My Ultimate OP System: Summoning All Dragons, Gods, Heroes & Villains

Chapter 374: Hot Springs & Dwarves (2nd Bonus)

Meanwhile...

Percival had already thrown himself onto the living room couch, staring up at the ceiling.

A few moments later, Ethan walked into the room. "Hey, man..."

He walked over and sat on the armrest of the couch.

Percival glanced at him before looking back at the ceiling. "What’s up?"

After a brief silence, Ethan spoke. "So... maybe I came on a little too strong back in the Breach Zone."

"I wasn’t trying to lecture you or make it sound like you’ve been doing something wrong."

He paused before continuing. "I just..."

"I don’t know, man. I guess I was just looking out for you."

He smiled awkwardly. "You’re practically my brother, so... that’s all it was."

Percival was silent for a few seconds. Then he narrowed his eyes and turned to look at Ethan."...Bruh."

Percival shook his head before laugh out. "You seriously know how to say the most awkward shit."

Ethan laughed as well, rubbing the back of his neck again. "Yeah... I figured it sounded weird."

Percival sat up and lightly punched Ethan’s arm. "It’s alright, man. I got what you meant. And yeah... maybe I should really start using those newer skills."

Ethan smiled and gave him a nod. "Good."

Not long afterward, he stepped out of the house and headed back toward the front gate, where Hayley was still waiting for him

——

A while later, Ethan’s ride arrived at a fine establishment.

It stood along one of the older streets of Gritnia, hidden behind high walls and flowering trees. There was no grand sign announcing its presence, only a modest wooden plaque carved with elegant symbols that had weathered the passing years.

The two of them stepped out and approached the entrance, but Ethan gradually slowed.

"I’ve lived here all my life..." he muttered, glancing around. "How have I never heard of this place?"

Hayley smiled to herself. "Because most people don’t know about it."

She gestured for him to pick up the pace and follow her inside. Warm air scented with cedarwood and herbs greeted them almost immediately.

Gentle streams trickled through carefully sculpted channels, while soft amber lanterns illuminated the walkways.

The entire establishment was built around a series of natural hot springs and carried a serenity that seemed to shut the rest of the city outside.

What drew Ethan’s attention the most, however, wasn’t the building... but the people running it.

Standing behind the reception counter was a broad, heavily built man who barely reached Ethan’s chest. He was short in stature, with a thick braided beard that nearly reached his waist.

Ethan looked genuinely surprised at the sight of a dwarf.

He had heard about them before, but seeing one in person was another matter entirely.

Dwarves were exceedingly rare throughout Gritnia and the western continent as a whole.

It was said they came from an entirely different continent; one separate from those inhabited by demons or dragons.

Entire generations of citizens could grow old without ever crossing paths with one.

But in here, several of them moved naturally throughout the establishment, carrying towels, preparing herbal infusions, and greeting guests with warm smiles.

The elderly dwarf behind the counter looked up, and his face immediately brightened. Stepping out from behind the desk, he walked toward the two of them.

"Hayley!" he exclaimed. "It’s been such a long time."

Hayley smiled. "Old man Borin!."

The old dwarf laughed before quickly asking, "Are you here with your brother and father? I haven’t seen Lord Arcorys in ages."

The smile on Hayley’s face softened. "About that..."

She lowered her gaze for a brief moment. "My father passed away."

The dwarf’s expression fell almost instantly. "...I..."

He bowed his head respectfully. "I had no idea. I’m... truly sorry for your loss."

Hayley offered him a reassuring smile. "It’s alright. Percy’s doing well, but I didn’t come here with him."

Then she gently slipped an arm around Ethan’s."This is Ethan, my husband-to-be."

The dwarf’s eyes lit up. "Oh!"

He broke into a broad grin before clapping his hands together. "Then congratulations are certainly in order!"

He walked closer and gave Ethan’s arm an approving pat before nodding happily. "You’re a fine young man."

Ethan smiled politely and gave a nod.

The dwarf looked back at Hayley before gesturing farther inside. "Today’s visit is on the house."

Hayley immediately shook her head. "Oh, that’s not necess—"

"Nonsense." He waved her off. "I haven’t seen anyone from House Arcorys in years."

