House of Alphas Chapter 78: Eternal City (Patreon)

Chef Note: Me: Aw man I’m sick I can’t work… also me: HAHAHAHHA laughing madly as I type away in my computer instead of sleeping.

I don’t know why I get to typing when I’m sick it’s like all the medicine gets my brain going okay let me go to sleep now , enjoy ❤️😂

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It was silent as you traveled… but once you reached the secret entrance of the cave it was really quiet…

The trees were so thick it was hard to tell where you were going, no longer were you on a trail. Your group winded down an unmarked path that went further down… and then you met the outside of the dark cave.

It was pitch black inside, you couldn’t see anything within.

You could feel your alphas tense as Getou announced, “We are here.”

Nanami nodded as everyone began to dismount. “It would be best if we let the horses go until we get back.”

You were unaware that this was how they traveled into the undergrounds. Usually, the game just goes into a loading screen as you hear little scurry footsteps like when you run away from a Pokémon. Then it loads up the map and you are in the underground.

You pet your horse gently, having become quite attached to the creature. “Will…they be okay?” You question as you kiss it upon its snout. It neighed and nuzzled you gently as if saying it would be fine.

Nanami massaged your back, “Yes, they will be. They have good survival instincts and will circle the area until we return.”

Everyone took off the saddle and gear, putting it into the inventory worm.

Toji continued Nanami’s explanation by saying, “Bringing them down there with us would be bad. We wouldn’t be able to keep an eye out for them at all times. Something could get them within the night and I’m not just referring to the monsters. It’s safer up here.”

You nodded showing your alphas that you understood. “Alright, you be good Twilight Sparkle.”

“Twilight Sparkle?” Sukuna questioned your name with a snort.

“Yes, I'm sure it’s a much better name than yours.”

“Killer? Nah not a chance.” Sukuna grinned while scratching his horse behind its ear. The horse shook its head proudly. Its ego sure did match Sukuna’s well. You’ve seen the wicked way the two of them have plowed into enemies while laughing together.

“Make sure you don’t eat all the candy out there aye?” Gojo waved to his horse as it trotted away with a little diva-like spin and flick of its tail.

You shook your head, realizing that the horses most certainly matched each rider's personality. Even as you watch them all go, Gojo’s and Getou’s horses were playing around while Nanami’s horse neighed at them in annoyance.

You couldn’t help to think they were gorgeous being free from all that armour.

You felt almost teary-eyed.

Taking a deep breath you turned toward the cave where Nanami and Sukuna were lighting up two torches.

“Stay close to us.” Toji waved you over.

“Right…” You began to make your way into the dark cave, surrounded by your guard dogs. Nanami and Sukuna took the lead while Getou pointed out where to go.

“There’s a secret path to the secret path, it will be quicker if we take it…and we will run into less trouble.”

You keep your eyes peeled. It was eerily silent in the cave with a few drops of echoing water.

Soon, you were squeezing into a crevice that only allowed for one person to go in at a time. Going in single file line you got to an opening that revealed a stone ground with weird sigils on it. Stone pillars surrounded the area, most of them broken.

Stepping onto the stone Getou pushed hidden buttons by the pillars. “Now push that one.” He pointed to Gojo as the alpha hopped down to smack the button.

The sigils glowed bright and the ground shifted with a loud scrape. You gasped feeling it move downward.

Gojo jumped back just in time, putting a hand out for you to stable yourself. “You good?”

“Yeah.” You nodded, slowly looking up as the elevator-like traction took you deeper into the ground. You watch the hole you came from disappear. Soon you were plunged into complete darkness, the torches were the only light you had.

It felt like it took forever for you to reach the bottom. When the elevator finally slowed down it made a loud noise, the rock shifting into place with a heavy clank.

Your pack had to squeeze through another tight place before you came out to a large opening of bare crooked trees. The kind you’d see in scary movies. The ground was grey in color, lacking any grass. To your surprise, there was light that glowed there. The light came from clusters of colorful mushrooms that varied in size. Some of them were small, while others were almost as tall as a pup. The spore particles floated in the air, creating the illusion of stars. In an odd way, it was pretty, especially seeing the different colors. It was like glowing snow that floated around slowly.

Then the stench hit you. “Ugh…” you groaned covering your nose. It smelt like molded cheese.

