this shift.

It was understandable. A vessel of this size, with only a dozen or so crew left on board? The relative deprivation must feel overwhelming.

The senior officers, like the captain, were absent--likely off-ship on leave or attending the ten Houses' meeting.

Wait, the ten Houses' meeting?

That meant we were on Senate territory, in the Imperial Palace zone.

In a sense, this was my first time "home" since joining the Academy.

Most cadets would return home in their second year for visits, but I lacked any compelling reason to do so and had instead enjoyed the rare restful holiday at the Academy.

Realizing I was once again within Senate territory felt strange, like the discomfort of drenched fur.

Shaking off the thought, I decided to leave these trivial feelings behind.

The ten Houses' meeting meant the Emperor and the Nine Archdukes were nearby. The fates of countless lives were likely being decided through their schemes and strategies, as if puppeteers pulling the strings of the world. Yet they themselves were also bound by inescapable threads...

The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

As Dawn would say, "Thank Rationalism I was far away from that circus." All I needed to do was practice diligently and fulfill my role as the Bridge. The rest? They could sort that out themselves.

Speaking of which, I probably needed to explain this situation to others, even if I might not end up as the Heart's master.

Still, my to-do list has grown overwhelming lately. Maybe one thing at a time...

Suddenly, I noticed a faint pulse, fleeting and almost leaving no trace in the field of consciousness. Yet, even in that brief moment, I felt a warmth--a sense of inclusion, awareness, and something... greater.

Master Field was still busy, so with the Empire's Heart, I amplified my perception, attempting to locate the source of this sensation.

I had initially intended to use the adamantine spheres around me to strengthen my abilities. However, things turned out differently than I imagined--I hadn't truly considered the implications of "sub-nodes." Through the Heart, I accessed an apparatus aboard the ship, as though unlocking a specific door with a key.

My perception expanded infinitely, and I almost drowned in this sea of information. Instincts honed by Master Field's rigorous training took over, anchoring my consciousness so I could surface and catch my breath.

The vast expanse was like an endless ocean; the sky unreachable, while an abyss loomed below, drawing ever closer.

I knew I wasn't ready to navigate something so vast and incomprehensible, so I forced my focus back to my original intent.

Waves pressed me under repeatedly, making it difficult to concentrate as I floated, sank, and choked on the overwhelming currents. But Master Field had once used a water sphere to encase my head, repeating cycles of suffocation and awakening until I could shatter his Consciousness Union. That grueling experience allowed me to find traces of the pulse amidst the high-pressure environment.

Releasing my anchor, I swam toward the target and reached out.

Then, it was as if I fell into a bottomless abyss--or was sucked into an infinitely stretching tube. A flood of contradictory sensations overwhelmed me, rendering all senses meaningless.

After an unknown period, the eternal turbulence subsided. Finally able to take in my surroundings, I found myself floating in the void of space. Amid the absolute darkness, the faint glimmers of stars--millions of light-years away--were the only source of light.

I suspected this was more a symbolic visualization than actual space, but that didn't stop me from marveling at its indescribable beauty.

How much of this reflected reality? Its boundlessness made the endless ocean seem like a mere pond.

I reached out, wanting to grasp the sensation of touching the void. Either I had misunderstood this space entirely, or "void" truly earned its name.

I glanced at my paw and chuckled. With no one around to see, I extended my paw again, pretending to grab at a particularly bright star in the distance, letting the twilight-like glow seep through my fingers.

Holding infinity in my palm.

Suddenly, I realized I wasn't alone.

This description is inaccurate--I was certain that billions of light-years away, unimaginable life forms existed. But here and now, I felt a gaze.

I believed it was the source of the earlier warmth, and some resonance within me allowed me to comprehend this near-inexplicable notion.

Somehow, I met the eyes of another presence.

If the earlier flood of information was like a vast ocean, this was as though the entirety of the universe had poured into my mind.

So grand, magnificent, vast, boundless...

Realizing my limited perspective and meager vocabulary couldn't possibly describe such an existence, I stopped trying.

Only through personal experience--immersed in endless void--could one hope to brush against the faint outlines of its immensity.

I yearned to go further, to understand more, to witness the unseen...

Attempting to reach farther outward, I immediately encountered an impassable barrier.

It was like an invisible fence restricting my movements.

The domain--the boundary of my consciousness field. I was trapped by my own limits.

Frustrated, I looked back at the indescribable presence. It remained as before, silently observing me.

