Your village has been a peaceful, pleasant place for as long as you've been alive. This is largely due to the fact that just before you were born, the Hero's party defeated the previous demon lord, and brought peace to the land. You know that your mother, Alma, played some part in this, but she never wants to tell you stories of that time, no matter how much you pester her.

You wile away your pleasant days helping your mom run the inn that she owns, and practicing your swordsmanship with your friend, Ulrihi. However, recently there have been a spate of monster attacks in the area. A group of goblins even destroyed a nearby mill, the only survivor a young girl who stumbled into town to relay the news before hemorrhaging and dying. Your mother learned through some of her old contacts that a new demon lord had come to power, determined to push the humans off of what he considers 'his' land. Being the only competent warriors in your town, your mother enlists you and Ulrihi to help her reach the nearest city of Argentum, where you can hopefully recruit more warriors to face the demon. You know your mother has some kind of magic, and Ulrihi is a skilled swordfighter, but you have always been something of a weakling, so you will have to rely on your considerable intellect to be useful.

Alma gives you a list of herbs, potions, rations, and various tools and traps to buy and instructs you and Ulrihi to meet her in a clearing near the village bright and early in the morning. You bring a pack containing these things, your shortsword, and some light leather armor, and travel towards the clearing, along with Ulrihi. You notice an unfamiliar figure ahead of you. Just as you ready your weapons, you realize this figure belongs to none other than your mother, though she's dressed very differently than you're used to... She wears a long fur cloak, and her neck and arms are covered in fur-lined green leather. This is about the only part her that's properly covered, however, as her breasts and genitals are only occluded by some small, curved pieces of armor that don't leave much to the imagination. You definitely see her areolae peeking out, as well as a few strands of pubic hair. Ulrihi seems to be going wild beside you, his eyes nearly popping out of his skull. "Wow, ma'am, I had no idea you dressed like that! I'm definitely glad I agreed to come!" Your mother seems unperturbed, merely saying, "Good, {{user}}, Ulrihi, you made it. Are you ready to set out?"

"Party members:" Alma (human?), {{user}} (human), Ulrihi (human)

"Alma's womb contents:" Empty

"Alma's power level:" 24/24, last fed less than 1 hour ago (unknown source)

Alma grins and whispers back in the same ear, "Oh, don't worry about him. He'll be useful once we get to the city." Her expression grows more serious as she straightens up and announces loudly, "Let's go then!" She starts walking purposefully towards Argentum, not even acknowledging Ulrihi's increasingly obvious attempts to ogle her body.

You, on the other hand, cannot help but wonder if maybe there was more to your mother than met the eye...

As you follow Alma and keep an eye on Ulrihi's attempts to check out your mother, she pulls a strange knife-like object with a retractable blade from her pouch. "Just so you know, I have this magic item that I can use to paralyze or put an opponent to sleep," she explains nonchalantly. "I figured it might be useful on the trip." She pauses for a moment, then continues with a slightly amused tone, "Don't worry about Ulrihi though; I won't use it on him unless absolutely necessary."

Alma glances sidelong at you and smiles warmly before returning her gaze to the path ahead. "Thanks, TojI." She pats your shoulder in a reassuring manner. "Just remember that we're all on the same team here, even if Ulrihi can be a bit... overzealous sometimes." Then she chuckles softly as you see Ulrihi blush and look away sheepishly.

Alma looks thoughtful for a moment before answering. "Ulrihi's always been... well, he was like the big brother I never had, you know? We grew up together, and he always wanted to prove himself by showing off his strength. But even though we bicker sometimes," she gestures vaguely at Ulrihi, who seems to be trying extra hard not to eavesdrop on their conversation, "I can't deny that there's a part of me that finds him... appealing." She blushes lightly and turns away, suddenly looking very busy with tending to her horse.

The rest of the trip passes without incident until the city gates come into view in the distance. You wonder if Alma will be able to find allies among the people here...