“Yup…” Toji nodded with a twitch of his nose, “…I don’t miss this place at all.”

“You’ve been here often?” You questioned.

“When I need to hunt someone down. They usually run here.”

“Like cowards.” Sukuna gruffed as he extinguished his torch.

Nanami spoke while pointing in a direction, “According to your story, Yuta is found North within the catacombs…If we cut through the ruins, that will be the most efficient route. If he’s not there yet then …maybe we can wait for him but I’m not sure how long we can… considering our next mission…”

“Yeah…I know. If he’s not there then we will discuss what to do then...” You agreed. “Lead the way.”

~

While you journeyed on, there would be random noises that caught you off guard. Monsterous wails would echo loudly, some of them indiscernible while others would sound like a hyena’s laugh or a long wail that sounded like a whale… then there would just be complete silence. Nothing. As if everything just stopped.

Within the darkness, you would see things like eyes and shadows watching you.

Needless to say, it was spooky as fuck.

Everyone was on high alert, ready to fight.

One little noise and the group stopped with their hands on their weapon, waiting for the enemy. Once the close was cleared you’d continue.

Not even Gojo was making side comments, being the usual comic relief character of the group.

At least you knew what kind of monsters were down here. You did fight them in the game so you weren’t as surprised when you came across the ghouls and skeletons. They were still pretty horrifying looking, especially as they twitched and crawled out of the ground, ambushing your team.

You were nervous but you had reminded yourself you had the power to dispel them easily. Using your light magic on the monsters had them popping with one to two shots, or weakening them greatly for your alphas to finish them.

Each fight had brought on a bit more confidence within you. With the power of your light energy, you held the strongest weapon toward these creatures.

Using Divine Light, made your life a lot easier too. It was still challenging but you felt that you had the upper hand having such a powerful spell. You were proud of yourself, and your team.

And things were going swell…

However, after the fourth fight, you were starting to feel exhausted. You were using too much of your light energy, and using your special move was absolutely draining. You started slowing down and feeling groggy. Making more mistakes that, your alphas had to help you out.

Fear settled into your stomach as you realized you had taken the last of your mana potion.

Everyone could tell that you were losing steam, they tried to tell you to take it easy but your light magic was carrying them through these fights. Without you they would get more hurt.

After the next fight, you were panting heavily, with sweat running down your forehead.

Getou nudged Nanami, “There’s a place we can rest and grab more potions nearby.”

Your blonde furrowed his brows, “And how…tamed is this place?”

Getou released a snort, “It’s not the best I can tell you that, but if we keep our heads down we won’t run into much trouble. One of my intel works there.”

The other alphas glanced at each other and then rested their gaze on you.

You weren’t sure if the monsters or people were worse. But if Getou had someone in the place at least that was one more ally in a scary situation. “If you think it’s safe…” you finally concede.

Toji shook his head, “Safe? No. Safest… that, would be a better word for it.”

“Aye, no need to worry her.” Gojo cut in, “If we are there we will keep you safe.”

“I know…” Toji started, looking toward you, “…I would advise you to keep your head down and don’t speak to anyone. Let us do the talking…and do as we say. If you can do that then I say we go.”

You let out an obnoxious sigh, “Alright alright I’ll behave myself.”

Clearly, they were most worried about you and your lovely attitude.

“I’m just saying…” Toji seemed to feel a bit bad for his words, rubbing the back of his neck in almost discomfort.

He couldn’t finish his thought but Nanami continued for him. “We aren’t saying that you misbehave… just saying that these…how do you put it? Slugs…” Nanami continued not knowing if that was even the best word to call the people you were about to see. “…if they disrespect you in any way, we will not sit idly by. No matter what you say. One time was enough for us. So act as you please but do not be surprised when we do the same. That is all.”

“Yeah.” Toji grinned, “What he said.”

You nodded your head, “I understand.” You then raised your hand and pointed at your palm, “If this hand slaps anyone I will be sounding the alarm, Getou already gave me this talk y’all.”

Your alphas chuckled.

Getou grinned. “Good, I’m glad you still remember our talk. I think we should also cloak up, and bring as little attention to ourselves as possible.”

Toji pulled out the inventory worm retrieving a cloak for everyone. Your blonde helped you put yours on and then you all were headed to this hidden place.