It felt as though it was waiting--waiting for me to cross the obstacle and reach the other side.

I pressed against the boundary, confirming it was my limit.

Perhaps out of curiosity, or perhaps a long-dormant competitive spirit awakened, I resolved to find a way to break through this barrier.

Regardless of whether I could become the Heart's master and lead everyone to a new world, I wanted to witness for myself what lay beyond.

The void seemed to pulse twice--laughter, conveyed in a way I could understand.

Unsure how to process this surreal experience, I chuckled in return, realizing that even a vast, incomprehensible existence could laugh. It must be some universal language, and we had just shared our first contact.

"Done." Master Field snapped his fingers, abruptly pulling me back to reality.

I blinked, confirming I had returned to the copper-toned control room.

"Oh... Yes, Master," I muttered softly, landing on the ground with controlled composure, masking my sense of loss.

"Future calibrations can be done remotely--no need to come over again." Master Field gestured toward the wormhole, beckoning me to follow as he walked toward it.

"Yes, Master," I replied, lowering my gaze and hurrying after the towering dragon.

"We can discuss further when we get back..."

Master Field stepped through the wormhole, continuing to speak. Just as I was about to cross into the Academy's portal, the faint disturbance in the space made me turn around.

The control room had reverted to its original state, showing no anomalies, just as it had been when we arrived.

But I knew I would never be the same again.

Having witnessed evidence of a greater world, my desire to break free of constraints and surpass the framework that bound me became a clear, practical intent.

Stirring the connection with the Heart, I lightly touched it, hoping for the day when all would truly understand one another.

Stepping into the virtual reality room, a sudden chill washed over me, making me shudder instinctively. I immediately spread my consciousness to block the cold wind. Although both Qana and Master Field had once set up shields to prevent heat radiation loss, I found the heat calculation formulas far too complex. Instead, I resorted to a simpler method of deflecting airflow around myself.

The surrounding snow even made me squint reflexively, despite the reality room not simulating the dazzling glare of sunlight on snow.

"Terminal, panel," I called out, summoning the control interface to adjust the temperature. However, just as I raised my paw, a sudden force from behind knocked me to the ground. We rolled forward several times before coming to a stop.

"Surprise!" Aether perched on my chest, pinning my shoulders as he spoke.

"Oh," I couldn't help but laugh, meeting his yellow eyes. "I didn't notice you at all!"

"The shield of Nyx." Aether leaned in closer, his prominent white teeth standing out starkly against his dark fur.

At first, I thought this was some kind of joke until I noticed a string of black symbols edged with gold flickering twice beside him before fading away.

"Teach me," I half-seriously implored, wondering if acting cute might improve my chances of persuading him.

"No way." Aether pressed his forehead against mine, letting our noses gently touch. "It's a faction secret."

As I pondered just how cute I'd have to act to achieve my goal, Aether suddenly opened his mouth and enveloped the tip of my snout.

"You..." I squirmed, attempting to resist, but could only mutter incoherent words. My ineffective struggle turned into muffled sounds of protest as Aether increased the pressure, leaving me to emit faint whimpers.

His warm breath, soothing scent, and the sharp wetness of his teeth teasingly grazed against my fur.

No, no, no--I'm going to die, I'm going to die, I'm going to die...

I completely melted into a heap of organic matter on the snow, gasping for air once Aether released his grip. But as he licked my nose, my boiling brain felt ready to burst out of my tightly pinned ears.

What was the safe word again...?

"Why are you whining like that?" Aether nudged my face with his snout, laughing. "It's like I'm bullying you."

"Awuu..." Having lost most of my ability to think, I could only communicate with basic sounds.

"You're just too cute," Aether said, resting his chin on the top of my head and occasionally nibbling on my ears.

"Aw... aw..." I had already forgotten what I was originally planning to do--something that seemed important.

After a bit more nuzzling, Aether rolled to the side, and we lay together on the snow, staring at the gray sky.

"I was a bit worried you wouldn't like this," he said softly, tracing circles on my palm with his fingertips. "Not to pressure you, but I think you should attend the gathering." He paused for a long moment before continuing. "You have the same right as all the Senate wolves."

"Awuu, awuu." I swallowed a few snowflakes, their odd taste making me immediately stop pondering how many times the virtual reality room's material recycling system had processed them.

"Intentions matter, yes, but if you don't enjoy it, wouldn't that defeat the purpose?" Aether sighed.