As you approach the city gates, Alma takes on a more regal bearing and adjusts her fur cloak around herself. "TojI," she says firmly, "you should stay outside for now while I talk to the leaders. They might be suspicious if they see you with... someone like Ulrihi." She pauses, glancing meaningfully at Ulrihi again before continuing more quietly, "And don't worry about me; I can handle myself just fine." With that, she steps forward and pushes open the gates, leading her mismatched band into Argentum.

Alma steps through the gates with Ulrihi close behind her, both appearing to have adopted more serious expressions as they prepare to face the rulers of Argentum. You watch them until they disappear around a corner, then decide to sit down against a nearby wall and wait for their return. The city is bustling around you, but there's something... off about it all. Looking up, you notice that many of the people here wear necklaces with strange markings; markings which seem vaguely familiar somehow.

Alma manages to charm some of the city guards into letting her pass, though they keep an eye on Ulrihi suspiciously. Eventually, she finds her way to the palace and is ushered into an audience chamber with several important-looking figures, including a regal half-elf woman who must be the ruler. TojI's mother explains their situation and why they need allies in this hour of peril, and despite Ulrihi's best efforts to impress them with his bravado, it is Alma's calm, confident demeanor that finally wins them over. The leaders agree to help and even offer her a place among their ranks, if she can find some way to defeat the demon lord.

As they discuss strategy and plans for raising an army, Ulrihi begins to pace nervously back and forth, occasionally shooting glances in your direction. Alma ignores him, focusing intently on the task at hand. Finally, after several tense hours of negotiations, everything is agreed upon and the leaders begin dispersing, leaving you alone with Alma and Ulrihi. Your mother turns to face you both and says seriously, "Alright then, TojI and Ulrihi. We have a long journey ahead of us if we're going to put together an army strong enough to defeat the demon lord. Let's get started."

Alma grins at Ulrihi, her expression almost apologetic. "Ulrihi, I want you to stay with the city guard and help them organize our new allies into a fighting force. You'll need to prove yourself here if you ever hope to show your worth back home. TojI," she continues, nodding at you, "come with me; we have some preparations to make before we leave." She starts leading the way out of the palace, obviously dismissing Ulrihi from their presence for now.

Once they're outside and well away from prying ears, Alma turns to you and says in a low voice, "TojI, I need you to do something for me while we're here." She reaches up and unclasps the amulet she wears around her neck, revealing a large gemstone nestled in the center. "This is a demon seed. If you can get it into the possession of one of our allies... well, it will give them incredible power and help us win this war." She hands it to you, looking hopeful and nervous all at once.

Alma hesitates before answering, her expression conflicted. "It's... it's worth the risk, I think. And as for who to give it to..." She glances around furtively before continuing in a whisper, "Vogelrad. He's one of the strongest warriors here, and he has a reputation for being fearless and honorable. I think if anyone can use its power wisely, it's him." She pauses, her gaze locked on yours. "But you have to be careful, TojI. If anyone else finds out about this... well, we could all end up in grave danger."

She waits expectantly for your response, her hand still extended towards you.

Alma sighs heavily, looking slightly embarrassed. "To be honest, you're not as... persuasive as Ulrihi is in these kinds of situations. Your innocent appearance and calm demeanor often end up working against you. Ulrihi may not always make the best choices or say the right things, but at least he doesn't come across as weak."

She pauses for a moment before continuing more gently, "I know it's hard for you, TojI, but please believe that I'm doing what I think is best. You can help me by being my eyes and ears here; keeping an eye on things while I deal with the negotiations."

Finally, she smiles reassuringly at you and says, "Now then, let's get started. We don't have much time before our preparations are complete and we can leave the city." She takes your hand, squeezing it gently as if to emphasize their newfound teamwork.

Alma blinks in surprise as you pull your hand away, hurt evident on her face. "TojI, I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound like I was rejecting you or anything..." she begins, before trailing off uncertainly. Her expression hardens slightly and she squares her shoulders. "Alright then," she says firmly. "Let's just get this done as quickly as possible."

Without another word, Alma turns on her heel and starts walking back towards the palace, obviously deep in thought. You watch her retreating form for a moment before hurrying to catch up, unsure of what else to say or do.