You didn’t have to go too far. It almost felt comical how close the place was. You dipped down into a trail that cut into mountains, finding an area that looked like a ghost town. It appeared to be a mining community that was long lost in time. Broken wagons and buildings, never to be repaired. You were not surprised to see the skeletons that scattered the area along with fresher kills. Bodies that have yet to be picked clean by whatever was lurking.

It was a bit unnerving to step over them as if they were just another rock in the road.

Your alphas didn’t even spare them a glance.

You walked deeper into the town until you got to the last building. It looked like one of those old western cowboy bars. The ones where the main character pops through the double doors and all the goons look at them and the main bad guy says something along the lines of- ‘this town ain’t big enough for the both of us!’

However, when your pack walked in there was no one there. Only the mutated-looking mice that hissed at you and then scurried away.

You shivered, seeing mice as big as dogs was also not on your bucket list. The sooner you get out of here the better.

Getou led you to the back where he pulled up a secret hatch that had stone stairs leading into darkness.

Great… any further down and you will surely end up at the crater of this planet.

You heard no noise, but the scrapping of your shoes against the hard surface.

“Are we going to a sex dungeon?” Gojo questioned.

“No.”

“Shut up Gojo.”

“Think of it like a hidden hotel.” Getou chuckled.

You finally got to a metal door which Getou knocked on, it sounded like a secret code the way he did it. The door soon opened up into a small area that was blocked off by another door. There were two large men, who eyed your group up and down. They were covered in armor and spikes, looking like they belonged in Mad Max.

You felt weird feeling like your energy was zapped from you. You knew you were low on mama but it felt as though you wouldn’t even be able to cast a simple spell. The atmosphere felt different. No one else seemed to acknowledge the sensation so you thought it was just you.

Without a word, Getou puts his arms out as the guards pat him down for weapons.

That seemed kind of strange considering that he used spells. But maybe that weird shift you felt was to cancel out magic.

That would explain…

After Getou they moved to the next alpha to repeat the same process.

When they got to you Sukuna growled at them. “Don’t touch my omega.”

One of the older men scoffed looking over to another guard that you hadn’t seen due to the men’s large stature.

The young man was wearing a silk robe that sagged off his shoulder, he was smoking a pipe while sitting in a chair. He looked pretty relaxed, and not at all like a guard. The guard grunted at him and nodded his head toward you.

The man hopped over with a tired sigh, “I’m an omega as well.” He said while tossing his luscious hair back. “Mind if I check her over?”

Nanami nodded as you held out your arms for the omega to give you the TSA search.

Your alphas watched very closely to make sure his hands weren’t getting too touchy.

The man then backed up with a wink, “All done dear, you guys can go on in.”

One of the bodyguards let out a gruff noise as he unlatched the next door and opened it. It was like he just cracked open a can of fucking noise. The loud sounds from the packed room now flooded out. Music, laughing, chatter, and whatever else drowned your ears.

You realize that the place was soundproof. You could see the very same drawings on the walls that matched the talisman Nanami had used for your room at the temple.

Getou said it was like a hotel but it was like you just stepped into a dark bar or a strip club. Perhaps it was more like a sleazy hotel. There were tables filled with people playing card games while others played more dangerous games like five-finger fillet. There were omegas slewed all around in barely any clothing, some of them naked. They sat around almost like lifeless dolls, keeping their heads down and servicing the alphas as needed. From keeping them company to other more…primal needs

The ones that danced around the poles looked just as out of touch.

As you walked past one you noticed how their eyes looked distant and their face flushed.

You wouldn’t be surprised if half of the attendees were high and the other half were drunk.

You doubt one person in here was sober.

A woman let out a boisterous laugh that made you look at her. She had long hair that was pulled back with glasses on top like a headband, many tattoos that covered most of her body, and muscles that bulged out of her black tank top, and cargo pants completed with cargo boots. Her gaze cut to you, then she licked her teeth suggestively.

Toji quickly stepped in, cutting off your line of sight. ‘Head down.’ He commanded while pulling your hood further over your face. You gulped dipping your eyes to your feet, grabbing onto Gojo’s hand. He gave you a reassuring squeeze as you made your way to the bar.

You all crowded on the side where there were two available seats. Getou and Nanami sat in the seat while your other alphas kept you in the middle of them.

You noticed the old cushions on the floor and it made you grimace. An omega was kneeling on a cushion with her head lying in the man’s lap. She looked as though she weren’t present, using drugs to disassociate.