"Awuuu... I still don't like the cold, but snow feels different. I always manage to find some kind of meaning in it." Realizing I had regained my ability to speak, I raised my right paw, feeling the airflow brushing through my fingers.

"And the gathering?" he asked again, not ready to give up.

"I... I'll think about it," I answered as earnestly as I could.

"Don't force yourself if you're really not interested. I just wanted to remind you that it's your right. Besides, apart from the tedious agenda, it's mostly just an excuse to gather and howl at the Lunar--we can do that on our own, too." He sat up, took a deep breath, and let out a long howl.

The resonant, profound sound echoed through the snow-covered valley.

As I marveled at the virtual reality room's powerful capabilities, I felt even the tiniest hairs on my body standing on end.

No matter how much I tried to suppress it, the wolf within me--a wolf longing for connection and camaraderie--was undeniably present. It clawed at my chest from within.

When the echoes of the howl faded, Aether turned his head to look at me, patting me lightly with his tail.

"Join me," he said, nudging my shoulder encouragingly.

"No way, it's too embarrassing." I avoided his gaze, feeling the heat rise in my ears once more.

Aether tilted his head, folding down his right ear, demanding more explanation.

"It's about my first time attending a gathering," I said with a sigh, beginning to recall the details. "The weather that night was clear, and the bright light made the snow look almost silver, a bit dreamlike." I scooped up a handful of snow from the ground and clenched it in my hand, the tiny, sharp edges of the ice crystals pricking my palm. "When everyone lifted their heads to howl at the full Lunar in unison, I couldn't help but join in, like I was compelled by something." I lightly touched my chest, as if I could summon that feeling again--the undeniable sense of belonging to something greater, to a collective whole. "But when the echoes faded, I realized everyone was staring at me. It took a while, but I eventually learned from their snickers what it meant to be 'off-key.'" The memory still carried a sting of discomfort. Just thinking about it made me want to curl into myself for some semblance of safety--but I resisted the urge. "See? I'm the only wolf in the entire Sol with no sense of pitch." Sitting up, I brushed the snow off my clothes and rested my chin on my drawn-up knees. "Though, honestly, after all these years, I don't really care what people think of me anymore. It's just that, every now and then, remembering it still feels... unpleasant. I guess it hit so hard back then because I was so young--it felt like the whole world was ending."

I heard the soft rustle of snow against fur as Aether hugged me from behind, resting his chin on top of my head, flattening my ears beneath its weight.

"It's fine. It's been so long, I can barely even remember it," I said softly, patting the back of his paw a few times. "Besides, it's only after you brought it up that I realized I should attend the gatherings. Not because I'm a Senate wolf, but because I'm a psychic." Not because I wanted to, or even needed to, but because it was my responsibility.

The core of psychic abilities lay in understanding, though its mechanisms leaned slightly toward idealism. If I couldn't even reconnect with other wolves, any attempt to "connect everyone" would undoubtedly fail.

"Why does being a psychic mean you have to attend the gatherings?" Aether asked, his voice rumbling in his throat, the vibrations passing through to me. "Networking reasons?"

"Well..." I hesitated. Though I would have to explain eventually, I didn't feel ready to face how Aether might react to my choice. "Let's talk about it later. There's something else... more time-sensitive I want to bring up." I couldn't help but feel a bit impressed with myself for remembering it now--perhaps my willpower truly was remarkable.

Aether let out a questioning noise and gently nibbled my ear.

"I spoke to Kotetsu-- Ow!" A sudden sharp pain made me yelp and flinch, turning back to glance at Aether.

"Sorry!" he said quickly, pulling back and licking the back of his paw. "I didn't realize I bit too hard."

"It's fine." I rubbed my ear with mild annoyance, trying to regain my focus. "I spoke to Kotetsu about us. I wanted to hear his perspective."

"Why do you need to know his thoughts about us?" Aether asked, tilting his head stiffly, his movement almost awkward.

"This is what I wanted to talk to you about." I could sense the atmosphere taking a turn for the worse, so I tried to make myself appear smaller, more unthreatening. "I hope we can have... a polyamorous relationship."

Aether's yellow eyes narrowed even further. I needed to explain myself quickly.

"I'm not saying you all have to get along perfectly. What I'm envisioning is more of a me-centered--"

"I know what a hub-and-spoke polyamorous relationship is," he interrupted, exhaling sharply through his nose. "I just assumed your thing with that stag was... more casual."

