Catgirls And Dungeons (Yuri)-Chapter 166: Eye of the storm

"It's like we're in the eye of a storm, isn't it?"

Eris's metaphor nails it.

The eye of a storm—it's that strange, haunting calm smack in the middle of chaos. The winds go quiet, the sky clears, and for a moment, you think the worst is over. But it's a trick. Out there, beyond the calm, the storm's still churning, its fury circling, ready to crash back twice as hard. This moment—me and Eris, snuggled under the stars, the world holding its breath—it's our eye. A fragile pause before the madness of dungeons, demons, and soul-crushing battles comes roaring back.

Yeah, once this quiet fades, another wave of crazy is coming. I can feel it, like a shadow lurking just out of sight.

Honestly, I don't know if I'm ready…

My ears droop slightly, and I bite my lip, the weight of it all pressing down on me. All I can do is try to get stronger, so when the storm hits, I'm not just some useless catgirl clinging to Eris's coattails. I want to do something, to stand tall, to protect the people I love.

"Eris, I wanna be stronger!" I blurt, the words bursting out before I can stop them. My hand finds hers, squeezing tight, my voice trembling with a resolve.

"Felicia…" Eris breathes, her eyes softening under the starlight.

"You know what?" I say, my heart pounding so loud I'm sure she can hear it. I look up at the sky, sucking in a deep breath, the chilly air stinging my lungs. And then, I steel myself, ready to spill every messy thought swirling in my head.

"After everything that happened… I realized how useless I was. How insignificant. I was just holding you back, dragging Alter down. If I'd been even a little stronger, you wouldn't have to keep shielding me. Alter could've reached Morvena easier—she wouldn't have had to burn her soul energy for Sheol…" My voice cracks, and I blink fast, trying to keep the tears at bay.

"Hey, don't think that…" Eris whispers, her hand sliding up to caress my hair, her fingers gentle as they thread through. "I don't mind protecting you for the rest of my life. You're my girl, Felicia, and I'll always take care of you." Her voice is firm but soft, like a promise carved in stone. "And about Alter… you did your best, didn't you? You might not have been swinging swords, but you shone when it counted. You stopped her from killing Morvena. You made it back to me on your own. Without you, we'd all be screwed—Alter, Morvena, and me…"

"Hic…" I sniffle, my eyes stinging as her words sink in. A tear slips down my cheek, and I swipe at it, embarrassed. "Eris…" My voice is barely a squeak, my throat tight with too many feelings.

"So, give yourself some credit, will ya?" Eris says, her grin breaking through like a ray of sunshine. She pats my head, her fingers ruffling my hair, and I can't help but lean into her touch, my tail flicking happily despite the tears. "Felicia, you did great."

"Nn!" I nod, a tiny spark of pride warming my chest. My ears perk up, and I manage a shaky smile

For a second, I let myself believe it, let that warmth spread through me like a sip of hot chocolate.

But… it fades fast.

My smile wavers, and I bite my lip, my fingers tightening around the mug. "That's not enough," I say, then I shift, turning to face Eris, my eyes locking onto hers. "Eris, next time everyone needs me, I wanna do better! I wanna stand beside you, fight beside you! I wanna help Alter without holding her back! I wanna be strong!"

Eris's eyes widen for a split second, then soften, a playful twinkle dancing in them. "Hehe, figured you'd say that," she chuckles, her voice warm and teasing, like she's known this was coming all along. She leans closer. "You don't need to say more—I get how you feel."

"Right!" I huff, clenching my fists so tight my nails dig into my palms. "It's so frustrating being the weak one, not able to do anything!"

Eris's smile softens, and her hand drifts up, tenderly ruffling my hair. "Alright, if that's what you want, how about I train you to become a true adventurer until Alter comes back?"

"Oooooh! You can?!" I gasp, my eyes wide, practically sparkling.

"Absolutely!" Eris says, grinning. "Though, fair warning—training's gonna be harsh. Think you can keep up?"

"No problem, I can handle it!" I declare, puffing out my chest.

"That's my Felicia!" Eris beams.

She gives my hair another playful ruffle, and I giggle, swatting at her hand.

"But Eris…" I say, my voice softer, hesitant.

"Huh? What's up?" Eris tilts her head.

"I mean… I thought you'd say no…" I fidget, scratching my cheek, my ears drooping slightly.

Yeah, honestly, I'm kinda shocked Eris is so supportive. I figured she'd be like before, dead-set against me risking my life in dungeons. She's always been super overprotective, after all.

Eris's smile fades just a touch, her eyes softening with something deeper, something serious. "Well, I still don't love the idea," she admits. "But we don't have much choice, do we?" She reaches out, her hand resting over mine, her fingers warm against my skin.

"Right…" I nod, my stomach twisting like it's tying itself in knots. My tail droops, and I lean into her, my head resting against her shoulder again.

As long as Alter's soul is inside me, a normal life's off the table, no matter how much I might want it. And now that I know a bit of Alter's story… I get it.

There are dangers out there—dark, terrifying things that haven't reached our world yet.

Demons — The ones who tore Alter's world apart.

They could come for us any moment, their shadows creeping closer with every breath we take. The only way I can protect Eris, Alter, and everyone I love—the only way I can claw control of my fate—is by getting stronger.

"Erm… there's a small problem, though…" Eris says, scratching the back of her neck.

"Huh? What problem?" I ask, tilting my head.

She smirks, a playful glint returning to her eyes. "Didn't you just land a job, Ms. Felicia the Vegetable Chopper?"

"Huh? Vegetable… chopper???" I blink, my brain grinding to a halt.

…

"AAAAAAAA SHITTTT!!!"

No way!

No way I forgot that!

I promised Chef Gordon I'd work in his kitchen as a vegetable chopper!

"W-w-what should I do, Eris?!" I wail, grabbing her arm, practically begging for advice.

"Well, what else but apologize to him sincerely?" Eris says, shrugging with a teasing smirk.

"Y-yeaaaahh…" I mumble, my voice small, my ears drooping until they're practically flat against my head.

Sorry, Chef Gordon, I gotta quit before I even start. As much as I love working at The Gilded Horns and chopping veggies, I wanna be an adventurer now. I have to train with Eris!

"Y-you think he'll be mad?" I ask, my voice trembling.

"Oh yeah, absolutely!" Eris laughs. "I've never seen Gordon so excited over someone chopping vegetables before! He and Lilly were so pumped to have you on their team!"

"OH NOOOOOOO!!!!" I cry.

Eris's words make my guilt skyrocket, like, ten times worse! I can already picture Gordon's disappointed frown, Lilly's sad eyes, the whole kitchen crew shaking their heads!

But… well, it is what it is!

If I wanna get stronger, if I wanna stand beside Eris and face those demons, I have to sacrifice something. Even if it's my shiny new job. Even if it means facing Gordon's wrath!

"Nah, just kidding!" Eris giggles, nudging my shoulder with her elbow, her tail flicking playfully against mine. "He'll be sad, sure, but Gordon's got a big heart. He'll understand."

"I-I hope so!" I whimper, my tail flicking nervously.

And so, tomorrow, I'll face Chef Gordon and tell him my decision.

I'm scared as heck!

But as a good catgirl, I gotta own up to my actions and apologize for real!