Sukuna whispered in your ear while looking around, “If you need to sit, you can sit with them.”

He must have noticed your disgust.

You nodded your head peaking movement as the bartender came over.

“Welcome to the Eternal City~ my name is Larue, What can I get for you fine alphas?”

Getou spoke with the man but you couldn’t really hear their conversation. The place was much too loud.

You looked up a bit to see the man attending to Getou was a blonde gentleman with pink hearts on his nipples, he was also very muscular. With all the smells combined, it was hard to sniff out if he were a beta, alpha, or omega. You doubt he was an omega considering he was able to make eye contact with everyone just fine. It would appear omegas were on the bottom of the totem pole here. Alphas are clearly at the top and betas are in the middle.

“It’s how much for a room?” Nanami questioned in shock.

Getou secretly kicked the blonde, “Acceptable price thank you~ haha~.”

It seemed Nanami was still frozen in horror as Toji had to get the crystals out for him and hand them to Getou.

“Splendid~!” Larue smiled as he finished counting out the money. “Your room will be ready in thirty minutes, please enjoy the food, drinks, and omegas we have to offer.”

“Is that included in the bill?” Nanami questioned but the man just laughed as if he said the funniest joke ever. “That wasn’t a j-“

“Isn’t he a comedian?” Getou chuckled while dragging the blonde out of his chair.

Your poor blonde was going to need a few drinks.

Honestly, you were starting to think camping out in the wild would be less horrific than whatever sesspool of a room they were about to give you.

Gojo pulled you along, “Oi, table over here.”

Your alphas moved together toward a table that was a bit closer to the back. You sat on Gojo’s lap, the alpha holding you around your waist, rubbing your stomach with his thumb.

“What are you in the mood for?” Getou questioned as he waved his hand over the middle section. The weird symbol lit up and then a holographic menu appeared.

“Can I even read this?” You scoff under your breath. “Holy-“ you gasped as you saw the price for some fucking Deira! “5,000 rubies?” You gawked in utter disbelief.

“Sheesh…” Toji muttered.

“Nanami don’t look.” Sukuna chuckled knowing the blonde was fuming over the prices.

“I think I’m gonna be sick…” Nanami clasped his hands together as he leaned his forehead into it.

You felt bad for your poor dadager, but a part of you felt this situation was in some way kind of wholesome. In such a shitty hole if you focused on just your alphas it felt like you were all sitting at a shitty restaurant.

“Maybe we should just order the mushroom soup. It’s the cheapest on the menu.”

“I want some fucking meat..-

“That’s-“

“-Gojo don’t you dare say anything or I swear to Tengen I will reach across this table.”

“Do you have meat money?” Toji questioned with a raised brow.

You let out a little laugh, enjoying this sense of normality. It eased you a bit and helped you keep your eyes away from the sick world around you.

You can get through this.

All you had to do was just keep to yourself.

Easy peasy lemon squeeze-

“Good evening.” The waiter's voice caught you off guard- it sounded familiar, but when they bowed you got a glimpse of their dual-colored hair. You snapped your gaze up in shock seeing as the beta straightened up and announced their name. “My name is Uraume, how may I serve you today?”

Uraume?!

“We will just have the soup of the day.” Toji smiled.

“…” Sukuna looked annoyed but otherwise crossed his arms.

“We spent enough for the room you don’t want Nanami to go into his grave early.” Toji hissed.

“I didn’t say anything.” The red-eyed alpha gruffed.

Uraume nodded, “Of course, anything to drink?”

“A bottle of Grata please.” Nanami murmured while rubbing his eyes under his glasses.

“Right away.” The beta bowed again before drifting away to the curtains behind the bar.

You couldn’t help but notice a few things while they were talking to your alphas. They wore a loose blue and white kimono, but where skin peaked out you could see hints of bruises and marks.

Guilt stewed within your stomach.

It was your fault the beta was here. If you would have allowed the game to play out as it did, Uraume would be their prissy smug self making the best dish known to this universe.

But no… here they are.

You saved Miwa’s life… but what kind of life is this?

As annoying as Uraume was in the game you didn’t think they deserved…this.

No…

You looked upon the other omegas who looked just as beaten… if not worse…

None of them deserved this…

Fuck.

Fuck.

Fuckity.

Fuck.