"Well... maybe it started out that way?" I resisted the urge to scratch at some random part of my body, forcing myself to meet his gaze directly. "But..." I touched my neck, recalling the weight of a collar. "It feels like a bond, a connection that ties us together--"

Aether's confused expression only deepened, so I stopped and decided to start over.

"Like I told you last year, back then it was probably just a mix of passion, the discovery of 'Oh, this is possible,' and 'Wow, I like this.'" I couldn't help but scratch my ear twice, feeling a little embarrassed to talk about kinks this openly, even with Aether. "Mutual respect through informed consent, the absolute trust and belonging in dominance and submission..." I shook my head vigorously, reminding myself I wasn't trying to explain BDSM to him--and as part of a faction dedicated to preserving historical legacies, he probably knew more about it than I did.

"But over time, I realized it wasn't just about physical compatibility or fleeting passion. There's something deeper... a connection." For psychics, that word carried profound weight. Admitting it to Aether felt daunting enough; saying it outright to Kotetsu might have been impossible. "It's like there's something... truly special between us. And when you came to the Academy, that feeling only became clearer. I don't know how this kind of thing works," I said, scratching my head furiously and avoiding Aether's gaze. "But it's what I genuinely feel. And I don't want to lose my relationship with anyone..."

I covered my eyes with both paws, terrified of how Aether might react. I had prepared a whole list of things to say, but none of the words would come out. I hoped this was just a problem with expressing myself--something I could eventually overcome through practice.

The silence around us was so profound that the sound of snowflakes landing seemed loud, almost drowning out the erratic, anxious rhythm of my heartbeat.

"I didn't realize that stag was so important to you," Aether finally said. "I thought you were just looking for a green light to continue your... activities with him."

I wanted to peek at Aether through my fingers, hoping to read his body language, but I couldn't muster the courage.

"I won't deny that I feel a little upset," he continued. "But letting you occasionally have fun with someone else--whoever it might be--is within my acceptable range. However, if what you want is a relationship on the level of partnership..." Aether hesitated. "When you started talking, I was even ready to step aside, but then you concluded with, 'You don't want to lose your connection with anyone.'"

I heard him sigh softly before he grasped my wrists and moved my paws aside, meeting my gaze directly.

"Before we continue, I need to clarify a few things." His yellow eyes bore into mine with an intense focus that made me swallow nervously. "First, you're aware that this stag is a powerful psychic and a Federation citizen with military rank, correct?"

"Yes," I replied evenly, trying to sound as calm as possible.

"Second, are you aware that the entire Academy is gossiping about you two? Most believe he's after something--like the secret to forging a complete adamantine weapon. Others speculate it's something... more basic, like satisfying biological needs." Aether rolled his eyes, making his opinion clear. "I heard these rumors on my very first day here, but since you always stay out of social circles, I wanted to make sure you knew."

"I've heard about it, but I didn't realize it was the entire Academy talking." Actually, only Tadao had mentioned it to me. Thinking about it, it made sense--no one would come straight to me to confirm such rumors.

"And finally," Aether continued, his tone matter-of-fact, "even with those two factors in mind, you've chosen to maintain your relationship with him, despite the risk of angering me?"

"Yes. This is how I genuinely feel and think. And I believe trust means letting down your guard and choosing to believe, even at the risk of getting hurt." I decided to answer honestly, resisting the urge to speculate or probe for hidden emotions in him. "Of course, in this situation, I should consider your feelings too. But I can't keep suppressing my own. Even if it's selfish... this is who I am."

Aether interrupted me by nudging my face with his snout.

"My concern has always been whether you would get hurt," Aether said, blinking slowly. "But if you've decided to trust that stag, then I think the three of us should at least sit down together and talk this through properly."

"Oh, sure!" I relaxed, laughing lightly. "Sorry--I wasn't sure how to bring it up, but talking to Kotetsu first felt less stressful."

"So you're saying I'm the more difficult one, huh?" The black wolf tilted his head, folding his right ear downward slowly.

"No, I just... um, well..." His piercing yellow gaze made me falter.

"'You care more about my opinion'?" Aether said, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"Yes, yes, exactly!" I hurried to respond, glad not to stumble over my words.

"Adorable." He booped my cheek with his nose, making my ears flatten instantly. "But I'm still not happy, so don't think you can brush this off so easily." He pushed me down into the snow, pinning me in place. "You'd better give me your absolute best effort to make it up to me, or there won't be anything to discuss with that antler-flashing show-off." Aether snorted, his lips curving faintly upward. "I'd bet his penis is tiny--that's probably why he's so insecure."

