If I could have hugged her, I would have. “ My skill Rune Crafter. I feel like it can do more than what it is saying. Just the name doesn't really fit with the description. “ Wait, did she give me a big grin like I passed some hidden exam.

  “That is good, Sara. The majority of those who get that skill never figure it out, and by the time they do. Well, the path the skill has taken becomes too late to change. Yes, you can create runes. There is a limitation; it has to be within your realm of influence. So your magic affinities. “

  Now for the next question,” I have two skill level ups . How do those work?”

  “So it's a reward from the System, therefore it will give you all the knowledge of the level up, as if you earned it. No bad habits or things like that. Also, you will gain all the knowledge as if you read the required skill book. So you can gain experience on that level. “

  System reward skill levels were no joke. “ So you said there are different paths to the Rune Crafter. How will that work in a Skill reward? I want it to go into that hidden direction. “

  “Just think about the direction when you apply the level up, Sara. “She got a faraway look. “ I have to go, Sara . Do you need anything else?”

  Shaking my head, she poofed out quickly, and I took a breath. It was at rank 1 . I got my ranks since I started filling out my skills and picking a direction. I was going to rely more on my tech. I planned on learning the basics of melee combat, but my main focus was going to be more on ranged combat and using created tech toys. I laughed at the double meaning of that thought. I had wanted to save both of the skill upgrades for the super-rare skills I had gotten. Oh well, a worthy sacrifice, I suppose. Of course even as I felt I was solidifying my path I knew that some things on that plan could change at anytime.

  I applied one of the level-ups, and I moaned, clutching the table like the System just rewarded me as if I was some rat in a maze, and I chose the correct path with the cheese at the end.

  My thighs were soaked. Sweat dripped down parts of my body, and of course, I had not bothered changing at all today. Now feeling icky with ruined clothes with a complete wet spot between my legs. This had been on a heck of a level up, and I am going to assume some stupid hidden quest.

  Hidden Quest complete.

  There is more than what meets the eye. In this case, you figured out that a skill had more to it than the description. That alone should be reward enough. But of course not. I am the System. I sense your inner greed goblin.

  Gain one new, unique rune.

  Gain one Affinity

  Lust Affinity gained.

  Lust Rune gained.

  Rune Crafter Rank 2

  You have chosen a creator's path. The System gives you a pat on the head for going off the beaten path. So you got it. You can make your own runes. Limitations. You can only create runes within your own spheres of magic. Your runes are unique.

  Breathing heavily as my mind was filled with a lot of information. Perhaps I should take a break. Give my mind time to accept the upgraded skill and knowledge. Perhaps I should hold off on learning more skills tonight. Probably a good idea. Heading into the main room, I saw Marie in the kitchen. “Marie, I am going to go clean up. I'll be back. Dinner smells good.” and not waiting for her response, I head into the bedroom and right into the bathroom to shower.

  Finding a pair of jeans and a simple white shirt waiting for me when I got out, I grinned. Drying off and getting dressed, I was suddenly assaulted by an upset Katie as she crashed into me, and I pulled her into a tight hug as she cried it out. I didn't say anything, just held her, having figured her call went as we both thought it would.

  She finally pulled away, wiping her eyes . “ Do you want to talk about it?” I saw her shake her head . Giving her one last hug,” OK, well, why don't you clean up. I think Marie is almost done making dinner. And we can just move forward. If you change your mind, I am here to listen.” I gave her a kiss as she gave me a half smile, and I headed out, letting her get herself together.

  Back in the main room, I watched Marie for a moment. “How did it go?” I was curious and knew Marie would have handled it with grace.

  “Oh, it went well, Mistress. He wasn't out nearly as long as Miss Katie or I had been. Still, he listened to everything I had to say. To say the least, it all came as a big shock to him. He said he needed time to absorb the change in reality, but would come by tomorrow. “

  With a smile and nod to everyone, I sat at the island. “ To be expected, I suppose.”

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Marie set the plate before me. I started eating, moaning with pleasure at the taste, realising I really hadn't had much to eat today.

  “How did you progress today? “ Looking up at her as she sighed a little while I continued to eat.

  “Honestly, it was a bit of a challenge, though my background helps, yet everything felt foreign at the same time. Still, after a few minor mishaps, I did make two small weak acid potions. I figured tomorrow I would see if I could refine them. I am enjoying the challenge, though.” I saw her smile as if she was showing me she did miss doing more than just being a maid.

  “Hey, that isn't bad. I feel you on the foreign piece. I feel like I haven't really progressed much, but I think I am getting there. When you get a chance, bring the two potions to my tech room. I'll need them to test things out. Will probably need more, but I still have to design and build you a good delivery system.”

  Seeing an excitement in her eyes, Marie gave me a big smile, “ I am looking forward to it, Mistress. “ She took my plate as I finished off my water.

  “I am heading over to Namon's for a bit to see what materials I can get. Then I will be in the forge if anyone needs me.” The trip to Perrell's Emporium was quick. Namon wasn't there, but the cute Elf at the counter was able to help me. I got five bars of each of the metals I was looking for and a bottle of ink for the runes.

  Heading back into my tech room, I first started working on my first [Dilstol]. Chuckling at my own silliness. I had the blueprint for a pistol up and then the base blueprint of a six-inch dildo. I needed some kind of handle to go with the design. After thinking about it for a while, I went with the shape of a clit stimulator. Watching the curved attachment form, I made a mark on the diagram for the first rune to go on the handle that would trigger the gun to fire.