He smiled warmly. "If this is my small way of celebrating your engagement, then allow an old dwarf that privilege."

Hayley smiled. "Thank you. It means a lot."

The dwarf nodded happily before calling over one of the attendants. "Prepare one of the private springs."

"Yes, Master Borin," the female dwarf replied.

Another attendant soon arrived and led them to a private changing room, where they exchanged their regular clothes for light robes.

Once they were finished, she guided them toward the private spring that had been prepared exclusively for the two of them.

The moment the attendant slid the beautifully crafted wooden door open, warm steam drifted outward.

It was a private hot spring unlike anything Ethan had ever seen before. A circular pool was at the center of the room, its crystal-clear water constantly fed by a gentle stream flowing through a carefully carved stone channel.

Lanterns cast a soft golden glow across the room, while a massive circular window overlooked a peaceful indoor garden filled with trees, moss-covered rocks, and flowing water.

"Not bad at all," Ethan said as he stepped inside behind Hayley.

She giggled. "I had a feeling you’d like it."

"I wasn’t expecting..." Ethan slowly looked around the room once more. "...this."

Hayley smiled proudly. "My father used to bring us here. It was also one of the ways he remembered my mother. Apparently, the two of them used to come here long before they had any of us."

Ethan nodded before following after Hayley, who had already step off her flops and left them neatly in the corner.

By then, the attendant quietly excused herself and closed the door behind her, leaving the two of them to their privacy.

Eventually, Ethan and Hayley slipped out of the provided bath robes. Their bare bodies brushed each other as they slowly lowered themselves into the warm water of the private spring.

Hayley exhaled in relief, sinking lower until the water reached her shoulders. "This feels so good," she murmured.

At first, they didn’t talk much as they let the warmth soak into their muscles. The gentle sound of flowing water and the peaceful garden view outside the window created a rare sense of calm.

Ethan leaned his head back and let out a long breath.

Hayley glanced at him and smiled. They exchanged a few quiet words here and there; small things about how nice the place was, how they both needed this break. Soon those words turned into laughter and giggles as the relaxed atmosphere took over.

Then suddenly, Ethan splashed a handful of water at her first. Hayley let out a surprised laugh, then splashed him back. And what started as one playful splash turned into a small water fight.

They laughed louder, splashing each other again and again, water flying everywhere as they tried to dodge and retaliate.

For a few minutes, the quiet hot spring filled with their giggles and the sound of splashing.

The playfulness gradually died down. Hayley slowly moved closer through the water before wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace, pressing herself on him with a smile still on her face.

Ethan held her back, one hand resting on her lower back while the other slid down to gently grip her ass. Their lips met in a deep, intense kiss that lingered for a long while.

Eventually they pulled apart, both breathing a little heavier. They didn’t go any further than that, simply choosing to enjoy the peaceful moment together.

——

About an hour later, when night had fully settled over the city.

At this time, they had finally stepped out of the spring, dried themselves off, and changed back into the clothes they had arrived in.

Master Borin met them at the entrance with a kind smile. "Goodbye, you two. And congratulations again on the engagement. Please come back anytime."

Ethan gave a polite nod, while Hayley thanked the old dwarf.

As they walked toward the car, Ethan turned to her. "That was actually really fun."

"Yeah," Hayley agreed, still glowing. "We should do this more often."

Just then, Ethan’s phone rang.

He glanced at the screen, saw it was Francesca calling and answered immediately.

After listening for a brief moment, he said, "I’m coming home right now."

Hayley looked at him, concerned. "What happened?"

Ethan lowered the phone slightly. "The Prince is at my house."

He frowned. "I think there’s some trouble."

———————————————

Author’s Notes:

Vote Bonuses: [71/94]

+2 bonus Chapters added for reaching 200 tickets

+2 bonus Chapters added for reach 250 tickets

+2 bonus Chapters added for 150 PS

Road to 300 tickets and 300 PS?

Gifts Bonuses: [13/34]

+12 bonus Chapters for receiving two magic castles

(n/b: The last four bonus chps have been dedicated to filling up gift bonuses. Special Thanks Once again to Mr Looney and Mr Kyle for the gifts❤️)