"Uh..." I had no idea how to respond, but thankfully, Aether didn't give me the chance. He pressed his snout against mine, gently nibbling.

From that point on, words failed me entirely, leaving me to communicate with little more than a series of helpless sounds.

"That's about it," I said, dodging claws that nearly nicked my ear. Then I spun around and cleaved the core and its casing of the opponent with a single backhanded strike. "We've set a time to sit down and talk--just the three of us."

With a clang, that Snow drove his longsword into a squid, pinning it to the wall. The creature's tentacles flailed wildly, scraping the walls and floor, sending sparks flying. He approached calmly, careful to avoid the hooked claws. When close enough, he stabbed the oval body with a jagged dagger, twisting it until the creature's red spots dimmed and it fell motionless.

As I sheathed Gray Snow, the white wolf turned his head toward me and shrugged, gesturing a casual "good luck."

"Thanks," I said, relieved he wasn't mocking me this time.

We piled the collected adamantine cores onto a small platform, counting and dividing the loot based on contributions. That Snow packed his share into a pouch at his waist, glancing meaningfully at the spot beside me.

"Oh, my brother thinks it's too dangerous," I explained. "He's never been interested in Tower climbing, and it risks violating the Council's directives." The truth was, Piqsirpoq couldn't stomach this paradoxical scenario, which defied logic even by the Academy and Tower's extreme standards. If causality was immutable, any actions within this situation would only further entrench the predetermined reality--a thoroughly unsettling thought. As for me... I've always found a peculiar, detached humor in facing the inevitable.

The wolf tilted his head, his ears flicking twice, but he didn't press further.

"What's wrong? Need a support group for emotional counseling?" I teased, elbowing his side. To my surprise, he snapped his head toward me, his ears standing stiff and upright.

"Oh, come on." Honestly, like father, like son. "Your reaction when I mentioned Lily was a dead giveaway."

He stiffened, then turned away as if he hadn't heard me, but the redness of his ears betrayed him--they were practically glowing. Watching him flustered was unexpectedly amusing. So this is what schadenfreude feels like?

Still, I had no desire to make him uncomfortable, so I simply walked beside him in silence.

After a while, I noticed a shimmering light hovering ahead of me.

The silvery glow of the glyphs--Inuktitut syllabics--flickered in the dim corridor.

"Oh, no one really bothers me about that," I said casually, waving my paw dismissively. "The Senate only cares about mixed blood. For someone like me, who isn't at risk of 'leaving behind any tiny surprises,' they're not overly concerned with what I do."

That Snow looked at me, remaining silent.

"I never thought I'd experience what people mean by 'inherent privilege,'" I added with a shrug, glancing at my tail. "I suppose realizing oneself is not always the victim is part of learning to empathize with others."

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze drifting to my tail. New glyphs appeared, and I read them quickly.

"It was awful," I admitted with a bitter laugh, flicking my tail to the left. "Being treated as if I didn't exist was terrifying. Even now, when I think back on it, I can't fathom how I endured. I glanced at the palm of my right paw, repeatedly clenching and unclenching it in an attempt to ease the lingering discomfort. "Maybe... it was because there were still some certainties in life." Placing my paw on the hilt of Gray Snow, I recalled the evening training sessions--the exhaustion from those grueling routines seemed to have been an effective way to avoid overthinking. "No, on second thought, it was the people--those who reached out to me and saw me for who I truly was."

The image of a massive white wolf flashed through my mind, his deep blue eyes slowly fading. A profound sense of loss swept over me.

"But how I was treated and what you should do are two different matters," I continued. The Tower's realm was immense and unruly, making it nearly impossible to interpret the distorted signals emitted by other entities. Still, I understood his silence--it spoke of awkwardness, guilt, and shame. "When a system treats individuals unfairly, people tend to believe that the individual is at fault because it allows them to maintain their belief that following the rules will protect them from random misfortune. And when those who have been treated unfairly start demanding fair treatment, they're perceived as asking for special privileges--this is utterly absurd. The first step to freeing everyone from an unfair system is recognizing that we are not wrong. "I paused, feeling I had gained a little deeper understanding. " Love doesn't follow reason, I even believe that who we fall in love with, and who falls in love with us, isn't something we can control. It's a fundamental truth of our existence, if you ask me, there's probably nothing more right than that. No one should ever feel sorry for any inherent trait they are born with; everything is part of you. And we should always be proud of ourselves, because that is who we are." I let out a chuckle, amused by my own sense of humor. "At least, that's what a very wise wolf told me."

