The setting sun dyed the streets of Axel a hazy orange-red.
Kōichi led Kazuma Satou through several quiet back alleys as if he knew them by heart, then stopped in front of a small wooden door with a discreet pink sign hanging above it.
"Bro, I know we're here on serious business, but why is my heart beating faster than when we faced the Destroyer?"
Kazuma wiped the sweat from the tip of his nose while sneaking glances all around him, terrified that Aqua or that stalker-like Megumin might spot them.
"Calm down, Kazuma. This is pre-battle psychological intervention, a top-level military operation."
Kōichi straightened his collar with a perfectly serious expression and pushed open the door to paradise.
The shop was filled with a sweet, soothing fragrance.
Several lightly dressed Succubus ladies with heart-shaped tails were gathered together, gloomily discussing plans to relocate.
When they saw someone enter, the leading Succubus manager, a mature woman with long purple hair, paused for a moment before giving them a gentle, practiced smile.
"Welcome... Ah, Kōichi-san and Kazuma-san. I'd love to look after you both, but I heard that terrifying Destroyer is on its way, so we're preparing to evacuate."
"Evacuate? No, Manager-san, you don't need to go anywhere." Kōichi strode up to the counter, planted both hands on it, and looked at her with eyes full of righteousness, along with a certain unspeakable fervor. "Every adventurer in Axel has sworn to protect this shop, even if they're crushed to dust. But right now, they need a little... tangible psychological comfort to keep that desperate fighting spirit going."
Kazuma nodded furiously beside him, his voice so earnest it was almost dripping. "Exactly! Manager-san, think about it. If those hot-blooded men go onto the battlefield knowing that, as long as they survive, they'll receive a Hero's Dream Voucher personally filled out by you, the fighting power they unleash could tear the Destroyer into scrap!"
The manager and the other Succubus ladies exchanged looks, then could not help covering their mouths and giggling.
"Hehe, you two really are amusing. Still, if the town can truly be saved, we'd be happy to do our part. After all, we don't want to leave a place that's been so kind to us."
She took a stack of faintly scented pink cards from beneath the counter and stamped them with the Succubus Shop's distinctive red-lip seal.
"These are Battlefield Hero Comfort Vouchers. Any adventurer holding one after the battle can not only enjoy a dream for twice the usual duration, but also choose a Succubus lady for special guidance in that dream. Kōichi, I'll leave these brave boys to you."
Kōichi accepted the heavy stack of cards. It felt as if he was not holding paper, but the very fighting spirit of Axel itself.
"No problem. Leave it to me. Also..." Kōichi lowered his voice and flashed a wicked grin. "As a reward for commanders like Kazuma and me, who went deep behind enemy lines, shouldn't there be two special black cards? After all, we're under the most pressure."
"Oh my, Kōichi, you really are naughty."
The manager blinked, then deftly slipped two cards shimmering with a dark golden gleam into his hand.
"These are the highest-grade Full-Service Dreams. May fortune favor you both in battle."
When they left the Succubus Shop, Kazuma stared at the black card in his hand, his entire being sinking into a saint-like state of ecstasy.
"Bro! I'm following you for the rest of my life! As for the Destroyer, just watch me use Steal to swipe every last screw from it!!"
Kōichi calmly tucked away his black card and looked toward the last trace of sunset on the horizon.
"Good. We've secured the mental atomic bomb. Let's go to the Adventurers Guild and show off these comfort vouchers. After that... it's time to visit that young lady's house and make the final push."
...
When Kōichi and Kazuma Satou pushed open the Adventurers Guild doors again, the hall, which had been restless and tense, instantly fell dead silent.
Every gaze locked onto the stack of faintly pink-scented cards in Kōichi's hand like radar.
Kōichi walked unhurriedly to the central round table, then deliberately stepped up onto that symbol of authority.
He slowly drew one card from the stack, pinched it between two fingers, and lightly waved it beneath the lamps.
The red-lip stamp on it looked especially tempting under the dim yellow light.
"Everyone, quiet."
Kōichi's voice was not loud, but at that moment, even the drop of a needle would have been heard clearly.
"Kazuma and I just visited the Succubus Shop. When the manager heard that everyone was going to fight to protect the town and their paradise, she was deeply moved. She specifically entrusted me with these Battlefield Hero Comfort Vouchers, to be handed to every warrior registered for the defense battle."
Kōichi deliberately paused, looking down at the pairs of eyes glowing green with desire. His tone became dangerously enticing.
"This is not merely a dream with double the duration. The manager personally promised that, as long as we defend the town, anyone holding one of these vouchers can enjoy special service from a Succubus lady of their choice that very night. There may even be... the legendary Full-Service surprise."
"OOOOOOOOOOHHHH!!"
The entire Adventurers Guild hall erupted as if a heavy bomb had been dropped inside it, unleashing a roar powerful enough to tear off the roof.
"Kōichi! You're my real dad! Give me one! No, give me two! I'll take the Destroyer down with me!!"
"The Full-Service Dream Package! Is that the forbidden realm said to be enjoyed only by nobles in the Royal Capital?! I'm in! I don't need my life anymore!!"
In the middle of that frenzy, Dust's reaction was the most exaggerated of all.
Somehow, he had gotten his hands on a quill and a ragged piece of parchment. He was sprawled over a nearby drinking table, writing furiously, with tears of excitement even clinging to the corners of his eyes.
"Dust, what are you doing?"
Kazuma curiously leaned over to take a look.
"Don't bother me! I'm writing my will!" Dust did not even look back, the tip of his pen flying across the page. "I'm leaving all my assets to the Succubus Shop as a construction fund! If I die, please scatter my ashes in the flower bed by the shop entrance so I can forever protect those gentle older sisters! Kōichi, the voucher! Hurry up and give me the voucher! I'm going to sew it to my chest. It'll be my lucky charm!!"
Kōichi watched the adventurers, who had already entered a completely berserk state, and sighed inwardly. As expected, in Axel, desire was the number one productive force.
"Don't fight over them! There's one for everyone! As long as Luna-san confirms your registration, and as long as you follow my orders for the next three days, these vouchers are yours!"
Kōichi handed the stack of cards to Luna, who was already staring blankly, her cheeks faintly flushed.
"Alright, Kazuma."
Kōichi jumped down from the round table and patted his best friend, who was still grinning stupidly at his black card.
"Morale has overflowed. Next, we deal with our most troublesome fighting force. If Darkness finds out we're going up against a monster that can tear all her clothes to shreds and trample her over and over with giant iron feet, I'm afraid she'll faint from excitement on the spot."
Kazuma wiped the drool from his mouth, his gaze turning incredibly resolute.
"Let's go, big bro! For the Full-Service Dream Package... no, for the peace of Axel! Move out!"
...
If you'd like to support my work and unlock advanced chapters, you can follow me on p-@-treon.
[email protected]/PinkSnake (50 Chapters Ahead for now).
You can also follow as a free member to read a few advanced chapters.