Refusing My God’s Advances

The journey to Crystal Cavern was filled with anticipation. The wind whistled past us as we flew, the clouds below a blur of whites and grays. I could feel Scarlet's excitement, her grip tightening slightly whenever we swooped down closer to the clouds to skim across the tops of them. The freedom of flight was exhilarating, a feeling that I didn't think I would ever get tired of. It was also a reminder of the vast world that lay open before us, ripe for exploration.

I wondered if I would ever get a chance to really fully explore this world, or if Garland was going to keep trying to pull me into conflicts? I really needed to start thinking of ways that I could prevent this in the future. I would far sooner spend my time using Emberfall to travel the world and explore, rather than deal with other people's problems.

As we came up to the island, I sped up and we streaked down to the entrance of the Crystal Cavern. Once I reached the ground I slowed and then set Scarlet down after landing. This was my fifth kick at the cat, so to speak, but I planned on making today my last one. I was level 107 now, so I pulled up my stats.

Level: 107
Physical Power: 4340
Magical Power: 6670 (+30 from Cursed Grimoire)
Agility: 4120
Technical Knowledge: 4880
Arcane Insight: 4560 (+30 from Cursed Grimoire)
Resilience: 5230

[STAT POINTS: 2200]

I took my points and dumped half into strength and the other half into agility. That made everything around even, and I even noticed the change.

"You can make yourself stronger without even doing anything? That is amazing!" Scarlet said from beside me, and I nodded with a grin.

"Yeah, just my way of cheating, but not like it matters. I don't really plan on doing much fighting today. I mean, I will be in there, but I will be just cheering you all on," I laughed, but I was crying inside as I opened my inventory, and changed my outfit.

The shirt and shorts were both the whitest things that I had ever seen in my entire life, or they were for a moment. Suddenly, Scarlet's face appeared all over them, and I felt her strength more than double.

"Wow! Just by putting on those clothes, I feel like I've more than doubled my power!" Scarlet explained, and I nodded.

"Yeah, but when I bring the other three golems out, each of you will get 1/4 of my total power, but I don't seem to have lost any of my stats. That must be why there is a restriction for me doing damage. Still, even in the open world, just switching to this for a moment could make a huge difference," I explained, pleasantly surprised by the equipment.

"I have yet to meet your other golems," Scarlet said, but I scooped her up and walked into the cave.

"Don't worry. We will spend lots of time with them, but they are not like you. They all have the souls of monsters and treat me as their master. They also can't stay out of my inventory for long periods," I explained as I walked, Scarlet resting her head on me.

It wasn't a long trip to the first cave with the rabbits, but I really hadn't had much time with Scarlet. So I wanted to take this chance to talk to her a bit before we got started fighting with the others. I would have liked to talk on the way, but I hadn't learned how to make an air shield like Aria had when I carried her.

"So, how have the last few days been for you? You kind of showed up at a chaotic time, so I am sorry for not being able to spend more time with you," I said as I casually walked along the green glow of the crystal-lit tunnel.

Scarlet looked up at me with a frown. "What have you to be sorry about? You have taken the time to show me things, and you have even fed me souls and given me abilities so I could help out more. While you say I am different from your other golems, that makes me happy. Yet, the truth is that I exist to help you and make you happy."

I stopped and looked down at Scarlet. "You exist because of a connection that we shared. I also want to help you and make you happy, just like the other girls. You are not just some golem to me."

There was a pause between us, the Scarlet softly spoke up. "I know. I can feel that. The way you treat me, the concern in your eyes... it's different. I might not fully understand all human emotions yet, but I know that what I feel around you is special."

I smiled at her, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "I'm glad. Remember, you're part of this family now. You have your own will, desires, and dreams. Don't ever think you're just a tool or a means to an end. You're much more than that."

Scarlet nodded, her eyes shining in the dim light of the cave. "Thank you, Leon. That means a lot to me. I want to learn, grow, and be there for you and the others. And... I want to see the world with you."

"And you will," I assured her, setting her down gently. "We'll explore together, face challenges, and enjoy the victories. But for now, let's focus on conquering this cavern. Ready to meet the rest of the team?"

Scarlet's face lit up with excitement. "Absolutely!"

With that, I called forth the other golems from my inventory. The air shimmered, and three figures materialized next to us: Lila, Cynthia, and Isilda. Each one exuded a distinct aura, reflecting their unique abilities and origins. Lila, with her radiant green aura, bodysuit, rabbit ears, and agile stance, is ready to strike with precision. Cynthia was surrounded by a blend of icy and fiery energy, her eyes glowing with the power of the dragon soul within her. And Isilda, her presence chilling, an air of mystery and power swirling around her as she controlled the elements of ice and time.

As they appeared, images of each girl appeared on my clothing. I also felt Scarlet's power decrease as each of the girls came out of my inventory. While it would be curious to see just how strong Scarlet was, I needed everyone to work as a team today. I needed to grind up my level so I could make it to the final room this time, and finish my first dungeon.

"Everyone, this is Scarlet, our newest member," I introduced. "She's a Pirate Captain with a knack for blending magic and technology. Scarlet, these are your sisters-in-arms: Lila, the Emerald Sun-Blessed Monk; Cynthia, the Frostfire Beastmaster; and Isilda, the Frozen Time Witch."

The golems exchanged greetings, their energies mingling and complementing each other. It was a sight to behold, the culmination of many battles, victories, and the shared goal of exploring this vast world together.

"Alright, Today we are focusing on getting more experience so in every fight, we all have to get our hands on each monster, even if we have to play catch with them. Even these first three rabbits could earn me a level with a 500% experience boost," I explained to the girls, and they all nodded. "Good, now let's get this show on the road!"