The dim corridor remained silent, but the weight on my shoulders seemed a bit lighter.

What do you think of that, space-time continuum? Stick your logic where the sun doesn't shine!

That Snow bumped into me, interrupting my internal rant against the universe.

"Why so subtle? That's not like you," I teased, poking his brick-wall-like flank with my finger. He turned his head slightly, his ears glowing even redder. His embarrassed state made me laugh, a sound so unrestrained I momentarily forgot the danger of drawing attention from lurking horrors--the many-tentacled kind.

This moment might not match the father-son bonding I once fantasized about during sleepless nights, but I quickly realized I'd never truly lacked it. There was nothing to compensate for.

So, I kept playing around with that Snow, listening to the sound of my own laughter--different now, but something I knew I'd grow used to.

The air was thick with the distracting smell of sweat. Otherwise, I might have spared a few more glances at the canine lifting dumbbells in the corner or the one training on the pec deck machine.

The sound of two bells chiming caught my attention. Piqsirpoq approached the corner where I stood, spitting out his mouthguard and tearing off the wraps around his wrists with his fangs before removing his red gloves.

His upper body fur was drenched in sweat, highlighting the sharp contours of his muscles. At this rate, it wouldn't take more than a few years for him to match Snow's physique--the standard build of every male gray wolf with pristine white fur except for me.

Not that I cared enough to dwell on it. I simply shrugged, flicked my tail to the side, and refocused on the reason I came here in the first place.

"That Snow asked me to send his regards," I said, glancing at the saliva-stained mouthguard on the ring floor, suppressing the avalanche of hygiene-related thoughts rushing through my head. "He says he misses the feel of your cheeks."

"I won't go against the Council." Piqsirpoq growled impatiently, pulling a face. "Besides, I'm not a masochist."

"Really? Then what do you get out of participating in such a violent activity?" I gestured with my chin toward the yellow-furred dog behind him, who had just managed to stagger to his feet. Judging by his unsteady gait, I was fairly certain he'd sustained some form of permanent brain damage.

I knew the real reason Piqsirpoq didn't want to see that Snow again, but I just wanted to spout some nonsense to distract him.

"A clash of skill and physicality is the best kind of dialogue," Piqsirpoq replied seriously, making me wonder if he was mocking me.

Before I could come up with a suitably lewd retort, his attention shifted to the yellow dog. They bumped fists, exchanged a few words, and patted each other on the shoulder before parting ways.

"This activity requires suppressing psychic abilities to proceed. Doesn't that say something?" I asked, watching as Piqsirpoq removed his collar and stowed it in a pale blue drawstring bag.

"It ensures fairness. Otherwise, it would indirectly exclude fighters who are high-level psychics," he said as he vaulted off the ring with a grace and balance only a psychic could achieve.

Since I had no interest in the game itself, I didn't press the discussion. When I noticed his destination was the locker room, I stopped at the doorway, not intending to follow him in.

"You didn't come all this way just to deliver greetings, did you?" Piqsirpoq halted, turned to face me, and set his bag aside.

"I..." Under the pressure of limited time, I couldn't afford to keep stalling with small talk. "...I'm a little nervous."

"Ah, is it today?" He tilted his head, as if trying to recall.

"Yes. To be precise, it's in thirty-six minutes." I tried to sound casual, though my paws couldn't help rubbing against my pants.

"I thought you had everything under control," he said, folding down his right ear. "When we discussed it in the Tower, you sounded so organized."

"I was just repeating what others had said. I have no idea what I'm doing." I sighed, resigning myself to explaining something I thought was obvious.

"So, you're looking for a pep talk from me?" Piqsirpoq raised a brow.

"Probably?" I sighed again, feeling my ears droop helplessly. "That should tell you how desperate things are."

"Well..." He tilted his head, tapping his chin with a claw. "Let's set aside whether that's true. From my perspective, you've always challenged what 'normal people' consider common sense." His tone grew emphatic. "A master swordsman who stands out, the most powerful psychic in history, a penchant for herbivores--and now, you're venturing into polyamory, one of the most complicated relationship dynamics, as if your life wasn't already messy enough." Piqsirpoq glanced at the bag at his feet, giving it a light kick. "It's like you're effortlessly doing one groundbreaking thing after another, as if to show everyone how easy it is to break rules and boundaries." His ears drooped slightly at the tips, and he gave the bag another petulant nudge.