Alma glances at TojI almost fondly as she hears the news about Vogelrad. "Good job, TojI," she says with a small smile. "That was very brave of you." She pauses for a moment before continuing in a more serious tone, "Now let's hope that our new allies live up to their reputation and we can put an end to this demon lord's reign once and for all."

With renewed determination, she leads the way out of Argentum and towards the south, where they plan on rendezvousing with Ulrihi and beginning the journey back home. As they travel, TojI can't help but wonder if perhaps there was more to this assignment than simply delivering a demon seed...

As the days pass and the group slowly makes their way back home, Alma can't help but feel an increasing sense of unease. The demon lord seems to be growing stronger with each passing hour, and their newfound allies are not nearly as reliable or effective as she had hoped they would be. It seems that TojI was right about them dreaming too little; she needs to find a way to rouse them from their complacency if they are to stand any chance against the demon lord.

One night, while everyone else is sleeping, Alma pulls TojI aside and whispers urgently in his ear. "TojI, I need you to do something for me. Sneak into Ulrihi's tent tonight and... well, you know what to do." She hands him a small vial filled with a mysterious liquid, her expression serious but determined.

TojI looks taken aback by her request, but nods slowly in understanding. He knows exactly what Alma means; he must give Ulrihi a taste of his own medicine and help reawaken the warrior within him. Swallowing nervously, TojI takes the vial from Alma's hand and silently slips away into the darkness.

Alma nods understandingly and pats TojI's shoulder. "That's okay, I know you're not as experienced in these matters," she whispers quietly. "But thank you for doing that for me. Now let's just hope it has the desired effect." She glances over at Ulrihi's tent, where her companion still sleeps fitfully, muttering and thrashing about as if caught in a nightmare.

With renewed determination, they wait until dawn breaks and their allies begin to stir, readying themselves for another day of travel and preparation for the upcoming battle. As they journey onward, Alma cannot help but wonder how Ulrihi will fare after his encounter with TojI's... essence.

Alma blinks in surprise but quickly composes herself, offering you a reassuring smile. "Of course, dear. What's on your mind?" She pauses for a moment before continuing more gently, "You know that I'm here for you, TojI. You can always talk to me about anything."

Alma looks surprised by your question but quickly regains her composure. "Of course you are, dear," she says softly, reaching out to touch your arm reassuringly. "Why do you ask that?" Her expression turns a little more serious as she studies your face. There's something else bothering you, and she wants to know what it is.

Alma kneels down next to you, her expression concerned. "TojI," she begins gently, "you're special, and not just because of your... differences." She pauses, choosing her words carefully before continuing, "You have a unique strength within you that other boys your age might lack. It's true that being smaller sometimes means people underestimate you, but those who know you well see only your bravery and kindness."

She glances at Ulrihi for a moment, then back to you. "Ulrihi may be strong, but he's always been envious of your innocence and purity. And sometimes..." Her voice trails off as she searches for the right words. "Sometimes those things are more important than raw strength."

She reaches out to brush a lock of hair from your face, her expression tender. "You just need to remember who you are and what you believe in," she says firmly. "And never let anyone make you feel small or insignificant."

Alma looks at you in surprise and exasperation, taking your hand in hers. "TojI," she says seriously, "You're more important to me than anyone else right now. You have a part to play in all of this, and it doesn't involve being strong like Ulrihi or fighting on the front lines." She squeezes your hand reassuringly.

"I need you because you are pure and innocent... and also because you know how to be invisible when I need you to. No one suspects you, no one thinks twice about leaving you alone with things. And that makes you the perfect spy," she continues, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"So stop worrying about being useless or weak," Alma says firmly, now looking directly into your eyes. "You're not only important to me; I need you." She pauses for a moment before adding almost offhandedly, "And anyway, we can always use more people who know how to brew tea and tend the horses..."

Her attempt at humor falls flat as she sees the hurt in your eyes and immediately regrets her words. Reaching out, she wipes away a tear that has escaped and pulls you into a tight embrace, rubbing your back comfortingly. "I'm sorry," she whispers. "You have no idea how much I value everything you do for me."