  The Trigger rune would be [Extract SE], using the target's latent sexual energy to set the other runes into motion. That first channel ended at the main crystal shard that would hold an [Amplify] rune. On the frame of the Dilstol would be a switch with three settings. Single shot, three-shot, and power shot. With the command for the firing type set, the channel would continue to the power crystal. This would be imbued with sexual energy.

  I set up pins and levers around the crystal so that when it depleted, it would pull the crystal out of its slot. The top back end of the Dilstol would pop open for safe extraction of the crystal and insertion of a new one. Then, from where the crystal would be seated inside the weapon, I ran the first channel down where the barrel of the gun would be. Mana channels went down and circled the barrel. Stops are set in for the different settings. Deciding on a more cosmetic feature, the shaft would light up based on the setting. The single shot would have a single line down each side of the barrel. A three-shot would hold two lines on each side of the barrel. The power shot would light up with three lines on each side and a line over the top. Aside from a cosmetic feature, the channels would help keep the energy from overloading the gun, spreading the power of each shot through several different exit points as the charge built before being fired out.

  The weapon was simple, but for a first attempt to utilize the skills and abilities I had, I felt it was a good start. It was the better path than trying to modify something . I saved the blueprint as I gave out a large yawn. Tomorrow I will start the construction. Who knows, perhaps by the end of the day, I could have a working prototype. I headed to bed both girls were already asleep. I think I was asleep before my head even hit the pillow.

  Sighing as I woke up super early again. What was with that? I had figured out how to display the time and date just off to the side out of my main view, but it was there as soon as I thought about it. Five AM, what a horrid time. I tried to go back to sleep, but my brain was already starting to function. As soon as I stirred, Marie was up with a soft kiss to my lips, “ Morning, Mistress. Another long day, I take it.” Was she turning into a mind reader?

  Giving a nod, she slipped out of bed, giving me a moment to admire her form as she got dressed. “ I'll get breakfast going.” And off she went. I hung out in bed for a few more minutes, snuggling the sleeping Katie, before the scent of bacon touched the air. I headed off for a shower and the usual morning routine. As I got out, I noticed a pair of jeans, underwear, and a dark shirt laid out for me. Shaking my head, I could feel the happiness emanating from my bond with Marie. 'That is new.'

  By the time I got into the main living area, Marie had my plate ready with a large cup of coffee. “ Seriously, Marie, I am feeling seriously spoiled. “ A huge grin on her face like I just told her she won the lottery .

  “Thank you, Mistress. Then it means I am doing my job well. If it is OK, I am going to go shopping today. It seems that when Miss Katie worked on the shelter, she added a feature for the storage. First, she increased the food storage by seven hundred slots so it can hold up to a thousand items. Also, it can replicate the food stored in each slot up to ten times.” She seemed excited, and I couldn't blame her. We would never be without our favourite foods.

  For a moment, my smile faltered. “Can you pick up a case of Heineken. It was Grandpa's favourite, and I guess I want to bring that with me into the new world. “ She came around and wrapped her arms around me, giving me a hug,

  “Mistress, you really need to go through that room. It might help.” Her voice was soft, but I sensed a concern in her tone. I merely nodded.

  “Go on, do what you have to do. I am going to enjoy this breakfast. I have a pew pew to make.” We both gave a light giggle, and she set off as I finished my eggs, bacon, and toast. As I finished the meal and sipped the coffee, I had to wonder if perhaps I was too focused on this whole shotgun idea. There were other delivery methods. I had a few other ideas that would make more sense, taking my experience and skill levels into consideration.

  Standing up, I refilled my cup and headed into the forge to start working on the frame and the main parts of the Dilstol. The smaller pieces, I could just use the transmuter. I would have to pick up some higher-grade crystals for this to work. I would also need to work out how to recharge them once spent.

  The first thing would be working out the metal for the frame. One, I could form out the metal and then machine the frame, or using the finer blacksmith tools, I could do it all by hand. The first would be easier and would allow me to pump out more of the same type faster. The other would be slower, and each one would be unique in some way. At that moment, the System hit like it was waiting for this moment.

  Professions.

  Professions offer a chance to follow hobbies or can work in tandem with skills and classes. They offer small bonuses as you level, as well as faster skill progression towards profession skills. Professions have their own level progression.

  Manufacturer

  You have a product that works well and can serve the masses. It is Quantity over quality. Profit margins are what you keep an eye on. Always on the lookout for better production methods. The question remains, do you use the good material for a better product for less profit, or do you go cheap?

  Gain a ten percent increase in production / level.

  Decrease Material usage 2% / LV

  Gain +1 to Cha and Wis / 5 LV

  Craftsman

  You believe the best items are those made by your own two hands. Someday that might actually be true, but hey, we all start somewhere. You would have a hand in every step of what you make. Each item you craft, even if it is of the same blueprint, is unique in the end. You focus more on custom work than mass production. You want that object to be perfect for that one person instead of barely OK for the masses.

  An increased Chance of a higher quality of item when finished. 3% / 2 levels Max of 50%

  +1 Int and Per / 5 lv

  Well, definitely taking Craftsman. It felt like it suited me better. As it took effect, I smirked. I might have to talk to Namon about the agreement. Whatever, deal with it later.