I'd never considered that others might see me that way, nor had I ever truly reflected on whether these things were simple or not. Maybe I'd just been... going with the flow? Realizing I shouldn't waste time on internal conflicts had, perhaps, left me with more time and energy for myself.

"I think it's inspiring," Piqsirpoq said, lifting his gaze to meet mine. "If you don't know something's possible, you won't have the motivation to strive for it. Seeing that you're also troubled by these situations somehow makes it feel... more real." He chuckled and gave my shoulder a light punch. "What are you afraid of? You've been through worse."

"Oh, thanks..." I felt the heat rush to my ears. "That actually helps."

"Glad to hear it. I have no idea what I was saying. Rationalism knows, maybe this is how things like this actually work," Piqsirpoq scoffed, grabbing his drawstring bag and heading into the locker room.

Watching his tail sway to the right as he disappeared, I felt a small sense of reassurance settle within me.

We live in a society grounded in Rationalism, but I'm starting to see that more and more subtle phenomena undeniably weave their way into our lives. It's not that they're inexplicable--just that we haven't yet found a way to explain them.

I had no idea how things escalated to this point, but the situation seemed to keep intensifying.

"...Or you scared?" Kotetsu unbuttoned his shirt, casually tossing it aside, revealing his broad, muscular physique, barely concealed by his light-colored fur.

"You joined the pre-academy at twelve?" Aether exhaled sharply, his tone almost mocking. "Try being crammed together with a bunch of high-energy teens with no privacy from the age of six, locked up for over a decade, and armed with access to all the information ever known in the world." He hung his shirt on a freshly-formed metal pillar and tilted his head slightly at Kotetsu. "Do you think there's anything I haven't experienced?"

"You talk like that's a bad thing." Kotetsu replied with a flippant tone as he pulled off his belt.

"Only someone like you would probably thrive in that." Aether was now completely bare, his sleek black fur shimmering as if it emitted its own light. The shifting play of light and shadow across his body transformed the black wolf into a living embodiment of flowing darkness.

"I doubt you know the kind of person I am, but I think I have a better understanding of 'your kind.'" Kotetsu stepped closer to Aether, leaning down to look him in the eye. "It's pretty entertaining to confirm the rumors are true."

"I admit, you've got an impressive build, but I don't feel a thing." Aether poked Kotetsu's chest muscle, his tone as disinterested as if he were discussing tax information. "That's not exactly easy--it's probably just you."

"Likewise." Kotetsu lifted Aether's chin, using his thumb to part his lips and run it back and forth over his largest canine. "I usually enjoy the challenging ones. The sight of you kneeling down and begging me to cum in your mouth should give me a sense of accomplishment, but right now, I can't seem to get excited at all."

Aether wrinkled his nose and let out a series of low growls, while Kotetsu, evidently amused, just smirked.

"Good to see we're all on the same page!" I decided things would spiral out of control if I didn't step in, so I moved between them, intending to separate the two. "Now that we've confirmed--"

Kotetsu suddenly hooked his arm around my neck, pulling me into his embrace.

"But the real focus here is still Richter, isn't it?" Kotetsu murmured softly, tapping his finger on the unmistakable bulge in my trousers a few times.

It was so mortifying I just wanted to dig a hole and disappear. The Altai wapiti held me firmly, leaving me to squirm faintly while sneaking a glance at Aether--his yellow eyes had narrowed into slits.

"So, what's your proposal?" After a pause, Aether finally spoke, his body seemingly less tense.

"We're here to figure out a way to solve this problem, aren't we?" Kotetsu said in a tone that bordered on mockery. I felt his hand slide under the hem of my shirt. "So naturally, the next step is to proceed!"

The Altai wapiti lifted my shirt but didn't fully remove it, forcing me to keep my paws raised above my head while my vision was obscured.

I had intended to protest, but as Kotetsu's hands began to roam and lightly touch my upper body, I found myself unable to produce any sound other than a soft whimper.

"Shh, relax," Kotetsu whispered in my ear as he stripped me down. "Just like we practiced before, hmm?"

He started by stroking the fur near the base of my tail, then firmly grasped the tail itself, kneading it in his palm. Soon, I felt Kotetsu's fingers slide further down, the tingling sensation making me shudder violently.

Knowing that Aether was watching from just ahead only made the situation more humiliating, and I instinctively struggled harder to resist. But Kotetsu's grip was unyielding.

"I don't mind if you just stand there watching," Kotetsu said mockingly, "but you're making our little pup uncomfortable."

I felt Aether drawing closer, his scent mingling with the damp warmth of his breath invading my nose. I couldn't tell which was more overwhelming: his approach or the searing heat pressing against me from Kotetsu behind.

Even though I couldn't see what was happening, nor decipher the chaotic, uncontrolled waves swirling in the air, I could still distinguish the contrasting touches of Kotetsu and Aether.

Kotetsu was assertive and demanding, a gesture of claiming. Aether was gentle and cautious, an act of exploration.

Being indulged by both types of caresses at once, I soon forgot how to breathe properly. I could only gasp sharply in the fleeting spaces between the relentless waves of pleasure washing over me.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Just when I was about to be overwhelmed by the strong stimulation, I heard Kotetsu speak up and make a restraining gesture. "Can't you see that pup is already on the edge? You will completely ruin the orgasm. Even I am not that cruel."

My brain had already turned into mush, leaving me only able to listen and feel, incapable of coherent thought.

"Grip a little tighter, yes," Kotetsu instructed. The warmth and pressure enveloping me made me reflexively moan and flinch. "Maintain this rhythm... slow down a bit, and focus on the pup's reactions. Can you feel that pulse?"

I didn't hear Aether's response, but I could sense his movements.

"...You can try here," Kotetsu suggested, accompanying his words with a gentle caress that drew a hiss from me. "The pup likes this--it's less intense but just as effective."

Like yielding to the rise and fall of tides, I was carefully cradled amidst the undulating sensations.

"I never thought you were so... meticulous," Aether murmured softly.

"It's just about paying attention, and I have over a year's advantage, so of course I know the pup better," Kotetsu replied, almost smugly. To emphasize his point, he elicited a sharp cry from me with a wave of pleasure that coursed through me like electricity.

"Sorry... I might have been too aggressive before, not communicating properly," Aether admitted. "But could you, uh, please take your hand off my butt?"

"Ah, just a reflex, no other meaning," Kotetsu replied with an awkward laugh.

"No, I..." Aether's tone hesitated, pausing for a moment before continuing. "I think we should start over."

"Hah, is that so? Are all the wolves from Nyx this interesting?" Kotetsu let out a genuine laugh this time, free of malice. "Alright, so how do you suggest we do that?"

"Well..." I felt Aether move even closer. "I heard you like taking charge?"

The hot, damp sensation on my neck made it clear--Aether was licking me with gentle care.

"Hah, since you're so cooperative, I won't hold back," Kotetsu said with undisguised pride in his tone. I could practically imagine the expression on his face.

I was gripped tightly, and I could feel the almost boiling heat from Aether's member, then he let out a low moan, bit my neck gently, making me cry out.

"Well, it seems there's still an important question we need to discuss," Kotetsu said, feigning seriousness, though his hands showed no sign of stopping.

"What is it?" Aether responded distractedly, though his voice carried a hint of breathlessness.

"Head or tail?" Kotetsu asked before laughing at his own joke, while Aether let out an annoyed click of his tongue.

"You're absolutely incorrigible..." A sudden wave of stimulation made both Aether and me shiver simultaneously, cutting off his words mid-sentence.

"I'm just being practical," Kotetsu said, his grin widening. "If it's hard to decide, we could always flip a coin."

"For Rationalism's sake, stop it!" Aether sighed in exasperation. "Fine, head."

"Oh, how considerate of you." I couldn't tell what Kotetsu had done, but the moment we were released, Aether let out a muffled grunt.

"It's just a logical decision," Aether replied, seemingly retaliating in some way, as I noticed Kotetsu give an exaggerated shudder.

I squirmed, eager to get a clear view of the drama unfolding. But as soon as I managed to get my snout free of the fabric, a familiar warmth enveloped it.

"So the wolf actually enjoys this, huh?" Kotetsu teased, tightening his grip on me, rendering my increased struggles futile.

Given that both Aether and I were otherwise preoccupied, neither of us could respond. However, ever the dominant participant, the Altai wapiti quickly found a way to involve himself further.

By now, my thoroughly overwhelmed brain couldn't piece together how things had escalated to this point. But one thing I was certain of--I would never forget this night. It was the night we explored uncharted territory together and uncovered new truths about each other.